[OVERVIEW]
- Arceus-Ground is one of the biggest threats in the metagame due to its huge versatility and being able to run defensive and offensive sets effectively. Arceus-Ground with its impressive 120/120/120/120/120/120 stats enable it to be able to do this.
- Ground is one of the best types in the game due to only being weak to Grass/Ice/Water, which are to some extent rare offensive types in AG.
- Ground is also super effective against common types such as fire, poison and steel.
- It can switch in to some of the most dangerous pokemon in the game, such as most Primal Groudon sets, Offensive Dusk Mane, Zygarde, Marshadow and Mega Gengar.
- Offensively this Pokemon can cause serious damage, due to only being resisted by grass, bug and flying being immune, however these can be hit with alternate coverage moves. Having access to excellent set up moves such as Calm Mind and Swords Dance is great to bolster Arceus-Ground's stats and make its attacks much more potent.
- However, this Pokemon has some drawbacks, being that it can be easily worn down by Toxic, trapped by Gothitelle/Gothorita as well as struggling vs eruption/overheat Primal Groudon sets.
[Set]
name: Support
move 1: Judgement
move 2: Recover
move 3: Defog
move 4: Ice Beam/Will-O-Wisp
item: Earth Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP/ 244 Def/ 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Judgement is the primary STAB move that is able to threaten dangerous Pokemon such as Primal Groudon and Dusk Mane, as well as being able to hit most of the tier for neutral damage.
- Recover is mandatory for any support Arceus forme to be able to maintain its longevity, restoring 50% of its HP.
- Defog is a good option on Arceus Ground as it is able to pressure the most common Stealth Rock setter in the game, Primal Groudon. Defog in general is a good move to remove the pressure of hazards to stop your teammates being continually chipped.
- Ice beam can be used as coverage for flying types, being able to hit Pokemon such as Mega Rayquaza, Yveltal and Zygarde for supereffective damage. This coverage is vital as flying types are immune to Arceus-Ground's Judgment.
- Will-O-Wisp is another good option on support Arceus-Ground, as it is able to neutralise offensive dusk mane, cripple Mega Rayquaza and other physical offensive threats, as burns will half their attack. Willo-O-Wisp is also very annoying for certain Steel type Pokemon that would ordinarily switch in to Arceus-Ground, such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela and Skarmory. Pokemon that are immune to burns such as Primal Groudon are threatened by Arceus-Ground's Judgment.
Set Details
========
- Earth Plate is necessary for Arceus-Ground to be able to use ground type judgment.
- 248 HP and 244 Defence are to optimise maximum defensive bulk so that Arceus-Ground is able to shrug off physical offensive pressure.
- 16 speed allows Arceus-Ground allows it to outspeed non jolly/timid Primals.
- Max Defence also enables Arceus-Ground to be able to withstand a Dragon Ascent from Life Orb Mega Rayquaza after one Dragon Dance, and in return Arceus-Ground can either cripple Mega Rayquaza with Will-O-Wisp or deal heavy damage with Ice Beam due to the defence drops.
- This set also enables it to be a reasonable Marshadow switch in given that Arceus-Ground is healthy, as it is able to avoid being 2HKO'd by Marshadow's Close Comabt.
- An alternate spread of 330 speed can be used, to outspeed jolly/timid Primals, Yveltal and Adamant Mega Rayquaza. For Will-O-Wisp sets this extra speed could prove vital to be able to outspeed and cripple Substitute Dragon Dance Zygarde.
Usage Tips
========
- This Arceus-Ground set can switch into dusk mane in an attempt to burn and cripple dusk mane.
- Arceus-Ground can switch into Primal Groudon in an attempt to either recover off any damage done by Primal Groudon or to defog off Stealth Rock. However, Arceus-Ground must be wary of Primal Groudon staying in to either use overheat or to use toxic to really cripple Arceus-Ground.
- Arceus-Ground must be wary of being toxiced and crippled by opposing by other Arceus formes, and as this set cannot do much back to support Arceus formes it would be best to switch out.
Team Options
=======
- Mega Sableye pairs well with Arceus-Ground to form a strong anti-hazard core. Arceus-Ground also heavily appreciates Mega Sableye being able to switch in and bounce back hazards/leech seed/toxic from threats such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela and Skarmory. However, you must be wary of overheat Primal Groudon as this can OHKO Sableye and deal heavy damage to Arceus-Ground.
- Primal Groudon also proves well as a partner, as it can help soak up hits from Primal Kyogre, and lay Stealth Rock to pressure Ho-Oh which is a major issue for this Arceus-Ground set.
- Primal Kyogre/Arceus-Water is also a good partner as it can help soak up hard hitting fire type attack moves such as Overheat and Eruption from Primal Groudon.
[Set]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone edge
move 4: Substitute/Extreme speed
item: Groundium Z/Earth Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk/ 4 Def/ 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Swords Dance can increase Arceus-Ground's attack to high amounts, allowing it to break through opposing Pokemon, particularly with its Z move. This increased attack stat allows Arceus-Ground to OHKO Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Necrozma DM and Ferrothorn.
- Earthquake is the primary STAB move, which paired with its Z move can reach a high base power of 180. Ground has very few resists and one immunity, allowing it to deal heavy damage to a lot of Pokemon.
- Stone edge is almost mandatory for coverage against flying types, with its ability to seriously threaten Ho-Oh, deal heavy damage to offensive Yveltal and being able to hit any flying Pokemon which Earthquake cannot.
- Substitute is a very good move to be able to beat Pokemon that would ordinarily check this Pokemon, such as Celesteela. It is also very good to be able to stop it from being cripped from burns and toxic by support Arceus formes, and in addition substitute can lower Mega Rayquaza's defence as it uses Dragon Ascent. Extreme Speed is another decent option if you need a form of priority and don't trust stone edge hitting if extreme speed does already revenge a Pokemon.
- Another option is running Recover on Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, which gives it increased longevity. This set can come as a surprise, and so a well timed recover on a protect or a switch can prove really effective and give you the upper hand.
Set Details
========
- Groundium Z is an excellent option for Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, being able to break through Pokemon it wouldn't ordinarily be able to do without it. However,if a Z move is necessary elsewhere Earth Plate can still boost Earthquake's damage output and thus is a suitable alternative. In doing so you are trading a one turn nuke for consistently doing increased damage.
- Maximum attack and speed is optimal for this set, as the extra attack means it can hit threats harder and speed means it can outspeed threats such as the Primals and opposing Arceus formes.
Usage tips
========
- Setting up safely is very important with swords dance Arceus-Ground, if used correctly and at the right time it can prove deadly. This tends to be late game when the opposing team has been worn down, where after a swords dance their team no longer has the capacity to be able to tank hits.
- Timing the Z move tends to be crucial with Arceus-Ground, as wasting it on a flying type really harms how much of a threat this Pokemon is depending on their team. Predicting a stone edge can be the difference, and so this is another advantage substitute has as it really eases prediction, as if they attempt to double on a substitute that could be the game right there.
- Be aware of your calcs and saving the Z-Move, again timing it perfectly to eliminate a threat is crucial.
Team Options
========
- Marshadow is a clear threat for this set, and so partners such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy prove good partners for Arceus-Ground. Fairy types are also strong against a majority of the flying types and checks, such as Zygarde, Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal, while in turn the fairy types appreciate Arceus-Ground's ability to be able to pressure Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh and Poison types.
- Mega Gengar also makes a good partner, as it is able to trap Lugia with taunt and Celesteela with either wisp or a combination of taunt and destiny bond. It may also be able to trap Skarmory if it does not hold shed shell. All these pokemon cause issues for swords dance Arceus-Ground and as such Arceus-Ground appreciates Gengar to be able to eliminate these threats.
- Primal Groudon also makes a good partner, as it is able to cushion burns from Mega Gengar or if Arceus-Ground is not running substitute. In addition, Primal Groudon can threaten pokemon such as skarmory and celesteela with overheat, as well as being able to be a Stealth Rock setter and a Xerneas/Primal Kyogre answer, which is important with Arceus-Ground.
[Set]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Judgement
Move 4: Ice beam/Thunder
item: Earth Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def/ 252 Spa/ 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Calm Mind is used to increase Arceus-Ground's special attack and special defence, which can make it a seriously potent threat in AG. With increased special defensive it can switch into a Yveltal dark pulse and be able to set up and recover, as well as taking a lot less from an Arceus Judgment. The increased special attack also means this pokemon can hit opposing pokemon a lot harder and 2HKO certain threats after stealth rock, such as support Arceus Fairy, Arceus-Ground and Xerneas as well as flying types such as Mega Rayqauza and Yveltal. After one Calm Mind boost it is capable of being able to OHKO Pokemon such as offensive Primal Groudon, offensive Necrozma DM and offensive Arceus-Steel.
- Recover is essential for the longevity of this Pokemon and so it has increased chances to set up.
- Judgment is the primary attack to deal heavy damage with, being able to OHKO and 2HKO many pokemon after one Calm Mind.
- Ice Beam or Thunder are essential for coverage against flying types. Ice beam allows options to be able to hit Mega Rayquaza, OHKO Zygarde after a calm mind, the rare Giratina-O and all for 100% accuracy. Thunder, on the other hand allows Arceus-Ground to be able to hit with increased damage against Celesteela, Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre and Yveltal. Even with only having 70% accuracy, beating able to hit these pokemon with increased power is a huge advantage.
Set Details
========
- Maximum Special attack makes Arceus-Ground very dangerous after one Calm Mind boost, being able to 2HKO Support Arceus Formes and Ferrothorn with its judgment. It also enables Arceus-Ground to OHKO Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage.
- Max speed is used to be able to outspeed its threats and 2HKO them.
- Maximum HP can also be used to increase the overall bulk of this Pokemon, however you sacrifice a lot of power for this and so this Ev spread would be recommended for more Balance builds as opposed to Offense.
Usage Tips
========
- Calm Mind Arceus-Ground hates being hit by Toxic, so avoiding this from happening is key for this pokemon to function efficiently.
- Calm Mind is an unexpected set in most cases, and so you can try to take advantage of this by setting up on Pokemon that are unaware of this, such as Yveltal and and possibly Ferrothorn, as well as being able to calm mind on Gothitelle which may force it to taunt, allowing you to deal heavy damage and possibly take out Gothitelle.
- Preserving this Pokemon until late game can be a key tactic, as threats are worn this Pokemon can calm mind and 2hko damaged or statused Pokemon. Calm Mind Arceus-Ground proves a very nice late game sweeper, similar to swords dance groundceus and as such playing carefully is very important.
Team Options
========
- Ferrothorn pairs very nicely with Calm Mind Arceus-Ground, as it is able to soak up toxic from support Arceus formes and prove as a reasonably solid Primal Kyogre switch in.
- Chansey or Blissey are also very nice partners with Calm Mind Arceus-Ground as they can also soak up status due to natural cure, switch comfortably into special attacking Primal Kyogre and in addition use heal bell to restore status should Arceus-Ground have been statused earlier in the game.
- Primal Kyogre also makes a nice partner as it is able to soak up strong fire type attacks from Primal Groudon as well as threaten passive Ho-oh sets if Primal Kyogre is using rest.
- Primal Groudon in addition also proves a very nice teammate, as it is able to lay rocks to pressure Ho-Oh and other flying types as well as be a very solid switch in to Primal Kyogre. Stone edge Stealth Rock Primal Groudon in particular is a nice set to be able to lay rocks and punish defog Ho-Oh if it attempts to defog on Primal Groudon. If not running thunder overheat Primal Groudon also further pressure Celesteela and also Ferrothorn.
- Arceus-Ground also benefits from Stealth Rock leads such as Deoxys-Speed or Excadrill, as Arceus-Ground's sweeping potential increases dramatically once rocks are up on the field, due to being able to knock out flying types such as Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage.
[Strategy comments]
Other Options
========
- Gravity Arceus-Ground is a fantastic option if you were planning to use hypnosis Mega Gengar, as it means hypnosis will have 100% accuracy and with this Mega Gengar can remove a large amount of Pokemon.
- Toxic support Arceus-Ground over defog is also another interesting option that can pressure teams that do not use certain steel types as their toxic resist, as Arceus-Ground is able to pressure poison types and toxic support Arceus formes should they try to come in thinking it is a safe switch in an attempt to toxic Arceus-Ground.
- Earthquake on support Arceus-Ground with its Z move in combination with Will-O-Wisp is also another viable option as it avoids being trapped by Gothitelle, however this is not optimal as burns cripple it dramatically, dealing less damage to Primal Groudon as well as not being able to switch in as comfortably to it as it could be burned by lava plume or fire punch.
- Lead Stealth Rock Arceus-Ground can be an alternative lead to Deoxys-Speed or Excadrill, proving as a very nice anti-smeargle lead. With magic coat and Arceus-Ground being immune to nuzzle, it means Arceus-Ground has a superior advantage in this matchup.
Checks and counters
========
- Water Types: Primal Kyogre and choice scarfed kyogre are huge threats for this mon, and as a result of this Primal Groudon is usually a recurring solid team option. Origin Pulse can do huge amounts of damage to Arceus-Ground, even with special defensive boosts from Calm Mind. Choice scarfed Kyogre prevents lead Arceus-ground from setting up as well as forcing out any other Arceus-Ground set. Arceus-Water's Judgment also does reasonably heavy damage, being able to 2hko Arceus-Ground, or it will be able to status Arceus-Ground with Toxic or Will-O-Wisp.
- Ho-Oh: Ho-Oh is a huge threat to Arceus-Ground, as it can do very little back with its support and Calm Mind sets. Ho-Oh in turn is able to either toxic Arceus-Ground to wear it down, or banded sets can deal heavy damage with Sacred fire or Brave Bird. Ho-Oh must be wary of Swords Dance Arceus-Ground however, as it can deal very damage to defensive Ho-Oh and OHKO offensive Ho-Oh.
- Steel/Flying Types: Steel/Flying types such as Celesteela and Skarmory prove real threats to most Arceus-Ground sets. Being immune to judgment and ice beam only dealing a measly neutral 90 damage, it means they can switch in comfortable to either Leech Seed Arceus-Ground, Toxic Arceus-Ground or set up hazards with Skarmory. However, Celesteela and Skarmory must be wary of the rare Thunder from Calm Mind Arceus-Ground.
- Chansey/Blissey: Calm Mind Arceus-Ground and support Arceus-Ground can't do anything to Chansey or Blissey, as Calm Mind can be negated with confide and support judgment is doing very little and in return Chansey and Blissey can Toxic Arceus-Ground. However, like Ho-Oh Chansey and Blissey must be wary of Swords Dance due to their little physical bulk.
- Lugia: Lugia is one of if not the best overall Arceus-Ground counter. This is because Lugia is capable of dealing with both Swords Dance sets and Calm Mind sets with ease. Coverage moves such as stone edge and ice beam do very little Lugia and in return Lugia can either use toxic or Whirlwind to phase Substitute Arceus-Ground. Due to Multiscale Lugia is able to take hits with ease against Swords Dance and Calm Mind Arceus-Ground sets, as instead of Lugia being 2HKO'd it is 3HKOd. Lugia must however be aware of status from support Arceus-Ground, as Lugia does not appreciate having its Multiscale removed.
- Gothitelle/Gothorita: Gothitelle is able to trap support Arceus-Ground as judgment does not hit hard enough to force it out. However, Gothitelle cannot trap Swords Dance Arceus-Ground or if Arceus-Ground has special attack investment so that it is able to 3HKO Gothitelle after it has used all of its confides, or if Gothitelle had previously used confides and as such Arceus-Ground will have retained its boosts as it attacks Gothitelle.
- Arceus-Ground is one of the biggest threats in the metagame due to its huge versatility and being able to run defensive and offensive sets effectively. Arceus-Ground with its impressive 120/120/120/120/120/120 stats enable it to be able to do this.
- Ground is one of the best types in the game due to only being weak to Grass/Ice/Water, which are to some extent rare offensive types in AG.
- Ground is also super effective against common types such as fire, poison and steel.
- It can switch in to some of the most dangerous pokemon in the game, such as most Primal Groudon sets, Offensive Dusk Mane, Zygarde, Marshadow and Mega Gengar.
- Offensively this Pokemon can cause serious damage, due to only being resisted by grass, bug and flying being immune, however these can be hit with alternate coverage moves. Having access to excellent set up moves such as Calm Mind and Swords Dance is great to bolster Arceus-Ground's stats and make its attacks much more potent.
- However, this Pokemon has some drawbacks, being that it can be easily worn down by Toxic, trapped by Gothitelle/Gothorita as well as struggling vs eruption/overheat Primal Groudon sets.
[Set]
name: Support
move 1: Judgement
move 2: Recover
move 3: Defog
move 4: Ice Beam/Will-O-Wisp
item: Earth Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP/ 244 Def/ 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Judgement is the primary STAB move that is able to threaten dangerous Pokemon such as Primal Groudon and Dusk Mane, as well as being able to hit most of the tier for neutral damage.
- Recover is mandatory for any support Arceus forme to be able to maintain its longevity, restoring 50% of its HP.
- Defog is a good option on Arceus Ground as it is able to pressure the most common Stealth Rock setter in the game, Primal Groudon. Defog in general is a good move to remove the pressure of hazards to stop your teammates being continually chipped.
- Ice beam can be used as coverage for flying types, being able to hit Pokemon such as Mega Rayquaza, Yveltal and Zygarde for supereffective damage. This coverage is vital as flying types are immune to Arceus-Ground's Judgment.
- Will-O-Wisp is another good option on support Arceus-Ground, as it is able to neutralise offensive dusk mane, cripple Mega Rayquaza and other physical offensive threats, as burns will half their attack. Willo-O-Wisp is also very annoying for certain Steel type Pokemon that would ordinarily switch in to Arceus-Ground, such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela and Skarmory. Pokemon that are immune to burns such as Primal Groudon are threatened by Arceus-Ground's Judgment.
Set Details
========
- Earth Plate is necessary for Arceus-Ground to be able to use ground type judgment.
- 248 HP and 244 Defence are to optimise maximum defensive bulk so that Arceus-Ground is able to shrug off physical offensive pressure.
- 16 speed allows Arceus-Ground allows it to outspeed non jolly/timid Primals.
- Max Defence also enables Arceus-Ground to be able to withstand a Dragon Ascent from Life Orb Mega Rayquaza after one Dragon Dance, and in return Arceus-Ground can either cripple Mega Rayquaza with Will-O-Wisp or deal heavy damage with Ice Beam due to the defence drops.
- This set also enables it to be a reasonable Marshadow switch in given that Arceus-Ground is healthy, as it is able to avoid being 2HKO'd by Marshadow's Close Comabt.
- An alternate spread of 330 speed can be used, to outspeed jolly/timid Primals, Yveltal and Adamant Mega Rayquaza. For Will-O-Wisp sets this extra speed could prove vital to be able to outspeed and cripple Substitute Dragon Dance Zygarde.
Usage Tips
========
- This Arceus-Ground set can switch into dusk mane in an attempt to burn and cripple dusk mane.
- Arceus-Ground can switch into Primal Groudon in an attempt to either recover off any damage done by Primal Groudon or to defog off Stealth Rock. However, Arceus-Ground must be wary of Primal Groudon staying in to either use overheat or to use toxic to really cripple Arceus-Ground.
- Arceus-Ground must be wary of being toxiced and crippled by opposing by other Arceus formes, and as this set cannot do much back to support Arceus formes it would be best to switch out.
Team Options
=======
- Mega Sableye pairs well with Arceus-Ground to form a strong anti-hazard core. Arceus-Ground also heavily appreciates Mega Sableye being able to switch in and bounce back hazards/leech seed/toxic from threats such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela and Skarmory. However, you must be wary of overheat Primal Groudon as this can OHKO Sableye and deal heavy damage to Arceus-Ground.
- Primal Groudon also proves well as a partner, as it can help soak up hits from Primal Kyogre, and lay Stealth Rock to pressure Ho-Oh which is a major issue for this Arceus-Ground set.
- Primal Kyogre/Arceus-Water is also a good partner as it can help soak up hard hitting fire type attack moves such as Overheat and Eruption from Primal Groudon.
[Set]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stone edge
move 4: Substitute/Extreme speed
item: Groundium Z/Earth Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk/ 4 Def/ 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Swords Dance can increase Arceus-Ground's attack to high amounts, allowing it to break through opposing Pokemon, particularly with its Z move. This increased attack stat allows Arceus-Ground to OHKO Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Necrozma DM and Ferrothorn.
- Earthquake is the primary STAB move, which paired with its Z move can reach a high base power of 180. Ground has very few resists and one immunity, allowing it to deal heavy damage to a lot of Pokemon.
- Stone edge is almost mandatory for coverage against flying types, with its ability to seriously threaten Ho-Oh, deal heavy damage to offensive Yveltal and being able to hit any flying Pokemon which Earthquake cannot.
- Substitute is a very good move to be able to beat Pokemon that would ordinarily check this Pokemon, such as Celesteela. It is also very good to be able to stop it from being cripped from burns and toxic by support Arceus formes, and in addition substitute can lower Mega Rayquaza's defence as it uses Dragon Ascent. Extreme Speed is another decent option if you need a form of priority and don't trust stone edge hitting if extreme speed does already revenge a Pokemon.
- Another option is running Recover on Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, which gives it increased longevity. This set can come as a surprise, and so a well timed recover on a protect or a switch can prove really effective and give you the upper hand.
Set Details
========
- Groundium Z is an excellent option for Swords Dance Arceus-Ground, being able to break through Pokemon it wouldn't ordinarily be able to do without it. However,if a Z move is necessary elsewhere Earth Plate can still boost Earthquake's damage output and thus is a suitable alternative. In doing so you are trading a one turn nuke for consistently doing increased damage.
- Maximum attack and speed is optimal for this set, as the extra attack means it can hit threats harder and speed means it can outspeed threats such as the Primals and opposing Arceus formes.
Usage tips
========
- Setting up safely is very important with swords dance Arceus-Ground, if used correctly and at the right time it can prove deadly. This tends to be late game when the opposing team has been worn down, where after a swords dance their team no longer has the capacity to be able to tank hits.
- Timing the Z move tends to be crucial with Arceus-Ground, as wasting it on a flying type really harms how much of a threat this Pokemon is depending on their team. Predicting a stone edge can be the difference, and so this is another advantage substitute has as it really eases prediction, as if they attempt to double on a substitute that could be the game right there.
- Be aware of your calcs and saving the Z-Move, again timing it perfectly to eliminate a threat is crucial.
Team Options
========
- Marshadow is a clear threat for this set, and so partners such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy prove good partners for Arceus-Ground. Fairy types are also strong against a majority of the flying types and checks, such as Zygarde, Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal, while in turn the fairy types appreciate Arceus-Ground's ability to be able to pressure Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh and Poison types.
- Mega Gengar also makes a good partner, as it is able to trap Lugia with taunt and Celesteela with either wisp or a combination of taunt and destiny bond. It may also be able to trap Skarmory if it does not hold shed shell. All these pokemon cause issues for swords dance Arceus-Ground and as such Arceus-Ground appreciates Gengar to be able to eliminate these threats.
- Primal Groudon also makes a good partner, as it is able to cushion burns from Mega Gengar or if Arceus-Ground is not running substitute. In addition, Primal Groudon can threaten pokemon such as skarmory and celesteela with overheat, as well as being able to be a Stealth Rock setter and a Xerneas/Primal Kyogre answer, which is important with Arceus-Ground.
[Set]
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Recover
move 3: Judgement
Move 4: Ice beam/Thunder
item: Earth Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def/ 252 Spa/ 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
- Calm Mind is used to increase Arceus-Ground's special attack and special defence, which can make it a seriously potent threat in AG. With increased special defensive it can switch into a Yveltal dark pulse and be able to set up and recover, as well as taking a lot less from an Arceus Judgment. The increased special attack also means this pokemon can hit opposing pokemon a lot harder and 2HKO certain threats after stealth rock, such as support Arceus Fairy, Arceus-Ground and Xerneas as well as flying types such as Mega Rayqauza and Yveltal. After one Calm Mind boost it is capable of being able to OHKO Pokemon such as offensive Primal Groudon, offensive Necrozma DM and offensive Arceus-Steel.
- Recover is essential for the longevity of this Pokemon and so it has increased chances to set up.
- Judgment is the primary attack to deal heavy damage with, being able to OHKO and 2HKO many pokemon after one Calm Mind.
- Ice Beam or Thunder are essential for coverage against flying types. Ice beam allows options to be able to hit Mega Rayquaza, OHKO Zygarde after a calm mind, the rare Giratina-O and all for 100% accuracy. Thunder, on the other hand allows Arceus-Ground to be able to hit with increased damage against Celesteela, Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre and Yveltal. Even with only having 70% accuracy, beating able to hit these pokemon with increased power is a huge advantage.
Set Details
========
- Maximum Special attack makes Arceus-Ground very dangerous after one Calm Mind boost, being able to 2HKO Support Arceus Formes and Ferrothorn with its judgment. It also enables Arceus-Ground to OHKO Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage.
- Max speed is used to be able to outspeed its threats and 2HKO them.
- Maximum HP can also be used to increase the overall bulk of this Pokemon, however you sacrifice a lot of power for this and so this Ev spread would be recommended for more Balance builds as opposed to Offense.
Usage Tips
========
- Calm Mind Arceus-Ground hates being hit by Toxic, so avoiding this from happening is key for this pokemon to function efficiently.
- Calm Mind is an unexpected set in most cases, and so you can try to take advantage of this by setting up on Pokemon that are unaware of this, such as Yveltal and and possibly Ferrothorn, as well as being able to calm mind on Gothitelle which may force it to taunt, allowing you to deal heavy damage and possibly take out Gothitelle.
- Preserving this Pokemon until late game can be a key tactic, as threats are worn this Pokemon can calm mind and 2hko damaged or statused Pokemon. Calm Mind Arceus-Ground proves a very nice late game sweeper, similar to swords dance groundceus and as such playing carefully is very important.
Team Options
========
- Ferrothorn pairs very nicely with Calm Mind Arceus-Ground, as it is able to soak up toxic from support Arceus formes and prove as a reasonably solid Primal Kyogre switch in.
- Chansey or Blissey are also very nice partners with Calm Mind Arceus-Ground as they can also soak up status due to natural cure, switch comfortably into special attacking Primal Kyogre and in addition use heal bell to restore status should Arceus-Ground have been statused earlier in the game.
- Primal Kyogre also makes a nice partner as it is able to soak up strong fire type attacks from Primal Groudon as well as threaten passive Ho-oh sets if Primal Kyogre is using rest.
- Primal Groudon in addition also proves a very nice teammate, as it is able to lay rocks to pressure Ho-Oh and other flying types as well as be a very solid switch in to Primal Kyogre. Stone edge Stealth Rock Primal Groudon in particular is a nice set to be able to lay rocks and punish defog Ho-Oh if it attempts to defog on Primal Groudon. If not running thunder overheat Primal Groudon also further pressure Celesteela and also Ferrothorn.
- Arceus-Ground also benefits from Stealth Rock leads such as Deoxys-Speed or Excadrill, as Arceus-Ground's sweeping potential increases dramatically once rocks are up on the field, due to being able to knock out flying types such as Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage.
[Strategy comments]
Other Options
========
- Gravity Arceus-Ground is a fantastic option if you were planning to use hypnosis Mega Gengar, as it means hypnosis will have 100% accuracy and with this Mega Gengar can remove a large amount of Pokemon.
- Toxic support Arceus-Ground over defog is also another interesting option that can pressure teams that do not use certain steel types as their toxic resist, as Arceus-Ground is able to pressure poison types and toxic support Arceus formes should they try to come in thinking it is a safe switch in an attempt to toxic Arceus-Ground.
- Earthquake on support Arceus-Ground with its Z move in combination with Will-O-Wisp is also another viable option as it avoids being trapped by Gothitelle, however this is not optimal as burns cripple it dramatically, dealing less damage to Primal Groudon as well as not being able to switch in as comfortably to it as it could be burned by lava plume or fire punch.
- Lead Stealth Rock Arceus-Ground can be an alternative lead to Deoxys-Speed or Excadrill, proving as a very nice anti-smeargle lead. With magic coat and Arceus-Ground being immune to nuzzle, it means Arceus-Ground has a superior advantage in this matchup.
Checks and counters
========
- Water Types: Primal Kyogre and choice scarfed kyogre are huge threats for this mon, and as a result of this Primal Groudon is usually a recurring solid team option. Origin Pulse can do huge amounts of damage to Arceus-Ground, even with special defensive boosts from Calm Mind. Choice scarfed Kyogre prevents lead Arceus-ground from setting up as well as forcing out any other Arceus-Ground set. Arceus-Water's Judgment also does reasonably heavy damage, being able to 2hko Arceus-Ground, or it will be able to status Arceus-Ground with Toxic or Will-O-Wisp.
- Ho-Oh: Ho-Oh is a huge threat to Arceus-Ground, as it can do very little back with its support and Calm Mind sets. Ho-Oh in turn is able to either toxic Arceus-Ground to wear it down, or banded sets can deal heavy damage with Sacred fire or Brave Bird. Ho-Oh must be wary of Swords Dance Arceus-Ground however, as it can deal very damage to defensive Ho-Oh and OHKO offensive Ho-Oh.
- Steel/Flying Types: Steel/Flying types such as Celesteela and Skarmory prove real threats to most Arceus-Ground sets. Being immune to judgment and ice beam only dealing a measly neutral 90 damage, it means they can switch in comfortable to either Leech Seed Arceus-Ground, Toxic Arceus-Ground or set up hazards with Skarmory. However, Celesteela and Skarmory must be wary of the rare Thunder from Calm Mind Arceus-Ground.
- Chansey/Blissey: Calm Mind Arceus-Ground and support Arceus-Ground can't do anything to Chansey or Blissey, as Calm Mind can be negated with confide and support judgment is doing very little and in return Chansey and Blissey can Toxic Arceus-Ground. However, like Ho-Oh Chansey and Blissey must be wary of Swords Dance due to their little physical bulk.
- Lugia: Lugia is one of if not the best overall Arceus-Ground counter. This is because Lugia is capable of dealing with both Swords Dance sets and Calm Mind sets with ease. Coverage moves such as stone edge and ice beam do very little Lugia and in return Lugia can either use toxic or Whirlwind to phase Substitute Arceus-Ground. Due to Multiscale Lugia is able to take hits with ease against Swords Dance and Calm Mind Arceus-Ground sets, as instead of Lugia being 2HKO'd it is 3HKOd. Lugia must however be aware of status from support Arceus-Ground, as Lugia does not appreciate having its Multiscale removed.
- Gothitelle/Gothorita: Gothitelle is able to trap support Arceus-Ground as judgment does not hit hard enough to force it out. However, Gothitelle cannot trap Swords Dance Arceus-Ground or if Arceus-Ground has special attack investment so that it is able to 3HKO Gothitelle after it has used all of its confides, or if Gothitelle had previously used confides and as such Arceus-Ground will have retained its boosts as it attacks Gothitelle.
Last edited:
