[SET]
Bulky Attacker (Zacian-Crowned) @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
Level: 50
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 204 HP / 116 Atk / 20 Def / 12 SpD / 156 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Behemoth Blade
- Play Rough
- Swords Dance / Sacred Sword / Substitute
- Protect
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
========
- Zacian-C has a unique niche in Regulation I thanks to its blistering Speed and excellent typing, allowing Zacian-C to threaten OHKOs on metagame staples like Miraidon, Koraidon, and Grimmsnarl.
- Swords Dance is in Zacian-C's standard moveset, as it allows Zacian-C to boost its Attack faster than Incineroar's Intimidate would drop it and ensures Zacian-C remains a threat. Sacred Sword can be used instead to score 2HKOs on Zamazenta-C and Incineroar, which Zacian-C otherwise struggles to handle. Substitute is a good alternative, as it provides a superior matchup against Will-O-Wisp Incineroar and maintains momentum by protecting Zacian-C from being flinched by Fake Out. Thanks to Zacian-C's Speed, Substitute can also act as a secondary form of Protect and help Zacian-C scout opposing Protect and Terastillization, such as Tera Fary Miraidon,
- The EV spread ensures Zacian-C survives Flare Blitz from Life Orb Koraidon and Guts-boosted Headlong Rush from Ursaluna after Terastallization, as well as surviving Volt Switch from Choice Specs Miraidon and avoiding the 2HKO from Calyrex-S's Astral Barrage. The Speed investment allows Zacian-C to outspeed base 135s like Chien-Pao, Koraidon, and Miraidon. Finally, the Attack investment picks up an OHKO on Grimmsnarl behind Reflect with a Behemoth Blade.
[SET]
Bulky Attacker (Zacian-Crowned) @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
Level: 50
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 204 HP / 116 Atk / 20 Def / 12 SpD / 156 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Behemoth Blade
- Play Rough
- Swords Dance / Sacred Sword / Substitute
- Protect
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Details
========
- Zacian-C has a unique niche in Regulation I thanks to its blistering Speed and excellent typing, allowing Zacian-C to threaten OHKOs on metagame staples like Miraidon, Koraidon, and Grimmsnarl.
- Swords Dance is in Zacian-C's standard moveset, as it allows Zacian-C to boost its Attack faster than Incineroar's Intimidate would drop it and ensures Zacian-C remains a threat. Sacred Sword can be used instead to score 2HKOs on Zamazenta-C and Incineroar, which Zacian-C otherwise struggles to handle. Substitute is a good alternative, as it provides a superior matchup against Will-O-Wisp Incineroar and maintains momentum by protecting Zacian-C from being flinched by Fake Out. Thanks to Zacian-C's Speed, Substitute can also act as a secondary form of Protect and help Zacian-C scout opposing Protect and Terastillization, such as Tera Fary Miraidon,
- The EV spread ensures Zacian-C survives Flare Blitz from Life Orb Koraidon and Guts-boosted Headlong Rush from Ursaluna after Terastallization, as well as surviving Volt Switch from Choice Specs Miraidon and avoiding the 2HKO from Calyrex-S's Astral Barrage. The Speed investment allows Zacian-C to outspeed base 135s like Chien-Pao, Koraidon, and Miraidon. Finally, the Attack investment picks up an OHKO on Grimmsnarl behind Reflect with a Behemoth Blade.
- Tera Fairy is an incredibly consistent Tera type, as it sheds Zacian-C's weaknesses and bolsters its damage output, achieving feats such as OHKOing maximum HP Miraidon with Play Rough at +0 Attack.
Teambuilding
=========
- Zacian-C especially struggles with Incineroar, as it can mitigate Zacian-C's damage output in various ways. Volcarona and Ogerpon-H are other problematic Pokemon, as they redirect and resist Zacian-C's STAB moves; Volcarona possesses the potential to permanently cripple Zacian-C with Flame Body, while Ogerpon-H threatens to OHKO with Tera Fire Ivy Cudgel.
- Calyrex-S is an issue, as a lot of Zacian-C's viability comes from its Speed tier, so Calyrex-S compositions will have a much easier time supporting Calyrex-S and countering Zacian-C than vice versa. Zamazenta-C is difficult for Zacian-C without Sacred Sword, as Zamazenta-C comfortably wins one-on-one.
- Kyogre and Urshifu-R are exceptional partners, as they blast all the Fire-types that frustrate Zacian-C. In return, Zacian-C can threaten the problematic Dragon-types like Raging Bolt, Koraidon, and Miraidon. Kyogre helps Zacian-C further by negating its weakness to Fire-type moves through setting up rain.
- Amoonguss and Incineroar are useful partners, as they can help Zacian-C set up safely. Incineroar can greatly aid with Calyrex-S and Ogerpon-H, pressuring them with its STAB attacks and Parting Shot. Amoonguss makes Zamazenta-C far easier to take on and can shut down Incineroar that aren't holding Safety Goggles with Spore and Rage Powder.
- Chien-Pao and Landorus form great offensive synergies with Zacian-C. Chien-Pao increases Zacian-C's damage output with Sword of Ruin and pressures Calyrex-S before it can move with Sucker Punch. With Sword of Ruin, Zacian-C can OHKO bulky Kyogre with Tera Fairy Play Rough and almost always 2HKO Zamazenta-C at neutral Attack. Chien-Pao notably threatens Rillaboom and Amoonguss, meaning it also synergizes with other common Zacian-C partners. Landorus has more direct synergy, as it can threaten OHKOs on Incineroar, Zamazenta-C, and Ogerpon-H and provides a safer Miraidon endgame as a Ground-type. Both Pokemon help force pins on Miraidon and Raging Bolt, as Zacian-C can cover for Tera Fairy.
[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lovelyluna.641287/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rausakura.589964/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ipetbigfoot.645750/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Last edited:
