Ubers Deoxys-A (revamp)

bigtalk

Banned deucer.
:deoxys-attack:

[OVERVIEW]

* Deoxys-A is a powerful wallbreaker that has sky-high mixed attacking stats and a wide offensive movepool. This makes it very threatening towards some balanced and bulky offensive builds.
* However, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Mega Scizor are common picks for teams that are looking for counterplay to Geomancy Xerneas. Their bulk and typing also naturally let them check Deoxys-A.
* Deoxys-A's pitiful bulk means that it rarely finds opportunities to switch in and wallbreak, so it fits mainly on fast-paced offensive teams.
* It's easily revenge killed by Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal and priority users like Marshadow.
* It faces competition from Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y as a fast Psychic-type wallbreaker. Ultra Necrozma has an easier time setting up thanks to its better bulk and ability to force mind games with its forme change; moreover, its access to Earthquake means that it has no trouble breaking past Necrozma-DM and Magearna. Mega Mewtwo Y can hit hard without lowering its Special Attack and has access to Fire Blast to melt Steel-types.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* STAB Psycho Boost deals massive damage to most Pokemon that don't resist it. However, the move harshly lowers Deoxys-A's Special Attack, making it prone to being forced out or being used as setup fodder afterwards.
* Ice Beam hits common Psychic-type switch-ins like Yveltal, Ultra Necrozma, and Lugia super effectively and OHKOes Zygarde-C and Mega Salamence. Its decently high Base Power, perfect accuracy, and good neutral coverage make it an attractive option to pick off weakened foes without incurring unnecessary stat drops from Psycho Boost.
* Superpower hits Dark- and Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Arceus-Dark, and Tyranitar and lets Deoxys-A muscle past Chansey and Blissey. It's preferred over Low Kick because it deals more damage to light targets like Magearna, Klefki, and Chansey and Blissey, although it has the downside of becoming weaker with each consecutive use.
* Pursuit lets Deoxys-A trap Mega Gengar, which it naturally forces out; Pursuit trapping utility is appreciated by teammates like Arceus-Fairy that are vulnerable to Mega Gengar. It's also useful to ensure damage on other threats such as Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Dark Pulse hits Psychic- and Ghost-types like Necrozma-DM, Lunala, and Mega Gengar super effectively. It also hits Ultra Necrozma hard whether or not it decides to Ultra Burst so Deoxys-A isn't forced to guess between Ice Beam and Superpower.
* Spikes is a good option to take advantage of the many switches Deoxys-A forces. A conservative opponent who constantly switches their defensive answers into Deoxys-A as it uses Spikes will find their team under substantial pressure from Spikes later in the match. It also forces Yveltal into mind games over whether or not it should use Sucker Punch.
* Knock Off can be used instead of Dark Pulse for its added utility of removing items. This is useful for punishing checks that hold Leftovers like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Lugia, as well as for Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala that may try to pivot into Deoxys-A. However, it's worse against Pokemon that hold irremovable items such as Necrozma-DM with Solganium Z or Ultranecrozium Z and Magearna with Normalium Z.
* Extreme Speed allows Deoxys-A to pick off faster attackers like Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal once they have been severely weakened.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Naive nature lets Deoxys-A outspeed Mega Mewtwo Y and +1 base forme Zygarde.
* A Rash nature can be used instead to give Deoxys-A more firepower while still letting it outspeed key threats like Mega Gengar, Ultra Necrozma, and Arceus formes. Notably, Deoxys-A gets a much better chance to OHKO offensive Yveltal with Ice Beam and, after Stealth Rock damage, to OHKO bulky Yveltal with Ice Beam and maximum HP Arceus formes with Psycho Boost.
* Life Orb boosts the damage output of Deoxys-A's attacks, making it much harder to wall. Due to its frailty, Deoxys-A doesn't mind the recoil that Life Orb inflicts.

Usage Tips
========

* Deoxys-A is best used as a wallbreaker that punches holes into the opponent's team in order to give teammates an easier time cleaning up.
* Prediction is a key factor when utilizing this set. Using Psycho Boost as the opponent switches to a Pokemon resistant or immune to it like Necrozma-DM or Choice Scarf Yveltal will cost Deoxys-A a ton of momentum and often force it out afterwards.
* Be wary of creating setup opportunities for sweepers like Necrozma-DM after using Psycho Boost. If Deoxys-A's teammates cannot handle these sweepers, Deoxys-A should avoid using Psycho Boost until these threats have been removed or sufficiently weakened to the point where they can no longer set up safely.
* Scout for potential Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal, since they outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily OHKO it with their attacks.
* Despite having a higher base Speed, Deoxys-A is generally forced out by Yveltal even if the latter has been weakened. Choice Scarf variants outspeed Deoxys-A, while non-Choice Scarf variants often carry Sucker Punch. Thus, it's best to catch Yveltal on the switch with Ice Beam or, if possible, completely remove it from play beforehand instead of confronting it directly.
* Deoxys-A can't really switch into attacks due to its nonexistent bulk. It's best brought in via free or double switches, pivoting moves, or the predicted use of a status move like Stealth Rock.
* Pursuit should be used against Pokemon that Deoxys-A naturally forces out, such as Mega Gengar and Ultra Necrozma. Note that Pokemon like Gothitelle and Lunala with Shadow Shield intact are likely to stay in against Deoxys-A.
* Setting Spikes is an aggressive play you can make when you think the opponent will try to pivot around Deoxys-A or sacrifice a Pokemon to it. A switch may be likely if the opponent has a healthy check to Deoxys-A or needs to preserve the Pokemon that they currently have on the field.

Team Options
========

* Deoxys-A's frailty means that it will have few opportunities to switch in and wallbreak. Thus, it fits primarily on fast-paced offensive teams.
* Teammates that can pressure Deoxys-A's checks make for good offensive partners. Primal Groudon, Marshadow, and Calm Mind Arceus-Ground pressure Steel-types for Deoxys-A, while Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas deal with Dark-types for it.
* Setup sweepers like Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Trick Room Necrozma-DM, and Dragon Dance Mega Salamence have an easier time cleaning up once Deoxys-A has punched holes in the opposing team.
* Geomancy Xerneas and Naganadel are notable partners, since they share checks with Deoxys-A in Necrozma-DM and Magearna. Deoxys-A or its partner can get damage on these checks to increase the likelihood that the other one will sweep.
* Pokemon that can deal with Deoxys-A's revenge killers are appreciated. Arceus-Fairy and Choice Scarf Xerneas can deal with Marshadow and Yveltal, two of the most common ones. Marshadow offensively checks common priority users such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Lucario. Chople Berry Extreme Killer Arceus lures Marshadow and Mega Lucario for Deoxys-A and can pivot into Choice Scarf Lunala.
* Tapu Lele provides Psychic Terrain support for Deoxys-A, which augments its wallbreaking and sweeping capabilities. Psychic Terrain negates a key weakness to priority moves and substantially increases the power of Psycho Boost to the point where it can overwhelm even bulky Psychic-resistant Pokemon, such as Magearna and Mega Scizor.
* Bulky offensive teams can provide VoltTurn support to bring Deoxys-A in safely. Magearna can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal, two of Deoxys-A's most common revenge killers, and use Volt Switch to get Deoxys-A in safely. Choice Scarf Yveltal can pivot into Ghost-type attacks from Marshadow and Lunala, while Mega Scizor handily checks Xerneas, and they can use U-turn to bring Deoxys-A in.
* Entry hazard support is great for wearing down Deoxys-A's checks. Stealth Rock setters like Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy keep Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Yveltal in line. Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Klefki are viable Spikes setters, and while some of them don't fit on offensive teams, they can still pair nicely with Deoxys-A. Skarmory can easily handle Necrozma-DM and Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn can switch into Magearna and support variants of Necrozma-DM, and Klefki can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal for Deoxys-A.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Fire Punch can be used instead of Superpower to OHKO Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn and 2HKO Magearna, but it still fails to 2HKO Necrozma-DM and leaves Deoxys-A walled by Arceus-Dark, Tyranitar, and Chansey.
* Psychic is an alternative STAB option that has the benefit of not lowering Deoxys-A's Special Attack. However, it's much weaker than Psycho Boost, missing out on important benchmarks like OHKOing Primal Groudon and 2HKOing Ho-Oh.
* Thunderbolt can be used instead of Ice Beam to hit specially bulky foes like Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Celesteela super effectively while maintaining the ability to hit Yveltal and Lugia. However, Deoxys-A will be forced to use Psycho Boost and lower its Special Attack in order to pick off weakened foes like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C.
* Taunt prevents setup sweepers from taking advantage of Deoxys-A once it has used Psycho Boost and stops the use of recovery moves from Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Mega Scizor, Lugia, and support Arceus formes.
* A set with Nasty Plot / Psychic / Dark Pulse / Ice Beam or Thunderbolt equipped with a Focus Sash lets Deoxys-A function as a potent sweeper. However, this set needs Psychic Terrain support to be effective, since its sweep is easily cut short by priority users otherwise.
* A lead set with Stealth Rock / Taunt / Psycho Boost / Knock Off or Low Kick can be considered. This set leads better than Deoxys-S against priority users like Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus, since it avoids the mind game of whether to use Taunt. It also forces the opponent to let a Pokemon take a lot of damage from Psycho Boost or lead off with a passive Pokemon like Ferrothorn or Alolan Muk that can stand up to its attacks, which Deoxys-A's teammates can take advantage of. However, Deoxys-S generally does a better job as a lead otherwise.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users like Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, Ho-Oh, and Rayquaza outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily revenge kill it due to its frailty. Priority users like Marshadow, Yveltal, Rayquaza, and Extreme Killer Arceus can OHKO Deoxys-A with their attacks.

**Dark-types**: Yveltal revenge kills Deoxys-A either by outspeeding it with a Choice Scarf or by using Sucker Punch, but it doesn't appreciate being hit by Ice Beam on the switch. Arceus-Dark and Chople Berry Tyranitar can survive one Superpower from full health and proceed to OHKO Deoxys-A; Tyranitar can also Pursuit trap Deoxys-A to guarantee its removal. Mega Sableye isn't weak to any of Deoxys-A's coverage options and effortlessly deflects entry hazards from lead variants, but it can be 2HKOed by Ice Beam on the switch. Alolan Muk is a niche but solid answer that avoids the 2HKO from all of Deoxys-A's attacks and can Pursuit trap it or pick it off with Shadow Sneak.

**Necrozma-DM**: Necrozma-DM's 4x resistance to Psychic-type attacks makes it a huge nuisance for Deoxys-A, since it prevents the latter from mindlessly spamming Psycho Boost. Support variants avoid the 2HKO from Dark Pulse and can use Morning Sun to heal off any damage dealt or set Stealth Rock as Deoxys-A is forced out. Offensive variants are 2HKOed by Dark Pulse, but they can easily tank one and proceed to steal momentum from Deoxys-A by using Rock Polish or Trick Room, potentially gaining boosts in the process if holding a Weakness Policy.

**Other Steel-types**: Magearna, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Klefki resist Psycho Boost and aren't weak to Superpower, so Deoxys-A has difficulty breaking past them. Mega Scizor and Celesteela additionally have access to recovery, meaning they cannot easily be worn down. However, Mega Scizor is OHKOed by Fire Punch, and Magearna and Klefki still take substantial damage from Superpower.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[Nayrz, 212134], [Cynara, 224455], [Mysterious M, 284369]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
 
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Cynara

Banned deucer.
I don't agree a NP set should exist as a main set (feel free to include it in OO). You pair it with tapu lele because it needs psychic terrain, in order to do basically nothing, offense teams that struggle vs dusk and magearna are just bad and Psychic terrain teams aren't very meta friendly at the moment.

I'll focus on the AoA set henceforth.
nature: Rash
Speed on Deo-A is actually really important and Naive should be the main nature. Naive has the advantage of outspeeding +1 base forme Zygarde and Mega Mewtwo-Y etc which is honestly really important. (update set details to reflect this)

Focus Sash isn't really viable, Life Orb is the best way to get the most out of AoA and doesn't see usage outside of med-low ladder as an item. Keeping hazards off inUSM for an offense team is simply too difficult to do on a consistent basis and u don't get any mileage out of Focus Sash and also consider how Deo-a wants to function; Fast powerful revenge killer that wants to nuk things and force switch ins.

name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
move 4: Superpower / Fire Punch / Spikes
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

After some discussion, we feel like this should be the main set of the analysis. Psychic is not worthy of a mention because the power output is too drastic and you miss out on alot of important KO's. 29 HP ivs is just a very small optimisation that I brought up for Life Orb recoil, there's no reason to not optimise for analyses no matter how small it is.

Pursuit is actually what sets Deo-a apart from the other offensive psychics such as MMY. It's able to pursuit trap Mega Gengar which is actually important in USM compared to say ORAS where you could just happily nuke something with Psycho boost (it actually has switch ins now), Dark Pulse is mainly for Lunala and probably the better option when running Spikes. Other pursuit targets are Ultra Necrozma, Lunala is inclined to probably sit in on a Deo-a however.

I think Knock off is deserving of a moves mention sheerly because of the utility. It's inferior against Necrozma-DM however.

- Tapu Lele is the best partner for Deoxys-A because it provides Psychic Terrain support, augmenting Deoxys-A's sweeping and wallbreaking capabilities. Psychic Terrain negates a key weakness in priority and substantially increases the power of Psychic-type attacks.
Well yes, but actually no. Tapu lele leads to heavily flawed builds and offense teams that struggle magearna or dusk mane and this becomes hard to cover, by all means keep it in team options but demote Lele down, I'd say the most important team options are pokemon that deal with Marshadow, Yveltal etc are the most important.

Remove any focus sash usage related tips. Include usage tips of utilising pursuit / spikes.

Implement these and i'll look into stamping for a QC check.
 

bigtalk

Banned deucer.
Agree with most of the feedback, but there are two points I'd like to dispute:
Speed on Deo-A is actually really important and Naive should be the main nature. Naive has the advantage of outspeeding +1 base forme Zygarde and Mega Mewtwo-Y etc which is honestly really important. (update set details to reflect this)
I will slash Naive, but I still think Rash should be the first nature bc there is a pretty big difference in damage output (see below calcs, Yveltal is the important one); it's not worth sacrificing so much damage output for just two mons, imo. Also, outside of psyspam you'd typically want to pair this with teammates like Arceus-Fairy or Choice Scarf Xerneas/Yveltal in order to deal with Marshadow, which are able to handle these threats anyway.
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Yveltal: 367-432 (93.3 - 109.9%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Yveltal: 367-432 (80.4 - 94.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 328-387 (97.9 - 115.5%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost over 2 turns vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Scizor-Mega in Psychic Terrain: 301-355 (87.5 - 103.1%) -- guaranteed KO in 2 turns after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost over 2 turns vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Ho-Oh: 417-493 (100.2 - 118.5%) -- possible KO in 2 turns after Leftovers recovery
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Sableye-Mega: 159-187 (52.3 - 61.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost vs. 252 HP / 200 SpD Groudon-Primal: 370-437 (91.5 - 108.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost over 2 turns vs. 248 HP / 24 SpD Kyogre-Primal: 409-482 (101.4 - 119.6%) -- guaranteed KO in 2 turns

  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Yveltal: 333-393 (84.7 - 100%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Yveltal: 333-393 (73 - 86.1%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 299-354 (89.2 - 105.6%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost over 2 turns vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Scizor-Mega in Psychic Terrain: 274-324 (79.6 - 94.1%) -- 56.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost over 2 turns vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Ho-Oh: 379-447 (91.1 - 107.4%) -- 56.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Sableye-Mega: 144-170 (47.3 - 55.9%) -- 80.1% chance to 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost vs. 252 HP / 200 SpD Groudon-Primal: 337-398 (83.4 - 98.5%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost over 2 turns vs. 248 HP / 24 SpD Kyogre-Primal: 375-442 (93 - 109.6%) -- 43.8% chance to 2HKO
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
move 4: Superpower / Fire Punch / Spikes
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

Pursuit is actually what sets Deo-a apart from the other offensive psychics such as MMY. It's able to pursuit trap Mega Gengar which is actually important in USM compared to say ORAS where you could just happily nuke something with Psycho boost (it actually has switch ins now), Dark Pulse is mainly for Lunala and probably the better option when running Spikes. Other pursuit targets are Ultra Necrozma, Lunala is inclined to probably sit in on a Deo-a however.
Pursuit isn't the only thing that differentiates Deo-A from other psychics, it has the benefit of not taking up a Z-move/mega slot and (compared to Ultra) outspeeding Mega Gengar. I think Dark Pulse should be slashed first instead of Pursuit, it's important not just for Lunala but also for the much more common Dusk Mane, and being Dusk Mane bait sucks in this metagame.

Also, what do you guys think of having Pursuit / Dark Pulse on the same set? That way you can trap Gothitelle too since you actually threaten it with Dark Pulse if it stays in, instead of getting trapped by it.
 
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Naive should still be first slash. Deoxys-A is difficult to justify and needs to make work of all the valid niches it has - Speed tier, movepool access (Pursuit), strong neutral damage. Base 150 is important to take advantage of because it becomes a pretty effective Pursuit trapper - it outspeeds the meta Pursuit weaknesses, and even MMY - a mon that's currently meta due to its matchup benefits vs other offense. Killing +1 DD Zygarde regardless of forme its in is also neat.

Pursuit completely changes how Deoxys-A can get kills in a metagame where it can no longer reliably click Psycho Boost and dent or OHKO something (ORAS). Now you have a revenge killer that can checkmate the opponent's fast mons. Switching becomes extremely dangerous - running Dark Pulse means they will switch to their check (of which there are better ones now) and you got little value. Staying in means you are staring down a Deoxys-A's damage output, which will probably kill the mon its threatening to Pursuit either way. This checkmate scenario that it forces is very important, and that means the damage trade-off of Naive is well worth it. The only valid calc I see between the two natures that you posted is missing the OHKO vs offensive Yveltal without SR. If its offensive Yveltal you are staring at the odds of Sucker Punch anyway. The rest are easy to work with or are still favorable odds for the Deoxys-A.

So let's see about the rest. I think Fire Punch is Moves or OO tier. The beneficial targets are Steels that Boost + Superpower are already doing a lot of damage to. With Naive the kill vs Magearna and Celesteela after Boost + SR is pretty sketch. That means Scizor is the only valid target which could just BP you, and its got serious tradeoffs to run in the first place - terrible neutral damage, instantly hard walled by Darks and Blissey. I'd move this to OO honestly.

That means Boost/Ice/Super as unslashed. Move 4 to me should be the offensive utility slot - of which the best options are Pursuit and Spikes. I'm kinda iffy on Spikes because Deoxys-A is a mon that rewards immediate actions. Playing the long game doesn't really benefit it - it creates its own holes to break through later. Its somewhat like Spikes Greninja in OU, but Deoxys-A has kill pressure vs a lot more things or has hard checks. What's better, Boost + Superpower the Magearna/Dusk for 70%+ or Spikes > switch and hope it bothers them? The long game benefits them much more than Deoxys-A. I'm open to dropping it to Moves. Dark Pulse is iffy - the main purpose is to kill SpD Dusk and not guess between Dusk and Ultra, but its an ok alternative to Pursuit if breaking them REALLY bothers you. I'd rather shore up that weakness elsewhere and make good use of Pursuit's traits, but sure...

so, recap: Spikes in Moves, Fire Punch in OO.
restructure everything to be like this:

name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

I think Psychic Terrain is way too overvalued here... its mentioned often. Let's be real for a second - when does this team comp see tournament play? I vaguely remember a stint at the start of USM where Terrain + Webs was a thing, but that was Ultra, not Deoxys-A. If you want me to approve of an analysis going over Terrain this much I'd like to see replays or some sort of proof that this (Deoxys-A + Lele) exists outside of ladder. This combination is just plain bad imo and the analysis should make a passing mention just about Lele as a partner at best inside Team Options.

I'll relook at this post changes.
 

bigtalk

Banned deucer.
Naive should still be first slash. Deoxys-A is difficult to justify and needs to make work of all the valid niches it has - Speed tier, movepool access (Pursuit), strong neutral damage. Base 150 is important to take advantage of because it becomes a pretty effective Pursuit trapper - it outspeeds the meta Pursuit weaknesses, and even MMY - a mon that's currently meta due to its matchup benefits vs other offense. Killing +1 DD Zygarde regardless of forme its in is also neat.

Pursuit completely changes how Deoxys-A can get kills in a metagame where it can no longer reliably click Psycho Boost and dent or OHKO something (ORAS). Now you have a revenge killer that can checkmate the opponent's fast mons. Switching becomes extremely dangerous - running Dark Pulse means they will switch to their check (of which there are better ones now) and you got little value. Staying in means you are staring down a Deoxys-A's damage output, which will probably kill the mon its threatening to Pursuit either way. This checkmate scenario that it forces is very important, and that means the damage trade-off of Naive is well worth it. The only valid calc I see between the two natures that you posted is missing the OHKO vs offensive Yveltal without SR. If its offensive Yveltal you are staring at the odds of Sucker Punch anyway. The rest are easy to work with or are still favorable odds for the Deoxys-A.

So let's see about the rest. I think Fire Punch is Moves or OO tier. The beneficial targets are Steels that Boost + Superpower are already doing a lot of damage to. With Naive the kill vs Magearna and Celesteela after Boost + SR is pretty sketch. That means Scizor is the only valid target which could just BP you, and its got serious tradeoffs to run in the first place - terrible neutral damage, instantly hard walled by Darks and Blissey. I'd move this to OO honestly.

That means Boost/Ice/Super as unslashed. Move 4 to me should be the offensive utility slot - of which the best options are Pursuit and Spikes. I'm kinda iffy on Spikes because Deoxys-A is a mon that rewards immediate actions. Playing the long game doesn't really benefit it - it creates its own holes to break through later. Its somewhat like Spikes Greninja in OU, but Deoxys-A has kill pressure vs a lot more things or has hard checks. What's better, Boost + Superpower the Magearna/Dusk for 70%+ or Spikes > switch and hope it bothers them? The long game benefits them much more than Deoxys-A. I'm open to dropping it to Moves. Dark Pulse is iffy - the main purpose is to kill SpD Dusk and not guess between Dusk and Ultra, but its an ok alternative to Pursuit if breaking them REALLY bothers you. I'd rather shore up that weakness elsewhere and make good use of Pursuit's traits, but sure...

so, recap: Spikes in Moves, Fire Punch in OO.
restructure everything to be like this:

name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 29 HP

I think Psychic Terrain is way too overvalued here... its mentioned often. Let's be real for a second - when does this team comp see tournament play? I vaguely remember a stint at the start of USM where Terrain + Webs was a thing, but that was Ultra, not Deoxys-A. If you want me to approve of an analysis going over Terrain this much I'd like to see replays or some sort of proof that this (Deoxys-A + Lele) exists outside of ladder. This combination is just plain bad imo and the analysis should make a passing mention just about Lele as a partner at best inside Team Options.

I'll relook at this post changes.
Thanks for your feedback, this has been implemented. I am fine with removing the frequent Psychic Terrain mentions, I just made them in deference to the previous version of the analysis. (Still kinda disagree with the Naive > Rash decision, but if that's what all of you want then sure.)
 
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I'd change formatting to * instead of - for Markdown purposes (only format the smogon dex accepts).

Moves seems a bit big considering I believe only the 4th slot is flexible... Taunt is probably OO worthy if we're looking to trim it. The others can be somewhat justified.

The rest is looking good now.

QC 1/3
 

Cynara

Banned deucer.
Been told by Nayrz that the LO number (29 hp ivs) mentions should be removed, I made a mistake, you still get 11 LO hits from a Deoxys-A, so just remove it. Another point you could mention for Rash, its more favourable vs Max HP Arceus' after Rocks.

252+ SpA Life Orb Deoxys-Attack Psycho Boost vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Dragon: 356-421 (80.1 - 94.8%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

as an example.

The issue with USM is its a faster meta than ORAS where you could actually afford Rash considerably well since there wasnt much that outsped you and Extreme Speed to pick off faster threats was actually considerably much more usable. MMY actually gets prominent usage and targets like +1 Zygarde existing too (which you have mentioned)

Otherwise, this is good, QC: 2/3
 

Empress

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[OVERVIEW]

* Deoxys-A is a powerful wallbreaker that has crazy enormous (subjective change; "crazy" is a little vague, though I'd allow it in a Flying Press article) mixed attacking stats and access to a wide offensive movepool. This makes it very threatening towards some balanced and bulky offensive builds.
* However, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Mega Scizor are common picks for teams that are looking for counterplay to Geomancy Xerneas. Their bulk and typing also naturally lets let them check Deoxys-A.
* Deoxys-A's pitiful bulk means that it rarely finds opportunities to switch in and wallbreak, so it fits mainly on fast-paced offensive teams.
* It's easily revenge killed by Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal and priority users like Marshadow.
* It faces competition from Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y as a fast Psychic-type wallbreaker. Ultra Necrozma has an easier time setting up thanks to its better bulk and ability to force mind games with its opponents using its forme change; moreover, its access to Earthquake means that it has no trouble breaking past Necrozma-DM or Magearna. Mega Mewtwo Y can hit hard without lowering its Special Attack and has access to Fire Blast to melt Steel-types.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* STAB Psycho Boost is a nuke coming off of Deoxys-A's base 180 Special Attack stat, dealing deals massive damage to most Pokemon that don't resist it. However, the move harshly lowers Deoxys-A's Special Attack, making it prone (If this means "liable", keep it. Otherwise, use "vulnerable"; prone and vulnerable are not synonyms) to being forced out or being used as setup fodder afterwards.
* Ice Beam hits common Psychic-resistant Pokemon like Yveltal, Ultra Necrozma, and Lugia super effectively and OHKOes Zygarde-C and Mega Salamence. Its decently high BP Base Power, perfect accuracy, and good neutral coverage makes make it an attractive option to pick off weakened foes without incurring unnecessary stat drops from Psycho Boost.
* Superpower hits Dark- and Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Arceus-Dark, and Tyranitar and lets Deoxys-A muscle past Chansey and Blissey. It's preferred over Low Kick, (AC) since it deals more damage to light targets like Magearna, Klefki, and the aforementioned Chansey and Blissey, although it has the downside of becoming weaker with each consecutive use.
* Pursuit lets Deoxys-A trap Mega Gengar, which it naturally forces out; Pursuit trapping utility is appreciated by teammates like Arceus-Fairy that are vulnerable to Mega Gengar. It's also useful to force accumulate (Not sure what the right word choice is) damage on other threats such as Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Dark Pulse hits Psychic- and Ghost-types like Necrozma-DM, Lunala, and Mega Gengar super effectively. It also hits Ultra Necrozma hard whether or not it decides to Ultra Burst, so that Deoxys-A isn't forced to guess between Ice Beam and Superpower.
* Spikes is a good option to take advantage of the many switches Deoxys-A forces. A conservative opponent who constantly switches their defensive answers into Deoxys-A as it uses Spikes will find themselves their team under substantial pressure from Spikes later in the match. It also forces Yveltal into mind games over whether or not it should use Sucker Punch.
* Knock Off can be used instead of Dark Pulse for its added utility of removing items. This is useful for punishing checks that hold Leftovers like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Lugia that hold Leftovers, (If Lugia is the only one of these checks that holds Leftovers, don't make this change) as well as Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala that may try to pivot into Deoxys-A. However, it's worse against Pokemon that hold irremovable items such as Necrozma-DM with Solganium Z/ or Ultranecrozium Z and Magearna with Normalium Z.
* Extreme Speed allows Deoxys-A to pick off faster attackers like Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal once they have been severely weakened.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Naive nature lets Deoxys-A outspeed Mega Mewtwo Y and +1 base forme Zygarde.
* A Rash nature can be used instead to give Deoxys-A more firepower while still letting it outspeed key threats like Mega Gengar, Ultra Necrozma, and Arceus formes. Notably, Deoxys-A gets a much better chance to OHKO offensive Yveltal with Ice Beam and, after Stealth Rock damage, to OHKO bulky Yveltal and maximum HP Arceus formes with Ice Beam and Psycho Boost, respectively.
* Life Orb boosts the damage output of Deoxys-A's attacks, making it much harder to wall. Due to its frailty, Deoxys-A doesn't mind the recoil that Life Orb incurs inflicts since it's so frail anyways. ("incurs" -> "inflicts" is the only objective change; the remainder of these changes are subjective)

Usage Tips
========

* Deoxys-A is best used as a wallbreaker that punches holes into the opponent's team in order to give teammates an easier time cleaning up.
* Prediction is a key factor when utilizing this set. Using Psycho Boost as the opponent switches to a Psychic-resistant Pokemon like Necrozma-DM or Choice Scarf Yveltal will cost Deoxys-A a ton of momentum and often force it out afterwards.
* Be wary of creating setup opportunities for sweepers like Necrozma-DM after using Psycho Boost. If Deoxys-A's teammates cannot handle these sweepers, then Deoxys-A should avoid using Psycho Boost until these threats have been removed or sufficiently weakened to the point where they can no longer set up safely.
* Scout for potential Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal, since they outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily OHKO it with their attacks.
* Despite having a higher base Speed, Deoxys-A is generally forced out by Yveltal even if the latter has been weakened. Choice Scarf variants outspeed Deoxys-A, while non-Choice Scarf variants often carry Sucker Punch. Thus, it's best to catch Yveltal on the switch with Ice Beam or, if possible, completely remove it from play beforehand instead of confronting it directly.
* Deoxys-A can't really switch into attacks due to its nonexistent bulk. It's best brought in via free or double switches, pivoting moves, or the predicted use of a status move like Stealth Rock.
* Pursuit should be used against Pokemon that Deoxys-A naturally forces out, such as Mega Gengar and Ultra Necrozma. Note that Pokemon like Gothitelle and a Lunala with Shadow Shield intact are likely to stay in against Deoxys-A.
* Setting Spikes is an aggressive play you can make when you think the opponent will try to pivot around Deoxys-A or sack something sacrifice a Pokemon to it. A switch may be likely if the opponent has a healthy check to Deoxys-A and/or (pick one) needs to preserve the Pokemon that they currently have on the field.

Team Options
========

* Deoxys-A's frailty means that it will have few opportunities to switch in and wallbreak. Thus, it fits primarily on fast-paced offensive teams.
* Teammates that can pressure Deoxys-A's checks make for good offensive partners. Primal Groudon, Marshadow, and Calm Mind Arceus-Ground pressure Steel-types for Deoxys-A, while Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas deal with Dark-types for it.
* Setup sweepers like Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Trick Room Necrozma-DM, and Dragon Dance Mega Salamence have an easier time cleaning up once Deoxys-A has punched holes in the opposing team.
* Geomancy Xerneas and Naganadel are notable partners, since they share checks with Deoxys-A in Necrozma-DM and Magearna. Deoxys-A or its partner can force accumulate damage on these checks or vice versa (That's not what "vice versa" means) to increase the likelihood that the other one of them will sweep. (The changes here might be incorrect if both Xerneas and Naganadel are used on the same team here.)
* Pokemon that can deal with Deoxys-A's (Uh, are there any revenge killers that are not suitable for beating Deoxys-A?) revenge killers are appreciated. Arceus-Fairy and Choice Scarf Xerneas can deal with Marshadow and Yveltal, two of the most common ones. Marshadow offensively checks common priority users such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Lucario. Chople Berry Extreme Killer Arceus holding a Chople Berry (subjective change) lures Marshadow and Mega Lucario for Deoxys-A and can pivot into Choice Scarf Lunala.
* Tapu Lele provides Psychic Terrain support for Deoxys-A, which augments its wallbreaking and sweeping capabilities. Psychic Terrain negates a key weakness in priority moves and substantially increases the power of Psycho Boost to the point where it can overwhelm even bulky Psychic-resistant Pokemon, such as Magearna and Mega Scizor.
* Bulky offensive teams can provide VoltTurn support to bring Deoxys-A in safely. Magearna can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal, two of Deoxys-A's most common revenge killers, and use Volt Switch to get it in safely. Choice Scarf Yveltal can pivot into Ghost-type attacks from Marshadow and Lunala, while Mega Scizor handily checks Xerneas, and they can use U-turn to bring Deoxys-A in.
* Entry hazard support from teammates (Do you need this?) is great for wearing down Deoxys-A's checks. Stealth Rock setters like Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy keep Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Yveltal in line. Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Klefki are viable Spikes setters, and while some of them don't fit on offensive teams, they can still pair nicely with Deoxys-A. Skarmory can easily handle Necrozma-DM and Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn can switch into Magearna and support variants of Necrozma-DM, and Klefki can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal for Deoxys-A.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Fire Punch can be used instead of Superpower to OHKO Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn and 2HKO Magearna, but it still fails to 2HKO Necrozma-DM and leaves Deoxys-A walled by Arceus-Dark, Tyranitar, and Chansey.
* Psychic is an alternative STAB option that has the benefit of not lowering Deoxys-A's Special Attack. However, it's much weaker than Psycho Boost, missing out on benchmarks like OHKOing Primal Groudon and 2HKOing Ho-Oh. Since Deoxys-A is so frail, it generally wants to hit as hard as possible so it's able to KO foes before it's KOed by them. (Are you sure you need this?)
* Thunderbolt can be used instead of Ice Beam to hit specially bulky foes like Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Celesteela super effectively while maintaining the ability to hit Yveltal and Lugia. However, Deoxys-A will be forced to use Psycho Boost and lower its Special Attack in order to pick off weakened foes like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C.
* Taunt prevents setup sweepers from taking advantage of Deoxys-A once it has used Psycho Boost and stops the use of recovery moves from Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Mega Scizor, Lugia, and support Arceus formes.
* A set with Nasty Plot, / (replace with slashes) Psychic, / Dark Pulse, and / Ice Beam or Thunderbolt equipped with a Focus Sash lets Deoxys-A function as a potent sweeper. However, this set needs Psychic Terrain support to be effective, since otherwise its sweep is easily cut short by priority users otherwise.
* A lead set with Stealth Rock, / (same as above) Taunt, / Psycho Boost, and / Knock Off or Low Kick can be considered. This set leads better than Deoxys-S against priority users like Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus, since it avoids the 50/50 situation with Taunt. It also forces the opponent to let something a Pokemon take a lot of damage from Psycho Boost or lead off with a passive Pokemon like Ferrothorn or Alolan Muk that can stand up to its attacks, which Deoxys-A's teammates can take advantage of. However, Deoxys-S generally does a better job as a lead otherwise.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users like Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, Ho-Oh, and Rayquaza outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily revenge kill it due to its frailty. Priority users like Marshadow, Yveltal, Rayquaza, and Extreme Killer Arceus can OHKO Deoxys-A with their attacks.

**Dark-types**: Yveltal revenge kills Deoxys-A either by outspeeding it with a Choice Scarf or by using its priority Sucker Punch, but it doesn't appreciate being hit by Ice Beam on the switch. Arceus-Dark and Chople Berry Tyranitar can survive one Superpower from full health and proceed to OHKO Deoxys-A; Tyranitar can also Pursuit trap Deoxys-A to guarantee its removal. Mega Sableye isn't weak to any of Deoxys-A's coverage options and effortlessly deflects entry hazards from the lead set variants, (lead isn't a main set) but it can be 2HKOed by Ice Beam on the switch. Alolan Muk is a niche but solid answer that avoids the 2HKO from all of Deoxys-A's attacks and can Pursuit trap it or pick it off with priority Shadow Sneak.

**Necrozma-DM**: Necrozma-DM is 4x resistant to Psychic-type attacks, making it a huge nuisance for Deoxys-A, (AC) since it prevents it from mindlessly spamming Psycho Boost. Support variants avoid the 2HKO from Dark Pulse and can use Morning Sun to heal off any damage dealt or set Stealth Rock as Deoxys-A is forced out. Offensive variants are 2HKOed by Dark Pulse, but they can easily tank one and proceed to steal momentum from Deoxys-A by using Rock Polish or Trick Room, potentially gaining boosts while they're at it in the process if holding a Weakness Policy.

**Other Steel-types**: Magearna, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Klefki resist Psycho Boost and aren't weak to Superpower, so Deoxys-A has difficulty breaking past them. Mega Scizor and Celesteela additionally have access to recovery, meaning they cannot easily be worn down. However, Mega Scizor is OHKOed by Fire Punch, and Magearna and Klefki still take substantial damage from Superpower.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[Nayrz, 212134], [Cynara, 224455], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
GP 1/2
 
Last edited:

bigtalk

Banned deucer.
add remove comment
[OVERVIEW]

* Deoxys-A is a powerful wallbreaker that has crazy enormous (subjective change; "crazy" is a little vague, though I'd allow it in a Flying Press article) mixed attacking stats and access to a wide offensive movepool. This makes it very threatening towards some balanced and bulky offensive builds.
* However, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Mega Scizor are common picks for teams that are looking for counterplay to Geomancy Xerneas. Their bulk and typing also naturally lets let them check Deoxys-A.
* Deoxys-A's pitiful bulk means that it rarely finds opportunities to switch in and wallbreak, so it fits mainly on fast-paced offensive teams.
* It's easily revenge killed by Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal and priority users like Marshadow.
* It faces competition from Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y as a fast Psychic-type wallbreaker. Ultra Necrozma has an easier time setting up thanks to its better bulk and ability to force mind games with its opponents using its forme change; moreover, its access to Earthquake means that it has no trouble breaking past Necrozma-DM or Magearna. Mega Mewtwo Y can hit hard without lowering its Special Attack and has access to Fire Blast to melt Steel-types.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* STAB Psycho Boost is a nuke coming off of Deoxys-A's base 180 Special Attack stat, dealing deals massive damage to most Pokemon that don't resist it. However, the move harshly lowers Deoxys-A's Special Attack, making it prone (If this means "liable", keep it. Otherwise, use "vulnerable"; prone and vulnerable are not synonyms) to being forced out or being used as setup fodder afterwards.
* Ice Beam hits common Psychic-resistant Pokemon like Yveltal, Ultra Necrozma, and Lugia super effectively and OHKOes Zygarde-C and Mega Salamence. Its decently high BP Base Power, perfect accuracy, and good neutral coverage makes make it an attractive option to pick off weakened foes without incurring unnecessary stat drops from Psycho Boost.
* Superpower hits Dark- and Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Arceus-Dark, and Tyranitar and lets Deoxys-A muscle past Chansey and Blissey. It's preferred over Low Kick, (AC) since it deals more damage to light targets like Magearna, Klefki, and the aforementioned Chansey and Blissey, although it has the downside of becoming weaker with each consecutive use.
* Pursuit lets Deoxys-A trap Mega Gengar, which it naturally forces out; Pursuit trapping utility is appreciated by teammates like Arceus-Fairy that are vulnerable to Mega Gengar. It's also useful to force accumulate (Not sure what the right word choice is) damage on other threats such as Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Dark Pulse hits Psychic- and Ghost-types like Necrozma-DM, Lunala, and Mega Gengar super effectively. It also hits Ultra Necrozma hard whether or not it decides to Ultra Burst, so that Deoxys-A isn't forced to guess between Ice Beam and Superpower.
* Spikes is a good option to take advantage of the many switches Deoxys-A forces. A conservative opponent who constantly switches their defensive answers into Deoxys-A as it uses Spikes will find themselves their team under substantial pressure from Spikes later in the match. It also forces Yveltal into mind games over whether or not it should use Sucker Punch.
* Knock Off can be used instead of Dark Pulse for its added utility of removing items. This is useful for punishing checks that hold Leftovers like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Lugia that hold Leftovers, (If Lugia is the only one of these checks that holds Leftovers, don't make this change) as well as Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala that may try to pivot into Deoxys-A. However, it's worse against Pokemon that hold irremovable items such as Necrozma-DM with Solganium Z/ or Ultranecrozium Z and Magearna with Normalium Z.
* Extreme Speed allows Deoxys-A to pick off faster attackers like Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal once they have been severely weakened.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Naive nature lets Deoxys-A outspeed Mega Mewtwo Y and +1 base forme Zygarde.
* A Rash nature can be used instead to give Deoxys-A more firepower while still letting it outspeed key threats like Mega Gengar, Ultra Necrozma, and Arceus formes. Notably, Deoxys-A gets a much better chance to OHKO offensive Yveltal with Ice Beam and, after Stealth Rock damage, to OHKO bulky Yveltal and maximum HP Arceus formes with Ice Beam and Psycho Boost, respectively.
* Life Orb boosts the damage output of Deoxys-A's attacks, making it much harder to wall. Due to its frailty, Deoxys-A doesn't mind the recoil that Life Orb incurs inflicts since it's so frail anyways. ("incurs" -> "inflicts" is the only objective change; the remainder of these changes are subjective)

Usage Tips
========

* Deoxys-A is best used as a wallbreaker that punches holes into the opponent's team in order to give teammates an easier time cleaning up.
* Prediction is a key factor when utilizing this set. Using Psycho Boost as the opponent switches to a Psychic-resistant Pokemon like Necrozma-DM or Choice Scarf Yveltal will cost Deoxys-A a ton of momentum and often force it out afterwards.
* Be wary of creating setup opportunities for sweepers like Necrozma-DM after using Psycho Boost. If Deoxys-A's teammates cannot handle these sweepers, then Deoxys-A should avoid using Psycho Boost until these threats have been removed or sufficiently weakened to the point where they can no longer set up safely.
* Scout for potential Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal, since they outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily OHKO it with their attacks.
* Despite having a higher base Speed, Deoxys-A is generally forced out by Yveltal even if the latter has been weakened. Choice Scarf variants outspeed Deoxys-A, while non-Choice Scarf variants often carry Sucker Punch. Thus, it's best to catch Yveltal on the switch with Ice Beam or, if possible, completely remove it from play beforehand instead of confronting it directly.
* Deoxys-A can't really switch into attacks due to its nonexistent bulk. It's best brought in via free or double switches, pivoting moves, or the predicted use of a status move like Stealth Rock.
* Pursuit should be used against Pokemon that Deoxys-A naturally forces out, such as Mega Gengar and Ultra Necrozma. Note that Pokemon like Gothitelle and a Lunala with Shadow Shield intact are likely to stay in against Deoxys-A.
* Setting Spikes is an aggressive play you can make when you think the opponent will try to pivot around Deoxys-A or sack something sacrifice a Pokemon to it. A switch may be likely if the opponent has a healthy check to Deoxys-A and/or (pick one) needs to preserve the Pokemon that they currently have on the field.

Team Options
========

* Deoxys-A's frailty means that it will have few opportunities to switch in and wallbreak. Thus, it fits primarily on fast-paced offensive teams.
* Teammates that can pressure Deoxys-A's checks make for good offensive partners. Primal Groudon, Marshadow, and Calm Mind Arceus-Ground pressure Steel-types for Deoxys-A, while Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas deal with Dark-types for it.
* Setup sweepers like Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Trick Room Necrozma-DM, and Dragon Dance Mega Salamence have an easier time cleaning up once Deoxys-A has punched holes in the opposing team.
* Geomancy Xerneas and Naganadel are notable partners, since they share checks with Deoxys-A in Necrozma-DM and Magearna. Deoxys-A or its partner can force accumulate damage on these checks or vice versa (That's not what "vice versa" means) to increase the likelihood that the other one of them will sweep. (The changes here might be incorrect if both Xerneas and Naganadel are used on the same team here.)
* Pokemon that can deal with Deoxys-A's (Uh, are there any revenge killers that are not suitable for beating Deoxys-A?) revenge killers are appreciated. Arceus-Fairy and Choice Scarf Xerneas can deal with Marshadow and Yveltal, two of the most common ones. Marshadow offensively checks common priority users such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Lucario. Chople Berry Extreme Killer Arceus holding a Chople Berry (subjective change) lures Marshadow and Mega Lucario for Deoxys-A and can pivot into Choice Scarf Lunala.
* Tapu Lele provides Psychic Terrain support for Deoxys-A, which augments its wallbreaking and sweeping capabilities. Psychic Terrain negates a key weakness in priority moves and substantially increases the power of Psycho Boost to the point where it can overwhelm even bulky Psychic-resistant Pokemon, such as Magearna and Mega Scizor.
* Bulky offensive teams can provide VoltTurn support to bring Deoxys-A in safely. Magearna can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal, two of Deoxys-A's most common revenge killers, and use Volt Switch to get it in safely. Choice Scarf Yveltal can pivot into Ghost-type attacks from Marshadow and Lunala, while Mega Scizor handily checks Xerneas, and they can use U-turn to bring Deoxys-A in.
* Entry hazard support from teammates (Do you need this?) is great for wearing down Deoxys-A's checks. Stealth Rock setters like Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy keep Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Yveltal in line. Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Klefki are viable Spikes setters, and while some of them don't fit on offensive teams, they can still pair nicely with Deoxys-A. Skarmory can easily handle Necrozma-DM and Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn can switch into Magearna and support variants of Necrozma-DM, and Klefki can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal for Deoxys-A.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Fire Punch can be used instead of Superpower to OHKO Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn and 2HKO Magearna, but it still fails to 2HKO Necrozma-DM and leaves Deoxys-A walled by Arceus-Dark, Tyranitar, and Chansey.
* Psychic is an alternative STAB option that has the benefit of not lowering Deoxys-A's Special Attack. However, it's much weaker than Psycho Boost, missing out on benchmarks like OHKOing Primal Groudon and 2HKOing Ho-Oh. Since Deoxys-A is so frail, it generally wants to hit as hard as possible so it's able to KO foes before it's KOed by them. (Are you sure you need this?)
* Thunderbolt can be used instead of Ice Beam to hit specially bulky foes like Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Celesteela super effectively while maintaining the ability to hit Yveltal and Lugia. However, Deoxys-A will be forced to use Psycho Boost and lower its Special Attack in order to pick off weakened foes like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C.
* Taunt prevents setup sweepers from taking advantage of Deoxys-A once it has used Psycho Boost and stops the use of recovery moves from Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Mega Scizor, Lugia, and support Arceus formes.
* A set with Nasty Plot, / (replace with slashes) Psychic, / Dark Pulse, and / Ice Beam or Thunderbolt equipped with a Focus Sash lets Deoxys-A function as a potent sweeper. However, this set needs Psychic Terrain support to be effective, since otherwise its sweep is easily cut short by priority users otherwise.
* A lead set with Stealth Rock, / (same as above) Taunt, / Psycho Boost, and / Knock Off or Low Kick can be considered. This set leads better than Deoxys-S against priority users like Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus, since it avoids the 50/50 situation with Taunt. It also forces the opponent to let something a Pokemon take a lot of damage from Psycho Boost or lead off with a passive Pokemon like Ferrothorn or Alolan Muk that can stand up to its attacks, which Deoxys-A's teammates can take advantage of. However, Deoxys-S generally does a better job as a lead otherwise.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users like Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, Ho-Oh, and Rayquaza outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily revenge kill it due to its frailty. Priority users like Marshadow, Yveltal, Rayquaza, and Extreme Killer Arceus can OHKO Deoxys-A with their attacks.

**Dark-types**: Yveltal revenge kills Deoxys-A either by outspeeding it with a Choice Scarf or by using its priority Sucker Punch, but it doesn't appreciate being hit by Ice Beam on the switch. Arceus-Dark and Chople Berry Tyranitar can survive one Superpower from full health and proceed to OHKO Deoxys-A; Tyranitar can also Pursuit trap Deoxys-A to guarantee its removal. Mega Sableye isn't weak to any of Deoxys-A's coverage options and effortlessly deflects entry hazards from the lead set variants, (lead isn't a main set) but it can be 2HKOed by Ice Beam on the switch. Alolan Muk is a niche but solid answer that avoids the 2HKO from all of Deoxys-A's attacks and can Pursuit trap it or pick it off with priority Shadow Sneak.

**Necrozma-DM**: Necrozma-DM is 4x resistant to Psychic-type attacks, making it a huge nuisance for Deoxys-A, (AC) since it prevents it from mindlessly spamming Psycho Boost. Support variants avoid the 2HKO from Dark Pulse and can use Morning Sun to heal off any damage dealt or set Stealth Rock as Deoxys-A is forced out. Offensive variants are 2HKOed by Dark Pulse, but they can easily tank one and proceed to steal momentum from Deoxys-A by using Rock Polish or Trick Room, potentially gaining boosts while they're at it in the process if holding a Weakness Policy.

**Other Steel-types**: Magearna, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Klefki resist Psycho Boost and aren't weak to Superpower, so Deoxys-A has difficulty breaking past them. Mega Scizor and Celesteela additionally have access to recovery, meaning they cannot easily be worn down. However, Mega Scizor is OHKOed by Fire Punch, and Magearna and Klefki still take substantial damage from Superpower.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[Nayrz, 212134], [Cynara, 224455], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
GP 1/2
Implemented! Thanks for checking this.
 

Lumari

thinking of a place
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

* Deoxys-A is a powerful wallbreaker that has sky-high mixed attacking stats and access to a wide offensive movepool. This makes it very threatening towards some balanced and bulky offensive builds.
* However, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Mega Scizor are common picks for teams that are looking for counterplay to Geomancy Xerneas. Their bulk and typing also naturally let them check Deoxys-A.
* Deoxys-A's pitiful bulk means that it rarely finds opportunities to switch in and wallbreak, so it fits mainly on fast-paced offensive teams.
* It's easily revenge killed by Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal and priority users like Marshadow.
* It faces competition from Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y as a fast Psychic-type wallbreaker. Ultra Necrozma has an easier time setting up thanks to its better bulk and ability to force mind games with its opponents using its forme change; moreover, its access to Earthquake means that it has no trouble breaking past Necrozma-DM and Magearna. Mega Mewtwo Y can hit hard without lowering its Special Attack and has access to Fire Blast to melt Steel-types.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Psycho Boost
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Superpower
move 4: Pursuit / Dark Pulse
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Naive / Rash
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* STAB Psycho Boost deals massive damage to most Pokemon that don't resist it. However, the move harshly lowers Deoxys-A's Special Attack, making it prone to being forced out or being used as setup fodder afterwards.
* Ice Beam hits common Psychic-resistant Pokemon Psychic-type switch-ins like Yveltal, Ultra Necrozma, and Lugia super effectively and OHKOes Zygarde-C and Mega Salamence. Its decently high Base Power, perfect accuracy, and good neutral coverage make it an attractive option to pick off weakened foes without incurring unnecessary stat drops from Psycho Boost.
* Superpower hits Dark- and Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Arceus-Dark, and Tyranitar and lets Deoxys-A muscle past Chansey and Blissey. It's preferred over Low Kick since because it deals more damage to light targets like Magearna, Klefki, and the aforementioned Chansey and Blissey, although it has the downside of becoming weaker with each consecutive use.
* Pursuit lets Deoxys-A trap Mega Gengar, which it naturally forces out; Pursuit trapping utility is appreciated by teammates like Arceus-Fairy that are vulnerable to Mega Gengar. It's also useful to ensure damage on other threats such as Ultra Necrozma and Mega Mewtwo Y.
* Dark Pulse hits Psychic- and Ghost-types like Necrozma-DM, Lunala, and Mega Gengar super effectively. It also hits Ultra Necrozma hard whether or not it decides to Ultra Burst (RC) so Deoxys-A isn't forced to guess between Ice Beam and Superpower.
* Spikes is a good option to take advantage of the many switches Deoxys-A forces. A conservative opponent who constantly switches their defensive answers into Deoxys-A as it uses Spikes will find their team under substantial pressure from Spikes later in the match. It also forces Yveltal into mind games over whether or not it should use Sucker Punch.
* Knock Off can be used instead of Dark Pulse for its added utility of removing items. This is useful for punishing checks that hold Leftovers like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Lugia, as well as for Choice Scarf users like Yveltal and Lunala that may try to pivot into Deoxys-A. However, it's worse against Pokemon that hold irremovable items such as Necrozma-DM with Solganium Z or Ultranecrozium Z and Magearna with Normalium Z.
* Extreme Speed allows Deoxys-A to pick off faster attackers like Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal once they have been severely weakened.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Naive nature lets Deoxys-A outspeed Mega Mewtwo Y and +1 base forme Zygarde.
* A Rash nature can be used instead to give Deoxys-A more firepower while still letting it outspeed key threats like Mega Gengar, Ultra Necrozma, and Arceus formes. Notably, Deoxys-A gets a much better chance to OHKO offensive Yveltal with Ice Beam and, after Stealth Rock damage, to OHKO bulky Yveltal with Ice Beam and maximum HP Arceus formes with Ice Beam and Psycho Boost, respectively.
* Life Orb boosts the damage output of Deoxys-A's attacks, making it much harder to wall. Due to its frailty, Deoxys-A doesn't mind the recoil that Life Orb inflicts.

Usage Tips
========

* Deoxys-A is best used as a wallbreaker that punches holes into the opponent's team in order to give teammates an easier time cleaning up.
* Prediction is a key factor when utilizing this set. Using Psycho Boost as the opponent switches to a Psychic-resistant Pokemon resistant or immune to it like Necrozma-DM or Choice Scarf Yveltal will cost Deoxys-A a ton of momentum and often force it out afterwards.
* Be wary of creating setup opportunities for sweepers like Necrozma-DM after using Psycho Boost. If Deoxys-A's teammates cannot handle these sweepers, Deoxys-A should avoid using Psycho Boost until these threats have been removed or sufficiently weakened to the point where they can no longer set up safely.
* Scout for potential Choice Scarf users like Xerneas and Yveltal, since they outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily OHKO it with their attacks.
* Despite having a higher base Speed, Deoxys-A is generally forced out by Yveltal even if the latter has been weakened. Choice Scarf variants outspeed Deoxys-A, while non-Choice Scarf variants often carry Sucker Punch. Thus, it's best to catch Yveltal on the switch with Ice Beam or, if possible, completely remove it from play beforehand instead of confronting it directly.
* Deoxys-A can't really switch into attacks due to its nonexistent bulk. It's best brought in via free or double switches, pivoting moves, or the predicted use of a status move like Stealth Rock.
* Pursuit should be used against Pokemon that Deoxys-A naturally forces out, such as Mega Gengar and Ultra Necrozma. Note that Pokemon like Gothitelle and Lunala with Shadow Shield intact are likely to stay in against Deoxys-A.
* Setting Spikes is an aggressive play you can make when you think the opponent will try to pivot around Deoxys-A or sacrifice a Pokemon to it. A switch may be likely if the opponent has a healthy check to Deoxys-A or needs to preserve the Pokemon that they currently have on the field.

Team Options
========

* Deoxys-A's frailty means that it will have few opportunities to switch in and wallbreak. Thus, it fits primarily on fast-paced offensive teams.
* Teammates that can pressure Deoxys-A's checks make for good offensive partners. Primal Groudon, Marshadow, and Calm Mind Arceus-Ground pressure Steel-types for Deoxys-A, while Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas deal with Dark-types for it.
* Setup sweepers like Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Trick Room Necrozma-DM, and Dragon Dance Mega Salamence have an easier time cleaning up once Deoxys-A has punched holes in the opposing team.
* Geomancy Xerneas and Naganadel are notable partners, since they share checks with Deoxys-A in Necrozma-DM and Magearna. Deoxys-A or its partner can get damage on these checks to increase the likelihood that the other one will sweep.
* Pokemon that can deal with Deoxys-A's revenge killers are appreciated. Arceus-Fairy and Choice Scarf Xerneas can deal with Marshadow and Yveltal, two of the most common ones. Marshadow offensively checks common priority users such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Lucario. Chople Berry Extreme Killer Arceus lures Marshadow and Mega Lucario for Deoxys-A and can pivot into Choice Scarf Lunala.
* Tapu Lele provides Psychic Terrain support for Deoxys-A, which augments its wallbreaking and sweeping capabilities. Psychic Terrain negates a key weakness to priority moves and substantially increases the power of Psycho Boost to the point where it can overwhelm even bulky Psychic-resistant Pokemon, such as Magearna and Mega Scizor.
* Bulky offensive teams can provide VoltTurn support to bring Deoxys-A in safely. Magearna can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal, two of Deoxys-A's most common revenge killers, and use Volt Switch to get it Deoxys-A in safely. Choice Scarf Yveltal can pivot into Ghost-type attacks from Marshadow and Lunala, while Mega Scizor handily checks Xerneas, and they can use U-turn to bring Deoxys-A in.
* Entry hazard support is great for wearing down Deoxys-A's checks. Stealth Rock setters like Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy keep Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Yveltal in line. Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Klefki are viable Spikes setters, and while some of them don't fit on offensive teams, they can still pair nicely with Deoxys-A. Skarmory can easily handle Necrozma-DM and Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn can switch into Magearna and support variants of Necrozma-DM, and Klefki can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal for Deoxys-A.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Fire Punch can be used instead of Superpower to OHKO Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn and 2HKO Magearna, but it still fails to 2HKO Necrozma-DM and leaves Deoxys-A walled by Arceus-Dark, Tyranitar, and Chansey.
* Psychic is an alternative STAB option that has the benefit of not lowering Deoxys-A's Special Attack. However, it's much weaker than Psycho Boost, missing out on important benchmarks like OHKOing Primal Groudon and 2HKOing Ho-Oh.
* Thunderbolt can be used instead of Ice Beam to hit specially bulky foes like Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Celesteela super effectively while maintaining the ability to hit Yveltal and Lugia. However, Deoxys-A will be forced to use Psycho Boost and lower its Special Attack in order to pick off weakened foes like Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C.
* Taunt prevents setup sweepers from taking advantage of Deoxys-A once it has used Psycho Boost and stops the use of recovery moves from Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Mega Scizor, Lugia, and support Arceus formes.
* A set with Nasty Plot / Psychic / Dark Pulse / Ice Beam or Thunderbolt equipped with a Focus Sash lets Deoxys-A function as a potent sweeper. However, this set needs Psychic Terrain support to be effective, since its sweep is easily cut short by priority users otherwise.
* A lead set with Stealth Rock / Taunt / Psycho Boost / Knock Off or Low Kick can be considered. This set leads better than Deoxys-S against priority users like Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus, since it avoids the 50/50 situation mind game of whether to use Taunt. It also forces the opponent to let a Pokemon take a lot of damage from Psycho Boost or lead off with a passive Pokemon like Ferrothorn or Alolan Muk that can stand up to its attacks, which Deoxys-A's teammates can take advantage of. However, Deoxys-S generally does a better job as a lead otherwise.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users like Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, Ho-Oh, and Rayquaza outspeed Deoxys-A and can easily revenge kill it due to its frailty. Priority users like Marshadow, Yveltal, Rayquaza, and Extreme Killer Arceus can OHKO Deoxys-A with their attacks.

**Dark-types**: Yveltal revenge kills Deoxys-A either by outspeeding it with a Choice Scarf or by using Sucker Punch, but it doesn't appreciate being hit by Ice Beam on the switch. Arceus-Dark and Chople Berry Tyranitar can survive one Superpower from full health and proceed to OHKO Deoxys-A; Tyranitar can also Pursuit trap Deoxys-A to guarantee its removal. Mega Sableye isn't weak to any of Deoxys-A's coverage options and effortlessly deflects reflects entry hazards from lead variants, but it can be 2HKOed by Ice Beam on the switch. Alolan Muk is a niche but solid answer that avoids the 2HKO from all of Deoxys-A's attacks and can Pursuit trap it or pick it off with Shadow Sneak.

**Necrozma-DM**: Necrozma-DM is 4x resistant resistance to Psychic-type attacks, making makes it a huge nuisance for Deoxys-A, (AC) since it prevents the latter from mindlessly spamming Psycho Boost. Support variants avoid the 2HKO from Dark Pulse and can use Morning Sun to heal off any damage dealt or set Stealth Rock as Deoxys-A is forced out. Offensive variants are 2HKOed by Dark Pulse, but they can easily tank one and proceed to steal momentum from Deoxys-A by using Rock Polish or Trick Room, potentially gaining boosts in the process if holding a Weakness Policy.

**Other Steel-types**: Magearna, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Klefki resist Psycho Boost and aren't weak to Superpower, so Deoxys-A has difficulty breaking past them. Mega Scizor and Celesteela additionally have access to recovery, meaning they cannot easily be worn down. However, Mega Scizor is OHKOed by Fire Punch, and Magearna and Klefki still take substantial damage from Superpower.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[Nayrz, 212134], [Cynara, 224455], [Mysterious M, 284369]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Empress, 175616], [, ]]
 

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