[Overview]
- Has a great support movepool, including Taunt, Spikes, and Stealth Rock.
- Two base 160 defenses are extremely good, but the low 50 base HP
means Deoxys-D isn't as bulky as its stats would suggest.
- Most of its roles are performed better by its counterpart, Deoxys-s.
- Arrivals of several high power threats, most notably Sazandora and Shanderaa, means that Deoxys-D isn't as durable as it once was.
- Addition of the ability Mischievous Heart makes it hard to for Deoxys-D to set up without getting taunted.
- Nattorei is better in most utility roles.
name: Cosmic Power
move 1: Cosmic Power
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Recover
move 4: Taunt/Substitute
nature: Bold
item: Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP/ 252 Def / 4 SpD
[Set Comments]
Cosmic Power seems to be a move made just for Deoxys-D. Granting a boost to both Defense and Special Defense, the aforementioned move can transform Deoxys-D into a real pain in the neck when used in tandem with Toxic and Recover. With two 160 base defenses, Deoxys-D simply has "stall" written all over its forehead. Taunt and Substitute are two viable options for the last slot, but Taunt is recommended as to prevent Deoxys-D from becoming set-up bait. Despite its mediocre typing and relatively low base HP stat, Cosmic Power Deoxys-D is sure to make many opponents scratch their heads trying to take it out.</p>
[Additional Comments]
With Cosmic Power, Deoxys-D has little to fear - from basically anything. One of its biggest enemies, Tyranitar, rarely runs Attack EVs nowadays, meaning that Deoxys-D doesn't fear Pursuits and Crunches as much as it used to.
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Toxic
move 3: Recover
move 4: Taunt/Ice Beam/Focus Blast
nature: Calm
item: Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP/ 4 Def / 252 SpD
[Set Comments]
This set is a carbon copy of the set Deoxys-D ran last generation, and is really the only reason you should have Deoxys-D on your team if you are considering it at all. Deoxys-D's bulk, respectable speed stat, and access to Taunt are reasons to consider it over Nattorei and Forretress, who also run a similar set. Spikes is Deoxys-D's best way of helping out it's sweeping teammates, limiting the amount of switches your opponent can make. Recover helps preserve Deoxys-D's supposed bulk, and makes it's job easier. Toxic does work when combined with Recover, allowing it to stall out anything that may try to come in and threaten it. The last slot goes to whatever you want Deoxys-D to do along with setting up Spikes. Taunt prevents Deoxys-D from becoming set-up bait, Ice Beam wards off dragons and genies, and Focus Blast surprises any Dark-types that'll try to stop Deoxys-D from setting up. The EV spread given allows Deoxys-D to be as prepared as possible for the Shadow Balls and Dark Pulses that will more often than not be aimed at it, as well as sustain its overall durability.</p>
[Additional Comments]
Deoxys-D can be run in the lead slot, but that is not recommended as Deoxys-s serves as the better lead with it's suicide lead-esque stat spread. This Pokemon works best as a mid-game Spiker, especially on stall or dedicated semi-stall teams. Knock Off may be substituted for Taunt, ruining a lot of Pokemon that rely heavily on their items to play a role for your opponent. Thunder Wave may be used to spread paralysis, but this makes Deoxys-D Taunt bait for the likes of Ononokusu and Sazandora, who will gladly take a couple of free boosts. An alternate spread of 252 HP/ 180 Def/ 78 Spe allows Deoxys-D to survive +1 LO Outrage from neutral Ononokusu, as well as Payback from a +1 Bulk Up Roopushin (calcs pending). This spread, however, makes Deoxys-D a lot more vulnerable to the special attacks that will more likely be aimed at it.
[Optional Changes]
The two sets listed above are really the only reason one should consider using Deoxys-D. There's not too many things it can do without being outperformed by other walls (*cough Nattorei cough*)
Teammates & Counters:
[Teammates]
Spinblockers are to Deoxys-D as candy is to little children. Important. Sableye is easily the best option for this role, as it's part Dark- typing removes the glaring Ghost/Dark weakness shared by Deoxys-D and all other Ghost-types bar Spiritomb. Virtually all sweepers appreciate the entry hazards making their job easier, and so do phazers. Skarmory is a great teammate for Deoxys-D as well, as it resists the many Ghost and Dark-type attacks that will undoubtedly be aimed at Deoxys-D.
[Counters]
Virtually everything with Mischievous Heart, especially Sableye, is a counter to Deoxys-D, as well as anything with more than 90 base speed carrying Taunt. The aforementioned Pokemon prevent Deoxys-D from setting up. Deoxys-A can tear straight through Deoxys-D's defenses as well. The two biggest threats to Deoxys-D are Sazandora and Shanderaa, who don't fear spikes, and unless Deoxys-D runs Taunt, will easily be able to set-up on it. Perhaps the best counter to Deoxys-D is Scizor, who can come in and OHKO with STAB U-Turn, or trap it and 2HKO with Technician Pursuit.
[Dream World]
Deoxys-D has no Dream World ability. Pressure suits its main purpose perfectly.
