Overview
########
Sporting the highest base Speed in the game, Deoxys-S excels in one particular role within the Ubers environment: setting up entry hazards. Stealth Rock, Spikes, Taunt, and Magic Coat give Deoxys-S all the tools it needs to get up multiple layers of entry hazards as well as deter opposing entry hazards, Taunt, and Defog. Deoxys-S's largest advantage over Deoxys-A as a dedicated lead on offensive teams is its significantly greater bulk, which allows it to set up Stealth Rock in many scenarios where Deoxys-A could not. For example, Mega Kangaskhan's Fake Out easily OHKOes Deoxys-A, but it does not even come close to OHKOing Deoxys-S. Sadly, Deoxys-S lacks much of an offensive presence and is generally very predictable; its stats are decidedly mediocre with the exception of Speed, severely limiting its options. Moreover, as Deoxys-S usually sets up entry hazards and then faints, it often forces the user to play with one less team member, though this is more than worth it if the entry hazards that it sets are maintained and taken advantage of throughout the match. As long as Deoxys-S is used for what it does best, it is an invaluable addition to offensive teams.
Lead
########
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Spikes
move 4: Knock Off / Magic Coat
ability: Pressure
item: Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly / Timid
Moves
========
With the fastest Stealth Rock available, Deoxys-S can support its team from the get-go. Taunt allows Deoxys-S to stop Defog, status moves, and slower Taunts, as well as overzealous setup sweepers. It also allows Deoxys-S to stop opposing entry hazard users, which can be key as Deoxys-S will usually be without Defog or Rapid Spin support of its own. Aside from its Speed, Spikes sets Deoxys-S apart from other Stealth Rock users. Due to the ability to set up multiple layers, the move often pressures the opponent into dealing with Deoxys-S as quickly as possible. Knock Off hits moderately hard and cripples the opponents that it hits for the remainder of the match. However, Magic Coat is a fine option over Knock Off and is particularly useful against Taunt users with Prankster, such as Thundurus and Sableye. It also reflects any status moves or entry hazards back at the user.
Set Details
========
252 Attack EVs allow Knock Off to hit as hard as possible, but the EVs should be moved into HP and Deoxys-S's nature should be changed to Timid if Knock Off is not used. Maximum Speed investment makes Deoxys-S ridiculously fast; it allows Deoxys-S to outspeed most Choice Scarf users while also making it easier to set up entry hazards. A Focus Sash ensures that Deoxys-S can get at least one layer of entry hazards up.
Usage Tips
========
Deoxys-S should be led with most of the time, but if your opponent has a Pokemon that will prevent it from setting up multiple layers of entry hazards, such as Tyranitar, it's often beneficial to bring Deoxys-S in later. Make sure that Taunt is used against potential Defog users only after a layer of entry hazards has been set in case the opponent decides to attack immediately. Additionally, it should be stressed that correct prediction with Taunt and Magic Coat is essential in certain situations, such as against Prankster Taunt users, opposing Deoxys-S, and setup sweepers with priority. If you choose not to use Knock Off, then you should avoid lead matchups with opposing Deoxys-S. Lastly, it might be more important to remove a certain opposing Pokemon's item with Knock Off, such as a Choice Scarf, than to get up an extra layer of entry hazards.
Team Options
========
Type synergy is not very important when selecting teammates for Deoxys-S, as it will be led with, set up entry hazards, and then faint in most matches. However, several Pokemon are particularly good to use alongside Deoxys-S in addition to those that can simply make use of the entry hazards that it sets. Taunt users that can outspeed Arceus such as Darkrai, Mewtwo, and Thundurus are excellent at stopping Defog. Mega Gengar is particularly adept at this, as it can trap opponents, use Taunt, and KO many Defog users, as well as spinblock. Other spinblockers such as Ghost Arceus also pair well with Deoxys-S. It's worth noting that minimizing entry hazard weaknesses within a team is important when using Deoxys-S, as it should be used on offensive teams—such teams usually lack Defog or Rapid Spin support.
Other Options
########
Deoxys-S has many other options. A dual screens set is usable, but such a set is much less effective than in previous generations as a result of the buff to Defog. Psycho Boost is a great attacking option that OHKOes Pokemon that it hits super effectively, such as Gengar. Ice Beam and Extreme Speed can be used for Rayquaza and Deoxys-A, respectively. Superpower usually OHKOes Tyranitar, while Fire Punch deals with Scizor, Genesect, Forretress, and Ferrothorn. Thunder Wave and Toxic are useful for crippling almost any Pokemon, but Deoxys-S has better things to do. Finally, a bulky Rocky Helmet set is an option to surprise anti-leads that rely on contact moves to take out Deoxys-S.
Checks & Counters
########
**Prankster Taunt**: Thundurus, Sableye, and Whimsicott completely shut down Deoxys-S that lack Magic Coat, while forcing those that do have it into a 50/50.
**Defog**: Giratina-O and Scizor immediately threaten Deoxys-S with priority and/or super effective moves and can clear all hazards with Defog once it has fainted. Support Arceus formes with an advantageous type matchup can do so as well.
**Rapid Spin**: Rapid Spin users such as Excadrill and Forretress can remove Deoxys-S's entry hazards once the spinblocker on its team has been eliminated.
**Priority**: Aside from Giratina-O and Scizor, priority users such as Extreme Killer Arceus can limit Deoxys-S to a single layer of entry hazards.
**Multi-Hit Moves**: Cloyster and Scolipede can limit Deoxys-S to one layer of entry hazards with Shell Smash + Icicle Spear and Pin Missile, respectively. Mega Kangaskhan can do the same with Return.
**Tyranitar**: Thanks to Sand Stream, Tyranitar is capable of limiting Deoxys-S to one layer of entry hazards.
**Icy Wind Gengar**: Once again, Gengar with Icy Wind can limit Deoxys-S to a single layer of entry hazards.
**Magic Coat and Magic Bounce**: Without an attacking move, Deoxys-S is completely stopped by Magic Coat and Magic Bounce users. Many are hit super effectively by Knock Off, however.
Overview
########
-So Good
-Access to a wide load of Support Moves!
-Unlike Deo-A, can actually manage to get up rocks against Mega Khan, and
a fair bit more, so when aided by Focus Sash, can usually manage to get up Rocks and one layer of Spikes
-It's job has become significantly harder due to Defog
-Great for HO Teams
-Knock Off received a power buff, and the side effect adds to Deoxys's utility
-Faster than the entire game
-However, Magic Bouncers are really, really rare now, so that's a plus for it
-One trick pony :[, despite having great moves, all its stats are average bar speed, which limits its capabilities
-Sets up hazards and dies, essentially forcing you to play the match with 5 pokemon, totally worth it though if you can abuse the hazards throughout the match
Hazards Lead
########
name: Hazards Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Knock Off / Magic Coat
move 4: Stealth Rock / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
-Stealth Rock is Stealth Rock, however there are still many other very viable pokemon in Ubers who can use Stealth Rocks in conjunction with Spikes that Deoxys-S can set
-Spikes is another good hazard to use after Rocks
-Taunt is there mainly so that defoggers can't just come in and defog away your hazards
-Taunt also prevents other leads from getting Rocks on you, and from Set Up Sweepers from setting up in front of you.
-Knock Off is really nice to knock off any potential items / sashes before Deoxys-S hits the dust
-Magic Coat is good to mess around with other Deoxys-S/Prankster Users/Smeargle and other hazard leads, but is a 50/50 if your opponent is aware of the move
Set Details
========
-Max Speed so fast as possible
-Max Attack so if you chose to use Knock Off, it hits as hard as possible
-If not using any attacks on Deoxys-S, a max HP spread can be used to in rare cases allow it to set up later on in the match
-Max Attack allows Deoxys-S to 2HKO Smeargle when factoring in the power drop once Smeargle is itemless
-Focus Sash almost always ensures that Deoxys-S can get past the first turn.
Usage Tips
========
-Don't always try leading Deoxys-S, especially if the opponent has a a pokemon that will make things difficult for Deo-S (Prankster Taunt / Tyranitar / Magic Bounce and the likes), try to anti lead their anti lead, and bring Deoxys-S back at another time so it can get multiple layers
-In a lead-lead situation when facing a Pokemon who has the potential to use defog, set up rocks, and then taunt to ensure that they aren't removed.
-Prediction is really important when against Prankster Taunt, other Deo-S, and even Extreme Killer Arceus (as if you taunt t1 for fear of SD, and they shadow claw, they can E/S to pick you off, leaving you with no layers)
-In some cases, Knocking Off a pokemons item, for example Choice Scarfers is more additional than getting an extra layer of hazards for your team, even though that is what Deoxys-S mostly does.
Team Options
========
-Something to anti lead Pranksters/Other Deoxys-S (Ekiller/Giratina-O)
-Darkrai can come in after rocks are up and put something to sleep
-Best suited on HO Teams who can put a lot of pressure on your opponents team
-Fast Pokemon utilizing Taunt, Mewtwo / Darkrai / Thundurus-I that can outspeed common taunt users
-Pokemon on your team shouldn't be too weak to Stealth Rock, as teams which utilize Deoxys-S shouldn't run a defogger (as that is counter productive)
-Gothitelle can be used to trap Defoggers and eliminate them, but it requires you to still have Deoxys-S alive to set up rocks after Arceus has defogged them away
-Gengar makes a great teammate, as it can both trap defog users and knock them out, it also has access to taunt, as well as being able to spin block! It's also a good option for HO teams.
Other Options
########
-Dual Screens Set holding Light Clay can be used, but much harder to keep screens up due to Defog
-A bulky Rocky Helmet set can be used as a surprise factor to damage any anti leads that rely on Contact moves to deal with Deoxys-S
-Psycho Boost can be used as a fourth move to damage other potential leads much harder than Knock Off will, but Knock Off's utility of removing the items is really nice
-Thunder Wave can be used to cripple a random Pokemon before Deo-S hits the dust, but doesn't really fit in with Deo-S
-Ice Beam and Extreme Speed can be used to beat Rayquaza and Deoxys-A that try to anti lead you.
-Toxic can cripple Arceus Formes for the rest of the game, or any support pokemon lacking status healing
-Fire Punch destroys Scizor/Gene/Forret (it might fail to get the OHKO on bulky Scizor formes and Foretress however)
Checks & Counters
########
**Prankster Taunt**: Completely shut down leads lacking Magic Coat, while forcing those who have Magic Coat into a 50/50. Prime examples being Thundurus and Sableye.
**Defoggers**: While might not be able to Defog in front of Deoxys-S due to taunt, they can come in after Deoxys-S is knocked out, and Defog away all potential Screens/Hazards.
**Spinners**: Though not used nearly as much, but can be extremely effective as some teams now don't even carry Ghost Type Pokemon on Deoxys-S teams to prevent a spin. Excadril and Kabutops are good examples of spinners who work well with weather to abuse their boosted speed stat to get a spin off.
**Priority**: Priority Users like Giratina-O and Extreme Killer Arceus can knock out Deoxys-S with priority after it has been brought down to its Sash, thus limiting it to one layer. Giratina-O can also even defog away the very hazards Deo-S set.
**Multi Hit Moves**: Pokemon having moves that hit Multiple Times can limit Deoxys-S to only one layer of hazards. Examples being Mega Khan (Fake Out + Taunt), Cloyster, and Scolipede.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can limit to one layer due to sand damage knocking it out after it has been brought down to its Sash.
*Gengar**: With the use of Icy Wind, Gegnar can both lower the speed of Deoxys-S, and break its sash, then KO it in the following turn. Gengar must be wary of Knock Off and Psycho Boost, as Knock Off does around 50% while Psycho Boost will flat out OHKO Gengar.
**Magic Coat**: A surprise Magic Coat can send a Taunt right back to Deoxys-S, stopping it from doing its job, and even a Hazard had it used a Hazard.
########
-So Good
-Access to a wide load of Support Moves!
-Unlike Deo-A, can actually manage to get up rocks against Mega Khan, and
a fair bit more, so when aided by Focus Sash, can usually manage to get up Rocks and one layer of Spikes
-It's job has become significantly harder due to Defog
-Great for HO Teams
-Knock Off received a power buff, and the side effect adds to Deoxys's utility
-Faster than the entire game
-However, Magic Bouncers are really, really rare now, so that's a plus for it
-One trick pony :[, despite having great moves, all its stats are average bar speed, which limits its capabilities
-Sets up hazards and dies, essentially forcing you to play the match with 5 pokemon, totally worth it though if you can abuse the hazards throughout the match
Hazards Lead
########
name: Hazards Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Knock Off / Magic Coat
move 4: Stealth Rock / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
-Stealth Rock is Stealth Rock, however there are still many other very viable pokemon in Ubers who can use Stealth Rocks in conjunction with Spikes that Deoxys-S can set
-Spikes is another good hazard to use after Rocks
-Taunt is there mainly so that defoggers can't just come in and defog away your hazards
-Taunt also prevents other leads from getting Rocks on you, and from Set Up Sweepers from setting up in front of you.
-Knock Off is really nice to knock off any potential items / sashes before Deoxys-S hits the dust
-Magic Coat is good to mess around with other Deoxys-S/Prankster Users/Smeargle and other hazard leads, but is a 50/50 if your opponent is aware of the move
Set Details
========
-Max Speed so fast as possible
-Max Attack so if you chose to use Knock Off, it hits as hard as possible
-If not using any attacks on Deoxys-S, a max HP spread can be used to in rare cases allow it to set up later on in the match
-Max Attack allows Deoxys-S to 2HKO Smeargle when factoring in the power drop once Smeargle is itemless
-Focus Sash almost always ensures that Deoxys-S can get past the first turn.
Usage Tips
========
-Don't always try leading Deoxys-S, especially if the opponent has a a pokemon that will make things difficult for Deo-S (Prankster Taunt / Tyranitar / Magic Bounce and the likes), try to anti lead their anti lead, and bring Deoxys-S back at another time so it can get multiple layers
-In a lead-lead situation when facing a Pokemon who has the potential to use defog, set up rocks, and then taunt to ensure that they aren't removed.
-Prediction is really important when against Prankster Taunt, other Deo-S, and even Extreme Killer Arceus (as if you taunt t1 for fear of SD, and they shadow claw, they can E/S to pick you off, leaving you with no layers)
-In some cases, Knocking Off a pokemons item, for example Choice Scarfers is more additional than getting an extra layer of hazards for your team, even though that is what Deoxys-S mostly does.
Team Options
========
-Something to anti lead Pranksters/Other Deoxys-S (Ekiller/Giratina-O)
-Darkrai can come in after rocks are up and put something to sleep
-Best suited on HO Teams who can put a lot of pressure on your opponents team
-Fast Pokemon utilizing Taunt, Mewtwo / Darkrai / Thundurus-I that can outspeed common taunt users
-Pokemon on your team shouldn't be too weak to Stealth Rock, as teams which utilize Deoxys-S shouldn't run a defogger (as that is counter productive)
-Gothitelle can be used to trap Defoggers and eliminate them, but it requires you to still have Deoxys-S alive to set up rocks after Arceus has defogged them away
-Gengar makes a great teammate, as it can both trap defog users and knock them out, it also has access to taunt, as well as being able to spin block! It's also a good option for HO teams.
Other Options
########
-Dual Screens Set holding Light Clay can be used, but much harder to keep screens up due to Defog
-A bulky Rocky Helmet set can be used as a surprise factor to damage any anti leads that rely on Contact moves to deal with Deoxys-S
-Psycho Boost can be used as a fourth move to damage other potential leads much harder than Knock Off will, but Knock Off's utility of removing the items is really nice
-Thunder Wave can be used to cripple a random Pokemon before Deo-S hits the dust, but doesn't really fit in with Deo-S
-Ice Beam and Extreme Speed can be used to beat Rayquaza and Deoxys-A that try to anti lead you.
-Toxic can cripple Arceus Formes for the rest of the game, or any support pokemon lacking status healing
-Fire Punch destroys Scizor/Gene/Forret (it might fail to get the OHKO on bulky Scizor formes and Foretress however)
Checks & Counters
########
**Prankster Taunt**: Completely shut down leads lacking Magic Coat, while forcing those who have Magic Coat into a 50/50. Prime examples being Thundurus and Sableye.
**Defoggers**: While might not be able to Defog in front of Deoxys-S due to taunt, they can come in after Deoxys-S is knocked out, and Defog away all potential Screens/Hazards.
**Spinners**: Though not used nearly as much, but can be extremely effective as some teams now don't even carry Ghost Type Pokemon on Deoxys-S teams to prevent a spin. Excadril and Kabutops are good examples of spinners who work well with weather to abuse their boosted speed stat to get a spin off.
**Priority**: Priority Users like Giratina-O and Extreme Killer Arceus can knock out Deoxys-S with priority after it has been brought down to its Sash, thus limiting it to one layer. Giratina-O can also even defog away the very hazards Deo-S set.
**Multi Hit Moves**: Pokemon having moves that hit Multiple Times can limit Deoxys-S to only one layer of hazards. Examples being Mega Khan (Fake Out + Taunt), Cloyster, and Scolipede.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can limit to one layer due to sand damage knocking it out after it has been brought down to its Sash.
*Gengar**: With the use of Icy Wind, Gegnar can both lower the speed of Deoxys-S, and break its sash, then KO it in the following turn. Gengar must be wary of Knock Off and Psycho Boost, as Knock Off does around 50% while Psycho Boost will flat out OHKO Gengar.
**Magic Coat**: A surprise Magic Coat can send a Taunt right back to Deoxys-S, stopping it from doing its job, and even a Hazard had it used a Hazard.
Overview
########
- Still a really good hazards lead since it outspeeds everything
- Defog makes it easier for teams to deal with hazards but Taunt can prevent that unlike Rapid Spin
- Knock Off recieved a significant power buff and the side effect adds to Deoxys's utility
- Just sets up hazards and dies so you are pretty much going into the game with only 5 mons. Totally worth it though if you can keep the hazards up long enough and abuse them properly.
Hazards Lead
########
name: Hazards Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Knock Off / Magic Coat
move 4: Stealth Rock / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
- Spikes is an excellent hazard and Deoxys-S is one of the few Pokemon that can set it up easilly
- Taunt stops the enemy from setting up on Deoxys-S or Defogging away its hazards
- Knock Off hits fairly hard and removes the target's item. This helps with Geomancy Xerneas amongst other things as well as opposing leads like Smeargle
- Stealth Rock is another important hazard and Deoxys-S sometimes find the chance to setup both hazards. There are many viable users of this move, though.
- Magic Bounce helps Deoxys-S beat Prankster Taunt users as well as add mindgames when leading off agaisnt other Deoxys-S. (although it's best to avoid that scenario if you can) It can be used over Stealth Rock if you have another teammate to use the move or over Knock Off.
Set Details
========
- Max Attack allows Deoxys-S to 2HKO Smeargle when factoring in the power drop once Smeargle no longer holds an item
- Max Speed allows Deoxys-S to outrun as much as possible and setup as many layers of hazards as possible
- If you aren't using Knock Off the attack evs can be moved to HP
- Focus Sash almost always makes sure that Deoxys-S gets to survive past the first turn
Usage Tips
========
- Lead with it and setup hazards, you rarely do much else
- Try to use team preview so that you don't have a bad lead matchup. If your opponent has a Mega Kangaskhan, odds are he/she is going to lead with it.
- Using Knock Off on a Choice Scarf holder, for example, can sometimes pay off more than an additional layer latter on in the game. Don't forget that Deoxys-S can do more than just lay down Spikes this gen even if that's still mostly the ony thing it does.
Team Options
========
- Fast Taunt users that can outspeed Arceus formes will help in keeping the hazards set by Deoxys-S up.
- Powerful setup sweepers can also disuade the opponent from Defogging and giving your Pokemon an additional turn of setup
- Shadow Tag Pokemon can also be used to trap Defoggers and eliminate them but they will require prediction and/or you still having Deoxys-S around to replace the hazards the Arceus forme will be able to Defog away before falling.
- Otherwise, just have a powerful offensive core to take advantage of the hazards Deoxys-S sets up
Other Options
########
- Toxic cripples arceus formes for the rest of the game
- Fire Punch destroys Scizor, Genesect, and Forretress
- Light Screen and Reflect can help a sweeper setup but generally setting up hazards is a better use of Deoxys-S
- Ice Beam can beat Rayquaza that try to anti-lead
- Extreme Speed can beat Deoxys-A that try to anti-lead as well
Checks & Counters
########
**Magic Coat**: Bounces back hazards and Taunt. Users need to not be vulnerable to Knock Off, however.
**Prankster Taunt**: If Deoxys-S doesn't have Magic Coat, prankster Taunt from the likes of Whimsicott or Thundurus will shut it down.
**Prority**: Strong priority or one used after a U-Turn or a poweful attack like V-Create can limit Deoxys-S to only one layer.
**Multi Hit Attacks**: Strong, muliple hit attacks can break past Focus Sash in a single turn and limit Deoxys-S to a single layer. Cloyster and Mega Kangaskhan are the most common examples.
**Rapid Spin**: Most Deoxys-S can't do much to a Rapid Spinner like Forretress or Excadrill who can easily Rapid Spin away any hazards and quickly KO Deoxys-S with Gyro Ball and Earthquake respectively.
**Residual Damage**: Residual damage from weather like Tyranitar's Sand Storm can finish off a Deoxy-S in the same turn that a strong attack like Crunch of Payback would knock it down to its Focus Sash.
**Defog**: Although Deoxys-S has Taunt, a Defog user can force Deoxys-S into mind games where it forces it to Taunt while the Defog user attacks. Defog can also be used after Deoxys-S has fallen to clear hazards.
########
- Still a really good hazards lead since it outspeeds everything
- Defog makes it easier for teams to deal with hazards but Taunt can prevent that unlike Rapid Spin
- Knock Off recieved a significant power buff and the side effect adds to Deoxys's utility
- Just sets up hazards and dies so you are pretty much going into the game with only 5 mons. Totally worth it though if you can keep the hazards up long enough and abuse them properly.
Hazards Lead
########
name: Hazards Lead
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Knock Off / Magic Coat
move 4: Stealth Rock / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly
Moves
========
- Spikes is an excellent hazard and Deoxys-S is one of the few Pokemon that can set it up easilly
- Taunt stops the enemy from setting up on Deoxys-S or Defogging away its hazards
- Knock Off hits fairly hard and removes the target's item. This helps with Geomancy Xerneas amongst other things as well as opposing leads like Smeargle
- Stealth Rock is another important hazard and Deoxys-S sometimes find the chance to setup both hazards. There are many viable users of this move, though.
- Magic Bounce helps Deoxys-S beat Prankster Taunt users as well as add mindgames when leading off agaisnt other Deoxys-S. (although it's best to avoid that scenario if you can) It can be used over Stealth Rock if you have another teammate to use the move or over Knock Off.
Set Details
========
- Max Attack allows Deoxys-S to 2HKO Smeargle when factoring in the power drop once Smeargle no longer holds an item
- Max Speed allows Deoxys-S to outrun as much as possible and setup as many layers of hazards as possible
- If you aren't using Knock Off the attack evs can be moved to HP
- Focus Sash almost always makes sure that Deoxys-S gets to survive past the first turn
Usage Tips
========
- Lead with it and setup hazards, you rarely do much else
- Try to use team preview so that you don't have a bad lead matchup. If your opponent has a Mega Kangaskhan, odds are he/she is going to lead with it.
- Using Knock Off on a Choice Scarf holder, for example, can sometimes pay off more than an additional layer latter on in the game. Don't forget that Deoxys-S can do more than just lay down Spikes this gen even if that's still mostly the ony thing it does.
Team Options
========
- Fast Taunt users that can outspeed Arceus formes will help in keeping the hazards set by Deoxys-S up.
- Powerful setup sweepers can also disuade the opponent from Defogging and giving your Pokemon an additional turn of setup
- Shadow Tag Pokemon can also be used to trap Defoggers and eliminate them but they will require prediction and/or you still having Deoxys-S around to replace the hazards the Arceus forme will be able to Defog away before falling.
- Otherwise, just have a powerful offensive core to take advantage of the hazards Deoxys-S sets up
Other Options
########
- Toxic cripples arceus formes for the rest of the game
- Fire Punch destroys Scizor, Genesect, and Forretress
- Light Screen and Reflect can help a sweeper setup but generally setting up hazards is a better use of Deoxys-S
- Ice Beam can beat Rayquaza that try to anti-lead
- Extreme Speed can beat Deoxys-A that try to anti-lead as well
Checks & Counters
########
**Magic Coat**: Bounces back hazards and Taunt. Users need to not be vulnerable to Knock Off, however.
**Prankster Taunt**: If Deoxys-S doesn't have Magic Coat, prankster Taunt from the likes of Whimsicott or Thundurus will shut it down.
**Prority**: Strong priority or one used after a U-Turn or a poweful attack like V-Create can limit Deoxys-S to only one layer.
**Multi Hit Attacks**: Strong, muliple hit attacks can break past Focus Sash in a single turn and limit Deoxys-S to a single layer. Cloyster and Mega Kangaskhan are the most common examples.
**Rapid Spin**: Most Deoxys-S can't do much to a Rapid Spinner like Forretress or Excadrill who can easily Rapid Spin away any hazards and quickly KO Deoxys-S with Gyro Ball and Earthquake respectively.
**Residual Damage**: Residual damage from weather like Tyranitar's Sand Storm can finish off a Deoxy-S in the same turn that a strong attack like Crunch of Payback would knock it down to its Focus Sash.
**Defog**: Although Deoxys-S has Taunt, a Defog user can force Deoxys-S into mind games where it forces it to Taunt while the Defog user attacks. Defog can also be used after Deoxys-S has fallen to clear hazards.
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