Approved by Fireburn
Good Cores for XY Ubers
In Pokemon, the word "core" refers to a group of 2 or more Pokemon that work well together. Whether this be through synergy, coverage or removing each other's counters. There are many cores that have been discovered and proven to work well, and many cores yet to be discovered. Having a solid core is the starting point of building a solid team.
The purpose of this thread is to both discuss cores that work well in the current meta-game, and make a database of cores for anyone to use. All cores posted in this thread will be posted here in the OP, unless they are silly or ineffective. Any cores that have been proven to be successful will be marked with stars on both sides, showing they are superior to the others. If you see any cores that you like, or any cores that you know are effective, be sure to like it! If you see any cores that you think deserve stars, or ones that has stars and don't deserve it, please suggest it!
When sharing cores, please, use this this format:
Offensive Cores
Defensive Cores
The purpose of this thread is to both discuss cores that work well in the current meta-game, and make a database of cores for anyone to use. All cores posted in this thread will be posted here in the OP, unless they are silly or ineffective. Any cores that have been proven to be successful will be marked with stars on both sides, showing they are superior to the others. If you see any cores that you like, or any cores that you know are effective, be sure to like it! If you see any cores that you think deserve stars, or ones that has stars and don't deserve it, please suggest it!
When sharing cores, please, use this this format:
Pokemon Showdown! Format.
[Up to 3 Pokemon can be used, 4 is pushing it, however, if the core is good enough it can be accepted]
Pokemon @ Item
Ability: [Ability]
EVs: Evs / Evs / Evs ~ [HP, Atk, Def, Spa, SDef, Spe]
[Nature] Nature
IVs: [Ivs] ~ (Only If Needed)
- Move 1
- Move 2
- Move 3
- Move 4
Pokemon @ Item
Ability: [Ability]
EVs: Evs / Evs / Evs ~ [HP, Atk, Def, Spa, SDef, Spe]
[Nature] Nature
IVs: [Ivs] ~ (Only If Needed)
- Move 1
- Move 2
- Move 3
- Move 4
In a paragraph, describe how the core works
In a paragraph, describe threats to the core
In a paragraph, describe what pokemon can support the core
[Up to 3 Pokemon can be used, 4 is pushing it, however, if the core is good enough it can be accepted]
Pokemon @ Item
Ability: [Ability]
EVs: Evs / Evs / Evs ~ [HP, Atk, Def, Spa, SDef, Spe]
[Nature] Nature
IVs: [Ivs] ~ (Only If Needed)
- Move 1
- Move 2
- Move 3
- Move 4
Pokemon @ Item
Ability: [Ability]
EVs: Evs / Evs / Evs ~ [HP, Atk, Def, Spa, SDef, Spe]
[Nature] Nature
IVs: [Ivs] ~ (Only If Needed)
- Move 1
- Move 2
- Move 3
- Move 4
In a paragraph, describe how the core works
In a paragraph, describe threats to the core
In a paragraph, describe what pokemon can support the core
Offensive Cores
Ho-Oh @ Choice Band*
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Sacred Fire
- Brave Bird
- Earthquake
- Sleep Talk
Xerneas @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 76 Atk / 248 SAtk / 184 Spd
Rash Nature
- Moonblast
- Megahorn
- Focus Blast
- Rock Slide
This is a solid offensive core that aims to break down an opposing team with Banded Ho-Oh in order to potentially open up a late game clean for Scarf Xerneas. A lot of Xerneas's common checks, such as Scizor and Aegislash, give Ho-Oh a ton of free switches, so Xerneas can be used to force in a counter, then switch to Ho-Oh and abuse the free turn. This is especially nice since it gives Ho-Oh a lot of opportunities to burn its checks, such as Landorus-Therian, and crippling them for the remainder of the match. Ideally, Ho-Oh will eventually overwhelm the opposing team with its staying power and brute force, allowing for Xerneas to clean up the remaining mess with a very spammable move in Moonblast.
This core may have a lot of offensive potency, but it is quite lackluster in terms of defensive synergy and there are many threats to this core. Common threats, like Extreme Killer Arceus, Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Zekrom, and Mewtwo are all quite threatening to this core. However, it should be noted that while this core struggles to switch in to the aforementioned checks, Xerneas has the ability to revenge the majority of them. Ho-Oh can check a lot of stuff, but if rocks are up there are some additional threats, such as Xerneas.
As for good partners, some switch-ins to the above checks tend to help the core defensively. Sun support is always nice, and Groudon is a great partner since it not only provides sun so that Ho-Oh can spam sun-boosted Sacred Fires, but it also can switch in to Zekrom and phaze Extreme Killer Arceus. Also, the core is ironically weak to opposing Ho-Oh because it is one of the few pokemon that can switch in to Xerneas's Moonblast easily and threaten back, while Ho-Oh cannot check itself naturally. This is somewhat alleviated with a prediction using Rock Slide, but it is still useful to have a Ho-Oh switch in. Of course, Ho-Oh greatly appreciates defog support as well. Support Arceus-Rock can provide a switch-in to Ho-Oh and a defogger, while also checking Extreme Killer Arceus which is nice. Entry hazard support is useful since the pokemon in this core are firing off unboosted attacks, so it may help achieve some KOs, but this is true for most cores anyways.
*Note that Jolly CB Ho-Oh is also good, give me some feedback here as to which is a better fit
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Sacred Fire
- Brave Bird
- Earthquake
- Sleep Talk
Xerneas @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 76 Atk / 248 SAtk / 184 Spd
Rash Nature
- Moonblast
- Megahorn
- Focus Blast
- Rock Slide
This is a solid offensive core that aims to break down an opposing team with Banded Ho-Oh in order to potentially open up a late game clean for Scarf Xerneas. A lot of Xerneas's common checks, such as Scizor and Aegislash, give Ho-Oh a ton of free switches, so Xerneas can be used to force in a counter, then switch to Ho-Oh and abuse the free turn. This is especially nice since it gives Ho-Oh a lot of opportunities to burn its checks, such as Landorus-Therian, and crippling them for the remainder of the match. Ideally, Ho-Oh will eventually overwhelm the opposing team with its staying power and brute force, allowing for Xerneas to clean up the remaining mess with a very spammable move in Moonblast.
This core may have a lot of offensive potency, but it is quite lackluster in terms of defensive synergy and there are many threats to this core. Common threats, like Extreme Killer Arceus, Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Zekrom, and Mewtwo are all quite threatening to this core. However, it should be noted that while this core struggles to switch in to the aforementioned checks, Xerneas has the ability to revenge the majority of them. Ho-Oh can check a lot of stuff, but if rocks are up there are some additional threats, such as Xerneas.
As for good partners, some switch-ins to the above checks tend to help the core defensively. Sun support is always nice, and Groudon is a great partner since it not only provides sun so that Ho-Oh can spam sun-boosted Sacred Fires, but it also can switch in to Zekrom and phaze Extreme Killer Arceus. Also, the core is ironically weak to opposing Ho-Oh because it is one of the few pokemon that can switch in to Xerneas's Moonblast easily and threaten back, while Ho-Oh cannot check itself naturally. This is somewhat alleviated with a prediction using Rock Slide, but it is still useful to have a Ho-Oh switch in. Of course, Ho-Oh greatly appreciates defog support as well. Support Arceus-Rock can provide a switch-in to Ho-Oh and a defogger, while also checking Extreme Killer Arceus which is nice. Entry hazard support is useful since the pokemon in this core are firing off unboosted attacks, so it may help achieve some KOs, but this is true for most cores anyways.
*Note that Jolly CB Ho-Oh is also good, give me some feedback here as to which is a better fit
Yveltal @ Black Glasses
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 68 Atk / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 184 Spd
Mild Nature
- U-turn
- Dark Pulse
- Oblivion Wing
- Sucker Punch
Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
- Focus Blast
While some above poster mentioned this core, it unfortunately had the extremely shit scarf Yveltal in it. The key to trap turns efficiency is that it requires less prediction than when using a choiced U-turner. The way Gengar removes bulky fairys for the game is a nightmare to stall. However, it can be tricky going up against a solid Pursuit user like TTar, who you have to hit on the switch in with Focus Blast (if you run it).
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 68 Atk / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 184 Spd
Mild Nature
- U-turn
- Dark Pulse
- Oblivion Wing
- Sucker Punch
Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
- Focus Blast
While some above poster mentioned this core, it unfortunately had the extremely shit scarf Yveltal in it. The key to trap turns efficiency is that it requires less prediction than when using a choiced U-turner. The way Gengar removes bulky fairys for the game is a nightmare to stall. However, it can be tricky going up against a solid Pursuit user like TTar, who you have to hit on the switch in with Focus Blast (if you run it).
Deoxys-Speed @ Light Clay
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Taunt
Groudon @ Lum Berry
Ability: Drought
EVs: 120 HP / 252 Atk / 136 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rock Polish
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
Xerneas @ Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 104 HP / 28 Def / 252 SAtk / 124 Spd
Modest Nature
- Geomancy
- Moonblast
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]
A pretty standard screen offense combination, which is effective especially vs other HO that you manage to get those screens up against. Both Groudon and Xerneas are appreciating the screen support, they are also practically impossible to Defog on. Extremekiller Arceus comes to mind as a mon that pairs up with Groudon well, so it's defintely a welcome addition. Other partners incude the following: Wobbufett can provide further set up opportunities and safeguard, Gengar can remove an annoying wall, and Lucario/Rayquaza can serve as alternative priority users to soft check Xerneas with.
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Reflect
- Light Screen
- Taunt
Groudon @ Lum Berry
Ability: Drought
EVs: 120 HP / 252 Atk / 136 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rock Polish
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
Xerneas @ Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 104 HP / 28 Def / 252 SAtk / 124 Spd
Modest Nature
- Geomancy
- Moonblast
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]
A pretty standard screen offense combination, which is effective especially vs other HO that you manage to get those screens up against. Both Groudon and Xerneas are appreciating the screen support, they are also practically impossible to Defog on. Extremekiller Arceus comes to mind as a mon that pairs up with Groudon well, so it's defintely a welcome addition. Other partners incude the following: Wobbufett can provide further set up opportunities and safeguard, Gengar can remove an annoying wall, and Lucario/Rayquaza can serve as alternative priority users to soft check Xerneas with.
Defensive Cores
Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SDef / 32 Spd
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Iron Head
- Thunder Wave
Yveltal @ Leftovers
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 224 HP / 100 Def / 184 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Taunt
- Toxic
Palkia @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 84 SDef / 176 Spd
Calm Nature
- Toxic
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Spacial Rend / Surf
This core functions around Toxic + Wish stalling between three synergetic pokémon who between the three of them can check/counter three massive Uber threats. Jirachi is the center of the core providing strong Wishes for both Palkia and Yveltal on a switch in. Thunder Wave is there mostly for the purpose of stopping GeoXern leaving it open to revenge killing from a team mate or a death by Iron Head. Protect is for scouting and definite Wish healing. Yveltal appreciates being able to switch in on Rocks and regain his HP. Functioning as the Defensive check for the core he can successfully come in and kill off large threats such as Ho-Oh, EKiller, Landorus, and others with Foul Play. Toxic is there to provide residual damage through WishStalling. Roost is Yveltal's own form of healing so that he is not entirely Wish dependent. Taunt works well against Support mons and Walls. Palkia provides a much needed counter to Kyogre, also being able to Toxic and RestTalk stall. Spacial Rend or Surf is used in case of Taunt, or to finish off an opponent.
Mega-Blaziken: Mega Chicken is able to Low Kick / Flare Blitz it's way to victory through these three mons. Yveltal cannot safely switch in, requiring a sack to bring it in which just wears down the TriCore.
Mega-Lucario: Mega Luke is a strong bastard, capable of destroying all three of these mons with Close Combat (although Yveltal may survive one CC[Too lazy to calc]).
SubGeoXern: SubGeo Xerneas can evade Jirachi's Thunder Wave allowing it to wear down Jirachi and then sweep through Palkia and Yveltal with ease.
Teammates who appreciate this core would be a vast majority of sweepers who have trouble dealing with threats, or revenge killers who like to come in and clean up once the core has eaten away at the opponent's team. An additional option would be using wall breakers such as MMX or Zekrom to break down opposing walls and leave this core able to wall the opponent's team completely
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SDef / 32 Spd
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Iron Head
- Thunder Wave
Yveltal @ Leftovers
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 224 HP / 100 Def / 184 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Taunt
- Toxic
Palkia @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 84 SDef / 176 Spd
Calm Nature
- Toxic
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Spacial Rend / Surf
This core functions around Toxic + Wish stalling between three synergetic pokémon who between the three of them can check/counter three massive Uber threats. Jirachi is the center of the core providing strong Wishes for both Palkia and Yveltal on a switch in. Thunder Wave is there mostly for the purpose of stopping GeoXern leaving it open to revenge killing from a team mate or a death by Iron Head. Protect is for scouting and definite Wish healing. Yveltal appreciates being able to switch in on Rocks and regain his HP. Functioning as the Defensive check for the core he can successfully come in and kill off large threats such as Ho-Oh, EKiller, Landorus, and others with Foul Play. Toxic is there to provide residual damage through WishStalling. Roost is Yveltal's own form of healing so that he is not entirely Wish dependent. Taunt works well against Support mons and Walls. Palkia provides a much needed counter to Kyogre, also being able to Toxic and RestTalk stall. Spacial Rend or Surf is used in case of Taunt, or to finish off an opponent.
Mega-Blaziken: Mega Chicken is able to Low Kick / Flare Blitz it's way to victory through these three mons. Yveltal cannot safely switch in, requiring a sack to bring it in which just wears down the TriCore.
Mega-Lucario: Mega Luke is a strong bastard, capable of destroying all three of these mons with Close Combat (although Yveltal may survive one CC[Too lazy to calc]).
SubGeoXern: SubGeo Xerneas can evade Jirachi's Thunder Wave allowing it to wear down Jirachi and then sweep through Palkia and Yveltal with ease.
Teammates who appreciate this core would be a vast majority of sweepers who have trouble dealing with threats, or revenge killers who like to come in and clean up once the core has eaten away at the opponent's team. An additional option would be using wall breakers such as MMX or Zekrom to break down opposing walls and leave this core able to wall the opponent's team completely
Sylveon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SDef
Calm Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Heal Bell
- Hyper Voice
Lugia @ Leftovers
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 248 HP / 228 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature
- Toxic
- Roost
- Substitute
- Whirlwind
Arceus-Grass @ Meadow Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 144 SDef / 112 Spd
Timid Nature
- Judgment
- Recover
- Defog
- Will-O-Wisp
Realistically a pursuit Scizor or something similar must be used to support this core. I'd still dub it a core as when given the correct support, it walls a bunch of different threats courtesy of the ever so amazing Lugia when supported by Defog and Heal Bell is just a beast. A ground type like Lando-T is also useful for taking on Zekrom much easier, and Kyogre's rain can give a nice boost to a potential sdef addition Scizor when checking HP Fire Gengar and Xerneas.
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SDef
Calm Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Heal Bell
- Hyper Voice
Lugia @ Leftovers
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 248 HP / 228 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature
- Toxic
- Roost
- Substitute
- Whirlwind
Arceus-Grass @ Meadow Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 144 SDef / 112 Spd
Timid Nature
- Judgment
- Recover
- Defog
- Will-O-Wisp
Realistically a pursuit Scizor or something similar must be used to support this core. I'd still dub it a core as when given the correct support, it walls a bunch of different threats courtesy of the ever so amazing Lugia when supported by Defog and Heal Bell is just a beast. A ground type like Lando-T is also useful for taking on Zekrom much easier, and Kyogre's rain can give a nice boost to a potential sdef addition Scizor when checking HP Fire Gengar and Xerneas.
Arceus-Poison @ Toxic Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 48 SDef / 96 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Poison Jab
- Will-O-Wisp
- Defog
- Recover
Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Toxic
Palkia @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SDef / 8 Spd
Calm Nature
- Surf
- Rest
- Toxic
- Sleep Talk
A litte more unorthodox, nevertheless efficient core I've been using quite a bit. With three mons that don't mind Toxic and 2 that don't mind burns, this combination will fare pretty well against stall for a balanced core. It checks most threats in the metagame quite well: Kyogre, Ho-oh, grounds, Xerneas are all pretty easy to handle. Arceus-Normal, Yveltal and especially Mewtwo are way more troublesoem so stuff like defensive Yveltal, scarf Xerneas and Sableye are all pretty good additions to this.
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 48 SDef / 96 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Poison Jab
- Will-O-Wisp
- Defog
- Recover
Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Toxic
Palkia @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SDef / 8 Spd
Calm Nature
- Surf
- Rest
- Toxic
- Sleep Talk
A litte more unorthodox, nevertheless efficient core I've been using quite a bit. With three mons that don't mind Toxic and 2 that don't mind burns, this combination will fare pretty well against stall for a balanced core. It checks most threats in the metagame quite well: Kyogre, Ho-oh, grounds, Xerneas are all pretty easy to handle. Arceus-Normal, Yveltal and especially Mewtwo are way more troublesoem so stuff like defensive Yveltal, scarf Xerneas and Sableye are all pretty good additions to this.
Kyogre @ Leftovers
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 SDef / 248 HP / 8 Spd
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Roar
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 208 HP / 252 Def / 48 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Spikes
- Toxic
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball
This can be seen as an alternative to the Klefki core above, but it has some interesting perks on its own- Kyogre having roar to abuse spikes being one of them. With double specially defensive walls, even HP Fire Xerneas can be managed. Keep in mind to play smart vs any Xerneas variant as you lack the insurance that Klefki can bring. Ferrothorn and Lando-T makes the core Zekrom-proof while Kyogre adds an efficient status sponge and Darkrai check. Problematic for this core is Ho-oh, Yveltal overloading tactics, gen5 Palkia as well as mixed MMX so a bulky Arceus handling a few of these is rather nice. Shed Shell Blissey can also help somewhat if you choose to rearrange the Kyogre set a bit.
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 SDef / 248 HP / 8 Spd
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Roar
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 208 HP / 252 Def / 48 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Spikes
- Toxic
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball
This can be seen as an alternative to the Klefki core above, but it has some interesting perks on its own- Kyogre having roar to abuse spikes being one of them. With double specially defensive walls, even HP Fire Xerneas can be managed. Keep in mind to play smart vs any Xerneas variant as you lack the insurance that Klefki can bring. Ferrothorn and Lando-T makes the core Zekrom-proof while Kyogre adds an efficient status sponge and Darkrai check. Problematic for this core is Ho-oh, Yveltal overloading tactics, gen5 Palkia as well as mixed MMX so a bulky Arceus handling a few of these is rather nice. Shed Shell Blissey can also help somewhat if you choose to rearrange the Kyogre set a bit.
Klefki @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SDef
Careful Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Toxic
- Play Rough
- Spikes
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 208 HP / 252 Def / 48 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Palkia @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 52 HP / 204 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Rest
- Hydro Pump
- Spacial Rend
Klefki is an interesting mon, and as we all know it does a great job of checking offensive Xerneas variants. The core is pretty straightforward, and handles most of the metagame which is very cool. Among stuff it needs is a better E-killer check and a way to break stall quickly. A defog Arceus like Grass+cleric will prove to be very bad match up for this core alone, so Mega-Gengar becomes a natural good partner (hence why I prefer U-turn on Landorous-T) as it has a fast taunt and can hopefully remove the defog Arceus troubling you. Having this dedicated Xerneas check gives you a little more freedom in building the rest of the team- suddenly Xerneas prone mons like Arceus-Dark and Sableye are nice options you can use with little trouble!
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SDef
Careful Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Toxic
- Play Rough
- Spikes
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 208 HP / 252 Def / 48 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
Palkia @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 52 HP / 204 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Rest
- Hydro Pump
- Spacial Rend
Klefki is an interesting mon, and as we all know it does a great job of checking offensive Xerneas variants. The core is pretty straightforward, and handles most of the metagame which is very cool. Among stuff it needs is a better E-killer check and a way to break stall quickly. A defog Arceus like Grass+cleric will prove to be very bad match up for this core alone, so Mega-Gengar becomes a natural good partner (hence why I prefer U-turn on Landorous-T) as it has a fast taunt and can hopefully remove the defog Arceus troubling you. Having this dedicated Xerneas check gives you a little more freedom in building the rest of the team- suddenly Xerneas prone mons like Arceus-Dark and Sableye are nice options you can use with little trouble!
Groudon @ Leftovers
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Roar
Ho-Oh @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Atk / 40 SDef / 76 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Sacred Fire
- Brave Bird
- Thunder Wave
- Roost
Arceus-Water @ Splash Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 56 Spd / 200 SDef / 252 HP
Calm Nature
- Judgment
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Defog
Everyone knows how powerful Life Orb Ho-oh is when there no rocks on the field. While this is a pretty old school type of core that gets a lot of shit for no reason nowadays, I honestly think that just like any core it will have its good and bad match ups: the good being most balance and even offense while the bad is Shadow Tag and stall. Blaziken is a nice partner on any sun offense, it doubles up on the physical side with Ho-oh to blow massive holes in the opposition.
Arceus-Water can be replaced by Palkia, but I prefer having the most optimal sun defoger possible, most others have very detrimental weaknesses.
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spd
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Roar
Ho-Oh @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Atk / 40 SDef / 76 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Sacred Fire
- Brave Bird
- Thunder Wave
- Roost
Arceus-Water @ Splash Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 56 Spd / 200 SDef / 252 HP
Calm Nature
- Judgment
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Defog
Everyone knows how powerful Life Orb Ho-oh is when there no rocks on the field. While this is a pretty old school type of core that gets a lot of shit for no reason nowadays, I honestly think that just like any core it will have its good and bad match ups: the good being most balance and even offense while the bad is Shadow Tag and stall. Blaziken is a nice partner on any sun offense, it doubles up on the physical side with Ho-oh to blow massive holes in the opposition.
Arceus-Water can be replaced by Palkia, but I prefer having the most optimal sun defoger possible, most others have very detrimental weaknesses.
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