[OVERVIEW]
Primal Groudon is a powerful bulky attacker in the metagame when equipped with Red Orb, which leaves it with only a Ground-type weakness and STAB V-Create that can tear through relatively bulky targets that take neutral damage, such as Mega Audino, Xerneas, and Mega Mewtwo Y, with ease [QC change] PDon actually deletes everything unless the mon resists and is very bulky, maybe change "tear through" to OHKO, also MMY doesn't have great physical bulk so at least replace with MMX [End QC change]. It is also offensively versatile, with a wide choice of viable moves such as Fleur Cannon and Bolt Strike that can lure otherwise reliable checks such as Giratina and Celesteela respectively. Its 180 attack and 150 special attack are excellent for mixed attacking sets as well, and Desolate Land allows it to viably use a wide array of Fire-type moves [QC change] It usually only uses V-create so I wouldn't say "wide array" of Fire moves [End QC change]. it has a high Defense stat which lets it avoid being OHKOed by powerful physical attackers such as Regigigas and Mega Mewtwo-X and strongly retaliate. [QC change] PDon's defensive utility is being undersold here, excellent typing and solid bulk with Desolate Land and strong damage output lets it check threats like Mega Diancie, Primal Kyogre, and Xerneas. Mention something along the lines of typing and ability. [End QC change] It is initially quite slow, so it struggles against Pokemon on offensive teams such as Mega Mewtwo-Y and Mega Gengar that outspeed it and threaten its weaker special bulk [QC change] Mega Gengar doesn't OHKO and "offensive teams" makes it sound like MMY and MGar aren't seen on Balance, which they are, rephrase and include something else like Kyurem-White over Mega Gengar [End QC change]. It is normally checked by some ubiquidous defensive Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Giratina, but can bypass them with the appropriate moves on mixed sets [QC change] It isn't easy for PDon to properly lure and beat ZygTina especially when a lot of them are Pranksters, however they can be easily predicted and abused [End QC change]. Offensive Groudon sets must have reliable imposter-proofing support thanks to the sheer power behind their moves and inability to run viable Imposter lure sets. Otherwise Imposter can easily sweep through the rest of the user's team [QC change] Imposter being threatening to setup bulkier sweepers is a known fact, and most setup sweepers are very strong, is there something special about Offensive PDon sets? Otherwise delete [End QC change]. It is fairly one-dimensional, as its Item and Ability are restricted to the Red Orb and Desolate Land, though it still carries staggering power despite those limitations.
[SET] [QC change] Change the set to
name: Defensive
move 1: V-create
move 2: Shore Up
move 3: Stealth Rock / Bolt Strike
move 4: Anchor Shot / Will-o-Wisp
item: Red Orb
ability: Intimidate / Electric Surge / Download
and rearrange the move description section to match the order [End QC change]
name: Defensive Trapper
move 1: Anchor Shot
move 2: V-create
move 3: Bolt Strike
move 4: Shore Up
item: Red Orb
ability: Electric Surge
nature: Impish / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Anchor Shot traps some defensive switch-ins, such as Primordial Sea Celesteela, Mega Slowbro, and Ho-Oh, preventing them from escaping the follow-up move. It also threatens to trap Imposter users, preventing them from safely switching or staying in against Groudon. V-Create deals heavy damage to targets who take neutral damage such as Dialga, Mega Audino, and Xerneas, usually outright OHKOing them [QC change] Mention how it OHKOs offensive mons to check them well [End QC change]. Bolt Strike deals heavy damage to Mega Slowbro, Celesteela, Ho-Oh, and other Fire-immune Steel types. When boosted by Electric Terrain, Bolt Strike is a 2hKO against Mega Slowbro. Shore Up keeps Groudon's HP high, letting it continually check threatening Pokemon such as Regigigas and Mega Diancie for its team. It has double the PP of Morning Sun, making it preferable for longer games. Volt Switch lets Groudon retain momentum against standard defensive answers it cannot beat such as Giratina and Flash Fire Steel-types, to maintain offensive pressure [QC change] Delete, Volt Switch isn't common enough [End QC change]. [QC change] Add the descriptions for the other moves, mention other options that aren't on the movelist such as Fire Lash, Knock Off, and Ground STAB. [End QC change].
Set Details
========
Electric Surge is the pre-Primal ability of choice because it powers up Bolt Strike and Volt Switch, letting Groudon hit harder with those moves, and protects Groudon from being put to sleep. [QC change] Add ability descriptions to new abilities [End QC change]. Red Orb gives Groudon a far more useful defensive typing, higher physical bulk, and far more power behind its attacks. An Impish nature is preferred to bolster Groudon's Defense against boosted and super-effective hits such as Mega Diancie's Precipice Blades and Mega Mewtwo X's Low Kick [QC change] Low Kick isn't super effective and neither of these examples are boosted, rephrase [End QC change]. A Careful Nature allows it to handle mega Diancies Boomburst better, but results in Groudon having a chance to be 2HKOed by Precipice Blades on the switch.
Usage Tips
========
This Groudon set usually plays as a defensive pivot by forcing a switch that its teammates can then capitalize on. In the early game, Anchor Shot is a risk-free move to click, as the only common Pokemon that can safely avoid being trapped are Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Flash Fire Aegislash. Giratina is a fairly passive Pokemon and Aegislash cannot risk a possible Ground-Type attack. Most other switch-ins can easily be trapped and then removed next turn [QC change] Only with Bolt Strike, mention scouting for Bounce (Using Imposter or Will-o-Wisp) and then discuss how Rocks is a good move to click to punish good switch-ins that take V-create. [End QC change]. Be mindful of the low PP of V-Create and Bolt Strike, as after either are used up, Groudon becomes far easier to switch into for the opponent. Once you know Groudon's standard switchins, you can Volt Switch or double switch out to something that threatens the switch-in to keep unrelenting pressure [QC change] Remove Volt Switch Mention, change to setup rocks for free if possible [End QC change]. If you need Groudon to check threatening Pokemon such as Mega Diancie, Mega Mewtwo X [QC change] MMX is not checked by PDon [End QC change], Mega Beedrill, or Regigigas, play more carefully with it and ensure that its HP stays high enough to take them on.
Team Options
========
This set fits on many balance teams thanks to its ability to force predictable switches. Powerful special or mixed wallbreakers, such as Choice Specs Mega Diancie and Refrigerate Mega Mewtwo X can threaten Groudon's common checks such as Shedinja, Zygarde-C, Mega Garchomp, and Giratina, and appreciate Groudon trapping and KOing their standard defensive answers such as Soundproof Mega Slowbro and Celesteela. Setup Checks such as Unaware Yveltal, Prankster Haze Registeel, or Choice Scarf Imposter can give the team a safety net against unexpected setup, allowing Groudon to play more defensively against setup-heavy teams. Bulky Stealth Rock users such as Mega Audino and Giratina can help rack up residual damage as Groudon forces many switches and prevent Shedinja from switching in freely. RegenVest Pokemon, such as Dialga and Primal Kyogre, appreciate Groudon trapping Imposters, and in return help check special attackers. They can also pivot Groudon in safely with U-Turn. Poison Heal users such as Mega Tyranitar and Regigigas provide an additional layer of protection against status and can use Pokemon that Groudon has weakened to facilitate their setup.
[QC change] This section needs a pretty big revamp, the wallbreakers are good but mention specific wallbreakers that PDon can improof (like Mega Diancie and possibly Primal Kyogre/Ashninja), setup checks is important but use more relevant anti setup mons, you don't really need Rocks user since PDon has Rocks first slash, RegenVest help with special attacks but they aren't very good in the meta and Shell Imposter is a thing, PH users is ok but where is Xerneas (beats the Dragons, sets up spikes to chip them, likes Groudon weakening/checking its checks like Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Steels). Mention an Imposter-proof (Bouncer that takes V-creates). Mention Knock Off users to remove Shed Shell if PDon is Anchor. Mention something to punish FF users.[End QC change]
[SET] [QC change] I don't think this set is good at all in the meta, it's just inferior to the first set, loses to every ZygTina set, and is Imposter bait, delete [End QC change]
name: Tank
move 1: Shift Gear / Stealth Rock
move 2: V-Create / Sacred Fire
move 3: Morning Sun
move 4: Thousand Arrows / Precipice Blades
item: Red Orb
ability: Misty Surge / Grassy Surge / Download
nature: Adamant / Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 Spd / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shift gear boosts Groudon's speed, allowing it to outspeed all unboosted Pokemon including all Choice Scarf users with 120 Speed or less, while also boosting its offenses to a level where it can outspeed offensive Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo-Y and Mega Gengar and OHKO bulkier foes without using V-Create. Stealth Rock punishes the many switchins Groudon forces and the threat of V-Create scares Magic Bounce Pokemon that do not resist fire, such as Mega Audino and Dialga. However, Giratina and Zygarde-C often run magic Bounce and can switch into this set easily, so Groudon will find it difficult to set up Stealth Rock against them. V-Create is a devastatingly strong Fire attack backed up by STAB and Desolate land, able to OHKO almost anything that takes Neutral damage from it. It is not 100% accurate and lowers Groudon's Speed and defenses, which can force Groudon to switch out, but the possible ohkos are worth it. Sacred Fire is an alternative to V-Create that does not force out Primal Groudon after a few uses. It is far less powerful, though it also can spread burns once Misty Surge is not up, which threatens Shedinja that would try to switch in. Morning sun heals two thirds of Groudon's HP and lets it stay in longer or consistently check Pokemon such as Mega Diancie. Thousand Arrows is a moderately strong STAB move, hitting Mega Diancie and many Flash Fire Steel-types for high damage. It can hit Pokemon with a Ground immunity, such as Flash Fire Celesteela. However, it limits Primal Groudon's Imposter-proofing options. Precipice Blades is another option that is considerably more powerful, guaranteeing the OHKO on full HP Registeel and having a chance to 2hKO Flash Fire Ferrothorn if Groudon runs an Adamant Nature. Its accuracy is shaky though, and it cannot hit Flying-types. Fire Lash is another option for Fire-type coverage on Misty Surge sets that has far more PP and can force switches, racking up entry hazard damage and softening up defensive answers throughout the game. It is extremely weak without hazard support, doing less damage over two turns than Sacred Fire to a target that does not switch out. It also makes Groudon far easier to switch into because of the absence of V-Create.
Set Details
========
An Adamant nature maximizes Primal Groudon's power, which lets it reach some damage benchmarks such as a guaranteed KO on Regigigas with V-Create at +0 and a guaranteed KO against Mega Diancie with +0 Thousand Arrows. You may also consider running an Impish nature instead, which gives Groudon a bit of extra physical bulk. This allows it to tank some physical hits better such as Regigigas's +1 Facade after Stealth Rock and Mega Diancie's Precipice Blades, which cannot 2HKO. Red Orb allows Groudon to primal revert, giving it a stat boost and the Desolate Land ability. It also has the side benefits of making Groudon immune to Trick and taking reduced damage from Knock Off. Misty Surge activates Misty Terrain when Groudon is first sent out, protecting it from status moves such as Spore and the Toxic poison from Poison Fang. It also halves the damage of Core Enforcer, which is often employed against it, and prevents Poison Heal users' Toxic Orbs from activating, forcing them out. If running Sacred Fire, Grassy Surge allows it to still spread burns and recover some hp for a few turns. On more offense-minded teams, Download is a possible option to give a +1 boost to an offensive stat, though if Groudon gets a special attack boost, Groudon cannot use it. A +1 V-Create is strong enough to have a chance to 2hKO Giratina with Stealth Rock damage, if they are not running Fur Coat or Prankster. Unfortunately most of Groudon's standard switch-ins run Spectral Thief or Haze, making Download boosts short-lived much of the time.
Usage Tips
========
This Groudon set can be played both defensively as a check to some dangerous attackers such as Mega Diancie, Pheromosa, and Kartana choice-locked into a move that is not Ground-type, and offensively as a bulky setup sweeper if one opts for Shift Gear. If running Stealth Rock, it is important to scout for Magic Bounce Pokemon such as Giratina before setting it up. It may be almost impossible to get Stealth Rock set up if the Magic Bounce Pokemon can counter your set, even with a Sacred Fire burn. Remember to keep Groudon healthy and status-free if you need it to check something, and do not rely on Groudon to check more than one threat to your team if possible. Morning Sun and V-Create have only 8 pp each, leaving Groudon vulnerable to PP stalling. If you can afford to play more offensively, send out Groudon against a Pokemon that it threatens out such as a Steel-type, so that it can get a free attack off or double switch into a wallbreaker that is effective against its check. For example, you might pivot into Groudon on the opponent's switch-in to Registeel, then hard switch to Mega Diancie predicting your opponent to switch to a bulky Dragon. Against defensive teams, wait to set up Shift Gear until checks are in KO range at +1, as most Defensive Pokemon run Spectral Thief or other setup control moves to frustrate Groudon's efforts. many offensive teams do not have a reliable switchin to Groudon's devastatingly powerful moves. Bringing Groudon in against a Pokemon it can OHKO will force the opponent to make a difficult decision on what to sacrifice. Wait to set up until you are reasonably sure that checks such as powerful Priority users and fast Scarfers are gone. scout for Ground-type coverage, which deals super-effective damage against Primal Groudon. Mega Garchomp, Mega Mewtwo-Y, and Kartana often carry it and can outspeed it if Groudon has no speed boosts. Special attackers are also dangerous and Groudon should avoid confronting them if possible.
Team Options
========
This set fits best on bulky offensive teams that want a check to some specific attackers like Mega Diancie and Pheromosa and a wallbreaker in a single teamslot, that also has potential to do some late-game sweeping with Shift Gear. Physically defensive Pokemon with a Fire Resistance such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, or mega Slowbro can imposterproof Groudon, set up entry hazards, and pivot Groudon in safely with a slow U-Turn. If running Stealth Rock, Magic Bounce is useful so that Stealth Rock stays off your side of the field. A less conventional option is Primordial Sea Celesteela, which completely walls Precipice Blades sets and forces the Imposter out with the thread of Scald, though an Imposter can set up Stealth Rock reliably as you switch into Celesteela if Groudon runs the move. Bulky Entry Hazard removers such as Assault Vest Dialga with Rapid Spin or Defog Mega Audino allow Groudon to tank the hits it is supposed to and preserve its recovery pp, as it is vulnerable to every Entry Hazard. Groudon is weak to special -ate users and Poison Heal users such as Regigigas and Xerneas, which can put it to sleep after Misty Surge has expired. A Flash Fire Steel-type such as Registeel, Ferrothorn, or Aegislash can switch into these threats and neutralize them. With Anchor Shot, Registeel and Ferrothorn can trap and PP stall Imposter users that switch into them, which aids Groudon by removing a very troublesome threat to it. Checks to Special Attackers such as bulky Assault Vest users, Sand Stream Rock-types, or Fur Coat Chansey are helpful because Groudon cannot survive strong Special Attacks. Sand Stream can also scare Shedinja from switching into Primal Groudon's attacks because a double switch could cause it to faint to Sand damage.
Offensive pokemon like the mega mewtwos or Mold Breaker Mega Gengar can Remove sturdy Shedinja and they can also help to break through physically bulky Pokemon. An -Ate user such as mega Diancie or kyurem-Black helps you break Giratina and Zygarde-c with Boomburst. It can also force out offensive Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Sceptile by threatening a revenge KO from Extreme Speed, if the offensive Pokemon do not carry anti-priority abilities. In return, Groudon threatens Steel-types that would wall the -ate user. Groudon also can work as an Imposterproof to a Pixilate Mega Diancie set without Ground-type coverage. some physical wallbreakers such as Mega Beedrill and Pheromosa can lure and defeat physical walls that Primal Groudon finds troublesome, such as Giratina and Zygarde-c (with Ice Hammer), Shedinja (with Sunsteel Strike), and Mega Slowbro (with Bolt Strike). Primal Groudon can work as an able Imposterproof to these sets. Fast Pokemon such as Choice Band Pheramosa and Choice Scarf Adaptability Mega Gengar can also check Mega Mewtwo forms, Deoxys-Attack, and Mega Sceptile. All of these Pokemon can hit Groudon hard with Special attacks. [QC change] Delete up to here [End QC change]
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: V-Create
move 3: Thousand Arrows / Precipice Blades / Bolt Strike [QC change] Remove Bolt Strike and Slash Power Trip (I think second slot is fine), Power Trip smacks Mega Slowbro, Giratina, FF Steels, etc. [End QC change]
move 4: Fleur Cannon / Ice Beam
item: Red Orb
ability: Download / Electric Surge
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash sets Groudon up to sweep the opposing team and outspeed the entire unboosted metagame. +2 Precipice Blades is a guaranteed OHKO against Mega Mewtwo forms, sparing Groudon from having to use V-Create. +2 Fleur Cannon has a chance to OHKO non-Assault Vest Giratina after Stealth Rock, and guarantees the OHKO on any Zygarde-C set with Ice Beam [QC change] GP thing but second half of sentence isn't grammatically correct [End QC change]. V-Create deals enormous damage to targets neutral to it such as Mega Audino and Arceus, and at +2 can even land OHKOs on targets that resist it after minimal chip such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Gyarados [QC change] PDon doesn't need chip to OHKO them at +2 [End QC change]. However, The speed- and Defense-lowering effects leave Groudon slightly more vulnerable to revenge KOs from Choice Scarf and Priority users. Thousand Arrows allows Groudon to hit Flying-types with its STAB move and has respectable power at +2. Precipice Blades has a noticeably higher damage output against bulky neutral targets such as Flash Fire Ferrothorn, but cannot hit Flying-types, which may allow a daring opponent to more easily pivot with immunities. Its accuracy is also imperfect. Alternatively, Bolt Strike can be used to lure and OHKO Primal Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Mega Slowbro, and yveltal without lowering stats, but Groudon then loses a strong STAB move [QC change] Change to Power Trip [End QC change]. Fleur cannon is the best move to complement Fire-type coverage, severely damaging physically defensive Pokemon that can take Thousand Arrows and V-Create such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Slowbro. Ice Beam is viable alongside Bolt Strike [QC change] Power Trip [End QC change], as it hits Dragon- and Ground-types supereffectively and gives Groudon pseudo bolt-beam coverage which hits almost all threats at least neutrally without dropping Special Attack, notably OHKOing Zygarde-C at +2 regardless of Zygarde's set. However, Groudon loses the ability to OHKO Fur Coat Giratina without significant chip damage at +2 [QC change] Huh, PDon never OHKOed FC Tina anyways and Fleur Cannon isn't affected by FC? and FC Tina isn't a viable option anyways [End QC change]. [QC change] Mention Core Enforcer as an option to beat Prankster Dragon [End QC change]. Bonemerang is another niche option that allows Groudon to break through Focus Sash and Substitute users, but it is only marginally more powerful than Thousand Arrows and has less accuracy. Moongeist Beam is an option to retain coverage against Giratina and hit Sturdy Shedinja, but the inability to KO common checks (especially Zygarde-C) is a very high opportunity cost [QC change] Moongeist is not viable [End QC change].
Set Details
========
It is best to use a Naughty nature so that Groudon's offenses are not degraded. Most priority moves are physical and Groudon can tank a few if it's healthy. Groudon is still able to outspeed Pokemon with a base speed of 140, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, after a speed drop from V-Create. Groudon is still able to survive Special priority moves. Red orb is mandatory to primal revert and increase Groudon's Attack, Defense, and subpar Special Attack. Download gives Groudon a boost to one of its offensive stats, in case the power from Shell Smash isn't enough. This is enough to OHKO all variants of Giratina after a Shell Smash at +3 Special Attack except Assault Vest ones with Fleur Cannon, which can still be KOed after Stealth Rock damage. +3 Attack allows Groudon to KO non Fur Coat Giratina with Precipice Blades. Electric Surge is the ability of choice when used alongside bolt strike to set up Electric Terrain which helps achieve KOs against Mega Slowbro, Flash Fire Steel-types, and ho-oh. It blocks sleep as well, giving Groudon more setup opportunities.
Usage Tips
========
This set operates mainly as a late-game sweeper, but against teams without reliable checks, it can be used as a wallbreaker or an emergency check to a physical attacker. It is a good idea to keep Groudon healthy enough to take priority moves Fake Out + Extreme Speed from Kyurem-B. Scout for Status moves such as Xerneas's Lovely Kiss or Dialga's Glare [QC change] Neither Lovely Kiss Xern nor Glare Dialga are sets, change to different status users that PDon normally beats [End QC change] so that Groudon does not recklessly switch into them and get crippled. Slow pivots are great scouts for such moves and can get Groudon in safely. Throughout the game, utilize entry hazard damage and make offensive double switches to chip down Groudon's checks, such as Giratina and Zygarde-C. Several other sorts of checks must be dealt with as well. Prankster users can remove Groudon's setup, Encore it, or force an unfavorable trade with Destiny Bond. Unaware users with spectral thief such as Zygarde-C can stop Groudon's sweep as well [QC change] Unaware isn't an ability in the current meta, also mention how PDon is naturally very strong with V-create having very limited checks so it can force tons of switches threatening OHKOs. [End QC change].
Once Groudon's checks have been dealt with, pivot Groudon in against something that it would force out, such as a Steel-type, to give a free setup turn. Be very wary of Imposter users, because they can easily countersweep, or at best force a two for one trade with your prankster Destiny Bond user. Try not to reveal Groudon's set to Imposter users before it is ready to set up, as your opponent will then be unsure of what they must preserve to check it. If you have a teammate to Imposter-proof the set, keep it alive to protect yourself from being counterswept by the Imposter. Be careful of faster attackers such as Priority and Choice Scarf users, which can accumulate significant chip damage on Groudon after its defenses have been lowered with Shell Smash and/or V-Create. Do not be afraid to switch Groudon out after it sets up and KOs something to save it for later, as its bulk, especially on the physical side, is surprisingly good and might allow it to set up again.
Team Options
========
This groudon set fits on heavy offensive teams as a late-game sweeper and cleaner [QC change] This set works on Balance too because PDon is naturally threatening unlike many other Smashers [End QC change], thus wallbreakers are the key to setting the stage for its sweep. Examples include mega Garchomp and Choice Band Mega Mewtwo X. These Pokemon can weaken Unaware users [QC change] Not viable, also mention in this sentence chipping Fat Dragons can drop the to Fleur/Beam range. [End QC change], force trades with Prankster users, defeat Sturdy Shedinja with Moongeist Beam or Photon Guiser, or chip down Imposter users that switch in to scout their sets. Imposter-proofing this set depends entirely on the coverage. Find a Pokemon that is not 2hKOed by any move on the set after a Shell Smash [QC change] Filler, remove [End QC change]. For example, Shedinja can imposter-proof variants without Moongeist Beam [QC change] Delete, MGB not a move [End QC change] and keep up pressure by U-Turning on the Imposter's forced switch, and Primordial Sea Celesteela can handle those without Thousand Arrows and bolt Strike [QC change] Change to "with Precipice Blades" [End QC change]. Hyper offensive teams may not want to lose momentum switching into an Imposterproof, so a Focus Sash user such as Magic Guard Mega Diancie can Spectral Thief the boosts from an Imposter who copies Groudon and continue sweeping with them [QC change] This seems very bad as you are implying throwing away PDon and your setup check for Imposter? [End QC change]. Offensive hazard setters like Stealth Rock Mega Diancie, Mold Breaker Spikes Mega Gengar, or Stealth Rock [QC change] Spikes is better on Kartana, also add Spikes Xern as thats really good with PDon [End QC change] kartana can get hazards up to weaken walls and break Focus Sashes. Kartana and Mold Breaker Gengar with Pursuit can threaten Shedinja, one of the most reliable checks to this set. Flash fire steel-types like Registeel can switch into -ate users, counter regigigas with Entrainment [QC change] Why is Regigigas threatening to this set? Is there something I'm missing here or delete [End QC change], and threaten to trap Imposters which switch in to them, all of who are otherwise threatening to Groudon. Another setup sweeper such as Shell Smash Mega Tyranitar, Shell Smash Mega Gengar, or Belly Drum Necrozma-DM can finish sweeping where Groudon left off if it is somehow KOed. Since many teams carry just a single Prankster user, trading with Groudon can allow the other sweeper to sweep unhindered. Mega Tyranitar and Necrozma-DM can also weaken walls like Giratina and Zygarde-C early game so Groudon can KO them later. Bulky hazard control such as Defog Giratina or Rapid Spin Assault Vest Dialga [QC change] RegenVest Dialga is bad, use a different example like -ate Spin [End QC change] are useful as partners to allow Groudon to survive priority moves. They can also pivot Groudon in with a slow U-Turn and absorb Status moves aimed at your offensive Pokemon. Giratina can also opt to run Z Parting Shot to give Groudon a second chance at sweeping. A way to offensively check Mega Mewtwo Y and Mega Gengar is useful [QC change] Why? Examples? [End QC change]. Dazzling + Shell Smash users such as Pheramosa or a Mega Mewtwo of your own do this well when equipped with a Focus Sash and can use the free turn from Groudon's KO to set up [QC change] Both of these examples are very bad and DQM Smash is really only viable on Mega Gar which you mentioned earlier, I would delete [End QC change]. [QC change] Mention Pursuit users that can chip/remove Giratina [End QC change]
Strategy Comments
Other Options
=============
Defensive sets can opt for Shore Up, which has double the PP of Morning Sun but heals for less per use [QC change] Reverse this since recovery rn is Shore Up, mention faster teams want Morning Sun [End QC change]. This can help prevent Groudon from being PP stalled. Another option for the defensive set is U-Turn with minimum speed IVs to take better advantage of forced switches, but Groudon would rather be supporting its team by directly attacking. [QC change] Add other possible moves to punish Dragon switch-ins such as Poison Fang and Toxic Spikes [End QC change] Primal Groudon can run a set consisting of Anchor Shot, Stealth Rock, V-Create and Shore Up to set Stealth Rock while trapping its own Imposter. The threat of V-Create keeps most Magic Bounce users from switching in, but Magic Bounce Zygarde-C and Giratina still shut down this set with no trouble [QC change] This is a slashed set on the first set and is solid so delete the previous two sentences [End QC change]. Groudon can forego Primal Reversion with a Leftovers Fur Coat set to become a physical wall with electric immunity that can trap its imposter with Thousand Waves. It does not have the 4x weakness to ice of Zygarde-C, but some common physical attackers like Adaptability Mega Mewtwo-X and any refrigerate user still beat it. Mega Swampert can take hits from Kyurem-B better due to its additional water typing, but has overall lower physical bulk. Mega Slowbro stands up far better to Mega Mewtwo X's Photon Guiser due to its secondary Psychic typing, but has additional weakness to Electric, Dark and Ghost that Groudon does not have [QC change] I'm not understanding how MegaBro compares with Regular Don as a Wall [End QC change].
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Dragon-types**: Giratina and Zygarde-C wall the Shift Gear variants of Primal Groudon indefinitely due to their resistance to V-Create, but they must be afraid to switch in on a Shell Smash, especially with Entry Hazards. Assault Vest variants of both can take a Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam from full and Spectral Thief Groudon's boosts. Prankster variants can easily halt any attempted sweep. Giratina is also an unreliable counter to groudon because it may not survive +3 Precipice Blades. [QC change] Rephrase this section (Prank first, delete SG mentions, mention their high bulk since lower bulk resists like POgre and Ho-Oh get 2HKOed which is why they lose to PDon) [End QC change]
**Strong Special Attackers**: Mega Mewtwo Y outspeeds it and has a high chance to OHKO with Psycho Boost or Sheer Force-boosted Earth Power, but must be wary of V-Create. Normalize Mega Gengar threatens to render Groudon impotent with Entrainment. [QC change] Psycho Boost MMY is not a set, SF EP always OHKOs PDon, every mon in the meta is afraid of V-create unless they are ZygTina FC or Immune, mention Kyurem-W since that OHKOs PDon and outspeeds, move SF MMY mention to the Ground Coverage point. [End QC change]
**Imposter**: Shift Gear Groudon is unable to beat its Imposter one on one and must switch out. Shell Smash Groudon is even more vulnerable to Imposter, and finding something that can wall its most effective moveset is difficult. Imposter must, however, switch out after discovering Anchor Shot sets or be trapped and PP stalled. [QC change] Delete mentions of SG set, add Shed Shell Imposter mention as something that is very dangerous [End QC change]
**Ground-Types and coverage**: Defensive sets of Primal Groudon should be wary of Mega Garchomp. Mega Garchomp outspeeds Primal Groudon that has not set up and threatens defensive sets out with its Ground-type STAB. Its common movesets also prove troublesome to many common Teammates which Groudon works well alongside. Primal Groudon is 2hKOed by Mega Diancie's Precipice Blades, allowing it to easily PP stall Morning Sun [QC change] Mention that Mega Garchomp can take a V-create, the stalling out Morning Sun doesn't make sense because Morning Sun heals for a lot more than Blades deal so PDon can get to safety range and Blades misses sometimes so rephrase that, add SF MMY mention here. [End QC change]. Zygarde-C often runs Thousand Waves, which can trap and swiftly KO Groudon [QC change] Waves doesn't 2HKO so I wouldn't call it "swiftly KO", talk about how it can Z PDon or PP stall it and do whatever it wants [End QC change].
**Sturdy Shedinja**: Sturdy Shedinja walls most Primal Groudon sets unless they are lucky with Sacred Fire burns or carry the subpar Moongeist Beam. [QC change] There are 0 mentions of Sacred Fire and Moongeist Beam is terrible, mention how PDon can Wisp it or setup Hazards [End QC change]
**Other Prankster users**: Prankster users such as Registeel and Aegislash threaten to trade with Destiny Bond or Encore Groudon's setup move, which forces the Groudon user to switch out. However, they cannot safely switch in without risking a KO from V-Create. [QC change] I would never use Prank Steel to check PDon when V-create is so low risk to click [End QC change]
**Flash Fire Steel Types not weak to Ground**: Flash Fire Ferrothorn can be very annoying to defensive Groudon sets. Given a safe switch in, it can recover any damage done to it via Strength sap. However, it risks a 2hKO from Precipice Blades on the switch and loses to most Shell Smash variants. Primordial Sea Celesteela works similarly, but fears Thousand Arrows and Electric Surge-boosted Bolt Strike. [QC change] Most FF steels switch into the first set, Strength Sap Ferrothorn has never been a set so ?, mention how PDon can setup Hazards, single out Flash Fire/Primordial Sea Celesteela as it can wall non-Thousand Arrows PDon. [End QC change]
**Poison Heal users**: Poison Heal users that outspeed Groudon, such as Regigigas and Xerneas, threaten to put it to sleep once Misty or Electric Terrain is down. However, they are usually not bulky enough to survive V-Create and cannot reliably set up, but the free turns allow the Sleep user to switch other Pokemon in more safely. [QC change] Poison Heal doesn't really use sleep anymore and this is kinda contradicting what you said before regarding how PDon can check various PH users, Xerneas also really struggles vs PDon unless it has Substitute/Strength Sap. [End QC change]
credits
Written by: SuperSkylake (323219)
Quality checked by: [Electrolyte, 148072], [GL Volkner, 330455]