AG Life Orb Zygarde [GP 1/1]

[Will]

name: Life Orb Zygarde-C
move 1: Thousand Arrows
move 2: Dragon Dance
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Stone Edge / Rest
item: Life Orb
ability: Power Construct
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Life Orb Zygarde-C is a potent setup sweeper that utilizes its respectable bulk, valuable coverage, and beneficial Dynamax stat boosts to fit on all sorts of teams ranging from balance to hyper offense. Excellent coverage in Thousand Arrows and Outrage paired with a powerful setup move in Dragon Dance allows Life Orb Zygarde-C to threaten the entire metagame. Stone Edge allows Zygarde-C to KO Ho-Oh, Shedinja, and defensive Yveltal with a bit of chip. The brilliance of its Ground / Dragon coverage even extends to Dynamaxing, as their secondary effects allow Zygarde-C to overcome threats with Special Defense boosts from Max Quake and Attack drops from Max Wyrmwind. Max Rockfall also sets sand, opening opportunities for Zygarde-C by breaking Shadow Shield on Lunala. Rest can be used for longevity alongside possible cleric support to bring Zygarde-C back in the game later for an unexpected sweep after its initial checks have been worn down or KOed. A Jolly nature is preferred because the extra Speed ensures that it outspeeds most other Zygarde-C. Adamant is also a viable option because it gives a chance of breaking through Ferrothorn and defensive Kyogre after Stealth Rock chip with Dynamax.

Offensively, Life Orb Zygarde-C benefits the most from teammates that force Necrozma-DM in such as Zacian-C and Xerneas. Necrozma-DM is one of the best foes for Life Orb Zygarde-C to set up on due to its inability to threaten Zygarde-C unless it carries Toxic. Wallbreakers that are also less reliant on Dynamax such as Choice Specs Kyogre pair well, as Zygarde-C appreciates the great deal of additional bulk, Special Defense boosts, and power it receives during Dynamax. Zygarde-C with Rest also appreciates cleric support from Aromatherapy and Heal Bell users such as Choice-item Calyrex-S, Xerneas, and Blissey. Defensively, Life Orb Zygarde-C values teammates that check Xerneas and Kyogre such as Ho-Oh and Ferrothorn, respectively. Life Orb Zygarde-C has no form of reliable recovery and is relatively frail, so it cannot be used to check bulky attackers such as Groudon without taking crippling amounts of damage that ruin its setup potential. Due to its fragility and preference to keep Power Construct intact for Dynamax, Life Orb Zygarde-C needs teammates such as defensive Kyogre that act as defensive cornerstones to switch into opposing attackers. Fairy-types such as Zacian-C and Xerneas are useful to switch into Ditto, which can revenge kill Zygarde-C with Outrage.

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

Toxic is usable in the defensive set's last moveslot in order to cripple Zygarde-C's checks like Lunala and the uncommon Shedinja. Substitute can be used over Rest on the defensive set with Glare in order to set up on some passive targets and serve as a win condition, but this sacrifices utility against a few Pokemon Zygarde-C otherwise checks, such as Ho-Oh. Another way for defensive Zygarde to take advantage of passive targets is by using Thousand Waves and Scale Shot over Thousand Arrows and Glare / Dragon Tail to trap the likes of Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn, enabling Zygarde to boost its Attack, Defense, and Speed to +6 for free with Coil and Scale Shot. The Dragon Dance set can run Rest instead of Substitute in order to remove status, but it is not recommended due to it leaving Zygarde-C vulnerable. Outrage or Stone Edge instead of Dragon Tail or Toxic on Leftovers Dragon Dance Zygarde-C makes it more directly threatening, but both options are inferior in more drawn-out games, which Zygarde thrives in, and locking into Outrage makes it more vulnerable to Xerneas and Zacian-C. Life Orb Zygarde-C can use Crunch in its fourth moveslot as an option for breaking defensive Lunala. It should be noted that fully defensive Lunala survives +1 Max Darkness with Shadow Shield, so the best way to work around a fully defensive Lunala is to predict its switch in and Crunch that turn for a clean 2HKO. If Lunala is not running a fully defensive set, you can feel safe to set up a Dragon Dance and Dynamax with Crunch to break through. Life Orb Zygarde-C also has the option to forgo Outrage if the team it’s being used on is already Ditto weak, as Ditto struggles to revenge kill it without Outrage.

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

**Super Effective Coverage**: Pokemon that carry super effective moves against Zygarde-C such as Xerneas, Play Rough Zacian-C, Ice Beam Kyogre, Calyrex-I, and Ice Punch Marshadow all threaten it. Dragon-types like Eternatus, Zekrom, and Kyurem-W can also revenge kill Zygarde-C with their threatening STAB moves. Eternatus can particularly threaten Zygarde-C by ignoring the effects of Dynamax with Dynamax Cannon. However, Dragon Dance Zygarde-C sets are typically able to outspeed and overcome most of the threats listed with additional Dynamax bulk, Attack drops applied to foes from Max Wyrmwind, and Special Defense boosts received from Max Quake.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Physically defensive walls such as Lunala, Ferrothorn, bulky Kyogre, Quagsire, and Landorus-T can pose huge hindrances to Zygarde-C.

**Special Wallbreakers**: While defensive Zygarde-C's physical bulk is impressive, its special bulk is noticeably lower than its physical bulk; this leaves it vulnerable to generally powerful special wallbreakers like Calyrex-S and Life Orb Yveltal, which can wear it down or outright KO it with their STAB moves, especially before Power Construct activates.

**Faster Attackers**: Offensive Zygarde-C is often outsped and threatened by the likes of Choice Scarf Xerneas, Kyogre, and Calyrex-S due to its tendency to only be able to get one Dragon Dance off and Complete Forme's awkward Speed tier. Additionally, +1 Life Orb Zygarde-C can be a liability if Choice Scarf Ditto comes in to counter sweep with Dynamax.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[WSun1, 485997]]
- Quality checked by: [[Seldanna, 471586], [Fc, 511624]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]

 

[Seldanna]

add delete comment

QC1

[SET]
name: Life Orb Zygarde
move 1: Thousand Arrows
move 2: Dragon Dance
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Stone Edge / Rest
item: Life Orb
ability: Power Construct
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Life Orb Zygarde is a potent setup sweeper that utilizes its respectable bulk, valuable coverage, and beneficial dynamax stat boosts to fit on all sorts of teams ranging from balance to hyper offense. Excellent offensive coverage in Thousand Arrows and Outrage paired with the powerful setup move in Dragon Dance allows Life Orb Zygarde to chunk the entire metagame with ease. The brilliance of its Ground/Dragon coverage is highlighted during dynamax as their secondary typing effects allow Zygarde to overcome threats with special defense boosts from max quake and attack drops from max wyrmwind. Talk about Stone Edge and Rest - probably a brief line about what Stone Edge hits, but go into more detail regarding Rest as the upsides of this move are less clear to a new player. The EV spread maximizes Zygarde’s attack and speed, the two stats that matter the most to its aggressive character.

Offensively, Life Orb Zygarde benefits the most from teammates that force Necrozma-Dusk-Mane in such as Zacian-C and Xerneas. Necrozma-Dusk-Mane is the most ubiquitous metagame staple for Life Orb Zygarde to set up on due to its inability to deal meaningful amounts of damage to threaten Zygarde, unless it carries Toxic. Breakers that are also less dynamax reliant would pair well with Zygarde as Zygarde would appreciate the great deal of additional bulk, special defense boosts, and power it receives during dynamax. Give some examples of breakers that are nice without Dynamax, a la Choice Specs Kyogre Defensively, Life Orb Zygarde appreciates teammates that reinforce against Xerneas and Kyogre such as Ho-Oh and Ferrothorn, respectively. Due to its explosive but fragile nature, Life Orb Zygarde also appreciates teammates that act as defensive cornerstones such as defensive Kyogre because it often cannot be used to counterplay bulky bruisers such as Groudon. Rephrase this sentence; probably make it more explicit that you cannot play with LO Zygarde like a defensive set or even a DD set with lefties - hard switching into anything stronger than support NDM is too much.
FairiesFairy-types such as Zacian-C and Xerneas could also prove to be useful in niche situations where Dittos are locked into Outrage after revenge killing Zygarde.

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

Zygarde can use Crunch in its fourth moveslot as an option for breaking defensive Lunala. It should be noted that fully defensive Lunala lives +1 Max Darkness from LO Zygarde with Shadow Shield, so the best way to work around a fully defensive Lunala is to predict its switch-in and Crunch that turn for a clean 2HKO. If Lunala is not running a fully defensive set, you can feel safe to set up a Dragon Dance and dynamax with Crunch to break through.

Zygarde also has the option to forgo Outrage if the team it’s being used on is already Ditto weak as Ditto struggles to revenge kill Life Orb Zygarde without Outrage.

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

**Kyogre**: Defensive Kyogre is one of the only metagame pokemon that is able to match Dragon Dance boosted Zygarde offensively in a dynamax battle due to its incredible bulk and four times super effective coverage in Ice Beam. If Kyogre is running a more offensive set or does not have Ice beam, however, it may struggle in a dynamax 1v1 as Zygarde surely lives any amount of special attack Max Hailstorm with dynamax, a special defense boost, and 2HKOs Kyogre back with Max Quake.
This part sounds awkward and isn't entirely correct; Life Orb Kyogre can OHKO Zygarde through a spdef boost and Dynamax : 252+ SpA Life Orb Kyogre Max Hailstorm vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Zygarde: 629-743 (88 - 104%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after 1 round of Life Orb damage. Rephrase it


**Xerneas**: Xerneas threatens to match Life Orb Zygarde with its own dynamax due to super effective Fairy STAB, a high special attack stat, and decent natural bulk. Xerneas can also threaten Zygarde after a Dragon Dance without dynamaxing if it carries a Choice Scarf which allows it to outspeed with a powerful Moonblast.

**Ferrothorn**: Physically Defensive Ferrothorn can safely switch in on Life Orb Zygarde as it uses Dragon Dance and wall its dynamax with iron defense, leech seed, and a dynamax of its own. It should be noted that there’s a slim chance that Ferrothorn dies from +1 Max Quake and +1 Max Quake after a +2 defense boost from Iron Defense after Leftovers which would allow dynamax Life Orb Zygarde to break through. Reword this sentence, it's a bit awkward

**Lunala**: Max Defense defensive Lunala will live any single hit from dynamax Life Orb Zygarde at +1 with Shadow Shield and burn with Will-O-Wisp, greatly mitigating the threat for later in the match. I think Lunala should be higher in the list than this; despite not being as splashable as the checks above it's by far the most solid counter to LO Zyg if it runs +def nature

**Quagsire**: Although rare, Quagsire can wall Life Orb Zygarde unless it dynamaxes, and even then, can completely outlast its dynamax turns as long as it recovers on the first hit.

**Ditto**: For obvious reasons, a Dragon Dance boosted Zygarde can be a liability if Ditto comes in to countersweep with Dynamax.

You should definitely mention Lando-T and Calyrex-I as checks. Lando-T does intimidate + toxic, Caly-I easily beats any set lacking Stone Edge and usually survives +1 Max Rockfall from full w/ max HP invest. Darm-G is also ranked and a solid check, although I don't really mind if you want to omit this.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[WSun1, 485997]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

Well done, QC 1/2

 

[Fc]

no need to explain the ev spread at the end of the first paragraph, max max is simple enough that it just fills character space. If there's anything notable about Adamant nature combined with that max attack then it can be quickly mentioned.

I think in general but specifically the first paragraph I noticed, you can shorten some of the content so it doesn't read as filler. You mention Zygarde having valuable coverage as one of its key traits in sentence 1, then essentially say the same thing but list its stabs in sentence 2. Small things like that can probably be condensed, but however fits your writing style best go for it and see if it flows, not a huge issue.

Life Orb Zygarde is more fragile and has no form of recovery.

Reliable recovery*

I'd add Xerneas and choiced caly as partners in the teammates section as well, since cleric paired with Rest letting Zygarde potentially set up 2-3 times per game is very valuable.

For other options and checks and counters the way we do it is copy pasting from the existing analysis for the other sets if it has some and then working off those. I'd change what you have now to reflect this directly then add on things that are specific to Life Orb Zygarde, you can see how it's formatted from that dex link since it has 2 sets that are differentiated between already. You can add a few more categories in c&c as well as OO as needed.

Since that last change is quite big I'd like to check this over before giving 2/2.

 

[Fc]

An adamant nature is preferred on the max max EV spread because the extra speed granted by a Jolly nature doesn't change any notable interactions for Zygarde in complete forme.

This isn't correct, Jolly Nature would give you the jump on Caly-S and Zacian at +1, try and find an example of something the damage boost helps with rather than the lack of speed if you can.

The other options section should also be modeled after the existing analysis like I mentioned above, and you just add specifics about Life Orb Zygarde to that paragraph, being sure to mention it's for the Life Orb set, just makes it easier uploading.

You can just remove all the Lugia mentions, it's currently unranked on the VR so giving an impression you need to beat it isn't necessary.

2/2 when this is done

 

[UT]

add remove conjecture

GP Check

[SET]
name: Life Orb Zygarde-C
move 1: Thousand Arrows
move 2: Dragon Dance
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Stone Edge / Rest
item: Life Orb
ability: Power Construct
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Life Orb Zygarde-C is a potent setup sweeper that utilizes its respectable bulk, valuable coverage, and beneficial dynamax Dynamax stat boosts to fit on all sorts of teams ranging from balance to hyper offense. Excellent offensive coverage in Thousand Arrows and Outrage paired with the a powerful setup move in Dragon Dance allows Life Orb Zygarde-C to chunk threaten the entire metagame with ease. Stone Edge allows Zygarde-C to instantly threaten KO Ho-Oh, Shedinja, and defensive Yveltal with a bit of chip. The brilliance of its Ground/Dragon coverage is highlighted during dynamax as their secondary typing effects even extends to Dynamaxing as their secondary effects allow Zygarde-C to overcome threats with special defense Special Defense boosts from Max Quake and attack Attack drops from Max Wyrmwind. Max Rockfall also sets Sandstorm sandstorm, opening opportunities for Zygarde-C by breaking Shadow Shield on Lunala. Rest can be used for longevity alongside possible cleric support to bring Zygarde back in the game later for an unexpected sweep after its initial checks have been worn down or killed off KOed. A jolly Jolly nature is preferred on the max max EV spread because the extra speed granted by a jolly nature ensures that it outspeeds most other Zygardes in a 1v1 Zygarde-C. Although it doesn't change many offensive interactions, adamant Adamant is a viable other nature option for Zygarde-C because it gives a chance of breaking through Ferrothorn and defensive Kyogre after Stealth Rock chip with dynamax Dynamax.

Offensively, Life Orb Zygarde-C benefits the most from teammates that force Necrozma-Dusk-Mane in such as Zacian-C and Xerneas. Necrozma-Dusk-Mane is the most ubiquitous metagame staple one of the best foes for Life Orb Zygarde-C to set up on due to its inability to threaten Zygarde-C, unless it carries Toxic. Breakers that are also less dynamax reliant reliant on Dynamax such as Choice Specs Kyogre would pair well with Zygarde-C, (comma) as Zygarde-C appreciates the great deal of additional bulk, special defense Special Defense boosts, and power it receives during dynamax Dynamax. Zygardes Zygarde-C with Rest would also appreciate the cleric support from Aromatherapy/Heal Aromatherapy and Heal Bell users such as Choiced Choice Scarf or Specs, whichever is appropriate Calyrex-S, Xerneas, and Blissey. Defensively, Life Orb Zygarde-C values teammates that reinforce against check Xerneas and Kyogre such as Ho-Oh and Ferrothorn, respectively. Unlike other Dragon Dance Zygardes with Leftovers, Life Orb Zygarde-C is more fragile and has no form of reliable recovery. It often and is relatively frail, so it cannot be used to counterplay bulky bruisers check bulky attackers such as an opposing Groudon without taking crippling amounts of damage that ruins its setup potential. Due to its fragility and preference to keep Power Construct intact for dynamax Dynamax, Life Orb Zygarde-C needs teammates such as defensive Kyogre that act as defensive cornerstones to alleviate opposing offensive pressure switch into opposing attackers. Fairy-types such as Zacian-C and Xerneas could also prove to be useful in niche situations where Dittos are locked into Outrage after revenge killing Zygarde are useful to switch into Ditto that revenge kills Zygarde-C with Outrage.

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

Toxic is usable in the defensive set's last moveslot in order to cripple Zygarde's checks like Lunala and the uncommon Lugia and Shedinja. Substitute can be used over Rest on the defensive set with Glare in order to set up on some passive targets and serve as a win condition, but this sacrifices utility against a few Pokemon Zygarde otherwise checks, such as Ho-Oh. Another way for defensive Zygarde to abuse passive targets is by using Thousand Waves and Scale Shot over Thousand Arrows and Glare / Dragon Tail. Thousand Waves traps the likes of Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Ferrothorn, enabling Zygarde to boost its Attack, Defense, and Speed to +6 for free with Coil and Scale Shot. The Dragon Dance set can run Rest instead of Substitute in order to remove status, but it is not recommended due to it leaving Zygarde vulnerable. Outrage or Stone Edge instead of Dragon Tail or Toxic on Leftovers Dragon Dance Zygarde makes it more directly threatening, but both options are inferior in more drawn-out games, which Zygarde thrives in, and locking into Outrage makes it more vulnerable to Xerneas and Zacian-C. did not GP before here, since it appears to be copy/pasted from the uploaded set Life Orb Zygarde-C has the option to carry can use Crunch in its fourth moveslot as an option for breaking defensive Lunala. It should be noted that fully defensive Lunala lives +1 Max Darkness from Life Orb Zygarde with Shadow Shield, so the best way to work around a fully defensive Lunala is to predict its switch-in switch in and Crunch that turn for a clean 2HKO. If Lunala is not running a fully defensive set, you can feel safe to set up a Dragon Dance and dynamax Dynamax with Crunch to break through. Life Orb Zygarde also has the option to forgo Outrage if the team it’s being used on is already Ditto weak, (comma) as Ditto struggles to revenge kill Life Orb Zygarde without Outrage.

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

**Super Effective Coverage**: Pokemon that carry super effective moves against Zygarde-C such as Xerneas, Play Rough Zacian-C, Ice Beam Kyogre, Calyrex-I, and Ice Punch Marshadow all threaten it. Dragon-types like Eternatus, Zekrom, and Kyurem-W can also revenge kill Zygarde-C with their threatening STAB moves. Eternatus can particularly threaten Zygarde-C by ignoring the effects of Dynamax with Dynamax Cannon. However, Dragon Dance Zygarde sets are typically able to outspeed and overcome to most of the threats listed with additional Dynamax bulk, attack drops applied to opponents from Max Wyrmwind, and special defense boosts received from Max Quake.

**Physically Defensive Walls**: Physically defensive walls such as Lunala, Ferrothorn, bulky Kyogre, Quagsire, and Landorus-T Therian can pose as huge hindrances to Zygarde-C. Lunala can nail it with Ice Beam and significantly reduce its offensive capability with Will-O-Wisp. Kyogre can stomach its attacks and hit back with a potentially burning Scald or Ice Beam. Ferrothorn can bolster its defenses with Iron Defense and force Zygarde out with an empowered Body Press. Quagsire's ability Unaware allows it to ignore attack boosts received during Dragon Dance, giving it room to safely Haze Zygarde's stat changes. Landorus-Therian's ability Intimidate allows it to safely switch in on Zygarde and threatens to put it on a timer with Toxic. However, Toxic Zygarde beats Lunala, Quagsire, and Landorus-Therian over time and forces bulky Kyogre to use Rest. Dragon Tail Zygarde can phase Lunala and Ferrothorn, breaking Shadow Shield and resetting defense boosts received through Iron Defense, respectively. this is way more detail than you need in a checks and counters section

**Special Wallbreakers**: While defensive Zygarde-C's physical bulk is impressive, its special bulk its noticeably lower than its physical bulk; this leaves it vulnerable to generally powerful special wallbreakers like Calyrex-S and Life Orb Yveltal, which can wear it down or outright KO it with their STAB moves, especially before Power Construct activates.

**Speed Control Faster attackers**: Offensive Zygardes Zygarde-C are often outsped and threatened by the likes of scarfed Xerneas, Kyogre, and Calyrex-S due to their tendency to only be able to get one Dragon Dance off and Complete Forme's awkward speed tier. Additionally, a Dragon Dance boosted Zygarde-C can be a liability if Choice Scarfed Scarf Ditto comes in to counter sweep with dynamax Dynamax.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[WSun1, 485997]]
- Quality checked by: [[Seldanna, 471586], [Fc, 511624]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]

GP 1/1!

Whoever uploads this (including me) be careful to merge this correctly with the existing sets and strategy comments. Also, in case I missed any, all references to Zygarde should be Zygarde-C to be consistent with the existing analyses, and Dynamax is capitalized.

 

[UT]

Uploaded!

https://www.smogon.com/dex/ss/pokemon/zygarde/ag/