Funbot28
Banned deucer.
[OVERVIEW]
Primal Groudon serves as one of the most potent threats in the metagame thanks to the sheer number of roles it can take on at once due to its great offensive and supportive movepools, amazing typing under the harsh sun, and exceptional stats. Access to moves such as Stealth Rock and Swords Dance alongside powerful offensive STAB options in Precipice Blades and Overheat enables Primal Groudon to disrupt the majority of threats in the metagame, permitting it to fit in numerous teams that value the immense offensive support it can provide. Due to its well-balanced stat spread, it can perform well both offensively and defensively no matter its EV investment, meaning it can be quite the unpredictable threat unless properly scouted for beforehand. Its typing allows it to check Fairy-, Electric-, Steel-, and Fire-types, meaning it can provide resistance against prominent threats such as Entei, Raikou, Magearna, Xerneas, and Victini. Its ability, Desolate Land, also provides it with an immunity to Water-type moves, making it even more difficult to properly break through as a result under the harsh sunlight, as it checks common Blue Orb users such as Primal Kyogre, Golisopod, and Skarmory. This same typing, however, leaves it weak to a common offensive type in Ground, meaning certain threats such as Gliscor, Landorus-T, Lucarionite Zygarde, Arceus-Ground, and opposing Primal Groudon can properly break through it. It also relies on the harsh sunlight to check certain threats such as Golisopod and Primal Kyogre, leaving it vulnerable to Blue Orb users. A lack of reliable recovery also severely hinders Primal Groudon's defensive sets, as it tends to get worn down quite easily when considering its susceptibility to entry hazard chip damage and its tendency to be pivoted into multiple attacks.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock+ Swords Dance
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Swords Dance
move 3: Precipice Blades
move 4: Smack Down / Stone Edge
item: Red Orb
ability: Drought
nature: Adamant
evs: 112 HP / 252 Atk / 144 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock provides both Primal Groudon and its teammates with immense support by chipping down opposing threats. Swords Dance enables Primal Groudon to break through some of its checks that may attempt to wall it such as Hippowdon and Sablenite Blissey, meaning it can set up and keep entry hazards on the opposing side more reliably. Precipice Blades acts as Primal Groudon's primary STAB move, dealing a significant amount of damage against most targets with the slight drawback of it being inaccurate. Earthquake can be used as a more reliable option; however, the decrease in power can be noticeable at times especially when facing threats such as Buzzwole, Arceus-Ground, and Mew. Rock-type coverage complements Primal Groudon's STAB Ground-type moves perfectly, hitting the Flying-and Grass-types that would attempt to switch into Precipice Blades such as Mega Salamence and Celebi. Smack Down is useful in grounding Flying-types and Pokemon with Levitate such as Skarmory and Latiasite Toxapex, respectively, so that Primal Groudon can hit them with its Ground-type STAB move the following turn. Stone Edge is a much more powerful option that can deal more immediate damage against threats where the effects of Smack Down would not matter as much, such as Ho-Oh and Golisopod.
Set Details
========
This set calls for maximized investment in Attack EVs with an Adamant nature to fully capitalize on Primal Groudon's amazing offensive presence, allowing it to 2HKO the likes of Lucarionite Zygarde and Altarianite Landorus-T with Precipice Blades. The given Special Defense and HP investment ensures that Primal Groudon can survive a +2 Focus Blast from Xerneas as well as avoid being KOed by Altarianite Landorus-T's Earthquake and Arceus-Ground's Judgment. More Speed investment can be given to enable Primal Groudon to outpace certain threats such as Necrozma-DM, Gliscor, and opposing Primal Groudon; however, forfeiting defensive investment means that it can struggle to properly check the threats it's supposed to. Alternatively, Primal Groudon can run more Special Defense by forfeiting investment in Attack to better check threats such as Magearna and Primal Kyogre. Red Orb is required for Primal Reversion, turning Groudon into a devastating wallbreaker with Desolate Land to activate harsh sunlight and blessing it with a crucial immunity to Water-type moves that permits it to come into threats it otherwise would be unable to such as Golisopod and Manaphy.
Usage Tips
========
Stealth Rock should be set up as soon as possible, as the extra chip damage it provides can be extremely beneficial in breaking through the opposing team much more consistently. Primal Groudon can often find the opportunity to set it up due to the numerous switches it can force when facing threats such as Magearna and Raikou. However, one must be mindful of potential Magic Bounce users that can reflect Stealth Rock such as Blissey, Mew, and Buzzwole. In this case, Primal Groudon should primarily attempt to properly break through the aforementioned threats by using its attacking moves or setting up a Swords Dance so that it can threaten common Sablenite users subsequently on the switch. Smack Down can be properly used to lure in and exploit threats that can switch into Primal Groudon's Ground-type STAB moves such as Zapdos, Latiasite Toxapex, and Skarmory, as it can scare out the aforementioned threats after grounding them, potentially giving it an opportunity to setup entry hazards or boost its Attack via Swords Dance.
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon appreciates partners that can check opposing Ground-types such as Zapdos, Skarmory, and Golisopod, as the aforementioned Pokemon cover Primal Groudon's sole weakness. Special attackers such as Magearna, Lunala, Darkrai, and Tapu Lele appreciate Primal Groudon's ability to break through walls like Blissey, Sablenite Magerana, and Gyaradosite Toxapex, while the aforementioned wallbreakers can dent walls that Primal Groudon may struggle with such as Hippowdon, Buzzwole, and Giratina. Other physical wallbreakers can help apply additional offensive pressure to Primal Groudon's checks, overwhelming the opposing team. Good examples include Terrakion, Ho-Oh, Entei, and Lucarionite Zygarde. While Primal Groudon can switch into certain neutral special attacks due to the small investment in special bulk, it can still be easily worn down if repeatedly brought in against threats such as Magearna and Raikou. Therefore, teammates that can ease its burden such as Entei and Aggronite Mew may be beneficial as well. Pokemon that can use Primal Groudon's checks as setup fodder may also be handy in potentially securing a sweep late-game as well, while Primal Groudon is able to cover their own checks as a result. Good examples of this include Celebi, Giratina-O, and Altarianite Zygarde. Entry hazard removal or reflection from partners such as Arceus-Fairy, Sablenite Blissey, and Mew can aid Primal Groudon in coming in more frequently, as it can avoid entry hazard chip damage. Blissey is particularly useful, as it can provide both Wish and Heal Bell support for Primal Groudon as well, increasing its longevity immensely.
[SET]
name: Defensive Support
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Overheat
move 4: Toxic
item: Red Orb
ability: Drought
nature: Relaxed / Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock is a great utility move that provides both Primal Groudon and its teammates immense support by chipping down opposing threats. Precipice Blades acts as Primal Groudon's primary STAB move, allowing it to target the Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types it's intended to check such as Raikou, Victini, and Magearna while still dealing consistent damage against most neutral targets. Overheat is a powerful secondary STAB option especially under the harsh sunlight that can break through threats that would like to come into Primal Groudon's Ground-type attacks such as Arceus-Ground and Aggronite Buzzwole. The burst damage also aids Primal Groudon in providing immediate offensive momentum to its team, as it usually forces out offensive threats due to the fear of Overheat. Lava Plume is a more reliable yet considerably weaker option that provides Primal Groudon the chance to burn its targets, letting it check physical threats slightly better. Toxic is a great utility move that can cripple opposing walls such as Gliscor, Mew, and most support Arceus formes, preventing them from switching into Primal Groudon repeatedly throughout the match. Primal Groudon can run Roar over either Overheat or Toxic to phaze certain setup boosting threats such as Manaphy, Xerneas, and Altarianite Zygarde, preventing the aforementioned threats from sweeping its team. However, it generally offers much less utility compared to its other supportive options, making it less desirable as a result.
Set Details
========
160 EVs are invested in Defense with a Relaxed nature to ensure that Primal Groudon avoids the 2HKO from threats such as Lucarionite Terrakion and Necrozma-DM. The rest of its EVs are invested in both HP and Special Defense to turn Primal Groudon into a respectable specially defensive tank that can check certain attackers such as Magearna, Azelf, Raikou, and Manaphy more consistently, allowing it to avoid the 2HKO from their coverage moves. Primal Groudon can still choose to run maximum investment in Special Defense with a Sassy nature to better check threats such as Manaphy, Magearna, and Volcarona, but the lack in physically defensive investment means that certain physical wallbreakers like Kartana and Zeraora have a slightly easier time breaking through it. Desolate Land sets harsh sunlight, granting Primal Groudon a crucial immunity to Water-type moves, permitting it to come into threats it otherwise would be unable to such as Golisopod and Manaphy. Red Orb is required to undergo Primal Reversion, granting Groudon an additional Fire typing that lets it check Fairy- and Fire-types.
Usage Tips
========
Primal Groudon is best used as a defensive pivot that is able to come in against most specially attacking threats such as Raikou, Azelf, Magearna, and Volcarona, force them out, and proceed to set up Stealth Rock reliably. However, due to Primal Groudon's lack of reliable recovery, it is advised to preserve its HP as much as possible so it can pivot in against threats such as Entei and Magearna without being worn down. Therefore, sacrificing a teammate may be necessary at times to bring in Primal Groudon safely. Moreover, Primal Groudon should set Stealth Rock whenever it is able to force a switch, as it can otherwise be worn down rather quickly if it chooses to set it up versus threats such as Terrakion and Kartana. Overheat is best used to hit key targets that would like to switch into Precipice Blades such as Zapdos, Arceus-Ground, and Landorus-T. However, one should not mindlessly spam the move, as the drop in Special Attack often forces Primal Groudon out alongside the fear of potentially letting in Blue Orb users in for free. Toxic should be used to cripple opposing defensive walls such as Venusaurite Zapdos and Arceus-Fairy, severely hampering their longevity as they come in in an attempt to check Primal Groudon. Be mindful of common Magic Bounce users such as Mew, Mandibuzz, and Blissey, as they can reflect Stealth Rock and Toxic, which can leave Primal Groudon in an unfavorable spot.
Team Options
========
Checks to opposing Ground-types such as Manectite Mew, Skarmory, and Giratina-O can all be useful partners for Primal Groudon, as they help deal with the threats that can break through it like Lucarionite Zygarde, Arceus-Ground, Landorus-T, and Gliscor. Wallbreakers that can capitalize on Primal Groudon's ability to set up Stealth Rock such as Kartana, Tapu Lele, and Zygarde may be considered as well due to the entry hazard chip weakening down their respective checks. Entry hazard removal can be very useful for Primal Groudon, as it is often pivoted in against many attacks, and the chip damage can wear it down significantly. Good partners for this role include Mew, support Arceus formes, and Zapdos. Due to Primal Groudon's ability to check most Magearna variants, teammates that are otherwise weak to Magearna such as Darkrai, Tapu Lele, and Arceus-Fairy pair well with it. Cleric support from teammates like Blissey and Magearna is also recommended due to Primal Groudon's tendency to be statused by the threats it usually comes in against such as Arceus-Fairy and Golisopod. Blissey is especially useful for passing Wish to Primal Groudon, which can help increase its longevity immensely.
[SET]
name: Mixed Offensive
move 1: Swords Dance / Stealth Rock
move 2: Precipice Blades
move 3: Overheat / Eruption
move 4: Stone Edge / Smack Down / Toxic
item: Red Orb
ability: Drought
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock provides immense support by chipping down opposing threats. Swords Dance is an alternative option if another teammate already has Stealth Rock, enabling Primal Groudon to break through its checks such as Sablenite Mew and Hippowdon after one setup boost. It also helps Primal Groudon in covering threats that would otherwise check a purely mixed set such as Landorus-T due to it acting as a hybrid of its previous sets. Precipice Blades acts as a primary Ground-type STAB move that hits most neutral targets incredibly hard even when unboosted. Overheat is Primal Groudon's secondary STAB option that decimates the majority of its physical checks such as Arceus-Ground, Buzzwole, and Skarmory under the harsh sunlight, making Primal Groudon incredibly difficult to properly account for defensively. Eruption is a slightly more powerful option that can be used instead, as it does not lower Primal Groudon's offensive capabilities after every use; however, it relies on it staying relatively healthy. Stone Edge is a great coverage option that lets Primal Groudon target Flying-types that would like to come in against its Ground-type STAB moves such as Zapdos, Ho-Oh, and Pinsirite Entei. Smack Down may be used instead with the added benefit of grounding the aforementioned Flying-types so that Primal Groudon can target them with its Ground-type moves the following turn. However, it inflicts much less damage overall. Hidden Power Ice is another useful coverage option that can be run in the last slot to lure in and take out common Dragon-type switch-ins such as Pinsirite Zygarde, Mega Salamence, Zygarde-C, and Rayquaza, all of which can stomach Primal Groudon's STAB moves. Toxic is a useful utility option that may be used to cripple some of Primal Groudon's most common switch-ins, which include Manectite Mew, Gliscor, and Giratina-O, deterring them for the rest of the match.
Set Details
========
EVs are fully invested in Primal Groudon's Special Attack and Speed in order to maximize its offensive capabilities. A Naughty nature is preferred, as the reduced Defense from a Lonely nature would give Primal Groudon a slightly harder time checking threats such as Entei and Kartana, and it still lets Primal Groudon hit as hard as possible both physically and specially. A Naive nature may also be used to maximize Primal Groudon's Speed, letting it outpace threats such as Adamant Altarianite Zygarde and Manectite Magearna. A Naive nature also allows it to outspeed threats such as Lucarionite Terrakion and Lunala with Sticky Webs support. However, the extra boost in power provided by a Naughty nature is usually more useful in most cases. Desolate Land provides Primal Groudon with a crucial immunity to Water-type moves and a boost to its Fire-type STAB moves, letting it deal colossal damage to most neutral targets. Red Orb is required to allow Groudon to undergo Primal Reversion, turning it into a devastating wallbreaker.
Usage Tips
========
This Primal Groudon set aims at punching holes through the opposing team by utilizing its amazing mixed offensive potential to break through the majority of defensive threats in the tier. This means that Primal Groudon should primarily be using its STAB moves throughout the beginning of the match in order to wear down opposing walls for its teammates. Stealth Rock should be used when Primal Groudon can force and incoming check to switch in, as it can leave itself in a disadvantageous position if it decides to use the utility option versus common Magic Bounce users such as Blissey and Mew alongside other defensive threats that can threaten to wear it down immensely like Gliscor and opposing Primal Groudon. If Primal Groudon is carrying Swords Dance, it can exploit the switches it forces as an opportunity to set up and potentially break through its aforementioned checks. Primal Groudon should utilize its Fire-type STAB move when luring in threats that would otherwise appreciate coming in against Precipice Blades such as Hippowdon, Aggronite Buzzwole, and Landorus-T. Primal Groudon should not utilize Overheat too liberally, as otherwise it will be forced to switch out because of the Special Attack drops. If running Eruption, Primal Groudon should prioritize conserving its health to maximize the power of its Fire-type STAB move. Toxic is a great way to punish incoming defensive threats that can take on any of Primal Groudon's attacking options; however, be mindful of potential Magic Bounce users again, as Primal Groudon does not appreciate having the status condition afflicted upon itself.
Team Options
========
Additional wallbreakers such as Cameruptite Magearna and Tapu Lele can help provide additional offensive pressure to Primal Groudon's checks like Lucarionite Zygarde, Giratina, and Latiasite Toxapex, while the aforementioned threats also appreciate Primal Groudon's ability to set up Stealth Rock in return. Checks to opposing Ground-types, which include Gliscor, Golisopod, and Ho-Oh, can be extremely useful for Primal Groudon, as they can help cover its sole weakness when factoring in the effects of the harsh sunlight. Sticky Web support from setters like Shuckle may also be useful in order to enable Primal Groudon to outpace threats such as Terrakion, Kartana, and Tapu Lele; however, it should be noted that Primal Groudon should be running a Naughty nature if used in conjunction with Sticky Web. Partners that can set up Stealth Rock may be necessary if Primal Groudon chooses to forego the option itself, as the extra entry hazard chip damage can be crucial at times to secure certain 2HKOs against targets such as Mew and Zygarde. Good setters include Terrakion, Landorus-T, and Skarmory. Alternatively, team members that can remove entry hazards such as Arceus-Ground, Zapdos, and Mew aid Primal Groudon by removing entry hazards that can wear it down over time. Partners that can combat offensive Sticky Web teams may also provide utility considering Primal Groudon's weakness to the aforementioned archetype. Good examples include Altarianite Zygarde, Pinsirite Kartana, and Yveltal. Cleric and Wish support from partners like Blissey, Magearna, Shaymin-S, and Jirachi can be used to great effect especially if Primal Groudon is running Eruption due to its lack of reliable recovery, prolonging its longevity immensely and increasing the power of its STAB move as well.
[SET]
name: Mixed Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Precipice Blades
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Red Orb
ability: Drought
nature: Naughty
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rock Polish enhances Primal Groudon's Speed to respectable levels, enabling it to outpace key threats such as Diancite Tapu Lele, Terrakion, and Darkrai after one boost. Fire Blast is an incredibly powerful STAB move when used in conjunction with the harsh sunlight, permitting Primal Groudon to heavily dent most neutral targets that it hits, including most support Arceus formes. Precipice Blades acts as Primal Groudon's secondary STAB move, hitting the specially defensive walls that otherwise stomach its primary STAB move such as Blissey and opposing defensive Primal Groudon for considerable damage. Hidden Power Ice is a great coverage option that covers the Dragon and Flying-types that can otherwise wall Primal Groudon's STAB moves such as Zygarde, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O. Stone Edge may be used instead to hit specific targets such as Ho-Oh and Golisopod for more considerable damage; however, Hidden Power Ice generally provides more coverage.
Set Details
========
EVs are fully invested in Primal Groudon's Special Attack and Speed in order to maximize its offensive capabilities. A Naughty nature is preferred, as the reduced Defense from a Lonely nature would give Primal Groudon a slightly harder time checking threats such as Entei, and it still lets Primal Groudon hit as hard as possible both physically and specially. The Speed investment allows Primal Groudon to outspeed Necrozma-DM without any boosts and outspeed key threats such as Lucarionite Terrakion and Ultra Necrozma with Sticky Web support. Desolate Land amps up the power of Primal Groudon's Fire-type moves, letting it hit most neutral targets incredibly hard under the harsh sunlight. It also lets Primal Groudon soak up any Water-type moves used against it, enabling it to check threats it would otherwise be unable to like Primal Kyogre and Manaphy. Red Orb is equipped to allow Groudon to undergo Primal Reversion, turning it into one of the best mixed wallbreakers in the tier.
Usage Tips
========
Primal Groudon should only set up once checks such as Venusaurite Hippowdon, Blissey, Ho-Oh, Lunala, Gliscor, and Arceus-Ground have been properly weakened beforehand, as it can otherwise lose the offensive momentum it needs if the aforementioned threats are kept relatively healthy beforehand. Its STAB moves should be spammed the majority of the time due to how much damage they can do against most neutral targets, where coverage options such as Hidden Power Ice and Stone Edge should be used to hit threats such as Zygarde and Ho-Oh, respectively.
Team Options
========
Due to this set's lack of Stealth Rock, partners that can set up the entry hazard are extremely beneficial, as they can wear down Primal Groudon's checks in Ho-Oh, Golisopod, and Zapdos. Good setters include Landorus-T, Arceus-Fairy, and Terrakion. Offensive threats such as Tapu Lele, Kartana, and Darkrai appreciate Primal Groudon's ability to break through most defensive cores, where the aforementioned threats can often clean up late-game once Primal Groudon has broken down walls such as Mew and Skarmory. Partners that can cover Primal Groudon's sole weakness to Ground-type threats when factoring in the effects of Desolate Land such as Golisopod, Landorus-T, and Pinsirite Cobalion may be useful, as they provide Primal Groudon a fail-safe option in covering Pokemon such as Arceus-Ground and opposing Primal Groudon. Entry hazard removers like Zapdos and Arceus-Ground can provide utility in eliminating the entry hazard chip damage that may severely weaken Primal Groudon throughout the match and leave it prone to being revenge killed. They also relieve it from the potential Speed drop of Sticky Web, which can otherwise hamper its sweeping capabilities.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
The combination of Rest + Swords Dance turns Primal Groudon into a potent stallbreaker that can set up against threats such as Blissey and Arceus-Fairy without the fear of being worn down by Toxic. However, the use of this set often requires cleric support as a result. Primal Groudon may choose to opt for a devastating setup sweeping set that features both Rock Polish and Swords Dance, turning it into an incredibly difficult threat to account for both offensively and defensively. However, Primal Groudon rarely finds the opportunity to set up both boosting moves in a game due to the pressure from opposing offensive threats deterring the overall effectiveness of the set. Fire Punch can be run on offensive sets opposed to specially offensive Fire-type moves in order for Primal Groudon to easily break through walls such as Blissey; however, the mixed offensive potential of the former options makes Primal Groudon more difficult to properly check defensively. Sets utilizing the combination of RestTalk + Lava Plume may be used on more defensive teams, providing them a strong check to threats like Magearna. Toxic can be incorporated on Swords Dance sets to cripple Primal Groudon's checks in Arceus-Dragon and Giratina-O. However, this is often not needed, because Primal Groudon can already break through most walls when boosted. Specially offensive coverage moves such as Thunder, Hidden Power Ice, and Earth Power may all be placed on mixed sets to lure in specific threats such as Blue Orb Skarmory, Golisopod, and Lucarionite Zygarde; however, it causes Primal Groudon to be more easily checked by specially defensive walls like Blissey alongside sturdy Fire-resistant Pokemon like Venusaurite Zapdos.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Arceus-Ground, Landorus-T, and Gliscor can all threaten to heavily dent or outright KO Primal Groudon through their STAB attacks. However, they all must be careful switching in against Primal Groudon's STAB moves, as they can risk being KOed themselves, especially by offensive Primal Groudon sets.
**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types such as Zygarde, Giratina, Arceus-Dragon, and Mega Salamence can all both offensively and defensively check Primal Groudon, depending on the set they choose to run. They all resist Primal Groudon's Fire-type STAB moves and usually can take on its other coverage options unless it chooses to opt for Hidden Power Ice .
**Flying-types**: Apart from being completely immune to Primal Groudon's Ground-type STAB moves, Flying-types such as Arceus-Flying, Venusaurite Mandibuzz, Zapdos, and Ho-Oh can all handle most of Primal Groudon's other coverage moves. However, they must be wary of certain offensive options such as Stone Edge, Smack Down, and Hidden Power Ice.
**Mixed Defensive Walls**: Defensive threats such as Sablenite Blissey, Venusaurite Hippowdon, and support Arceus formes can all take on Primal Groudon's attacking options and threaten to either cripple it with their status options or heavily dent it through their own STAB moves. However, Primal Groudon can easily muscle through the aforementioned threats if it manages to set up a Swords Dance boost or get Toxic off to cripple them.
**Blue Orb Users**: Pokemon that often carry Blue Orb such as Golisopod, Primal Kyogre, and Skarmory can all switch into Primal Groudon's Fire-type moves thanks to the heavy rain and proceed to threaten it out with either their Water-type STAB moves or status moves like Toxic. However, they cannot be relied on entirely, as Primal Groudon can easily revert the weather to the harsh sunlight when it comes in.
**Toxic**: Toxic can severely hinder Primal Groudon if it lacks cleric support from its teammates due to its lack of reliable recovery, and common users such as Arceus-Fairy and Golisopod can often lure in Primal Groudon and cripple it.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Funbot28, 255984]]
- Quality checked by: [[Chazm, 376369 ], [In The Hills, 324242 ], [Quantum Tesseract, 297239]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148071], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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