[OVERVIEW]
Necrozma's unique traits as both a Stealth Rock setter and wallbreaker allow it to fit well on bulky offensive teams. Its high offensive stats, decent bulk, and access to Stealth Rock make it a good offensive entry hazard setter. Necrozma's ability, Prism Armor, lets it mitigate some of the damage from super effective attacks, contributing to Necrozma's overall longevity throughout the match. Prism Armor also lowers damage from Pursuit, allowing Necrozma to switch more freely. Necrozma's strong STAB move in Photon Geyser hits most neutral targets hard, and with coverage moves such as Heat Wave, Signal Beam, and Ground-type options, it can punish the Dark-, Psychic-, and Steel- types that are immune to or resist its STAB move. However, Necrozma's Psychic typing is not beneficial for it, as it lacks a secondary STAB attack while also being weak to many common Pokemon like Hydreigon, Gengar, and Scizor. Necrozma also has a very mediocre Speed stat, which prevents it from flourishing in the metagame, as it is unable to outspeed maximally invested base 80s and above, such as Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Chandelure.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Photon Geyser
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Signal Beam / Earthquake
item: Metronome / Iapapa Berry
ability: Prism Armor
nature: Timid
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Necrozma to function as an effective offensive entry hazard setter with a comfortable balance of longevity and offensive presence. Photon Geyser is a consistent and powerful Psychic-type attack that has no drawbacks. Heat Wave allows Necrozma to hit Steel-types such as Scizor, Magneton, and Klefki that resist Photon Geyser. Signal Beam can be run to threaten Dark-types such as Mega Sharpedo and Hydreigon, although is often quite weak. Earthquake can be used to 2HKO Alolan Muk without HP investment, even with a Timid nature.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment lets Necrozma hit as hard as possible. With the given Speed EVs in combination with a Timid nature, Necrozma is able to outspeed Pokemon like Scizor, Metagross, and Volcanion. Prism Armor is Necrozma's only ability and reduces damage taken from super effective attacks. Metronome allows Necrozma to beat many entry hazard removers, such as Mantine and Mega Altaria, while also preventing Latias from repeatedly using Roost against Signal Beam. However, Metronome will somewhat limit Necrozma's longevity. Iapapa Berry restores 50% of Necrozma's HP in a pinch, helping it stay alive longer and perform its duties more consistently. Life Orb can be run to increase Necrozma's power, but it wears Necrozma down significantly and also prevents it from coming onto the field as often.
Usage Tips
========
Necrozma should get Stealth Rock up as soon as possible to punish the many switches that it is able to force due to its threatening movepool. If using Metronome, Necrozma should be used to spam Photon Geyser to force entry hazard removers out of play before setting up Stealth Rock and put pressure on them to prevent them from using Defog. When using Iapapa Berry, be conscious of when Necrozma is low on HP to prevent it from being knocked out before its Berry activates. Carefully using residual damage from weather, status, and entry hazards to your advantage can help Necrozma activate its Berry in a controlled manner if it cannot reliably stay in on a foe's attack. Photon Geyser is powerful and should be used most of the time; however, keep in mind that it has relatively low PP. Status conditions, particularly Toxic poison, can cripple Necrozma and put it on a timer.
Team Options
========
Necrozma should be used as a Stealth Rock setter on offensive teams that appreciate its strong offensive presence. Wallbreakers that threaten Dark- and Steel-types, such as Heracross, Scizor, and Terrakion, appreciate the Stealth Rock support that Necrozma offers, since it allows them to secure some KOs they would miss out on without the chip damage. Pokemon that work well on bulky offense teams with Necrozma, such as pivots like Scizor and tanks like Mega Aggron, can be effective partners as well. Necrozma also appreciates cleric support from Pokemon like Togekiss and Sylveon. Other Pokemon that threaten Dark-types, such as Mega Altaria and Cobalion, also synergize well with Necrozma.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Photon Geyser
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Photon Geyser is a powerful and reliable STAB attack. Earth Power allows Necrozma to chunk Steel-types that resist Photon Geyser and lets it hit Alolan Muk super effectively. Heat Wave is a good coverage move for Steel-types that take Earth Power neutrally, particularly Scizor, and it also hits Celebi. Signal Beam allows Necrozma to damage Dark- and Psychic-types, such as Mega Absol, Mega Sharpedo, Krookodile, Celebi, and Latias. Power Gem can be run to hit Pokemon like Mandibuzz and Moltres for more damage. Psyshock is an option over Photon Geyser that allows Necrozma to 2HKO Blissey. Dark Pulse is an alternative option for the fourth moveslot that lets Necrozma hit Ghost-types like Chandelure and Gengar and Psychic-types like Celebi and Latias without having to choose between Signal Beam, Heat Wave, and Earth Power.
Set Details
========
Prism Armor is Necrozma's ability and helps it survive longer by sponging some of the damage from super effective attacks, including Pursuit. Choice Specs boosts Necrozma's Special Attack immensely, allowing it to hit hard with its STAB attack and good coverage. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment and a Timid Nature allow Necrozma to hit as hard and fast as possible. A more defensive EV spread of 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe with a Modest nature can be used for additional longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Necrozma can be used as an early-game wallbreaker with its powerful no-drawback STAB attack in Photon Geyser, as it is able to break down teams that lack a sturdy Psychic-resistant or Psychic-immune Pokemon. Necrozma should be used with good prediction, as being able to use the proper coverage moves against common switch-ins to Photon Geyser, such as Scizor, Latias, Hydreigon, and Alolan Muk, can turn the tide of a game in your favor. Necrozma often can be a good lead due to its sheer power, the unpredictability of its set, and its ability to downplay Pursuit trapping thanks to Prism Armor. Necrozma needs to be cautious of Photon Geyser's low PP, as Pokemon such as Suicune, Moltres, and Kyurem can deplete it quite quickly.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that set up entry hazards, such as Swampert and Cobalion, are able to chip foes on the switch and ease Necrozma's wallbreaking. Necrozma enjoys Spikes to help chip down Pokemon like Swampert and Sylveon into OHKO and 2HKO range, respectively, so Spikes setters such as Klefki can be effective teammates. Fairy- and Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Mega Altaria, Primarina, Infernape, Terrakion, and Cobalion, are able to check Dark-types that generally threaten Necrozma. Dark- and Ghost-type teammates like Alolan Muk, Krookodile, Hydreigon, and Gengar can remove opposing Ghost- and Psychic-types for Necrozma, which it appreciates greatly. The former two can Pursuit trap many of those Pokemon as well. Necrozma also appreciates both defensive and offensive pivots, such as Scizor, Infernape, and Mega Manectric, which allow Necrozma to get in safely and hit a foe hard.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A physical Swords Dance set using Groundium Z and Earthquake can effectively beat a lot of standard Necrozma answers, such as Blissey, Alolan Muk, and many Steel-types. However, this set is easily revenge killed and prone to being crippled by status. A defensively oriented Stored Power set consisting of Moonlight / Calm Mind / Stored Power / Rock Polish can be used as well, but this variant of Necrozma is completely walled by Dark-types and extremely susceptible to Toxic. A set featuring Rock Polish along with a Weakness Policy can be used for Necrozma to instantly gain fast and powerful wallbreaking capabilities, but it tends to be unreliable, as it is overly dependent on getting hit by a super effective move.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Dark-types, such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Mega Houndoom, are immune to Photon Geyser and take significantly less damage from Necrozma's coverage moves; however, all of them except Alolan Muk fear Signal Beam, and both Alolan Muk and Mega Houndoom need to watch out for Earth Power.
**Strong Attackers**: Strong attackers such as Hydreigon, Flyinium Z Moltres, and Dragonium Z Latias can OHKO Necrozma and prevent it from getting up Stealth Rock. Most wallbreakers can beat Necrozma because of its average Speed.
**Special Walls**: Special walls like Blissey and Empoleon take little damage from Necrozma's attacks and are able to threaten it in return with Toxic, though Empoleon has no reliable recovery and takes a chunk from Earth Power and Earthquake. Mandibuzz is also able to cripple Necrozma with Knock Off.
**Faster Threats**: Pokemon that outspeed Necrozma like Gengar, Mega Beedrill, and Chandelure can KO it. Faster Taunt users like Azelf, Krookodile, and Mandibuzz can prevent Necrozma from doing its job effectively.
Necrozma's unique traits as both a Stealth Rock setter and wallbreaker allow it to fit well on bulky offensive teams. Its high offensive stats, decent bulk, and access to Stealth Rock make it a good offensive entry hazard setter. Necrozma's ability, Prism Armor, lets it mitigate some of the damage from super effective attacks, contributing to Necrozma's overall longevity throughout the match. Prism Armor also lowers damage from Pursuit, allowing Necrozma to switch more freely. Necrozma's strong STAB move in Photon Geyser hits most neutral targets hard, and with coverage moves such as Heat Wave, Signal Beam, and Ground-type options, it can punish the Dark-, Psychic-, and Steel- types that are immune to or resist its STAB move. However, Necrozma's Psychic typing is not beneficial for it, as it lacks a secondary STAB attack while also being weak to many common Pokemon like Hydreigon, Gengar, and Scizor. Necrozma also has a very mediocre Speed stat, which prevents it from flourishing in the metagame, as it is unable to outspeed maximally invested base 80s and above, such as Mega Altaria, Togekiss, and Chandelure.
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Photon Geyser
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Signal Beam / Earthquake
item: Metronome / Iapapa Berry
ability: Prism Armor
nature: Timid
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock allows Necrozma to function as an effective offensive entry hazard setter with a comfortable balance of longevity and offensive presence. Photon Geyser is a consistent and powerful Psychic-type attack that has no drawbacks. Heat Wave allows Necrozma to hit Steel-types such as Scizor, Magneton, and Klefki that resist Photon Geyser. Signal Beam can be run to threaten Dark-types such as Mega Sharpedo and Hydreigon, although is often quite weak. Earthquake can be used to 2HKO Alolan Muk without HP investment, even with a Timid nature.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack investment lets Necrozma hit as hard as possible. With the given Speed EVs in combination with a Timid nature, Necrozma is able to outspeed Pokemon like Scizor, Metagross, and Volcanion. Prism Armor is Necrozma's only ability and reduces damage taken from super effective attacks. Metronome allows Necrozma to beat many entry hazard removers, such as Mantine and Mega Altaria, while also preventing Latias from repeatedly using Roost against Signal Beam. However, Metronome will somewhat limit Necrozma's longevity. Iapapa Berry restores 50% of Necrozma's HP in a pinch, helping it stay alive longer and perform its duties more consistently. Life Orb can be run to increase Necrozma's power, but it wears Necrozma down significantly and also prevents it from coming onto the field as often.
Usage Tips
========
Necrozma should get Stealth Rock up as soon as possible to punish the many switches that it is able to force due to its threatening movepool. If using Metronome, Necrozma should be used to spam Photon Geyser to force entry hazard removers out of play before setting up Stealth Rock and put pressure on them to prevent them from using Defog. When using Iapapa Berry, be conscious of when Necrozma is low on HP to prevent it from being knocked out before its Berry activates. Carefully using residual damage from weather, status, and entry hazards to your advantage can help Necrozma activate its Berry in a controlled manner if it cannot reliably stay in on a foe's attack. Photon Geyser is powerful and should be used most of the time; however, keep in mind that it has relatively low PP. Status conditions, particularly Toxic poison, can cripple Necrozma and put it on a timer.
Team Options
========
Necrozma should be used as a Stealth Rock setter on offensive teams that appreciate its strong offensive presence. Wallbreakers that threaten Dark- and Steel-types, such as Heracross, Scizor, and Terrakion, appreciate the Stealth Rock support that Necrozma offers, since it allows them to secure some KOs they would miss out on without the chip damage. Pokemon that work well on bulky offense teams with Necrozma, such as pivots like Scizor and tanks like Mega Aggron, can be effective partners as well. Necrozma also appreciates cleric support from Pokemon like Togekiss and Sylveon. Other Pokemon that threaten Dark-types, such as Mega Altaria and Cobalion, also synergize well with Necrozma.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Photon Geyser
move 2: Earth Power
move 3: Heat Wave
move 4: Signal Beam
item: Choice Specs
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Photon Geyser is a powerful and reliable STAB attack. Earth Power allows Necrozma to chunk Steel-types that resist Photon Geyser and lets it hit Alolan Muk super effectively. Heat Wave is a good coverage move for Steel-types that take Earth Power neutrally, particularly Scizor, and it also hits Celebi. Signal Beam allows Necrozma to damage Dark- and Psychic-types, such as Mega Absol, Mega Sharpedo, Krookodile, Celebi, and Latias. Power Gem can be run to hit Pokemon like Mandibuzz and Moltres for more damage. Psyshock is an option over Photon Geyser that allows Necrozma to 2HKO Blissey. Dark Pulse is an alternative option for the fourth moveslot that lets Necrozma hit Ghost-types like Chandelure and Gengar and Psychic-types like Celebi and Latias without having to choose between Signal Beam, Heat Wave, and Earth Power.
Set Details
========
Prism Armor is Necrozma's ability and helps it survive longer by sponging some of the damage from super effective attacks, including Pursuit. Choice Specs boosts Necrozma's Special Attack immensely, allowing it to hit hard with its STAB attack and good coverage. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment and a Timid Nature allow Necrozma to hit as hard and fast as possible. A more defensive EV spread of 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe with a Modest nature can be used for additional longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Necrozma can be used as an early-game wallbreaker with its powerful no-drawback STAB attack in Photon Geyser, as it is able to break down teams that lack a sturdy Psychic-resistant or Psychic-immune Pokemon. Necrozma should be used with good prediction, as being able to use the proper coverage moves against common switch-ins to Photon Geyser, such as Scizor, Latias, Hydreigon, and Alolan Muk, can turn the tide of a game in your favor. Necrozma often can be a good lead due to its sheer power, the unpredictability of its set, and its ability to downplay Pursuit trapping thanks to Prism Armor. Necrozma needs to be cautious of Photon Geyser's low PP, as Pokemon such as Suicune, Moltres, and Kyurem can deplete it quite quickly.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that set up entry hazards, such as Swampert and Cobalion, are able to chip foes on the switch and ease Necrozma's wallbreaking. Necrozma enjoys Spikes to help chip down Pokemon like Swampert and Sylveon into OHKO and 2HKO range, respectively, so Spikes setters such as Klefki can be effective teammates. Fairy- and Fighting-type Pokemon, such as Mega Altaria, Primarina, Infernape, Terrakion, and Cobalion, are able to check Dark-types that generally threaten Necrozma. Dark- and Ghost-type teammates like Alolan Muk, Krookodile, Hydreigon, and Gengar can remove opposing Ghost- and Psychic-types for Necrozma, which it appreciates greatly. The former two can Pursuit trap many of those Pokemon as well. Necrozma also appreciates both defensive and offensive pivots, such as Scizor, Infernape, and Mega Manectric, which allow Necrozma to get in safely and hit a foe hard.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
A physical Swords Dance set using Groundium Z and Earthquake can effectively beat a lot of standard Necrozma answers, such as Blissey, Alolan Muk, and many Steel-types. However, this set is easily revenge killed and prone to being crippled by status. A defensively oriented Stored Power set consisting of Moonlight / Calm Mind / Stored Power / Rock Polish can be used as well, but this variant of Necrozma is completely walled by Dark-types and extremely susceptible to Toxic. A set featuring Rock Polish along with a Weakness Policy can be used for Necrozma to instantly gain fast and powerful wallbreaking capabilities, but it tends to be unreliable, as it is overly dependent on getting hit by a super effective move.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Dark-types**: Dark-types, such as Hydreigon, Krookodile, and Mega Houndoom, are immune to Photon Geyser and take significantly less damage from Necrozma's coverage moves; however, all of them except Alolan Muk fear Signal Beam, and both Alolan Muk and Mega Houndoom need to watch out for Earth Power.
**Strong Attackers**: Strong attackers such as Hydreigon, Flyinium Z Moltres, and Dragonium Z Latias can OHKO Necrozma and prevent it from getting up Stealth Rock. Most wallbreakers can beat Necrozma because of its average Speed.
**Special Walls**: Special walls like Blissey and Empoleon take little damage from Necrozma's attacks and are able to threaten it in return with Toxic, though Empoleon has no reliable recovery and takes a chunk from Earth Power and Earthquake. Mandibuzz is also able to cripple Necrozma with Knock Off.
**Faster Threats**: Pokemon that outspeed Necrozma like Gengar, Mega Beedrill, and Chandelure can KO it. Faster Taunt users like Azelf, Krookodile, and Mandibuzz can prevent Necrozma from doing its job effectively.
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