Metagame Sword and Shield Data and Speculation

[Minority]

A Ditto copying Zacian will copy its boost and activate the ability again...

Can you prove this? All intuition says this is false, see Imposter mechs with Intimidate and Hazards.

 

[Jibaku]

^Im fairly sure Imposter will activate Intrepid Sword again. Imposter re-activates Intimidate, so I don't see why it wouldn't work with Intrepid Sword.

While we're all freaking out about Sword Dog and how to actually counter it, I want to take a look at Eternatus. No, not the god forme Eternatus which I'm almost certain you won't be able to obtain. Base Eternatus has extremely optimized stats and a movepool that, while tiny, still allows it to be devastating.

Eternatus @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Agility
- Dynamax Cannon
- Sludge Wave
- Flamethrower

Eternatus has some cute toys with Toxic Spikes and Recover, but in this predicted fast paced metagame it might be better off looking to stop itself from getting revenge killed (unless you run into Ditto I suppose). This set has Dynamax in mind, granting it enough power to blow up uninvested Zacian and Zamazenta with Max Flamethrower

252+ SpA Life Orb Eternatus (145 SpA) Max Flamethrower (130 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zamazenta-Shield (92/145): 320-377 (98.4 - 116%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Eternatus Max Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian-Sword (92/115): 390-460 (120 - 141.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

This forces them to Dynamax to prevent getting blown up, but in the process they lose their Dynamax-slaying signature moves. Eternatus can easily 2HKO them and tank a hit from a Dynamax Zacian

+1 252 Atk Zacian-Sword (170 Atk) Max Play Rough (130 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Eternatus (2x HP): 405-477: 405-477 (48 - 56%).

The other draw w/ Dynamaxing Eternatus is that it's the only way Eternatus can boost its SpA. Though Max Sludge Wave is relatively weak (90 BP), it's still quite strong and the SpA boost afterwards is worth it.

It's max speed bc im too lazy to think of benchmarks.

 

[Rarycaris]

Can you prove this? All intuition says this is false, see Imposter mechs with Intimidate and Hazards.

I can't prove it, but the most obvious precedent is Impostoring something with Download, which I'm told copies the existing boost and applies the ability again.

 

[Lotus]

Can you prove this? All intuition says this is false, see Imposter mechs with Intimidate and Hazards.

I'm sure it will work like this:

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-1008647175

Edit: oops I'm late.

 

[Rasengan777]

Sorry but this is a pretty low-quality post. Dynamax doubles the user's HP. I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't know what it did, so why would you try to crap on what someone else wrote without having a clue?



It sure could, and that would make it easier for everything else if Zacian is using low BP non-STAB moves rather than STAB moves or Swords Dance. This is Ubers where you can't just mindlessly switch something in on a threat and expect to wall it regardless of the set it's running.



Its signature move does more damage to itself than Close Combat and is in fact a guaranteed KO with the tiniest bit of chip damage. Also setting up means it would be at +3 rather than +1, which would obviously be a guaranteed OHKO. Please do better rather than spreading misinformation.

yo chill out he didn't mean it that way don't try to start beef dude

 

[GG Unit]

I was saying that it might naturally want to run SD / Play Rough / Fire Fang / Psychic Fangs (Fire Fang > Close Combat still hits steels and you avoid getting walled by Aegislash), not specifically to beat the core you devised. I can't claim to know whether people will want to use Zacian's signature move, but since Steel doesn't offer that much useful coverage alongside Fairy, I'm not sure if using it alongside Play Rough would be the best option.

Well in that case, we're right back to square 1 where I said Zamazenta is a solid check to it because Fire Fang is a lot weaker than CC against it, which is why I said you contributed nothing to the discussion.

Well I was trying to be humorous (oof) because, quite frankly, Sash Marshadow is a bad set. Given that Zacian outspeeds Marshadow, you'd also be totally dependent on keeping rocks off in order to revenge kill it. It doesn't matter if there are "fewer hazard setters"-- as long as every team still has a Stealth Rock setter, then Sash Marshadow shouldn't be any more effective than it is right now.

If that's the kind of thing that qualifies as humorous to you, surely by now you should be used to people not finding you funny. Anyway, not only are there fewer hazard setters, there's more counterplay for hazards now given that something like Excadrill can now boost its speed with Rapid Spin and there are going to be a lot of Pokemon (especially Zacian itself) that will use a passive hazard setter as set-up bait for a Dynamax-boosted sweep since the metagame is missing so many bulky Pokemon.

 

[Guard]

Predictions for National Dex Ubers​

Zacian Crowned Form

There isn't much I can add to what has been said; Zacian is out-of-the-world strong. As a matter of fact, Jolly Zacian has slightly higher raw power than Adamant Life Orb Mega Rayquaza after the boost from Intrepid Sword, while also having access to Swords Dance, 148 Speed and a resistance to Stealth Rock. I do want to add that it might be interesting to run Adamant on Zacian-Crowned. It still creeps base 130s by 1 point and will only lose out on Zamazenta-Crowned, Base Zacian and MMY. In exchange, it gains a lot more KO's after hazards than Jolly would have. Below are a bunch of calculations that demonstrate this and how it generally fares against the metagame. For now, the only Pokemon I can see checking this are fully defensive PDon, Lugia, Defensive Arceus-Fire and Ditto. However, none of those can switch in.,

Calculations

Jolly Swords Dance:

+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Groudon-Primal: 205-242 (50.7 - 59.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Groudon-Primal: 265-312 (77.7 - 91.4%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes

+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 323-381 (81.1 - 95.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 323-381 (96.4 - 113.7%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO

+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Fairy Aura Xerneas: 445-525 (97.5 - 115.1%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO

+1 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 338-402 (80.4 - 95.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 566-668 (88.9 - 105%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Arceus-Fairy: 364-429 (81.9 - 96.6%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Fairy: 285-336 (64.1 - 75.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Arceus: 384-453 (100.7 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Kyogre-Primal: 348-409 (86.1 - 101.2%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO (+3 Wild Charge obviously OHKO’s)

+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ho-Oh: 464-546 (111.5 - 131.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Ho-Oh: 394-464 (111.2 - 131%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mewtwo: 295-348 (83.5 - 98.5%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

+1 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 352-416 (84.8 - 100.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 414-488 (86.6 - 102%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

Both Jolly and Adamant OHKO’s standard Ferrothorn with Close Combat/Fire Fang without boosts

+3 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Giratina: 570-672 (113 - 133.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 252 Def Giratina-Origin: 426-504 (96.5 - 114.2%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

+1 252 Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Scizor-Mega: 296-352 (86 - 102.3%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 340-402 (101.7 - 120.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 320-378 (105.2 - 124.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+3 252 Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Multiscale Lugia: 180-212 (43.2 - 50.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (is an OHKO after SR, +3 Play Rough does not achieve this feat)

+3 252 Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 304-358 (93.8 - 110.4%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
+3 252 Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 246-290 (75.9 - 89.5%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes

+3 252 Atk Zacian Psychic Fangs vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Poison: 360-424 (81 - 95.4%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252 Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Fire: 254-299 (57.2 - 67.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Adamant Swords Dance:

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Groudon-Primal: 226-266 (55.9 - 65.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Groudon-Primal: 291-343 (85.3 - 100.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 356-419 (89.4 - 105.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 356-419 (106.2 - 125%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Fairy Aura Xerneas: 490-577 (107.4 - 126.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 372-440 (88.5 - 104.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 620-732 (97.4 - 115%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Arceus-Fairy: 399-469 (89.8 - 105.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Fairy: 313-369 (70.4 - 83.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Kyogre-Primal: 381-448 (94.3 - 110.8%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO (+3 Wild Charge obviously OHKO’s)

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ho-Oh: 508-598 (122.1 - 143.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Wild Charge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Ho-Oh: 432-510 (122 - 144%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mewtwo: 324-382 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
(Mewtwo needs 72 Def EVs to avoid OHKO in base form from +1 Adamant Play Rough without factoring Stealth Rock in)

+1 252+ Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 388-458 (93.4 - 110.3%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 454-536 (94.9 - 112.1%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO

Both Jolly and Adamant OHKO’s standard Ferrothorn with Close Combat/Fire Fang without boosts
+1 252+ Atk Zacian Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 252 Def Giratina-Origin: 468-552 (106.1 - 125.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Scizor-Mega: 324-384 (94.1 - 111.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 332-392 (102.4 - 120.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252+ Atk Zacian Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 272-320 (83.9 - 98.7%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes

+3 252+ Atk Zacian Psychic Fangs vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Arceus-Poison: 396-466 (89.1 - 104.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Defensive Calcs

S Rank
Primal Groudon OHKO’s with uninvested Precipice Blades and even uninvested Lava Plume
252+ Atk Necrozma-Dusk-Mane Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 246-290 (75.6 - 89.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Gengar-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 142-168 (43.6 - 51.6%) -- 9% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Yveltal Heat Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 265-315 (81.5 - 96.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

A+ Rank
228+ Atk Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 236-278 (72.6 - 85.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252 Atk Marshadow Spectral Thief vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 316-373 (97.2 - 114.7%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO (in the event of Scarf Marshadow vs. +3 Zacian)
252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 220-261 (67.6 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Earth Plate Arceus-Ground Judgment vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 270-318 (83 - 97.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

A Rank
+2 252+ SpA Xerneas Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 256-302 (78.7 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Salamence-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 230-272 (70.7 - 83.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Kyogre-Primal Liquidation vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian in Heavy Rain: 226-267 (69.5 - 82.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Ho-Oh Sacred Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 290-344 (89.2 - 105.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO (Scarf Ho-Oh)
0 Atk Ho-Oh Sacred Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 240-284 (73.8 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (Defensive Ho-Oh)
+6 252+ Atk Life Orb Arceus Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zacian: 312-367 (96 - 112.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

A- Rank
252 SpA Mewtwo-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 290-342 (89.2 - 105.2%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zacian: 249-294 (76.6 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Ditto OHKO’s with Close Combat/Fire Fang if it copies Zacian after a Swords Dance

Zacian Hero of Many Battles Form

SD Life Orb hits harder than Jolly SD Zacian-Crowned, but is outdamaged by Adamant SD Zacian-Crowned. It does have its merits from a defensive perspective. For example, it lives everything PDon can throw at it, with the exception of positive-natured Overheat. It also takes on Zygarde, Marshadow, Arceus-Ground, Ho-Oh (with the exception of Band Brave Bird) and MMY more reliably, since it isn’t weak to one of their STAB/coverage moves. In exchange however, it can’t take Xerneas’ Moonblast and Yveltal’s Oblivion Wing anymore and makes itself a bit more prone to Necrozma DM, MGar and Toxic shenanigans. It also can't afford to run Adamant.

Choice Band is also an appealing option for its ability to 2OHKO the entire metagame with a set of Play Rough, Close Combat, Wild Charge and Crunch, which makes it the most formidable breaker Pokemon has to offer. It does require some prediction, but I certainly do see a lot of potential.

Eternatus

Although not having the widest of movepools, Eternatus certainly has the tools and stats to be relevant. It can go fully offensive with Agililty + 3 Attacks (which has snowballing potential thanks to Max Ooze), use a TSpikes + Recover set to check the likes of Marshadow, non-Band Ho-Oh, POgre etc. and support teammates like Hex MGar and Zygarde or simply run 3 Attacks + Recover. Its typing also allows it to act as a Toxic sponge. Toxic Spikes in general has proved to be one of the deadliest moves in Ubers, and having a reliable setter will have influential consequences on the metagame.

Primal Groudon likes the addition of 2 Steel legendaries without EQ and a Poison legendary, generally having the upper hand against the three of them. It stays uncontested in the Stealth Rock role and will most likely continue to compress roles as good as it has always done.

Assuming mega's will be allowed in National Dex Ubers, Mega Gengar will be a force to be reckoned with due to the addition of Nasty Plot in its movepool. It can now simply trap a passive foe, set up once or twice and continue to murder the opposition. The removal of Pursuit also does it huge favours, as it can simply switch out of Marshadow and Tyranitar now.

A boosted Zygarde also retains an upper hand against the three newly introduced legends. With a reliable Toxic Spiker in the game, it can now easily cheese through its supposed checks. Should like the new meta

Necrozma gets a new toy in Dragon Dance. I'm not sure whether Dragon Dance has any merits over SD, but it does at least free up a slot on Double Dance/SD + Trick Room, which can be used for coverage or recovery instead. It does need to run Jolly though, in order to prevent Marshadow from getting to +1 Atk and Spe.

All three of Defensive Ho-Oh, Lugia and Defensive Lunala got buffed tremendously due to the addition of Heavy Duty Boots, an item that allows you to negate entry hazards. All three of them also have a positive matchup against Zamazenta, Eternatus, and depending on coverage Zacian too.

Support Arceus forms will likely opt to invest more in Defense than Speed in order to take on Zacian properly, with Mega Lucario probably vanished from the VR.

Both do not like the addition of Zacian and Zamazenta, with Xerneas not appreciating Eternatus either. Yveltal will at least have access to LO Heat Wave to fight back, but Xerneas does not have that luxury. However, Zacian will probably opt out of Behemoth Blade and uninvested Zamazenta is narrowly OHKO'd by +2 Moonblast, so not all is bad for the deer.

 

[かたわれ時]

Thanks Guardsweeper. That’s awesome. Do you think you could do one for restricted dex? That will be even better. You don’t have to do it, but I would appreciate it.
Why would Lucario-Mega disappear from VR? Would Zamazenta be enough to make it go down? (Lucario has this merit though: Bullet Punch would outspeed anything Zacian would be using.)

Edit: with normal Zacian, +2 would kill (after SD), but without it it would only be 2HKO:

+2 252 Atk Adaptability Lucario-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 336-396 (103.3 - 121.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Adaptability Lucario-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 168-200 (51.6 - 61.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Rarycaris]

I'm not so sure that Zacian will forgo Behemoth Blade. Its typing is unspectacular now that Xerneas is going to be significantly less viable, but Dynamaxing will still be allowed in National Dex ubers, and it will almost always be Zacian's strongest move against them.

Another thing to consider is Zacian's matchup against itself. Behemoth Blade is Zacian's strongest move on itself. The Jolly speed benchmark is obviously important, but Adamant has a chance to KO with no prior damage:

+1 252 Atk Mawile Sunsteel Strike vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mawile: 265-313 (81.2 - 96%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 252+ Atk Mawile Sunsteel Strike vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mawile: 292-345 (89.5 - 105.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

The KO chance goes up to 75% for Adamant and 18.8% for Jolly after Steath Rock, and guaranteed for Adamant vs 56.3% for Jolly if you have a layer of Spikes up.

I still think always getting outsped by opposing Zacian is too big a risk to take. Adamant also causes you to be outsped by Jolly Necrozma-DM after a Dragon Dance, base 90-95 neutral natured scarfers and Adamant Reshiram/Zekrom after a DD on the off chance those are somehow relevant. MMY will also be a much bigger threat this generation, now that it learns Nasty Plot, and things which can outspeed and KO it will be in high demand. But the more reliable KO against opposing Zacian is a big deal.

 

[Jibaku]

I think a complete National Dex Ubers is a little difficult to speculate atm. Mostly bc we don't know how Megas/Z moves interact with Dynamax. My assumption is that the item-based mechanic takes precedence over the itemless one, based on how Mega Rayquaza @ Z move can't exist at the same time, but who knows. I think it might be better to speculate a Nat Dex without Megas/Zs.

With that said, Gengar gets Encore now so any kind of interactivity with its Mega variant is just thrown out of the window

 

[Nayrz]

Keep the speculation in this thread and forum to the cartridge format for now. We have no idea how a national dex format would work in reality and it would be equivalent to a romhack on the simulator, something that essentially cannot be speculated on right now and wouldn't be seen as official.

The SS additions in context of a unlimited metagame are a fun thought experiment but avoid derailing this thread with this sort of speculation. The live chat areas are fine for that i suppose.

 

[Rarycaris]

Although most of Mewtwo's coverage moves don't give it very good effects (like Max Shadow, which just lowers the opponent's Defense)

Just noticed this. Defense lowering actually does have a use on Mewtwo -- if it's your last Dynamax turn, lowering the opponent's Defense makes them take 50% more from your next Psystrike. In combination with Psychic Terrain most likely being up (the only other relevant terrain setters are Zacian and Zekrom), Psystrike will just annihilate anything not immune to it, and likely force the opponent out. Likewise, Max Flare setting sun means your Fire coverage is essentially getting STAB, and the only relevant Pokemon likely to change it is Kyurem.

That set is better optimised for Dynamax than it appears at first glance.

 

[The Gunner]

From pure theorymonning, I expect Zacian to be extremely over centralizing in this meta and quite unbeatable. Incredible defensive typing combined with offensive stats and moveset make it almost unbeatable with the current mons (RIP Pdon). I expect it to eventually be banned, but before it isn't, expect Aegislash/Bronzong/Eternatus/Ditto on a lot of teams and especially scarf Marshadow/sash Marshadow. It's clear that only gimmicks are capable of taking Zacian out with its unprecedented speed, attack and typing.

On another note, I do feel that if Zacian is out of the way, Mewtwo becomes quite threatening. The lack of dark types in the meta open the floor for Dusk Lunala, which was absolutely unviable in SM and easily beats Mewtwo. Eternatus is obviously great defensively and offensively -- even with a lackluster movepool, it could possibly be S rank. With lack of Poison-types and an excess number of Steel-types, it's going to be interesting to see how Toxic Spikes affect building.

Sand will definitely be making a comeback this gen. There aren't too many Stealth Rockers to begin with and Excadrill finds a niche as the only offensive Ground-type in the tier. Ttar however seems bait to almost every Uber mon except Mewtwo with M-Gengar now being gone.

Quite an interesting bunch of Pokemon to play with. I have no opinion on BW legends for now because of their poor speed. I wish they removed USUM legends, but unfortunately Dusk Mane is going to be great again. Who knows, if they toss in PDon at some point it'll be an interesting dynamic.

P.S.- Ho-oh would've been bangin in this meta with few Stealth Rockers, numerous Steel-types, boots and being a hard check to Zacian.

 

[Rarycaris]

The lack of dark types in the meta open the floor for Dusk Lunala, which was absolutely unviable in SM and easily beats Mewtwo.

Between Lunala, Aegislash and opposing Mewtwo, it will probably run Shadow Ball. At which point it usually OHKOes Dawn Wings Necrozma *unboosted* unless Necrozma invests in bulk:

252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Prism Armor Necrozma-Dawn-Wings: 312-370 (93.1 - 110.4%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

Dawn Wings Necrozma obviously OHKOes Mewtwo and Marshadow, and might be able to feasibly run a Rock Polish/Photon/Moongeist/Earth Power set if it can come in on something without Ghost/Dark coverage. For everything else, it's outclassed by Lunala.

Edit: can also probably forgo Photon and run CM instead if it wants. Photon only really hits naked Zamazenta and things which Moongeist/EP already hit.

 

[Zrp200]

I DO hope that they do in fact implement Z-Moves and megas, as well as the "lost" moves. Ideally megas and z-moves on a mon would prevent it from dynamaxing.

In any case, Reshiram sounds nothing short of amazing in the regular SWSH meta. Dynamax turns Reshiram into a terror to behold. Simply slap a scarf on the thing and dynamax as you revenge kill something with blue flare. Blue flare gains 10 BP, 100% acc, and SETS SUN. Then you sweep in a tier without primal groudon or many waters and instead many steels. Think Scarf Kyogre, except with no hp weakening and dual stabs that hit the entire tier for at least neutral damage.

 

[Rarycaris]

What are the chances that Hydreigon becomes ubers-viable, if Zacian and Zamazenta can be dealt with? It gets Nasty Plot, outspeeds some important mons, and has perfect SE coverage against everything except Marshadow with its STABs and Fire Blast/Earth Power. Crucially, it gets Levitate, which makes it immune to Spikes, Toxic Spikes and Sticky Webs, which otherwise annoy every remaining Pokemon in ubers; I can't think of any other flying types or Levitators that are likely to be viable, with the possible exception of Gyarados if it's as nuts as people say it is in the speculative meta.

It has a favourable matchup against Mewtwo not carrying Aura Sphere/Focus Miss/Ice Beam, non-boosted/Scarfed Unova dragons, both Necrozma forms, Lunala not carrying Moonblast, Solgaleo not running Close Combat (notable as the only other relevant Pokemon that ignores Sticky Web, and Hydreigon outspeeds it by 2 points); in other words, these things can deal with it, but mostly need to be carrying unusual coverage to do so.

It also has a reasonable Scarf set which can run a Modest nature and still outspeed Zacian. Alternatively, it can run Timid and speed creep and OHKO every other dragon in the metagame (including those with a Dragon Dance under their belt) with Draco Meteor.

It might just not have the necessary stats for ubers, it's extremely prediction-reliant and reliant on surprise factor, and I don't think it has any way to outspeed and OHKO a healthy Marshadow. But it can choose its counters with the right set, and it fulfils otherwise vacant niches in offensive Dark types and things which are unbothered by most hazards. With Ground and Psychic attacks likely to see common use, it's noteworthy that Hydreigon can switch in on both with impunity.

 

[Jibaku]

I'm gonna leave this here because you can potentially make someone really sad with this.

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 4 Def
Timid Nature
- Block
- Imprison
- Transform
- Whatever

This might not be the right meta for it, but if you send anything that can't blow it up quickly it can just Block you on the switch, Imprison, and then Transform, forcing your mon to Struggle. Mew getting Imprison is one of the funniest additions Gamefreak has done.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

I'm gonna leave this here because you can potentially make someone really sad with this.

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Spe / 4 Def
Timid Nature
- Block
- Imprison
- Transform
- Whatever

This might not be the right meta for it, but if you send anything that can't blow it up quickly it can just Block you on the switch, Imprison, and then Transform, forcing your mon to Struggle. Mew getting Imprison is one of the funniest additions Gamefreak has done.

It's a very gimmicky set though. And Taunt will wreck it badly.

 

[Rarycaris]

It's a very gimmicky set though. And Taunt will wreck it badly.

That in itself makes Taunt the optimal option for the fourth moveslot, so that you can Imprison it before they get it off if you outspeed.

It's gimmicky, but it's also hilarious :p

 

[DreamPrince]

Not an Uber player, but I find it hilarious that Torkoal is probably the closest thing to a perfect answer to our overpowered dog holding a Sword ( And the reason why I don't say 100% is because of Dynamax Dig). Calcs:

+3 252+ Atk Mawile Play Rough vs. 248 HP / 232+ Def Torkoal: 141-167 (41.1 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252+ Atk Mawile Iron Tail vs. 248 HP / 232+ Def Torkoal: 157-186 (45.7 - 54.2%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252+ Atk Mawile Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 232+ Def Torkoal: 252-297 (73.4 - 86.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mawile in Sun: 204-242 (62.7 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. -1 0 HP / 0 SpD Mawile in Sun: 306-360 (94.1 - 110.7%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

While it does get 2hkoed by at least +3 fighting Attack, it can at least use Will-o-Wisp or Yawn to either cripple or force it out. Torkoal also has Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, along side the fact that Kyogre/Groudon/Rayquaza no longer exist, means that you probably want another check like Ditto.

That being said, if SwSh GS cup becomes a thing, I may actually consider using Torkoal for the aforementioned reasons.

 

[metal box]

I'm not gonna mention Dynamax/Gigantomax bc we don't know exactly how the mechanic will play out, but these are my predictions for the pokemon I expect to be relevant in the gen 8 Ubers metagame, in no particular order. This gets pretty long so im putting everything in spoilers:

Zacian

Zacian is easily the scariest pokemon coming out of this gen. People have already talked about SD sets, which will undoubtedly wreck the early metagame given that Zacian's typing, bulk and speed will give it plenty of opportunities to set up and pummel through the metagame. At +3 Adamant Zacian does so much damage that its would-be counters in Ferrothorn, Toxapex, and Necrozma-DM are brought into 2HKO range of neutral/resisted hits with minimal prior damage:

calcs

+3 252+ Atk Mawile Sunsteel Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ferrothorn: 162-192 (46 - 54.5%) -- 6.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252+ Atk Mawile Sunsteel Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 166-196 (41.7 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252+ Atk Mawile Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 156-184 (51.3 - 60.5%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+3 252+ Atk Mawile Play Rough vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def Lucario: 183-216 (47.1 - 55.6%) -- 75% chance to 2HKO

Each of these pokemon that could theoretically check Zacian defensively, in addition to being hit super hard on the switch-in, struggles to punish Zacian effectively. Ferro can Thunder Wave and make it easier to revenge kill, Necrozma and Zamazenta can chip it but struggle to KO thanks to Zacian's absurd bulk, and Pex can Haze away the boosts and fish for scald burns. This isn't mentioning, of course, that Zacian can run coverage to OHKO any of these pokemon- Sacred Sword/Fire Fang for Ferrothorn and Zamazenta, Crunch for Necrozma, or Psychic Fangs/Wild Charge for Pex.

+1 252+ Atk Mawile Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Unaware Pyukumuku: 118-141 (37.5 - 44.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Pyukumuku can theoretically 1v1 Zacian, but the fact that Pyukumuku is relying on either Spite or Scald to beat Zacian, means that Zacian can easily fish for Play Rough crits. Pyukumuku will generally win that 1v1, but the matchup gives Zacian the ability to hax its way out of the situation. Outside of that, Pyukumuku suffers from general passivity that will probably make it hard to justify using outside of stall.

The best way to beat Zacian will generally be offensively, bringing in something faster on the predicted SD, or revenging, and threatening it with a KO. Scarf Marshadow is a super threatening revenge killer for Zacian, stealing its +3 boosts and threatening a reverse sweep. I expect that the need to beat Zacian offensively will gear the early metagame much more towards offense, since balance teams look like they'll get pretty smashed by Zacian if they're relying on Ferro/Pex/Necrozma as their checks to it.

Dugtrio

The lack of Groudon or Ho-oh means its going to be hard to punish all the broken steel types running around, and I think Dugtrio will be pretty important for offense teams in that regard. Dugtrio is forced to run Scarf to outspeed Zacian and +1 Zekrom, unfortunately, forcing it to rely on its base 100 attack to get KOs:

calcs

252+ Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mawile: 266-314 (81.8 - 96.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zekrom: 254-302 (74.4 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 162-192 (53.2 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

I really wouldn't play Duggy on any kind of balance team that gives these pokemon free switch ins on Ferrothorn/Pex/etc, but offensive teams that chip these pokemon as they come in will have an easier time of bringing pokemon into Dugtrio range. Alongside scarfers and priority users like Marshadow & Lunala, Dugtrio could be a valuable asset to teams in the late game. It is worth noting that Dugtrio does pitiful damage to Zamazenta and Necrozma-DM, if those pokemon don't end up running enough speed to creep on Base 100s, then Band Dugtrio could be a way for offense teams to deal with them, but I wouldn't rely on that in the early stages of the metagame.

Reshiram

Speaking of punishing steels, I'm pretty interested in Reshiram for balance. Between Blue Flare, Dragon Pulse, Extrasensory and Shadow Ball, Reshiram can hit every Uber pokemon + Toxapex for supereffective damage. Life Orb, Specs and Scarf all look like viable options, with the first two tearing huge chunks in the opposing team as they try to switch in, and Scarf outspeeding the entire unboosted metagame and acting as a strong revenge killer for Mewtwo, Zacian, Lunala, Necrozma-DM, Melmetal, Zamazenta, and Kyurems. Scarf is kind of weak though, almost all of the pokemon mentioned above need at least a little bit of chip damage to get into unboosted Reshiram range. Fire/Dragon is also decent enough defensive typing that I'd be interested in a bulky set with some combination of Will-o-Wisp/Toxic/Roost/Blue Flare/Defog with Heavy Duty Boots to give hazard immunity, but Reshiram's natural bulk really isn't great, so it probably won't be able to fully capitalize off of its typing as a defensive check to steels.

Shedinja

Shedinja is something I want to try out as the metagame develops, with the removal of Pursuit and Hidden Power and the addition of Boots giving it a much easier time as a wincon. Its success will depend largely on how the rest of the metagame shakes up, particularly in regard to whether standard Zacians/Zekroms/Kyurem-Bs run the coverage to hit Shed. The very likely presence of Moongeist Beam/Sunsteel Strike/Marshadow/Shadow Ball on Mewtwo at the top tier of the metagame will make it pretty hard for Shedinja to thrive, though, so as much as I want it to be good, my expectations aren't too high, but I do think it's worth keeping in consideration as the metagame develops.

Zekrom

DD Zekrom has also gotten a lot of attention, in large part thanks to the lack of good ground types, but I'm unsure of how good it'll be in practice. You're forced into 192 Speed + Jolly to outspeed max speed Zacian at +1, and really need 252 attack to break through Zacian/Zamazenta. Zekrom's defensive typing doesn't offer many useful resistances beyond Steel, which, combined with its mediocre bulk, are going to make it more difficult to find opportunities to set up. I expect that DD Zekrom will be a very strong pokemon to rip apart Balance teams, but if the meta turns into variants of Zacian hyperoffense, I'm not sure Zekrom will be able to shine.

Marshadow

Marshadow looks pretty insane in this gen with Xerneas/Yveltal/Zygarde/Arceus/Pdon all gone. The combination of Life Orb Close Combat/Spectral Thief into Shadow Sneak will be difficult to switch into:

calcs

252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Close Combat vs. 92 HP / 0 Def Mawile: 220-261 (63.2 - 75%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Technician Marshadow Shadow Sneak vs. 92 HP / 0 Def Mawile: 110-133 (31.6 - 38.2%) -- 92.4% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Close Combat vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def Lucario: 182-218 (46.9 - 56.1%) -- 77% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zekrom: 212-251 (62.1 - 73.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Technician Marshadow Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zekrom: 107-126 (31.3 - 36.9%) -- 74.2% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Spectral Thief vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 195-230 (40.2 - 47.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Spectral Thief vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Toxapex: 130-153 (42.7 - 50.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery

A bulky Eternatus/Toxapex are the only pokemon that are going to be able to consistently switch into Marshadow without getting worn down, but both of those get smashed by Dugtrio. A bulky Zamazenta can take a hit, but the fact that it relies on Rest for recovery means its liable to get overpowered- or trapped and taken out by Dugtrio after its been chipped.

Scarf Marshadow also looks like a threatening pokemon in the late-game. Losing out on the LO boost might end up being rough but being able to outspeed Mewtwo, Zacian, Zamazenta and +1 Zekrom and threaten KOs on all of them after some prior chip looks really valuable. Marshadow's ability to beat Mewtwo could prove especially important, since +2 Psystrike/Fire Blast/Shadow Ball destroys the whole metagame. LO Shadow Sneak and Scarf Spectral Thief do both narrowly miss the OHKO without rocks or prior chip, but if Mewtwo ends up running LO or Marshadow is paired with Dugtrio it should be manageable.

Mewtwo

Speaking of Mewtwo, Nasty Plot is extremely scary. The immediate set that comes to mind is max SpA/max Speed/Timid Life Orb + NP/Psystrike/Fire Blast/Shadow Ball which offers you supereffective coverage on nearly everything in the metagame. Zekrom/Reshiram/Kyurem eat neutral Psystrikes but they get absolutely destroyed by +2.

calcs

+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Psystrike vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Zekrom: 411-485 (120.5 - 142.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Psystrike vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Reshiram: 481-567 (141 - 166.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Psystrike vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kyurem-Black: 481-567 (123 - 145%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Psystrike vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kyurem-White: 526-620 (134.5 - 158.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mawile: 627-738 (192.9 - 227%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Lucario: 512-603 (131.9 - 155.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Psystrike vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 1006-1185 (207.8 - 244.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mewtwo: 562-663 (159.2 - 187.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 12 SpD Shadow Shield Lunala: 481-567 (115.9 - 136.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 361-425 (90.7 - 106.7%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Mewtwo Psystrike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Unaware Pyukumuku: 144-172 (45.8 - 54.7%) -- 8.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Even moreso than Zacian, this thing will be extremely difficult to switch in on and check defensively, so the best bet is going to be pressuring it offensively. Marshadow can revenge kill Mewtwo with prior chip with LO Shadow Sneak or Scarf Spectral Thief, and Zacian and Scarf Lunala both outspeed and OHKO with Behemoth Blade/Moongeist Beam respectively. Scarf Dugtrio and base form Zamazenta can outspeed, but don't come close to OHKOing Mewtwo. However, if the metagame is as aggressive as it looks, Mewtwo will struggle to find opportunities to set up. It needs +2 to start grabbing OHKOs, but is frail enough that it won't be able to set up on a lot of the most aggressive pokemon in the tier. Zekrom can DD up on Mewtwo and OHKO with Bolt Strike after, LO/Specs Reshiram, Zacian, Marshadow, and Lunala all OHKO, and while Necrozma doesn't OHKO, it threatens to set up a Trick Room and/or get Weakness Policy boosts, or bring Mewtwo into range of Dugtrio/Zamazenta/Marshadow. Even Ferrothorn forces you to Fire Blast if it's threatening Thunder Wave. NP Mewtwo, like Zekrom, looks like it'll be immensely threatening to balance teams that aren't able to immediately threaten it, but its success will largely depend on how easy it is to set up. That said, even without a NP boost, LO Mewtwo is still a beast to switch into, and as a late-game cleaner, Mewtwo will be able to tear through slower teams. I'm fairly confident that it'll be instrumental to the early meta.

Zamazenta

I'm honestly unsure of where Zamazenta fits into this metagame, if at all. It has pretty crazy bulk, but no access to recovery or relevant utility moves means its relegated to... a bulky attacking set? I could see value in a RestTalk set, kind of what Zygarde uses right now, but it doesn't seem to get any moves that benefit from that. No Coil/Bulk Up/Curse, no Toxic, no Earthquake. Its bulk lets it answer Zacian decently well, but it doesn't get any moves that seriously threaten it. As a bulky steel type, it feels outclassed by Necrozma-DM, who has a better support movepool in Stealth Rock/status/TR, better offensive coverage, and recovery in Morning Sun. I could theoretically see a base form Zamazenta set that trades the added bulk and steel typing for an item slot and the ability to outspeed base 130s, but mono fighting looks like super questionable typing.

Eternatus

Similarly, I'm not sure what Eternatus is doing here. Dragon/Poison feels like really unfortunate typing with the plethora of steel types, with Eternatus giving free switch ins to Zacian, Zamazenta and Necrozma-DM. Its bulk lets it eat an unboosted Behemoth Blade from Zacian, but Eternatus can't OHKO back with Flamethrower, even with Specs. Recover & Toxic Spikes are interesting but this doesn't feel like it'll be a metagame where you can get away with running passive pokemon that can't punish Zacian or Mewtwo, and Eternatus does neither. A bulky attacking set that goes Max SpA/Max HP could be good, it can lure Mewtwo, Lunala and Zacian, and threaten a 2HKO with a combination of Flamethrower/Shadow Ball while living all of their attacks. Specs lets you lure Necrozma-DM and 2HKO it on the switch in, but Specs also feels super abusable by your opponent- locking yourself into shadow ball is basically a freebie for Zacian to come in and SD on you.

calcs

252+ SpA Naganadel Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mewtwo: 226-268 (64 - 75.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Mewtwo Psystrike vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 390-458 (80.5 - 94.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Naganadel Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mawile: 208-246 (64 - 75.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ Atk Mawile Sunsteel Strike vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 343-405 (70.8 - 83.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Naganadel Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 244-288 (61.3 - 72.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Necrozma-Dusk-Mane Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 288-340 (59.5 - 70.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Naganadel Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 12 SpD Lunala: 388-460 (93.4 - 110.8%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
244 SpA Lunala Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 284-336 (58.6 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Necrozma-DM

Necrozma-DM loses a portion of its utility now that the only Uber Fairy is Zacian, but I don't think it'll be significantly worse. Necrozma is likely the best rocker in the tier, which will be invaluable for offense teams, especially ones relying on Mewtwo/Marshadow in the late game. I don't think the SpDef set will be as prominent this gen since the tier is full of physical attackers, and Mewtwo/Reshiram/Lunala all body Necrozma regardless. I expect offensive Necrozma sets to be more prominent- the one I specifically have my eyes on is Trick Room/Rocks/Earthquake/Sunsteel Strike w/ Weakness Policy. I'm pretty wary of SD/DD sets off the bat since you set yourself up to be reverse swept by Marshadow, but I think that TR will dodge that, while also supporting the rest of your team against the fast threats in the tier. Zacian does OHKO Necrozma with +3 Crunch, so Necrozma can't expect to wall it, but Zacian also can't set up on Necrozma with the threat of TR into EQ doing 75.6%-89.2%, bringing it into range of Marshadow/Mewtwo/anything else.

calcs

+3 252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Crunch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 423-499 (106.2 - 125.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 343-406 (86.1 - 102%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
+3 252 Atk Life Orb Marshadow Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 316-373 (79.3 - 93.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Necrozma-Dusk-Mane Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Marshadow: 246-290 (75.6 - 89.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Overall the metagame looks like it'll be super offensively oriented in its early stages. Zacian is a huge battering ram that outspeeds and smashes through the entire meta, and coupled with Mewtwo, speed control looks like it'll be vital. Scarfers and/or priority users look like they'll be necessary to have a chance against these teams since defensively walling them will be extremely difficult, given their raw power once set up. Personally, I'm really excited for this, I'm kind of tired of the balance-oriented gen 7 metagame, so it'll be fun to jam some good offense before Zacian gets banned

 

[Rasengan777]

Not an Uber player, but I find it hilarious that Torkoal is probably the closest thing to a perfect answer to our overpowered dog holding a Sword ( And the reason why I don't say 100% is because of Dynamax Dig). Calcs:

+3 252+ Atk Mawile Play Rough vs. 248 HP / 232+ Def Torkoal: 141-167 (41.1 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252+ Atk Mawile Iron Tail vs. 248 HP / 232+ Def Torkoal: 157-186 (45.7 - 54.2%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252+ Atk Mawile Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 232+ Def Torkoal: 252-297 (73.4 - 86.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mawile in Sun: 204-242 (62.7 - 74.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. -1 0 HP / 0 SpD Mawile in Sun: 306-360 (94.1 - 110.7%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

While it does get 2hkoed by at least +3 fighting Attack, it can at least use Will-o-Wisp or Yawn to either cripple or force it out. Torkoal also has Stealth Rock and Rapid Spin, along side the fact that Kyogre/Groudon/Rayquaza no longer exist, means that you probably want another check like Ditto.

That being said, if SwSh GS cup becomes a thing, I may actually consider using Torkoal for the aforementioned reasons.

whyd u calc mawile

 

[SiTuM]

whyd u calc mawile

because zacian is not available on the calc, he just used zacian's stats on mawile instead.

 

[かたわれ時]

because zacian is not available on the calc, he just used zacian's stats on mawile instead.

All the same, I would feel better if he/she actually renamed the pokemon instead of using the pokemon he/she calced. I would at least know that he consciously used Zacian's stats.
The same applies to Metal Box; I hardly know what pokemon is being calced at times.

 

[Joseph Gomes]

Zacian might need suspect test as soon as the Gen 8 ubers metagame is released.