Project The Top 5 Titans of the AG Metagame [Closed]

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Icemaster

Few will truly understand.
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Lots of the OP is from here
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The Top 5 Titans of the Gen 7 AG Meta


With powerful new Pokemon such as Marshadow, Necrozma-Dusk-Mane, Necrozma Ultra, Zygarde-Complete and Tapu Lele (spawning a new playstyle) along with Z Moves, and a nerf on Prankster and Dark Void this generation has been very different from previous generations. The big question that we will try to answer with this thread is, which of all the Pokemon were the 5 most influential throughout of Gen 7?

From July 17th to August 7th, you will nominate Pokemon that will be voted on for the top 5 most influential Pokemon throughout Gen 7. After that, you will all evaluate all the nominations and individually rank the Pokemon from 1-5 by vote. Of course, all the nominations will count as long as they're reasonable and fit the criteria. Please keep in mind that we're not ranking Pokemon based on how good they are, but we're ranking Pokemon based on how influential they've been.

Here's an example format of what your nomination should look like:

Nominating Pokemon

Enter sprite here.

What effect did Pokemon have on the metagame?

Explain how the Pokemon effected the metagame as whole, and how the metagame adapted around it. A brief description of which Pokemon it countered and which Pokemon it did well against would be good here as well.

In what main roles was Pokemon used?

Explain why this Pokemon was used on a team more often then most other Pokemon, and what was it particularly used for? What made it so good at this role?

What caused it to have a significant impact?

What exactly made this Pokemon have such a large impact on the metagame? Was it its stats, ability, useful resistances, amazing synergy, or the ability to sweep most of the metagame very easily? Did a certain Pokemon cause it to become that much better when it was partnered with it?

How do/did you deal with this Pokemon in AG?

What are the best checks/counters to this Pokemon? How does the metagame adapt to this Pokemon?

Make sure they look like this, or else they won't be counted. Make sure they are also very informative, factual, accurate, and detailed.
You can reserve a Pokemon but a description must be added within a reasonable time frame (I do realise it takes a while to do make analysis posts)

Current Nominees: (they'll be added in as people nominate Pokemon)








 
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Nominating Ultra Necrozma

186349


What effect did this Pokemon have on the metagame?

The effect this Pokémon has had on AG is incredible and has shaped the meta we know today. Ultra Necrozma single-handedly caused the dark type surge, with Darkceus, Yveltal and Mega Sableye seeing far, far more usage. According to usage stats on ladder , in June this year Darkceus usage was at 8.7%, Yveltal at 23.7%, and finally Mega Sableye at 3.7%. In October 2017, the month before Ultra Sun and Moon were released, Darkceus usage was at 3.1%, Yveltal at 16.5%, and Mega Sableye at 1.4%. This clearly shows an increased usage in dark types as a result of Ultra Necrozma. It is fair to say that Ultra Necrozma caused this surge as Dark types are the best way to deal with this Pokemon; this is due to the fact that they are immune to Psychic, meaning Ultra Necrozma cannot blast through it with it's Z move. Ultra Necrozma can run coverage to try and get around Dark types but it cannot cover Mega Sableye, Darkceus and Yveltal all in one set, Ultra Necrozma is generally only capable of getting through one of these Dark types. This is not the only change to the meta as a result of this Pokémon's introduction. Ultra Necrozma also caused an increased usage in Mega Gengar due to the fact that Mega Gengar can revenge kill Ultra Necrozma, which in turn meant Scarf Ray usage increased dramatically as this can revenge Ultra Necrozma with Draco Meteor as well as outspeed and avoid being trapped by Mega Gengar. This is also reflected by usage stats; in June this year, Mega Gengar usage was at 7.4% where as in October 2017 it was 6.7%, which surprisingly is only a small increase. However scarf Mega Rayquaza usage has definitely increased a significant amount, with it having 10.1% usage in October 2017 compared to a huge 17.2% usage in June this year, becoming the second most used item on Mega Rayquaza after Life Orb. In addition to this, it could be argued that Ultra Necrozma helped boost the potency and usage of Psyspam, due to the fact that Ultra Necrozma is a very common and powerful choice on that archetype. This again is reflected by usage stats. Tapu Lele usage in June this year was at an extremely high 7.9%, whereas in October 2017 Tapu Lele usage was only at 5.1%.

In what main roles was this Pokemon used?

Ultra Necrozma has one main role in that it is a very effective set up sweeper. It is used more often than other set up sweepers due to it's speed tier and ridiculous attack stat. It's speed tier means that it's faster than Arceus and Marshadow; this is extremely important. Marshadow is an issue for almost all physical set up sweepers, as Marshadow can simply outspeed and steal attack boosts with Spectral thief, however this is not the case with Ultra Necrozma (unless it is the uncommon Scarf Marshadow). Being faster than Arceus is extremely useful as it means it can hit it and deal extremely heavy damage before Arceus can cripple it with Wisp or hit it with Judgement. Ultra Necrozma can also be used as an effective stall breaker; the SD Outrage set allows it to get past Mega Sableye, which is a common answer for Ultra Necrozma on stall, and other checks like Skarmory can be played around if Ultra Necrozma's Z move is timed correctly. In addition to this, Ultra Necrozma can be an effective revenge killer due to the surprise factor of Ultra bursting; this can let it revenge things such as Mega Rayquaza and Marshadow without taking any damage if they expect it to stay in Dusk form. In addition to these threats Ultra Necrozma is an extremely good answer for Naganadel on balance, as it can Ultra burst, outspeed and OHKO Naganadel pretty safely, as more often than not Naganadel will attempt to Nasty Plot rather than expect Dusk Mane and use Fire Blast.

What caused it to have a significant impact?

I would say there are 5 main components that make Ultra Necrozma so potent; its stats, its movepool, its ability, its exclusive Z move and finally its versatility. As previously mentioned, it's speed tier is extremely useful for outspeed threats such as Mega Rayquaza, Arceus, Marshadow and Naganadel. It's ridiculous 433 attack stat paired with access to Swords Dance means that in one turn only Ultra Necrozma's attack can be boosted to insane levels. With this, and a base 200 attack powered STAB Z move, even Pokémon that resist it such as Ferrothorn and Celesteela are torn through like tissue paper after 2 Swords Dance boosts. It's Z move also allows it to OHKO max defense invested Arceus forms such as Fairy after one swords dance boost, meaning support Arceus formes cannot counter this beast. It's movepool means it has access to coverage that allows it to beat all it's counters; it can run Stone edge for Yveltal, X-Scissor/Brick Break or CM D Pulse for Darkceus, Outrage or D Pulse for Mega Sableye, Heat Wave for steels such as Skarm/Cele and the niche Knock Off for Lunala. Effectively, it's immensely diverse movepool means that no one Pokémon can counter all of Ultra Necrozma's sets. Neuroforce is an underrated ability and pairs perfectly with Ultra Necrozma's diverse coverage options. It means that coverage options that aren't STAB still do a ton of damage, even including weak moves like X-Scissor which has a base 80 attack, as at +2 it can still OHKO non defensive invested Darkceus. By Ultra Necrozma's versatility I am not just talking about it's movepool but also the fact that it can run a special set just as effectively as a physical set. This is due to the fact again that it's stats and movepool are insane, in that it also has 433 Special Attack and has access to moves such as CM, Heat Wave and Dragon Pulse. This means that would be checks to physical sets such as Skarmory and Mega Sableye (if no outrage) are no longer checks as they can be hit for heavy damage by Heat Wave and Dragon Pulse respectively.

How do/did you deal with this Pokémon in AG?

The best ways to deal with Ultra Necrozma are using Dark types and revenge killers. Even though Ultra Necrozma's coverage is terrifying, it can still only run a set geared for one specific dark type, so it's not guaranteed that Ultra Necrozma can touch your dark counter. In addition to this, X-Scissor is a roll at +2 after Stealth Rock against max defence Arceus-Dark, which is currently my favourite Darkceus spread at the moment, and Charti Yveltal is a tech that you can exploit to not lose to Stone edge at +2. Defensive Lunala is an underrated way of dealing with Ultra Necrozma; Knock Off is niche coverage, and if the Defog support is good and Shadow Shield is intact there is no real way for Ultra Necrozma to be able to break Lunala. Forming defensive cores is an effective way of dealing with Ultra Necrozma; for example, Tyranitar + Skarmory is very effective as Skarmory is able to wall Ultra Necrozma's physical sets while Tyranitar can deal with Ultra Necrozma's special sets due to sandstream, so it is very complimentary. Another example of a core is Mega Sableye + a fairy type, as if Ultra Necrozma is running SD Outrage to overcome Mega Sableye it can easily be revenged by a fairy type such as Xerneas/Fairyceus/Magearna. This also forces 50 50s for special sets between using Dragon Pulse and Calm Mind. Popular revenge killers I like to use are Choice Scarf Xerneas, Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, Marshadow and Mega Gengar; Shadow ball from Mega Gengar has a very high chance to OHKO and is a guaranteed kill due to Shadow Tag, however Mega Gengar is unable to revenge Ultra Necrozma's special sets due to the Spdef boost from CM. Choice Scarf Xerneas is a very good pick as once Dusk Mane has ultra bursted this leaves a lot of teams susceptible to this Pokémon. If Ultra Necrozma is weakened slightly, Marshadow is very effective as it can force a 50 50 between Shadow Sneak and Pursuit; LO Pursuit does an extremely high amount of damage and can either take Ultra Necrozma out of the game completely or can do if you can get Stealth Rock up.
 
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pichus

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reserving marshadow!
[Work In Progress]



What effect did Pokemon have on the metagame?

Marshadow had a huge impact on the AG meta. It quickly gained popularity in the metagame and within a week of its release, the good old Arceus Spam and the most commonly used playstyle aka Hyper Offense became pretty much non existent and the newer builds became much more bulkier. Solid A rank mons like Arceus, Arceus-Dark, Arceus-Steel, Arceus-Ghost and Arceus-Rock became less viable and unused while Arceus-Fairy, Defensive Yveltal & scarf pokemons like Xerneas & Rayquaza became much much more common. Even the teambuilding process drastically changed because you couldn't just brainlessly throw in a rock setter + 3 ekillers/ghostceus + ray anymore (this is how the pre marsh usum looked like!). Cores such as Gengar + Marsh / Gothitelle + Marsh were discovered and saw heavy usage which made Marsh a bigger threat in the metagame. Even presently, every team in Anything Goes, whether it is an HO or a Balance, makes sure that they run a solid check to this.

In what main roles was Pokemon used?

Marshadow has two main roles - a revenge killer and a set up sweeper. Marshadow is easily one of the best if not the best revenge killer in AG, thanks to its broken move Spectral Thief which even goes through substitute, its high speed which allows it to outspeed max speed Arceus & Naganadel and decent attack stat along with a 60 BP stab move in Shadow Sneak which helps it revenge kill boosted Rayquaza, chipped Scarf/Geo Xerneas and Mega Gengar. A set up sweeper set - Bulk Up Z Move is also really commonly used which can destroy unprepared teams with minimal support. Most balance teams prefer using the Life Orb set with a filler like Toxic/HP Ice/Rock Tomb to make up for the bad Hyper offense matchup & to deal with the random supportceus, Ho-Oh and Zygarde. Offense teams run the Z move variant because the Life orb might just be a bit too passive to run on an HO. The high attack and speed stats with an amazing STAB combo has made marsh one of the best offensive threats in AG.

What caused it to have a significant impact?

Marshadow gets a great Ghost + Fighting STAB combo which hits every type for atleast neutral damage. It also gets solid STAB moves and a 60 BP STAB priority move which when combined with the very good attack and speed stats make Marshadow a dominant threat in Anything Goes. I'd say Marshadow is also a pretty splashable mon because no team minds running something that revenge kills almost 80% of the offensive threats.

How do/did you deal with this Pokemon in AG?

There are actually plenty of good check to this. Fairyceus, one of the staple arceus forme is considered as the most solid check/counter. Pretty much every bulky supportceus which isnt weak to Ghost/Fighting can also check this. Scarfers like Xerneas, Yveltal and especially Mega Rayquaza are also pretty decent checks. Zygarde-Complete, Ho-Oh, Defensive Yveltal and Skarmory also check this but they have to watch out for coverage moves like HP Ice & Rock Tomb. Despite the fact that it has so many checks, Marshadow is considered as one of the best mons in AG because of its amazing offensive presence and remarkable revenge killing ability.
 
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Pigeons

pidge pidge
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Nominating Vivillon


What effect did Pokemon have on the metagame?

Despite mediocre stats, sub-par typing and no set diversity, Vivillon was easily one of the most feared and annoying Pokemon in the gen 7 AG metagame. With Dark Void's accuracy nerf rendering Darkrai irrelevant, Vivillon took over as AG's #1 reason why removing sleep clause is a terrible idea. Vivillon was particularly potent against bulky offense and balance teams running multiple slower targets that it could set up against such as Primal Groudon or max bulk Arceus forms, and against such teams it was often capable of outright winning given the proper positioning against a slower target. While it was significantly less potent against offensive teams, it was still able to disrupt momentum if it were brought in against a slower threat without priority (typically much easier with webs up). Vivillon usage contributed to a big surge in usage of Perish Song on support Arceus forms, since this was once of the only reliable options for counterplay on balance teams. On the more niche side of the spectrum, lures such as Sleep Talk on Scarf Mega Rayquaza or usage of Pokemon like Tapu Koko also occurred in part due to Vivillon's impact.

In what main roles was Pokemon used?

Vivillon was used as a setup sweeper that by alternating Sleep Powder, Substitute, and Quiver Dance was able to snowball to +6 against almost anything slower than it. Vivillon most reliably fit onto Sticky Web teams because the initial speed drop made setting up against a wider range of targets possible, but later in the metagame it was seen on other HO teams using Excadrill and Deoxys-Speed as well. Vivillon's set almost never changed, but this one set was enough for it to have a very significant impact on the metagame.

What caused it to have a significant impact?

Because the metagame was no longer overprepared for sleep, Vivillon was capable of sweeping through many teams with ease. Anything slower than Vivillon is effectively setup bait, since Sleep Powder and Substitute in tandew make it nearly impossible for the opponent to actually land a hit. Compound Eyes was key to Vivillon's success, as Sleep Powder becomes a near perfect accuracy move and Hurricane becomes very accurate as well. While its typing is undesirable in many senses due to Vivillon's many weaknesses (including a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock), Flying is a great offensive typing that makes for a passable mono-coverage attacking set.

How do/did you deal with this Pokemon in AG?

As previously mentioned, Perish Song on support Arceus forms (especially Rock and Steel) is a decent way of dealing with Vivillon without needing to resort to more niche options. Pokemon that are immune to sleep such as Tapu Koko and Mega Mewtwo Y are also fantastic answers to Vivillon as it is hardly threatening without the ability to put an opponent to sleep. Stealth Rock is definitely worth noting here, especially in tandem with Roar or Whirlwind: If Vivillon is brought into Stealth Rock against a faster threat it will almost certainly be taken out in one hit. Flying resistant Pokemon can at least soft check Vivillon, though usually this is easiest if said Pokemon also carries a boosting move (CM Arceus Steel / Rock are good examples). Lastly, just applying lots of offensive pressure to the opposing team can deprive Vivillon of the chance to set up.
 
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Funbot28

Banned deucer.
Edit: done, sorry this took 10 years

Nominating Mega Rayquaza



What effect did Pokemon have on the metagame?

The whole reason why the Anything Goes metagame was created a generation prior, Mega Rayquaza still remains to be an incredible offensive force in the Gen 7 Anything Goes metagame throughout its entirety. Mega Rayquaza completely warps the metagame around it, moreso then other dangerous offensive threats such as Ultra Necrozma, Dragon Dance Zygarde-C, and Mega Gengar. Teams often necessitate at least 2-3 checks to it, where most of these answers often lose one of Mega Rayquaza's abundance of sets or can be put in range thanks to entry hazard support to be threatened by a 2HKO. The most common Mega Rayquaza answers seen on many teams are support Arceus formes such as Fairy, Steel, Rock, and Ground, Zygarde-C, Tyranitar, Skarmory, and Lugia. However, as mentioned previously, most of these checks cannot take on the brute power of other Mega Rayquaza sets that deviate from the Dragon Dance Life Orb norm, mainly being Choice Band, Life Orb Mixed, and Swords Dance. For these reasons, Mega Rayquaza can seem impossible to handle defensively and also can be a menace to offensive teams thanks to the threat of Extreme Speed. Thankfully, the release of Marshadow alongside other offensive checks such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza may need to require a Dragon Dance boost to sweep through most offensive teams. None the less, Mega Rayquaza continues to leave its mark in the Anything Goes metagame as a brutal offensive juggernaut that manages to keep consistent high usage throughout the entirety of the seventh generation AG metagame as a result.

In what main roles was Pokemon used?

Mega Rayquaza kept most of the same roles / sets it had pulled off in the last generation where it was introduced, with the most commons sets seen being Life Orb Dragon Dance, Choice Scarf, Choice Band, and Life Orb Mixed. However, due to the nature of Mega Rayquaza's unique mega evolution mechanic alongside it's stats and movepool, it can run a ride arrange of viable sets as a result. However to summarize, Mega Rayquaza acted as one of the best, if not the best wallbreaker in the tier thanks to its incredible offensive prowess.

What caused it to have a significant impact?

Mega Rayquaza had as much of an impact on the metagame thanks to its exclusive ability to hold items while Mega Evolving, effectively enabling it to perform as a versatile wallbreaker that can dish out immense power thanks to the added benefit of items such as Life Orb and Choice Band. Mega Rayquaza's stats also enabled it to perform its role extremely well, having incredible 180 Attack and Special Attack alongside holding a Speed tier that enables it to outspeed common threats such as Primal Groudon, Xerneas, Yveltal, and other offensive threats such as Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and offensive Arceus formes when boosted via Dragon Dance or a Choice Scarf equipped.

How do/did you deal with this Pokemon in AG?

As mentioned previously, Mega Rayquaza can seem impossible to counteract defensively due to its immense power output enabling it to nearly OHKOing or 2HKOing all the defensive walls in the tier. Therefore, situational checks that can handle certain Mega Rayquaza are seen on nearly every AG team as a result. Notable examples include Arceus Fairy, Tyranitar, Lugia, defensive Zygarde-C, and Arceus Steel. However, most of the aforementioned checks can fall to certain coverage moves or damage boosting items commonly run on Mega Rayquaza (such as a Choice Band). Mega Rayquaza can be a bit more easy to offensively check due to threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Marshadow, Choice Scarf Xerneas, Ultra Necrozma, and Mega Gengar all outspeeding and potentially OHKOing it once Mega Rayquaza is slightly weakened. However, certain offensive checks must fear the threat of Extreme Speed and the potential of a Dragon Dance boost.
 
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Icemaster

Few will truly understand.
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What effect did Pokemon have on the metagame?

Xerneas has continued to be a dominant force in Gen 7 AG by virtue of the fact that it has a sparse amount of reliable counters to it - Bulky Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Magearna which can easily be taken advantage of by teammate including Groudon-Primal, Kyogre, Zygarde-Complete and Gengar-Mega. Less reliable answers to Xerneas include Arceus-Poison (which rose mainly due to its Xerneas checking abilities), Ho-Oh, Groudon-Primal (which also does run Max HP and Special Defence commonly - for Xerneas and Kyogre), Scarfed Rayquaza and revenge killers such as Rayquaza, Marshadow and Arceus. One of the most terrifying aspects of Xerneas is the fact that it can muscle past most of these answers through slightly different sets: by running Psychic/Psyshock for Poisonceus, and either a choice of a bulkier spread as below:
Xerneas @ Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 176 Def / 252 SpA / 88 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Geomancy
- Moonblast
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
This allows Xerneas to more easily survive Priority attacks. Additionally a faster set, which outspeeds both Scarf Rayquaza and Marshadow after Geomancy along with being able to set up on slower Arceus Formes with less HP lost can be used, as below:
Xerneas @ Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Geomancy
- Moonblast
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
At the beginning of Gen 7, with the introduction of Z Moves Xerneas gained a new tool in Z Geomancy, allowing it to destroy offensive teams which usually rely on chipping and revenging it and passive teams which couldn't damage it or prevent it from further setting up. This was a hugely threatening set, however with USUM came Marshadow and NDM which are huge threats to this set. Still, Xerneas is nigh mandatory for teams to consider in teambuilding due to its multitude of sets, especially Balance teams as without reliable answers remaining it can easily clean the other team. As such, newly introduced Pokemon such as NDM and Magearna which could resist it along with more uncommon sets such as Poisonium Z Arceus (from 4.8% to 8.6% within a few months to falling back to 6.8% in response to the rise of psyshock usage) and Scarf-Ray usage has also increased in order to answer it.



In what main roles was Pokemon used?

Xerneas is a good choice for a great deal of teams due to its ability to setup extremely quickly albeit the fact that it only can once. The abillity easily boost along with its actual ability allows it to quickly threaten teams, and after a boost it is faster tham the entire meta. Additionally Fairy typing is great offensively and defensively especially as the meta is dominated by dragons, allowing ease of setup and good sweepability. Balance and Hyper Offense is also threatened by the Choice Scarf set which can also run valuable Aroma/Defog support (since Geomancy doesn't take a slot and also Moonblast is usually the only attack required) and hugely threatens massive metagame threats - forcing them out or stopping their sweep - including Rayquaza, Marshadow, Necrozma-Ultra, Yveltal and Zygarde Complete. More niche sets such as Fairium Z can be powerful against Hyper Offense or teams which cannot threaten it. A Defensive set while generally outclassed by Fairy Arceus, can bring sometimes valuable Aromatherapy support. Specs is notable for being able to 2HKO offensive Dusk Mane. What is in common with all of these sets is that it greatly benefits from the fairy typing, enabling it to patch weaknesses to Fighting, Dark and most importantly Dragon types all of which are common.

What caused it to have a significant impact?

Xerneas is dominant due to multiple factors, most obviously Geomancy which lets it outspeed the entire meta (with the 297 speed set) and KO a large portion of the meta - the ability to perform a sweep. Fairy Aura is also helpful, acting as a Life Orb boost allowing it to OHKO non resisting Arceus forms. Fairy typing allows for ease of setup and sweep, and the bulkiness of Xerneas also helps setup (and survive priority). Notable teammates allowing Xerneas to sweep are for example Gengar-Mega (especially the wisp set, trapping NDM and poisonceus), Groudon Primal for its ability to exploit Xerneas checks/counters. Xerneas however is quite easily added on to many teams and able to sweep even with minimal support due to the relative scarcity of its most reliable counters (although specially defensive NDM is rising in usage), and the fact that many checks can be bypassed with varying movesets/ev spreads.

How do/did you deal with this Pokemon in AG?

A notable threat to Geomancy Xerneas is from revenge killers such as Normal Arceus, Marshadow or Rayquaza-Mega priority or from Scarf Rayquaza or Marshadow - however it should be noted that Xerneas usually requires prior chip and two priority hits to die and fast xern spreads cannot be revenged by scarfers. Scarf Xerneas is quite handily countered by any almost any resisting Pokemon with recovery eg Ho-Oh. The most reliable counters to all Xerneas sets have rose in usage - Magearna and Special defensive NDM while other checks such as Poisonium Z arc have been rising too, in direct response to Xerneas.
 
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The Visionary

Banned deucer.
Nominating Mega Gengar

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What effect did Pokemon have on the metagame?

Being the second best Mega Evolution coupled with its near broken ability, Mega Gengar is a viable alternative to Mega Rayquaza and several teams benefit from choosing it over the latter. Mega Gengar is primarily used to trap things thanks Shadow Tag. This alone makes it a great revenge killer as it is able to secure KOs on many weakened mons including Support Arceus forms which plague the tier. With the advent of USUM, Ultra Necrozma became an incredible offensive threat, possessing a blistering 129 base Speed stat. Luckily, Game Freak bestowed this little three eyed demon 130 base speed, making it the perfect way to trap and defeat one of the biggest offensive threats in the AG meta. Additionally, Mega Gengar forces stall teams to pack either a Pursuit user when using Chansey or utilize Shed Shell when using Blissey. Shadow Tag can otherwise trap the two infamous blobs and allows Mega Gengar to defeat them. There are many mons that Mega Gengar checks beautifully because of its role as a revenge killer and trapper. Some of the more notable ones include Ultra Necrozma, Mega Rayquaza, Zygarde-Complete, Smeargle, various mons found on Stall, and weakened Support Arceus Forms. Finally, if Mega Gengar were to be defeated, it can force many trades thanks to a combination of Taunt, Destiny Bond, and its speed stat, which allows it to effectively force a trade.


In what main roles was Pokemon used?

Mega Gengar has a wide variety of sets but is primarily used for two roles - revenge killing and trapping. Such sets include 4 Attacks, Sub Taunt (which completely shuts down Smeargle), Taunt + Destiny Bond (which is great at forcing trades), Perish Trap (which can trap more passive mons), Sub Disable (which is anti-meta and can shut down mono-attackers and other would be checks), Hex + Wisp Trapper (which can abuse the potency of Hex coupled with status), a mix of the sets I listed above, and probably some set I can't even think of right now (Reflect Type anyone?). Seriously, it is just that damn versatile. However, Mega Gengar's most potent set and its claim to fame in AG comes with the removal of Sleep Clause. Because of this, Mega Gengar can now utilize HypnoTrap. The lack of Sleep Clause allows it to run a set consisting of Substitute/Hypnosis/Hex/Sludge Bomb or Wave. This set can effectively set up a substitute and put many opposing mons to sleep allowing Mega Gengar to abuse a boosted Hex and outright knock out many bulky threats.

Explain why this Pokemon was used on a team more often then most other Pokemon, and what was it particularly used for? What made it so good at this role?

The fact that Mega Gengar can fulfill so many roles along with posessing arguably one of the best speed stats in the game makes it a prime consideration for teams that don't need Mega Rayquaza to function effectively. The combination of 130 Base Speed + Shadow Tag makes Mega Gengar an overwhelmingly versatile threat and can be used to revenge kill more than one threat per match if used correctly, or at worst, force a trade.

What caused it to have a significant impact? What exactly made this Pokemon have such a large impact on the metagame? Was it its stats, ability, useful resistances, amazing synergy, or the ability to sweep most of the metagame very easily? Did a certain Pokemon cause it to become that much better when it was partnered with it?


As I've mentioned before, the significance of Mega Gengar comes from its incredible Base 130 speed stat couple with its near broken ability. Mega Gengar undoubtedly has a great typing of Ghost and Poison, the latter of which allows it to also absorb toxic spikes. But what makes it most deadly is it is just as hard to effectively counter as Mega Rayquaza is. This stems not from brute force, but rather because of the sheer versatility of the number of sets Mega Gengar can run. It is impossible to effectively counter all of its sets as Mega Gengar can force trades or outright revenge kill almost anything that it traps. Certain pokemon naturally pair well with Mega Gengar. One such example is Marshadow. A Dual Ghost core consisting of Marshadow and Mega Gengar can rip apart many teams as they offensively synergize almost perfectly. Marshadow can get rid of the dark types that could give Mega Gengar trouble, such as Arceus-Dark and Tyranitar to name a few, while Mega Gengar can trap and remove Fairy and faster Psychic Types that give Marshadow trouble, such as Arceus-Fairy, Xerneas, and Ultra Necrozma. Marshadow can effectively run its Z-Move set which allows it to weaken several Supportceus Forms which can be trapped and removed by Mega Gengar. Another threat that naturally pairs well with Mega Gengar is Yveltal. Yveltal can offensively pressurize many mons and is only bothered by pesky Fairy Types, which Mega Gengar can remove. Indeed, Mega Gengar can arguably offensively synergize better with most offensive threats found in the AG metagame than Mega Rayquaza can because of its better speed tier and ability.


How do/did you deal with this Pokemon in AG? What are the best checks/counters to this Pokemon? How does the metagame adapt to this Pokemon?

Because of the wide variety of sets Mega Gengar can run, it is difficult to deal with in general - I'd daresay it is as hard to counter as Mega Rayquaza is in a traditional set. Some of your safest bets would be Bulky Defensive Threats like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk, which can trap Mega Gengar and remove it. However, Mega Gengar often carries Wisp which can effectively cut the attack stat of the above two threats in half should it connect. Additionally, Mega Gengar can force a trade with Destiny Bond or deal with Tyranitar if it is running Focus Blast, which is uncommon but still should be considered. Mega Gengar can even run Reflect Type as a tech to avoid Pursuit trapping. Marshadow can also deal with Mega Gengar, as it can often OHKO it with Shadow Sneak provided it is running a Life Orb. However, if Mega Gengar is behind a sub, Marshadow straight up loses the 1v1. Mega Gengar's greatest weakness is its fratlity, meaning strong bulky attackers like Arceus-Ground and Primal Kyogre can take a hit and proceed to KO it back. However, Mega Gengar can simply trade with these mons. Faster attackers like Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y can force Mega Gengar out, but if Mega Gengar is behind a sub, these threats are no longer checks. A well played Mega Gengar is guaranteed to at worst trade for something, provided it is carrying Destiny Bond, but again it all comes down to the set. Scout and try to determine the set Mega Gengar is running, before dealing with it and then appropriately check it as need be. That is the best way of dealing with this three eyed demon. Indeed, Mega Gengar is arguably the second best threat in the tier, after Mega Rayquaza.
 
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Icemaster

Few will truly understand.
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RBTT Champion
Nominating Ultra Necrozma WIP

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What effect did this Pokemon have on the metagame?

The effect this Pokémon has had on AG is incredible and has shaped the meta we know today. Ultra Necrozma single-handedly caused the dark type surge, with Darkceus, Yveltal and Mega Sableye seeing far, far more usage. According to usage stats on ladder , in June this year Darkceus usage was at 8.7%, Yveltal at 23.7%, and finally Mega Sableye at 3.7%. In October 2017, the month before Ultra Sun and Moon were released, Darkceus usage was at 3.1%, Yveltal at 16.5%, and Mega Sableye at 1.4%. This clearly shows an increased usage in dark types as a result of Ultra Necrozma. This is not the only change to the meta as a result of this Pokémon's introduction. Ultra Necrozma also caused an increased usage in Mega Gengar due to the fact that Mega Gengar can revenge kill Ultra, which in turn meant Scarf Ray usage increased dramatically as this can revenge Ultra and outspeed and avoid being trapped by Mega Gengar.
Reserving Vivillon
reserving marshadow!

If no one else minds, I'd like to reserve Zygarde-Complete.
Reserving Tapu Lele
Reserving Vivillon
Surprised this wasent taken yet but reserving the big bad meanie Mega Rayquaza
ill reserve arceus
Reserving Smeargle
reserving primal groudon
Remember to finish your posts
 

Unicorns

Banned deucer.
Nominating Zygarde-Complete


What effect did Zygarde-C have on the metagame?

Oh, what a single stat change can do to a Pokémon's viability. The generational change transformed Zygarde, from the depths of non-Pokémon status in generation six, into a metagame-defining threat in generation seven. Generation seven brought Zygarde 2.5 gifts in the form of Thousand Arrows and Power Construct (with Thousand Waves a niche third).

For the unacquainted, Thousand Arrows is a 100% accurate Ground-type attack that hits and grounds Flying-type Pokémon, as well as Pokémon with the ability Levitate or holding an Air Balloon. This gives Zygarde a decently strong attack that neutrally affects the typical switch-ins to Ground-type attacks. This means that almost no relevant Pokémon can switch-in and truly resist Zygarde's attacks. Where most set-up Pokémon would want a secondary STAB or coverage option to hit common metagame Pokémon that would otherwise resist one of their attacks, Zygarde does not need this. Thousand Arrows, in conjecture with Zygarde's set-up moves in Dragon Dance and Coil, allows Zygarde to effectively cover the entire metagame with one attack. This allows Zygarde to make full use of it's large support movepool (including Double Team, Haze, Glare, Protect, Rest, Sleep Talk, Substitute, and Toxic), utility attacks (in Dragon Tail, Extreme Speed, and Thousand Waves), or any of it's niche coverage options (namely Iron Tail and Outrage).

However, Zygarde's biggest gift was in the form of a new ability, Power Construct. Power Construct transforms Zygarde into Zygarde-Complete (Zygarde-C) once it's HP has dropped below 50% at the end of the turn. The only noteworthy difference between Zygarde-50% and Zygarde-C is a doubled base HP, from a good base 108 stat into a sky-high base 216 stat. Paired with great 121 base Defense and good 95 base Special Defense, Zygarde-C becomes the most omnipotent tank in the game.

Thanks to a monumental 216/121/95 defensive spread, fantastic typing, excellent support movepool, and gnarly single attack in Thousand Arrows, Zygarde-C can check and potentially counter virtually every physical attacker, as well as some special attackers, in the format. Zygarde-C is able to do this all while threatening it's checks and counters with set-up or status. Teams utilizing physical set-up sweepers NEED a second physical attacker to lure Zygarde-C in for chip to even have a CHANCE at completing a sweep. To give perspective, Adamant Life Orb Mega-Rayquaza, the most dangerous Pokémon in the game, needs +3 Attack to even have a chance to OHKO standard defensive Zygarde-C. The more realistic +1 Attack Adamant Life Orb Mega-Rayquaza doesn't even have a chance of OHKO'ing Zygarde-50. Outside of this, support- and defense-based Pokémon have no chance to overcome Zygarde-C without strong super-effective coverage.

Zygarde-C is able to choose many of it’s own matchups, just through change of set. Defensive sets utilizing Rest/Glare have particularly strong matchups versus offensive teams, seeing as Glare prevents overwhelming speed boosts and bringing a nasty chance to immobilize an opponent for a turn. The “stallbreaker” Zygarde-C set utilizing Dragon Dance/Substitute/Dragon Tail has a very positive matchup versus bulkier balance and stall teams. Even a niche set utilizing Safety Goggles and Haze emerged as a method to combat Baton Pass and Vivillon teams relying on Spore and Sleep Powder, respectively, to immobilize opponents while they accumulate stat boosts. In short, Zygarde-C could theoretically beat any Pokémon in the game with the right combination of moves.

In what main roles was Zygarde-C used?

Zygarde-C is able to provide role-compression in the form of a physical wall, special tank, status-spreader, status-absorber, and potential set-up sweeper, all in one. In short, Zygarde-C acts as a blanket check to nearly every Pokémon in the Anything Goes format, almost entirely due to it's pure bulk. Defense-based Pokémon without strong super-effective coverage have no chance at breaking through Zygarde-C. The following calc’s will only be provided for Pokémon going down to B-rank in the viability rankings.
Like I said, defensive Pokémon aren’t breaking through Zygarde-C ever, so calcs are pointless. A partial list of these Pokémon includes Arceus-Poison, Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Giratina, Skarmory, and Tyranitar.
0 Atk Tyranitar Foul Play vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 66-78 (10.3 - 12.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
Strong Pokémon without super-effective coverage will struggle to break Zygarde-C:
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 339-399 (53.3 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Light That Burns the Sky vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 495-583 (77.8 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (physical)
+1 252+ Atk Zygarde-Complete Thousand Arrows vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 127-151 (19.9 - 23.7%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Gengar-Mega Hex (130 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 271-319 (42.6 - 50.1%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and burn damage
252+ Atk Groudon-Primal Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 174-205 (27.3 - 32.2%) -- 57.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Arceus Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 222-263 (34.9 - 41.3%) -- 72.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Ho-Oh Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 204-240 (32 - 37.7%) -- 0.2% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Marshadow Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 292-345 (45.9 - 54.2%) -- 4.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 8 SpA Dread Plate Arceus-Dark Judgment vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 237-280 (37.2 - 44%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery (Also applies for Arceus-Steel)
252+ SpA Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 259-305 (40.7 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 120 SpA Vivillon Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 193-228 (30.3 - 35.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Even some Pokémon with super-effective coverage will struggle to OHKO Zygarde-C:
252+ SpA Arceus-Ground Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 424-500 (66.6 - 78.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Pixie Plate Arceus-Fairy Judgment vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 422-500 (66.3 - 78.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 474-560 (74.5 - 88%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Lunala Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 370-436 (58.1 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Lugia Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 248-292 (38.9 - 45.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Magearna Fleur Cannon vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 366-432 (57.5 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Naganadel Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde-Complete: 434-512 (68.2 - 80.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

What caused Zygarde-C to have a significant impact?

By virtue of it's omnipotence as a blanket check to virtually the entire format, every team needs a plan to break Zygarde-C. During the month of 07/2016 for generation six, 10.5% of Mega-Rayquaza at the 1760-level were running Draco Meteor. Draco Meteor is a coverage option almost strictly to beat Giratina-A (10.65% usage) in a balance-defined metagame (indicating Giratina-A would be more common). Compare this to the 21% of Mega-Rayquaza during 06/2019 for generation seven at the 1760-level running Draco Meteor in a bulky-offense defined metagame (indicating Giratina-A would be less common). Giratina-A (4.46%) was seeing significantly less usage, but Draco Meteor was being used twice as often. Why was that? The reason for this increase was almost entirely due to the omnipresence of Zygarde-C (15.40%). Banded Mega-Rayquaza used Outrage for similar purposes, for a combined 33.13% usage (between Draco Meteor and Outrage). While Ice-type and Dragon-type coverage had been previously preferred due to Mega-Rayquaza’s presence in the metagame, Zygarde-C virtually necessitated super-effective coverage options, so as to not let it in for free. This effect can be seen most notably on Marshadow (Ice Punch + Hidden Power [Ice]=combined 16.05% use), Primal-Groudon (Dragon Tail + Dragon Claw + Hidden Power [Ice]=combined 23.56% use), and Ultra-Necrozma (Outrage + Dragon Pulse combined for both Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Necrozma-Dawn Wings=65.25%). Potential teammates are mentioned in the next section.

How do/did you deal with Zygarde-C in AG?

The most effective Zygarde-C counter-play depends on the set it's running. In a general 1v1 scenario, the Pokémon that counter Zygarde-C are those that can hit it for super-effective damage, are not weak to Ground-type attacks, and having reliable recovery. The cream-of-the-crop include Arceus-Ground (Ice Beam), Arceus-Water (Ice Beam), Arceus-Fairy (Judgment), and the rare Lugia (Ice Beam). Arceus-Grass (Grass Knot/Ice Beam) gets bonus points for actually resisting Ground-type attacks. Additionally, Pokémon with Taunt and reliable recovery are also able to beat Zygarde-C through fairly effective means, seeing as Zygarde-C relies a significant amount on it's support movepool. The most notable of these users include Yveltal (Roost) and various forms of Mewtwo (Recover). Additionally, PsySpam hyper offensive teams with Deoxys-Attack and Tapu Lele rarely give Zygarde-C much room to breathe. Xerneas and Primal-Kyogre are both significant checks to Zygarde-C, seeing as they can both sponge most +1 attacks from Zygarde-C, attempt a sweep, or deal significant damage to any potential switch-in’s. Both do need to be wary of Glare however, as potential teammates could capitalize, though Xerneas may heal this off with Aromatherapy. Dragonium Z Naganadel is able to OHKO nearly every form of Zygarde-C, is able to Nasty Plot on a predicted sack, and attempt a sweep.

Getting into more specifics, offensive forms of Zygarde-C necessitate significant damage on it's checks before even attempting to end the game. The aforementioned Arceus-Ground (Ice Beam), Arceus-Water (Ice Beam), Arceus-Fairy (Judgment), Lugia (Ice Beam), and Arceus-Grass (Grass Knot/Ice Beam) are the best at handling these sets. Maintaining health on any Pokémon carrying super-effective coverage is the best method to prevent an offensive Zygarde-C sweep. It should be noted that Zygarde-C is relatively weak with only base 100 attack, meaning it's unlikely to 2HKO many of it’s checks, even at +1 Attack.

Meanwhile, defensive Zygarde-C forms are heavily reliant on the support movepool and can be shut down easily with Taunt or just general bulk. Gothitelle is a remarkable counter to these sets, trapping and PP stalling Zygarde-C, seeing as defensive sets do not typically carry Substitute or Dragon Tail. Giratina-A is also notable in that it’s large physical bulk and typing allow it to switch-in, absorb any status with Rest, pressure stall Zygarde-C, and escape from any potential trap. Mega-Sableye is able to switch-in and Magic Bounce any status moves aimed at the team, only needing to watch out for set up and repeated Dragon Tail’s.
As previously mentioned, many Pokémon began running lures in order to remove Zygarde-C. Mega-Rayquaza increasingly began using mixed sets with Draco Meteor strictly to OHKO or 2HKO Zygarde-C. Other common physical attackers, including Primal-Groudon, Life Orb Ho-Oh, and Life Orb Marshadow, have taken to using Hidden Power [Ice] to 2HKO Zygarde-C. Utilization of Ice Beam on Swords Dance Arceus-forms is a non-unheard of practice.

The primary issues that come with beating Zygarde-C are it's teammates. The most common teammates for Zygarde-C include Mega-Gengar (20.24%), Arceus-Fairy (14.91%), Ferrothorn (11.43%), Necrozma-Dusk-Mane (10.85%, Arceus-Dark (5.57%), and Primal-Kyogre (4.00%). Of those Pokémon, 3.5 have reliable recovery, another has Shadow Tag (preventing traditional counter-play options), and the last is a Pokémon you never want to let in for free. Mega-Gengar is perhaps the most famed of Zygarde-C teammates, due to their excellent synergy. Zygarde-C can sponge most attacks aimed at Mega-Gengar and can spread Toxic and Glare against the opposing team. In return, Mega-Gengar can capitalize on Zygarde-C's status-spreading ability with a boosted-Hex, as well as being able to trap and remove any Fairy-type Pokémon that could threaten Zygarde-C. Due to the combination of massive bulk and great typing, Zygarde-C is a Pokémon that is fairly difficult to wear down over the course of a game, without relying on PP stalling. The best method for beating Zygarde-C, while also threatening it's teammates offensively, is through utilizing strong Pokémon with super-effective coverage for Zygarde-C with a strong neutral attack on everything else. Pokémon capable of this include Ultra-Necrozma (Dragon Pulse or Outrage/Photon Geyser), Lunala (Ice Beam or Moonblast/Moongeist Beam), Primal-Kyogre (Ice Beam/Origin Pulse), mixed Mega-Rayquaza (Draco Meteor/Dragon Ascent), Life Orb Mewtwo/Mega-Mewtwo-Y (Ice Beam/Psystrike), Xerneas (Moonblast/Focus Blast), and Kyurem-White (Ice Beam/Draco Meteor).

In short, Zygarde-C has had an undeniable effect, both offensively and defensively, on the generation seven Anything Goes format. Zygarde-C finishes the generation as a top 3 Pokémon in the metagame, fully deserving of it’s S--rank on the viability rankings.
 
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MZ

And now for something completely different
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I dunno about not making it to 10, we could just use more people posting and getting their stuff done. How likely that is I don't know, but idk that we need to give up just yet. For example, Primal Groudon is up for grabs again and he definitely deserves one. Also, DarkBeserker you should also specify which Arceus form, I don't think they should all be amalgamated into one Pokemon for the purposes of this project.

Nominating Necrozma-Dusk-Mane

188314


What effect did Pokemon have on the metagame?

Necrozma-Dusk-Mane was one of the new introductions when Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were released that flipped the metagame quite significantly. Previously we saw Solgaleo seeing use as a defensive Steel-type Stealth Rocker and with some offensive sets, and Necrozma-Dusk-Mane flipped up those roles to 11 and instantly was placed much higher in the viability rankings. Defensively it can beat bulky Arceus forms even if their Judgment is super effective, and offensively Double Dance took off as one of the new strongest sweepers thanks to how hard retaining the ability to use Searing Sunraze Smash allowed it to hit. Ultra Necrozma may have reached higher peaks immediately upon release and in our current late stage of development, but Necrozma-Dusk-Mane has been consistently dominant since its release.

In what main roles was Pokemon used?

Necrozma-Dusk-Mane excels as a sweeper with a wide variety of sets. It can support Ultra Necrozma, obviously, but on its own the ability to break bulky Arceus forms with bulky SD sets, sweep through balance with Rock Polish or Dual Dance, and cause massive headaches for offense with Trick Room sets make it a strong offensive threat that receives a massive boon by staying unpredictable and nearly uncounterable. Stealth Rocking sets are also notable although not quite as impactful as its offensive presence.

What caused it to have a significant impact?

Necrozma-Dusk-Mane has an exceptional stat spread, ability, and movepool, and strongly outclasses many of its competitors. It removed multiple defensive Steel-types from the metagame including Jirachi and Solgaleo and significantly changed the offensive landscape that one prepares for. For an offensive sweeper of its caliber to also act in multiple incredibly useful defensive roles is just icing on the cake. Few sweepers can also claim to both resist Flying to check Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza and check Geomancy Xerneas. Its ability to support Ultra Necrozma also adds to its impact in a way that's difficult to quantify but certainly extremely powerful.

How do/did you deal with this Pokemon in AG?

Necrozma-Dusk-Mane is still slow with the plethora of weaknesses that come with its typing. It can be awkward to have versus Webs, Baton Pass, and certain other hyper offensive strats. It struggles with both Primals, being trapped by Mega Gengar, and being outsped and OHKOd by Mega Rayquaza as long as it has V-Create. Other top-tier Pokemon such as Yveltal, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Dark, Arceus-Water, and Marshadow provide various levels of safety against its offensive pressure. It's simply a testament to how good Necrozma-Dusk-Mane is that it can be weak to nearly every top tier Pokemon in Anything Goes and still be so excellent.
 
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