QC: x / x / x
GP: x / x
[OVERVIEW]
** Xerneas has good all-around stats, a decent defensive and offensive typing, and a great ability in Fairy Aura.
** It has gems in its movepool such as Moonblast, Focus Blast, Psyshock, and most importantly, Geomancy, which allows it to become a fearsome sweeper by doubling three of its stats in a turn.
** Its base 99 Speed stat allows it to outpace Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Zygarde, Giratina, and bulky Arceus formes.
** Its Fairy typing allows it to threaten certain Pokemon, such as Arceus-Dark, Giratina, Yveltal, and Marshadow, while providing it with a useful immunity to Dragon-type moves such as Dragon Tail. It also provides Xerneas with a resistance to Dark- and Fighting-type moves, allowing Xerneas to more freely switch in on Marshadow and Yveltal.
** However, Xerneas' Fairy typing also gives it weaknesses to Poison and Steel, which have become more common in the AG metagame.
** Xerneas notably cannot break through Necrozma-DM and Arceus-Poison before they KO Xerneas.
** Its main STAB attack is also not very effective against Primal Groudon, one of the best Pokemon in the tier.
** Xerneas may have some trouble setting Geomancy, as it can sometimes easily be finished off by priority afterwards, such as Extreme Speed from Arceus and Mega Rayquaza and Shadow Sneak from Marshadow.
[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast / Aromatherapy / Grass Knot
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 16 HP / 252 SpA / 92 SpD / 148 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
** Geomancy makes Xerneas a threatening sweeper, giving it great firepower, bulk, and speed all in one turn.
** Moonblast is the STAB move of choice, with a decent Base Power and a boost from Fairy Aura.
** Thunder hits Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre for Super Effective damage, and hits Steel- and Poison- types for neutral damage. It is also Xerneas' best option against Celesteela and Skarmory.
** Focus Blast can OHKO Arceus-Steel and Ferrothorn and hit Necrozma-DM harder than Thunder can, but leaves Xerneas unable to hit Arceus-Poison.
** Alternatively, Psyshock targets Arceus-Poison and Mega Gengar, while also hitting Chansey and Blissey on their weaker Physical Defense stat.
** Aromatherapy can remove Poison and Paralysis from Xerneas which can hinder its sweep, and also allows Xerneas to cure its teammates of Status.
** Grass Knot hits Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre harder than any other option that Xerneas has, but does not provide much other coverage.
Set Details
========
** 252 Special Attack EVs give Xerneas as much firepower as possible, notably giving it a good chance to OHKO neutral Arceus formes with Moonblast after Stealth Rock.
** 148 Speed EVs ensure that Xerneas outpaces Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza after a Geomancy boost.
** 16 HP EVs guarantee that Xerneas will survive support Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike.
** 92 Special Defense EVs allow Xerneas to always survive two neutral Judgments or one Super Effective Judgment from support Arceus formes after Stealth Rock.
** An alternative EV spread of 116 Def / 244 SpA / 148 Spe can be used to always survive Mega Rayquaza's Life Orb Dragon Ascent and KO back with Moonblast. However, doing so makes it almost impossible to sweep with Xerneas.
** If getting the jump on Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is not a concern, an EV spread of 112 HP / 100 Def / 252 SpA / 44 Spe is a plausible option that outpaces opposing Choice Scarf Xerneas and Choice Scarf Yveltal, while always surviving Ultra Necrozma's Sunsteel Strike before Ultra Burst. However, Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is prominent enough that this spread is somewhat suboptimal.
Usage Tips
========
** Be careful with Xerneas early game, as losing some health will mean it will easily be picked off by priority attacks such as Marshadow's Shadow Sneak and Mega Rayquaza's Extreme Speed when it tries to sweep.
** Sometimes, Geomancy may not be the best move, even when it seems like Xerneas can force the foe out. For example, against Zygarde-C, scout for Haze first before using Geomancy, as your opponent may try to predict the Geomancy and use Haze to reset your boosts.
** When attempting a Geomancy sweep, always scout for foes that may stand in Xerneas' way, such as Specially Defensive Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Steel if lacking Focus Blast, and Arceus-Poison.
Team Options
========
** Entry hazards are very beneficial for Geomancy Xerneas, as Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes allows Xerneas to OHKO support Arceus formes. A suicide lead is appreciated for this job, as they can usually reliably get entry hazards up.
** Deoxys-S is the best Pokemon for this job, as not only can it set entry hazards, it can also set up dual screens to facilitate a Xerneas sweep and has Taunt to stop foes from statusing Xerneas as it tries to set up a Geomancy. Alternatively, Deoxys-S can spread Paralysis with Light Ball and Fling or Thunder Wave. In return, Xerneas can force out Mega Sableye so that it cannot freely bounce back Deoxys' hazards.
** Ground-types such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground are great partners for Xerneas, as they can threaten Xerneas' checks like Arceus-Poison and -Steel, while Xerneas can remove some of the Pokemon that the Ground-types struggle with, such as Giratina, Yveltal, Zygarde-C if Arceus-Ground is the Physical variant, and Mega Rayquaza.
** Mega Rayquaza is also a great Xerneas partner, as it similarily forces Steel- and Poison-types out with the threat of V-create and Earthquake and also can use some Pokemon that traditionally wall Xerneas such as Chansey and Ho-Oh as setup fodder.
** Entry hazard removal, while not as important as other roles, is also helpful, as it allows Xerneas to survive some more powerful attacks such as Mega Rayquaza's Life Orb Dragon Ascent. Support Arceus formes are generally good for this role, but Excadrill is also a great option because it can both nearly guaranteed that Stealth Rock will be set with Mold Breaker and it can also remove opposing entry hazards with Rapid Spin.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Psyshock / Focus Blast / Thunder
move 3: Aromatherapy / Psyshock / Focus Blast
move 4: Defog / Aromatherapy / Grass Knot
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
** Moonblast is a good STAB move backed by Fairy Aura and Xerneas' decent Special Attack, giving it a good damage even without a boost.
** Psyshock, combined with Choice Scarf, allows Xerneas to revenge kill Mega Gengar and deal good damage to Arceus-Poison. However, it fails to 2HKO Arceus-Poison without prior damage.
** Focus Blast is Xerneas' best option to 2HKO Arceus-Steel and Ferrothorn.
** Thunder hits Celesteela, Skarmory, and Ho-Oh hard, and has a good chance to paralyze the opponent.
** Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to cure its entire team of status.
** Defog allows Xerneas to remove hazards in a pinch.
** Grass Knot hits Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre hard, and allows Xerneas to revenge kill non-Calm Mind Arceus-Ground.
Set Details
========
** 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize Xerneas' damage output, notably letting it 2HKO most support Arceus formes neutral to Moonblast after Stealth Rock damage, and netting an OHKO on support Arceus formes weak to Moonblast such as Arceus-Dark.
** 252 Speed EVs combined with a Choice Scarf allows Xerneas to outspeed many important offensive threats, such as non-Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, Calm Mind Arceus-Dark, Marshadow, Mega Gengar, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
Usage Tips
========
** Choice Scarf Xerneas is best utilized as a revenge killer against threats that would normally outspeed it and OHKO it after a bit of chip damage, such as boosted Ultra Necrozma, boosted Marshadium Z Marshadow, and Choice Band Mega Rayquaza.
** As Choice Scarf Xerneas does not have the amazing firepower provided by Geomancy and Z-Geomancy sets, and instead focuses on utility, Aromatherapy and Defog can be used somewhat often. However, locking into these moves can make Xerneas setup fodder, so they must be used with caution.
** If Pokemon that resist Fairy are worn down, Xerneas can still pull off a late-game sweep due to its decent damage output.
** Always consider the advantages and disadvantages of every move before locking into it. For example, it may seem beneficial to revenge kill an Arceus-Steel with Focus Blast, but this can give your opponent's Mega Rayquaza a chance to set up a Dragon Dance and sweep your team.
Team Options
========
** As this Xerneas set lacks any boosting options, it should be paired with powerful wallbreakers such as Primal Kyogre, Swords Dance Primal Groudon, and non-Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza. In return, Xerneas can help these Pokemon by breaking down offensive teams and KOing some Pokemon that can wall them like Giratina and Zygarde-C through its Fairy typing.
** Bulkier teams that can wear Xerneas' checks down can also be considered, as a Choice Scarf user gives these teams a better matchup against offensive teams. They also appreciate the utility that Choice Scarf Xerneas brings to the table.
** Primal Groudon is an especially good partner, as it can help Xerneas against Primal Kyogre, Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, Arceus-Poison, and Arceus-Steel while also setting Stealth Rock, and Xerneas can remove Giratina, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Mega Rayquaza for Groudon.
** Defensive Zygarde-C is a great partner for Xerneas, as it can remove Arceus-Steel, Arceus-Poison, and Primal Groudon. In turn, it appreciates Xerneas removing its sleep turns from Rest with Aromatherapy, and also appreciates Xerneas' ability to switch-in to Draco Meteor and Outrage from Mega Rayquaza.
** A second entry hazard remover like Arceus-Dark is helpful, as if Xerneas is the only Defog user on the team, it will be pressured to use Defog in less-than-ideal situations.
[SET]
name: Z-Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Ingrain
move 4: Rest
item: Fairium Z
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
** Z-Geomancy makes Xerneas a threatening sweeper in two turns, providing +1 to its Attack and Defense and +3 to its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.
** Moonblast is Xerneas' STAB move of choice, OHKOing most Pokemon that do not resist Fairy at +3.
** Ingrain prevents phazing from the likes of Primal Groudon, allowing Xerneas to keep its hard-earned boosts.
** Rest cures status and provides Xerneas with recovery, allowing it to have good staying power with its defensive boosts.
Set Details
========
** 248 HP EVs and 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature maximize Xerneas' physical bulk, allowing it to survive powerful hits such as Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent and Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike. These defensive EVs facilitate Xerneas' setup and can increase its staying power when it uses Rest.
** Fairium Z gives Xerneas access to Z-Geomancy. It can also combine with Moonblast to become a powerful Twinkle Tackle in a pinch.
Usage Tips
========
** As this Xerneas set needs more turns to setup, it is very important to find a clear opportunity to setup, or Xerneas may be KOed when it is attempting to setup.
** When expecting an foe like Primal Groudon to use Roar, use Ingrain, as it is better to use Ingrain and lose one turn than to use Moonblast and get phazed out.
** Xerneas is quite bulky after the defense boosts are applied, so Rest can be used liberally to heal itself and force the opponent to try to chip it down again.
Team Options
========
** Entry hazard removal is very important, as this Xerneas set has difficulty setting up if it is not at full health. Arceus-Ground is a great fit for this job, as it can threaten out Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Arceus-Poison, all of who are both able to sett Stealth Rock and check Xerneas.
** A physical setup sweeper like Mega Rayquaza can take advantage of some of the special walls that Xerneas struggles with, such as Chansey and Ho-Oh.
** Status users like Arceus-Water and Giratina help Xerneas massively, as Toxic poison can wear down Pokemon who are trying to KO Xerneas, and Burn can patch up the lesser physical defensive boosts that Xerneas receives from Z-Geomancy which may allow certain strong attackers such as Necrozma-DM to KO Xerneas.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
** Xerneas can use a Physically Defensive set with Moonblast, Rest, Defog, and another utility status move, but the general passivity of the set, especially while sleeping, and being outclassed by Arceus-Fairy who has better defensive stats and more utility moves makes it generally a very shaky option.
** A Choice Specs set featuring a moveset of Moonblast and three coverage moves can be used for more immediate firepower, but the Choice Scarf set has more utility and the Geomancy and Z-Geomancy sets provide better firepower in the long run.
** A Life Orb set featuring Close Combat as a lure for Blissey and Chansey can be used, but this cuts into Xerneas' longevity, and Psyshock on the Geomancy set can already break through these two Pokemon.
** Ingrain can be used on the Geomancy set to prevent Primal Groudon from phazing Xerneas, but usually Xerneas appreciates extra coverage or Aromatherapy more.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Poison-types**: Arceus-Poison can survive any of Xerneas' attacks at +2 and OHKO back with an Acid Downpour. It can also use Recover to heal itself and make sure it does not succumb to a hit-and-run strategy. Mega Gengar, while being OHKOed by Psyshock on the Choice Scarf set, can OHKO the other sets with Sludge Wave after Stealth Rock damage.
**Steel-types**: Arceus-Steel hits Xerneas Super Effectively and resists Moonblast, but is easily OHKOed by a +2 Focus Blast. Specially Defensive Necrozma-DM can shrug off Xerneas' hits with Moonlight, status it with Toxic, or heavily damage it with Sunsteel Strike. Offensive variants are 3HKOed by an unboosted Moonblast, however, and they can not freely switch in. Magearna can easily tank any hit, even at +2, and steal Xerneas' boosts with Heart Swap. Xerneas can also be walled by Ferrothorn if it lacks Focus Blast, though a +2 Focus Blast can OHKO it.
**Fire-types**: Support Primal Groudon is not OHKOed by any of Xerneas' hits at +2, even after significant chip damage, and can phaze it with Roar. Offensive variants can cripple it with Thunder Wave or heavily damage it with Precipice Blades or Fire Punch. Ho-Oh is not threatened by any of Xerneas' moves other than Thunder or the very rare Hidden Power Rock, and can status Xerneas with Toxic or hit it with Brave Bird or Sacred Fire.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: If Xerneas lacks Psyshock, it is completely unable to break through Blissey and Chansey, who can remove its SpA boosts with Confide and shrug off damage with Soft-Boiled. Lugia is also able to wall Xerneas and chip it down with Toxic.
**Priority moves**: As Xerneas will take damage when it sets up and not particularly bulky without defensive EVs, the Power Herb Geomancy set can often easily be finished off by priority. However, the Z-Geomancy set is not as prone to being revenge killed by priority due to its defensive EVs and boost in defense after having set up.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [Lavaclaw, 448301]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
GP: x / x
[OVERVIEW]
** Xerneas has good all-around stats, a decent defensive and offensive typing, and a great ability in Fairy Aura.
** It has gems in its movepool such as Moonblast, Focus Blast, Psyshock, and most importantly, Geomancy, which allows it to become a fearsome sweeper by doubling three of its stats in a turn.
** Its base 99 Speed stat allows it to outpace Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Zygarde, Giratina, and bulky Arceus formes.
** Its Fairy typing allows it to threaten certain Pokemon, such as Arceus-Dark, Giratina, Yveltal, and Marshadow, while providing it with a useful immunity to Dragon-type moves such as Dragon Tail. It also provides Xerneas with a resistance to Dark- and Fighting-type moves, allowing Xerneas to more freely switch in on Marshadow and Yveltal.
** However, Xerneas' Fairy typing also gives it weaknesses to Poison and Steel, which have become more common in the AG metagame.
** Xerneas notably cannot break through Necrozma-DM and Arceus-Poison before they KO Xerneas.
** Its main STAB attack is also not very effective against Primal Groudon, one of the best Pokemon in the tier.
** Xerneas may have some trouble setting Geomancy, as it can sometimes easily be finished off by priority afterwards, such as Extreme Speed from Arceus and Mega Rayquaza and Shadow Sneak from Marshadow.
[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast / Aromatherapy / Grass Knot
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 16 HP / 252 SpA / 92 SpD / 148 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
** Geomancy makes Xerneas a threatening sweeper, giving it great firepower, bulk, and speed all in one turn.
** Moonblast is the STAB move of choice, with a decent Base Power and a boost from Fairy Aura.
** Thunder hits Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre for Super Effective damage, and hits Steel- and Poison- types for neutral damage. It is also Xerneas' best option against Celesteela and Skarmory.
** Focus Blast can OHKO Arceus-Steel and Ferrothorn and hit Necrozma-DM harder than Thunder can, but leaves Xerneas unable to hit Arceus-Poison.
** Alternatively, Psyshock targets Arceus-Poison and Mega Gengar, while also hitting Chansey and Blissey on their weaker Physical Defense stat.
** Aromatherapy can remove Poison and Paralysis from Xerneas which can hinder its sweep, and also allows Xerneas to cure its teammates of Status.
** Grass Knot hits Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre harder than any other option that Xerneas has, but does not provide much other coverage.
Set Details
========
** 252 Special Attack EVs give Xerneas as much firepower as possible, notably giving it a good chance to OHKO neutral Arceus formes with Moonblast after Stealth Rock.
** 148 Speed EVs ensure that Xerneas outpaces Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza after a Geomancy boost.
** 16 HP EVs guarantee that Xerneas will survive support Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike.
** 92 Special Defense EVs allow Xerneas to always survive two neutral Judgments or one Super Effective Judgment from support Arceus formes after Stealth Rock.
** An alternative EV spread of 116 Def / 244 SpA / 148 Spe can be used to always survive Mega Rayquaza's Life Orb Dragon Ascent and KO back with Moonblast. However, doing so makes it almost impossible to sweep with Xerneas.
** If getting the jump on Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is not a concern, an EV spread of 112 HP / 100 Def / 252 SpA / 44 Spe is a plausible option that outpaces opposing Choice Scarf Xerneas and Choice Scarf Yveltal, while always surviving Ultra Necrozma's Sunsteel Strike before Ultra Burst. However, Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is prominent enough that this spread is somewhat suboptimal.
Usage Tips
========
** Be careful with Xerneas early game, as losing some health will mean it will easily be picked off by priority attacks such as Marshadow's Shadow Sneak and Mega Rayquaza's Extreme Speed when it tries to sweep.
** Sometimes, Geomancy may not be the best move, even when it seems like Xerneas can force the foe out. For example, against Zygarde-C, scout for Haze first before using Geomancy, as your opponent may try to predict the Geomancy and use Haze to reset your boosts.
** When attempting a Geomancy sweep, always scout for foes that may stand in Xerneas' way, such as Specially Defensive Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Steel if lacking Focus Blast, and Arceus-Poison.
Team Options
========
** Entry hazards are very beneficial for Geomancy Xerneas, as Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes allows Xerneas to OHKO support Arceus formes. A suicide lead is appreciated for this job, as they can usually reliably get entry hazards up.
** Deoxys-S is the best Pokemon for this job, as not only can it set entry hazards, it can also set up dual screens to facilitate a Xerneas sweep and has Taunt to stop foes from statusing Xerneas as it tries to set up a Geomancy. Alternatively, Deoxys-S can spread Paralysis with Light Ball and Fling or Thunder Wave. In return, Xerneas can force out Mega Sableye so that it cannot freely bounce back Deoxys' hazards.
** Ground-types such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground are great partners for Xerneas, as they can threaten Xerneas' checks like Arceus-Poison and -Steel, while Xerneas can remove some of the Pokemon that the Ground-types struggle with, such as Giratina, Yveltal, Zygarde-C if Arceus-Ground is the Physical variant, and Mega Rayquaza.
** Mega Rayquaza is also a great Xerneas partner, as it similarily forces Steel- and Poison-types out with the threat of V-create and Earthquake and also can use some Pokemon that traditionally wall Xerneas such as Chansey and Ho-Oh as setup fodder.
** Entry hazard removal, while not as important as other roles, is also helpful, as it allows Xerneas to survive some more powerful attacks such as Mega Rayquaza's Life Orb Dragon Ascent. Support Arceus formes are generally good for this role, but Excadrill is also a great option because it can both nearly guaranteed that Stealth Rock will be set with Mold Breaker and it can also remove opposing entry hazards with Rapid Spin.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Psyshock / Focus Blast / Thunder
move 3: Aromatherapy / Psyshock / Focus Blast
move 4: Defog / Aromatherapy / Grass Knot
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
** Moonblast is a good STAB move backed by Fairy Aura and Xerneas' decent Special Attack, giving it a good damage even without a boost.
** Psyshock, combined with Choice Scarf, allows Xerneas to revenge kill Mega Gengar and deal good damage to Arceus-Poison. However, it fails to 2HKO Arceus-Poison without prior damage.
** Focus Blast is Xerneas' best option to 2HKO Arceus-Steel and Ferrothorn.
** Thunder hits Celesteela, Skarmory, and Ho-Oh hard, and has a good chance to paralyze the opponent.
** Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to cure its entire team of status.
** Defog allows Xerneas to remove hazards in a pinch.
** Grass Knot hits Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre hard, and allows Xerneas to revenge kill non-Calm Mind Arceus-Ground.
Set Details
========
** 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize Xerneas' damage output, notably letting it 2HKO most support Arceus formes neutral to Moonblast after Stealth Rock damage, and netting an OHKO on support Arceus formes weak to Moonblast such as Arceus-Dark.
** 252 Speed EVs combined with a Choice Scarf allows Xerneas to outspeed many important offensive threats, such as non-Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, Calm Mind Arceus-Dark, Marshadow, Mega Gengar, Ultra Necrozma, and Deoxys-A.
Usage Tips
========
** Choice Scarf Xerneas is best utilized as a revenge killer against threats that would normally outspeed it and OHKO it after a bit of chip damage, such as boosted Ultra Necrozma, boosted Marshadium Z Marshadow, and Choice Band Mega Rayquaza.
** As Choice Scarf Xerneas does not have the amazing firepower provided by Geomancy and Z-Geomancy sets, and instead focuses on utility, Aromatherapy and Defog can be used somewhat often. However, locking into these moves can make Xerneas setup fodder, so they must be used with caution.
** If Pokemon that resist Fairy are worn down, Xerneas can still pull off a late-game sweep due to its decent damage output.
** Always consider the advantages and disadvantages of every move before locking into it. For example, it may seem beneficial to revenge kill an Arceus-Steel with Focus Blast, but this can give your opponent's Mega Rayquaza a chance to set up a Dragon Dance and sweep your team.
Team Options
========
** As this Xerneas set lacks any boosting options, it should be paired with powerful wallbreakers such as Primal Kyogre, Swords Dance Primal Groudon, and non-Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza. In return, Xerneas can help these Pokemon by breaking down offensive teams and KOing some Pokemon that can wall them like Giratina and Zygarde-C through its Fairy typing.
** Bulkier teams that can wear Xerneas' checks down can also be considered, as a Choice Scarf user gives these teams a better matchup against offensive teams. They also appreciate the utility that Choice Scarf Xerneas brings to the table.
** Primal Groudon is an especially good partner, as it can help Xerneas against Primal Kyogre, Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, Arceus-Poison, and Arceus-Steel while also setting Stealth Rock, and Xerneas can remove Giratina, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and Mega Rayquaza for Groudon.
** Defensive Zygarde-C is a great partner for Xerneas, as it can remove Arceus-Steel, Arceus-Poison, and Primal Groudon. In turn, it appreciates Xerneas removing its sleep turns from Rest with Aromatherapy, and also appreciates Xerneas' ability to switch-in to Draco Meteor and Outrage from Mega Rayquaza.
** A second entry hazard remover like Arceus-Dark is helpful, as if Xerneas is the only Defog user on the team, it will be pressured to use Defog in less-than-ideal situations.
[SET]
name: Z-Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Ingrain
move 4: Rest
item: Fairium Z
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
** Z-Geomancy makes Xerneas a threatening sweeper in two turns, providing +1 to its Attack and Defense and +3 to its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.
** Moonblast is Xerneas' STAB move of choice, OHKOing most Pokemon that do not resist Fairy at +3.
** Ingrain prevents phazing from the likes of Primal Groudon, allowing Xerneas to keep its hard-earned boosts.
** Rest cures status and provides Xerneas with recovery, allowing it to have good staying power with its defensive boosts.
Set Details
========
** 248 HP EVs and 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature maximize Xerneas' physical bulk, allowing it to survive powerful hits such as Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent and Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike. These defensive EVs facilitate Xerneas' setup and can increase its staying power when it uses Rest.
** Fairium Z gives Xerneas access to Z-Geomancy. It can also combine with Moonblast to become a powerful Twinkle Tackle in a pinch.
Usage Tips
========
** As this Xerneas set needs more turns to setup, it is very important to find a clear opportunity to setup, or Xerneas may be KOed when it is attempting to setup.
** When expecting an foe like Primal Groudon to use Roar, use Ingrain, as it is better to use Ingrain and lose one turn than to use Moonblast and get phazed out.
** Xerneas is quite bulky after the defense boosts are applied, so Rest can be used liberally to heal itself and force the opponent to try to chip it down again.
Team Options
========
** Entry hazard removal is very important, as this Xerneas set has difficulty setting up if it is not at full health. Arceus-Ground is a great fit for this job, as it can threaten out Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Arceus-Poison, all of who are both able to sett Stealth Rock and check Xerneas.
** A physical setup sweeper like Mega Rayquaza can take advantage of some of the special walls that Xerneas struggles with, such as Chansey and Ho-Oh.
** Status users like Arceus-Water and Giratina help Xerneas massively, as Toxic poison can wear down Pokemon who are trying to KO Xerneas, and Burn can patch up the lesser physical defensive boosts that Xerneas receives from Z-Geomancy which may allow certain strong attackers such as Necrozma-DM to KO Xerneas.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
** Xerneas can use a Physically Defensive set with Moonblast, Rest, Defog, and another utility status move, but the general passivity of the set, especially while sleeping, and being outclassed by Arceus-Fairy who has better defensive stats and more utility moves makes it generally a very shaky option.
** A Choice Specs set featuring a moveset of Moonblast and three coverage moves can be used for more immediate firepower, but the Choice Scarf set has more utility and the Geomancy and Z-Geomancy sets provide better firepower in the long run.
** A Life Orb set featuring Close Combat as a lure for Blissey and Chansey can be used, but this cuts into Xerneas' longevity, and Psyshock on the Geomancy set can already break through these two Pokemon.
** Ingrain can be used on the Geomancy set to prevent Primal Groudon from phazing Xerneas, but usually Xerneas appreciates extra coverage or Aromatherapy more.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Poison-types**: Arceus-Poison can survive any of Xerneas' attacks at +2 and OHKO back with an Acid Downpour. It can also use Recover to heal itself and make sure it does not succumb to a hit-and-run strategy. Mega Gengar, while being OHKOed by Psyshock on the Choice Scarf set, can OHKO the other sets with Sludge Wave after Stealth Rock damage.
**Steel-types**: Arceus-Steel hits Xerneas Super Effectively and resists Moonblast, but is easily OHKOed by a +2 Focus Blast. Specially Defensive Necrozma-DM can shrug off Xerneas' hits with Moonlight, status it with Toxic, or heavily damage it with Sunsteel Strike. Offensive variants are 3HKOed by an unboosted Moonblast, however, and they can not freely switch in. Magearna can easily tank any hit, even at +2, and steal Xerneas' boosts with Heart Swap. Xerneas can also be walled by Ferrothorn if it lacks Focus Blast, though a +2 Focus Blast can OHKO it.
**Fire-types**: Support Primal Groudon is not OHKOed by any of Xerneas' hits at +2, even after significant chip damage, and can phaze it with Roar. Offensive variants can cripple it with Thunder Wave or heavily damage it with Precipice Blades or Fire Punch. Ho-Oh is not threatened by any of Xerneas' moves other than Thunder or the very rare Hidden Power Rock, and can status Xerneas with Toxic or hit it with Brave Bird or Sacred Fire.
**Specially Defensive Walls**: If Xerneas lacks Psyshock, it is completely unable to break through Blissey and Chansey, who can remove its SpA boosts with Confide and shrug off damage with Soft-Boiled. Lugia is also able to wall Xerneas and chip it down with Toxic.
**Priority moves**: As Xerneas will take damage when it sets up and not particularly bulky without defensive EVs, the Power Herb Geomancy set can often easily be finished off by priority. However, the Z-Geomancy set is not as prone to being revenge killed by priority due to its defensive EVs and boost in defense after having set up.
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- Written by: [Lavaclaw, 448301]
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