BH Xerneas (QC 3/3) (GP 2(?)/2)

Xerneas
QC: MAMP / Funbot28 / ScarfWynaut
GP: The Dutch Plumberjack / Electrolyte

[OVERVIEW]
Xerneas's high stats across the board and good offensive and defensive typing allow it to run an effective offensive Poison Heal set, giving it added longevity to set up and damage the opposing team. If it is able to find an opportunity to set up using Quiver Dance, it can be difficult for offensive teams to defeat due to its added bulk, Special Attack, and Speed, as well as its passive recovery. Its Fairy typing gives it defensive utility via an immunity to Core Enforcer, which would otherwise have the potential to negate Poison Heal, as well as offensive utility by being super effective against some of the more common defensive Pokemon in the tier, Giratina and Zygarde-C. It also gives it useful resistances to both Fighting and Dark, as well as a resistance to U-turn and super effective STAB coverage against Dark and Fighting-types. These can be useful, as the Dark-type resistance allows Xerneas to be a reliable switch into Knock Off to provide utility to the rest of the team, while the Dragon-type immunity and the Fighting-type resistance can allow Xerneas to set up against Choice item users. It also has an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, which can be beneficial. However, Xerneas struggles to break past defensive Steel-type Pokemon, which hinders its offensive capabilities to a noticeable degree due to their prevalence in the metagame. The popularity of Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon in particular is troublesome for Xerneas, as those Pokemon are able to wall Xerneas with its most common forms of coverage. Furthermore, though Xerneas is able to perform effectively with its Poison Heal set, it is outclassed with practically any other set. It isn't bulky enough to perform well with a purely defensive set, as Mega Audino would be able to, nor does it have the offensive stats to do well with a solely offensive set, as Mega Diancie would be able to.

[SET]
name: Poison Heal
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Spore / Lovely Kiss
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Lava Plume / Magma Storm / Earth Power
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Timid/Modest
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Quiver Dance allows Xerneas to boost its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, allowing it to sweep opposing teams. Additionally, the Special Defense boost allows Xerneas to more reliably set up as well as effectively handle opposing Imposter Pokemon. Spore and Lovely Kiss are used to put foes to sleep and provide Xerneas with more opportunities to set up as well as grant it extra turns of Poison Heal recovery. Sleep is especially effective against RegenVest users, as they will be unable to pivot or cause damage, and faster Pokemon that Xerneas is unable to OHKO, granting Xerneas with either additional opportunities to attack or to set up. Sleep also allows Xerneas to handle Imposter users by granting it additional turns to damage them and preventing it from being put to sleep itself. Spore is generally recommended over Lovely Kiss due to its 100% accuracy; however, Lovely Kiss is still a viable option to run, as it is not blocked by Safety Goggles. Xerneas has a powerful STAB option in Moonblast, allowing it to hit important Pokemon such as Giratina, Mega Rayquaza, and defensive Dark-types for super effective damage. It also provides strong neutral coverage towards a majority of the metagame. Lava Plume is useful to run on Xerneas, as it is able to cover opposing Steel-type Pokemon. Additionally, it is able to spread burns to passively damage foes, which can be especially helpful against Pokemon with Magic Bounce, such as Mega Audino, which are unable to be put to sleep, as well as against Shedinja, as a burn would KO it. Magma Storm is an alternative to Lava Plume, as it is still able to provide Xerneas with a strong move to damage opposing Steel-type Pokemon, in addition to partially trapping foes, which can be especially helpful against specially defensive foes such as Mega Audino and Imposter Chansey, as they could be passive and provide opportunities for Xerneas to use Quiver Dance while being unable to switch to a Pokemon that would have a better matchup against Xerneas. This move is also able to deal additional chip damage, which can be very helpful against an opposing Shedinja. Earth Power is a weaker alternative that is able to damage both Mega Gengar and Primal Groudon for more damage, as well as be able to damage Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon; however, it would also leave Xerneas unable to damage Pokemon such as Celesteela.

Set Details
========
A Timid nature maximizes Speed and allows Xerneas to outspeed Pokemon such as Adamant Regigigas, Modest Mega Diancie, Timid Primal Kyogre, and positive Speed nature Primal Groudon. A Modest nature is an alternative that provides Xerneas with additional power, allowing it to OHKO Mega Rayquaza at +1 Special Attack, as well as nearly 2HKOing Giratina unboosted. Poison Heal alongside a Toxic Orb is necessary, with Toxic Orb being the most efficient way to guarantee that Poison Heal will activate. Poison Heal is very important, as it makes Xerneas immune to sleep, allows it to beat a foe with Imposter by letting it recover while the foe cannot, and makes Xerneas very difficult to wear down.

Usage Tips
========

Before Toxic Orb has activated, Xerneas should be used very carefully, as if it does not get poisoned, it loses a great deal of use. An effective way to reliably activate it would be to use a slow Pokemon to pivot Xerneas in, as it will generally be able to safely activate the Orb. If Poison Heal has already been activated, Xerneas is able to provide a beneficial defensive role as a switch-in to Knock Off, as it will not take much damage or care about losing its item. It is also able to work well as a sponge to status effects and can often switch into both Giratina and Mega Audino safely. It is recommended to scout for Pokemon with Unaware, as they occasionally can run sets to nullify Poison Heal, by using moves such as Gastro Acid and Entrainment. Thanks to its passive recovery, good defensive typing, and good bulk, Xerneas is able to be an effective defensive Pokemon against threats such as Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gyarados. Additionally, Xerneas can also fill an offensive role by setting up against Pokemon that are unable to do much against it, such as defensive Yveltal and Mega Audino. However, Xerneas should be careful when facing defensive Steel-type pokemon, as they are often able to survive its attacks, and will occasionally run Flash Fire, and can threaten it with either STAB moves or moves such as Entrainment. Also, be wary of letting Xerneas's HP get too low, as this might leave it unable to effectively KO an Imposter Pokemon.

Team Options
========
Xerneas appreciates teammates such as Aerilate Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo Y that are able to handle faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar and Mega Mewtwo Y, which could otherwise OHKO Xerneas. They also appreciate Xerneas's ability to break through their checks such as RegenVest Primal Kyogre in return. Xerneas also appreciates teammates that are able to remove opposing Steel-types or significantly weaken them, such as Mega Mewtwo X. Pokemon that appreciate Xerneas's resistance to Dark-type moves or Knock Off, such as Giratina and Mega Mewtwo Y, are also good options for teammates. An Imposter user can scout for Unaware, Flash Fire, or a move that is able to remove Poison Heal, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, or Entrainment. A defensive Steel-type switch-in could be beneficial in case the opponent has their own Poison Heal Pokemon that Xerneas would be unable to defeat, such as Primal Kyogre or Regigigas. If Xerneas is using Spore, it appreciates having a teammate with Knock Off for removing opposing Pokemon's Safety Goggles for Xerneas.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A purely defensive or utility-oriented Poison Heal set is plausible for Xerneas, running moves like Defog and Stealth Rock; however, it is generally outclassed defensively by Mega Audino. Fur Coat and Magic Bounce are alternative abilities for Xerneas, providing it with a more supportive role than an offensive Poison Heal set. Entry hazards can be run as the fourth move, as Xerneas is often able to force switches against threats such as Giratina and Yveltal, giving it an opportunity to set hazards. Taunt is an option, as it will prevent the foe from using status moves that would remove Poison Heal as well as prevent foes from recovering. Xerneas can also use an offensive set, such as with Pixilate or Contrary, working as a bulkier version of Mega Diancie; however, it is still generally outclassed.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Defensive Steel-types**: Defensive Steel-type Pokemon such as Registeel and Solgaleo can easily wall Xerneas if it hasn't had the opportunity to set up. They could remove Poison Heal, attack Xerneas with Sunsteel Strike, or phaze it. Steel-type Pokemon with Flash Fire in particular are able to effectively handle Xerneas. Flash Fire Ferrothorn excels as an answer to Xerneas, as it cannot be put to sleep with Spore and isn't weak to Earth Power. However, it is threatened by Lovely Kiss.

**Unaware Pokemon**: Pokemon with Unaware such as Mega Audino are generally able to safely handle Xerneas, as it struggles to do too much damage without any boosts.

**Fast Offensive Pokemon**: Xerneas isn't particularly fast and as such needs to avoid being outsped and KOed by threats such as Mega Rayquaza and Mega Gengar if it has not yet had the opportunity to set up.

**Status Moves that Remove Abilities**: Status moves that are able to remove abilities, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, and Entrainment, are very problematic for Xerneas, as they remove its only form of healing and also cause it to receive damage from poison.

**Bulky Fire-types**: Bulky Fire-types such as Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon resist Xerneas's STAB option as well as its main coverage option.

Credits:
 
Last edited:

MAMP

MAMP!
| overview
it's really important to explain in the overview what sets the pokemon runs. you've said that it imposter-proofs itself without saying what it actually runs. on pokemon like xerneas which mainly have 1 set, the overview should discuss that set quite early on. tell them what the point of the ph set is, what it does, why its good etc.

assume that a significant portion of your readers are new to bh. terminology like 'imposter-proof' should ideally be avoided, say something like 'beats an imposter chansey that switches into it' to be a bit more new player friendly

overview should especially note that the poison heal set can be very difficult for offense teams to deal with if it finds an opportunity to set up

elaborate more on the strengths of the fairy type, because its one of xerneas' greatest assets. mention its dark and fighting resistances, uncommon weaknesses, and how very few fast mons resist it (a large part of why xern is so strong against offense)

there is a reason that xerneas only really has 1 common set; most offensive sets are done better by mega diancie, and it isnt bulky enough/outclassed by mega audino to really pull off effective defensive sets. this is important to discuss in the overview

| moves
this section shouldnt be formatted like this, check out some of the other analyses to see how it should be done

overall i think this section needs a bit more detail. talk about how the spdef boosts from quiver dance make it easier for xerneas to set up and beat imposter. mention that the sleep moves are specifically very good against regenvest users and faster offensive pokemon that xern cant ohko at +1. they also give xern free ph recovery. also explain how sleep moves allow xerneas to beat imposter

moonblast especially needs more detail, talk about what pokemon it hits and such

with lava plume, try to spend less time literally saying what the move does and more time talking about why it's useful/why it should be used. you don't need to say that burns cause chip damage and lowers attack, but you do need to explain where thats helpful. ie which specific pokemon are burns good against?

mention the weaknesses of earth power (misses celesteela, doesnt have a beneficial secondary effect). also talk about how it hits mega gengar and pdon harder than the alternaives

be more specific with magma storm. try to avoid phrases like 'certain foes'. which opponents is its trapping effect/passive damage useful against? (takes out shed, can 2hko steels that plume cant, good chip vs things like bounce audino/unaware pogre)

| set details
which specific pokemon is the timid nature good for outspeeding? 'pokemon with up to base 98 speed' is something the reader can figure out just by looking at its stats, it doesnt help them much.

slash modest with timid, the extra power lets it hit important benchmarks like almost guaranteed 2hkoing tina unboosted and ohkoing mega ray at +1

elaborate a bit more on the toxic orb. say that its the most efficient way to activate poison heal

talk more about why poison heal is so good, specifically that it makes xern immune to sleep, lets it beat imposter, makes it almost impossible to wear down

'possibly harmful effects' is extremely vague and i dont actually know what you mean by it

| usage tips
mention that xern should be careful before its orb is activated, as getting knocked or statused massively reduces its utility. give advice about how they can safely activate xern's orb

be more specific about the 'sets to nullify Poison Heal' that unaware pokemon run

talk about using xern to sponge status, and explain that it generally switches very safely into mons like tina and mega audino

say something about how if xern gets too low it might lose to imposter if it loses a speed tie

| team options
give some examples of teammates that can handle those faster pokemon. similarly, what pokemon can remove or weaken steel types?

say specifically which moves to remove poison heal imposter scouts for (entrainment etc). remember your readers might not be familiar with these

'A defensive Steel-Type resist could be beneficial, in case the opponent' this sentence is unfinished

spore xern likes to be paired with a knock off user to remove goggles

xern pairs well with mons that bait core enforcer, like ph giratina or gigas

| other options
mention taunt in oo to prevent entrainment and stop opponents from recovering

also discuss xerneas' offensive sets like pixilate and contrary, explaining that xerneas functions like a weaker but bulkier version of mega diancie but is generally outclassed by it

| checks and counters
this section is also supposed to be formatted in a specific way, in dot points like:

**Insert Threat Here**: Describe why the Pokemon is a threat.

specify that flash fire steels in particular are very good xern checks. mention ferrothorn especially as it isnt weak to earth power and is immune to spore

shedinja is not a good one to mention here as magma storm and lava plume both beat it

regenvesters are not really a good xern answer bc xern just sleeps them and they often cant really do much back

it's probably worth mentioning ho-oh here. its not super common but its getting more popular and it is probably the hardest xern counter in existence. you could perhaps broaden this point to 'bulky fire types' and include primal groudon

qc 1/3
 

Funbot28

Banned deucer.
Xerneas
QC: MAMP / /

[OVERVIEW]
  • Xerneas has good bulk as well as good offensive stats, letting it take on both an offensive and defensive role in a single slot
  • Runs an effective offensive Poison Heal set, giving it added longevity to set up and cause damage to the opposing team
  • Is able to beat an opposing Imposter Chansey that switches in, freeing up an additional team slot that many offensive pokemon are unable to afford
  • If it is able to find an opportunity to set it, offensive teams may struggle to defeat it due to its added bulk, Special Attack, and Speed, as well as its passive recovery
  • It's fairy type, giving it defensive utility by being immune to core enforcer and, which would otherwise have the potential to negate poison heal, as well as offensive utility by being super effective against some of the more common defensive pokemon in the tier - giratina and zygarde-c
  • Fairy type also gives it useful resistances to both Fighting-type and Dark-type, as well as a resistance to U-turn and being strong against Dark-types and Fighting-types Also note immunity to Dragon which can be useful at times
  • There are very few fast Pokemon that resist Fairy-type, granting Xerneas even more use, and it has uncommon weaknesses outside of Steel-type
  • however, it struggles to break past defensive steel type pokemon, which hinders its offensive capabilities to a noticeable degree due to the prevalence of steel types in the meta Mention specifically the popularity of FF steels, which wall the sets that carry the most common coverage it usually runs
  • Xerneas is able to perform effectively well with its Poison Heal set, however, it is outclassed with practically any other set. It isn't bulky enough to perform well with a purely defensive set, nor does it have the offensive stats to do well with a solely offensive set. Give examples of Mega Dino for the former and Mega Diancie for the latter as Fairies that may outclass it in these roles.

[SET]
name: Poison Heal
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Lovely Kiss / Spore
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Lava Plume / Magma Storm / Earth Power
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Timid/Modest


[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
  • Quiver dance allows Xerneas to rapidly increase its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, allowing it to sweep opposing teams. Additionally, the Special Defense boost from this move allows Xerneas to more reliably set up, as well as effectively handle opposing Imposter Pokemon
  • Xerneas greatly appreciates the effect of moves that can cause sleep, specifically Spore and Lovely Kiss. These moves are able to provide Xerneas with more opportunities to set up, as well as grant it extra turns of Poison Heal recovery. Sleep is especially effective against both RegenVest users, as they will be unable to pivot or cause damage, and faster pokemon that Xerneas is unable to OHKO, as sleep will grant Xerneas with either additional opportunities to attack or to set up. Sleep also allows Xerneas to handle Imposter, as it will grant Xerneas with additional turns to damage it, while also being immune to being put to sleep. Spore is generally recommended over Lovely Kiss due to its 100% accuracy, however Lovely Kiss is still a viable option to run as it is not blocked by Safety Goggles.
  • Xerneas has a powerful STAB option in Moonblast, allowing it to hit important Pokemon such as Giratina, Mega Rayquaza, and defensive Dark-types for super effective damage. It also provides strong neutral coverage towards a majority of the metagame, such as Mega Mewtwo-Y.
  • Lava Plume is useful to run on Xerneas as it is able to aid against opposing Steel-type Pokemon. Additionally, it is able to spread burns to passively damage foes, which can be especially helpful against pokemon with Magic Bounce, as they would be unable to be put to sleep, as well as against Shedinja, since a burn would allow Xerneas to KO it. Magma Storm is an alternative to Lava Plume, as it is still able to provide Xerneas with a strong move to damage opposing Steel-type Pokemon, in addition to partially trapping foes, which can be especially helpful against specially defensive foes such as Mega Audino, Mega Mewtwo-Y, or an Impostered Chansey. This move is also able to deal additional chip damage, which can be very helpful against an opposing Mega Audino, Unaware Primal Kyogre, or Shedinja. A weaker alternative would be to use Earth Power, as it would be able to damage both Mega Gengar and Primal Groudon for more damage, as well as be able to damage Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon, however it would also be unable to damage pokemon such as Celesteela or Ho-Oh.
  • Mention of Entrainment for opposing PH sweepers
Set Details
========
  • A Timid nature allows it to outspeed Pokemon with Speed less than 326, such as Adamant Regigigas, Modest Mega Diancie, Timid Primal Kyogre, and a positive Speed nature Primal Groudon
  • A Modest nature is an alternative that grants Xerneas with additional power, allowing it to OHKO Mega Rayquaza at +1 Special Attack, as well as nearly 2HKOing Giratina unboosted.
  • Poison Heal alongside a Toxic Orb is necessary, with Toxic Orb being the most efficient way to guarantee that Poison Heal will activate
  • Poison Heal is very important, as it makes Xerneas immune to sleep, allows it to beat a foe with Imposter, as Xerneas can recover while the foe can not, and it makes Xerneas very difficult to wear down
  • Due to being poisoned, Xerneas is also able to avoid other status effects such as burn or paralyze Why is this here?

Usage Tips
========

  • Before Toxic Orb has activated, Xern should be used very carefully, as if it does not get poisoned, it loses a great deal of use. An effective way to reliably activate it would be to use a slow Pokemon to pivot in to Xerneas, as it will generally be able to safely activate
  • If Poison Heal has already been activated, Xerneas is able to provide a beneficial defensive role as a switch in to Knock Off, as it will not take much damage nor care about losing its item. It is also able to work well as a sponge to status effects, and can often switch into both Giratina and Mega Audino safely.
  • Scout for Pokemon with Unaware, as they occasionally can run sets to nullify Poison Heal, by using moves such as Gastro Acid or Worry Seed Entrainment
  • Thanks to the passive recovery, good defensive typing, and good bulk, Xerneas is able to be an effective defensive pokemon against threats such as Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gyarados.
  • Xerneas can also fill an offensive role by setting up against pokemon that are unable to do much against it, such as defensive Yveltal or Mega Audino
  • Be careful when facing defensive Steel-type pokemon, as they are often able to survive Xerneas and will occasionally run Flash Fire and can threaten it with either their STAB moves or moves such as Entrainment
  • If Xerneas's HP gets too low, it's possible that it would be unable to effectively KO an Imposter Pokemon

Team Options
========
  • Xerneas appreciates teammates, such as Aerilate Mega Rayquaza or Mega Mewtwo-Y, that are able to handle faster pokemon such as Mega Gengar or Mega Mewtwo-Y They also appreciate Xern's ability to break through their checks such as Mbounce Audino and RegenVest Ogre in return.
  • Xerneas also appreciates teammates that are able to remove opposing Steel-types, or significantly weaken them, such as Mega Mewtwo-X and Primal Groudon
  • Teammates that appreciate Xerneas' resistance to dark moves or knock off, such as Giratina or Mega Mewtwo Y
  • Imposter as a teammate allows for scouting for Unaware, Flash Fire, or a move that is able to remove Poison Heal, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, or Entrainment
  • A defensive Steel-Type resist could be beneficial, in case the opponent has their own Poison Heal pokemon that Xerneas would be unable to defeat such as Primal Ogre or Registeel
  • If Xerneas is using Spore, it appreciates having a teammate with Knock Off, as it is able to remove Safety Goggles for Xerneas

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

  • A purely defensive or utility oriented poison heal set is plausible for Xerneas, such as with as Defog or Stealth Rock, however, it is generally outclassed defensively by Mega Audino
  • Fur coat and magic bounce are alternative abilities for Xerneas, providing it with a more supportive role than an offensive Poison Heal set
  • Hazards are a possibility for a fourth move on Xerneas, as it is often able to force switches against threats such as Giratina and Yveltal, giving it an opportunity to set hazards
  • Taunt is an option as it will prevent the foe from using status moves that would remove Poison Heal as well as prevent foes from recovering
  • Xerneas can also use an offensive set, such as with Pixilate or Contrary, working as a bulkier version of Mega Diancie, however it is generally outclassed by Mega Diancie.

Checks and Counters
===================

  • **Defensive Steel Types**: Defensive Steel-type Pokemon such as Registeel and Solgaleo can easily wall Xerneas if it hasn't had the opportunity to set up yet. Steel-type Pokemon with Flash Fire in particular are able to effectively handle Xerneas. Flash Fire Ferrothorn excels as an answer to Xerneas, as it cannot be put to sleep with Spore and isn't weak to Earth Power. But is threatened by Lovely Kiss
  • **Unaware Pokemon**: Pokemon with Unaware such as Mega Audino are generally able to safely handle Xerneas as it struggles to do too much damage without any boosts
  • **Fast Offensive Pokemon**: Xerneas isn't particularly fast and as such needs to avoid being outsped and KOed by threats such as Mega Rayquaza and Mega Gengar if it has not yet had the opportunity to set up
  • **Status Moves That Remove Abilities**: Status moves that are able to remove abilities, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, and Entrainment, are very problematic for Xerneas as they remove its only form of healing
  • **Bulky Fire-Types**: Bulky Fire-Types such as Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon are able to resist Xerneas's STAB option as well as resist its main coverage option.
Very Good minor changes required. QC 2/3
QC-Funbot28-small.gif
 
[overview]
idk if i like that opening sentence. i would not describe a ph sweeper set as defensive. instead, say "xerneas has high stats across the board + a good offensive & defensive typing. this makes it a good ph guy yada yada"

"Xerneas is able to beat an opposing Imposter Chansey that switches in, freeing up an additional team slot that many offensive Pokemon are unable to afford." delete this

"If it is able to find an opportunity to set it, offensive teams may struggle to defeat it due to its added bulk, Special Attack, and Speed, as well as its passive recovery." first of all this is a very vague sentence. offensive teams may struggle? do they or don't they? how's it getting added bulk, spatk and speed? you've yet to even mention quiver dance. you should not write under the assumption that readers just know xerneas' set. if ur point here is that xerneas can be hard to stop by offensive mons after a single boost, then instead talk about how its able to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame at +1 meaning it can put faster mons like x y and z to sleep with x y and z move and set up further / start dealing damage.

"Fairy type also gives it useful resistances to both Fighting-type and Dark-type, as well as a resistance to U-turn and being effective against Dark-types and Fighting-types. It also has an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, which can be beneficial." sentences like these are meaningless if you don't describe how its relevant. mamp also covered this issue a little but to reiterate: don't just say "fairy resists this type and that type and is weak to this and that type" and nothing because by itself it adds nothing cos we all know this already. say why these resists are good. its resists allow it to set up vs mmx or choice locked garchomp or choice locked rayquaza or whatever. HOW is an immunity to dragon beneficial

"There are very few fast Pokemon that resist Fairy-type, granting Xerneas even more use, and it has uncommon weaknesses outside of Steel-type." please remove this it makes 0 sense

"However, it struggles to break past defensive steel type pokemon, which hinders its offensive capabilities to a noticeable degree due to the prevalence of steel types in the meta. The popularity of Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon in particular hinders Xerneas, as those Pokemon are able to wall Xerneas sets with its most common forms of coverage" set, not sets. we're only going to be talking about one set today.

[moves]
"Xerneas greatly appreciates the effect of moves that can cause sleep, specifically Spore and Lovely Kiss." this is worded so poorly. just say spore / lovely kiss is used for this and that.

"Spore is generally recommended over Lovely Kiss due to its 100% accuracy, however Lovely Kiss is still a viable option to run as it is not blocked by Safety Goggles." then why is lovely kiss slashed first?

"It also provides strong neutral coverage towards a majority of the metagame, such as Mega Mewtwo-Y" dont include specific examples here.

"..which can be especially helpful against Pokemon with Magic Bounce.." such as?

"...which can be especially helpful against specially defensive foes such as Mega Audino, Mega Mewtwo-Y, or an Impostered Chansey." how?

"This move is also able to deal additional chip damage, which can be very helpful against an opposing Mega Audino, Unaware Primal Kyogre, or Shedinja." again, don't mention specific examples here (other than shedinja). it makes it seem as if chip is ONLY helpful against these three sets in particular, which is not true.

"A weaker alternative would be to use Earth Power, as it would be able to damage both Mega Gengar and Primal Groudon for more damage, as well as be able to damage Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon, however it would also be unable to damage pokemon such as Celesteela or Ho-Oh." do not mention ho-oh since ur strongest move against that will always be moonblast.

[usage tips]
"Thanks to the passive recovery, good defensive typing, and good bulk, Xerneas is able to be an effective defensive Pokemon against threats such as Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gyarados. Additionally, Xerneas can also fill an offensive role by setting up against pokemon that are unable to do much against it, such as defensive Yveltal or Mega Audino." to quote gp's standards: "Use active voice (Gliscor can OHKO Magnezone) whenever possible rather than passive voice (Magnezone can be OHKOed by Gliscor)."

[team options]
"Xerneas appreciates teammates, such as Aerilate Mega Rayquaza or Mega Mewtwo-Y, that are able to handle faster pokemon such as Mega Gengar or Mega Mewtwo-Y. They also appreciate Xerneas' ability to break through their checks such as Magic Bounce Mega Audino and RegenVest Primal Kyogre in return." why are faster pokemon a threat to Xerneas? also i would certainly not pick magic bounce audino as an example of something xerneas breaks through, pick something else

[checks & counters]
"**Defensive Steel Types**: Defensive Steel-type Pokemon such as Registeel and Solgaleo can easily wall Xerneas if it hasn't had the opportunity to set up yet.." also mention what these steel types can do in return (remove ph, damage with sunsteel, phaze, whatever)

i want to see this implemented properly before i co sign on this
 
mostly implemented ScarfWynaut except for two things

The part where you felt as if i used passive voice, but to quote a gp’er, "i don’t see any passive voice here personally”
Magic Bounce Maudino being something that shouldn’t be listed. I think you should talk with Funbot about this, since the two QCs conflict. I've seen this happen a lot as well, so as a general note to QC, I feel like communicating more would improve analysis quality.
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
also don't use double spaces after sentences pls

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]
Xerneas's has high stats across the board as well as a and good offensive and defensive typing (RP) Because of this, it can allow it to run an effective offensive Poison Heal set, giving it added longevity to set up and cause damage to the opposing team. If it is able to find an opportunity to set up using Quiver Dance, it can be difficult for offensive teams to defeat it due to its added bulk, Special Attack, and Speed, as well as its passive recovery. It's Its fairy type, giving Fairy typing gives it defensive utility by being immune via an immunity to Core Enforcer, which would otherwise have the potential to negate Poison Heal, as well as offensive utility by being super effective against some of the more common defensive Pokemon in the tier, Giratina and Zygarde-C. Fairy type It also gives it useful resistances to both Fighting-type and Dark-type, as well as a resistance to U-turn and being effective super effective STAB coverage against Dark-types and Fighting-types. These can be useful, as the Dark-type resistance allows Xerneas to be a reliable switch in to into Knock Off to provide utility to the rest of the team, while the Dragon-type immunity and the Fighting-type resistance can allow Xerneas to set up against choiced Choice item users. It also has an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, which can be beneficial. However, Xerneas struggles to break past defensive Steel-type (AH) Pokemon, which hinders its offensive capabilities to a noticeable degree due to their prevalence of steel types in the metagame. The popularity of Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon in particular hinders is troublesome for Xerneas, as those Pokemon are able to wall Xerneas with its most common forms of coverage. Furthermore, though Xerneas is able to perform effectively well with its Poison Heal set, however, it is outclassed with practically any other set. It isn't bulky enough to perform well with a purely defensive set, as Mega Audino would be able to, nor does it have the offensive stats to do well with a solely offensive set, as Mega Diancie would be able to.

[SET]
name: Poison Heal
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Spore / Lovely Kiss
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Lava Plume / Magma Storm / Earth Power
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Timid/Modest
evs: <....>

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Quiver Dance allows Xerneas to rapidly increase its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, allowing it to sweep opposing teams. Additionally, the Special Defense boost from this move allows Xerneas to more reliably set up (RC) as well as effectively handle opposing Imposter Pokemon. Spore and Lovely Kiss are used to put foes to sleep (RP) These moves are able to and provide Xerneas with more opportunities to set up (RC) as well as grant it extra turns of Poison Heal recovery. Sleep is especially effective against both RegenVest users, as they will be unable to pivot or cause damage, and faster Pokemon that Xerneas is unable to OHKO, as sleep will grant granting Xerneas with either additional opportunities to attack or to set up. Sleep also allows Xerneas to handle Imposter users (RC) as it will grant Xerneas with by granting it additional turns to damage it, while also being immune to them and preventing it from being put to sleep itself. Spore is generally recommended over Lovely Kiss due to its 100% accuracy; (SC) however, (AC) Lovely Kiss is still a viable option to run, (AC) as it is not blocked by Safety Goggles. Xerneas has a powerful STAB option in Moonblast, allowing it to hit important Pokemon such as Giratina, Mega Rayquaza, and defensive Dark-types for super effective damage. It also provides strong neutral coverage towards a majority of the metagame. Lava Plume is useful to run on Xerneas, (AC) as it is able to aid against opposing Steel-type Pokemon. Additionally, it is able to spread burns to passively damage foes, which can be especially helpful against Pokemon with Magic Bounce, such as Mega Audino, as they would be which are unable to be put to sleep, as well as against Shedinja, since a burn would allow Xerneas to KO it. Magma Storm is an alternative to Lava Plume, as it is still able to provide Xerneas with a strong move to damage opposing Steel-type Pokemon, in addition to partially trapping foes, which can be especially helpful against specially defensive foes such as Mega Audino or an Impostered and Imposter Chansey, as they could be passive and provide opportunities for Xerneas to use Quiver Dance while being unable to switch to a Pokemon that would have a better match up matchup against Xerneas. This move is also able to deal additional chip damage, which can be very helpful against an opposing Shedinja. Earth Power is a weaker alternative would be to use Earth Power, as it would be that is able to damage both Mega Gengar and Primal Groudon for more damage, as well as be able to damage Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon; (SC) however, (AC) it would also leave Xerneas be unable to damage Pokemon such as Celesteela.

Set Details
========
A Timid nature allows it Xerneas to outspeed Pokemon with Speed less than 326, such as Adamant Regigigas, Modest Mega Diancie, Timid Primal Kyogre, and a positive Speed nature Primal Groudon. A Modest nature is an alternative that grants provides Xerneas with additional power, allowing it to OHKO Mega Rayquaza at +1 Special Attack, as well as nearly 2HKOing Giratina unboosted. Poison Heal alongside a Toxic Orb is necessary, with Toxic Orb being the most efficient way to guarantee that Poison Heal will activate. Poison Heal is very important, as it makes Xerneas immune to sleep, allows it to beat a foe with Imposter (RC) as Xerneas can by letting it recover while the foe can not cannot, and it makes Xerneas very difficult to wear down.

Usage Tips
========

Before Toxic Orb has activated, Xerneas should be used very carefully, as if it does not get poisoned, it loses a great deal of use. An effective way to reliably activate it would be to use a slow Pokemon to pivot in to Xerneas in, as it will generally be able to safely activate the Orb. If Poison Heal has already been activated, Xerneas is able to provide a beneficial defensive role as a switch-in (AH) to Knock Off, as it will not take much damage nor or care about losing its item. It is also able to work well as a sponge to status effects (RC) and can often switch into both Giratina and Mega Audino safely. It is recommended to scout for Pokemon with Unaware, as they occasionally can run sets to nullify Poison Heal, by using moves such as Gastro Acid or and Entrainment. Thanks to its passive recovery, good defensive typing, and good bulk, Xerneas is able to be an effective defensive Pokemon against threats such as Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gyarados. Additionally, Xerneas can also fill an offensive role by setting up against Pokemon that are unable to do much against it, such as defensive Yveltal or and Mega Audino. However, Xerneas should be careful when facing defensive Steel-type pokemon, as they are often able to survive Xerneas its attacks, (AC) and will occasionally run Flash Fire, (AC) and can threaten it with either STAB moves or moves such as Entrainment. Also, be wary of letting If Xerneas's HP gets get too low, it's possible that it would be as this might leave it unable to effectively KO an Imposter Pokemon.

Team Options
========
Xerneas appreciates teammates (RC) such as Aerilate Mega Rayquaza or and Mega Mewtwo Y (RC, RH) that are able to handle faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar or and Mega Mewtwo Y, (RH, comma) Xerneas appreciates this as faster Pokemon which could otherwise OHKO Xerneas. They also appreciate Xerneas's ability to break through their checks such as RegenVest Primal Kyogre in return. Xerneas also appreciates teammates that are able to remove opposing Steel-types (RC) or significantly weaken them, such as Mega Mewtwo X. (RH) Pokemon that appreciate Xerneas's resistance to Dark-type moves or Knock Off, such as Giratina or and Mega Mewtwo Y, are also good options for teammates. An Imposter as a teammate user allows for scouting for can scout for Unaware, Flash Fire, or a move that is able to remove Poison Heal, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, or Entrainment. A defensive Steel-type resist switch-in (or any word that conveys what you want to convey, just not "resist") could be beneficial (RC) in case the opponent has their own Poison Heal Pokemon that Xerneas would be unable to defeat, such as Primal Kyogre or Regigigas. If Xerneas is using Spore, it appreciates having a teammate with Knock Off (RC) as they would be able to remove for removing opposing Pokemon's Safety Goggles for Xerneas.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A purely defensive or utility-oriented (AH) Poison Heal set is plausible for Xerneas, such as with as running moves like Defog or and Stealth Rock; (SC) however, it is generally outclassed defensively by Mega Audino. Fur Coat and Magic Bounce are alternative abilities for Xerneas, providing it with a more supportive role than an offensive Poison Heal set. Entry hazards are a possibility for a can be run as the fourth move on Xerneas, as it Xerneas is often able to force switches against threats such as Giratina and Yveltal, giving it an opportunity to set hazards. Taunt is an option, (AC) as it will prevent the foe from using status moves that would remove Poison Heal as well as prevent foes from recovering. Xerneas can also use an offensive set, such as with Pixilate or Contrary, working as a bulkier version of Mega Diancie; (SC) however, (AC) it is generally outclassed by Mega Diancie the latter.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Defensive Steel-types**: (AH) Defensive Steel-type Pokemon such as Registeel and Solgaleo can easily wall Xerneas if it hasn't had the opportunity to set up yet. They could remove Poison Heal, or use attack Xerneas with Sunsteel Strike, or phaze Xerneas it. Steel-type Pokemon with Flash Fire in particular are able to effectively handle Xerneas. Flash Fire Ferrothorn excels as an answer to Xerneas, as it cannot be put to sleep with Spore and isn't weak to Earth Power. However, it is threatened by Lovely Kiss.
(linebreaks)
**Unaware Pokemon**: Pokemon with Unaware such as Mega Audino are generally able to safely handle Xerneas, (AC) as it struggles to do too much damage without any boosts. (AP)

**Fast Offensive Pokemon**: Xerneas isn't particularly fast and as such needs to avoid being outsped and KOed by threats such as Mega Rayquaza and Mega Gengar if it has not yet had the opportunity to set up. (AP)

**Status Moves that Remove Abilities**: Status moves that are able to remove abilities, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, and Entrainment, are very problematic for Xerneas, (AC) as they remove its only form of healing. (AP)

**Bulky Fire-types**: Bulky Fire-types such as Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon are able to resist Xerneas's STAB option as well as resist its main coverage option. (AP)
 

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[OVERVIEW]
Xerneas's high stats across the board and good offensive and defensive typing allow it to run an effective offensive Poison Heal set, giving it added longevity to set up and cause damage to the opposing team. If it is able to find an opportunity to set up using Quiver Dance, it can be difficult for offensive teams to defeat it due to its added bulk, Special Attack, and Speed, as well as its passive recovery. Its Fairy typing gives it defensive utility via an immunity to Core Enforcer, which would otherwise have the potential to negate Poison Heal, as well as offensive utility by being super effective against some of the more common defensive Pokemon in the tier, Giratina and Zygarde-C. It also gives it useful resistances to both Fighting and Dark, as well as a resistance to U-turn and super effective STAB coverage against Dark-types and Fighting-types. These can be useful, as the Dark-type resistance allows Xerneas to be a reliable switch into Knock Off to provide utility to the rest of the team, while the Dragon-type immunity and the Fighting-type resistance can allow Xerneas to set up against Choice item users. It also has an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, which can be beneficial. However, Xerneas struggles to break past defensive Steel-type Pokemon, which hinders its offensive capabilities to a noticeable degree due to their prevalence in the metagame. The popularity of Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon in particular is troublesome for Xerneas, as those Pokemon are able to wall Xerneas with its most common forms of coverage. Furthermore, though Xerneas is able to perform effectively well with its Poison Heal set, it is outclassed with practically any other set. It isn't bulky enough to perform well with a purely defensive set, as Mega Audino would be able to, nor does it have the offensive stats to do well with a solely offensive set, as Mega Diancie would be able to.

[SET]
name: Poison Heal
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Spore / Lovely Kiss
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Lava Plume / Magma Storm / Earth Power
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Timid/Modest
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Quiver Dance allows Xerneas to rapidly increase boost ('rapidly increase' implies something more special than just a normal boost.) its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, allowing it to sweep opposing teams. Additionally, the Special Defense boost from this move allows Xerneas to more reliably set up (RC) as well as effectively handle opposing Imposter Pokemon. Spore and Lovely Kiss are used to put foes to sleep and provide Xerneas with more opportunities to set up (RC) as well as grant it extra turns of Poison Heal recovery. Sleep is especially effective against RegenVest users, as they will be unable to pivot or cause damage, and faster Pokemon that Xerneas is unable to OHKO, granting Xerneas with either additional opportunities to attack or to set up. Sleep also allows Xerneas to handle Imposter users (RC) by granting it additional turns to damage them and preventing it from being put to sleep itself. Spore is generally recommended over Lovely Kiss due to its 100% accuracy; (SC) however, (AC) Lovely Kiss is still a viable option to run, (AC) as it is not blocked by Safety Goggles. Xerneas has a powerful STAB option in Moonblast, allowing it to hit important Pokemon such as Giratina, Mega Rayquaza, and defensive Dark-types for super effective damage. It also provides strong neutral coverage towards a majority of the metagame. Lava Plume is useful to run on Xerneas, (AC) as it is able to aid against cover opposing Steel-type Pokemon. Additionally, it is able to spread burns to passively damage foes, which can be especially helpful against Pokemon with Magic Bounce, such as Mega Audino, which are unable to be put to sleep, as well as against Shedinja, since as a burn would allow Xerneas to KO it. Magma Storm is an alternative to Lava Plume, as it is still able to provide Xerneas with a strong move to damage opposing Steel-type Pokemon, in addition to partially trapping foes, which can be especially helpful against specially defensive foes such as Mega Audino and Imposter Chansey, as they could be passive and provide opportunities for Xerneas to use Quiver Dance while being unable to switch to a Pokemon that would have a better matchup against Xerneas. This move is also able to deal additional chip damage, which can be very helpful against an opposing Shedinja. Earth Power is a weaker alternative that is able to damage both Mega Gengar and Primal Groudon for more damage, as well as be able to damage Flash Fire Steel-type Pokemon; (SC) however, (AC) it would also leave Xerneas unable to damage Pokemon such as Celesteela.

Set Details
========
A Timid nature maximizes Speed and allows Xerneas to outspeed Pokemon with Speed less than 326, (QC / GP comment - 'Speed less than 326' is hella awk bc as a reader idk what 326 Speed is, just say "maximizes Speed and outspeeds Pokemon such as...) such as Adamant Regigigas, Modest Mega Diancie, Timid Primal Kyogre, and a positive Speed nature Primal Groudon. A Modest nature is an alternative that provides Xerneas with additional power, allowing it to OHKO Mega Rayquaza at +1 Special Attack, as well as nearly 2HKOing Giratina unboosted. Poison Heal alongside a Toxic Orb is necessary, with Toxic Orb being the most efficient way to guarantee that Poison Heal will activate. Poison Heal is very important, as it makes Xerneas immune to sleep, allows it to beat a foe with Imposter by letting it recover while the foe cannot, and makes Xerneas very difficult to wear down.

Usage Tips
========

Before Toxic Orb has activated, Xerneas should be used very carefully, as if it does not get poisoned, it loses a great deal of use. An effective way to reliably activate it would be to use a slow Pokemon to pivot Xerneas in, as it will generally be able to safely activate the Orb. If Poison Heal has already been activated, Xerneas is able to provide a beneficial defensive role as a switch-in to Knock Off, as it will not take much damage or care about losing its item. It is also able to work well as a sponge to status effects and can often switch into both Giratina and Mega Audino safely. It is recommended to scout for Pokemon with Unaware, as they occasionally can run sets to nullify Poison Heal, by using moves such as Gastro Acid and Entrainment. Thanks to its passive recovery, good defensive typing, and good bulk, Xerneas is able to be an effective defensive Pokemon against threats such as Mega Tyranitar and Mega Gyarados. Additionally, Xerneas can also fill an offensive role by setting up against Pokemon that are unable to do much against it, such as defensive Yveltal and Mega Audino. However, Xerneas should be careful when facing defensive Steel-type pokemon, as they are often able to survive its attacks, and will occasionally run Flash Fire, (AC) and can threaten it with either STAB moves or moves such as Entrainment. Also, be wary of letting Xerneas's HP get too low, as this might leave it unable to effectively KO an Imposter Pokemon.

Team Options
========
Xerneas appreciates teammates such as Aerilate Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo Y that are able to handle faster Pokemon such as Mega Gengar and Mega Mewtwo Y, which could otherwise OHKO Xerneas. They also appreciate Xerneas's ability to break through their checks such as RegenVest Primal Kyogre in return. Xerneas also appreciates teammates that are able to remove opposing Steel-types or significantly weaken them, such as Mega Mewtwo X. Pokemon that appreciate Xerneas's resistance to Dark-type moves or Knock Off, such as Giratina and Mega Mewtwo Y, are also good options for teammates. An Imposter user can scout for Unaware, Flash Fire, or a move that is able to remove Poison Heal, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, or Entrainment. A defensive Steel-type switch-in could be beneficial in case the opponent has their own Poison Heal Pokemon that Xerneas would be unable to defeat, such as Primal Kyogre or Regigigas. If Xerneas is using Spore, it appreciates having a teammate with Knock Off for removing opposing Pokemon's Safety Goggles for Xerneas.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

A purely defensive or utility-oriented Poison Heal set is plausible for Xerneas, running moves like Defog and Stealth Rock; however, it is generally outclassed defensively by Mega Audino. Fur Coat and Magic Bounce are alternative abilities for Xerneas, providing it with a more supportive role than an offensive Poison Heal set. Entry hazards can be run as the fourth move, as Xerneas is often able to force switches against threats such as Giratina and Yveltal, giving it an opportunity to set hazards. Taunt is an option, as it will prevent the foe from using status moves that would remove Poison Heal as well as prevent foes from recovering. Xerneas can also use an offensive set, such as with Pixilate or Contrary, working as a bulkier version of Mega Diancie; however, it is still generally outclassed by the latter.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Defensive Steel-types**: (AH) Defensive Steel-type Pokemon such as Registeel and Solgaleo can easily wall Xerneas if it hasn't had the opportunity to set up yet. They could remove Poison Heal, attack Xerneas with Sunsteel Strike, or phaze it. Steel-type Pokemon with Flash Fire in particular are able to effectively handle Xerneas. Flash Fire Ferrothorn excels as an answer to Xerneas, as it cannot be put to sleep with Spore and isn't weak to Earth Power. However, it is threatened by Lovely Kiss.

**Unaware Pokemon**: Pokemon with Unaware such as Mega Audino are generally able to safely handle Xerneas, as it struggles to do too much damage without any boosts.

**Fast Offensive Pokemon**: Xerneas isn't particularly fast and as such needs to avoid being outsped and KOed by threats such as Mega Rayquaza and Mega Gengar if it has not yet had the opportunity to set up.

**Status Moves that Remove Abilities**: Status moves that are able to remove abilities, such as Worry Seed, Gastro Acid, and Entrainment, are very problematic for Xerneas, as they remove its only form of healing and also cause it to receive damage from poison.

**Bulky Fire-types**: Bulky Fire-types such as Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon resist Xerneas's STAB option as well as its main coverage option.

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