ScarfWynaut - 04/26/2018
if youre going to spam a mon do one i like
like zekrom so i can feel like ive innovated it
Zekrom
[OVERVIEW]
Zekrom's high offensive capabilities combined with its anti-meta STAB combination allow it to consistently beat standard sets of common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina, Registeel, Zygarde-C, and Primal Kyogre. Also, its resistance to Flying and Steel combined with its bulk allows it to stay in on various offensive Pokemon such as Kartana and offensive Necrozma-DM lacking Precipice Blades. Due to these factors as well as Zekrom being the most viable Electric-type in BH, Zekrom finds a niche as an anti-meta Pokemon that can capitalize on most teams not having a reliable way to beat it.
However, despite having some great resistances, Dragon is one of the most prepared-for defensive types in the metagame due to the presence of Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Rayquaza. As such, Zekrom is frequently hit by Ice- and Fairy-type coverage and revenge killed by -ate users. As most offensive teams will have multiple of these Pokemon, Zekrom finds difficulty in setting up on them. In addition, though uncommon, Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix generally stop Zekrom cold. Zekrom is also unable to run significantly different sets; one check to Zekrom will generally check all of Zekrom's sets. Zekrom can be difficult to Imposter-proof, making it difficult to fit onto a team. Zekrom generally finds itself struggling to sweep if it cannot find an opportunity to set up, as it lacks the sheer power that other Pokemon such as Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo X have, making it more difficult to use.
[SET]
name: Adaptability Setup Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Bolt Strike
move 3: Draco Meteor / Core Enforcer / Clanging Scales
move 4: Taunt / Close Combat
item: Dragonium Z / Life Orb
ability: Adaptability
nature: Rash
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bolt Strike in conjunction with Life Orb 2HKOes anything that does not resist it and OHKOes anything weak to it. In particular, it 2HKOes Mega Audino and Registeel while OHKOing Yveltal, Mega Gyarados, and Primal Kyogre. Even without Life Orb, Bolt Strike still OHKOes Water-types and Flying-types. Draco Meteor serves as the secondary STAB move of choice, OHKOing every relevant Dragon-type in the metagame after Shell Smash unless they have Unaware. Shell Smash is the best setup move for this set, as it boosts both offensive stats and Speed. This lets Zekrom OHKO many Pokemon after a boost that it previously could not OHKO, including Mega Audino and Mega Mewtwo Y. Taunt serves as an option to prevent Zekrom's targets from recovering health or using Topsy-Turvy to neuter its sweeping potential, and also helps against Prankster Registeel, preventing it from using Destiny Bond on Zekrom without being forced out next turn.
Core Enforcer serves as a more consistent STAB option due to not dropping Special Attack in addition to taking away Prankster from Pokemon that use it. However, it is weaker than Draco Meteor, meaning Zekrom will have a weaker Z-Move and miss some 2HKOs and OHKOs such as on Primal Groudon and Giratina. Clanging Scales can be used if a Soundproof Pokemon is being used to wall Impostered Zekrom. However, it drops Zekrom's Defense, undermining its good physical bulk and leaving it more vulnerable to priority. Close Combat can be run over Taunt if Zekrom wishes to beat Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix; however, replacing Taunt makes Zekrom's matchup versus Prankster Pokemon and other walls drastically worse.
Set Details
========
A Rash nature boosts Zekrom's Special Attack to its fullest potential while taking away from Zekrom's Special Defense so its offensive capabilities and ability to take priority attacks aren't hindered. The Special Attack boost allows it to achieve better rolls on threats such as Primal Groudon, Imposter Pokemon and Ferrothorn, thus requiring less chip damage. Dragonium Z offers a one-time nuke, hitting many targets hard as well as OHKOing Zygarde-C and Giratina with no setup. Life Orb offers a more consistent boost in power and lets Draco Meteor OHKO Giratina and Zygarde-C at the cost of taking recoil every turn, which may be detrimental because Zekrom then has a limit put on how many attacks it can use at the start of the game and is more prone to being revenge killed. Adaptability boosts Zekrom's STAB moves, turning it into a powerful threat that can 2HKO most Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Be sure to scout for moves that Zekrom does not appreciate, including power-neutering ones like Core Enforcer and Spectral Thief, before setting it up for a sweep. Being burned is possibly the worst status condition for Zekrom because it halves the damage Bolt Strike does, so it is wise to avoid this scenario if possible. Scouting for Will-O-Wisp, Scald, and Beak Blast will allow you to avoid unnecessary burns. If there is a check to Zekrom on the field, be sure to weaken or eliminate it beforehand so Zekrom can sweep. Eliminating Mega Diancie in particular is important, as it can revenge kill Zekrom very easily with no fear of Extreme Speed. Unaware Pokemon such as Mega Audino can cause trouble as well, as they can take a hit before doing whatever they wish to Zekrom. Prankster Haze and Destiny Bond also neuter Zekrom's chances of sweeping.
Set up on Pokemon that Zekrom can force out, such as Yveltal, Mega Gyarados, and Primal Kyogre. Be wary of Zekrom's damage output. While it hits hard, there are some Pokemon that it does not OHKO and can retaliate with a crippling move like Knock Off, Spectral Thief, or Core Enforcer. Be sure that Zekrom will force out the foe by threatening to KO unboosted before setting it up, as foes can otherwise use the chance to attack with a crippling move. Note that Draco Meteor will not OHKO Giratina and Zygarde-C without Life Orb and that they can hit back with a Core Enforcer as well, so it's important to play Z-Move Zekrom with caution.
Team Options
========
Electric Terrain is useful for boosting the power of Zekrom's Bolt Strike in addition to making Zekrom immune to sleep and potentially eliminating Misty Terrain, letting Zekrom use its Dragon-type attack of choice without being weakened. Zekrom also appreciates entry hazard support; Spikes in particular is pretty helpful for chipping Ferrothorn and Steelix better than Stealth Rock does, and both can KO Shedinja to help Zekrom's sweep. Zekrom appreciates having Mega Diancie to lure in and potentially beat Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix with Fighting- or Ground-type coverage. Fur Coat Chansey is a good partner to Zekrom, as it walls all relevant variants of Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B, two Pokemon that revenge kill Zekrom. Fur Coat Chansey can also help Imposter-proof Zekrom in a pinch. If you are using Life Orb, you can run Z-Parting Shot on Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Giratina to further Zekrom's longevity if needed as well as provide a safe switch and a potential opportunity to set up. Zekrom appreciates checks to Pixilate and Refrigerate users, as they revenge kill it handily. Flash Fire Steel-types, Ho-Oh, and Fur Coat Chansey can all fulfill this role.
Poison Heal sweepers such as Xerneas and Regigigas can heavily pressure offensive teams, which have many ways of dealing with Zekrom. In return, Zekrom deals massive damage to most of Xerneas's and Regigigas's checks, such as Ho-Oh and Giratina. Ghost-types can be used as a switch-in to Shedinja, which comes in on Zekrom for free most of the time. Unaware Ferrothorn, RegenVest or Unaware Mega Steelix, and Shedinja can Imposterproof this Zekrom set very reliably. Steel-types can help check the Dragon-, Fairy-, and Ice-types that Zekrom may have trouble with, such as Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B.
[SET]
name: Mixed Galvanize Setup Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Extreme Speed
move 3: Boomburst / Frustration
move 4: Judgment
item: Draco Plate
ability: Galvanize
nature: Rash
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash is the best setup move for Zekrom, as it increases its offensive stats and Speed in a single turn. The offensive boosts allow Zekrom to OHKO more Pokemon in general as well as better handle offensive teams if it does find the opportunity to set up. Extreme Speed outprioritizes Prankster moves and does good damage to every Prankster Pokemon that does not resist it. It also shares priority with other Extreme Speed users such as Mega Diancie, Mega Rayquaza, and Kyurem-B, but only goes first when boosted. Boomburst handles Pokemon that have the ability Dazzling and functions as a hard-hitting attack in general, notably 2HKOing Mega Audino unlike Frustration. Judgment handles Dragon-types such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Garchomp as well as other Pokemon that resist Electric like Primal Groudon and Mega Swampert. Judgment also helps Zekrom beat Imposter, as Imposter users generally lack a Plate, which allows Zekrom to hit them super effectively while they cannot.
Frustration is usable over Boomburst to hit physically defensive Pokemon harder than Extreme Speed or for when the priority isn't needed and PP should be preserved, but the loss in power from Boomburst is not appreciated. Close Combat can be used to break Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix and Sunsteel Strike is an option to beat Unaware Mega Audino and Shedinja. However, it can be difficult to find space on the set, as Zekrom generally requires all four of its moves.
Set Details
========
Draco Plate allows Zekrom to gain STAB on Judgment while making sure Imposter users don't. It also boosts the damage of Judgment to the equivalent of 120 Base Power, allowing an unboosted Zekrom to 2HKO Dragon-types such as Mega Rayquaza, Zygarde-C, and Giratina. Galvanize boosts the power of Extreme Speed, Boomburst and Frustration while also granting Zekrom STAB on these attacks, assisting it in KOing Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and Mega Gyarados. A Rash nature allows it to have as much power possible on Judgment and Boomburst while also making sure Speed isn't lost and less damage is taken from Mega Diancie's and Kyurem-B's Extreme Speed. A Rash nature also gives Zekrom great chances of OHKOing Primal Groudon and Mega Audino after a Shell Smash and Stealth Rock damage while also increasing the amount of damage dealt to Imposter Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Set Zekrom up on Pokemon it forces out, such as Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and Celesteela. Make sure that Zekrom's checks are weakened before it sweeps; while they're rare enough, they do exist and need to be scouted. These checks include Mega Steelix, Ferrothorn, and Mega Diancie. Playing around Prankster Destiny Bond or Prankster Encore is a mind game. Depending on the Pokemon you should carefully evaluate the possibility of a one-for-one trade if Zekrom cannot beat the Pokemon with Prankster Destiny Bond. However, Zekrom can also play mind games with Extreme Speed, so you may not have to make that decision at all. Use double switches or slow pivoting to get Zekrom in; while it has good bulk and a nice defensive typing, it lacks recovery and is dependent on its item to sweep most teams. Galvanize Zekrom is able to also provide revenge killing utility to its team, picking off weakened offensive Pokemon as well as sufficiently weakened Prankster Pokemon.
Team Options
========
Zekrom largely appreciates Electric Terrain support, as the added power turns it into a frightening wallbreaker if being a sweeper is not needed at the moment. However, it also massively boosts Zekrom's sweeping power as well as its odds of beating Prankster Registeel lacking Encore, allowing Boomburst to 2HKO it. Zekrom appreciates entry hazard support which can assist in breaking Focus Sashes as well as chipping Pokemon into KO range of an attack. In particular, Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes beats Shedinja and lets +2 Zekrom OHKO Primal Groudon with Judgment and OHKO Mega Mewtwo Y with Boomburst. Zekrom appreciates Mega Mewtwo X's ability to force out Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix, as the two can pressure the opposing team with double switches and U-turn. This strategy works especially well if there are entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field. Zekrom also appreciates Mega Garchomp's ability to beat Primal Groudon and be another difficult Pokemon to switch into due to the two often not being prepared for on the same team, but the two Dragon-types share weaknesses to Fairy-, Ice- and Dragon-types. Zekrom appreciates Pixilate and Refrigerate checks, such as Fur Coat Chansey and Flash Fire Steel-types. Users of those two abilities can effectively revenge kill Zekrom, meaning it is crucial to have a way to beat them.
Zekrom has excellent synergy with offensive Poison Heal users, as they can trouble more offensive teams that Zekrom might have difficulty against. In return, Zekrom can 2HKO most of the checks to offensive Poison Heal users such as Giratina, Celesteela, and Zygarde-C. Giratina, Ferrothorn, and Mega Steelix can Imposter-proof Zekrom due to resisting Normal and Electric, since Imposter will not have Draco Plate and will therefore have all of its moves be converted to Electric-type. Slow pivoting to get Zekrom in safely can be beneficial, as hard switching can risk Zekrom taking heavy damage, losing its item, or being statused. Steel-types can help check the Dragon-, Fairy-, and Ice-types that Zekrom may have trouble with, such as Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Unfortunately, Zekrom has little room for variance outside of its two main sets. It can run a Choice Band Tough Claws set with Bolt Strike, Dragon Hammer, Close Combat, and another move. However, Zekrom likes being able to sweep teams and not being locked into moves due to the prevalence of Pokemon that are immune to its STAB moves. Fake Out on Galvanize can be run over Shell Smash for better revenge killing utility, but Zekrom loses the ability to set up, which makes it weak and reduces its wallbreaking potency. Dazzling can be run to lure priority users, but Zekrom does not enjoy losing out on the power of Adaptability or Galvanize. Surge Surfer is usable on Electric Terrain teams, but Zekrom often appreciates the power boost from both Electric Terrain and its ability of choice and will often have a boost in speed from Shell Smash anyway.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pixilate and Refrigerate users**: Kyurem-B revenge kills all Zekrom sets handily while also resisting Galvanize Extreme Speed. Mega Diancie can also revenge kill Zekrom but does not resist Extreme Speed, so it must avoid being in KO range after Zekrom uses Shell Smash.
**Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix**: Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix are resistant to Zekrom's STAB combination. Due to this and their good bulk, they are able to effectively check Zekrom and potentially burn it, trap and beat it, or remove its item.
**Unaware**: Galvanize sets have a hard time breaking through most Unaware Pokemon, while Unaware Pokemon such as Registeel are free to do as they please versus Galvanize Zekrom. Adaptability handily beats every Unaware user in the metagame except for Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix, however.
**Shedinja**: Zekrom rarely carries coverage for Shedinja, so Shedinja walls most Zekrom sets.
**Ground-types**: Mega Swampert and Primal Groudon can check unboosted Zekrom. However, they must be wary after a Shell Smash, as Zekrom can OHKO them with its Z-Move from the Adaptability set. Primal Groudon can run Misty Surge prior to Primal Reversion to circumvent this for a short period of time.
**Status**: It is important to keep Zekrom away from being poisoned, burned, or put to sleep, as all three of these status conditions can heavily reduce Zekrom's offensive presence.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[GL Volkner, 330455]]
- Quality checked by: [[MAMP, 225453], [Funbot28, 255984], [ScarfWynaut, 221682]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [Electrolyte, 3638748]]
if youre going to spam a mon do one i like
like zekrom so i can feel like ive innovated it
[OVERVIEW]
Zekrom's high offensive capabilities combined with its anti-meta STAB combination allow it to consistently beat standard sets of common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina, Registeel, Zygarde-C, and Primal Kyogre. Also, its resistance to Flying and Steel combined with its bulk allows it to stay in on various offensive Pokemon such as Kartana and offensive Necrozma-DM lacking Precipice Blades. Due to these factors as well as Zekrom being the most viable Electric-type in BH, Zekrom finds a niche as an anti-meta Pokemon that can capitalize on most teams not having a reliable way to beat it.
However, despite having some great resistances, Dragon is one of the most prepared-for defensive types in the metagame due to the presence of Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Rayquaza. As such, Zekrom is frequently hit by Ice- and Fairy-type coverage and revenge killed by -ate users. As most offensive teams will have multiple of these Pokemon, Zekrom finds difficulty in setting up on them. In addition, though uncommon, Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix generally stop Zekrom cold. Zekrom is also unable to run significantly different sets; one check to Zekrom will generally check all of Zekrom's sets. Zekrom can be difficult to Imposter-proof, making it difficult to fit onto a team. Zekrom generally finds itself struggling to sweep if it cannot find an opportunity to set up, as it lacks the sheer power that other Pokemon such as Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo X have, making it more difficult to use.
[SET]
name: Adaptability Setup Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Bolt Strike
move 3: Draco Meteor / Core Enforcer / Clanging Scales
move 4: Taunt / Close Combat
item: Dragonium Z / Life Orb
ability: Adaptability
nature: Rash
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bolt Strike in conjunction with Life Orb 2HKOes anything that does not resist it and OHKOes anything weak to it. In particular, it 2HKOes Mega Audino and Registeel while OHKOing Yveltal, Mega Gyarados, and Primal Kyogre. Even without Life Orb, Bolt Strike still OHKOes Water-types and Flying-types. Draco Meteor serves as the secondary STAB move of choice, OHKOing every relevant Dragon-type in the metagame after Shell Smash unless they have Unaware. Shell Smash is the best setup move for this set, as it boosts both offensive stats and Speed. This lets Zekrom OHKO many Pokemon after a boost that it previously could not OHKO, including Mega Audino and Mega Mewtwo Y. Taunt serves as an option to prevent Zekrom's targets from recovering health or using Topsy-Turvy to neuter its sweeping potential, and also helps against Prankster Registeel, preventing it from using Destiny Bond on Zekrom without being forced out next turn.
Core Enforcer serves as a more consistent STAB option due to not dropping Special Attack in addition to taking away Prankster from Pokemon that use it. However, it is weaker than Draco Meteor, meaning Zekrom will have a weaker Z-Move and miss some 2HKOs and OHKOs such as on Primal Groudon and Giratina. Clanging Scales can be used if a Soundproof Pokemon is being used to wall Impostered Zekrom. However, it drops Zekrom's Defense, undermining its good physical bulk and leaving it more vulnerable to priority. Close Combat can be run over Taunt if Zekrom wishes to beat Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix; however, replacing Taunt makes Zekrom's matchup versus Prankster Pokemon and other walls drastically worse.
Set Details
========
A Rash nature boosts Zekrom's Special Attack to its fullest potential while taking away from Zekrom's Special Defense so its offensive capabilities and ability to take priority attacks aren't hindered. The Special Attack boost allows it to achieve better rolls on threats such as Primal Groudon, Imposter Pokemon and Ferrothorn, thus requiring less chip damage. Dragonium Z offers a one-time nuke, hitting many targets hard as well as OHKOing Zygarde-C and Giratina with no setup. Life Orb offers a more consistent boost in power and lets Draco Meteor OHKO Giratina and Zygarde-C at the cost of taking recoil every turn, which may be detrimental because Zekrom then has a limit put on how many attacks it can use at the start of the game and is more prone to being revenge killed. Adaptability boosts Zekrom's STAB moves, turning it into a powerful threat that can 2HKO most Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Be sure to scout for moves that Zekrom does not appreciate, including power-neutering ones like Core Enforcer and Spectral Thief, before setting it up for a sweep. Being burned is possibly the worst status condition for Zekrom because it halves the damage Bolt Strike does, so it is wise to avoid this scenario if possible. Scouting for Will-O-Wisp, Scald, and Beak Blast will allow you to avoid unnecessary burns. If there is a check to Zekrom on the field, be sure to weaken or eliminate it beforehand so Zekrom can sweep. Eliminating Mega Diancie in particular is important, as it can revenge kill Zekrom very easily with no fear of Extreme Speed. Unaware Pokemon such as Mega Audino can cause trouble as well, as they can take a hit before doing whatever they wish to Zekrom. Prankster Haze and Destiny Bond also neuter Zekrom's chances of sweeping.
Set up on Pokemon that Zekrom can force out, such as Yveltal, Mega Gyarados, and Primal Kyogre. Be wary of Zekrom's damage output. While it hits hard, there are some Pokemon that it does not OHKO and can retaliate with a crippling move like Knock Off, Spectral Thief, or Core Enforcer. Be sure that Zekrom will force out the foe by threatening to KO unboosted before setting it up, as foes can otherwise use the chance to attack with a crippling move. Note that Draco Meteor will not OHKO Giratina and Zygarde-C without Life Orb and that they can hit back with a Core Enforcer as well, so it's important to play Z-Move Zekrom with caution.
Team Options
========
Electric Terrain is useful for boosting the power of Zekrom's Bolt Strike in addition to making Zekrom immune to sleep and potentially eliminating Misty Terrain, letting Zekrom use its Dragon-type attack of choice without being weakened. Zekrom also appreciates entry hazard support; Spikes in particular is pretty helpful for chipping Ferrothorn and Steelix better than Stealth Rock does, and both can KO Shedinja to help Zekrom's sweep. Zekrom appreciates having Mega Diancie to lure in and potentially beat Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix with Fighting- or Ground-type coverage. Fur Coat Chansey is a good partner to Zekrom, as it walls all relevant variants of Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B, two Pokemon that revenge kill Zekrom. Fur Coat Chansey can also help Imposter-proof Zekrom in a pinch. If you are using Life Orb, you can run Z-Parting Shot on Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Giratina to further Zekrom's longevity if needed as well as provide a safe switch and a potential opportunity to set up. Zekrom appreciates checks to Pixilate and Refrigerate users, as they revenge kill it handily. Flash Fire Steel-types, Ho-Oh, and Fur Coat Chansey can all fulfill this role.
Poison Heal sweepers such as Xerneas and Regigigas can heavily pressure offensive teams, which have many ways of dealing with Zekrom. In return, Zekrom deals massive damage to most of Xerneas's and Regigigas's checks, such as Ho-Oh and Giratina. Ghost-types can be used as a switch-in to Shedinja, which comes in on Zekrom for free most of the time. Unaware Ferrothorn, RegenVest or Unaware Mega Steelix, and Shedinja can Imposterproof this Zekrom set very reliably. Steel-types can help check the Dragon-, Fairy-, and Ice-types that Zekrom may have trouble with, such as Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B.
[SET]
name: Mixed Galvanize Setup Sweeper
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Extreme Speed
move 3: Boomburst / Frustration
move 4: Judgment
item: Draco Plate
ability: Galvanize
nature: Rash
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash is the best setup move for Zekrom, as it increases its offensive stats and Speed in a single turn. The offensive boosts allow Zekrom to OHKO more Pokemon in general as well as better handle offensive teams if it does find the opportunity to set up. Extreme Speed outprioritizes Prankster moves and does good damage to every Prankster Pokemon that does not resist it. It also shares priority with other Extreme Speed users such as Mega Diancie, Mega Rayquaza, and Kyurem-B, but only goes first when boosted. Boomburst handles Pokemon that have the ability Dazzling and functions as a hard-hitting attack in general, notably 2HKOing Mega Audino unlike Frustration. Judgment handles Dragon-types such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Garchomp as well as other Pokemon that resist Electric like Primal Groudon and Mega Swampert. Judgment also helps Zekrom beat Imposter, as Imposter users generally lack a Plate, which allows Zekrom to hit them super effectively while they cannot.
Frustration is usable over Boomburst to hit physically defensive Pokemon harder than Extreme Speed or for when the priority isn't needed and PP should be preserved, but the loss in power from Boomburst is not appreciated. Close Combat can be used to break Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix and Sunsteel Strike is an option to beat Unaware Mega Audino and Shedinja. However, it can be difficult to find space on the set, as Zekrom generally requires all four of its moves.
Set Details
========
Draco Plate allows Zekrom to gain STAB on Judgment while making sure Imposter users don't. It also boosts the damage of Judgment to the equivalent of 120 Base Power, allowing an unboosted Zekrom to 2HKO Dragon-types such as Mega Rayquaza, Zygarde-C, and Giratina. Galvanize boosts the power of Extreme Speed, Boomburst and Frustration while also granting Zekrom STAB on these attacks, assisting it in KOing Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and Mega Gyarados. A Rash nature allows it to have as much power possible on Judgment and Boomburst while also making sure Speed isn't lost and less damage is taken from Mega Diancie's and Kyurem-B's Extreme Speed. A Rash nature also gives Zekrom great chances of OHKOing Primal Groudon and Mega Audino after a Shell Smash and Stealth Rock damage while also increasing the amount of damage dealt to Imposter Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
Set Zekrom up on Pokemon it forces out, such as Primal Kyogre, Yveltal, and Celesteela. Make sure that Zekrom's checks are weakened before it sweeps; while they're rare enough, they do exist and need to be scouted. These checks include Mega Steelix, Ferrothorn, and Mega Diancie. Playing around Prankster Destiny Bond or Prankster Encore is a mind game. Depending on the Pokemon you should carefully evaluate the possibility of a one-for-one trade if Zekrom cannot beat the Pokemon with Prankster Destiny Bond. However, Zekrom can also play mind games with Extreme Speed, so you may not have to make that decision at all. Use double switches or slow pivoting to get Zekrom in; while it has good bulk and a nice defensive typing, it lacks recovery and is dependent on its item to sweep most teams. Galvanize Zekrom is able to also provide revenge killing utility to its team, picking off weakened offensive Pokemon as well as sufficiently weakened Prankster Pokemon.
Team Options
========
Zekrom largely appreciates Electric Terrain support, as the added power turns it into a frightening wallbreaker if being a sweeper is not needed at the moment. However, it also massively boosts Zekrom's sweeping power as well as its odds of beating Prankster Registeel lacking Encore, allowing Boomburst to 2HKO it. Zekrom appreciates entry hazard support which can assist in breaking Focus Sashes as well as chipping Pokemon into KO range of an attack. In particular, Stealth Rock or one layer of Spikes beats Shedinja and lets +2 Zekrom OHKO Primal Groudon with Judgment and OHKO Mega Mewtwo Y with Boomburst. Zekrom appreciates Mega Mewtwo X's ability to force out Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix, as the two can pressure the opposing team with double switches and U-turn. This strategy works especially well if there are entry hazards on the opponent's side of the field. Zekrom also appreciates Mega Garchomp's ability to beat Primal Groudon and be another difficult Pokemon to switch into due to the two often not being prepared for on the same team, but the two Dragon-types share weaknesses to Fairy-, Ice- and Dragon-types. Zekrom appreciates Pixilate and Refrigerate checks, such as Fur Coat Chansey and Flash Fire Steel-types. Users of those two abilities can effectively revenge kill Zekrom, meaning it is crucial to have a way to beat them.
Zekrom has excellent synergy with offensive Poison Heal users, as they can trouble more offensive teams that Zekrom might have difficulty against. In return, Zekrom can 2HKO most of the checks to offensive Poison Heal users such as Giratina, Celesteela, and Zygarde-C. Giratina, Ferrothorn, and Mega Steelix can Imposter-proof Zekrom due to resisting Normal and Electric, since Imposter will not have Draco Plate and will therefore have all of its moves be converted to Electric-type. Slow pivoting to get Zekrom in safely can be beneficial, as hard switching can risk Zekrom taking heavy damage, losing its item, or being statused. Steel-types can help check the Dragon-, Fairy-, and Ice-types that Zekrom may have trouble with, such as Mega Diancie and Kyurem-B.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Unfortunately, Zekrom has little room for variance outside of its two main sets. It can run a Choice Band Tough Claws set with Bolt Strike, Dragon Hammer, Close Combat, and another move. However, Zekrom likes being able to sweep teams and not being locked into moves due to the prevalence of Pokemon that are immune to its STAB moves. Fake Out on Galvanize can be run over Shell Smash for better revenge killing utility, but Zekrom loses the ability to set up, which makes it weak and reduces its wallbreaking potency. Dazzling can be run to lure priority users, but Zekrom does not enjoy losing out on the power of Adaptability or Galvanize. Surge Surfer is usable on Electric Terrain teams, but Zekrom often appreciates the power boost from both Electric Terrain and its ability of choice and will often have a boost in speed from Shell Smash anyway.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pixilate and Refrigerate users**: Kyurem-B revenge kills all Zekrom sets handily while also resisting Galvanize Extreme Speed. Mega Diancie can also revenge kill Zekrom but does not resist Extreme Speed, so it must avoid being in KO range after Zekrom uses Shell Smash.
**Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix**: Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix are resistant to Zekrom's STAB combination. Due to this and their good bulk, they are able to effectively check Zekrom and potentially burn it, trap and beat it, or remove its item.
**Unaware**: Galvanize sets have a hard time breaking through most Unaware Pokemon, while Unaware Pokemon such as Registeel are free to do as they please versus Galvanize Zekrom. Adaptability handily beats every Unaware user in the metagame except for Ferrothorn and Mega Steelix, however.
**Shedinja**: Zekrom rarely carries coverage for Shedinja, so Shedinja walls most Zekrom sets.
**Ground-types**: Mega Swampert and Primal Groudon can check unboosted Zekrom. However, they must be wary after a Shell Smash, as Zekrom can OHKO them with its Z-Move from the Adaptability set. Primal Groudon can run Misty Surge prior to Primal Reversion to circumvent this for a short period of time.
**Status**: It is important to keep Zekrom away from being poisoned, burned, or put to sleep, as all three of these status conditions can heavily reduce Zekrom's offensive presence.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[GL Volkner, 330455]]
- Quality checked by: [[MAMP, 225453], [Funbot28, 255984], [ScarfWynaut, 221682]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [Electrolyte, 3638748]]
Last edited:
thanks dmdw for pdon check description help
