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AG Zygarde-C [Done]

bigtalk

Banned deucer.
:zygarde-complete:

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Thousand Arrows
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Dragon Tail
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 16 HP / 224 Atk / 36 Def / 232 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This Zygarde-C set is very good against defensive teams, which usually include multiple passive Pokemon it can use as setup fodder. Substitute protects Zygarde-C from status moves such as Toxic and Leech Seed, letting it set up on most foes that can't break its Substitute and scouting for the foe prematurely Dynamaxing in an attempt to stop its sweep. Dragon Tail allows Zygarde-C to bypass usual means of counterplay to setup sweepers such as phazing and Defense-boosting moves from Pokemon like Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C. Under Dynamax, Max Quake gives Zygarde-C Special Defense boosts and allows it to comfortably tank even super effective hits like Ice Beam from support Arceus formes. Max Wyrmwind allows Zygarde-C to hit Flying-types when it's Dynamaxed and severely damage or OHKO opposing Zygarde-C, Ditto, and Mega Rayquaza after boosts. 16 HP EVs are used to maximize Leftovers recovery, while 232 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed foes like Eternatus, Mega Gengar, and Adamant Zacian-C at +1. 36 Defense EVs with an Impish nature prevent Zygarde-C's Substitute from being broken by attacks like Ho-Oh's Brave Bird, defensive Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike, and Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball in a single hit. The remaining EVs are put into Attack and greatly improve Zygarde-C's offensive presence, letting it 2HKO support Arceus formes with +2 Max Quake and usually OHKO Zacian-C with +1 Thousand Arrows. This set's EV spread is fairly customizable, and more EVs can be put into Attack, Defense, or Speed if desired at the cost of the other two stats.

Ferrothorn is a great partner for this set, as it can check Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes that threaten Zygarde-C, and it makes Dragon Tail more threatening thanks to the support it provides through Spikes and Knock Off. Necrozma-DM is also appreciated for its ability to handle Xerneas and Zacian-C, while Ho-Oh is able to handle support Arceus formes. This set shouldn't be used as a switch-in to Ho-Oh or defensive Necrozma-DM, as the lack of Rest means it won't appreciate status from Toxic or Sacred Fire or having its Leftovers removed by Knock Off. Instead, a partner that can absorb status and Knock Off from these foes such as Refresh Arceus-Water, Rest Primal Kyogre, or even defensive Zygarde-C is recommended. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners, as they can trap and remove Zygarde-C's checks such as support Arceus formes and opposing Zygarde-C with Haze; Mega Gengar can also force checkmate situations in which the opponent is forced to use their Dynamax, letting Zygarde-C sweep more easily after it Dynamaxes itself. Zacian-C and Eternatus are non-Dynamax-reliant wallbreakers that have good offensive synergy with Zygarde-C, as they can pressure support Arceus formes, while Zygarde-C can take advantage of foes like Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, and Tyranitar for them.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Thousand Arrows
move 2: Rest
move 3: Haze / Coil
move 4: Glare / Dragon Tail / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Defensive Zygarde-C is a premier wall in AG thanks to its ability to check the majority of physical attackers, including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza, and Zacian-C lacking Play Rough. Rest is important to keep Zygarde-C healthy and remove status ailments such as Toxic poison from Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM. An anti-setup move is mandatory in order to check sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM properly. Haze lets Zygarde-C check opposing Zygarde-C with Dragon Tail, avoid being setup fodder for special attackers like Geomancy Xerneas, and deal with Baton Pass strategies. Alternatively, Coil makes Zygarde-C more threatening offensively thanks to the Attack boosts it provides, but it makes this set setup fodder for opposing Dragon Dance Zygarde-C. Glare is a good option to cripple sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and annoy offensive checks like Xerneas and Primal Kyogre, preventing them from switching in freely. Dragon Tail in tandem with Coil allows Zygarde-C to set up on Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C if they're slower or lack phazing moves and rack up entry hazard damage. However, it is not acceptable as the only move to deal with setup sweepers because Dynamax blocks phazing. Toxic is another option that pressures bulky foes like Ho-Oh more harshly than Glare, but makes it harder to force out Pokemon like defensive Necrozma-DM. Zygarde-C has good Dynamax potential; Max Quake lets it comfortably take even super effective special attacks such as Ice Beam from support Arceus formes and Moonblast from Xerneas. If running Dragon Tail, Max Wyrmwind lets Zygarde-C hit Flying-types while it's Dynamaxed and also OHKOes or severely dents Mega Rayquaza and opposing Zygarde-C after Coil boosts. 48 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed Zacian-C after paralysis from Glare or, if Dragon Tail is run, uninvested Ho-Oh so that Dragon Tail phazes Ho-Oh before it can phaze Zygarde-C with Whirlwind. Leftovers gives Zygarde-C passive recovery so that it does not need to use Rest as often. Safety Goggles can be used with Haze to safely switch into and remove stat boosts from sleep inducers such as Smeargle and Vivillon.

Zygarde-C fits best on balance and bulky offense teams that appreciate its defensive utility as a status absorber and blanket check to physical attackers. The biggest threats to it are support Arceus formes with Ice Beam and strong special attackers such as Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre; therefore, checks to them like defensive Necrozma-DM, Ho-Oh, and Ferrothorn make for excellent teammates. Ferrothorn can also provide Spikes support to increase the effectiveness of Dragon Tail sets. Zacian-C with Play Rough is a notable physical attacker that Zygarde-C cannot handle, so teammates like defensive Necrozma-DM, Primal Groudon, and Ditto are great for their ability to check or revenge kill it. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners thanks to their ability to dispose of common checks to Zygarde-C like support Arceus formes and Ho-Oh. Because Zygarde-C is rather passive, wallbreakers like Zacian-C, Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre are good partners to pressure bulky teams. The former two can take advantage of Pokemon that must lock into Outrage to break past Zygarde-C, such as Mega Rayquaza, Ultra Necrozma, and Zekrom; Primal Kyogre appreciates paralysis support from Glare and Zygarde-C's ability to switch into the physical attackers that threaten it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[pichus, 374620], [ice-master-523, 464176]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073]]
 
Last edited:
bigtalk said:
:zygarde-complete:

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Rest idk if this makes a difference but t arrows should be the first move
move 2: Thousand Arrows rest
move 3: Coil / Haze
move 4: Glare / Dragon Tail / Toxic dragon tail / glare / tox
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Zygarde-C is a premier wall in Anything Goes thanks to its ability to check the majority of physical attackers including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, and Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza include zacian without play rough. Rest is important to keep Zygarde-C healthy and remove status ailments such as Toxic poison from Ho-Oh, dusk mane, groudon or support arceus formes. Thousand Arrows is Zygarde-C's primary attacking move, hitting everything relevant in the tier for at least neutral damage. switch the order of rest and tarrows points An anti-setup move is mandatory in order to check sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM properly; Coil is the recommended option for this, as the Attack boosts make Zygarde-C more difficult to deal with, and the Defense boosts make it harder to revenge kill with physical attackers like Zacian-C. Alternatively, Haze lets Zygarde-C deal with Baton Pass strategies and avoid being setup fodder for opposing Zygarde-C with Dragon Tail. Glare is a good option in the last moveslot to annoy Zygarde-C's checks like support Arceus formes, slowing them down for teammates to take advantage of; the move is very spammable since it affects almost every Pokemon in the metagame. not sure if this is really necessary but id mention that its easier for its teammates to deal with offensive threats like dm or zacian if zygarde can paralyze them so it makes people think twice before hard switching vs zygarde. Dragon Tail allows Zygarde-C to set up on Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C if they're slower or lack phazing moves, rack up entry hazard damage, and avoid getting trapped by Gothitelle. However, it is not acceptable as the only move to deal with setup sweepers because Dynamax blocks phazing. Toxic is another option that punishes Ho-Oh and support Arceus formes more harshly than Glare, but makes it harder to force out Pokemon like defensive Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn ferro rlly doesnt care about glare, write zacian instead, and makes Zygarde-C more prone to getting trapped by Mega Gengar once the move is revealed ehh i wouldnt write this, you can say the same for rest or haze too. 48 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed Zacian-C after paralysis from Glare, or, if Dragon Tail is run, uninvested Ho-Oh so that Dragon Tail phazes Ho-Oh before it can phaze Zygarde-C with Whirlwind.

Zygarde-C has good potential as a Dynamax user, especially after Power Construct has activated. Max Quake boosts Special Defense by one stage, letting it take even super effective special attacks such as Ice Beam from support Arceus formes and Moonblast from Xerneas well. If running Dragon Tail, Max Wyrmwind gives Zygarde-C a move to hit Flying-types with while it's Dynamaxed, OHKOes Mega Rayquaza and deals major damage to opposing Zygarde-C after a Coil boost, and makes Zygarde-C even harder to dent with physical attackers.

Zygarde-C fits best on balance and bulky offense teams that appreciate its defensive utility. The biggest threats to it are support Arceus formes with Ice Beam and strong special attackers such as Xerneas, Yveltal, eternatus and Primal Kyogre; therefore, checks to them like defensive Necrozma-DM, Ho-Oh, and Ferrothorn make for excellent teammates. Ferrothorn can also provide Spikes support to increase the effectiveness of Dragon Tail sets. Zacian-C with Play Rough is a notable physical attacker that Zygarde-C cannot handle, so teammates like Primal Groudon, defensive Lunala, and Ditto are great for their ability to check or revenge kill it. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners thanks to their ability to dispose of common checks to Zygarde-C like support Arceus formes and Ho-Oh. Because Zygarde-C doesn't exert that much immediate offensive pressure, wallbreakers like Zacian-C, Xerneas, Yveltal, eternatus and Primal Kyogre are good partners to pressure bulky teams. The former two can additionally take advantage of Pokemon that need to use Dragon-type moves to break past Zygarde-C, such as Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza locked into Draco Meteor and Ultra Necrozma or zekrom locked into Outrage.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Thousand Arrows
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Dragon Tail / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 16 HP / 224 Atk / 36 Def / 232 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This Zygarde-C set is good against defensive teams, which usually include multiple passive Pokemon it can set up on because they can't break its Substitute. Dragon Tail allows Zygarde-C to break through these teams more reliably, phazing Pokemon like Ho-Oh before it's phazed itself by Whirlwind, and preventing it from being walled by opposing Zygarde-C with Coil. you didnt write anything about ddance or tarrows, even though they are super self explanatory i dont think that a one line description should harm. Under Dynamax, Max Wyrmwind allows Zygarde-C to hit Flying-types and OHKO Mega Rayquaza and Ditto. Alternatively, Toxic applies more pressure to bulky foes like support Arceus formes and defensive Lunala; without Dragon Tail, Zygarde-C can still take advantage of Ho-Oh lacking Whirlwind, but it will have trouble breaking past variants that have the move and coil/haze zygarde as well. 16 HP EVs are used to maximize Leftovers recovery, while 232 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed Adamant Zacian-C at +1. 36 Defense EVs with an Impish nature prevent Zygarde-C's Substitute from being broken by attacks like Ho-Oh's Brave Bird, defensive Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike, and Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball. The remaining EVs are put into Attack to greatly improve Zygarde-C's offensive presence. This set's EV spread is fairly customizable, and more EVs can be put into Attack, Defense, or Speed if desired at the cost of the other two stats.

Ferrothorn is a great partner for this set, as it can check Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes that threaten Zygarde-C, and it makes Dragon Tail more threatening thanks to the support it provides through Spikes and Knock Off. Necrozma-DM is also appreciated for its ability to handle Xerneas, eternatus and play rough zacian, while Ho-Oh is able to handle support Arceus formes and eternatus for Zygarde-C. Ditto can handle fast offensive threats such as Zacian-C that may pose problems to this set if it hasn't set up yet. This set shouldn't be used as a switch-in to Ho-Oh, as the lack of Rest means it won't appreciate taking Toxic poison or a Sacred Fire burn. Instead, a partner that can absorb status from Ho-Oh such as Eternatus, Tyranitar with Rest, or Primal Groudon with Rest is recommended. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners, as they can trap and remove Zygarde-C's checks such as support Arceus formes and opposing Zygarde-C with Haze. Yveltal puts immense pressure on Lunala, supportceus and weakens Xerneas, letting Zygarde sweep late-game; meanwhile, Zygarde can take advantage of checks to Yveltal like Ho-Oh, Tyranitar, and Chansey.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
Click to expand...
good job qc 1/2
 
pichus said:
good job qc 1/2
Click to expand...
Thanks, implemented. Couple of things:
  • I didn't include any of the edits about "having teammates that check Eternatus," I think it's misleading to imply that Dusk Mane or Ho-Oh check it.
  • I also did not include Eternatus in Team Options for the defensive set because I feel like there is significant overlap between it and Zygarde. Usually Arceus-Ground works better as the Primal Groudon check alongside Eternatus, imo, since you don't stack weaknesses to stuff like Zacian / opposing Eternatus / Zekrom and there's no redundancy in both checking Ho-Oh, etc.
  • you didnt write anything about ddance or tarrows, even though they are super self explanatory i dont think that a one line description should harm - Especially since these are previews, I try to be concise as possible; the only reason mine tend to be a little long is because I try to condense a lot of information into them. I wouldn't want to add words just for the sake of adding words.
  • and coil/haze zygarde as well - already covered in prior sentence
 
bigtalk said:
:zygarde-complete:

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Thousand Arrows
move 2: Rest
move 3: Coil / Haze
move 4: Dragon Tail / Glare / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 152 HP / 252 Def / 100 Spe
Imo, these EVs are Significant as it insures Dragon Tail Zygarde will outspeed Roar Lunala. The missing HP only affects base zygarde, while extra defense allows it to be much sturdier as complete.

[SET COMMENTS]
Zygarde-C is a premier wall in Anything Goes thanks to its ability to check the majority of physical attackers including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza, and Zacian-C lacking Play Rough. Thousand Arrows is Zygarde-C's primary attacking move, hitting everything relevant in the tier for at least neutral damage. Rest is important to keep Zygarde-C healthy and remove status ailments such as Toxic poison from Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM. An anti-setup move is mandatory in order to check sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM properly; Coil is the recommended option for this, as the Attack boosts make Zygarde-C more difficult to deal with, and the Defense boosts make it harder to revenge kill with physical attackers like Zacian-C. Alternatively, Haze lets Zygarde-C deal with Baton Pass strategies and avoid being setup fodder for opposing Zygarde-C with Dragon Tail, while deterring Xerneas from setting up on it. Dragon Tail allows Zygarde-C to set up on Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C if they're slower or lack phazing moves, rack up entry hazard damage, and avoid getting trapped by Gothitelle. Glare is also a good option to cripple offensive Pokemon like Necrozma-DM and Xerneas and annoy checks like support Arceus formes, slowing them down for teammates to take advantage of. It also deters offensive checks, such as Primal Kyogre, Xerneas, Yveltal from coming in, which can otherwise come in safetly. However, it is not acceptable as the only move to deal with setup sweepers because Dynamax blocks phazing. Toxic is another option that punishes Ho-Oh and support Arceus formes more harshly than Glare, but makes it harder to force out Pokemon like defensive Necrozma-DM. 48 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed Zacian-C after paralysis from Glare, or, if Dragon Tail is run, uninvested Ho-Oh so that Dragon Tail phazes Ho-Oh before it can phaze Zygarde-C with Whirlwind.

Zygarde-C has good potential as a Dynamax user, especially after Power Construct has activated. Max Quake boosts Special Defense by one stage, letting it take even super effective special attacks such as Ice Beam from support Arceus formes and Moonblast from Xerneas well. If running Dragon Tail, Max Wyrmwind gives Zygarde-C a move to hit Flying-types with while it's Dynamaxed, OHKOes Mega Rayquaza and deals major damage to opposing Zygarde-C after a Coil boost, and makes Zygarde-C even harder to dent with physical attackers.

Zygarde-C fits best on balance and bulky offense teams that appreciate its defensive utility, serving as a status absorber and blanket check to nearly all physical attavkers. The biggest threats to it are support Arceus formes with Ice Beam and strong special attackers such as Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre; therefore, checks to them like defensive Necrozma-DM, Ho-Oh, and Ferrothorn make for excellent teammates. Ferrothorn can also provide Spikes support to increase the effectiveness of Dragon Tail sets. Zacian-C with Play Rough is a notable physical attacker that Zygarde-C cannot handle, so teammates like Primal Groudon, NDM, defensive Lunala, and Ditto are great for their ability to check or revenge kill it. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners thanks to their ability to dispose of common checks to Zygarde-C like support Arceus formes and Ho-Oh. Because Zygarde-C doesn't exert that much immediate offensive pressure, wallbreakers like Zacian-C, Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre are good partners to pressure bulky teams. Primal Kyogre also appreciates Glare support and Zygarde-Complete's ability to safetly switch into Groudon-Primal, non dragon move mray, non play rough zacian and unecro. The former two can additionally take advantage of Pokemon that need to use Dragon-type moves to break past Zygarde-C, such as Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza locked into Draco Meteor and Ultra Necrozma or Zekrom locked into Outrage.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Thousand Arrows
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Dragon Tail / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 16 HP / 224 Atk / 36 Def / 232 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This Zygarde-C set is good against defensive teams, which usually include multiple passive Pokemon it can set up on because they can't break its Substitute. Dragon Tail allows Zygarde-C to break through these teams more reliably, phazing Pokemon like Ho-Oh before it's phazed itself by Whirlwind, and preventing it from being walled by opposing Zygarde-C with Coil. Under Dynamax, Max Wyrmwind allows Zygarde-C to hit Flying-types and OHKO Mega Rayquaza and Ditto. Alternatively, Toxic applies more pressure to bulky foes like support Arceus formes and defensive Lunala; without Dragon Tail, Zygarde-C can still take advantage of Ho-Oh lacking Whirlwind, but it will have trouble breaking past variants that have the move. 16 HP EVs are used to maximize Leftovers recovery, while 232 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed Adamant Zacian-C at +1. 36 Defense EVs with an Impish nature prevent Zygarde-C's Substitute from being broken by attacks like Ho-Oh's Brave Bird, defensive Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike, and Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball. The remaining EVs are put into Attack to greatly improve Zygarde-C's offensive presence. This set's EV spread is fairly customizable, and more EVs can be put into Attack, Defense, or Speed if desired at the cost of the other two stats.

Ferrothorn is a great partner for this set, as it can check Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes that threaten Zygarde-C, and it makes Dragon Tail more threatening thanks to the support it provides through Spikes and Knock Off. Necrozma-DM is also appreciated for its ability to handle Xerneas and Zacian-C, while Ho-Oh is able to handle support Arceus formes for Zygarde-C. Ditto can handle fast offensive threats such as Zacian-C that may pose problems to this set if it hasn't set up yet. Zacianc forms a formidable breaking core; forces in ndm (and makes it heal) which can be abused by zygod, and also immediately threatens unboosted xern/yve. Also zacian doesn't use dmax, allows zygod to use it. Eternatus' main switchins are also all abused by zygod, while eternatus has the added bonus of potentially statusing or just chipping Hooh, lunala. This set shouldn't be used as a switch-in to Ho-Oh, as the lack of Rest means it won't appreciate taking Toxic poison or a Sacred Fire burn. Instead, a partner that can absorb status from Ho-Oh such as Eternatus, Tyranitar with Rest, or Primal Groudon with Rest is recommended. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners, as they can trap and remove Zygarde-C's checks such as support Arceus formes and opposing Zygarde-C with Haze. Yveltal puts immense pressure on Lunala and support Arceus formes and weakens Xerneas, letting Zygarde sweep late-game; meanwhile, Zygarde can take advantage of checks to Yveltal like Ho-Oh, Tyranitar, and Chansey.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[pichus, 374620], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
Click to expand...

Very well written qc 2/2
 
ice-master-523 said:
evs: 152 HP / 252 Def / 100 Spe
Imo, these EVs are Significant as it insures Dragon Tail Zygarde will outspeed Roar Lunala. The missing HP only affects base zygarde, while extra defense allows it to be much sturdier as complete.
Click to expand...
This is a pretty niche scenario. Lunala doesn't run Roar that often, and besides it can just burn you with Will-O-Wisp before you use Dragon Tail so you're not a threat. Cutting into bulk this much also messes with some very important rolls:
  • +1 252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 208+ Def Zygarde: 354-416 (84.2 - 99%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 208+ Def Zygarde: 348-411 (82.8 - 97.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +2 252+ Atk Groudon-Primal Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 208+ Def Zygarde: 357-421 (85 - 100.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery

  • +1 252 Atk Zacian-Crowned Play Rough vs. 152 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 338-402 (85.5 - 101.7%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 152 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 339-399 (85.8 - 101%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +2 252+ Atk Groudon-Primal Precipice Blades vs. 152 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 346-408 (87.5 - 103.2%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
As for the full Defense versus full HP point, I checked and swapping them doesn't make that much of a difference (~1% or less) even when you're in Complete forme. It's hard to tell whether it's better overall since there's a tradeoff: less HP also means you get less Leftovers recovery and can't take special attacks as well in a pinch. So I'd prefer to keep the spread as-is.

Implemented everything else, ty for check
 
This was updated again with Haze > Coil and Glare > Dragon Tail. I also went through the whole thing and cleaned up / removed some outdated references / added new ones, so it's much nicer and should better reflect the current metagame.
 
:zygarde-complete:

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Thousand Arrows
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Dragon Tail
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 16 HP / 224 Atk / 36 Def / 232 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
This Zygarde-C set is very good against defensive teams, which usually include multiple passive Pokemon it can use as setup fodder. Substitute protects Zygarde-C from status moves such as Toxic and Leech Seed, letting it set up on most foes that can't break it (RC) its Substitute and scouts scouting for the foe prematurely Dynamaxing in an attempt to stop its sweep. Dragon Tail allows Zygarde-C to bypass usual means of counterplay to setup sweepers such as phazing and Defense-boosting moves from Pokemon like Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C. Under Dynamax, Max Quake gives Zygarde-C Special Defense boosts and allows it to comfortably tank even super effective hits like Ice Beam from support Arceus formes comfortably. Max Wyrmwind allows Zygarde-C to hit Flying-types when it's Dynamaxed and severely damage or OHKO opposing Zygarde-C, Ditto, and Mega Rayquaza after boosts. 16 HP EVs are used to maximize Leftovers recovery, while 232 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed foes like Eternatus, Mega Gengar, and Adamant Zacian-C at +1. 36 Defense EVs with an Impish nature prevent Zygarde-C's Substitute from being broken by attacks like Ho-Oh's Brave Bird, defensive Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike, and Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball in a single hit. The remaining EVs are put into Attack and greatly improve Zygarde-C's offensive presence, letting it 2HKO support Arceus formes with +2 Max Quake and usually OHKO Zacian-C with +1 Thousand Arrows. This set's EV spread is fairly customizable, and more EVs can be put into Attack, Defense, or Speed if desired at the cost of the other two stats.

Ferrothorn is a great partner for this set, as it can check Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes that threaten Zygarde-C, and it makes Dragon Tail more threatening thanks to the support it provides through Spikes and Knock Off. Necrozma-DM is also appreciated for its ability to handle Xerneas and Zacian-C, while Ho-Oh is able to handle support Arceus formes for Zygarde-C. This set shouldn't be used as a switch-in to Ho-Oh or defensive Necrozma-DM, as the lack of Rest means it won't appreciate status from Toxic or Sacred Fire or having its Leftovers removed by Knock Off. Instead, a partner that can absorb status and Knock Off from these foes such as Refresh Arceus-Water, Rest Primal Kyogre, or even defensive Zygarde-C is recommended. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners, as they can trap and remove Zygarde-C's checks such as support Arceus formes and opposing Zygarde-C with Haze; Mega Gengar can also force checkmate situations in which the opponent is forced to use their Dynamax, letting Zygarde-C sweep more easily after it Dynamaxes itself. Zacian-C and Eternatus are non-Dynamax-reliant wallbreakers that have good offensive synergy with Zygarde-C, as they can pressure support Arceus formes,(AC) while Zygarde-C can take advantage of foes like Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, and Tyranitar for them.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Thousand Arrows
move 2: Rest
move 3: Haze / Coil
move 4: Glare / Dragon Tail / Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Power Construct
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Defensive Zygarde-C is a premier wall in Anything Goes AG thanks to its ability to check the majority of physical attackers,(AC) including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza, and Zacian-C lacking Play Rough. Thousand Arrows is Zygarde-C's primary attacking move, hitting everything relevant in the metagame for at least neutral damage.(a lot of sections aren't including lines of STAB attacks unless there's something special they do. is the bit about it netting neutral damage on everything really that important?) Rest is important to keep Zygarde-C healthy and remove status ailments such as Toxic poison from Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM. An anti-setup move is mandatory in order to check sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM properly. Haze lets Zygarde-C check opposing Zygarde-C with Dragon Tail, avoid being setup fodder for special attackers like Geomancy Xerneas, and deal with Baton Pass strategies. Alternatively, Coil makes Zygarde-C more threatening offensively thanks to the Attack boosts it provides, but it makes this set setup fodder for opposing Dragon Dance Zygarde-C. Glare is a good option to cripple sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and annoy offensive checks like Xerneas and Primal Kyogre, preventing them from switching in freely. Dragon Tail in tandem with Coil allows Zygarde-C to set up on Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C if they're slower or lack phazing moves and rack up entry hazard damage. However, it is not acceptable as the only move to deal with setup sweepers because Dynamax blocks phazing. Toxic is another option that pressures bulky foes like Ho-Oh more harshly than Glare (RC) but makes it harder to force out Pokemon like defensive Necrozma-DM. Zygarde-C has good Dynamax potential; Max Quake lets it effectively take even super effective special attacks (RC) such as Ice Beam from support Arceus formes and Moonblast from Xerneas (RC) well.(sentence reads rather jagged imo otherwise) If running Dragon Tail, Max Wyrmwind lets Zygarde-C hit Flying-types while it's Dynamaxed and also OHKOes or severely dents Mega Rayquaza and opposing Zygarde-C after Coil boosts. 48 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed Zacian-C after paralysis from Glare or, if Dragon Tail is run, uninvested Ho-Oh so that Dragon Tail phazes Ho-Oh before it can phaze Zygarde-C with Whirlwind. Leftovers gives Zygarde-C passive recovery so that it does not need to use Rest as often. Safety Goggles can be used with Haze to safely switch into and remove stat boosts from sleep inducers such as Smeargle and Vivillon.

Zygarde-C fits best on balance and bulky offense teams that appreciate its defensive utility as a status absorber and blanket check to physical attackers. The biggest threats to it are support Arceus formes with Ice Beam and strong special attackers such as Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre; therefore, checks to them like defensive Necrozma-DM, Ho-Oh, and Ferrothorn make for excellent teammates. Ferrothorn can also provide Spikes support to increase the effectiveness of Dragon Tail sets. Zacian-C with Play Rough is a notable physical attacker that Zygarde-C cannot handle, so teammates like defensive Necrozma-DM, Primal Groudon, and Ditto are great for their ability to check or revenge kill it. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners thanks to their ability to dispose of common checks to Zygarde-C like support Arceus formes and Ho-Oh. Because Zygarde-C is rather passive, wallbreakers like Zacian-C, Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre are good partners to pressure bulky teams. The former two can take advantage of Pokemon that must lock into Outrage to break past Zygarde-C, such as Mega Rayquaza, Ultra Necrozma, and Zekrom; Primal Kyogre appreciates paralysis support from Glare and Zygarde-C's ability to switch into the physical attackers that threaten it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[pichus, 374620], [ice-master-523, 464176]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]
standard colors, gp 1/1 when done
 
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