Ubers Arceus-Steel

[Lotus]

[OVERVIEW]

* Arceus-Steel has high enough Speed to pose an immediate threat with Swords Dance and has room to run both Earthquake and Stone Edge as coverage, securing its niche as somewhat of a middle ground between offensive Necrozma-DM and Lucario, and Ultra Necrozma. Notably, Arceus-Steel isn't walled by Ho-Oh.
* Arceus-Steel also checks Mega Salamence and can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas that lacks a move to hit it hard enough.
* Arceus-Steel's many resistances and high bulk may make it seem like a good check to a number of Pokemon in the tier, but its exploitable weaknesses end up making it relatively easy to KO with coverage moves and common Pokemon like Zygarde-C, Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, and Marshadow. This alone makes Arceus-Steel a large detriment to any team it is on, mandating its team to be heavily prepared for the aforementioned threats.
* Arceus-Steel cannot take a boosted Focus Blast from Xerneas, so its team may need to stack weaknesses by using other Steel-type teammates to keep Xerneas in check.
* Arceus-Steel's general lack of power even with a Z-Crystal equipped leaves it as a generally inferior choice for an offensive Pokemon compared to the likes of Arceus-Ground and Marshadow, which can make much better use of a Z-Crystal, and other Steel-types that can provide superior utility both offensively and defensively. Using Arceus-Steel over other Arceus formes comes with significant opportunity cost as well due to its rather underwhelming defensive presence.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Recover
item: Steelium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Swords Dance boosts Arceus-Steel's damage output to the point where it can 2HKO a good portion of the tier and OHKO neutral targets like maximum HP Arceus formes using Corkscrew Crash with entry hazard support.
* Iron Head is Arceus-Steel's most reliable STAB attack, hits Fairy- and Rock-types like Xerneas and Tyranitar hard, and can occasionally flinch foes.
* Earthquake provides Arceus-Steel with a crucial coverage move for Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Toxapex, and other Steel-types that may otherwise check this set with ease.
* Arceus-Steel is one of the very few Steel-types that can effectively run Stone Edge to have a strong countermeasure against Ho-Oh, which would otherwise be a major nuisance to this set.
* Recover is a viable alternative to Stone Edge, as this enables Arceus-Steel to set up on defensive checks such as Arceus-Water and Ferrothorn and overpower them with boosted attacks. Recover also lets Arceus-Steel consistently pivot into resisted moves from foes like Mega Salamence and Choice Scarf Xerneas.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature maximizes Arceus-Steel's Speed, enabling it to outspeed Mega Lucario and revenge kill it with Earthquake and at worst Speed tie with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence.
* Multitype and Steelium Z enable the use of Arceus-Steel and lets it use Corkscrew Crash, giving it a sudden burst of damage that is strong enough to take out maximum HP Arceus formes at +2 with some prior damage.

Usage Tips
========

* Try to switch Arceus-Steel into resisted attacks like Mega Salamence's Double-Edge and Choice Scarf Xerneas's Moonblast to maximize the chance it can successfully set up.
* Arceus-Steel can take aggressive approaches to set up against offensive teams when needed to net as much damage as possible. It is likely that offensive teams will lack a Pokemon that can effectively win one-on-one against a boosted Arceus-Steel. It is also worth noting that Arceus-Steel has a number of perks over other offensive Steel-types that it can capitalize on. Unlike Mega Lucario, Arceus-Steel can survive any attack from Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y from full health, and it does not fear Mega Gengar like Necrozma-DM does.
* Various conditions have to be fulfilled for Arceus-Steel to have a good chance to break through balanced teams. Entry hazards are mandatory to wear down checks like Primal Groudon and Zygarde-C that will survive a boosted attack when healthy. Status from teammates and hitting switch-ins with unboosted attacks are other effective ways to chip Arceus-Steel's checks. If not attempting to pull off a late-game sweep, Arceus-Steel can also be used early- and mid-game to cause meaningful damage to teams with unreliable checks to Steel-types and possibly KO neutral foes with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Arceus-Steel's disappointing offensive typing and lack of initial power invites in many common Pokemon in the tier, thus forcing it to switch out and yield momentum. Note that while the likes of Skarmory and Celesteela can easily switch into Arceus-Steel's attacks, other checks like Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM have to be wary of boosted attacks from Arceus-Steel, as they will fall to boosted moves if sufficiently weakened.
* Though Arceus-Steel may seem like a decent status absorber, many Pokemon carrying Toxic can either threaten Arceus-Steel with other moves or easily take advantage of it. Examples of these include Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh as well as Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Skarmory that can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel. However, feel free to switch into predicted uses of Toxic from passive Pokemon like Lugia and Blissey that struggle to do much else to Arceus-Steel.

Team Options
========

* Another check to Fairy-types, particularly a check to Xerneas, is necessary, as Arceus-Steel fails to properly check Geomancy Xerneas and has limited longevity that prevents it from consistently pivoting into other Fairy-types. Both Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can suffice for this role and also set up Stealth Rock or threaten defensive teams with more offensive sets, but note that these teammates will make the team more vulnerable to Ground-types overall.
* Mega Salamence and Giratina-O are other partners that come to the mind for this reason. Both of them are notable for being able to pivot into Ground-type attacks and check Primal Groudon, and they benefit from Arceus-Steel absorbing Toxic and pivoting into weak Fairy- and Ice-type attacks.
* Other airborne teammates like Yveltal and Ho-Oh can provide different utility. Yveltal deals with Arceus-Ground somewhat well, offensively checks Marshadow, and threatens Ground-immune Steel-types with Taunt. Ho-Oh provides the team with more security against Arceus-Ground, spreads status, and checks Primal Groudon, Geomancy Xerneas, and Fighting-types.
* Mega Gengar can trap defensive Skarmory should it lack Shed Shell and force a trade with other problematic Pokemon that the team cannot effectively deal with.
* Primal Kyogre offensively threatens many Ground-types, most notably Arceus-Ground, draws in and wears down Primal Groudon, and can run appropriate countermeasures to threaten defensive teams.
* Choice Scarf variants of Xerneas can deal with Zygarde-C and Marshadow, prevent Arceus-Steel from taking unnecessary damage from entry hazards with Defog, and function as a revenge killer. One use of Moonblast wears down offensive variants of Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM to the point that they will fall to Arceus-Steel's boosted Earthquake.
* On more offensive teams, Cloyster and Deoxys-S can provide Spikes support to rapidly wear down Arceus-Steel's grounded checks like Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Zygarde. The damage racked up by Spikes also helps Arceus-Steel OHKO neutral targets with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Toxapex is a teammate to consider due to its ability to provide Toxic Spikes support, take advantage of Arceus-Water, and pivot into Ho-Oh and Marshadow.


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

* Iron Plate is the only possible item for Arceus-Steel if another teammate is holding a Z-Crystal. While said item provides Arceus-Steel with a better chance to OHKO uninvested Xerneas after Stealth Rock damage with Iron Head, the loss of Corkscrew Crash means Arceus-Steel will have a much harder time circumventing its checks like Zygarde and certain Arceus formes even with Swords Dance boosts.
* Iron Tail gives Arceus-Steel a stronger Corkscrew Crash, enabling it to outright OHKO max HP Arceus formes and have a considerable chance to remove Primal Kyogre and defensive Zygarde after little prior damage. Arceus-Steel will have to rely on an unreliable Steel-type move after using Corkscrew Crash, however.
* Extreme Speed provides Arceus-Steel with a way to pick off weaker threats and thus improves its matchup against offensive teams, but it is very weak without boosts and makes it forgo an important coverage move.
* Calm Mind enables Arceus-Steel to justify Recover and coverage moves like Earth Power and Thunder to bypass some checks like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Arceus-Water and also do more damage to Primal Groudon. However, this will make Arceus-Steel take longer to become threatening with boosts and may make it struggle against Pokemon it can deal with with its Swords Dance set, such as Ho-Oh and Blissey. Having significantly lower damage output against Necrozma-DM is detrimental as well.

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

**Ground-immune Steel-types**: Celesteela and Skarmory's high physical bulk, resistance to Steel, and immunity to Earthquake mean that Arceus-Steel has very little chance to defeat them. Celesteela can wear down Arceus-Steel and burden switch-ins with Leech Seed. Skarmory is too passive to offensively threaten Arceus-Steel, but it can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel, punish the use of Iron Head with Rocky Helmet damage, and simply phaze Arceus-Steel with Whirlwind.

**Ground-types**: A myriad of Ground-types can survive at least one boosted move from Arceus-Steel and retaliate against it. Almost any variant of Primal Groudon can survive a boosted Earthquake and OHKO Arceus-Steel with one of its STAB moves. Zygarde and Arceus-Ground are bulky enough to be efficient checks, but they have to be wary of a boosted Corkscrew Crash, which will OHKO them should they lack sufficient investment in bulk.

**Fighting-types**: Marshadow is one of the best checks to Arceus-Steel due to its ability to OHKO Arceus-Steel with Close Combat and threaten to steal any potential Swords Dance boosts with Spectral Thief. Mega Mewtwo X is also an effective offensive check to Arceus-Steel, as it is faster than Arceus-Steel and OHKOes it with Low Kick.

**Water-types**: Without Swords Dance boosts, Arceus-Steel has little chance to muscle past Arceus-Water before it is KOed by Judgment. A healthy Primal Kyogre can survive a boosted Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage and pick off a sufficiently weakened Arceus-Steel with Earthquake. Mega Gyarados can set up on a boosted Arceus-Steel after Intimidate and 2HKO it. Mega Slowbro is nearly impossible for Arceus-Steel to surmount due to its colossal physical bulk that enables it to shrug off even boosted attacks.

**Physical Walls**: The likes of defensive Zygarde, Giratina, and Buzzwole can take hits from Arceus-Steel relatively well due to their enormous physical bulk. However, they have to watch out for boosted Corkscrew Crash if weakened.

**Coverage Moves**: Many coverage moves like Fire Blast, Focus Blast, and Earthquake from foes like support Arceus formes, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Salamence, and Ultra Necrozma can exploit Arceus-Steel's common weaknesses to easily KO it.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DMDW, 434601]]
- Quality checked by: [[Melee Mewtwo, 75110 ], [Nayrz, 212134 ], [Cynara, 224455]]
- Grammar checked by: [[A Cake Wearing A Hat, 388157 ], [Lemonade, 67440]]

 

[Lotus]

I hate this Pokemon.

This is ready for QC.

 

[MMII]

mention someplace that iron head can flinch and that nicknaming ur steelceus «pi face » increases the odds if doing so.

mvenu is probs worth mentioning as a teammate since its a geoxern check that doesnt stack weakness with steelceus. (theres also spdef lugia and blobs but i doubt that they are appropriate for the archetypes u want steelceus on)

this is good enough for a shitmon even if u ignore me so qc 1/3

 

[Nayrz]

i'd give some specific benchmarks that make crash the viable option over iron plate - ohko on max hp arcs, etc.

add recover to moves as discussed on discord with a usage tip as to what it helps set up on (arceus-water)

mention the idea of sd steelceus being some hybrid between dusk/ultra somewhere - it has ultra's coverage (and some of its speed), and decent bulk + steel typing (like dusk) so thats how you would try to get proper usage of it somewhere.

QC 2/3

 

[Lotus]

I hate this Pokemon. (2)

Implemented and ready for #3.

 

[Cynara]

slash recover or make it the main move over stone edge. It has 1 target and Recover gives Steelceus great utility.

QC: 3/3

 

[Lotus]

I hate this Pokemon. (3)

This will be sent to GP after a brief proofreading.

 

[Rabia]

yes amgpchecking implement if you want idc
add
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amcheck

[OVERVIEW]

* Arceus-Steel's many resistances and high bulk may make it seem like a good check to a number of Pokemon in the tier, but its exploitable weakness weaknesses to extremely common types such as Ground, Fire, and Fighting-types Fighting end up making it relatively easy to bypass with coverage moves and common Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, Arceus-Ground, Primal Ground,(AC) and Marshadow.(this change makes the Pokemon listed appear in the same order as the types listed)
* This alone makes Arceus-Steel a large detriment to any team it is on, mandating its team to be heavily prepared for the aforementioned threats. The fact that Arceus-Steel fails to be a reliable check to Xerneas due to it falling to boosted Focus Blast makes Arceus-Steel worse of a burden to teams, possibly forcing its team to stack weakness weaknesses,(AC) as another Steel-type becomes necessary to keep Xerneas in check.
* Arceus-Steel also struggles to find a particularly good opportunity to justify offensive sets due to its mediocre power without boosts and an abundance of Pokemon in the tier resisting that resist Steel.
* While offensive sets using Swords Dance may seem to be entirely outclassed by more powerful Steel-types like Necrozma-DM and Mega Lucario, Arceus-Steel has high enough Speed to pose more as an immediate threat with Swords Dance, can justify two coverage moves, and can outspeed a decent portion of the tier, securing its niche as somewhat of a middle(add space)ground between offensive Necrozma-DM and Ultra Necrozma.
* This Arceus-Steel's Speed can be situationally useful with by discouraging Arceus-Steel's checks to from recklessly switch switching in by making due to them being wary of taking on a boosted Arceus-Steel that can strike them first. For this reason, Arceus-Steel can justify both Earthquake and Stone Edge to hit a good number of threats hard after a single turn of set setting up and avoid getting being walled by Ho-Oh. This is something that Necrozma-DM and Mega Lucario struggle to mimic(is this because of Speed in Necrozma-DM's case and lack of room in its movepool in Mega Lucario's case?).
* Arceus-Steel can also be somewhat useful with checking check Mega Salamence and being able to pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas that may lack lacks a move to hit it hard enough. However, a general lack of power even with a Z-Crystal equipped leaves Arceus-Steel generally an as a generally inferior choice of for an offensive Pokemon compared to the likes of Arceus-Ground or and Marshadow,(AC) that which can make much better use of a Z-Crystal,(AC) and other Steel-types that can provide superior utility in offensive and defensive aspect both offensively and defensively. Using Arceus-Steel over other Arceus formes comes with significant opportunity cost as well due to its rather underwhelming defensive presence.
(remove linebreak)

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Recover
item: Steelium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Swords Dance boosts Arceus-Steel's damage output to the point where it can 2HKO a good portion of the tier and net OHKOes on neutral targets using Corkscrew Crash with entry hazard support.
* Iron Head is the Arceus-Steel's most reliable Steel-type STAB attack,(AC) that can be used to hit hits Fairy- and Rock-types hard,(AC) and can occasionally flinch foes. It produces a has high damage output when combined with Swords Dance and Steelium Z.
* Earthquake provides Arceus-Steel with a crucial coverage move against for Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Toxapex, and other Steel-types that may otherwise check this set with ease.
* Arceus-Steel is one of the very few Steel-types that can effectively run Stone Edge to have a strong countermeasure against Ho-Oh, which would otherwise be a major nuisance to this set otherwise.
* Recover is a viable alternative to Stone Edge, as this enables Arceus-Steel to set up on defensive checks such as Arceus-Water and Ferrothorn and overpower them with excessively boosted attacks, such as Arceus-Water and Ferrothorn. Recover can also be handy by making makes Arceus-Steel a consistent pivot to resisted moves from foes like Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mega Salamence.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature maximizes Arceus-Steel's Speed, enabling it to outspeed Mega Lucario and revenge kill it with Earthquake and at worst Speed tie with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence.
* The remainder of remaining EVs are invested into Attack to maximize Arceus-Steel's damage output.
* Multitype and Steelium Z enable the use of Arceus-Steel with an access to Corkscrew Crash, enabling giving it to make a sudden burst of damage output that is strong enough to take out maximum HP Arceus formes at +2 with some prior damage.

Usage Tips
========

* Though it is generally the best to avoid taking damage due to this set's lack of defensive investment, there are instances where in which it is more beneficial for Arceus-Steel to take a hit from the likes of Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mega Salamence for other teammates like Primal Groudon or and other Steel-types that wish to preserve their health. Do the best Try to switch Arceus-Steel into resisted attacks to maximize the chance it can successfully set up.
* Arceus-Steel's disappointing offensive typing and lack of initial power invites in many common Pokemon in the tier, thus forcing it to switch out and yield momentum. While the likes of Skarmory and Celesteela can easily switch in into Arceus-Steel's attacks without impunity, other checks like Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM have to be wary about of boosted attacks from Arceus-Steel, which as they will fall to boosted moves if sufficiently weakened. In order to minimize the chances that Arceus-Steel will get into unfavorable matchups, get forced out, and yield momentum. (this fragment at the end was hard to decipher, so I tried my best to fix it. feel free to let gp team know what was up so they aren't left in the dark)
* Arceus-Steel can take aggressive approaches to set up against offensive teams when needed to net as much damage as possible. It is likely that offensive teams will lack a Pokemon that can effectively win a duel against a boosted Arceus-Steel that has possesses good offensive coverage to hit various foes. It is also worth noting that Arceus-Steel has a number of perks over other offensive Steel-types that it can capitalize on. Unlike Mega Lucario, Arceus-Steel can survive any attack from Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y from full health and do does not have to be too apprehensive about fear Mega Gengar like Necrozma-DM does unless it has been sufficiently worn down.
* Various conditions have to be fulfilled for Arceus-Steel to have better chances a good chance to break through balanced teams. Entry hazards are mandatory to wear down checks like Primal Groudon and Zygarde-C that will survive a boosted attack when healthy. Status from teammates and hitting them on switch switch-ins with unboosted Arceus-Steel attacks are other possibilities effective ways to chip Arceus-Steel's checks. It is generally the best most effective to wait until late-game where aforementioned Pokemon when Arceus-Steel's switch-ins have likely been worn down dealing with other important threats if Arceus-Steel it desires to sweep.(AP) Arceus-Steel can also be used or just use it early- or and mid-game to cause meaningful damage against to teams with unreliable checks to Steel-types and possibly KO neutral foes with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Though Arceus-Steel may seem like a decent status absorber, many Pokemon carrying Toxic can either threaten Arceus-Steel with other moves or easily take advantage of it. Examples of these include Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh carrying Toxic and Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Skarmory that can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel. However, Feel feel free to switch into predicted uses of Toxic from passive Pokemon like Lugia and Blissey that struggle to do much else to Arceus-Steel, however.

Team Options
========

* Another check to Fairy-types, particularly Xerneas, is necessary, as Arceus-Steel fails to properly check Geomancy Xerneas and has limited longevity that prevents it from consistently pivoting into other Fairy-types. Both Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can suffice for this role while also setting up Stealth Rock,(AC) or threatening defensive teams with more offensive sets, but note that these teammates will make the team more vulnerable to Ground-types overall.
* Mega Salamence and Giratina-O are primary partners that come to the mind for this reason. Both of them are notable for being able to pivot into Ground-type attacks and checking Primal Groudon, and they can benefit from Arceus-Steel switching into absorbing Toxic and pivoting into Fairy- and Ice-type attacks.
* Other airborne teammates like Yveltal and Ho-Oh can provide different utilities utility. Yveltal can deal with Arceus-Ground somewhat well as long as it hasn't been excessively weakened, offensively checks Marshadow, and threatens Ground-immune Steel-types with Taunt. Ho-Oh can provide provides the team with more security against Arceus-Ground, spread spreads status, and check checks Primal Groudon, Geomancy Xerneas, and Fighting-types.
* Mega Gengar can trap passive defensive Skarmory should it lack Shed Shell and force a trade with other problematic check Pokemon that the team cannot effectively deal with.
* Primal Kyogre offensively threatens many Ground-types, most notably Arceus-Ground, draws in and wears down Primal Groudon, and can run appropriate countermeasures to threaten defensive teams.
* Choice Scarf variants of Xerneas can deal with Zygarde-C and Marshadow, prevent Arceus-Steel from taking unnecessary damage from entry hazards with its Defog support by removing them from the field with Defog, and provide a valuable revenge killing utility function as a revenge killer. A chunk of damage dealt by a One use of Moonblast wears down offensive variants of Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM to the point there offensive variants they can no longer live will fall to Arceus-Steel's boosted Earthquake.
* In On more offensive teams, Cloyster and Deoxys-S can provide Spikes support to rapidly wear down Arceus-Steel's grounded checks like Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Zygarde. The damage racked up by Spikes can also be helpful with Arceus-Steel's attempts to helps Arceus-Steel OHKO neutral targets with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Toxapex is a teammate to consider due to its abilities ability to provide Toxic Spikes support, take advantage of Arceus-Water, and pivot into Ho-Oh and Marshadow.


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

* Iron Plate is the only possible item for Arceus-Steel in an event where if another teammate is holding a Z-Crystal. While said item provides Arceus-Steel with a better chance to OHKO uninvested Xerneas after Stealth Rock damage(with Iron Head?), the loss of Corkscrew Crash means Arceus-Steel will have much a harder time circumventing its checks like Zygarde and certain Arceus formes even with Swords Dance boosts.
* Iron Tail gives Arceus-Steel with an access to a more powerful stronger Corkscrew Crash, enabling it to outright OHKO max HP Arceus formes and have a considerable chance to remove Primal Kyogre and defensive regular Zygarde after little prior damage. Arceus-Steel will have to rely on an unreliable Steel-type STAB move after using Corkscrew Crash, however.
* Extreme Speed can give provides Arceus-Steel with a way to pick off on weaker threats and improve thus improves its usefulness matchup against offensive teams, but it is very weak without boosts and leads to similar issues of opportunity cost of forgoing an important coverage move.
* Calm Mind enables Arceus-Steel to justify Recover and coverage moves like Earth Power and Thunder to bypass some checks like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Arceus-Water while also doing heavier more damage to Primal Groudon. However, this will make Arceus-Steel take longer to become threatening with boosts and may make it struggle against Pokemon it can deal with with its Swords Dance set,(RC) such as Ho-Oh and Blissey. Having significantly lower damage output against Necrozma-DM is detrimental as well.
* Arceus-Steel has a possibility of running can run a support set with bulkier EV more investment in its bulk, Recover, and other utility moves like Stealth Rock, Defog, Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, but it will inevitably be taken advantage of by certain Pokemon depending on what which utility move it decides to use,(AC) and it is generally outclassed by other Arceus formes or other and Steel-type Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory,(AC) that which can check more Pokemon with their secondary typing and does do not take up an Arceus slot.


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

**Ground-immune Steel-types**: Celesteela and Skarmory's high physical bulk, resistance to Steel, and immunity to Earthquake means mean that Arceus-Steel has very little chance to bypass them. Celesteela can wear down Arceus-Steel with Leech Seed or and burden a switch-in with said move switch-ins. Skarmory is too passive to offensively threaten Arceus-Steel back, but it can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel, punish the use of Iron Head with Rocky Helmet damage, or and simply phaze Arceus-Steel with Whirlwind.

**Ground-types**: A myriad of Ground-types can survive at least one boosted move from Arceus-Steel and retaliate against it. Almost any variant of Primal Groudon can survive a boosted Earthquake and OHKO back Arceus-Steel with one of its status STAB moves. Zygarde and Arceus-Ground are bulky enough to be efficient checks, but they have to be wary about of a boosted Corkscrew Crash, which will OHKO them should they lack sufficient investment on in bulk.

**Fighting-types**: Marshadow is one of the best checks to Arceus-Steel due to its ability to OHKO Arceus-Steel with Close Combat and threaten to steal any potential Swords Dance boosts with Spectral Thief. Mega Mewtwo X is also an appropriate effective offensive check to Arceus-Steel, as it is faster than Arceus-Steel and OHKO OHKOes it with Low Kick.

**Water-types**: Without pre-existing Swords Dance boosts, Arceus-Steel has little chance against Arceus-Water that can OHKO Arceus-Steel with Judgment to muscle by Arceus-Water before it is killed by repeated uses of Judgment. A healthy Primal Kyogre can survive a boosted Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage and pick off a sufficiently weakened Arceus-Steel with Earthquake. Mega Gyarados can set up on a boosted Arceus-Steel after Intimidate and 2HKO back it. Mega Slowbro is nearly impossible for Arceus-Steel to surmount due to its colossal physical bulk that enables it to shrug off even boosted attacks.

**Physical Walls**: The likes of defensive Zygarde, Giratina, and Buzzwole can take hits from Arceus-Steel relatively well due to their enormous physical bulk. However, they have to watch out for boosted Corkcrew Corkscrew Crash if weakened.

**Coverage Moves**: Many coverage moves like Fire Blast, Focus Blast, and Earthquake from foes like support Arceus formes, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Salamence, and Ultra Necrozma can exploit Arceus-Steel's common weaknesses to easily bypass it.

STILL EDITING CHROME IS BUGGING OUT AND MAKING ME POST BEFORE DONE AAAAAA

E: THIS IS NOW DONE

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

in the process of checking

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

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i used slightly different colors for my additions/removals but it should still make sense

gp check

[OVERVIEW]

* Arceus-Steel's many resistances and high bulk may make it seem like a good check to a number of Pokemon in the tier, but its exploitable weakness weaknesses to extremely common types such as Ground, Fire, and Fighting-types Fighting end up making it relatively easy to bypass with coverage moves and common Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, (AC) and Marshadow. (this change makes the Pokemon listed appear in the same order as the types listed) This alone makes Arceus-Steel a large detriment to any team it is on, mandating its team to be heavily prepared for the aforementioned threats.
* This alone makes Arceus-Steel a large detriment to any team it is on, mandating its team to be heavily prepared for aforementioned threats. The fact that Arceus-Steel fails to be a reliable check to Xerneas due to it falling to boosted Focus Blast makes Arceus-Steel worse of a burden to teams, possibly forcing its team to stack weakness as another Steel-type becomes necessary to keep Xerneas in check. Arceus-Steel cannot take a boosted Focus Blast from Xerneas, so its team may need to stack weaknesses by using other Steel-type teammates to keep Xerneas in check. (QC: reorganize and shorten)
* Arceus-Steel also struggles to find a particularly good opportunity to justify offensive sets due to its mediocre power without boosts and an abundance of Pokemon in the tier resisting Steel. (QC: remove; arc-steel's power isn't mediocre and this bullet makes it sound like defensive sets are preferred, which they aren't)
* While offensive sets using Swords Dance may seem to be entirely outclassed by more powerful Steel-types like Necrozma-DM and Mega Lucario, Arceus-Steel has high enough Speed to pose more an immediate threat with Swords Dance, can justify two coverage moves, and can outspeed a decent portion of the tier, securing its niche as somewhat of a middleground middle ground between offensive Necrozma-DM and Ultra Necrozma.
* This can be situationally useful with discouraging Arceus-Steel's checks to recklessly switch in by making them wary of taking on boosted Arceus-Steel that can strike them first. (QC: remove) For this reason, Arceus-Steel can justify both Earthquake and Stone Edge to hit a good number of threats hard after a single turn of set up and avoid getting walled by Ho-Oh. This is something that Necrozma-DM and Mega Lucario struggle to mimic. Arceus-Steel also stands out from Mega Lucario and Necrozma-DM because it has the room to run both Earthquake and Stone Edge to hit a good number of threats hard and avoid getting walled by Ho-Oh. (QC: reword to make it more about how unlike those two arc has room)
* Arceus-Steel can also be somewhat useful with checking also checks Mega Salamence and being able to can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas that may lack lacks a move to hit it hard enough. However, its general lack of power even with a Z-Crystal equipped leaves Arceus-Steel generally an as a generally inferior choice of for an offensive Pokemon compared to the likes of Arceus-Ground or and Marshadow that, (AC) which can make much better use of a Z-Crystal, (AC) and other Steel-types that can provide superior utility in offensive and defensive aspect both offensively and defensively. Using Arceus-Steel over other Arceus formes comes with significant opportunity cost as well due to its rather underwhelming defensive presence.
(remove linebreak)

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Recover
item: Steelium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Swords Dance boosts Arceus-Steel's damage output to the point where it can 2HKO a good portion of the tier and net OHKOes on OHKO neutral targets using Corkscrew Crash with entry hazard support.
* Iron Head is the Arceus-Steel's most reliable Steel-type STAB attack, (AC) that can be used to hit hits Fairy- and Rock-types hard, (AC) and can occasionally flinch foes. It produces a has high damage output when combined with Swords Dance and Steelium Z.
* Earthquake provides Arceus-Steel with a crucial coverage move against for Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Toxapex, and other Steel-types that may otherwise check this set with ease.
* Arceus-Steel is one of the very few Steel-types that can effectively run Stone Edge to have a strong countermeasure against Ho-Oh, which would otherwise be a major nuisance to this set otherwise.
* Recover is a viable alternative to Stone Edge, as this enables Arceus-Steel to set up on defensive checks such as Arceus-Water and Ferrothorn and overpower them with excessively boosted attacks, such as Arceus-Water and Ferrothorn. Recover can also be handy by making lets Arceus-Steel a consistent pivot to consistently pivot into resisted moves from foes like Mega Salamence and Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mega Salamence.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature maximizes Arceus-Steel's Speed, enabling it to outspeed Mega Lucario and revenge kill it with Earthquake and at worst Speed tie with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence.
* The remainder of remaining EVs are invested into Attack to maximize Arceus-Steel's damage output.
* Multitype and Steelium Z enable the use of Arceus-Steel with an access to and lets it use Corkscrew Crash, enabling giving it to make a sudden burst of damage output that is strong enough to take out maximum HP Arceus formes at +2 with some prior damage.

Usage Tips
========

* Though it is generally the best to avoid taking damage due to this set's lack of defensive investment, there are instances where in which it is more beneficial for Arceus-Steel to take a hit from the likes of Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mega Salamence for other teammates like Primal Groudon or and other Steel-types that wish to preserve their health. Do the best Try to switch Arceus-Steel into resisted attacks to maximize the chance it can successfully set up.
* Arceus-Steel's disappointing offensive typing and lack of initial power invites in many common Pokemon in the tier, (AC) thus forcing it to switch out and yield momentum. While the likes of Skarmory and Celesteela can easily switch in without impunity into Arceus-Steel's attacks, other checks like Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM have to be wary about of boosted attacks from Arceus-Steel, which as they will fall to boosted moves if sufficiently weakened. In order to minimize the chances that Arceus-Steel will get into unfavorable matchups, get forced out, and yield momentum. (this fragment at the end was hard to decipher, so I tried my best to fix it. feel free to let gp team know what was up so they aren't left in the dark)
* Arceus-Steel can take aggressive approaches to set up against offensive teams when needed to net as much damage as possible. It is likely that offensive teams will lack a Pokemon that can effectively win a duel one-on-one against a boosted Arceus-Steel that has good offensive coverage to hit various foes. It is also worth noting that Arceus-Steel has a number of perks over other offensive Steel-types that it can capitalize on. Unlike Mega Lucario, Arceus-Steel can survive any attack from Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y from full health and do does not have to be too apprehensive about fear Mega Gengar like Necrozma-DM does unless it has been sufficiently worn down.
* Various conditions have to be fulfilled for Arceus-Steel to have better chances a good chance to break through balanced teams. Entry hazards are mandatory to wear down checks like Primal Groudon and Zygarde-C that will survive a boosted attack when healthy. Status from teammates and hitting them on switch switch-ins with unboosted Arceus-Steel attacks are other possibilities effective ways to chip Arceus-Steel's checks. It is generally the best most effective to wait until late-game where aforementioned Pokemon when Arceus-Steel's switch-ins have likely been worn down dealing with other important threats if Arceus-Steel it desires to sweep. (AP) Arceus-Steel can also be used or just use it early- or and mid-game to cause meaningful damage against to teams with unreliable checks to Steel-types and possibly KO neutral foes with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Though Arceus-Steel may seem like a decent status absorber, many Pokemon carrying Toxic can either threaten Arceus-Steel with other moves or easily take advantage of it. Examples of these include Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh carrying Toxic and as well as Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Skarmory that can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel. Feel However, feel free to switch into predicted uses of Toxic from passive Pokemon like Lugia and Blissey that struggle to do much else to Arceus-Steel, however.

Team Options
========

* Another check to Fairy-types, particularly a check to Xerneas, is necessary, as Arceus-Steel fails to properly check Geomancy Xerneas and has limited longevity that prevents it from consistently pivoting into other Fairy-types. Both Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can suffice for this role while also setting up Stealth Rock or threatening defensive teams with more offensive sets, but note that these teammates will make the team more vulnerable to Ground-types overall.
* Mega Salamence and Giratina-O are primary partners that come to the mind for this reason. Both of them are notable for being able to pivot into Ground-type attacks and checking check Primal Groudon, and they can benefit from Arceus-Steel switching into absorbing Toxic and pivoting into Fairy- and Ice-type attacks.
* Other airborne teammates like Yveltal and Ho-Oh can provide different utilities utility. Yveltal can deal deals with Arceus-Ground somewhat well as long as it hasn't been excessively weakened, offensively checks Marshadow, and threatens Ground-immune Steel-types with Taunt. Ho-Oh can provide provides the team with more security against Arceus-Ground, spread spreads status, and check checks Primal Groudon, Geomancy Xerneas, and Fighting-types.
* Mega Gengar can trap passive defensive Skarmory should it lack Shed Shell and force a trade with other problematic check Pokemon that the team cannot effectively deal with.
* Primal Kyogre offensively threatens many Ground-types, most notably Arceus-Ground, draws in and wears down Primal Groudon, and can run appropriate countermeasures to threaten defensive teams.
* Choice Scarf variants of Xerneas can deal with Zygarde-C and Marshadow, prevent Arceus-Steel from taking unnecessary damage from entry hazards with its Defog support, and provide a valuable revenge killing utility function as a revenge killer. A chunk of damage dealt by a One use of Moonblast wears down offensive variants of Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM to the point there offensive variants that they will fall to Arceus-Steel's boosted Earthquake.
* In On more offensive teams, Cloyster and Deoxys-S can provide Spikes support to rapidly wear down Arceus-Steel's grounded checks like Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Zygarde. The damage racked up by Spikes can also be helpful with Arceus-Steel's attempts to also helps Arceus-Steel OHKO neutral targets with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Toxapex is a teammate to consider due to its abilities ability to provide Toxic Spikes support, take advantage of Arceus-Water, and pivot into Ho-Oh and Marshadow.


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

* Iron Plate is the only possible item for Arceus-Steel in an event where if another teammate is holding a Z-Crystal. While said item provides Arceus-Steel with a better chance to OHKO uninvested Xerneas after Stealth Rock damage with Iron Head, the loss of Corkscrew Crash means Arceus-Steel will have a much harder time circumventing its checks like Zygarde and certain Arceus formes even with Swords Dance boosts.
* Iron Tail gives Arceus-Steel with an access to a more powerful a stronger Corkscrew Crash, enabling it to outright OHKO max HP Arceus formes and have a considerable chance to remove Primal Kyogre and defensive regular Zygarde after little prior damage. Arceus-Steel will have to rely on an unreliable Steel-type STAB move after using Corkscrew Crash, however.
* Extreme Speed can give provides Arceus-Steel with a way to pick off on weaker threats and improve thus improves its usefulness matchup against offensive teams, but it is very weak without boosts and leads to similar issues of opportunity cost of forgoing makes it forgo an important coverage move.
* Calm Mind enables Arceus-Steel to justify Recover and coverage moves like Earth Power and Thunder to bypass some checks like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Arceus-Water while also doing heavier more damage to Primal Groudon. However, this will make Arceus-Steel take longer to become threatening with boosts and may make it struggle against Pokemon it can deal with with its Swords Dance set, such as Ho-Oh and Blissey. Having significantly lower damage output against Necrozma-DM is detrimental as well.
* Arceus-Steel has a possibility of running a support set with bulkier EV investment, Recover, and other utility moves like Stealth Rock, Defog, Toxic and Will-O-Wisp, but it will inevitably be taken advantage of Pokemon depending on what utility move it decides to use and it is generally outclassed by other Arceus formes or other Steel-type Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory that can check more Pokemon with their secondary typing and does not take up an Arceus slot. (QC: remove this it's bad)


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

**Ground-immune Steel-types**: Celesteela and Skarmory's high physical bulk, resistance to Steel, and immunity to Earthquake means mean that Arceus-Steel has very little chance to bypass them. Celesteela can wear down Arceus-Steel with Leech Seed or and burden a switch-in with said move switch-ins with Leech Seed. Skarmory is too passive to offensively threaten Arceus-Steel back, but it can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel, punish the use of Iron Head with Rocky Helmet damage, or and simply phaze Arceus-Steel with Whirlwind.

**Ground-types**: A myriad of Ground-types can survive at least one boosted move from Arceus-Steel and retaliate against it. Almost any variant of Primal Groudon can survive a boosted Earthquake and OHKO back Arceus-Steel with one of its status STAB moves. Zygarde and Arceus-Ground are bulky enough to be efficient checks, but they have to be wary about of a boosted Corkscrew Crash, which will OHKO them should they lack sufficient investment on in bulk.

**Fighting-types**: Marshadow is one of the best checks to Arceus-Steel due to its ability to OHKO Arceus-Steel with Close Combat and threaten to steal any potential Swords Dance boosts with Spectral Thief. Mega Mewtwo X is also an appropriate effective offensive check to Arceus-Steel, as it is faster than Arceus-Steel and OHKO OHKOes it with Low Kick.

**Water-types**: Without pre-existing Swords Dance boosts, Arceus-Steel has little chance against Arceus-Water that can OHKO Arceus-Steel with Judgment to muscle past Arceus-Water before it is KOed by Judgment. A healthy Primal Kyogre can survive a boosted Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage and pick off a sufficiently weakened Arceus-Steel with Earthquake. Mega Gyarados can set up on a boosted Arceus-Steel after Intimidate and 2HKO back it. Mega Slowbro is nearly impossible for Arceus-Steel to surmount due to its colossal physical bulk that enables it to shrug off even boosted attacks.

**Physical Walls**: The likes of defensive Zygarde, Giratina, and Buzzwole can take hits from Arceus-Steel relatively well due to their enormous physical bulk. However, they have to watch out for boosted Corkcrew Corkscrew Crash if weakened.

**Coverage Moves**: Many coverage moves like Fire Blast, Focus Blast, and Earthquake from foes like support Arceus formes, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Salamence, and Ultra Necrozma can exploit Arceus-Steel's common weaknesses to easily bypass it.

1/2

 

[Lotus]

One day I'll write analyses without being a pain to GP team.

Thank you and I have implemented the above.

 

[Lemonade]

I suggested some rearranging so tag me after you've implemented that and I'll give you the stamp.

Additions
Removals
Comments

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[OVERVIEW]

* Arceus-Steel's many resistances and high bulk may make it seem like a good check to a number of Pokemon in the tier, but its exploitable weaknesses to extremely common types such as Ground, Fire, and Fighting end up making it relatively easy to bypass KO (Comment: "bypass" suggests more that you are avoiding ) with coverage moves and common Pokemon like Zygarde-C, Arceus-Ground, Primal Groudon, and Marshadow. This alone makes Arceus-Steel a large detriment to any team it is on, mandating its team to be heavily prepared for the aforementioned threats.
* Arceus-Steel cannot take a boosted Focus Blast from Xerneas, so its team may need to stack weaknesses by using other Steel-type teammates to keep Xerneas in check. (Comment: If you absolutely have to start the analysis with negatives about the Pokemon, that is a bad sign. Move the above after you talk about Arceus-Steel's small niche. )
* While offensive sets using Swords Dance may seem to be entirely outclassed by more powerful Steel-types like Necrozma-DM and Mega Lucario, Arceus-Steel has high enough Speed to pose an immediate threat with Swords Dance, Dance and has room to run both Earthquake and Stone Edge as coverage, can justify two coverage moves, and can outspeed a decent portion of the tier, securing its niche as somewhat of a middle ground between offensive Necrozma-DM and Lucario, (Comment: if this isn't correct, change it. However, in the next bullet you talk about Luke and DM in the same way ) and Ultra Necrozma. Notably, Arceus-Steel isn't walled by Ho-Oh.
* Arceus-Steel also stands out from Mega Lucario and Necrozma-DM because it has the room to run both Earthquake and Stone Edge to hit a good number of threats hard and avoid getting walled by Ho-Oh.
* Arceus-Steel also checks Mega Salamence and can pivot into Choice Scarf Xerneas that lacks a move to hit it hard enough. (Comment: now, incorporate your first two bullets. Then, start a new bullet ) However, its Arceus-Steel's general lack of power even with a Z-Crystal equipped leaves Arceus-Steel it as a generally inferior choice for an offensive Pokemon compared to the likes of Arceus-Ground and Marshadow, which can make much better use of a Z-Crystal, and other Steel-types that can provide superior utility both offensively and defensively. Using Arceus-Steel over other Arceus formes comes with significant opportunity cost as well due to its rather underwhelming defensive presence.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Iron Head
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Stone Edge / Recover
item: Steelium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Swords Dance boosts Arceus-Steel's damage output to the point where it can 2HKO a good portion of the tier and OHKO neutral targets using Corkscrew Crash with entry hazard support. (Comment: list specific neutral targets it's OHKOing (especially if those targets are unexpected). Otherwise, this bullet is unnecessary. )
* Iron Head is Arceus-Steel's most reliable STAB attack, hits Fairy- and Rock-types hard, (Comment: list specific Pokemon rather than the type chart ) and can occasionally flinch foes. It has high damage output when combined with Swords Dance and Steelium Z.
* Earthquake provides Arceus-Steel with a crucial coverage move for Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Toxapex, and other Steel-types that may otherwise check this set with ease.
* Arceus-Steel is one of the very few Steel-types that can effectively run Stone Edge to have a strong countermeasure against Ho-Oh, which would otherwise be a major nuisance to this set.
* Recover is a viable alternative to Stone Edge, as this enables Arceus-Steel to set up on defensive checks such as Arceus-Water and Ferrothorn and overpower them with boosted attacks. Recover also lets Arceus-Steel consistently pivot into resisted moves from foes like Mega Salamence and Choice Scarf Xerneas.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature maximizes Arceus-Steel's Speed, enabling it to outspeed Mega Lucario and revenge kill it with Earthquake and at worst Speed tie with other Arceus formes and Mega Salamence.
* The remaining EVs are invested into Attack to maximize Arceus-Steel's damage output.
* Multitype and Steelium Z enable the use of Arceus-Steel and lets it use Corkscrew Crash, giving it a sudden burst of damage that is strong enough to take out maximum HP Arceus formes at +2 with some prior damage. (Comment: This is a good detail. )

Usage Tips
========

* Though it is generally best to avoid taking damage due to this set's lack of defensive investment, there are instances in which it is more beneficial for Arceus-Steel to take a hit from the likes of Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mega Salamence for teammates like Primal Groudon and other Steel-types that wish to preserve their health. (Comment: I don't like this sentence because I have no clue which instances it is more beneficial for Arceus-Steel to take a hit. ) Try to switch Arceus-Steel into resisted attacks to maximize the chance it can successfully set up.
* Arceus-Steel's disappointing offensive typing and lack of initial power invites in many common Pokemon in the tier, thus forcing it to switch out and yield momentum. While Note that while (Comment: I interpret the point of this sentence as pointing out that some checks do need to be careful, so I suggest this transition instead. ) the likes of Skarmory and Celesteela can easily switch into Arceus-Steel's attacks, other checks like Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM have to be wary of boosted attacks from Arceus-Steel, as they will fall to boosted moves if sufficiently weakened. (Comment: Move this bullet down two )
* Arceus-Steel can take aggressive approaches to set up against offensive teams when needed to net as much damage as possible. It is likely that offensive teams will lack a Pokemon that can effectively win one-on-one against a boosted Arceus-Steel. It is also worth noting that Arceus-Steel has a number of perks over other offensive Steel-types that it can capitalize on. Unlike Mega Lucario, Arceus-Steel can survive any attack from Deoxys-A and Mega Mewtwo Y from full health health, and it does not fear Mega Gengar like Necrozma-DM does. does unless it has been sufficiently worn down.
* Various conditions have to be fulfilled for Arceus-Steel to have a good chance to break through balanced teams. Entry hazards are mandatory to wear down checks like Primal Groudon and Zygarde-C that will survive a boosted attack when healthy. Status from teammates and hitting switch-ins with unboosted attacks are other effective ways to chip Arceus-Steel's checks. It is generally most effective to wait until late-game when Arceus-Steel's switch-ins have been worn down dealing with other important threats if it desires to sweep. (Comment: I don't like this sentence because it is always effective to wait until late game. Instead, I feel it would be better to contrast with your next sentence. ) If not attempting to pull off a late-game sweep, Arceus-Steel can also be used early- and mid-game to cause meaningful damage to teams with unreliable checks to Steel-types and possibly KO neutral foes with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Though Arceus-Steel may seem like a decent status absorber, many Pokemon carrying Toxic can either threaten Arceus-Steel with other moves or easily take advantage of it. Examples of these include Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh as well as Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Skarmory that can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel. However, feel free to switch into predicted uses of Toxic from passive Pokemon like Lugia and Blissey that struggle to do much else to Arceus-Steel.

Team Options
========

* Another check to Fairy-types, particularly a check to Xerneas, is necessary, as Arceus-Steel fails to properly check Geomancy Xerneas and has limited longevity that prevents it from consistently pivoting into other Fairy-types. Both Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM can suffice for this role and also set while also setting up Stealth Rock or threatening threaten defensive teams with more offensive sets, but note that these teammates will make the team more vulnerable to Ground-types overall.
* Mega Salamence and Giratina-O are primary other (Comment: the above bullet are already kind of primary partners ) partners that come to the mind for this reason. Both of them are notable for being able to pivot into Ground-type attacks and check Primal Groudon, and they benefit from Arceus-Steel absorbing Toxic and pivoting into weak (Comment: The previous bullet mentions that Arceus-Steel shouldn't really be pivoting into attacks, so I feel some qualifier is needed here. ) Fairy- and Ice-type attacks.
* Other airborne teammates like Yveltal and Ho-Oh can provide different utility. Yveltal deals with Arceus-Ground somewhat well, well as long as it hasn't been excessively weakened, offensively checks Marshadow, and threatens Ground-immune Steel-types with Taunt. Ho-Oh provides the team with more security against Arceus-Ground, spreads status, and checks Primal Groudon, Geomancy Xerneas, and Fighting-types.
* Mega Gengar can trap defensive Skarmory should it lack Shed Shell and force a trade with other problematic Pokemon that the team cannot effectively deal with.
* Primal Kyogre offensively threatens many Ground-types, most notably Arceus-Ground, draws in and wears down Primal Groudon, and can run appropriate countermeasures to threaten defensive teams.
* Choice Scarf variants of Xerneas can deal with Zygarde-C and Marshadow, prevent Arceus-Steel from taking unnecessary damage from entry hazards with Defog, and function as a revenge killer. One use of Moonblast wears down offensive variants of Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM to the point that they will fall to Arceus-Steel's boosted Earthquake.
* On more offensive teams, Cloyster and Deoxys-S can provide Spikes support to rapidly wear down Arceus-Steel's grounded checks like Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Zygarde. The damage racked up by Spikes also helps Arceus-Steel OHKO neutral targets with a boosted Corkscrew Crash.
* Toxapex is a teammate to consider due to its ability to provide Toxic Spikes support, take advantage of Arceus-Water, and pivot into Ho-Oh and Marshadow.


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

* Iron Plate is the only possible item for Arceus-Steel if another teammate is holding a Z-Crystal. While said item provides Arceus-Steel with a better chance to OHKO uninvested Xerneas after Stealth Rock damage with Iron Head, the loss of Corkscrew Crash means Arceus-Steel will have a much harder time circumventing its checks like Zygarde and certain Arceus formes even with Swords Dance boosts.
* Iron Tail gives Arceus-Steel a stronger Corkscrew Crash, enabling it to outright OHKO max HP Arceus formes and have a considerable chance to remove Primal Kyogre and defensive Zygarde after little prior damage. Arceus-Steel will have to rely on an unreliable Steel-type move after using Corkscrew Crash, however.
* Extreme Speed provides Arceus-Steel with a way to pick off weaker threats and thus improves its matchup against offensive teams, but it is very weak without boosts and makes it forgo an important coverage move.
* Calm Mind enables Arceus-Steel to justify Recover and coverage moves like Earth Power and Thunder to bypass some checks like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Arceus-Water while also doing and also do more damage to Primal Groudon. However, this will make Arceus-Steel take longer to become threatening with boosts and may make it struggle against Pokemon it can deal with with its Swords Dance set, such as Ho-Oh and Blissey. Having significantly lower damage output against Necrozma-DM is detrimental as well.

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

**Ground-immune Steel-types**: Celesteela and Skarmory's high physical bulk, resistance to Steel, and immunity to Earthquake mean that Arceus-Steel has very little chance to bypass defeat them. Celesteela can wear down Arceus-Steel and burden switch-ins with Leech Seed. Skarmory is too passive to offensively threaten Arceus-Steel, but it can set Spikes against Arceus-Steel, punish the use of Iron Head with Rocky Helmet damage, and simply phaze Arceus-Steel with Whirlwind.

**Ground-types**: A myriad of Ground-types can survive at least one boosted move from Arceus-Steel and retaliate against it. Almost any variant of Primal Groudon can survive a boosted Earthquake and OHKO Arceus-Steel with one of its STAB moves. Zygarde and Arceus-Ground are bulky enough to be efficient checks, but they have to be wary of a boosted Corkscrew Crash, which will OHKO them should they lack sufficient investment in bulk.

**Fighting-types**: Marshadow is one of the best checks to Arceus-Steel due to its ability to OHKO Arceus-Steel with Close Combat and threaten to steal any potential Swords Dance boosts with Spectral Thief. Mega Mewtwo X is also an effective offensive check to Arceus-Steel, as it is faster than Arceus-Steel and OHKOes it with Low Kick.

**Water-types**: Without Swords Dance boosts, Arceus-Steel has little chance to muscle past Arceus-Water before it is KOed by Judgment. A healthy Primal Kyogre can survive a boosted Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage and pick off a sufficiently weakened Arceus-Steel with Earthquake. Mega Gyarados can set up on a boosted Arceus-Steel after Intimidate and 2HKO it. Mega Slowbro is nearly impossible for Arceus-Steel to surmount due to its colossal physical bulk that enables it to shrug off even boosted attacks.

**Physical Walls**: The likes of defensive Zygarde, Giratina, and Buzzwole can take hits from Arceus-Steel relatively well due to their enormous physical bulk. However, they have to watch out for boosted Corkscrew Crash if weakened.

**Coverage Moves**: Many coverage moves like Fire Blast, Focus Blast, and Earthquake from foes like support Arceus formes, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, Mega Salamence, and Ultra Necrozma can exploit Arceus-Steel's common weaknesses to easily bypass KO it.

 

[Lotus]

I have addressed everything you put in the tag. This Pokemon is almost unviable (C-) so I believe some negative things have to be talked about first, but if what you suggested me to do is how the new analysis formatting goes, I don't think it hurts to follow along. I just thought it would be quite misleading to talk about good side of this Pokemon for the half of the Overview when Arceus-Steel has hard time justifying its use in the first place.

Mind taking a second look? Thank you in advance.

 

[Lemonade]

I don't know what the policy on "don't use this" analyses is, but if this falls in this category, then it needs changes. Otherwise, I still think it should basically follow the regular format. You could modify the first line to say something like "...makes it barely viable over Mega Lucario and...". To emphasize this it's almost unviable.
2/2

 

[Lotus]

Alrighty, this is ready to go up then.