[OVERVIEW]
Colossal natural bulk of 150 / 120 / 120 and a good defensive typing of Dragon / Ghost combined with its ability to further improve its defensive capabilities make Giratina one of the best walls in Balanced Hackmons. It can easily secure its places on many teams by opting for abilities such as Poison Heal, Comatose, Fur Coat, Magic Bounce, and Regenerator, some of which let Giratina mitigate some of its would-be drawbacks. In addition, Giratina's useful immunity to Normal- and Fighting-type attacks lets it function as one of the strongest checks to many dangerous threats, such as Poison Heal Regigigas and Sturdy Shedinja. Access to STAB Core Enforcer and Spectral Thief, with the ability to equip Griseous Orb, reduces Giratina's passivity against offensive teams. However, -ate abilities are bad news for Giratina, especially with the prevalence of Mega Rayquaza and Mega Diancie. Dark-, Fairy-, and Ice-type moves like Knock Off, Pursuit, and Pixilate- and Refrigerate-boosted attacks are also fairly common and can somewhat limit Giratina's defensive capabilities. In addition, while Giratina excels defensively, it faces competition with Zygarde-C, which is marginally bulkier and has a lower base Speed to pivot against other walls to secure momentum. Giratina also tends to struggle to deal significant damage and gives away momentum against very common defensive Pokemon such as Registeel and Mega Audino due to its somewhat high Speed that prevents Giratina from effectively pivoting against them.
[SET]
name: Defensive Utility
move 1: Core Enforcer
move 2: Shore Up
move 3: U-turn
move 4: Spectral Thief / Stealth Rock / Defog
item: Griseous Orb / Leftovers / Safety Goggles
ability: Magic Bounce / Comatose / Fur Coat
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Core Enforcer serves as Giratina's primary STAB move and provides the utility of nullifying abilities from foes that are reliant on their ability to function, such as Poison Heal users like Regigigas, RegenVest users, and -ate users, while doing decent damage to neutral foes and preventing threats like Mega Rayquaza from freely switching in. Shore Up makes sure Giratina stays healthy to consistently switch into threats it is tasked to handle. U-turn allows Giratina to pivot as a wall and safely bring in its teammates, letting it switch out from unfavorable matchups and generate momentum. Spectral Thief lets Giratina harshly punish threats that try to set up on it and also efficiently threatens both Mega formes of Mewtwo, as they are 2HKOed after Stealth Rock damage if Giratina is equipped with Griseous Orb. Stealth Rock or other entry hazards can also be used in the last slot thanks to Giratina's durability and immunity to Rapid Spin. In the same vein, Giratina can take advantage of its bulk to consistently remove entry hazards from the field using Defog.
Giratina can employ various other moves to improve its matchup against Magic Bounce users. It can opt to run an entry hazard move and Poison Fang to punish Magic Bounce Audino by significantly hindering its longevity and generally support its teammates by spreading status. Poison Fang also notably lets Giratina defeat Sturdy Shedinja without relying on its teammates. Giratina can also run Skill Swap alongside an entry hazard move to directly set hazards against Magic Bounce user if it opted for Fur Coat. Will-O-Wisp can be used to burn offensive foes like Mega Mewtwo X while also letting Giratina independently deal with Shedinja.
Set Details
========
Giratina's Speed stat is minimized in order for it to be slower than as many walls as possible so that it can safely bring in a teammate. 16 Speed EVs can be invested in Speed with 31 Speed IVs in order to outspeed up to base 150 Speed Pokemon after stealing a Shell Smash boost so that Giratina can KO them next turn without getting hit first. More Speed EVs can be used so Giratina can outspeed and 2HKO opposing Giratina with Griseous Orb-boosted Core Enforcer. A Relaxed nature allows Giratina to avoid a 2HKO from Choice Band Mega Mewtwo X's Photon Geyser and Knock Off from Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock damage, if holding Griseous Orb. A Relaxed nature also maximizes Giratina's bulk, improving its matchup against foes like Regigigas. Magic Bounce gives Giratina a pseudo-immunity to status by reflecting certain status moves, but it does not protect Giratina from status that is induced from attacks such as Poison Fang, Sacred Fire, and Nuzzle. Giratina can also use Comatose to prevent it from being afflicted by status moves and to prevent Normalize Gengar from giving it Normalize. Unlike Magic Bounce, Giratina with Comatose is less hindered by Core Enforcer and Entrainment. Both mentioned abilities allow Giratina to effectively check Regigigas as they provide Giratina with an immunity to sleep-inducing moves. Fur Coat, on the other hand, makes Giratina nigh impossible to penetrate with physical attacks and boosts Giratina's bulk to the point where it can check boosted Poison Heal Regigigas even despite its vulnerability to sleep-inducing moves. For an item, Griseous Orb is one of the best options for Giratina, as it reduces the damage it takes from Knock Off and increases damage output of Core Enforcer and Spectral Thief, reducing Giratina's overall passivity. Leftovers is useful for passive recovery, while Darkinium Z also reduces the damage Giratina takes from Knock Off and allows Giratina to use Z-Parting Shot, which can fully restore health of one of its teammates. Safety Goggles, on the other hand, provides Fur Coat Giratina with an immunity to Spore. Darkinium Z should only be used alongside Parting Shot to see a viable use.
Usage Tips
========
Giratina can be switched into most physical attackers, such as Primal Groudon and Mega Mewtwo X. Especially if it has Magic Bounce, switching into the likes of Solgaleo, Registeel, and other walls that can't threaten it is a promising idea to scout whether they carry status moves or entry hazards. Thanks to its immense bulk, Giratina can even switch into foes with typing advantage such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar to absorb Knock Off if it is holding irremovable items and once such foes are revealed to be defensive sets. Although it might be tempting to immediately set up entry hazards or use status moves once Giratina is given a switch, it is better to see how opponents react so that one can be aware of potential Magic Bounce users switching in. Scouting foes like Registeel and Mega Audino is a more sensible plan in this regard. When dealing with physical attackers that are unable to threaten Giratina in any significant way, Core Enforcer can be used to punish them by removing their abilities. Especially against the likes of Mega Mewtwo X and Primal Groudon, which would rely on boosts to have a chance of surmounting Giratina, Spectral Thief can be used to ensure Giratina won't be overwhelmed by boosted attacks next turn. It is usually best for Giratina to switch out of dangerous matchups, but it can risk the KO and stay in to deter setup with Spectral Thief if preventing setup is more important. When it seems the opponent is likely going to set up while forcing Giratina with threats like Mega Gengar or Mega Mewtwo Y and if Giratina's teammates do not have much of a way to deal with them aside from revenge killing, one can recklessly use Spectral Thief to prevent an opposing sweep, although this can be very dangerous, especially against the former. If Giratina does not have much do to and it is predicted that a Magic Bounce user or a Steel-type will switch in to deflect entry hazard moves or take a Core Enforcer, it can pivot out using U-turn or Parting Shot. When using Z-Parting Shot, be very wary of opposing Magic Bounce users, as they can make an attempt to fully restore a teammate's HP go to a waste by simply switching in at the right moment.
Team Options
========
Steel-types are great partners for Giratina, as it is vulnerable to -ate users. Registeel and Celesteela are good defensive Pokemon that resist a majority of the attacks from the likes of Mega Rayquaza and Mega Diancie. Giratina can switch into Fire- and Fighting-type attacks for Steel-types in return while blocking Rapid Spin to keep entry hazards up. Steel-types also check Mega Mewtwo Y, one of the wallbreakers that are capable of overpowering Giratina. Fur Coat variants of Giratina can even switch into Knock Off if its partner Steel-types do not enjoy losing crucial items like Assault Vest or Leftovers. Primal Groudon checks Primal Kyogre and Xerneas, both of which Giratina has a hard time wearing down, and threatens out Steel-types and Mega Diancie that may try taking advantage of Giratina. Primal Groudon can also switch into Kartana, one of the very few physical attackers that can overwhelm Giratina. Likewise, Mega Audino is a great partner that can switch into Core Enforcer and Spectral Thief for Giratina and easily Imposter-proofs it, as it is immune to both Core Enforcer and Spectral Thief. It also checks Normalize Mega Gengar if running Magic Bounce set. Other Fairy-types like Mega Diancie and Xerneas can prevent Imposter users from switching into Giratina and freely using recovery moves by forcing them out and taking momentum if they do. Fur Coat Chansey has great defensive synergy with Giratina, as they not only cover each other's type weaknesses but also wall each other's checks. Giratina can handle overwhelming physical attackers such as Regigigas and Primal Groudon while Chansey walls most special attackers and also can switch into Core Enforcer easily thanks to its phenomenal special bulk. Giratina with an irremovable item can also switch into most Knock Off users with impunity, and Magic Bounce variants can prevent entry hazards or status moves from foes that attempt to take advantage of Chansey. In general, Giratina appreciates a bulky teammate that has some way to deal with Magic Bounce users because its matchup against Magic Bounce users is not too great. Poison Fang users can put problematic foes like Mega Audino on a timer, while Knock Off users, primarily Mega Gyarados, Mega Tyranitar, and Yveltal, hinder walls by removing their items while serving as good switch-ins to Mega Mewtwo Y. Offensive teammates like Mega Mewtwo X and Primal Groudon appreciate Giratina's defensive presence and slow pivoting, and in return they can destroy Steel-types and overpower problematic foes like Mega Audino for Giratina.
[SET]
name: Poison Heal
move 1: Core Enforcer
move 2: Shore Up
move 3: Will-O-Wisp / Spectral Thief / Defog / Spiky Shield
move 4: U-turn
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Core Enforcer is mandatory in order for Giratina to check Regigigas and prevent offensive threats from easily switching into it. It also prevents RegenVest and -ate users from freely taking advantage of it. A recovery move is still needed even with access to passive recovery from Poison Heal, as recovery from Poison Heal alone is not sufficient, and Shore Up significantly improves Giratina's longevity. The third moveslot can be flexible depending on what role Giratina should perform. Will-O-Wisp can be used to more reliably spread burns and weaken physical attackers but it can't burn Magic Bounce users. Scald cripples physical attackers similarly and punishes Imposter Chansey if it switches into Giratina and attempts to take advantage of its support moves. Scald's ability to burn Magic Bounce users helps Giratina outlast foes like Magic Bounce Mega Audino in the long run thanks to Scald's residual damage and Giratina's Poison Heal. Spectral Thief lets Giratina shut down setup sweepers and steal their boosts. Thanks to its immunity to sleep, Giratina can take on boosting Poison Heal users that use sleep-inducing moves such as Regigigas, Primal Kyogre, or even Xerneas. The move is also handy for hitting Mega Mewtwo formes and Aegislash super effectively. Poison Heal Giratina can also provide Defog support for its team thanks to its increased longevity. Spiky Shield, on the other hand, allows Giratina to safely activate Toxic Orb, gain an extra turn of recovery from Poison Heal that can sometimes turn 2HKOs into 3HKOs, check Shedinja lacking Protective Pads, and scout moves from Choice-item users. It can also slightly damage foes that attempt to pivot slowly and take momentum away from Giratina. Finally, U-turn allows Giratina to pivot and safely bring in a teammate. Spiky Shield can also slightly damage slower foes that attempt to pivot slowly and take momentum away from Giratina, and an extra turn of recovery can sometimes turn 2HKOs into 3HKOs. Giratina can also use Night Shade instead to consistently damage foes for sizeable damage, reducing its passivity slightly.
Set Details
========
A minimized Speed stat allows Giratina to pivot against other base 90 Speed Pokemon, allowing it to move last and let its teammates switch in unharmed, while Toxic Orb and Poison Heal allow Giratina to take advantage of poison status to gain passive recovery at the end of each turn so it can take on other Poison Heal users like Regigigas that tend to combat bulky Pokemon with sleep-inducing moves. Being slower than other potential Core Enforcer users also helps Giratina avoid its Poison Heal from being suppressed. A Relaxed nature lets Giratina easily absorb Knock Off especially after Toxic Orb has been removed, while a Sassy nature can be used to always survive +2 Fleur Cannon from Primal Groudon at full health while still avoiding 2HKOs from various physical attackers thanks to recovery from Poison Heal.
Usage Tips
========
Unlike other sets, Poison Heal Giratina has an easier time switching into various threats thanks to passive recovery from Poison Heal. In order to utilize this, Giratina must activate its Toxic Orb by any means necessary. For example, it can be safely brought in by teammates' slow pivoting moves or it can use Spiky Shield to guard itself from status moves and Knock Off; this can be risky, however, as a foe can set up or set entry hazards while Giratina protects itself. Core Enforcer is the most commonly used move, but do not use it mindlessly, as Giratina tends to draw in Fairy-types, and losing momentum against them isn't ideal. While Giratina is a great Knock Off absorber with Poison Heal, ensure that its Toxic Orb is removed by weaker attackers, as Knock Off from Pokemon like Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar, especially if boosted, can potentially KO Giratina. Be cautious against Pokemon with Core Enforcer, Pokemon with Entrainment like Mega Gengar, Magic Bounce users, and other bulky foes like Primal Kyogre as they can remove Poison Heal from Giratina and thus force it out.
Team Options
========
Similarly to other Giratina sets, Poison Heal Giratina appreciates Steel-type partners that can switch into -ate users and Fairy-, Dragon-, and Ice-type attacks. Bulky Pokemon like Assault Vest users, passive foes with Safety Goggles, and Fur Coat Chansey appreciate Giratina's ability to consistently switch into status moves and weak Knock Offs. Specially defensive partners like Primal Kyogre and Chansey also appreciate the burn that Giratina induces so that they have room to breathe against physical attackers. Poison Heal Giratina in general has passive recovery to heal it from chip damage and immunity to other status, making it a great counter to Sturdy Shedinja and a great fit in many balanced and defensive teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Giratina can use Mold Breaker in tandem with Pursuit to trap Sturdy Shedinja and bypass Magic Bounce users. Mold Breaker sets can also more reliably run various entry hazards like Spikes or Toxic Spikes against Magic Bounce users, which Giratina can't do much against otherwise. Misty Surge is another viable choice of ability that prevents status ailments and can be handy in defensive teams. With Misty Terrain support, Giratina and its teammates can choose to hold other items like Leftovers instead of Safety Goggles and hinder opposing Poison Heal users' longevity by preventing Toxic Orb and therefore Poison Heal from getting activated. Prankster and Unaware allow Giratina to better handle setup sweepers, but there are better Prankster users to consider, and Giratina's weakness to Moongeist Beam makes Unaware somewhat of a questionable option. Purify might be an interesting option, but Giratina's horrendous matchup against Poison Heal users apart from Regigigas leaves other walls like Primal Kyogre a better user of it. Knock Off rids other walls of their items, most notably Eviolite from Chansey, but Dark-types such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Tyranitar, and Yveltal are better users. Dragon Tail can be used to phaze setup sweepers and rack up damage on foes. Wish allows Giratina to transfer a massive amount of heal to one of its teammates thanks to its great HP stat. Assault Vest and Regenerator can surprise some mixed setup sweepers such as Mega Mewtwo X and Primal Groudon, but this forgoes Giratina's ability to reliably handle Regigigas, and increase in bulk from Assault Vest doesn't help Giratina's matchup against -ate users in any significant way.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Pixilate and Refrigerate Users**: Mega Diancie, Kyurem-B, and Kyurem-W are the greatest threats to Giratina. All of them can heavily dent or KO Giratina with their super effective Boomburst. Mega Diancie in particular can easily switch into Core Enforcer, but Kyurem-B and Kyurem-W must face Giratina with caution.
**Fairy-types**: Mega Audino, especially the Magic Bounce variant, completely shuts Giratina down and leaves it with almost nothing to do, and its immunity to Core Enforcer and Spectral Thief leaves Giratina with no way to ever do meaningfully damage it. Poison Heal Xerneas can easily set up on Giratina without much fear.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar not only hits Giratina super effectively with Spooky Plate-boosted Judgment but can also use Entrainment with Normalize to neutralize Giratina's attacks and freely set up on it. It is important to note, however, that Mega Gengar cannot OHKO Giratina from full HP, and therefore it might be harshly punished if it mindlessly sets up and fails to anticipate Spectral Thief. Normalize sets also have to use Entrainment with caution if Giratina has Magic Bounce.
**Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y**: Although they do not appreciate switching into Spectral Thief or U-turn, both Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y can overwhelm Giratina with sheer power. Mega Mewtwo X can use Choice Band-boosted Ice Hammer or Photon Geyser in tandem with Adaptability to easily 2HKO Giratina. Meanwhile, Sheer Force Mega Mewtwo Y sets can 2HKO Giratina with appropriate moves, Contrary Mega Mewtwo Y sets can 2HKO Giratina on the switch factoring in an increase in Special Attack, and plain Choice Specs Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO Giratina with Photon Geyser after Stealth Rock damage without factoring in any boosting ability.
**Dragon-types**: Although none of them appreciates switching into Core Enforcer, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Garchomp, and Zekrom can hit Giratina super effectively with their STAB Dragon-type attacks. Mega Rayquaza in particular is capable of OHKOing Giratina without relying on boosts or prior damage, depending on the moveset. Zygarde-C, while it lacks enough offensive presence to pose a serious threat to Giratina, is slower than Giratina and can suppress Giratina's ability with Core Enforcer and pivot slower.
**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers like Mega Mewtwo X, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Shell Smash Primal Groudon can OHKO Giratina with their sheer power after gaining boosts. Contrary users progressively gain boosts as well, and common users of Contrary such as Mega Rayquaza and Mega Mewtwo Y can OHKO Giratina at +2 as well.
**Slower Walls**: Although they can't do much back to Giratina, slower walls such as Registeel, Fur Coat Chansey, and other walls can pivot slower than Giratina does and take away its momentum. None of them appreciates burn from Scald or toxic status from Poison Fang in the long run, however.
**Super Effective Moves**: With an exception of Poison Heal variants, Giratina will sustain considerable amount of damage from common moves like Core Enforcer, Spectral Thief, and Knock Off. Giratina's weakness to Moongeist Beam also limits its ability to check setup sweepers as well.
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