QC Checks: Dice / Nayrz / Fireburn
GP Checks: talkingtree
Pugnare Cum Fatales
[OVERVIEW]
* Xerneas is the most powerful and versatile Fairy-type around, able to fit on a large number of teams, mainly Hyper Offense and Bulky Offense builds.
* Geomancy Xerneas shapes the metagame around it, being one of the most dangerous and most prepared for sets in the tier.
* Fairy-typing is strong defensively: only being weak to Steel- and Poison-type moves, which aren't the best attacking types around. It is a Also solid offensively due to effectiveness over Dark- and Dragon-types and the fact that nothing is immune.
* Stats aren't impressive in a single aspect, but 131 Special Attack with Fairy Aura is strong, Xerneas' bulk is solid which eases setup and makes it more difficult to revenge, and 99 Speed is as fast as it needs to be.
* Xerneas has a new tool with Z-Geomancy and Pokemon that resist Dark are as important as ever.
* The Thunder Wave nerf makes Xerneas more difficult to check, as does the reduced viability of Klefki due to new Prankster mechanics.
* Xerneas has a variety of coverage and support options, but lacks instant recovery.
* New Pokemon like Magearna and Solgaleo check Xerneas well.
* Xerneas is afflicted by all entry hazards and nonvolatile status, somewhat limiting defensive synergy.
* The most common Pokemon in the tier resists Moonblast, and Xerneas is somewhat threatened by Mega Gengar.
[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Hidden Power Rock
move 4: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ground / Aromatherapy
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 240 HP / 184 SpA / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Geomancy turns Xerneas into a fast, powerful, and bulky special sweeper.
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Thunder hits foes that resist Fairy-type moves such as Ho-Oh, Celesteela, Toxapex, and also hits the specially bulky Lugia and Primal Kyogre.
* Hidden Power Rock is exclusively for Ho-Oh, but does so more consistently and with higher damage output than Thunder.
* Focus Blast hits Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and most Steel-types such as Solgaleo, Magearna, and Bronzong for solid damage.
* Hidden Power Ground is a consistent move that hits Primal Groudon and a variety of Steel-types such as Solgaleo, Magearna, Aegislash, and Jirachi.
* Aromatherapy removes status from Xerneas and supports its teammates.
Set Details
========
* 240 HP EVs mean that Xerneas avoids the 2HKO from Life Orb Yveltal Oblivion Wing, and also provides enough bulk to survive a +2 Life Orb Extreme Killer Arceus Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock.
* An investment of 84 Speed EVs ensures that Xerneas outspeeds up to +1 Adamant Mega Salamence when boosted.
* The remaining EVs are used to maximize Special Attack so that Xerneas can OHKO its primary targets when unboosted and reduce the amount of chip damage its checks require before being circumvented.
* Maximum Special Attack investment is an option to increase the probability to OHKO support Arceus and requires less chip on Xerneas checks.
* A Power Herb is used so that Geomancy does not have a charge turn.
Usage Tips
========
* Be aware that Xerneas can effectively only set up once due to the consumption of Power Herb, making when to setup perhaps the most important choice when using this set.
* It's usually not a good idea to set up when the opponent has a strong or healthy stop to Xerneas—this results in the loss of a Pokemon for little gain.
* Setup can be used to get damage on a particularly annoying Pokemon even if Xerneas can't break through, forcing the trade on Klefki and getting damage on damage Primal Groudon, among other situations.
* Be aware of offensive checks which Xerneas cannot blow past: damage on setup turn + priority users. In these cases you need to be familiar with how much damage Xerneas takes from various priority moves to know how much it can afford to take on setup.
* Most Xerneas checks lack recovery, so capitalize on this by chip damaging them or stacking up residual damage so that Xerneas can break through them later.
* This set can switch into Yveltal, but be aware that Life Orb and Choice Specs Oblivion Wing deal significant damage.
* Geomancy Xerneas is a selfish Pokemon—it doesn't want to really switch into things because it's most potent when at full health.
* Xerneas is good at forcing switches against defensive teams, capitalize on this by double switching into other offensive partners that can open things up.
* Be aware of matchups where Geomancy Xerneas won't really have a good opportunity to sweep, in these cases use it more as a team player to switch into attacks, force out Pokemon, and pivot into its teammates.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types (common Xerneas checks), setting Stealth Rock, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar is able to remove or trade against most Xerneas checks.
* Swords Dance Arceus formes have the most synergy with this set as far as an Arceus forme goes.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Deoxys-A appreciates the support against Dark-types and can wear down several common Geomancy Xerneas checks.
* Giratina-O covers Primal Groudon and is the best partner to offer Defog support.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, is one of the better ways for an offense team to get a Ghost-type resistance, and is also helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, and Deoxys-S wear down Xerneas checks, which is especially helpful against Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Lunala.
* Dugtrio can remove Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon, Magearna, Klefki, and Solgaleo.
* Wobbuffet can provide a clean setup opportunity for Xerneas thanks to Shadow Tag and Encore.
[SET]
name: Z-Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Ingrain
move 3: Rest
move 4: Moonblast
item: Fairium Z
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Z-Geomancy allows Xerneas to boost its Defense and also boost to +3 in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed after its second turn of use, making it difficult for foes, especially those found on passive teams, to KO Xerneas.
* Ingrain prevent s Xerneas from being phased by Roar or Whirlwind when locked into Z-Geomancy and also functions as recovery, making Xerneas harder to 3HKO.
* Rest removes harmful status (mainly to avoid being beat by Toxic) and bypasses Pokemon that can't 3HKO Xerneas.
* Moonblast has maximum damage output against neutral targets, as it is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it OHKOes pretty much anything at +6, functioning well as the sole attack for this set.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Defense and HP allow Xerneas to sponge attacks from Primal Groudon and Steel-types. With this, Xerneas avoids the 3HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh.
* Fairium Z allows Xerneas to use Z-Geomancy.
Usage Tips
========
* Like with other Geomancy sets, the most important choice is when to set up, do not do so if the opponent has something that can KO Xerneas before it has completed Z-Geomancy or if they have something that can tank Xerneas' attacks and 3HKO it when boosted.
* If the opponent has a Pokemon with Roar or Whirlwind, Ingrain needs to be set first so that they cannot phaze Xerneas while locked in to Z-Geomancy.
* Do not pursue setup wars where you have the disadvantage, especially since Rest kills turns, as does charging for subsequent boosts from Geomancy.
* This set dominates passive teams, those that rely on things like Toxic and residual damage to slowly check Xerneas. Against these, focus on keeping Xerneas healthy and getting a clean setup with Ingrain and Z-Geomancy.
Team Options
========
* Pokemon that can help cover the Hyper Offense matchup such as Choice Scarf users and Phermosa are useful teammates.
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types (common Xern checks), setting Stealth Rock, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar can be used to remove or trade against Pokemon that are able to 3HKO Xerneas after Z-Geomancy or eliminate those that are able to Encore or swap against it.
* Swords Dance Arceus formes have the most synergy with this set as far as an Arceus forme goes.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Deoxys-A appreciates the support against Dark-types and can wear down several common Geomancy Xerneas checks.
* Giratina-O covers Primal Groudon and is the best partner to offer Defog support.
* Yveltal appreciates that Xerneas beats most threats that resist Dark , is one of the better ways for an offense team to get a Ghost-type resistance, and wears down or outright beats a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, Deoxys-S wear down Xerneas checks, which is especially helpful against Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Lunala.
* Dugtrio can remove Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon, Magearna, Klefki, and Solgaleo.
* Wobbuffet can provide a clean setup opportunity for Xerneas thanks to Shadow Tag and Encore.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Grass Knot / Thunder
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
move 4: Psyshock / Aromatherapy
item: Choice Specs
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Grass Knot deals more damage to Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Arceus-Water, -Rock, and -Ground while doing so consistently.
* Thunder is an alternative that hits Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Primal Kyogre.
* Hidden Power Fire smacks around defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Klefki, Mega Scizor, Magearna, Solgaleo, and Aegislash while doing so with accuracy.
* Focus Blast combines general Steel-type coverage with the ability to hit Primal Groudon.
* Psyshock breaks through Blissey, Ho-Oh, and the odd Poison-type.
* Aromatherapy can be used to clear status from Xerneas and its teammates.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Special Attack with a Modest nature allows Xerneas to 3HKO max Special Defense Primal Groudon and 2HKO both Ho-Oh and Lugia after SR.
* 252 Speed EVs are used to help elevate Xerneas out of a crowded Speed tier.
* Timid can be used to ensure that Xerneas is faster than Lunala and at worst ties with Yveltal.
* Choice Specs give Xerneas maximum immediate power without the need to set up such that it can come in and deal high damage more than once per game.
Usage Tips
========
* Moonblast is almost always what you should be clicking, since it has the highest general damage output and allows the fewest setup opportunities for opposing threats.
* All other coverage moves should be used to break down defensive responses to Xerneas, as many of these cannot withstand continuous thrashings.
* Make sure you do not lock Xerneas into a move that the opponent can easily punish.
* Aromatherapy is best used when forcing a switch or as a last-ditch effort when Xerneas is no longer useful for much else.
* Focus on getting entry hazards up, especially Stealth Rock since this makes it difficult for teams to switch into Choice Specs Xerneas.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line and meet KO benchmarks.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Dialga, Tyranitar, or Excadrill can be used to similar effect.
* Mega Gengar is great for removing defensive Pokemon that are strong checks to Choice Specs Xerneas.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats down Dark-resistant foes and is good for beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* A Ho-Oh check such as Arceus-Water, Arceus-Rock, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C should be used with this set.
* Primal Kyogre synergizes well due to this set's ability to wear down Primal Groudon and functions well against Steel-types.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Aromatherapy
move 4: Thunder / Grass Knot
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Focus Blast hits most foes that Moonblast does not, such as Primal Groudon and defensive Steel-types.
* Aromatherapy provides emergency cleric support for teammates.
* Thunder hits Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Primal Kyogre.
* Grass Knot hits Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Grass-weak Arceus formes consistently.
* Sleep Talk can be used so that Xerneas can be sent into Hypnosis users confidently.
Set Details
========
* 252 Special Attack with a Modest nature maximizes damage output.
* 252 Speed with a Choice Scarf places Xerneas above Phermosa, Modest Choice Scarf Lunala, and most threats in Ubers.
* Maximum Speed can be used to ensure that Choice Scarf Lunala is slower and that Xerneas at worst Speed ties with Choice Scarf Yveltal.
Usage Tips
========
* Capitalize on the ability to bluff a Geomancy set, allowing a free KO on a Pokemon that the opponent assumed was faster or by forcing out a Pokemon that needs to retreat to a check when Xerneas would set up.
* Be careful about being locked into coverage moves, especially those that allow the opponent setup opportunities or free switches to revenge killers.
* Use Aromatherapy when forcing switches or before being KOed.
* This set has a strong matchup against a variety of Hyper Offensive builds, so take advantage of this.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh, and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line and meet KO benchmarks.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Dialga, Tyranitar, or Excadrill can also be used.
* Mega Gengar is great for removing defensive Pokemon that are strong checks to Choice Specs Xerneas.
* Yveltal appreciates Xerneas's strong matchup against most Pokemon that resist Dark and is good for beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Ho-Oh checks such as Arceus-Water, Arceus-Rock, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C are needed with this set.
* Giratina-O is one of the better options for a Defogger, which helps cover weaknesses to Primal Groudon and Swords Dance Arceus.
* Stallbreakers are needed, as this set's worst matchup is against defensive teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* A Life Orb, Expert Belt, or Pixie Plate can be used with an All-out Attacker set and can bluff more common Xerneas sets, but are generally inferior to the high Special Attack or Speed boost provided by Choice sets.
* A set of Sleep Talk, Moonblast, and Geomancy for Choice sets works as an effective absorber of sleep.
* A Calm Mind set with Rest, Sleep Talk, and a defensive EV spread isn't single use and has more flexibility, but is largely outclassed by Z-Geomancy.
* A defensive set offers a bulky Fairy-type with support utility, but suffers from being too passive.
* Substitute on the Geomancy set helps bypass several esoteric Xerneas checks.
* Hidden Power Fire on the Geomancy set OHKOes Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor while combining Steel-type coverage, but is generally inferior to Hidden Power Ground.
* Psyshock on the Geomancy set breaks past Poison-types and Blissey.
* Rock Slide on the Choice Scarf set hits Ho-Oh.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon resists Moonblast, is always EVed to check boosted Xerneas, and can phaze Xerneas out with Roar, affect it with status, or smack Xerneas with Precipice Blades.
**Magearna**: Magearna tanks even any boosted Xerneas attack well, and removes said boosts with Heart Swap.
**Defensive Steel-types**: Solgaleo, Klefki, Mega Scizor, Aegislash, Jirachi, and Bronzong can survive boosted attacks from Xerneas. They can inflict Xerneas with status and / or hit it hard with STAB Steel-type moves. Celesteela is defeated by Thunder and Ferrothorn is defeated by Focus Blast, but otherwise can do the same.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh tanks Moonblast rather well and can hit Xerneas with strong physical attacks, inflict status, or phaze it with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh is incredibly vulnerable to Stealth Rock and is typically OHKOed by Hidden Power Rock.
**Lugia**: Lugia checks Xerneas via Multiscale and Whirlwind, but is KOed by a boosted Thunder after Stealth Rock.
**Blissey and Chansey**: Both Blissey and Chansey can stall most Xerneas sets with Toxic and powerful special bulk.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex survives any boosted Xerneas attack with a Wacan Berry, checking most Xerneas sets with Haze and Toxic.
**Priority**: Priority attacks are typically employed by offense teams and used to revenge kill a boosted Xerneas. Users include EKiller, Mega Lucario, Deoxys-A, and Rayquaza.
**Excadrill**: Sand Rush Excadrill outspeeds boosted Xerneas and hits it hard with Iron Head.
**Arceus-Poison and -Steel**: These Arceus formes have a Fairy-type resistance and are bulky enough to check most boosted Xerneas sets, but Arceus-Steel is KOed by +2 Focus Blast.
**Whimsicott and Wobbuffet**: Whimsicott and Wobbuffet can Encore Xerneas into Geomancy, Ingrain, or Rest, giving a teammate enough time to check it.
GP Checks: talkingtree
Pugnare Cum Fatales
[OVERVIEW]
* Xerneas is the most powerful and versatile Fairy-type around, able to fit on a large number of teams, mainly Hyper Offense and Bulky Offense builds.
* Geomancy Xerneas shapes the metagame around it, being one of the most dangerous and most prepared for sets in the tier.
* Fairy-typing is strong defensively: only being weak to Steel- and Poison-type moves, which aren't the best attacking types around. It is a Also solid offensively due to effectiveness over Dark- and Dragon-types and the fact that nothing is immune.
* Stats aren't impressive in a single aspect, but 131 Special Attack with Fairy Aura is strong, Xerneas' bulk is solid which eases setup and makes it more difficult to revenge, and 99 Speed is as fast as it needs to be.
* Xerneas has a new tool with Z-Geomancy and Pokemon that resist Dark are as important as ever.
* The Thunder Wave nerf makes Xerneas more difficult to check, as does the reduced viability of Klefki due to new Prankster mechanics.
* Xerneas has a variety of coverage and support options, but lacks instant recovery.
* New Pokemon like Magearna and Solgaleo check Xerneas well.
* Xerneas is afflicted by all entry hazards and nonvolatile status, somewhat limiting defensive synergy.
* The most common Pokemon in the tier resists Moonblast, and Xerneas is somewhat threatened by Mega Gengar.
[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Hidden Power Rock
move 4: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ground / Aromatherapy
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 240 HP / 184 SpA / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Geomancy turns Xerneas into a fast, powerful, and bulky special sweeper.
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Thunder hits foes that resist Fairy-type moves such as Ho-Oh, Celesteela, Toxapex, and also hits the specially bulky Lugia and Primal Kyogre.
* Hidden Power Rock is exclusively for Ho-Oh, but does so more consistently and with higher damage output than Thunder.
* Focus Blast hits Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and most Steel-types such as Solgaleo, Magearna, and Bronzong for solid damage.
* Hidden Power Ground is a consistent move that hits Primal Groudon and a variety of Steel-types such as Solgaleo, Magearna, Aegislash, and Jirachi.
* Aromatherapy removes status from Xerneas and supports its teammates.
Set Details
========
* 240 HP EVs mean that Xerneas avoids the 2HKO from Life Orb Yveltal Oblivion Wing, and also provides enough bulk to survive a +2 Life Orb Extreme Killer Arceus Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock.
* An investment of 84 Speed EVs ensures that Xerneas outspeeds up to +1 Adamant Mega Salamence when boosted.
* The remaining EVs are used to maximize Special Attack so that Xerneas can OHKO its primary targets when unboosted and reduce the amount of chip damage its checks require before being circumvented.
* Maximum Special Attack investment is an option to increase the probability to OHKO support Arceus and requires less chip on Xerneas checks.
* A Power Herb is used so that Geomancy does not have a charge turn.
Usage Tips
========
* Be aware that Xerneas can effectively only set up once due to the consumption of Power Herb, making when to setup perhaps the most important choice when using this set.
* It's usually not a good idea to set up when the opponent has a strong or healthy stop to Xerneas—this results in the loss of a Pokemon for little gain.
* Setup can be used to get damage on a particularly annoying Pokemon even if Xerneas can't break through, forcing the trade on Klefki and getting damage on damage Primal Groudon, among other situations.
* Be aware of offensive checks which Xerneas cannot blow past: damage on setup turn + priority users. In these cases you need to be familiar with how much damage Xerneas takes from various priority moves to know how much it can afford to take on setup.
* Most Xerneas checks lack recovery, so capitalize on this by chip damaging them or stacking up residual damage so that Xerneas can break through them later.
* This set can switch into Yveltal, but be aware that Life Orb and Choice Specs Oblivion Wing deal significant damage.
* Geomancy Xerneas is a selfish Pokemon—it doesn't want to really switch into things because it's most potent when at full health.
* Xerneas is good at forcing switches against defensive teams, capitalize on this by double switching into other offensive partners that can open things up.
* Be aware of matchups where Geomancy Xerneas won't really have a good opportunity to sweep, in these cases use it more as a team player to switch into attacks, force out Pokemon, and pivot into its teammates.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types (common Xerneas checks), setting Stealth Rock, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar is able to remove or trade against most Xerneas checks.
* Swords Dance Arceus formes have the most synergy with this set as far as an Arceus forme goes.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Deoxys-A appreciates the support against Dark-types and can wear down several common Geomancy Xerneas checks.
* Giratina-O covers Primal Groudon and is the best partner to offer Defog support.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, is one of the better ways for an offense team to get a Ghost-type resistance, and is also helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, and Deoxys-S wear down Xerneas checks, which is especially helpful against Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Lunala.
* Dugtrio can remove Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon, Magearna, Klefki, and Solgaleo.
* Wobbuffet can provide a clean setup opportunity for Xerneas thanks to Shadow Tag and Encore.
[SET]
name: Z-Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Ingrain
move 3: Rest
move 4: Moonblast
item: Fairium Z
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Z-Geomancy allows Xerneas to boost its Defense and also boost to +3 in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed after its second turn of use, making it difficult for foes, especially those found on passive teams, to KO Xerneas.
* Ingrain prevent s Xerneas from being phased by Roar or Whirlwind when locked into Z-Geomancy and also functions as recovery, making Xerneas harder to 3HKO.
* Rest removes harmful status (mainly to avoid being beat by Toxic) and bypasses Pokemon that can't 3HKO Xerneas.
* Moonblast has maximum damage output against neutral targets, as it is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it OHKOes pretty much anything at +6, functioning well as the sole attack for this set.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Defense and HP allow Xerneas to sponge attacks from Primal Groudon and Steel-types. With this, Xerneas avoids the 3HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh.
* Fairium Z allows Xerneas to use Z-Geomancy.
Usage Tips
========
* Like with other Geomancy sets, the most important choice is when to set up, do not do so if the opponent has something that can KO Xerneas before it has completed Z-Geomancy or if they have something that can tank Xerneas' attacks and 3HKO it when boosted.
* If the opponent has a Pokemon with Roar or Whirlwind, Ingrain needs to be set first so that they cannot phaze Xerneas while locked in to Z-Geomancy.
* Do not pursue setup wars where you have the disadvantage, especially since Rest kills turns, as does charging for subsequent boosts from Geomancy.
* This set dominates passive teams, those that rely on things like Toxic and residual damage to slowly check Xerneas. Against these, focus on keeping Xerneas healthy and getting a clean setup with Ingrain and Z-Geomancy.
Team Options
========
* Pokemon that can help cover the Hyper Offense matchup such as Choice Scarf users and Phermosa are useful teammates.
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types (common Xern checks), setting Stealth Rock, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar can be used to remove or trade against Pokemon that are able to 3HKO Xerneas after Z-Geomancy or eliminate those that are able to Encore or swap against it.
* Swords Dance Arceus formes have the most synergy with this set as far as an Arceus forme goes.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Deoxys-A appreciates the support against Dark-types and can wear down several common Geomancy Xerneas checks.
* Giratina-O covers Primal Groudon and is the best partner to offer Defog support.
* Yveltal appreciates that Xerneas beats most threats that resist Dark , is one of the better ways for an offense team to get a Ghost-type resistance, and wears down or outright beats a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, Deoxys-S wear down Xerneas checks, which is especially helpful against Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Lunala.
* Dugtrio can remove Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon, Magearna, Klefki, and Solgaleo.
* Wobbuffet can provide a clean setup opportunity for Xerneas thanks to Shadow Tag and Encore.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Grass Knot / Thunder
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
move 4: Psyshock / Aromatherapy
item: Choice Specs
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Grass Knot deals more damage to Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, and Arceus-Water, -Rock, and -Ground while doing so consistently.
* Thunder is an alternative that hits Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Primal Kyogre.
* Hidden Power Fire smacks around defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Klefki, Mega Scizor, Magearna, Solgaleo, and Aegislash while doing so with accuracy.
* Focus Blast combines general Steel-type coverage with the ability to hit Primal Groudon.
* Psyshock breaks through Blissey, Ho-Oh, and the odd Poison-type.
* Aromatherapy can be used to clear status from Xerneas and its teammates.
Set Details
========
* Maximum Special Attack with a Modest nature allows Xerneas to 3HKO max Special Defense Primal Groudon and 2HKO both Ho-Oh and Lugia after SR.
* 252 Speed EVs are used to help elevate Xerneas out of a crowded Speed tier.
* Timid can be used to ensure that Xerneas is faster than Lunala and at worst ties with Yveltal.
* Choice Specs give Xerneas maximum immediate power without the need to set up such that it can come in and deal high damage more than once per game.
Usage Tips
========
* Moonblast is almost always what you should be clicking, since it has the highest general damage output and allows the fewest setup opportunities for opposing threats.
* All other coverage moves should be used to break down defensive responses to Xerneas, as many of these cannot withstand continuous thrashings.
* Make sure you do not lock Xerneas into a move that the opponent can easily punish.
* Aromatherapy is best used when forcing a switch or as a last-ditch effort when Xerneas is no longer useful for much else.
* Focus on getting entry hazards up, especially Stealth Rock since this makes it difficult for teams to switch into Choice Specs Xerneas.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line and meet KO benchmarks.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Dialga, Tyranitar, or Excadrill can be used to similar effect.
* Mega Gengar is great for removing defensive Pokemon that are strong checks to Choice Specs Xerneas.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats down Dark-resistant foes and is good for beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* A Ho-Oh check such as Arceus-Water, Arceus-Rock, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C should be used with this set.
* Primal Kyogre synergizes well due to this set's ability to wear down Primal Groudon and functions well against Steel-types.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Aromatherapy
move 4: Thunder / Grass Knot
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Focus Blast hits most foes that Moonblast does not, such as Primal Groudon and defensive Steel-types.
* Aromatherapy provides emergency cleric support for teammates.
* Thunder hits Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Primal Kyogre.
* Grass Knot hits Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Grass-weak Arceus formes consistently.
* Sleep Talk can be used so that Xerneas can be sent into Hypnosis users confidently.
Set Details
========
* 252 Special Attack with a Modest nature maximizes damage output.
* 252 Speed with a Choice Scarf places Xerneas above Phermosa, Modest Choice Scarf Lunala, and most threats in Ubers.
* Maximum Speed can be used to ensure that Choice Scarf Lunala is slower and that Xerneas at worst Speed ties with Choice Scarf Yveltal.
Usage Tips
========
* Capitalize on the ability to bluff a Geomancy set, allowing a free KO on a Pokemon that the opponent assumed was faster or by forcing out a Pokemon that needs to retreat to a check when Xerneas would set up.
* Be careful about being locked into coverage moves, especially those that allow the opponent setup opportunities or free switches to revenge killers.
* Use Aromatherapy when forcing switches or before being KOed.
* This set has a strong matchup against a variety of Hyper Offensive builds, so take advantage of this.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh, and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line and meet KO benchmarks.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Dialga, Tyranitar, or Excadrill can also be used.
* Mega Gengar is great for removing defensive Pokemon that are strong checks to Choice Specs Xerneas.
* Yveltal appreciates Xerneas's strong matchup against most Pokemon that resist Dark and is good for beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Ho-Oh checks such as Arceus-Water, Arceus-Rock, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C are needed with this set.
* Giratina-O is one of the better options for a Defogger, which helps cover weaknesses to Primal Groudon and Swords Dance Arceus.
* Stallbreakers are needed, as this set's worst matchup is against defensive teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* A Life Orb, Expert Belt, or Pixie Plate can be used with an All-out Attacker set and can bluff more common Xerneas sets, but are generally inferior to the high Special Attack or Speed boost provided by Choice sets.
* A set of Sleep Talk, Moonblast, and Geomancy for Choice sets works as an effective absorber of sleep.
* A Calm Mind set with Rest, Sleep Talk, and a defensive EV spread isn't single use and has more flexibility, but is largely outclassed by Z-Geomancy.
* A defensive set offers a bulky Fairy-type with support utility, but suffers from being too passive.
* Substitute on the Geomancy set helps bypass several esoteric Xerneas checks.
* Hidden Power Fire on the Geomancy set OHKOes Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor while combining Steel-type coverage, but is generally inferior to Hidden Power Ground.
* Psyshock on the Geomancy set breaks past Poison-types and Blissey.
* Rock Slide on the Choice Scarf set hits Ho-Oh.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon resists Moonblast, is always EVed to check boosted Xerneas, and can phaze Xerneas out with Roar, affect it with status, or smack Xerneas with Precipice Blades.
**Magearna**: Magearna tanks even any boosted Xerneas attack well, and removes said boosts with Heart Swap.
**Defensive Steel-types**: Solgaleo, Klefki, Mega Scizor, Aegislash, Jirachi, and Bronzong can survive boosted attacks from Xerneas. They can inflict Xerneas with status and / or hit it hard with STAB Steel-type moves. Celesteela is defeated by Thunder and Ferrothorn is defeated by Focus Blast, but otherwise can do the same.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh tanks Moonblast rather well and can hit Xerneas with strong physical attacks, inflict status, or phaze it with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh is incredibly vulnerable to Stealth Rock and is typically OHKOed by Hidden Power Rock.
**Lugia**: Lugia checks Xerneas via Multiscale and Whirlwind, but is KOed by a boosted Thunder after Stealth Rock.
**Blissey and Chansey**: Both Blissey and Chansey can stall most Xerneas sets with Toxic and powerful special bulk.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex survives any boosted Xerneas attack with a Wacan Berry, checking most Xerneas sets with Haze and Toxic.
**Priority**: Priority attacks are typically employed by offense teams and used to revenge kill a boosted Xerneas. Users include EKiller, Mega Lucario, Deoxys-A, and Rayquaza.
**Excadrill**: Sand Rush Excadrill outspeeds boosted Xerneas and hits it hard with Iron Head.
**Arceus-Poison and -Steel**: These Arceus formes have a Fairy-type resistance and are bulky enough to check most boosted Xerneas sets, but Arceus-Steel is KOed by +2 Focus Blast.
**Whimsicott and Wobbuffet**: Whimsicott and Wobbuffet can Encore Xerneas into Geomancy, Ingrain, or Rest, giving a teammate enough time to check it.
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