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Very nicely done, i1338!
GP 1/2
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Overview
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Giratina-O's immense base 150 HP and decent base 100 defenses, coupled with its six resistances and three immunities, grant it ample opportunity to switch in and wreak havoc with its deceptively powerful Griseous Orb-boosted STAB moves. Due to its neutrality to Stealth Rock and immunity to all other entry hazards courtesy of Levitate, Giratina-O has no trouble assuming the role of a reliable Defog user for its team. Moreover, it boasts the ability to defeat nearly every common Taunt user in Ubers one-on-one, and it cannot be trapped by the ubiquitous Mega Gengar. Finally, its ability to check many of the dangerous physically-based boosting sweepers within the Ubers metagame, as well as its access to invaluable utility moves including Shadow Sneak, Dragon Tail, and Will-O-Wisp, should not be understated.
However, Giratina-O is not without its flaws. While its Ghost-type STAB is now much more potent offensively as Steel-types no longer resist it, the introduction of the Fairy-type and the buff to Dark-type moves make Giratina-O more vulnerable to super effective hits than ever. Additionally, Giratina-O's average Speed allows opposing Pokemon with a super effective STAB move to easily force it out, and its lack of reliable recovery outside of Rest requires it to compete with support Arceus for a team slot as a Defog user. Lastly, its formerly coveted ability to spinblock is considerably less important than in previous generations, and its mandatory item limits its versatility. Despite these shortcomings, Giratina-O remains a phenomenal and unique Pokemon that is sure to leave an impact on the XY metagame. If you are in need of a dependable Defog user, a bulky attacker that can switch in easily, an overall utility Pokemon, or any combination of the three, look no further than Giratina-O.
Physical Defog
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name: Physical Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Shadow Sneak
move 3: Dragon Tail
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Earthquake / Stone Edge
ability: Levitate
item: Griseous Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 248 Def / 8 SpD
nature: Adamant
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Moves
========
Defog is the defining move of the set, removing all entry hazards from both the user's and the opponent's side of the field, as well as the odd Light Screen or Reflect from the opponent's side; Giratina-O is one of the best users of the move due to its ability to switch in easily, defeat common Taunt users, and bypass Shadow Tag. Shadow Sneak is a solid priority STAB move that is able to nail the numerous Psychic- and Ghost-types that litter the metagame for super effective damage, and is made even stronger by Griseous Orb. Dragon Tail completes Giratina-O's combo of utility STAB moves, dealing a fair amount of damage and allowing it to phaze anything that is not a Fairy-type or behind a Substitute. Will-O-Wisp is the optimal choice in the final slot, allowing Giratina-O to incapacitate physical attackers and add a source of consistent residual damage to its opponents. However, Earthquake can be used to hit Heatran and as a powerful coverage move in general, while Stone Edge can be used to hit Ho-Oh. Neither of these Pokemon have trouble with this set otherwise.
The last slot is very flexible, with a multitude of viable moves available for use over the ones listed. Thunder Wave and Toxic are alternative status options that can cripple fast and bulky switch-ins, respectively. Shadow Force is a much stronger STAB move that is notably able to hit through King's Shield, though its charge turn makes it easy to play around. Lastly, Magic Coat can be used to send Taunts, Toxics, or and other status moves back at their users.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment is used to ensure that Giratina-O's STAB moves hit as hard as possible, giving it a very strong priority attack and a hard-hitting phazing move boosting the power of its priority attack and phazing move. (the investment does not give Giratina those attacks; it simply boosts their power.) It also guarantees the 2HKO on 0/4 Mewtwo with Shadow Sneak. 248 Defense EVs are recommended as they guarantee Giratina-O will survive a +2 Life Orb Shadow Claw from 252+ Normal Arceus, even after Stealth Rock. These EVs also allow it to check other dangerous physical threats better more effectively, including Blaziken, Swords Dance Ground Arceus, and offensive Groudon.
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Usage Tips
========
Generally, Giratina-O should be switched in on something it can wall and/or predicted attacks it resists or is immune to, and use Defog if needed. Otherwise, it should fire off abuse its STAB moves, using Shadow Sneak to pick off weakened Pokemon or and against those that it hits super effectively. Dragon Tail should be used sparingly if your opponent has a Fairy-type waiting in the wings, but is otherwise your go-to attacking option. As Dragon Tail greatly benefits from having your own entry hazards up, it's often wise to avoid using Defog immediately, if at all. The move chosen for the fourth slot should be used as needed.
Due to its lack of reliable recovery, keeping Giratina-O healthy rather than continuously switching into Stealth Rock and using Defog is crucial if it is your only check to a specific Pokemon on your opponent's team. Similarly, if you require Giratina-O's Shadow Sneak to deal with threats such as Deoxys-A, make sure it is not mindlessly switched in and worn down.
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Team Options
========
Naturally, Pokemon that appreciate Defog support are obvious choices for potential teammates. Ho-Oh in particular stands out as an excellent teammate for Defog Giratina-O, having great defensive synergy with it; Ho-Oh can take the special Dark-, Ghost-, Dragon-, Ice-, and Fairy-type attacks and Will-O-Wisps aimed at Giratina-O, which in turn can sponge Water-, Electric-, and most Rock-type attacks. As previously mentioned, Stealth Rock support complements Dragon Tail nicely, making dedicated Stealth Rock users such as like Dialga and Groudon great teammates. Groudon can also wall many of the physically-based Dragon-types that force Giratina-O out, such as Zekrom and Garchomp. Pokemon that handle Fairy-types well also make good teammates. Steel Arceus, Scizor, Aegislash, Bronzong, Metagross, and Jirachi stand out, all of which also have a useful Dragon-type resistance and four of which can set up Stealth Rock. Poison Arceus works similarly against Fairies, especially if it has Roar for Geomancy Xerneas. Klefki can annoy Dark- and Fairy-types and provide Spikes support, while Tyranitar defeats Dark-types lacking a Fighting-type move and can set up Stealth Rock as well as Pursuit trap dangerous wallbreakers such as Choice-locked Kyurem-W. Heatran walls Ho-Oh without Earthquake, can beat most Steel-types, gets a Flash Fire Boost from Will-O-Wisp, is immune to Toxic, and can deal with Fairy-types that lack the appropriate coverage move.
Calm Mind and Swords Dance Arceus forms warrant a special mention. Due to the Defog support Giratina-O provides, they can switch in and boost without being plagued by entry hazards. More importantly, however, using Defog Giratina-O eliminates the need to run a support Arceus form with Defog. Calm Mind Fairy Arceus and Electric Arceus stand out in particular, as they are able to deal with many of Giratina-O's checks.
Mixed Attacker
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name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Shadow Sneak
move 3: Dragon Tail / Shadow Ball
move 4: Toxic / Defog
ability: Levitate
item: Griseous Orb
evs: 180 Atk / 252 SpA / 76 Spe
nature: Rash
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Moves
========
Draco Meteor hits very hard with maximum Special Attack investment and the boost from Griseous Orb, and is able to severely dent or OHKO many prevalent switch-ins to Giratina-O. To give an idea of Draco Meteor's power, Darkrai is OHKOed while defensive Yveltal is 2HKOed after Stealth Rock. Draco Meteor also strips off a huge chunk of health from common switch-ins expecting a physical set. For example, Gliscor is usually OHKOed by Draco Meteor unless it is running significant Special Defense investment. Shadow Sneak is unarguably the best move Giratina-O has access to on any set and is able to 2HKO most Pokemon weak to it, most notably Mega Mewtwo Y. Dragon Tail can be used to phaze boosting sweepers and rack up entry hazard damage in the process, while also dealing a solid amount of damage itself. However, Shadow Ball can be used in its place as a consistent and reliable STAB move that does not lower Giratina-O's Special Attack or nor leave it helpless against Fairy-types. It's also useful against Steel-types, which would otherwise wall this set.
Like the previous set, the last slot is extremely flexible. Toxic can put a timer on Ho-Oh and Fairy-type switch-ins, while Defog can be used to clear hazards and dual screens. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave are different status options that can be used to neuter physically-based and fast switch-ins, respectively. They're also useful against Pokemon that may might stay in and attempt to boost against Giratina-O. and Several damaging moves are usable as well. Earthquake is an option against Heatran and other Steel-types if Giratina-O is not running Shadow Ball. Stone Edge can be used to OHKO Ho-Oh. Finally, Thunder can be used if your team struggles versus Kyogre.
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Set Details
========
The purpose of running maximum Special Attack investment is fairly straightforward, as doing so allows Draco Meteor and Shadow Ball to hit as hard as possible and as well as guaranteesing the damage outputs mentioned above. 76 Speed EVs are used to outrun defensive Yveltal, while also making Giratina-O faster than uninvested Gliscor and Landorus-T. A minimum of 108 Attack EVs is required in order to guarantee the 2HKO on Mega Mewtwo Y with Shadow Sneak, and the remaining EVs are also placed in Attack to increase the power of Shadow Sneak and Dragon Tail.
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Usage Tips
========
Appropriate usage of Draco Meteor is what makes or breaks this set. If you predict that your opponent will switch in a Fairy-type, do not mindlessly throw it out; doing so will render Giratina-O complete set-up bait and/or force it to switch out. It is key to lure in other common switch-ins, however, and smack them with a Draco Meteor. The combination of Draco Meteor and Shadow Sneak is capable of dealing with even more threats than those already mentioned, including Mega Mewtwo X and offensive Dialga. By itself, Shadow Sneak is still incredibly handy, and should be used to pick off weakened foes and check Pokemon that are weak to it. Dragon Tail in conjunction with hazard support is extremely useful for weakening the opponent's team, as well as checking boosting sweepers; once again, if you need a healthy Giratina-O to check a Pokemon your opponent has, do not let it get worn down by constantly switching it in on resisted hits. If Shadow Ball is used instead, it is usually a much safer move to start with than Draco Meteor, since the only Normal-type in Ubers that has any business switching in on Giratina-O is Blissey. It should also be used in situations where Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop could otherwise be taken advantage of, namely against Substitute users. As with the previous set, use the move chosen for the fourth slot when necessary.
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Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support is practically mandatory when using this set, as it guarantees specific OHKOs and 2HKOs with Draco Meteor and Shadow Sneak. These include OHKOs on Gliscor and offensive Yveltal,(RC) and 2HKOs on Landorus-T and Ho-Oh. Stealth Rock support also aids Dragon Tail shuffling quite a bit. Thus, dedicated Stealth Rock users such as Groudon and Dialga make good teammates, with Groudon's physical walling capabilities again coming in handy against physically-based Dragon-types. Giratina-O can also remove the aforementioned Landorus-T and Gliscor,(RC) and even opposing Giratina-O, allowing offensive Groudon to sweep.
Ultimately, most of the teammates suggested for the previous set also pair well with this one. Steel-types such as Scizor, Klefki, Aegislash, Steel Arceus, Bronzong, Metagross, and Jirachi can keep opposing Fairy-types in check; the last four of these are also able to set up Stealth Rock, while Klefki can set up Spikes. Additionally, the listed Steel-types that are weak to Dark-type moves greatly benefit from the removal of Darkrai and Yveltal. Heatran is a particularly helpful Steel-type teammate, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic and having access to Stealth Rock. It can also deal with opposing Steel-types and Ho-Oh, provided Ho-Oh is not running Earthquake. Tyranitar easily defeats Dark-types that lack a Fighting-type move, while also being able to set up Stealth Rock and Pursuit trap wallbreakers that threaten Giratina-O. If Defog is used in the last slot, Pokemon that appreciate the support the move provides, such as Ho-Oh, make good teammates.
Other Options
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There are several worthwhile options not mentioned that Giratina-O can opt for. Roar can be used over Dragon Tail or in the last slot on either set for its ability to hit Geomancy Xerneas, an extremely common switch-in, and ideally make it waste its Power Herb. Roar is also useful for its perfect accuracy and ability to hit through Substitute. Iron Tail can be used to hit Fairy-types hard, but its accuracy is a major turn-off. Likewise, Iron Head can be used, but is rather weak. Rest is Giratina-O's only form of reliable recovery and is usable with cleric support or Sleep Talk. Aura Sphere hits Tyranitar, but is not useful for much else, and Tyranitar dislikes status anyway. A purely special set involving some combination of Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse, Shadow Ball, Calm Mind, Aura Sphere, Thunder, Earth Power, and Hidden Power Fire is an option, but Giratina-O will sorely miss having Shadow Sneak. Lastly, Destiny Bond is an option for Giratina-O to make the most of its last turn, and allows Giratina-O to check Swords Dance Normal Arceus packing Shadow Force.
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Checks & Counters
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**Xerneas**: Xerneas can switch in on any Dragon-type attack and proceed to set up Geomancy, cleanse its team (and possibly itself) with Aromatherapy, or just KO Giratina-O with Moonblast. It needs to watch out for Shadow Force or the odd Steel-type attack, though.
**Fairy Arceus**: Fairy Arceus doesn't mind anything Giratina-O has other than status or the rare Steel-type move, can Recover off any damage, and can KO with Judgment or set up Calm Mind.
**Sylveon**: Sylveon can switch in on Dragon-type moves, heal itself if needed with Wish, and KO Giratina-O with a Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice. It doesn't mind status as it always runs Heal Bell, but needs to careful of Shadow Force or the rare Steel-type move.
**Yveltal**: Yveltal can come in on Ghost-type moves and Taunt Giratina-O or and KO it with a Dark-type attack while being able to Roost off any damage, but needs to be wary of status moves. Additionally, Draco Meteor followed by Shadow Sneak from the mixed set will KO offensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock, while defensive variants will fall to two Draco Meteors.
**Darkrai**:(+Colon) Darkrai can also come in on Ghost-type moves and use Dark Void or Dark Pulse, but is OHKOed by a Draco Meteor from the mixed set.(+Period)
**Dark Arceus**: Dark Arceus can stomach any attack from Giratina-O and heal itself with Recover, set up Calm Mind, or and KO Giratina-O with a super effective Judgment, though it needs to watch out for Toxic if it is not carrying Refresh.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can switch in on anything from Giratina-O other than status moves or and Earthquake and then trap it with Pursuit. It really dislikes Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, though.
**Ho-Oh**: Provided Stealth Rock isn't up, Ho-Oh can repeatedly switch in on Dragon Tail or Draco Meteor thanks to Regenerator and Recover/Roost, and can retaliate with Brave Bird. It needs to watch out for Thunder Wave, Toxic, and Stone Edge, though.
**Gliscor**: Gliscor can Toxic stall Giratina-O and is not threatened as long as it doesn't switch in on Will-O-Wisp (before its Toxic Orb activates) or against a special move.
**RestTalk Kyogre**: This variant of Kyogre can take any attack from Giratina-O well,(RC) bar Thunder or strong physical moves. It can then Rest off the damage and fish for Scald burns or Roar Giratina-O out. It doesn't care about status moves, either.
**Faster Dragon-types**: These include Palkia, Kyurem-W, Dialga, Rayquaza, Garchomp, and Zekrom. While they cannot switch in directly, they force Giratina-O to switch out under the threat of a super effective STAB move.
**Toxic**: As Giratina-O does not have access to a reliable recovery move other than Rest, it can be Toxic stalled quite easily. Also, a surprise Toxic from an offensive Pokemon such as Terrakion is practically a death sentence for Giratina-O.
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Giratina-O's immense base 150 HP and decent base 100 defenses, coupled with its six resistances and three immunities, grant it ample opportunity to switch in and wreak havoc with its deceptively powerful Griseous Orb-boosted STAB moves. Due to its neutrality to Stealth Rock and immunity to all other entry hazards courtesy of Levitate, Giratina-O has no trouble assuming the role of a reliable Defog user for its team. Moreover, it boasts the ability to defeat nearly every common Taunt user in Ubers one-on-one, and it cannot be trapped by the ubiquitous Mega Gengar. Finally, its ability to check many of the dangerous physically-based boosting sweepers within the Ubers metagame, as well as its access to invaluable utility moves including Shadow Sneak, Dragon Tail, and Will-O-Wisp, should not be understated.
However, Giratina-O is not without its flaws. While its Ghost-type STAB is now much more potent offensively as Steel-types no longer resist it, the introduction of the Fairy-type and the buff to Dark-type moves make Giratina-O more vulnerable to super effective hits than ever. Additionally, Giratina-O's average Speed allows opposing Pokemon with a super effective STAB move to easily force it out, and its lack of reliable recovery outside of Rest requires it to compete with support Arceus for a team slot as a Defog user. Lastly, its formerly coveted ability to spinblock is considerably less important than in previous generations, and its mandatory item limits its versatility. Despite these shortcomings, Giratina-O remains a phenomenal and unique Pokemon that is sure to leave an impact on the XY metagame. If you are in need of a dependable Defog user, a bulky attacker that can switch in easily, an overall utility Pokemon, or any combination of the three, look no further than Giratina-O.
Physical Defog
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name: Physical Defog
move 1: Defog
move 2: Shadow Sneak
move 3: Dragon Tail
move 4: Will-O-Wisp / Earthquake / Stone Edge
ability: Levitate
item: Griseous Orb
evs: 252 Atk / 248 Def / 8 SpD
nature: Adamant
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Moves
========
Defog is the defining move of the set, removing all entry hazards from both the user's and the opponent's side of the field, as well as the odd Light Screen or Reflect from the opponent's side; Giratina-O is one of the best users of the move due to its ability to switch in easily, defeat common Taunt users, and bypass Shadow Tag. Shadow Sneak is a solid priority STAB move that is able to nail the numerous Psychic- and Ghost-types that litter the metagame for super effective damage, and is made even stronger by Griseous Orb. Dragon Tail completes Giratina-O's combo of utility STAB moves, dealing a fair amount of damage and allowing it to phaze anything that is not a Fairy-type or behind a Substitute. Will-O-Wisp is the optimal choice in the final slot, allowing Giratina-O to incapacitate physical attackers and add a source of consistent residual damage to its opponents. However, Earthquake can be used to hit Heatran and as a powerful coverage move in general, while Stone Edge can be used to hit Ho-Oh. Neither of these Pokemon have trouble with this set otherwise.
The last slot is very flexible, with a multitude of viable moves available for use over the ones listed. Thunder Wave and Toxic are alternative status options that can cripple fast and bulky switch-ins, respectively. Shadow Force is a much stronger STAB move that is notably able to hit through King's Shield, though its charge turn makes it easy to play around. Lastly, Magic Coat can be used to send Taunts, Toxics, or and other status moves back at their users.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment is used to ensure that Giratina-O's STAB moves hit as hard as possible, giving it a very strong priority attack and a hard-hitting phazing move boosting the power of its priority attack and phazing move. (the investment does not give Giratina those attacks; it simply boosts their power.) It also guarantees the 2HKO on 0/4 Mewtwo with Shadow Sneak. 248 Defense EVs are recommended as they guarantee Giratina-O will survive a +2 Life Orb Shadow Claw from 252+ Normal Arceus, even after Stealth Rock. These EVs also allow it to check other dangerous physical threats better more effectively, including Blaziken, Swords Dance Ground Arceus, and offensive Groudon.
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Usage Tips
========
Generally, Giratina-O should be switched in on something it can wall and/or predicted attacks it resists or is immune to, and use Defog if needed. Otherwise, it should fire off abuse its STAB moves, using Shadow Sneak to pick off weakened Pokemon or and against those that it hits super effectively. Dragon Tail should be used sparingly if your opponent has a Fairy-type waiting in the wings, but is otherwise your go-to attacking option. As Dragon Tail greatly benefits from having your own entry hazards up, it's often wise to avoid using Defog immediately, if at all. The move chosen for the fourth slot should be used as needed.
Due to its lack of reliable recovery, keeping Giratina-O healthy rather than continuously switching into Stealth Rock and using Defog is crucial if it is your only check to a specific Pokemon on your opponent's team. Similarly, if you require Giratina-O's Shadow Sneak to deal with threats such as Deoxys-A, make sure it is not mindlessly switched in and worn down.
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Team Options
========
Naturally, Pokemon that appreciate Defog support are obvious choices for potential teammates. Ho-Oh in particular stands out as an excellent teammate for Defog Giratina-O, having great defensive synergy with it; Ho-Oh can take the special Dark-, Ghost-, Dragon-, Ice-, and Fairy-type attacks and Will-O-Wisps aimed at Giratina-O, which in turn can sponge Water-, Electric-, and most Rock-type attacks. As previously mentioned, Stealth Rock support complements Dragon Tail nicely, making dedicated Stealth Rock users such as like Dialga and Groudon great teammates. Groudon can also wall many of the physically-based Dragon-types that force Giratina-O out, such as Zekrom and Garchomp. Pokemon that handle Fairy-types well also make good teammates. Steel Arceus, Scizor, Aegislash, Bronzong, Metagross, and Jirachi stand out, all of which also have a useful Dragon-type resistance and four of which can set up Stealth Rock. Poison Arceus works similarly against Fairies, especially if it has Roar for Geomancy Xerneas. Klefki can annoy Dark- and Fairy-types and provide Spikes support, while Tyranitar defeats Dark-types lacking a Fighting-type move and can set up Stealth Rock as well as Pursuit trap dangerous wallbreakers such as Choice-locked Kyurem-W. Heatran walls Ho-Oh without Earthquake, can beat most Steel-types, gets a Flash Fire Boost from Will-O-Wisp, is immune to Toxic, and can deal with Fairy-types that lack the appropriate coverage move.
Calm Mind and Swords Dance Arceus forms warrant a special mention. Due to the Defog support Giratina-O provides, they can switch in and boost without being plagued by entry hazards. More importantly, however, using Defog Giratina-O eliminates the need to run a support Arceus form with Defog. Calm Mind Fairy Arceus and Electric Arceus stand out in particular, as they are able to deal with many of Giratina-O's checks.
Mixed Attacker
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name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Shadow Sneak
move 3: Dragon Tail / Shadow Ball
move 4: Toxic / Defog
ability: Levitate
item: Griseous Orb
evs: 180 Atk / 252 SpA / 76 Spe
nature: Rash
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Moves
========
Draco Meteor hits very hard with maximum Special Attack investment and the boost from Griseous Orb, and is able to severely dent or OHKO many prevalent switch-ins to Giratina-O. To give an idea of Draco Meteor's power, Darkrai is OHKOed while defensive Yveltal is 2HKOed after Stealth Rock. Draco Meteor also strips off a huge chunk of health from common switch-ins expecting a physical set. For example, Gliscor is usually OHKOed by Draco Meteor unless it is running significant Special Defense investment. Shadow Sneak is unarguably the best move Giratina-O has access to on any set and is able to 2HKO most Pokemon weak to it, most notably Mega Mewtwo Y. Dragon Tail can be used to phaze boosting sweepers and rack up entry hazard damage in the process, while also dealing a solid amount of damage itself. However, Shadow Ball can be used in its place as a consistent and reliable STAB move that does not lower Giratina-O's Special Attack or nor leave it helpless against Fairy-types. It's also useful against Steel-types, which would otherwise wall this set.
Like the previous set, the last slot is extremely flexible. Toxic can put a timer on Ho-Oh and Fairy-type switch-ins, while Defog can be used to clear hazards and dual screens. Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave are different status options that can be used to neuter physically-based and fast switch-ins, respectively. They're also useful against Pokemon that may might stay in and attempt to boost against Giratina-O. and Several damaging moves are usable as well. Earthquake is an option against Heatran and other Steel-types if Giratina-O is not running Shadow Ball. Stone Edge can be used to OHKO Ho-Oh. Finally, Thunder can be used if your team struggles versus Kyogre.
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Set Details
========
The purpose of running maximum Special Attack investment is fairly straightforward, as doing so allows Draco Meteor and Shadow Ball to hit as hard as possible and as well as guaranteesing the damage outputs mentioned above. 76 Speed EVs are used to outrun defensive Yveltal, while also making Giratina-O faster than uninvested Gliscor and Landorus-T. A minimum of 108 Attack EVs is required in order to guarantee the 2HKO on Mega Mewtwo Y with Shadow Sneak, and the remaining EVs are also placed in Attack to increase the power of Shadow Sneak and Dragon Tail.
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Usage Tips
========
Appropriate usage of Draco Meteor is what makes or breaks this set. If you predict that your opponent will switch in a Fairy-type, do not mindlessly throw it out; doing so will render Giratina-O complete set-up bait and/or force it to switch out. It is key to lure in other common switch-ins, however, and smack them with a Draco Meteor. The combination of Draco Meteor and Shadow Sneak is capable of dealing with even more threats than those already mentioned, including Mega Mewtwo X and offensive Dialga. By itself, Shadow Sneak is still incredibly handy, and should be used to pick off weakened foes and check Pokemon that are weak to it. Dragon Tail in conjunction with hazard support is extremely useful for weakening the opponent's team, as well as checking boosting sweepers; once again, if you need a healthy Giratina-O to check a Pokemon your opponent has, do not let it get worn down by constantly switching it in on resisted hits. If Shadow Ball is used instead, it is usually a much safer move to start with than Draco Meteor, since the only Normal-type in Ubers that has any business switching in on Giratina-O is Blissey. It should also be used in situations where Draco Meteor's Special Attack drop could otherwise be taken advantage of, namely against Substitute users. As with the previous set, use the move chosen for the fourth slot when necessary.
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Team Options
========
Stealth Rock support is practically mandatory when using this set, as it guarantees specific OHKOs and 2HKOs with Draco Meteor and Shadow Sneak. These include OHKOs on Gliscor and offensive Yveltal,(RC) and 2HKOs on Landorus-T and Ho-Oh. Stealth Rock support also aids Dragon Tail shuffling quite a bit. Thus, dedicated Stealth Rock users such as Groudon and Dialga make good teammates, with Groudon's physical walling capabilities again coming in handy against physically-based Dragon-types. Giratina-O can also remove the aforementioned Landorus-T and Gliscor,(RC) and even opposing Giratina-O, allowing offensive Groudon to sweep.
Ultimately, most of the teammates suggested for the previous set also pair well with this one. Steel-types such as Scizor, Klefki, Aegislash, Steel Arceus, Bronzong, Metagross, and Jirachi can keep opposing Fairy-types in check; the last four of these are also able to set up Stealth Rock, while Klefki can set up Spikes. Additionally, the listed Steel-types that are weak to Dark-type moves greatly benefit from the removal of Darkrai and Yveltal. Heatran is a particularly helpful Steel-type teammate, being immune to both Will-O-Wisp and Toxic and having access to Stealth Rock. It can also deal with opposing Steel-types and Ho-Oh, provided Ho-Oh is not running Earthquake. Tyranitar easily defeats Dark-types that lack a Fighting-type move, while also being able to set up Stealth Rock and Pursuit trap wallbreakers that threaten Giratina-O. If Defog is used in the last slot, Pokemon that appreciate the support the move provides, such as Ho-Oh, make good teammates.
Other Options
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There are several worthwhile options not mentioned that Giratina-O can opt for. Roar can be used over Dragon Tail or in the last slot on either set for its ability to hit Geomancy Xerneas, an extremely common switch-in, and ideally make it waste its Power Herb. Roar is also useful for its perfect accuracy and ability to hit through Substitute. Iron Tail can be used to hit Fairy-types hard, but its accuracy is a major turn-off. Likewise, Iron Head can be used, but is rather weak. Rest is Giratina-O's only form of reliable recovery and is usable with cleric support or Sleep Talk. Aura Sphere hits Tyranitar, but is not useful for much else, and Tyranitar dislikes status anyway. A purely special set involving some combination of Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse, Shadow Ball, Calm Mind, Aura Sphere, Thunder, Earth Power, and Hidden Power Fire is an option, but Giratina-O will sorely miss having Shadow Sneak. Lastly, Destiny Bond is an option for Giratina-O to make the most of its last turn, and allows Giratina-O to check Swords Dance Normal Arceus packing Shadow Force.
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Checks & Counters
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**Xerneas**: Xerneas can switch in on any Dragon-type attack and proceed to set up Geomancy, cleanse its team (and possibly itself) with Aromatherapy, or just KO Giratina-O with Moonblast. It needs to watch out for Shadow Force or the odd Steel-type attack, though.
**Fairy Arceus**: Fairy Arceus doesn't mind anything Giratina-O has other than status or the rare Steel-type move, can Recover off any damage, and can KO with Judgment or set up Calm Mind.
**Sylveon**: Sylveon can switch in on Dragon-type moves, heal itself if needed with Wish, and KO Giratina-O with a Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice. It doesn't mind status as it always runs Heal Bell, but needs to careful of Shadow Force or the rare Steel-type move.
**Yveltal**: Yveltal can come in on Ghost-type moves and Taunt Giratina-O or and KO it with a Dark-type attack while being able to Roost off any damage, but needs to be wary of status moves. Additionally, Draco Meteor followed by Shadow Sneak from the mixed set will KO offensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock, while defensive variants will fall to two Draco Meteors.
**Darkrai**:(+Colon) Darkrai can also come in on Ghost-type moves and use Dark Void or Dark Pulse, but is OHKOed by a Draco Meteor from the mixed set.(+Period)
**Dark Arceus**: Dark Arceus can stomach any attack from Giratina-O and heal itself with Recover, set up Calm Mind, or and KO Giratina-O with a super effective Judgment, though it needs to watch out for Toxic if it is not carrying Refresh.
**Tyranitar**: Tyranitar can switch in on anything from Giratina-O other than status moves or and Earthquake and then trap it with Pursuit. It really dislikes Will-O-Wisp and Toxic, though.
**Ho-Oh**: Provided Stealth Rock isn't up, Ho-Oh can repeatedly switch in on Dragon Tail or Draco Meteor thanks to Regenerator and Recover/Roost, and can retaliate with Brave Bird. It needs to watch out for Thunder Wave, Toxic, and Stone Edge, though.
**Gliscor**: Gliscor can Toxic stall Giratina-O and is not threatened as long as it doesn't switch in on Will-O-Wisp (before its Toxic Orb activates) or against a special move.
**RestTalk Kyogre**: This variant of Kyogre can take any attack from Giratina-O well,(RC) bar Thunder or strong physical moves. It can then Rest off the damage and fish for Scald burns or Roar Giratina-O out. It doesn't care about status moves, either.
**Faster Dragon-types**: These include Palkia, Kyurem-W, Dialga, Rayquaza, Garchomp, and Zekrom. While they cannot switch in directly, they force Giratina-O to switch out under the threat of a super effective STAB move.
**Toxic**: As Giratina-O does not have access to a reliable recovery move other than Rest, it can be Toxic stalled quite easily. Also, a surprise Toxic from an offensive Pokemon such as Terrakion is practically a death sentence for Giratina-O.
Very nicely done, i1338!
GP 1/2
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