Ubers Rayquaza


[OVERVIEW]

* Rayquaza is very threatening against bulky offense and defensive teams with its great offensive presence, Flying-type STAB moves, and ability to be either a sweeper or mixed wallbreaker.
* It can pressure many common defensive Pokemon such as Zygarde and Mega Sableye and Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM.
* Defog users that fit on offense such as Xerneas and Yveltal alleviate Rayquaza's Stealth Rock weakness, though Stealth Rock is still a problem for Rayquaza over the course of a match.
* Rayquaza's rather low bulk and common weaknesses in Rock, Ice, and Fairy offset its useful immunity to Ground and resistance to Water, giving it little defensive synergy and difficulty finding opportunities to switch in.
* Rayquaza is rather slow for an offensive Pokemon, which leaves it outsped or forced out by faster Pokemon such as Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, and support Arceus formes.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Flyinium Z / Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Air Lock
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Dragon Dance boosts Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, giving it the power to sweep while making it more difficult to revenge kill.
* Dragon Ascent is Rayquaza's STAB attack and hits all of Ubers bar Rock- and Steel-types for neutral damage.
* Earthquake is one of Rayquaza's tools to deal with Primal Groudon as well as Rock- and Steel-types, common hindrances to a Dragon Dance sweep.
* Extreme Speed is very useful, picking off weakened Pokemon on offensive teams and giving this set more utility if it can't acquire a boost against them.
* V-create can surprise Celesteela after it has been lured in and muscle through Necrozma-DM, but the Speed drop is very detrimental and can force Rayquaza out, stopping a sweep early.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack and Speed investment along with an Adamant nature best utilizes Rayquaza's offensive capabilities and decent Speed tier.
* A Jolly nature allows Rayquaza to outspeed neutral-natured Xerneas and Yveltal, Speed tie with Tapu Lele, and outspeed Deoxys-A after a Dragon Dance, but keep in mind that Rayquaza's initial power is noticeably reduced.
* Flyinium Z converts Dragon Ascent to an astonishingly powerful Supersonic Skystrike, which, when boosted, overwhelms Rayquaza's traditional checks such as support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, and Lugia. Defensive Zygarde gets OHKOed after a small amount of residual damage if it hasn't activated Power Construct, and Steel-types such as Celesteela and Necrozma-DM lose at least half their HP if they try to take the hit for teammates.
* Life Orb gives Rayquaza more initial power without having to rely on Dragon Dance, but the residual damage along with Dragon Ascent's stat drops can make it progressively harder for Rayquaza to stay in or set up and prevents it from circumventing its checks with Supersonic Skystrike.
* Focus Sash gives Rayquaza more use as a revenge killer, since Dragon Ascent and Extreme Speed with an Adamant nature can usually 2HKO most offensive threats, and setting up is then easier, but the loss of power without either Flyinium Z or Life Orb forces Rayquaza to run an Adamant nature and puts more strain on its team's entry hazard removers.

Usage Tips
========

* While Rayquaza is a powerful threat in Ubers, it is also frail and not speedy enough to compete with more prominent offensive threats. The best way to bring Rayquaza into the battle is during situations where it can come in safely, such as double switches, a teammate fainting, and the occasional U-turn support. This puts Rayquaza in a good position because it can force many defensive threats out, giving it a chance to dent a foe or get a Dragon Dance boost.
* Double switches in particular are prime opportunities for Rayquaza to set up a Dragon Dance, as Rayquaza is more likely to be matched up against Pokemon it can normally force out such as Ho-Oh and Mega Sableye without having to take damage or be hit with a status effect.
* If holding Life Orb, Rayquaza can mimic the mixed wallbreaker set quite effectively, so not revealing Dragon Dance until later in the game can prove quite helpful in deceiving your opponent.
* However, non-Flyinium Z variants of Rayquaza can only sweep safely if most of their checks are weakened, since +1 Dragon Ascent can't cleanly OHKO checks such as support Arceus formes, Celesteela, Mega Salamence, and regular Zygarde, and these Pokemon can cripple or KO Rayquaza in return.
* Dragon Dance can function differently for Rayquaza depending on the team it is on and the team it is facing. Usually, while this Rayquaza set can sweep, it is paired up with other sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Necrozma-DM, so Dragon Dance can be used to help Rayquaza smash through checks to these Pokemon. When fighting less bulky teams, Rayquaza can use Dragon Dance to sweep, but it is otherwise best used to smash through common defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Offensive sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Necrozma-DM appreciate Rayquaza's ability to severely damage or threaten traditional defensive threats in Ubers.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Arceus-Fairy, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM can help Rayquaza sweep or deal with its checks thanks to extra residual damage.
* Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill, Cloyster, and support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground are paramount to keeping Stealth Rock away from Rayquaza to improve its longevity, especially if it is running Life Orb. Exacdrill and Arceus-Ground are also able to ward off Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, common switch-ins to Dragon Ascent and Supersonic Skystrike.
* Choice Scarf Xerneas can potentially clean up after Rayquaza wallbreaks or deal with slightly faster Pokemon such as Yveltal. It can also run Defog to remove Stealth Rock so Rayquaza is less likely to be revenge killed.
* Gothitelle can remove almost every support Arceus forme that threatens Rayquaza and can also trap other checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Lugia.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support, dents Steel-types that can take Earthquake such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela, and appreciates Rayquaza being able to handle Magearna effectively.
* Marshadow does well against Ghost-type revenge killers such as Lunala and Mega Gengar.

[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: V-create / Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

* Draco Meteor specifically circumvents many soft checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O while hitting support Arceus formes on their weaker Special Defense stat, damaging them without getting the Defense drops from Dragon Ascent.
* Dragon Ascent is extremely powerful, 2HKOing most of the tier after Stealth Rock damage thanks to Life Orb, most notably including support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre.
* V-create obliterates every Steel-type check to Rayquaza other than Dialga, particularly dealing with Celesteela and OHKOing all but the bulkiest variants of Necrozma-DM.
* Earthquake gives Rayquaza a safer damage option for Primal Groudon and Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, but it lacks the ability to break through Steel-types like Celesteela effectively.
* Extreme Speed gives Rayquaza freedom to act outside of being a wallbreaker, bestowing utility against offense by revenge killing weakened threats such as Xerneas and Deoxys-A.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack investment increases Rayquaza's overall power; Draco Meteor with Life Orb is powerful enough to not need any Special Attack investment.
* A Naive nature and maximum Speed investment let Rayquaza Speed tie with Tapu Lele and outspeed neutral-natured Xerneas, Yveltal, and Lunala.
* Life Orb is important to this set, as it gives Rayquaza an immediate power boost for wallbreaking at the cost of residual damage.

Usage Tips
========

* This set is primarily about Rayquaza's wallbreaking prowess rather than its sweeping capabilities, so focus more on breaking the opponent's defensive cores.
* Double switching, U-turn, and coming in on resisted or ineffective attacks or after a Pokemon faints are the best ways to bring in Rayquaza. Many of the Pokemon that Rayquaza can switch into are defensive by nature, but be cautious of status-inflicting moves such as Sacred Fire, Toxic, and a stray Glare or Thunder Wave, since they are common on these Pokemon and can reduce either Rayquaza's effectiveness or staying power.
* This Rayquaza set plays similarly to hit-and-run Pokemon such as Deoxys-A, so play aggressively when Rayquaza is out against bulky offense or defensive teams, as it hits hard and any of the detrimental effects of Dragon Ascent, V-create, and Life Orb are less prevalent because Rayquaza won't stay in for long periods of time due to its frailty.
* Keep Rayquaza healthy against offense, since Extreme Speed can be a game changer, especially if opposing sweepers are greatly weakened.

Team Options
========

* Rayquaza appreciates Stealth Rock support, which brings many of its wallbreaking targets such as support Arceus formes and Primal Groudon into 2HKO range of Dragon Ascent. Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM are great Stealth Rock users that can wear down or cripple Rayquaza's traditional switch-ins such as Rock-types while countering Fairy-types. Excadrill can set Stealth Rock while providing entry hazard removal with Rapid Spin, but it can be a bit harder to fit into a team compared to the previous two.
* Sweepers and other offensive threats thrive when paired with Rayquaza's wallbreaking abilities. Xerneas benefits greatly from Rayquaza deterring or smashing through Steel-types and Primal Groudon, making Geomancy sets sweep easier. Choice Scarf Xerneas also synergizes well with Rayquaza, as it can remove status with Aromatherapy or remove entry hazards with Defog.
* Mega Salamence also appreciates Steel-types being weakened or removed, and this can reduce the need for Earthquake on Salamence, giving more opportunities to run utility moves such as Facade and even Defog.
* Mega Gengar can trap and remove Lugia and some support Arceus formes, allowing Rayquaza to break down the rest of the team's bulkier threats for other sweepers or Mega Gengar itself.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support for Rayquaza and threatens common Psychic- and Ghost-type revenge killers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Marshadow, Lunala, and Mega Gengar. Rayquaza and Yveltal together compound a weakness to Fairy-types and Stealth Rock, but many defensive teams can find it difficult to combat both without a Fairy-type such as Arceus-Fairy or Xerneas.
* Marshadow can prevent many revenge killers, and primarily Mega Gengar, from dealing with Rayquaza thanks to Shadow Sneak.
* Other miscellaneous sweepers such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Blaziken, Mega Lucario, and Ultra Necrozma are great offensive partners for Rayquaza, as their high Speed stats can benefit from Rayquaza pressuring common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Celesteela, and Zygarde-C.

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

* Choice Band gives Rayquaza the most immediate power behind its physical attacks, but it locks Rayquaza into exploitable moves such as Earthquake and prevents Rayquaza from circumventing common walls such as Zygarde-C and Celesteela if it locks into its most common move, Dragon Ascent.
* Swords Dance makes Rayquaza ridiculously powerful, essentially nullifying almost every defensive check to it bar Multiscale Lugia. It is a good option for Sticky Web teams that need a wallbreaker or sweeper. However, this removes most of Rayquaza's capabilities against offense due to its low Speed tier and leaves the set extremely vulnerable to Marshadow.
* Defog can be a useful option on Rayquaza because it scares off most hazard setters thanks to its great coverage, but Defog costs a key moveslot for something that could have more utility such as Extreme Speed, and Rayquaza has no longevity or Speed to use Defog safely and repeatedly.
* Tailwind is a rather niche option and only lasts for three turns, but it can function similarly to Dragon Dance and makes Rayquaza outspeed all but a boosted Geomancy Xerneas, meaning that Rayquaza can pick off foes while offering its team a massive Speed boost, since it commonly switches out after attacking.
* Charti Berry can help Rayquaza against common carriers of Rock-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Tyranitar, and Primal Groudon, but most of these Pokemon carry other coverage moves that can threaten Rayquaza, and the item has less utility than Flyinium Z, Life Orb, and Focus Sash.
* Aqua Tail OHKOes Primal Groudon thanks to Air Lock, but it doesn't offers no other coverage that Earthquake doesn’t already provide.

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

**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes are the most consistent and common answers to Rayquaza, as they typically run enough Speed investment to outspeed all unboosted variants of Rayquaza. Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Water are good examples of these formes, usually taking +1 Dragon Ascent comfortably while KOing back with Ice Beam. However, all of these formes bar Arceus-Rock are threatened by a boosted Supersonic Skystrike, which can almost always OHKO after Stealth Rock damage.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy are effective offensive switch-ins to Rayquaza, as they can take advantage of mispredictions or the stray Draco Meteor and force Rayquaza out, KO it, or set up on it. Both do not like taking +1 Supersonic Skystrike, however, and Xerneas cannot switch into Dragon Ascent comfortably.

**Lugia**: Multiscale allows Lugia to handle mixed wallbreaker variants of Rayquaza easily, stalling it out with Substitute or Roost, and it can also take +1 Supersonic Skystrike and KO back with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage or after a Dragon Ascent drop. Though effective, Multiscale is extremely dependent on Stealth Rock not being up, as Rayquaza can overwhelm Lugia easily if Multiscale is not active, especially the Dragon Dance variant.

**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C is best suited to checking Dragon Dance variants of Rayquaza, as Life Orb Draco Meteor can OHKO Zygarde-C after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes. Power Construct is the main tool for Zygarde to check Rayquaza, but it can leave Zygarde-C rather weakened after activation, so Rayquaza can pressure Zygarde-C into +1 Supersonic Skystrike range or not even get it to transform at all, leaving Zygarde unable to check Rayquaza.

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, and Arceus-Rock are able to threaten or OHKO Rayquaza and take Dragon Ascent or V-create but lose if Rayquaza is carrying Earthquake.

**Ground-immune Steel-types**: While they don't appreciate taking+1 Supersonic Skystrike and lose to V-create, Celesteela, Bronzong, and Skarmory can take on Rayquaza if it is carrying Earthquake and can either stall it out or take the opportunity to set up Leech Seed, Stealth Rock, or Spikes.

**Revenge Killers**: Rayquaza's base 95 Speed leaves it vulnerable to revenge killers, even if it does have Extreme Speed. Marshadow, Mega Mewtwo Y, Deoxys-A under Psychic Terrain, Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Lucario, and Mega Salamence can outspeed and usually KO Rayquaza due to its low bulk and residual damage from Stealth Rock and Life Orb.

**Status**: Rayquaza is left largely useless by burns and paralysis crippling its offensive capabilities or whatever Speed advantage it has. Rayquaza doesn't particularly like being hit with Toxic either, as poison combined with drops from Dragon Ascent or V-create and Life Orb recoil can leave it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed.
 
Last edited:
3 days have passed, but I see that this is close to being finished. SuperWumbology I expect this to be QC ready within 24 hours of this post or it will be reassigned.
 
* Rayquaza is very threatening as a wallbreaker against bulky offense and defensive teams
* Solid offensive presence with threatening Flying STAB makes it difficult to switch into.
merge those two points, add to that its ability to run a variety of sets including mixed and setup sweeper

* Can soft check weather based mons and Primals with Air Lock.
pointless in a meta where sand is inexistant, and you dont mention waterfall in the sets, remove

* This dargon be frail
improve this, common weakness, sr weak, ect

add a point in usage tips about ideal situations to setup.

* Hazard setters (Lando-T, Necrozma-DM, PDon, Dialga)
remove lando-t add exca and fairyceus, add a point about gothi, it does a great job at removing most of its checks.

* Swords Dance makes Rayquaza ridiculously powerful, essentially nullifying almost every defensive check to it bar Multiscale Lugia, but this removes most of Rayquaza's capabilities against offense due to its low Speed tier and leaves the set extremely vulnerable to Marshadow.
mention that its a decent option in sticky web teams.

QC 1/3 after you implement this
 
merge those two points, add to that its ability to run a variety of sets including mixed and setup sweeper



pointless in a meta where sand is inexistant, and you dont mention waterfall in the sets, remove



improve this, common weakness, sr weak, ect

add a point in usage tips about ideal situations to setup.



remove lando-t add exca and fairyceus, add a point about gothi, it does a great job at removing most of its checks.



mention that its a decent option in sticky web teams.

QC 1/3 after you implement this
Added. Expanded the Team Options section of Dragon Dance as well.
 

Minority

Numquam Vincar
is a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Tutor Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
More Defog users on offense such as Xerneas and Yveltal alleviates Rayquaza's Stealth Rock weakness, though entry hazards are still a problem for Rayquaza over the course of the match.
Minor point, but change "entry hazards" to "they". Saying entry hazards is technically wrong as it implies all hazards, but Rayquaza is obviously immune to Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web.

For the intro, overall the greatest shortcoming this Pokemon has is that it doesn't offer too much in terms of defensive synergy. It's a superficial Ground immune (because weak and frail to Rock-type moves) and a superficial Water resist (again because weak and weak to ice). This Pokemon is very strong though - one of the strongest offensive Pokemon around - it's hard to overhype this Pokemon's raw power.

In C&C I would put "Revenge Killers" below "Steel-types immune to Ground" and above "Status".

Good Rayquaza analysis as always.


QC: 2/3
 
Minor point, but change "entry hazards" to "they". Saying entry hazards is technically wrong as it implies all hazards, but Rayquaza is obviously immune to Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web.

For the intro, overall the greatest shortcoming this Pokemon has is that it doesn't offer too much in terms of defensive synergy. It's a superficial Ground immune (because weak and frail to Rock-type moves) and a superficial Water resist (again because weak and weak to ice). This Pokemon is very strong though - one of the strongest offensive Pokemon around - it's hard to overhype this Pokemon's raw power.

In C&C I would put "Revenge Killers" below "Steel-types immune to Ground" and above "Status".

Good Rayquaza analysis as always.


QC: 2/3
Implemented.
 

GP 1/2
remove add comments

[OVERVIEW]

* Rayquaza is very threatening as a wallbreaker against bulky offense and defensive teams with its great offensive presence, Flying-type STAB, and the ability to run a variety of sets such as be either a sweeper or a mixed wallbreaker.
* It can pressure many core common defensive mons Pokemon (come on, now) such as Zygarde, (comma) and Mega Sableye, (comma) and Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM.
* More Defog users that fit on offense such as Xerneas and Yveltal alleviates Rayquaza's Stealth Rock weakness, though they are Stealth Rock is still a problem for Rayquaza over the course of the a match.
* Rayquaza's rather low bulk and common weaknesses to in Rock, Ice, and Fairy offset its useful immunity to Ground and resistance to Water, giving it little to no defensive synergy and a difficulty finding opportunities to switch in.
* Rayquaza is rather slow for an offensive Pokemon, which leaves it outspeed or forced out by faster mons Pokemon such as Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, (comma) and support Arceus formes.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Flyinium Z / Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Air Lock
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Dragon Dance boosts Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, giving it more the power to sweep while making it more difficult to revenge kill.
* Dragon Ascent is Rayquaza's STAB attack and hits most all of Ubers for neutral damage bar Rock- and Steel-types for neutral damage.
* Earthquake is one of Rayquaza's tools to deal with Primal Groudon as well as Rock- and Steel-types, common hindrances to a Dragon Dance sweep.
* Extreme Speed is very useful, picking off weakened Pokemon on more offensive teams, (comma) and gives giving this set more utility if it can't acquire a boost against them.
* V-create can lure Celesteela and can muscle through Necrozma-DM, but the Speed drop is very detrimental and can force Rayquaza out, stopping a sweep early.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack and Speed investment along with an Adamant nature best utilizes Rayquaza's offensive capabilities and decent Speed tier.
* A Jolly nature allows Rayquaza to outspeed neutral-(hyphen)nature Xerneas and Yveltal, tie with Tapu Lele, and outspeed positive Speed Deoxys-A after a Dragon Dance, but keep in mind that Rayquaza's initial power is noticeably reduced.
* Flyinium Z converts Dragon Ascent to an astonishingly powerful Supersonic Skystrike, which, when boosted, overwhelms Rayquaza's traditional checks such as support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, (comma) and Lugia. Defensive Zygarde gets OHKOed by it after a small amount of residual damage if it hasn't activated Power Construct, and Steel-types such as Celesteela and Necrozma-DM lose at least half their HP if they try to take the hit for teammates.
* Life Orb gives Rayquaza more initial power without having to rely on Dragon Dance, but the residual damage along with Dragon Ascent's defense stat drops can make it progressively harder for Rayquaza to stay in or set up and prevents it from circumventing its checks with Supersonic Skystrike.
* Focus Sash gives Rayquaza more use on teams as a more effective revenge killer, (comma) since Dragon Ascent and Extreme Speed with an Adamant nature can usually 2HKO most offensive threats as well as making setup and setting up is then easier, but the loss of power without either Flyinium Z or Life Orb forces Rayquaza to run an Adamant nature and puts more strain on its team'(apo)s entry hazard removers.

Usage Tips
========

* While Rayquaza is a powerful threat in Ubers, it is also frail and not speedy enough to compete with more prominent offensive threats. The best way to bring Rayquaza into the battle is during situations where it can come in safely, such as double switches, the previous Pokemon a teammate fainting, (comma) and or the occasional U-turn support. This puts Rayquaza in a good position since because it can force many defensive threats out, giving it a chance to dent an opponent a foe or get a Dragon Dance boost.
* Double switches in particular are prime opportunities for Rayquaza to set up a Dragon Dance, as Rayquaza is more likely to be matched up against Pokemon it can normally force out such as Ho-Oh and Mega Sableye without having to take damage or be hit with a status effect.
* If holding a Life Orb, Rayquaza can mimic the mixed wallbreaker set quite effectively, so not revealing Dragon Dance until later in the game can prove quite helpful in deceiving your opponent.
* However, non-Flyinium Z variants of Rayquaza can only sweep safely if most of its their checks are weakened, since a +1 Dragon Ascent can't cleanly OHKO Rayquaza's checks such as support Arceus formes, Celesteela, Mega Salamence, (comma) and Zygarde-50%, even with a Life Orb, and these Pokemon can cripple or KO Rayquaza in return.
* Dragon Dance can function differently for Rayquaza depending on the team it is on and the team it is facing. Usually, while this Rayquaza set can sweep, it is paired up with other sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Dusk Mane Necrozma-DM, so Dragon Dance can be used to help Rayquaza smash through checks to these Pokemon. When fighting less bulky teams, Rayquaza can use Dragon Dance as a sweeper to sweep, but it is otherwise is best used to smash through common defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Offensive sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Necrozma-DM and many others appreciate Rayquaza's ability to severely damage or threaten traditional defensive threats in Ubers.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Arceus-Fairy, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM can help Rayquaza sweep or deal with its checks thanks to extra residual damage.
* Scarf Xerneas can potentially clean up after Rayquaza wallbreaks or deal with slightly faster mons Pokemon such as Yveltal. It can also run Defog to remove Stealth Rock so Rayquaza is less likely to be revenge killed.
* Gothitelle can remove almost every support Arceus forme in the tier that threatens Rayquaza and can also trap other checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Lugia.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support, (comma) and can dents Steel-types that can take Earthquakes such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela, and it appreciates Rayquaza being able to handle Magearna effectively.
* Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill, Cloyster, and support Arceus formes such as like Arceus-Ground are paramount to keeping Stealth Rocks away from Rayquaza to improve its longevity, especially if it is running Life Orb. Exacdrill and Arceus-Ground are also able to ward off Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, common switch-ins to Dragon Ascent or and Supersonic Skystrike.
* Marshadow does well against Ghost-type revenge killers such as Lunala and Mega Gengar.

[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: V-create / Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

* Draco Meteor specifically circumvents many soft checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, (comma) and Giratina-O while hitting support Arceus formes on their weaker Special Defense stat, damaging them without getting the defense drops from Dragon Ascent.
* Dragon Ascent is extremely powerful, 2HKOing most of the tier after Stealth Rock damage thanks to Life Orb, most notably including support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, (comma) and Primal Kyogre.
* V-create absolutely obliterates every Steel-type check to Rayquaza other than Dialga, particularly dealing with Celesteela and can OHKOing all but the bulkiest variants of Necrozma-DM.
* Earthquake is to give Rayquaza a safer damage option for Primal Groudon and Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, but it loses lacks the ability to break through Steel-types like Celesteela effectively and is hard walled by Celesteela as a result.
* Extreme Speed gives Rayquaza freedom to act outside of being a wallbreaker, bestowing utility against offense by revenge killing weakened threats such as Xerneas and Deoxys-A. (per)

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack investment increases Rayquaza's overall power; Draco Meteor with Life Orb is powerful enough to not need any Special Attack investment.
* A Naive nature and maximum Speed investment lets Rayquaza tie with Tapu Lele and outspeed neutral-(hyphen)natured Xerneas, Yveltal, and Lunala.
* Life Orb is important to this set, (comma) as it gives Rayquaza an immediate power boost for wallbreaking at the cost of residual damage.

Usage Tips
========

* This set is primarily about Rayquaza's wallbreaking prowess rather than its sweeping capabilities, so focus more on breaking through the opponent's defensive cores.
* Double switching, U-turn, and coming in on resisted or immune ineffective attacks or after a Pokemon faints are the best ways to bring in Rayquaza. Many of the Pokemon that Rayquaza can switch into are defensive by nature, but be cautious of status-inflicting moves such as Sacred Fire, Toxic, or a stray Glare or Thunder Wave, since they are common on these Pokemon and can either reduce Rayquaza's effectiveness or staying power.
* This Rayquaza sry plays similarly to hit-and-run Pokemon such as Deoxys-A, so play aggressively when Rayquaza is out against bulky offense or defensive teams, (comma) as it hits hard and any of the detrimental effects of Dragon Ascent, V-create, (comma) and Life Orb are less prevalent since because Rayquaza won't stay in for long periods of time due to its frailty.
* Keep Rayquaza healthy against offense, (comma) since Extreme Speed can be a game changer, especially if opposing sweepers are greatly weakened.

Team Options
========

* Rayquaza appreciates Stealth Rock support, as it which brings many of its wallbreaking targets such as support Arceus formes and Primal Groudon into 2HKO range for of Dragon Ascent. Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM are great Stealth Rock users that can wear down or cripple Rayquaza's traditional switch-ins such as Rock-types while hard checking countering Fairy-types. Excadrill can set Stealth Rock while providing entry hazard removal with Rapid Spin, but it can be a bit harder to fit into a team compared to the previous two.
* Sweepers or and other offensive threats thrive when paired with Rayquaza's wallbreaking abilities. Xerneas benefits greatly from Rayquaza deterring or smashing through Steel-types and Primal Groudon, making Geomancy sets sweep easier. Choice Scarf Xerneas also synergizes well with Rayquaza, (comma) as it can either remove burns or paralysis status with Aromatherapy or remove entry hazards with Defog.
* Mega Salamence also appreciates Steel-types being weakened or removed, and this can de-emphasize reduce the need for Earthquake on Salamence, giving more opportunities to run utility-based moves such as Facade or even Defog.
* Mega Gengar can trap and remove Lugia and some support Arceus formes, allowing Rayquaza to break down the rest of the team's bulkier threats for other sweepers or Mega Gengar itself.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support for Rayquaza, (comma) and threatens common Psychic- or and Ghost-type revenge killers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Marshadow, Lunala, (comma) and Mega Gengar. The two together can compound a weakness to Fairy-types and Stealth Rock, but many defensive teams can find it difficult to combat both without a Fairy-type such as Arceus-Fairy or Xerneas.
* Marshadow can prevent many revenge killers from dealing with Rayquaza thanks to Shadow Sneak, primarily Mega Gengar.
* Other miscellaneous sweepers such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Blaziken, Mega Lucario, and Ultra Necrozma are great offensive partners for Rayquaza, as their high Speed stats can benefit from Rayquaza pressuring common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Celesteela, and Zygarde-C.

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

* Choice Band gives Rayquaza the most immediate power behind its physical attacks, but it locks Rayquaza into potentially dangerous exploitable moves such as Earthquake and prevents it from circumventing common walls such as Zygarde-C and Celesteela if it locks into its most common move:, (comma) Dragon Ascent.
* Swords Dance makes Rayquaza ridiculously powerful, essentially nullifying almost every defensive check to it bar Multiscale Lugia,. (per) It and is a good option for Sticky Web teams that need a wallbreaker or sweeper. But However, this removes most of Rayquaza's capabilities against offense due to its low Speed tier and leaves the set extremely vulnerable to Marshadow.
* Defog can be a useful option on Rayquaza since because it scares off most hazard setters thanks to its great coverage, but it loses costs a key moveslot for something that could have more utility such as Extreme Speed, (comma) and Rayquaza has no longevity or Speed with which to use Defog safely and repeatedly.
* Tailwind is a rather niche option and only lasts for 3 turns, but it can function similarly to Dragon Dance and outspeeds all but a boosted GeoXern Geomancy Xerneas, meaning that Rayquaza can pick off opponents foes while offering its team a massive Speed boost, (comma) since it commonly switches out after attacking.
* Charti Berry can help Rayquaza against common carriers of Rock-type moves, (comma) such as Arceus-Rock, Tyranitar, and Primal Groudon, but most of these Pokemon carry other coverage moves that can threaten Rayquaza, (comma) and the item has less utility than Flyinium Z, Life Orb, and Focus Sash.
* Aqua Tail OHKOes Primal Groudon thanks to Air Lock, but it can miss and offers no other coverage options that Earthquake doesn’t hit the miss chance hurts the moves viability already provide.

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

**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes are the most consistent and common answers to Rayquaza, as they typically run enough Speed investment to outspeed all unboosted variants of Rayquaza. Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Water are good examples of these formes, usually taking a +1 Dragon Ascent comfortably while KOing back with Ice Beam. However, all of these formes bar Arceus-Rock are threatened by a boosted Supersonic Skystrike, which can almost always OHKO after Stealth Rock damage.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy are effective offensive switch-ins to Rayquaza, as they can take advantage of mispredictions or the stray Draco Meteor and either force Rayquaza out, KO it, or set up on it. Both do not like taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike, however, and Xerneas cannot switch into a Dragon Ascent comfortably.

**Lugia**: Multiscale allows Lugia to handle mixed wallbreaker variants of Rayquaza easily, stalling it out with Substitute or Roost, and it can also take a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and can KO back with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage or after a Dragon Ascent defense drop. Though effective, Multiscale is extremely dependent on Stealth Rock not being up, as Rayquaza can overwhelm Lugia easily if Multiscale is not active, especially the Dragon Dance variant.

**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C is best suited to checking Dragon Dance variants of Rayquaza, as a Life Orb Draco Meteor can OHKO Zygarde-C after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes. Power Construct is the main tool for Zygarde to check Rayquaza, but it can leave Zygarde-C rather low weakened after activation, so Rayquaza can pressure Zygarde-C to wear it down into +1 Supersonic Skystrike range or not even get it to transform at all, leaving Zygarde unable to check Rayquaza.

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, and Arceus-Rock are able to threaten or OHKO Rayquaza and are able to take Dragon Ascent or V-create, but lose if Rayquaza is carrying Earthquake.

**Ground-immune Steel-types Immune to Ground**: While they don't appreciate taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and lose to V-create, Celesteela, Bronzong, and Skarmory can take on Rayquaza if it is carrying Earthquake and can either stall it out or take the opportunity to set up Leech Seed, Stealth Rock, or Spikes.

**Revenge Killers**: Rayquaza's 95 base 95 Speed leaves it vulnerable to revenge killers, even if it does have Extreme Speed. Marshadow, Mega Mewtwo Y, Deoxys-A under Psychic Terrain, Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Lucario, (comma) and Mega Salamence can outspeed and usually KO Rayquaza due to its low bulk, (comma) Stealth Rock damage, or Life Orb recoil and residual damage from Stealth Rock and Life Orb.

**Status**: Rayquaza is heavily affected left largely useless by burns and paralysis, (comma) crippling its offensive capabilities or whatever Speed advantage it has, leaving it largely useless. Rayquaza doesn't particularly like being hit with Toxic either, as poison combined with defense drops from Dragon Ascent or V-create and Life Orb recoil can leave it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed.
 
Last edited:

GP 1/2
remove add comments

[OVERVIEW]

* Rayquaza is very threatening as a wallbreaker against bulky offense and defensive teams with its great offensive presence, Flying-type STAB, and the ability to run a variety of sets such as be either a sweeper or a mixed wallbreaker.
* It can pressure many core common defensive mons Pokemon (come on, now) such as Zygarde, (comma) and Mega Sableye, (comma) and Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM.
* More Defog users that fit on offense such as Xerneas and Yveltal alleviates Rayquaza's Stealth Rock weakness, though they are Stealth Rock is still a problem for Rayquaza over the course of the a match.
* Rayquaza's rather low bulk and common weaknesses to in Rock, Ice, and Fairy offset its useful immunity to Ground and resistance to Water, giving it little to no defensive synergy and a difficulty finding opportunities to switch in.
* Rayquaza is rather slow for an offensive Pokemon, which leaves it outspeed or forced out by faster mons Pokemon such as Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, (comma) and support Arceus formes.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Flyinium Z / Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Air Lock
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Dragon Dance boosts Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, giving it more the power to sweep while making it more difficult to revenge kill.
* Dragon Ascent is Rayquaza's STAB attack and hits most allof Ubers for neutral damage bar Rock- and Steel-types for neutral damage.
* Earthquake is one of Rayquaza's tools to deal with Primal Groudon as well as Rock- and Steel-types, common hindrances to a Dragon Dance sweep.
* Extreme Speed is very useful, picking off weakened Pokemon on more offensive teams, (comma) and gives giving this set more utility if it can't acquire a boost against them.
* V-create can lure Celesteela and can muscle through Necrozma-DM, but the Speed drop is very detrimental and can force Rayquaza out, stopping a sweep early.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack and Speed investment along with an Adamant nature best utilizes Rayquaza's offensive capabilities and decent Speed tier.
* A Jolly nature allows Rayquaza to outspeed neutral-(hyphen)nature Xerneas and Yveltal, tie with Tapu Lele, and outspeed positive Speed Deoxys-A after a Dragon Dance, but keep in mind that Rayquaza's initial power is noticeably reduced.
* Flyinium Z converts Dragon Ascent to an astonishingly powerful Supersonic Skystrike, which, when boosted, overwhelms Rayquaza's traditional checks such as support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, (comma) and Lugia. Defensive Zygarde gets OHKOed by it after a small amount of residual damage if it hasn't activated Power Construct, and Steel-types such as Celesteela and Necrozma-DM lose at least half their HP if they try to take the hit for teammates.
* Life Orb gives Rayquaza more initial power without having to rely on Dragon Dance, but the residual damage along with Dragon Ascent's defense stat drops can make it progressively harder for Rayquaza to stay in or set up and prevents it from circumventing its checks with Supersonic Skystrike.
* Focus Sash gives Rayquaza more use on teams as a more effective revenge killer, (comma) since Dragon Ascent and Extreme Speed with an Adamant nature can usually 2HKO most offensive threats as well as making setup and setting up is then easier, but the loss of power without either Flyinium Z or Life Orb forces Rayquaza to run an Adamant nature and puts more strain on its team'(apo)s entry hazard removers.

Usage Tips
========

* While Rayquaza is a powerful threat in Ubers, it is also frail and not speedy enough to compete with more prominent offensive threats. The best way to bring Rayquaza into the battle is during situations where it can come in safely, such as double switches, the previous Pokemon a teammate fainting, (comma) and or the occasional U-turn support. This puts Rayquaza in a good position since because it can force many defensive threats out, giving it a chance to dent an opponent a foe or get a Dragon Dance boost.
* Double switches in particular are prime opportunities for Rayquaza to set up a Dragon Dance, as Rayquaza is more likely to be matched up against Pokemon it can normally force out such as Ho-Oh and Mega Sableye without having to take damage or be hit with a status effect.
* If holding a Life Orb, Rayquaza can mimic the mixed wallbreaker set quite effectively, so not revealing Dragon Dance until later in the game can prove quite helpful in deceiving your opponent.
* However, non-Flyinium Z variants of Rayquaza can only sweep safely if most of its their checks are weakened, since a +1 Dragon Ascent can't cleanly OHKO Rayquaza's checks such as support Arceus formes, Celesteela, Mega Salamence, (comma) and Zygarde-50%, even with a Life Orb, and these Pokemon can cripple or KO Rayquaza in return.
* Dragon Dance can function differently for Rayquaza depending on the team it is on and the team it is facing. Usually, while this Rayquaza set can sweep, it is paired up with other sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Dusk Mane Necrozma-DM, so Dragon Dance can be used to help Rayquaza smash through checks to these Pokemon. When fighting less bulky teams, Rayquaza can use Dragon Dance as a sweeper to sweep, but it is otherwise is best used to smash through common defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Offensive sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Necrozma-DM and many others appreciate Rayquaza's ability to severely damage or threaten traditional defensive threats in Ubers.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Arceus-Fairy, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM can help Rayquaza sweep or deal with its checks thanks to extra residual damage.
* Scarf Xerneas can potentially clean up after Rayquaza wallbreaks or deal with slightly faster mons Pokemon such as Yveltal. It can also run Defog to remove Stealth Rock so Rayquaza is less likely to be revenge killed.
* Gothitelle can remove almost every support Arceus forme in the tier that threatens Rayquaza and can also trap other checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Lugia.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support, (comma) and can dents Steel-types that can take Earthquakes such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela, and it appreciates Rayquaza being able to handle Magearna effectively.
* Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill, Cloyster, and support Arceus formes such as likeArceus-Ground are paramount to keeping Stealth Rocks away from Rayquaza to improve its longevity, especially if it is running Life Orb. Exacdrill and Arceus-Ground are also able to ward off Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, common switch-ins to Dragon Ascent or and Supersonic Skystrike.
* Marshadow does well against Ghost-type revenge killers such as Lunala and Mega Gengar.

[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: V-create / Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

* Draco Meteor specifically circumvents many soft checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, (comma) and Giratina-O while hitting support Arceus formes on their weaker Special Defense stat, damaging them without getting the defense drops from Dragon Ascent.
* Dragon Ascent is extremely powerful, 2HKOing most of the tier after Stealth Rock damage thanks to Life Orb, most notably including support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, (comma) and Primal Kyogre.
* V-create absolutely obliterates every Steel-type check to Rayquaza other than Dialga, particularly dealing with Celesteela and can OHKOing all but the bulkiest variants of Necrozma-DM.
* Earthquake is to give Rayquaza a safer damage option for Primal Groudon and Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, but it loses lacks the ability to break through Steel-types like Celesteela effectively and is hard walled by Celesteela as a result.
* Extreme Speed gives Rayquaza freedom to act outside of being a wallbreaker, bestowing utility against offense by revenge killing weakened threats such as Xerneas and Deoxys-A. (per)

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack investment increases Rayquaza's overall power; Draco Meteor with Life Orb is powerful enough to not need any Special Attack investment.
* A Naive nature and maximum Speed investment lets Rayquaza tie with Tapu Lele and outspeed neutral-(hyphen)natured Xerneas, Yveltal, and Lunala.
* Life Orb is important to this set, (comma) as it gives Rayquaza an immediate power boost for wallbreaking at the cost of residual damage.

Usage Tips
========

* This set is primarily about Rayquaza's wallbreaking prowess rather than its sweeping capabilities, so focus more on breaking through the opponent's defensive cores.
* Double switching, U-turn, and coming in on resisted or immune ineffective attacks or after a Pokemon faints are the best ways to bring in Rayquaza. Many of the Pokemon that Rayquaza can switch into are defensive by nature, but be cautious of status-inflicting moves such as Sacred Fire, Toxic, or a stray Glare or Thunder Wave, since they are common on these Pokemon and can either reduce Rayquaza's effectiveness or staying power.
* This Rayquaza sry plays similarly to hit-and-run Pokemon such as Deoxys-A, so play aggressively when Rayquaza is out against bulky offense or defensive teams, (comma) as it hits hard and any of the detrimental effects of Dragon Ascent, V-create, (comma) and Life Orb are less prevalent since because Rayquaza won't stay in for long periods of time due to its frailty.
* Keep Rayquaza healthy against offense, (comma) since Extreme Speed can be a game changer, especially if opposing sweepers are greatly weakened.

Team Options
========

* Rayquaza appreciates Stealth Rock support, as it which brings many of its wallbreaking targets such as support Arceus formes and Primal Groudon into 2HKO range for of Dragon Ascent. Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM are great Stealth Rock users that can wear down or cripple Rayquaza's traditional switch-ins such as Rock-types while hard checking countering Fairy-types. Excadrill can set Stealth Rock while providing entry hazard removal with Rapid Spin, but it can be a bit harder to fit into a team compared to the previous two.
* Sweepers or and other offensive threats thrive when paired with Rayquaza's wallbreaking abilities. Xerneas benefits greatly from Rayquaza deterring or smashing through Steel-types and Primal Groudon, making Geomancy sets sweep easier. Choice Scarf Xerneas also synergizes well with Rayquaza, (comma) as it can either remove burns or paralysis status with Aromatherapy or remove entry hazards with Defog.
* Mega Salamence also appreciates Steel-types being weakened or removed, and this can de-emphasize reduce the need for Earthquake on Salamence, giving more opportunities to run utility-based moves such as Facade or even Defog.
* Mega Gengar can trap and remove Lugia and some support Arceus formes, allowing Rayquaza to break down the rest of the team's bulkier threats for other sweepers or Mega Gengar itself.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support for Rayquaza, (comma) and threatens common Psychic- or and Ghost-type revenge killers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Marshadow, Lunala, (comma) and Mega Gengar. The two together can compound a weakness to Fairy-types and Stealth Rock, but many defensive teams can find it difficult to combat both without a Fairy-type such as Arceus-Fairy or Xerneas.
* Marshadow can prevent many revenge killers from dealing with Rayquaza thanks to Shadow Sneak, primarily Mega Gengar.
* Other miscellaneous sweepers such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Blaziken, Mega Lucario, and Ultra Necrozma are great offensive partners for Rayquaza, as their high Speed stats can benefit from Rayquaza pressuring common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Celesteela, and Zygarde-C.

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

* Choice Band gives Rayquaza the most immediate power behind its physical attacks, but it locks Rayquaza into potentially dangerous exploitable moves such as Earthquake and prevents it from circumventing common walls such as Zygarde-C and Celesteela if it locks into its most common move:, (comma) Dragon Ascent.
* Swords Dance makes Rayquaza ridiculously powerful, essentially nullifying almost every defensive check to it bar Multiscale Lugia,. (per) It and is a good option for Sticky Web teams that need a wallbreaker or sweeper. But However, this removes most of Rayquaza's capabilities against offense due to its low Speed tier and leaves the set extremely vulnerable to Marshadow.
* Defog can be a useful option on Rayquaza since because it scares off most hazard setters thanks to its great coverage, but it loses costs a key moveslot for something that could have more utility such as Extreme Speed, (comma) and Rayquaza has no longevity or Speed with which to use Defog safely and repeatedly.
* Tailwind is a rather niche option and only lasts for 3 turns, but it can function similarly to Dragon Dance and outspeeds all but a boosted GeoXern Geomancy Xerneas, meaning that Rayquaza can pick off opponents foes while offering its team a massive Speed boost, (comma) since it commonly switches out after attacking.
* Charti Berry can help Rayquaza against common carriers of Rock-type moves, (comma) such as Arceus-Rock, Tyranitar, and Primal Groudon, but most of these Pokemon carry other coverage moves that can threaten Rayquaza, (comma) and the item has less utility than Flyinium Z, Life Orb, and Focus Sash.
* Aqua Tail OHKOes Primal Groudon thanks to Air Lock, but it can miss and offers no other coverage options that Earthquake doesn’t hit the miss chance hurts the moves viability already provide.

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

**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes are the most consistent and common answers to Rayquaza, as they typically run enough Speed investment to outspeed all unboosted variants of Rayquaza. Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Water are good examples of these formes, usually taking a +1 Dragon Ascent comfortably while KOing back with Ice Beam. However, all of these formes bar Arceus-Rock are threatened by a boosted Supersonic Skystrike, which can almost always OHKO after Stealth Rock damage.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy are effective offensive switch-ins to Rayquaza, as they can take advantage of mispredictions or the stray Draco Meteor and either force Rayquaza out, KO it, or set up on it. Both do not like taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike, however, and Xerneas cannot switch into a Dragon Ascent comfortably.

**Lugia**: Multiscale allows Lugia to handle mixed wallbreaker variants of Rayquaza easily, stalling it out with Substitute or Roost, and it can also take a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and can KO back with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage or after a Dragon Ascent defense drop. Though effective, Multiscale is extremely dependent on Stealth Rock not being up, as Rayquaza can overwhelm Lugia easily if Multiscale is not active, especially the Dragon Dance variant.

**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C is best suited to checking Dragon Dance variants of Rayquaza, as a Life Orb Draco Meteor can OHKO Zygarde-C after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes. Power Construct is the main tool for Zygarde to check Rayquaza, but it can leave Zygarde-C rather low weakened after activation, so Rayquaza can pressure Zygarde-C to wear it down into +1 Supersonic Skystrike range or not even get it to transform at all, leaving Zygarde unable to check Rayquaza.

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, and Arceus-Rock are able to threaten or OHKO Rayquaza and are able to take Dragon Ascent or V-create, but lose if Rayquaza is carrying Earthquake.

**Ground-immune Steel-types Immune to Ground**: While they don't appreciate taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and lose to V-create, Celesteela, Bronzong, and Skarmory can take on Rayquaza if it is carrying Earthquake and can either stall it out or take the opportunity to set up Leech Seed, Stealth Rock, or Spikes.

**Revenge Killers**: Rayquaza's 95 base 95 Speed leaves it vulnerable to revenge killers, even if it does have Extreme Speed. Marshadow, Mega Mewtwo Y, Deoxys-A under Psychic Terrain, Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Lucario, (comma) and Mega Salamence can outspeed and usually KO Rayquaza due to its low bulk, (comma) Stealth Rock damage, or Life Orb recoil and residual damage from Stealth Rock and Life Orb.

**Status**: Rayquaza is heavily affected left largely useless by burns and paralysis, (comma) crippling its offensive capabilities or whatever Speed advantage it has, leaving it largely useless. Rayquaza doesn't particularly like being hit with Toxic either, as poison combined with defense drops from Dragon Ascent or V-create and Life Orb recoil can leave it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed.
Implemented. Got a pretty bad cold/fever so sorry for the delay, this is now ready for its final check.
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

* Rayquaza is very threatening against bulky offense and defensive teams with its great offensive presence, Flying-type STAB moves, and ability to be either a sweeper or mixed wallbreaker.
* It can pressure many common defensive Pokemon such as Zygarde and Mega Sableye and Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM.
* Defog users that fit on offense such as Xerneas and Yveltal alleviate Rayquaza's Stealth Rock weakness, though Stealth Rock is still a problem for Rayquaza over the course of a match.
* Rayquaza's rather low bulk and common weaknesses in Rock, Ice, and Fairy offset its useful immunity to Ground and resistance to Water, giving it little defensive synergy and difficulty finding opportunities to switch in.
* Rayquaza is rather slow for an offensive Pokemon, which leaves it outsped or forced out by faster Pokemon such as Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, and support Arceus formes.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Flyinium Z / Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Air Lock
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Dragon Dance boosts Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, giving it the power to sweep while making it more difficult to revenge kill.
* Dragon Ascent is Rayquaza's STAB attack and hits all of Ubers bar Rock- and Steel-types for neutral damage.
* Earthquake is one of Rayquaza's tools to deal with Primal Groudon as well as Rock- and Steel-types, common hindrances to a Dragon Dance sweep.
* Extreme Speed is very useful, picking off weakened Pokemon on offensive teams and giving this set more utility if it can't acquire a boost against them.
* V-create can lure surprise Celesteela after it has been lured in (Rayquaza lures Celesteela, not the move) and muscle through Necrozma-DM, but the Speed drop is very detrimental and can force Rayquaza out, stopping a sweep early.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack and Speed investment along with an Adamant nature best utilizes Rayquaza's offensive capabilities and decent Speed tier.
* A Jolly nature allows Rayquaza to outspeed neutral-natured Xerneas and Yveltal, Speed tie with Tapu Lele, and outspeed Deoxys-A after a Dragon Dance, but keep in mind that Rayquaza's initial power is noticeably reduced.
* Flyinium Z converts Dragon Ascent to an astonishingly powerful Supersonic Skystrike, which, when boosted, overwhelms Rayquaza's traditional checks such as support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, and Lugia. Defensive Zygarde gets OHKOed by it after a small amount of residual damage if it hasn't activated Power Construct, and Steel-types such as Celesteela and Necrozma-DM lose at least half their HP if they try to take the hit for teammates.
* Life Orb gives Rayquaza more initial power without having to rely on Dragon Dance, but the residual damage along with Dragon Ascent's stat drops can make it progressively harder for Rayquaza to stay in or set up and prevents it from circumventing its checks with Supersonic Skystrike.
* Focus Sash gives Rayquaza more use as a revenge killer, since Dragon Ascent and Extreme Speed with an Adamant nature can usually 2HKO most offensive threats,(AC) and setting up is then easier, but the loss of power without either Flyinium Z or Life Orb forces Rayquaza to run an Adamant nature and puts more strain on its team's entry hazard removers.

Usage Tips
========

* While Rayquaza is a powerful threat in Ubers, it is also frail and not speedy enough to compete with more prominent offensive threats. The best way to bring Rayquaza into the battle is during situations where it can come in safely, such as double switches, a teammate fainting, and the occasional U-turn support. This puts Rayquaza in a good position because it can force many defensive threats out, giving it a chance to dent a foe or get a Dragon Dance boost.
* Double switches in particular are prime opportunities for Rayquaza to set up a Dragon Dance, as Rayquaza is more likely to be matched up against Pokemon it can normally force out such as Ho-Oh and Mega Sableye without having to take damage or be hit with a status effect.
* If holding a Life Orb, Rayquaza can mimic the mixed wallbreaker set quite effectively, so not revealing Dragon Dance until later in the game can prove quite helpful in deceiving your opponent.
* However, non-Flyinium Z variants of Rayquaza can only sweep safely if most of their checks are weakened, since a +1 Dragon Ascent can't cleanly OHKO checks such as support Arceus formes, Celesteela, Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-50% regular Zygarde, and these Pokemon can cripple or KO Rayquaza in return.
* Dragon Dance can function differently for Rayquaza depending on the team it is on and the team it is facing. Usually, while this Rayquaza set can sweep, it is paired up with other sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Necrozma-DM, so Dragon Dance can be used to help Rayquaza smash through checks to these Pokemon. When fighting less bulky teams, Rayquaza can use Dragon Dance to sweep, but it is otherwise best used to smash through common defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Offensive sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Necrozma-DM appreciate Rayquaza's ability to severely damage or threaten traditional defensive threats in Ubers.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Arceus-Fairy, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM can help Rayquaza sweep or deal with its checks thanks to extra residual damage.
* Choice Scarf Xerneas can potentially clean up after Rayquaza wallbreaks or deal with slightly faster Pokemon such as Yveltal. It can also run Defog to remove Stealth Rock so Rayquaza is less likely to be revenge killed.
* Gothitelle can remove almost every support Arceus forme that threatens Rayquaza and can also trap other checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Lugia.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support, dents Steel-types that can take Earthquake such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela, and appreciates Rayquaza being able to handle Magearna effectively.
* Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill, Cloyster, and support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground are paramount (if this is defined as such then this bullet should be much higher up) to keeping Stealth Rocks Rock away from Rayquaza to improve its longevity, especially if it is running Life Orb. Exacdrill and Arceus-Ground are also able to ward off Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, common switch-ins to Dragon Ascent and Supersonic Skystrike.
* Marshadow does well against Ghost-type revenge killers such as Lunala and Mega Gengar.

[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: V-create / Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

* Draco Meteor specifically circumvents many soft checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O while hitting support Arceus formes on their weaker Special Defense stat, damaging them without getting the Defense drops from Dragon Ascent.
* Dragon Ascent is extremely powerful, 2HKOing most of the tier after Stealth Rock damage thanks to Life Orb, most notably including support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre.
* V-create obliterates every Steel-type check to Rayquaza other than Dialga, particularly dealing with Celesteela and OHKOing all but the bulkiest variants of Necrozma-DM.
* Earthquake is to give gives Rayquaza a safer damage option for Primal Groudon and Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, but it lacks the ability to break through Steel-types like Celesteela effectively.
* Extreme Speed gives Rayquaza freedom to act outside of being a wallbreaker, bestowing utility against offense by revenge killing weakened threats such as Xerneas and Deoxys-A.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack investment increases Rayquaza's overall power; Draco Meteor with Life Orb is powerful enough to not need any Special Attack investment.
* A Naive nature and maximum Speed investment let Rayquaza Speed tie with Tapu Lele and outspeed neutral-(AH)natured-(RH)Xerneas, Yveltal, and Lunala.
* Life Orb is important to this set, as it gives Rayquaza an immediate power boost for wallbreaking at the cost of residual damage.

Usage Tips
========

* This set is primarily about Rayquaza's wallbreaking prowess rather than its sweeping capabilities, so focus more on breaking the opponent's defensive cores.
* Double switching, U-turn, and coming in on resisted or ineffective attacks or after a Pokemon faints are the best ways to bring in Rayquaza. Many of the Pokemon that Rayquaza can switch into are defensive by nature, but be cautious of status-inflicting moves such as Sacred Fire, Toxic, or and a stray Glare or Thunder Wave, since they are common on these Pokemon and can either reduce either Rayquaza's effectiveness or staying power.
* This Rayquaza set plays similarly to hit-and-run Pokemon such as Deoxys-A, so play aggressively when Rayquaza is out against bulky offense or defensive teams, as it hits hard and any of the detrimental effects of Dragon Ascent, V-create, and Life Orb are less prevalent because Rayquaza won't stay in for long periods of time due to its frailty.
* Keep Rayquaza healthy against offense, since Extreme Speed can be a game changer, especially if opposing sweepers are greatly weakened.

Team Options
========

* Rayquaza appreciates Stealth Rock support, which brings many of its wallbreaking targets such as support Arceus formes and Primal Groudon into 2HKO range of Dragon Ascent. Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM are great Stealth Rock users that can wear down or cripple Rayquaza's traditional switch-ins such as Rock-types while countering Fairy-types. Excadrill can set Stealth Rock while providing entry hazard removal with Rapid Spin, but it can be a bit harder to fit into a team compared to the previous two.
* Sweepers and other offensive threats thrive when paired with Rayquaza's wallbreaking abilities. Xerneas benefits greatly from Rayquaza deterring or smashing through Steel-types and Primal Groudon, making Geomancy sets sweep easier. Choice Scarf Xerneas also synergizes well with Rayquaza, as it can remove status with Aromatherapy or remove entry hazards with Defog.
* Mega Salamence also appreciates Steel-types being weakened or removed, and this can reduce the need for Earthquake on Salamence, giving more opportunities to run utility moves such as Facade or and even Defog.
* Mega Gengar can trap and remove Lugia and some support Arceus formes, allowing Rayquaza to break down the rest of the team's bulkier threats for other sweepers or Mega Gengar itself.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support for Rayquaza and threatens common Psychic- and Ghost-type revenge killers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Marshadow, Lunala, and Mega Gengar. The two Rayquaza and Yveltal together compound a weakness to Fairy-types and Stealth Rock, but many defensive teams can find it difficult to combat both without a Fairy-type such as Arceus-Fairy or Xerneas.
* Marshadow can prevent many revenge killers,(AC) primarily Mega Gengar,(AC) from dealing with Rayquaza thanks to Shadow Sneak,(RC) primarily Mega Gengar.
* Other miscellaneous sweepers such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Blaziken, Mega Lucario, and Ultra Necrozma are great offensive partners for Rayquaza, as their high Speed stats can benefit from Rayquaza pressuring common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Celesteela, and Zygarde-C.

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

* Choice Band gives Rayquaza the most immediate power behind its physical attacks, but it locks Rayquaza into exploitable moves such as Earthquake and prevents it Rayquaza from circumventing common walls such as Zygarde-C and Celesteela if it locks into its most common move, Dragon Ascent.
* Swords Dance makes Rayquaza ridiculously powerful, essentially nullifying almost every defensive check to it bar Multiscale Lugia. It is a good option for Sticky Web teams that need a wallbreaker or sweeper. However, this removes most of Rayquaza's capabilities against offense due to its low Speed tier and leaves the set extremely vulnerable to Marshadow.
* Defog can be a useful option on Rayquaza because it scares off most hazard setters thanks to its great coverage, but it Defog costs a key moveslot for something that could have more utility such as Extreme Speed, and Rayquaza has no longevity or Speed with which to use Defog safely and repeatedly.
* Tailwind is a rather niche option and only lasts for 3 three turns, but it can function similarly to Dragon Dance and outspeeds makes Rayquaza outspeed all but a boosted Geomancy Xerneas, meaning that Rayquaza can pick off foes while offering its team a massive Speed boost, since it commonly switches out after attacking.
* Charti Berry can help Rayquaza against common carriers of Rock-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Tyranitar, and Primal Groudon, but most of these Pokemon carry other coverage moves that can threaten Rayquaza, and the item has less utility than Flyinium Z, Life Orb, and Focus Sash.
* Aqua Tail OHKOes Primal Groudon thanks to Air Lock, but it can offers no other coverage that Earthquake doesn’t doesn't (fixed apostrophe) already provide.

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

**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes are the most consistent and common answers to Rayquaza, as they typically run enough Speed investment to outspeed all unboosted variants of Rayquaza. Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Water are good examples of these formes, usually taking a +1 Dragon Ascent comfortably while KOing back with Ice Beam. However, all of these formes bar Arceus-Rock are threatened by a boosted Supersonic Skystrike, which can almost always OHKO after Stealth Rock damage.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy are effective offensive switch-ins to Rayquaza, as they can take advantage of mispredictions or the stray Draco Meteor and force Rayquaza out, KO it, or set up on it. Both do not like taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike, however, and Xerneas cannot switch into Dragon Ascent comfortably.

**Lugia**: Multiscale allows Lugia to handle mixed wallbreaker variants of Rayquaza easily, stalling it out with Substitute or Roost, and it can also take a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and can KO back with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage or after a Dragon Ascent drop. Though effective, Multiscale is extremely dependent on Stealth Rock not being up, as Rayquaza can overwhelm Lugia easily if Multiscale is not active, especially the Dragon Dance variant.

**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C is best suited to checking Dragon Dance variants of Rayquaza, as Life Orb Draco Meteor can OHKO Zygarde-C after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes. Power Construct is the main tool for Zygarde to check Rayquaza, but it can leave Zygarde-C rather weakened after activation, so Rayquaza can pressure Zygarde-C into +1 Supersonic Skystrike range or not even get it to transform at all, leaving Zygarde unable to check Rayquaza.

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, and Arceus-Rock are able to threaten or OHKO Rayquaza and take Dragon Ascent or V-create,(RC) but lose if Rayquaza is carrying Earthquake.

**Ground-immune Steel-types**: While they don't appreciate taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and lose to V-create, Celesteela, Bronzong, and Skarmory can take on Rayquaza if it is carrying Earthquake and can either stall it out or take the opportunity to set up Leech Seed, Stealth Rock, or Spikes.

**Revenge Killers**: Rayquaza's base 95 Speed leaves it vulnerable to revenge killers, even if it does have Extreme Speed. Marshadow, Mega Mewtwo Y, Deoxys-A under Psychic Terrain, Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Lucario, and Mega Salamence can outspeed and usually KO Rayquaza due to its low bulk and residual damage from Stealth Rock and Life Orb.

**Status**: Rayquaza is left largely useless by burns and paralysis crippling its offensive capabilities or whatever Speed advantage it has. Rayquaza doesn't particularly like being hit with Toxic either, as poison combined with drops from Dragon Ascent or V-create and Life Orb recoil can leave it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed.
GP 2/2
 
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

* Rayquaza is very threatening against bulky offense and defensive teams with its great offensive presence, Flying-type STAB moves, and ability to be either a sweeper or mixed wallbreaker.
* It can pressure many common defensive Pokemon such as Zygarde and Mega Sableye and Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM.
* Defog users that fit on offense such as Xerneas and Yveltal alleviate Rayquaza's Stealth Rock weakness, though Stealth Rock is still a problem for Rayquaza over the course of a match.
* Rayquaza's rather low bulk and common weaknesses in Rock, Ice, and Fairy offset its useful immunity to Ground and resistance to Water, giving it little defensive synergy and difficulty finding opportunities to switch in.
* Rayquaza is rather slow for an offensive Pokemon, which leaves it outsped or forced out by faster Pokemon such as Xerneas, Yveltal, Lunala, and support Arceus formes.

[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Flyinium Z / Life Orb / Focus Sash
ability: Air Lock
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Dragon Dance boosts Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, giving it the power to sweep while making it more difficult to revenge kill.
* Dragon Ascent is Rayquaza's STAB attack and hits all of Ubers bar Rock- and Steel-types for neutral damage.
* Earthquake is one of Rayquaza's tools to deal with Primal Groudon as well as Rock- and Steel-types, common hindrances to a Dragon Dance sweep.
* Extreme Speed is very useful, picking off weakened Pokemon on offensive teams and giving this set more utility if it can't acquire a boost against them.
* V-create can lure surprise Celesteela after it has been lured in (Rayquaza lures Celesteela, not the move) and muscle through Necrozma-DM, but the Speed drop is very detrimental and can force Rayquaza out, stopping a sweep early.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack and Speed investment along with an Adamant nature best utilizes Rayquaza's offensive capabilities and decent Speed tier.
* A Jolly nature allows Rayquaza to outspeed neutral-natured Xerneas and Yveltal, Speed tie with Tapu Lele, and outspeed Deoxys-A after a Dragon Dance, but keep in mind that Rayquaza's initial power is noticeably reduced.
* Flyinium Z converts Dragon Ascent to an astonishingly powerful Supersonic Skystrike, which, when boosted, overwhelms Rayquaza's traditional checks such as support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, and Lugia. Defensive Zygarde gets OHKOed by it after a small amount of residual damage if it hasn't activated Power Construct, and Steel-types such as Celesteela and Necrozma-DM lose at least half their HP if they try to take the hit for teammates.
* Life Orb gives Rayquaza more initial power without having to rely on Dragon Dance, but the residual damage along with Dragon Ascent's stat drops can make it progressively harder for Rayquaza to stay in or set up and prevents it from circumventing its checks with Supersonic Skystrike.
* Focus Sash gives Rayquaza more use as a revenge killer, since Dragon Ascent and Extreme Speed with an Adamant nature can usually 2HKO most offensive threats,(AC) and setting up is then easier, but the loss of power without either Flyinium Z or Life Orb forces Rayquaza to run an Adamant nature and puts more strain on its team's entry hazard removers.

Usage Tips
========

* While Rayquaza is a powerful threat in Ubers, it is also frail and not speedy enough to compete with more prominent offensive threats. The best way to bring Rayquaza into the battle is during situations where it can come in safely, such as double switches, a teammate fainting, and the occasional U-turn support. This puts Rayquaza in a good position because it can force many defensive threats out, giving it a chance to dent a foe or get a Dragon Dance boost.
* Double switches in particular are prime opportunities for Rayquaza to set up a Dragon Dance, as Rayquaza is more likely to be matched up against Pokemon it can normally force out such as Ho-Oh and Mega Sableye without having to take damage or be hit with a status effect.
* If holding a Life Orb, Rayquaza can mimic the mixed wallbreaker set quite effectively, so not revealing Dragon Dance until later in the game can prove quite helpful in deceiving your opponent.
* However, non-Flyinium Z variants of Rayquaza can only sweep safely if most of their checks are weakened, since a +1 Dragon Ascent can't cleanly OHKO checks such as support Arceus formes, Celesteela, Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-50%regular Zygarde, and these Pokemon can cripple or KO Rayquaza in return.
* Dragon Dance can function differently for Rayquaza depending on the team it is on and the team it is facing. Usually, while this Rayquaza set can sweep, it is paired up with other sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Necrozma-DM, so Dragon Dance can be used to help Rayquaza smash through checks to these Pokemon. When fighting less bulky teams, Rayquaza can use Dragon Dance to sweep, but it is otherwise best used to smash through common defensive Pokemon.

Team Options
========

* Offensive sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, and Swords Dance Necrozma-DM appreciate Rayquaza's ability to severely damage or threaten traditional defensive threats in Ubers.
* Entry hazard setters such as Excadrill, Arceus-Fairy, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM can help Rayquaza sweep or deal with its checks thanks to extra residual damage.
* Choice Scarf Xerneas can potentially clean up after Rayquaza wallbreaks or deal with slightly faster Pokemon such as Yveltal. It can also run Defog to remove Stealth Rock so Rayquaza is less likely to be revenge killed.
* Gothitelle can remove almost every support Arceus forme that threatens Rayquaza and can also trap other checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Lugia.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support, dents Steel-types that can take Earthquake such as Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela, and appreciates Rayquaza being able to handle Magearna effectively.
* Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill, Cloyster, and support Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground are paramount (if this is defined as such then this bullet should be much higher up) to keeping Stealth Rocks Rock away from Rayquaza to improve its longevity, especially if it is running Life Orb. Exacdrill and Arceus-Ground are also able to ward off Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, common switch-ins to Dragon Ascent and Supersonic Skystrike.
* Marshadow does well against Ghost-type revenge killers such as Lunala and Mega Gengar.

[SET]
name: Mixed Wallbreaker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: V-create / Earthquake
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe

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

* Draco Meteor specifically circumvents many soft checks to Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C, Mega Salamence, and Giratina-O while hitting support Arceus formes on their weaker Special Defense stat, damaging them without getting the Defense drops from Dragon Ascent.
* Dragon Ascent is extremely powerful, 2HKOing most of the tier after Stealth Rock damage thanks to Life Orb, most notably including support Arceus formes, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre.
* V-create obliterates every Steel-type check to Rayquaza other than Dialga, particularly dealing with Celesteela and OHKOing all but the bulkiest variants of Necrozma-DM.
* Earthquake is to give gives Rayquaza a safer damage option for Primal Groudon and Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Arceus-Rock, but it lacks the ability to break through Steel-types like Celesteela effectively.
* Extreme Speed gives Rayquaza freedom to act outside of being a wallbreaker, bestowing utility against offense by revenge killing weakened threats such as Xerneas and Deoxys-A.

Set Details
========

* Maximum Attack investment increases Rayquaza's overall power; Draco Meteor with Life Orb is powerful enough to not need any Special Attack investment.
* A Naive nature and maximum Speed investment let Rayquaza Speed tie with Tapu Lele and outspeed neutral-(AH)natured-(RH)Xerneas, Yveltal, and Lunala.
* Life Orb is important to this set, as it gives Rayquaza an immediate power boost for wallbreaking at the cost of residual damage.

Usage Tips
========

* This set is primarily about Rayquaza's wallbreaking prowess rather than its sweeping capabilities, so focus more on breaking the opponent's defensive cores.
* Double switching, U-turn, and coming in on resisted or ineffective attacks or after a Pokemon faints are the best ways to bring in Rayquaza. Many of the Pokemon that Rayquaza can switch into are defensive by nature, but be cautious of status-inflicting moves such as Sacred Fire, Toxic, or and a stray Glare or Thunder Wave, since they are common on these Pokemon and can either reduce either Rayquaza's effectiveness or staying power.
* This Rayquaza set plays similarly to hit-and-run Pokemon such as Deoxys-A, so play aggressively when Rayquaza is out against bulky offense or defensive teams, as it hits hard and any of the detrimental effects of Dragon Ascent, V-create, and Life Orb are less prevalent because Rayquaza won't stay in for long periods of time due to its frailty.
* Keep Rayquaza healthy against offense, since Extreme Speed can be a game changer, especially if opposing sweepers are greatly weakened.

Team Options
========

* Rayquaza appreciates Stealth Rock support, which brings many of its wallbreaking targets such as support Arceus formes and Primal Groudon into 2HKO range of Dragon Ascent. Primal Groudon and Necrozma-DM are great Stealth Rock users that can wear down or cripple Rayquaza's traditional switch-ins such as Rock-types while countering Fairy-types. Excadrill can set Stealth Rock while providing entry hazard removal with Rapid Spin, but it can be a bit harder to fit into a team compared to the previous two.
* Sweepers and other offensive threats thrive when paired with Rayquaza's wallbreaking abilities. Xerneas benefits greatly from Rayquaza deterring or smashing through Steel-types and Primal Groudon, making Geomancy sets sweep easier. Choice Scarf Xerneas also synergizes well with Rayquaza, as it can remove status with Aromatherapy or remove entry hazards with Defog.
* Mega Salamence also appreciates Steel-types being weakened or removed, and this can reduce the need for Earthquake on Salamence, giving more opportunities to run utility moves such as Facade or and even Defog.
* Mega Gengar can trap and remove Lugia and some support Arceus formes, allowing Rayquaza to break down the rest of the team's bulkier threats for other sweepers or Mega Gengar itself.
* Yveltal can provide U-turn or Defog support for Rayquaza and threatens common Psychic- and Ghost-type revenge killers such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Marshadow, Lunala, and Mega Gengar. The two Rayquaza and Yveltal together compound a weakness to Fairy-types and Stealth Rock, but many defensive teams can find it difficult to combat both without a Fairy-type such as Arceus-Fairy or Xerneas.
* Marshadow can prevent many revenge killers,(AC) primarily Mega Gengar,(AC) from dealing with Rayquaza thanks to Shadow Sneak,(RC) primarily Mega Gengar.
* Other miscellaneous sweepers such as Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Blaziken, Mega Lucario, and Ultra Necrozma are great offensive partners for Rayquaza, as their high Speed stats can benefit from Rayquaza pressuring common defensive Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Celesteela, and Zygarde-C.

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

* Choice Band gives Rayquaza the most immediate power behind its physical attacks, but it locks Rayquaza into exploitable moves such as Earthquake and prevents it Rayquaza from circumventing common walls such as Zygarde-C and Celesteela if it locks into its most common move, Dragon Ascent.
* Swords Dance makes Rayquaza ridiculously powerful, essentially nullifying almost every defensive check to it bar Multiscale Lugia. It is a good option for Sticky Web teams that need a wallbreaker or sweeper. However, this removes most of Rayquaza's capabilities against offense due to its low Speed tier and leaves the set extremely vulnerable to Marshadow.
* Defog can be a useful option on Rayquaza because it scares off most hazard setters thanks to its great coverage, but it Defog costs a key moveslot for something that could have more utility such as Extreme Speed, and Rayquaza has no longevity or Speed with which to use Defog safely and repeatedly.
* Tailwind is a rather niche option and only lasts for 3 three turns, but it can function similarly to Dragon Dance and outspeeds makes Rayquaza outspeed all but a boosted Geomancy Xerneas, meaning that Rayquaza can pick off foes while offering its team a massive Speed boost, since it commonly switches out after attacking.
* Charti Berry can help Rayquaza against common carriers of Rock-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Tyranitar, and Primal Groudon, but most of these Pokemon carry other coverage moves that can threaten Rayquaza, and the item has less utility than Flyinium Z, Life Orb, and Focus Sash.
* Aqua Tail OHKOes Primal Groudon thanks to Air Lock, but it can offers no other coverage that Earthquake doesn’t doesn't (fixed apostrophe) already provide.

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

**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes are the most consistent and common answers to Rayquaza, as they typically run enough Speed investment to outspeed all unboosted variants of Rayquaza. Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Water are good examples of these formes, usually taking a +1 Dragon Ascent comfortably while KOing back with Ice Beam. However, all of these formes bar Arceus-Rock are threatened by a boosted Supersonic Skystrike, which can almost always OHKO after Stealth Rock damage.

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy are effective offensive switch-ins to Rayquaza, as they can take advantage of mispredictions or the stray Draco Meteor and force Rayquaza out, KO it, or set up on it. Both do not like taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike, however, and Xerneas cannot switch into Dragon Ascent comfortably.

**Lugia**: Multiscale allows Lugia to handle mixed wallbreaker variants of Rayquaza easily, stalling it out with Substitute or Roost, and it can also take a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and can KO back with Ice Beam after Stealth Rock damage or after a Dragon Ascent drop. Though effective, Multiscale is extremely dependent on Stealth Rock not being up, as Rayquaza can overwhelm Lugia easily if Multiscale is not active, especially the Dragon Dance variant.

**Zygarde-C**: Zygarde-C is best suited to checking Dragon Dance variants of Rayquaza, as Life Orb Draco Meteor can OHKO Zygarde-C after Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes. Power Construct is the main tool for Zygarde to check Rayquaza, but it can leave Zygarde-C rather weakened after activation, so Rayquaza can pressure Zygarde-C into +1 Supersonic Skystrike range or not even get it to transform at all, leaving Zygarde unable to check Rayquaza.

**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Tyranitar, Mega Diancie, and Arceus-Rock are able to threaten or OHKO Rayquaza and take Dragon Ascent or V-create,(RC) but lose if Rayquaza is carrying Earthquake.

**Ground-immune Steel-types**: While they don't appreciate taking a +1 Supersonic Skystrike and lose to V-create, Celesteela, Bronzong, and Skarmory can take on Rayquaza if it is carrying Earthquake and can either stall it out or take the opportunity to set up Leech Seed, Stealth Rock, or Spikes.

**Revenge Killers**: Rayquaza's base 95 Speed leaves it vulnerable to revenge killers, even if it does have Extreme Speed. Marshadow, Mega Mewtwo Y, Deoxys-A under Psychic Terrain, Swords Dance Arceus, Mega Lucario, and Mega Salamence can outspeed and usually KO Rayquaza due to its low bulk and residual damage from Stealth Rock and Life Orb.

**Status**: Rayquaza is left largely useless by burns and paralysis crippling its offensive capabilities or whatever Speed advantage it has. Rayquaza doesn't particularly like being hit with Toxic either, as poison combined with drops from Dragon Ascent or V-create and Life Orb recoil can leave it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed.
GP 2/2
Implemented. This is now done!
 

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