Minority
Numquam Vincar
QC Checks: Nayrz | CKW | Cynara
GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack | marthaa
Pugnare Cum Fatales
[OVERVIEW]
* Xerneas is the most powerful and versatile Fairy-type around.
* It fits on a large number of hyper offense and bulky offense builds, where it provides both offensive and defensive utility.
* Its Fairy typing is strong defensively, only being weak to Steel- and Poison-type moves, which aren't the best attacking types around. Offensively, Fairy is also highly effective, having key trumps over Dark- and Dragon-types and no types immune to it.
* Xerneas's stats aren't impressive in a single aspect, but base 131 Special Attack with Fairy Aura makes it strong; Xerneas's bulk is solid, which eases setup and makes it more difficult to revenge kill; and base 99 Speed makes it as fast as it needs to be.
* Xerneas has access to powerful support moves such as Defog and Aromatherapy and is able to circumvent a few of its typical offensive and defensive checks via a variety of coverage and support options to play around with.
* Necrozma-DM and Magearna are reliable and effective Xerneas checks.
* The most common Pokemon in the tier, Primal Groudon, resists Moonblast, and Xerneas is somewhat threatened by Mega Gengar.
* A noticeable flaw is that it lacks instant recovery and is afflicted by all entry hazards and non-volatile status, which somewhat limits its defensive synergy.
[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder
move 4: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 172 Def / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Geomancy turns Xerneas into a fast, powerful, and bulky special sweeper.
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB boosts.
* Thunder hits foes that resist Fairy-type moves such as Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Toxapex, as well as the specially bulky Lugia and Primal Kyogre.
* Focus Blast hits Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and most Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Bronzong for solid damage.
* Hidden Power Fire is unique in being able to hit Mega Scizor while also covering other niche Steel-types with consistency.
* Hidden Power Ground is a consistent alternative option that hits Primal Groudon and several Fairy-resistant foes such as Magearna and Toxapex.
* Hidden Power Rock is exclusively for hitting Ho-Oh, but it does so more consistently and with higher damage output than Thunder.
* Aromatherapy removes status from Xerneas and supports its teammates.
Set Details
========
* A Power Herb is used to bypass Geomancy's charge turn.
* 84 Speed EVs ensure that Xerneas outspeeds up to +1 Adamant Mega Salamence when boosted.
* Maximum Special Attack EVs alongside a Modest nature are used so that Xerneas can OHKO its primary targets when unboosted and reduce the amount of chip damage its checks require before being circumvented.
* The remaining EVs are used in Defense to improve chances at surviving revenge killing attempts from the likes of Marshadow, Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Mega Salamence, and priority move users.
* Geomancy Xerneas may use an alternate spread with 72 HP EVs and 100 Special Defense EVs to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Yveltal's Oblivion Wing and perform a bit better versus strong special attackers such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Gengar.
Usage Tips
========
* Be aware that Xerneas can effectively only set up once due to the consumption of Power Herb, making when to set up perhaps the most important choice when using this set.
* It's usually not a good idea to set up when the opponent has a strong or healthy stop to Xerneas; this results in the loss of a Pokemon for little gain.
* Be aware of offensive checks that Xerneas cannot blow past: Pokemon that will damage it on the setup turn and priority users.
* In these cases, you need to be familiar with how much damage Xerneas takes from various priority moves to know how much it can afford to take on setup.
* Geomancy Xerneas doesn't really want to switch into opposing Pokemon because it's most potent when at full health.
* This set can switch into Yveltal, but be aware that Life Orb- and Choice Specs-boosted Oblivion Wing deal significant damage.
* Be aware of matchups where Geomancy Xerneas won't really have a good opportunity to sweep; in these cases, use it more as a team player to switch into attacks, force out Pokemon, and pivot out to its teammates.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types, which are common Xerneas checks, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar is able to remove, trade, or threaten most Xerneas checks.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Necrozma-DM appreciates Xerneas checking Dark-types and can pose a threat to defensive Pokemon that Xerneas may fail to break.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, and it is helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Marshadow helps alleviate pressure from opposing offense and checks Swords Dance Arceus in addition to fast Psychic-types.
* Giratina-O covers Primal Groudon and is a strong partner to offer Defog support.
* Strong Stealth Rock setters such as Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Excadrill, and Deoxys-S wear down Xerneas checks, which is especially helpful against Ho-Oh and Lugia.
* Dugtrio can remove Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon, Magearna, Necrozma-DM, and Klefki.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Aromatherapy / Thunder / Grass Knot
move 4: Defog / Thunder / Grass Knot
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Focus Blast hits most foes that Moonblast does not, such as Primal Groudon and defensive Steel-types.
* Hidden Power Fire is unique in being able to hit Mega Scizor while also covering other niche Steel-types.
* Aromatherapy provides emergency cleric support for teammates.
* Thunder hits Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Primal Kyogre.
* Alternatively, Grass Knot hits Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Grass-weak Arceus formes consistently.
* Defog provides entry hazard removal in a pinch.
Set Details
========
* A Choice Scarf turns Xerneas to a solid anti-hyper offense Pokemon that's able to outspeed most of the unboosted tier.
* 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize damage output.
* 252 Speed EVs with a Choice Scarf let Xerneas Speed tie with Modest Choice Scarf Yveltal.
* A Timid nature can be used to ensure that Xerneas at worst Speed ties with Choice Scarf Yveltal.
Usage Tips
========
* Capitalize on the ability to bluff a Geomancy set by securing a free KO on a Pokemon that the opponent assumed was faster or by forcing out a Pokemon that needs to retreat to a check when Xerneas would set up.
* Be careful about locking Xerneas into coverage moves, especially those that give the opponent setup opportunities or free switches to revenge killers.
* Use Aromatherapy or Defog when forcing switches that the set cannot otherwise punish or as a last-ditch effort upon being KOed.
* This set has a strong matchup against a variety of hyper offensive builds, so take advantage of this and preserve it as a potential wincon if Pokemon that resist Fairy are worn down.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Arceus-Ground, Necrozma-DM, Excadrill, Deoxys-S, and Dialga may be used.
* Mega Gengar is great for removing defensive Pokemon that are strong checks to Choice Scarf Xerneas.
* Yveltal appreciates Xerneas's great matchup against most Pokemon that resist Dark and beats a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Ho-Oh checks such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C are needed with this set.
* Giratina-O can be used as a partner for double or singular Defog, and it helps cover weaknesses to Primal Groudon and Swords Dance Arceus.
* Stallbreakers are needed, such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Necrozma-DM, Primal Kyogre, Rayquaza, Gothitelle, and Dugtrio, as this set's worst matchup is against defensive teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Grass Knot / Thunder
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
move 4: Aromatherapy / Defog
item: Choice Specs
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Grass Knot consistently deals more damage to Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Water.
* Thunder is an alternative that hits Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Primal Kyogre.
* Hidden Power Fire smacks around defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Magearna, Klefki, Necrozma-DM, and Aegislash with accuracy.
* Focus Blast combines general Steel-type coverage with the ability to hit Primal Groudon.
* Aromatherapy clears status from Xerneas and its teammates, adding some supportive utility.
* Defog can be used for offensive teams that seek entry hazard removal in a pinch.
* Psyshock breaks through Blissey, Chansey, Ho-Oh, and the odd Poison-type.
Set Details
========
* Choice Specs gives Xerneas maximum immediate power without the need to set up so that it can come in and deal high damage more than once per game.
* Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used to help elevate Xerneas out of a crowded Speed tier, outspeeding Lunala and Speed tying with maximum Speed Yveltal.
* 252 Special Attack EVs allow Xerneas to 3HKO maximum Special Defense Primal Groudon and 2HKO both Ho-Oh and Lugia after Stealth Rock.
* Modest can be used so that Xerneas smacks Pokemon such as Primal Groudon harder and has more potency with its coverage moves.
Usage Tips
========
* Moonblast is almost always what Xerneas should be using, since it has the highest general damage output and creates the fewest setup opportunities for opposing threats.
* All other coverage moves should be used to break down defensive responses to Xerneas, as many of these cannot withstand continuous thrashings.
* Make sure you do not lock Xerneas into a move that the opponent can easily punish.
* Exploit opposing teams whose Fairy checks lack staying power.
* Aromatherapy and Defog are best used when forcing a switch you can't otherwise punish or as a last-ditch effort when Xerneas is no longer useful for much else.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line and meet KO benchmarks.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Arceus-Ground, Dialga, and Excadrill can be used to similar effect.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats down Dark-resistant foes and is good for beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Marshadow helps alleviate pressure from opposing offense and checks Swords Dance Arceus in addition to fast Psychic-types.
* A Ho-Oh check such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C should be used with this set.
* Primal Kyogre synergizes well with Xerneas due to this set's ability to wear down Primal Groudon and functions well against Steel-types.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Defog
move 2: Rest
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Toxic / Aromatherapy / Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* This set seeks to utilize Defog on Xerneas in applications where more staying power is required, thus allowing it to remove entry hazards several times in a match if needed.
* Rest eliminates the possibiltiy of being stalled out via Toxic and grants the staying power needed.
* Moonblast is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it functions well as the sole attack for this set.
* Toxic is nice for stalling out some Stealth Rock setters and punishing non-Steel-type switch-ins.
* Cleric support via Aromatherapy is invaluable for defensive teams, especially those that lack good status sponges.
* Sleep Talk can be used to ensure that Xerneas isn't completely immobile during sleep turns.
Set Details
========
* Leftovers helps alleviate pressure from residual damage and makes it harder to 3HKO Xerneas.
* Maximum Defense and HP EVs aid in Xerneas's survival versus Ubers's plethora of physical threats.
Usage Tips
========
* This set must carefully balance how it uses Rest to ensure that turns aren't wasted or that Xerneas isn't preemptively KOed by a high damage roll or a critical hit.
* As an anti-hazard Pokemon, Xerneas should be mindful of the opponent's entry hazard setter.
* Stealth Rock setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Arceus-Ground can be worn down with Toxic.
* Suicide hazard setters must be eliminated and then the opposing offense's momentum shattered.
* Passive and Toxic-immune setters will need to be punished or removed by a teammate.
* Be wary of trappers, which can eliminate this set without many complications.
Team Options
========
* This set relinquishes the most momentum of any Xerneas set, so teams where it's utilized need good reactive checks to top metagame threats.
* Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Ground, and Yveltal can be effective against Necrozma-DM depending on the set and appreciate the types of support Xerneas can offer them. This is especially important because Defog Xerneas does not match up very well against Stealth Rock Necrozma-DM.
* A good Ho-Oh switch-in such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C is needed.
* A Pursuit trapper such as Marshadow or Tyranitar can take out trappers such as Mega Gengar and Gothitelle is highly recommended.
* Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Zygarde-C that can punish the Toxic-immune Stealth Rock setters such as Necrozma-DM, Dialga, and the rare Bronzong aid in efforts to keep hazards clear.
[SET]
name: Z-Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Ingrain / Sleep Talk
move 3: Rest
move 4: Moonblast
item: Fairium Z
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Z-Geomancy allows Xerneas to boost its Defense and also boost to +3 in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed after its second turn of use, potentially making it difficult for passive teams to KO Xerneas or for offensive teams to revenge kill it.
* Ingrain prevents Xerneas from being phazed by Roar or Whirlwind during Z-Geomancy's charge turn and also functions as recovery, making Xerneas harder to 3HKO.
* Sleep Talk can be used instead to pull Moonblast while sleeping 50% of the time.
* Rest removes harmful status, mainly Toxic, and helps Xerneas bypass Pokemon that can't 3HKO it.
* Moonblast has maximum damage output against neutral targets, as it is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it OHKOes pretty much anything at +6, functioning well as the sole attack for this set.
Set Details
========
* Fairium Z allows Xerneas to use Z-Geomancy.
* Maximum Defense and HP allow Xerneas to sponge attacks from Primal Groudon and Steel-types and avoid the 3HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh.
Usage Tips
========
* Like with other Geomancy sets, the most important choice is when to set up; do not do so if the opponent has something that can KO Xerneas before it has completed using Z-Geomancy or if they have something that can tank Xerneas's attacks and 3HKO it when boosted.
* If the opponent has a Pokemon with Roar or Whirlwind, Ingrain needs to be used first so that they cannot phaze Xerneas while it is locked into Z-Geomancy.
* Do not pursue setup wars where you have the disadvantage, especially since Rest kills turns, as does charging for subsequent boosts from Geomancy.
* Do not pursue setup against strong defensive behemoths such as Necrozma-DM that can potentially 3HKO Xerneas even when it is boosted.
* This set can be effective against certain offensive teams that rely on revenge killing to keep Geomancy Xerneas in check.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types, which are common Xerneas checks, setting Stealth Rock, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar can be used to remove or trade with Pokemon that are able to 3HKO Xerneas after Z-Geomancy or eliminate those that are able to use Encore or swap against it.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle physical Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, and it is helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* This set can be anti-offense, but it may struggle against certain defensive combinations. Stallbreakers such as Rayquaza, Primal Kyogre, Gothitelle, and Dugtrio help cover this weakness.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Life Orb, Expert Belt, or Pixie Plate can be used with an all-out attacker set and can bluff more common Xerneas sets, but the advantages are generally inferior to the high Special Attack or Speed boost provided by Choice sets.
* A set of Sleep Talk, Moonblast, and Geomancy for Choice sets works as an effective absorber of sleep.
* A Calm Mind set with Rest, Sleep Talk, and a defensive EV spread can set up more than once and has more flexibility, but it is largely outclassed by Z-Geomancy. An offensive Calm Mind set is also possible but is generally inferior to the Geomancy set.
* Substitute on the Geomancy set helps bypass several esoteric Xerneas checks.
* Psyshock on the Geomancy set breaks past Poison-types and Blissey.
* Rock Slide on the Choice Scarf set hits Ho-Oh.
* Ingrain and Roar can be utilized on a Geomancy set in order to mess with defensive checks that rely on phazing.
* Thunder Wave may be used, especially on the Choice Scarf set, to punish incoming Pokemon that are hard to damage otherwise.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Necrozma-DM**: Necrozma-DM has the defensive typing, ability, bulk, and moves needed to check most Xerneas sets. At best, Geomancy Xerneas can 2HKO support Necrozma-DM and avoid the OHKO from Sunsteel Strike; however, +1 Z-Geomancy Xerneas is still 3HKOed. Choice Scarf, Choice Specs, and the defensive set cannot do much to any Necrozma-DM variant.
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon resists Moonblast, is always EVed to check boosted Xerneas, and can phaze Xerneas with Roar, afflict it with status, or smack it with Precipice Blades.
**Magearna**: Magearna tanks even any boosted attack from Xerneas well, and it removes said boosts with Heart Swap.
**Defensive Steel-types**: Klefki, Mega Scizor, Bronzong, and Aegislash can survive boosted attacks from Xerneas. They can inflict Xerneas with status or hit it hard with STAB Steel-type moves. Celesteela is defeated by Thunder and Ferrothorn is defeated by Focus Blast, but otherwise they can do the same.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh tanks Moonblast rather well and can hit Xerneas with strong physical attacks, inflict it with status, or phaze it with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh is incredibly vulnerable to Stealth Rock and is typically OHKOed by Hidden Power Rock.
**Lugia**: Lugia checks Xerneas via Multiscale and Whirlwind, but it is KOed by a boosted Thunder after Stealth Rock.
**Blissey and Chansey**: Both Blissey and Chansey can stall out most Xerneas sets with Toxic due to their powerful special bulk, but they cannot defeat Z-Geomancy Xerneas on their own.
**Priority**: Priority attacks are typically employed by offense teams and used to revenge kill a boosted Xerneas. Users include Extreme Killer Arceus, Mega Lucario, Marshadow, Deoxys-A, and Rayquaza.
**Mega Gengar**: Although not a check to boosted Geomancy sets, Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate the defensive set or revenge kill unboosted Geomancy and Choice Specs sets.
**Excadrill**: Sand Rush Excadrill outspeeds boosted Xerneas and hits it hard with Iron Head.
**Arceus-Poison and -Steel**: These Arceus formes have a Fairy-type resistance and are bulky enough to check most boosted Xerneas sets, but Arceus-Steel is KOed by +2 Focus Blast.
GP Checks: The Dutch Plumberjack | marthaa
Pugnare Cum Fatales
[OVERVIEW]
* Xerneas is the most powerful and versatile Fairy-type around.
* It fits on a large number of hyper offense and bulky offense builds, where it provides both offensive and defensive utility.
* Its Fairy typing is strong defensively, only being weak to Steel- and Poison-type moves, which aren't the best attacking types around. Offensively, Fairy is also highly effective, having key trumps over Dark- and Dragon-types and no types immune to it.
* Xerneas's stats aren't impressive in a single aspect, but base 131 Special Attack with Fairy Aura makes it strong; Xerneas's bulk is solid, which eases setup and makes it more difficult to revenge kill; and base 99 Speed makes it as fast as it needs to be.
* Xerneas has access to powerful support moves such as Defog and Aromatherapy and is able to circumvent a few of its typical offensive and defensive checks via a variety of coverage and support options to play around with.
* Necrozma-DM and Magearna are reliable and effective Xerneas checks.
* The most common Pokemon in the tier, Primal Groudon, resists Moonblast, and Xerneas is somewhat threatened by Mega Gengar.
* A noticeable flaw is that it lacks instant recovery and is afflicted by all entry hazards and non-volatile status, which somewhat limits its defensive synergy.
[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder
move 4: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 172 Def / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Geomancy turns Xerneas into a fast, powerful, and bulky special sweeper.
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB boosts.
* Thunder hits foes that resist Fairy-type moves such as Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Toxapex, as well as the specially bulky Lugia and Primal Kyogre.
* Focus Blast hits Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and most Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Bronzong for solid damage.
* Hidden Power Fire is unique in being able to hit Mega Scizor while also covering other niche Steel-types with consistency.
* Hidden Power Ground is a consistent alternative option that hits Primal Groudon and several Fairy-resistant foes such as Magearna and Toxapex.
* Hidden Power Rock is exclusively for hitting Ho-Oh, but it does so more consistently and with higher damage output than Thunder.
* Aromatherapy removes status from Xerneas and supports its teammates.
Set Details
========
* A Power Herb is used to bypass Geomancy's charge turn.
* 84 Speed EVs ensure that Xerneas outspeeds up to +1 Adamant Mega Salamence when boosted.
* Maximum Special Attack EVs alongside a Modest nature are used so that Xerneas can OHKO its primary targets when unboosted and reduce the amount of chip damage its checks require before being circumvented.
* The remaining EVs are used in Defense to improve chances at surviving revenge killing attempts from the likes of Marshadow, Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Mega Salamence, and priority move users.
* Geomancy Xerneas may use an alternate spread with 72 HP EVs and 100 Special Defense EVs to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Yveltal's Oblivion Wing and perform a bit better versus strong special attackers such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Gengar.
Usage Tips
========
* Be aware that Xerneas can effectively only set up once due to the consumption of Power Herb, making when to set up perhaps the most important choice when using this set.
* It's usually not a good idea to set up when the opponent has a strong or healthy stop to Xerneas; this results in the loss of a Pokemon for little gain.
* Be aware of offensive checks that Xerneas cannot blow past: Pokemon that will damage it on the setup turn and priority users.
* In these cases, you need to be familiar with how much damage Xerneas takes from various priority moves to know how much it can afford to take on setup.
* Geomancy Xerneas doesn't really want to switch into opposing Pokemon because it's most potent when at full health.
* This set can switch into Yveltal, but be aware that Life Orb- and Choice Specs-boosted Oblivion Wing deal significant damage.
* Be aware of matchups where Geomancy Xerneas won't really have a good opportunity to sweep; in these cases, use it more as a team player to switch into attacks, force out Pokemon, and pivot out to its teammates.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types, which are common Xerneas checks, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar is able to remove, trade, or threaten most Xerneas checks.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Necrozma-DM appreciates Xerneas checking Dark-types and can pose a threat to defensive Pokemon that Xerneas may fail to break.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, and it is helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Marshadow helps alleviate pressure from opposing offense and checks Swords Dance Arceus in addition to fast Psychic-types.
* Giratina-O covers Primal Groudon and is a strong partner to offer Defog support.
* Strong Stealth Rock setters such as Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Excadrill, and Deoxys-S wear down Xerneas checks, which is especially helpful against Ho-Oh and Lugia.
* Dugtrio can remove Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon, Magearna, Necrozma-DM, and Klefki.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Aromatherapy / Thunder / Grass Knot
move 4: Defog / Thunder / Grass Knot
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Focus Blast hits most foes that Moonblast does not, such as Primal Groudon and defensive Steel-types.
* Hidden Power Fire is unique in being able to hit Mega Scizor while also covering other niche Steel-types.
* Aromatherapy provides emergency cleric support for teammates.
* Thunder hits Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Primal Kyogre.
* Alternatively, Grass Knot hits Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Grass-weak Arceus formes consistently.
* Defog provides entry hazard removal in a pinch.
Set Details
========
* A Choice Scarf turns Xerneas to a solid anti-hyper offense Pokemon that's able to outspeed most of the unboosted tier.
* 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize damage output.
* 252 Speed EVs with a Choice Scarf let Xerneas Speed tie with Modest Choice Scarf Yveltal.
* A Timid nature can be used to ensure that Xerneas at worst Speed ties with Choice Scarf Yveltal.
Usage Tips
========
* Capitalize on the ability to bluff a Geomancy set by securing a free KO on a Pokemon that the opponent assumed was faster or by forcing out a Pokemon that needs to retreat to a check when Xerneas would set up.
* Be careful about locking Xerneas into coverage moves, especially those that give the opponent setup opportunities or free switches to revenge killers.
* Use Aromatherapy or Defog when forcing switches that the set cannot otherwise punish or as a last-ditch effort upon being KOed.
* This set has a strong matchup against a variety of hyper offensive builds, so take advantage of this and preserve it as a potential wincon if Pokemon that resist Fairy are worn down.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Arceus-Ground, Necrozma-DM, Excadrill, Deoxys-S, and Dialga may be used.
* Mega Gengar is great for removing defensive Pokemon that are strong checks to Choice Scarf Xerneas.
* Yveltal appreciates Xerneas's great matchup against most Pokemon that resist Dark and beats a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Ho-Oh checks such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C are needed with this set.
* Giratina-O can be used as a partner for double or singular Defog, and it helps cover weaknesses to Primal Groudon and Swords Dance Arceus.
* Stallbreakers are needed, such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Necrozma-DM, Primal Kyogre, Rayquaza, Gothitelle, and Dugtrio, as this set's worst matchup is against defensive teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Grass Knot / Thunder
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
move 4: Aromatherapy / Defog
item: Choice Specs
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB.
* Grass Knot consistently deals more damage to Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Water.
* Thunder is an alternative that hits Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Primal Kyogre.
* Hidden Power Fire smacks around defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Magearna, Klefki, Necrozma-DM, and Aegislash with accuracy.
* Focus Blast combines general Steel-type coverage with the ability to hit Primal Groudon.
* Aromatherapy clears status from Xerneas and its teammates, adding some supportive utility.
* Defog can be used for offensive teams that seek entry hazard removal in a pinch.
* Psyshock breaks through Blissey, Chansey, Ho-Oh, and the odd Poison-type.
Set Details
========
* Choice Specs gives Xerneas maximum immediate power without the need to set up so that it can come in and deal high damage more than once per game.
* Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used to help elevate Xerneas out of a crowded Speed tier, outspeeding Lunala and Speed tying with maximum Speed Yveltal.
* 252 Special Attack EVs allow Xerneas to 3HKO maximum Special Defense Primal Groudon and 2HKO both Ho-Oh and Lugia after Stealth Rock.
* Modest can be used so that Xerneas smacks Pokemon such as Primal Groudon harder and has more potency with its coverage moves.
Usage Tips
========
* Moonblast is almost always what Xerneas should be using, since it has the highest general damage output and creates the fewest setup opportunities for opposing threats.
* All other coverage moves should be used to break down defensive responses to Xerneas, as many of these cannot withstand continuous thrashings.
* Make sure you do not lock Xerneas into a move that the opponent can easily punish.
* Exploit opposing teams whose Fairy checks lack staying power.
* Aromatherapy and Defog are best used when forcing a switch you can't otherwise punish or as a last-ditch effort when Xerneas is no longer useful for much else.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line and meet KO benchmarks.
* Other Stealth Rock setters such as Arceus-Ground, Dialga, and Excadrill can be used to similar effect.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats down Dark-resistant foes and is good for beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* Marshadow helps alleviate pressure from opposing offense and checks Swords Dance Arceus in addition to fast Psychic-types.
* A Ho-Oh check such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C should be used with this set.
* Primal Kyogre synergizes well with Xerneas due to this set's ability to wear down Primal Groudon and functions well against Steel-types.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Defog
move 2: Rest
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Toxic / Aromatherapy / Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* This set seeks to utilize Defog on Xerneas in applications where more staying power is required, thus allowing it to remove entry hazards several times in a match if needed.
* Rest eliminates the possibiltiy of being stalled out via Toxic and grants the staying power needed.
* Moonblast is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it functions well as the sole attack for this set.
* Toxic is nice for stalling out some Stealth Rock setters and punishing non-Steel-type switch-ins.
* Cleric support via Aromatherapy is invaluable for defensive teams, especially those that lack good status sponges.
* Sleep Talk can be used to ensure that Xerneas isn't completely immobile during sleep turns.
Set Details
========
* Leftovers helps alleviate pressure from residual damage and makes it harder to 3HKO Xerneas.
* Maximum Defense and HP EVs aid in Xerneas's survival versus Ubers's plethora of physical threats.
Usage Tips
========
* This set must carefully balance how it uses Rest to ensure that turns aren't wasted or that Xerneas isn't preemptively KOed by a high damage roll or a critical hit.
* As an anti-hazard Pokemon, Xerneas should be mindful of the opponent's entry hazard setter.
* Stealth Rock setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Arceus-Ground can be worn down with Toxic.
* Suicide hazard setters must be eliminated and then the opposing offense's momentum shattered.
* Passive and Toxic-immune setters will need to be punished or removed by a teammate.
* Be wary of trappers, which can eliminate this set without many complications.
Team Options
========
* This set relinquishes the most momentum of any Xerneas set, so teams where it's utilized need good reactive checks to top metagame threats.
* Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Ground, and Yveltal can be effective against Necrozma-DM depending on the set and appreciate the types of support Xerneas can offer them. This is especially important because Defog Xerneas does not match up very well against Stealth Rock Necrozma-DM.
* A good Ho-Oh switch-in such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C is needed.
* A Pursuit trapper such as Marshadow or Tyranitar can take out trappers such as Mega Gengar and Gothitelle is highly recommended.
* Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Zygarde-C that can punish the Toxic-immune Stealth Rock setters such as Necrozma-DM, Dialga, and the rare Bronzong aid in efforts to keep hazards clear.
[SET]
name: Z-Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Ingrain / Sleep Talk
move 3: Rest
move 4: Moonblast
item: Fairium Z
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Z-Geomancy allows Xerneas to boost its Defense and also boost to +3 in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed after its second turn of use, potentially making it difficult for passive teams to KO Xerneas or for offensive teams to revenge kill it.
* Ingrain prevents Xerneas from being phazed by Roar or Whirlwind during Z-Geomancy's charge turn and also functions as recovery, making Xerneas harder to 3HKO.
* Sleep Talk can be used instead to pull Moonblast while sleeping 50% of the time.
* Rest removes harmful status, mainly Toxic, and helps Xerneas bypass Pokemon that can't 3HKO it.
* Moonblast has maximum damage output against neutral targets, as it is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it OHKOes pretty much anything at +6, functioning well as the sole attack for this set.
Set Details
========
* Fairium Z allows Xerneas to use Z-Geomancy.
* Maximum Defense and HP allow Xerneas to sponge attacks from Primal Groudon and Steel-types and avoid the 3HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh.
Usage Tips
========
* Like with other Geomancy sets, the most important choice is when to set up; do not do so if the opponent has something that can KO Xerneas before it has completed using Z-Geomancy or if they have something that can tank Xerneas's attacks and 3HKO it when boosted.
* If the opponent has a Pokemon with Roar or Whirlwind, Ingrain needs to be used first so that they cannot phaze Xerneas while it is locked into Z-Geomancy.
* Do not pursue setup wars where you have the disadvantage, especially since Rest kills turns, as does charging for subsequent boosts from Geomancy.
* Do not pursue setup against strong defensive behemoths such as Necrozma-DM that can potentially 3HKO Xerneas even when it is boosted.
* This set can be effective against certain offensive teams that rely on revenge killing to keep Geomancy Xerneas in check.
Team Options
========
* Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types, which are common Xerneas checks, setting Stealth Rock, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
* Mega Gengar can be used to remove or trade with Pokemon that are able to 3HKO Xerneas after Z-Geomancy or eliminate those that are able to use Encore or swap against it.
* Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle physical Rock Polish Primal Groudon.
* Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, and it is helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks.
* This set can be anti-offense, but it may struggle against certain defensive combinations. Stallbreakers such as Rayquaza, Primal Kyogre, Gothitelle, and Dugtrio help cover this weakness.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Life Orb, Expert Belt, or Pixie Plate can be used with an all-out attacker set and can bluff more common Xerneas sets, but the advantages are generally inferior to the high Special Attack or Speed boost provided by Choice sets.
* A set of Sleep Talk, Moonblast, and Geomancy for Choice sets works as an effective absorber of sleep.
* A Calm Mind set with Rest, Sleep Talk, and a defensive EV spread can set up more than once and has more flexibility, but it is largely outclassed by Z-Geomancy. An offensive Calm Mind set is also possible but is generally inferior to the Geomancy set.
* Substitute on the Geomancy set helps bypass several esoteric Xerneas checks.
* Psyshock on the Geomancy set breaks past Poison-types and Blissey.
* Rock Slide on the Choice Scarf set hits Ho-Oh.
* Ingrain and Roar can be utilized on a Geomancy set in order to mess with defensive checks that rely on phazing.
* Thunder Wave may be used, especially on the Choice Scarf set, to punish incoming Pokemon that are hard to damage otherwise.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Necrozma-DM**: Necrozma-DM has the defensive typing, ability, bulk, and moves needed to check most Xerneas sets. At best, Geomancy Xerneas can 2HKO support Necrozma-DM and avoid the OHKO from Sunsteel Strike; however, +1 Z-Geomancy Xerneas is still 3HKOed. Choice Scarf, Choice Specs, and the defensive set cannot do much to any Necrozma-DM variant.
**Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon resists Moonblast, is always EVed to check boosted Xerneas, and can phaze Xerneas with Roar, afflict it with status, or smack it with Precipice Blades.
**Magearna**: Magearna tanks even any boosted attack from Xerneas well, and it removes said boosts with Heart Swap.
**Defensive Steel-types**: Klefki, Mega Scizor, Bronzong, and Aegislash can survive boosted attacks from Xerneas. They can inflict Xerneas with status or hit it hard with STAB Steel-type moves. Celesteela is defeated by Thunder and Ferrothorn is defeated by Focus Blast, but otherwise they can do the same.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh tanks Moonblast rather well and can hit Xerneas with strong physical attacks, inflict it with status, or phaze it with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh is incredibly vulnerable to Stealth Rock and is typically OHKOed by Hidden Power Rock.
**Lugia**: Lugia checks Xerneas via Multiscale and Whirlwind, but it is KOed by a boosted Thunder after Stealth Rock.
**Blissey and Chansey**: Both Blissey and Chansey can stall out most Xerneas sets with Toxic due to their powerful special bulk, but they cannot defeat Z-Geomancy Xerneas on their own.
**Priority**: Priority attacks are typically employed by offense teams and used to revenge kill a boosted Xerneas. Users include Extreme Killer Arceus, Mega Lucario, Marshadow, Deoxys-A, and Rayquaza.
**Mega Gengar**: Although not a check to boosted Geomancy sets, Mega Gengar can trap and eliminate the defensive set or revenge kill unboosted Geomancy and Choice Specs sets.
**Excadrill**: Sand Rush Excadrill outspeeds boosted Xerneas and hits it hard with Iron Head.
**Arceus-Poison and -Steel**: These Arceus formes have a Fairy-type resistance and are bulky enough to check most boosted Xerneas sets, but Arceus-Steel is KOed by +2 Focus Blast.
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