[Anything Goes] Xerneas

MZ

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ik this is dead, sorry about that, but in the meantime we should bump the speed investment up to 52 on geomancy to outspeed scarf jirachi at +2, no reason not to just take that out of HP
e: just to be clear I mean this
EVs: 200 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 52 Spe
outspeed jolly scarf jirachi and everything lower, strong as possible, hit an HP number not divisible by 4 by putting 4 in def
 
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MZ

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248 Atk Genesect Iron Head vs. 176 HP / 28 Def Xerneas: 252-296 (57.6 - 67.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 248 Atk Genesect Iron Head vs. 176 HP / 28 Def Xerneas: 374-444 (85.5 - 101.6%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO (so with rocks it's bad for you)
thimo pointed out that this should be the revised superior geomancy EVs: 176 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 52 Spe. I think when I suggested the above spread I took out the 28 for download getting a special attack boost instead by mistake, my bad x_x

I'd also like to check this when I can despite having already done so, I don't know how much this changed during writeup but there are some really notable flaws to this analysis such as HP ground not mentioned in moves despite its slash and the overview basically having no substance at all.
 
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MZ

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ok. The reason this has taken so long is that, in between multiple sets being added after the first check and the writeup, this analysis has dropped a lot of content and in general became really poor and the check required is so massive. I know that the QC team has had a lot of conflicting opinions and we've only recently solved the issue of constantly popping in with small changes and disagreements, but this quality is just really low for some reason post-writeup. I've been trying to check this thing for a while but I really can't list all of the issues. Here is some of the general stuff but you need to seriously rewrite this and fix a lot of stuff before I can go over it again for the 3/3 Whis
oh and the spacing is off in a lot of places and also I'd definitely look for other things than I've suggested because in some places I haven't listed every single UT or TO to add since there's so much stuff and this is just a general fix this not a specific every single thing to change exactly like this
Xerneas is an incredibly powerful attacker and is able to further boost its offensive prowess with Fairy Aura and Geomancy, making it very hard to switch into. It has many coverage options,but its main alternatives are weaker or lack accuracy. Despite having more options for offensive sets, Xerneas can also utilize its high HP stat paired with its immunity to Dragon to opt for more defensive sets or act as a cleric although it has to rely on Rest as its only recovery move.
no real mention of alternate sets, how it functions in the metagame, issues it has, most of its main attributes... anything really. this is honestly the worst part of the analysis and I highly recommend looking at the ubers one for an idea of what to say. Also its immunity to dragon and fairy aura aren't really important attributes, they can get mentioned if it fits in but I wouldn't go out of your way to talk about them
[SET]

Name: Geomancy
Move 1: Geomancy
Move 2: Moonblast
Move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ground
Move 4: Thunder / Aromatherapy
Item: Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Modest
EVs: 176 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 52 Spe

Moves
========
Geomancy raises Xerneas's Special Attack, Speed, and Special Defense two stages, allowing it to sweep a weakened team or inflict major damage to its checks and counters switching in.it's a sweeper mostly, doesn't want to waste its time weakening mons it wants them to be weakened before it sweeps unless it's a specific situation so I wouldn't suggest using it as a breaker here Moonblast is the most powerful STAB option that Xerneas has access to and coupled with Fairy Aura and a Geomancy boost it becomes a devastating attack. Focus Blast is Xerneas's main coverage move as it is able to hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus and Genesect more relevant steel please as well as hitting Primal Groudon for more damage. Thunder is able to hit Ho-oh and Lugia hard,and can capitalize on Kyogre or Primal Kyogre switching in. anything can hit them switching in and don't mention non-primal ogre. it's mostly for hooh really Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to relieve its team and itself from status effects. specifically for helping with klefki and support arceus that have toxic but can't touch it otherwise, generalizing here is misleading

Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack and a Modest nature ensure that Xerneas hits for as much damage as possible. The 52 speed EV's are to outspeed Scarfed Genesect and Scarf Jirachi after using Geomancy. 28 EVs are invested in defense to avoid giving Genesect +1 from Download and the rest are put in HP to help Xerneas withstand hits. such as +2 ekiller espeed, or something like that. "withstand hits' is a bit general
Usage Tips
========
Xerneas has only a single chance to set up so picking the right time is essential. Normally setting up while Xerneas's checks are severely weakened or knocked out is optimal, but you can use Geomancy against Pokemon like Primal Groudon to pave the way for something else to sweep late game.
ok this is way too short. You need to mention things like weakening checks like don, clef, etc beforehand and give ideas of what to set up on because setting up on don is not ideal at all, working around getting picked off by espeed... a lot more stuff and I'm not gonna list everything. most should be fairly straightforward, you can look at ubers if you have to, but as a general rule you never want to eliminate bullet points from the skeleton because there's stuff there that isn't here somehow
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon is able to switch into Steel-types and deal with most of Xerneas’s counters. Ghost Arceus and Skarmory are able to switch into Mega Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus and are able to cripple them with Will-o-Wisp or phase them out Whirlwind respectively.
again, way too short. like seriously. checks to poisonceus, things that appreciate wallbreaking or wallbreak for xerneas, things that bait in stuff xern sets up on, hazard support... probably some more stuff as well
[SET]
chloe suggested the set changes without asking anyone, we're changing it back
Set Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Focus Blast this can drop to moves
Move 3: Thunder qc team has decided to nix thunder here. 2 move set only
Move 4: Sleep Talk
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Modest
EVs: 72 Def / 252 SpA / 184 Spe and again, changes made for no good reason. 32 Def / 252 SpA / 224 Spe outspeeds everything up to scarf Kyu-W and standard Deo-A, def helps with genesect

Moves
========
Moonblast is Xerneas’s main attacking move since it deals the most damage from this set because of Fairy Aura. Focus Blast is able to threaten many Pokemon that resist Moonblast like Primal Groudon,Steel Arceus, and Ferrothorn. Thunder is able to capitalize on Kyogre switching in and is able to deal massive damage to Ho-oh and Skarmory. Sleep Talk allows for Xerneas to switch into Darkrai and lead off against Smeargle. nix thunder, focus blast drops to moves as a potential option for hitting steels but not necessary to be more reliable vs darkrai

Set Details
========
Modest Nature along with full investment to Special Attack allows Xerneas to hit as hard as possible. 184 in speed allows Xerneas to outspeed Modest Kyogre,slower Ho-oh sets and Speed invested Primal Groudon.The rest is invested into HP to avoid the 2HKO from +2 Extreme Killer Arceus.
change set, and the EVs don't actually help with ekiller (LO is likely to OHKO after SR at +2 anyway, lum fails to do so on both spreads)
Usage Tips
========
Since Geomancy is much more common as a Xerneas set, bluffing can be an effective strategy that can lead an early KO. Be wary of what move Xerneas is locked into since many Pokemon can take advantage of it and sweep based on it. Xerneas can directly switch into Darkrai and Smeargle since it's running Sleep Talk and KO them the following turn. This set works best as a late-game cleaner, able to blow through the enemy team once all of its counters are knocked out or weakened. Aegislash and Primal Groudon specifically should be severely weakened or knocked out, as they are able to wall Xerneas quite easily.
works fine as a revenge killer that can chip stuff mid game, definitely not limited to late game cleaning at all. This is also a bit short, you could add more stuff like pivoting into certain other mons, chipping resists, etc
Team Options
========
Magic Bounce Pokemon like Mega Sableye and Mega Diancie are able to prevent Xerneas from getting worn down by status effects. Skarmory is able to switch directly into a +2 Extreme Killer Arceus without fearing Earthquake, as well as being able to phase it out with whirlwind. Hazard Setters are extremely important as they break Lugia’s Multiscale and damage Ho-oh significantly.Primal Groudon and Ground Arceus are able to capitalize on Steel-types switching in if Xerneas is locked into Moonblast.
magic bounce doesn't fit here, very specific and status isn't even the worst thing ever, missing team options for literally everything but especially mons that need darkrai checked, things that wear down pdon with xern, things that check hooh...
[SET]
Name: All-Out-Attacker
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Rock Slide
Move 4: Aromatherapy / Sleep Talk
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Rash
EVs: 84 Atk / 240 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========
Moonblast is Xerneas’s most powerful move, boosted by both its ability and its Life Orb. Close Combat is able to deal significant damage to Steel-types,Normal Arceus,Blissey/Chansey, grammar and can be used to weaken Groudon. Rock Slide is able to OHKO Ho-oh and deal damage to Lugia it's actually weaker than moon blast vs lugia but has very little use against anything else.Aromatherapy is able to get rid of status effects from Klefki and bulkier Arceus sets, and may be used on predicted switches to stop passive damage infliction as well as relieving Xerneas’s team from status. Sleep Talk offers a check to Darkrai as both Close Combat and Moonblast are able to OHKO and Rock Slide is able to break a potential Substitute.

Set Details
========
184 in speed allows Xerneas to outspeed Modest Primal Kyogre,slower Ho-oh sets maybe say tank since "outspeeding slower sets" goes without saying and Speed invested most Primal Groudon sets. The 84 attack EV’s are used for ensuring the OHKO on Maximum HP investment Ho-oh as well as letting Close Combat hit harder. The remaining EV’s are dumped into Special Attack to amplify the power of Moonblast. Life Orb allows Xerneas to hit harder without wasting a turn to setup or getting locked into a move.

Usage Tips
========
Xerneas can bluff Geomancy to ensure the OHKO on Ho-oh and hitting Steel Arceus for a significant amount of damage when it switches in. Unfortunately, it can only bluff for the first turn as attacks will reveal Life Orb to the opponent. Due to the lack of HP investment, Xerneas will not be able to switch into hits, so try to use it to revenge kill or force a switch. When using this set try going for safer options rather than predictions as Xerneas is not locked into an option.
feels too short but I don't have much experience with this, something about early game breaker and being susceptible to getting revenged even if they don't have a switchin seems important but get other stuff as well
Team Options
========
Ho-oh is able to switch into most of the Steel-types and retaliate with Sacred Fire. Primal Groudon can also easily deal with Steel-types as well as Ho-oh. Unfortunately,it lacks reliable recovery and can get worn down rather quickly by Steel Arceus’s Earth Power and Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent. Mega Rayquaza is able to take advantage of Aromatherapy and can deal massive damage to Primal Groudon and Steel-types with Earthquake.
way way way too short, needs a lot of the same stuff as the first 2 do and things like Pdon switchins/weakeners, stuff that appreciates luring hooh and the wall breaking, etc
[SET]
Name: Defensive
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Rest
Move 3: Sleep Talk
Move 4: Aromatherapy / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

Moves
========
Moonblast is Xerneas’s only attacking move on this set as it keeps it from becoming taunt bait as well as serving as an offensive presence. It is able to ensure the OHKO on Darkrai and is solid overall due to being boosted by Fairy Aura.this is really long winded for an obvious move, all it needs to get across is "stab move, does damage, surprisingly not piss weak" Rest allows Xerneas to recover lost health as well as shrug off status. Sleep Talk can be used to check Darkrai but it can also be used to attempt to wake itself up with Aromatherapy or phase out the opponent with Roar. and not be worthless while asleep Aromatherapy keeps Xerneas from getting worn down by status. Roar is able to get rid of setup sweepers and Substitute Darkrai while also being able to counter Geomancy Xerneas sets and Baton Pass teams. not a counter if it can't switch in and win. just leave it with getting rid of phazing setup sweepers

Set Details
========
Maximum Defense investment along with a Bold nature makes Xerneas as physically bulky as possible. The remaining EV's are put into HP to improve its mixed bulk. Leftovers allow Xerneas to avoid many 3HKOs, amplify its bulk further, and help Xerneas deal with Toxic and Will-o-Wisp.
I don't see how lefties helps deal with toxic and willo.
Usage Tips
========
Rest leaves Xerneas vulnerable, so using it sparingly is essential,although it does have Sleep Talk which will choose moves at random and can be easily taken advantage of. When opting for Aromatherapy, try using it rather than Rest to get rid of status effects as Rest is easy for your opponents to take advantage of.
what does this wall? what does it switch in on? what does it do? I have zero idea after reading this, this needs to be improved
Team Options
========
Bulky Arceus Variants and Skarmory are great partners as they can easily switch into Extreme Killer Arceus and phase out opponents when Xerneas opts for Aromatherapy over Roar. Ho-oh is able to KO Aegislash,Steel Arceus,Ferrothorn,and Skarmory the turn after it switches in. Primal Groudon can switch into to Steel-types and Ho-oh but is vulnerable to Steel Arceus’s Earth Power and Ho-oh’s Earthquake.
more defensive partners, stuff that xern supports as well
Other Options
=============
Ingrain on Geomancy sets prevents phasers from forcing Xerneas out after it has already used Geomancy, allowing Xerneas to utilize the boost for significantly longer. Substitute can also be run on Geomancy sets, helping Xerneas prevent status and take hard hits without being knocked out. Sleep Talk on Geomancy Xerneas can be helpful when switching into Darkrai and Smeargle leads, allowing it to potentially setup or Knock Out the opponent. Three move Scarf sets running Moonblast,Close Combat and Sleep Talk allow Xerneas to hard counter Darkrai,stopping it from choosing moves such as Thunder and Rock Slide.dont even bother with this Choice Specs Xerneas doesn't fear Roar not fearing roar is the worst reason to use this lol, just say it's an excellent wallbreaker with few switchins and hits extremely hard without using a setup turn, making it very hard to switch into.
mention rest talk geoxern and block rest geoxern, what they do should be self explanatory. also give psyshock a positive mention on geo for being able to get past poison arc and hooh after rocks
Checks and Counters
===================
the entirety of this section is written kind of awkwardly, especially annoying with the incorrect spacing. just go over the whole thing in addition to the specific notes. Try looking at other finished analyses and see how they write it up
**Steel-Types**: Steel-types are able to switch into Xerneas's STAB Moonblast.no reason to cut the sentence like this Mega Scizor is able to switch in on Xerneas and 2HKO with bullet punch priority. Bronzong easily switches into any attacks and coverage that Xerneas has and is able to 2HKO with Gyro Ball and capitalize after Geomancy, while Ferrothorn is able to wear down Xerneas with Toxic doesn't run that and can just hit it hard with gyro anyway and Leech Seed. don't see any mention of jirachi or steel arceus or aegislash (which sucks but is relevant specifically for xern here)
**Ho-oh and Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon and Ho-oh are the most offensive Xerneas switch-ins this is too subjective and can knock out Xerneas with little prior damage. Ho-oh's typing resists Xerneas’s STAB and main coverage options, and can heal off damage with Recover and Regenerator or KO Xerneas. Primal Groudon is able to both switch into and knock out Xerneas or phase it out with Roar after it has used Geomancy. doesn't even mention really important stuff like hooh can't keep coming in with rocks and needs to be healthy for +2 thunder or don has no recovery and can get chipped switching in over time

**mega gengar**: traps xern, can't exactly switch in too well tho, should be self explanatory
**Priority Users**: Priority users need slightly more prior damage in order to ensure KO's. Extreme Killer Arceus,Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Scizor are able to inflict the most damage with Extreme Speed and Bullet Punch and revenge kill Xerneas once it's been worn down to half health. half health for scizor maybe but not the others. don't need scizor here anyway bc it's in steels but you can mention how multiple priority users on a team can take it down together and xern can win if its healthy enough after setting up to still take the priority
**Lugia**: Lugia is a very solid Xerneas check as it is able to come in after something has been knocked out and take Moonblast easily with Multiscale and phase it out with Whirlwind, or wear it down with Toxic, using Roost to recover health and potentially regain Multiscale. goes oddly in detail here, don't need to mention absolutely everything about the matchup down to roosting to recover health
**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists both Xerneas's STAB and main coverage move, Focus Blast,and can easily knock out Xerneas with Poison Jab and Judgement yes, that should be obvious to everyone. this doesn't help. this should mention poisonceus can pivot into all of xern's sets (although don't mention judgement since it doesn't run that) and check geoxern as long as its healthy enough. Poison Arceus can also use the chance to set up against Xerneas; however, it should be wary of some coverage moves like Hidden Power Ground and Psychic. psyshock, not psychic. also mention that if poison arceus is the only xern check, running into the rare psyshock can be a huge issue
 
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MZ

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This is looking a lot better. I think most of the issue stem from you trying to add lots of tiny extra details to completely straightforward ideas and sentences, but then those ideas aren't really correct. If it seems kind of straightforward or a bit boring, that can be completely fine, but I'd avoid adding anything to an analysis unless it's actually correct. I think the best example for you to see is "Leftovers provides extra bulk...and passive recovery" when it doesn't actually increase the defensive stats of the Pokemon holding them at all and you mention its primary function right after. I'd be careful with this since you need to implement the stuff I've said, my advice would be to reread what you write and see if it makes any sense because there's some clear areas like "is able to get past Poison Arceus and knock out" that should pop out to you automatically as being bad. Also beware of randomly breaking things up into multiple sentences, this is especially obvious in the Steel-types section of c&c, there's absolutely no reason to have the very first sentence on its own. These are just the main things I found you could work on (probably for general writing as well), so hopefully the tips help you get through this.
Xerneas has extremely well rounded stats as well as great Special Attack allowing it to become a powerful attacker and is able to further boost its offensive prowess with Fairy Aura and Geomancy. This lets Xerneas serve numerous roles offensively and defensively, making it difficult to switch into. It has many coverage options, but its main alternatives are weaker or lack accuracy I wouldn't go with the drawback, just mention that it has solid high power coverage options. Despite having more options for offensive sets, Xerneas can also utilize its high HP stat paired with its nice defensive typing to opt for more defensive sets or act as a cleric with moves like Aromatherapy and Roar. However, it lacks reliable recovery and relies on Rest to regain health which leaves it vulnerable. the whole thing is still a little messy and there's no switch from pros to cons. the individual defensive set isn't too important to just leave all the cons there, you need to mention that it can be checked by a lot of common steels, fires, and poisonceus pretty hard (although many drop to +2 focus blast) and that it can be pressured by common espeeders which can get right around geo/scarf's speed.
[SET]

Name: Geomancy
Move 1: Geomancy
Move 2: Moonblast
Move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ground
Move 4: Thunder / Aromatherapy
Item: Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Modest
EVs: 176 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 52 Spe

Moves
========
Geomancy raises Xerneas's Special Attack, Speed, and Special Defense two stages, allowing it to sweep a weakened team. Moonblast is the most powerful STAB option that Xerneas has access to and coupled with Fairy Aura and a Geomancy boost it becomes a devastating attack. Focus Blast is Xerneas's main coverage move as it is able to hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus, Genesect +2 moon blast ohkos genesect, remove this and u have enough examples tho, Jirachi, and Klefki as well as hitting Primal Groudon for more damage. You forgot to mention HP ground as a more reliable option but one that is also way weaker Thunder is able to hit Ho-oh and Lugia hard,and can capitalize on Primal Kyogre switching in. Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to relieve its team from status effects and gives Xerneas an easier time with Klefki and defensive Arceus sets that can wear down Xerneas with Toxic or cripple it with Thunder Wave and Swagger. the order here implies klefki uses toxic and defensive arceus uses twave and swagger, switch either the order of the mons or the moves. Also changing "defensive Arceus sets" to "support Arceus formes" makes it clear that you mean typed arceus and not wallceus, which always runs roar

Set Details
======== fix the spacing on most of these, should be a space in between === and paragraph, and another between paragraph and next section
Maximum Special Attack and a Modest nature ensure that Xerneas deals as much damage as possible. The 52 speed EV's are to outspeed Scarfed Genesect and Scarf Jirachi after using Geomancy. 28 EVs are invested in defense to avoid giving Genesect +1 from Download, and the rest are put in HP to help Xerneas avoid 2HKO's from Extreme Killer Arceus's extremespeed and Earthquake from Banded Ho-oh.
Usage Tips
========
Xerneas has only a single chance to set up, so picking the right time is essential. Normally, setup when pokemon checks like Primal Groudon,Ho-oh,Klefki and Clefable are severely weakened or knocked out is most optimal. Priority users also pose a problem for Xerneas as they can revenge kill it quite easily although priority users need some chip damage in before they can take Xerneas out. that is phrased kinda weird, the point should be that it can be revenged by 1 or more priority users if it takes too much damage while setting up Be wary of how much health Xerneas has and the amount of priority users on the other team before using Geomancy Try to set up on pokemon like Yveltal,Primal Kyogre,and Mega Diancie as you can force them out as well as setting up.
252+ SpA Primal Kyogre Origin Pulse vs. 176 HP / 0 SpD Xerneas in Heavy Rain: 385-454 (88.1 - 103.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
switch this for a new example, say, mega sableye


Team Options
========
Primal Groudon is able to switch into Steel-types and deal with most of Xerneas’s counters like Poison Arceus and Ho-oh. Additionally, Primal Groudon can set up Stealth Rocks for Xerneas so it can sweep more effectively.Primal Groudon also baits in Yveltal and Primal Kyogre which Xerneas can use to setup on. you could give a few other examples for pokemon that use rocks. also Pogre still is not good setup fodder for xern, so still change that to something else Ghost Arceus and Skarmory are able to switch into Mega Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus with ease and are able to cripple them with Will-o-Wisp or phase them out Whirlwind respectively we dont need to know the details of how they handle ray and skarm, the important part is how this actually helps xerneas, which you forgot to mention . Skarmory can also lay down Spikes to restrict switching and force the opponent to defog, giving an opportunity for Xerneas to set up.

[SET]

Set Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Sleep Talk
Move 3:
Move 4:
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Modest
EVs: 72 Def / 252 SpA / 184 Spe edited spread, people felt that we were creeping too much unnecessary stuff. the bulk doesn't actually do anything other than the already mentioned general bulk though, so the reasoning can stay the same

Moves
========
Moonblast is Xerneas’s main attacking move since it deals the most damage because of Fairy Aura and STAB. Focus Blast is able to threaten many Pokemon that resist Moonblast like Primal Groudon,Steel Arceus, and Ferrothorn, however it significantly less reliable against darkrai as it can miss when opting for Sleep Talk . Sleep Talk allows for Xerneas to switch into Darkrai or lead off against Smeargle and is able to ensure the OHKO against both of them extremely reliably and if Moonblast is the only other move it is able to select it every turn. focus blast should be mentioned after sleep talk but specifically say why it's not on the set, as right now it's not quite clear. you should say something similar to "however it is not commonly run because it can make xerneas less reliable in defeating darkrai with sleep talk thanks to its poor accuracy"

Set Details
========
Modest Nature along with full investment to Special Attack allows Xerneas to hit as hard as possible. 224 in speed allows Xerneas to outspeed Darkrai, Ho-oh,and Scarf Kyurem-W. you will always beat hooh and darkrai, those arent really specific benchmarks. it does beat scarf ogre and zek though 32 Defense is invested so that it will no longer give Genesect +1 attack from download as well giving it more bulk.

Usage Tips
========
Since Geomancy is much more common as a Xerneas set remove this point. if anything, bluffing scarf is more effective since you can switch in on things like CBray that expect to die, and I wouldn't mind a bullet point about bluffing scarf in geomancy since it's a risky but effective way to get a free setup, bluffing can be an effective strategy that can lead an early KO. Be wary of what move Xerneas is locked into being locked into sleep talk since many Pokemon can take advantage of it and sweep based on it use it as setup fodder. Xerneas can directly switch into Darkrai and Smeargle since it's running Sleep Talk and KO them the following turn. This set works best as a late-game cleaner, able to blow through the enemy team once all of its counters are knocked out or weakened. Although I think you mean however? otherwise the sentence doesn't make any sense, it is able revenge kill quite well due it its high damage output from Moonblast combined with its nice speed enhanced by Choice Scarf. Despite this set being relatively frail it can switch into some resists resists to what? you mean pokemon it resists? like Yveltal and catch something on the switch with Moonblast. Primal Groudon specifically should be severely weakened or knocked out, as it is able to wall Xerneas quite easily.

Team Options
========
Skarmory is able to switch directly into a +2 Extreme Killer Arceus without fearing Earthquake, as well as being able to phase it out with Whirlwind. Hazard Setters are crucial as they break Lugia’s Multiscale and damage Ho-oh significantly.Primal Groudon and Ground Arceus are able to capitalize on Steel-types switching in if Xerneas is locked into Moonblast. Both Mega Rayquaza and Giratina-O benefit from baiting Groudon out as Mega Rayquaza can threaten Groudon with a 2HKO earthquake or OHKO with Waterfall just say it 2hkos don since its most common set doesn't run those moves. On the other side, Giratina is able to come into any of Primal Groudon's attacks and phaze out Primal Groudon with Roar or Dragon Tail. gira doesn't really benefit from it being out though, since all it can do is phase out pdon. if you just want to say "xerneas needs don checks" that's ok, but benefit is specific phrasing which i dont agree with

[SET]
Name: All-Out-Attacker
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Rock Slide
Move 4: Aromatherapy / Sleep Talk
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Rash
EVs: 84 Atk / 240 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========
Moonblast is Xerneas’s most powerful move, boosted by both its ability and its Life Orb. Close Combat is able to deal significant damage to Steel-types,Normal Arceus, and Blissey/Chansey, and can be used to weaken Groudon. Rock Slide is able to OHKO Ho-oh and but has very little use against anything else. Aromatherapy is able to get rid of status effects from Klefki and bulkier Arceus sets, and may be used on predicted switches to stop passive damage infliction as well as relieving Xerneas’s team from status. Sleep Talk offers a check to Darkrai as both Close Combat and Moonblast are able to OHKO and Rock Slide is able to break a potential Substitute.

Set Details
========
184 in speed allows Xerneas to outspeed Modest Primal Kyogre, Tank Ho-oh sets and most Primal Groudon sets. The 84 attack EV’s are used for ensuring the OHKO on Maximum HP investment Ho-oh as well as letting Close Combat hit harder. The remaining EV’s are dumped into Special Attack to amplify the power of Moonblast. Life Orb allows Xerneas to hit harder without wasting a turn to setup or getting locked into a move.

Usage Tips
========
Xerneas can bluff Geomancy to ensure the OHKO on Ho-oh Lure in Ho-oh and hitting Steel Arceus for a significant amount of damage when it switches in you already ohko steel arceus with focus blast if it switches in as you geo so I dont get this example. maybe lure in hooh and blissey? Unfortunately, it can only bluff for the first turn as attacks will reveal Life Orb to the opponent. Thanks to its ability it is able do massive damage early game without setting up meaning it can knock out pokemon early game or do massive damage to switch-ins. Due to the lack of HP investment and Life Orb damage constantly wearing it down, Xerneas will not be able to switch into hits, so try to use it to revenge kill or force a switch. When using this set try going for safer options rather than predictions as Xerneas is not locked into an option. idk about this last point, the whole point of the set is to do a lot of damage so if you always click moonblast as they go steel arceus it's gonna fail. if anything I'd suggest you try to catch pokemon pivoting in for one resisted attack before you wear yourself down too much

Team Options
========
Ho-oh is able to switch into most of the Steel-types that check xerneas and retaliate with Sacred Fire. Primal Groudon can also easily deal with Steel-types as well as Ho-oh.Unfortunately,it lacks reliable recovery and can get worn down rather quickly by Steel Arceus’s Earth Power and Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent. this just sounds so random, where did megaray come in in this steel type conversation? and ray checks hooh too. All you have to do is quickly mention steel checks, not take 3 sentences to confuse people Ghost Arceus and Giratina forms can switch into Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus. Mega Rayquaza is able to take advantage of Aromatherapy and can deal massive damage to Primal Groudon and Steel-types with Earthquake how does aroma let it do that???? If anything a mon with a lum berry is less of a beneficiary of aroma, remove this point. Rock Arceus,Water Arceus and Primal Kyogre are able to capitalize on Ho-oh switching in and are able to force Ho-oh out or 2HKO but hooh doesn't switch in. because it dies to rock slide. I dont get this at all, remove the point i guess. Calm Mind Arceus and Kyogre help take out Xerneas threats like what? be specific with steels and fires while Xerneas is able to get rid of pokemon like Chansey and bulkier Arceus sets that can wall out Calm Mind.
this section is written out really poorly. An example of how I'd change it from being rambling and confusion to just a regular analysis would be like this:
"Fire- and Ground-types like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon are able to check common Steel-types such as Steel Arceus which can pivot into Xerneas"
A lot of the section also has weird logical leaps, but hopefully I've addressed those. If you ever find yourself taking 3 sentences to say a simple one sentence idea in "fires check steels", that should be a sign that you should try to rewrite it


[SET]
Name: Defensive
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Rest
Move 3: Sleep Talk
Move 4: Aromatherapy / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

Moves
========
Moonblast is Xerneas’s only attacking move on this set as it keeps it from becoming Taunt bait as well as serving as an offensive presence further boosted by Fairy Aura. Rest allows Xerneas to recover lost health as well as shrug off status. Sleep Talk can be used to check Darkrai but it can also be used to attempt to wake itself up with Aromatherapy,phaze out the opponent with Roar or deal damage with Moonblast dont need to list al of this, just say like "Sleep Talk is used to not be completely ineffective while sleeping as well as checking Darkrai" or something like that. at some point being too specific is just annoying. Aromatherapy keeps Xerneas and its teammates from getting worn down by status. Roar is able to get rid of setup sweepers and Substitute Darkrai while also being able to counter check, not counter. it can't switch in, in fact it doesn't exactly check if they just dont set up Geomancy Xerneas sets. It can also do pretty well against Baton Pass teams thanks to Roar phazing out set up sweepers. they dont really have one setup sweeper on BP, maybe "roar eliminating accumulated boosts"? something like that

Set Details
========
Maximum Defense investment along with a Bold nature makes Xerneas as physically bulky as possible. The remaining EV's are put into HP to improve its mixed bulk. this is way overcomplicated, both are just to boost general and physical bulk, you never put things into HP "to increase mixed bulk" Leftovers allow Xerneas to avoid many 3HKOs like what? if you dont know, then you can just say they provide some passive recovery, amplify its bulk further leftovers do not increase bulk, there is no stat boost from running leftovers, and give Xerneas some passive recovery so that it can avoid using Rest. it will still have to use rest
Leftovers provides Xerneas with slight passive recovery.
That is all the sentence needs to say. If you are going to add more, make sure it is actually correct or relevant

Usage Tips
========
Rest leaves Xerneas vulnerable, so using it sparingly is essential, although it does have Sleep Talk which will choose moves at random and can be easily taken advantage of. When opting for Aromatherapy, try using it rather than Rest to get rid of status effects as Rest is easy for your opponents to take advantage of. this sounds really weird, in some cases aroma is better and some cases rest is but I have no real clue when to use either from the usage tip so just remove the point if you can't adequately explain it Xerneas is can easily wall out pokemon like Darkrai and Yveltal xerneas can barely switch into LO oblivion wing from yveltal, diff example maybe. Try to avoid Mega Gengar as it is able to trap and OHKO after Stealth Rocks damage.

Team Options
========
Bulky defensive, not bulky, they all are kinda bulky Arceus Variants and Skarmory are great partners as they can easily switch into Extreme Killer Arceus and phase out opponents when Xerneas opts for Aromatherapy over Roar. Yveltal is able to take on boosted threats such as +2 Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Rayquaza and OHKO them with Foul Play. Ho-oh can KO Aegislash, Steel Arceus,Ferrothorn, and Skarmory the turn after it switches in. so it can threaten them out? that's typically the way to say it, your way implies that they're staying in on a hooh and also just sounds weird Primal Groudon likes the cleric support and can switch into to Steel-types and Ho-oh but is vulnerable to Steel Arceus’s Earth Power and Ho-oh’s Earthquake. pdon is not a good switch into hooh. you can say it can switch into steel types (and not worry about steel arceus earth power because in general it's a decent steel check) and say something else about hooh checks with like, rock and arceus or something

Other Options
=============
Ingrain on Geomancy sets prevents phasers from forcing Xerneas out after it has already used Geomancy, allowing Xerneas to utilize the boost for significantly longer.Block Xerneas is able to capitalize on bad switches what does bad switches mean? when they switch something that loses to xerneas into geoxern? it's more for trapping weaker mons like support arc formes that they left in to get some chip damage and die so you can geo, rest, wait to wake up, maybe geo 2 more times if they can't hurt you at all like support arc formes can only judgement you for 20% at +2 spdef, and then be healthy and able to sweep with massive boosts. however you describe the set should reflect something like this, but dont spend as much time talking about it as I am here because it's not too relevant and shouldnt warrant 6 lines of explanation as well as trap and use them to set up Geomancy or potentially recover HP with Rest. Substitute can also be run on Geomancy sets, helping Xerneas prevent status and take hard hits without being knocked out again this just sounds weird and overcomplicates something very simple. if they wanted to death fodder something that can't do 25% to a +2 xerneas, now ur harder to revenge kill. simple. Sleep Talk on Geomancy Xerneas can be helpful when switching into Darkrai and Smeargle leads, allowing it to potentially setup or Knock Out the opponent. Three move Scarf sets running Moonblast,Close Combat and Sleep Talk allow Xerneas to hard counter Darkrai,stopping it from choosing moves such as Thunder and Rock Slide remove this sentence that set is dong. Choice Specs Xerneas hits extremely hard without using a setup turn, making it very hard to switch into. Psyshock Arceus you mean psyshock geoxern? is able to get past Poison Arceus and knock out this is redundant
you can mention grass knot on AoA xern if neither aroma or stalk seem too attractive since it can 2hko pdon

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-Types**: Steel-types are able to switch into Xerneas's STAB Moonblast.why does that deserve its own sentence e.e Mega Scizor is able to switch in on Xerneas and 2HKO with bullet punch priority scizor is especially notable because it can easily revenge geoxern and you dont even mention that. if anything gets a specific sentence for it, there has to be something important. Bronzong easily switches into any attacks and coverage that Xerneas has and is able to 2HKO with Gyro Ball and capitalize after Geomancy similarly, bronzong is the best xerneas counter in the game but I just see very generic sentences that dont really tell me much. Steel Arceus,Genesect and Jirachi are able to switch into Moonblast as well as revenge kill quite effectively specifically on scarf or All Out Attacker sets. you mean xerneas's scarf or AoA sets? this implies the steel types are running scarf or AoA sets
**Ho-oh and Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon and Ho-oh are the most offensive Xerneas switch-ins and can knock out Xerneas with little prior damage. Ho-oh's typing resists Xerneas’s STAB and main coverage options, and can heal off damage with Recover and Regenerator or KO Xerneas. Primal Groudon is able to both switch into and knock out Xerneas or phase it out with Roar after it has used Geomancy. both can actually counter geoxern and that isn't really mentioned
**Priority Users**: Priority users need slightly more prior damage in order to ensure KO's. Extreme Killer Arceus, and Mega Rayquaza are able to inflict the most damage with Extreme Speed and revenge kill Xerneas once it's been worn down. Xerneas can still live if it is untouched beforehand however; it can easily be overwhelmed by multiple priority priority users on a single team.
**Lugia**: Lugia is a very solid Xerneas check as it is able to come in after something has been knocked out and take Moonblast easily with Multiscale even after Geomancy and phaze it out with Whirlwind, or wear Xerneas down with Toxic and stall it out.
**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists both Xerneas's STAB and main coverage move, Focus Blast,and can easily knock out Xerneas with Poison Jab as well as being able to switch into all of Xerneas's sets and can use Xerneas to set up. Poison Arceus can also use the chance to set up against Xerneas; however, it should be extremely wary of coverage moves like Hidden Power Ground and Psyshock as they can deal massive damage. you mention that it can use xern for setup fodder twice, when it's not even a point I'd make in the first place
zDganmZ.gif
3/3
I do think you can implement this on your own and the major stuff can be fixed by GP, but if there is anything you're not sure about dont hesitate to hmu on discord or wherever
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
AMCHECK:
This will not count as one of the two required checks unless it is stamped by an official GP member.

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= Add hyphen (AS)= Add space

Note: There were a couple of times when you used a slanted apostrophe (’) instead of a straight one ('). Smogon requires it to be straight, so I changed some words to make it have the straight apostrophe (it looks like I crossed it out and put the same word in, which I don't want you to think).

[OVERVIEW]
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Xerneas has extremely well-(AH)rounded stats as well as and (more concise) great Special Attack,(AC) allowing which allows it to become a powerful attacker,(AC) and it is able to further boost its offensive prowess with Fairy Aura and Geomancy. This lets These qualities/traits let (You choose. "This" only refers to Fairy Aura + Geomancy. Saying "These qualities" describes all of the qualities mentioned here) Xerneas serve numerous roles both offensively and defensivly defensively,(AC) making it difficult to switch into. It has many coverage options like Focus Blast and Psyshock to deal with some of its checks. Despite having more options for offensive sets, Xerneas can also utilize its high HP stat paired with its nice defensive typing to opt for more defensive sets or act as a cleric with moves like Aromatherapy and Roar. However, it Xerneas lacks reliable recovery and relies on Rest to regain health,(AC) which leaves it vunerable vulnerable. Xerneas also struggles against Steel types,(RC) and Fire types Steel-(AH) and Fire-(AH)types and has very few options to deal with them outside of Focus Blast. Multiple priority users can also overwhelm Xerneas and revenge kill it which gets around Xerneas's speed investment and setups. ("Priority users" implies this)
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[SET]
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Name: Geomancy
Move 1: Geomancy
Move 2: Moonblast
Move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ground
Move 4: Thunder / Aromatherapy
Item: Power Herb
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Modest
EVs: 176 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 52 Spe

Moves
========

Geomancy raises Xerneas's Special Attack,(AS)Special Defense,(AS)and speed Speed by two stages, allowing it to easily sweep a weakened team. Moonblast is the most powerful STAB option that Xerneas has access to, and coupled with Fairy Aura and a Geomancy boost,(AC) it becomes a devastating attack. Focus Blast is Xerneas's main coverage move,(AC) as it is able to hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus,(AS)Jirachi and Klefki as well as hitting Primal Groudon for more damage. Hidden Power Ground can be used over Focus Blast,(AC) as it is more accurate,(AC) but it is significantly weaker. Thunder is able to hit Ho-oh Ho-Oh and Lugia hard,(RC)(AS)and can capitalize on Primal Kyogre switching in. Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to relieve its team from status effects and gives Xerneas an easier time with Klefki and support Arceus formes,(AC) which that can cripple Xerneas with Thunder Wave and Swagger or wear it down with Toxic,(AC) respectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment and a Modest nature ensure that Xerneas deals as much damage as possible. The 52 speed EV's are Speed EVs are used to outspeed Scarfed Genesect and Scarf Jirachi after using a Geomancy. 28 EVs are invested in defense Defense to avoid giving Genesect +1 (+1 what? Attack or Special Attack?) from Download, and the rest are put in HP to help Xerneas avoid 2HKO's 2HKOs from Extreme Killer Arceus's Extreme Speed and Earthquake from Banded Ho-oh Choice Band Ho-Oh's Earthquake (keep the Pokemon and the moves in the same order).

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas has only a single chance to set up due to its Power Herb, so picking the right time is essential. Normally, setup setting up when checks like Primal Groudon,Ho-oh(AS)Ho-Oh,(AS)Klefki,(AC) and Clefable are severely weakened or knocked out is the most optimal. Multiple priority users also pose a problem for Xerneas,(AC) as they can overwhelm it with priority and KO it after it has set up. Be wary of how much health Xerneas has and the amount of priority users on the other team before using Geomancy. Try to set up on pokemon Pokemon like Yveltal,(AS)Mega Sableye,(AS)and Mega Diancie,(AC) as you can force them out as well as setting up set up on them.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon is a great teammate because it (felt like this "intro" was necessary because the sentence started kind of suddenly imo) is able to switch into Steel-types and deal with most of Xerneas’s Xerneas's counters like Poison Arceus and Ho-oh Ho-Oh. Additionally, Primal Groudon,(AC) as well as Support Arceus formes,(AC) can set up Stealth Rocks Rock for Xerneas so it can sweep more effectively.(AS)Primal Groudon also baits in Yveltal,(RC)(AS)and Giratina-O,(AC) which Xerneas can use to setup set up on. Ghost Arceus and Skarmory are able to switch into Mega Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus with ease and are able to cripple them with Will-o-Wisp Will-O-Wisp or phase them out,(AC) respectively, alowing allowing Xerneas to Knock Out KO a crippled target or capitalize on a forced switch. Skarmory can also lay down Spikes to restrict switching and force the opponent to defog use Defog, giving an opportunity for Xerneas to set up.

[SET]
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Set Name: Choice Scarf
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Sleep Talk
Move 3:
Move 4:
Item: Choice Scarf
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Modest
EVs: 72 Def / 252 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas’s Xerneas's main attacking STAB move (there's only 2 moves in the set, and Moonblast is the only attacking move here. Adding STAB in this spot also removes awkwardness later on in the sentence) since because it deals the most damage because of due to Fairy Aura and STAB. Sleep Talk allows for Xerneas to switch into Darkrai or and lead off against Smeargle,(AC) and it is able to ensure the OHKO against both of them extremely reliably and if because Moonblast is the only other move it has,(AC) thus it is able to select it Moonblast every turn (these changes make the sentence much easier to read). Focus Blast is able to threaten many Pokemon that resist Moonblast like Primal Groudon,(AS)Steel Arceus, and Ferrothorn,(RC);(add semicolon) however;(remove semicolon),(AC) it is not commonly run on because it is makes Xerneas significantly less reliable against darkrai Darkrai,(AC) as it can miss when opting for using (if I changed the meaning then ignore this change) Sleep Talk. (you should also say that having another move, whether Focus Blast or something else, will hinder the set's effectiveness of using Sleep Talk, since it might select another move instead of Moonblast)

Set Details
========
Modest Nature along with full investment to Special Attack allows Full Special Attack investment along with a Modest nature allow (I like to think of it as this: the smallest thing "goes along" with the big thing. In this case, 252 EVs is bigger, so the Modest nature goes along with it. Having it the other way around seems awkward in my mind) Xerneas to hit as hard as possible. 184 in speed allows Speed EVs allow Xerneas to outspeed Darkrai,(AS)Zekrom,(AS)and Modest Scarf Kyogre,(RC). 72 Defense is EVs are invested so that it Xerneas will no longer not ("no longer" implies that it was happening before, which is awkward to say, especially in this kind of analysis) give Genesect +1 attack Attack from download Download while also as well giving it more physical bulk. (Bulk = physical + special)

Usage Tips
========

Be wary of being having Xerneas locked into Sleep Talk,(AC) as it can be used as set up setup fodder. Xerneas can directly switch into Darkrai and Smeargle,(AC) since it's running Sleep Talk,(AC) (I feel like maybe EM dashes would work here, but I never use them, so I don't know the correct usages) and KO them the following turn. This set works best as a late-game cleaner, able to blow through the enemy team once all of its counters are knocked out or weakened. However, it is able to revenge kill quite well due it its high damage output from Moonblast combined with its nice speed Speed (I wouldn't consider base 99 "nice" - it gets outspeed by base 100s) enhanced by Choice Scarf. Despite this set being relatively frail,(AC) it can switch into some pokemon Pokemon like Yveltal and catch hit something on the switch with Moonblast. Primal Groudon specifically should be severely weakened or knocked out, as it is able to wall Xerneas quite easily.

Team Options
========

Skarmory is able to switch directly into a +2 Extreme Killer Arceus without fearing Earthquake,(RC) as well as being able to and can phase it out with Whirlwind. Hazard Setters Entry hazard setters are crucial,(AC) as they break Lugia’s Lugia's Multiscale and damage Ho-oh Ho-Oh significantly.(AS)Primal Groudon and Ground Arceus are able to capitalize on Steel-types switching in if Xerneas is locked into Moonblast. Xerneasbenefits Xerneas benefits from Primal Groudon checks (such as...?),(AC) as they can Knock Out KO Primal Groudon or get it to a low enough health that it cannot freely switch into Moonblast.

[SET]
Name: All-Out-Attacker (don't know if there's a hyphen in between "out" and "attacker")
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Close Combat
Move 3: Rock Slide
Move 4: Aromatherapy / Sleep Talk
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Rash
EVs: 84 Atk / 240 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas’s Xerneas's most powerful move,(RC) boosted by both its ability and its Fairy Aura and Life Orb. Close Combat is able to deal significant damage to Steel-types,(AS)Normal Arceus, Blissey,(AC) and Chansey and Blissey/Chansey, but it can also be used to weaken Primal Groudon (right?). Rock Slide is able to OHKO Ho-oh and Ho-Oh,(AC) but has very little use against anything else.(AS)Aromatherapy is able to get rid of status effects from Klefki and bulkier Arceus sets,(RC) and may be used on predicted switches to stop passive damage infliction as well as relieving Xerneas’s Xerneas's team from status. Sleep Talk offers serves as (subjective, but I like "serve as" better) a check to Darkrai,(AC) as both Close Combat and Moonblast are able to OHKO it,(AC) and Rock Slide is able to break a potential Substitute.

Set Details
========

184 in speed allows Speed EVs allow Xerneas to outspeed Primal Kyogre, Tank Ho-oh defensive Ho-Oh sets,(AC) and most Primal Groudon sets. The 84 attack EV’s Attack EVs are used for ensuring the OHKO with Rock Slide (saying the move might clarify things for some readers. It doesn't hurt not saying it) on Maximum maximum HP investment Ho-oh Ho-Oh as well as letting Close Combat hit harder. The remaining EV’s EVs are dumped into Special Attack to amplify the power of Moonblast. Life Orb allows Xerneas to hit harder without wasting a turn to setup set up or getting locked into a move.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas can bluff Geomancy to Lure lure in Ho-oh Ho-Oh and Blissey when they switch in.(remove period);(add semicolon) Unfortunately unfortunately, it can only bluff for the first turn,(AC) as its attacks will reveal Life Orb to the opponent. Thanks to its ability it Fairy Aura,(AC) Xerneas is able do massive damage early-(AH)game without setting up.(end sentence) meaning it can knock out pokemon early game or do massive damage to switch-ins. (Basically saying the same thing twice: "it does massive damage early, meaning it does massive damage early") Due to the lack of HP investment and Life Orb damage constantly wearing it down, Xerneas will not be able to switch into many hits, so try to use it to revenge kill or force a switch.

Team Options
========

Fire- and Ground-types like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon are able to check common Steel-types such as Steel Arceus which that can pivot into Xerneas. Ghost-types such as (pretty sure Ghost-types is what you were saying. There's more than just those, and without the "intro", the sentence is awkward) Ghost Arceus and the Giratina forms formes can switch into Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus and have the option to can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. Calm Mind Arceus sets and Kyogre help take out Xerneas checks like Primal Groudon, while Xerneas is able to get rid of pokemon Pokemon like Chansey and bulkier Arceus sets that can wall out Calm Mind Arceus sets and Kyogre.

[SET]
Name: Defensive
Move 1: Moonblast
Move 2: Rest
Move 3: Sleep Talk
Move 4: Aromatherapy / Roar
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Fairy Aura
Nature: Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas’s Xerneas's only attacking move on this set and it keeps it from becoming Taunt bait as well as serving as an offensive presence further giving Xerneas and offensive presence boosted by Fairy Aura. Rest allows Xerneas to recover lost health as well as shrug off status.(AS)Sleep Talk is used to not be completely ineffective while sleeping as well as checking to check Darkrai. Aromatherapy keeps Xerneas from getting worn down by status and can be used to cure its team from status. Roar is able to get rid of setup sweepers and Substitute Darkrai while also being able to counter Geomancy Xerneas sets. It can also do pretty well against Baton Pass teams thanks to Roar phazing out set up sweepers. and is also effective against Baton Pass teams. (You don't need to say that Roar phazes since the readers can check what the move does (and you also said it twice in a row). Also, Geomancy Xerneas = setup sweeper)

Set Details
========

Maximum Defense investment along with a Bold nature makes Xerneas as physically bulky as possible. The remaining EV's EVs are put into HP to improve its mixed overall bulk (bulk implies mixed). Leftovers gives Xerenas a slight Xerneas some passive recovery allowing Xerneas and allows it to avoid many 2HKOs like Ho-oh's Ho-Oh's Brave Bird,(RC)(AS)and Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent.
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Usage Tips
========
Although Xerneas has Sleep Talk,(AC) Rest leaves Xerneas it vulnerable,(RC) because Sleep Talk chooses a move at random,(AC) which can easily be taken advantage of,(AC) so using it Rest sparingly is essential.(end sentence),(RC) although it does have Sleep Talk which will choose moves at random and can be easily taken advantage of. (flows better and less awkward: Issue then solution) Try to use Use Aromatherapy over Rest when trying to get releive relieve Xerneas of status,(AC) and rely on Rest for restoring Xerneas's health. Xerneas is can easily wall out pokemon Pokemon like Darkrai and Dragon Arceus (so what? Elaborate). Try to avoid Mega Gengar,(AC) as it is able to trap and OHKO Xerneas after Stealth Rocks Rock damage.

Team Options
========

Defensive Arceus Variants variants and Skarmory are great partners,(AC) as they can easily switch into Extreme Killer Arceus and phase out opponents foes when Xerneas opts for Aromatherapy over Roar. Yveltal is able to take on boosted threats such as +2 Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Rayquaza and OHKO them with Foul Play. Ho-oh Ho-Oh can KO Aegislash, Steel Arceus,(AS)Ferrothorn, and Skarmory the turn after it switches in. Primal Groudon likes appreciates the cleric support Xerneas can provide and can switch into to Steel-types. Rock Arceus can easily revenge kill Ho-oh Ho-Oh as well as threaten it out.
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[STRATEGY COMMENTS]

Other Options
=============

Ingrain on Geomancy sets prevents phasers phazers from forcing Xerneas out after it has already used Geomancy, allowing Xerneas to utilize the boost boosts for significantly longer.(AS)Block enables Xerneas is able to trap support Arceus sets and use them to set up Geomancy or potentially recover HP and rid itself of status with Rest and potentially get the opportunity to go for Geomancy again (don't know if this is needed. You already said that trapping support Acreus allows Xerneas to set up Geomancy). Substitute can also be run on Geomancy sets, helping which helps Xerneas avoid status and take capitalize on death setup fodder that can not deal a quarter of Xerneas's health (Don't know if this is needed. Either way, it's "cannot", not "can not"). Sleep Talk on Geomancy Xerneas can be helpful when switching into Darkrai and Smeargle leads, allowing it to potentially set up or Knock Out knock out the opponent foe. Choice Specs on Xerneas allows it to hit hits extremely hard without using a setup turn, making it very hard to switch into. Psyshock Arceus is able to 2hko Poison Arceus and catch it on the switch in. (This has nothing to do with anything. If "Psyshock Arceus" is a typo and was supposed to be "Psyshock Xerneas", then say: "Psyshock can be used to 2HKO Poison Arceus and hit it on the switch") Grass Knot can be run on All-(AH)Out-(AH)Attacker (be consistent with title, but again, don't know if the 2nd hyphen should be there or not) sets,(AC) exchanging Aromatherapy or Roar for a move that 2hkos 2HKOes Primal Groudon.
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Checks and Counters
===================
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**Steel-Types Steel-types**:(AS)Mega Scizor is able to switch in on Xerneas,(AC) can revenge kill it with bullet punch priority Bullet Punch,(AC) (Bullet Punch implies priority) and gives GeoXern Geomancy Xerneas sets trouble (consistent with rest of the analysis). Bronzong easily switches into any attacks and coverage attack that Xerneas has and is able to 2HKO it with Gyro Ball and capitalize after Geomancy and switches into all of Xerneas's coverage moves (super redundant). Steel Arceus,(AS)Genesect, and Jirachi are able to switch into Moonblast as well as revenge kill quite Choice Scarf and All out Attacker All-(AH)Out-(AH)Attacker (same hyphen question) Xerneas sets effectively.
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**Ho-oh Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon and Ho-oh Ho-Oh are the most effective offensive Xerneas counters in the tier and can knock out Xerneas with little prior damage. Ho-oh's Ho-Oh's typing resists Xerneas’s allows it to resist Xerneas's STAB and main coverage options and can heal off damage with Recover and Regenerator or KO Xerneas. Primal Groudon is able to both switch into and knock out Xerneas or phase it out with Roar after it has used Geomancy.
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**Priority Users**: Priority users need slightly more prior damage in order to ensure KO's KOs. Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Rayquaza are able to inflict the most damage with Extreme Speed and can revenge kill Xerneas once it's it has been worn down. Xerneas can still live survive if it hasn't taken significant damage beforehand. However, it can easily be overwhelmed by multiple priority users on a single team.
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**Lugia**: Lugia is a very solid Xerneas check,(AC) as it is able to come in after something has been knocked out,(AC) and take Moonblast easily with Multiscale even after Geomancy,(AC) and phaze it out with Whirlwind, or and wear Xerneas down with Toxic and stall it out. (it was really choppy, so I turned it into a list and made it parallel)
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**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists both Xerneas's STAB and main coverage move,(RC) Moonblast and (Moonblast is the only STAB move on every set, and just saying "Focus Blast" gets the point across) Focus Blast,(RC)(AS)and can easily knock out Xerneas with Poison Jab as well as being able to pivot into all of Xerneas's sets. If Poison Arceus uses the chance to set up (I would just say "sets up") against Xerneas, it has to be extremely wary of coverage moves like Hidden Power Ground and Psyshock,(AC) as they can deal massive damage to it.
Fix the formatting before sending it off to GP
If "as" or "since" is being used to mean "because", a comma must precede it.
Please pay attention when writing. Put spaces after your commas please...
Ho-Oh, not "Ho-oh"
Know your dependent vs. independent clauses when trying to figure out when/where to put commas.
 
Last edited:

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader
also implement this with the reply button (click reply -> delete reds -> address comments -> deformat blues using the Tx button in the upper left corner), not via eyeballing please. i also noticed a bunch of spacing errors where (presumably) the amcheck was implemented suboptimally, and i fixed those without marking them, which won't be a problem if you implement this through quoting



remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
[Overview]

Xerneas's has extremely well-rounded stats and great Special Attack,which allows allow (unless the which clause was referring only to the special attack, in which case change "great Special Attack, which" to "a great Special Attack stat that") it to become a powerful attacker, and is it is able to further boost its offensive prowess with Fairy Aura and Geomancy. These qualities let Xerneas serve numerous roles both offensively and defensively, making it difficult to switch into. It has many coverage options like Focus Blast and Psyshock to deal with some of its checks. Despite having more options for offensive sets, Xerneas can also utilize its high HP stat paired with its nice defensive typing for more defensive sets or act as a cleric with moves like Aromatherapy and Roar. However, Xerneas lacks reliable recovery and relies on Rest to regain health, which leaves it vulnerable. Xerneas also struggles against Steel- and Fire-types and has very few options to deal with them outside of Focus Blast. Multiple priority users can also overwhelm Xerneas and revenge kill it.

[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Thunder / Aromatherapy
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 176 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 52 Spe

Moves
========

Geomancy raises Xerneas's Special Attack, Special Defense, and (spaces) Speed by two stages, allowing it to easily sweep a weakened team. Moonblast is the most powerful STAB option that Xerneas has access to, and when coupled with Fairy Aura and a Geomancy boost, it becomes a devastating attack. Focus Blast is Xerneas's main coverage move, as it is able to hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus Arceus-Steel, (changed standard) Jirachi, and Klefki as well as hitting Primal Groudon for more damage. Hidden Power Ground can be used over Focus Blast, as it is more accurate, (AC) but it is significantly weaker. Thunder is able to hit Ho-Oh and Lugia hard(space)and can capitalize on Primal Kyogre switching in. Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to relieve its team from status effects and gives Xerneas an easier time with Klefki and support Arceus formes, which can cripple Xerneas with Thunder Wave and Swagger or wear it down with Toxic, respectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment and a Modest nature ensure that Xerneas deals as much damage as possible. The 52 Speed EV's EVs are used to outspeed Choice Scarfed Genesect and Choice Scarf Jirachi after a Geomancy. 28 EVs are invested in Defense to avoid giving Genesect +1 Attack from Download, and the rest are put in HP to help Xerneas avoid 2HKOs from Extreme Killer Arceus's Extreme Speed and Choice Band Ho-Oh's Earthquake.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas has only a single chance to set up due to its reliance on Power Herb, so picking the right time is essential. Normally, setting up when checks like Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, Klefki, and Clefable are severely weakened or knocked out is the most optimal. Multiple priority users also pose a problem for Xerneas, as they can overwhelm it with priority and KO after it has set up. Be wary of how much health Xerneas has and the amount number of priority users on the other team before using Geomancy. Try to set up on Pokemon like Yveltal, Mega Sableye, and Mega Diancie, (AC) as you Xerneas can force them out as well as set up on them.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon is a great teammate because it is able to switch into Steel-types and deal with most of Xerneas's counters like Poison Arceus Arceus-Poison and Ho-Oh. Additionally, Primal Groudon, as well as support Arceus formes, can set up Stealth Rock for Xerneas so it can sweep more effectively. Primal Groudon also baits in Yveltal and Giratina-O, (AC) which Xerneas can set up on. Ghost Arceus Arceus-Ghost and Skarmory are able to switch into Mega Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus with ease and are able to cripple them with Will-O-Wisp or phaze (RC) them, (AC) out respectively, allowing Xerneas to KO crippled target or capitalize on a forced switch. Skarmory can also lay down Spikes to restrict switching and force the opponent to use Defog, giving an opportunity for Xerneas to set up.

[SET]
Set name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3:
move 4:
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 72 Def / 252 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas's main STAB move because it deals the most damage due to Fairy Aura. Sleep Talk allows Xerneas to switch into Darkrai and lead off against Smeargle, and it is able to ensure the OHKO against both of them extremely reliably because Moonblast is the only other move has, thus it is able to select Moonblast every turn. Alternatively, (AC) Focus Blast is able to threaten many Pokemon that resist Moonblast like Primal Groudon, Steel Arceus, and Ferrothorn; however, it is not commonly run on because it makes Xerneas significantly less reliable against Darkrai, (AC) as it can miss when using Sleep Talk or select a move that would be significantly less powerful than Moonblast in the given circumstance.

Set Details
========
Full Special Attack investment along with a Modest nature allow allows Xerneas to hit as hard as possible. 184 Speed EV's allows EVs allow Xerneas to outspeed Darkrai, Zekrom, and Modest Choice Scarf Kyogre. 72 Defense EVs are invested so that Xerneas will not give Genesect +1 Attack from Download while also giving it more physical bulk.

Usage Tips
========

Be wary of having Xerneas locked into Sleep Talk, as it can be used as setup fodder when it wakes up. Xerneas can directly switch into Darkrai and Smeargle, since it's running Sleep Talk, and KO them the following turn. This set works best as a late-game cleaner, able to blow through the enemy team once all of its counters are knocked out or weakened. However, it is able to revenge kill opposing Pokemon quite well too due to its high damage output from Moonblast combined with its above average Speed enhanced by Choice Scarf. Despite this set being relatively frail, it can switch into some Pokemon like Yveltal and hit something on the switch with Moonblast. Primal Groudon specifically should be severely weakened or knocked out, as it is able to wall Xerneas quite easily.

Team Options
========

Skarmory is able to switch directly into a +2 Extreme Killer Arceus without fearing Earthquake and can phaze it out with Whirlwind. Entry hazard setters are crucial, as they break Lugia's Multiscale and damage Ho-Oh significantly. Primal Groudon and Ground Arceus Arceus-Ground are able to capitalize on Steel-types switching in if Xerneas is locked into Moonblast. Xerneas benefits from Primal Groudon checks, as they can KO Primal Groudon or get it to low enough health that it cannot freely switch into Moonblast.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Aromatherapy / Sleep Talk
item: Life Orb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Rash
evs: 84 Atk / 240 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas's most powerful move boosted by both Fairy Aura and Life Orb. Close Combat is able to deal significant damage to Steel-types, Normal Arceus, and Blissey, and Chansey, but it can also be used to weaken Primal Groudon. Rock Slide is able to OHKO Ho-Oh, but it has very little use against anything else. Aromatherapy is able to get rid of status effects from Klefki and bulkier Arceus sets and may be used on predicted switches to stop passive damage infliction as well as relieving Xerneas's team from status. Sleep Talk serves as a check to Darkrai, as both Close Combat and Moonblast are able to OHKO it and Rock Slide is able to break a potential Substitute.

Set Details
========

184 Speed EVs allow Xerneas to outspeed Primal Kyogre, defensive Ho-Oh sets, and most Primal Groudon sets. The 84 Attack EVs are used for ensuring the OHKO with Rock Slide on maximum HP Ho-Oh as well as letting Close Combat hit harder. The remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack to amplify the power of Moonblast. Life Orb allows Xerneas to hit harder without wasting a turn to setup set up or getting locked into a move.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas can bluff Geomancy to lure in Ho-Oh and Blissey when they switch in; unfortunately, it can only bluff for the first turn, as its attacks will reveal Life Orb to the opponent. Thanks to Fairy Aura, Xerneas is able to do massive damage early-game without setting up. Due to the lack of HP investment and Life Orb damage constantly wearing it down, Xerneas will not be able to switch into many hits, so try to use it to revenge kill or force a switch.

Team Options
========

Fire- and Ground-types like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon are able to check common Steel-types such as Steel Arceus that can pivot into Xerneas. Ghost-types such as Arceus-Ghost and the Giratina formes can switch into Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. Calm Mind Arceus sets and Kyogre help take out Xerneas checks and (?) Primal Groudon, while Xerneas is able to get rid of Pokemon like Chansey and bulkier Arceus sets that can wall out Calm Mind Arceus sets and Kyogre.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Aromatherapy / Roar
item: Leftovers
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas's only attacking move on this set and keeps it from becoming Taunt bait as well as providing an offensive presence means of attacking boosted by Fairy Aura. Rest allows Xerneas to recover lost health as well as shrug off status. Sleep Talk is used to not be completely ineffective while sleeping as well as checking Darkrai. Aromatherapy keeps Xerneas from getting worn down by status and can be used to cure its team of status. Alternatively, (AC) Roar is able to get rid of neuter setup sweepers and Substitute Darkrai and is also effective against Baton Pass teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum Defense investment along with a Bold nature makes Xerneas as physically bulky as possible. The remaining EVs are put into HP to improve its overall bulk. Leftovers gives Xerneas some passive recovery and allows it to avoid many 2HKOs like Ho-Oh's Brave Bird and Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent.

Usage Tips
========
Although Xerneas has Sleep Talk, Rest leaves it vulnerable because Sleep Talk chooses a move at random, which its unreliability can easily be taken advantage of, so using Rest sparingly is essential. Use Aromatherapy over Rest when trying to relieve Xerneas of status, and rely on Rest only for restoring Xerneas's health. Xerneas can easily wall out Pokemon like Darkrai and Dragon Arceus-Dragon and force them to switch. Try to avoid Mega Gengar, as it is able to trap and OHKO Xerneas after Stealth Rock damage.

Team Options
========

Defensive Arceus variants and Skarmory are great partners, as they can easily switch into Extreme Killer Arceus and phaze out foes when Xerneas opts for Aromatherapy over Roar. Yveltal is able to take on boosted threats such as +2 Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Rayquaza and OHKO them with Foul Play. Ho-Oh can KO Aegislash, Steel Arceus-Steel, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory the turn after it switches in. Primal Groudon appreciates the cleric support that Xerneas can provide and can switch into to Steel-types. Rock Arceus-Rock can easily revenge kill Ho-Oh as well as threaten it out.

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

Psyshock Arceus is able to 2HKO Poison Arceus Arceus-Poison and hit it on the switch in and provides and decent coverage against specially defensive Pokemon. Ingrain on Geomancy sets prevents phazers from forcing Xerneas out after it has already used Geomancy, allowing Xerneas to utilize the boosts for significantly longer. Block enables Xerneas to trap support Arceus sets and use them to set up Geomancy or potentially recover HP and rid itself of status with Rest. Substitute can also be run on Geomancy sets, which helps Xerneas avoid status and capitalize on set up fodder. Sleep Talk on Geomancy Xerneas can be helpful when switching into Darkrai and Smeargle leads, allowing it to potentially set up or knock out the foe. Choice Specs on Xerneas allows it to hit extremely hard without using a setup turn, making it very hard to switch into. Grass Knot can be run on all-out attacker sets, exchanging Aromatherapy or Roar for a move that 2HKOes Primal Groudon.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Mega Scizor is able to switch in on (RC) Xerneas and revenge kill it with Bullet Punch, and it gives Geomancy Xerneas sets trouble. Bronzong easily switches into any attack Xerneas has and is able to 2HKO it with Gyro Ball. Steel Arceus-Steel, Genesect, and Jirachi are able to switch into Moonblast as well as revenge kill Choice Scarf and all-out attacker Scarf and All-out Attacker Xerneas sets effectively.

**Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh are the most effective offensive Xerneas counters in the tier (RP) and can knock out Xerneas with little prior damage. Ho-Oh's typing allows it to resist Xerneas's STAB and main coverage options and can heal off damage with Recover and Regenerator or KO Xerneas. Primal Groudon is able to both switch into and knock out Xerneas or phaze it out with Roar after it has used Geomancy.

**Priority Users**: Priority users need slightly more prior damage in order to ensure KOs. Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Rayquaza are able to inflict the most damage with Extreme Speed and revenge kill Xerneas once it has been worn down. Xerneas can still survive if it is untouched beforehand; (SC) however, (AC) it can easily be overwhelmed by multiple priority users on a single team.

**Lugia**: Lugia is a very solid Xerneas check, as it is able to come in after something has been knocked out, take Moonblast easily with Multiscale even after Geomancy and phaze it out while phazing Xerneas with Whirlwind, and wear Xerneas down with Toxic and stall it out.

**Poison Arceus-Poison**: Poison Arceus-Poison resists both Moonblast and Focus Blast and can easily knock out Xerneas with Poison Jab as well as being able to pivot into all of Xerneas's sets. If Poison Arceus-Poison uses the chance to set up against Xerneas, it has to be extremely wary of coverage moves like Hidden Power Ground and Psyshock, as they can deal massive damage to it.
 
Last edited:

Sobi

Banned deucer.
[OVERVIEW]

Xerneas's extremely well-rounded stats and great Special Attack allow it to become a powerful attacker, and it is able to further boost its offensive prowess with Fairy Aura and Geomancy. These qualities let Xerneas serve numerous roles both offensively and defensively, making it difficult to switch into. It has many coverage options like Focus Blast and Psyshock to deal with some of its checks. Despite having more options for offensive sets, Xerneas can also utilize its high HP stat paired with its nice defensive typing for more defensive sets or act as a cleric with moves like Aromatherapy and Roar. However, Xerneas lacks reliable recovery and relies on Rest to regain health, which leaves it vulnerable. Xerneas also struggles against Steel- and Fire-types and has very few options to deal with them outside of Focus Blast. Multiple priority users can also overwhelm Xerneas and revenge kill it.

[SET]
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Thunder / Aromatherapy
item: Power Herb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 176 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 52 Spe

Moves
========

Geomancy raises Xerneas's Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed by two stages, allowing it to easily sweep a weakened team. Moonblast is the most powerful STAB option that Xerneas has access to, and when coupled with Fairy Aura and a Geomancy boost, it becomes a devastating attack. Focus Blast is Xerneas's main coverage move, as it is able to hit Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Jirachi, and Klefki as well as hitting Primal Groudon for more damage. Hidden Power Ground can be used over Focus Blast, as it is more accurate, but it is significantly weaker. Thunder is able to hit Ho-Oh and Lugia hard and can capitalize on Primal Kyogre switching in. Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to relieve its team from status effects and gives Xerneas an easier time with Klefki and support Arceus formes, which can cripple Xerneas with Thunder Wave and Swagger or wear it down with Toxic, respectively.

Set Details
========

Maximum Special Attack investment and a Modest nature ensure that Xerneas deals as much damage as possible. The 52 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Choice Scarf Genesect and Choice Scarf Jirachi after a Geomancy. 28 EVs are invested in Defense to avoid giving Genesect +1 Attack from Download, and the rest are put in HP to help Xerneas avoid 2HKOs from Extreme Killer Arceus's Extreme Speed and Choice Band Ho-Oh's Earthquake.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas has only a single chance to set up due to its reliance on Power Herb, so picking the right time is essential. Normally, setting up when checks like Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, Klefki, and Clefable are severely weakened or knocked out is optimal. Multiple priority users also pose a problem for Xerneas, as they can overwhelm it with priority and KO after it has set up. Be wary of how much health Xerneas has and the number of priority users on the other team before using Geomancy. Try to set up on Pokemon like Yveltal, Mega Sableye, and Mega Diancie, as Xerneas can force them out as well as set up on them.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon is a great teammate because it is able to switch into Steel-types and deal with most of Xerneas's counters like Arceus-Poison and Ho-Oh. Additionally, Primal Groudon, as well as support Arceus formes, can set up Stealth Rock for Xerneas so it can sweep more effectively. Primal Groudon also baits in Yveltal and Giratina-O, which Xerneas can set up on. Arceus-Ghost and Skarmory are able to switch into Mega Rayquaza and Extreme Killer Arceus with ease and are able to cripple them with Will-O-Wisp or phaze them, respectively, allowing Xerneas to KO crippled target or capitalize on a forced switch. Skarmory can also lay down Spikes to restrict switching and force the opponent to use Defog, giving an opportunity for Xerneas to set up.

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3:
move 4:
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Modest
evs: 72 Def / 252 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas's main STAB move because it deals the most damage due to Fairy Aura. Sleep Talk allows Xerneas to switch into Darkrai and lead off against Smeargle, and it is able to ensure the OHKO against both of them extremely reliably because Moonblast is the only move it is able to select. Alternatively, Focus Blast is able to threaten many Pokemon that resist Moonblast like Primal Groudon, Steel Arceus, and Ferrothorn; however, it is not commonly run because it makes Xerneas significantly less reliable against Darkrai, as it can miss when using Sleep Talk or select a move that would be significantly less powerful than Moonblast in the given circumstance.

Set Details
========
Full Special Attack investment along with a Modest nature allows Xerneas to hit as hard as possible. 184 Speed EVs allow Xerneas to outspeed Darkrai, Zekrom, and Modest Choice Scarf Kyogre. 72 Defense EVs are invested so that Xerneas will not give Genesect +1 Attack from Download while also giving it more physical bulk.

Usage Tips
========

Be wary of having Xerneas locked into Sleep Talk, as it can be used as setup fodder when it wakes up. Xerneas can directly switch into Darkrai and Smeargle, since it's running Sleep Talk, and KO them the following turn. This set works best as a late-game cleaner, able to blow through the enemy team once all of its counters are knocked out or weakened. However, it is able to revenge kill opposing Pokemon quite well too due to its high damage output from Moonblast combined with its above average Speed enhanced by Choice Scarf. Despite this set being relatively frail, it can switch into some Pokemon like Yveltal and hit something on the switch with Moonblast. Primal Groudon specifically should be severely weakened or knocked out, as it is able to wall Xerneas quite easily.

Team Options
========

Skarmory is able to switch directly into a +2 Extreme Killer Arceus without fearing Earthquake and can phaze it with Whirlwind. Entry hazard setters are crucial, as they break Lugia's Multiscale and damage Ho-Oh significantly. Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ground are able to capitalize on Steel-types switching in if Xerneas is locked into Moonblast. Xerneas benefits from Primal Groudon checks, as they can KO Primal Groudon or get it to low enough health that it cannot freely switch into Moonblast.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Rock Slide
move 4: Aromatherapy / Sleep Talk
item: Life Orb
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Rash
evs: 84 Atk / 240 SpA / 184 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas's most powerful move boosted by both Fairy Aura and Life Orb. Close Combat is able to deal significant damage to Steel-types, Arceus, Blissey, and Chansey, but it can also be used to weaken Primal Groudon. Rock Slide is able to OHKO Ho-Oh, but it has very little use against anything else. Aromatherapy is able to get rid of status effects from Klefki and bulkier Arceus sets and may be used on predicted switches to stop passive damage infliction as well as relieving Xerneas's team from status. Sleep Talk serves as a check to Darkrai, as both Close Combat and Moonblast are able to OHKO it and Rock Slide is able to break a potential Substitute.

Set Details
========

184 Speed EVs allow Xerneas to outspeed Primal Kyogre, defensive Ho-Oh sets, and most Primal Groudon sets. The 84 Attack EVs are used for ensuring the OHKO with Rock Slide on maximum HP Ho-Oh as well as letting Close Combat hit harder. The remaining EVs are dumped into Special Attack to amplify the power of Moonblast. Life Orb allows Xerneas to hit harder without wasting a turn to set up or getting locked into a move.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas can bluff Geomancy to lure in Ho-Oh and Blissey when they switch in; unfortunately, it can only bluff for the first turn, as its attacks will reveal Life Orb to the opponent. Thanks to Fairy Aura, Xerneas is able to do massive damage early-game without setting up. Due to the lack of HP investment and Life Orb damage constantly wearing it down, Xerneas will not be able to switch into many hits, so try to use it to revenge kill or force a switch.

Team Options
========

Fire- and Ground-types like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon are able to check common Steel-types such as Steel Arceus that can pivot into Xerneas. Ghost-types such as Arceus-Ghost and the Giratina formes can switch into Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. Calm Mind Arceus sets and Kyogre help take out Xerneas checks and Primal Groudon, while Xerneas is able to get rid of Pokemon like Chansey and bulkier Arceus sets that can wall Calm Mind Arceus sets and Kyogre.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Aromatherapy / Roar
item: Leftovers
ability: Fairy Aura
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe

Moves
========

Moonblast is Xerneas's only attacking move on this set and keeps it from becoming Taunt bait as well as providing a means of attacking boosted by Fairy Aura. Rest allows Xerneas to recover lost health as well as shrug off status. Sleep Talk is used to not be completely ineffective while sleeping as well as checking Darkrai. Aromatherapy keeps Xerneas from getting worn down by status and can be used to cure its team of status. Alternatively, Roar is able to neuter setup sweepers and Substitute Darkrai and is also effective against Baton Pass teams.

Set Details
========

Maximum Defense investment along with a Bold nature makes Xerneas as physically bulky as possible. The remaining EVs are put into HP to improve its overall bulk. Leftovers gives Xerneas some passive recovery and allows it to avoid many 2HKOs like Ho-Oh's Brave Bird and Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent.

Usage Tips
========
Although Xerneas has Sleep Talk, its unreliability can easily be taken advantage of, so using Rest sparingly is essential. Use Aromatherapy over Rest when trying to relieve Xerneas of status, and rely on Rest only for restoring Xerneas's health. Xerneas can easily wall Pokemon like Darkrai and Arceus-Dragon and force them to switch. Try to avoid Mega Gengar, as it is able to trap and OHKO Xerneas after Stealth Rock damage.

Team Options
========

Defensive Arceus variants and Skarmory are great partners, as they can easily switch into Extreme Killer Arceus and phaze foes when Xerneas opts for Aromatherapy over Roar. Yveltal is able to take on boosted threats such as +2 Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Rayquaza and OHKO them with Foul Play. Ho-Oh can KO Aegislash, Arceus-Steel, Ferrothorn, and Skarmory the turn after it switches in. Primal Groudon appreciates the cleric support that Xerneas can provide and can switch into to Steel-types. Arceus-Rock can easily revenge kill Ho-Oh as well as threaten it out.

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

Psyshock is able to 2HKO Arceus-Poison and hit it on the switch in and provides and decent coverage against specially defensive Pokemon. Ingrain on Geomancy sets prevents phazers from forcing Xerneas out after it has already used Geomancy, allowing Xerneas to utilize the boosts for significantly longer. Block enables Xerneas to trap support Arceus sets and use them to set up Geomancy or potentially recover HP and rid itself of status with Rest. Substitute can also be run on Geomancy sets, which helps Xerneas avoid status and capitalize on set up fodder. Sleep Talk on Geomancy Xerneas can be helpful when switching into Darkrai and Smeargle leads, allowing it to potentially set up or knock out the foe. Choice Specs on Xerneas allows it to hit extremely hard without using a setup turn, making it very hard to switch into. Grass Knot can be run on all-out attacker sets, exchanging Aromatherapy or Roar for a move that 2HKOes Primal Groudon.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types**: Mega Scizor is able to switch in on Xerneas and revenge kill it with Bullet Punch, and it gives Geomancy Xerneas sets trouble. Bronzong easily switches into any attack Xerneas has and is able to 2HKO it with Gyro Ball. Arceus-Steel, Genesect, and Jirachi are able to switch into Moonblast as well as revenge kill Choice Scarf and all-out attacker sets effectively.

**Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon**: Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh are the most effective offensive Xerneas counters in the tier and can knock out Xerneas with little prior damage. Ho-Oh's typing allows it to resist Xerneas's STAB and main coverage options and can heal off damage with Recover and Regenerator or KO Xerneas. Primal Groudon is able to both switch into and knock out Xerneas or phaze it with Roar after it has used Geomancy.

**Priority Users**: Priority users need slightly more prior damage in order to ensure KOs. Extreme Killer Arceus and Mega Rayquaza are able to inflict the most damage with Extreme Speed and revenge kill Xerneas once it has been worn down. Xerneas can still survive if it is untouched beforehand; however, it can easily be overwhelmed by multiple priority users on a single team.

**Lugia**: Lugia is a very solid Xerneas check, as it is able to come in after something has been knocked out, take Moonblast easily with Multiscale even after Geomancy while phazing Xerneas with Whirlwind, and wear Xerneas down with Toxic and stall it out.

**Arceus-Poison**: Arceus-Poison resists both Moonblast and Focus Blast and can easily knock out Xerneas with Poison Jab as well as being able to pivot into all of Xerneas's sets. If Arceus-Poison uses the chance to set up against Xerneas, it has to be extremely wary of coverage moves like Hidden Power Ground and Psyshock, as they can deal massive damage to it.
Permission from Uselesscrab to implement this because it's been sitting around for way too long. The Dutch Plumberjack- really sorry for asking you again but could you edit the above into the OP and change the title to GP 1/2? thanks a ton! :)


tdp edit: ngl guys this is kinda rude to the writer, this check has been here literally only for a couple hours, give people a little more time than that to get to it imo... but yes done ig
 
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