Ubers Xerneas QC:(3/3) GP: (4/4)

[MMII]

Really. Sylveon runs Wish + Protect > Rest + Sleep Talk, and yes it gets Aromatherapy. Recover or Moonlight / Aroma is essentially 100% better then Rest Talk with Aroma (physically defensive Xerneas now beats Choice Band Ho-Oh I mean wth) and would be great but it doesn't get it. Also no Recover or Moonlight somewhat limits offensive sets because you have difficulty outlasting counters.
Sorry, that wasn't entirely what I meant. Recover (fuck Moonlight PP) does let it beat mons that 3HKO'd it before unlike rest but it also leaves it with an pathetic 8 PP for absorbing status while RestTalk is practically immune to it. Basically, gripe was with saying that it's "very difficult" running defensive sets when RestTalk Xern is one of its best sets. Recover may be able to open up new options as to what it can wall but RestTalk Xern already walls a good amount of the Metagame that it isn't THAT sorely missed.

Scizor will be weakened and Life Orbed BS 2HKOes. If someone's using a hipster Physically Defensive Scizor they take even more damage from +2 Focus Blast.
I actually fucked up the spread for Scizor earlier but the new spread uses max attack addamant and basically just tries to pick off a 60%ish Xerneas that took damage while setting up (not too difficult). It may not have physically defensvie spread anymore but a healthy scizor with Skarmry bulk isn't too much of a setup fodder. (superpower is going to hurt)

Skymin has never been considered as an aromatherapy user due to its lack of bulk, which is a key feature in clerics.
Oh yeah, I agree. I was just being a dick about the comment that having offensive pressure to creaet free turns that you can aroma with isn't actually a new thing. (just didn't have any viable users of it before but also not as much demand for it)

I'm really hesitant on mentinoing Skymin.
I didn't want that, just felt that you should just leave it at "have offensive pressure that it can use to force switches and aroma" instead of mentioning how it's the only one to be able to do that.

There's quite literally too many examples of SR impacting Xerneas. It helps against Lugia b/c mscale.
Of course, just mention big ones like Ho-Oh and Lugia or just don't mention having SR at all.

I think its better to mention taking from Speed in SD because Xerneas's cleaning capabilities might help it if it can outspeed some pesky random base 90 scarf mons.
76 atk / 248 spatk / 184 speed still outruns Scarf Zek and Kyogre. Don't think there's anything between that and max speed besides speedtieing with other scarf Xern/ygod

Made comments in purple cause lazy.

 

[polop]

We discussed some of this on PS. Cleric is now third set scarf is now fourth.

Removed that Zekrom could setup on Scizor. Made it so that Xerneas isn't the only cleric that has offensive capabilites. Made it so that Xerneas's defensive capabilites are limited by lack of recovery (more accurate). The main examples of SR are in the analysis in Team Options. Switched spreads (main takes from Speed, SD takes from SpA) for Chocie Scarf.

 

[MMII]

very cute, ready for GP imo

 

[polop]

Its now in copyediting phase.

I'd like to request that this thing get c/p for GP checks and the red blue change / add format of the GP Check if its ok. This thing is super long so making edits will take a while and a copy pastable will make it easier to apply changes, but I'd still like to see the grammatical mistakes so that I hopefully make less later.

Thanking whatever brave soul tries to cure this long analysis of grammar beforehand x_X.

 

[blitzlefan]

Hey, I'll start an amcheck on this ASAP - it might take me awhile though!

Edit: working working working working working but this is one long analysis!

It's a bit wordy at times, and I've made quite a few changes so far (grammar and some sentence structure), but I really enjoy reading this analysis and there's a lot of solid content. Hopefully I'll have this done soon (I really had to get a lot of work done for school yesterday in order to graduate), and I'm really sorry for taking so long.

 

[kc4444]

I know blitzlefan is doing an entire check, but I thought I'd help out a bit and just amateur check the "Checks and Counters" section.

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Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially Ddefensive Fire Arceus can take any offensive move, boosted or not, and then outspeed, and essentially phaze itXerneas or set(space)up six Calm Minds in front of every Xerneas version except defensive Xerneas using Roar. Essentially clarified the sentence, and grammatically, you should use Xerneas rather than 'it' at the beginning of every paragraph. Set up has a space when used as a verb. Set names are not capitalized.

**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially Ddefensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular variant but it does not enjoy facing Calm Mind Xerneas as repeated Calm Mind Life Orb boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that it is walled by yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside either Calm Mind or Geomancy will overwhelm Kyogre. That sentence feels ambiguous and achieves little, I think some clarification about that statement is needed, perhaps: However, defensive Xerneas can phaze Kyogre first with roar since Xerneas outspeeds Kyogre; or, defensive Xerneas role is not affected by Kyogre. Also, make sure defensive is spelt with a small 'd'.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to let it die slowlydo damage, however they do fear Close Combat from Life Orbed Xerneas though. They are also walled by yet also wall Defensive Xerneas. They are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or Resttalk. Pokemon faint, not die. Items can't be treated as verbs (generally). Again, the wall and be wall statement achieves little without clarification.

**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock is has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit and Whirlwind the boosted Xerneas out. It can status Xerneas that don't set(space)up and wall them so long as Stealth Rock is has not been set up. It should be noted that Defensive Xerneas will have Lugia in athough grid lock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas running Ingrain will overwhelm Lugia.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel-typing let it take pittance from every move Xerneas can toss at it and it can status itXerneas with Toxic or release a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball that, if used repeatedly, will overwhelm Xerneas. It is however setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas that use Calm Mind. It also does not enjoy sun-boosted being hit by Hidden Power Fire or Night Slash. It does not enjoy fighting Substitute Calm Mind Xerneas, as it will have to play a mindgamepredict whether or not Xerneas will attack when it is in its Blade form. It walls but is also walled by Defensive Xerneas. I've add two commas just to help the flow of the sentence, and yet again, another unhelpful sentence.

**Ho-Oh**: Given Stealth Rock ishas not been set up, Ho-Oh can take a move from Geomancy and Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate back with a sun boosted Sacred Fire, a Life Orbed boosted Brave Bird, or simply Whirlwind the boosts and Xerneas away. However, Ho-Oh It hates Rock Slide and will alsosimply succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock hasis been set up.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong is much like Aegislash, except its is not bulkier or stronger and is hit neutrally by Focus Blast, but it is slower which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas if it goes down.

**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas that do not run Psyshock, although if Psyshock is run it will be OHKOed by the move. It is walled by, but also walls, Defensive Xerneas. Same old same old, explain and uncapitalise the 'd'.

**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast and can hit Xerneas hard with super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment. It can even set(add space)up Calm Mind in front of it because Xerneas can't really hurt it. It really doesn't fear anything from Xerneas. The only thing Xerneas can do to potentially hurt it is attack it with a Calm Mind or Geomancy boosted Psyshock.

**Scizor**: Mega and Choice Band Scizor can tank a hits from Geomancy Xerneas, given it is not super effective, and 2HKO backXerneas with Bullet Punch. However it will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor is walled by defensive Xerneas, yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Mega Scizor is setup bait for Physically Defensive variants of Calm Mind Xerneas too. Explain why that stalemate occurs.

**Priority**: Xerneas is bulky, but priority can take it out weakened Xerneas or cripple healthy ones, regardless of whether or not its used Geomancy has been used or not. Arceus can use Life Orb or sSilk sScarf boosted ExtremeSpeed to pick off weakened Xerneas. Mega Kangaskhan, as a last resort, can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to slowly wear down and KO Xerneas, but will require Xerneas to be heavily weakened or else it will take out a majority of the Mega Kangaskhan's team. Finally, Thundurus-I can paralyze an opposing Xerneas even after its has used Geomancy, but its is useless against other variants as they can just switch out without fearing much and Xerneas running Substitute completely nullify how effective Thundy-I Thundurus can be as a check. It should be noted most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing these threats Thundurus at all. No 'I' after Thundurus, and finally an uncapitalised 'd'

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas, barring those that have used Geomancy, and OHKO with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave, however., Geomancy boosted Xerneas outspeeds Mega Gengar and instead easily KOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas though, nor can it mega evolve in front of it. Shed Shell Xerneas also render all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill it useless. Mega Gengar still traps Geomancy boosted Xerneas, so that phrase was factually wrong, so I've moved it to the end of the sentence and added some stuff.

**Klefki**: Its typing lets it resist Moonblast, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas and let its partners pick it off. Against defensive Xerneas it sets up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Calm Mind or Geomancy with Substitute. Nothing blatantly wrong, although I'm sure someone else will demand changes, so preemptively, "It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy"

**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. It cannot switch in on Moonblast though and fears Substitute from Xerneas is troublesome. Xerneas that have used Geomancy can OHKO Lucario before it OHKOes Xerneas, given it Xerneas has not received much prior damage.

**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted though that Ditto cannot switch in to Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other Xerneas. Not really a grammar point, but wouldn't Ditto be partially effective against CM Xerneas.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users that have a STAB super effective move like such as Genesect's Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to use Geomancy. 'Such as' is better than 'like', and the phrasing made it sound like Genesect was the move, so I've provided a more detailed example.

General Comments

Some of the sections, such a Poison Arceus suddenly drop in formality, but I don't think that is a serious issue, and that's just me. I'm not a big fan of contractions in formal writing, but as far as I'm concerned, there is no issue on Smogon regarding contractions in articles.
There weren't many spelling or grammar errors, just some minor things to make it consistent with Smogon's standards, such as the non-capitalisation of set names, and 'set up' is separate when it is used as a verb. Additionally, use setup bait when talking about how Xerneas sets up against certain Pokemon.
I'm also a big fan of the word 'however' and some conjunctions and adverbs can really help clarify what you are trying to communicate.
I really think saying that 'X walls Y and is walled by Y' is unhelpful without clarification.

I've left the ambiguous statements colored.

copy/paste

Checks & Counters

########


**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially defensive Fire Arceus can take any offensive move, boosted or not, and then outspeed, and essentially phaze Xerneas or set up six Calm Minds in front of every Xerneas version except defensive Xerneas using Roar.


**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially defensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular variant but it does not enjoy facing Calm Mind Xerneas as repeated Calm Mind Life Orb boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that it is walled by yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside either Calm Mind or Geomancy will overwhelm Kyogre.


**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to do damage, however they do fear Close Combat from Life Orb Xerneas though. They are also walled by yet also wall Defensive Xerneas. They are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or Resttalk.


**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock is has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit and Whirlwind the boosted Xerneas out. It can status Xerneas that don't set up and wall them so long as Stealth Rock is has not been set up. It should be noted that Defensive Xerneas will have Lugia in a grid lock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas running Ingrain will overwhelm Lugia.


**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel-typing let it take pittance from every move Xerneas can toss at it and it can status Xerneas with Toxic or release a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball that, if used repeatedly, will overwhelm Xerneas. It is however setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas that use Calm Mind. It also does not enjoy sun-boosted being hit by Hidden Power Fire or Night Slash. It does not enjoy fighting Substitute Calm Mind Xerneas, as it will have to predict whether or not Xerneas will attack when it is in its Blade form. It walls but is also walled by Defensive Xerneas.


**Ho-Oh**: Given Stealth Rock has not been set up, Ho-Oh can take a move from Geomancy and Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate back with a sun boosted Sacred Fire, a Life Orb boosted Brave Bird, or simply Whirlwind the boosts and Xerneas away. However, Ho-Oh hates Rock Slide and will also succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock has been set up.


**Bronzong**: Bronzong is much like Aegislash, except it is not bulkier or stronger and is hit neutrally by Focus Blast, but it is slower which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas if it goes down.


**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas that do not run Psyshock, although if Psyshock is run it will be OHKOed by the move. It is walled by, but also walls, Defensive Xerneas.


**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast and can hit Xerneas hard with super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment. It can even set up Calm Mind in front of it because Xerneas can't really hurt it. It really doesn't fear anything from Xerneas. The only thing Xerneas can do to potentially hurt it is attack it with a Calm Mind or Geomancy boosted Psyshock.


**Scizor**: Mega and Choice Band Scizor can tank hits from Geomancy Xerneas, given it is not super effective, and 2HKO Xerneas with Bullet Punch. However it will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor is walled by defensive Xerneas, yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Mega Scizor is setup bait for Physically Defensive variants of Calm Mind Xerneas too.


**Priority**: Xerneas is bulky, but priority can take out weakened Xerneas or cripple healthy ones, regardless of whether Geomancy has been used or not. Arceus can use Life Orb or Silk Scarf boosted ExtremeSpeed to pick off weakened Xerneas. Mega Kangaskhan, as a last resort, can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to slowly wear down and KO Xerneas, but will require Xerneas to be heavily weakened or else it will take out a majority of the Mega Kangaskhan's team. Finally, Thundurus can paralyze an opposing Xerneas even after it has used Geomancy, but it is useless against other variants as they can just switch out without fearing much and Xerneas running Substitute completely nullify how effective Thundurus can be as a check. It should be noted most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing Thundurus at all.


**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas and OHKO with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave, however., Geomancy boosted Xerneas outspeeds Mega Gengar and instead easily KOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas though, nor can it mega evolve in front of it. Shed Shell Xerneas also render all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill it useless.


**Klefki**: Its typing lets it resist Moonblast, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas and let its partners pick it off. Against defensive Xerneas it sets up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy


**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. It cannot switch in on Moonblast though and Substitute from Xerneas is troublesome. Xerneas that have used Geomancy can OHKO Lucario before it OHKOes Xerneas, given Xerneas has not received much prior damage.


**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted though that Ditto cannot switch in to Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other Xerneas.


**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users that have a STAB super effective move such as Genesect's Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to use Geomancy.

Hope this helps.

 

[blitzlefan]

I know blitzlefan is doing an entire check, but I thought I'd help out a bit and just amateur check the "Checks and Counters" section.

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Green-Comments

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Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially Ddefensive Fire Arceus can take any offensive move, boosted or not, and then outspeed, and essentially phaze itXerneas or set(space)up six Calm Minds in front of every Xerneas version except defensive Xerneas using Roar. Essentially clarified the sentence, and grammatically, you should use Xerneas rather than 'it' at the beginning of every paragraph. Set up has a space when used as a verb. Set names are not capitalized.

**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially Ddefensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular variant but it does not enjoy facing Calm Mind Xerneas as repeated Calm Mind Life Orb boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that it is walled by yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside either Calm Mind or Geomancy will overwhelm Kyogre. That sentence feels ambiguous and achieves little, I think some clarification about that statement is needed, perhaps: However, defensive Xerneas can phaze Kyogre first with roar since Xerneas outspeeds Kyogre; or, defensive Xerneas role is not affected by Kyogre. Also, make sure defensive is spelt with a small 'd'.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to let it die slowlydo damage, however they do fear Close Combat from Life Orbed Xerneas though. They are also walled by yet also wall Defensive Xerneas. They are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or Resttalk. Pokemon faint, not die. Items can't be treated as verbs (generally). Again, the wall and be wall statement achieves little without clarification.

**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock is has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit and Whirlwind the boosted Xerneas out. It can status Xerneas that don't set(space)up and wall them so long as Stealth Rock is has not been set up. It should be noted that Defensive Xerneas will have Lugia in athough grid lock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas running Ingrain will overwhelm Lugia.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel-typing let it take pittance from every move Xerneas can toss at it and it can status itXerneas with Toxic or release a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball that, if used repeatedly, will overwhelm Xerneas. It is however setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas that use Calm Mind. It also does not enjoy sun-boosted being hit by Hidden Power Fire or Night Slash. It does not enjoy fighting Substitute Calm Mind Xerneas, as it will have to play a mindgamepredict whether or not Xerneas will attack when it is in its Blade form. It walls but is also walled by Defensive Xerneas. I've add two commas just to help the flow of the sentence, and yet again, another unhelpful sentence.

**Ho-Oh**: Given Stealth Rock ishas not been set up, Ho-Oh can take a move from Geomancy and Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate back with a sun boosted Sacred Fire, a Life Orbed boosted Brave Bird, or simply Whirlwind the boosts and Xerneas away. However, Ho-Oh It hates Rock Slide and will alsosimply succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock hasis been set up.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong is much like Aegislash, except its is not bulkier or stronger and is hit neutrally by Focus Blast, but it is slower which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas if it goes down.

**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas that do not run Psyshock, although if Psyshock is run it will be OHKOed by the move. It is walled by, but also walls, Defensive Xerneas. Same old same old, explain and uncapitalise the 'd'.

**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast and can hit Xerneas hard with super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment. It can even set(add space)up Calm Mind in front of it because Xerneas can't really hurt it. It really doesn't fear anything from Xerneas. The only thing Xerneas can do to potentially hurt it is attack it with a Calm Mind or Geomancy boosted Psyshock.

**Scizor**: Mega and Choice Band Scizor can tank a hits from Geomancy Xerneas, given it is not super effective, and 2HKO backXerneas with Bullet Punch. However it will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor is walled by defensive Xerneas, yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Mega Scizor is setup bait for Physically Defensive variants of Calm Mind Xerneas too. Explain why that stalemate occurs.

**Priority**: Xerneas is bulky, but priority can take it out weakened Xerneas or cripple healthy ones, regardless of whether or not its used Geomancy has been used or not. Arceus can use Life Orb or sSilk sScarf boosted ExtremeSpeed to pick off weakened Xerneas. Mega Kangaskhan, as a last resort, can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to slowly wear down and KO Xerneas, but will require Xerneas to be heavily weakened or else it will take out a majority of the Mega Kangaskhan's team. Finally, Thundurus-I can paralyze an opposing Xerneas even after its has used Geomancy, but its is useless against other variants as they can just switch out without fearing much and Xerneas running Substitute completely nullify how effective Thundy-I Thundurus can be as a check. It should be noted most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing these threats Thundurus at all. No 'I' after Thundurus, and finally an uncapitalised 'd'

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas, barring those that have used Geomancy, and OHKO with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave, however., Geomancy boosted Xerneas outspeeds Mega Gengar and instead easily KOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas though, nor can it mega evolve in front of it. Shed Shell Xerneas also render all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill it useless. Mega Gengar still traps Geomancy boosted Xerneas, so that phrase was factually wrong, so I've moved it to the end of the sentence and added some stuff.

**Klefki**: Its typing lets it resist Moonblast, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas and let its partners pick it off. Against defensive Xerneas it sets up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Calm Mind or Geomancy with Substitute. Nothing blatantly wrong, although I'm sure someone else will demand changes, so preemptively, "It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy"

**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. It cannot switch in on Moonblast though and fears Substitute from Xerneas is troublesome. Xerneas that have used Geomancy can OHKO Lucario before it OHKOes Xerneas, given it Xerneas has not received much prior damage.

**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted though that Ditto cannot switch in to Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other Xerneas. Not really a grammar point, but wouldn't Ditto be partially effective against CM Xerneas.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users that have a STAB super effective move like such as Genesect's Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to use Geomancy. 'Such as' is better than 'like', and the phrasing made it sound like Genesect was the move, so I've provided a more detailed example.

General Comments

Hide

Some of the sections, such a Poison Arceus suddenly drop in formality, but I don't think that is a serious issue, and that's just me. I'm not a big fan of contractions in formal writing, but as far as I'm concerned, there is no issue on Smogon regarding contractions in articles.
There weren't many spelling or grammar errors, just some minor things to make it consistent with Smogon's standards, such as the non-capitalisation of set names, and 'set up' is separate when it is used as a verb. Additionally, use setup bait when talking about how Xerneas sets up against certain Pokemon.
I'm also a big fan of the word 'however' and some conjunctions and adverbs can really help clarify what you are trying to communicate.
I really think saying that 'X walls Y and is walled by Y' is unhelpful without clarification.

Copy/Paste
I've left the ambiguous statements colored.

Hide

Checks & Counters

########


**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially defensive Fire Arceus can take any offensive move, boosted or not, and then outspeed, and essentially phaze Xerneas or set up six Calm Minds in front of every Xerneas version except defensive Xerneas using Roar.


**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially defensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular variant but it does not enjoy facing Calm Mind Xerneas as repeated Calm Mind Life Orb boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that it is walled by yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside either Calm Mind or Geomancy will overwhelm Kyogre.


**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to do damage, however they do fear Close Combat from Life Orb Xerneas though. They are also walled by yet also wall Defensive Xerneas. They are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or Resttalk.


**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock is has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit and Whirlwind the boosted Xerneas out. It can status Xerneas that don't set up and wall them so long as Stealth Rock is has not been set up. It should be noted that Defensive Xerneas will have Lugia in a grid lock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas running Ingrain will overwhelm Lugia.


**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel-typing let it take pittance from every move Xerneas can toss at it and it can status Xerneas with Toxic or release a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball that, if used repeatedly, will overwhelm Xerneas. It is however setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas that use Calm Mind. It also does not enjoy sun-boosted being hit by Hidden Power Fire or Night Slash. It does not enjoy fighting Substitute Calm Mind Xerneas, as it will have to predict whether or not Xerneas will attack when it is in its Blade form. It walls but is also walled by Defensive Xerneas.


**Ho-Oh**: Given Stealth Rock has not been set up, Ho-Oh can take a move from Geomancy and Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate back with a sun boosted Sacred Fire, a Life Orb boosted Brave Bird, or simply Whirlwind the boosts and Xerneas away. However, Ho-Oh hates Rock Slide and will also succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock has been set up.


**Bronzong**: Bronzong is much like Aegislash, except it is not bulkier or stronger and is hit neutrally by Focus Blast, but it is slower which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas if it goes down.


**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas that do not run Psyshock, although if Psyshock is run it will be OHKOed by the move. It is walled by, but also walls, Defensive Xerneas.


**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast and can hit Xerneas hard with super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment. It can even set up Calm Mind in front of it because Xerneas can't really hurt it. It really doesn't fear anything from Xerneas. The only thing Xerneas can do to potentially hurt it is attack it with a Calm Mind or Geomancy boosted Psyshock.


**Scizor**: Mega and Choice Band Scizor can tank hits from Geomancy Xerneas, given it is not super effective, and 2HKO Xerneas with Bullet Punch. However it will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor is walled by defensive Xerneas, yet also walls Defensive Xerneas. Mega Scizor is setup bait for Physically Defensive variants of Calm Mind Xerneas too.


**Priority**: Xerneas is bulky, but priority can take out weakened Xerneas or cripple healthy ones, regardless of whether Geomancy has been used or not. Arceus can use Life Orb or Silk Scarf boosted ExtremeSpeed to pick off weakened Xerneas. Mega Kangaskhan, as a last resort, can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to slowly wear down and KO Xerneas, but will require Xerneas to be heavily weakened or else it will take out a majority of the Mega Kangaskhan's team. Finally, Thundurus can paralyze an opposing Xerneas even after it has used Geomancy, but it is useless against other variants as they can just switch out without fearing much and Xerneas running Substitute completely nullify how effective Thundurus can be as a check. It should be noted most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing Thundurus at all.


**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas and OHKO with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave, however., Geomancy boosted Xerneas outspeeds Mega Gengar and instead easily KOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas though, nor can it mega evolve in front of it. Shed Shell Xerneas also render all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill it useless.


**Klefki**: Its typing lets it resist Moonblast, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas and let its partners pick it off. Against defensive Xerneas it sets up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy


**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. It cannot switch in on Moonblast though and Substitute from Xerneas is troublesome. Xerneas that have used Geomancy can OHKO Lucario before it OHKOes Xerneas, given Xerneas has not received much prior damage.


**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted though that Ditto cannot switch in to Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other Xerneas.


**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users that have a STAB super effective move such as Genesect's Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to use Geomancy.

Hope this helps.

Oh, and quick thing, I've forgotten how to name the hidden sections, could someone please remind me how to do it.

Ok! I'll incorporate this into my amcheck (I'm about halfway done, so this is a huge help!), and to name hidden sections, put hide=whatever inside the brackets.

like

this

 

[polop]

I'll go ahead and address the comments you had kc4444 .They are bolded in the quotes.

Not really a grammar point, but wouldn't Ditto be partially effective against CM Xerneas.

Ok so many Xerneas that run CM can also run Chesto Berry and Rest or can also run CM Rest Talk or Sub CM, Ditto is only slightly effective against ones that run CM + 3 attacks (it will fall to the others because Xerneas can simply setup more Calm Minds in front of Ditto without much fear). However even in this case its not that big of a deal. Xerneas is much much bulkier (higher base HP stat) then Ditto and as a result it can setup in extra CM infront of it and spam Moonblast to win against it. It doesn't help much that Ditto also is forced to hold Choice Scarf, and that Life Orb Xerneas at an additional CM OHKOes Ditto while Leftovers Xerneas simply takes even less from Ditto's Moonblast.

Some of the sections, such a Poison Arceus suddenly drop in formality, but I don't think that is a serious issue, and that's just me. I'm not a big fan of contractions in formal writing, but as far as I'm concerned, there is no issue on Smogon regarding contractions in articles.

I'm not really sure if I understand what you mean by "drop in formality". I apologize if my writing like randomly shifted in parts of the article (I think that's what you mean?), but its not intentional, if you'd like I can remove contractions.

There weren't many spelling or grammar errors, just some minor things to make it consistent with Smogon's standards, such as the non-capitalisation of set names, and 'set up' is separate when it is used as a verb.
Additionally, use setup bait when talking about how Xerneas sets up against certain Pokemon.
I'm also a big fan of the word 'however' and some conjunctions and adverbs can really help clarify what you are trying to communicate.
I really think saying that 'X walls Y and is walled by Y' is unhelpful without clarification.

I'll go ahead and elaborate on what I mean in this post and in the analysis.

Just going to say this now but the idea with "y walls x but is also walled by x" means that y can stop x from doing anything but at the same time x will prevent y from doing anything either. For example Mega Scizor can keep on bashing Physically Defensive Xerneas with Bullet Punch but the damage it does isn't enough to KO it and Xerneas can use that time to spam Moonblast. Rest takes care of the amount of damage Bullet Punch does to it BUT at the same time Mega Scizor doesn't really fear Moonblast (hey its not dying from that anytime soon lol) and it can just roost if its HP gets low. They're kind of in "gridlock" I guess, but I wasn't sure how to say that without making it sound too confusing. If it makes absolutely no sense the way its written right now then I can see that I should fix that.

I've implemented all your changes though.

blitzlefan since I implemented all the changes kc4444 made this altered the original analysis's Checks and Counters list so um, just a warning while you do your GP Check :p.

 

[MMII]

I think the new standard scizor spread actually 3HKOs

 

[Disaster Area]

Mega or standard?

 

[Unowninator]

Mega or standard?

↓

I think the new standard scizor spread actually 3HKOs

 

[MMII]

they are the same either way, the mega set is the standard scizor variant

 

[kc4444]

polop
I was just commenting on the drop in register, as it was really a byproduct of my English Language lessons, and I couldn't help but mention it because the language tone suddenly shifted. It doesn't affect your analysis in any way, I just wanted to point it out for future reference for you.

Sorry for not seeing the obvious reason why Ditto is no good against CM Xerneas.

Lastly, the comment about x walls y and y walls x, was not about clarity, since it is immediately obvious what is happening, but its lack of usefulness, because I didn't see how mentioning that statement without sufficient explanation would assist the reader. But since you've added clarification, which also helps players prepare and know how to use Xerneas against those said Pokemon. Also note that some prior posts mention Scizor being able to 3HKO, so even defensive Xerneas not be able to outlast Scizor.

 

[EsojestMort]

i'm not qc but i'd like to point something out before this goes through gp.

i think there needs to be a mention of arceus fairy on the CM set and how it outclasses xerneas in almost every aspect: arceus has slightly higher bulk, superior speed, its acces to recover makes up for the lack of leftovers, it can make 101 hp substitues as well and has acces to every move xerneas uses on the CM set. it can KO Ho-Oh after SR damage with thunder just like xerneas if invested in SpA and in addition, arceus has acces to earth power and flamethrower for additional coverage if you chose to forgo Recover or if you have other ways of handling Ho-Oh. the only reason you'd ever use CM xerneas over CM arceus fairy is if you want to use another arceus form.

the only thing xerneas has over arceus is the stronger moon blast, but arceus more than makes up for that in coverage, and xerneas doesn't achieve any notable OHKOs at +1 that arceus doesn't get. is this worth a mention?

 

[polop]

EsojestMort what your saying is somewhat true yet somewhat false.

Arceus does get Recover which makes it easier to setup (Resttalk is worse then Recover + refresh) however erm there are other things that Xerneas gets. Xerneas gets to be able to hold Leftovers / Life Orb / Chesto Berry) and its lower Speed lets it actually tank Gyro Balls (strange I know, Aegis has an easier time harming Fairyceus then Xern).

Also Xerneas achieves many OHKOes that Fairy Arceus could not achieve, especially if Life Orb is taken into account, due to Fairy Aura. In fact Xerneas's Moonblast is much much more powerful then Arceus Fairy's Judgment thanks to Fairy Aura.

+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 333-394 (97.3 - 115.2%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
+1 252+ SpA Pixie Plate Arceus-Fairy Judgment vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 228-268 (66.6 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+6 0 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Chansey: 321-378 (50 - 58.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 0 SpA Pixie Plate Arceus-Fairy Judgment vs. 0 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Chansey: 280-331 (43.6 - 51.6%) -- 10.2% chance to 2HKO

+1 252+ SpA Life Orb Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 80 SpD Lugia: 290-343 (69.7 - 82.4%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252+ SpA Pixie Plate Arceus-Fairy Judgment vs. 252 HP / 80 SpD Lugia: 198-234 (47.5 - 56.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

There's obviously a ton I haven't calced but these should give some example that Xerneas simply isn't completely outclassed.

However aside that everything else is true, I have mentioned in Team Options that Xerneas faces competition from Fairy Arceus at the role of a bulky Calm Mind user.

I've gone ahead and corrected that stuff on Scizor, Melee Mewtwo / kc4444.

EDIT: I can't appear to edit the post below me, I've gone ahead and implemented the changes I've made in the below post.

 

[polop]

Double posting because blitzlefan finished the am check but had trouble posting it (bad gateway error), so I'm posting it instead (it was send to me by pm).

Hey, it's blitzlefan, and here is an amcheck for Xerneas! Most of the changes I made are related to sentence structures rather than grammatical errors, and I apologize for making so many changes, but I hope this improves the analysis! Thank you for waiting so long for me to finish this!

c/p

**************************************************COPY/PASTE************************************************


Overview
########

Xerneas is a rather strange Pokemon. Due to its ability, Fairy Aura, Xerneas's Moonblast hits about as hard as a Life Orb-boosted Sacred Fire from Ho-Oh. After setting up a Geomancy, it can OHKO every Pokemon that does not resist Moonblast, barring Blissey and Chansey, so it can stand as a great win condition for teams. As a result, it gives a niche to Pokemon normally unviable in Ubers. Xerneas is by far one of the bulkiest Fairy-types in the tier, and it can run sets that are able to massacre Dragon-types such as Palkia, Zekrom, and Giratina. Xerneas's immunities to Draco Meteor and Outrage allow it to not just wall these Dragon-types, but potentially set up on them as well. Access to Aromatherapy, Close Combat, and Calm Mind allows it to run a wide array of sets, punishing opponents if they switch in the wrong counter against it. Xerneas's base Speed is greater than that of the base 90s that roam the Ubers tier, so it is able to outspeed troublesome foes without a Choice Scarf or a Speed boost.

However, Xerneas is not without its flaws. While its base Speed stat is higher than that of many Ubers, including Dialga and Kyogre, it isn't high enough for Xerneas to sweep freely. Xerneas also relies on Fairy Aura to compensate for its base 131 Special Attack, which is somewhat underwhelming when compared to the Special Attack stats of other Ubers. Furthermore, while its Fairy typing provides it an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, making it easier to utilize setup moves, it renders Xerneas weak to Poison-type moves, so Mega Gengar can trap and destroy Xerneas if given the chance. Xerneas's movepool is another issue too, as although it's diverse, it's limited in what it can provide. For example, while Xerneas receives two potent setup moves, its lack of coverage moves means that it will always be unable to get past certain counters. In fact, Xerneas is one of the few Ubers that cannot rewrite its list of counters by switching to a different set, so it is difficult for Xerneas to sweep an enemy team unless it is given a good amount of team support. Xerneas lacks reliable recovery outside of Rest, so it is very difficult for Xerneas to run defensive sets and outlast its counters. All in all, Xerneas is no one-trick pony, as what it lacks in its stats and movepool is easily made up for with its typing, ability, and sheer versatility.


Geomancy
########
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Power Herb
evs: 152 Def / 252 SpA / 104 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

When used in conjunction with Power Herb, Geomancy allows Xerneas to raise its Special Attack and Speed to frightening levels in a single turn, making Xerneas a very potent sweeper. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest and most reliable STAB move, and after a Geomancy, essentially OHKOes anything that does not resist it unless the target has a ridiculous amount of special bulk. The rest of the moves provide coverage on the Pokemon that a boosted Moonblast fails to OHKO. Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh and Lugia after Stealth Rock, deals solid damage to specially defensive Kyogre, and whacks Steel-types that resist Moonblast, such as Heatran, Scizor, Bronzong, and Aegislash, for solid neutral damage. Psyshock OHKOes Poison-types, namely Amoonguss and Poison Arceus, while providing Xerneas a way to 2HKO Calm Chansey. Focus Blast rounds out coverage by massacring Steel-types that aren't Aegislash, Mega Scizor, or Bronzong.

Xerneas has two unlisted moves that it can use on this set: Substitute and Hidden Power Fire. Substitute not only shields it from status, allowing it to better combat Chansey and Thundurus-I, but also eases its ability to set up with Geomancy. Using Substitute forces the opponent to attack or phaze Xerneas out, and so they generally have to switch out or attack twice, giving Xerneas an opportunity to set up with Geomancy even after its Power Herb has been consumed. However, using Substitute is not recommended, as it will significantly impair Xerneas's coverage. However, if Substitute caters to your team's needs, the EVs invested in Xerneas's Special Defense should be reallocated to HP, as doing so will allow Xerneas to make Substitutes capable of tanking a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash super effectively and reliably OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn, but does not do much else. Although Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash hard after a Geomancy, it cannot reliably land a 2HKO unless it is boosted by sun. Furthermore, Xerneas can deal massive damage to Scizor with the other coverage moves after a Geomancy anyway.

Set Details
========

The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Terrakion after a Geomancy. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense to make it more physically bulky, primarily so it will take less damage from priority moves such as Arceus's Extreme Speed and Scizor's Bullet Punch. The EVs also help Xerneas tank attacks including Gyro Ball and Iron Head from Steel-types such as Bronzong that try to counter it. If it is desired, the EVs in Defense can be reallocated to HP for better mixed bulk and to make it easier for Xerneas to tank special hits. Fully investing in Speed and Special Attack is also a viable option, as it gives Xerneas some utility and allows it to outspeed things before it uses Geomancy. However, after a boost, the extra Speed is mostly superfluous, and does nothing aside from allowing Xerneas to outrun a few Choice Scarf users such as Shaymin-S and Darkrai, which are beaten anyway due to Geomancy's Special Defense boost. Geomancy Xerneas runs a Modest nature so that its attacks are as strong as possible, allowing it to sweep teams more easily. If you fear an opposing Xerneas setting up Geomancy alongside yours, a Timid nature is usable so that Xerneas is at least guaranteed to Speed tie with it. However, there is not much else doing this accomplishes, and the loss of power is noticeable, as Xerneas now fails to do things like OHKO Lugia with a boosted Moonblast after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

While Geomancy is an excellent setup move at Xerneas's disposal, it does have its flaws. Geomancy requires Power Herb to be useful, which is a huge downside, because it means that Xerneas can only set up with Geomancy once per game, unlike other sweepers that can set up multiple times throughout a match. As such, Xerneas should not use Geomancy until its checks have been weakened to the point that they can be brought down by Geomancy-boosted attacks. Using Geomancy too early in a match will be ineffective, as Xerneas will find itself unable to bypass certain walls. If needed, it can lure in its own counters, such as Choice Band Scizor, and hit them hard with coverage moves such as Focus Blast so that they can be KOed by a Geomancy-boosted attack later on.

While Geomancy Xerneas is first and foremost a sweeper that can serve as an excellent win condition for a team, it should be noted that it has further utility. Being a Fairy-type, it has a very nice defensive typing, so it is capable of switching into a Zekrom's Outrage or a Giratina-O's Draco Meteor and threaten to KO with Moonblast. Although Power Herb is only used to make Geomancy viable, and is generally a bad item as it does not boost Xerneas's damage output, it's very useful for allowing Xerneas to bluff another set. As no text is shown until after Xerneas has used Geomancy, it can bluff a Choice Scarf very well, which can let it snag an extra KO.

Team Options
========

Xerneas's primary focus is sweeping the opposing team, so partners that can weaken its counters or trap and kill them are appreciated. The most notable of these partners is Mega Gengar, which courtesy of Shadow Tag, can trap and use Focus Blast to KO most Steel-types that resist Moonblast. It can also weaken Aegislash lacking Shadow Sneak and defeat Lugia through a combination of Taunt and STAB Shadow Ball. Chansey is also defeated by Mega Gengar, as it cannot hurt or escape from Mega Gengar and will be defeated by Focus Blast and Taunt. Yveltal is similar to Mega Gengar in that it can wear down all of Xerneas's counters, but it does not have the ability to trap them with Shadow Tag. Unlike Gengar, Yveltal can also defeat Amoonguss and support Arceus formes. It should be noted that Stealth Rock support is very useful to Xerneas in general. Stealth Rock not only helps wear down Xerneas's counters, but it drops most of them into OHKO range of its attacks. For example, Stealth Rock will remove Lugia's Multiscale and a large chunk of its health, allowing Xerneas to OHKO it with a boosted Moonblast. This is also true for Ho-Oh, as after losing 50% of its HP to Stealth Rock, it can be KOed by Psyshock or Thunder.

If Xerneas's sweep is halted, the Pokemon that stops it is generally only good for tanking hits, and is ironically setup bait for another sweeper. For this reason, additional sweepers, primarily Tailwind Zekrom, are great partners for Xerneas, as they can pick up from where it left off and proceed to sweep the opposing team. Zekrom is a particularly good partner for Xerneas, as Xerneas can easily set up on any Amoonguss, Bronzong, or Aegislash weakened by its assault, and it can also help break walls such as Ho-Oh and Amoonguss. As another plus, all of Zekrom's counters—Hippowdon, Groudon, and Ground Arceus—can't do much to Xerneas, which means the deer can potentially set up a Geomancy on them after they have taken considerable damage from Zekrom.


All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Rock Slide / Thunder
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Night Slash
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Mild / Rash

Moves
========

This set focuses on spamming Moonblast, which is frighteningly powerful due to the boosts from STAB and Fairy Aura. The rest of the moves are there solely for the purpose of removing Pokemon that can absorb Moonblast. A Life Orb-boosted Rock Slide OHKOes Ho-Oh, even without Stealth Rock, but aside from that, it doesn't really do much. Thunder is inaccurate, but it hits most Steel-types neutrally, OHKOes Ho-Oh if Stealth Rock is up, and OHKOes offensive Kyogre after it has switched into Stealth Rock twice. Close Combat also hits Steel-types, OHKOes Blissey, and 2HKOes Chansey, but it's not as strong as Focus Blast is against most targets. In fact, the only reason Close Combat should be used over Focus Blast is if your team struggles against Blissey and Chansey, as they are the only targets hit harder by Close Combat. Night Slash rounds out the set, as due to Xerneas's limited movepool, it is Xerneas's strongest move against Aegislash. Night Slash is the only move that Xerneas can use to reliably waltz around Aegislash, but it is vulnerable to King's Shield and only 3HKOes Aegislash at best. Xerneas can run specific moves to help beat down certain walls that it may come up against. Grass Knot OHKOes support Rock Arceus and Water Arceus while hitting Kyogre hard. Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn while 2HKOing Aegislash and Bronzong under sun. Aromatherapy is also an option on this set, and though it doesn't deal damage, Xerneas can use it to relieve a desperate team of a crippling status conditions. As another bonus, its offensive presence helps it score free turns to use Aromatherapy, something no other cleric can boast.

Set Details
========

Life Orb provides a large boost to all of Xerneas's moves, but its recoil might make it undesirable on certain teams. Pixie Plate and Expert Belt are both viable alternatives to Life Orb, and they can both allow Xerneas to bluff other sets, while Life Orb cannot. The boosts the two items provide, however, are smaller and less consistent than Life Orb. If Expert Belt is run, a spread of 140 Atk / 184 SpA / 184 Spe is recommended, as it allows Xerneas to 2HKO Chansey with Close Combat 100% of the time and outspeed base 90s.

Xerneas can shift EVs from Speed into Attack to hit harder with its physical attacks. A spread of 70 Atk / 252 SpA / 184 Spe gives up Xerneas's ability to Speed tie with Yveltal and Genesect in exchange for a slightly more powerful Close Combat and Rock Slide. When boosted by Expert Belt, Rock Slide has a decent chance to OHKO offensive Ho-Oh, and when boosted by Life Orb, bears a higher chance to OHKO 252 HP Ho-Oh.

Xerneas generally runs a Mild nature, which reduces its Defense, as the unreduced Special Defense stat helps it better absorb a Dark Pulse or Oblivion Wing from Yveltal in order to check it. However, a Rash nature can be run if an unhindered Defense stat is required by its team. A Special Attack-boosting nature is recommended on Xerneas to give Moonblast maximum power, but a Speed-boosting nature, such as Naive or Hasty, is also viable as it allows Xerneas to Speed tie with opposing Yveltal in exchange for a bit of power.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas's main goal is not to sweep, but to break walls for its team by spamming strong Moonblasts. As such, it should not try to sweep unless the Pokemon on the other team are all ridiculously slow. A teammate should try to capitalize from the holes Xerneas creates in the opposing team in order to sweep.

Xerneas's bulk is reduced by its nature, so it should be very careful when switching in as to conserve its HP. At the same time though, Xerneas should be switched in as often as possible to wear down enemy walls such as Aegislash. Xerneas should not be afraid to reveal that it has Night Slash, as the move can 3HKO Aegislash, but if Xerneas is holding an Expert Belt or a Pixie Plate, hiding Night Slash might be worth it. Due to its item, it can bluff a Choice Scarf set very well, and as such can help it secure additional KOs. For example, pretending that Xerneas is locked into Moonblast can be very useful for luring Ho-Oh out and OHKOing it with Rock Slide. The main idea of this set is to wreck walls and weaken Pokemon that can take a Moonblast in order to spam it later on. Therefore, if the opposing team has few Pokemon that can tank Moonblast, Moonblast should be spammed as often as possible.

Team Options
========

If the Xerneas user can correctly predict when Aegislash will switch in, then Xerneas can defeat it. Such prediction is difficult though, so Pokemon that can wear down its counters are appreciated. Scizor is one of the best partners for Xerneas, as it is capable of trapping and killing Aegislash with the combination of Swords Dance and Pursuit. It can prevent Xerneas from losing momentum, and can act as a sweeper that can take advantage of the holes Xerneas busts in opposing teams. Mega Gengar can function similarly to Scizor, trapping Lugia and defeating it with Taunt and Shadow Ball. Life Orb Yveltal is like Mega Gengar in that it can easily defeat Xerneas's counters, but it cannot trap them. However, Yveltal gets U-turn, which can be used to grant Xerneas opportunities to switch in. In general, Pokemon that can provide offensive pressure are useful because they can keep Pokemon that wall Xerneas at bay. They can also provide momentum and help get Xerneas into play. Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock are beneficial for Xerneas too, as Stealth Rock will damage Pokemon when Xerneas forces switches. Furthermore, Stealth Rock allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Thunder, and breaks Multiscale, preventing Lugia from absorbing Moonblast comfortably.

Noteworthy is the fact that most of Xerneas's counters are rather weak and have difficulty stopping other sweepers. Combine this with Xerneas's ability to defeat walls on the opposing team, and it seems almost mandatory that Xerneas should be paired with a sweeper. Tailwind Zekrom is perhaps the best sweeper that can be partnered with Life Orb Xerneas, as it can defeat Lugia, Ho-Oh, and just about anything that walls Xerneas. Additionally, Zekrom can set up a Tailwind on most of Xerneas's counters; Tailwind and Volt Switch greatly aid Xerneas in tormenting the other team. Tailwind provides Xerneas a boost to its Speed, making it an even more frightening threat, and Volt Switch provides momentum for the team.


Defensive
########
name: Defensive
move 1: Roar / Aromatherapy
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Xerneas's unique typing and high HP stat let it run a bulky set capable of walling Dragon-types very well. Roar allows Xerneas to phaze out Pokemon that may try to set up on it, whereas Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to cure the status conditions of the entire team. Xerneas's only form of recovery is Rest, but its bulk means that it is often able to survive the two sleep turns. Sleep Talk prevents Xerneas from being completely helpless when asleep, and Moonblast can OHKO the Dragon-types that Xerneas checks. Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast hits decently hard even without Special Attack investment, and can OHKO Zekrom and Rayquaza while 2HKOing Assault Vest Palkia. Important to keep in mind is that Xerneas will wake up if Sleep Talk selects Aromatherapy, making the sleep turns from Rest less of a nuisance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread is designed to boost Xerneas's longevity as well as provide more healing from Leftovers, and 248 HP EVs are run instead of 252 HP EVs in order to lessen the damage it takes from Stealth Rock. A Calm nature and maximum investment in Special Defense lets Xerneas check Palkia well. For reference, Hydro Pump from Lustrous Orb Palkia fails to 2HKO Xerneas, while it can OHKO in return with Moonblast. Maximum investment in Defense instead of Special Defense is also an option, as it will allow Xerneas to check Zekrom nicely as well as avoid a 2HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh's Brave Bird.

Usage Tips
========

This Xerneas's worst enemy is Mega Gengar, so be very cautious when playing against it. Xerneas can potentially beat Gengar by damaging it with Moonblast as it switches in, fleeing, smashing it on the switch again, and then KOing Mega Gengar after tanking a Sludge Wave.

Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast is strong even without investment, so you shouldn't be afraid to attack with Xerneas if it's needed. However, Xerneas shouldn't be played recklessly, and shouldn't be forced to stomach extremely powerful special attacks if other Pokemon can tank them better. While Rest heals Xerneas completely, it leaves Xerneas vulnerable for a few turns, so it should only be used when Xerneas is in a pinch. In a similar fashion, Aromatherapy and Roar should not be used recklessly with the idea that Xerneas can just heal itself later with Rest. For example, if you predict that a Gengar is coming in on Xerneas, use Moonblast instead of Aromatherapy. This is because Gengar isn't too much of a threat to Xerneas before it Mega Evolves, but later on, Mega Gengar will likely prevent Xerneas from doing much.

Unlike with other sets, this Xerneas variant is quite slow and uncharacteristically bulky, and as a result, it can use Aromatherapy in front of most Pokemon that check its other sets. For example, Aegislash's Gyro Ball fails to land a 3HKO, meaning that Xerneas can safely use Aromatherapy before quickly switching out.

Team Options
========

Xerneas is supposed to check Pokemon for the team, so it doesn't need much team support. It appreciates Pokemon that can trap Gengar with Pursuit, such as Mega Scizor, Choice Band Scizor, and Tyranitar. However, Tyranitar takes heavy damage from Focus Blast. In return, Xerneas can use Aromatherapy to relieve burns that Tyranitar and Scizor may receive. Most importantly, Xerneas should not be used like an inferior Sylveon or Clefable, as it has more power, more physical bulk, and access to Roar. However, Xerneas cannot support its team with Wish, Sylveon has more special bulk than Xerneas, and Clefable has Unaware and Knock Off to harass certain setup sweepers.


Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Rock Slide / Sleep Talk
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 76 Atk / 248 SpA / 184 Spe
nature: Rash

Moves
========

A Choice Scarf boosts Xerneas's Speed to amazing levels, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill a great number of threatening sweepers in the tier. Moonblast is a strong STAB move that will leave a dent in any Pokemon that tries to switch in, and prevents Mega Mewtwo X from sweeping. In fact, Xerneas can sweep late-game with Moonblast if the opposing team is sufficiently weakened. Megahorn OHKOes Mega Mewtwo Y, while Focus Blast deals heavy damage to Steel-types that resist Moonblast, namely Heatran and Ferrothorn. Close Combat deals less damage to most Steel-types, but it 2HKOes Blissey. Rock Slide allows Xerneas to lure in and deal very heavy damage to Ho-Oh, which otherwise walls Xerneas. With Sleep Talk, Xerneas is one of the best Darkrai checks in the game, as it can absorb Dark Void and have a near 100% chance of OHKOing the fiend the next turn if it stays in.

Set Details
========

With a Choice Scarf, Xerneas can practically outspeed the entire unboosted Ubers metagame, giving it great revenge killing utility and late-game sweeping potential. The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and invests enough in Attack to guarantee an OHKO on Mega Mewtwo Y after Stealth Rock. The rest of the EVs are invested in Speed to make Xerneas as fast as possible. A spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed is viable if Xerneas is focused on sweeping late-game with Moonblast, but only if the team already has a check to Mega Mewtwo Y. The greater Speed also helps against opposing Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal. The EVs invested in Attack can be siphoned from Special Attack instead of Speed, but doing so may make it harder for Xerneas to sweep, as it might fail to outspeed certain Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf. A Rash nature is used over a Mild nature because decreasing Xerneas's defense will lead to an OHKO from a boosted Extreme Killer's Extreme Speed and a Life Orb Ho-Oh's Brave Bird. However, decreasing Xerneas's Special Defense does not turn any 2HKOs into OHKOs. A Mild nature is not unviable though, as when Xerneas switches into Yveltal to check it, the nature will decrease the damage taken from Oblivion Wing. Xerneas can utilize a nature that increases its Speed, but this is unadvised, as it will weaken Moonblast and hurt Xerneas's ability to clean late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas should generally be switched in as the opposing Pokemon is setting up, rather than when they are attacking. For example, Xerneas should try to switch into Mega Mewtwo X when it uses Bulk Up instead of when it uses Zen Headbutt. This preserves Xerneas's longevity, allows it check certain Pokemon continuously throughout a match, and gives it the ability to sweep late-game. If switching Xerneas in on a non-attacking move is impossible, it is recommended to sacrifice a Pokemon to get Xerneas in safely.

Xerneas can absorb Darkrai's Dark Void and proceed to checkmate it with Sleep Talk, but doing this is not recommended when Xerneas is the only check to a Pokemon on the opposing team. When Xerneas is asleep, it will not be able to function as a reliable revenge killer, and so caution is advised if Xerneas is running Sleep Talk. In this situation, if it is impossible to prevent Xerneas from being put to sleep, it is best to try to stall out Xerneas's sleep turns so it can be more effective later on.

Xerneas will generally be able to revenge kill at least one Pokemon before the opponent realizes it's holding a Choice Scarf. Afterwards, the opponent will generally switch to a counter in order to scout out the move Xerneas is locked into. To prevent Xerneas from becoming useless after its set is revealed, don't try to play it safe. Instead, attempt to predict the Pokemon that will come in. For example, if the opponent has a Ho-Oh in the wings and knows that Xerneas holds a Choice Scarf, then when Xerneas is out, it should use Rock Slide to whack the incoming Ho-Oh for solid damage.

Team Options
========

This Xerneas is a revenge killer, so it doesn't really need much support. However, partners to deal with the Pokemon that can tank Xerneas's hits can help reduce the need for prediction. Mega Gengar and Swords Dance Scizor with Pursuit excel in this role, as they can trap and KO certain Pokemon, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill threats more reliably. Xerneas enjoys entry hazard support, especially Stealth Rock, as it allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Rock Slide. Furthermore, Xerneas can capitalize on Pokemon that switch out fearing they will be revenge killed, allowing it to better weaken the opposing team. Stealth Rock is also very useful late-game, as it damages Pokemon so that they fall into KO range of Xerneas's Moonblast.


Calm Mind
########
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Substitute / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
evs: 44 HP / 240 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Xerneas can choose to set up and sweep with Calm Mind instead of Geomancy. Although the boost Calm Mind provides is less immediate and does not affect Xerneas's speed, the move is still is a viable option as it can be used multiple times in a match and does not restrict Xerneas's item choice. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest STAB move and hits ridiculously hard after a boost. A boosted Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock and hits most Steel-types, namely Bronzong, Aegislash, and Heatran, for neutral damage. Psyshock is also viable as it hits Poison-types, namely Amoonguss, very hard and can also OHKO Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Xerneas can use Substitute on this set much better than it can on the Geomancy set, due to Leftovers and the fact that its Substitutes can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Substitute provides Xerneas with protection from Thundurus-I and Chansey's status moves and allows it to play mind games with Aegislash. Aegislash cannot use Toxic on Xerneas due to Substitute, so it will be forced to use Gyro Ball. In response, Xerneas can either use Substitute as Aegislash uses King's Shield, or predict the Gyro Ball and OHKO with Thunder. Focus Blast hits Steel-types super effectively and lets Xerneas smash huge holes in enemy Heatran and Ferrothorn, whereas Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Ferrothorn and 2HKOes Aegislash in the sun after a Calm Mind boost.

Set Details
========

Leftovers increases Xerneas's longevity and helps it make an extra Substitute, but other items can be used too. Life Orb boosts the power of Xerneas's attacks, and after a Calm Mind, Life Orb Xerneas is about as powerful its Geomancy counterpart. The EV spread invests enough in HP for Xerneas to make Substitutes that can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey, and allows Xerneas to survive a boosted Extreme Speed from Silk Scarf Extreme Killer Arceus. The EVs in Speed are enough for it to outspeed all neutral natured Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give Xerneas more power. If the team Xerneas is on can handle Chansey, then a Life Orb and a spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed can be used. A Bold nature and a spread that maximizes HP and Defense is also viable, in order to make Xerneas a bulky sweeper. Thanks to all the investment in its bulk, Xerneas is only 4HKOed by Aegislash's Gyro Ball. If such a spread is used, then Rest can be run in tandem with a Chesto Berry or Sleep Talk to restore Xerneas's HP. This Xerneas runs a Modest nature for the extra power, but if it is desired, a Timid nature can be used so that Xerneas will always outspeed Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B. Additionally, it will allow Xerneas to Speed tie with max Speed Yveltal and Xerneas, but it is generally inferior to a Modest nature due to the decrease in Xerneas's power and the boost it gives to opposing Gyro Ball.

Usage Tips
========

Unlike with Geomancy, Xerneas can set up with Calm Mind after it has been forced out. However, Calm Mind does not increase Xerneas's Speed, so it should utilize the boost in order to power through a counter. Xerneas is not deemed useless if it is forced out in the process, so it should not be scared of enemy phazers. While Calm Mind lets Xerneas power through checks, it should be not used immediately. Xerneas should try to lure out and hit its counters as hard as it can, and set up with Calm Mind to land the final blow. It should start sweeping only when it's sure it can beat its counters with a Calm Mind boost. It's best for Xerneas to set up a Calm Mind on a Pokemon that it can force out or has trouble breaking its Substitute. Alternatively, Calm Mind Xerneas can feign a defensive set, which it will appear to be running when Leftovers are shown, and then lure in Pokemon it can set up on.

Since this Xerneas cannot boost its Speed, it has issues with revenge killers and Mega Gengar, so one should try to lure them out and kill them quickly. A Xerneas with Leftovers will excel at taking out Mega Gengar, as it can pretend to be a helpless defensive Xerneas and then proceed to smite it with a Psyshock. A Substitute can also help in combating revenge killers, as it will allow Xerneas to take a hit, retaliate, and then switch out.

Team Options
========

Good partners for Calm Mind Xerneas are similar to those for Geomancy Xerneas. However, unlike Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Xerneas wants a Pursuit trapper for Gengar and defensive pivots that can take hits from revenge killers. Calm Mind Xerneas also appreciates the support of Life Orb Yveltal or Zekrom to break its counters. Mega Gengar and Scizor running Swords Dance and Pursuit also work well, as they can trap and KO Xerneas's counters. Stealth Rock is also greatly appreciated, as it breaks Lugia's Multiscale and allows Xerneas to KO Ho-Oh with an unboosted Thunder or a boosted Psyshock.


Other Options
########

There is one item that Xerneas can run to deal with Mega Gengar which has not been mentioned yet: Shed Shell. Shed Shell allows Xerneas to escape from Mega Gengar and reduces the need for a Pursuit trapper, but it is useless outside of this one function. Another item Xerneas can use is Choice Specs, as a Choice Specs-boosted Moonblast hits frighteningly hard. However, the power boost it provides doesn't help Xerneas break through any of its checks, and as a result, a Choice Specs set isn't very effective.

Xerneas has a diverse movepool, but it doesn't get what it needs, such as a legitimate Fire-type move. As a result, it has a lot of options that are inferior to the ones previously mentioned. Ingrain and Roar can both be used on a Geomancy or a Calm Mind set to prevent Xerneas from being phazed out, but it is hurt by the coverage it loses. Flash Cannon hits other Xerneas and Fairy Arceus super effectively, but does nothing notable outside of that. Close Combat can be used on Geomancy and Calm Mind sets to 2HKO incoming Blissey, but it provides coverage on nothing else, so it tends to be useless most of the time. Grass Knot can be used to OHKO Groudon and 2HKO Kyogre, Rock Arceus, and Water Arceus, but does nothing else. A bulky ChestoRest Xerneas can utilize Reflect to set up multiple Calm Minds on Scizor, Bronzong, Aegislash, and Pokemon that rely on a strong physical Steel-type move to check it. However, Reflect is quite useless otherwise.


Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially defensive Fire Arceus outspeeds Xerneas, can take any move, whether boosted or unboosted, and phaze it out. It can set up six Calm Minds on every Xerneas variant except for defensive Xerneas with Roar.

**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially defensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy-boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular Xerneas set but does not enjoy facing Calm Mind variants, as repeated Calm Mind and Life Orb-boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that specially defensive Kyogre walls defensive Xerneas, and vice versa, as Xerneas cannot overcome Kyogre with Moonblast, while Kyogre cannot hit it very hard with Scald. Rest places the two in a gridlock, as they can both heal off the damage they've taken from each other's attacks. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside a boosting move will overwhelm Kyogre.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to damage it, but they fear Close Combat from Life Orb Xerneas. They are walled by defensive Xerneas, but also wall it in return. This is because Chansey and Blissey can heal off the damage they take from Moonblast, while Xerneas can Rest off the damage dealt to it by Toxic and Seismic Toss. However, they are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or RestTalk.

**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit from a boosted Xerneas and Whirlwind it out. Lugia can status Xerneas variants that don't set up, and can wall them as long as Stealth Rock is not up. It should be noted that defensive Xerneas will keep Lugia in a gridlock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas with Ingrain will overwhelm it.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel-typing let it take a pittance from every move Xerneas can throw at it. In return, Aegislash can poison Xerneas with Toxic or utilize a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball, which if used repeatedly, will overwhelm it. However, Aegislash is setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas with Calm Mind. It does not enjoy taking a Night Slash or a sun-boosted Hidden Power Fire. It also has difficulty with Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute, as it will have to predict if Xerneas will attack it while it is in Blade form. Aegislash does not take too much damage from a defensive Xerneas's Moonblast, but does not do much in return with Gyro Ball, so they essentially wall each other.

**Ho-Oh**: If Stealth Rock is not up, Ho-Oh can tank an attack from Geomancy or Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate with a sun-boosted Sacred Fire, damage it with a Life Orb-boosted Brave Bird, or phaze it out with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh hates Rock Slide and will succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock damage.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong is like Aegislash, except that it's weaker, not as bulky, and hit neutrally by Focus Blast. However, it is slower than Aegislash, which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas in the event that it goes down.

**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas sets lacking Psyshock, but it is OHKOed by the move. Defensive Xerneas does not take much damage from Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb and can use Rest to recover HP. At the same time though, its Moonblast will deal pitiful damage to Amoonguss, so both Pokemon essentially wall each other.

**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast, can hit Xerneas hard with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment, and doesn't really fear any of Xerneas's moves, so it can set up with Calm Mind against Xerneas. A Calm Mind or Geomancy-boosted Psyshock is the only way Xerneas can really hurt it.

**Scizor**: Mega Scizor and Choice Band Scizor can tank non-super effective hits from Geomancy Xerneas and 2HKO it with Bullet Punch. However, they will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor is walled by defensive Xerneas, yet also walls defensive Xerneas. Mega Scizor is walled by defensive Xerneas, as it cannot 3HKO the deer with Bullet Punch. However, Xerneas cannot damage it much with Moonblast, and the HP it loses can be easily regained with Roost. Mega Scizor is setup bait for physically defensive variants of Calm Mind Xerneas though.

**Priority**: Xerneas is fairly bulky, but priority moves can take out a weakened Xerneas or cripple a healthy one, regardless of the boosts it has obtained. Arceus can use a Life Orb or Silk Scarf-boosted Extreme Speed to pick off weakened Xerneas. As a last resort, Mega Kangaskhan can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to wear down and KO it. However, this will require Xerneas to have been heavily weakened beforehand, or else it will take out a majority of Mega Kangaskhan's team. Thundurus-I can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas even if it has set up, but is useless against other variants, which don't fear much and can just switch out. Additionally, a Substitute can completely nullify Thundurus-I's effectiveness as a check, and it should be noted that most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing Thundurus-I at all.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas and smash them with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave. However, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas outspeeds and easily OHKOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas directly or Mega Evolve in front of it. A Shed Shell also renders all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill Xerneas useless.

**Klefki**: Klefki resists Moonblast due to its Steel typing, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas, allowing its teammates to pick Xerneas off. Against defensive Xerneas, it can set up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy.

**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive variants of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. However, it cannot switch in on Moonblast and is troubled by Xerneas with Substitute. If it has not received too much damage, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas can OHKO Mega Lucario and avoid being KOed.

**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted though that Ditto cannot switch into Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other set.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users such as Genesect with a STAB super effective move such as Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to set up with Geomancy.

changes

**************************************************CHANGES**************************************************


Overview
########

Xerneas is a rather strange pPokemon. Xerneas'Due to its ability, Fairy Aura, is amazing as it boosts the power of Xerneas's Moonblast to the point where it deals about as much damagehard as a Life Orb -boosted Sacred Fire from Ho-oOh. After setting up a Geomancy lets Xerneas, it can OHKO every Pokemon that does not resist Moonblast, barring Blissey and Chansey, so it can stand as a great win condition for teams. It makes Xerneas so powerful to the point where it makes Pokemon that wouldn't eAs a result, it given be viable in Ubers a niche, as after setup it OHKOes every to Pokemon, barring Blissey and Chansey, that do not resist its Moonblast! normally unviable in Ubers. Xerneas is by far one of the bulkiest Fairy-types in the entire tier, allowingnd it tocan run sets that canare able to massacre enemy Dragon-types likesuch as Palkia, Zekrom, and Giratina. ItXerneas's immunityies to Draco Meteor and Outrage allows ithe deer to not just wall these dDragon-types, but potentially set up on them as well. Access to Aromatherapy, Close Combat, and Calm Mind allow Xerneas it to run a wide array of sets, punishing opponents if they switch in the wrong counter against it. Xerneas's base Speed is greater thean that of the base 90s that roam the Ubers tier, allowingso it is able to outspeed troublesome foes without requiring a Choice Scarf or a Speed boost.

However, Xerneas is not however, without its flaws. While its base sSpeed stat is higher thean that of most uany Ubers like, including Dialga and Kyogre, it simply isn't high enough to let itfor Xerneas to sweep freely sweep. Its base special attack is high, but. Xerneas also relies on Fairy Aura to compared to other Ubers itensate for its base 131 Special Attack, which is somewhat underwhelming, and results in Xerneas relying mostly on its ability, Fairy Aura, to make up for i when compared to the Special Attack stats somewhat weak strength. Wof other Ubers. Furthermore, while its Fairy typing does provides it an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, givmaking it the abilityeasier to utilize setup moves easily, it rendoers make Xerneas weak to pPoison-types, thus making it possible foroves, so Mega Gengar tocan trap and destroy Xerneas if given the chance. ItXerneas's movepool is another issue. It too, as although it's diverse yet, it's limited in what it can provide. For referencexample, while Xerneas does receives two potent setup moves, its lack of special coverage makoves Xerneasmeans that it will always be unable to ever get packst certain counters. In fact, itXerneas is one of the few Ubers that cannot rewrite its list of counter list by completely switching to anoth different set, making itso it is difficult for Xerneas to sweep an enemy team, unless it is given a good amounts of team support. ItXerneas lacks reliable recovery outside of Rest, making itso it is very difficult for Xerneas to run defensive sets and outlast its counters. All-in- in all, Xerneas is no one-trick pony. W, as what it lacks for in its stats and movepool is easily made up for with its typing, ability, and its sheer versatility.


Geomancy
########
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast
ability: Fairy Aura
item: Power Herb
evs: 152 Def / 252 SpA / 104 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Geomancy is one of Xerneas's few setup moves and wWhen used in conjunction with Power Herb, Geomancy allows Xerneas to doublraise its Special Attack and Speed to frightening levels in ona single turn, making itXerneas a very potent sweeper. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest and most reliable STAB move, and after a Geomancy, essentially OHKOes anything that faildoes noto resist it unless they be target has a ridiculous amount of Sspecial Defensebulk. The rest of the moves provide coverage and hiton the Pokemon thingsat a boosted Moonblast fails to destroyOHKO. Thunder nailOHKOes Ho-Oh and Lugia, OHKOing the two after Stealth Rock while , dealso dealing solid damage to Sspecially Ddefensive Kyogre, all Pokemon not OHKOed by boosted Moonblast. As a plus it also neutrally hitwhacks Steel-types that resist Moonblast, whacking Pokemon likesuch as Heatran, Scizor, Bronzong, and Aegislash, for solid neutral damage. Psyshock OHKOes pPoison-types, namely Amoonguss and Poison Arceus-Poison, while also providing Xerneas a way to 2HKO Calm Chansey. Focus Blast rounds upout coverage by massacring Steel-types not namedthat aren't Aegislash, Mega- Scizor, or Bronzong.

Xerneas does haves two unlisted moves that it can use on this set that aren't listed. One of them is Substitut: Substitute and Hidden Power Fire. Substitute not only shields Xerneasit from status, allowing it to better fighcombat opposing Chansey and Thundurus-I, ibut also eases its ability to set up with Geomancy. By uUsing Substitute the enemy is forced to eithers the opponent to attack or phaze Xerneas out, and so they generally forcing thave enemy to switch to something elseout or attack twice which, givesing Xerneas an opportunity to set up with Geomancy even after its used its Power Herb has been consumed. UHowever, using Substitute, however, is not recommended, as it will significantly impair Xerneas's coverage. IHowever, if Substitute caters to your team's needs, though, feel free to use it, but it is then recommended toe EVs invested in Xerneas's Special Defense should be reallocate the invested Defense EVs to HP, as doing so will allow Xerneas to make Substitutes capable of tanking a Seismic Toss from Chansey. The other move Xerneas can use that isn't listed is Hidden Power Fire. The most notable thing it does is hit Aegislash super effectively and reliably OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn reliably, but outside of that it just doesn'does not do much else. Although youHidden Power Fire hits Aegislash hard, you don't 2HKO with after a Geomancy boos, it cannot reliably land a 2HKO unless the weather is Sit is boosted by sunny. ScizFurthermore, Xerneas cand takes deal massive damage from allto Scizor with the other coverage moves after a Geomancy boostanyway.

Set Details
========

The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and invests enough in Speed sallows it to that Xerneas can outspeed Choice Scarf Terrakion after a Geomancy. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense to make it more physically bulky, primarily for the purpose of tankingso it will take less damage from priority likemoves such as Arceus's Extreme Speed and Scizor's Bullet Punch. ItThe EVs also helps Xerneas more easily tanktank attacks including Gyro Balls and Iron Heads from opposing Steel-types such as Bronzong that try to counter it, like Bronzong. If it is desired, these EVs in Defense EVs can be reallocated to HP to gainfor better mixed bulk and to make it easier for Xerneas to tank Sspecial hits. Additionally, fFully investing in Speed and Special Attack is also a viable option, as it gives Xerneas some utility and letallows it to outspeed things before it uses Geomancy. However, but after using Geomancya boost, the extra sSpeed is mostly superfluous, and does nothing aside from allowing Xerneas t you outrun a few Choice Scarf users likesuch as Shaymin-S and Darkrai, who youich already beaten thanksyway due to Geomancy's Special Defense boost. Geomancy Xerneas runs a mModest nature to makeso that its attacks are as strong as possible to help, allowing it more easilyto sweep teams. A timid natu more is viable ieasily. If you fear an opposing Xerneas setting up Geomancy in front of anotheralongside yours, a Timid nature is usable so that Xerneas at the same time, so that itsleast guaranteed to at least sSpeed tie with the opposing Xerneasit. However, there is not much else doing this accomplishes, and the loss of power is noticeable, as Xerneas now fails to do things like OHKO Lugia after it has taken Stealwith Rock damage with boosted Moonblast after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

While Geomancy is an excellent setup move for setting upat Xerneas's disposal, its got does have its flaws. ItGeomancy requires Power Herb to be useful, which is a huge downside, because thait means that Xerneas can only truly set up awith Geomancy once per game, unlike other sweepers whichthat can set up more then once per gameultiple times throughout a match. As such, Xerneas should not use Geomancy until its checks have been weakened to the point wherethat they can be killedbrought down by Geomancy -boosted attacks. Using itGeomancy too early in a match will simply resultbe ineffective, as Xerneas that cannot bypass a waill afind is rather ineffective tself unable to bypass certain a matchwalls. If needed Xerneas, it can lure in its own counters like, such as Choice Banded Scizor, and hit that counterem hard with coverage move likes such as Focus Blast so that it falls intothey can be KOed by a Geomancy's OHKO range after that coun-boosted attack later comes back in.

While Geomancy Xerneas is first and foremost a sweeper that can serve as an excellent win condition for a team, it should be noted that its got o has further utility. Being a Fairy-type gives, it has a very nice defensive typing, so its not exactly is cared topable of switching into a Zekrom's Outrage or a Giratina-O's Draco Meteor and threaten to kill itKO with Moonblast. WhileAlthough Power Herb is only used to make Geomancy viable, and is generally a bad item for providing Xerneaas it does not boosts, and is only used to make Xerneas's Geomancy viabledamage output, it's very useful for allowing Xerneas to bluff another set, particularly Choice Scarf. ByAs no text is showing any text until after Xerneas has used Geomancy, Xerneasit can very well bluff a Choice Scarf very well, which can let it snag an extra KO.

Team Options
========

This Xerneas's primary focus is sweeping another opposing team, so partners that can weaken Xerneas'its counters or trap and kill them are very viableappreciated. The most notable of these partners is Mega Gengar, whoich courtesy of Shadow Tag, can trap and use Focus Blast to KO most Steel-types that resist Moonblast with Focus Blast. It can also weaken Aegislash lacking Shadow Sneak and defeat Lugia through a combination of itsTaunt and STAB Shadow Ball and Taunt. Chansey is also defeated by Mega Gengar, as it cannot hurt or escape from Mega Gengar and will simply go down tobe defeated by Focus Blast and Taunt. Yveltal is a lot likesimilar to Mega Gengar, in that it can wear outdown all of Xerneas's counters, but it does not gethave the ability to trap Xerneas's countersthem with Shadow Tag. Unlike Gengar, Yveltal can also defeat Amoonguss and Ssupport Arceus formes. It should be noted that Stealth Rock support in general is very useful to Xerneas in general. ItStealth Rock not only helps wear down Xerneas's counters, but it drops most of them into OHKO range of Xerneas'its attacks. For example, Stealth Rock will remove Lugia's Multiscale and remove a large chunk of its health, allowing Xerneas to OHKO Lugiait with a boosted Moonblast. This is also true for Ho-oOh, as by takafter losing an extra 50% damage fromof its HP to Stealth Rock, it falls into OHKO range of Xerneas'scan be KOed by Psyshock andor Thunder.

If Xerneas can sweep very nicely, but what's notable is that if its sweep is stopphalted by something, the Pokemon that generally stops it is unable to do much asidegenerally only good for tanking hits, and as anis ironic result isally setup bait for another sweeper. For this reason, additional sweepers, primarily Tailwind Zekrom, are great partners for Xerneas, as they can pick up from where Xerneasit left off and proceed to clean the teamsweep that Xerneas simply couldn't finish destroye opposing team. Zekrom is a particularly good partner for Xerneas, as it not onlyXerneas can easily set up on any Amoonguss, Bronzong, or Aegislash weakened from Xerneas'by its assault, and it can also can help Xerneas break enemy walls, like such as Ho-oOh and Amoonguss. As another plus, all of Zekrom's counters-- —Hippowdon, Groudon, and Ground Arceus--—can't do much to Xerneas, allowingwhich means the deer tocan potentially set up a Geomancy on those Pokemon after Zekromthey has doneve taken considerable damage to thefrom Zekrom.


All-out-aOut Attacker
########
name: All-out-aOut Attacker
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Rock Slide / Thunder
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Night Slash
ability: Fairy Aura
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Mild / Rash

Moves
========

Xerneas'sThis set focuses on spamming Moonblast, boosted by STAB and Fairy Aurawhich is frighteningly powerful, andue to this set focuses on spamming ite boosts from STAB and Fairy Aura. The rest of the moveslots exist are there solely for the purpose of removing Pokemon that can absorb Xerneas's Moonblast. Rock SlidA Life Orb-boosted by LifRock Slide Orb OHKOes Ho-oOh, even whenithout Stealth Rock isn't up, but aside from that, it doesn't really do much. Thunder is inaccurate, but it OHKOes Ho-oh if Stealth Rock is up and hits most Steel-types neutrally. As a plus it also, OHKOes Ho-Oh if Stealth Rock is up, and OHKOes offensive Kyogre after it has taken twswitched into rounds of Stealth Rock damagtwice. Close Combat also hits opposing Steel-types and, OHKOes enemy Blissey while, and 2HKOinges Chansey, but it's not as strong as Focus Blast is against most targets. In fact, the only reason Close Combat should be used over Focus Blast is if your team has issustruggles against opposing Blissey and Chansey, as they are the only targets hit harder by iClose Combat. Night Slash rounds out coverage, beingthe set, as due to Xerneas's limited movepool, it is Xerneas's strongest move andgainst Aegislash. Night Slash is the only waymove that Xerneas can use to reliably waltz around Aegislash. Unfortunately, Nigh, but it Slash is vulnerable to King's Shield and at bestonly 3HKOes Aegislash, but Xerneas really lacks any other options at hitting Aegislash due to its peculiar movepool at best. Xerneas can run specific moves to help beat down certain walls that it may gocome up against. Grass Knot OHKOes osupposingrt Rock Arceus and Water Support Arceus, while also hitting Kyogre hard. Hidden Power Fire OHKOes opposing Scizor and Ferrothorn while 2HKOing Aegislash and Bronzong inunder sunny weather. Aromatherapy is also an option on this set. While, and though it doesn't hit any enemy Pokemon,deal damage, Xerneas can use it can help Xerneas assuagto relieve a desperate team of itsa crippling status coneeditions. As a plnother bonus, Xerneas'its offensive presence helps it getscore free turns to use Aromatherapy, which is something no other cleric can doboast.

Set Details
========

Xerneas uses Life Orb to provides a large boost to all of itXerneas's moves, but theits recoil might make it undesirable foron certain teams. Pixie Plate and Expert Belt are both viable alternatives to Life Orb, and they can both allow Xerneas to bluff other sets, something that itwhile Life Orb cannot do with Life Orb. The boosts the two items provide, however, are weaksmaller and less consistent thean Life Orb. If Expert Belt is run, a spread of 140 Atk / 184 SpA / 184 Spde is recommended, as it allows Xerneas to 2HKO Chansey with Close Combat 100% of the time while alsoand outspeeding ball opposing Pokemon that have 90 base Speed.

Xerneas can reallocateshift EVs from Speed EVs into Attack to make its moves hit harderhit harder with its physical attacks. A spread of 70 Atk / 252 SpA / 184 Spde gives up Xerneas's ability to sSpeed tie with opposing Yveltal and Genesect in exchange for a slightly more powerful Close Combat and Rock Slide. Rock Slide now wWhen boosted by Expert Belt, Rock Slide has a decent chance to OHKO offensive Ho-Oh, and when it is boosted by Life Orb, bears a higher chance to OHKO 252 HP Ho-Oh.

Xerneas generally runs a Mild natures that, which reduces its Defense, because the addunreduced Special Defense stat helps it better check opposing Yveltal and absorb a Dark Pulse or Oblivion Wing if needed. If, hfrom Yveltal in order to check it. However, Xerneas requires moa Rash nature can be run if an unhindered Defense because the team it is used on requiresd by it, then it can run a Rashs team. A Special Attack-boosting nature. Xerneas likes to run a nature that incr is recommended on Xerneases its Special Attack to give Moonblast maximum power, but increasing Speed by runn-boosting nature, such as Naive or Hasty nature, is also viable as it allows Xerneas to sSpeed tie with opposing Yveltal in exchange for a bit of power.

Usage Tips
========

This Xerneas's main goal is not to sweep, but to break wall breaks for its team by spamming a strong Moonblast for a team, not sweep, as. As such, it should not try to sweep unless everythinge Pokemon on the opposingther team isare all ridiculously slow. A team mate should try to benefcapitalize from the holes itXerneas creates in wallsthe opposing team in order to sweep.

Xerneas's bulk is lessened now due toreduced by its nature, and as such Xerneaso it should be very carefully when switching in as to conserve its HP. At the same time though, Xerneas wants toshould be switched in as often as possible to wear down enemy walls likesuch as Aegislash. Xerneas should not be afraid to showreveal that it has Night Slash, ands the move can 3HKO Aegislash, but if Xerneas is usholding an Expert Belt or a Pixie Plate, hiding Night Slash might be worth hiding that move. Due to its item, it can bluff a Choice Scarf set very well, and as such can help it secure additional KOes. For example, trypretending to showhat Xerneas is locked into Moonblast mightcan be very helpuseful for luring out a Ho-Oh tout and OHKOing it with Rock Slide. Remember tThe main idea of this set is to wreck walls and weaken thingsPokemon that can take a Moonblast so that Xerneas can freelyin order to spam it and wlater on. Thereforeck walls, so if someonethe opposing team has little thingsfew Pokemon that can tank Moonblast, Moonblast should be spammed as often as possible.

Team Options
========

If the Xerneas user can defeat Aegislash if it correctly predicts it when Aegislash will switching in, but its really hard forthen Xerneas can defeat it. Such prediction this, as suc difficult though, so Pokemon that can wear down stuff that can wall Xits counterneas are appreciated. Swords Dance Scizor, is one of the best partners for Xerneas, as it is capable of trapping and killing Aegislash with the combination of Swords Dance and Pursuit is very helpful for Xerneas. It alsocan prevents Xerneas from losing momentum, and provides some sort ofcan act as a sweeper that can take advanatage of all the holes Xerneas busts in wallopposing teams. Mega Gengar can do afunction similar jobly to Scizor, trapping Lugia and defeating it with Taunt and Shadow Ball. Life Orb Yveltal is like Mega Gengar in a sense,that it can easily defeat Xerneas's counters, but it cannot trap them. However, Yveltal does gets U-turn, which it can be used to feedgrant Xerneas opportunities to switch in. In general, Pokemon that can provide offensive pressure are useful because they can keep the stuffPokemon that walls Xerneas at bay. They cand also provide momentum and switches tolp get Xerneas into play. SomethingPokemon that can set uprovide Stealth Rock is goodare beneficial for Xerneas too, as Stealth Rock canwill damage Pokemon when Xerneas forces switches. Aside thatFurthermore, Stealth Rock also letlows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Thunder, and breaks Lugia's Multiscale, preventing itLugia from absorbing Moonblast comfortably.

SomethingNoteworthy is the fact should be noted aboutthat most of Xerneas is the fact it's counters are rather peculiar; most of them are rather weak and have difficulty stopping other sweepers. Combine this with Xerneas's ability to cleardefeat walls from an enemythe opposing team, and it seems almost mandatory that Xerneas should be parired with somea sweeper. Tailwind Zekrom is perhaps the best sweeper that can be partnered with Life Orb Xerneas. It, as it can defeats Lugia, Ho-Oh, and just about anything that walls Xerneas while being able to. Additionally, Zekrom can set up a Tailwind on most of Xerneas's counters. As a plus, Zekrom's; Tailwind and Volt Switch greatly aid Xerneas in tormenting an enemythe other team. The former can help speeailwind uprovides Xerneas enabling ia boost to becomeits Speed, making it an even more frightening threat, while the latterand Volt Switch provides switches and momentum to Xerneas.for the team.


Defensive
########
name: Defensive
move 1: Roar / Aromatherapy
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Moonblast
ability: Fairy Aura
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Xerneas's unique typing and high HP stat let it run a bulky set capable of walling dDragon-types very well. Roar allows Xerneas to phaze opposingut Pokemon that may try to set up on it, butwhereas Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to cure a team athe status cond itionself of status. Rest isthe entire team. Xerneas's only form of recovery is Rest, but Xerneas'its bulk letmeans that it is often able to survive the two sleep turns. Sleep Talk prevents Xerneas from being completely helpless when asleep while, and Moonblast helps itcan OHKO the dDragon-types that itXerneas checks. ThanksDue to Fairy Aura, Xerneas's Moonblast hitsn't dexacently hard even without Special Attack investment, and can OHKO enemy Zekrom and Rayquaza without any investment while 2HKOing Assault Vest Palkia. Something that should be noteImportant to keep in mind is ifthat Xerneas's will wake up if Sleep Talk selects Aromatherapy, it will wake itself frommaking the sleep somewhat making the two turns Xerneas is asleep evenfrom Rest less of a nuisance.

Set Details
========

248 HPThe given EVs are run over 252 HP EVs spread is designed to lessen the damage it takes from Stboost Xerneas's longevity as well as provide more health Rocking from Leftovers, but aside that theand 248 HP EVs are designed to boost Xerneas's longevityrun instead of 252 HP EVs in order to lessen the damage it takes from Stealth Rock. A Calm nature, and an EV spread that maximizum investment in Special Defense lets itXerneas check Palkia well. For reference, Lustrous Orb Hydro Pump from Lustrous Orb Palkia fails to 2HKO Xerneas, while it can OHKOes in return with Moonblast in return. Maximizum investment ing Defense instead of Special Defense is also an option, as it will allow Xerneas can then take on and check Zekrom nicely. Its got utility outside of this too. Its physical defense is so large to the point where it as well as avoids getting a 2HKOed by from Life Orbed Ho-Oh's Brave Bird from Ho-Oh.

Usage Tips
========

This Xerneas's worst enemy is Mega Gengar, so be very warycautious when playing against it. This Xerneas can potentially beat Gengar by usdamaging it with Moonblast as it comswitches in, switcfleeing, smashing out, andit on then uswing Moonblastch as Gengar comes in, again. This way, Xerneas can defeatnd then KOing Mega Gengar as it lives the incomfter tanking a Sludge Wave and thanks.

Due to all the damage done earlier, Moonblast will KO Mega Gengar.

Xerneas'sFairy Aura, Moonblast is strong, even without investment, thanks to Fairy Aura, so ityou shouldn't be afraid to deal damageattack with Xerneas if it's needed. ThisHowever, Xerneas shouldn't be played recklessly though. While Rest will fully heal its HP that doesn't mean Xerneas, and shouldn't be tossforced tout stomach extremely powerful Sspecial Aattacks when somethingif other Pokemon can tank them better could tank it. Rest still. While Rest heals Xerneas completely, it leaves Xerneas somewhat helpvulnerabless for the nexta few turns and, so it should only be used when Xerneas needs to recover HP. Sis in a pinch. In a similarily fashion, Aromatherapy and Roar should not be used recklessly with the intentdea that Xerneas can just heal all damage done to ititself later with Rest. For example, if you predict that a Gengar is coming in on Xerneas, use Moonblast it. Don'tnstead of Aromatherapy knowing that since it hasn't mega-evolved yet it won't. This is because Gengar isn't too much of a threaten to Xerneas, because reallyfore it Mega Evolves, but later iton, Mega Gengar will most likely prevent Xerneas from doing much later.

Unlike with other Xerneas sets, this seXerneas variant is quite slow and abnormuncharacteristically bulky, and as a result, it can actually use Aromatherapy in front of most of the thingsPokemon that check its other sets. For example, Aegislash's Gyro Ball fails to land a 3HKO, meaning that Xerneas can safely use Aromatherapy andbefore quickly switching out quickly.

Team Options
========

Xerneas is supposed to check Pokemonemies for the team, so it doesn't really need much team support bu. It it does appreciate somes Pokemone that can Pursuit trap Gengar. with Pursuit, such as Mega Scizor, Choice Band Scizor, and Tyranitar excel at doing this, although the latte. However, Tyranitar takes heavy damage from Focus Blast. In return, Xerneas can alsouse Aromatherapy to relieve burns that Tyranitar and Scizor may receive though. What should be noticed most though is that. Most importantly, Xerneas should not be used on a team aslike an inferior Sylveon or Clefable. Xerne, as it has more power, more physically bulky, and stronger then both Sylveon and Clefable, but both of the other Pokemon get Wish toaccess to Roar. However, Xerneas cannot support theirits team. with Wish, Sylveon is alsohas more specially bulky thean Xerneas while, and Clefable gets uhas Unaware and Knock Off to check and harass certain setup sweepers. It should be mentioned though that Xerneas, unlike the other two fairies, can phaze out Pokemon using Roar.


Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Rock Slide / Sleep Talk
ability: Fairy Aura
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 76 Atk / 248 SpA / 184 Spde
nature: Rash

Moves
========

Xerneas with aA Choice Scarf can suddently boost its Xerneas's Speed to amazing levels, allowing itXerneas to revenge kill a great number of threatening sweepers in the uber tier. Moonblast is a strong StTAB move that destroys any hopwill leave Mega Mewtwo X may have had of sweeping. Its also strong enoughdent in any Pokemon that tries to leave a dentswitch in, anything that may want to cd prevents Mega Mewtwo X frome sweeping. In fact, Xerneas can sweep late -game with Moonblast if the enemyopposing team is sufficiently weakened. Megahorn stops and OHKOes Mega Mewtwo Y., while Focus Blast deals heavy damage to Steel-types that resist Moonblast, namely Heatran and Ferrothorn. Close Combat deals less damage to most Steel-types, but it 2HKOes Blissey. Rock Slide letallows Xerneas to lure in and deal very heavy damage to opposing Ho-Oh, a Pokemon thatwhich otherwise walls Xerneas. With Sleep Talk on the other hand lets, Xerneas becomeis one of the best Darkrai checks in the game, as it can absorb the Dark Void and have a near 100% chance of OHKOing the fiend the next turn after, givenif it stays in.

Set Details
========

AWith a Choice Scarf increases, Xerneas's Speed to the point where it can outspeed practically outspeed the entire unboosted Ubers metagame unboosted, giving it great revenge killing utility and late-game sweeping potential. The current EV spread dumpmaximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and invests enough in Attack to give Xerneas thuarantee ability ton OHKO on Mega Mewtwo Y and maximizes Xfterneas's Special Attatealth Rock. The rest of the EVs are allocainvested toin Speed to make Xerneas as fast as possible. A spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed is viable if Xerneas wants to be moreis focused on sweeping lan enemy te-game with Moonblast lategame and Xerneas's, but only if the team already has a sort ofcheck to Mega Mewtwo Y check. The greater Speed also helps against opposing Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal using a Choice Scarf. Its also possible to remove EVs. The EVs invested in Attack can be siphoned from Special Attack instead of Speed to boost Xerneas's Attack so that it can OHKO Mega Mewtwo Y, but realize doing so mightay make it harder for Xerneas to sweep later, as it will be slower and might fail to outspeed certain enemies bearPokemon holding a Choice Scarf. A Rash nature is used over a Mild nature because decreasing Xerneas's defense will result in it beinglead to an OHKOed by from a boosted Extremek Killer's boosted Extreme Speed and Ho-Oh'sa Life Orbed Ho-Oh's Brave Bird. DHowever, decreasing Xerneas's Special Defense does not turn any 2HKOs into an OHKO. This does not mean as. A Mild nature is not unviable. Since though, as when Xerneas will be switchinges into Yveltal to check it, a Mildthe nature can be used towill decrease the damage it takesn from Oblivion Wing. AXerneas can utilize a nature that increases its Speed can also, be utilized, buthis is unadvised against, as it decreases the power of Xerneas'swill weaken Moonblast which reallyand hurts it Xerneas's ability to clean late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas should try togenerally be switched in as the opposing Pokemon as its setsting up to sweep, not when said Pokemon is trying torather than when they are attacking. For example, Xerneas should try to switch into Mega Mewtwo X when it uses Bulk Up, not instead of when it uses Zen Headbutt. This pereserves Xerneas's longevity, and letllows it check certain Pokemon continuously through out a match, and can let gives it the ability to sweep late-game. If suwitching Xerneas in on a casnon-attacking move is impossible, it is recommended to sacrifice a Pokemon to get Xerneas in safely.

Xerneas can absorb Darkrai's Dark Void and proceed to checkmate it with Sleep Talk, but doing this is not recommended to do thwhen Xerneas is when there isthe only check to a Pokemon on the opposing team that can only be checked by Xerneas. When Xerneas is asleep, it will not be able to function as a reliablye revenge kill any Pokemoner, and as sucho caution is advised if Xerneas is usrunning Sleep Talk. In this situation, if it is impossible to prevent Xerneas from gobeing put to sleep in this situation, it is best to try to stall out Xerneas's sleeping turns to make itso it can be more effective later on.

Xerneas will generally be able to revenge kill at least one Pokemon before the opponent realizes it's usholding a Choice Scarf. After the enemy realizeswards, that it carries a Choice Scarf theye opponent will generally switch to a counter to Xerneasin order to find whatscout out the move itXerneas is locked into. To prevent Xerneas from becoming useless after this, try notits set is revealed, don't try to play it safe and try. Instead, attempt to predict the Pokemon that will come in. For example, if Xerthe opponent has comes out anda Ho-Oh in the opponentwings and knows it is usingthat Xerneas holds a Choice Scarf, then whilen Xernea Ho-Oh is in wings, Rock Slides out, it should be use Rock Slide to whack the incoming Ho-Oh for solid damage.

Team Options
========

This Xerneas is a revenge killer, so it doesn't really need much support. However it is helpful to have something be able to take on or r, partners to deal with the Pokemove the things that can take itnk Xerneas's hits so that Xerneas doesn't have tocan help reduce the need for predict as muchion. Mega Gengar and Swords Dance Pursuit Scizor in particularwith Pursuit excel atin this role, as they can trap and KO things that can takecertain Pokemon, allowing Xerneas's moves soto revenge kill threat it cans more reliably revenge kill things. Xerneas enjoys entry hazards, particular support, especially Stealth Rock, as it not only dropsallows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh's HP so withat is OHKOed by Rock Slide, it also allows. Furthermore, Xerneas tocan capitalize off ofn Pokemon that switch out fearing they will be revenge killed by it, allowing it to better weaken athe opposing team. Stealth Rocks are is also very useful late-game, as they lowerit damages Pokemon's HP so that they fall into KO range of Xerneas's Moonblast.


Calm Mind
########
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Substitute / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
ability: Fairy Aura
item: Leftovers
evs: 44 HP / 240 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Xerneas can choose to set up and sweep usingwith Calm Mind instead of Geomancy. Unlike Geomancy,Although the boost Calm Mind can be used multipprovides is less times in one matchmediate and does not restriaffect Xerneas's item choice. However thspeed, the move is still is a viable boption ast it provides is can be used multipless timmediatees in a match and does not changerestrict Xerneas's speed. It still is a viable option on Xerneasitem choice. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest STAB move and hits ridiculously hard after a boost. BA boosted Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock and hits most Steel-types neutrally, namely Bronzong, Aegislash, and Heatran, for neutral damage. Psyshock is also viable as it hits opposing Poison-types hard, namely Amoonguss, very hard and can also OHKOes Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Xerneas can use Substitute on this set much better thean it can on the Geomancy thanksset, due to Leftovers and sincthe fact that its Substitutes can actually tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Outside of that it alsoSubstitute provides Xerneas wit statush protection frorm Thundurus-I and Chansey while's status moves and allowings it to play mind games with Aegislash. For example, since Aegislash cannot use Toxic on Xerneas due to Substitute, Aegislashso it will be forced to use Gyro Ball. In response, Xerneas can either use Substitute as itAegislash uses King's Shield, or predict it trying to usthe Gyro Ball to break its new Substitute and smash AegislashOHKO with a Thunder that OHKOes. Focus Blast hits opposing Steel-types super effectively and lets Xerneas wreck asmash huge holes in enemy Heatran and Ferrothorn, whilereas Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Ferrothorn and 2HKOes Aegislash in the sun after a Calm Mind boost.

Set Details
========

Xerneas uses Leftovers to increase its Xerneas's longevity and to helps it make an extra Substitute, but Xerneaother items can use items outside of Leftoversbe used too. A Life Orb boosts the power of Xerneas's attacks, and makes it justafter a Calm Mind, Life Orb Xerneas is about as powerful aits Geomancy Xerneas afcounter a Calm Mind. Xerneas's currentpart. The EV spread invests enough in HP for Xerneas to make Substitutes that can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey, and let it absorballows Xerneas to survive a Swords Dance boosted Extreme Speed from Silk Scarf Extremek Killer Arceus. The EVs in Speed investsare enough to lefor it ito outspeed all neutral natured Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B with, and the rest of the EVs beingare dumped into Special Attack to give Xerneas more power. If the team using Xerneas is on can handle Chansey, then a Life Orb and a spread that simply maximizes Special Attack and Speed is viable. If such a spread is used its normally better to use Life Orb though. Acan be used. A Bold nature and a spread that maximizes PhysicalHP and Defense and HP that uses a Bold nature is also viable, in order to make Xerneas sweep in a bulky fashion as tsweeper. Thanks to all the investment it manages ton its bulk, Xerneas is only be 4HKOed by opposing Aegislash's Gyro Ball. If such a spread is used a C, then Resto Berry can be run in tand Rest or Rem with a Chest ando Berry or Sleep Talk can be used to restore Xerneas's HP. This Xerneas uses Aruns a Modest natureto give it even more for the extra power, but if it is desired, a Timid nature can be used to make itso that Xerneas will always outspeed Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B. Additionally, regardless of nature and sit will allow Xerneas to Speed tie with opposingmax Speed Yveltal and Xerneas at worst, but, but it is generally inferior to a Modest nature due to the decrease in Xerneas's power loss and the power boost Timidit gives to the power of opposing Gyro Ball generally makes it inferior to Modest.

Usage Tips
========

Unlike with Geomancy, Xerneas can set up with Calm Mind after it has been forced out yet it also. However, Calm Mind doesn't get the s not increase Xerneas's Speed boost, meaning, so it should be played in a fashion wherutilize it uses the Calm Mind boost in order to power through a counter. If its phazed in the process, Xerneas isn' not deemed useless, so Xerneas if it is forced out in the process, so it shouldn' not be scared of enemy phazers. While Calm Mind does lets Xerneas power through checks, that doesn't mean it should be not used immediately. Xerneas should try to lure out and hit its counters as hard as it can, and set up awith Calm Mind to land a boosthed final blow and then. It should start sweeping ornly whenever it's sure it can beat its counters after thewith a Calm Mind boost. It's best for Xerneas to set up a Calm Mind on something Xerneasa Pokemon that it can forces out or something that has trouble breaking Xerneas'its Substitute. Alternatively, Calm Mind Xerneas could act like itsan feign a Ddefensive Xerneas asset, which it will appear to be one oncerunning when Leftovers are shown, and use that toen lure in thingsPokemon it can set up on.

Since this Xerneas doesn'cannot boost its sSpeed, it has issues with revenge killers and Mega Gengar, so try to get rid ofone should try them or lure them out and kill them quickly. A Xerneas withat use Leftovers will excel at taking out Mega Gengar, as ithey can act likpretend to be a helpless Ddefensive Xerneas and then proceed to smite it with a Psyshock. A Substitute can also can help with fighin combating revenge killers, as the Substitute will allow Xerneas to take a hit, release a strong one backtaliate, and then proceed to switch out.

Team Options
========

ThiGood partners for Calm Mind Xerneas's partners are much like similar to those for Geomancy Xerneas's. All Calm Mind Xerneas truly wants thatHowever, unlike Geomancy Xerneas doe, Calm Mind Xerneas wanot is a Pursuit trapper for Gengar and defensive pivots that can take hits from revenge killers. Calm Mind Xerneas outside of thatalso appreciates the support of Life Orb Yveltal's and or Zekrom's support for breaking its counters. Mega Gengar and Scizor usrunning Swords Dance and Pursuit also work well for, as they can trapping and KOing opposing Xerneas's counters. Sto Xerneas. Thlth Rock is Xerneas also greatly appreciates Stealth Rock support. Id, as it breaks Lugia's Multiscale and dropallows Xerneas to KO Ho-Oh into OHKO rwith ange for unboosted Thunder or a boosted Psyshock.


Other Options
########

There is one item that Xerneas can run thato deal with Mega Gengar which has not been mentioned to deal with Mega Gengaryet: Shed Shell. Shed Shell lateallows Xerneas to escape from Mega Gengar and pretty much reduces the need for a Pursuit trapper to use agains, but it heavily, but is useless outside of thatis one function. Another item Xerneas can use is Choice Specs., as a Choice Specs -boosted Moonblast hits frighteningly hard. However, but the power boost it provides doesn't help Xerneas powerbreak through any of its checks, and as a result, a Choice Specs set isn't thatvery effective.

Xerneas' has a diverse movepool is diverse, but it doesn't get what it needs like, such as a legitimate fFire-type move, so this generally. As a results in, it havings a lot of options that are inferior to the ones previously mentioned. Ingrain and Roar can both be used on a Geomancy or a Calm Mind set to prevent Xerneas from gettbeing phazed out, but it is hurt by the coverage Xerneasit loses from running another move hurts. Flash Cannon hits other Xerneas and Fairy Arceus super effectively, but does nothing notable outside of that. Close Combat can be used on Geomancy and Calm Mind sets to 2HKO incoming Blissey, but ithey provide nos coverage outside of that and as a resuln nothing else, so it tends to be useless most of the time. Similarly, Grass Knot can be used on sets, but it does nothing other then OHKO Groudon and 2HKO Kyogre, Rock Arceus, and Water Arceus. Xerneas can also use Reflect on, but does nothing else. A bulky Calm MindhestoRest Xerneas that run a Chesto Berry andcan utilize Resflect to set up multiple Calm Minds in front of opposing Scizor, Bronzong, Aegislash, and essentially anythingPokemon that reliesy on a strong physical IronSteel-type move to check it. However, buReflect is quite useless outside of that.therwise.


Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially defensive Fire Arceus outspeeds Xerneas, can take any offensive move, whether boosted or unboosted, and thenphaze it outspeed, and essentially phaze Xerneas or. It can set up six Calm Minds in front of every Xerneas versionariant except for defensive Xerneas usingwith Roar.

**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially defensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy -boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular varianXerneas set but it does not enjoy facing Calm Mind Xerneasvariants, as repeated Calm Mind and Life Orb -boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that it is wspecialled by yet alsodefensive Kyogre walls Ddefensive Xerneas, meaningd vice versa, as Xerneas can't hit inot overy hardcome Kyogre with Moonblast but it, while Kyogre can't alsonot hit it very hard with Scald. Rest places the two in a giridlock in a sense because, as they both can just Restboth heal off the damage they've taken from each other's attacks. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside either Calm Mind or Geomancya boosting move will overwhelm Kyogre.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to do damage it, howeverbut they do fear Close Combat from Life Orb Xerneas though. They are also walled by yedefensive Xerneas, but also wall Defensive Xeit in returneas. This meis because Chans they and Blissey can heal off the damage Moonblast does to them but at the same timthey take from Moonblast, while Xerneas can healRest off the damage its taken from theirdealt to it by Toxic and Seimsmic Toss. THowever, they are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or ResttTalk.

**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock is has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit and Whirlwind thefrom a boosted Xerneas and Whirlwind it out. ItLugia can status Xerneas variants that don't set up, and can wall them aso long as Stealth Rock is has not been set up. It should be noted that Ddefensive Xerneas will havekeep Lugia in a grid lock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas runningwith Ingrain will overwhelm Lugiait.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel-typing let it take a pittance from every move Xerneas can tosshrow at it and it. In return, Aegislash can statuspoison Xerneas with Toxic or releasutilize a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball that,, which if used repeatedly, will overwhelm Xerneas. It is ht. However, Aegislash is setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas withat use Calm Mind. It also does not enjoy taking a Night Slash or a sun-boosted being hit by Hidden Power Fire or Night Slash. It does not enjoy fighting Substitutealso has difficulty with Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute, as it will have to predict whether or notif Xerneas will attack it whilen it is in its Blade form. ItAegislash does not take too much from Moonblastdamage from Da defensive Xerneas, but at the same time its Gyro Ball also's Moonblast, but does not do much to Defensive Xerneas, meaning that the two wiin return with Gyro Ball, so they essentially wall each other.

**Ho-Oh**: GivenIf Stealth Rock hais not been set up, Ho-Oh can tanke a moven attack from Geomancy andor Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate back with a sun -boosted Sacred Fire, damage it with a Life Orb -boosted Brave Bird, or simplyphaze it out with Whirlwind the boosts and Xerneas away. However, Ho-Oh hates Rock Slide and will also succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock has been set updamage.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong is much like Aegislash, except ithat it's weaker, not as bulkier or strongery, and is hit neutrally by Focus Blast, but. However, it is slower than Aegislash, which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas ifn the event that it goes down.

**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas that do not run Psyshock, although ifsets lacking Psyshock is run, but it will beis OHKOed by the move. Defensive Xerneas does not take much damage from Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb, and can use Rest off the damge it takes from Amoonguss, but ao recover HP. At the same time though, its Moonblast will deal pitiful damage to Amoonguss, meaningso both Pokemon essentaially wall each other.

**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast and, can hit Xerneas hard with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment. It can even set up Calm Mi, and in front of it because Xerneas cadoesn't really hurt it. It really doesn't fear anything from of Xerneas. The only thing Xerneas's moves, so it can do to potentially hurt it is attack it with aset up with Calm Mind against Xerneas. A Calm Mind or Geomancy -boosted Psyshock is the only way Xerneas can really hurt it.

**Scizor**: Mega Scizor and Choice Band Scizor can tank non-super effective hits from Geomancy Xerneas, given it is not super effective, and 2HKO Xerneasit with Bullet Punch. However, ithey will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor's Bu is wallet Punch cannot 3HKOd by defensive Xerneas, yet and as a result itlso walls defensive Xerneas. Mega Scizor is walled by Ddefensive Xerneas, however Xerneas it cannot hurt it back eith3HKO the deer with Bullet Punch. However, Xerneas cand thenot damage Scizor takes fromuch with Moonblast, and the HP it loses can be easily be removgained with Roost. Mega Scizor is setup bait for Pphysically Ddefensive variants of Calm Mind Xerneas toohough.

**Priority**: Xerneas is fairly bulky, but priority moves can take out a weakened Xerneas or cripple a healthy ones, regardless of whether Geomancy boosts it has been usobtained or not. Arceus can use a Life Orb or Silk Scarf -boosted Extreme Speed to pick off weakened Xerneas. Mega Kangaskhan, aAs a last resort, Mega Kangaskhan can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to slowly wear down and KO Xit. Howeverneas, buthis will require Xerneas to have been heavily weakened beforehand, or else it will take out a majority of the Mega Kangaskhan's team. Finally, Thundurus-I can paralyze an opposingGeomancy Xerneas even afterif it has used Geomancyt up, but it is useless against other variants as they, which don't fear much and can just switch out without fearing much and Xerneas running. Additionally, a Substitute can completely nullify how effective Thundurus-I's can beeffectiveness as a check. I, and it should be noted that most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing Thundurus-I at all.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas and OHKOsmash them with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave, h. However., a Geomancy -boosted Xerneas outspeeds Mega Gengar and instead easily OHKOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas though, ndirectly or can it mMega eEvolve in front of it. A Shed Shell Xerneas also renders all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill itXerneas useless.

**Klefki**: Its typing lets itKlefki resists Moonblast due to its Steel typing, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas, and letllowing its partnersteammates to pick itXerneas off. Against defensive Xerneas, it can sets up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy.

**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive variants of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. IHowever, it cannot switch in on Moonblast though and Substitute fromis troubled by Xerneas is troublesomwith Substitute. Xerneas tIf it has not have usedreceived too much damage, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas can OHKO Mega Lucario before it OHKOes Xerneas, given Xerneas has not received much prior damageand avoid being KOed.

**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted though that Ditto cannot switch in to Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other Xerneaset.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users thasuch as Genesect withave a STAB super effective move such as Genesect's Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to uset up with Geomancy.

 

[Winry]

Another amateur check coming right up! Will edit this post in a bit. Done! There wasn't a whole lot to change. :)

changes

Overview
########

Xerneas is a rather strange Pokemon. Due to its ability, Fairy Aura, Xerneas's Moonblast hits about as hard as a Life Orb-boosted Sacred Fire from Ho-Oh. After setting up a Geomancy, it can OHKO every Pokemon that does not resist Moonblast, barring Blissey and Chansey, so it can stand as a great win condition for teams. As a result, it gives a niche to Pokemon normally unviable in Ubers. Xerneas is by far one of the bulkiest Fairy-types in the tier, and it can run sets that are able to massacre Dragon-types such as Palkia, Zekrom, and Giratina. Xerneas's immunitiy to Dragon-type moves, most notably Draco Meteor and Outrage, allow it to not just wall these Dragon-types, but to potentially set up on them as well. AWith access to Aromatherapy, Close Combat, and Calm Mind, Xerneas allows its able to run a wide array of sets, which will punishing opponents if they switch in the wrong counter against it. Xerneas's. With a base Speed is greater than thatof 99, Xerneas is able to outspeed many of the base 90s that roam the Ubers tier, so it is able to outspeed troublesome foes without a Choice Scarf or a Speed boost.

However, while Xerneas is not without its flaws. While it's base Speed stat is higher than that of many Ubers, including Dialga and Kyogre, it isn't high enough for Xerneas to sweep freely. Xerneas also relies on Fairy Aura to compensate for its base 131 Special Attack, which is somewhat underwhelming when compared to the Special Attack stats of other Ubers. Furthermore, while its Fairy typing provides it an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, making it easier to utilize setup moves, it renders Xerneas weak to Poison-type moves, so Mega Gengar can trap and destroy Xerneas if given the chance. Xerneas's movepool is another issue too, as although it's diverse, it's limited in what it can provide. For example, while Xerneas receives two potent setup moves, its lack of coverage moves means that it will always be unable to get past certain counters. In fact, Xerneas is one of the few Ubers that cannot rewrite its list of counters by switching to a different set, so it is difficult for Xerneas to sweep an enemy team unless it is given a good amount of team support. Xerneas also lacks reliable recovery outside of Rest, so it is very difficult for Xerneas to run defensive sets and outlast its counters. All in all, Xerneas is no one-trick pony, because what it lacks in its stats and movepool is easily made up for with its typing, ability, and sheer versatility.


Geomancy
########
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Power Herb
evs: 152 Def / 252 SpA / 104 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

When used in conjunction with Power Herb, Geomancy allows Xerneas to raise its Special Attack and Speed to frightening levels in a single turn, making Xerneas a very potent sweeper. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest and most reliable STAB move, and after a Geomancy, it essentially OHKOes anything that does not resist it unless the target has a ridiculous amount of special bulk. The rest of the moves provide coverage on the Pokemon that a boosted Moonblast fails to OHKO. Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh and Lugia after Stealth Rock, deals solid damage to specially defensive Kyogre, and whacks Steel-types that resist Moonblast, such as Heatran, Scizor, Bronzong, and Aegislash, for solid neutral damage. Psyshock OHKOes Poison-types, namely Amoonguss and Poison Arceus, while providing Xerneas a way to 2HKO Calm Chansey. Focus Blast rounds out coverage by massacring Steel-types that aren't Aegislash, Mega Scizor, or Bronzong.

Xerneas has two unlisted moves that it can use on this set: Substitute and Hidden Power Fire. Substitute not only shields it from status, allowing it to better combat Chansey and Thundurus-I, but it also eases its ability to set up with Geomancy. Using Substitute forces the opponent to attack or phaze Xerneas out, and so they generally have to switch out or attack twice, giving Xerneas an opportunity to set up with Geomancy even after its Power Herb has been consumed. However, using Substitute is not recommended, as it will significantly impair Xerneas's coverage. However, if Substitute caters to your team's needs, the EVs invested in Xerneas's Special Defense should be reallocated to HP, as doing so will allow Xerneas to make Substitutes capable of tanking a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash super effectively and reliably OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn, but does not do much else. Although Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash hard after a Geomancy, it cannot reliably land a 2HKO unless it is boosted by sun. Furthermore, Xerneas can deal massive damage to Scizor with the other coverage moves after a Geomancy anyway.

Set Details
========

The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Terrakion after a Geomancy. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense to make it more physically bulky, primarily so it will take less damage from priority moves such as Arceus's Extreme Speed and Scizor's Bullet Punch. The EVs also help Xerneas tank attacks including Gyro Ball and Iron Head from Steel-types such as Bronzong that try to counter it. If it is desired, the EVs in Defense can be reallocated to HP for better mixed bulk and to make it easier for Xerneas to tank special hits. Fully investing in Speed and Special Attack is also a viable option, as it gives Xerneas some utility and allows it to outspeed things before it uses Geomancy. However, after a boost, the extra Speed is mostly superfluous, and it does nothing aside from allowing Xerneas to outrun a few Choice Scarf users such as Shaymin-S and Darkrai, which are beaten anyway due to Geomancy's Special Defense boost. Geomancy Xerneas runs a Modest nature so that its attacks are as strong as possible, allowing it to sweep teams more easily. If you fear an opposing Xerneas setting up Geomancy alongside yours, a Timid nature is usable so that Xerneas is at least guaranteed to Speed tie with it. However, there is not much else doing this accomplishes, and the loss of power is noticeable, as Xerneas now fails to do things like OHKO Lugia with a boosted Moonblast after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

While Geomancy is an excellent setup move at Xerneas's disposal, it does have its flaws. Geomancy requires Power Herb to be useful, which is a huge downside, because it meansmeaning that Xerneas can only set up with Geomancy once per game, unlike other sweepers that can set up multiple times throughout a match. As such, Xerneas should not use Geomancy until its checks have been weakened to the point that they can be brought down by Geomancy-boosted attacks. Using Geomancy too early in a match will be ineffective, as Xerneas will find itself unable to bypass certain walls. If needed, it can lure in its own counters, such as Choice Band Scizor, and hit them hard with coverage moves such as Focus Blast so that they can be KOed by a Geomancy-boosted attack later on.

While Geomancy Xerneas is first and foremost a sweeper that can serve as an excellent win condition for a team, it should be noted that it has further utility. Being a Fairy-type, it has a very nice defensive typing, so it is capable of switching into a Zekrom's Outrage or a Giratina-O's Draco Meteor and threaten to KO with Moonblast. Although Power Herb is only used to make Geomancy viable, and is generally a bad item as it does not boost Xerneas's damage output, it's very useful for allowing Xerneas to bluff another set. As no text is shown until after Xerneas has used Geomancy, it can bluff a Choice Scarf very well, which can potentially let it snag an extra KO.

Team Options
========

Xerneas's primary focus is sweeping the opposing team, so partners that can weaken its counters or trap and kill them are appreciated. The most notable of these partners is Mega Gengar, which courtesy of Shadow Tag, can trap and use Focus Blast to KO most Steel-types that resist Moonblast. It can also weaken Aegislash that lacking Shadow Sneak and defeat Lugia through a combination of Taunt and STAB Shadow Ball. Chansey is also defeated by Mega Gengar, as it cannot hurt or escape from Mega Gengar and will be defeated by Focus Blast and Taunt. Yveltal is similar to Mega Gengar in that it can wear down all of Xerneas's counters, but it does not have the ability to trap them with Shadow Tag. Unlike Gengar, Yveltal can also defeat Amoonguss and support Arceus formes. It should be noted that Stealth Rock support is very useful to Xerneas in general. Stealth Rock, as it not only helps wear down Xerneas's counters, but it drops most of them into OHKO range of itXerneas's attacks. For example, Stealth Rock will remove Lugia's Multiscale and a large chunk of its health, allowing Xerneas to OHKO it with a boosted Moonblast. This is also true for Ho-Oh, as after losing 50% of its HP to Stealth Rock, it can be KOed by Psyshock or Thunder.

If Xerneas's sweep is halted, the Pokemon that stops it is generalmost likely only good for tanking hits, and iswhich makes it, ironically, setup bait for another sweeper. For this reason, additional sweepers, primarily Tailwind Zekrom, are great partners for Xerneas, as they can pick up from where it left off and proceed to sweep the opposing team. Zekrom is a particularly good partner for Xerneas, as Xerneas can easily set up on any Amoonguss, Bronzong, or Aegislash weakened by itZekrom's assault, and it can also help break walls such as Ho-Oh and Amoonguss. As another plus, all of Zekrom's counters—Hippowdon, Groudon, and Ground Arceus—can't do much to Xerneas, which means the deer can potentially set up a Geomancy on them after they have taken considerable damage from Zekrom.


All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Rock Slide / Thunder
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Night Slash
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Mild / Rash

Moves
========

This set focuses on spamming Moonblast, which is frighteningly powerful due to the boosts from STAB and Fairy Aura. The rest of the moves are there solely for the purpose of removing Pokemon that can absorb Moonblast. A Life Orb-boosted Rock Slide OHKOes Ho-Oh, even without Stealth Rock, but aside from that, it doesn't really do much. Thunder is inaccurate, but it hits most Steel-types neutrally, OHKOes Ho-Oh if Stealth Rock is up, and OHKOes offensive Kyogre after it has switched into Stealth Rock twice. Close Combat also hits Steel-types, OHKOes Blissey, and 2HKOes Chansey, but it's not as strong as Focus Blast is against most targets. In fact, the only reason Close Combat should be used over Focus Blast is if your team struggles against Blissey and Chansey, as they are the only targets hit harder by Close Combat. Night Slash rounds out the set, becas due to Xerneas's limited movepool, it is Xerneas's strongest move against Aegislash. Night Slash is the only move that Xerneas can use to reliably waltz around Aegislash, but it is vulnerable to King's Shield and only 3HKOes Aegislash at best. Xerneas can run specific moves to help beat down certain walls that it may come up against. Grass Knot OHKOes support Rock Arceus and Water Arceus while hitting Kyogre hard. Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn while 2HKOing Aegislash and Bronzong under sun. Aromatherapy is also an option on this set, and though it doesn't deal damage, Xerneas can use it to relieve a desperate team of a crippling status conditions. As another bonus, itXerneas's offensive presence helps it score free turns to use Aromatherapy, something no other cleric can boast.

Set Details
========

Life Orb provides a large boost to all of Xerneas's moves, but its recoil might make it undesirable on certain teams. Pixie Plate and Expert Belt are both viable alternatives to Life Orb, and they can both allow Xerneas to bluff other sets, while Life Orb cannot. The boosts the two items provide, however, are smaller and less consistent than Life Orb. If Expert Belt is run, a spread of 140 Atk / 184 SpA / 184 Spe is recommended, as it allows Xerneas to 2HKO Chansey with Close Combat 100% of the time and outspeed base 90s.

Xerneas can shift EVs from Speed into Attack to hit harder with its physical attacks. A spread of 70 Atk / 252 SpA / 184 Spe gives up Xerneas's ability to Speed tie with Yveltal and Genesect in exchange for a slightly more powerful Close Combat and Rock Slide. When boosted by Expert Belt, Rock Slide has a decent chance to OHKO offensive Ho-Oh, and when boosted by Life Orb, bears a higher chance to OHKO 252 HP Ho-Oh.

Xerneas generally runs a Mild nature, which reduces its Defense, as the unreduced Special Defense stat helps it better absorb a Dark Pulse or Oblivion Wing from Yveltal in order to check it. However, a Rash nature can be run if an unhindered Defense stat is required by its team. A Special Attack-boosting nature is recommended on Xerneas to give Moonblast maximum power, but a Speed-boosting nature, such as Naive or Hasty, is also viable as it allows Xerneas to Speed tie with opposing Yveltal in exchange for a bit of power.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas's main goal is not to sweep, but to break walls for its team by spamming strong Moonblasts. As such, it should not try to sweep unless the Pokemon on the other team are all ridiculously slower than Xerneas. A teammate should try to capitalize from the holes Xerneas creates in the opposing team in order to sweep.

Xerneas's bulk is reduced by its nature, so it should be very careful when switching in as to conserve its HP. AHowever, at the same time though, Xerneas should be switched in as often as possible to wear down enemy walls such as Aegislash. Xerneas should not be afraid to reveal that it has Night Slash, as the move can 3HKO Aegislash, but if Xerneas is holding an Expert Belt or a Pixie Plate, hiding Night Slash might be worth it. Due to its item, it can bluff a Choice Scarf set very well, and as such can help it secure additional KOs. For example, pretending that Xerneas is locked into Moonblast can be very useful for luring Ho-Oh out and OHKOing it with Rock Slide. The main idea of this set is to wreck walls and weaken Pokemon that can take a Moonblast in order to spam it later on. Therefore, if the opposing team has few Pokemon that can tank Moonblast, Moonblast should be spammed as often as possible.

Team Options
========

If the Xerneas user can correctly predict when Aegislash will switch in, then Xerneas can defeat it. SHowever, since such prediction is difficult though, so Pokemon that can wear down itXerneas's counters for it are appreciated. Scizor is one of the best partners for Xerneas, as it is capable of trapping and killing Aegislash with the combination of Swords Dance and Pursuit. It can prevent Xerneas from losing momentum, and can act as a sweeper that can takes advantage of the holes Xerneas busts in opposing teams. Mega Gengar can function similarly to Scizor, trapping Lugia and defeating it with Taunt and Shadow Ball. Life Orb Yveltal is like Mega Gengar in that it can easily defeat Xerneas's counters, but it cannot trap them. However, Yveltal gets U-turn, which can be used to grant Xerneas opportunities to switch in. In general, Pokemon that can provide offensive pressure are useful because they can keep Pokemon that wall Xerneas at bay. They can also provide momentum and help get Xerneas into play. Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock are beneficial for Xerneas too, as Stealth Rock will damage Pokemon when Xerneas forces switches. Furthermore, Stealth Rock allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Thunder, and breaks Multiscale, preventing Lugia from absorbing Moonblast comfortably.

Noteworthy is tThe fact that most of Xerneas's counters are rather weak and have difficulty stopping other sweepers is particularly noteworthy. Combine this with Xerneas's ability to defeat walls on the opposing team, and it seems almost mandatory that Xerneas should be paired with a sweeper. Tailwind Zekrom is perhaps the best sweeper that can be partnered with Life Orb Xerneas, as it can defeat Lugia, Ho-Oh, and just about anything that walls Xerneas. Additionally, Zekrom can set up a Tailwind and use Volt Switch on most of Xerneas's counters; Tailwind and Volt Switch greatly aiding Xerneas in tormenting the other team. Tailwind provides Xerneas a boost to its Speed, making it an even more frightening threat, and Volt Switch provides momentum for the team.


Defensive
########
name: Defensive
move 1: Roar / Aromatherapy
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Xerneas's unique typing and high HP stat let it run a bulky set capable of walling Dragon-types very well. Roar allows Xerneas to phaze out Pokemon that may try to set up on it, whereas Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to cure the status conditions of the entire team. Xerneas's only form of recovery is Rest, but its bulk means that it is often able to survive the two sleep turns. Sleep Talk prevents Xerneas from being completely helpless when asleep, and Moonblast can OHKO the Dragon-types that Xerneas checks. Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast hits decently hard even without Special Attack investment, and can OHKO Zekrom and Rayquaza while 2HKOing Assault Vest Palkia. It is important to keep in mind is that Xerneas will wake up if Sleep Talk selects Aromatherapy, making the sleep turns from Rest less of a nuisance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread is designed to boost Xerneas's longevity as well as provide more healing from Leftovers, and 248 HP EVs are run instead of 252 HP EVs in order to lessen the damage it takes from Stealth Rock. A Calm nature and maximum investment in Special Defense lets Xerneas check Palkia well. For reference, Hydro Pump from Lustrous Orb Palkia fails to 2HKO Xerneas, while it can OHKO in return with Moonblast. Maximum investment in Defense instead of Special Defense is also an option, as it will allow Xerneas to check Zekrom nicely as well as avoid a 2HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh's Brave Bird.

Usage Tips
========

This Xerneas's worst enemy is Mega Gengar, so be very cautious when playing against it. Xerneas can potentially beat Gengar by damaging it with Moonblast as it switches in, fleeing, smashing it on the switch again, and then KOing Mega Gengar after tanking a Sludge Wave.

Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast is strong even without investment, so you shouldn't be afraid to attack with Xerneas if it's needed. However, Xerneas shouldn't be played recklessly, and shouldn't be forced to stomach extremely powerful special attacks if other Pokemon can tank them better. While Rest heals Xerneas completely, it leaves Xerneas vulnerable for a few turns, so it should only be used when Xerneas is in a pinch. In a similar fashion, Aromatherapy and Roar should not be used recklessly with the idea that Xerneas can just heal itself later with Rest. For example, if you predict that a Gengar is coming in on Xerneas, use Moonblast instead of Aromatherapy. This is because Gengar isn't too much of a threat to Xerneas before it Mega Evolves, but later on, Mega Gengar will likely prevent Xerneas from doing much.

Unlike with other sets, this Xerneas variant is quite slow and uncharacteristically bulky, and as a result, it can use Aromatherapy in front of most Pokemon that check its other sets. For example, Aegislash's Gyro Ball fails to land a 3HKO, meaning that Xerneas can safely use Aromatherapy before quickly switching out.

Team Options
========

Xerneas is supposed to check Pokemon for the team, so it doesn't need much team support. It appreciates Pokemon that can trap Gengar with Pursuit, such as Mega Scizor, Choice Band Scizor, and Tyranitar. However, Tyranitar takes heavy damage from Focus Blast. In return, Xerneas can use Aromatherapy to relieve burns that Tyranitar and Scizor may receive. Most importantly, Xerneas should not be used like an inferior Sylveon or Clefable, as it has more power, more physical bulk, and access to Roar. However, Xerneas cannot support its team with Wish, Sylveon has more special bulk than Xerneas, and Clefable has Unaware and Knock Off to harass certain setup sweepers.


Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Rock Slide / Sleep Talk
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 76 Atk / 248 SpA / 184 Spe
nature: Rash

Moves
========

A Choice Scarf boosts Xerneas's Speed to amazing levels, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill a great number of threatening sweepers in the tier. Moonblast is a strong STAB move that will leave a dent in any Pokemon that tries to switch in, and prevents Mega Mewtwo X from sweeping. In fact, Xerneas can sweep late-game with Moonblast if the opposing team is sufficiently weakened. Megahorn OHKOes Mega Mewtwo Y, while Focus Blast deals heavy damage to Steel-types that resist Moonblast, namely Heatran and Ferrothorn. Close Combat deals less damage to most Steel-types, but it 2HKOes Blissey. Rock Slide allows Xerneas to lure in and deal very heavy damage to Ho-Oh, which otherwise walls Xerneas. With Sleep Talk, Xerneas is one of the best Darkrai checks in the game, as it can absorb Dark Void and have a near 100% chance of OHKOing the fiend the next turn if it stays in.

Set Details
========

With a Choice Scarf, Xerneas can practically outspeed the entire unboosted Ubers metagame, giving it great revenge killing utility and late-game sweeping potential. The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and invests enough in Attack to guarantee an OHKO on Mega Mewtwo Y after Stealth Rock. The rest of the EVs are invested in Speed to make Xerneas as fast as possible. A spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed is viable if Xerneas is focused on sweeping late-game with Moonblast, but only if the team already has a check to Mega Mewtwo Y. The greater Speed also helps against opposing Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal. The EVs invested in Attack can be siphonhifted from Special Attack instead of Speed, (I'm only suggesting shifted > siphoned becaus there are likely to be readers without this vocab knowledge) but doing so may make it harder for Xerneas to sweep, as it might fail to outspeed certain Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf. A Rash nature is used over a Mild nature because decreasing Xerneas's defense will lead to an OHKO from a boosted Extreme Killer's Extreme Speed and a Life Orb Ho-Oh's Brave Bird. However, decreasing Xerneas's Special Defense does not turn any 2HKOs into OHKOs. A Mild nature is not unviable though, as when Xerneas switches into Yveltal to check it, the nature will decrease the damage taken from Oblivion Wing. Xerneas can utilize a nature that increases its Speed, but this is unadvised, as it will weaken Moonblast and hurt Xerneas's ability to clean late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas should generally be switched in as the opposing Pokemon is setting up, rather than when they are attacking. For example, Xerneas should try to switch into Mega Mewtwo X when it uses Bulk Up instead of when it uses Zen Headbutt. This preserves Xerneas's longevity, allows it check certain Pokemon continuously throughout a match, and gives it the ability to sweep late-game. If switching Xerneas in on a non-attacking move is impossible, it is recommended to sacrifice a Pokemon to get Xerneas in safely.

Xerneas can absorb Darkrai's Dark Void and proceed to checkmate it with Sleep Talk, but doing this is not recommended when Xerneas is the only check to a Pokemon on the opposing team. When Xerneas is asleep, it will not be able to function as a reliable revenge killer, and so caution is advised if Xerneas is running Sleep Talk. In this situation, if it is impossible to prevent Xerneas from being put to sleep, it is best to try to stall out Xerneas's sleep turns so it can be more effective later on.

Xerneas will generally be able to revenge kill at least one Pokemon before the opponent realizes it's holding a Choice Scarf. Afterwards, the opponent will generally switch to a counter in order to scout out the move Xerneas is locked into. To prevent Xerneas from becoming useless after its set is revealed, don't try to play it safe. Instead, attempt to predict the Pokemon that will come in. For example, if the opponent has a Ho-Oh in the wings and knows that Xerneas holds a Choice Scarf, then when Xerneas is out, it should use Rock Slide to whack the incoming Ho-Oh for solid damage.

Team Options
========

This Xerneas is a revenge killer, so it doesn't really need much support. However, partners to deal with the Pokemon that can tank Xerneas's hits can help reduce the need for prediction. Mega Gengar and Swords Dance Scizor with Pursuit excel in this role, as they can trap and KO certain Pokemon, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill threats more reliably. Xerneas enjoys entry hazard support, especially Stealth Rock, as it allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Rock Slide. Furthermore, Xerneas can capitalize on Pokemon that switch out fearing they will be revenge killed, allowing it to better weaken the opposing team. Stealth Rock is also very useful late-game, as it damages Pokemon so that they fall into KO range of Xerneas's Moonblast.


Calm Mind
########
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Substitute / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
evs: 44 HP / 240 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Xerneas can choose to set up and sweep with Calm Mind instead of Geomancy. Although the boost Calm Mind provides is less immediate and does not affect Xerneas's speed, the move is still is a viable option as it can be used multiple times in a match and does not restrict Xerneas's item choice. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest STAB move and hits ridiculously hard after a boost. A boosted Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock and hits most Steel-types, namely Bronzong, Aegislash, and Heatran, for neutral damage. Psyshock is also viable as it hits Poison-types, namely Amoonguss, very hard and can also OHKO Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Xerneas can use Substitute on this set much better than it can on the Geomancy set, due to Leftovers and the fact that its Substitutes can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Substitute provides Xerneas with protection from Thundurus-I and Chansey's status moves and allows it to play mind games with Aegislash. Aegislash cannot use Toxic on Xerneas due to Substitute, so it will be forced to use Gyro Ball. In response, Xerneas can either use Substitute as Aegislash uses King's Shield, or predict the Gyro Ball and OHKO with Thunder. Focus Blast hits Steel-types super effectively and lets Xerneas smash huge holes in enemy Heatran and Ferrothorn, whereas Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Ferrothorn and 2HKOes Aegislash in the sun after a Calm Mind boost.

Set Details
========

Leftovers increases Xerneas's longevity and helps it make an extra Substitute, but other items can be used too. Life Orb boosts the power of Xerneas's attacks, and after a Calm Mind, Life Orb Xerneas is about as powerful its Geomancy counterpart. The EV spread invests enough in HP for Xerneas to make Substitutes that can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey, and allows Xerneas to survive a boosted Extreme Speed from Silk Scarf Extreme Killer Arceus. The EVs in Speed are enough for it to outspeed all neutral natured Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give Xerneas more power. If the team Xerneas is on can handle Chansey, then a Life Orb and a spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed can be used. A Bold nature and a spread that maximizes HP and Defense is also viable, in order to make Xerneas a bulky sweeper. Thanks to all the investment in its bulk, Xerneas is only 4HKOed by Aegislash's Gyro Ball. If such a spread is used, then Rest can be run in tandem with a Chesto Berry or Sleep Talk to restore Xerneas's HP. This Xerneas runs a Modest nature for the extra power, but if it is desired, a Timid nature can be used so that Xerneas will always outspeed Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B. Additionally, it will allow Xerneas to Speed tie with max Speed Yveltal and Xerneas, but it is generally inferior to a Modest nature due to the decrease in Xerneas's power and the boost it gives to opposing Gyro Ball.

Usage Tips
========

Unlike with Geomancy, Xerneas can set up with Calm Mind after it has been forced out. However, Calm Mind does not increase Xerneas's Speed, so it should utilize the boost in order to power through a counter. Xerneas is not deemed useless if it is forced out in the process, so it should not be scared of enemy phazers. While Calm Mind lets Xerneas power through checks, it should be not used immediately. Xerneas should try to lure out and hit its counters as hard as it can, and set up with Calm Mind to land the final blow. It should start sweeping only when it's sure it can beat its counters with a Calm Mind boost. It's best for Xerneas to set up a Calm Mind on a Pokemon that it can force out or has trouble breaking its Substitute. Alternatively, Calm Mind Xerneas can feign a defensive set, which it will appear to be running when Leftovers are shown, and then lure in Pokemon it can set up on.

Since this Xerneas cannot boost its Speed, it has issues with revenge killers and Mega Gengar, so one should try to lure them out and kill them quickly. A Xerneas with Leftovers will excel at taking out Mega Gengar, as it can pretend to be a helpless defensive Xerneas and then proceed to smite it with a Psyshock. A Substitute can also help in combating revenge killers, as it will allow Xerneas to take a hit, retaliate, and then switch out.

Team Options
========

Good partners for Calm Mind Xerneas are similar to those for Geomancy Xerneas. H; however, unlike Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Xerneas wants a Pursuit trapper for Gengar and defensive pivots that can take hits from revenge killers. Calm Mind Xerneas also appreciates the support of Life Orb Yveltal or Zekrom to break its counters. Mega Gengar and Scizor running Swords Dance and Pursuit also work well, as they can trap and KO Xerneas's counters. Stealth Rock is also greatly appreciated, as it breaks Lugia's Multiscale and allows Xerneas to KO Ho-Oh with an unboosted Thunder or a boosted Psyshock.


Other Options
########

There is one item that Xerneas can run to deal with Mega Gengar which has not been mentioned yet: Shed Shell. Shed Shell allows Xerneas to escape from Mega Gengar and reduces the need for a Pursuit trapper, but it is useless outside of this one function. Another item Xerneas can use is Choice Specs, as a Choice Specs-boosted Moonblast hits frighteningly hard. However, the power boost it provides doesn't help Xerneas break through any of its checks, and as a result, a Choice Specs set isn't very effective.

Xerneas has a diverse movepool, but it doesn't get what it needs, such as a legitimate Fire-type move. As a result, it has a lot of options that are inferior to the ones previously mentioned. Ingrain and Roar can both be used on a Geomancy or a Calm Mind set to prevent Xerneas from being phazed out, but it is hurt by the coverage it loses. Flash Cannon hits other Xerneas and Fairy Arceus super effectively, but does nothing notable outside of that. Close Combat can be used on Geomancy and Calm Mind sets to 2HKO incoming Blissey, but it provides coverage on nothing else, so it tends to be useless most of the time. Grass Knot can be used to OHKO Groudon and 2HKO Kyogre, Rock Arceus, and Water Arceus, but does nothing else. A bulky ChestoRest Xerneas can utilize Reflect to set up multiple Calm Minds on Scizor, Bronzong, Aegislash, and Pokemon that rely on a strong physical Steel-type move to check it. However, Reflect is quite useless otherwise.

Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially defensive Fire Arceus outspeeds Xerneas, can take any move, whether boosted or unboosted, and phaze it out. It can set up six Calm Minds on every Xerneas variant except for defensive Xerneas with Roar.

**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially defensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy-boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular Xerneas set but does not enjoy facing Calm Mind variants, as repeated Calm Mind and Life Orb-boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that specially defensive Kyogre walls defensive Xerneas, and vice versa, as Xerneas cannot overcome Kyogre with Moonblast, while Kyogre cannot hit it very hard with Scald. Rest places the two in a gridlock, as they can both heal off the damage they've taken from each other's attacks. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside a boosting move will overwhelm Kyogre.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to damage it, but they fear Close Combat from Life Orb Xerneas. They are walled by defensive Xerneas, but also wall it in return. This is because Chansey and Blissey can heal off the damage they take from Moonblast, while Xerneas can Rest off the damage dealt to it by Toxic and Seismic Toss. However, they are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or RestTalk.

**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit from a boosted Xerneas and Whirlwind it out. Lugia can status Xerneas variants that don't set up, and can wall them as long as Stealth Rock is not up. It should be noted that defensive Xerneas will keep Lugia in a gridlock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas with Ingrain will overwhelm it.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel- typing let it take a pittance from every move Xerneas can throw at it. In return, Aegislash can poison Xerneas with Toxic or utilize a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball, which if used repeatedly, will overwhelm it. However, Aegislash is setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas with Calm Mind. It does not enjoy taking a Night Slash or a sun-boosted Hidden Power Fire. It also has difficulty with Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute, as it will have to predict if Xerneas will attack it while it is in Blade form. Aegislash does not take too much damage from a defensive Xerneas's Moonblast, but does not do much in return with Gyro Ball, so they essentially wall each other.

**Ho-Oh**: If Stealth Rock is not up, Ho-Oh can tank an attack from Geomancy or Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate with a sun-boosted Sacred Fire, damage it with a Life Orb-boosted Brave Bird, or phaze it out with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh hates Rock Slide and will succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock damage.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong is like Aegislash, except that it's weaker, not as bulky, and hit neutrally by Focus Blast. However, it is slower than Aegislash, which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas in the event that it goes down.

**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas sets lacking Psyshock, butas it is OHKOed by the move. Defensive Xerneas does not take much damage from Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb and can use Rest to recover HP. At the same time though, its Moonblast will deal pitiful damage to Amoonguss, so both Pokemon essentially wall each other.

**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast, can hit Xerneas hard with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment, and doesn't really fear any of Xerneas's moves, so it can set up with Calm Mind against Xerneas. A Calm Mind or Geomancy-boosted Psyshock is the only way Xerneas can really hurt it.

**Scizor**: Mega Scizor and Choice Band Scizor can tank non-super effective hits from Geomancy Xerneas and 2HKO it with Bullet Punch. However, they will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch, if fully invested, can 3HKO the most physically bulky Xerneas, which prevents Scizor from being setup bait and allows it to defeat Xerneas running Rest.

**Priority**: Xerneas is fairly bulky, but priority moves can take out a weakened Xerneas or cripple a healthy one, regardless of the boosts it has obtained. Arceus can use a Life Orb- or Silk Scarf-boosted Extreme Speed to pick off weakened Xerneas. As a last resort, Mega Kangaskhan can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to wear down and KO it. However, this will require Xerneas to have been heavily weakened beforehand, or else it will take out a majority of Mega Kangaskhan's team. Thundurus-I can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas even if it has set up, but is useless against other variants, which don't fear much and can just switch out. Additionally, a Substitute can completely nullify Thundurus-I's effectiveness as a check, and it should be noted that most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing Thundurus-I at all.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas and smash them with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave. However, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas outspeeds and easily OHKOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas directly or Mega Evolve in front of it. A Shed Shell also renders all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill Xerneas useless.

**Klefki**: Klefki resists Moonblast due to its Steel typing, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas, allowing its teammates to pick Xerneas off. Against defensive Xerneas, it can set up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy.

**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive variants of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. However, it cannot switch in on Moonblast and is troubled by Xerneas with Substitute. If it has not received too much damage, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas can OHKO Mega Lucario and avoid being KOed.

**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted though that Ditto cannot switch into Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other set.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users such as Genesect with a STAB super effective move such as Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to set up with Geomancy.

c/p

Overview
########

Xerneas is a rather strange Pokemon. Due to its ability, Fairy Aura, Xerneas's Moonblast hits about as hard as a Life Orb-boosted Sacred Fire from Ho-Oh. After setting up a Geomancy, it can OHKO every Pokemon that does not resist Moonblast, barring Blissey and Chansey, so it can stand as a great win condition for teams. As a result, it gives a niche to Pokemon normally unviable in Ubers. Xerneas is by far one of the bulkiest Fairy-types in the tier, and it can run sets that are able to massacre Dragon-types such as Palkia, Zekrom, and Giratina. Xerneas's immunity to Dragon-type moves, most notably Draco Meteor and Outrage, allow it to not just wall these Dragon-types, but to potentially set up on them as well. With access to Aromatherapy, Close Combat, and Calm Mind, Xerneas is able to run a wide array of sets, which will punish opponents if they switch in the wrong counter. With a base Speed of 99, Xerneas is able to outspeed many of the base 90s that roam the Uber tier without a Choice Scarf or a Speed boost.

However, while Xerneas's base Speed stat is higher than that of many Ubers, including Dialga and Kyogre, it isn't high enough for Xerneas to sweep freely. Xerneas also relies on Fairy Aura to compensate for its base 131 Special Attack, which is somewhat underwhelming when compared to the Special Attack stats of other Ubers. Furthermore, while its Fairy typing provides it an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, making it easier to utilize setup moves, it renders Xerneas weak to Poison-type moves, so Mega Gengar can trap and destroy Xerneas if given the chance. Xerneas's movepool is another issue too, although it's diverse, it's limited in what it can provide. For example, while Xerneas receives two potent setup moves, its lack of coverage moves means that it will always be unable to get past certain counters. In fact, Xerneas is one of the few Ubers that cannot rewrite its list of counters by switching to a different set, so it is difficult for Xerneas to sweep an enemy team unless it is given a good amount of team support. Xerneas also lacks reliable recovery outside of Rest, so it is very difficult for Xerneas to run defensive sets and outlast its counters. All in all, Xerneas is no one-trick pony, because what it lacks in its stats and movepool is easily made up for with its typing, ability, and sheer versatility.


Geomancy
########
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Power Herb
evs: 152 Def / 252 SpA / 104 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

When used in conjunction with Power Herb, Geomancy allows Xerneas to raise its Special Attack and Speed to frightening levels in a single turn, making Xerneas a very potent sweeper. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest and most reliable STAB move, and after a Geomancy, it essentially OHKOes anything that does not resist it unless the target has a ridiculous amount of special bulk. The rest of the moves provide coverage on the Pokemon that a boosted Moonblast fails to OHKO. Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh and Lugia after Stealth Rock, deals solid damage to specially defensive Kyogre, and whacks Steel-types that resist Moonblast, such as Heatran, Scizor, Bronzong, and Aegislash, for solid neutral damage. Psyshock OHKOes Poison-types, namely Amoonguss and Poison Arceus, while providing Xerneas a way to 2HKO Calm Chansey. Focus Blast rounds out coverage by massacring Steel-types that aren't Aegislash, Mega Scizor, or Bronzong.

Xerneas has two unlisted moves that it can use on this set: Substitute and Hidden Power Fire. Substitute not only shields it from status, allowing it to better combat Chansey and Thundurus-I, but it also eases its ability to set up with Geomancy. Using Substitute forces the opponent to attack or phaze Xerneas out, and so they generally have to switch out or attack twice, giving Xerneas an opportunity to set up with Geomancy even after its Power Herb has been consumed. However, using Substitute is not recommended, as it will significantly impair Xerneas's coverage. However, if Substitute caters to your team's needs, the EVs invested in Xerneas's Special Defense should be reallocated to HP, as doing so will allow Xerneas to make Substitutes capable of tanking a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash super effectively and reliably OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn, but does not do much else. Although Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash hard after a Geomancy, it cannot reliably land a 2HKO unless it is boosted by sun. Furthermore, Xerneas can deal massive damage to Scizor with the other coverage moves after a Geomancy anyway.

Set Details
========

The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Terrakion after a Geomancy. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense to make it more physically bulky, primarily so it will take less damage from priority moves such as Arceus's Extreme Speed and Scizor's Bullet Punch. The EVs also help Xerneas tank attacks including Gyro Ball and Iron Head from Steel-types such as Bronzong that try to counter it. If it is desired, the EVs in Defense can be reallocated to HP for better mixed bulk and to make it easier for Xerneas to tank special hits. Fully investing in Speed and Special Attack is also a viable option, as it gives Xerneas some utility and allows it to outspeed things before it uses Geomancy. However, after a boost, the extra Speed is mostly superfluous, and it does nothing aside from allowing Xerneas to outrun a few Choice Scarf users such as Shaymin-S and Darkrai, which are beaten anyway due to Geomancy's Special Defense boost. Geomancy Xerneas runs a Modest nature so that its attacks are as strong as possible, allowing it to sweep teams more easily. If you fear an opposing Xerneas setting up Geomancy alongside yours, a Timid nature is usable so that Xerneas is at least guaranteed to Speed tie with it. However, there is not much else doing this accomplishes, and the loss of power is noticeable, as Xerneas now fails to do things like OHKO Lugia with a boosted Moonblast after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

While Geomancy is an excellent setup move at Xerneas's disposal, it requires Power Herb to be used, meaning that Xerneas can only set up with Geomancy once per game, unlike other sweepers that can set up multiple times throughout a match. As such, Xerneas should not use Geomancy until its checks have been weakened to the point that they can be brought down by Geomancy-boosted attacks. Using Geomancy too early in a match will be ineffective, as Xerneas will find itself unable to bypass certain walls. If needed, it can lure in its own counters, such as Choice Band Scizor, and hit them hard with coverage moves such as Focus Blast so that they can be KOed by a Geomancy-boosted attack later on.

While Geomancy Xerneas is first and foremost a sweeper that can serve as an excellent win condition for a team, it should be noted that it has further utility. Being a Fairy-type, it has a very nice defensive typing, so it is capable of switching into a Zekrom's Outrage or a Giratina-O's Draco Meteor and threaten to KO with Moonblast. Although Power Herb is only used to make Geomancy viable, and is generally a bad item as it does not boost Xerneas's damage output, it's very useful for allowing Xerneas to bluff another set. As no text is shown until after Xerneas has used Geomancy, it can bluff a Choice Scarf very well, which can potentially let it snag an extra KO.

Team Options
========

Xerneas's primary focus is sweeping the opposing team, so partners that can weaken its counters or trap and kill them are appreciated. The most notable of these partners is Mega Gengar, which can trap and use Focus Blast to KO most Steel-types that resist Moonblast. It can also weaken Aegislash that lack Shadow Sneak and defeat Lugia through a combination of Taunt and STAB Shadow Ball. Chansey is also defeated by Mega Gengar, as it cannot hurt or escape from Mega Gengar and will be defeated by Focus Blast and Taunt. Yveltal is similar to Mega Gengar in that it can wear down all of Xerneas's counters, but it does not have the ability to trap them with Shadow Tag. Unlike Gengar, Yveltal can defeat Amoonguss and support Arceus formes. It should be noted that Stealth Rock support is very useful to Xerneas in general, as it not only helps wear down Xerneas's counters, but it drops most of them into OHKO range of Xerneas's attacks. For example, Stealth Rock will remove Lugia's Multiscale and a large chunk of its health, allowing Xerneas to OHKO it with a boosted Moonblast. This is also true for Ho-Oh, as after losing 50% of its HP to Stealth Rock, it can be KOed by Psyshock or Thunder.

If Xerneas's sweep is halted, the Pokemon that stops it is most likely only good for tanking hits, which makes it, ironically, setup bait for another sweeper. For this reason, additional sweepers, primarily Tailwind Zekrom, are great partners for Xerneas, as they can pick up from where it left off and proceed to sweep the opposing team. Zekrom is a particularly good partner for Xerneas, as Xerneas can easily set up on any Amoonguss, Bronzong, or Aegislash weakened by Zekrom's assault, and it can also help break walls such as Ho-Oh and Amoonguss. As another plus, all of Zekrom's counters—Hippowdon, Groudon, and Ground Arceus—can't do much to Xerneas, which means the deer can potentially set up a Geomancy on them after they have taken considerable damage from Zekrom.


All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Rock Slide / Thunder
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Night Slash
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Mild / Rash

Moves
========

This set focuses on spamming Moonblast, which is frighteningly powerful due to the boosts from STAB and Fairy Aura. The rest of the moves are there solely for the purpose of removing Pokemon that can absorb Moonblast. A Life Orb-boosted Rock Slide OHKOes Ho-Oh even without Stealth Rock, but aside from that, it doesn't really do much. Thunder is inaccurate, but it hits most Steel-types neutrally, OHKOes Ho-Oh if Stealth Rock is up, and OHKOes offensive Kyogre after it has switched into Stealth Rock twice. Close Combat also hits Steel-types, OHKOes Blissey, and 2HKOes Chansey, but it's not as strong as Focus Blast against most targets. In fact, the only reason Close Combat should be used over Focus Blast is if your team struggles against Blissey and Chansey, as they are the only targets hit harder by Close Combat. Night Slash rounds out the set because it is Xerneas's strongest move against Aegislash. Night Slash is the only move that Xerneas can use to reliably waltz around Aegislash, but it is vulnerable to King's Shield and only 3HKOes Aegislash at best. Xerneas can run specific moves to help beat down certain walls that it may come up against. Grass Knot OHKOes support Rock Arceus and Water Arceus while hitting Kyogre hard. Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn while 2HKOing Aegislash and Bronzong under sun. Aromatherapy is also an option on this set, and though it doesn't deal damage, Xerneas can use it to relieve a desperate team of crippling status conditions. As another bonus, Xerneas's offensive presence helps it score free turns to use Aromatherapy, something no other cleric can boast.

Set Details
========

Life Orb provides a large boost to all of Xerneas's moves, but its recoil might make it undesirable on certain teams. Pixie Plate and Expert Belt are both viable alternatives to Life Orb, and they both allow Xerneas to bluff other sets, while Life Orb cannot. The boosts the two items provide, however, are smaller and less consistent than Life Orb. If Expert Belt is run, a spread of 140 Atk / 184 SpA / 184 Spe is recommended, as it allows Xerneas to 2HKO Chansey with Close Combat 100% of the time and outspeed base 90s.

Xerneas can shift EVs from Speed into Attack to hit harder with its physical attacks. A spread of 70 Atk / 252 SpA / 184 Spe gives up Xerneas's ability to Speed tie with Yveltal and Genesect in exchange for a slightly more powerful Close Combat and Rock Slide. When boosted by Expert Belt, Rock Slide has a decent chance to OHKO offensive Ho-Oh, and when boosted by Life Orb, bears a higher chance to OHKO 252 HP Ho-Oh.

Xerneas generally runs a Mild nature, which reduces its Defense, as the unreduced Special Defense stat helps it better absorb a Dark Pulse or Oblivion Wing from Yveltal. However, a Rash nature can be run if an unhindered Defense stat is required by its team. A Special Attack-boosting nature is recommended on Xerneas to give Moonblast maximum power, but a Speed-boosting nature, such as Naive or Hasty, is also viable as it allows Xerneas to Speed tie with opposing Yveltal in exchange for a bit of power.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas's main goal is not to sweep, but to break walls for its team by spamming strong Moonblasts. As such, it should not try to sweep unless the Pokemon on the other team are all slower than Xerneas. A teammate should try to capitalize from the holes Xerneas creates in the opposing team in order to sweep.

Xerneas's bulk is reduced by its nature, so it should be very careful when switching in as to conserve its HP. However, at the same time, Xerneas should be switched in as often as possible to wear down enemy walls such as Aegislash. Xerneas should not be afraid to reveal that it has Night Slash, as the move can 3HKO Aegislash, but if Xerneas is holding an Expert Belt or a Pixie Plate, hiding Night Slash might be worth it. Due to its item, it can bluff a Choice Scarf set very well, and as such can help it secure additional KOs. For example, pretending that Xerneas is locked into Moonblast can be very useful for luring Ho-Oh out and OHKOing it with Rock Slide. The main idea of this set is to wreck walls and weaken Pokemon that can take a Moonblast in order to spam it later on. Therefore, if the opposing team has few Pokemon that can tank Moonblast, Moonblast should be spammed as often as possible.

Team Options
========

If the Xerneas user can correctly predict when Aegislash will switch in, then Xerneas can defeat it. However, since such prediction is difficult, Pokemon that can wear down Xerneas's counters for it are appreciated. Scizor is one of the best partners for Xerneas, as it is capable of trapping and killing Aegislash with the combination of Swords Dance and Pursuit. It can prevent Xerneas from losing momentum, and can act as a sweeper that takes advantage of the holes Xerneas busts in opposing teams. Mega Gengar can function similarly to Scizor, trapping Lugia and defeating it with Taunt and Shadow Ball. Life Orb Yveltal is like Mega Gengar in that it can easily defeat Xerneas's counters, but it cannot trap them. However, Yveltal gets U-turn, which can be used to grant Xerneas opportunities to switch in. In general, Pokemon that can provide offensive pressure are useful because they can keep Pokemon that wall Xerneas at bay. They can also provide momentum and help get Xerneas into play. Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock are beneficial for Xerneas too, as Stealth Rock will damage Pokemon when Xerneas forces switches. Furthermore, Stealth Rock allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Thunder, and breaks Multiscale, preventing Lugia from absorbing Moonblast comfortably.

The fact that most of Xerneas's counters are rather weak and have difficulty stopping other sweepers is particularly noteworthy. Combine this with Xerneas's ability to defeat walls on the opposing team, and it seems almost mandatory that Xerneas should be paired with a sweeper. Tailwind Zekrom is perhaps the best sweeper that can be partnered with Life Orb Xerneas, as it can defeat Lugia, Ho-Oh, and just about anything that walls Xerneas. Additionally, Zekrom can set up a Tailwind and use Volt Switch on most of Xerneas's counters; greatly aiding Xerneas in tormenting the other team. Tailwind provides Xerneas a boost to its Speed, making it an even more frightening threat, and Volt Switch provides momentum for the team.


Defensive
########
name: Defensive
move 1: Roar / Aromatherapy
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Xerneas's unique typing and high HP stat let it run a bulky set capable of walling Dragon-types very well. Roar allows Xerneas to phaze out Pokemon that may try to set up on it, whereas Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to cure the status conditions of the entire team. Xerneas's only form of recovery is Rest, but its bulk means that it is often able to survive the two sleep turns. Sleep Talk prevents Xerneas from being completely helpless when asleep, and Moonblast can OHKO the Dragon-types that Xerneas checks. Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast hits decently hard even without Special Attack investment, and can OHKO Zekrom and Rayquaza while 2HKOing Assault Vest Palkia. It is important to keep in mind that Xerneas will wake up if Sleep Talk selects Aromatherapy, making the sleep turns from Rest less of a nuisance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread is designed to boost Xerneas's longevity as well as provide more healing from Leftovers, and 248 HP EVs are run instead of 252 HP EVs in order to lessen the damage it takes from Stealth Rock. A Calm nature and maximum investment in Special Defense lets Xerneas check Palkia well. For reference, Hydro Pump from Lustrous Orb Palkia fails to 2HKO Xerneas, while it can OHKO in return with Moonblast. Maximum investment in Defense instead of Special Defense is also an option, as it will allow Xerneas to check Zekrom nicely as well as avoid a 2HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh's Brave Bird.

Usage Tips
========

This Xerneas's worst enemy is Mega Gengar, so be very cautious when playing against it. Xerneas can potentially beat Gengar by damaging it with Moonblast as it switches in, fleeing, smashing it on the switch again, and then KOing Mega Gengar after tanking a Sludge Wave.

Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast is strong even without investment, so you shouldn't be afraid to attack with Xerneas if it's needed. However, Xerneas shouldn't be played recklessly, and shouldn't be forced to stomach extremely powerful special attacks if other Pokemon can tank them better. While Rest heals Xerneas completely, it leaves Xerneas vulnerable for a few turns, so it should only be used when Xerneas is in a pinch. In a similar fashion, Aromatherapy and Roar should not be used recklessly with the idea that Xerneas can just heal itself later with Rest. For example, if you predict that a Gengar is coming in on Xerneas, use Moonblast instead of Aromatherapy. This is because Gengar isn't too much of a threat to Xerneas before it Mega Evolves, but later on, Mega Gengar will likely prevent Xerneas from doing much.

Unlike with other sets, this Xerneas variant is quite slow and uncharacteristically bulky, and as a result, it can use Aromatherapy in front of most Pokemon that check its other sets. For example, Aegislash's Gyro Ball fails to land a 3HKO, meaning that Xerneas can safely use Aromatherapy before quickly switching out.

Team Options
========

Xerneas is supposed to check Pokemon for the team, so it doesn't need much team support. It appreciates Pokemon that can trap Gengar with Pursuit, such as Mega Scizor, Choice Band Scizor, and Tyranitar. However, Tyranitar takes heavy damage from Focus Blast. In return, Xerneas can use Aromatherapy to relieve burns that Tyranitar and Scizor may receive. Most importantly, Xerneas should not be used like an inferior Sylveon or Clefable, as it has more power, more physical bulk, and access to Roar. However, Xerneas cannot support its team with Wish, Sylveon has more special bulk than Xerneas, and Clefable has Unaware and Knock Off to harass certain setup sweepers.


Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Rock Slide / Sleep Talk
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 76 Atk / 248 SpA / 184 Spe
nature: Rash

Moves
========

A Choice Scarf boosts Xerneas's Speed to amazing levels, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill a great number of threatening sweepers in the tier. Moonblast is a strong STAB move that will leave a dent in any Pokemon that tries to switch in, and prevents Mega Mewtwo X from sweeping. In fact, Xerneas can sweep late-game with Moonblast if the opposing team is sufficiently weakened. Megahorn OHKOes Mega Mewtwo Y, while Focus Blast deals heavy damage to Steel-types that resist Moonblast, namely Heatran and Ferrothorn. Close Combat deals less damage to most Steel-types, but it 2HKOes Blissey. Rock Slide allows Xerneas to lure in and deal very heavy damage to Ho-Oh, which otherwise walls Xerneas. With Sleep Talk, Xerneas is one of the best Darkrai checks in the game, as it can absorb Dark Void and have a near 100% chance of OHKOing the fiend the next turn if it stays in.

Set Details
========

With a Choice Scarf, Xerneas can practically outspeed the entire unboosted Ubers metagame, giving it great revenge killing utility and late-game sweeping potential. The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and invests enough in Attack to guarantee an OHKO on Mega Mewtwo Y after Stealth Rock. The rest of the EVs are invested in Speed to make Xerneas as fast as possible. A spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed is viable if Xerneas is focused on sweeping late-game with Moonblast, but only if the team already has a check to Mega Mewtwo Y. The greater Speed also helps against opposing Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal. The EVs invested in Attack can be shifted from Special Attack instead of Speed, but doing so may make it harder for Xerneas to sweep, as it might fail to outspeed certain Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf. A Rash nature is used over a Mild nature because decreasing Xerneas's defense will lead to an OHKO from a boosted Extreme Killer's Extreme Speed and a Life Orb Ho-Oh's Brave Bird. However, decreasing Xerneas's Special Defense does not turn any 2HKOs into OHKOs. A Mild nature is not unviable though, as when Xerneas switches into Yveltal to check it, the nature will decrease the damage taken from Oblivion Wing. Xerneas can utilize a nature that increases its Speed, but this is unadvised, as it will weaken Moonblast and hurt Xerneas's ability to clean late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas should generally be switched in as the opposing Pokemon is setting up, rather than when they are attacking. For example, Xerneas should try to switch into Mega Mewtwo X when it uses Bulk Up instead of when it uses Zen Headbutt. This preserves Xerneas's longevity, allows it check certain Pokemon continuously throughout a match, and gives it the ability to sweep late-game. If switching Xerneas in on a non-attacking move is impossible, it is recommended to sacrifice a Pokemon to get Xerneas in safely.

Xerneas can absorb Darkrai's Dark Void and proceed to checkmate it with Sleep Talk, but doing this is not recommended when Xerneas is the only check to a Pokemon on the opposing team. When Xerneas is asleep, it will not be able to function as a reliable revenge killer, and so caution is advised if Xerneas is running Sleep Talk. In this situation, if it is impossible to prevent Xerneas from being put to sleep, it is best to try to stall out Xerneas's sleep turns so it can be more effective later on.

Xerneas will generally be able to revenge kill at least one Pokemon before the opponent realizes it's holding a Choice Scarf. Afterwards, the opponent will generally switch to a counter in order to scout out the move Xerneas is locked into. To prevent Xerneas from becoming useless after its set is revealed, don't try to play it safe. Instead, attempt to predict the Pokemon that will come in. For example, if the opponent has a Ho-Oh in the wings and knows that Xerneas holds a Choice Scarf, then when Xerneas is out, it should use Rock Slide to whack the incoming Ho-Oh for solid damage.

Team Options
========

This Xerneas is a revenge killer, so it doesn't really need much support. However, partners to deal with the Pokemon that can tank Xerneas's hits can help reduce the need for prediction. Mega Gengar and Swords Dance Scizor with Pursuit excel in this role, as they can trap and KO certain Pokemon, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill threats more reliably. Xerneas enjoys entry hazard support, especially Stealth Rock, as it allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Rock Slide. Furthermore, Xerneas can capitalize on Pokemon that switch out fearing they will be revenge killed, allowing it to better weaken the opposing team. Stealth Rock is also very useful late-game, as it damages Pokemon so that they fall into KO range of Xerneas's Moonblast.


Calm Mind
########
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Substitute / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
evs: 44 HP / 240 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Xerneas can choose to set up and sweep with Calm Mind instead of Geomancy. Although the boost Calm Mind provides is less immediate and does not affect Xerneas's speed, the move is still is a viable option as it can be used multiple times in a match and does not restrict Xerneas's item choice. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest STAB move and hits ridiculously hard after a boost. A boosted Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock and hits most Steel-types, namely Bronzong, Aegislash, and Heatran, for neutral damage. Psyshock is also viable as it hits Poison-types, namely Amoonguss, very hard and can also OHKO Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Xerneas can use Substitute on this set much better than it can on the Geomancy set, due to Leftovers and the fact that its Substitutes can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Substitute provides Xerneas with protection from Thundurus-I and Chansey's status moves and allows it to play mind games with Aegislash. Aegislash cannot use Toxic on Xerneas due to Substitute, so it will be forced to use Gyro Ball. In response, Xerneas can either use Substitute as Aegislash uses King's Shield, or predict the Gyro Ball and OHKO with Thunder. Focus Blast hits Steel-types super effectively and lets Xerneas smash huge holes in enemy Heatran and Ferrothorn, whereas Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Ferrothorn and 2HKOes Aegislash in the sun after a Calm Mind boost.

Set Details
========

Leftovers increases Xerneas's longevity and helps it make an extra Substitute, but other items such as Life Orb can be used too. Life Orb boosts the power of Xerneas's attacks, and after a Calm Mind, Life Orb Xerneas is about as powerful its Geomancy counterpart. The EV spread invests enough in HP for Xerneas to make Substitutes that can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey, and allows Xerneas to survive a boosted Extreme Speed from Silk Scarf Extreme Killer Arceus. The EVs in Speed are enough for it to outspeed all neutral natured Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give Xerneas more power. If the team Xerneas is on can handle Chansey, then a Life Orb and a spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed can be used. A Bold nature and a spread that maximizes HP and Defense is also viable, in order to make Xerneas a bulky sweeper. Thanks to all the investment in its bulk, Xerneas is only 4HKOed by Aegislash's Gyro Ball. If such a spread is used, then Rest can be run in tandem with a Chesto Berry or Sleep Talk to restore Xerneas's HP. This Xerneas runs a Modest nature for the extra power, but if it is desired, a Timid nature can be used so that Xerneas will always outspeed Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B. Additionally, it will allow Xerneas to Speed tie with max Speed Yveltal and Xerneas, but it is generally inferior to a Modest nature due to the decrease in Xerneas's power and the boost it gives to opposing Gyro Ball.

Usage Tips
========

Unlike with Geomancy, Xerneas can set up with Calm Mind after it has been forced out. However, Calm Mind does not increase Xerneas's Speed, so it should utilize the boost in order to power through a counter. Xerneas is not deemed useless if it is forced out in the process, so it should not be scared of enemy phazers. While Calm Mind lets Xerneas power through checks, it should be not used immediately. Xerneas should try to lure out and hit its counters as hard as it can, and set up with Calm Mind to land the final blow. It should start sweeping only when it's sure it can beat its counters with a Calm Mind boost. It's best for Xerneas to set up a Calm Mind on a Pokemon that it can force out or has trouble breaking its Substitute. Alternatively, Calm Mind Xerneas can feign a defensive set, which it will appear to be running when Leftovers are shown, and then lure in Pokemon it can set up on.

Since this Xerneas cannot boost its Speed, it has issues with revenge killers and Mega Gengar, so one should try to lure them out and kill them quickly. A Xerneas with Leftovers will excel at taking out Mega Gengar, as it can pretend to be a helpless defensive Xerneas and then proceed to smite it with a Psyshock. A Substitute can also help in combating revenge killers, as it will allow Xerneas to take a hit, retaliate, and then switch out.

Team Options
========

Good partners for Calm Mind Xerneas are similar to those for Geomancy Xerneas; however, unlike Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Xerneas wants a Pursuit trapper for Gengar and defensive pivots that can take hits from revenge killers. Calm Mind Xerneas also appreciates the support of Life Orb Yveltal or Zekrom to break its counters. Mega Gengar and Scizor running Swords Dance and Pursuit also work well, as they can trap and KO Xerneas's counters. Stealth Rock is also greatly appreciated, as it breaks Lugia's Multiscale and allows Xerneas to KO Ho-Oh with an unboosted Thunder or a boosted Psyshock.


Other Options
########

There is one item that Xerneas can run to deal with Mega Gengar which has not been mentioned yet: Shed Shell. Shed Shell allows Xerneas to escape from Mega Gengar and reduces the need for a Pursuit trapper, but it is useless outside of this one function. Another item Xerneas can use is Choice Specs, as a Choice Specs-boosted Moonblast hits frighteningly hard. However, the power boost it provides doesn't help Xerneas break through any of its checks, and as a result, a Choice Specs set isn't very effective.

Xerneas has a diverse movepool, but it doesn't get what it needs, such as a legitimate Fire-type move. As a result, it has a lot of options that are inferior to the ones previously mentioned. Ingrain and Roar can both be used on a Geomancy or a Calm Mind set to prevent Xerneas from being phazed out, but it is hurt by the coverage it loses. Flash Cannon hits other Xerneas and Fairy Arceus super effectively, but does nothing notable outside of that. Close Combat can be used on Geomancy and Calm Mind sets to 2HKO incoming Blissey, but it provides coverage on nothing else, so it tends to be useless most of the time. Grass Knot can be used to OHKO Groudon and 2HKO Kyogre, Rock Arceus, and Water Arceus, but does nothing else. A bulky ChestoRest Xerneas can utilize Reflect to set up multiple Calm Minds on Scizor, Bronzong, Aegislash, and Pokemon that rely on a strong physical Steel-type move to check it. However, Reflect is quite useless otherwise.

Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially defensive Fire Arceus outspeeds Xerneas, can take any move, whether boosted or unboosted, and phaze it out. It can set up six Calm Minds on every Xerneas variant except for defensive Xerneas with Roar.

**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially defensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy-boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular Xerneas set but does not enjoy facing Calm Mind variants, as repeated Calm Mind and Life Orb-boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that specially defensive Kyogre walls defensive Xerneas, and vice versa, as Xerneas cannot overcome Kyogre with Moonblast, while Kyogre cannot hit it very hard with Scald. Rest places the two in a gridlock, as they can both heal off the damage they've taken from each other's attacks. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside a boosting move will overwhelm Kyogre.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to damage it, but they fear Close Combat from Life Orb Xerneas. They are walled by defensive Xerneas, but also wall it in return. This is because Chansey and Blissey can heal off the damage they take from Moonblast, while Xerneas can Rest off the damage dealt to it by Toxic and Seismic Toss. However, they are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or RestTalk.

**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit from a boosted Xerneas and Whirlwind it out. Lugia can status Xerneas variants that don't set up, and can wall them as long as Stealth Rock is not up. It should be noted that defensive Xerneas will keep Lugia in a gridlock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas with Ingrain will overwhelm it.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel typing let it take a pittance from every move Xerneas can throw at it. In return, Aegislash can poison Xerneas with Toxic or utilize a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball, which if used repeatedly, will overwhelm it. However, Aegislash is setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas with Calm Mind. It does not enjoy taking a Night Slash or a sun-boosted Hidden Power Fire. It also has difficulty with Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute, as it will have to predict if Xerneas will attack it while it is in Blade form. Aegislash does not take too much damage from a defensive Xerneas's Moonblast, but does not do much in return with Gyro Ball, so they essentially wall each other.

**Ho-Oh**: If Stealth Rock is not up, Ho-Oh can tank an attack from Geomancy or Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate with a sun-boosted Sacred Fire, damage it with a Life Orb-boosted Brave Bird, or phaze it out with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh hates Rock Slide and will succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock damage.

**Bronzong**: Bronzong is like Aegislash, except that it's weaker, not as bulky, and hit neutrally by Focus Blast. However, it is slower than Aegislash, which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas in the event that it goes down.

**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas sets lacking Psyshock, as it is OHKOed by the move. Defensive Xerneas does not take much damage from Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb and can use Rest to recover HP. At the same time though, its Moonblast will deal pitiful damage to Amoonguss, so both Pokemon essentially wall each other.

**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast, can hit Xerneas hard with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment, and doesn't really fear any of Xerneas's moves, so it can set up with Calm Mind against Xerneas. A Calm Mind or Geomancy-boosted Psyshock is the only way Xerneas can really hurt it.

**Scizor**: Mega Scizor and Choice Band Scizor can tank non-super effective hits from Geomancy Xerneas and 2HKO it with Bullet Punch. However, they will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch, if fully invested, can 3HKO the most physically bulky Xerneas, which prevents Scizor from being setup bait and allows it to defeat Xerneas running Rest.

**Priority**: Xerneas is fairly bulky, but priority moves can take out a weakened Xerneas or cripple a healthy one, regardless of the boosts it has obtained. Arceus can use a Life Orb- or Silk Scarf-boosted Extreme Speed to pick off weakened Xerneas. As a last resort, Mega Kangaskhan can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to wear down and KO it. However, this will require Xerneas to have been heavily weakened beforehand, or else it will take out a majority of Mega Kangaskhan's team. Thundurus-I can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas even if it has set up, but is useless against other variants, which don't fear much and can just switch out. Additionally, a Substitute can completely nullify Thundurus-I's effectiveness as a check, and it should be noted that most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing Thundurus-I at all.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas and smash them with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave. However, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas outspeeds and easily OHKOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas directly or Mega Evolve in front of it. A Shed Shell also renders all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill Xerneas useless.

**Klefki**: Klefki resists Moonblast due to its Steel typing, and thanks to Prankster, it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas, allowing its teammates to pick Xerneas off. Against defensive Xerneas, it can set up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy.

**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive variants of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. However, it cannot switch in on Moonblast and is troubled by Xerneas with Substitute. If it has not received too much damage, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas can OHKO Mega Lucario and avoid being KOed.

**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted that Ditto cannot switch into Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other set.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users such as Genesect with a STAB super effective move such as Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to set up with Geomancy.

 

[Redew]

I like that; stamping the above check.

GP 1/2

 

[polop]

Thanks for the am check Nicaea, I've implemented it into the analysis.

Thanks for the stamp Redew.

All right only one more GP check now :P and Xerneas is done.

 

[GatoDelFuego]

Let us begin

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Overview
########

Xerneas is a rather strange Pokemon. Due to its ability, Fairy Aura, Xerneas's Moonblast hits about as hard as a Life Orb-boosted Sacred Fire from Ho-Oh. After setting up a Geomancy, it can OHKO every Pokemon that does not resist Moonblast, barring Blissey and Chansey, so it can stand as an amazing great win condition for teams. As a result, it gives a niche to Pokemon normally unviable in Ubers. Xerneas is by far one of the bulkiest Fairy-types in the tier, and it can run sets that are able to massacre Dragon-types such as Palkia, Zekrom, and Giratina. Xerneas's immunity to Dragon-type moves, most notably Draco Meteor and Outrage, allow it to not just wall these Dragon-types, but to potentially set up on them as well. With access to Aromatherapy, Close Combat, and Calm Mind, Xerneas is able to run a wide array of sets, which will punish opponents if they switch in the wrong counter. With a base Speed of 99, Xerneas is able to outspeed many of the base 90s that roam the Ubers tier without a Choice Scarf or a Speed boost.

However, while Xerneas's base Speed stat is higher than that of many Ubers, including Dialga and Kyogre, it isn't high enough for Xerneas to sweep freely. Xerneas also relies on Fairy Aura to compensate for its base 131 Special Attack, which is somewhat underwhelming when compared to the Special Attack stats of other Ubers. Furthermore, while its Fairy typing provides it an immunity to Dragon-type attacks, making it easier to utilize setup moves, it renders Xerneas weak to Poison-type moves, so Mega Gengar can trap and destroy Xerneas if given the chance. Xerneas's movepool is another issue too; (SC) although it's diverse, it's limited in what it can provide. For example, while Xerneas receives two potent setup moves, its lack of coverage moves means that it will always be unable to get past certain counters. In fact, Xerneas is one of the few Ubers that cannot rewrite its list of counters by switching to a different set, so it is difficult for Xerneas to sweep an enemy team unless it is given a good amount of team support. Xerneas also lacks reliable recovery outside of Rest, so it is very difficult for Xerneas to run defensive sets and outlast its counters. All in all, Xerneas is no one-trick pony, because what it lacks in its stats and movepool is easily made up for with its typing, ability, and sheer versatility.


Geomancy
########
name: Geomancy
move 1: Geomancy
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Power Herb
evs: 152 Def / 252 SpA / 104 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

When used in conjunction with Power Herb, Geomancy allows Xerneas to raise its Special Attack and Speed to frightening levels in a single turn, making Xerneas a very potent sweeper. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest and most reliable STAB move, and after a Geomancy, (RC) it essentially OHKOes anything that does not resist it unless the target has a ridiculous amount of special bulk. The rest of the moves provide coverage on the Pokemon that a boosted Moonblast fails to OHKO. Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh and Lugia after Stealth Rock, deals solid damage to specially defensive Kyogre, and whacks Steel-types that resist Moonblast, such as Heatran, Scizor, Bronzong, and Aegislash, for solid neutral damage. Psyshock OHKOes Poison-types, namely Amoonguss and Poison Arceus, while providing Xerneas a way to 2HKO Calm Chansey. Focus Blast rounds out coverage by massacring Steel-types that aren't Aegislash, Mega Scizor, or Bronzong.

Xerneas has two unlisted moves that it can use on this set: Substitute and Hidden Power Fire. Substitute not only shields it from status, allowing it to better combat Chansey and Thundurus-I, but it also eases its ability to set up with Geomancy. Using Substitute forces the opponent to attack or phaze Xerneas out, and so they generally have to switch out or attack twice, giving Xerneas an opportunity to set up with Geomancy even after its Power Herb has been consumed. However, using Substitute is not always recommended, as it will significantly impair Xerneas's coverage. However, if Substitute caters to your team's needs, the EVs invested in Xerneas's Special Defense should be reallocated to HP, as doing so will allow Xerneas to make Substitutes capable of tanking a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash super effectively and reliably OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn, but does not do much else. Although Hidden Power Fire hits Aegislash hard after a Geomancy, it cannot reliably land a 2HKO unless it is boosted by sun. Furthermore, Xerneas can deal massive damage to Scizor with the other coverage moves after a Geomancy anyway.

Set Details
========

The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and allows it to outspeed Choice Scarf Terrakion after a Geomancy. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense to make it more physically bulky, primarily so it will take less damage from priority moves such as Arceus's Extreme Speed and Scizor's Bullet Punch. The EVs also help Xerneas tank attacks including such as Gyro Ball and Iron Head from Steel-types such as Bronzong that try to counter it. If it is desired, the EVs in Defense can be reallocated to HP for better mixed bulk and to make it easier for Xerneas to tank special hits. Fully investing in Speed and Special Attack is also a viable option, as it gives Xerneas some utility and allows it to outspeed things before it uses Geomancy. However, after a boost, the extra Speed is mostly superfluous, and it does nothing aside from allowing Xerneas to outrun a few Choice Scarf users such as Shaymin-S and Darkrai, which are beaten anyway due to Geomancy's Special Defense boost. Geomancy Xerneas runs a Modest nature so that its attacks are as strong as possible, allowing it to sweep teams more easily. If you fear an opposing Xerneas setting up Geomancy alongside yours, a Timid nature is usable so that Xerneas is at least guaranteed to Speed tie with it. However, there is not much else doing this accomplishes, and the loss of power is noticeable, as Xerneas now fails to do things like OHKO Lugia with a boosted Moonblast Should this be Thunder? I know that was mentioned before after Stealth Rock.

Usage Tips
========

While Geomancy is an excellent setup move at Xerneas's disposal, it requires a Power Herb to be used, meaning that Xerneas can only set up with Geomancy once per game, unlike other sweepers that can set up multiple times throughout a match. As such, Xerneas should not use Geomancy until its checks have been weakened to the point that they can be brought down by Geomancy-boosted attacks. Using Geomancy too early in a match will be ineffective, as Xerneas will find itself unable to bypass certain walls. If needed, it can lure in its own counters, such as Choice Band Scizor, and hit them hard with coverage moves such as Focus Blast so that they can be KOed by a Geomancy-boosted attack later on.

While Geomancy Xerneas is first and foremost a sweeper that can serve as an excellent win condition for a team, it should be noted that it has further utility. Being a Fairy-type, it has a very nice defensive typing, so it is capable of switching into a Zekrom's Outrage or a Giratina-O's Draco Meteor and threaten to KO with Moonblast. Although Power Herb is only used to make Geomancy viable, and is generally a bad item as it does not boost Xerneas's damage output, it's very useful for allowing Xerneas to bluff another set. As no text is shown until after Xerneas has used Geomancy, it can bluff a Choice Scarf very well, which can potentially let it snag an extra KO.

Team Options
========

Xerneas's primary focus is sweeping the opposing team, so partners that can weaken its counters or trap and kill them are appreciated. The most notable of these partners is Mega Gengar, which can trap and use Focus Blast to KO most Steel-types that resist Moonblast. It can also weaken Aegislash that lack Shadow Sneak and defeat Lugia through a combination of Taunt and STAB Shadow Ball. Chansey is also defeated by Mega Gengar, as it cannot hurt or escape from Mega Gengar and will be defeated by Focus Blast and Taunt. Yveltal is similar to Mega Gengar in that it can wear down all of Xerneas's counters, but it does not have the ability to trap them with Shadow Tag. Unlike Gengar, though, Yveltal can defeat Amoonguss and support Arceus formes. It should be noted that Stealth Rock support is very useful to Xerneas in general, as it not only helps wear down Xerneas's counters, but it drops most of them into OHKO range of Xerneas's attacks. For example, Stealth Rock will remove Lugia's Multiscale and a large chunk of its health, allowing Xerneas to OHKO it with a boosted Moonblast. This is also true for Ho-Oh, as after losing 50% of its HP to Stealth Rock, it can be KOed by Psyshock or Thunder.

If Xerneas's sweep is halted, the Pokemon that stops it is most likely only good for tanking hits, which makes it, ironically, setup bait for another sweeper. For this reason, additional sweepers, primarily Tailwind Zekrom, are great partners for Xerneas, as they can pick up from where it left off and proceed to sweep the opposing team. Zekrom is a particularly good partner for Xerneas, as Xerneas can easily set up on any Amoonguss, Bronzong, or Aegislash weakened by Zekrom's assault, and it can also help break walls such as Ho-Oh and Amoonguss. As another plus, all of Zekrom's counters—Hippowdon, Groudon, and Ground Arceus—can't do much to Xerneas, which means it the deer can potentially set up a Geomancy on them after they have taken considerable damage from Zekrom.


All-Out Attacker
########
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Rock Slide / Thunder
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Night Slash
item: Life Orb
evs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Mild / Rash

Moves
========

This set focuses on spamming Moonblast, which is frighteningly powerful due to the boosts from STAB and Fairy Aura. The rest of the moves are there solely for the purpose of removing Pokemon that can absorb Moonblast. A Life Orb-boosted Rock Slide OHKOes Ho-Oh even without Stealth Rock, but aside from that, it doesn't really do much. Thunder is inaccurate, but it hits most Steel-types neutrally, OHKOes Ho-Oh if Stealth Rock is up, and OHKOes offensive Kyogre after it has switched into Stealth Rock twice. Close Combat also hits Steel-types, OHKOes Blissey, and 2HKOes Chansey, but it's not as strong as Focus Blast against most targets. In fact, the only reason Close Combat should be used over Focus Blast is if your team struggles against Blissey and Chansey, as they are the only targets hit harder by Close Combat. Night Slash rounds out the set because it is Xerneas's strongest move against Aegislash. Night Slash is the only move that Xerneas can use to reliably waltz around Aegislash, but it is vulnerable to King's Shield and only 3HKOes Aegislash at best. Xerneas can run specific moves to help beat down certain walls that it may come up against. Grass Knot OHKOes support Rock Arceus and Water Arceus while hitting Kyogre hard. Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Scizor and Ferrothorn while 2HKOing Aegislash and Bronzong under sun. Aromatherapy is also an option on this set, and though it doesn't deal damage, Xerneas can use it to relieve a desperate team of crippling status conditions. As another bonus, Xerneas's offensive presence helps it score free turns to use Aromatherapy, something no other cleric can boast of.

Set Details
========

Life Orb provides a large boost to all of Xerneas's moves, but its recoil might make it undesirable on certain teams. Pixie Plate and Expert Belt are both viable alternatives to Life Orb, and they both allow Xerneas to bluff other sets, while Life Orb cannot. The boosts the two items provide, however, are smaller and less consistent than Life Orb. If Expert Belt is run, a spread of 140 Atk / 184 SpA / 184 Spe is recommended, as it allows Xerneas to 2HKO Chansey with Close Combat 100% of the time and outspeed base 90s.

Xerneas can shift EVs from Speed into Attack to hit harder with its physical attacks. A spread of 70 Atk / 252 SpA / 184 Spe gives up Xerneas's ability to Speed tie with Yveltal and Genesect in exchange for a slightly more powerful Close Combat and Rock Slide. When boosted by Expert Belt, Rock Slide has a decent chance to OHKO offensive Ho-Oh, and when boosted by Life Orb, (RC) bears a higher chance to OHKO 252 HP Ho-Oh.

Xerneas generally runs a Mild nature, which reduces its Defense, as the unreduced Special Defense stat helps it better absorb a Dark Pulse or Oblivion Wing from Yveltal. However, a Rash nature can be run if an unhindered Defense stat is required by its team. A Special Attack-boosting nature is recommended on Xerneas to give Moonblast maximum power, but a Speed-boosting nature, such as Naive or Hasty, is also viable as it allows Xerneas to Speed tie with opposing Yveltal in exchange for a bit of power.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas's main goal is not to sweep, but to break walls for its team by spamming strong Moonblasts. As such, it should not try to sweep unless the Pokemon on the other team are all slower than Xerneas. A teammate should try to capitalize from the holes Xerneas creates in the opposing team in order to sweep.

Xerneas's bulk is reduced by its nature, so it should be very careful when switching in as to conserve its HP. However, at the same time, Xerneas should be switched in as often as possible to wear down enemy walls such as Aegislash. Xerneas should not be afraid to reveal that it has Night Slash, as the move can 3HKO Aegislash, but if Xerneas is holding an Expert Belt or a Pixie Plate, hiding Night Slash might be worth it. Due to its item, it can bluff a Choice Scarf set very well, and as such can help it secure additional KOs. For example, pretending that Xerneas is locked into Moonblast can be very useful for luring Ho-Oh out and OHKOing it with Rock Slide. The main idea of this set is to wreck walls and weaken Pokemon that can take a Moonblast in order to spam it later on. Therefore, if the opposing team has few Pokemon that can tank Moonblast, Moonblast should be spammed as often as possible.

Team Options
========

If the Xerneas user can correctly predict when Aegislash will switch in, then Xerneas can defeat it. However, since because such prediction is difficult, Pokemon that can wear down Xerneas's counters for it are appreciated. Scizor is one of the best partners for Xerneas, as it is capable of trapping and killing Aegislash with the combination of Swords Dance and Pursuit. It can prevent Xerneas from losing momentum, (RC) and can act as a sweeper that takes advantage of the holes Xerneas busts in opposing teams. Mega Gengar can function similarly to Scizor, trapping Lugia and defeating it with Taunt and Shadow Ball. Life Orb Yveltal is like Mega Gengar in that it can easily defeat Xerneas's counters, but it cannot trap them. However, Yveltal gets U-turn, which can be used to grant Xerneas opportunities to switch in. In general, Pokemon that can provide offensive pressure are useful because they can keep Pokemon that wall Xerneas at bay. They can also provide momentum and help get Xerneas into play. Pokemon that can set up Stealth Rock are beneficial for Xerneas too, as Stealth Rock will damage Pokemon when Xerneas forces switches. Furthermore, Stealth Rock allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Thunder, (RC) and breaks Multiscale, preventing Lugia from absorbing Moonblast comfortably.

The fact that most of Xerneas's counters are rather weak and have difficulty stopping other sweepers is particularly noteworthy. Combine this with Xerneas's ability to defeat walls on the opposing team, and it seems almost mandatory that Xerneas should be paired with another sweeper. Tailwind Zekrom is perhaps the best sweeper that can be partnered with Life Orb Xerneas, as it can defeat Lugia, Ho-Oh, and just about anything that walls Xerneas. Additionally, Zekrom can set up a Tailwind and use Volt Switch on most of Xerneas's counters, (AC) greatly aiding Xerneas in tormenting the other team. Tailwind provides Xerneas a boost to its Speed, making it an even more frightening threat, and Volt Switch provides momentum for the team.


Defensive
########
name: Defensive
move 1: Roar / Aromatherapy
move 2: Rest
move 3: Sleep Talk
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Xerneas's unique typing and high HP stat let it run a bulky set capable of walling Dragon-types very well. Roar allows Xerneas to phaze out Pokemon that may try to set up on it, whereas Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to cure the status conditions of the entire team. Xerneas's only form of recovery is Rest, but its bulk means that it is often able to survive the two sleep turns of sleep. Sleep Talk prevents Xerneas from being completely helpless when asleep, and Moonblast can OHKO the Dragon-types that Xerneas checks. Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast hits decently hard even without Special Attack investment, and can OHKO Zekrom and Rayquaza while 2HKOing Assault Vest Palkia. It is important to keep in mind that Xerneas will wake up if Sleep Talk selects Aromatherapy, making the sleep turns from Rest less of a nuisance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread is designed to boost Xerneas's longevity as well as provide more healing from Leftovers, and 248 HP EVs are run instead of 252 HP EVs in order to lessen the damage it takes from Stealth Rock. A Calm nature and maximum investment in Special Defense lets Xerneas check Palkia well. For reference, Hydro Pump from Lustrous Orb Palkia fails to 2HKO Xerneas, (RC) while it can OHKO in return with Moonblast. Maximum investment in Defense instead of Special Defense is also an option, as it will allow Xerneas to check Zekrom nicely as well as avoid a 2HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh's Life Orb-boosted Brave Bird.

Usage Tips
========

This Xerneas's worst enemy is Mega Gengar, so be very cautious when playing against it. Xerneas can potentially beat Gengar by damaging it with Moonblast as it switches in, fleeing, smashing it on the switch again, and then KOing Mega Gengar after tanking a Sludge Wave.

Due to Fairy Aura, Moonblast is strong even without investment, so you shouldn't be afraid to attack with Xerneas if it's needed. However, Xerneas shouldn't be played recklessly, and shouldn't be forced to stomach extremely powerful special attacks if other Pokemon can tank them better. While Rest heals Xerneas completely, it leaves Xerneas vulnerable for a few turns, so it should only be used when Xerneas is in a pinch. In a similar fashion, Aromatherapy and Roar should not be used recklessly with the idea that Xerneas can just heal itself later with Rest. For example, if you predict that a Gengar is coming in on Xerneas, use Moonblast instead of Aromatherapy. This is because Gengar isn't too much of a threat to Xerneas before it Mega Evolves, but later on, Mega Gengar will likely prevent Xerneas from doing much.

Unlike with other sets, this Xerneas variant is quite slow and uncharacteristically bulky, and as a result, it can use Aromatherapy in front of most Pokemon that check its other sets. For example, Aegislash's Gyro Ball fails to land a 3HKO, meaning that Xerneas can safely use Aromatherapy before quickly switching out.

Team Options
========

Xerneas is supposed to check Pokemon for the team, so it doesn't need much team support. It appreciates Pokemon that can trap Gengar with Pursuit, such as Mega Scizor, Choice Band Scizor, and Tyranitar. However, Tyranitar takes heavy damage from Focus Blast. In return, Xerneas can use Aromatherapy to relieve burns that Tyranitar and Scizor may receive. Most importantly, Xerneas should not be used like an inferior Sylveon or Clefable, as it has more power, more physical bulk, and access to Roar. However, Xerneas cannot support its team with Wish, Sylveon has more special bulk than Xerneas, and Clefable has Unaware and Knock Off to harass certain setup sweepers.


Choice Scarf
########
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Moonblast
move 2: Megahorn
move 3: Focus Blast / Close Combat
move 4: Rock Slide / Sleep Talk
item: Choice Scarf
evs: 76 Atk / 248 SpA / 184 Spe
nature: Rash

Moves
========

A Choice Scarf boosts Xerneas's Speed to amazing levels, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill a great number of threatening sweepers in the tier. Moonblast is a strong STAB move that will leave a dent in any Pokemon that tries to switch in, (RC) and prevents Mega Mewtwo X from sweeping. In fact, Xerneas can sweep late-game with Moonblast if the opposing team is sufficiently weakened. Megahorn OHKOes Mega Mewtwo Y, (RC) while and Focus Blast deals heavy damage to Steel-types that resist Moonblast, namely Heatran and Ferrothorn. Close Combat deals less damage to most Steel-types, but it 2HKOes Blissey. Rock Slide allows Xerneas to lure in and deal very heavy damage to Ho-Oh, which otherwise walls Xerneas. With Sleep Talk, Xerneas is one of the best Darkrai checks in the game, as it can absorb Dark Void and have a near 100% chance of OHKOing the fiend the next turn if it stays in.

Set Details
========

With a Choice Scarf, Xerneas can practically outspeed the entire unboosted Ubers metagame, giving it great revenge killing utility and late-game sweeping potential. The current EV spread maximizes Xerneas's Special Attack and invests enough in Attack to guarantee an OHKO on Mega Mewtwo Y after Stealth Rock. The rest of the EVs are invested in Speed to make Xerneas as fast as possible. A spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed is viable if Xerneas is focused on sweeping late-game with Moonblast, but only if the team already has a check to Mega Mewtwo Y. The greater Speed also helps against opposing Choice Scarf Xerneas and Yveltal. The EVs invested in Attack can be shifted from Special Attack instead of Speed, but doing so may make it harder for Xerneas to sweep, as it might fail to outspeed certain Pokemon holding a Choice Scarf. This doesn't make sense. You're saying the downside to shifting EVs from Special Attack results in getting outsped? You probably meant "it might fail to KO certain Pokemon" A Rash nature is used over a Mild nature because decreasing Xerneas's defense will lead to an OHKO from a boosted Extreme Killer Arceus's Extreme Speed and or a Life Orb Ho-Oh's Brave Bird. However, decreasing Xerneas's Special Defense does not turn any 2HKOs into OHKOs. A Mild nature is not unviable though, as when Xerneas switches into Yveltal to check it, the nature will decrease the damage taken from Oblivion Wing. Xerneas can utilize a nature that increases its Speed, but this is unadvised, as it will weaken Moonblast and hurt Xerneas's ability to clean late-game.

Usage Tips
========

Xerneas should generally be switched in as the opposing Pokemon is setting up, (RC) rather than when they are attacking. For example, Xerneas should try to switch into Mega Mewtwo X when it uses Bulk Up instead of when it uses Zen Headbutt. This preserves Xerneas's longevity, allows it check certain Pokemon continuously throughout a match, and gives it the ability to sweep late-game. If switching Xerneas in on a non-attacking move is impossible, it is recommended to sacrifice a Pokemon to get Xerneas in safely.

Xerneas can absorb Darkrai's Dark Void and proceed to checkmate it with Sleep Talk, but doing this is not recommended when Xerneas is the only check to a Pokemon on the opposing team. When Xerneas is asleep, it will not be able to function as a reliable revenge killer, and so caution is advised if Xerneas is running Sleep Talk. In this situation, if it is impossible to prevent Xerneas from being put to sleep, it is best to try to stall out Xerneas's sleep turns so it can be more effective later on.

Xerneas will generally be able to revenge kill at least one Pokemon before the opponent realizes it's holding a Choice Scarf. Afterwards, the opponent will generally switch to a counter in order to scout out the move Xerneas is locked into. To prevent Xerneas from becoming useless after its set is revealed, don't try to play it safe. Instead, attempt to predict the Pokemon that will come in. For example, if the opponent has a Ho-Oh in the wings and knows that Xerneas holds a Choice Scarf, then when Xerneas is out, it should use Rock Slide to whack the incoming Ho-Oh for solid damage.

Team Options
========

This Xerneas is a revenge killer, so it doesn't really need much support. However, partners to deal with the Pokemon that can tank Xerneas's hits can help reduce the need for prediction. Mega Gengar and Swords Dance Scizor with Pursuit excel in this role, as they can trap and KO certain Pokemon, such as Lugia, allowing Xerneas to revenge kill threats more reliably. Xerneas enjoys entry hazard support, especially Stealth Rock, as it allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh with Rock Slide. Furthermore, Steath Rock punishes opponents Xerneas can capitalize on Pokemon that switch out fearing they will be revenge killed, allowing it Xerneas to better weaken sweep through the opposing team. Stealth Rock is also very useful late-game, as it damages Pokemon so that they fall into KO range of Xerneas's Moonblast. I felt "Xerneas can capitalize on Pokemon switching" didn't really make much sense; this isn't a setup sweeper. I just merged the sentences, but if you feel it's important to say how Xerneas can capitalize on switches, be sure to say that.


Calm Mind
########
name: Calm Mind
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Thunder / Psyshock
move 4: Substitute / Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
item: Leftovers
evs: 44 HP / 240 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Xerneas can choose to set up and sweep with Calm Mind instead of Geomancy. Although the boost Calm Mind provides is less immediate and does not affect Xerneas's Speed, the move is still is a viable option as it can be used multiple times in a match and does not restrict Xerneas's item choice. Moonblast is Xerneas's strongest STAB move and hits ridiculously hard after a boost. A boosted Thunder OHKOes Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock and hits most Steel-types, namely Bronzong, Aegislash, and Heatran, for neutral damage. Psyshock is also viable as it hits Poison-types, namely especially Amoonguss, very hard and can also OHKO Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock. Xerneas can use Substitute on this set much better than it can on the Geomancy set, (RC) due to Leftovers and the fact that its Substitutes can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey. Substitute provides Xerneas with protection from Thundurus-I and Chansey's status moves and allows it to play mind games with Aegislash. Aegislash cannot use Toxic on Xerneas due to Substitute, so it will be forced to use Gyro Ball. In response, Xerneas can either use Substitute as Aegislash uses King's Shield, (RC) or predict the a second Gyro Ball and OHKO with Thunder. Focus Blast hits Steel-types super effectively and lets Xerneas smash huge holes in enemy Heatran and Ferrothorn, whereas Hidden Power Fire OHKOes Ferrothorn and 2HKOes Aegislash in the sun after a Calm Mind boost.

Set Details
========

Leftovers increases Xerneas's longevity and helps it make an extra Substitute, but other items such as Life Orb can be used too. Life Orb boosts the power of Xerneas's attacks, and after a Calm Mind, Life Orb Xerneas is about as powerful its Geomancy counterpart. The EV spread invests enough in HP for Xerneas to make Substitutes that can tank a Seismic Toss from Chansey, (RC) and allows Xerneas to survive a boosted Extreme Speed from Silk Scarf Extreme Killer Arceus. The EVs in Speed are enough for it to outspeed all neutral-natured Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B, and the rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Attack to give Xerneas more power. If the team Xerneas is on can handle Chansey, then a Life Orb and a spread that maximizes Special Attack and Speed can be used. A Bold nature and a spread that maximizes HP and Defense is also viable, in order to make Xerneas a bulky sweeper. Thanks to all the investment in its bulk, Xerneas is only 4HKOed by Aegislash's Gyro Ball. If such a spread is used, then Rest can be run in tandem with a Chesto Berry or Sleep Talk to restore Xerneas's HP. This Xerneas runs a Modest nature for the extra power, but if it is desired, a Timid nature can be used so that Xerneas will always outspeed Rayquaza, Kyurem-W, and Kyurem-B. Additionally, it will allow Xerneas to Speed tie with max Speed Yveltal and Xerneas, but it is generally inferior to a Modest nature due to the decrease in Xerneas's power and the boost it gives to an opposing Aegilash or Bronzong's Gyro Ball.

Usage Tips
========

Unlike with Geomancy, Xerneas can set up with Calm Mind after it has been forced out. However, Calm Mind does not increase Xerneas's Speed, so it should utilize the boost in order to power through a counter. Xerneas is not deemed useless if it is forced out in the process, so it should not be scared of enemy phazers. While Calm Mind lets Xerneas power through checks, it should be not used immediately. Xerneas should try to lure out and hit its counters as hard as it can, (RC) and set up with Calm Mind to land the final blow. It should start sweeping only when it's sure it can beat its counters with a Calm Mind boost. It's best for Xerneas to set up a Calm Mind on a Pokemon that it can force out or has trouble breaking its Substitute. Alternatively, Calm Mind Xerneas can feign a defensive set, which it will appear to be running when Leftovers are shown, and then lure in Pokemon it can set up on.

Since Because this Xerneas cannot boost its Speed, it has issues with revenge killers and Mega Gengar, so one should try to lure them out and kill them quickly. A Xerneas with Leftovers will excel at taking out Mega Gengar, as it can pretend to be a helpless defensive Xerneas and then proceed to smite it with a Psyshock. A Substitute can also help in combating revenge killers, as it will allow Xerneas to take a hit, retaliate, and then switch out.

Team Options
========

Good partners for Calm Mind Xerneas are similar to those for Geomancy Xerneas. However, unlike Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Xerneas wants a Pursuit trapper for Gengar and defensive pivots that can take hits from revenge killers. Calm Mind Xerneas also appreciates the support of Life Orb Yveltal or Zekrom to break its counters. Mega Gengar and Scizor running Swords Dance and Pursuit also work well, as they can trap and KO Xerneas's counters. Stealth Rock is also greatly appreciated, as it breaks Lugia's Multiscale and allows Xerneas to KO Ho-Oh with an unboosted Thunder or a boosted Psyshock.


Other Options
########

There is one item that Xerneas can run to deal with Mega Gengar which has not been mentioned yet: Shed Shell. Shed Shell allows Xerneas to escape from Mega Gengar and reduces the need for a Pursuit trapper, but it is useless outside of this one function. Another item Xerneas can use is Choice Specs, as a Choice Specs-boosted Moonblast hits frighteningly hard. However, the power boost it provides doesn't help Xerneas break through any of its checks, and as a result, a Choice Specs set isn't very effective.

Xerneas has a diverse movepool, but it doesn't get what it needs, such as a more useful legitimate Fire-type move. As a result, it has a lot of options that are inferior to the ones previously mentioned. Ingrain and Roar can both be used on a Geomancy or a Calm Mind set to prevent Xerneas from being phazed out, but it is hurt by the coverage it loses. Flash Cannon hits other Xerneas and Fairy Arceus super effectively, but does nothing notable outside of that. Close Combat can be used on Geomancy and Calm Mind sets to 2HKO incoming Blissey, but it provides coverage on nothing else, so it tends to be useless most of the time. Grass Knot can be used to OHKO Groudon and 2HKO Kyogre, Rock Arceus, and Water Arceus, but does nothing else. A bulky ChestoRest Xerneas can utilize Reflect to set up multiple Calm Minds on Scizor, Bronzong, Aegislash, and Pokemon that rely on a strong physical Steel-type move to check it. However, Reflect is quite useless otherwise.

Checks & Counters
########

**Specially Defensive Fire Arceus**: Specially defensive Fire Arceus outspeeds Xerneas, can take any move, whether boosted or unboosted, and phaze it out. It can set up six Calm Minds on every Xerneas variant except for defensive Xerneas with Roar.

**Specially Defensive Kyogre**: Specially defensive Kyogre can take any move, even a Geomancy-boosted Thunder, and phaze Xerneas out. It does not struggle with any particular Xerneas set but does not enjoy facing Calm Mind variants, as repeated Calm Mind and Life Orb-boosted Thunders will overwhelm it. It should be noted that specially defensive Kyogre walls defensive Xerneas, (RC) and vice versa, as Xerneas cannot overcome Kyogre with Moonblast, (RC) while Kyogre cannot hit it very hard with Scald. Rest places the two in a gridlock, as they can both heal off the damage they've taken from each other's attacks. Xerneas running either Ingrain or Roar alongside a boosting move will overwhelm Kyogre.

**Chansey and Blissey**: Chansey and Blissey can completely wall Geomancy Xerneas and use Toxic to damage it, but they fear Close Combat from Life Orb Xerneas. They are walled by defensive Xerneas, but also wall it in return. This is because Chansey and Blissey can heal off the damage they take from Moonblast, (RC) while Xerneas can Rest off the damage dealt to it by Toxic and Seismic Toss. However, they are complete setup bait for Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute or RestTalk.

**Lugia**: If Stealth Rock has not been set up, Lugia can take any hit from a boosted Xerneas and Whirlwind it out. Lugia can status Xerneas variants that don't set up, (RC) and can wall them as long as Stealth Rock is not up. It should be noted that defensive Xerneas will keep Lugia in a gridlock and Calm Mind or Geomancy Xerneas with Ingrain will overwhelm it.

**Aegislash**: Aegislash's huge defenses and Steel typing let it take a pittance from every move Xerneas can throw at it. In return, Aegislash can poison Xerneas with Toxic or utilize a strong Iron Head or Gyro Ball, which if used repeatedly, (RC) will overwhelm it. However, Aegislash is setup bait for physically defensive variants of Xerneas with Calm Mind. It does not enjoy taking a Night Slash or a sun-boosted Hidden Power Fire either. It also has difficulty with Calm Mind Xerneas running Substitute, as it will have to predict if Xerneas will attack it while it is in Blade forme. Aegislash does not take too much damage from a defensive Xerneas's Moonblast, but does not do much in return with Gyro Ball, so they essentially wall each other.

**Ho-Oh**: If Stealth Rock is not up, Ho-Oh can tank an attack from Geomancy or Calm Mind Xerneas and retaliate with a sun-boosted Sacred Fire, damage it with a Life Orb-boosted Brave Bird, or phaze it out with Whirlwind. However, Ho-Oh hates Rock Slide and will succumb to a boosted Psyshock or Thunder after Stealth Rock damage. Isn't Thunder's selling point sometimes it can OHKO without a boost? Just from memory. If this is the case, put Thunder before "boosted Psyshock".

**Bronzong**: Bronzong is like Aegislash, except that it's weaker, not as bulky, and hit neutrally by Focus Blast. However, it is slower than Aegislash, which lets it deal a bit more damage with Gyro Ball. It can also run Light Screen to cushion hits and help the rest of its team take out Xerneas in the event that it goes down.

**Amoonguss**: Amoonguss with Sludge Bomb and Clear Smog completely stops all Xerneas sets lacking Psyshock, as but it is OHKOed by the move. Defensive Xerneas does not take much damage from Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb and can use Rest to recover HP. At the same time though, its Moonblast will deal pitiful damage to Amoonguss, so both Pokemon essentially wall each other.

**Poison Arceus**: Poison Arceus resists Moonblast, can hit Xerneas hard with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Judgment, and doesn't really fear any of Xerneas's moves, so it can set up with Calm Mind against Xerneas. A Calm Mind- or Geomancy-boosted Psyshock is the only way Xerneas can really hurt it.

**Scizor**: Mega Scizor and Choice Band Scizor can tank non-super effective hits from Geomancy Xerneas and 2HKO it with Bullet Punch. However, they will be severely weakened in the process. Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch, if fully invested, can 3HKO the most physically bulky Xerneas, which prevents Mega Scizor from being setup bait and allows it to defeat Xerneas running Rest.

**Priority**: Xerneas is fairly bulky, but priority moves can take out a weakened Xerneas or cripple a healthy one, regardless of the boosts it has obtained. Arceus can use a Life Orb- or Silk Scarf-boosted Extreme Speed to pick off weakened Xerneas. As a last resort, Mega Kangaskhan can spam Fake Out and switch out if needed to wear down and KO it. However, this will require Xerneas to have been heavily weakened beforehand, (RC) or else it will take out a majority of Mega Kangaskhan's team. Thundurus-I can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas even if it has set up, but is useless against other variants, which don't fear much and can just switch out. Additionally, a Substitute can completely nullify Thundurus-I's effectiveness as a check, and it should be noted that most defensive Xerneas don't mind facing Thundurus-I at all.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap all Xerneas and smash them with a super effective Sludge Bomb or Sludge Wave. However, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas outspeeds and easily OHKOes Mega Gengar with Psyshock. Note that Gengar cannot switch into Xerneas directly or Mega Evolve in front of it. A Shed Shell also renders all of Mega Gengar's attempts to revenge kill Xerneas useless.

**Klefki**: Klefki resists Moonblast due to its Steel typing, and thanks to Prankster, (RC) it can paralyze Geomancy Xerneas, allowing its teammates to pick Xerneas off. Against defensive Xerneas, it can set up Spikes. It really only fears Xerneas that run Substitute with either Calm Mind or Geomancy.

**Lucario**: Mega Lucario can outspeed and OHKO even the most defensive variants of Xerneas with Iron Tail. It can also pick off weakened Xerneas with Bullet Punch. However, it cannot switch in on Moonblast and is troubled by Xerneas with Substitute. If it has not received too much damage, a Geomancy-boosted Xerneas can OHKO Mega Lucario and avoid being KOed.

**Ditto**: Ditto can copy Xerneas that have used Geomancy and threaten to sweep. It should be noted that Ditto cannot switch into Geomancy Xerneas and is completely useless against any other set.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf users such as Genesect with a STAB super effective move such as Iron Head can OHKO Xerneas that have yet to set up with Geomancy.

Excellent work!

GP Approved 2/2

 

[polop]

I'll respond to your comments.

Should this be Thunder? I know that was mentioned before

Ok so the thing with Thunder and Lugia is that it 2HKOes Multiscale Lugia when its healthy (at full HP) and it deals enough damage so that Lugia can't exactly Roost it off. That's one of the reasons why Thunder is used.

Now I realize this is sort of unclear in the analysis so I've changed it a bit so that it has this information.

This doesn't make sense. You're saying the downside to shifting EVs from Special Attack results in getting outsped? You probably meant "it might fail to KO certain Pokemon"

Um that was an accident on my part. I changed the sentence you were referring to. You were correct at what I was trying to say.

I felt "Xerneas can capitalize on Pokemon switching" didn't really make much sense; this isn't a setup sweeper. I just merged the sentences, but if you feel it's important to say how Xerneas can capitalize on switches, be sure to say that.

I just went with what you said. Its basically supposed to help add up SR damage so that stuff has a harder time taking a moonblast later (so it can help sweep later which is basically what you editted the anaysis to be so its fine :P).

Isn't Thunder's selling point sometimes it can OHKO without a boost? Just from memory. If this is the case, put Thunder before "boosted Psyshock".

And this is where it gets awkward.

Thunder can OHKO Ho-oh after Stealth Rock if Xerneas is holding Life Orb but if its not it won't. Thunder's main selling point is KOing Ho-oh / getting heavy damage on Kyogre / annoying Lugia while damaging Steel-typing neutrally.

I went ahead and kept Thunder after boosted Psyshock because technically Thunder does need the boost.

If ya got any more comments feel free to post em :p.

Aside that I've implemented the check.

Thanks for the comments and check GatoDelFuego.

This is now done.

 

[Hack]

Ik this is done but I want to make a point in that Xerneas EV spread isn't the most efficient you can run. I'd propose these EVs:

120 Spd / 252 SAtk / 28 Def / 108 HP

With a speed stat of 264 (these EVs give you that) you outrun mons up to Mewtwo- at +1 speed. This is important due to Xerneas being common on offensive teams, and even team that lacks Defog to take away Sticky Web. And even if you have a Defoger, Sticky Web might be up when you try to sweep because you couldn't remove it. The bulk is compromised slightly, but it isn't too noticeable, and I would rather have a Xerneas that could potentially sweep even when webs are up in an emergency. 28 Def EVs gives Genesect an attack boost, and it's also as far as I would go with defense investment as the overall bulk is more important- you set up on special and physical attackers regardless, my point being that investing the HP EVs in defense is rather pointless if your goal is to set up easier. For reference here is a calculation on priority+a special attack:

252 SpA Lustrous Orb Palkia Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Xerneas: 244-288 (62 - 73.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Arceus Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 152 Def Xerneas: 144-172 (36.6 - 43.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

with the current 152 defense EVs as the main spread, Xerneas takes a minimum of 98.6 % damage from a common special attacker+priority.

252 SpA Lustrous Orb Palkia Hydro Pump vs. 152 HP / 0 SpD Xerneas: 244-288 (56.6 - 66.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Arceus Extreme Speed vs. 152 HP / 0 Def Xerneas: 168-199 (38.9 - 46.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

with 152 hp instead, the minimum is 95.6 5.

Considering you are likely to fall anyway, it's really not that much of a matter but my point stands- the combination of a special attack during set up+priority will do more damage to a defense invested Xerneas. Of course you have a much easier time setting up vs physical attackers, but the metagame is quite special based and to me it feels like it's better to hold both doors open, with HP evs being more consistent.

 

[Disaster Area]

I know this is done but..
Unaware clefable needs a small mention in checks and counters, since it can wall the geomancy set usually; the only reason that it has any significane is that it is also not weak to yveltal, unlike a large proportion of the other checks/counters.

 

[alexwolf]

Why is the Geomancy set the first mentioned when it's not even close to being one of Xerneas's best sets?

 

[Hack]

Lol

Hint: it is