Project AG Victim of the Week! Week 9: Arceus (Sub)

Unicorns

Banned deucer.
Reserving VinTwo :]
Hell nah, reserving Vin-Tina.

Working in a hospital rn so can't use paint.

The Way We Die (Giratina) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 240 HP / 16 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball / Dragon Pulse
- Protect

Vin-Tina: the agender being (which we love and accept as valid!), the myth, the legend. Max Speed, CM, Sub, Protect. This set beats CM Z-Luna in the 1v1, though it does not want to directly switch-in. Therefore, Vin-Tina is a check (bc lbh Luna has like one true switch-in in the game).

Calm Mind boosts Suicune's Giratina's Special Attack and Special Defense, turning it into a threatening sweeper. Protect is primarily used to PP stall opposing Pokémon, although it also helps to keep Suicune Giratina healthy in conjunction with Leftovers. Additionally, it's also useful to scout for moves and Choice-locked Pokémon. Scald has a decent chance to burn foes. Substitute provides Suicune Giratina with a lot more opportunities to set up and PP stall slower the more defensive Pokémon, but it can also avoid status moves like Toxic from Pokémon such as Blissey Specially Defensive Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Alomomola Primal-Groudon. Additionally, the combination of Substitute and Calm Mind makes it a lot harder for special attackers to break its Substitute while also protecting Suicune Giratina from potential critical hits.

This set is very effective against bulky teams. However, it should be played carefully. Suicune Giratina shouldn't be used to sponge hits throughout the match, as its effectiveness depends on how high its HP is. Against offensive teams, Suicune Giratina finds setup opportunities against Pokémon like Choice Scarf Hydreigon Mega-Rayquaza and Choice Scarf Latias slower Arc-forms, and it's able to PP stall them with ease. Avoid switching Suicune Giratina in on a potential Knock Off, Trick, or Switcheroo, because Leftovers is Suicune's Giratina's main source of recovery, and it will get worn down very quickly once it loses it. It will also limit Suicune's Giratina's ability to set up a Substitute and PP stall. Set up a Substitute against passive Pokémon such as Alomomola Primal-Groudon that rely on Toxic or other status moves to damage Suicune Giratina. Furthermore, once Suicune Giratina is behind a Substitute, it's safe to set up a Calm Mind against Pokemon like Blissey Specially Defensive Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Amoonguss Ferrothorn. However, avoid using Calm Mind against faster Pokémon like Mega Sceptile Xerneas and Celebi Yveltal, since they can easily force it out.

Alright now that I got that stupid idea out of my system, let's get to actual theory. This Gira set outspeeds (306>293, tho u can run less speed if u want), can set up on, and PP stall CM Luna. With Pressure, Luna only has four Moongeist Beam's and eight Ice Beam's, all of which Gira can easily outplay between Protect and Substitute. Yes, you have a 50-50 between Protect and CM/Sub, but it's not a 50-50 you always need to win. If Gira ever gets a Sub up on Luna, the PP stall trap is guaranteed. Just for future ghosting, you Sub turn 1 on Maelstrom, Protect turn 2 on Moongeist, Sub turn 3 on CM, Protect turn 4 on Moongeist, CM turn 5 on the last Moongeist, and then you are set. When in doubt, just Protect.

+1 0 SpA Giratina Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Shadow Shield Lunala: 246-290 (59.2 - 69.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 318-374 (63.4 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 212-252 (42.3 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Lunala Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 190-224 (37.9 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Lunala Ice Beam vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 126-150 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Lunala Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 422-498 (84.2 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (literally nothing)

The same stall rules also apply to any Pokémon with less than 306 speed, including Vivillon (lmao countered), Groudon, Kyogre (technically), DM, Zygarde, defensive Arc, Ferro, Celes, Smeargle (I guess), and SpDef Druddigon. The choice between Shadow Ball and Dragon Pulse is primarily based on the Pokémon on which you wish to set up. The damage output doesn't matter too much; the primary goal is to Pressure-stall low-PP attacks the strongest Pokémon in the tier rely on (like Lunala!) and potentially provide a fun win-condition.

Here's some replays featuring Vin-Tina:

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-947953881 (luckiest crit I ever did see)
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-926568889 (PP stalled an Arc-Fairy)
 
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pichus

is a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Battle Simulator Staff Alumnus
OMPL Champion
reserving darkceus

Arceus-Dark @ Dread Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Judgment
- Refresh

252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Dark: 256-302 (57.6 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
you can switch in safely most of the time, lunala has to land 4 focus blasts in a row to beat this (if its unboosted). if it tries to CM, you can cm back. Judgment 2hkos lunala. you cant really mess this up.
its a check bc youre not always at full hp and lunala might crit fmiss
 
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Levanos

Banned deucer.
Hell nah, reserving Vin-Tina.

Working in a hospital rn so can't use paint.

The Way We Die (Giratina) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 240 HP / 16 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball / Dragon Pulse
- Protect

Vin-Tina: the agender being (which we love and accept as valid!), the myth, the legend. Max Speed, CM, Sub, Protect. This set beats CM Z-Luna in the 1v1, though it does not want to directly switch-in. Therefore, Vin-Tina is a check (bc lbh Luna has like one true switch-in in the game).

Calm Mind boosts Suicune's Giratina's Special Attack and Special Defense, turning it into a threatening sweeper. Protect is primarily used to PP stall opposing Pokémon, although it also helps to keep Suicune Giratina healthy in conjunction with Leftovers. Additionally, it's also useful to scout for moves and Choice-locked Pokémon. Scald has a decent chance to burn foes. Substitute provides Suicune Giratina with a lot more opportunities to set up and PP stall slower the more defensive Pokémon, but it can also avoid status moves like Toxic from Pokémon such as Blissey Specially Defensive Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Alomomola Primal-Groudon. Additionally, the combination of Substitute and Calm Mind makes it a lot harder for special attackers to break its Substitute while also protecting Suicune Giratina from potential critical hits.

This set is very effective against bulky teams. However, it should be played carefully. Suicune Giratina shouldn't be used to sponge hits throughout the match, as its effectiveness depends on how high its HP is. Against offensive teams, Suicune Giratina finds setup opportunities against Pokémon like Choice Scarf Hydreigon Mega-Rayquaza and Choice Scarf Latias slower Arc-forms, and it's able to PP stall them with ease. Avoid switching Suicune Giratina in on a potential Knock Off, Trick, or Switcheroo, because Leftovers is Suicune's Giratina's main source of recovery, and it will get worn down very quickly once it loses it. It will also limit Suicune's Giratina's ability to set up a Substitute and PP stall. Set up a Substitute against passive Pokémon such as Alomomola Primal-Groudon that rely on Toxic or other status moves to damage Suicune Giratina. Furthermore, once Suicune Giratina is behind a Substitute, it's safe to set up a Calm Mind against Pokemon like Blissey Specially Defensive Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Amoonguss Ferrothorn. However, avoid using Calm Mind against faster Pokémon like Mega Sceptile Xerneas and Celebi Yveltal, since they can easily force it out.

Alright now that I got that stupid idea out of my system, let's get to actual theory. This Gira set outspeeds (306>293, tho u can run less speed if u want), can set up on, and PP stall CM Luna. With Pressure, Luna only has four Moongeist Beam's and eight Ice Beam's, all of which Gira can easily outplay between Protect and Substitute. Yes, you have a 50-50 between Protect and CM/Sub, but it's not a 50-50 you always need to win. If Gira ever gets a Sub up on Luna, the PP stall trap is guaranteed. Just for future ghosting, you Sub turn 1 on Maelstrom, Protect turn 2 on Moongeist, Sub turn 3 on CM, Protect turn 4 on Moongeist, CM turn 5 on the last Moongeist, and then you are set. When in doubt, just Protect.

+1 0 SpA Giratina Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Shadow Shield Lunala: 246-290 (59.2 - 69.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 318-374 (63.4 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 212-252 (42.3 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Lunala Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 190-224 (37.9 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Lunala Ice Beam vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 126-150 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Lunala Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 422-498 (84.2 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (literally nothing)

The same stall rules also apply to any Pokémon with less than 306 speed, including Vivillon (lmao countered), Groudon, Kyogre (technically), DM, Zygarde, defensive Arc, Ferro, Celes, Smeargle (I guess), and SpDef Druddigon. The choice between Shadow Ball and Dragon Pulse is primarily based on the Pokémon on which you wish to set up. The damage output doesn't matter too much; the primary goal is to Pressure-stall low-PP attacks the strongest Pokémon in the tier rely on (like Lunala!) and potentially provide a fun win-condition.

Here's some replays featuring Vin-Tina:

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-947953881 (luckiest crit I ever did see)
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-926568889 (PP stalled an Arc-Fairy)
genius.
 

The Visionary

Banned deucer.


Nominating Big Bad Bangiras (Tyranitar)

Tyranitar @ Assault Vest
Sassy Nature
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Foul Play
- Rock Tomb

AV Tyranitar can effectively deal with +1 Lunala and proceed to defeat it thanks to Sand Stream neutralizing Shadow Shield. I would consider this a check because should Lunala get to +2, AV Tyranitar can no longer effectively deal with Luna.

Here is a calc for reference: +1 252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tyranitar in Sand: 292-344 (72.4 - 85.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Without Shadow Shield up, any of Tyranitar's 3 Dark Type moves OHKO Lunala.
 
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Arceus @ Chople Berry
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 184 HP / 252 Atk / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Shadow Claw
- Recover

(This is a relatively contrived speed tier but outspeeding Lunala doesn't require enough investment to severely detract from Arceus' good bulk).

Submitting as a check.

Chople Berry Extreme Killer stands as one of the few relatively reliable switch-ins offensive teams possess for Lunala. Shadow Claw 2HKOs from full health, and has a very good chance to OHKO with Stealth Rock in play. Meanwhile, even boosted Focus Blasts fail to KO this Arceus.

252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 184 HP / 0 SpD Chople Berry Arceus: 128-151 (29.9 - 35.3%)

+1 252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 184 HP / 0 SpD Chople Berry Arceus: 192-226 (44.9 - 52.9%)

252+ Atk Arceus Shadow Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 176-208 (42.4 - 50.1%)

252+ Atk Arceus Shadow Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lunala: 352-416 (84.8 - 100.2%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
(after Shadow Shield is broken)

This set can only be overcome if it switches into Focus Blast when Shadow Shield is unbroken. Since this possibility exists, Chople Arceus is not a true counter to Lunala, but it's probably as close as one can get for offensive teams.
 
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Levanos

Banned deucer.
Mewtwo @ Leftovers/Figy Berry
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Protect
- Shadow Ball

Don't have calcs to show really as the plan is to PP stall since Moongeist Beam has just 8 PPs and playing safe with the Subs because Z can pass through Protect but it does around 50 so no problem. Also in most cases one would just spam Moongeist or Z whenever they see a Mewtwo not realizing what exactly this set does.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-950045948

Well here's a replay I have vs Zayele
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-950047673
 
View attachment 186429

Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Poison Touch
EVs: 248 HP / 80 Atk / 180 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Shadow Sneak
- Knock Off
- Poison Jab

AV Muk-Alola is probably the best Lunala counter by far. Focus Blast after 1 CM is a 3HKO, while Muk-Alola can 2HKO with Knock Off. The Attack evs and nature are to ensure you trap Mega Gengar, with the rest in HP and Spdef. If Lunala tries to switch out, you can pursuit trap it so you guarantee the kill if Muk-Alola can get in Vs Lunala. Muk Alola's typing and high Spdef due to AV simply mean there is no way for Lunala to get past this Pokémon.

Calcs:
+1 252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 180 SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 126-149 (30.5 - 36%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 180 SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 85-100 (20.5 - 24.2%) -- 81.5% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock
80+ Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 192-228 (46.2 - 54.9%) -- 57.8% chance to 2HKO
80+ Atk Muk-Alola Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 116-140 (27.9 - 33.7%) -- 0.5% chance to 3HKO
80+ Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lunala: 384-456 (92.5 - 109.8%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO (after shadow shield is broken)
80+ Atk Muk-Alola Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lunala: 232-280 (55.9 - 67.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (after shadow shield is broken)

I am entering chansey
View attachment 187317
Chansey @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Soft-Boiled
- Heal Bell
- Toxic
- Confide

If you think that running focus blast will save you from the fat blob you are dead wrong

252 SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 4 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Chansey: 128-152 (19.9 - 23.6%) -- possible 5HKO
+1 252 SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 4 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Chansey: 190-224 (29.5 - 34.8%) -- 11.3% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 4 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Chansey: 254-300 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Spamming confide prevents lunala from setting up and once you get a toxic off will put lunala on a timer

There isn't really much to say other than that, but due to its ability to eat focus blasts and prevent lunala from setting up Chansey is a Counter to lunala

Marshadow @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pursuit
- Close Combat
- Spectral Thief
- Shadow Sneak

This is a good check to Lunala since Spectral Thief has a 94% chance to OHKO from full. As such, this will force most Lunalas out, thereby stopping their sweep. Instead, if you're ballsy enough you could Pursuit (58.7 - 69.6%) - a KO after SR damage, and even without SR, it deals enough damage to prevent Lunala from setting up on say a Support Arceus for example crippling it for the rest of the game (0 SpA Pixie Plate Arceus-Fairy Judgment vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Lunala: 142-168 (34.2 - 40.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO). Marshadow can switch in on a predicted non Moongeist Beam turn/double switch to avoid losing a mon but that's extremely risky - you might lose your only Lunala stop.

Hell nah, reserving Vin-Tina.

Working in a hospital rn so can't use paint.

The Way We Die (Giratina) @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 240 HP / 16 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball / Dragon Pulse
- Protect

Vin-Tina: the agender being (which we love and accept as valid!), the myth, the legend. Max Speed, CM, Sub, Protect. This set beats CM Z-Luna in the 1v1, though it does not want to directly switch-in. Therefore, Vin-Tina is a check (bc lbh Luna has like one true switch-in in the game).

Calm Mind boosts Suicune's Giratina's Special Attack and Special Defense, turning it into a threatening sweeper. Protect is primarily used to PP stall opposing Pokémon, although it also helps to keep Suicune Giratina healthy in conjunction with Leftovers. Additionally, it's also useful to scout for moves and Choice-locked Pokémon. Scald has a decent chance to burn foes. Substitute provides Suicune Giratina with a lot more opportunities to set up and PP stall slower the more defensive Pokémon, but it can also avoid status moves like Toxic from Pokémon such as Blissey Specially Defensive Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Alomomola Primal-Groudon. Additionally, the combination of Substitute and Calm Mind makes it a lot harder for special attackers to break its Substitute while also protecting Suicune Giratina from potential critical hits.

This set is very effective against bulky teams. However, it should be played carefully. Suicune Giratina shouldn't be used to sponge hits throughout the match, as its effectiveness depends on how high its HP is. Against offensive teams, Suicune Giratina finds setup opportunities against Pokémon like Choice Scarf Hydreigon Mega-Rayquaza and Choice Scarf Latias slower Arc-forms, and it's able to PP stall them with ease. Avoid switching Suicune Giratina in on a potential Knock Off, Trick, or Switcheroo, because Leftovers is Suicune's Giratina's main source of recovery, and it will get worn down very quickly once it loses it. It will also limit Suicune's Giratina's ability to set up a Substitute and PP stall. Set up a Substitute against passive Pokémon such as Alomomola Primal-Groudon that rely on Toxic or other status moves to damage Suicune Giratina. Furthermore, once Suicune Giratina is behind a Substitute, it's safe to set up a Calm Mind against Pokemon like Blissey Specially Defensive Necrozma-Dusk-Mane and Amoonguss Ferrothorn. However, avoid using Calm Mind against faster Pokémon like Mega Sceptile Xerneas and Celebi Yveltal, since they can easily force it out.

Alright now that I got that stupid idea out of my system, let's get to actual theory. This Gira set outspeeds (306>293, tho u can run less speed if u want), can set up on, and PP stall CM Luna. With Pressure, Luna only has four Moongeist Beam's and eight Ice Beam's, all of which Gira can easily outplay between Protect and Substitute. Yes, you have a 50-50 between Protect and CM/Sub, but it's not a 50-50 you always need to win. If Gira ever gets a Sub up on Luna, the PP stall trap is guaranteed. Just for future ghosting, you Sub turn 1 on Maelstrom, Protect turn 2 on Moongeist, Sub turn 3 on CM, Protect turn 4 on Moongeist, CM turn 5 on the last Moongeist, and then you are set. When in doubt, just Protect.

+1 0 SpA Giratina Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Shadow Shield Lunala: 246-290 (59.2 - 69.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 318-374 (63.4 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Lunala Moongeist Beam vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 212-252 (42.3 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Lunala Ice Beam vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 190-224 (37.9 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Lunala Ice Beam vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 126-150 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Lunala Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom vs. +1 240 HP / 16 SpD Giratina: 422-498 (84.2 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (literally nothing)

The same stall rules also apply to any Pokémon with less than 306 speed, including Vivillon (lmao countered), Groudon, Kyogre (technically), DM, Zygarde, defensive Arc, Ferro, Celes, Smeargle (I guess), and SpDef Druddigon. The choice between Shadow Ball and Dragon Pulse is primarily based on the Pokémon on which you wish to set up. The damage output doesn't matter too much; the primary goal is to Pressure-stall low-PP attacks the strongest Pokémon in the tier rely on (like Lunala!) and potentially provide a fun win-condition.

Here's some replays featuring Vin-Tina:

https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-947953881 (luckiest crit I ever did see)
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-926568889 (PP stalled an Arc-Fairy)

reserving darkceus

Arceus-Dark @ Dread Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Judgment
- Refresh

252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Dark: 256-302 (57.6 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
you can switch in safely most of the time, lunala has to land 4 focus blasts in a row to beat this (if its unboosted). if it tries to CM, you can cm back. Judgment 2hkos lunala. you cant really mess this up.
its a check bc youre not always at full hp and lunala might crit fmiss



Nominating Big Bad Bangiras (Tyranitar)

Tyranitar @ Assault Vest
Sassy Nature
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Foul Play
- Rock Tomb

AV Tyranitar can effectively deal with +1 Lunala and proceed to defeat it thanks to Sand Stream neutralizing Shadow Shield. I would consider this a check because should Lunala get to +2, AV Tyranitar can no longer effectively deal with Luna.

Here is a calc for reference: +1 252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tyranitar in Sand: 292-344 (72.4 - 85.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Without Shadow Shield up, any of Tyranitar's 3 Dark Type moves OHKO Lunala.



Arceus @ Chople Berry
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 184 HP / 252 Atk / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Shadow Claw
- Recover

(This is a relatively contrived speed tier but outspeeding Lunala doesn't require enough investment to severely detract from Arceus' good bulk).

Submitting as a check.

Chople Berry Extreme Killer stands as one of the few relatively reliable switch-ins offensive teams possess for Lunala. Shadow Claw 2HKOs from full health, and has a very good chance to OHKO with Stealth Rock in play. Meanwhile, even boosted Focus Blasts fail to KO this Arceus.

252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 184 HP / 0 SpD Chople Berry Arceus: 128-151 (29.9 - 35.3%)

+1 252+ SpA Lunala Focus Blast vs. 184 HP / 0 SpD Chople Berry Arceus: 192-226 (44.9 - 52.9%)

252+ Atk Arceus Shadow Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 176-208 (42.4 - 50.1%)

252+ Atk Arceus Shadow Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lunala: 352-416 (84.8 - 100.2%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
(after Shadow Shield is broken)

This set can only be overcome if it switches into Focus Blast when Shadow Shield is unbroken. Since this possibility exists, Chople Arceus is not a true counter to Lunala, but it's probably as close as one can get for offensive teams.

Mewtwo @ Leftovers/Figy Berry
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Protect
- Shadow Ball

Don't have calcs to show really as the plan is to PP stall since Moongeist Beam has just 8 PPs and playing safe with the Subs because Z can pass through Protect but it does around 50 so no problem. Also in most cases one would just spam Moongeist or Z whenever they see a Mewtwo not realizing what exactly this set does.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-950045948

Well here's a replay I have vs Zayele
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-950047673

Get to voting!
 

Unicorns

Banned deucer.
1. Zen (the overlooked threat)
2. Levanos (replace Shadow Ball with Psystrike or Ice Beam and you have a legitimately scary set)
3. Icemaster (yada yada yada orb marsh good)
 

pichus

is a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Battle Simulator Staff Alumnus
OMPL Champion
reserving scarf lunala

Lunala @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moongeist Beam
- Tailwind
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast

This is checks unecro.
Scarf Lunala outspeeds Unecro and Moongeist Beam OHKOs it. Also, +2 Outrage doesnt ohko if the shadow shield is up so I guess you can also hard switch if youre at full HP and if theres no rocks/hazards.
 
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Icemaster

Few will truly understand.
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
RBTT Champion
Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Filler
- Filler
- Filler

This is pretty much the definitive check to Ultra Necrozma. Any set for Mega Gengar works given that it has the same EVs above and has Shadow Ball. Shadow Ball has a 87.5% chance to OHKO, and since Ultra Necrozma cannot switch this is pretty much a guaranteed kill.

252 SpA Gengar-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 8 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 326-386 (97.3 - 115.2%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
 
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187787


Skarmory @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Roost
- Iron Defense
- Defog

This is a pretty hard counter to Ultra Necrozma. With Iron Defence, there's no way for Ultra Necrozma to break Skarmory even with it's Z move. If it stays in Dusk form, you can PP stall as you have more PP than ultra Necrozma due to the fact that its attacks have reasonably low PP. If it Ultra bursts and tries to nuke you with it's Z move, you can simply ID, Roost and then Toxic Ultra Necrozma to wear it down.

Calcs:
+2 252 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Photon Geyser vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 111-132 (33.2 - 39.5%) -- 20.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Light That Burns the Sky vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 223-263 (66.7 - 78.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Photon Geyser vs. +2 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 56-66 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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Unicorns

Banned deucer.


Arceus-Dark @ Dread Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Judgment
- Recover
- Will-O-Wisp
- Toxic

So initially I was going to post a fun SD Z-Punisment Arc-Dark set and try to play it off as standard (you know? My normal shtick). After checking +2 calcs against common teammates however, I cannot suggest Mega-Absol V2 (seriously, it doesn't even kill Marshadow at +0). Instead, we have phys def dual status Arc-Dark.

Arc-Dark is widely considered THE BEST Ultra-Necrozma COUNTER in the game. Arc-Dark is most notably run on bulky offense, balance, and semistall utilizing it's standard sets, including phys def support, fast support, and CM Refresh. Dark-typing gives this Arc an immunity to Photon Geyser and Light That Burns the Sky while general Arceus bulk avoids the OHKO from Outrage.

Necrozma-Ultra Photon Geyser vs. Arceus-Dark: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Necrozma-Ultra Light That Burns the Sky vs. Arceus-Dark: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- possibly the worst move ever

+2 248 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Outrage vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Arceus-Dark: 301-355 (67.9 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+2 248 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Arceus-Dark: 168-198 (37.9 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

In response, Arc-Dark can (have a good chance to) OHKO Ultra-Necro from full.

0 SpA Dread Plate Arceus-Dark Judgment vs. 0 HP / 8 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 306-362 (91.3 - 108%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

In addition to beating the given SD EQ Outrage, essentially no Ultra-Necro set will ever complete a sweep with Arc-Dark on the team. Typical SD Ultra-Necro can't break and is (likely) OHKO'd in return, CM Ultra-Necro has to be at near-full while risking a roll and pray Arc-Dark isn't CM in return, and X-Scissor is really bad pls don't use it.

+1 252 SpA Necrozma-Ultra Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Dark: 214-253 (48.1 - 56.9%) -- 91% chance to 2HKO

0 SpA Dread Plate Arceus-Dark Judgment vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 206-246 (61.4 - 73.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+2 252 Atk Neuroforce Necrozma-Ultra X-Scissor vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Arceus-Dark: 336-396 (75.8 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
 
reserving scarf lunala

Lunala @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moongeist Beam
- Tailwind
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast

This is checks unecro.
Scarf Lunala outspeeds Unecro and Moongeist Beam OHKOs it. Also, +2 Outrage doesnt ohko if the shadow shield is up so I guess you can also hard switch if youre at full HP and if theres no rocks/hazards.

Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Filler
- Filler
- Filler

This is pretty much the definitive check to Ultra Necrozma. Any set for Mega Gengar works given that it has the same EVs above and has Shadow Ball. Shadow Ball has a 87.5% chance to OHKO, and since Ultra Necrozma cannot switch this is pretty much a guaranteed kill.

252 SpA Gengar-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 8 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 326-386 (97.3 - 115.2%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO

View attachment 187787

Skarmory @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Roost
- Iron Defense
- Defog

This is a pretty hard counter to Ultra Necrozma. With Iron Defence, there's no way for Ultra Necrozma to break Skarmory even with it's Z move. If it stays in Dusk form, you can PP stall as you have more PP than ultra Necrozma due to the fact that its attacks have reasonably low PP. If it Ultra bursts and tries to nuke you with it's Z move, you can simply ID, Roost and then Toxic Ultra Necrozma to wear it down.

Calcs:
+2 252 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Photon Geyser vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 111-132 (33.2 - 39.5%) -- 20.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Light That Burns the Sky vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 223-263 (66.7 - 78.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Photon Geyser vs. +2 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 56-66 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery



Arceus-Dark @ Dread Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Judgment
- Recover
- Will-O-Wisp
- Toxic

So initially I was going to post a fun SD Z-Punisment Arc-Dark set and try to play it off as standard (you know? My normal shtick). After checking +2 calcs against common teammates however, I cannot suggest Mega-Absol V2 (seriously, it doesn't even kill Marshadow at +0). Instead, we have phys def dual status Arc-Dark.

Arc-Dark is widely considered THE BEST Ultra-Necrozma COUNTER in the game. Arc-Dark is most notably run on bulky offense, balance, and semistall utilizing it's standard sets, including phys def support, fast support, and CM Refresh. Dark-typing gives this Arc an immunity to Photon Geyser and Light That Burns the Sky while general Arceus bulk avoids the OHKO from Outrage.

Necrozma-Ultra Photon Geyser vs. Arceus-Dark: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Necrozma-Ultra Light That Burns the Sky vs. Arceus-Dark: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- possibly the worst move ever

+2 248 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Outrage vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Arceus-Dark: 301-355 (67.9 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+2 248 Atk Necrozma-Ultra Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Arceus-Dark: 168-198 (37.9 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

In response, Arc-Dark can (have a good chance to) OHKO Ultra-Necro from full.

0 SpA Dread Plate Arceus-Dark Judgment vs. 0 HP / 8 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 306-362 (91.3 - 108%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

In addition to beating the given SD EQ Outrage, essentially no Ultra-Necro set will ever complete a sweep with Arc-Dark on the team. Typical SD Ultra-Necro can't break and is (likely) OHKO'd in return, CM Ultra-Necro has to be at near-full while risking a roll and pray Arc-Dark isn't CM in return, and X-Scissor is really bad pls don't use it.

+1 252 SpA Necrozma-Ultra Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arceus-Dark: 214-253 (48.1 - 56.9%) -- 91% chance to 2HKO

0 SpA Dread Plate Arceus-Dark Judgment vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Necrozma-Ultra: 206-246 (61.4 - 73.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+2 252 Atk Neuroforce Necrozma-Ultra X-Scissor vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Arceus-Dark: 336-396 (75.8 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Voting is here!
 

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