[OVERVIEW]
Primal Groudon is a powerful bulky attacker when equipped with Red Orb, which leaves it with only a Ground-type weakness and a STAB V-create that can OHKO even relatively bulky targets that take neutral damage, such as Mega Audino, Xerneas, and Mega Mewtwo X. It is also offensively versatile, with a wide choice of viable coverage moves such as Fleur Cannon and Bolt Strike that enable it to lure in and weaken otherwise reliable checks such as Giratina and Celesteela, respectively. Its base 180 Attack and base 150 Special Attack are excellent for mixed attacking sets as well, and Desolate Land's Water immunity gives Primal Groudon more opportunities to switch in. Excellent bulk and typing also let it tank hits from powerful attackers, such as Primal Kyogre, Mega Diancie, and Regigigas, and OHKO them back. However, it is initially quite slow, so it struggles against faster Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and Kyurem-W that target its weaker special bulk. It also is normally checked by some ubiquitous defensive Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Giratina, but though it bypass them with the appropriate coverage moves on mixed sets or force them to switch in and give momentum to the Primal Groudon user. Lastly, it is fairly one-dimensional, as its item and ability are restricted to Red Orb and Desolate Land, though it still carries staggering power despite these limitations.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: V-create
move 2: Shore Up
move 3: Stealth Rock / Bolt Strike
move 4: Anchor Shot / Will-O-Wisp
item: Red Orb
ability: Intimidate / Electric Surge / Download
nature: Impish / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
V-create deals fatal damage to targets that do not resist it such as Dialga, Mega Audino, and Xerneas, letting Primal Groudon check these threats. Shore Up keeps Primal Groudon's HP high, letting it continually check threatening Pokemon such as Regigigas and Mega Diancie. It has double the PP of Morning Sun, making it preferable for longer games. Stealth Rock is also viable, as Primal Groudon forces many switches, and the move gives it something to do as Prankster Dragon-types such as Giratina and Zygarde-C switch in. Alternatively, Bolt Strike deals heavy damage to Mega Slowbro, Celesteela, Ho-Oh, and other Fire-immune Steel-types like Celesteela. When boosted by Electric Terrain, Bolt Strike is a 2HKO against Mega Slowbro. Anchor Shot traps some defensive switch-ins, such as Primordial Sea Celesteela, Mega Slowbro, and Ho-Oh, preventing them from escaping the followup move. It also threatens to trap Imposter users that are not running Shed Shell, preventing them from safely switching into or staying in against Primal Groudon. Will-O-Wisp deals useful chip damage to common switch-ins such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Slowbro and KOes Sturdy Shedinja. Thousand Arrows may be run instead of Bolt Strike as another strong STAB move that can invalidate Ho-Oh and Celesteela as checks. Primal Groudon can set other entry hazards such as Spikes if your team already has a Stealth Rock setter, but this mandates a Magic Bounce teammate to prevent Imposters from doing the same.
Set Details
========
Intimidate can soften physical blows the first time Primal Groudon comes in, allowing it to be a better check to some physical attackers that might otherwise deal fatal damage to it, such as opposing Primal Groudon. Electric Surge powers up Bolt Strike and prevents Primal Groudon from being put to sleep. Lastly, Download is useful if Primal Groudon gets an Attack raise, but this boost is often removed or stolen by its counters via Haze or Spectral Thief. Red Orb gives Primal Groudon a far more useful defensive typing, higher physical bulk, and greater power behind its attacks. An Impish nature is preferred to bolster Primal Groudon's Defense so it can better take boosted and super effective hits, notably guaranteeing that it survives Regigigas's +1 Facade after Stealth Rock damage and giving it a good chance to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Diancie's Precipice Blades. A Careful nature allows Primal Groudon to handle Mega Diancie's Boomburst better but results in Primal Groudon being 2HKOed by Precipice Blades on the switch.
Usage Tips
========
This Primal Groudon set usually plays as a defensive pivot by forcing switches that its teammates can capitalize on. Early-game, Anchor Shot is a risk-free move to click, as the only common Pokemon that can safely avoid being trapped are Zygarde-C, Giratina, Shed Shell Imposter users, and Flash Fire Aegislash. Giratina is a fairly passive Pokemon and Aegislash cannot risk taking a possible Ground-type attack, but Primal Groudon should scout Imposter users for a possible Shed Shell, which can cause them to deplete Primal Groudon's PP if they successfully trap Primal Groudon. Most other switch-ins can easily be trapped and then removed the next turn with Bolt Strike or have Stealth Rock set up on them as they pivot out. If running Stealth Rock, it is important to scout for Magic Bounce Pokemon by using Will-O-Wisp if Primal Groudon has it or by analyzing how your opponent responds to Primal Groudon. Most teams are forced to switch the same Pokemon into Primal Groudon as it comes in, making your opponent more predictable. You can use this tendency to dictate your opponent's plays, maintain momentum, and wear their team down with entry hazard damage and double switches. Be mindful of the low PP of V-create and Bolt Strike, as after either move is used up, Primal Groudon becomes far easier to switch into for the opponent. If you need Primal Groudon to check a threatening Pokemon such as Mega Diancie, Mega Beedrill, or a Poison Heal user like Regigigas or Xerneas, play more carefully with it and ensure that its HP stays high enough to take them on.
Team Options
========
This set fits on many balance teams thanks to its ability to force predictable switches. Powerful special or mixed wallbreakers, such as Choice Specs Mega Diancie, Ash-Greninja, and Pixilate Mega Mewtwo X can threaten Primal Groudon's common checks such as Shedinja, Zygarde-C, Flash Fire Steel-types, Mega Garchomp, and Giratina, and they appreciate Primal Groudon trapping and KOing their standard defensive answers such as Soundproof Mega Slowbro and Celesteela. Primal Groudon can Imposter-proof Mega Diancie and Ash-Greninja if they do not carry a Ground-type attack, as well as Pixilate Mega Mewtwo X. Setup checks such as Prankster Zygarde-C, Prankster + Haze Registeel, and Choice Scarf Imposter users can give the team a safety net against unexpected setup Pokemon, allowing Primal Groudon to play more defensively against setup-heavy teams. RegenVest Pokemon such as Dialga and Primal Kyogre check special attackers and pivot Primal Groudon in safely with U-turn. Poison Heal users such as Xerneas, Mega Tyranitar, and Regigigas provide an additional layer of protection against status, can remove items such as Shed Shell and Leftovers with Knock Off, and spread their own status to help Primal Groudon, while Primal Groudon can check powerful wallbreakers that might force them out. If Primal Groudon is running Stealth Rock, a Magic Bounce teammate that resists V-create such as Zygarde-C or Giratina can prevent Imposters from setting up Stealth Rock against your team.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: V-create
move 3: Thousand Arrows / Power Trip / Precipice Blades
move 4: Fleur Cannon / Ice Beam
item: Red Orb
ability: Download
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash sets Primal Groudon up to sweep the opposing team and outspeed the entire unboosted metagame. V-create deals enormous damage to targets neutral to it such as Mega Audino and Arceus, and, at +2, it can even land OHKOs on targets that resist it such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Gyarados. However, the Speed- and Defense-lowering effects leave Primal Groudon slightly more vulnerable to revenge killing from Choice Scarf and priority users. Thousand Arrows allows Primal Groudon to hit Flying-types with its STAB Ground-type move and has respectable power at +2. Alternatively, Precipice Blades has a noticeably higher damage output against bulky neutral targets such as Flash Fire Ferrothorn but cannot hit Flying-types, which may allow a daring opponent to more easily pivot around Primal Groudon with immunities. +2 Precipice Blades also is a guaranteed OHKO against both Mega Mewtwo formes, sparing Primal Groudon from having to use V-create on them. Power Trip is another option that hits Mega Slowbro, Giratina, Ho-Oh, Flash Fire Celesteela, and Flash Fire Ferrothorn hard. Fleur Cannon is the best move to complement Fire-type coverage, severely damaging physically defensive Pokemon that can take Thousand Arrows and V-create such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Slowbro. +2 Fleur Cannon has a chance to OHKO non-Assault Vest Giratina after Stealth Rock damage. Ice Beam is viable alongside Power Trip, as it hits Dragon- and Ground-types super effectively, notably OHKOing Zygarde-C at +2 regardless of its set. However, Primal Groudon loses the ability to OHKO Giratina. Core Enforcer can allow Primal Groudon to stay in against Prankster + Haze Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, though Primal Groudon will take severe damage from the opponent's Core Enforcer if it sets up a second time, and its ability will be suppressed, degrading V-create's power. Bonemerang is another niche option that allows Primal Groudon to break through Focus Sash and Substitute users, but it is only marginally more powerful than Thousand Arrows and has lower accuracy.
Set Details
========
It is best to use a Naughty nature so that Primal Groudon's offenses are not degraded. Most priority moves are physical, and Primal Groudon can tank a few of them if it's healthy. Primal Groudon is still able to outspeed base 140 Speed Pokemon, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, after Shell Smash followed by a Speed drop from V-create. Even with a Naughty nature, Primal Groudon is still able to survive special priority moves from full HP. Red Orb is mandatory for Primal Reversion, which increases Primal Groudon's Attack, Defense, and subpar Special Attack. Download gives Primal Groudon a boost to one of its offensive stats, which synergizes well with Shell Smash. +3 Special Attack is enough to OHKO all variants of Giratina with Fleur Cannon except Assault Vest ones, which can still be KOed after Stealth Rock damage. +3 Attack allows Primal Groudon to OHKO non-Fur Coat Giratina with Precipice Blades.
Usage Tips
========
This set operates mainly as a late-game sweeper, but against teams without reliable checks to it, it can be used as a wallbreaker or an emergency check to a physical attacker. It is a good idea to keep Primal Groudon healthy enough to take priority moves such as Fake Out + Extreme Speed from Kyurem-B. Scout for status moves such as Mega Steelix's Glare and Assault Vest users' Poison Fang so that Primal Groudon does not recklessly switch into them and get crippled. Slow pivots are great for scouting for such moves and can get Primal Groudon in safely throughout the game, and Primal Groudon's threatening presence and low list of switch-ins help to maintain momentum. Utilize entry hazard damage and make offensive double switches to wear down Primal Groudon's checks, such as Giratina and Zygarde-C. Several other sorts of checks must be dealt with as well. Prankster users can remove Primal Groudon's boosts, shut it down with Encore, or force an unfavorable trade with Destiny Bond. Focus Sash users with Spectral Thief such as Mega Mewtwo X can stop Primal Groudon's sweep as well and must be worn down before Primal Groudon can sweep.
Once Primal Groudon's checks have been dealt with, pivot Primal Groudon in against something that it forces out, such as a Steel-type, for a free setup turn. Be very wary of Imposter users, because they can easily countersweep or, at best, force a two-for-one trade with your Prankster Destiny Bond user. Try not to reveal Primal Groudon's set to Imposter users before it is ready to set up, as your opponent will then be unsure of what they must preserve to check it. If you have a teammate to Imposter-proof this set, keep it alive to protect yourself from being counterswept by Imposters. Be careful of faster attackers such as priority and Choice Scarf users, which can accumulate significant chip damage on Primal Groudon after its defenses have been lowered with Shell Smash or or V-create. Do not be afraid to switch Primal Groudon out after it sets up and KOes a Pokemon to save it for later, as its bulk, especially physically, is surprisingly good and might allow it to set up again.
Team Options
========
This Primal Groudon set functions as a late-game sweeper and cleaner for both offensive and balance teams, as it can easily gain a free turn to set up. Wallbreakers are key to setting the stage for its sweep. Examples include Mega Garchomp and Choice Band Mega Mewtwo X. These Pokemon can chip Primal Groudon's standard checks such as Giratina and Zygarde-C into KO range of Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam, force trades with Prankster users, defeat Sturdy Shedinja with Moongeist Beam or Photon Geyser, and wear down Imposter users that switch in to scout their sets. Imposter-proofing this set depends entirely on the coverage. For example, Shedinja can Imposter-proof all variants and keep up pressure by using U-turn on the Imposter's forced switch. Primordial Sea Celesteela can handle variants with Precipice Blades. Hyper offensive teams may not want to lose momentum switching into an Imposter-proofer, so a Focus Sash user such as Magic Guard Mega Diancie can use Spectral Thief to steal the boosts from an Imposter that copies Primal Groudon and continue sweeping with them. Offensive entry hazard setters like Stealth Rock Mega Diancie, Mold Breaker Spikes Mega Gengar, Spikes Kartana, and Spikes Xerneas can help weaken walls and break Focus Sashes with their hazards. Kartana and Mold Breaker Gengar with Pursuit can threaten Shedinja, one of the most reliable checks to this set. Flash Fire Steel-types like Registeel can switch into -ate users and threaten to trap Imposters that switch into them, both of which are otherwise threatening to Primal Groudon. Another setup sweeper such as Shell Smash Mega Tyranitar, Shell Smash Mega Gengar, or Belly Drum Necrozma-DM can finish sweeping where Primal Groudon leaves off if it is somehow KOed. Since many teams carry just a single Prankster user, trading for it can allow the other sweeper to sweep unhindered. Mega Tyranitar and Necrozma-DM can also weaken walls like Giratina and Zygarde-C early-game so Primal Groudon can KO them later. Bulky entry hazard control Pokemon such as Defog Giratina and Pixilate Rapid Spin Mega Diancie are useful as partners to allow Primal Groudon to survive priority moves. They can also pivot Primal Groudon in with a slow U-turn and absorb status moves aimed at your offensive Pokemon. Giratina can also opt to run Z-Parting Shot to give Primal Groudon a second chance at sweeping. A way to offensively check Mega Mewtwo Y and Mega Gengar is useful, as they heavily damage and outspeed Primal Groudon before it sets up. Choice Scarf Adaptability Mega Gengar and Tough Claws Mega Beedrill check these threats and can use U-turn on predicted switches. Choice Band Adaptability Mega Tyranitar can Pursuit trap Giratina, Mega Gengar, and Mega Mewtwo Y to help Primal Groudon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
More offensive teams can opt for Morning Sun, which has half the PP of Shore Up but heals more HP per use. Knock Off or Poison Fang can be run to cripple common switch-ins such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Slowbro. A Shift Gear set with Thousand Arrows, V-create, and a recovery move can sweep late-game but is forced out by too many threats such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Imposter to be reliable. Primal Groudon can forego Primal Reversion with a Leftovers + Fur Coat set to become a physical wall with an Electric immunity that can trap its Imposter with Thousand Waves. However, while it does not have the 4x Ice-type weakness of Zygarde-C, some common physical attackers like Adaptability Mega Mewtwo X and Refrigerate users still beat it. Mega Swampert can take hits from Kyurem-B better due to its additional Water typing but has lower overall physical bulk.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Dragon-types**: Prankster variants of Giratina and Zygarde-C have enough bulk to take V-create and can use Haze to remove any Shell Smash or Download boosts Primal Groudon has accumulated. Other variants are generally safe switch-ins but can lose to Shell Smash Primal Groudon, especially with entry hazards up. Assault Vest variants of both Dragon-types can take a +2 Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam from full HP and use Spectral Thief to steal Primal Groudon's boosts. Non-Prankster Giratina may not survive +3 Precipice Blades, however.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Several faster special attackers can check unboosted Primal Groudon after it gets a KO. Kyurem-W OHKOes Primal Groudon with Refrigerate Boomburst, regardless of whether or not the former runs a boosting item. Normalize Mega Gengar threatens to render Primal Groudon impotent with Entrainment. Primordial Sea Ash-Greninja forces out Primal Groudon with its Water-type STAB moves.
**Imposter**: Shell Smash Primal Groudon is very vulnerable to Imposter users, and finding a Pokemon that can wall its most effective moveset is difficult. While Imposter users must switch out after discovering Anchor Shot sets or be trapped and PP stalled, if they run Shed Shell, they can easily PP stall Primal Groudon or set up Stealth Rock.
**Ground-types and Ground-type Coverage**: Defensive sets of Primal Groudon should be wary of Mega Garchomp. Mega Garchomp outspeeds Primal Groudon that has not set up and threatens defensive sets out with its Ground-type STAB moves. Its common sets also prove troublesome to many common teammates that Primal Groudon works well alongside, and it can even take a single V-create. Primal Groudon is 2HKOed by Mega Diancie's Precipice Blades without an Impish nature, allowing Mega Diancie to easily PP stall Primal Groudon's recovery move if Precipice Blades doesn't miss. Zygarde-C often runs Thousand Waves and can survive V-create, letting it trap and KO Primal Groudon. Sheer Force Mega Mewtwo Y OHKOes Primal Groudon with Earth Power.
**Sturdy Shedinja**: Sturdy Shedinja walls most of Primal Groudon's attacks, but Primal Groudon can use Will-O-Wisp on it and can often force Stealth Rock up against Shedinja's teammates, making it difficult to switch Shedinja in. Shell Smash sets are usually helpless against Sturdy Shedinja, however.
**Other Prankster Users**: Prankster users such as Registeel and Aegislash can threaten to trade themselves for Shell Smash Primal Groudon with Destiny Bond, but defensive sets can just use these passive walls as opportunities to set up Stealth Rock or use Will-O-Wisp.
**Fire-immune Steel-types**: Flash Fire Steel-types such as Registeel and Ferrothorn can be very annoying to defensive Primal Groudon sets. Given a safe switch, they can recover any damage done to them and proceed to trap Primal Groudon. However, they risk losing to Precipice Blades and Shell Smash variants. Primordial Sea Celesteela works similarly, but it fears Thousand Arrows and Shell Smash-boosted Power Trip.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [SuperSkylake, 323219]
- Quality checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148072], [GL Volkner, 330455], [Chessking345, 355040]]
- Grammar checked by: [[bigtalk, 466663], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Primal Groudon is a powerful bulky attacker when equipped with Red Orb, which leaves it with only a Ground-type weakness and a STAB V-create that can OHKO even relatively bulky targets that take neutral damage, such as Mega Audino, Xerneas, and Mega Mewtwo X. It is also offensively versatile, with a wide choice of viable coverage moves such as Fleur Cannon and Bolt Strike that enable it to lure in and weaken otherwise reliable checks such as Giratina and Celesteela, respectively. Its base 180 Attack and base 150 Special Attack are excellent for mixed attacking sets as well, and Desolate Land's Water immunity gives Primal Groudon more opportunities to switch in. Excellent bulk and typing also let it tank hits from powerful attackers, such as Primal Kyogre, Mega Diancie, and Regigigas, and OHKO them back. However, it is initially quite slow, so it struggles against faster Pokemon such as Mega Mewtwo Y and Kyurem-W that target its weaker special bulk. It also is normally checked by some ubiquitous defensive Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Giratina, but though it bypass them with the appropriate coverage moves on mixed sets or force them to switch in and give momentum to the Primal Groudon user. Lastly, it is fairly one-dimensional, as its item and ability are restricted to Red Orb and Desolate Land, though it still carries staggering power despite these limitations.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: V-create
move 2: Shore Up
move 3: Stealth Rock / Bolt Strike
move 4: Anchor Shot / Will-O-Wisp
item: Red Orb
ability: Intimidate / Electric Surge / Download
nature: Impish / Careful
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
V-create deals fatal damage to targets that do not resist it such as Dialga, Mega Audino, and Xerneas, letting Primal Groudon check these threats. Shore Up keeps Primal Groudon's HP high, letting it continually check threatening Pokemon such as Regigigas and Mega Diancie. It has double the PP of Morning Sun, making it preferable for longer games. Stealth Rock is also viable, as Primal Groudon forces many switches, and the move gives it something to do as Prankster Dragon-types such as Giratina and Zygarde-C switch in. Alternatively, Bolt Strike deals heavy damage to Mega Slowbro, Celesteela, Ho-Oh, and other Fire-immune Steel-types like Celesteela. When boosted by Electric Terrain, Bolt Strike is a 2HKO against Mega Slowbro. Anchor Shot traps some defensive switch-ins, such as Primordial Sea Celesteela, Mega Slowbro, and Ho-Oh, preventing them from escaping the followup move. It also threatens to trap Imposter users that are not running Shed Shell, preventing them from safely switching into or staying in against Primal Groudon. Will-O-Wisp deals useful chip damage to common switch-ins such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Slowbro and KOes Sturdy Shedinja. Thousand Arrows may be run instead of Bolt Strike as another strong STAB move that can invalidate Ho-Oh and Celesteela as checks. Primal Groudon can set other entry hazards such as Spikes if your team already has a Stealth Rock setter, but this mandates a Magic Bounce teammate to prevent Imposters from doing the same.
Set Details
========
Intimidate can soften physical blows the first time Primal Groudon comes in, allowing it to be a better check to some physical attackers that might otherwise deal fatal damage to it, such as opposing Primal Groudon. Electric Surge powers up Bolt Strike and prevents Primal Groudon from being put to sleep. Lastly, Download is useful if Primal Groudon gets an Attack raise, but this boost is often removed or stolen by its counters via Haze or Spectral Thief. Red Orb gives Primal Groudon a far more useful defensive typing, higher physical bulk, and greater power behind its attacks. An Impish nature is preferred to bolster Primal Groudon's Defense so it can better take boosted and super effective hits, notably guaranteeing that it survives Regigigas's +1 Facade after Stealth Rock damage and giving it a good chance to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Diancie's Precipice Blades. A Careful nature allows Primal Groudon to handle Mega Diancie's Boomburst better but results in Primal Groudon being 2HKOed by Precipice Blades on the switch.
Usage Tips
========
This Primal Groudon set usually plays as a defensive pivot by forcing switches that its teammates can capitalize on. Early-game, Anchor Shot is a risk-free move to click, as the only common Pokemon that can safely avoid being trapped are Zygarde-C, Giratina, Shed Shell Imposter users, and Flash Fire Aegislash. Giratina is a fairly passive Pokemon and Aegislash cannot risk taking a possible Ground-type attack, but Primal Groudon should scout Imposter users for a possible Shed Shell, which can cause them to deplete Primal Groudon's PP if they successfully trap Primal Groudon. Most other switch-ins can easily be trapped and then removed the next turn with Bolt Strike or have Stealth Rock set up on them as they pivot out. If running Stealth Rock, it is important to scout for Magic Bounce Pokemon by using Will-O-Wisp if Primal Groudon has it or by analyzing how your opponent responds to Primal Groudon. Most teams are forced to switch the same Pokemon into Primal Groudon as it comes in, making your opponent more predictable. You can use this tendency to dictate your opponent's plays, maintain momentum, and wear their team down with entry hazard damage and double switches. Be mindful of the low PP of V-create and Bolt Strike, as after either move is used up, Primal Groudon becomes far easier to switch into for the opponent. If you need Primal Groudon to check a threatening Pokemon such as Mega Diancie, Mega Beedrill, or a Poison Heal user like Regigigas or Xerneas, play more carefully with it and ensure that its HP stays high enough to take them on.
Team Options
========
This set fits on many balance teams thanks to its ability to force predictable switches. Powerful special or mixed wallbreakers, such as Choice Specs Mega Diancie, Ash-Greninja, and Pixilate Mega Mewtwo X can threaten Primal Groudon's common checks such as Shedinja, Zygarde-C, Flash Fire Steel-types, Mega Garchomp, and Giratina, and they appreciate Primal Groudon trapping and KOing their standard defensive answers such as Soundproof Mega Slowbro and Celesteela. Primal Groudon can Imposter-proof Mega Diancie and Ash-Greninja if they do not carry a Ground-type attack, as well as Pixilate Mega Mewtwo X. Setup checks such as Prankster Zygarde-C, Prankster + Haze Registeel, and Choice Scarf Imposter users can give the team a safety net against unexpected setup Pokemon, allowing Primal Groudon to play more defensively against setup-heavy teams. RegenVest Pokemon such as Dialga and Primal Kyogre check special attackers and pivot Primal Groudon in safely with U-turn. Poison Heal users such as Xerneas, Mega Tyranitar, and Regigigas provide an additional layer of protection against status, can remove items such as Shed Shell and Leftovers with Knock Off, and spread their own status to help Primal Groudon, while Primal Groudon can check powerful wallbreakers that might force them out. If Primal Groudon is running Stealth Rock, a Magic Bounce teammate that resists V-create such as Zygarde-C or Giratina can prevent Imposters from setting up Stealth Rock against your team.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: V-create
move 3: Thousand Arrows / Power Trip / Precipice Blades
move 4: Fleur Cannon / Ice Beam
item: Red Orb
ability: Download
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash sets Primal Groudon up to sweep the opposing team and outspeed the entire unboosted metagame. V-create deals enormous damage to targets neutral to it such as Mega Audino and Arceus, and, at +2, it can even land OHKOs on targets that resist it such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Gyarados. However, the Speed- and Defense-lowering effects leave Primal Groudon slightly more vulnerable to revenge killing from Choice Scarf and priority users. Thousand Arrows allows Primal Groudon to hit Flying-types with its STAB Ground-type move and has respectable power at +2. Alternatively, Precipice Blades has a noticeably higher damage output against bulky neutral targets such as Flash Fire Ferrothorn but cannot hit Flying-types, which may allow a daring opponent to more easily pivot around Primal Groudon with immunities. +2 Precipice Blades also is a guaranteed OHKO against both Mega Mewtwo formes, sparing Primal Groudon from having to use V-create on them. Power Trip is another option that hits Mega Slowbro, Giratina, Ho-Oh, Flash Fire Celesteela, and Flash Fire Ferrothorn hard. Fleur Cannon is the best move to complement Fire-type coverage, severely damaging physically defensive Pokemon that can take Thousand Arrows and V-create such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Slowbro. +2 Fleur Cannon has a chance to OHKO non-Assault Vest Giratina after Stealth Rock damage. Ice Beam is viable alongside Power Trip, as it hits Dragon- and Ground-types super effectively, notably OHKOing Zygarde-C at +2 regardless of its set. However, Primal Groudon loses the ability to OHKO Giratina. Core Enforcer can allow Primal Groudon to stay in against Prankster + Haze Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, though Primal Groudon will take severe damage from the opponent's Core Enforcer if it sets up a second time, and its ability will be suppressed, degrading V-create's power. Bonemerang is another niche option that allows Primal Groudon to break through Focus Sash and Substitute users, but it is only marginally more powerful than Thousand Arrows and has lower accuracy.
Set Details
========
It is best to use a Naughty nature so that Primal Groudon's offenses are not degraded. Most priority moves are physical, and Primal Groudon can tank a few of them if it's healthy. Primal Groudon is still able to outspeed base 140 Speed Pokemon, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, after Shell Smash followed by a Speed drop from V-create. Even with a Naughty nature, Primal Groudon is still able to survive special priority moves from full HP. Red Orb is mandatory for Primal Reversion, which increases Primal Groudon's Attack, Defense, and subpar Special Attack. Download gives Primal Groudon a boost to one of its offensive stats, which synergizes well with Shell Smash. +3 Special Attack is enough to OHKO all variants of Giratina with Fleur Cannon except Assault Vest ones, which can still be KOed after Stealth Rock damage. +3 Attack allows Primal Groudon to OHKO non-Fur Coat Giratina with Precipice Blades.
Usage Tips
========
This set operates mainly as a late-game sweeper, but against teams without reliable checks to it, it can be used as a wallbreaker or an emergency check to a physical attacker. It is a good idea to keep Primal Groudon healthy enough to take priority moves such as Fake Out + Extreme Speed from Kyurem-B. Scout for status moves such as Mega Steelix's Glare and Assault Vest users' Poison Fang so that Primal Groudon does not recklessly switch into them and get crippled. Slow pivots are great for scouting for such moves and can get Primal Groudon in safely throughout the game, and Primal Groudon's threatening presence and low list of switch-ins help to maintain momentum. Utilize entry hazard damage and make offensive double switches to wear down Primal Groudon's checks, such as Giratina and Zygarde-C. Several other sorts of checks must be dealt with as well. Prankster users can remove Primal Groudon's boosts, shut it down with Encore, or force an unfavorable trade with Destiny Bond. Focus Sash users with Spectral Thief such as Mega Mewtwo X can stop Primal Groudon's sweep as well and must be worn down before Primal Groudon can sweep.
Once Primal Groudon's checks have been dealt with, pivot Primal Groudon in against something that it forces out, such as a Steel-type, for a free setup turn. Be very wary of Imposter users, because they can easily countersweep or, at best, force a two-for-one trade with your Prankster Destiny Bond user. Try not to reveal Primal Groudon's set to Imposter users before it is ready to set up, as your opponent will then be unsure of what they must preserve to check it. If you have a teammate to Imposter-proof this set, keep it alive to protect yourself from being counterswept by Imposters. Be careful of faster attackers such as priority and Choice Scarf users, which can accumulate significant chip damage on Primal Groudon after its defenses have been lowered with Shell Smash or or V-create. Do not be afraid to switch Primal Groudon out after it sets up and KOes a Pokemon to save it for later, as its bulk, especially physically, is surprisingly good and might allow it to set up again.
Team Options
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This Primal Groudon set functions as a late-game sweeper and cleaner for both offensive and balance teams, as it can easily gain a free turn to set up. Wallbreakers are key to setting the stage for its sweep. Examples include Mega Garchomp and Choice Band Mega Mewtwo X. These Pokemon can chip Primal Groudon's standard checks such as Giratina and Zygarde-C into KO range of Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam, force trades with Prankster users, defeat Sturdy Shedinja with Moongeist Beam or Photon Geyser, and wear down Imposter users that switch in to scout their sets. Imposter-proofing this set depends entirely on the coverage. For example, Shedinja can Imposter-proof all variants and keep up pressure by using U-turn on the Imposter's forced switch. Primordial Sea Celesteela can handle variants with Precipice Blades. Hyper offensive teams may not want to lose momentum switching into an Imposter-proofer, so a Focus Sash user such as Magic Guard Mega Diancie can use Spectral Thief to steal the boosts from an Imposter that copies Primal Groudon and continue sweeping with them. Offensive entry hazard setters like Stealth Rock Mega Diancie, Mold Breaker Spikes Mega Gengar, Spikes Kartana, and Spikes Xerneas can help weaken walls and break Focus Sashes with their hazards. Kartana and Mold Breaker Gengar with Pursuit can threaten Shedinja, one of the most reliable checks to this set. Flash Fire Steel-types like Registeel can switch into -ate users and threaten to trap Imposters that switch into them, both of which are otherwise threatening to Primal Groudon. Another setup sweeper such as Shell Smash Mega Tyranitar, Shell Smash Mega Gengar, or Belly Drum Necrozma-DM can finish sweeping where Primal Groudon leaves off if it is somehow KOed. Since many teams carry just a single Prankster user, trading for it can allow the other sweeper to sweep unhindered. Mega Tyranitar and Necrozma-DM can also weaken walls like Giratina and Zygarde-C early-game so Primal Groudon can KO them later. Bulky entry hazard control Pokemon such as Defog Giratina and Pixilate Rapid Spin Mega Diancie are useful as partners to allow Primal Groudon to survive priority moves. They can also pivot Primal Groudon in with a slow U-turn and absorb status moves aimed at your offensive Pokemon. Giratina can also opt to run Z-Parting Shot to give Primal Groudon a second chance at sweeping. A way to offensively check Mega Mewtwo Y and Mega Gengar is useful, as they heavily damage and outspeed Primal Groudon before it sets up. Choice Scarf Adaptability Mega Gengar and Tough Claws Mega Beedrill check these threats and can use U-turn on predicted switches. Choice Band Adaptability Mega Tyranitar can Pursuit trap Giratina, Mega Gengar, and Mega Mewtwo Y to help Primal Groudon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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More offensive teams can opt for Morning Sun, which has half the PP of Shore Up but heals more HP per use. Knock Off or Poison Fang can be run to cripple common switch-ins such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Slowbro. A Shift Gear set with Thousand Arrows, V-create, and a recovery move can sweep late-game but is forced out by too many threats such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Imposter to be reliable. Primal Groudon can forego Primal Reversion with a Leftovers + Fur Coat set to become a physical wall with an Electric immunity that can trap its Imposter with Thousand Waves. However, while it does not have the 4x Ice-type weakness of Zygarde-C, some common physical attackers like Adaptability Mega Mewtwo X and Refrigerate users still beat it. Mega Swampert can take hits from Kyurem-B better due to its additional Water typing but has lower overall physical bulk.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Dragon-types**: Prankster variants of Giratina and Zygarde-C have enough bulk to take V-create and can use Haze to remove any Shell Smash or Download boosts Primal Groudon has accumulated. Other variants are generally safe switch-ins but can lose to Shell Smash Primal Groudon, especially with entry hazards up. Assault Vest variants of both Dragon-types can take a +2 Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam from full HP and use Spectral Thief to steal Primal Groudon's boosts. Non-Prankster Giratina may not survive +3 Precipice Blades, however.
**Strong Special Attackers**: Several faster special attackers can check unboosted Primal Groudon after it gets a KO. Kyurem-W OHKOes Primal Groudon with Refrigerate Boomburst, regardless of whether or not the former runs a boosting item. Normalize Mega Gengar threatens to render Primal Groudon impotent with Entrainment. Primordial Sea Ash-Greninja forces out Primal Groudon with its Water-type STAB moves.
**Imposter**: Shell Smash Primal Groudon is very vulnerable to Imposter users, and finding a Pokemon that can wall its most effective moveset is difficult. While Imposter users must switch out after discovering Anchor Shot sets or be trapped and PP stalled, if they run Shed Shell, they can easily PP stall Primal Groudon or set up Stealth Rock.
**Ground-types and Ground-type Coverage**: Defensive sets of Primal Groudon should be wary of Mega Garchomp. Mega Garchomp outspeeds Primal Groudon that has not set up and threatens defensive sets out with its Ground-type STAB moves. Its common sets also prove troublesome to many common teammates that Primal Groudon works well alongside, and it can even take a single V-create. Primal Groudon is 2HKOed by Mega Diancie's Precipice Blades without an Impish nature, allowing Mega Diancie to easily PP stall Primal Groudon's recovery move if Precipice Blades doesn't miss. Zygarde-C often runs Thousand Waves and can survive V-create, letting it trap and KO Primal Groudon. Sheer Force Mega Mewtwo Y OHKOes Primal Groudon with Earth Power.
**Sturdy Shedinja**: Sturdy Shedinja walls most of Primal Groudon's attacks, but Primal Groudon can use Will-O-Wisp on it and can often force Stealth Rock up against Shedinja's teammates, making it difficult to switch Shedinja in. Shell Smash sets are usually helpless against Sturdy Shedinja, however.
**Other Prankster Users**: Prankster users such as Registeel and Aegislash can threaten to trade themselves for Shell Smash Primal Groudon with Destiny Bond, but defensive sets can just use these passive walls as opportunities to set up Stealth Rock or use Will-O-Wisp.
**Fire-immune Steel-types**: Flash Fire Steel-types such as Registeel and Ferrothorn can be very annoying to defensive Primal Groudon sets. Given a safe switch, they can recover any damage done to them and proceed to trap Primal Groudon. However, they risk losing to Precipice Blades and Shell Smash variants. Primordial Sea Celesteela works similarly, but it fears Thousand Arrows and Shell Smash-boosted Power Trip.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [SuperSkylake, 323219]
- Quality checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148072], [GL Volkner, 330455], [Chessking345, 355040]]
- Grammar checked by: [[bigtalk, 466663], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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