This Zygarde-C set is very good against defensive teams, which usually include multiple passive Pokemon it can use as setup fodder. Substitute protects Zygarde-C from status moves such as Toxic and Leech Seed, letting it set up on most foes that can't break its Substitute and scouting for the foe prematurely Dynamaxing in an attempt to stop its sweep. Dragon Tail allows Zygarde-C to bypass usual means of counterplay to setup sweepers such as phazing and Defense-boosting moves from Pokemon like Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C. Under Dynamax, Max Quake gives Zygarde-C Special Defense boosts and allows it to comfortably tank even super effective hits like Ice Beam from support Arceus formes. Max Wyrmwind allows Zygarde-C to hit Flying-types when it's Dynamaxed and severely damage or OHKO opposing Zygarde-C, Ditto, and Mega Rayquaza after boosts. 16 HP EVs are used to maximize Leftovers recovery, while 232 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed foes like Eternatus, Mega Gengar, and Adamant Zacian-C at +1. 36 Defense EVs with an Impish nature prevent Zygarde-C's Substitute from being broken by attacks like Ho-Oh's Brave Bird, defensive Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike, and Ferrothorn's Gyro Ball in a single hit. The remaining EVs are put into Attack and greatly improve Zygarde-C's offensive presence, letting it 2HKO support Arceus formes with +2 Max Quake and usually OHKO Zacian-C with +1 Thousand Arrows. This set's EV spread is fairly customizable, and more EVs can be put into Attack, Defense, or Speed if desired at the cost of the other two stats.

Ferrothorn is a great partner for this set, as it can check Primal Kyogre and support Arceus formes that threaten Zygarde-C, and it makes Dragon Tail more threatening thanks to the support it provides through Spikes and Knock Off. Necrozma-DM is also appreciated for its ability to handle Xerneas and Zacian-C, while Ho-Oh is able to handle support Arceus formes. This set shouldn't be used as a switch-in to Ho-Oh or defensive Necrozma-DM, as the lack of Rest means it won't appreciate status from Toxic or Sacred Fire or having its Leftovers removed by Knock Off. Instead, a partner that can absorb status and Knock Off from these foes such as Refresh Arceus-Water, Rest Primal Kyogre, or even defensive Zygarde-C is recommended. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners, as they can trap and remove Zygarde-C's checks such as support Arceus formes and opposing Zygarde-C with Haze; Mega Gengar can also force checkmate situations in which the opponent is forced to use their Dynamax, letting Zygarde-C sweep more easily after it Dynamaxes itself. Zacian-C and Eternatus are non-Dynamax-reliant wallbreakers that have good offensive synergy with Zygarde-C, as they can pressure support Arceus formes, while Zygarde-C can take advantage of foes like Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, and Tyranitar for them.

Defensive Zygarde-C is a premier wall in AG thanks to its ability to check the majority of physical attackers, including Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, Necrozma-DM, Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza, and Zacian-C lacking Play Rough. Rest is important to keep Zygarde-C healthy and remove status ailments such as Toxic poison from Ho-Oh, Primal Groudon, and Necrozma-DM. An anti-setup move is mandatory in order to check sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM properly. Haze lets Zygarde-C check opposing Zygarde-C with Dragon Tail, avoid being setup fodder for special attackers like Geomancy Xerneas, and deal with Baton Pass strategies. Alternatively, Coil makes Zygarde-C more threatening offensively thanks to the Attack boosts it provides, but it makes this set setup fodder for opposing Dragon Dance Zygarde-C. Glare is a good option to cripple sweepers like Dragon Dance Necrozma-DM and annoy offensive checks like Xerneas and Primal Kyogre, preventing them from switching in freely. Dragon Tail in tandem with Coil allows Zygarde-C to set up on Ho-Oh and opposing Zygarde-C if they're slower or lack phazing moves and rack up entry hazard damage. However, it is not acceptable as the only move to deal with setup sweepers because Dynamax blocks phazing. Toxic is another option that pressures bulky foes like Ho-Oh more harshly than Glare, but makes it harder to force out Pokemon like defensive Necrozma-DM. Zygarde-C has good Dynamax potential; Max Quake lets it comfortably take even super effective special attacks such as Ice Beam from support Arceus formes and Moonblast from Xerneas. If running Dragon Tail, Max Wyrmwind lets Zygarde-C hit Flying-types while it's Dynamaxed and also OHKOes or severely dents Mega Rayquaza and opposing Zygarde-C after Coil boosts. 48 Speed EVs allow Zygarde-C to outspeed Zacian-C after paralysis from Glare or, if Dragon Tail is run, uninvested Ho-Oh so that Dragon Tail phazes Ho-Oh before it can phaze Zygarde-C with Whirlwind. Leftovers gives Zygarde-C passive recovery so that it does not need to use Rest as often. Safety Goggles can be used with Haze to safely switch into and remove stat boosts from sleep inducers such as Smeargle and Vivillon.

Zygarde-C fits best on balance and bulky offense teams that appreciate its defensive utility as a status absorber and blanket check to physical attackers. The biggest threats to it are support Arceus formes with Ice Beam and strong special attackers such as Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre; therefore, checks to them like defensive Necrozma-DM, Ho-Oh, and Ferrothorn make for excellent teammates. Ferrothorn can also provide Spikes support to increase the effectiveness of Dragon Tail sets. Zacian-C with Play Rough is a notable physical attacker that Zygarde-C cannot handle, so teammates like defensive Necrozma-DM, Primal Groudon, and Ditto are great for their ability to check or revenge kill it. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle are good partners thanks to their ability to dispose of common checks to Zygarde-C like support Arceus formes and Ho-Oh. Because Zygarde-C is rather passive, wallbreakers like Zacian-C, Xerneas, Yveltal, and Primal Kyogre are good partners to pressure bulky teams. The former two can take advantage of Pokemon that must lock into Outrage to break past Zygarde-C, such as Mega Rayquaza, Ultra Necrozma, and Zekrom; Primal Kyogre appreciates paralysis support from Glare and Zygarde-C's ability to switch into the physical attackers that threaten it.