[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass Wonder Guard
move 1: Stealth Rock / Glare / Taunt / Dark Void
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
ability: Wonder Guard
nature: Quiet
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpA
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most threatening and versatile Wonder Guard user in the metagame thanks to its great defensive and offensive typing, respectable offensive stats, and versatile Speed tier. The first moveslot is extremely customizable, as Xerneas's offensive typing forces out most Magic Bounce users. Stealth Rock provides a way to chip opposing switch-ins, while Glare often nets free turns and can make Shell Smash sweepers more manageable by sharply reducing their Speed. While Recover faces stiff competition from the aforementioned two moves and isn't as easy to justify on Leftovers variants, it is nevertheless an excellent option on Shed Shell sets due to greatly increasing Xerneas's longevity. Taunt prevents Wonder Guard users from phasing Xerneas with Whirlwind and Prankster users from preventing Xerneas from passing Substitutes to teammates; Dark Void generates even more free turns than Glare does, although it's not as accurate and a well-timed Magic Bounce switch in puts Xerneas to sleep instead. Substitute, in tandem with Baton Pass, almost always allows Mold Breaker teammates one extra turn to safely set up, disrupt its check, or heavily damage opposing switch-ins. Baton Pass in itself is also a fantastic option, as Xerneas's offensive presence forces a wide variety of metagame threats out, often generating momentum for its team. Moonblast sets Xerneas apart from most other Wonder Guard users, as it's an amazing STAB option that threatens Giratina, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Mewtwo X lacking coverage for Xerneas, and weakened Mega Latios, allowing Xerneas to force opposing Wonder Guard users in in a wide variety of situations. Leftovers is generally preferred to allow for passive recovery on Xerneas and synergizes well with Substitute; Shed Shell can be run on Recover sets, however, as it prevents Xerneas from being easily removed by offensive Shadow Tag users. The given spread maximizes Xerneas's bulk, as well as Substitute's HP amount, while also forcing Pokemon weak to Fairy-type attacks out, such as Prankster Giratina, Mega Mewtwo X, and Mega Rayquaza; minimum Speed maximizes Baton Pass's effectiveness, as pivoting after the opposing Pokemon moves ensures that the user's switch-in comes in safely.
Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas works best on balance and bulky offense builds with teammates that appreciate being passed a Substitute, as well as defensive teammates that take care of what threatens Xerneas. In particular, the ubiquitous Primal Groudon + Giratina + Wonder Guard Xerneas core works extremely well, as Xerneas can pass Substitutes to Primal Groudon, Primal Groudon forces opposing Giratina in, and Giratina comes in on Huge Power-boosted Poison- and Steel-type attacks while simultaneously Imposter-proofing most Primal Groudon sets. Special Mold Breaker users, especially physically frailer ones like Mega Gengar, Mega Latios, Mega Diancie, and Mega Sceptile, also appreciate Substitute + Baton Pass support from Xerneas. Additionally, Xerneas also fits well on dual Mega Mewtwo X teams, as Mega Mewtwo X dislikes having to risk taking damage from Sucker Punch Mega Gyarados, being chipped by Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, and, on sets lacking Lum Berry, getting burned by Prankster Giratina. Xerneas's most common switch-in in Primal Groudon can be taken advantage of by running defensive checks such as Prankster Giratina or the rare Mega Slowbro, offensive checks like Huge Power Mega Gyarados, or soft-checks that are also good support options like physically defensive Wonder Guard Primal Kyogre. Good revenge-killers to Primal Groudon, such as the aforementioned Mega Gyarados, Imposter Chansey, and Refrigerate Mega Abomasnow, also excel as partners to Xerneas. Mega Gyarados also doubles as a check to the most prevalent Shadow Tag Perish trapper in Lugia. Lastly, No Guard users, which often force opposing Wonder Guard users in, are great partners to Xerneas, as most of the time they provide fodder for Xerneas to use Substitute. Last but not least, Xerneas can be paired with other Xerneas in spam teams if running Recover on the first moveslot, with possible abilities on teammates being Mold Breaker, Huge Power, Pixilate, No Guard, and Prankster.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas is extremely versatile, with many available options for the first moveslot. Shell Smash is a great option, as it sharply increases both offensive stats and Speed which it can then pass to a teammate. If running Shell Smash, an alternative spread of 248 HP / 184 SpA / 76 Spe with a Modest nature ensures that Xerneas outspeeds Deoxys-S lacking Choice Scarf after a Shell Smash. Alternative support for the rest of the team, namely Defog and Aromatherapy, are also decent options. Spikes is a workable option over Stealth Rock, as two of the most prominent Flying-types, Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal, are both weak to Moonblast; Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web provide great support as well, although Mega Gengar or Wonder Guard Poison-types like Skuntank and Drapion can come in and soak up Toxic Spikes without much difficulty. Steam Eruption is workable coverage that allows Xerneas to OHKO Primal Groudon, though it doesn't threaten much apart from Primal Groudon; if running Steam Eruption, an alternative spread of 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe with a Modest nature allows Xerneas to outspeed and OHKO Adamant Primal Groudon. Wish is an option over Recover, taking advantage of Xerneas's large HP stat to heal large portions of teammates' health, but running it makes it more difficult for Xerneas to heal itself safely. King's Shield is a niche option that allows Xerneas to force out Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza, as it is OHKOed by Dragon Ascent with minimal chip otherwise. Spore is usable over Dark Void due to its higher accuracy, but doesn't affect passive Wonder Guard users with Safety Goggles like Primal Kyogre and Cresselia; Safety Goggles is an option on Xerneas if running Spore. Knock Off is a fringe option that potentially removes Leftovers and Lum Berry from Primal Groudon and threatens Plate users like Mega Gengar, Mold Breaker Mega Diancie, and Dialga if Xerneas has a Substitute up. Magic Coat helps to burn Prankster Giratina's Encore PP and bounces back Whirlwinds, but faces stiff competition from Taunt. Gastro Acid can be used on the switch to remove Mold Breaker users' ability, allowing Xerneas a free turn to set up Substitute in most instances. Finally, Mail can be run on Xerneas to prevent Trick users from crippling it, but sets running Mail are generally forced into running Recover in the first moveslot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Primal Groudon**: Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, especially variants running Leftovers, can force Xerneas out with relative ease due to its resistance to Moonblast and offensive presence. However, Xerneas sets running Glare and Dark Void can cripple Primal Groudon sets not running Lum Berry, and rare Steam Eruption sets OHKO it.
**Choice Item Mold Breaker Users**: Choice item Mold Breaker Pokemon, especially ones with extremely powerful STAB moves like Primal Groudon, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Mewtwo Y, are generally powerful enough to force Xerneas out. However, they can usually only come in on slow pivoting, as most Choice item Mold Breaker users must be wary of Xerneas's Moonblast.
**Shadow Tag Users**: Shadow Tag users can trap Xerneas, which primarily runs Leftovers, and eliminate it one way or another. Bulky perish trappers, like Lugia and Arceus, can set up three layers of Spikes and remove Xerneas if pivoted in on when Xerneas uses anything bar Glare, Dark Void, or Baton Pass. Offensive Shadow Tag users, most notable among them Mega Mewtwo X, can KO Xerneas with coverage moves like Gunk Shot, Gear Grind, or Sludge Wave. However, Shadow Tag users require pivoting to get in safely against sets running Glare or Dark Void, and often only secures a KO against Xerneas users that play carelessly. Xerneas variants running Shed Shell are much more resistant to Shadow Tag users, and require considerable support to threaten.
**Trick Users**: Trick users, especially Pokemon that Xerneas ordinarily comes in on like No Guard users, Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill, and rare Choice item Wonder Guard users, can severely hinder Xerneas's ability to support its team by giving it a detrimental item. Choice items virtually force Xerneas into using Baton Pass, due to losing momentum if using any other move, and Black Sludge effectively puts it on a timer. However, rare Mail variants are immune to Trick.
**Whirlwind Wonder Guard Users**: Wonder Guard users running Whirlwind, such as Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Cresselia, can force Xerneas out and disrupt its ability to pass Substitutes to teammates. However, Xerneas can somewhat circumvent this if it is running Glare, as it can pass Substitutes if the foe is fully paralyzed for one turn.
**Magic Bounce Users Not Weak To Moonblast**: While fairly rare, Magic Bounce users that resist Moonblast, such as Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, can prevent most Xerneas sets from supporting its team through any means other than passing a Substitute. However, these Magic Bounce users are generally setup bait for Xerneas sets running Shell Smash unless they run Perish Song.
**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Three of the best Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers are Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, and virtually every single Shell Smash set runs coverage for Fairy-type Wonder Guard users like Xerneas and Mega Audino. However, in a 1v1 scenario, Xerneas variants with Glare can survive a hit and cripple the opposing Wonder Guard Shell Smash user with paralysis.
**Unfavorable Matchup**: If the Xerneas user gets an unfavorable matchup against opposing Huge Power, Protean, or rare Parental Bond users, careful play must be accomplished to bring either Prankster Giratina or a powerful revenge killer, such as Sucker Punch Mega Gyarados, in and force the offensive Pokemon out. While rare, No Guard sets fishing for coverage, if granted a favorable matchup, require extremely offensive play by revenge killers and Mold Breaker users to have a chance at winning before the opponent does.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455], [BahamutLagoon, 506113]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass Wonder Guard
move 1: Stealth Rock / Glare / Taunt / Dark Void
move 2: Substitute
move 3: Moonblast
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Leftovers / Shed Shell
ability: Wonder Guard
nature: Quiet
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpA
ivs: 0 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most threatening and versatile Wonder Guard user in the metagame thanks to its great defensive and offensive typing, respectable offensive stats, and versatile Speed tier. The first moveslot is extremely customizable, as Xerneas's offensive typing forces out most Magic Bounce users. Stealth Rock provides a way to chip opposing switch-ins, while Glare often nets free turns and can make Shell Smash sweepers more manageable by sharply reducing their Speed. While Recover faces stiff competition from the aforementioned two moves and isn't as easy to justify on Leftovers variants, it is nevertheless an excellent option on Shed Shell sets due to greatly increasing Xerneas's longevity. Taunt prevents Wonder Guard users from phasing Xerneas with Whirlwind and Prankster users from preventing Xerneas from passing Substitutes to teammates; Dark Void generates even more free turns than Glare does, although it's not as accurate and a well-timed Magic Bounce switch in puts Xerneas to sleep instead. Substitute, in tandem with Baton Pass, almost always allows Mold Breaker teammates one extra turn to safely set up, disrupt its check, or heavily damage opposing switch-ins. Baton Pass in itself is also a fantastic option, as Xerneas's offensive presence forces a wide variety of metagame threats out, often generating momentum for its team. Moonblast sets Xerneas apart from most other Wonder Guard users, as it's an amazing STAB option that threatens Giratina, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Mewtwo X lacking coverage for Xerneas, and weakened Mega Latios, allowing Xerneas to force opposing Wonder Guard users in in a wide variety of situations. Leftovers is generally preferred to allow for passive recovery on Xerneas and synergizes well with Substitute; Shed Shell can be run on Recover sets, however, as it prevents Xerneas from being easily removed by offensive Shadow Tag users. The given spread maximizes Xerneas's bulk, as well as Substitute's HP amount, while also forcing Pokemon weak to Fairy-type attacks out, such as Prankster Giratina, Mega Mewtwo X, and Mega Rayquaza; minimum Speed maximizes Baton Pass's effectiveness, as pivoting after the opposing Pokemon moves ensures that the user's switch-in comes in safely.
Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas works best on balance and bulky offense builds with teammates that appreciate being passed a Substitute, as well as defensive teammates that take care of what threatens Xerneas. In particular, the ubiquitous Primal Groudon + Giratina + Wonder Guard Xerneas core works extremely well, as Xerneas can pass Substitutes to Primal Groudon, Primal Groudon forces opposing Giratina in, and Giratina comes in on Huge Power-boosted Poison- and Steel-type attacks while simultaneously Imposter-proofing most Primal Groudon sets. Special Mold Breaker users, especially physically frailer ones like Mega Gengar, Mega Latios, Mega Diancie, and Mega Sceptile, also appreciate Substitute + Baton Pass support from Xerneas. Additionally, Xerneas also fits well on dual Mega Mewtwo X teams, as Mega Mewtwo X dislikes having to risk taking damage from Sucker Punch Mega Gyarados, being chipped by Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, and, on sets lacking Lum Berry, getting burned by Prankster Giratina. Xerneas's most common switch-in in Primal Groudon can be taken advantage of by running defensive checks such as Prankster Giratina or the rare Mega Slowbro, offensive checks like Huge Power Mega Gyarados, or soft-checks that are also good support options like physically defensive Wonder Guard Primal Kyogre. Good revenge-killers to Primal Groudon, such as the aforementioned Mega Gyarados, Imposter Chansey, and Refrigerate Mega Abomasnow, also excel as partners to Xerneas. Mega Gyarados also doubles as a check to the most prevalent Shadow Tag Perish trapper in Lugia. Lastly, No Guard users, which often force opposing Wonder Guard users in, are great partners to Xerneas, as most of the time they provide fodder for Xerneas to use Substitute. Last but not least, Xerneas can be paired with other Xerneas in spam teams if running Recover on the first moveslot, with possible abilities on teammates being Mold Breaker, Huge Power, Pixilate, No Guard, and Prankster.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas is extremely versatile, with many available options for the first moveslot. Shell Smash is a great option, as it sharply increases both offensive stats and Speed which it can then pass to a teammate. If running Shell Smash, an alternative spread of 248 HP / 184 SpA / 76 Spe with a Modest nature ensures that Xerneas outspeeds Deoxys-S lacking Choice Scarf after a Shell Smash. Alternative support for the rest of the team, namely Defog and Aromatherapy, are also decent options. Spikes is a workable option over Stealth Rock, as two of the most prominent Flying-types, Mega Rayquaza and Yveltal, are both weak to Moonblast; Toxic Spikes and Sticky Web provide great support as well, although Mega Gengar or Wonder Guard Poison-types like Skuntank and Drapion can come in and soak up Toxic Spikes without much difficulty. Steam Eruption is workable coverage that allows Xerneas to OHKO Primal Groudon, though it doesn't threaten much apart from Primal Groudon; if running Steam Eruption, an alternative spread of 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe with a Modest nature allows Xerneas to outspeed and OHKO Adamant Primal Groudon. Wish is an option over Recover, taking advantage of Xerneas's large HP stat to heal large portions of teammates' health, but running it makes it more difficult for Xerneas to heal itself safely. King's Shield is a niche option that allows Xerneas to force out Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza, as it is OHKOed by Dragon Ascent with minimal chip otherwise. Spore is usable over Dark Void due to its higher accuracy, but doesn't affect passive Wonder Guard users with Safety Goggles like Primal Kyogre and Cresselia; Safety Goggles is an option on Xerneas if running Spore. Knock Off is a fringe option that potentially removes Leftovers and Lum Berry from Primal Groudon and threatens Plate users like Mega Gengar, Mold Breaker Mega Diancie, and Dialga if Xerneas has a Substitute up. Magic Coat helps to burn Prankster Giratina's Encore PP and bounces back Whirlwinds, but faces stiff competition from Taunt. Gastro Acid can be used on the switch to remove Mold Breaker users' ability, allowing Xerneas a free turn to set up Substitute in most instances. Finally, Mail can be run on Xerneas to prevent Trick users from crippling it, but sets running Mail are generally forced into running Recover in the first moveslot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Primal Groudon**: Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, especially variants running Leftovers, can force Xerneas out with relative ease due to its resistance to Moonblast and offensive presence. However, Xerneas sets running Glare and Dark Void can cripple Primal Groudon sets not running Lum Berry, and rare Steam Eruption sets OHKO it.
**Choice Item Mold Breaker Users**: Choice item Mold Breaker Pokemon, especially ones with extremely powerful STAB moves like Primal Groudon, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Mewtwo Y, are generally powerful enough to force Xerneas out. However, they can usually only come in on slow pivoting, as most Choice item Mold Breaker users must be wary of Xerneas's Moonblast.
**Shadow Tag Users**: Shadow Tag users can trap Xerneas, which primarily runs Leftovers, and eliminate it one way or another. Bulky perish trappers, like Lugia and Arceus, can set up three layers of Spikes and remove Xerneas if pivoted in on when Xerneas uses anything bar Glare, Dark Void, or Baton Pass. Offensive Shadow Tag users, most notable among them Mega Mewtwo X, can KO Xerneas with coverage moves like Gunk Shot, Gear Grind, or Sludge Wave. However, Shadow Tag users require pivoting to get in safely against sets running Glare or Dark Void, and often only secures a KO against Xerneas users that play carelessly. Xerneas variants running Shed Shell are much more resistant to Shadow Tag users, and require considerable support to threaten.
**Trick Users**: Trick users, especially Pokemon that Xerneas ordinarily comes in on like No Guard users, Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill, and rare Choice item Wonder Guard users, can severely hinder Xerneas's ability to support its team by giving it a detrimental item. Choice items virtually force Xerneas into using Baton Pass, due to losing momentum if using any other move, and Black Sludge effectively puts it on a timer. However, rare Mail variants are immune to Trick.
**Whirlwind Wonder Guard Users**: Wonder Guard users running Whirlwind, such as Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Cresselia, can force Xerneas out and disrupt its ability to pass Substitutes to teammates. However, Xerneas can somewhat circumvent this if it is running Glare, as it can pass Substitutes if the foe is fully paralyzed for one turn.
**Magic Bounce Users Not Weak To Moonblast**: While fairly rare, Magic Bounce users that resist Moonblast, such as Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, can prevent most Xerneas sets from supporting its team through any means other than passing a Substitute. However, these Magic Bounce users are generally setup bait for Xerneas sets running Shell Smash unless they run Perish Song.
**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Three of the best Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers are Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, and virtually every single Shell Smash set runs coverage for Fairy-type Wonder Guard users like Xerneas and Mega Audino. However, in a 1v1 scenario, Xerneas variants with Glare can survive a hit and cripple the opposing Wonder Guard Shell Smash user with paralysis.
**Unfavorable Matchup**: If the Xerneas user gets an unfavorable matchup against opposing Huge Power, Protean, or rare Parental Bond users, careful play must be accomplished to bring either Prankster Giratina or a powerful revenge killer, such as Sucker Punch Mega Gyarados, in and force the offensive Pokemon out. While rare, No Guard sets fishing for coverage, if granted a favorable matchup, require extremely offensive play by revenge killers and Mold Breaker users to have a chance at winning before the opponent does.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455], [BahamutLagoon, 506113]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
Last edited:
