Ubers The Dawg (Zacian-C) [GP 0/1]

Insolence

Insolence

:pmd/zacian-crowned:
[OVERVIEW]

An absurd Speed stat, ability, and typing make Zacian-C one of the premier physical threats in the Ubers metagame. After a single Swords Dance, it threatens OHKOs or 2HKOs on even the tier's premier walls like Ho-Oh, Arceus-Fairy, and Necrozma-DM while its ability Intrepid Sword is active. It outspeeds nearly the entire unboosted metagame, making it a fantastic revenge killer, late-game sweeper, and cleaner. Its Steel / Fairy typing allows it to resist Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus, pivot into Dragon-type moves from Koraidon, and resist Calm Mind-boosted attacks from Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Flying. While it is extremely powerful, Zacian-C is reliant on its ability to give it the power needed to break through most threats, limiting its defensive utility until it is ready to wallbreak or sweep. It also struggles to raise its Speed, leaving it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed by Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Koraidon and Kyogre.

[SET]

Ultimutt (Zacian-Crowned) @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
Tera Type: Fighting / Flying / Electric / Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Behemoth Blade / Play Rough
- Close Combat / Crunch
- Wild Charge

[SET COMMENTS]

Wild Charge allows Zacian-C to break through Flying- and Water-types that would otherwise resist its attacks, such as Ho-Oh, defensive Kyogre, and Arceus-Water. Close Combat is a strong option to damage Necrozma-DM, as it 2HKOs 2HKOing when boosted by Tera Fighting. It also allows Zacian-C to OHKO Arceus and Kingambit while dealing heavy damage to any Pokemon that uses Tera Fire to resist its STAB moves, notably Tera Fire Koraidon. Crunch can be run as a coverage option to damage Lunala, Skeledirge, and Necrozma-DM. Tera Flying allows Zacian-C to ignore Ground-type attacks from Landorus-T, Arceus-Ground, and Groudon, giving it a free turn to set up. Tera Electric can be used to avoid paralysis from support Arceus and boost Wild Charge damage if Zacian-C is unboosted or has lost the Intrepid Sword boost. On a set with Crunch, it can prevent Imposter Ditto from turning the tables on it. Tera Fire grants resistance to Koraidon's Flare Blitz and opposing Zacian-C's Behemoth Blade, as well as preventing burns from Sacred Fire and Will-O-Wisp.

Zacian-C's Fairy typing allows it to prevent opposing Scale Shot Koraidon from boosting its Speed, denying setup for one of the most dangerous sweepers in the metagame. Ribombee is a fantastic partner for Zacian-C, as its Sticky Web provide much-needed speed control, allowing it to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf Koraidon and Kyogre as well as preventing Speed ties in the mirror matchup. Zacian-C's main roadblocks are physical walls like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM, so it appreciates the support of strong special threats like Kyogre, Lunala, Arceus-Flying, and Arceus-Ghost, which help break them down. Physical sweepers such as Scale Shot Koraidon, Necrozma-DM, Kingambit, and Extreme Killer Arceus benefit greatly from Zacian-C forcing foes to Terastallize and weakening enemy walls. On bulkier teams, sturdy defensive options like Ho-Oh and Arceus-Water can status opposing Pokemon, while Choice Scarf Koraidon provides additional speed control. Entry hazards from Deoxys-S, Landorus-T, Ting-Lu, and Glimmora wear down foes, allowing Zacian-C to revenge kill or sweep.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Thanks to its phenomenal base typing, Zacian-C can pick and choose its Tera type to best cover the needs of the team, allowing it to fill a variety of roles:

- Tera Steel allows Zacian-C to muscle through its checks like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM with pure power. This frees up move slots so it can run Substitute or Trailblaze. It also gives Behemoth Blade a high chance to OHKO opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, and Rayquaza.

- Tera Dark boosts Crunch's damage output, allowing it to OHKO Lunala through Shadow Shield and 2HKO Necrozma-DM and Skeledirge. It also grants an immunity to Psychic-type attacks, such as Photon Geyser and Psystrike, and allows Zacian-C to resist Ghost-type attacks from Lunala, Giratina-O, and Flutter Mane.

- Tera Stellar allows Zacian-C to boost all its coverage with one Tera type, allowing it to break through its checks without changing its fantastic defensive profile. With the Intrepid Sword boost, Tera Stellar Behemoth Blade has a high chance of OHKOing an opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, or Rayquaza. Tera Stellar Wild Charge OHKOes defensive Kyogre. A +1 Behemoth Blade into a Tera Stellar Wild Charge has a high chance of 2HKOing Ho-Oh and guarantees the KO if the Behemoth Blade is also Tera Stellar-boosted. +3 Tera Stellar Close Combat OHKOes offensive Necrozma-DM, though dual STAB moves are typically run with Tera Stellar because they receive a larger boost.

Substitute can be run over an attacking move, sacrificing coverage for the ability to dodge status and safely set up. It is particularly efficient against Sticky Web teams that do not run Choice Scarf Ribombee. However, giving up a coverage move greatly hurts Zacian-C's ability to break through walls like Ho-Oh, requiring team support.

Checks and Counters
====

**Landorus-T:** Intimidate allows Landorus-T to negate the Intrepid Sword attack boost. It is immune to Wild Charge, resists Close Combat, and threatens Zacian-C back with a super effective Earthquake, which is guaranteed to KO after a round of Rocky Helmet chip damage.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon:** Zacian-C cannot boost its Speed, so Choice Scarf Koraidon outspeeds it and threatens an OHKO with Flare Blitz or Tera Fighting Low Kick. Similar to Koraidon, Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds and OHKOes with Water Spout, though it cannot safely switch into Zacian-C.

**Necrozma-DM:** Necrozma-DM resists both of Zacian-C's STAB moves, allowing it to check it. However, offensive sets are OHKOed by +3 Tera Fighting Close Combat, and defensive sets faint to a +3 Behemoth Blade into Close Combat while struggling to KO Zacian-C back. It is commonly paired with priority or another check like Gliscor to help deal with a boosted Zacian-C. Iron Defense + Stored Power sets wall all variants of Zacian-C that do not carry Sacred Sword but struggle to make progress in return.

**Ho-Oh:** Once Intrepid Sword has been spent, Zacian-C cannot break through Ho-Oh, allowing it to pivot in and check Zacian-C. However, Ho-Oh cannot blindly switch in while the Intrepid Sword boost is active due to the threat of Wild Charge.

**Dondozo:** Unaware allows Dondozo to comfortably wall every Zacian-C set. However, it is too passive to fit on non-stall teams, and can easily be exploited by Zacian-C's teammates.

**Skeledirge:** Like Dondozo, Unaware lets Skeledirge ignore Intrepid Sword's attack boost. This allows it to comfortably switch into Zacian-C and prevent it from making any progress against bulkier teams.

**Gliscor:** Defensive Gliscor can use its bulk to survive any Intrepid Sword-boosted attack and threatens Zacian-C back with Earthquake.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/insolence.668571/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/manaphy.50695/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lana.374620/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
[/COPYEDIT]
 
Last edited:
An absurd Speed, ability, and typing make Zacian-C one of the premier physical threats in the Ubers metagame. After a single Swords Dance, it threatens OHKOs or 2HKOs on even the tier's premier walls like Ho-Oh, defensive Arceus, or Necrozma-DM.
This is unclear, specify which Arceus formes

Also you should specify that these calcs are with Intrepid Sword up

It outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame except Deoxys-A and Deoxys-S, making it a fantastic late game sweeper and cleaner. Its fantastic Steel/Fairy typing
I'm not GP but man you should change the fantastic usage here

Also I'd make the point that Zacian-C's high speed makes it a pretty good revenge killer as well

Its fantastic Steel/Fairy typing allows it to ignore Dragon- and Poison-type moves and effects, such as Koraidon's Scale Shot, Eternatus' Sludge Bomb, or Toxic Spikes, and it resists priority moves from Extreme Killer Arceus and Kingambit as well as Fairy-type attacks from Arceus-Fairy and Flutter Mane.
Talking about Steel/Fairy being an amazing defensive typing is definitely good but these examples just feel too specific/random? Instead I would specify what mons Zacian-C is actually useful in checking; it handles Extreme Killer Arceus very well and the Fairy immunity gives you pivoting options against Koraidon. It's also quite good vs CM Arceus sets
While extremely powerful, Zacian-C is extremely reliant
Repetitive again
While extremely powerful, Zacian-C is extremely reliant on its ability Intrepid Sword to give it the power needed to break through most threats
This is a good point; specify that it limits Zacian-C's utility, as you are incentivized to not bring it out until it can break/sweep, which limits it's defensive uses.
Its reliance on moves such as Close Combat and Wild Charge to break past its checks also leave it vulnerable to priority users such as Extreme Killer Arceus.
This is a bad point and I would remove it entirely

Zacian-C is a S/A+ tier pokemon so I would personally hype it up a bit more towards the end

Crunch can be run as a coverage option to damage Lunala, and 2HKO offensive Necrozma-DM.
Mention Skeledirge here; I'm highly concerned that Skeledirge has not been mentioned in this analysis at all

FYI Crunch also does the same amount of damage to Necrozma-DM as CC does without the drawbacks, and you can fish for defense drops with it
Zacian-C is a staple on Hyper Offense teams, where its speed makes it a very threatening sweeper, especially against offense; and Bulky Offense teams, which leverage its wallbreaking power and incredible speed to force progress. While not common, it can also fit on more balanced teams, serving as a dangerous revenge killer which can also threaten a sweep.
Zacian-C is absolutely common on balance teams, it's basically good on any team structure outside of stall, I would reword and shorten this section or get rid of it entirely
Physically defensive Pokemon such as Ho-Oh and Necrozma-DM are troublesome to break through without expending Interpid Sword, so it enjoys being paired with strong special attackers such as Eternatus, Lunala, Kyogre, Arceus-Flying, or Arceus-Ghost, who can take advantage of them.
Uhhh what dude? Special attackers are a good option to take on... Ho-Oh?
In return, Zacian-C easily deals with special walls like Ting-Lu and can revenge kill opposing Calm Mind Kyogre or Arceus formes.
Not really?? Zacian-C really does not enjoy coming in on Ting-Lu...

I see where you're going with these sections but you need to heavily rethink here. Zacian-C's main checks are Lando-T and NDM so talk about pokemon that can switch into them as well as pokemon that can help break them down.

Physical sweepers such as Scale Shot Koraidon, Necrozma-DM, Kingambit, and Extreme Killer Arceus benefit greatly from Zacian-C forcing opponents to Terastallize and weakening enemy walls, paving the way for them to run away with the game. On bulkier teams, it is frequently paired with sturdy defensive options like Ho-Oh and Arceus-Water to status opposing Pokemon, as well as Choice Scarf Koraidon for additional speed control. It also greatly appreciates the support of hazard setters like Deoxys-S, Landorus-T, Ting-Lu, or Glimmora, whose hazards wear down opponents, allowing Zacian-C to revenge kill or sweep.
This part here is not too bad but it's very wordy, you can shorten this up a lot
Tera Steel boosts Behemoth Blade, leading to a high chance to OHKO opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, and Rayquaza. It also lets Behemoth Blade 2HKO Landorus-T after Intimidate. Defensively, it resists opposing Zacian's Behemoth Blade while not giving up resistance to Extreme Speed.
Actually the biggest point for Tera Steel is that it allows Zacian-C to muscle through its checks like NDM with pure power, letting you be able to drop CC/Crunch for Substitute or Trailblaze

Somewhere in the other options section you should mention Adamant nature; you lose out on speed against Korai/Zacian-C but if you're not concerned about that you do get some nice damage calcs
Once Zacian-C has Terastallized, it also helps with the Sucker Punch mindgame against Kingambit or Chien-Pao.
Remove

Checks and Counters
====

**Landorus-T:** Intimidate allows Landorus-T to negate the Intrepid Sword attack boost. It is immune to Wild Charge, resists Close Combat, and threatens Zacian-C back with a super effective earthquake, which is guaranteed to KO after a round of Rocky Helmet chip.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon:** Zacian-C cannot boost its speed, so Choice Scarf Koraidon outspeeds it and threatens an OHKO with Flare Blitz or Tera Fighting Low Kick. Similar to Koraidon, Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds and OHKOs with Water Spout, though it cannot safely switch into Zacian-C.

**Ho-Oh:** Once Intrepid Sword has been spent, Zacian-C cannot break through Ho-Oh, allowing it to pivot in and check Zacian-C. However, Ho-Oh cannot blindly switch in while the Intrepid Sword boost is active due to the threat of Wild Charge.

**Dondozo:** Unaware lets Dondozo ignore Intrepid Sword's attack boost, allowing it to comfortably wall every Zacian-C set. However, it is too passive to fit on non-stall teams, and can easily be exploited by Zacian-C's teammates.

**Necrozma-DM:** Necrozma-DM resists both of Zacian-C's STABs, allowing it to check the dog. However, offensive sets are OHKOed by +3 Tera Fighting Close Combat, and defensive sets faint to a +3 Behemoth Blade into Close Combat, while struggling to KO Zacian-C back. Iron Defense Stored Power sets wall all variants of Zacian-C that do not carry Sacred Sword, but struggle to make progress in return.
WHERE IS SKELEDIRGE??

Also, you have Necrozma-DM way too low, it should be #3 under Landorus-T and Skeledirge. While it's not as common of a way to deal with Zacian nowadays, it's still one of the best checks to it in the tier; just specify that you need an additional check or priority to help deal with Zacian-C should it be boosted up (especially with Webs up). Typically Balance teams will use something like Defensive DD NDM + Defensive Gliscor, while Offensive NDM's main role on offensive teams is being able to prevent Zacian-C from going wild in a pinch.

Also you should mention Defensive Gliscor here somewhere, obviously it's not as good of a check as Landorus-T is but it can get the job done usually.

This needs a lot of work IMO so I'm going to save the 1/2 until I see the changes.
 
Manaphy said:
An absurd Speed, ability, and typing make Zacian-C one of the premier physical threats in the Ubers metagame. After a single Swords Dance, it threatens OHKOs or 2HKOs on even the tier's premier walls like Ho-Oh, defensive Arceus, or Necrozma-DM.
This is unclear, specify which Arceus formes

Also you should specify that these calcs are with Intrepid Sword up

It outspeeds the entire unboosted metagame except Deoxys-A and Deoxys-S, making it a fantastic late game sweeper and cleaner. Its fantastic Steel/Fairy typing
I'm not GP but man you should change the fantastic usage here

Also I'd make the point that Zacian-C's high speed makes it a pretty good revenge killer as well

Its fantastic Steel/Fairy typing allows it to ignore Dragon- and Poison-type moves and effects, such as Koraidon's Scale Shot, Eternatus' Sludge Bomb, or Toxic Spikes, and it resists priority moves from Extreme Killer Arceus and Kingambit as well as Fairy-type attacks from Arceus-Fairy and Flutter Mane.
Talking about Steel/Fairy being an amazing defensive typing is definitely good but these examples just feel too specific/random? Instead I would specify what mons Zacian-C is actually useful in checking; it handles Extreme Killer Arceus very well and the Fairy immunity gives you pivoting options against Koraidon. It's also quite good vs CM Arceus sets
While extremely powerful, Zacian-C is extremely reliant
Repetitive again
While extremely powerful, Zacian-C is extremely reliant on its ability Intrepid Sword to give it the power needed to break through most threats
This is a good point; specify that it limits Zacian-C's utility, as you are incentivized to not bring it out until it can break/sweep, which limits it's defensive uses.
Its reliance on moves such as Close Combat and Wild Charge to break past its checks also leave it vulnerable to priority users such as Extreme Killer Arceus.
This is a bad point and I would remove it entirely

Zacian-C is a S/A+ tier pokemon so I would personally hype it up a bit more towards the end

Crunch can be run as a coverage option to damage Lunala, and 2HKO offensive Necrozma-DM.
Mention Skeledirge here; I'm highly concerned that Skeledirge has not been mentioned in this analysis at all

FYI Crunch also does the same amount of damage to Necrozma-DM as CC does without the drawbacks, and you can fish for defense drops with it
Zacian-C is a staple on Hyper Offense teams, where its speed makes it a very threatening sweeper, especially against offense; and Bulky Offense teams, which leverage its wallbreaking power and incredible speed to force progress. While not common, it can also fit on more balanced teams, serving as a dangerous revenge killer which can also threaten a sweep.
Zacian-C is absolutely common on balance teams, it's basically good on any team structure outside of stall, I would reword and shorten this section or get rid of it entirely
Physically defensive Pokemon such as Ho-Oh and Necrozma-DM are troublesome to break through without expending Interpid Sword, so it enjoys being paired with strong special attackers such as Eternatus, Lunala, Kyogre, Arceus-Flying, or Arceus-Ghost, who can take advantage of them.
Uhhh what dude? Special attackers are a good option to take on... Ho-Oh?
In return, Zacian-C easily deals with special walls like Ting-Lu and can revenge kill opposing Calm Mind Kyogre or Arceus formes.
Not really?? Zacian-C really does not enjoy coming in on Ting-Lu...

I see where you're going with these sections but you need to heavily rethink here. Zacian-C's main checks are Lando-T and NDM so talk about pokemon that can switch into them as well as pokemon that can help break them down.

Physical sweepers such as Scale Shot Koraidon, Necrozma-DM, Kingambit, and Extreme Killer Arceus benefit greatly from Zacian-C forcing opponents to Terastallize and weakening enemy walls, paving the way for them to run away with the game. On bulkier teams, it is frequently paired with sturdy defensive options like Ho-Oh and Arceus-Water to status opposing Pokemon, as well as Choice Scarf Koraidon for additional speed control. It also greatly appreciates the support of hazard setters like Deoxys-S, Landorus-T, Ting-Lu, or Glimmora, whose hazards wear down opponents, allowing Zacian-C to revenge kill or sweep.
This part here is not too bad but it's very wordy, you can shorten this up a lot
Tera Steel boosts Behemoth Blade, leading to a high chance to OHKO opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, and Rayquaza. It also lets Behemoth Blade 2HKO Landorus-T after Intimidate. Defensively, it resists opposing Zacian's Behemoth Blade while not giving up resistance to Extreme Speed.
Actually the biggest point for Tera Steel is that it allows Zacian-C to muscle through its checks like NDM with pure power, letting you be able to drop CC/Crunch for Substitute or Trailblaze

Somewhere in the other options section you should mention Adamant nature; you lose out on speed against Korai/Zacian-C but if you're not concerned about that you do get some nice damage calcs
Once Zacian-C has Terastallized, it also helps with the Sucker Punch mindgame against Kingambit or Chien-Pao.
Remove

Checks and Counters
====

**Landorus-T:** Intimidate allows Landorus-T to negate the Intrepid Sword attack boost. It is immune to Wild Charge, resists Close Combat, and threatens Zacian-C back with a super effective earthquake, which is guaranteed to KO after a round of Rocky Helmet chip.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon:** Zacian-C cannot boost its speed, so Choice Scarf Koraidon outspeeds it and threatens an OHKO with Flare Blitz or Tera Fighting Low Kick. Similar to Koraidon, Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds and OHKOs with Water Spout, though it cannot safely switch into Zacian-C.

**Ho-Oh:** Once Intrepid Sword has been spent, Zacian-C cannot break through Ho-Oh, allowing it to pivot in and check Zacian-C. However, Ho-Oh cannot blindly switch in while the Intrepid Sword boost is active due to the threat of Wild Charge.

**Dondozo:** Unaware lets Dondozo ignore Intrepid Sword's attack boost, allowing it to comfortably wall every Zacian-C set. However, it is too passive to fit on non-stall teams, and can easily be exploited by Zacian-C's teammates.

**Necrozma-DM:** Necrozma-DM resists both of Zacian-C's STABs, allowing it to check the dog. However, offensive sets are OHKOed by +3 Tera Fighting Close Combat, and defensive sets faint to a +3 Behemoth Blade into Close Combat, while struggling to KO Zacian-C back. Iron Defense Stored Power sets wall all variants of Zacian-C that do not carry Sacred Sword, but struggle to make progress in return.
WHERE IS SKELEDIRGE??

Also, you have Necrozma-DM way too low, it should be #3 under Landorus-T and Skeledirge. While it's not as common of a way to deal with Zacian nowadays, it's still one of the best checks to it in the tier; just specify that you need an additional check or priority to help deal with Zacian-C should it be boosted up (especially with Webs up). Typically Balance teams will use something like Defensive DD NDM + Defensive Gliscor, while Offensive NDM's main role on offensive teams is being able to prevent Zacian-C from going wild in a pinch.

Also you should mention Defensive Gliscor here somewhere, obviously it's not as good of a check as Landorus-T is but it can get the job done usually.

This needs a lot of work IMO so I'm going to save the 1/2 until I see the changes.
Click to expand...

Thanks for taking the time to review. I've implemented all requested changes.

I didn't mention Skeledirge initially (as well as other options like Chilling Water Alo and Ditto) due to low usage. Was not sure what the cutoff was (I don't think it's even Ubers by usage anymore) and most stall teams have just replaced it with Dozo, so I figured I'd play it safe and not mention it. Have re-added to all the relevant parts of the analysis.

Let me know if there's anything else you need adjusted.
 
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

An absurd Speed, ability, and typing make Zacian-C one of the premier physical threats in the Ubers metagame. After a single Swords Dance, it threatens OHKOs or 2HKOs on even the tier's premier walls like Ho-Oh, Arceus-Fairy, or Necrozma-DM while its ability Intrepid Sword is active. It outspeeds nearly the entire unboosted metagame except Deoxys-A and Deoxys-S, making it a fantastic revenge killer, late game sweeper and cleaner. Its Steel/Fairy typing allows it to check resist Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus, pivot into Dragon-type moves from Koraidon, and resist Calm Mind boosted attacks from Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Flying.

While extremely powerful, Zacian-C is reliant on its ability Intrepid Sword to give it the power needed to break through most threats, limiting its defensive utility until it is ready to break or sweep. It also struggles to raise its own speed, leaving it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed by Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Koraidon or Kyogre. Their prevalence is in no small part due to how dangerous Zacian-C is, given its ability to end games if given even a single turn. It is a defining part of the tier, (add comma) and all teams must be prepared for it.

[SET]

Ultimutt (Zacian-Crowned) @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
Tera Type: Fighting / Flying / Electric / Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Behemoth Blade / Play Rough
- Close Combat / Crunch
- Wild Charge

[SET COMMENTS]

Wild Charge allows Zacian-C to break through Flying- and Water-types that would otherwise resist its attacks, such as Ho-Oh, defensive Kyogre, and Arceus-Water. Close Combat is a strong option to damage Necrozma-DM, as it 2HKOs when boosted by Tera Fighting. It also allows Zacian-C to OHKO Arceus, Kingambit, and deal heavy neutral damage to any Pokemon that uses Tera Fire to resist its STABs notably Tera Fire Koraidon. Crunch can be run as a coverage option to damage Lunala, Skeledirge, and Necrozma-DM. Tera Flying allows Zacian-C to ignore ground type attacks from Landorus-T, Arceus-Ground, and Groudon, giving it a free turn to set up. Tera Electric can be used to avoid paralysis from Support Arceus and boost Wild Charge damage if Zacian is unboosted or has lost Intrepid Sword boost. On a set with Crunch it can also self improof itself vs Ditto. Tera Fire grants resistance to Koraidon's Flare Blitz and opposing Zacian-C's Behemoth Blade, as well as preventing burns from Sacred Fire and Will-O-Wisp.

Zacian-C's Fairy typing allows it to prevent opposing Scale Shot Koraidon from boosting its speed, denying one of the most dangerous sweepers in the metagame. Ribombee is a fantastic partner for Zacian-C, as its sticky webs provide much needed speed control, allowing it to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf Koraidon and Kyogre, as well as preventing speed ties in the mirror matchup. Zacian-C's main roadblocks are physical walls like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM, so it appreciates the support of strong special threats like Kyogre, Lunala, Arceus-Flying, or Arceus-Ghost, who help break them down. Physical sweepers such as Scale Shot Koraidon, Necrozma-DM, Kingambit, and Extreme Killer Arceus benefit greatly from Zacian-C forcing opponents to Terastallize and weakening enemy walls. On bulkier teams, sturdy defensive options like Ho-Oh and Arceus-Water can status opposing Pokemon, while Choice Scarf Koraidon provides additional speed control. Hazards from Deoxys-S, Landorus-T, Ting-Lu, or Glimmora wear down opponents, allowing Zacian-C to revenge kill or sweep. I dont have anything to add here.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Thanks to its phenomenal base typing, Zacian-C can pick and choose its Tera Type to best cover the needs of the team, allowing it to cover:

- Tera Steel allows Zacian-C to muscle through its checks like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM with pure power. This frees up move slots so it can run Substitute or Trailblaze. It also gives Behemoth Blade a high chance to OHKO opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, and Rayquaza.

- Tera Electric gives Zacian-C a chance to OHKO defensive Ho-Oh with a Wild Charge at +1, and guarantees that a +1 Close Combat + Wild Charge knocks out a fully defensive Arceus-Water. It resists opposing Zacian-C's Behemoth Blade and Necrozma-DM's Sunsteel Strike. I moved this to main options

- Tera Dark boosts Crunch's damage output, allowing it to OHKO Lunala through Shadow Shield and 2HKO Necrozma-DM / Skeledirge. It grants immunity to psychic attacks, such as Photon Geyser or Psystrike, and allows Zacian-C to resist Ghost type attacks from Lunala, Giratina-O, and Flutter Mane.

- Tera Stellar allows Zacian-C to boost all its coverage with one Tera, allowing it to break through its checks without changing its fantastic defensive profile. With the Intrepid Sword boost, Tera Stellar Behemoth Blade has a high chance of OHKOing an opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon or Rayquaza. Tera Stellar Wild Charge OHKOs defensive Kyogre. A +1 Behemoth Blade into a Tera Stellar Wild Charge has a high chance of 2HKOing Ho-Oh, and guarantees the knockout if the Behemoth Blade is also stellar boosted. +3 Tera Stellar Close Combat OHKOs offensive Necrozma-DM, though dual STAB moves are typically run with Tera Stellar due to them receiving a larger boost.

Substitute can be run over an attacking move, sacrificing coverage for the ability to dodge status conditions and safely set up. It is particularly efficient against sticky web teams that do not run Choice Scarf Ribombee. However, giving up a coverage slot greatly hurts your ability to break through walls like Ho-Oh, requiring team support.

Adamant nature makes Zacian-C's attacks hit much harder. However, the lack of speed makes you slower than opposing Jolly Koraidon or Zacian-C. This is most definitely not viable :p

Checks and Counters
====

**Landorus-T:** Intimidate allows Landorus-T to negate the Intrepid Sword attack boost. It is immune to Wild Charge, resists Close Combat, and threatens Zacian-C back with a super effective earthquake, which is guaranteed to KO after a round of Rocky Helmet chip.

**Skeledirge:** Unaware lets Skeledirge ignore Intrepid Sword's attack boost. This allows it to comfortably switch into Zacian-C and prevent it from making any progress against bulkier teams. Put this below Dondozo

**Necrozma-DM:** Necrozma-DM resists both of Zacian-C's STABs, allowing it to check the dog. However, offensive sets are OHKOed by +3 Tera Fighting Close Combat, and defensive sets faint to a +3 Behemoth Blade into Close Combat, while struggling to KO Zacian-C back. It is commonly paired with priority or another check like Gliscor to help deal with a boosted Zacian-C. Iron Defense Stored Power sets wall all variants of Zacian-C that do not carry Sacred Sword, but struggle to make progress in return.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon:** Zacian-C cannot boost its speed, so Choice Scarf Koraidon outspeeds it and threatens an OHKO with Flare Blitz or Tera Fighting Low Kick. Similar to Koraidon, Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds and OHKOs with Water Spout, though it cannot safely switch into Zacian-C. put this below Landorus-T

**Ho-Oh:** Once Intrepid Sword has been spent, Zacian-C cannot break through Ho-Oh, allowing it to pivot in and check Zacian-C. However, Ho-Oh cannot blindly switch in while the Intrepid Sword boost is active due to the threat of Wild Charge.

**Dondozo:** Like Skeledirge, Unaware allows Dondozo to comfortably wall every Zacian-C set. However, it is too passive to fit on non-stall teams, and can easily be exploited by Zacian-C's teammates.

**Gliscor:** Defensive Gliscor can use its bulk to survive any Intrepid Sword-boosted attack, and threaten Zacian-C back with Earthquake.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
[your profile link] remember to update this
Quality checked by:
[QC checker 1's profile link] remember to update this
[QC checker 2's profile link] remember to update this
Grammar checked by:
[GP checker's profile link]
2/2
 
:pmd/zacian-crowned:

add remove comment

[OVERVIEW]

An absurd Speed stat, ability, and typing make Zacian-C one of the premier physical threats in the Ubers metagame. After a single Swords Dance, it threatens OHKOs or 2HKOs on even the tier's premier walls like Ho-Oh, Arceus-Fairy, or and Necrozma-DM while its ability Intrepid Sword is active. It outspeeds nearly the entire unboosted metagame, making it a fantastic revenge killer, late game late-game sweeper, (AC) and cleaner. Its Steel / Fairy (add spaces) typing allows it to resist Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus, pivot into Dragon-type moves from Koraidon, and resist Calm Mind boosted Mind-boosted attacks from Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Flying. (Joining the two paragraphs together) While it is extremely powerful, Zacian-C is reliant on its ability Intrepid Sword to give it the power needed to break through most threats, limiting its defensive utility until it is ready to break wallbreak or sweep. It also struggles to raise its Speed, leaving it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed by Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Koraidon or and Kyogre. Their prevalence is in no small part due to how dangerous Zacian-C is, given its ability to end games if given even a single turn. It is a defining part of the tier, and all teams must be prepared for it. (RP) (Fluff.)

[SET]

Ultimutt (Zacian-Crowned) @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
Tera Type: Fighting / Flying / Electric / Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Behemoth Blade / Play Rough
- Close Combat / Crunch
- Wild Charge

[SET COMMENTS]

Wild Charge allows Zacian-C to break through Flying- and Water-types that would otherwise resist its attacks, such as Ho-Oh, defensive Kyogre, and Arceus-Water. Close Combat is a strong option to damage Necrozma-DM, as it 2HKOs 2HKOing when boosted by Tera Fighting. It also allows Zacian-C to OHKO Arceus, (RC) and Kingambit, (RC) and deal while dealing heavy neutral damage to any Pokemon that uses Tera Fire to resist its STABs STAB moves, notably Tera Fire Koraidon. Crunch can be run as a coverage option to damage Lunala, Skeledirge, and Necrozma-DM. Tera Flying allows Zacian-C to ignore ground type Ground-type attacks from Landorus-T, Arceus-Ground, and Groudon, giving it a free turn to set up. Tera Electric can be used to avoid paralysis from support Arceus and boost Wild Charge damage if Zacian Zacian-C is unboosted or has lost the Intrepid Sword boost. On a set with Crunch, (AC) it can also improof itself vs Ditto prevent Imposter Ditto from turning the tables on it. Tera Fire grants resistance to Koraidon's Flare Blitz and opposing Zacian-C's Behemoth Blade, as well as preventing burns from Sacred Fire and Will-O-Wisp.

Zacian-C's Fairy typing allows it to prevent opposing Scale Shot Koraidon from boosting its Speed, denying setup for one of the most dangerous sweepers in the metagame. Ribombee is a fantastic partner for Zacian-C, as its Sticky webs Web provide much needed much-needed speed control, allowing it to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf Koraidon and Kyogre, (RC) as well as preventing Speed ties in the mirror matchup. Zacian-C's main roadblocks are physical walls like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM, so it appreciates the support of strong special threats like Kyogre, Lunala, Arceus-Flying, or and Arceus-Ghost, who which help break them down. Physical sweepers such as Scale Shot Koraidon, Necrozma-DM, Kingambit, and Extreme Killer Arceus benefit greatly from Zacian-C forcing opponents foes to Terastallize and weakening enemy walls. On bulkier teams, sturdy defensive options like Ho-Oh and Arceus-Water can status opposing Pokemon, while Choice Scarf Koraidon provides additional speed control. Hazards Entry hazards from Deoxys-S, Landorus-T, Ting-Lu, or and Glimmora wear down opponents foes, allowing Zacian-C to revenge kill or sweep.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Thanks to its phenomenal base typing, Zacian-C can pick and choose its Tera type to best cover the needs of the team, allowing it to fill a variety of roles:

- Tera Steel allows Zacian-C to muscle through its checks like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM with pure power. This frees up move slots so it can run Substitute or Trailblaze. It also gives Behemoth Blade a high chance to OHKO opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, and Rayquaza.

- Tera Dark boosts Crunch's damage output, allowing it to OHKO Lunala through Shadow Shield and 2HKO Necrozma-DM / and Skeledirge. It also grants an immunity to psychic Psychic-type attacks, such as Photon Geyser or and Psystrike, and allows Zacian-C to resist Ghost type Ghost-type attacks from Lunala, Giratina-O, and Flutter Mane.

- Tera Stellar allows Zacian-C to boost all its coverage with one Tera type, allowing it to break through its checks without changing its fantastic defensive profile. With the Intrepid Sword boost, Tera Stellar Behemoth Blade has a high chance of OHKOing an opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, (AC) or Rayquaza. Tera Stellar Wild Charge OHKOs OHKOes defensive Kyogre. A +1 Behemoth Blade into a Tera Stellar Wild Charge has a high chance of 2HKOing Ho-Oh, (RC) and guarantees the knockout KO if the Behemoth Blade is also stellar boosted Tera Stellar-boosted. +3 Tera Stellar Close Combat OHKOs OHKOes offensive Necrozma-DM, though dual STAB moves are typically run with Tera Stellar due to them receiving because they receive a larger boost.

Substitute can be run over an attacking move, sacrificing coverage for the ability to dodge status conditions and safely set up. It is particularly efficient against Sticky Web teams that do not run Choice Scarf Ribombee. However, giving up a coverage slot move greatly hurts your Zacian-C's ability to break through walls like Ho-Oh, requiring team support.

Checks and Counters
====

**Landorus-T:** Intimidate allows Landorus-T to negate the Intrepid Sword attack boost. It is immune to Wild Charge, resists Close Combat, and threatens Zacian-C back with a super effective Earthquake, which is guaranteed to KO after a round of Rocky Helmet chip damage.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon:** Zacian-C cannot boost its Speed, so Choice Scarf Koraidon outspeeds it and threatens an OHKO with Flare Blitz or Tera Fighting Low Kick. Similar to Koraidon, Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds and OHKOs OHKOes with Water Spout, though it cannot safely switch into Zacian-C.

**Necrozma-DM:** Necrozma-DM resists both of Zacian-C's STABs STAB moves, allowing it to check the dog it. However, offensive sets are OHKOed by +3 Tera Fighting Close Combat, and defensive sets faint to a +3 Behemoth Blade into Close Combat, (RC) while struggling to KO Zacian-C back. It is commonly paired with priority or another check like Gliscor to help deal with a boosted Zacian-C. Iron Defense + Stored Power sets wall all variants of Zacian-C that do not carry Sacred Sword, (RC) but struggle to make progress in return.

**Ho-Oh:** Once Intrepid Sword has been spent, Zacian-C cannot break through Ho-Oh, allowing it to pivot in and check Zacian-C. However, Ho-Oh cannot blindly switch in while the Intrepid Sword boost is active due to the threat of Wild Charge.

**Dondozo:** Unaware allows Dondozo to comfortably wall every Zacian-C set. However, it is too passive to fit on non-stall teams, (RC) and can easily be exploited by Zacian-C's teammates.

**Skeledirge:** Like Dondozo, Unaware lets Skeledirge ignore Intrepid Sword's attack boost. This allows it to comfortably switch into Zacian-C and prevent it from making any progress against bulkier teams.

**Gliscor:** Defensive Gliscor can use its bulk to survive any Intrepid Sword-boosted attack, (RC) and threaten threatens Zacian-C back with Earthquake.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/insolence.668571/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/manaphy.50695/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lana.374620/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/

GP Team done
 
Tbolt said:
:pmd/zacian-crowned:

add remove comment

[OVERVIEW]

An absurd Speed stat, ability, and typing make Zacian-C one of the premier physical threats in the Ubers metagame. After a single Swords Dance, it threatens OHKOs or 2HKOs on even the tier's premier walls like Ho-Oh, Arceus-Fairy, or and Necrozma-DM while its ability Intrepid Sword is active. It outspeeds nearly the entire unboosted metagame, making it a fantastic revenge killer, late game late-game sweeper, (AC) and cleaner. Its Steel / Fairy (add spaces) typing allows it to resist Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus, pivot into Dragon-type moves from Koraidon, and resist Calm Mind boosted Mind-boosted attacks from Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Flying. (Joining the two paragraphs together) While it is extremely powerful, Zacian-C is reliant on its ability Intrepid Sword to give it the power needed to break through most threats, limiting its defensive utility until it is ready to break wallbreak or sweep. It also struggles to raise its Speed, leaving it extremely vulnerable to being revenge killed by Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Koraidon or and Kyogre. Their prevalence is in no small part due to how dangerous Zacian-C is, given its ability to end games if given even a single turn. It is a defining part of the tier, and all teams must be prepared for it. (RP) (Fluff.)

[SET]

Ultimutt (Zacian-Crowned) @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
Tera Type: Fighting / Flying / Electric / Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Behemoth Blade / Play Rough
- Close Combat / Crunch
- Wild Charge

[SET COMMENTS]

Wild Charge allows Zacian-C to break through Flying- and Water-types that would otherwise resist its attacks, such as Ho-Oh, defensive Kyogre, and Arceus-Water. Close Combat is a strong option to damage Necrozma-DM, as it 2HKOs 2HKOing when boosted by Tera Fighting. It also allows Zacian-C to OHKO Arceus, (RC) and Kingambit, (RC) and deal while dealing heavy neutral damage to any Pokemon that uses Tera Fire to resist its STABs STAB moves, notably Tera Fire Koraidon. Crunch can be run as a coverage option to damage Lunala, Skeledirge, and Necrozma-DM. Tera Flying allows Zacian-C to ignore ground type Ground-type attacks from Landorus-T, Arceus-Ground, and Groudon, giving it a free turn to set up. Tera Electric can be used to avoid paralysis from support Arceus and boost Wild Charge damage if Zacian Zacian-C is unboosted or has lost the Intrepid Sword boost. On a set with Crunch, (AC) it can also improof itself vs Ditto prevent Imposter Ditto from turning the tables on it. Tera Fire grants resistance to Koraidon's Flare Blitz and opposing Zacian-C's Behemoth Blade, as well as preventing burns from Sacred Fire and Will-O-Wisp.

Zacian-C's Fairy typing allows it to prevent opposing Scale Shot Koraidon from boosting its Speed, denying setup for one of the most dangerous sweepers in the metagame. Ribombee is a fantastic partner for Zacian-C, as its Sticky webs Web provide much needed much-needed speed control, allowing it to outspeed opposing Choice Scarf Koraidon and Kyogre, (RC) as well as preventing Speed ties in the mirror matchup. Zacian-C's main roadblocks are physical walls like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM, so it appreciates the support of strong special threats like Kyogre, Lunala, Arceus-Flying, or and Arceus-Ghost, who which help break them down. Physical sweepers such as Scale Shot Koraidon, Necrozma-DM, Kingambit, and Extreme Killer Arceus benefit greatly from Zacian-C forcing opponents foes to Terastallize and weakening enemy walls. On bulkier teams, sturdy defensive options like Ho-Oh and Arceus-Water can status opposing Pokemon, while Choice Scarf Koraidon provides additional speed control. Hazards Entry hazards from Deoxys-S, Landorus-T, Ting-Lu, or and Glimmora wear down opponents foes, allowing Zacian-C to revenge kill or sweep.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====

Thanks to its phenomenal base typing, Zacian-C can pick and choose its Tera type to best cover the needs of the team, allowing it to fill a variety of roles:

- Tera Steel allows Zacian-C to muscle through its checks like Landorus-T and Necrozma-DM with pure power. This frees up move slots so it can run Substitute or Trailblaze. It also gives Behemoth Blade a high chance to OHKO opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, and Rayquaza.

- Tera Dark boosts Crunch's damage output, allowing it to OHKO Lunala through Shadow Shield and 2HKO Necrozma-DM / and Skeledirge. It also grants an immunity to psychic Psychic-type attacks, such as Photon Geyser or and Psystrike, and allows Zacian-C to resist Ghost type Ghost-type attacks from Lunala, Giratina-O, and Flutter Mane.

- Tera Stellar allows Zacian-C to boost all its coverage with one Tera type, allowing it to break through its checks without changing its fantastic defensive profile. With the Intrepid Sword boost, Tera Stellar Behemoth Blade has a high chance of OHKOing an opposing Zacian-C, Koraidon, (AC) or Rayquaza. Tera Stellar Wild Charge OHKOs OHKOes defensive Kyogre. A +1 Behemoth Blade into a Tera Stellar Wild Charge has a high chance of 2HKOing Ho-Oh, (RC) and guarantees the knockout KO if the Behemoth Blade is also stellar boosted Tera Stellar-boosted. +3 Tera Stellar Close Combat OHKOs OHKOes offensive Necrozma-DM, though dual STAB moves are typically run with Tera Stellar due to them receiving because they receive a larger boost.

Substitute can be run over an attacking move, sacrificing coverage for the ability to dodge status conditions and safely set up. It is particularly efficient against Sticky Web teams that do not run Choice Scarf Ribombee. However, giving up a coverage slot move greatly hurts your Zacian-C's ability to break through walls like Ho-Oh, requiring team support.

Checks and Counters
====

**Landorus-T:** Intimidate allows Landorus-T to negate the Intrepid Sword attack boost. It is immune to Wild Charge, resists Close Combat, and threatens Zacian-C back with a super effective Earthquake, which is guaranteed to KO after a round of Rocky Helmet chip damage.

**Choice Scarf Pokemon:** Zacian-C cannot boost its Speed, so Choice Scarf Koraidon outspeeds it and threatens an OHKO with Flare Blitz or Tera Fighting Low Kick. Similar to Koraidon, Choice Scarf Kyogre outspeeds and OHKOs OHKOes with Water Spout, though it cannot safely switch into Zacian-C.

**Necrozma-DM:** Necrozma-DM resists both of Zacian-C's STABs STAB moves, allowing it to check the dog it. However, offensive sets are OHKOed by +3 Tera Fighting Close Combat, and defensive sets faint to a +3 Behemoth Blade into Close Combat, (RC) while struggling to KO Zacian-C back. It is commonly paired with priority or another check like Gliscor to help deal with a boosted Zacian-C. Iron Defense + Stored Power sets wall all variants of Zacian-C that do not carry Sacred Sword, (RC) but struggle to make progress in return.

**Ho-Oh:** Once Intrepid Sword has been spent, Zacian-C cannot break through Ho-Oh, allowing it to pivot in and check Zacian-C. However, Ho-Oh cannot blindly switch in while the Intrepid Sword boost is active due to the threat of Wild Charge.

**Dondozo:** Unaware allows Dondozo to comfortably wall every Zacian-C set. However, it is too passive to fit on non-stall teams, (RC) and can easily be exploited by Zacian-C's teammates.

**Skeledirge:** Like Dondozo, Unaware lets Skeledirge ignore Intrepid Sword's attack boost. This allows it to comfortably switch into Zacian-C and prevent it from making any progress against bulkier teams.

**Gliscor:** Defensive Gliscor can use its bulk to survive any Intrepid Sword-boosted attack, (RC) and threaten threatens Zacian-C back with Earthquake.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/insolence.668571/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/manaphy.50695/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/lana.374620/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/

GP Team done
Click to expand...

Implemented. Please let me know if I missed anything.
 
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