[OVERVIEW]
Arceus-Rock's typing and good stats make it a premier check to the tier's Flying-types, including Mega Rayquaza variants that are Choice-locked or lack Earthquake, Yveltal, Ho-Oh, and Vivillon. It's notably one of the few Stealth Rock setters and Calm Mind Arceus formes that can beat Ho-Oh. Arceus-Rock differentiates itself from Tyranitar, the other relevant Rock-type in Anything Goes, with its high Speed, access to instant recovery, and support options like Will-O-Wisp, which allow it to reliably handle mixed variants of Mega Rayquaza. Rock also isn't awful as a standalone attacking type, hitting many of Arceus-Rock's offensive checks like Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre for neutral damage. However, Arceus-Rock's typing leaves it with numerous weaknesses to common offensive types. As a result, common Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Necrozma-DM, and Marshadow can easily force it out, and Pokemon like Mega Rayquaza can elect to run coverage moves in order to get past it. Tyranitar competes heavily with Arceus-Rock for its defensive niche. The former can also check Mega Rayquaza, and its secondary Dark typing and access to Pursuit give it an edge against threats like Mega Gengar. Tyranitar also has the ability to hold items like Shuca Berry, which lets it check Earthquake variants of Mega Rayquaza, whereas Arceus-Rock has a restricted item slot. Arceus-Rock tends to give away momentum rather easily, as there will always be a number of Pokemon that wall it depending on its set. Such Pokemon include support Arceus formes it it lacks Toxic or Calm Mind + Refresh, Steel-types if it lacks Fire Blast, and Zygarde-C if it lacks Ice Beam. As a Calm Mind user, Arceus-Rock is usually outclassed by other Pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy, Arceus-Ground, and Ultra Necrozma, which have better defensive typings that give them an easier time setting up.
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Judgment
move 2: Recover
move 3: Will-O-Wisp
move 4: Stealth Rock / Perish Song / Roar
item: Stone Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Judgment allows Arceus-Rock to threaten Yveltal and Ho-Oh, OHKOing the former after Stealth Rock damage and the latter from full health. It also hits some of Arceus-Rock's switch-ins, like Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, for decent chip damage. Recover keeps Arceus-Rock healthy throughout the game, letting it consistently check the Pokemon it needs to. Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers like Necrozma-DM and Marshadow that would otherwise happily switch into Arceus-Rock and allows it to beat Mega Rayquaza more consistently. Stealth Rock allows Arceus-Rock to take advantage of the switches it forces. While Arceus-Rock has a favorable matchup against some Defoggers like Ho-Oh and Yveltal, support Arceus formes with Toxic are very common Defoggers that can beat it. Perish Song enables Arceus-Rock to deal with Baton Pass strategies and puts other setup sweepers like Extreme Killer Arceus, Calm Mind Arceus formes, and Vivillon on a timer. Roar phazes these setup sweepers more quickly and may also catch Gothitelle off guard. However, the next time it manages to trap Arceus-Rock, Gothitelle can just use Taunt to prevent Arceus-Rock from using Roar. Toxic can be run over Stealth Rock or Will-O-Wisp to hit Pokemon such as Primal Groudon and support Arceus formes. However, forgoing Will-O-Wisp makes Arceus-Rock complete bait for Steel-types.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment improves Arceus-Rock's bulk, letting it serve as a solid defensive check to the likes of Ho-Oh and certain Mega Rayquaza variants. Maximum Speed investment is essential to outspeed Mega Rayquaza so that Arceus-Rock can use Recover or Will-O-Wisp before the latter attacks. Arceus-Rock also appreciates Speed tying with other Arceus formes. 4 Special Defense EVs ensure that Arceus-Rock avoids the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Yveltal's Dark Pulse after Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Use Recover frequently to keep Arceus-Rock healthy. For example, Arceus-Rock should generally use Recover after it switches into Dragon Ascent from mixed variants of Mega Rayquaza, as otherwise it will be unable to switch in safely the next time. Keep in mind that some Pokemon Arceus-Rock is supposed to check may run coverage moves to hit it. For example, Mega Rayquaza can easily overwhelm it with Earthquake, Surf, or Choice Band-boosted Outrage, while Choice Scarf Ho-Oh can 2HKO it with Earthquake after Stealth Rock damage. Arceus-Rock should avoid Toxic at all costs from Pokemon like support Arceus formes and from foes it's supposed to check like Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Mega Rayquaza at all costs, as poison status will greatly hinder its ability to check the threats it's supposed to. Depending on the matchup, it may not be too necessary to utilize prediction with Arceus-Rock. Many of its offensive checks like Primal Groudon take neutral damage from Judgment, and others such as Necrozma-DM and Marshadow are severely crippled by burns or lack reliable recovery. Therefore, Arceus-Rock can simply use Judgment in order to attack what's in front of it and use Will-O-Wisp if the opponent opts to switch to a slower physical attacker. Keep in mind, however, that it will be forced out by faster threats like Marshadow and Ultra Necrozma if it doesn't use Will-O-Wisp as they switch in. Stealth Rock can be used as a form of insurance against Defoggers that Arceus-Rock fails to threaten, like support Arceus formes. After using Stealth Rock, you can switch to an offensive threat like Mega Rayquaza or Necrozma-DM, forcing the opponent to choose between using Defog and giving you a free switch and punishing your switch and not removing your entry hazards. Revealing Arceus-Rock's typing as late as possible can be beneficial, since the opponent won't realize there's a downside to using moves like Dragon Ascent with Mega Rayquaza.
Team Options
========
Support Arceus-Rock fits on balanced and bulky offense teams that want security against Flying-types like Mega Rayquaza. Note that it should be incorporated into teams that need it, rather than built around. Mega Rayquaza covers many of Arceus-Rock's weaknesses in Ground, Fighting, and Water. It also can be a decent pivot into Pokemon like Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre and puts a lot of pressure on defensive Pokemon such as support Arceus formes and Steel-types that wall Arceus-Rock. Alternatively, Mega Sableye can check Marshadow and Ultra Necrozma for Arceus-Rock and bounce back entry hazards and status from passive Steel-types like Ferrothorn and support Necrozma-DM. Ho-Oh covers Arceus-Rock's Ground, Fighting, and Steel weaknesses, making it a natural partner. It can easily switch into Calm Mind Arceus-Ground and Arceus-Steel, two of the biggest offensive threats to Arceus-Rock, and check Primal Groudon, Marshadow, and most support Arceus formes as well. Celesteela and Skarmory have fantastic defensive synergy with Arceus-Rock. Arceus-Rock can deal with Fire-types like Ho-Oh that trouble them, while they cover its Ground- and Steel-type weaknesses. Celesteela can deal with Calm Mind Arceus-Ground and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel, as well as other Arceus formes that annoy Arceus-Rock, while Skarmory provides Spikes support and can reliably deal with support and Swords Dance variants of Arceus-Ground and Necrozma-DM. Either of them in tandem with Arceus-Rock can collectively wall Mega Rayquaza with accurate prediction, as they can handle Earthquake variants and take Choice Band-boosted Outrage, while Arceus-Rock can deal with V-create variants. Primal Groudon pressures many of Arceus-Rock's checks, including Primal Kyogre and Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, and appreciates Arceus-Rock's ability to switch in to Ho-Oh and Yveltal. Running Stealth Rock on Arceus-Rock also frees up Primal Groudon to run a more offensive set. Ferrothorn can stack entry hazards alongside Arceus-Rock, as it can force out most support Arceus formes while Arceus-Rock can beat Ho-Oh. It provides a strong check to Primal Kyogre for Arceus-Rock and greatly appreciates Arceus-Rock's ability to deal with Ho-Oh. Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas can deal with Marshadow and Zygarde-C for Arceus-Rock, and they appreciate it wearing down a shared check in Primal Groudon and crippling Steel-types with Will-O-Wisp. Once Necrozma-DM has been burned, Arceus-Fairy can potentially sweep with a Calm Mind + Refresh set. Various other support Arceus formes pair well with Arceus-Rock. Arceus-Ground can check Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Steel-types for Arceus-Rock, and it appreciates Arceus-Rock's ability to deal with Ho-Oh. Arceus-Water can also take on these attackers and serve as a pivot into Primal Kyogre. Arceus-Poison provides a Toxic immunity and can take on Marshadow thanks to its Fighting-type resistance. Mega Gengar and Gothitelle can be good partners, as they can trap and dispose of common checks to Arceus-Rock including support Arceus formes and passive Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Celesteela. Once these checks have been removed, Arceus-Rock will be able to wear down the opposing team more easily with the combination of Will-O-Wisp and Judgment and keep its Stealth Rock up if the opponent's Defogger has been eliminated.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Refresh
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Judgment
move 3: Refresh
move 4: Recover
item: Stone Plate
ability: Multitype
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind lets Arceus-Rock slowly overwhelm foes like support Arceus formes and makes it harder to revenge kill for special attackers. Judgment works well as the sole attacking move for this set due to its good neutral coverage; the only common defensive Pokemon that resist it are Steel-types, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C. Refresh allows Arceus-Rock to consistently switch into and set up on Pokemon like Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and support Arceus formes that cannot punish it outside of status. Recover extends Arceus-Rock's longevity and allows it to set up on most foes that can't 2HKO it.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP investment improves Arceus-Rock's bulk so that, in addition to its role of a sweeper, it can serve as a solid defensive check to Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Mega Rayquaza. Maximum Speed investment is essential to outspeed Mega Rayquaza so that Arceus-Rock can use Recover before the latter can attack. Arceus-Rock also appreciates Speed tying with other Arceus formes. 4 Special Defense EVs ensure that Arceus-Rock avoids the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Yveltal's Dark Pulse after Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Arceus-Rock is best used to sweep late-game once its offensive and defensive checks have been removed. It can also be used early- to mid-game to check Pokemon like Ho-Oh and Mega Rayquaza and to absorb status moves. Be aware that some Pokemon Arceus-Rock is supposed to check often run coverage moves to hit it. For example, Mega Rayquaza can muscle past it with Earthquake, Surf, or Choice Band-boosted Outrage, while Ho-Oh can hit it with Earthquake. Be wary of handing over free turns to defensive Pokemon early-game. For example, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn can switch into this set with impunity and proceed to set entry hazards or, in Ferrothorn's case, annoy Arceus-Rock's teammates with Leech Seed. It may be necessary to play aggressively and make double switches to teammates that can threaten these Pokemon. Don't attempt to sweep if faster revenge killers like Marshadow and Ultra Necrozma are still alive. Instead, Arceus-Rock should spam Judgment or use Calm Mind only as necessary to break through the threat it's currently facing. Revealing Arceus-Rock's typing as late as possible can be beneficial, since the opponent won't realize there's a downside to using moves like Dragon Ascent with Mega Rayquaza and may be more willing to let checks such as Necrozma-DM get weakened.
Team Options
========
This set fits on balanced and bulky offense teams looking for a late-game sweeper that can also provide some security against Flying-types like Mega Rayquaza and act as a status absorber. Mixed variants of Mega Rayquaza can shred through Steel-types and Zygarde-C, allowing Arceus-Rock to sweep much more easily. Alternatively, Mega Sableye can check Marshadow and Ultra Necrozma for Arceus-Rock and bounce back entry hazards from passive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and support Necrozma-DM. Ho-Oh is an excellent defensive partner because it covers Arceus-Rock's Ground-, Steel-, and Fighting-type weaknesses and can shut down passive Steel-types that attempt to take advantage of it. Celesteela and Skarmory have fantastic defensive synergy with Arceus-Rock; Arceus-Rock can deal with Fire-types like Ho-Oh that trouble them, while they cover its Ground- and Steel-type weaknesses. Celesteela can deal with Calm Mind Arceus-Ground and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel, as well as other Arceus formes that annoy Arceus-Rock, while Skarmory provides Spikes support and can reliably deal with support and Swords Dance variants of Arceus-Ground and Necrozma-DM. Either of them in tandem with Arceus-Rock can collectively wall Mega Rayquaza with accurate prediction, as Skarmory and Celesteela can handle Earthquake variants and take Choice Band-boosted Outrage, while Arceus-Rock can deal with V-create variants. Primal Groudon pressures many of Arceus-Rock's checks, including Primal Kyogre and Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and appreciates Arceus-Rock's ability to switch in to Ho-Oh and Yveltal. Ferrothorn provides a strong check to Primal Kyogre and provides Spikes support to facilitate Arceus-Rock's sweep. It greatly appreciates Arceus-Rock's ability to reliably deal with Ho-Oh. Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas can deal with Marshadow and Zygarde-C for Arceus-Rock, and they appreciate it wearing down a shared check in Primal Groudon. Arceus-Fairy can also lure in support Necrozma-DM and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp, allowing this set to use it as setup fodder. Various other support Arceus formes pair well with Arceus-Rock. Arceus-Ground can check Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, and Steel-types for Arceus-Rock, and it appreciates Arceus-Rock's ability to deal with Ho-Oh. Arceus-Water can also take on these attackers and serve as a pivot into Primal Kyogre.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Defog is an option over Stealth Rock on the support set if your team desperately needs it. However, Arceus-Rock loses to most entry hazard setters including Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and support Arceus formes, so it's a subpar option. Fire Blast and Ice Beam can be used to hit Steel-types and Zygarde-C, respectively, which otherwise fear little from Arceus-Rock besides Will-O-Wisp.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**: Ground-types resist Arceus-Rock's Judgment and threaten it with their super effective STAB moves. Support Arceus-Ground can use Defog as Arceus-Rock is forced out, while Calm Mind variants can use Arceus-Rock as setup fodder; Swords Dance Arceus-Ground doesn't like being burned, but once safely in, it can use Substitute to dodge Will-O-Wisp. Defensive Zygarde-C can use Rest to shrug off burns, letting it completely shut down Arceus-Rock. Primal Groudon can easily OHKO Arceus-Rock with Precipice Blades, and support variants are usually able to avoid the 3HKO from Judgment and recover their health with Rest. However, Arceus-Rock can cripple Zygarde-C lacking Rest with Will-O-Wisp, and Primal Groudon is a shakier switch-in to Arceus-Rock due to its lack of resistance to Judgment.
**Steel-types**: Arceus-Steel, Necrozma-DM, Ferrothorn, and Magearna can usually wall Arceus-Rock with impunity thanks to their solid bulk and resistance to Judgment. However, Necrozma-DM and Ferrothorn are greatly annoyed by Will-O-Wisp.
**Primal Kyogre**: Primal Kyogre's massive special bulk lets it easily switch into Arceus-Rock when healthy, and it can either OHKO Arceus-Rock with Origin Pulse or use the opportunity to set up Calm Mind boosts.
**Fighting-types**: Marshadow and Mega Mewtwo X can easily OHKO Arceus-Rock with their attacks; Marshadow can also take advantage of Arceus-Rock if it's running a Substitute + Bulk Up set. However, it's extremely risky for them to switch in, since Arceus-Rock can cripple them with Will-O-Wisp.
**Super Effective Coverage**: Moves like Earthquake and Surf from Mega Rayquaza, Focus Blast from Mega Mewtwo Y, and Sunsteel Strike from Ultra Necrozma severely damage Arceus-Rock.
**Support Arceus Formes**: Support Arceus formes like Arceus-Water, Arceus-Fairy, and Arceus-Dark don't really mind burns, and they can use Defog to remove the Stealth Rock Arceus-Rock sets or use Toxic to put it on a timer. Arceus-Rock can't do much back to them unless it's running Toxic or Calm Mind + Refresh, and in the latter case they can still cut its sweep short via Perish Song or Roar.
**Shadow Tag Users**: Since Arceus-Rock only runs one attacking move, Mega Gengar can trap and dispose of it with a Substitute + Disable set. Alternatively, it can 2HKO Arceus-Rock with Focus Blast or boosted Hex or force a trade with Destiny Bond. Gothitelle traps support Arceus-Rock and neutralizes it by using Confide and PP stalling Judgment.
**Blissey and Chansey**: Arceus-Rock is completely walled by Blissey and Chansey, which usually run Confide, allowing them to beat the Calm Mind + Refresh set.
**Status Conditions**: Status totally cripples Arceus-Rock, greatly compromising its ability to check the Pokemon it's supposed to and making it even more of a momentum drain by forcing it to use Recover more often. Some Pokemon that Arceus-Rock is supposed to check like Ho-Oh, Yveltal, and Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza often carry Toxic. Arceus-Rock can overcome status if it's running Refresh, however.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[DoW, 193182], [bigtalk, 466663]]
- Quality checked by: [[lotiasite, 302985], [Chloe, 262044], [Catalystic, 314467]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [, ]]
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