[COMPLETED] Zygarde

dragonuser

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[Pros]

<ul>
<li>It has fantastic physical bulk.</li>
<li>It has access to a wide range of boosting moves.</li>
<li>It has a decent physical movepool, giving it what it needs to sweep.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>It is somewhat outclassed by Hippowdon as a defensive wall, as Hippowdon has access to Stealth Rock and Slack Off.</li>
<li>It has 4x weakness to Ice-type attacks, at times limiting its sweeping potential.</li>
<li>It lacks reliable healing.</li>
<li>It is somewhat outclassed by Mega Charizard X and Dragonite as a Dragon Dance sweeper.</li>
</ul>

[Set Recommendations]

<p>name: Dragon Dance Sweeper<br />
move 1: Dragon Dance<br />
move 2: Outrage<br />
move 3: Earthquake<br />
move 4: Extreme Speed<br />
ability: Aura Break<br />
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry<br />
evs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 152 Spe<br />
nature: Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)</p>

<p>This set trades bolstering Zygarde's naturally high physical bulk for boosting its offensive presence. Dragon Dance is its main means of doing so, as Zygarde is given ample opportunities to boost due to its incredible physical bulk. Zygarde's two STABs, Outrage and Earthquake, get excellent coverage against most of the metagame. Extreme Speed helps to alleviate Zygarde's rather sub-par Speed stat, while also preventing him from being revenged killed by priority users. Life Orb boosts Zygarde's damage output incredibly, but it is important to note that it drastically reduces its longevity. On the other hand, Lum Berry helps cure any status condition that Zygarde may acquire while setting up, while also possibly healing Zygarde of Outrage confusion.</p>

<p>A Yache Berry is also a viable alternative for the Item choice, helping to reduce Zygarde's only 4x weakness. Additionally, Stone Edge is a viable option over Extreme Speed, as it shreds Togekiss, one of the main checks to Zygarde. If Stone Edge is used, an EV spread of 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe with a Jolly nature should be used, in order to outspeed Mega Alakazam at +1.</p>

<p>This set greatly appreciates checks to physical walls such as Skarmory and Hippowdon and checks to bulky Fairy-Type Pokemon such as Togekiss. Rotom-W works excellently, being able to reliably switch in on Skarmory and Hippowdon while also checking Togekiss. Gengar also works fairly well, with the Mega Evolution being able to trap and KO Skarmory and Togekiss, and the normal form being able to wall most Hippowdon sets.</p>

<p>name: Coil Sweeper<br />
move 1: Coil<br />
move 2: Earthquake<br />
move 3: Dragon Tail<br />
move 4: Extreme Speed<br />
ability: Aura Break<br />
item: Leftovers<br />
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD<br />
nature: Careful Nature (+SpD, -SpA)</p>

<p>This set attempts to mix Zygarde's incredible defensive capabilities with its offensive prowess. Unlike the Dragon Dance set, this set focuses more on Zygarde's bulk and attempts to become a bulky sweeper that is unable to be phazed out. Earthquake is the main attack of this set, with Dragon Tail providing useful coverage. Dragon Tail also prevents Zygarde from being Whirlwinded out by Hippowdon or Skarmory, heavily limiting the ways those physical walls can deal with Zygarde. In conjunction with Earthquake, Extreme Speed provides useful coverage, while also offsetting Zygarde's fairly sub-par Speed stat.</p>

<p>This set greatly appreciates entry hazard support, not only to aid in its sweep but to complement the forced switching caused by Dragon Tail. This set also appreciates partners who can handle bulky Fairy-type Pokemon, such as Togekiss and Sylveon, making Scizor an ideal partner. Similarly, Mega Gengar also serves as a fairly effective partner, being able to trap and kill weakened Fairy-type Pokemon, while also being able to block Rapid Spin in the effort to keep hazards on the field.</p>

<p>name: Physical Wall<br />
move 1: Rest<br />
move 2: Sleep Talk<br />
move 3: Earthquake<br />
move 4: Dragon Tail<br />
ability: Aura Break<br />
item: Leftovers / Rocky Helmet<br />
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD<br />
nature: Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)</p>

<p>With Zygarde's naturally high physical bulk, it can easily run a purely defensive set. Rest serves as Zygarde's main means of recovery, alleviating any status conditions acquired as well, while Sleep Talk prevents it from being setup bait for a majority of the metagame. Earthquake and Dragon Tail have good synergy with each other, while Dragon Tail helps discourage Pokemon from setting up on Zygarde. Rocky Helmet awards more residual damage, forcing the opponent to take damage whenever contact is made with Zygarde, however it is important to note that the lack of Leftovers reduces Zygarde's longevity.</p>

<p>Specially Defensive Fairy-type Pokemon make excellent partners for this Zygarde set. They are immune to one of Zygarde's main weaknesses and often carry cleric moves and Wish, which aid Zygarde. Entry hazards are also greatly appreciated, due to the heavy amount of phazing Zygarde performs.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Bulky Fairy-type Pokemon, particularly Togekiss, serve as excellent checks to Zygarde. Togekiss is immune to Zygarde's STABs, while also being able to threaten it with a STAB Fairy-type attack. Skarmory and Hippowdon do particularly well against the Dragon Dance set, being able to phaze it out or use it as entry hazard setup bait. Additionally, Bronzong and Forretress do fairly well versus Zygarde, being able to resist Outrage, and in Bronzong's case, immune to Earthquake, allowing them to damage Zygarde fairly reliably. Gliscor is able to tank a hit while inflicting it with Toxic. Ice Shard users such as Mamoswine and Weavile are reliable checks to any Zygarde lacking Extreme Speed.</p>
 
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is there a point to 252/248/8 defensive ev spreads? seems pretty unnecessary (and if it adds extra points, isnt 248 as the hp usually better?)
 

PDC

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god you're such a (BAN ME PLEASE), taking my boy zygarde like that =(

one thing that i would change first off is maybe a slash of rocky helemt on the defensive dtail set. it could work just as well as lefties and offers another sort of residual damage, and with the old sleep mechanics returning a set like that could work much better. zygarde doesn't have too many options so extra slashes aren't really going to bring anything new that will benefit it that much.

for the small stuff i guess you could possibly mention a faster jolly spread for zygarde if you want to outspeed megazam or something, which is something that you could mention. it would look more like 92 hp / 252 atk / 164 speed jolly if you want to mention this in the write up.
 

UltiMario

Out of Obscurity
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Mention yache in DD write up imo since it can let you get a 2nd DD up and give Zygarde a much easier time sweeping.
 

ShootingStarmie

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I understand that this is only skeleton form, but for your checks and counters, you need to add Weavile, Mamoswine, Gliscor, Bronzong and Forrtress.

I'm not sure how viable Rest-talk is on Zygarde, but I don't mind if it does get it's own set if other QC members think it's good. I'd suggest you ask how everyone feels about it.

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Zystral

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[Pros]

<ul>
<li>It has fantastic physical bulk.</li>
<li>It has access to a wide range of boosting moves.</li>
<li>It has a decent physical movepool, giving it what it needs to sweep.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>It is somewhat outclassed by Hippowdon as a defensive wall, as Hippowdon has access to Stealth Rock and Slack Off.</li>
<li>It has 4x weakness to Ice-type attacks, at times limiting its sweeping potential.</li>
<li>It lacks reliable healing.</li>
<li>It is somewhat outclassed by Mega Charizard X and Dragonite as a Dragon Dance sweeper.</li>
</ul>

[Set Recommendations]

<p>Zygarde @ Life Orb / Lum Berry<br />
Ability: Aura Break<br />
EVs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 152 Spe<br />
Adamant Nature<br />
- Dragon Dance<br />
- Outrage<br />
- Earthquake<br />
- Extreme Speed</p>

<p>This set trades bolstering Zygarde's naturally high physical bulk for boosting its offensive presence. Dragon Dance is its main means of doing so, as Zygarde is given ample opportunities to boost due to its incredible physical bulk. Together, Zygarde's two STABs, Outrage and Earthquake, get excellent coverage against most of the metagame. Extreme Speed helps to alleviate Zygarde's rather sub-par Speed stat, while also preventing him from being revenge killed by priority users. Life Orb boosts Zygarde's damage output incredibly, but it is important to note that it drastically reduces its longevity. On the other hand, Lum Berry helps cure any status condition that Zygarde may acquire while setting up, while also possibly healing Zygarde of Outrage confusion.</p>

<p>A Yache Berry is also a viable alternative for the Item choice, helping to reduce Zygarde's only 4x weakness. Additionally, Stone Edge is a viable option over Extreme Speed, as it shreds Togekiss, one of the main checks to Zygarde. If Stone Edge is used, an EV spread of 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spd with a Jolly nature should be used, in order to outspeed Mega Alakazam at +1.</p>

<p>This set greatly appreciates checks to physical walls such as Skarmory and Hippowdon and checks to bulky Fairy-Type Pokemon such as Togekiss. Rotom-W works excellently, being able to reliably switch in on Skarmory and Hippowdon while also checking Togekiss. Gengar forms also works fairly well, with the Mega Evolution being able to trap and KO Skarmory and Togekiss, and the normal form being able to wall most Hippowdon sets.</p>

<p>Zygarde @ Leftovers<br />
Trait: Aura Break<br />
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD<br />
Careful Nature<br />
- Coil<br />
- Earthquake<br />
- Dragon Tail <br />
- Extreme Speed</p>

<p>This set attempts to mix Zygarde's incredible defensive capabilities with its offensive prowess. Unlike the Dragon Dance set, this set focuses more on Zygarde's bulk and attempts to become a bulky sweeper that is unable to be phazed out. Earthquake is the main attack of this set, with Dragon Tail providing useful coverage. Dragon Tail also prevents Zygarde from being Whirlwinded out by Hippowdon or Skarmory, heavily limiting the ways those physical walls can deal with Zygarde. In conjunction with Earthquake, Extreme Speed provides useful coverage, while also offsetting Zygarde's fairly sub-par Speed stat.</p>

<p>This set greatly appreciates entry hazard support, not only to aid in its sweep but to complement the forced switching caused by Dragon Tail. This set also appreciates partners who can handle bulky Fairy-type Pokemon, such as Togekiss and Sylveon, making Scizor an ideal partner. Similarly, Mega Gengar also serves as a fairly effective partner, being able to trap and kill weakened Fairy-type Pokemon, while also being able to block Rapid Spin in the effort to keep hazards on the field.</p>

<p>Zygarde @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet<br />
Trait: Aura Break<br />
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD<br />
Impish Nature<br />
- Rest<br />
- Sleep Talk<br />
- Earthquake<br />
- Dragon Tail</p>

<p>With Zygarde's naturally high physical bulk, it can easily run a purely defensive set. Rest serves as Zygarde's main means of recovery, alleviating any status conditions acquired as well, while Sleep Talk prevents it from being setup bait for a majority of the metagame. Earthquake and Dragon Tail have good synergy with each other, while Dragon Tail helps discourage Pokemon from setting up on Zygarde. Rocky Helmet awards more residual damage, forcing the opponent to take damage whenever contact is made with Zygarde, however it is important to note that the lack of Leftovers reduces Zygarde's longevity.</p>

<p>Specially Defensive Fairy-type Pokemon make excellent partners for this Zygarde set. They are immune to one of Zygarde's main weaknesses and often carry cleric moves and Wish, which aid Zygarde. Entry hazards are also greatly appreciated, due to the heavy amount of phazing Zygarde performs.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Bulky Fairy-type Pokemon, particularly Togekiss, serve as excellent checks to Zygarde. Togekiss is immune to Zygarde's STABs, while also being able to threaten it with a STAB Fairy-type attack. Skarmory and Hippowdon do particularly well against the Dragon Dance set, being able to phaze it out or use it as entry hazard setup bait. Additionally, Bronzong and Forretress do fairly well versus Zygarde, being able to resist Outrage, and in Bronzong's case, be immune to Earthquake, allowing them to damage Zygarde fairly reliably. Gliscor is able to tank a hit while inflicting it with Toxic. Ice Shard users such as Mamoswine and Weavile are reliable checks to any Zygarde lacking Extreme Speed.</p>
it's 1AM, formatting fails at 1AM. sorry

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JockeMS

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<p>Zygarde @ Life Orb / Lum Berry<br />
Ability: Aura Break<br />
EVs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 152 Spe<br />
Adamant Nature<br />
- Dragon Dance<br />
- Outrage<br />
- Earthquake<br />
- Extreme Speed</p>

< p>This set trades bolstering Zygarde's naturally high physical bulk for boosting its offensive presence. Dragon Dance is its main means of doing so, as Zygarde is given ample opportunities to boost due to its incredible physical bulk. Zygarde's two STABs, Outrage and Earthquake, get excellent coverage against most of the metagame. Extreme Speed helps to alleviate Zygarde's rather sub-par Speed stat, while also preventing him from being revenged killed by priority users. Life Orb boosts Zygarde's damage output incredibly, but it is important to note that it drastically reduces its longevity. On the other hand, Lum Berry helps cure any status condition that Zygarde may acquire while setting up, while also possibly healing Zygarde of Outrage confusion.</p>

< p>A Yache Berry is also a viable alternative for the Item choice, helping to reduce Zygarde's only 4x weakness. Additionally, Stone Edge is a viable option over Extreme Speed, as it shreds Togekiss, one of the main checks to Zygarde. If Stone Edge is used, an EV spread of 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spd Spe with a Jolly nature should be used, in order to outspeed Mega Alakazam at +1.</p>

< p>This set greatly appreciates checks to physical walls such as Skarmory and Hippowdon and checks to bulky Fairy-Type Pokemon such as Togekiss. Rotom-W works excellently, being able to reliably switch in on Skarmory and Hippowdon while also checking Togekiss. Gengar also works fairly well, with the Mega Evolution being able to trap and KO Skarmory and Togekiss, and the normal form being able to wall most Hippowdon sets.</p>
A little thing to fix.
 
I'd mention avalugg as a counter, he has 95/184 defences so even without a resistance he can wall zygarde and hit it with stab ice moves
 
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PK Gaming

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I'd like to suggest Stone Edge as an option over Dragon Tail in the Coil set as a way to hit Togekiss, seeing as it's mentioned as one of the Pokemon that gives Zygarde trouble.
 

Shroomisaur

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I'd like to suggest Stone Edge as an option over Dragon Tail in the Coil set as a way to hit Togekiss, seeing as it's mentioned as one of the Pokemon that gives Zygarde trouble.
I agree here, Stone Edge has incredible synergy with Coil and amazing coverage alongside STAB Earthquake. It should definitely be slashed.

On top of slashing Stone Edge over Dragon Tail, I would highly recommend slashing Substitute over Extremespeed. Honestly it should be the first slash, imo. Zygarde has enough bulk to stomach most hits, and ESpeed deal pitiful damage. It isn't powerful enough even at +2 to take out most fast, frail sweepers.

+2 0 Atk Zygarde Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Greninja: 159-188 (55.7 - 65.9%) ಠ_ಠ

By using Substitute, Zygarde can find tons of setup opportunities. A variety of threats such as Toxic Chansey become fodder, as Sub blocks status and 108 base HP means 2 Seismic Tosses are needed to break it. Defensive Rotom's WoW will be blocked, and it only has a ~25% chance to break your Sub with Hydro Pump.

Coil / EQ / Stone Edge / Sub = beast.
 

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