RU Cresselia

[OVERVIEW]

Cresselia's stellar HP and fantastic defenses alongside its pure Psychic typing and ability Levitate allow it to check key threats in the tier such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Dragalge, and the plentiful amount of viable Fighting-types that other Pokemon struggle with. Having a myriad of support moves like Moonlight, Lunar Dance, and Calm Mind to go alongside its great bulk gives it more options and flexibility. As Cresselia has a good Speed stat for a defensive Pokemon, it can cripple and check foes easier, which let it be a good Fighting-type check, outrunning prominent Fighting-types like Pangoro, Bewear, and Machamp to hit them with its STAB attacks or coverage moves. Having a useful coverage move in Moonblast enables it to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro more efficiently. Unfortunately, Cresselia's lackluster offensive stats leave it quite passive, and in addition to that, its typing makes it vulnerable to common Bug-, Ghost-, and Dark-types like Escavalier, Decidueye, and Zoroark.


[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonlight
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Moonlight is Cresselia's primary source of recovery, enabling it to deal with offensive Pokemon better. Psychic is Cresselia's main STAB attack, allowing it to take on top tier threats like Nidoqueen, Salazzle, and Bewear well. Toxic can put bulky Pokemon on a timer, and Cresselia can stall foes out with Toxic alongside the recovery from Moonlight, but it fails to check some defensive Pokemon like Umbreon and Florges with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Moonblast allows Cresselia to hit Dark-types such as Pangoro and Sharpedo super effectively, which would otherwise prove troublesome to Cresselia.


Set Details
========

56 Speed EVs allow Cresselia to outspeed Adamant Bewear and Pangoro. The remaining EVs are placed into HP and Special Defense to better take on foes like Nidoqueen and Salazzle. Leftovers provides passive recovery, mitigating the usage of Moonlight's low PP. Fairium Z can be used to beat Pokemon like Machamp and Pangoro while alleviating Knock Off damage but misses out on the consistent, passive recovery that Leftovers offers, which Cresselia desires. Cresselia can run 124 Speed EVs in order to outrun both Jolly Bewear and Adamant Pangoro, but the considerable decrease in bulk generally isn't worth it.


Usage Tips
========

Cresselia should be brought in against foes like Nidoqueen, Chesnaught, and Kommo-o that can't deal too much damage to it and proceed to force them to switch or support the team with its utility moves. Unfortunately, due to Moonlight's low PP, it should only be used when necessary and sparingly. Psychic can remove a lot of key Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Roserade, Dragalge, and Venusaur, but be cautious of remaining Dark-types on the opponent's team, as if a Dark-type switches in on an incoming Psychic, it puts Cresselia in a very vulnerable position. If a Fighting-type is out on the field and your opponent has a Dark-type in the back, it's typically better to go for Moonblast, as extra damage from STAB is usually not worth giving a free switch. Additionally, be weary of Zoroark disguised as a Fighting- or Poison-type, as it can trick you into using Psychic against the disguised Zoroark.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that can handle Steel-types as well as Dark- and Bug-types make great partners, as Cresselia fails to do much to them. Machamp is a good partner for Cresselia, as it can come in on incoming Toxic and hammer Steel- and Dark-types with its super effective STAB attacks. Machamp and Bewear also love Cresselia's Healing Wish support due to their lack of recovery, so they are not worn down quickly. Umbreon is a nice defensive partner for Cresselia, healing any status ailments with Heal Bell, taking Dark- and Ghost-type attacks well, and providing Wish support. Umbreon also appreciates Cresselia's pure Psychic typing for Fighting-types. Florges can do the same as Umbreon but can be used to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro and some Bug-types more easily. Salazzle can come in on an incoming Toxic and decimate Bug- and Steel-types like Escavalier, Durant, Doublade, and Bronzong. In a similar vein, Nidoqueen can also absorb Toxic and beat down specific Bug- and Steel-types; in addition to that, it can set up hazards in Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, helping Cresselia's Calm Mind set wear down foes quicker. Chesnaught is a good partner for Cresselia, checking Pokemon that would otherwise threaten it such as Dark-types like Pangoro, as well as setting up hazards for the team. Gligar can deal with Steel-types like Doublade and Registeel decently well, and if Gligar has Acrobatics it can soft check Pokemon like Decidueye and Pangoro. Also, having the ability to remove hazards is great for any team. Torkoal can check Steel- and Bug-types well due to its sun-boosted Fire-type STAB attacks and assist Cresselia's longevity by increasing the amount of health regained by Moonlight, which heals 75% in the sun.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Lunar Dance can be used to heal a weakened or crippled teammate late-game when Cresselia is no longer needed in battle. It can also be used to heal sweepers or Pokemon with no reliable recovery. A more physically defensive set can be run, using the same moves as the specially defensive set with a Bold nature to become a better Fighting-type check as well as taking on Dark-types better, having the bulk to take physical attacks from Sharpedo and Pangoro, which gives it a better chance to fire off a super effective Moonblast. Although physically defensive Cresselia is viable, the specially defensive set is usually more useful in a metagame where Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Salazzle are so prominent. A set with Calm Mind, Psyshock, Moonblast, and either Substitute or Moonlight can be used. Substitute helps it avoid status moves like Toxic, which would otherwise cripple it and put it on a timer, and Moonlight helps its overall longevity and ability to deal with offensive threats easier. The EV spread is 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe alongside a Bold nature, maximizing its Defense to the fullest to become one of the best Fighting-type checks while having enough Speed to outrun Adamant Pangoro and Bewear. Thunder Wave can cripple fast foes such as Salazzle, Roserade, and Swellow, allowing Cresselia to outspeed them and deal with them better. Additionally, Thunder Wave can support slower wallbreakers like Machamp. Hidden Power Fire can be used over Psychic-type coverage, letting Cresselia hit Bug- and Steel-types harder, but without Psychic-type coverage it falls short to Fire-types like Salazzle, Moltres, and Rotom-H as well as Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Dragalge, Roserade, and Venusaur. Ice Beam can be used to better deal with offensive threats like Flygon, Zygarde-10%, and Decidueye. Trick Room is another option on Cresselia, allowing it to support slower sweepers or wallbreakers. Lunar Dance should be used alongside Trick Room to bring a sweeper back up to full health. Additionally, Mental Herb can be used with Trick Room, enabling Cresselia to always set up Trick Room thanks to Mental Herb curing it of Taunt. Sunny Day can be used to boost the recovery of Cresselia's Moonlight and also assist sun teams if their primary sun setter has fainted. Dual screens can be used to give sweepers more opportunities to set up; it should also be used alongside Lunar Dance to heal them right back up to full HP. Light Clay can be used to elongate Reflect and Light Screen's usage, although a dual screens set is heavily outclassed by Uxie, which does the job much better.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Escavalier**: Due to Escavalier's Bug / Steel typing and good defenses, it can come in against almost all of Cresselia's attacks with ease, as well as Toxic or Thunder Wave. Choice Band Megahorn OHKOes all of Cresselia's sets, and Escavalier can also Pursuit trap Cresselia depending on how low its health is at.

**Steel-types**: Doublade resists two of Cresselia's most common attacks, and it can either begin to set up on it, put it on a timer with Toxic, or attack with its STAB Ghost-type moves. Defensive Steel-types like Registeel and Bronzong don't care about anything that Cresselia can throw their way, and they can put it on a timer with Toxic or use the opportunity to set up hazards. Durant has STAB Bug-type attacks and Black Hole Eclipse to deal huge damage to Cresselia, and it doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire.

**Dark-types**: Without Fairy-type coverage, Cresselia can be left highly susceptible to a lot of Dark-types. Pangoro, Sharpedo, and Zororark can all deal massive damage with their STAB attacks. Zoroark can disguise itself as a Fighting- or Poison-type to trick Cresselia into going for a Psychic-type attack, giving it a free opportunity to deal massive damage with a STAB move or set up.

**Bug-types**: Durant has strong STAB attacks as well as Black Hole Eclipse in tandem with Hustle to deal huge damage to Cresselia and doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire. Araquanid can trap it with Spider Web and eventually KO it with Toxic damage and STAB Liquidation. Yanmega's Bug Buzz does a chunk to Cresselia, and it doesn't take much damage in return from Cresselia's attacks.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Curse Snorlax can set up against Cresselia with ease thanks to its great Special Defense. It also doesn't care about Toxic due to Rest and Immunity, and Snorlax can even beat Calm Mind Cresselia due to Defense boosts from Curse, considering Psyshock takes into account the foe's Defense, and Body Slam eventually overwhelming it due to Moonlight's low PP. Comfey can shut Cresselia down with Taunt and proceed to set up with Calm Mind because it is naturally faster.
 
Last edited:

phantom

Banned deucer.
remove the bit about beating umbreon with fairy z and the part about competition in the overview since neither are accurate

qc 1/3
 

aVocado

@ Everstone
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
mention how its speed specifically lets it be a good check to the fighting types (mention them w/ names)

team options first point, its lunar dance not healing wish

QC approved 2/3
 
I would maybe mention Mental Herb in the same sentence as Trick Room for Other Options, also Protect works in other options as well, as the extra leftovers recovery from protect can stop you from needing to waste Moonlight PP at times.

**AM Check**
 

aVocado

@ Everstone
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
ok I skipped through OO before but do the following:

- move the phys def set to be the 2nd bulletpoint right after lunar dance, it's a good alternative and should be noticed, make sure to mention that its fairly viable but spdef is more useful in the current meta for salazzle and nidoqueen
- remove dual screens /or/ mention that its outclassed or competes with uxie; also remove aveil and zong mention (replace it with uxie)
- i really really dont like colbur berry on this so consider removing but i don't care in the end
- mention lunar dance alongside trick room to help set up tr and then lunar dance to bring a sweeper back to full, also do the thing with mental herb that DBW mentioned
 

MrAldo

Hey
is a Social Media Contributoris a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
- Under Set Details, you can mention the option of running 124 speed in order both Jolly and Adamant Pangoro benchmarks, mention the risks of running that much speed tho (considerable decrease in bulk and such)

Pretty nice. QC 3/3

when the oo section is bigger than the analysis itself e_e
Cress is just like that, lol.

 

autumn

only i will remain
is a Site Content Manageris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
C&C Leader
amcheck, feel free to implement what you agree with but isn't an official check

add remove comments

[OVERVIEW]

Cresselia's stellar HP and fantastic defenses alongside its pure Psychic-(RH) typing and ability Levitate, (RC) allows it to check key threats in the tier such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Dragalge, and the plentiful amount of viable Fighting-types that other Pokemon struggle to do with. Having a myriad of support moves like Moonlight, Lunar Dance, (AC) and Calm Mind to go alongside its great bulk gives it more options and flexibility. As it has With having a good Speed stat for a defensive Pokemon, it can cripple and check foes easier, as well as letting which lets it be a good Fighting-type check, outrunning prominent Fighting-types like Pangoro, Bewear, and Machamp to exploit hit (exploit doesn't really make sense in this context) them with its STAB attacks, (RC) or coverage moves. Adding onto the point above, (fluff) Having a useful coverage moves lying in Moonblast, (RC) enables it to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro more efficiently. (you only listed one coverage move here) Unfortunately, its lackluster offensive stats leave it quite passive, and in addition to that, (RC) its typing makes it vulnerable to the common Bug-, Ghost- and Dark-types like Escavailer, Decidueye, (AC) and Zoroark.


[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonlight
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Moonlight is Cresselia's primary source of recovery, enabling it to better deal with offensive Pokemon better. Psychic is Cresselia's main STAB attack, allowing it to deal with top tier threats like Nidoqueen, Salazzle and Bewear well. Toxic can put bulky Pokemon on a timer, (RC) and Toxic stall foes alongside the recovery from Moonlight, but it fails to check some defensive Pokemon like Umbreon or Florges with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Moonblast allows it to exploit hit Dark-types such as Pangoro and Sharpedo super-(RH) effectively, which would otherwise prove troublesome to Cresselia.


Set Details
========

56 Speed EVs allows Cresselia to outspeed Adamant Bewear, (RC) and Pangoro. The remaining EVs are implemented into HP and Special Defense to better take on foes like Nidoqueen and Salalzzle Salazzle. Leftovers provides passive recovery over time, mitigating the usage of Moonlight's low PP. Fairium Z can be used to beat Pokemon like Machamp and Pangoro better, (RC) while alleviating Knock Off damage, but misses out on the consistent, passive recovery the that Leftovers offers, (AC) and which Cresselia desires. Cresselia could potentially run 124 Speed EVs in order to outrun both Jolly Bewear, (RC) and Adamant Pangoro, but the considerable decrease in bulk generally isn't worth it.


Usage Tips
========

Cresselia should be brought in against foes like Nidoqueen, Chesnaught, (AC) or Kommo-o that can't really deal too much damage to it, and proceed to force out a switch or support the team with its utility moves. Unfortunately, due to Moonlight's (apostrophe) low PP it should only be used when necessary and sparingly. Psychic can remove a lot of key Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Roserade, Dragalge, (AC) and Venusaur, but be cautious of remaining Dark-types on the opponent's team, as if they decide to switch out into a Dark-type on an incoming Psychic, it puts Cresselia in a very vulnerable position. If a Fighting-type is out on the field, (RC) and your opponent has a Dark-type in the back, it's typically better to go for Moonblast, (RC) as extra damage from STAB is usually not worth giving a free switch-in. Additionally, it should be weary of Zoroark disguised as a Fighting- or a Poison-type, as it can trick you into using Psychic against the disguised Zoroark.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that can handle Steel-types as well as Dark- and Bug-types make great partners, as Cresselia fails to do much to them. Machamp is a good partner for Cresselia as it can come in on incoming Toxics, (RC) and can hammer Steel- and Dark-types with its super-(RH) effective STAB attacks. Machamp and Bewear also loves Cresselia's Healing Wish support due to its their lack of recovery and being so they are not worn down quickly. Umbreon is a nice defensive partner for Cresselia, healing any status ailments from it throughout with Heal Bell, taking Dark- and Ghost-type attacks well, and providing Wish support. Umbreon also appreciates Cresselia's pure Psychic-(RH) typing for Fighting-types. Florges can do the same as Umbreon, but can be used to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro and some Bug-types easier. Salazzle can come in against on an incoming Toxics, and decimate Steel- and Bug- and Steel-types (reordered so your list is in order) like Escavailer, Durant, Doublade, and Bronzong. In a similar vein, Nidoqueen can also absorb Toxics and beat down specific Bug- and Steel-types, in addition to that, (RC) it can set up hazards in Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, helping its Calm Mind set wear down foes quicker. Chesnaught is a good partner for Cresselia, checking Pokemon that would otherwise threaten it, (RC) such as Dark-types like Pangoro, as well as setting up hazards for the team. Gligar can deal with Steel-types like Doublade, (RC) and Registeel decently well, and depending on whether or not if Gligar has Acrobatics, (RC) it can soft check Pokemon like Decidueye and Pangoro. Also, (AC) having the ability to remove hazards is great for any team. Torkoal can check Steel- and Bug-types well due to its sun-boosted Fire-type STAB attacks boosted by the sun, and can assist Cresselia's longevity by increasing the amount of health regained by Moonlight, healing 75% in the sun.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Lunar Dance can be used to heal a weakened or crippled teammate late-(AH)game when Cresselia is no longer needed in battle. It can also be used to heal sweepers or Pokemon with no reliable recovery. A more physically defensive set as opposed to a specially defensive set can be run, using the same moves as the defensive set with a Bold nature to become a better Fighting-type check, (RC) as well as taking on Dark-types better, having the bulk to take physical attacks from Sharpedo and Pangoro, giving it a better opportunity to fire off a super-(RH) effective Moonblast. Although physically defensive Cresselia is viable, specially defensive is usually more useful in a meta where Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Salazzle are so prominent. A set with Calm Mind, Psyshock, Moonblast, and one of either Substitute or Moonlight can be used. (period) Substitue helps it avoid status inflictions like Toxic, (AC) which would otherwise cripple it and put it on a timer, and Moonlight helps its overall longevity and can helps it deal with offensive threats easier. The EV spread would consist of 248 HP, 204 Defense and 56 Speed alongside a Bold nature, maximizing its Physical Defense stat (defense as a stat implies physical) to the fullest to become one of the best Fighting-type checks, (RC) while having enough Speed to outrun Adamant Pangoro and Bewear. Thunder Wave can cripple fast foes such as Salazzle, Roserade, and Swellow, allowing Cresselia to outspeed and deal with them better. Additionally, Thunder Wave can support slower wallbreakers like Machamp. Hidden Power Fire can be used over Psychic-type coverage, letting it exploit hit Bug- and Steel-types easier, but without Psychic-type coverage it falls short to Fire-types like Salazzle, Moltres, (RC) and Rotom-Heat as well as Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Dragalge, Roserade, (AC) and Venusaur. Ice Beam can be used to better deal with offensive threats like Flygon, Zygarde-10%, and Decidueye. Trick Room is another option on Cresselia, allowing it to support slower sweepers or wallbreakers. Lunar Dance should be used alongside Trick Room to bring a sweeper back up to full health. (period) and Additionally, Mental Herb could be used with Trick Room, enabling it to always set up Trick Room 100% of the time thanks to Mental Herb curing it of Taunt. Sunny Day can be used to boost Cresselia's Moonlight, and to also assist sun teams if their primary sun setter has fainted. Dual Screens could be used to give wincons sweepers more opportunities to set up; (semicolon) it should also be used alongside Lunar Dance to heal sweepers them right back up to full. (period) as well as Light Clay can be used to elongate Reflect and Light Screen's (apostrophe) usage, (AC) although dual screens is heavily outclassed by Uxie, which does the job much better.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Escavalier**: Due to Escavalier's Bug-, Steel-typing Bug / Steel typing and its good defenses, it can come in against almost all of Cresselia's attacks with ease, as well as in-(RH)coming Toxics or and doesn't care much about Thunder Wave. Choice Band Megahorn OHKOes all of Cresselia's sets and it can also (added to clarify that Megahorn doesn't trap) Pursuit trap it Cresselia depending how low Cresselia it is at.

**Steel-types**: Doublade resists 2 two of Cresselia's most common attacks, and can either begin to set up, put it on a timer with Toxic, (AC) or attack with STAB Ghost-type attacks moves (repetitive). Defensive Steel-types like Registeel or Bronzong don't care about anything at all that Cresselia can throw their way, and can put it on a timer with Toxic or take the chance to set up hazards. Durant has STAB Bug-type attacks, (RC) and Darkinium Z Crunch to deal huge damage to Cresselia, and doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire.

**Dark-types**: Without Fairy-type coverage, Cresselia can be left highly susceptible to a lot of Dark-types. Pangoro, Sharpedo, and Zororark can all deal massive damage with their STAB attacks. Zoroark can disguise itself as a Fighting- or Poison-type and to trick Cresselia into going for a Psychic-type attack, giving it a free opportunity to deal massive damage with STAB or set up.

**Bug-types**: Durant has strong STAB attacks, (RC) as well as and Darkinium Z Crunch in tandem with Hustle to deal huge damage to Cresselia, (RC) and doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire. Araquanid can trap it with Spider Web and eventually KO it with Toxic damage and STAB Liquidations. Yanmega's Bug Buzz does a chunk to Cresselia, and it doesn't take much damage in return from Cresselia's attacks.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Curse Snorlax can set up against Cresselia with ease thanks to its great Special Defense. (period) It also doesn't care not caring about Toxic due to Rest or Immunity, and Snorlax can even beat Calm Mind Cresselia due to Defense boosts and Body Slam eventually overwhelming it due to Moonlight's low PP. Comfey can shut Cresselia down with Taunt and proceed to set up with Calm Mind with it being because it is naturally faster.
 
marthaa: add remove comments
DeathByWobbuffet: add remove comments delete amcheck
[OVERVIEW]

Cresselia's stellar HP and fantastic defenses alongside its pure Psychic-(RH) typing and ability Levitate, (RC) allows it to check key threats in the tier such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Dragalge, and the plentiful amount of viable Fighting-types that other Pokemon struggle to do with. Having a myriad of support moves like Moonlight, Lunar Dance, (AC) and Calm Mind to go alongside its great bulk gives it more options and flexibility. As it has With having a good Speed stat for a defensive Pokemon, it can cripple and check foes easier, as well as letting which lets it be a good Fighting-type check, outrunning prominent Fighting-types like Pangoro, Bewear, and Machamp to exploit hit (exploit doesn't really make sense in this context) them with its STAB attacks, (RC) or coverage moves. Adding onto the point above, (fluff) Having a useful coverage moves lying in Moonblast, (RC) enables it to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro more efficiently. (you only listed one coverage move here) Unfortunately, its lackluster offensive stats leave it quite passive, and in addition to that, (RC) its typing makes it vulnerable to the common Bug-, Ghost- and Dark-types like Escavailer Escavalier, Decidueye, (AC) and Zoroark.


[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonlight
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Moonlight is Cresselia's primary source of recovery, enabling it to better deal with offensive Pokemon better (optional, up to you whether to implement this or not). Psychic is Cresselia's main STAB attack, allowing it to deal with take on (optional, varies writing a little) top tier threats like Nidoqueen, Salazzle and Bewear well. Toxic can put bulky Pokemon on a timer, and Toxic stall Cresselia can stall foes out with Toxic alongside the recovery from Moonlight, but it fails to check some defensive Pokemon like Umbreon or and Florges with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Moonblast allows it to exploit hit Dark-types such as Pangoro and Sharpedo super-(RH) effectively, which would otherwise prove troublesome to Cresselia.


Set Details
========

56 Speed EVs allows Cresselia to outspeed Adamant Bewear, (RC) and Pangoro. The remaining EVs are implemented placed into HP and Special Defense to better take on foes like Nidoqueen and Salalzzle Salazzle. Leftovers provides passive recovery over time, mitigating the usage of Moonlight's low PP. Fairium Z can be used to beat Pokemon like Machamp and Pangoro better, (RC) while alleviating Knock Off damage, but misses out on the consistent, passive recovery the that Leftovers offers, (AC) and which Cresselia desires. Cresselia could potentially can run 124 Speed EVs in order to outrun both Jolly Bewear, (RC) and Adamant Pangoro, but the considerable decrease in bulk generally isn't worth it.


Usage Tips
========

Cresselia should be brought in against foes like Nidoqueen, Chesnaught, (AC) or and Kommo-o that can't really deal too much damage to it, (RC) and proceed to force out a them to switch or support the team with its utility moves. Unfortunately, due to Moonlight's (apostrophe) low PP it should only be used when necessary and sparingly. Psychic can remove a lot of key Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Roserade, Dragalge, (AC) and Venusaur, but be cautious of remaining Dark-types on the opponent's team, as if they decide to switch out into a Dark-type switches in on an incoming Psychic, it puts Cresselia in a very vulnerable position. If a Fighting-type is out on the field, (RC) and your opponent has a Dark-type in the back, it's typically better to go for Moonblast, (RC) (leave the comma here) as extra damage from STAB is usually not worth giving a free switch-in. Additionally, it should be weary of Zoroark disguised as a Fighting- or a Poison-type, as it can trick you into using Psychic against the disguised Zoroark.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that can handle Steel-types as well as Dark- and Bug-types make great partners, as Cresselia fails to do much to them. Machamp is a good partner for Cresselia, (AC) as it can come in on incoming Toxics, (RC) and can hammer Steel- and Dark-types with its super-(RH) effective STAB attacks. Machamp and Bewear also loves Cresselia's Healing Wish support due to its their lack of recovery and being so they are not worn down quickly. Umbreon is a nice defensive partner for Cresselia, healing any status ailments from it throughout with Heal Bell, taking Dark- and Ghost-type attacks well, and providing Wish support. Umbreon also appreciates Cresselia's pure Psychic-(RH) typing for Fighting-types. Florges can do the same as Umbreon, but can be used to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro and some Bug-types easier. Salazzle can come in against on an incoming Toxics, (RC) and decimate Steel- and Bug- and Steel-types (reordered so your list is in order) like Escavailer Escavalier, Durant, Doublade, and Bronzong. In a similar vein, Nidoqueen can also absorb Toxics and beat down specific Bug- and Steel-types,; (ASC) in addition to that, (RC) it can set up hazards in Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, helping its Cresselia's Calm Mind set wear down foes quicker. Chesnaught is a good partner for Cresselia, checking Pokemon that would otherwise threaten it, (RC) such as Dark-types like Pangoro, as well as setting up hazards for the team. Gligar can deal with Steel-types like Doublade, (RC) and Registeel decently well, and depending on whether or not if Gligar has Acrobatics, (RC) it can soft check Pokemon like Decidueye and Pangoro. Also, (AC) having the ability to remove hazards is great for any team. Torkoal can check Steel- and Bug-types well due to its sun-boosted Fire-type STAB attacks boosted by the sun, (RC) and can assist Cresselia's longevity by increasing the amount of health regained by Moonlight, healing which heals 75% in the sun.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Lunar Dance can be used to heal a weakened or crippled teammate late-(AH)game when Cresselia is no longer needed in battle. It can also be used to heal sweepers or Pokemon with no reliable recovery. A more physically defensive set as opposed to a specially defensive set can be run, using the same moves as the specially defensive set with a Bold nature to become a better Fighting-type check, (RC) as well as taking on Dark-types better, having the bulk to take physical attacks from Sharpedo and Pangoro, giving it a better opportunity chance to fire off a super-(RH) effective Moonblast. Although physically defensive Cresselia is viable, specially defensive is usually more useful in a metagame where Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Salazzle are so prominent. A set with Calm Mind, Psyshock, Moonblast, and one of either Substitute or Moonlight can be used. (period) Substitue Substitute helps it avoid status inflictions moves like Toxic, (AC) which would otherwise cripple it and put it on a timer, and Moonlight helps its overall longevity and can helps it deal with offensive threats easier. The EV spread would consist of 248 HP, 204 Defense and 56 Speed is 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe alongside a Bold nature, maximizing its Physical Defense stat (adding "stat" here is optional) (defense as a stat implies physical) to the fullest to become one of the best Fighting-type checks, (RC) while having enough Speed to outrun Adamant Pangoro and Bewear. Thunder Wave can cripple fast foes such as Salazzle, Roserade, and Swellow, allowing Cresselia to outspeed and deal with them better. Additionally, Thunder Wave can support slower wallbreakers like Machamp. Hidden Power Fire can be used over Psychic-type coverage, letting it Cresselia exploit hit Bug- and Steel-types easier harder, but without Psychic-type coverage it falls short to Fire-types like Salazzle, Moltres, (RC) and Rotom-Heat as well as Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Dragalge, Roserade, (AC) and Venusaur. Ice Beam can be used to better deal with offensive threats like Flygon, Zygarde-10%, and Decidueye. Trick Room is another option on Cresselia, allowing it to support slower sweepers or wallbreakers. Lunar Dance should be used alongside Trick Room to bring a sweeper back up to full health. (period) and Additionally, Mental Herb could can be used with Trick Room, enabling it to always set up Trick Room 100% of the time thanks to Mental Herb curing it of Taunt. Sunny Day can be used to boost the recovery of Cresselia's Moonlight, (RC) and to also assist sun teams if their primary sun setter has fainted. Dual Screens could screens can be used to give wincons sweepers more opportunities to set up; (semicolon) it should also be used alongside Lunar Dance to heal sweepers them right back up to full. (period) as well as Light Clay can be used to elongate Reflect and Light Screen's (apostrophe) usage, (AC) although a dual screens set is heavily outclassed by Uxie, which does the job much better.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Escavalier**: Due to Escavalier's Bug-, Steel-typing Bug / Steel typing and its good defenses, it can come in against almost all of Cresselia's attacks with ease, as well as in-(RH)coming Toxics or and doesn't care much about Thunder Wave. Choice Band Megahorn OHKOes all of Cresselia's sets, (AC) and it Escavalier can also (added to clarify that Megahorn doesn't trap) Pursuit trap it Cresselia depending how low Cresselia it is at.

**Steel-types**: Doublade resists 2 two of Cresselia's most common attacks, and it can either begin to set up on it, put it on a timer with Toxic, (AC) or attack with its STAB Ghost-type attacks moves (repetitive). Defensive Steel-types like Registeel or and Bronzong don't care about anything at all that Cresselia can throw their way, and they can put it on a timer with Toxic or take the chance use the opportunity to set up hazards. Durant has STAB Bug-type attacks, (RC) and Darkinium Z Crunch Black Hole Eclipse to deal huge damage to Cresselia, and it doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire.

**Dark-types**: Without Fairy-type coverage, Cresselia can be left highly susceptible to a lot of Dark-types. Pangoro, Sharpedo, and Zororark can all deal massive damage with their STAB attacks. Zoroark can disguise itself as a Fighting- or Poison-type and to trick Cresselia into going for a Psychic-type attack, giving it a free opportunity to deal massive damage with a STAB move or set up.

**Bug-types**: Durant has strong STAB attacks, (RC) as well as and Darkinium Z Crunch Black Hole Eclipse in tandem with Hustle to deal huge damage to Cresselia, (RC) and doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire. Araquanid can trap it with Spider Web and eventually KO it with Toxic damage and STAB Liquidations. Yanmega's Bug Buzz does a chunk to Cresselia, and it doesn't take much damage in return from Cresselia's attacks.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Curse Snorlax can set up against Cresselia with ease thanks to its great Special Defense. (period) It also doesn't care not caring about Toxic due to Rest or and Immunity, and Snorlax can even beat Calm Mind Cresselia due to Defense boosts and Body Slam eventually overwhelming it due to Moonlight's low PP. Comfey can shut Cresselia down with Taunt and proceed to set up with Calm Mind with it being because it is naturally faster.

Implement everything here unless it specifically says not to. Good check overall marthaa. GP 1/2.

p^2 edit: i made a more color-friendly version for the writer here
[OVERVIEW]

Cresselia's stellar HP and fantastic defenses alongside its pure Psychic-(RH) typing and ability Levitate, (RC) allows it to check key threats in the tier such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Dragalge, and the plentiful amount of viable Fighting-types that other Pokemon struggle to do with. Having a myriad of support moves like Moonlight, Lunar Dance, (AC) and Calm Mind to go alongside its great bulk gives it more options and flexibility. As it has With having a good Speed stat for a defensive Pokemon, it can cripple and check foes easier, as well as letting which lets it be a good Fighting-type check, outrunning prominent Fighting-types like Pangoro, Bewear, and Machamp to exploit hit (exploit doesn't really make sense in this context) them with its STAB attacks, (RC) or coverage moves. Adding onto the point above, (fluff) Having a useful coverage moves lying in Moonblast, (RC) enables it to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro more efficiently. (you only listed one coverage move here) Unfortunately, its lackluster offensive stats leave it quite passive, and in addition to that, (RC) its typing makes it vulnerable to the common Bug-, Ghost- and Dark-types like Escavailer Escavalier, Decidueye, (AC) and Zoroark.


[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonlight
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Moonlight is Cresselia's primary source of recovery, enabling it to better deal with offensive Pokemon better (optional, up to you whether to implement this or not). Psychic is Cresselia's main STAB attack, allowing it to deal with take on (optional, varies writing a little) top tier threats like Nidoqueen, Salazzle and Bewear well. Toxic can put bulky Pokemon on a timer, and Toxic stall Cresselia can stall foes out with Toxic alongside the recovery from Moonlight, but it fails to check some defensive Pokemon like Umbreon or and Florges with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Moonblast allows it to exploit hit Dark-types such as Pangoro and Sharpedo super-(RH) effectively, which would otherwise prove troublesome to Cresselia.


Set Details
========

56 Speed EVs allows Cresselia to outspeed Adamant Bewear, (RC) and Pangoro. The remaining EVs are implemented placed into HP and Special Defense to better take on foes like Nidoqueen and Salalzzle Salazzle. Leftovers provides passive recovery over time, mitigating the usage of Moonlight's low PP. Fairium Z can be used to beat Pokemon like Machamp and Pangoro better, (RC) while alleviating Knock Off damage, but misses out on the consistent, passive recovery the that Leftovers offers, (AC) and which Cresselia desires. Cresselia could potentially can run 124 Speed EVs in order to outrun both Jolly Bewear, (RC) and Adamant Pangoro, but the considerable decrease in bulk generally isn't worth it.


Usage Tips
========

Cresselia should be brought in against foes like Nidoqueen, Chesnaught, (AC) or and Kommo-o that can't really deal too much damage to it, (RC) and proceed to force out a them to switch or support the team with its utility moves. Unfortunately, due to Moonlight's (apostrophe) low PP it should only be used when necessary and sparingly. Psychic can remove a lot of key Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Roserade, Dragalge, (AC) and Venusaur, but be cautious of remaining Dark-types on the opponent's team, as if they decide to switch out into a Dark-type switches in on an incoming Psychic, it puts Cresselia in a very vulnerable position. If a Fighting-type is out on the field, (RC) and your opponent has a Dark-type in the back, it's typically better to go for Moonblast, as extra damage from STAB is usually not worth giving a free switch-in. Additionally, it should be weary of Zoroark disguised as a Fighting- or a Poison-type, as it can trick you into using Psychic against the disguised Zoroark.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that can handle Steel-types as well as Dark- and Bug-types make great partners, as Cresselia fails to do much to them. Machamp is a good partner for Cresselia, (AC) as it can come in on incoming Toxics, (RC) and can hammer Steel- and Dark-types with its super-(RH) effective STAB attacks. Machamp and Bewear also loves Cresselia's Healing Wish support due to its their lack of recovery and being so they are not worn down quickly. Umbreon is a nice defensive partner for Cresselia, healing any status ailments from it throughout with Heal Bell, taking Dark- and Ghost-type attacks well, and providing Wish support. Umbreon also appreciates Cresselia's pure Psychic-(RH) typing for Fighting-types. Florges can do the same as Umbreon, but can be used to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro and some Bug-types easier. Salazzle can come in against on an incoming Toxics, (RC) and decimate Steel- and Bug- and Steel-types (reordered so your list is in order) like Escavailer Escavalier, Durant, Doublade, and Bronzong. In a similar vein, Nidoqueen can also absorb Toxics and beat down specific Bug- and Steel-types,; (ASC) in addition to that, (RC) it can set up hazards in Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, helping its Cresselia's Calm Mind set wear down foes quicker. Chesnaught is a good partner for Cresselia, checking Pokemon that would otherwise threaten it, (RC) such as Dark-types like Pangoro, as well as setting up hazards for the team. Gligar can deal with Steel-types like Doublade, (RC) and Registeel decently well, and depending on whether or not if Gligar has Acrobatics, (RC) it can soft check Pokemon like Decidueye and Pangoro. Also, (AC) having the ability to remove hazards is great for any team. Torkoal can check Steel- and Bug-types well due to its sun-boosted Fire-type STAB attacks boosted by the sun, (RC) and can assist Cresselia's longevity by increasing the amount of health regained by Moonlight, healing which heals 75% in the sun.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Lunar Dance can be used to heal a weakened or crippled teammate late-(AH)game when Cresselia is no longer needed in battle. It can also be used to heal sweepers or Pokemon with no reliable recovery. A more physically defensive set as opposed to a specially defensive set can be run, using the same moves as the specially defensive set with a Bold nature to become a better Fighting-type check, (RC) as well as taking on Dark-types better, having the bulk to take physical attacks from Sharpedo and Pangoro, giving it a better opportunity chance to fire off a super-(RH) effective Moonblast. Although physically defensive Cresselia is viable, specially defensive is usually more useful in a metagame where Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Salazzle are so prominent. A set with Calm Mind, Psyshock, Moonblast, and one of either Substitute or Moonlight can be used. (period) Substitue Substitute helps it avoid status inflictions moves like Toxic, (AC) which would otherwise cripple it and put it on a timer, and Moonlight helps its overall longevity and can helps it deal with offensive threats easier. The EV spread would consist of 248 HP, 204 Defense and 56 Speed is 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe alongside a Bold nature, maximizing its Physical Defense stat (adding "stat" here is optional) (defense as a stat implies physical) to the fullest to become one of the best Fighting-type checks, (RC) while having enough Speed to outrun Adamant Pangoro and Bewear. Thunder Wave can cripple fast foes such as Salazzle, Roserade, and Swellow, allowing Cresselia to outspeed and deal with them better. Additionally, Thunder Wave can support slower wallbreakers like Machamp. Hidden Power Fire can be used over Psychic-type coverage, letting it Cresselia exploit hit Bug- and Steel-types easier harder, but without Psychic-type coverage it falls short to Fire-types like Salazzle, Moltres, (RC) and Rotom-Heat as well as Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Dragalge, Roserade, (AC) and Venusaur. Ice Beam can be used to better deal with offensive threats like Flygon, Zygarde-10%, and Decidueye. Trick Room is another option on Cresselia, allowing it to support slower sweepers or wallbreakers. Lunar Dance should be used alongside Trick Room to bring a sweeper back up to full health. (period) and Additionally, Mental Herb could can be used with Trick Room, enabling it to always set up Trick Room 100% of the time thanks to Mental Herb curing it of Taunt. Sunny Day can be used to boost the recovery of Cresselia's Moonlight, (RC) and to also assist sun teams if their primary sun setter has fainted. Dual Screens could screens can be used to give wincons sweepers more opportunities to set up; (semicolon) it should also be used alongside Lunar Dance to heal sweepers them right back up to full. (period) as well as Light Clay can be used to elongate Reflect and Light Screen's (apostrophe) usage, (AC) although a dual screens set is heavily outclassed by Uxie, which does the job much better.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Escavalier**: Due to Escavalier's Bug-, Steel-typing Bug / Steel typing and its good defenses, it can come in against almost all of Cresselia's attacks with ease, as well as in-(RH)coming Toxics or and doesn't care much about Thunder Wave. Choice Band Megahorn OHKOes all of Cresselia's sets, (AC) and it Escavalier can also (added to clarify that Megahorn doesn't trap) Pursuit trap it Cresselia depending how low Cresselia it is at.

**Steel-types**: Doublade resists 2 two of Cresselia's most common attacks, and it can either begin to set up on it, put it on a timer with Toxic, (AC) or attack with its STAB Ghost-type attacks moves (repetitive). Defensive Steel-types like Registeel or and Bronzong don't care about anything at all that Cresselia can throw their way, and they can put it on a timer with Toxic or take the chance use the opportunity to set up hazards. Durant has STAB Bug-type attacks, (RC) and Darkinium Z Crunch Black Hole Eclipse to deal huge damage to Cresselia, and it doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire.

**Dark-types**: Without Fairy-type coverage, Cresselia can be left highly susceptible to a lot of Dark-types. Pangoro, Sharpedo, and Zororark can all deal massive damage with their STAB attacks. Zoroark can disguise itself as a Fighting- or Poison-type and to trick Cresselia into going for a Psychic-type attack, giving it a free opportunity to deal massive damage with a STAB move or set up.

**Bug-types**: Durant has strong STAB attacks, (RC) as well as and Darkinium Z Crunch Black Hole Eclipse in tandem with Hustle to deal huge damage to Cresselia, (RC) and doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire. Araquanid can trap it with Spider Web and eventually KO it with Toxic damage and STAB Liquidations. Yanmega's Bug Buzz does a chunk to Cresselia, and it doesn't take much damage in return from Cresselia's attacks.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Curse Snorlax can set up against Cresselia with ease thanks to its great Special Defense. (period) It also doesn't care not caring about Toxic due to Rest or and Immunity, and Snorlax can even beat Calm Mind Cresselia due to Defense boosts and Body Slam eventually overwhelming it due to Moonlight's low PP. Comfey can shut Cresselia down with Taunt and proceed to set up with Calm Mind with it being because it is naturally faster.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Cresselia's stellar HP and fantastic defenses alongside its pure Psychic typing and ability Levitate allow it to check key threats in the tier such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Dragalge, and the plentiful amount of viable Fighting-types that other Pokemon struggle with. Having a myriad of support moves like Moonlight, Lunar Dance, and Calm Mind to go alongside its great bulk gives it more options and flexibility. As it Cresselia has a good Speed stat for a defensive Pokemon, it can cripple and check foes easier, which lets let it be a good Fighting-type check, outrunning prominent Fighting-types like Pangoro, Bewear, and Machamp to hit them with its STAB attacks or coverage moves. Having a useful coverage move in Moonblast enables it to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro more efficiently. Unfortunately, its Cresselia's lackluster offensive stats leave it quite passive, and in addition to that,(AC) its typing makes it vulnerable to common Bug-, Ghost-,(AC) and Dark-types like Escavalier, Decidueye, and Zoroark.


[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Moonlight
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Toxic
move 4: Moonblast
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Moonlight is Cresselia's primary source of recovery, enabling it to deal with offensive Pokemon better. Psychic is Cresselia's main STAB attack, allowing it to take on top tier threats like Nidoqueen, Salazzle,(AC) and Bewear well. Toxic can put bulky Pokemon on a timer, and Cresselia can stall foes out with Toxic alongside the recovery from Moonlight, but it fails to check some defensive Pokemon like Umbreon and Florges with Heal Bell or Aromatherapy. Moonblast allows it Cresselia to hit Dark-types such as Pangoro and Sharpedo super effectively, which would otherwise prove troublesome to Cresselia.


Set Details
========

56 Speed EVs allow Cresselia to outspeed Adamant Bewear and Pangoro. The remaining EVs are placed into HP and Special Defense to better take on foes like Nidoqueen and Salazzle. Leftovers provides passive recovery over time, mitigating the usage of Moonlight's low PP. Fairium Z can be used to beat Pokemon like Machamp and Pangoro while alleviating Knock Off damage,(RC) but misses out on the consistent, passive recovery that Leftovers offers, which Cresselia desires. Cresselia can run 124 Speed EVs in order to outrun both Jolly Bewear and Adamant Pangoro, but the considerable decrease in bulk generally isn't worth it.


Usage Tips
========

Cresselia should be brought in against foes like Nidoqueen, Chesnaught, and Kommo-o that can't deal too much damage to it and proceed to force them to switch or support the team with its utility moves. Unfortunately, due to Moonlight's low PP,(AC) it should only be used when necessary and sparingly. Psychic can remove a lot of key Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Salazzle, Roserade, Dragalge, and Venusaur, but be cautious of remaining Dark-types on the opponent's team, as if a Dark-type switches in on an incoming Psychic, it puts Cresselia in a very vulnerable position. If a Fighting-type is out on the field and your opponent has a Dark-type in the back, it's typically better to go for Moonblast, as extra damage from STAB is usually not worth giving a free switch-in switch. Additionally, be weary of Zoroark disguised as a Fighting- or Poison-type, as it can trick you into using Psychic against the disguised Zoroark.


Team Options
========

Pokemon that can handle Steel-types as well as Dark- and Bug-types make great partners, as Cresselia fails to do much to them. Machamp is a good partner for Cresselia, as it can come in on incoming Toxic and can hammer Steel- and Dark-types with its super effective STAB attacks. Machamp and Bewear also love Cresselia's Healing Wish support due to their lack of recovery,(AC) so they are not worn down quickly. Umbreon is a nice defensive partner for Cresselia, healing any status ailments with Heal Bell, taking Dark- and Ghost-type attacks well, and providing Wish support. Umbreon also appreciates Cresselia's pure Psychic typing for Fighting-types. Florges can do the same as Umbreon,(RC) but can be used to deal with Dark-types like Pangoro and some Bug-types easier more easily. Salazzle can come in on an incoming Toxic,(RC) and decimate Bug- and Steel-types like Escavalier, Durant, Doublade, and Bronzong. In a similar vein, Nidoqueen can also absorb Toxic and beat down specific Bug- and Steel-types; in addition to that,(AC) it can set up hazards in Stealth Rock or Toxic Spikes, helping Cresselia's Calm Mind set wear down foes quicker. Chesnaught is a good partner for Cresselia, checking Pokemon that would otherwise threaten it such as Dark-types like Pangoro, as well as setting up hazards for the team. Gligar can deal with Steel-types like Doublade and Registeel decently well, and if Gligar has Acrobatics it can soft check Pokemon like Decidueye and Pangoro. Also, having the ability to remove hazards is great for any team. Torkoal can check Steel- and Bug-types well due to its sun-boosted Fire-type STAB attacks and can assist Cresselia's longevity by increasing the amount of health regained by Moonlight, which heals 75% in the sun.


[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Lunar Dance can be used to heal a weakened or crippled teammate late-game when Cresselia is no longer needed in battle. It can also be used to heal sweepers or Pokemon with no reliable recovery. A more physically defensive set can be run, using the same moves as the specially defensive set with a Bold nature to become a better Fighting-type check as well as taking on Dark-types better, having the bulk to take physical attacks from Sharpedo and Pangoro, giving which gives (repetition of gerunds) it a better chance to fire off a super effective Moonblast. Although physically defensive Cresselia is viable, the specially defensive set is usually more useful in a metagame where Pokemon like Nidoqueen and Salazzle are so prominent. A set with Calm Mind, Psyshock, Moonblast, and either Substitute or Moonlight can be used. Substitute helps it avoid status moves like Toxic, which would otherwise cripple it and put it on a timer, and Moonlight helps its overall longevity and helps it ability to deal with offensive threats easier. The EV spread is 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe alongside a Bold nature, maximizing its Defense to the fullest to become one of the best Fighting-type checks while having enough Speed to outrun Adamant Pangoro and Bewear. Thunder Wave can cripple fast foes such as Salazzle, Roserade, and Swellow, allowing Cresselia to outspeed them and deal with them better. Additionally, Thunder Wave can support slower wallbreakers like Machamp. Hidden Power Fire can be used over Psychic-type coverage, letting Cresselia hit Bug- and Steel-types harder, but without Psychic-type coverage it falls short to Fire-types like Salazzle, Moltres,(AC) and Rotom-H as well as Poison-types such as Nidoqueen, Dragalge, Roserade,(AC) and Venusaur. Ice Beam can be used to better deal with offensive threats like Flygon, Zygarde-10%, and Decidueye. Trick Room is another option on Cresselia, allowing it to support slower sweepers or wallbreakers. Lunar Dance should be used alongside Trick Room to bring a sweeper back up to full health. Additionally, Mental Herb can be used with Trick Room, enabling it Cresselia to always set up Trick Room thanks to Mental Herb curing it of Taunt. Sunny Day can be used to boost the recovery of Cresselia's Moonlight and to also assist sun teams if their primary sun setter has fainted. Dual screens can be used to give sweepers more opportunities to set up; it should also be used alongside Lunar Dance to heal them right back up to full HP. Light Clay can be used to elongate Reflect and Light Screen's usage, although a dual screens set is heavily outclassed by Uxie, which does the job much better.


Checks and Counters
===================

**Escavalier**: Due to Escavalier's Bug / Steel typing and good defenses, it can come in against almost all of Cresselia's attacks with ease, as well as in coming Toxic or Thunder Wave. Choice Band Megahorn OHKOes all of Cresselia's sets, and Escavalier can also Pursuit trap Cresselia depending on how low it its health is at.

**Steel-types**: Doublade resists two of Cresselia's most common attacks, and it can either begin to set up on it, put it on a timer with Toxic, or attack with its STAB Ghost-type moves. Defensive Steel-types like Registeel and Bronzong don't care about anything that Cresselia can throw their way, and they can put it on a timer with Toxic or use the opportunity to set up hazards. Durant has STAB Bug-type attacks,(RC) and Black Hole Eclipse to deal huge damage to Cresselia, and it doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire.

**Dark-types**: Without Fairy-type coverage, Cresselia can be left highly susceptible to a lot of Dark-types. Pangoro, Sharpedo, and Zororark can all deal massive damage with their STAB attacks. Zoroark can disguise itself as a Fighting- or Poison-type to trick Cresselia into going for a Psychic-type attack, giving it a free opportunity to deal massive damage with a STAB move or set up.

**Bug-types**: Durant has strong STAB attacks as well as Black Hole Eclipse in tandem with Hustle to deal huge damage to Cresselia and doesn't care much about Cresselia's attacks bar the rare Hidden Power Fire. Araquanid can trap it with Spider Web and eventually KO it with Toxic damage and STAB Liquidation. Yanmega's Bug Buzz does a chunk to Cresselia, and it doesn't take much damage in return from Cresselia's attacks.

**Bulky Setup Sweepers**: Curse Snorlax can set up against Cresselia with ease thanks to its great Special Defense. It also doesn't care about Toxic due to Rest and Immunity, and Snorlax can even beat Calm Mind Cresselia due to Defense boosts ("due to Defense boosts"? this doesn't seem right) and Body Slam eventually overwhelming it due to Moonlight's low PP. Comfey can shut Cresselia down with Taunt and proceed to set up with Calm Mind because it is naturally faster.
GP 2/2
 

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