Gen 6 Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A [DONE]

[aerobee]

[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass Wonder Guard
move 1: Gastro Acid / Taunt / Dark Void
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Leftovers
ability: Wonder Guard
nature: Hasty / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Def

[SET COMMENTS]
Wonder Guard Deoxys-A is an effective Substitute + Baton Pass user due to its nearly uncontested Speed, STAB Psystrike, and low defenses allowing for offensive counterplay to opposing Imposter users. Gastro Acid removes opposing Mold Breaker and Wonder Guard, allowing Deoxys-A to set up Substitute more easily and threaten some Wonder Guard users with Psystrike. Alternatively, Taunt annoys most non-Magic Bounce and Mold Breaker foes, disabling Prankster Giratina's moves if used on the switch, as well as passive Wonder Guard users lacking a way to hit Deoxys-A. Dark Void works much like Taunt while acting as more effective team support if a foe is kept asleep for multiple turns, though the consequence of using it against a Magic Bounce user is greater if Deoxys-A isn't behind a Substitute, and it can miss. Psystrike is its preferred attack due to 2HKOing most offensive foes and threatening Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill. Substitute + Baton Pass is a potent combination, especially with Wonder Guard, because it allows a teammate a turn to safely set up in most scenarios. Leftovers is used so Deoxys-A can more easily set up Substitute multiple times over the course of a match. A Hasty nature with 0 Defense IVs makes Imposter users transformed into Deoxys-A as physically frail as possible, allowing for offensive counterplay, such as Shadow Sneak and Choice Scarf Beat Up users, against them. A Timid nature with 31 Defense IVs is also usable, though the ability to offensively threaten Imposter users is a core advantage Deoxys-A has over other Substitute + Baton Pass users.

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A appreciates teammates that are able to capitalize on a passed Substitute and patch up its weaknesses. Mold Breaker Shell Smash users, in particular Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, and Xerneas, are good teammates because, behind a Substitute, they have an opportunity to use Shell Smash or a disruption move like Dark Void and Taunt and are resistant to the majority of revenge killers. Mold Breaker Xerneas in particular does not fear Huge Power Mega Gyarados if healthy even if it runs Beat Up, making it a synergistic partner. Deoxys-A is also good on Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X archetypes, since with good prediction a Mega Mewtwo X behind a Substitute with the right coverage moves is difficult to stop, though such teams have a difficult time fitting in either proper revenge killing or a support Wonder Guard user. Similarly, Protean users, like Mega Latios and Mega Mewtwo Y, appreciate passed Substitutes, though both Pokemon initially share the same weaknesses as Deoxys-A and therefore can't hard switch in as easily if necessary. Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, like Mega Gardevoir, appreciate Deoxys-A's ability to pass Substitutes, though potentially not hitting many Wonder Guard users and giving up a moveslot for Shell Smash make passed Substitutes not as useful as with Mold Breaker and Huge Power teammates. Prankster Giratina, support Wonder Guard users that don't share Deoxys-A's weaknesses, and robust revenge killers, in particular Huge Power Mega Gyarados, Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, and Pixilate Mega Diancie, are great teammates due to offering a switch-in to Mold Breaker, Huge Power, and Protean users on prediction, Defog and Aromatherapy support, and priority for offensive foes, respectively.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ntothen.569731/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rl.554093/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/

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

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A can run alternative options in its first moveslot: Spore is more accurate than Dark Void but misses out on Safety Goggles users and Grass-types, Destiny Bond allows Deoxys-A to trade against slower attackers but is largely redundant with Gastro Acid and Psystrike, and Stealth Rock and Spikes can be set as the opponent switches to an answer, but Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, can switch too easily into Deoxys-A for them to be consistent options. Deoxys-A can opt for Shell Smash over Substitute; it can run a Wonder Guard Shell Smash set with Spooky or Insect Plate Judgment and two other non-Ghost-, Dark-, or Bug-type coverage options, though it is inconsistent due to its vulnerability to Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Deoxys-A can opt for Huge Power and Protean coverage sets, though the increased Speed compared to Mega Mewtwo X is usually not worth it because of its substantially lower bulk and Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X's ability to run priority moves if desired. No Guard and Mold Breaker Deoxys-A are other options, as it is faster than Mega Mewtwo X and Y and is not meaningfully less powerful, though the vulnerability to priority due to its frailty makes these sets not worth running in most situations.

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

**Priority Users**: Shadow Sneak users, like Mega Mewtwo X, Slaking, and Regigigas, OHKO Deoxys-A when it isn't behind a Substitute. Additionally, Shadow Sneak Slaking and Regigigas often run Pursuit, meaning Deoxys-A cannot safely switch out much of the time. Huge Power Dark-types like Mega Gyarados threaten niche offensive sets with Sucker Punch, Water Shuriken, and Pursuit, though Substitute + Baton Pass sets can easily escape Pursuit. Mold Breaker Extreme Speed users, like Slaking and Primal Groudon, also threaten Deoxys-A.

**Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Users**: Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X with Beat Up can safely remove Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A, as it outspeeds and OHKOes it. Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Primal Groudon can also opt for a super effective move, such as Knock Off or Beat Up. Additionally, Choice Scarf Shadow Tag users running Trick can hinder Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A by Choice-locking it. Niche Choice Scarf + No Guard Deoxys-A sets are not threatened by Choice Scarf + Shadow Tag users, but are trapped by Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas.

**Magic Bounce Users**: Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, are able to comfortably switch into Deoxys-A's Psystrike and bounce back Taunt and Dark Void. However, some Magic Bounce users, like Mega Venusaur, are unable to come in on Psystrike, and Magic Bounce users may be forced out by niche offensive Deoxys-A sets.

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina can use Encore on Deoxys-A's Substitute to force it out or use Glare on Deoxys-A not behind Substitute to severely hinder it. However, it becomes setup fodder if it switches into Taunt or Dark Void. Prankster Giratina can also get surprised by niche offensive sets, like No Guard.

 

[NToTheN]

Add Remove Comment

QC

[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass Wonder Guard
move 1: Gastro Acid / Taunt / Dark Void
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Leftovers
ability: Wonder Guard
nature: Hasty / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Def

[SET COMMENTS]
Wonder Guard Deoxys-Attack is an effective Substitute + Baton Pass user due to its nearly uncontested Speed, STAB Psystrike, and low defenses allowing for offensive counterplay to opposing Imposter users. Gastro Acid removes opposing Mold Breaker and Wonder Guard, allowing Deoxys-A to set up Substitute more easily and threaten some Wonder Guard users with Psystrike, respectively. Alternatively, Taunt annoys most non-Magic Bounce or Mold Breaker foes, disabling Prankster Giratina's moves if used on the switch, as well as passive Wonder Guard users lacking a way to hit Deoxys-A. Dark Void works much like Taunt while acting as more effective team support if a foe is slept for multiple turns, though the consequence of using it into a Magic Bounce user is greater and it can miss. Psystrike is the preferred attack due to 2HKOing most offensive foes and threatening Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill. Substitute + Baton Pass is a potent combination, especially with Wonder Guard, because it allows a teammate a turn to safely set up in most scenarios. Leftovers are used so Deoxys-A can more easily set up Substitute multiple times over the course of a match. The given EV spread lets Deoxys-A hit as hard as possible with Psystrike while outspeeding everything up to Mega Beedrill; max max ev spreads dont need to be explained a Hasty nature with 0 Defense IVs makes Imposter users Transformed into Deoxys-A as physically frail as possible, allowing for offensive counterplay against them. like what? be specific A Timid nature with 31 Defense IVs is also usable, though the ability to offensively threaten Imposter is a core advantage Deoxys-A has over other Substitute + Baton Pass users.

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A appreciates teammates that are able to capitalize on a passed Substitute and patch up its weaknesses. Mold Breaker Shell Smash users, in particular Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, and Xerneas, are good teammates because, behind a Substitute, they have an opportunity to use Shell Smash or a disruption move like Dark Void and Taunt, and are resistant to the majority of revenge killers. Mold Breaker Xerneas in particular does not fear Huge Power Mega Gyarados if healthy even if it runs Beat Up, making it a synergistic partner. Deoxys-A is also good Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X archetypes, since with good prediction a Mega Mewtwo X behind a Substitute with the right coverage moves is difficult to stop, though such teams have a difficult time fitting in either proper revenge killing or a support Wonder Guard user. Similarly, Protean users, like Mega Latios and Mega Mewtwo Y, appreciate passed Substitutes, though both Pokemon initially share the same weaknesses as Deoxys-A does and therefore can't hard switch in as easily if necessary. it's debatable whether huge power mmx and protean users should be mentioned since it appreciates sub far less than mold mons, and the former also shares a weakness to shadow sneak Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, like Mega Gardevoir, appreciate Deoxys-A's ability to pass Substitutes, though them running Wonder Guard and opposing Wonder Guard users potentially walling them makes the potential inability to hit many Wonder Guard users passed Substitutes not as useful as with Mold Breaker or Huge Power teammates. Prankster Giratina, support Wonder Guard users that don't share Deoxys-A's weaknesses, and robust revenge killers, in particular Huge Power Mega Gyarados and Pixilate Mega Diancie, are great teammates due to offering a switch-in to Mold Breaker and Huge Power and Protean users on a predict, Defog and Aromatherapy support, and priority for offensive foes, respectively.

[SET CREDITS] this is supposed to go at the bottom, also add me
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
Quality checked by:
1
2
Grammar checked by:
1

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

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A can run alternative options in its first moveslot: Spore is more accurate than Dark Void but misses out on Safety Goggles users and Grass-types, Destiny Bond allows Deoxys-A to trade against slower attackers but is largely redundant with Gastro Acid or Psystrike, and Stealth Rock and Spikes can be set as the opponent switches to an answer but Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, can switch too easily into Deoxys-A for them to be consistent options. Deoxys can opt for Shell Smash over Substitute, though Deoxys-A can run a Wonder Guard Shell Smash set with Spooky, or Insect Plate Judgment and two other non-Ghost, Dark, or Bug-type coverage options, though it is inconsistent due to its vulnerability to Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Deoxys-A can opt for Huge Power or Protean coverage sets, though the increased Speed compared to Mega Mewtwo X is usually not worth it because of Deoxys' substantially lower bulk and Huge Power Mewtwo's ability to run priority moves if desired. No Guard and Mold Breaker Deoxys-A are other options, as it is faster than Mega Mewtwo X and Y and is not meaningfully less powerful, though the vulnerability to priority due to its frailty makes these sets not worth running in most situations.

Checks and Counters main problem here is that they're too long, but the actual content is mostly fine
===================

**Priority Users**: Shadow Sneak users, like Mega Mewtwo X, Slaking, and Regigigas, immediately threaten Deoxys-A not behind a Substitute due to them being able to OHKO it can OHKO Deoxys-A when it isn't behind a Substitute. Additionally, Shadow Sneak Slaking and Regigigas often run Pursuit, meaning Deoxys-A cannot safely switch out much of the time. Huge Power Dark-types, most notable of them being Mega Gyarados, can threaten niche offensive sets with the combination of Pursuit + Sucker Punch (or Water Shuriken if Deoxys-A lacks Wonder Guard), though Substitute + Baton Pass sets usually don't have trouble playing around Pursuit. Huge Power Dark-types like Mega Gyarados threaten offensive sets with Sucker Punch, Water Shuriken, and Pursuit, though Substitute + Baton Pass sets can easily escape Pursuit. Mold Breaker Extreme Speed users, like Slaking and Primal Groudon, can also threaten Deoxys-A, though they are largely telegraphed due to unboosted Extreme Speed being relatively weak.

**Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Users**: Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X with Beat Up can safely remove Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A, as it outspeeds and OHKOes it. Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Primal Groudon can also opt for a super effective move, like Knock Off, which OHKOes Deo-A. though the opportunity cost is higher because it does not outpace No Guard Deoxys-S I just wouldn't mention the downsides for specific moves of a primal groudon set on a deo-a analysis. Additionally, Choice Scarf Shadow Tag users running Trick, but not a super effective move, not really relevant can cripple Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A by Choice-locking it. However, some niche offensive sets, like Choice Scarf No Guard, cannot be properly taken care of by Choice Scarf Shadow Tag users, though Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas can handle most non-Wonder Guard sets. Niche Choice Scarf + No Guard Deoxys-A sets are not threatened by Choice Scarf + Shadow Tag users, but are trapped by Shadow Tag Regigigas and Slaking.

**Magic Bounce Users**: Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, are able to comfortably switch into Deoxys-A's Psystrike and bounce back Taunt or Dark Void. However, some Magic Bounce users, like Mega Venusaur, are unable to come in on Psystrike, and Magic Bounce users may be forced out by niche offensive Deoxys-A sets.

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina can use Encore on Deoxys-A's Substitute to force it out, or use Glare on Deoxys-A not behind Substitute to severely hinder it. However, it becomes setup fodder if it switches into Taunt or Dark Void. Prankster Giratina can also get surprised by niche offensive sets, like No Guard.

Not too much really needs to be changed here, I think. There were just some tiny things I'd add or remove, and the checks and counters section was too long. I trust you to fix it up though. QC 1/2

 

[aerobee]

implemented

 

[RL]

Add Remove Comment

QC 2/2

[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass Wonder Guard
move 1: Gastro Acid / Taunt / Dark Void
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Leftovers
ability: Wonder Guard
nature: Hasty / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Def

[SET COMMENTS]
Wonder Guard Deoxys-Attack is an effective Substitute + Baton Pass user due to its nearly uncontested Speed, STAB Psystrike, and low defenses allowing for offensive counterplay to opposing Imposter users. Gastro Acid removes opposing Mold Breaker and Wonder Guard, allowing Deoxys-A to set up Substitute more easily and threaten some Wonder Guard users with Psystrike, respectively. Alternatively, Taunt annoys most non-Magic Bounce or Mold Breaker foes, disabling Prankster Giratina's moves if used on the switch, as well as passive Wonder Guard users lacking a way to hit Deoxys-A. Dark Void works much like Taunt while acting as more effective team support if a foe is slept for multiple turns, though the consequence of using it into a Magic Bounce user is greater if Deoxys-Attack isn't behind a substitute (I think it's worth mentionning it here) and it can miss. Psystrike is the preferred attack due to 2HKOing most offensive foes (I'd mention one or two examples here to clarify) and threatening Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill. Substitute + Baton Pass is a potent combination, especially with Wonder Guard, because it allows a teammate a turn to safely set up in most scenarios. Leftovers are used so Deoxys-A can more easily set up Substitute multiple times over the course of a match. A Hasty nature with 0 Defense IVs makes Imposter users Transformed into Deoxys-A as physically frail as possible, allowing for offensive counterplay, such as Shadow Sneak, -Ate Revenge Killer, (I'm mostly thinking about Shadow Tag Regigigas, which can easilly take the k-o) and Choice Scarf Beat Up users, against them. A Timid nature with 31 Defense IVs is also usable, though the ability to offensively threaten Imposter is a core advantage Deoxys-A has over other Substitute + Baton Pass users.

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A appreciates teammates that are able to capitalize on a passed Substitute and patch up its weaknesses. Mold Breaker Shell Smash users, in particular Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, and Xerneas, are good teammates because, behind a Substitute, they have an opportunity to use Shell Smash or a disruption move like Dark Void and Taunt, and are resistant to the majority of revenge killers. Mold Breaker Xerneas in particular does not fear Huge Power Mega Gyarados if healthy even if it runs Beat Up, making it a synergistic partner. Deoxys-A is also good on (just forgot the word I think)Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X archetypes, since with good prediction a Mega Mewtwo X behind a Substitute with the right coverage moves is difficult to stop, though such teams have a difficult time fitting in either proper revenge killing or a support Wonder Guard user. Similarly, Protean users, like Mega Latios and Mega Mewtwo Y, appreciate passed Substitutes, though both Pokemon initially share the same weaknesses as Deoxys-A does and therefore can't hard switch in as easily if necessary. Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, like Mega Gardevoir, appreciate Deoxys-A's ability to pass Substitutes, though the potential inability to hit many Wonder Guard users and giving up a moveslot for Shell Smash make passed Substitutes not as useful as with Mold Breaker or Huge Power teammates. Prankster Giratina, support Wonder Guard users that don't share Deoxys-A's weaknesses, and robust revenge killers, in particular Huge Power Mega Gyarados (I think you should also mention Shadow Tag Regigigas, as it's ability to trap is pretty good at removing foes that threaten Deoxys-Attack) and Pixilate Mega Diancie, are great teammates due to offering a switch-in to Mold Breaker and Huge Power and Protean users on a predict, Defog and Aromatherapy support, and priority for offensive foes, respectively.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ntothen.569731/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rl.554093/
Grammar checked by:
1

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

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A can run alternative options in its first moveslot: Spore is more accurate than Dark Void but misses out on Safety Goggles users and Grass-types, Destiny Bond allows Deoxys-A to trade against slower attackers but is largely redundant with Gastro Acid or Psystrike, and Stealth Rock and Spikes can be set as the opponent switches to an answer but Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, can switch too easily into Deoxys-A for them to be consistent options. Deoxys can opt for Shell Smash over Substitute, though Deoxys-A can run a Wonder Guard Shell Smash set with Spooky, or Insect Plate Judgment and two other non-Ghost, Dark, or Bug-type coverage options, though it is inconsistent due to its vulnerability to Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Deoxys-A can opt for Huge Power or Protean coverage sets, though the increased Speed compared to Mega Mewtwo X is usually not worth it because of Deoxys' substantially lower bulk and Huge Power Mewtwo's ability to run priority moves if desired. No Guard and Mold Breaker Deoxys-A are other options, as it is faster than Mega Mewtwo X and Y and is not meaningfully less powerful, though the vulnerability to priority due to its frailty makes these sets not worth running in most situations.

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

**Priority Users**: Shadow Sneak users, like Mega Mewtwo X, Slaking, and Regigigas, OHKO Deoxys-A when it isn't behind a Substitute. Additionally, Shadow Sneak Slaking and Regigigas often run Pursuit, meaning Deoxys-A cannot safely switch out much of the time. Huge Power Dark-types like Mega Gyarados threaten niche offensive sets with Sucker Punch, Water Shuriken, and Pursuit, though Substitute + Baton Pass sets can easily escape Pursuit. Mold Breaker Extreme Speed users, like Slaking and Primal Groudon, also threaten Deoxys-A.

**Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Users**: Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X with Beat Up can safely remove Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A, as it outspeeds and OHKOes it. Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Primal Groudon can also opt for a super effective move, such as Knock Off or Beat Up. Additionally, Choice Scarf Shadow Tag users running Trick can cripple Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A by Choice-locking it. Niche Choice Scarf + No Guard Deoxys-A sets are not threatened by Choice Scarf + Shadow Tag users, but are trapped by Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas.

**Magic Bounce Users**: Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, are able to comfortably switch into Deoxys-A's Psystrike and bounce back Taunt or Dark Void. However, some Magic Bounce users, like Mega Venusaur, are unable to come in on Psystrike, and Magic Bounce users may be forced out by niche offensive Deoxys-A sets.

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina can use Encore on Deoxys-A's Substitute to force it out, or use Glare on Deoxys-A not behind Substitute to severely hinder it. However, it becomes setup fodder if it switches into Taunt or Dark Void. Prankster Giratina can also get surprised by niche offensive sets, like No Guard.

Really good work, just don't forget to give some examples when mentionning damages interactions. QC 2/2

 

[SolarBeam]

1/1, wasn't in the queue so not tagging. Very nice, just make sure to tag bot in the future to get into the queue- randomly saw this at the bottom of the forum.

deoxys

blue = add
red = remove
(orange) = comment

[SET]
name: Substitute + Baton Pass Wonder Guard
move 1: Gastro Acid / Taunt / Dark Void
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Baton Pass
item: Leftovers
ability: Wonder Guard
nature: Hasty / Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe
ivs: 0 Def

[SET COMMENTS]
Wonder Guard Deoxys-Attack is an effective Substitute + Baton Pass user due to its nearly uncontested Speed, STAB Psystrike, and low defenses allowing for offensive counterplay to opposing Imposter users. Gastro Acid removes opposing Mold Breaker and Wonder Guard, allowing Deoxys-A to set up Substitute more easily and threaten some Wonder Guard users with Psystrike, respectively (unnecessary). Alternatively, Taunt annoys most non-Magic Bounce or and Mold Breaker foes, disabling Prankster Giratina's moves if used on the switch, as well as passive Wonder Guard users lacking a way to hit Deoxys-A. Dark Void works much like Taunt while acting as more effective team support if a foe is slept kept asleep for multiple turns, though the consequence of using it into against a Magic Bounce user is greater if Deoxys-A isn't behind a Substitute, (AC) and it can miss. Psystrike is the its preferred attack due to 2HKOing most offensive foes and threatening Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill. Substitute + Baton Pass is a potent combination, especially with Wonder Guard, because it allows a teammate a turn to safely set up in most scenarios. Leftovers are is used so Deoxys-A can more easily set up Substitute multiple times over the course of a match. A Hasty nature with 0 Defense IVs makes Imposter users Transformed transformed into Deoxys-A as physically frail as possible, allowing for offensive counterplay, such as Shadow Sneak and Choice Scarf Beat Up users, against them. A Timid nature with 31 Defense IVs is also usable, though the ability to offensively threaten Imposter users is a core advantage Deoxys-A has over other Substitute + Baton Pass users.

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A appreciates teammates that are able to capitalize on a passed Substitute and patch up its weaknesses. Mold Breaker Shell Smash users, in particular Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza, Primal Groudon, and Xerneas, are good teammates because, behind a Substitute, they have an opportunity to use Shell Smash or a disruption move like Dark Void and Taunt (RC) and are resistant to the majority of revenge killers. Mold Breaker Xerneas in particular does not fear Huge Power Mega Gyarados if healthy even if it runs Beat Up, making it a synergistic partner. Deoxys-A is also good on Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X archetypes, since with good prediction, (AC) a Mega Mewtwo X behind a Substitute with the right coverage moves is difficult to stop, though such teams have a difficult time fitting in either proper revenge killing or a support Wonder Guard user. Similarly, Protean users, like Mega Latios and Mega Mewtwo Y, appreciate passed Substitutes, though both Pokemon initially share the same weaknesses as Deoxys-A does and therefore can't hard switch in as easily if necessary. Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, like Mega Gardevoir, appreciate Deoxys-A's ability to pass Substitutes, though the potential inability to hit potentially not hitting (parallelism) many Wonder Guard users and giving up a moveslot for Shell Smash make passed Substitutes not as useful as with Mold Breaker or and Huge Power teammates. Prankster Giratina, support Wonder Guard users that don't share Deoxys-A's weaknesses, and robust revenge killers, in particular Huge Power Mega Gyarados, Shadow Tag Slaking or and Regigigas, and Pixilate Mega Diancie, are great teammates due to offering a switch-in to Mold Breaker, (AC) and Huge Power, (AC) and Protean users on a predict prediction, Defog and Aromatherapy support, and priority for offensive foes, respectively.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ntothen.569731/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rl.554093/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/

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

Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A can run alternative options in its first moveslot: Spore is more accurate than Dark Void but misses out on Safety Goggles users and Grass-types, Destiny Bond allows Deoxys-A to trade against slower attackers but is largely redundant with Gastro Acid or and Psystrike, and Stealth Rock and Spikes can be set as the opponent switches to an answer, (AC) but Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, can switch too easily into Deoxys-A for them to be consistent options. Deoxys-A can opt for Shell Smash over Substitute; (replaced comma with semicolon) though Deoxys-A it can run a Wonder Guard Shell Smash set with Spooky (RC) or Insect Plate, (AC) Judgment, (AC) and two other non-Ghost- (AH), Dark- (AH), or and Bug-type coverage options, though it is inconsistent due to its vulnerability to Pursuit and Sucker Punch. Deoxys-A can opt for Huge Power or and Protean coverage sets, though the increased Speed compared to Mega Mewtwo X is usually not worth it because of Deoxys' its substantially lower bulk and Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X's ability to run priority moves if desired. No Guard and Mold Breaker Deoxys-A are other options, as it is faster than Mega Mewtwo X and Y and is not meaningfully less powerful, though the vulnerability to priority due to its frailty makes these sets not worth running in most situations.

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

**Priority Users**: Shadow Sneak users, like Mega Mewtwo X, Slaking, and Regigigas, OHKO Deoxys-A when it isn't behind a Substitute. Additionally, Shadow Sneak Slaking and Regigigas often run Pursuit, meaning Deoxys-A cannot safely switch out much of the time. Huge Power Dark-types like Mega Gyarados threaten niche offensive sets with Sucker Punch, Water Shuriken, and Pursuit, though Substitute + Baton Pass sets can easily escape Pursuit. Mold Breaker Extreme Speed users, like Slaking and Primal Groudon, also threaten Deoxys-A.

**Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Users**: Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X with Beat Up can safely remove Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A, as it outspeeds and OHKOes it. Choice Scarf Shadow Tag Primal Groudon can also opt for a super effective move, such as Knock Off or Beat Up. Additionally, Choice Scarf Shadow Tag users running Trick can cripple hinder Substitute + Baton Pass Deoxys-A by Choice-locking it. Niche Choice Scarf + No Guard Deoxys-A sets are not threatened by Choice Scarf + Shadow Tag users, but they are trapped by Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas.

**Magic Bounce Users**: Magic Bounce users, like Giratina and Aegislash, are able to comfortably switch into Deoxys-A's Psystrike and bounce back Taunt or and Dark Void. However, some Magic Bounce users, like Mega Venusaur, are unable to come in on Psystrike, and Magic Bounce users may be forced out by niche offensive Deoxys-A sets.

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina can use Encore on Deoxys-A's Substitute to force it out (RC) or use Glare on Deoxys-A not behind Substitute to severely hinder it. However, it becomes setup fodder if it switches into Taunt or Dark Void. Prankster Giratina can also get surprised by niche offensive sets, like No Guard.