Ubers Palkia

[Lumari]

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GP 2/2

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[OVERVIEW]

Palkia's excellent base 150 Special Attack stat along with the ability to viably run a Modest nature makes it hard for anything to switch into it. Its access to Z-Heal Block also allows Palkia to pose a very menacing threat to defensive walls. It sports a solid offensive typing that allows it to hit a wide array of Pokemon, which is further boosted by its large coverage, (AC) with access to moves such as Fire Blast and Thunder. Defensively, Palkia is able to switch into most Steel-types like Solgaleo, as well as Primal Kyogre. However, Palkia sits at a very average Speed tier with a Modest nature, leaving it vulnerable to faster Pokemon, which can whittle it down or KO it. As such, Palkia's main usage should be on Sticky Web-oriented teams. It also only gets one chance to set up, as Z-Heal Block can only be used once per battle.

[SET]
name: Z-Move Sweeper
move 1: Heal Block
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Spacial Rend
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder
item: Psychium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Heal Block can be powered up into Z-Heal Block, which boosts Palkia's Special Attack to monstrous levels. It can also be used to prevent recovery on Pokemon like Ho-Oh and bulky Arceus formes, though it must be noted that Regenerator will still take effect after Heal Block. Hydro Pump is a very powerful STAB move that can OHKO bulky Arceus formes after Stealth Rock at +2. Spacial Rend is a reliable, powerful Dragon-type STAB move that helps Palkia take down Dragon-type Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and also allows Palkia to deal with Primal Groudon, which resists or is immune to all of Palkia's other attacks, as any set that is not defensive will fall to a +2 Spacial Rend. Fire Blast is for Ferrothorn, which resists all of Palkia's other attacks, while also OHKOing and also OHKOes Magearna at +2. Thunder is notable for having a high chance to OHKO Primal Kyogre at +2, but it doesn't accomplish much else.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack with a Modest nature takes advantage of Palkia's offensive (natural power works, so does offensive prowess, but offensive power is redundant) power. Maximum investment in Speed allows Palkia to outspeed threats such as Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, (AC) (keep comma, remove comment) and Modest Xerneas prior to Geomancy. A Modest nature allows Palkia to achieve key benchmarks such as OHKOs on maximum HP Arceus after Stealth Rock—however, a Timid nature can be used, though there is a severe cut on power. (this is implied by losing out on those key benchmarks) It notably allows Palkia to outspeed maximum Speed base 90s such as Primal Kyogre as well as Speed tie with maximum Speed base 100s such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Kangaskhan, respectively. Timid should be used on non-Sticky Web teams; however, Palkia should only be used with Sticky Web support due to its average Speed. (then why is it an option at all? prob reword this bit into a "but it should never be used because") Psychium Z is mandatory to power up Heal Block into Z-Heal Block, which boosts Palkia's Special Attack by +2.

Usage Tips
========

Palkia can usually switch directly into Pokemon it beats such as Primal Kyogre and Solgaleo and then set up Z-Heal Block on the switch. Offensive teams spell doom for Palkia, as they are filled with faster Pokemon such as Mega Salamence and Marshadow that can OHKO it most of the time. As such, Thus, it's better just to soften up the opponent's team for a late-game sweep rather than set up Z-Heal Block right away. Before using you use Z-Heal Block, the sets of opposing Pokemon should be scouted first, as a surprise Choice Scarf Xerneas or Arceus-Fairy can be troublesome for Palkia. Finally, against passive defensive walls like Blissey or Chansey, Palkia should use regular Heal Block and then switch out so as to prevent them from using their recovery, as Palkia cannot deal much damage to specially defensive walls.

Team Options
========

Sticky Web support from Pokemon like Shuckle and Smeargle is a huge help to Palkia, as ideally Palkia would want to go first to hit them move before the opposing Pokemon, since if Palkia moves second otherwise it can be KOed or whittled down. Stealth Rock setters like Landorus-T, Arceus-Fairy, and Primal Groudon help Palkia break walls such as defensive Arceus formes easier more easily; Primal Groudon in particular is a great teammate for Palkia, as it can take Fairy-type attacks for it as well as set up Stealth Rock. Sweepers such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon and (Geomancy?) Xerneas can soften up the opposing team for Palkia to clean up later. Fairy-types like Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas appreciate Palkia's ability to get past most Fairy-type checks such as Solgaleo and non-defensive Primal Groudon. Ghost-types like Lunala and Arceus-Ghost are incredibly useful for Palkia, as they prevent Sticky Web from being removed by Rapid Spin thanks to their Normal-type immunity. Finally, Mega Lucario beats the Fairy-types that Palkia fears, while in return Palkia takes care of Fire- and Ground-types like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon.

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

Substitute eases prediction and can be used when Palkia forces a foe out. It also allows Palkia to avoid Toxic from Pokemon like Arceus-Water, but running it makes Palkia sacrifice one of its coverage moves, leaving it open to being taken advantage of by Pokemon like Dialga and Xerneas. A bulky Leftovers set with Spacial Rend, Toxic, Fire Blast, and Hydro Pump or Dragon Tail allows Palkia to be a consistent Primal Kyogre pivot while still retaining some offensive presence. Focus Punch is an option to hit Blissey and Chansey on the switch, but it is somewhat matchup based, since if your opponent does not carry either a Blissey or a Chansey, a moveslot that could go to a more useful coverage move such as Fire Blast is effectively wasted. An all-out attacking set using Life Orb gives more power at the cost of flexibility; (SC) however, as Palkia can't effectively force switches against stall without Heal Block, such a set would require using Focus Punch, as Palkia can't effectively force switches against stall without Heal Block, (readability) which is a tough option to fit on a set without Psychium Z, (AC) as Palkia already has trouble with coverage moves.

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

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can use Palkia as setup bait prior to Z-Heal Block and KO it with their STAB moves. Choice Scarf Xerneas can revenge kill it Palkia with Moonblast, while Arceus-Fairy outspeeds Palkia it naturally and can use Judgment to deal with it.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Mega Lucario, Rayquaza, and Marshadow all outspeed Palkia and can wear it down with their powerful STAB attacks. Marshadow in particular can steal Palkia's Z-Heal Block boosts with Spectral Thief, preventing it from setting up again.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon like Dialga, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre are able to come in safely if Palkia isn't at +2, and they can usually get a hit off thanks to their great bulk.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Lugia can usually stall Palkia out and wear it down with Toxic.

 

[MeepBard]

remove add / fix (comment); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Palkia's excellent base 150 Special Attack stat along with the ability to viably run a Modest nature makes it hard for anything to switch into it. Its access to Z-Heal Block also allows Palkia to pose a very menacing threat to defensive walls. It sports a solid offensive typing that allows it to hit a wide array of Pokemon, which is further boosted by its large coverage, (AC) with access to moves such as Fire Blast and Thunder. Defensively, Palkia is able to switch into most Steel-types like Solgaleo, as well as Primal Kyogre. However, Palkia sits at a very average Speed tier with a Modest nature, leaving it vulnerable to faster Pokemon, which can whittle it down or KO it. As such, Palkia's main usage should be on Sticky Web-oriented teams. It also only gets one chance to set up, as Z-Heal Block can only be used once per battle.

[SET]
name: Z-Move Sweeper
move 1: Heal Block
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Spacial Rend
move 4: Fire Blast / Thunder
item: Psychium Z
ability: Pressure
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Heal Block can be powered up into Z-Heal Block, which boosts Palkia's Special Attack to monstrous levels. It can also be used to prevent recovery on Pokemon like Ho-Oh and bulky Arceus formes, though it must be noted that Regenerator will still take effect after Heal Block. Hydro Pump is a very powerful STAB move that can OHKO bulky Arceus formes after Stealth Rock at +2. Spacial Rend is a reliable, powerful Dragon-type STAB move that helps Palkia take down Dragon-type Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and also allows Palkia to deal with Primal Groudon, which resists or is immune to all of Palkia's other attacks, as any set that is not defensive will fall to a +2 Spacial Rend. Fire Blast is for Ferrothorn, which resists all of Palkia's other attacks, while also OHKOing and also OHKOes Magearna at +2. Thunder is notable for having a high chance to OHKO Primal Kyogre at +2, but it doesn't accomplish much else.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Special Attack with a Modest nature takes advantage of Palkia's offensive (natural power works, so does offensive prowess, but offensive power is redundant) power. Maximum investment in Speed allows Palkia to outspeed threats such as Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, (AC) (keep comma, remove comment) and Modest Xerneas prior to Geomancy. A Modest nature allows Palkia to achieve key benchmarks such as OHKOs on maximum HP Arceus after Stealth Rock—however, a Timid nature can be used, though there is a severe cut on power. (this is implied by losing out on those key benchmarks) It notably allows Palkia to outspeed maximum Speed base 90s such as Primal Kyogre as well as Speed tie with maximum Speed base 100s such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Kangaskhan, respectively. Timid should be used on non-Sticky Web teams; however, Palkia should only be used with Sticky Web support due to its average Speed. (then why is it an option at all? prob reword this bit into a "but it should never be used because") Psychium Z is mandatory to power up Heal Block into Z-Heal Block, which boosts Palkia's Special Attack by +2.

Usage Tips
========

Palkia can usually switch directly into Pokemon it beats such as Primal Kyogre and Solgaleo and then set up Z-Heal Block on the switch. Offensive teams spell doom for Palkia, as they are filled with faster Pokemon such as Mega Salamence and Marshadow that can OHKO it most of the time. As such, Thus, it's better just to soften up the opponent's team for a late-game sweep rather than set up Z-Heal Block right away. Before using you use Z-Heal Block, the sets of opposing Pokemon should be scouted first, as a surprise Choice Scarf Xerneas or Arceus-Fairy can be troublesome for Palkia. Finally, against passive defensive walls like Blissey or Chansey, Palkia should use regular Heal Block and then switch out so as to prevent them from using their recovery, as Palkia cannot deal much damage to specially defensive walls.

Team Options
========

Sticky Web support from Pokemon like Shuckle and Smeargle is a huge help to Palkia, as ideally Palkia would want to go first to hit them move before the opposing Pokemon, since if Palkia moves second otherwise it can be KOed or whittled down. Stealth Rock setters like Landorus-T, Arceus-Fairy, and Primal Groudon help Palkia break walls such as defensive Arceus formes easier more easily; Primal Groudon in particular is a great teammate for Palkia, as it can take Fairy-type attacks for it as well as set up Stealth Rock. Sweepers such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon and (Geomancy?) Xerneas can soften up the opposing team for Palkia to clean up later. Fairy-types like Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas appreciate Palkia's ability to get past most Fairy-type checks such as Solgaleo and non-defensive Primal Groudon. Ghost-types like Lunala and Arceus-Ghost are incredibly useful for Palkia, as they prevent Sticky Web from being removed by Rapid Spin thanks to their Normal-type immunity. Finally, Mega Lucario beats the Fairy-types that Palkia fears, while in return Palkia takes care of Fire- and Ground-types like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon.

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

Substitute eases prediction and can be used when Palkia forces a foe out. It also allows Palkia to avoid Toxic from Pokemon like Arceus-Water, but running it makes Palkia sacrifice one of its coverage moves, leaving it open to being taken advantage of by Pokemon like Dialga and Xerneas. A bulky Leftovers set with Spacial Rend, Toxic, Fire Blast, and Hydro Pump or Dragon Tail allows Palkia to be a consistent Primal Kyogre pivot while still retaining some offensive presence. Focus Punch is an option to hit Blissey and Chansey on the switch, but it is somewhat matchup based, since if your opponent does not carry either a Blissey or a Chansey, a moveslot that could go to a more useful coverage move such as Fire Blast is effectively wasted. An all-out attacking set using Life Orb gives more power at the cost of flexibility; (SC) however, as Palkia can't effectively force switches against stall without Heal Block, such a set would require using Focus Punch, as Palkia can't effectively force switches against stall without Heal Block, (readability) which is a tough option to fit on a set without Psychium Z, (AC) as Palkia already has trouble with coverage moves.

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

**Fairy-types**: Fairy-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can use Palkia as setup bait prior to Z-Heal Block and KO it with their STAB moves. Choice Scarf Xerneas can revenge kill it Palkia with Moonblast, while Arceus-Fairy outspeeds Palkia it naturally and can use Judgment to deal with it.

**Faster Pokemon**: Faster Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Rock Polish Primal Groudon, Mega Lucario, Rayquaza, and Marshadow all outspeed Palkia and can wear it down with their powerful STAB attacks. Marshadow in particular can steal Palkia's Z-Heal Block boosts with Spectral Thief, preventing it from setting up again.

**Bulky Pokemon**: Bulky Pokemon like Dialga, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre are able to come in safely if Palkia isn't at +2, and they can usually get a hit off thanks to their great bulk.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Lugia can usually stall Palkia out and wear it down with Toxic.

Implemented. This is Done :).

 

[Nayrz]

this is uploaded, gj