Archeops Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Head Smash, despite its relatively low accuracy, is a great Rock-type STAB move with a huge 150 Base Power that lets it OHKO Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Dragonite through Multiscale, bulky Tapu Lele, and Meloetta. Fly is Archeops's Flying-type STAB move, which allows it to defeat the likes of Mega Heracross, Mega Venusaur, Kommo-o, and Keldeo. Outrage combined with Choice Band lets it OHKO non-Choice Scarf Garchomp and can also be used as a more reliable move to KO non-Choice Scarf Haxorus. Heat Wave KOes Kartana and non-Choice Scarf Genesect reliably. Alternatively, Earthquake can be used to OHKO non-Choice Scarf Terrakion, non-Choice Scarf Excadrill, and Nihilego with ease without relying on Head Smash. Switcheroo can be used over Heat Wave to shut down defensive Pokemon like Chansey. Set Details Maximum Attack investment with Choice Band lets Archeops hit as hard as possible, which is required to one-shot bulky Z-Move Tapu Lele, Dragonite through Multiscale, and Meloetta. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature lets it outpace Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, non-Choice Scarf Garchomp, Mega Pinsir, Durant, and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Jumpluff and Latios, which can discourage your opponent from sending these Pokemon. Unfortunately, Archeops must use Defeatist, which reduces its attacks to half their power when it has less than half of its maximum HP remaining, costing it its matchup against Chansey after Head Smash recoil. Usage Tips Some physically defensive walls that Archeops hits super effectively, like Zygarde and defensive Mega Venusaur, and Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Magnezone, should be avoided, as they can tank its hits and retaliate with their own. While Head Smash should be the move Archeops relies on most, if one of your more accurate coverage moves can OHKO an opponent, use that instead, to avoid the chance of missing. It should be noted that Archeops can break through several impressive bulky offense Pokemon, who can usually tank even super effective hits, like Dragonite, Meloetta, and Kommo-o, and has pretty good odds against other defensive Pokemon like Primarina. You should avoid using Fly if you predict the foe to be carrying Protect or Substitute, as they can take advantage of the extra turn and avoid taking any damage, such as against Jumpluff or Whimsicott. Team Options Archeops gets outsped by some hard-hitters like Choice Specs Greninja, Naganadel, Mega Lopunny, and Choice Scarf users like Garchomp, which can OHKO it. Fast Pokemon like Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can defeat all of these threats; in turn, Archeops can check Dragonite, Meloetta, bulky Mega Heracross, and Primarina, which are able to defeat Porygon-Z. Specially offensive Pokemon like bulky Mega Charizard Y offer support against Mega Gyarados, Greninja, and Mega Slowbro, which threaten Archeops, while Archeops can deal with Pokemon like Mega Charizard X, Dragonite, and Mega Pinsir, which threaten Mega Charizard Y. Similarly, physically bulky Mega Charizard X checks Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Magearna and Mega Lopunny, Magnezone, and Sawk reliably, which can all defeat Archeops, while Archeops helps Mega Charizard X in return by checking bulky Z-Move Tapu Lele, Dragonite, Meloetta, and Primarina. Sturdy Pokemon heavily counter Archeops, so bulky Mega Heracross is a great teammate for Archeops, as it can single-handedly take out most of Archeops's checks including most Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Sawk, faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and Choice Scarf Garchomp, and most of the Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Swampert. Archeops in turn helps Mega Heracross by scaring off Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Dragonite, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Medicham, which threaten Mega Heracross.

Moves Archeops's ability to outspeed most Taunt and Defog users makes it easy for it to set Stealth Rock up. Taunt prevents opposing leads such as Druddigon from setting up entry hazards or boosting, and it denies Defog and status moves. Endeavor can cripple a foe once Archeops is knocked down to its Focus Sash, making it easy for a teammate to finish the foe off. Head Smash is used to block Rapid Spin and Defog when Archeops is down to its Focus Sash, as they fail when Archeops faints due to Head Smash's recoil; this also grants a teammate a free switch in. Rock Slide can be used over Head Smash, as it hits hard but doesn't break Archeops' Focus Sash; however, it cannot block Rapid Spin. Rock Tomb is also usable over Head Smash, as it slows down the foe, which can be useful against Choice Scarf users and can benefit a teammate. Set Details 252 Attack EVs maximize Archeops's damage output, while 252 Speed EVs and a Naive nature maximize Archeops's Speed. A Naive nature and a 0 Special Defense IV make it easier to get to 1 HP, though 0 Defense and HP IVs are not recommended, as Archeops would forfeit its chance to survive Rhyperior's Rock Blast. A Focus Sash is necessary to allow Archeops to take a hit while it sets up Stealth Rock. Usage Tips Archeops should almost always be used as a lead to set up Stealth Rock early-game. Always Taunt opposing leads to prevent them from setting entry hazards, and use Stealth Rock afterwards. It's a good idea to Taunt setup sweepers too, especially those that boost their Speed. Use Endeavor on Defog users if Archeops is at 1 HP to cripple them, and then set up Stealth Rock again. Against Rapid Spin users, Archeops should spinblock by knocking itself out with Head Smash instead of using Endeavor. Saving Archeops for later in the match is possible if you think Stealth Rock might be removed or you want to cripple bulky Pokemon with Endeavor. If the opponent has a Xatu and you predict it to switch in, use Head Smash instead of Stealth Rock, as Stealth Rock will be bounced back by Magic Bounce. Don't try to Taunt priority move users, as they can KO Archeops before it sets up Stealth Rock. Team Options Most offensive Pokemon such as Fletchinder and Houndoom appreciate Stealth Rock, as it allows them to KO Pokemon they otherwise would not be able to. Archeops can also prevent opposing leads from getting up Stealth Rock, which is helpful for Pokemon weak to it such as Houndoom, Mega Glalie, and Braviary. Wallbreakers, such as Exploud and Mega Glalie, which can break through bulky teams also make for good partners. A Rapid Spin user such as Hitmonlee can remove entry hazards from your side of the field without removing the Stealth Rock set up by Archeops. Braviary also makes for a great partner, as it deters Defog from being used with its ability Defiant. Priority move users such as Fletchinder and Mega Glalie can be used to pick off Pokemon weakened by Endeavor. Finally, a spinblocker such as Mismagius or Spiritomb is recommended to block Rapid Spin to prevent Stealth Rock from being removed.

Acrobatics provides Archeops with its most powerful STAB on the first turn it is used. By using Flying Gem, Archeops' Acrobatics has incredible power and does more damage than any Brave Bird in the tier. Even after the Flying Gem is consumed, Acrobatics is still a potent move, with 110 Base Power. Stone Edge is Archeops' secondary STAB. While the accuracy is often aggravating, a 100 Base Power STAB move with the Rock-type's awesome offensive coverage is not to be underestimated. Earthquake has great coverage alongside both Flying- and Rock-type attacks and removes the Rock- and Steel-types that resist Acrobatics. However, one must keep in mind that Steel- and Rock-types are often able to survive an Earthquake and heavily injure or outright KO Archeops in return, so Earthquake is best used preemptively to strike predicted switch-ins. U-turn fills the final moveslot and allows Archeops to play the role of a scout while also getting some quick damage in. The EVs and nature are standard fare, maximizing Archeops's Speed and power. Putting the remaining 4 EVs into Defense instead of HP allows Archeops to switch into Stealth Rock twice without activating Defeatist. Hone Claws is an option that can replace U-turn, but considering Archeops's frailty and the dangers associated with Defeatist, the benefits of Hone Claws are rarely worth missing a valuable chance to attack. This is not to say that the boosts can't be impressive--a +1 Flying Gem Acrobatics can OHKO a max HP Cobalion with Spikes support. Because every precious bit of HP needs to be preserved, Archeops benefits greatly from the presence of a teammate with Rapid Spin. Hitmontop and Claydol are both good choices because they provide bulk and invaluable Rock-type resistances; Claydol is immune to Electric-type attacks as well. Magic Bounce Xatu functions similarly in its ability to keep Stealth Rock off of the field. In the event that Archeops takes a bit too much damage, Wish and Leech Seed can give it a second chance. Otherwise, Reflect and Light Screen support allow it to take hits with greater ease. Having teammates weak to Ground-type moves can also be effective, providing invaluable opportunities for Archeops to switch into battle. Raikou, Nidoking, and Rhyperior can all work towards this goal and allow Archeops to switch in unscathed. Rhyperior is special in that it draws in the same Pokemon as Archeops, allowing them to jointly weaken their counters and muscle through the enemy team.

Choice Band allows Archeops to simply mow down every opponent that dares to stand in its way. With the loss of Acrobatics, Stone Edge becomes Archeops' main move, but still hits incredibly hard against any Pokemon that doesn't resist it. Earthquake still fulfills its role of providing invaluable coverage, especially against Steel-types. U-turn plays a greater role on this set, allowing Archeops to hit hard before switching out, avoiding the danger of being locked into the wrong move. The last slot is left to filler. Despite its low Base Power, Aerial Ace dismantles bulky Fighting-types like Hitmontop, which are traditionally problematic for Rock-type sweepers. On the other hand, Crunch deals severe damage to Mew, Dusclops, and Golurk. Psychic-type Pokemon are everywhere in UU, and Crunch can beat them without relying on Stone Edge's accuracy. A few moves can also be used in the last slot. Quick Attack is Archeops's only priority move, but it is weak and provides little coverage. Even with the Choice Band, being locked into a 40 Base Power Normal-type move is a severe liability. Acrobatics hits with about 92% of the power of Aerial Ace, but becomes more useful in the event that Archeops is hit by Knock Off. Much like the previous set, anything that prevents, diminishes, or heals damage done to Archeops is a terrific boon. Pokemon with Rapid Spin and Magic Bounce Xatu become even more important for Archeops, as it needs to switch more frequently when locked into a single move. Again, Leech Seed, Wish, Reflect, and Light Screen are very useful to run. Just as with the Acrobatics set, Rhyperior and other Pokemon weak to Ground-type moves are good partners because can create opportunities for Archeops to switch in.

Archeops's massive base 140 Attack and 110 Speed help it muscle through defensive Pokemon in the tier. Acrobatics works quite well with Flying Gem, which powers up Acrobatics for one turn. This makes Acrobatics capable of OHKOing Amoonguss. After Flight Jewel has been used up, Acrobatics's Base Power doubles. This ancient bird boasts the second strongest unboosted Rock Slide in the tier, Gigalith just edging it out with an Attack-boosting nature. Earthquake gets much better coverage than Quick Attack does, and provides a secondary spread attack. On the other hand, Quick Attack finishes off Focus Sash users and lets Archeops get off an extra attack against faster foes before going down. Fast Guard protects both of your Pokemon from Fake Out and Mach Punch, and is a decent option when leading with Archeops. However, Protect gives Archeops a guaranteed turn of survival, and is generally the preferred choice. An Adamant nature could be used, but it gains no additional KOs of great significance. Adamant's primary purpose would be just to increase damage dealt to bulky Pokemon such as Escavalier or Reuniclus. Head Smash could work on a Choice Band set, but the recoil would quickly bring the bird into Defeatist range. When building a team, take into account that Archeops has many weaknesses. A bulkier Pokemon that resists spread moves which Archeops is weak to is a solid choice. Golurk and Cofagrigus are decent teammates, however, Golurk adds a weakness to Water Spout. Audino can use Simple Beam on Archeops, nullifying Defeatist. Offensive teammates should be tailored to finish off whatever Archeops cannot. Conkeldurr is a solid choice here, resisting Rock Slide and having priority in the form of Mach Punch. Conkeldurr is also free to use Earthquake thanks to Archeops's Flying typing.

Acrobatics is Archeops's primary attack, displaying terrifyingly destructive force, especially when coupled with a Flying Gem. Rock Slide is Archeops's secondary STAB move, which takes advantage of Archeops's high Speed stat as it strikes at both of the opponent's Pokemon and has a chance to cause a flinch. There is a bit of variety when it comes to Archeops's third moveslot; Quick Attack can be used in order to finish off weakened opponent, while Earthquake provides Archeops with a way to deal some decent damage to Steel-type Pokemon, such as Metagross and Heatran. Lastly, Endeavor allows Archeops to make a last-ditch effort to deal damage to an opponent after Defeatist has been activated. Archeops's final move is Protect, which allows it to block oncoming attacks and scout for priority moves. Archeops's EVs maximize its Attack and Speed, allowing it to do the most with the short time that it has. As previously stated, Flying Gem makes Acrobatics an extremely powerful attack, and also has the benefit of allowing Archeops to use Acrobatics from the start. A Rock Gem can be used instead of a Flying Gem, but it means that Rock Slide must be used once before Acrobatics can be used properly. Quick Guard can be used by Archeops, as it is faster than all Fake Out users with the exception of Weavile and Ambipom; it also can save an ally from being picked off by Sucker Punch or Bullet Punch. Head Smash is also a valid option for Archeops to run; while the recoil will almost always lead to the activation of Defeatist, Head Smash is extremely powerful and frees up Archeops's item slot. A Sitrus Berry or a Choice Scarf is a good option if you decide to run Head Smash on Archeops. Archeops values support from its ally. Icy Wind and Tailwind support from Pokemon such as Cresselia and Zapdos, respectively, allow Archeops to keep ahead of the opponent and continue to strike hard and fast. Pokemon that can handle Steel-types, such as Heatran and Garchomp, are appreciated so that Archeops does not have to worry about being shot down by Bullet Punch. Tyranitar and Hitmontop can also be helpful, as sand and Intimidate support improves Archeops's survivability. Lastly, a Heal Pulse Latias or Latios can make a decent partner for Archeops, healing it back above 50% of its HP, thus maintaining its offensive power.

This is a sample set. We aren't working on BW Monotype analyses at the moment, but check out BW Monotype resources for more information about the metagame.