Xerneas Movesets & Competitive Sets

Moves Geomancy turns Xerneas into a fast, powerful, and bulky special sweeper. Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB boosts. Thunder hits foes that resist Fairy-type moves such as Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Toxapex, as well as the specially bulky Lugia and Primal Kyogre. Focus Blast hits Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and most Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Bronzong for solid damage. Hidden Power Fire is unique in being able to hit Mega Scizor while also covering other niche Steel-types with consistency. Hidden Power Ground is a consistent alternative option that hits Primal Groudon and several Fairy-resistant foes such as Magearna and Toxapex. Hidden Power Rock is exclusively for hitting Ho-Oh, but it does so more consistently and with higher damage output than Thunder. Aromatherapy removes status from Xerneas and supports its teammates. Set Details A Power Herb is used to bypass Geomancy's charge turn. 88 Speed EVs ensure that Xerneas outspeeds +1 Adamant Mega Salamence when boosted and Marshadow after a Geomancy boost and Sticky Web. Maximum Special Attack EVs alongside a Modest nature are used so that Xerneas can OHKO its primary targets when unboosted and reduce the amount of chip damage its checks require before being circumvented. The remaining EVs are used in Defense to improve chances at surviving revenge killing attempts from the likes of Marshadow, Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Mega Salamence, and priority move users. Geomancy Xerneas may use an alternate spread with 72 HP EVs and 100 Special Defense EVs to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Yveltal's Oblivion Wing and perform a bit better versus strong special attackers such as Primal Kyogre and Mega Gengar. Usage Tips Be aware that Xerneas can effectively only set up once due to the consumption of Power Herb, making when to set up perhaps the most important choice when using this set. It's usually not a good idea to set up when the opponent has a strong or healthy stop to Xerneas; this results in the loss of a Pokemon for little gain. Be aware of offensive checks that Xerneas cannot blow past: Pokemon that will damage it on the setup turn and priority users. In these cases, you need to be familiar with how much damage Xerneas takes from various priority moves to know how much it can afford to take on setup. Geomancy Xerneas doesn't really want to switch into opposing Pokemon because it's most potent when at full health. This set can switch into Yveltal, but be aware that Life Orb- and Choice Specs-boosted Oblivion Wing deal significant damage. Be aware of matchups where Geomancy Xerneas won't really have a good opportunity to sweep; in these cases, use it more as a team player to switch into attacks, force out Pokemon, and pivot out to its teammates. Team Options Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types, which are common Xerneas checks, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh. Mega Gengar is able to remove, trade, or threaten most Xerneas checks. Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle Rock Polish Primal Groudon. Necrozma-DM appreciates Xerneas checking Dark-types and can pose a threat to defensive Pokemon that Xerneas may fail to break. Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, and it is helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks. Marshadow helps alleviate pressure from opposing offense and checks Swords Dance Arceus in addition to fast Psychic-types. Giratina-O covers Primal Groudon and is a strong partner to offer Defog support. Strong Stealth Rock setters such as Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Excadrill, and Deoxys-S wear down Xerneas checks, which is especially helpful against Ho-Oh and Lugia. Dugtrio can remove Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon, Magearna, Necrozma-DM, and Klefki.

Moves This set seeks to utilize Defog on Xerneas in applications where more staying power is required, thus allowing it to remove entry hazards several times in a match if needed. Rest eliminates the possibiltiy of being stalled out via Toxic and grants the staying power needed. Moonblast is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it functions well as the sole attack for this set. Toxic is nice for stalling out some Stealth Rock setters and punishing non-Steel-type switch-ins. Cleric support via Aromatherapy is invaluable for defensive teams, especially those that lack good status sponges. Sleep Talk can be used to ensure that Xerneas isn't completely immobile during sleep turns. Set Details Leftovers helps alleviate pressure from residual damage and makes it harder to 3HKO Xerneas. Maximum Defense and HP EVs aid in Xerneas's survival versus Ubers's plethora of physical threats. Usage Tips This set must carefully balance how it uses Rest to ensure that turns aren't wasted or that Xerneas isn't preemptively KOed by a high damage roll or a critical hit. As an anti-hazard Pokemon, Xerneas should be mindful of the opponent's entry hazard setter. Stealth Rock setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Arceus-Ground can be worn down with Toxic. Suicide hazard setters must be eliminated and then the opposing offense's momentum shattered. Passive and Toxic-immune setters will need to be punished or removed by a teammate. Be wary of trappers, which can eliminate this set without many complications. Team Options This set relinquishes the most momentum of any Xerneas set, so teams where it's utilized need good reactive checks to top metagame threats. Pokemon such as Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Ground, and Yveltal can be effective against Necrozma-DM depending on the set and appreciate the types of support Xerneas can offer them. This is especially important because Defog Xerneas does not match up very well against Stealth Rock Necrozma-DM. A good Ho-Oh switch-in such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C is needed. A Pursuit trapper such as Marshadow or Tyranitar can take out trappers such as Mega Gengar and Gothitelle is highly recommended. Pokemon such as Mega Gengar, Marshadow, and Zygarde-C that can punish the Toxic-immune Stealth Rock setters such as Necrozma-DM, Dialga, and the rare Bronzong aid in efforts to keep hazards clear.

Moves Z-Geomancy allows Xerneas to boost its Defense and also boost to +3 in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed after its second turn of use, potentially making it difficult for passive teams to KO Xerneas or for offensive teams to revenge kill it. Ingrain prevents Xerneas from being phazed by Roar or Whirlwind during Z-Geomancy's charge turn and also functions as recovery, making Xerneas harder to 3HKO. Sleep Talk can be used instead to pull Moonblast while sleeping 50% of the time. Rest removes harmful status, mainly Toxic, and helps Xerneas bypass Pokemon that can't 3HKO it. Moonblast has maximum damage output against neutral targets, as it is backed by STAB and Fairy Aura, nothing is immune to it, and it OHKOes pretty much anything at +6, functioning well as the sole attack for this set. Set Details Fairium Z allows Xerneas to use Z-Geomancy. Maximum Defense and HP allow Xerneas to sponge attacks from Primal Groudon and Steel-types and avoid the 3HKO from Life Orb Ho-Oh. Usage Tips Like with other Geomancy sets, the most important choice is when to set up; do not do so if the opponent has something that can KO Xerneas before it has completed using Z-Geomancy or if they have something that can tank Xerneas's attacks and 3HKO it when boosted. If the opponent has a Pokemon with Roar or Whirlwind, Ingrain needs to be used first so that they cannot phaze Xerneas while it is locked into Z-Geomancy. Do not pursue setup wars where you have the disadvantage, especially since Rest kills turns, as does charging for subsequent boosts from Geomancy. Do not pursue setup against strong defensive behemoths such as Necrozma-DM that can potentially 3HKO Xerneas even when it is boosted. This set can be effective against certain offensive teams that rely on revenge killing to keep Geomancy Xerneas in check. Team Options Primal Groudon fills a variety of roles by threatening Steel-types, which are common Xerneas checks, setting Stealth Rock, and providing a check to Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh. Mega Gengar can be used to remove or trade with Pokemon that are able to 3HKO Xerneas after Z-Geomancy or eliminate those that are able to use Encore or swap against it. Mega Salamence covers Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh and helps craft offense teams that can handle physical Rock Polish Primal Groudon. Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats most foes that are resistant to Dark, and it is helpful for wearing down or outright beating a variety of Xerneas checks. This set can be anti-offense, but it may struggle against certain defensive combinations. Stallbreakers such as Rayquaza, Primal Kyogre, Gothitelle, and Dugtrio help cover this weakness.

Moves Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB. Focus Blast hits most foes that Moonblast does not, such as Primal Groudon and defensive Steel-types. Hidden Power Fire is unique in being able to hit Mega Scizor while also covering other niche Steel-types. Aromatherapy provides emergency cleric support for teammates. Thunder hits Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Primal Kyogre. Alternatively, Grass Knot hits Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, and Grass-weak Arceus formes consistently. Defog provides entry hazard removal in a pinch. Set Details A Choice Scarf turns Xerneas to a solid anti-hyper offense Pokemon that's able to outspeed most of the unboosted tier. 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature maximize damage output. 252 Speed EVs with a Choice Scarf let Xerneas Speed tie with Modest Choice Scarf Yveltal. A Timid nature can be used to ensure that Xerneas at worst Speed ties with Choice Scarf Yveltal. Usage Tips Capitalize on the ability to bluff a Geomancy set by securing a free KO on a Pokemon that the opponent assumed was faster or by forcing out a Pokemon that needs to retreat to a check when Xerneas would set up. Be careful about locking Xerneas into coverage moves, especially those that give the opponent setup opportunities or free switches to revenge killers. Use Aromatherapy or Defog when forcing switches that the set cannot otherwise punish or as a last-ditch effort upon being KOed. This set has a strong matchup against a variety of hyper offensive builds, so take advantage of this and preserve it as a potential wincon if Pokemon that resist Fairy are worn down. Team Options Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line. Other Stealth Rock setters such as Arceus-Ground, Necrozma-DM, Excadrill, Deoxys-S, and Dialga may be used. Mega Gengar is great for removing defensive Pokemon that are strong checks to Choice Scarf Xerneas. Yveltal appreciates Xerneas's great matchup against most Pokemon that resist Dark and beats a variety of Xerneas checks. Ho-Oh checks such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C are needed with this set. Giratina-O can be used as a partner for double or singular Defog, and it helps cover weaknesses to Primal Groudon and Swords Dance Arceus. Stallbreakers are needed, such as Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Necrozma-DM, Primal Kyogre, Rayquaza, Gothitelle, and Dugtrio, as this set's worst matchup is against defensive teams.

Moves Moonblast gives Xerneas maximum damage output against neutral targets due to Fairy Aura and STAB. Grass Knot consistently deals more damage to Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Water. Thunder is an alternative that hits Ho-Oh, Celesteela, and Primal Kyogre. Hidden Power Fire smacks around defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, Magearna, Klefki, Necrozma-DM, and Aegislash with accuracy. Focus Blast combines general Steel-type coverage with the ability to hit Primal Groudon. Aromatherapy clears status from Xerneas and its teammates, adding some supportive utility. Defog can be used for offensive teams that seek entry hazard removal in a pinch. Psyshock breaks through Blissey, Chansey, Ho-Oh, and the odd Poison-type. Set Details Choice Specs gives Xerneas maximum immediate power without the need to set up so that it can come in and deal high damage more than once per game. Maximum Speed EVs with a Timid nature are used to help elevate Xerneas out of a crowded Speed tier, outspeeding Lunala and Speed tying with maximum Speed Yveltal. 252 Special Attack EVs allow Xerneas to 3HKO maximum Special Defense Primal Groudon and 2HKO both Ho-Oh and Lugia after Stealth Rock. Modest can be used so that Xerneas smacks Pokemon such as Primal Groudon harder and has more potency with its coverage moves. Usage Tips Moonblast is almost always what Xerneas should be using, since it has the highest general damage output and creates the fewest setup opportunities for opposing threats. All other coverage moves should be used to break down defensive responses to Xerneas, as many of these cannot withstand continuous thrashings. Make sure you do not lock Xerneas into a move that the opponent can easily punish. Exploit opposing teams whose Fairy checks lack staying power. Aromatherapy and Defog are best used when forcing a switch you can't otherwise punish or as a last-ditch effort when Xerneas is no longer useful for much else. Team Options Primal Groudon covers Xerneas's weakness to Steel-types and Ho-Oh and also sets Stealth Rock, which is needed to keep Ho-Oh in line and meet KO benchmarks. Other Stealth Rock setters such as Arceus-Ground, Dialga, and Excadrill can be used to similar effect. Yveltal appreciates how Xerneas beats down Dark-resistant foes and is good for beating a variety of Xerneas checks. Marshadow helps alleviate pressure from opposing offense and checks Swords Dance Arceus in addition to fast Psychic-types. A Ho-Oh check such as Arceus-Water, Mega Salamence, or Zygarde-C should be used with this set. Primal Kyogre synergizes well with Xerneas due to this set's ability to wear down Primal Groudon and functions well against Steel-types.

Moves Geomancy turns Xerneas into a fast, powerful, and specially bulky setup sweeper at the cost of the item slot. Moonblast is the best Fairy-type move available to Xerneas and, when combined with the +2 Special Attack boost from Geomancy, STAB, and Fairy Aura, allows Xerneas to hit very hard. Thunder hits Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, Lugia, and most Steel-types. Thunder is always used over Thunderbolt because a super effective Thunderbolt is weaker than a Fairy Aura-boosted STAB Moonblast and thus not worth running. Aromatherapy is an alternate option to Thunder that trades hitting the aforementioned threats for the ability to support teammates in a pinch or remove status from Xerneas. Focus Blast rounds out Xerneas's coverage by hitting Primal Groudon, Ferrothorn, and some other Steel-types. Hidden Power Ground is an alternate, perfectly accurate coverage move that hits Primal Groudon just as hard as Focus Blast and hits Steel-types such as Klefki harder than Moonblast at the cost of not being able to hit Ferrothorn and a few threats such as Arceus-Steel as hard as Focus Blast. Hidden Power Rock hits Ho-Oh harder and more reliably than Thunder at the cost of missing out on hitting Primal Kyogre. Hidden Power Fire can be used to hit Ferrothorn just as hard as Focus Blast without accuracy issues while it also hits Mega Scizor very well and still handles Steel-types in general. Substitute is an option that allows Xerneas to avoid being hit with status. This is particularly useful against Pokemon that rely on Thunder Wave to halt a Xerneas sweep, as Xerneas can set up a Substitute on the turn the foe uses Thunder Wave or as Klefki comes in. It is also an effective move against some defensive Pokemon such as Aegislash and Blissey. Set Details Maximum Special Attack investment ensures that Xerneas hits as hard as possible once boosted so that it can effectively sweep; the most prominent benchmark is a guaranteed OHKO on maximum HP Arceus formes after Stealth Rock. 44 Speed EVs are used so that Xerneas is faster than Choice Scarf Genesect after a Geomancy boost. 28 Defense EVs give Genesect a Special Attack boost with Download and, when combined with the 184 HP EVs, they allow Xerneas to always survive a +2 standard Extreme Killer Arceus's Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock. A spread of 56 HP / 156 Def / 252 SpA / 44 Spe with a Modest nature can always survive +1 Adamant Mega Salamence's Return and gives Xerneas more physical bulk in general; however, it's 2HKOed by Life Orb Yveltal's Oblivion Wing much more often. A Power Herb allows Xerneas to set up Geomancy in a single turn. Usage Tips Unlike other setup sweepers such as Dragon Dance Mega Salamence and Extreme Killer Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas can only set up once because a Power Herb is a single-use item. This makes choosing when to set up perhaps the most important aspect of using Geomancy Xerneas. Usually it is not a good idea to set up when the opponent still has healthy Xerneas checks, because this gives up your one opportunity to sweep for little to gain. There are exceptions, however; Xerneas can set up in order to tear down a Pokemon such as Primal Groudon to pave a way for another Pokemon to sweep or can be used to force a trade with a troublesome Pokemon such as Klefki. In general, though, it is best not to set up Geomancy Xerneas until its checks have been eliminated or, more realistically, damaged enough to be blown past. The methods in which an offensive team checks Geomancy Xerneas are usually a different beast entirely. Such teams usually focus on a combination of damaging Xerneas on its setup turn along with the employment of a revenge killer such as Extreme Killer Arceus. Unlike defensive checks, offensive checks cannot be blown past in the same way; it is irrelevant how damaged the opponent's Extreme Killer Arceus or Mega Scizor is because they have priority over Xerneas. This means that unless you benefit from the trade that will occur by setting up Xerneas while a revenge killer is alive, it is best not to set up or, in a rare scenario, attempt to set up in a situation where you won't be damaged on the setup turn so much that you can be revenge killed. In both cases of knowing when to set up, you must be acquainted with what amount of damage Geomancy Xerneas is capable of taking and dealing. If the opponent has a Rayquaza with Extreme Speed in the back, determine how much you can afford to let Xerneas take when setting up. Similarly, know how much you need to have chipped away at the opposing Lugia before you are ready to sweep. Many teams use Primal Groudon as a check to Geomancy Xerneas, and this can be capitalized upon due to its lack of recovery. Rather than setting up Xerneas right away when a Primal Groudon switch-in is obvious, smack it with Moonblast as it comes in. Switch out, and repeat this the next time you can get Xerneas in for free; after taking two Moonblasts, even specially defensive Primal Groudon can be broken after setting up. Note that Geomancy Xerneas doesn't really want to switch into anything because it is most deadly as a sweeper when at full health. This set can afford to switch into offensive Yveltal; however, Oblivion Wing deals significant damage. Xerneas can be aggressively double switched with in order to break down its checks via offensive partners that perform well against said checks. Because Geomancy Xerneas is good at forcing switches, especially against defensive teams, this provides opportunities to bring in other offensive threats that can start blowing holes in the opposing defensive build. Xerneas has an immunity to Dragon-type moves, and although they are not extremely common, bringing Xerneas in on a predicted Draco Meteor is one of the better methods of getting it into play. In some matchups, a Geomancy Xerneas sweep will be difficult or not worth it; in such scenarios Xerneas can be used more as a team player to aggressively pivot against Pokemon such as Yveltal and Giratina-O. Team Options Primal Groudon is able to threaten virtually every Xerneas check that isn't Lugia, making it an excellent offensive partner for Geomancy Xerneas. Extreme Killer Arceus is a setup sweeper that pairs well with Geomancy Xerneas for offensive teams due to how they pressure similar checks. Arceus-Ghost is a great partner, as Xerneas can threaten Yveltal while Arceus-Ghost is immune to Extreme Speed and can break down several Xerneas checks with Will-O-Wisp or Judgment. Mega Salamence provides a method of threatening Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh, which are two of the most common checks to Geomancy Xerneas, and it also performs well against Extreme Killer Arceus; Refresh variants can also provide an excellent switch-in to Sacred Fire from Ho-Oh. Mega Gengar can be used to trap and eliminate several checks to Geomancy Xerneas or force them to trade with Destiny Bond, making it much easier for Xerneas to sweep later on. Arceus-Ground plows through almost all defensive Xerneas checks and provides an immunity to Thunder Wave. Darkrai can pressure the defensive backbone of an opposing team, as it is a very difficult Pokemon to switch into, making it easier for Xerneas to break down the foe. Mewtwo formes greatly appreciate Xerneas's ability to check Yveltal and in return can stallbreak against defensive builds that Xerneas may struggle with. Life Orb Zekrom effectively pressures Ho-Oh and can beat down Klefki and Primal Groudon with Bolt Strike and Draco Meteor, respectively. Giratina-O appreciates Xerneas checking Yveltal, can perform well against Primal Groudon, and offers an immunity to Fake Out and Extreme Speed. Lastly, setters of entry hazards make ensuring a Geomancy Xerneas sweep much easier, as Stealth Rock can ensure the KO on Lugia and Ho-Oh while Spikes can break down Primal Groudon and Steel-types.

Moves Calm Mind boosts Xerneas's stats, but the advantages it has over Geomancy are that it can be set up more than once, can be set up consecutively, and doesn't forfeit the item slot. Sleep Talk is used so that turns spent Resting are not always wasted; this allows Xerneas to be able to continually set up Calm Mind or fire off some Moonblasts. Rest is needed in order to maintain longevity and it also removes status ailments such as Toxic, which would otherwise be problematic for this set. Moonblast is the best attacking move for mono-attacking Xerneas, as no Pokemon are immune to it, it is the strongest move available, and has a chance at lowering the opponent's Special Attack stat one stage. Set Details 248 HP EVs are used to increase overall bulk, which aids in the set up of Calm Mind and the use of Rest. 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature are used to reduce the damage from physical attacks, especially from Aegislash and Primal Groudon. The remaining 8 EVs are placed into Special Defense. Leftovers helps to offset residual damage and makes it more difficult for foes to 3HKO Xerneas before it can use Rest. Usage Tips This set works best if kept hidden until the end of the match, when strong physical attackers have been eliminated; this makes it much more difficult for the opponent to dispose of this set. Calm Mind quickly allows Xerneas's special bulk to exceed its physical bulk, making it good at taking hits from a variety of attackers. Set up Calm Mind as needed, but be sure not to forget to keep Xerneas healthy enough to use Rest before being knocked out. This set can be used as a status sponge if needed, as Rest can eliminate status at a later time. Maintaining a balance of using Rest is important for this set; too little use means that Xerneas risks being knocked out in a later situation before it is able to heal, while too much use means that Xerneas risks being more vulnerable during turns asleep. Although this set is a passive Calm Mind user that fears phazing, this can be circumvented by using it as a final Pokemon. Note that unlike other Xerneas sets, Calm Mind Xerneas can set up against opposing Klefki. Team Options One of this set's greatest fears is Mega Gengar, so a Pursuit trapper that can eliminate it is much appreciated. Primal Groudon appreciates the check to Yveltal Xerneas provides and can threaten several checks to Xerneas such as Steel-types and Ho-Oh. Mega Salamence can check Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh for Xerneas. Arceus-Ghost and Giratina-O benefit from Xerneas's ability to check Yveltal, and in return Arceus-Ghost can burn troublesome Steel-types with Will-O-Wisp. Latios and Latias greatly appreciate Xerneas's ability to check Yveltal, and they can check Primal Groudon, and remove entry hazards with Defog. Hidden Power Fire Latios and Latias especially are great for wearing down Iron Head Aegislash and Ferrothorn. Arceus-Ground can break through the Steel-types that can give Calm Mind Xerneas trouble, and it can check Primal Groudon. Lastly, Lugia provides a good defensive check to Primal Groudon that also benefits from Xerneas's ability to check Dark-types.

Moves Moonblast is by far the best choice for mono-attacking Xerneas, as no Pokemon are immune to the move and many relevant threats get slammed by it. Sleep Talk is used so that the two turns after the use of Rest aren't wasted it and allows Xerneas to directly switch into Dark Void and Spore as sleep fodder with little to lose. Rest is the only recovery move available to Xerneas, although it does fully restore health and eliminate status conditions. Aromatherapy is primarily for cleric support, but it also has a one in three chance to be selected by Sleep Talk, possibly resulting in a shortened Rest. Roar can be used to phaze Pokemon that may attempt to set up and can rack up residual damage from entry hazards. Set Details 248 HP EVs are used to significantly raise defensive Xerneas's mixed bulk. 252 Defense EVs with a Bold nature are used to maximize physical bulk, which helps Xerneas tank blows in a predominantly physical metagame. The remaining 8 EVs are slotted into Special Defense. Leftovers is the preferred held item, as it reduces the number of Pokemon capable of 3HKOing Xerneas while also helping to mitigate residual damage. Usage Tips Don't underestimate this set's physical bulk. Gyro Ball and Iron Head Aegislash deal pitiful damage, while even Primal Groudon doesn't deal significant damage unless boosted; this translates to having more opportunities to use Aromatherapy and having to use Rest not as frequently. There is a balance to maintain between using Rest too frequently and not enough. If not careful, a high damage roll or critical hit can finish Xerneas right before it has a chance to use Rest. However, using Rest too much means leaving Xerneas more exploitable during the turns it is asleep. Be very wary of Mega Gengar, which can easily trap and eliminate this set. Don't always count on Sleep Talk to produce Moonblast, Aromatherapy, or Roar; a third of the time, the turn will still be wasted if it selects Rest. Team Options A Pursuit trapper is wanted, as Mega Gengar is very threatening for this set and a means of eliminating it is the best solution. Primal Groudon appreciates the cleric support Xerneas provides and can threaten many common checks to Xerneas such as Steel-types and Ho-Oh. Mega Salamence also appreciates Aromatherapy support and can check Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh for Xerneas. Arceus-Ghost and Giratina-O benefit from cleric support and Xerneas's ability to check Yveltal, and in return Arceus-Ghost can burn Steel-types with Will-O-Wisp. Latios and Latias greatly appreciate cleric support and Xerneas's ability to check Yveltal, while they can check Primal Groudon and use Defog to remove entry hazards. Arceus-Ground can break through the Steel-types that can give defensive Xerneas trouble, and it can also check Primal Groudon. Lugia greatly benefits from cleric support and is a good defensive check for Primal Groudon. If using Roar, Xerneas benefits from having entry hazard setters as partners so that Roar deals residual damage upon phazing.

Moves Moonblast is the primary attacking move for this set, as it's not a particularly bad move to be locked into and is the strongest move available for Choice Scarf Xerneas. It also has a good chance at lowering the foe's Special Attack one stage, which can be handy against special attackers that switch into Choice Scarf Xerneas. Focus Blast can hit most targets that resist Moonblast, such as Primal Groudon and Steel-types not named Aegislash. Sleep Talk allows Xerneas to directly switch into Darkrai's Dark Void and potentially knock it out before it can attack again. It also sees use against the rare Spore Smeargle. Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to provide emergency cleric support for its teammates. Thunder allows Xerneas to hit Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Lugia a bit harder. Grass Knot can hit Primal Groudon just as hard as Focus Blast without the risk of a miss while also hitting Primal Kyogre and a few other threats such as Arceus-Ground, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Water. It is possible to only run the moves Sleep Talk and Moonblast as to function as a more consistent Darkrai check at the cost of relinquishing coverage moves. Rock Slide hits Ho-Oh much harder than Thunder, but it doesn't hit anything else. Set Details 252 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature are used to maximize the damage output of Moonblast, better allowing Xerneas to revenge kill weakened threats and chip away at Pokemon such as Primal Groudon. 224 Speed EVs are used to outspeed +1 Rayquaza and Kyurem-W. 32 EVs are slotted to Defense to ensure that Genesect gets a Special Attack boost from Download. The set revolves around the use of a Choice Scarf, which allows Xerneas to revenge kill threats such as Darkrai, Mewtwo, Shaymin-S, Deoxys-A, and weakened Arceus formes. Running 252 Speed EVs is an option that allows Choice Scarf Xerneas to outspeed maximum Speed Deoxys-A and tie with opposing 252 Speed Choice Scarf Xerneas. If using Rock Slide, the 32 Defense EVs can be invested into Attack, which slightly increases the damage output of Rock Slide but fails to meet a specific benchmark. Usage Tips Capitalize on the ability to bluff a Geomancy set; this can allow a free KO on a Pokemon that assumed it was faster. One of this set's main draws is that it performs better against Darkrai than most Pokemon, although you mustn't switch it directly into an obvious Sludge Bomb or into Dark Void if you aren't running Sleep Talk. Be very aware of what move Xerneas is being locked into; for example, if your team is in a situation where it cannot afford to allow Mega Salamence to set up, do not KO a Pokemon with a move that is not Moonblast. Aromatherapy is best used on turns where you are certain that the opponent is going to switch because Xerneas is threatening one of their crucial Pokemon. However, if they are going to a Pokemon such as Double Dance Primal Groudon, make sure you can afford to give it one free turn. Prediction is unfortunately a large part of using this set. When considering what Pokemon is going to come in, consider other factors as well, such as risk associated with getting locked into this move against one possible switch-in versus the potential benefit to be gained by predicting correctly. Team Options Choice Scarf Xerneas is generally a pretty self-reliant set, although a few partners can offer offensive and defensive synergy. Primal Groudon is an effective partner that can deal significant damage to a wide range of typical Choice Scarf Xerneas switch-ins. Furthermore, it benefits from Xerneas's ability to threaten Darkrai and Yveltal. Mega Salamence can provide Choice Scarf Xerneas with a method of threatening Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh, both of which are commonly used to tank Moonblasts. Mega Gengar can eliminate or force a trade with a troublesome Pokemon so that Moonblast spam becomes much more potent. Arceus-Ghost and Giratina-O greatly benefit from Xerneas's ability to check Darkrai and Yveltal, and Arceus-Ghost performs well against Mega Gengar and can burn troublesome Steel-types with Will-O-Wisp. Latias and Latios also benefit from Xerneas's ability to check Dark-types, and they can offer anti-entry hazard support and threaten Primal Groudon. Arceus-Ground is capable of breaking down most checks to Choice Scarf Xerneas, while Arceus-Rock can provide a very stable switch-in for Ho-Oh.

Moves Though Xerneas's power after a Geomancy is frightening, the move can make Xerneas somewhat inflexible, as it only gets one chance to set up. Choice Specs allows Xerneas to retain a large degree of raw strength while making it more flexible as a hole puncher in the early- and mid-game. Moonblast becomes incredibly strong after Choice Specs, boasting enough power to 3HKO support Primal Groudon and nearly 2HKO Klefki, two of the most common switch-ins to Xerneas. Even Ho-Oh and Lugia are 2HKOed by Moonblast after Stealth Rock damage, making only Blissey and very bulky Steel-types safe from Xerneas's rampage. Hidden Power Fire cannot hurt Primal Groudon, but when compared to the alternative, Focus Blast, it keeps the same KOs against Ferrothorn and Klefki with better accuracy, destroys Mega Scizor, and can also be used to 3HKO very bulky Steel-types such as Aegislash, Bronzong, and defensive Jirachi. Focus Blast gives Xerneas an alternative weapon against Steel-types, decimating Ferrothorn and Excadrill and 2HKOing Klefki after Stealth Rock damage. Focus Blast even has about an 80% chance to 2HKO support Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock damage, though repeated Moonblasts will usually be sufficient to wear it down. Grass Knot gives Xerneas an accurate move for hitting Primal Groudon hard, doing as much damage as Focus Blast would. It also OHKOes Arceus formes that are weak to Grass-type moves after Stealth Rock damage. On the other hand, Thunder allows Xerneas to OHKO Ho-Oh after Stealth Rock damage and 2HKO Lugia through Multiscale while also allowing for a slightly stronger hit than Moonblast against Primal Kyogre. The last moves worth considering are Aromatherapy and Psyshock. Aromatherapy can let Xerneas support its team by clearing status, though most of the time it is better off attacking. Psyshock is Xerneas's best weapon against Blissey, 2HKOing it after Stealth Rock damage. It also does more damage to Ho-Oh than Moonblast. Sleep Talk deserves a special mention, as it allows Xerneas to switch into Darkrai that lack Sludge Bomb fearlessly and potentially bluff a Choice Scarf set, allowing it to then KO Darkrai next turn or force it out; however, it can only do this once, as a Life Orb boosted Thunder from Darkrai will KO Xerneas after Bad Dreams damage. A smart opponent will also do damage calculations against whatever comes in to check what item Xerneas is holding, essentially preventing you from bluffing the item more than once. It should be noted that if Sleep Talk is used, the moveset should consist purely of Moonblast and Sleep Talk to ensure Moonblast will always be used whenever Xerneas is asleep. Set Details A simple spread of 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe works here, as maximum Speed allows Xerneas to outspeed standard support Arceus formes, most Lugia sets, and any other Pokemon using a neutral nature below the 100 Speed tier. A Timid nature can be used if you wish to outspeed all Rayquaza variants and Modest Latios. Usage Tips Bring Xerneas in on something it can force to switch out and click Moonblast — it does a lot of damage even to Pokemon that resist it, so don't be afraid to spam it. Coverage moves are fine to use to try and snipe a certain switch-in, but caution should be exercised because Xerneas's coverage moves are either inaccurate or weak against neutral targets. Focus Blast and Thunder also give free turns to Mega Gengar and Primal Groudon, respectively, both dangerous foes against which you never usually want to do so. Try to get Stealth Rock up before unleashing Xerneas — it greatly inhibits Pokemon such as Ho-Oh and Lugia that would otherwise be able to switch in comfortably. Team Options Xerneas requires Stealth Rock support to keep Ho-Oh at bay and secure certain KOs. Primal Groudon is the best user of Stealth Rock in the metagame, though Tyranitar, Dialga, Bronzong, and Deoxys formes also make good options. Even with Stealth Rock, however, reliable switch-ins to Ho-Oh such as Arceus-Water, Arceus-Rock, and Refresh Mega Salamence are good partners. Powerful Fire-types such as Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh also make excellent partners to deal with Blissey and bulky Steel-types that can wall Xerneas. Knock Off Yveltal specifically makes for a good partner to ease with opposing Ho-Oh, Blissey, and Klefki. It also checks every defensive Steel-type that would switch into Xerneas. Lures such as Hidden Power Fire Latios and trappers such as Mega Gengar also make good alternative ways to deal with Steel-types. Choice Specs Xerneas is very efficient at wearing down Primal Groudon, so Pokemon that appreciate Primal Groudon weakened or KOed make fine teammates. Primal Kyogre is the most notable of these, as with Primal Groudon gone it can spam rain-boosted STAB Water-type attacks with near impunity. The list is quite extensive — Mega Salamence, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, Mega Tyranitar, and Calm Mind Arceus-Rock all greatly appreciate having Primal Groudon taken down early. These Pokemon can also all help weaken Steel-types for Xerneas to break past later on.

Moves Moonblast hits especially hard with both Fairy Aura and a Life Orb, and it is the strongest STAB move available to Xerneas. Aromatherapy allows Xerneas to provide support to teammates, and it can be used on the turn Xerneas forces an opposing Pokemon out. Thunder hits Ho-Oh, Primal Kyogre, and Lugia hard and also hits a few Pokemon that resist Moonblast and resist or are immune to Fighting-type coverage moves, such as Aegislash and Arceus-Poison. Rock Slide hits Ho-Oh significantly harder than Thunder, but it doesn't hit any other targets. Close Combat is a physical Fighting-type move that can break through Blissey, and it can also hit most other Steel-types well. Focus Blast inflicts special damage on Steel-types and doesn't lower Xerneas's defenses, but the cost is reduced accuracy and struggling more against Blissey. Set Details Maximum Special Attack investment is used to ensure high damage output from Moonblast and Xerneas's special coverage moves. A Mild nature is preferred to better switch into Yveltal without forfeiting physical attacking power. Alternatively, a Rash nature is an option for teams that would rather benefit from Xerneas taking physical attacks such as priority moves. 224 Speed EVs are used to outspeed Adamant Rayquaza and all slower threats. The remaining 32 EVs are slotted into Attack, which raises the damage output of Close Combat slightly and increases the probability of Xerneas being able to OHKO standard Ho-Oh with Rock Slide. Xerneas should use a Modest nature if it is not using any physical attacks. A Life Orb gives Xerneas the means of hitting most targets hard either with its Fairy Aura-boosted STAB move or with the appropriate coverage move. An Expert Belt trades a bit of power in exchange for not taking recoil damage; the second benefit, however, is that Xerneas becomes very good at bluffing the much more common Geomancy or Choice Scarf sets. Usage Tips Although it's not nearly as good at bluffing a Geomancy set as the Choice Scarf set because the Life Orb recoil gives it away after one attack, this initial turn can still be used to make your opponent think you might set up. If using an Expert Belt, this advantage can be extended. Unlike the Geomancy set, this set does not have any bulk investment and is further impacted defensively by Life Orb recoil, so it shouldn't be sent into very many attacks, even if they are resisted. Because this set is strong immediately, it can be used to whittle down many conventional Geomancy Xerneas checks such as Primal Groudon and Klefki because they focus on eliminating a one-time threat. Make use of Aromatherapy support where needed, but be aware that if you aren't using it on the opponent's switch, it may be the last move Xerneas uses before being knocked out. This set doesn't need to worry nearly as much about prediction as the Choice Scarf set because Xerneas won't be locked into its moves and is faster than many of the targets of its coverage move anyway; for this reason, consider making safer plays than when using the Choice Scarf set. Team Options Primal Groudon can smash Steel-types and Ho-Oh, which may be troublesome for Xerneas to break down, and it benefits from Xerneas checking Yveltal. Calm Mind Arceus formes can be used to break down several Xerneas checks, while a surprise Rock Slide from Xerneas that KOes Ho-Oh can greatly assist Calm Mind Arceus; Calm Mind Arceus formes also benefit from cleric support provided by Aromatherapy. Mega Salamence also benefits from cleric support and can effectively threaten Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh. Calm Mind Primal Kyogre greatly benefits from the pressure that Xerneas can place on opposing Ferrothorn, Blissey, and Primal Groudon. Latias and Latios appreciate cleric support and Xerneas checking Yveltal, and in return they provide anti-hazard support, which can increase the number of times Xerneas can switch in. Giratina-O provides an immunity to Extreme Speed along with the ability to burn Steel-types with Will-O-Wisp, while Xerneas can check Yveltal in return. Users of U-turn and Volt Switch can provide more opportunities for Xerneas to come in, while entry hazard setters can help Xerneas break down Steel-types. Lastly, Healing Wish support can allow Xerneas another chance to wallbreak.