Ubers Arceus-Ghost

ckw

Tired
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[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Ghost's great offensive typing and strong Ghost-type STAB move in Shadow Force allow it to deal massive neutral damage to the majority of the tier. Like any Arceus forme, Arceus-Ghost has excellent natural bulk, and it also has a decent defensive typing that allows it to block Rapid Spin, check Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo X, and act as a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus. Thanks to Ghostium Z, Arceus-Ghost has access to a 190-Base Power STAB Ghost-type move that can be boosted even further with Swords Dance. Arceus-Ghost finds a place in many offensive teams, as it can fulfill the role of an Extreme Killer Arceus check that also has higher damage output than most Swords Dance Arceus formes. However, the rise in the usage of Ghost- and Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Choice Scarf Lunala has crippled the viability of Arceus-Ghost. Arceus-Ghost is hurt even further by its lack of strong coverage moves, forcing it to rely primarily on its STAB Ghost-type attacks to deal damage prior to boosting with Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Shadow Force
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Extreme Speed / Shadow Claw
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance increases Arceus-Ghost's Attack stat and secures OHKOs on Pokemon like Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre with +2 Never-Ending Nightmare, as well as on Z-Geomancy Xerneas and most support Arceus formes after Stealth Rock damage. Shadow Force is Arceus-Ghost's strongest Ghost-type STAB move and is able to 2HKO the majority of offensive threats unboosted. Brick Break is its best Fighting-type move and allows it to be a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus that can also deal considerable damage to Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark after a Swords Dance boost. The combination of Ghost and Fighting has no resistances, which makes Arceus-Ghost a great wallbreaker. Brick Break also breaks Light Screen and Reflect, which are used sometimes in offensive teams. Extreme Speed lets Arceus-Ghost KO Deoxys-A and other frail threats that would normally outspeed it. It also allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed weakened foes like Extreme Killer Arceus and Yveltal and KO them. Shadow Claw is an option to give Arceus-Ghost a secondary STAB option that makes it hard for Substitute users, Normal-type + Ghost-type cores like Mega Sableye + Chansey, and Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes to play around Shadow Force.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Arceus-Ghost to hit as hard as possible with its STAB and coverage moves. A Jolly nature along with 252 EVs in Speed lets Arceus-Ghost outspeed everything significant up to Mega Lucario and Speed tie with other maximum Speed Arceus formes. Ghostium Z turns Shadow Force into a STAB 190-Base Power Ghost-type nuke for one turn that lets +1 Arceus-Ghost OHKO Mega Salamence, offensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage, support Primal Groudon, and Zygarde after one layer of Spikes. Arceus-Ghost can hold a Spooky Plate for consistent damage instead if that is ever preferred over a one-time nuke. Shadow Claw becomes more usable if Spooky Plate is used over Ghostium Z, since it increases in Base Power and lets Arceus-Ghost break through the Normal-type + Ghost-type combination that usually beats it due to Shadow Force being a two-turn move.

Usage Tips
========

Switch in Arceus-Ghost on Rapid Spin users like Cloyster and Excadrill to prevent the opponent from removing entry hazards. Thanks to Arceus-Ghost's typing, it can be used either as a wallbreaker or as a late-game cleaner, since it can exert offensive pressure immediately thanks to Never-Ending Nightmare, but it can also be reserved for sweeping late-game after its checks have been weakened enough. Arceus-Ghost should use its Z-Move cautiously, since it can have great importance to secure OHKOs on the likes of Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Yveltal at +2 after Stealth Rock damage, as well as Mega Salamence at +1. Shadow Force has only 8 PP and one gets used up when Arceus-Ghost goes for its Z-Move, so be aware and spend them mindfully. It's best to keep Arceus-Ghost's health as high as possible, since it is required to be at full health to OHKO Mega Gengar and Choice item Lunala after taking a Shadow Ball or Moongeist Beam, respectively. Teams that use Arceus-Ghost as their Arceus forme usually struggle against Choice Scarf Lunala, which requires the team's Dark-types to be kept as healthy as possible through the means of predicted switches and appropriate sacrifices.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard setters like Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, Deoxys-S, and Primal Groudon make great teammates, as entry hazard damage puts Pokemon like Yveltal, Zygarde, Primal Groudon, and Lugia in range of being KOed by Arceus-Ghost's Z-Move. In exchange, Arceus-Ghost is able to block Rapid Spin, which is appreciated by Sticky Web setters like Smeargle and Shuckle. Sticky Web allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Choice Scarf Lunala. Xerneas pairs very well with Arceus-Ghost thanks to its ability to check Dark-types like Yveltal and Arceus-Dark, and it also has the option to carry Aromatherapy for curing status. In return, Arceus-Ghost is able to weaken checks to Xerneas like Ferrothorn and Magearna with Shadow Force, allowing Xerneas to sweep late-game. When forgoing Extreme Killer Arceus, most offensive teams usually end up being somewhat weak to Xerneas, as Extreme Speed from Arceus-Ghost is not as strong. This makes Double Dance Primal Groudon a great partner, as it appreciates a check to Lugia and Arceus-Ghost's ability to weaken common threats to it like Mega Salamence, Celesteela, and support Arceus formes. This Primal Groudon set can also beat offensive variants of Yveltal, while a specially offensive version of Primal Groudon can lure out and KO defensive variants of Yveltal and Mega Salamence. Mega Lucario can check Xerneas with STAB priority Bullet Punch, appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to check Lugia, and is also a Pokemon that wants the likes of Mega Salamence and Arceus-Ground to be weakened. On the other hand, Mega Lucario can check Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Chople Berry Tyranitar. Deoxys-A can be paired with Arceus-Ghost, since the latter can remove its checks like Steel-types and absorb an incoming Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus or Rayquaza. In return, Deoxys-A is able to KO threats such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, support Arceus formes, and Zygarde-C without the need of any boosting move. Rayquaza is also a great partner, as it is able to check Primal Groudon and appreciates hazard removers that Arceus-Ghost is often paired with. It can pressure support Arceus formes as well as provide priority in the form of Extreme Speed, which helps out with the Xerneas weakness of Arceus-Ghost teams. Yveltal and Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can check Mega Gengar and Lunala, which can be a problem for Arceus-Ghost. Lunala is by far the best check to Arceus-Ghost, since Moongeist Beam OHKOes after Stealth Rock damage.

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

A Calm Mind + Judgment set makes use of Arceus-Ghost's natural bulk and Special Defense. In the case of other Arceus formes, the Calm Mind set usually has the upper hand when facing Ditto, but that doesn't matter at all for Arceus-Ghost's case, since the faster Shadow Force loses the fight. Recover can be run over Extreme Speed to increase Arceus-Ghost's longevity if priority is not required as much for the team. However, Arceus-Ghost cannot afford to run a move that cannot pressure its checks. The other option of running Stone Edge over Brick Break lets Arceus-Ghost OHKO Yveltal at +2, but then Arceus-Ghost misses out on Fighting-type coverage, leaving it useless against other opposing Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark. The option of using a Z-Move also makes this move somewhat unnecessary. A support set with Defog / Toxic / Judgment / Recover with maximum HP and Speed can check Mega Lucario, Lugia, and Giratina-O. However, other Arceus formes like Arceus-Water and Arceus-Ground outclass Arceus-Ghost in that role.

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

**Lunala**: The Choice Scarf variant of Lunala is able to outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Moongeist Beam after Stealth Rock. Teams that have Arceus-Ghost tend to struggle against it due to the lack of reliable Ghost switch-ins, since Dark-types like Yveltal can be weakened easily due to Stealth Rock, thus additionally requiring appropriate sacrifices and predicted switches to play around this Pokemon.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar is immune to Extreme Speed and can outspeed and deal heavy damage to Arceus-Ghost with Shadow Ball or, at the very least, trade with Destiny Bond.

**Arceus-Dark**: Arceus-Dark can switch into a predicted Shadow Force from Arceus-Ghost and proceed to 2HKO it with Judgment or attempt to set up with Calm Mind. Brick Break is the only coverage option Arceus-Ghost gets that can deal super effective damage to Arceus-Dark, and even that is a 3HKO.

**Yveltal**: While offensive variants of Yveltal may get OHKOed by +2 Never-Ending Nightmare, Life Orb + Sucker Punch variants only require a bit of chip damage to OHKO Arceus-Ghost, while Choice Scarf variants are able to outspeed or even take a +2 Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO it with Foul Play. Though very rarely seen, defensive variants of Yveltal are able to take a +2 Never-Ending Nightmare after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO with Foul Play.

**Other Dark-types**: Chople Berry Tyranitar and Darkrai can check Arceus-Ghost as well. The former can take a +2 Brick Break thanks to its item and OHKO with Foul Play. Darkrai can survive a +2 Extreme Speed even after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to deal heavy damage with Dark Pulse or outright OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Black Hole Eclipse.

**Status Conditions**: Support Arceus formes like Arceus-Water, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Fairy can cripple Arceus-Ghost with status-inflicting moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. Mega Sableye can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp prior to Mega Evolving as well. Zygarde can paralyze it with Glare, making it susceptible to slower, hard-hitting threats like Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre. All of these options are able to hinder Arceus-Ghost's attempt to sweep and must be properly dealt with. Clefable is able to survive a Never-Ending Nightmare and proceed to use Toxic and stall out Arceus-Ghost with Wish.

**Normal- and Ghost-type Combination**: The method of repeated switching between Ghost- and Normal-types takes advantage of Shadow Force's low PP. However, this method of checking Arceus-Ghost becomes less effective with entry hazards, and a well-timed Never-Ending Nightmare or Shadow Claw can stop the attempt.

**Mega Salamence**: Thanks to its great natural bulk and Intimidate prior to Mega Evolving, Mega Salamence can easily take a Shadow Force and attempt to set up on Arceus-Ghost, since it has a good chance of OHKOing it with +1 Double-Edge. However, a +1 Never-Ending Nightmare is able to OHKO Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock damage.
 
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Minority

Numquam Vincar
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Overview

Rise in the popularity of Ghost- and Dark-types like Mega Gengar, Yveltal, and Choice Scarf Lunala crippled the viability of this Pokemon.
Darkrai is much less popular, Mega Gengar and Yveltal is roughly the same, and Arceus-Dark, which is way more common now than it was in ORAS, isn't even mentioned. Mega Gengar is only more annoying by virtue of the Mega speed mech change.

Since it is very one-dimensional, once the opponent realizes the type of Arceus forme being run, it's very easy to predict which set is being used.
This is true for pretty much every Arceus that isn't Ground. It's not very noteworthy anyway.

For me the overview fails to mention the most important attributes of this mon, which are that it's a SD Arc op for HO that can check EKiller, and that it can achieve a higher damage output.


Moves

I've not used Recover much on SD Arceus-Ghost and in my experience I've never really had many ops to use it. Arc Ghost struggles with 3 attacks as it is. Other QC please give input. For now make the final slash Extreme Speed / Shadow Claw with Recover in moves.

Swords Dance to increase Arceus-Ghost's attack stat, making Shadow Force even stronger and allowing it to deal massive damage. Shadow Force is its strongest Ghost-type STAB move that is able to deal massive damage to the majority of the metagame.
These two statements are so redundant and don't even say anything worthwhile. Fix.

Priority Extreme Speed lets Arceus-Ghost revenge kill weakened threats that would normally outspeed Arceus-Ghost
List some of the important ones.

Shadow Claw can be used as a secondary STAB option for KOing threats like opposing Ghost-types and Substitute users like Mega Gengar, Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Zygarde.
You don't even mention the biggest boon here, which is that S Claw makes it much harder for your opponent to play around Shadow Force.


Team Options

appreciates its ability to check Steel-types like Magearna, Celesteela, Ferrothorn
How does Arceus-Ghost actually check any of these. True you can break them with Z Ghost at +2, but that doesn't mean you check them. Arceus-Ghost doesn't even bait these things out for Xern.

Primal Groudon and Arceus-Ghost can pair up to form a physical attacking combination that can support each other's sweep since they share many checks. Physical Attacks like Mega Salamence and Mega Lucario are great teammates as well since they are able to pair well as they appreciate Arceus-Ghost breaking through the opposing team.
Both of these statements are pretty much all fluff. I want to see some hard concrete reasoning behind why these partners are awesome choices in regards to offensive synergy.

Most offensive teams that forego Extreme Killer Arceus as their Arceus forme, often require more Xerneas checks than usual, making Primal Groudon and Mega Lucario with priority Bullet Punch and great teammates for Arceus-Ghost.
Better, but why isn't this merged with above. Talk about each partner choice one at a time, don't jump around.


Other Options

I want to see mention of some sort of a support set here. It's crap for sure, but this is OO.


Checks and Counters

Prior to its transformation, Zygarde can take a +2 Never Ending Nightmare and phaze out Arceus-Ghost
+2 252 Atk Arceus-Ghost Never-Ending Nightmare (190 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 369-435 (87.8 - 103.5%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

That's a pretty bad check for having its own section listed half way up the list.

You can add phys def Clefable to status conditions since you tank Z Shadow, Tox, and can recover stall, esp if the Arc doesn't have Shadow Claw.


Fix all these things and I'll stamp.
 

ckw

Tired
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Overview

Darkrai is much less popular, Mega Gengar and Yveltal is roughly the same, and Arceus-Dark, which is way more common now than it was in ORAS, isn't even mentioned. Mega Gengar is only more annoying by virtue of the Mega speed mech change.

This is true for pretty much every Arceus that isn't Ground. It's not very noteworthy anyway.

For me the overview fails to mention the most important attributes of this mon, which are that it's a SD Arc op for HO that can check EKiller, and that it can achieve a higher damage output.


Moves

I've not used Recover much on SD Arceus-Ghost and in my experience I've never really had many ops to use it. Arc Ghost struggles with 3 attacks as it is. Other QC please give input. For now make the final slash Extreme Speed / Shadow Claw with Recover in moves.

These two statements are so redundant and don't even say anything worthwhile. Fix.

List some of the important ones.

You don't even mention the biggest boon here, which is that S Claw makes it much harder for your opponent to play around Shadow Force.


Team Options

How does Arceus-Ghost actually check any of these. True you can break them with Z Ghost at +2, but that doesn't mean you check them. Arceus-Ghost doesn't even bait these things out for Xern.

Both of these statements are pretty much all fluff. I want to see some hard concrete reasoning behind why these partners are awesome choices in regards to offensive synergy.

Better, but why isn't this merged with above. Talk about each partner choice one at a time, don't jump around.


Other Options

I want to see mention of some sort of a support set here. It's crap for sure, but this is OO.


Checks and Counters


+2 252 Atk Arceus-Ghost Never-Ending Nightmare (190 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 369-435 (87.8 - 103.5%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

That's a pretty bad check for having its own section listed half way up the list.

You can add phys def Clefable to status conditions since you tank Z Shadow, Tox, and can recover stall, esp if the Arc doesn't have Shadow Claw.


Fix all these things and I'll stamp.
Implemented and rewrote major parts of Team Option, explaining the purpose of each partner one by one.
 
Moves:
Recover can be run over Extreme Speed to increase Arceus-Ghost's longevity if priority is not required as much on the team.
Extreme Speed is used so you can check Jolly Ekiller more reliably as well as avoid being beaten by things such as low hp Sucker Punch Yveltal and Deoxys-A when attempting to sweep more offensive teams; its not used so much for priority as it is really weak. Arceus-Ghost really can't afford to give up Extreme Speed or Shadow Claw for a move that doesn't help with pushing through checks.

Usage Tips:
Mention that if you are running Spooky Plate to free up a Z-Move slot, Shadow Claw is a preferred move to break the Normal/Ghost switch loop.

Team Options:
When forgoing Extreme Killer Arceus, most offensive teams usually end up being somewhat weak to Xerneas as, Extreme Speed from Arceus-Ghost is not as strong. This makes Dual Dance Primal Groudon a great partner as it also appreciates a check to Lugia and weakening of common checks like Mega Salamence, Celesteela, and support Arceus formes.
Primal Groudon can also take out Yveltal in the offense vs offense matchup where you can force a trade for your unrevealed Arceus-Ghost in the back. You can also use a mixed set to lure potential physically defensive Salamences and Yveltals.

Chople Berry Tyranitar can be used over the usual Dark-type Yveltal to check opposing Yveltal as well as Ghost-types like Mega Gengar and Choice Scarf Lunala.
Its probably best to mention dark types in general and list Pursuit trappers such as Tyranitar and Alolan Muk.

Webs setters should be mentioned as Arceus-Ghost spin blocks as well as appreciates some of its checks such as Mega-Gengar and Scarf Lunala being slowed down.

Rayquaza is a good option on these Arceus-Ghost HO teams because you often have spin support, often give up Mega-Salamence for Lucario to deal with Xerneas, and it gives an offensive Primal-Groudon check that can also pressure support Arceus forms as well as other physical walls. It also gives you a decent priority user since you don't have strong priority in the form of Ekiller.

I'll stamp after edits.
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Moves:

Extreme Speed is used so you can check Jolly Ekiller more reliably as well as avoid being beaten by things such as low hp Sucker Punch Yveltal and Deoxys-A when attempting to sweep more offensive teams; its not used so much for priority as it is really weak. Arceus-Ghost really can't afford to give up Extreme Speed or Shadow Claw for a move that doesn't help with pushing through checks.

Usage Tips:
Mention that if you are running Spooky Plate to free up a Z-Move slot, Shadow Claw is a preferred move to break the Normal/Ghost switch loop.

Team Options:

Primal Groudon can also take out Yveltal in the offense vs offense matchup where you can force a trade for your unrevealed Arceus-Ghost in the back. You can also use a mixed set to lure potential physically defensive Salamences and Yveltals.


Its probably best to mention dark types in general and list Pursuit trappers such as Tyranitar and Alolan Muk.

Webs setters should be mentioned as Arceus-Ghost spin blocks as well as appreciates some of its checks such as Mega-Gengar and Scarf Lunala being slowed down.

Rayquaza is a good option on these Arceus-Ghost HO teams because you often have spin support, often give up Mega-Salamence for Lucario to deal with Xerneas, and it gives an offensive Primal-Groudon check that can also pressure support Arceus forms as well as other physical walls. It also gives you a decent priority user since you don't have strong priority in the form of Ekiller.

I'll stamp after edits.
Implemented. I added the Shadow Claw part under set details instead.
 

The Gunner

formerly Enzo Gorlami
is a Tiering Contributor
Overview
  • Excellent natural bulk like any Arceus forme and a decent defensive typing allow it to block Rapin Spin and check Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo X, while also being a soft check to Mega Lucario.
You overlapped the same idea here.

Moves
========
  • Brick Break is the strongest Fighting-type move Arceus-Ghost learns and lets it act as a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus while also being able to deal considerable damage to Dark-type after a boost from Swords Dance. It also breaks Light Screen and Reflect that is sometimes found being used in offensive teams.
I think you need to rephrase this to exude a clearer idea about why Brick Break is a better slot. In my eyes, the reason to run Brick Break is not because it's the strongest fighting-type move Arceus-Ghost gets, but it's in fact because the combination of Ghost and Fight coverage doesn't have any resistances. Please fix.
  • Shadow Claw gives it a secondary STAB option that makes it hard for opponents to play around Shadow Force such as Substitute-users, Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes.
Please mention Ghost + Normal cores. (ex: Sableye Chansey)

  • Recover can be run over Extreme Speed to increase Arceus-Ghost's longevity if priority is not required as much on the team. However, it cannot afford to run a move that cannot pressure its checks.
This isn't a main set move, please move to OO.

Team Options
========
  • Yveltal and Pursuit-trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can check Mega Gengar and Lunala that can be a problem for Arceus-Ghost.
Even though you mention Lunala here, you need a far more significant mention of Lunala in Team Options. Arceus-Ghost teams have a severe weakness to Lunala, and even teams with Yveltal can be worn down after rocks. You need to mention how to play around Lunala and how Yveltal needs to be preserved carefully. You also need to mention a back-up check to Lunala since Yveltal usually isn't enough on these teams.

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

**Ghost-types**: Choice Scarf Modest Lunala has 75% chance of OHKOing Arceus-Ghost after taking damage from Stealth Rock with Moongeist Beam while Mega Gengar needs a bit more chip damage to OHKO with Shadow Ball. After Arceus-Ghost uses up its Z-Move, Mega Gengar can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp, while Giratina-O can dodge Shadow Force by going for its own Shadow Force.
There are only 3 major ghost types in this tier. Mega Gengar, Lunala and Giratina-O. Giratina-O doesn't check Ghostceus, Mega Gengar and Lunala do. Thus, you need to make individual headers for them both, as they are quite significant answers and almost always force a switch-out, or at least in the case of Gengar, lead to a trade. Lunala deserves a detailed explanation on how it's the best Arceus-Ghost check, since it can OHKO after rocks. It should be mentioned at the top of this list.

Implement these and tag me.
 
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add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Ghost's great offensive typing, alongside a and strong Ghost-type STAB move in Shadow Force, allow Arceus-Ghost allow it to deal massive neutral damage to the majority of the tier. Like any Arceus forme, Arceus-Ghost has excellent natural bulk, along with and it also has (otherwise you're implying every arceus forme can spinblock) a decent defensive typing allow Arceus-Ghost that allows it to block Rapin Spin, check Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo X, and act as a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus. Thanks to Ghostnium Ghostium Z, Arceus-Ghost has access to a 190 base power 190-Base Power STAB Ghost-type move that can be boosted even further with Swords Dance. Arceus-Ghost finds a place in many offensive teams, as it that can fulfill the role of an Extreme Killer Arceus check while also having higher damage output (than what?). However, the rise in the usage of Ghost- and Dark-types in most teams (redundant) like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Choice Scarf Lunala have has crippled the viability of this Pokemon, Arceus-Ghost. which becomes affected even further due to the Arceus-Ghost is hurt even further by its lack of strong coverage moves, forcing Arceus-Ghost it to rely primarily on its STAB Ghost-type attacks to deal damage prior to boosting with Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Shadow Force
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Extreme Speed / Shadow Claw
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance to increase increases Arceus-Ghost's attack Attack stat and secure secures OHKOs on Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, as well as Z-Geomancy Xerneas and most support Arceus formes after Stealth Rock damage with +2 Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare. Shadow Force is its Arceus-Ghost's strongest Ghost-type STAB move that and is able to 2HKO the majority of the offensive threats unboosted. Brick Break is its best Fighting-type move that and allows it to be a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus while also being able to deal considerable damage to Dark-type Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark after a boost from Swords Dance boost. The combination of Ghost- and Fighting-types have Ghost and Fighting has no resistances, which makes which make Arceus-Ghost a great wallbreaker. Brick Break also breaks Light Screen and Reflect, which are that is used sometimes in offensive teams. Thanks to priority, (no need to explain this, it's dex info) Extreme Speed lets Arceus-Ghost knockout KO Deoxys-A and other frail threats that would normally outspeed Arceus-Ghost it. It also allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed low HP Extreme Killer Arceus and low HP Yveltal and KO them. Shadow Claw is an option that gives to give Arceus-Ghost a secondary STAB option that makes it hard for Substitute users, Normal-type + Ghost-type cores like Mega Sableye + Chansey, and Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes opponents to play around Shadow Force such as Substitute-users, Normal+Ghost-type cores like Mega Sableye + Chansey, and Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Arceus-Ghost to hit as hard as possible with its STAB and coverage moves. A Jolly nature along with 252 EVs in Speed lets Arceus-Ghost outspeed everything significant up to Mega Lucario and Speed tieing tie with other maximum Speed Arceus formes. Ghostium Z turns Shadow Force into a STAB 190 BP 190-Base Power Ghost-type nuke for one turn that lets +1 Arceus-Ghost OHKO Mega Salamence, (AC) at +1 and offensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage, all the time and OHKO support Primal Groudon, and from full, while also OHKOing Zygarde after taking damage from one layer of Spike Spikes. Arceus-Ghost can hold a Spooky Plate for consistent damage instead if that is ever preferred over a one-time nuke. Shadow Claw becomes more usable if Spooky Plate is hold used over Ghostnium Ghostium Z, since it increases in Base Power and lets Arceus-Ghost break through the Normal-Ghost Normal-type + Ghost-type combination that usually beats it due to Shadow Force being a 2-turn two-turn move.

Usage Tips
========

Switch in Arceus-Ghost on Rapid Spin users like Cloyster and Excadrill to prevent the foe them (or "the opponent") from removing entry hazards. Thanks to Arceus-Ghost's typing, it can either be used as a wallbreaker or as a late-game cleaner, (AC) since it can exert offensive pressure immediately thanks to Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare, but it can also be reserved as well for sweeping late-game after its checks have been weakened enough. Arceus-Ghost should use its Z-Move cautiously, since it can have great importance to secure OKOs like OHKOs on the likes of Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Yveltal at +2 after Stealth Rock damage, as well as Mega Salamence at +1. Shadow Force has only 8 PPs PP and 1 gets used up when Arceus-Ghost goes for its Z-Move, so be aware and spend them mindfully. It's best to keep Arceus-Ghost's health as high as possible, since it is required to be at full health to OHKO Mega Gengar and Choice item Lunala after taking a Shadow Ball or Moongeist Beam respectively.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard setters like Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, Deoxys-S, and Primal Groudon make great teammates, (AC) as entry hazard damage pushes puts Pokemon like Yveltal, Zygarde, Primal Groudon, and Lugia into the range of KO from in range of being KOed by its Z-Move. In exchange, Arceus-Ghost is able to block Rapin Spins Rapid Spin, which is appreciated by Sticky Web setters like Smeargle and Shuckle. Sticky Web allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Choice Scarf Lunala. Xerneas pairs very well with Arceus-Ghost thanks to its ability to check Dark-types like Yveltal and Arceus-Dark, while also having the option to carry Aromatherapy for curing status. In return, Arceus-Ghost is able to weaken checks to Xerneas like Ferrothorn and Magearna with Shadow Force, allowing Xerneas to sweep late-game. When forgoing Extreme Killer Arceus, most offensive teams usually end up being somewhat weak to Xerneas, (AC) as, (RC) Extreme Speed from Arceus-Ghost is not as strong. This makes Dual Dance Primal Groudon a great partner, (AC) as it appreciates a check to Lugia and weakening of Arceus-Ghost's ability to weaken common threats to it like Mega Salamence, Celesteela, and support Arceus formes. This set of Primal Groudon set can also beat offensive variants of Yveltal, (AC) while a specially offensive version of Primal Groudon can lure out and KO Defensive defensive variants of Yveltal and Mega Salamence. Mega Lucario can check Xerneas with STAB priority Bullet Punch, appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to check Lugia, and also appreciates a check to Lugia in Arceus-Ghost and is also a Pokemon that wants the likes of Mega Salamence and Arceus-Ground to be weakened. On the other (add space) hand, Mega Lucario can check Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Chople Berry Tyranitar. Deoxys-A can be paired with Arceus-Ghost, since the latter can remove its checks like Steel-types, while also appreciating a Ghost-type being able and appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to absorb an incoming Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus or Rayquaza. In return, Deoxys-A is able to KO threats such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, support Arceus formes, (AC) and Zygarde-C, (RC) without the need of any boosting move. Rayquaza is also a great partner, (AC) as it is able to check Primal Groudon and appreciates hazard removers that Arceus-Ghost is often paired with. It can pressure support Arceus formes as well as provide priority in the forme form of Extreme Speed, (AC) which helps out with the Xerneas weakness of such Arceus-Ghost teams. Yveltal and Pursuit-trappers Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can check Mega Gengar and Lunala, which that can be a problem for Arceus-Ghost. The latter is by far the best check to Arceus-Ghost, since Moongeist Beam OHKOs OHKOes after Stealth Rock damage. Teams that usually use Arceus-Ghost as their Arceus forme usually struggle against Choice Scarf Lunala, (AC) which requires the team's Dark-types to be kept as healthy as possible through the means of predicted switches and appropriate sacks (how is this team options worthy?).

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

A Calm Mind + Judgment set makes use of Arceus-Ghost's natural bulk and Special Defense. For In the case of other Arceus formes, the Calm Mind set usually has the upper hand when facing Ditto, (AC) but that doesn't matter at all for Arceus-Ghost's case, (AC) since the faster Shadow Force loses the fight. Recover can be run over Extreme Speed to increase Arceus-Ghost's longevity if priority is not required as much for the team. However, Arceus-Ghost cannot afford to run a move that cannot pressure its checks. The other option of running Stone Edge over Brick Break lets Arceus-Ghost to OHKO Yveltal at +2 but then Arceus-Ghost misses out on Fight-type Fighting-type coverage, leaving it defenseless useless against other opposing Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark. The option of using a Z-Move also makes this move somewhat unnecessary. A support set with Defog, Toxic, Judgment, and Recover Defog / Toxic / Judgement / Recover with maximum HP and Speed is a possible set for Arceus-Ghost to check Mega Lucario, Lugia, and Giratina-O. However, other Arceus formes like Arceus-Water and Arceus-Ground outclass Arceus-Ghost in that role.

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

**Lunala**: The Choice Scarf variant of Lunala is able to outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Moongeist Beam, after taking damage from Stealth Rocks after Stealth Rock. Teams that usually consist of have Arceus-Ghost struggle against it due to the lack of reliable Ghost switchins switch-ins, since Dark-types like Yveltal can be weakened easily due to Stealth Rock, thus additionally requiring appropriate sacks sacrifices and predicted switches to play around this Pokemon.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar is immune to Extreme Speed and can outspeed and deal heavy damage to Arceus-Ghost with Shadow Ball and or at the very least, trade with Destiny Bond,

**Arceus-Dark**: Arceus-Dark can switch into a predicted Shadow Force from Arceus-Ghost and proceed to 2HKO it with Judgment or attempt to setup set up with Calm Mind. Brick Break is the only coverage option Arceus-Ghost gets that can deal super effective damage to Arceus-Dark and even that is a 3HKO.

**Yveltal**: While offensive variants of Yveltal may get OHKOed by +2 Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare, Life Orb-boosted Life Orb + Sucker Punch variants only require a bit of chip damage to OHKO Arceus-Ghost, (AC) while Choice Scarf variants are able to outspeed or even take a +2 Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO it from full (that is what OHKO means) with Foul Play. Though very rarely seen, defensive variants of Yveltal are able to take a +2 Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO with Foul Play.

**Other Dark-types**: Chople Berry Tyranitar and Darkrai can check Arceus-Ghost as well. The former can take a +2 Brick Break, (AC) since it's holding a Chople Berry and OHKO with Foul Play. Darkrai can survive a +2 Extreme Speed even after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to deal heavy damage with Dark Pulse or outright OHKO it Arceus-Ghost with Black Hole Eclipse.

**Status Conditions**: Support Arceus formes like Arceus-Water, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Fairy can cripple Arceus-Ghost with status-inflicting moves such as Toxic and Will-o-wisp Will-O-Wisp. Mega Sableye can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp prior to mega-evolving Mega Evolving as well. Zygarde can paralyze it with Glare, making it susceptible to slower, hard-hitting threats like Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre. All of these options are able to hinder Arceus-Ghost's attempt to sweep and must be properly dealt with. Clefable is able to survive a Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare and proceed to use Toxic and stall out Arceus-Ghost with Wish.

**Normal- and Ghost-type Combination**: The method of repeated switching between Ghost- and Normal-types takes advantage of Shadow Force's low PP. However, this method of checking Arceus-Ghost becomes less effective due to with (or change the "becomes" to "is") entry hazards and a well-timed Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare or Shadow Claw can stop the attempt.

**Mega Salamence**: Thanks to its great natural bulk and Intimidate prior to mega-evolving Mega Evolving, Mega Salamence can easily take a Shadow Force and attempt to setup set up on Arceus-Ghost, (AC) since it has a good chance of OHKOing it with +1 Double Edge. However, a +1 Never Ending Nightmare is able to OHKO Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock damage.

GP 1/2
 

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[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Ghost's great offensive typing, alongside a and strong Ghost-type STAB move in Shadow Force, allow Arceus-Ghost allow it to deal massive neutral damage to the majority of the tier. Like any Arceus forme, Arceus-Ghost has excellent natural bulk, along with and it also has (otherwise you're implying every arceus forme can spinblock) a decent defensive typing allow Arceus-Ghost that allows it to block Rapin Spin, check Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo X, and act as a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus. Thanks to Ghostnium Ghostium Z, Arceus-Ghost has access to a 190 base power 190-Base Power STAB Ghost-type move that can be boosted even further with Swords Dance. Arceus-Ghost finds a place in many offensive teams, as it that can fulfill the role of an Extreme Killer Arceus check while also having higher damage output (than what?). However, the rise in the usage of Ghost- and Dark-types in most teams (redundant) like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Choice Scarf Lunala have has crippled the viability of this Pokemon, Arceus-Ghost. which becomes affected even further due to the Arceus-Ghost is hurt even further by its lack of strong coverage moves, forcing Arceus-Ghost it to rely primarily on its STAB Ghost-type attacks to deal damage prior to boosting with Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Shadow Force
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Extreme Speed / Shadow Claw
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance to increase increases Arceus-Ghost's attack Attack stat and secure secures OHKOs on Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Primal Kyogre, as well as Z-Geomancy Xerneas and most support Arceus formes after Stealth Rock damage with +2 Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare. Shadow Force is its Arceus-Ghost's strongest Ghost-type STAB move that and is able to 2HKO the majority of the offensive threats unboosted. Brick Break is its best Fighting-type move that and allows it to be a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus while also being able to deal considerable damage to Dark-type Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark after a boost from Swords Dance boost. The combination of Ghost- and Fighting-types have Ghost and Fighting has no resistances, which makes which make Arceus-Ghost a great wallbreaker. Brick Break also breaks Light Screen and Reflect, which are that is used sometimes in offensive teams. Thanks to priority, (no need to explain this, it's dex info) Extreme Speed lets Arceus-Ghost knockout KO Deoxys-A and other frail threats that would normally outspeed Arceus-Ghost it. It also allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed low HP Extreme Killer Arceus and low HP Yveltal and KO them. Shadow Claw is an option that gives to give Arceus-Ghost a secondary STAB option that makes it hard for Substitute users, Normal-type + Ghost-type cores like Mega Sableye + Chansey, and Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes opponents to play around Shadow Force such as Substitute-users, Normal+Ghost-type cores like Mega Sableye + Chansey, and Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Arceus-Ghost to hit as hard as possible with its STAB and coverage moves. A Jolly nature along with 252 EVs in Speed lets Arceus-Ghost outspeed everything significant up to Mega Lucario and Speed tieing tie with other maximum Speed Arceus formes. Ghostium Z turns Shadow Force into a STAB 190 BP 190-Base Power Ghost-type nuke for one turn that lets +1 Arceus-Ghost OHKO Mega Salamence, (AC) at +1 and offensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage, all the time and OHKO support Primal Groudon, and from full, while also OHKOing Zygarde after taking damage from one layer of Spike Spikes. Arceus-Ghost can hold a Spooky Plate for consistent damage instead if that is ever preferred over a one-time nuke. Shadow Claw becomes more usable if Spooky Plate is hold used over Ghostnium Ghostium Z, since it increases in Base Power and lets Arceus-Ghost break through the Normal-Ghost Normal-type + Ghost-type combination that usually beats it due to Shadow Force being a 2-turn two-turn move.

Usage Tips
========

Switch in Arceus-Ghost on Rapid Spin users like Cloyster and Excadrill to prevent the foe them (or "the opponent") from removing entry hazards. Thanks to Arceus-Ghost's typing, it can either be used as a wallbreaker or as a late-game cleaner, (AC) since it can exert offensive pressure immediately thanks to Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare, but it can also be reserved as well for sweeping late-game after its checks have been weakened enough. Arceus-Ghost should use its Z-Move cautiously, since it can have great importance to secure OKOs like OHKOs on the likes of Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Yveltal at +2 after Stealth Rock damage, as well as Mega Salamence at +1. Shadow Force has only 8 PPs PP and 1 gets used up when Arceus-Ghost goes for its Z-Move, so be aware and spend them mindfully. It's best to keep Arceus-Ghost's health as high as possible, since it is required to be at full health to OHKO Mega Gengar and Choice item Lunala after taking a Shadow Ball or Moongeist Beam respectively.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard setters like Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, Deoxys-S, and Primal Groudon make great teammates, (AC) as entry hazard damage pushes puts Pokemon like Yveltal, Zygarde, Primal Groudon, and Lugia into the range of KO from in range of being KOed by its Z-Move. In exchange, Arceus-Ghost is able to block Rapin Spins Rapid Spin, which is appreciated by Sticky Web setters like Smeargle and Shuckle. Sticky Web allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Choice Scarf Lunala. Xerneas pairs very well with Arceus-Ghost thanks to its ability to check Dark-types like Yveltal and Arceus-Dark, while also having the option to carry Aromatherapy for curing status. In return, Arceus-Ghost is able to weaken checks to Xerneas like Ferrothorn and Magearna with Shadow Force, allowing Xerneas to sweep late-game. When forgoing Extreme Killer Arceus, most offensive teams usually end up being somewhat weak to Xerneas, (AC) as, (RC) Extreme Speed from Arceus-Ghost is not as strong. This makes Dual Dance Primal Groudon a great partner, (AC) as it appreciates a check to Lugia and weakening of Arceus-Ghost's ability to weaken common threats to it like Mega Salamence, Celesteela, and support Arceus formes. This set of Primal Groudon set can also beat offensive variants of Yveltal, (AC) while a specially offensive version of Primal Groudon can lure out and KO Defensive defensive variants of Yveltal and Mega Salamence. Mega Lucario can check Xerneas with STAB priority Bullet Punch, appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to check Lugia, and also appreciates a check to Lugia in Arceus-Ghost and is also a Pokemon that wants the likes of Mega Salamence and Arceus-Ground to be weakened. On the other (add space) hand, Mega Lucario can check Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Chople Berry Tyranitar. Deoxys-A can be paired with Arceus-Ghost, since the latter can remove its checks like Steel-types, while also appreciating a Ghost-type being able and appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to absorb an incoming Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus or Rayquaza. In return, Deoxys-A is able to KO threats such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, support Arceus formes, (AC) and Zygarde-C, (RC) without the need of any boosting move. Rayquaza is also a great partner, (AC) as it is able to check Primal Groudon and appreciates hazard removers that Arceus-Ghost is often paired with. It can pressure support Arceus formes as well as provide priority in the forme form of Extreme Speed, (AC) which helps out with the Xerneas weakness of such Arceus-Ghost teams. Yveltal and Pursuit-trappers Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can check Mega Gengar and Lunala, which that can be a problem for Arceus-Ghost. The latter is by far the best check to Arceus-Ghost, since Moongeist Beam OHKOs OHKOes after Stealth Rock damage. Teams that usually use Arceus-Ghost as their Arceus forme usually struggle against Choice Scarf Lunala, (AC) which requires the team's Dark-types to be kept as healthy as possible through the means of predicted switches and appropriate sacks (how is this team options worthy?).

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

A Calm Mind + Judgment set makes use of Arceus-Ghost's natural bulk and Special Defense. For In the case of other Arceus formes, the Calm Mind set usually has the upper hand when facing Ditto, (AC) but that doesn't matter at all for Arceus-Ghost's case, (AC) since the faster Shadow Force loses the fight. Recover can be run over Extreme Speed to increase Arceus-Ghost's longevity if priority is not required as much for the team. However, Arceus-Ghost cannot afford to run a move that cannot pressure its checks. The other option of running Stone Edge over Brick Break lets Arceus-Ghost to OHKO Yveltal at +2 but then Arceus-Ghost misses out on Fight-type Fighting-type coverage, leaving it defenseless useless against other opposing Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark. The option of using a Z-Move also makes this move somewhat unnecessary. A support set with Defog, Toxic, Judgment, and Recover Defog / Toxic / Judgement / Recover with maximum HP and Speed is a possible set for Arceus-Ghost to check Mega Lucario, Lugia, and Giratina-O. However, other Arceus formes like Arceus-Water and Arceus-Ground outclass Arceus-Ghost in that role.

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

**Lunala**: The Choice Scarf variant of Lunala is able to outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Moongeist Beam, after taking damage from Stealth Rocks after Stealth Rock. Teams that usually consist of have Arceus-Ghost struggle against it due to the lack of reliable Ghost switchins switch-ins, since Dark-types like Yveltal can be weakened easily due to Stealth Rock, thus additionally requiring appropriate sacks sacrifices and predicted switches to play around this Pokemon.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar is immune to Extreme Speed and can outspeed and deal heavy damage to Arceus-Ghost with Shadow Ball and or at the very least, trade with Destiny Bond,

**Arceus-Dark**: Arceus-Dark can switch into a predicted Shadow Force from Arceus-Ghost and proceed to 2HKO it with Judgment or attempt to setup set up with Calm Mind. Brick Break is the only coverage option Arceus-Ghost gets that can deal super effective damage to Arceus-Dark and even that is a 3HKO.

**Yveltal**: While offensive variants of Yveltal may get OHKOed by +2 Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare, Life Orb-boosted Life Orb + Sucker Punch variants only require a bit of chip damage to OHKO Arceus-Ghost, (AC) while Choice Scarf variants are able to outspeed or even take a +2 Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO it from full (that is what OHKO means) with Foul Play. Though very rarely seen, defensive variants of Yveltal are able to take a +2 Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO with Foul Play.

**Other Dark-types**: Chople Berry Tyranitar and Darkrai can check Arceus-Ghost as well. The former can take a +2 Brick Break, (AC) since it's holding a Chople Berry and OHKO with Foul Play. Darkrai can survive a +2 Extreme Speed even after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to deal heavy damage with Dark Pulse or outright OHKO it Arceus-Ghost with Black Hole Eclipse.

**Status Conditions**: Support Arceus formes like Arceus-Water, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Fairy can cripple Arceus-Ghost with status-inflicting moves such as Toxic and Will-o-wisp Will-O-Wisp. Mega Sableye can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp prior to mega-evolving Mega Evolving as well. Zygarde can paralyze it with Glare, making it susceptible to slower, hard-hitting threats like Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre. All of these options are able to hinder Arceus-Ghost's attempt to sweep and must be properly dealt with. Clefable is able to survive a Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare and proceed to use Toxic and stall out Arceus-Ghost with Wish.

**Normal- and Ghost-type Combination**: The method of repeated switching between Ghost- and Normal-types takes advantage of Shadow Force's low PP. However, this method of checking Arceus-Ghost becomes less effective due to with (or change the "becomes" to "is") entry hazards and a well-timed Never Ending Never-Ending Nightmare or Shadow Claw can stop the attempt.

**Mega Salamence**: Thanks to its great natural bulk and Intimidate prior to mega-evolving Mega Evolving, Mega Salamence can easily take a Shadow Force and attempt to setup set up on Arceus-Ghost, (AC) since it has a good chance of OHKOing it with +1 Double Edge. However, a +1 Never Ending Nightmare is able to OHKO Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock damage.

GP 1/2
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GP 2/2

[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Ghost's great offensive typing and strong Ghost-type STAB move in Shadow Force allow it to deal massive neutral damage to the majority of the tier. Like any Arceus forme, Arceus-Ghost has excellent natural bulk, and it also has a decent defensive typing that allows it to block Rapin Rapid Spin, check Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo X, and act as a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus. Thanks to Ghostium Z, Arceus-Ghost has access to a 190-Base Power STAB Ghost-type move that can be boosted even further with Swords Dance. Arceus-Ghost finds a place in many offensive teams, as it can fulfill the role of an Extreme Killer Arceus check that also has while also having higher damage output than most Swords Dance Arceus formes. However, the rise in the usage of Ghost- and Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Choice Scarf Lunala has crippled the viability of Arceus-Ghost. Arceus-Ghost is hurt even further by its lack of strong coverage moves, forcing it to rely primarily on its STAB Ghost-type attacks to deal damage prior to boosting with Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Shadow Force
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Extreme Speed / Shadow Claw
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance increases Arceus-Ghost's Attack stat and secures OHKOs on Pokemon like Primal Groudon, (RC) and Primal Kyogre with +2 Never-Ending Nightmare, as well as on Z-Geomancy Xerneas and most support Arceus formes after Stealth Rock damage with +2 Never-Ending Nightmare. Shadow Force is Arceus-Ghost's strongest Ghost-type STAB move and is able to 2HKO the majority of offensive threats unboosted. Brick Break is its best Fighting-type move and allows it to be a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus that can also while also being able to deal considerable damage to Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark after a Swords Dance boost. The combination of Ghost and Fighting has no resistances, which makes Arceus-Ghost a great wallbreaker. Brick Break also breaks Light Screen and Reflect, which are used sometimes in offensive teams. Extreme Speed lets Arceus-Ghost KO Deoxys-A and other frail threats that would normally outspeed it. It also allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed weakened foes like low HP Extreme Killer Arceus and low HP Yveltal and KO them. Shadow Claw is an option to give Arceus-Ghost a secondary STAB option that makes it hard for Substitute users, Normal-type + Ghost-type cores like Mega Sableye + Chansey, and Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes to play around Shadow Force.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Arceus-Ghost to hit as hard as possible with its STAB and coverage moves. A Jolly nature along with 252 EVs in Speed lets Arceus-Ghost outspeed everything significant up to Mega Lucario and Speed tie with other maximum Speed Arceus formes. Ghostium Z turns Shadow Force into a STAB 190-Base Power Ghost-type nuke for one turn that lets +1 Arceus-Ghost OHKO Mega Salamence, offensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage, support Primal Groudon, and Zygarde after one layer of Spikes. Arceus-Ghost can hold a Spooky Plate for consistent damage instead if that is ever preferred over a one-time nuke. Shadow Claw becomes more usable if Spooky Plate is used over Ghostium Z, since it increases in Base Power and lets Arceus-Ghost break through the Normal-type + Ghost-type combination that usually beats it due to Shadow Force being a two-turn move.

Usage Tips
========

Switch in Arceus-Ghost on Rapid Spin users like Cloyster and Excadrill to prevent the opponent from removing entry hazards. Thanks to Arceus-Ghost's typing, it can either be used either as a wallbreaker or as a late-game cleaner, since it can exert offensive pressure immediately thanks to Never-Ending Nightmare, but it can also be reserved for sweeping late-game after its checks have been weakened enough. Arceus-Ghost should use its Z-Move cautiously, since it can have great importance to secure OHKOs on the likes of Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Yveltal at +2 after Stealth Rock damage, as well as Mega Salamence at +1. Shadow Force has only 8 PP and one gets used up when Arceus-Ghost goes for its Z-Move, so be aware and spend them mindfully. It's best to keep Arceus-Ghost's health as high as possible, since it is required to be at full health to OHKO Mega Gengar and Choice item Lunala after taking a Shadow Ball or Moongeist Beam, (add comma) respectively. Teams that usually use Arceus-Ghost as their Arceus forme usually struggle against Choice Scarf Lunala, which requires the team's Dark-types to be kept as healthy as possible through the means of predicted switches and appropriate sacrifices sacks.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard setters like Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, Deoxys-S, and Primal Groudon make great teammates, as entry hazard damage puts Pokemon like Yveltal, Zygarde, Primal Groudon, and Lugia in range of being KOed by Arceus-Ghost's its Z-Move. In exchange, Arceus-Ghost is able to block Rapid Spin, which is appreciated by Sticky Web setters like Smeargle and Shuckle. Sticky Web allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Choice Scarf Lunala. Xerneas pairs very well with Arceus-Ghost thanks to its ability to check Dark-types like Yveltal and Arceus-Dark, and it also has while also having the option to carry Aromatherapy for curing status. In return, Arceus-Ghost is able to weaken checks to Xerneas like Ferrothorn and Magearna with Shadow Force, allowing Xerneas to sweep late-game. When forgoing Extreme Killer Arceus, most offensive teams usually end up being somewhat weak to Xerneas, as Extreme Speed from Arceus-Ghost is not as strong. This makes Double Dance Primal Groudon a great partner, as it appreciates a check to Lugia and Arceus-Ghost's ability to weaken common threats to it like Mega Salamence, Celesteela, and support Arceus formes. This Primal Groudon set can also beat offensive variants of Yveltal, while a specially offensive version of Primal Groudon can lure out and KO defensive variants of Yveltal and Mega Salamence. Mega Lucario can check Xerneas with STAB priority Bullet Punch, appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to check Lugia, and is also a Pokemon that wants the likes of Mega Salamence and Arceus-Ground to be weakened. On the other hand, Mega Lucario can check Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Chople Berry Tyranitar. Deoxys-A can be paired with Arceus-Ghost, since the latter can remove its checks like Steel-types and appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to absorb an incoming Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus or Rayquaza. In return, Deoxys-A is able to KO threats such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, support Arceus formes, and Zygarde-C without the need of any boosting move. Rayquaza is also a great partner, as it is able to check Primal Groudon and appreciates hazard removers that Arceus-Ghost is often paired with. It can pressure support Arceus formes as well as provide priority in the form of Extreme Speed, which helps out with the Xerneas weakness of Arceus-Ghost teams. Yveltal and Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can check Mega Gengar and Lunala, which can be a problem for Arceus-Ghost. Lunala The latter is by far the best check to Arceus-Ghost, since Moongeist Beam OHKOes after Stealth Rock damage.

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

A Calm Mind + Judgment set makes use of Arceus-Ghost's natural bulk and Special Defense. In the case of other Arceus formes, the Calm Mind set usually has the upper hand when facing Ditto, but that doesn't matter at all for Arceus-Ghost's case, since the faster Shadow Force loses the fight. Recover can be run over Extreme Speed to increase Arceus-Ghost's longevity if priority is not required as much for the team. However, Arceus-Ghost cannot afford to run a move that cannot pressure its checks. The other option of running Stone Edge over Brick Break lets Arceus-Ghost to OHKO Yveltal at +2, (add comma) but then Arceus-Ghost misses out on Fighting-type coverage, leaving it useless against other opposing Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark. The option of using a Z-Move also makes this move somewhat unnecessary. A support set with Recover Defog / Toxic / Judgment Judgement / Recover with maximum HP and Speed is a possible set for Arceus-Ghost to can check Mega Lucario, Lugia, and Giratina-O. However, other Arceus formes like Arceus-Water and Arceus-Ground outclass Arceus-Ghost in that role.

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

**Lunala**: The Choice Scarf variant of Lunala is able to outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Moongeist Beam after Stealth Rock. Teams that usually have Arceus-Ghost tend to struggle against it due to the lack of reliable Ghost switch-ins, since Dark-types like Yveltal can be weakened easily due to Stealth Rock, thus additionally requiring appropriate sacrifices and predicted switches to play around this Pokemon.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar is immune to Extreme Speed and can outspeed and deal heavy damage to Arceus-Ghost with Shadow Ball or, (add comma) at the very least, trade with Destiny Bond, (RC). (add period)

**Arceus-Dark**: Arceus-Dark can switch into a predicted Shadow Force from Arceus-Ghost and proceed to 2HKO it with Judgment or attempt to set up with Calm Mind. Brick Break is the only coverage option Arceus-Ghost gets that can deal super effective damage to Arceus-Dark, (add comma) and even that is a 3HKO.

**Yveltal**: While offensive variants of Yveltal may get OHKOed by +2 Never-Ending Nightmare, Life Orb + Sucker Punch variants only require a bit of chip damage to OHKO Arceus-Ghost, while Choice Scarf variants are able to outspeed or even take a +2 Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO it with Foul Play. Though very rarely seen, defensive variants of Yveltal are able to take a +2 Never-Ending Nightmare after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO with Foul Play.

**Other Dark-types**: Chople Berry Tyranitar and Darkrai can check Arceus-Ghost as well. The former can take a +2 Brick Break, since it's holding a Chople Berry thanks to its item and OHKO with Foul Play. Darkrai can survive a +2 Extreme Speed even after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to deal heavy damage with Dark Pulse or outright OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Black Hole Eclipse.

**Status Conditions**: Support Arceus formes like Arceus-Water, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Fairy can cripple Arceus-Ghost with status-inflicting moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. Mega Sableye can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp prior to Mega Evolving as well. Zygarde can paralyze it with Glare, making it susceptible to slower, hard-hitting threats like Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre. All of these options are able to hinder Arceus-Ghost's attempt to sweep and must be properly dealt with. Clefable is able to survive a Never-Ending Nightmare and proceed to use Toxic and stall out Arceus-Ghost with Wish.

**Normal- and Ghost-type Combination**: The method of repeated switching between Ghost- and Normal-types takes advantage of Shadow Force's low PP. However, this method of checking Arceus-Ghost becomes less effective with entry hazards, (add comma) and a well-timed Never-Ending Nightmare or Shadow Claw can stop the attempt.

**Mega Salamence**: Thanks to its great natural bulk and Intimidate prior to Mega Evolving, Mega Salamence can easily take a Shadow Force and attempt to set up on Arceus-Ghost, since it has a good chance of OHKOing it with +1 Double-Edge. However, a +1 (should this be +2) Never-Ending Nightmare is able to OHKO Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock damage.
 
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[OVERVIEW]

Arceus-Ghost's great offensive typing and strong Ghost-type STAB move in Shadow Force allow it to deal massive neutral damage to the majority of the tier. Like any Arceus forme, Arceus-Ghost has excellent natural bulk, and it also has a decent defensive typing that allows it to block Rapin Rapid Spin, check Mega Lucario and Mega Mewtwo X, and act as a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus. Thanks to Ghostium Z, Arceus-Ghost has access to a 190-Base Power STAB Ghost-type move that can be boosted even further with Swords Dance. Arceus-Ghost finds a place in many offensive teams, as it can fulfill the role of an Extreme Killer Arceus check that also has while also having higher damage output than most Swords Dance Arceus formes. However, the rise in the usage of Ghost- and Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Choice Scarf Lunala has crippled the viability of Arceus-Ghost. Arceus-Ghost is hurt even further by its lack of strong coverage moves, forcing it to rely primarily on its STAB Ghost-type attacks to deal damage prior to boosting with Swords Dance.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Shadow Force
move 3: Brick Break
move 4: Extreme Speed / Shadow Claw
item: Ghostium Z
ability: Multitype
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Swords Dance increases Arceus-Ghost's Attack stat and secures OHKOs on Pokemon like Primal Groudon, (RC) and Primal Kyogre with +2 Never-Ending Nightmare, as well as on Z-Geomancy Xerneas and most support Arceus formes after Stealth Rock damage with +2 Never-Ending Nightmare. Shadow Force is Arceus-Ghost's strongest Ghost-type STAB move and is able to 2HKO the majority of offensive threats unboosted. Brick Break is its best Fighting-type move and allows it to be a soft check to Extreme Killer Arceus that can also while also being able to deal considerable damage to Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark after a Swords Dance boost. The combination of Ghost and Fighting has no resistances, which makes Arceus-Ghost a great wallbreaker. Brick Break also breaks Light Screen and Reflect, which are used sometimes in offensive teams. Extreme Speed lets Arceus-Ghost KO Deoxys-A and other frail threats that would normally outspeed it. It also allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed weakened foes like low HP Extreme Killer Arceus and low HP Yveltal and KO them. Shadow Claw is an option to give Arceus-Ghost a secondary STAB option that makes it hard for Substitute users, Normal-type + Ghost-type cores like Mega Sableye + Chansey, and Toxic + Recover users like support Arceus formes to play around Shadow Force.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Attack allows Arceus-Ghost to hit as hard as possible with its STAB and coverage moves. A Jolly nature along with 252 EVs in Speed lets Arceus-Ghost outspeed everything significant up to Mega Lucario and Speed tie with other maximum Speed Arceus formes. Ghostium Z turns Shadow Force into a STAB 190-Base Power Ghost-type nuke for one turn that lets +1 Arceus-Ghost OHKO Mega Salamence, offensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage, support Primal Groudon, and Zygarde after one layer of Spikes. Arceus-Ghost can hold a Spooky Plate for consistent damage instead if that is ever preferred over a one-time nuke. Shadow Claw becomes more usable if Spooky Plate is used over Ghostium Z, since it increases in Base Power and lets Arceus-Ghost break through the Normal-type + Ghost-type combination that usually beats it due to Shadow Force being a two-turn move.

Usage Tips
========

Switch in Arceus-Ghost on Rapid Spin users like Cloyster and Excadrill to prevent the opponent from removing entry hazards. Thanks to Arceus-Ghost's typing, it can either be used either as a wallbreaker or as a late-game cleaner, since it can exert offensive pressure immediately thanks to Never-Ending Nightmare, but it can also be reserved for sweeping late-game after its checks have been weakened enough. Arceus-Ghost should use its Z-Move cautiously, since it can have great importance to secure OHKOs on the likes of Primal Groudon, support Arceus formes, and Yveltal at +2 after Stealth Rock damage, as well as Mega Salamence at +1. Shadow Force has only 8 PP and one gets used up when Arceus-Ghost goes for its Z-Move, so be aware and spend them mindfully. It's best to keep Arceus-Ghost's health as high as possible, since it is required to be at full health to OHKO Mega Gengar and Choice item Lunala after taking a Shadow Ball or Moongeist Beam, (add comma) respectively. Teams that usually use Arceus-Ghost as their Arceus forme usually struggle against Choice Scarf Lunala, which requires the team's Dark-types to be kept as healthy as possible through the means of predicted switches and appropriate sacrifices sacks.

Team Options
========

Entry hazard setters like Excadrill, Cloyster, Dialga, Deoxys-S, and Primal Groudon make great teammates, as entry hazard damage puts Pokemon like Yveltal, Zygarde, Primal Groudon, and Lugia in range of being KOed by Arceus-Ghost's its Z-Move. In exchange, Arceus-Ghost is able to block Rapid Spin, which is appreciated by Sticky Web setters like Smeargle and Shuckle. Sticky Web allows Arceus-Ghost to outspeed faster threats like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Choice Scarf Lunala. Xerneas pairs very well with Arceus-Ghost thanks to its ability to check Dark-types like Yveltal and Arceus-Dark, and it also has while also having the option to carry Aromatherapy for curing status. In return, Arceus-Ghost is able to weaken checks to Xerneas like Ferrothorn and Magearna with Shadow Force, allowing Xerneas to sweep late-game. When forgoing Extreme Killer Arceus, most offensive teams usually end up being somewhat weak to Xerneas, as Extreme Speed from Arceus-Ghost is not as strong. This makes Double Dance Primal Groudon a great partner, as it appreciates a check to Lugia and Arceus-Ghost's ability to weaken common threats to it like Mega Salamence, Celesteela, and support Arceus formes. This Primal Groudon set can also beat offensive variants of Yveltal, while a specially offensive version of Primal Groudon can lure out and KO defensive variants of Yveltal and Mega Salamence. Mega Lucario can check Xerneas with STAB priority Bullet Punch, appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to check Lugia, and is also a Pokemon that wants the likes of Mega Salamence and Arceus-Ground to be weakened. On the other hand, Mega Lucario can check Dark-types like Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Chople Berry Tyranitar. Deoxys-A can be paired with Arceus-Ghost, since the latter can remove its checks like Steel-types and appreciates Arceus-Ghost's ability to absorb an incoming Extreme Speed from Extreme Killer Arceus or Rayquaza. In return, Deoxys-A is able to KO threats such as Mega Gengar, Mega Salamence, support Arceus formes, and Zygarde-C without the need of any boosting move. Rayquaza is also a great partner, as it is able to check Primal Groudon and appreciates hazard removers that Arceus-Ghost is often paired with. It can pressure support Arceus formes as well as provide priority in the form of Extreme Speed, which helps out with the Xerneas weakness of Arceus-Ghost teams. Yveltal and Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar and Alolan Muk can check Mega Gengar and Lunala, which can be a problem for Arceus-Ghost. Lunala The latter is by far the best check to Arceus-Ghost, since Moongeist Beam OHKOes after Stealth Rock damage.

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

A Calm Mind + Judgment set makes use of Arceus-Ghost's natural bulk and Special Defense. In the case of other Arceus formes, the Calm Mind set usually has the upper hand when facing Ditto, but that doesn't matter at all for Arceus-Ghost's case, since the faster Shadow Force loses the fight. Recover can be run over Extreme Speed to increase Arceus-Ghost's longevity if priority is not required as much for the team. However, Arceus-Ghost cannot afford to run a move that cannot pressure its checks. The other option of running Stone Edge over Brick Break lets Arceus-Ghost to OHKO Yveltal at +2, (add comma) but then Arceus-Ghost misses out on Fighting-type coverage, leaving it useless against other opposing Dark-types like Tyranitar and Arceus-Dark. The option of using a Z-Move also makes this move somewhat unnecessary. A support set with Recover Defog / Toxic / Judgment Judgement / Recover with maximum HP and Speed is a possible set for Arceus-Ghost to can check Mega Lucario, Lugia, and Giratina-O. However, other Arceus formes like Arceus-Water and Arceus-Ground outclass Arceus-Ghost in that role.

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

**Lunala**: The Choice Scarf variant of Lunala is able to outspeed and OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Moongeist Beam after Stealth Rock. Teams that usually have Arceus-Ghost tend to struggle against it due to the lack of reliable Ghost switch-ins, since Dark-types like Yveltal can be weakened easily due to Stealth Rock, thus additionally requiring appropriate sacrifices and predicted switches to play around this Pokemon.

**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar is immune to Extreme Speed and can outspeed and deal heavy damage to Arceus-Ghost with Shadow Ball or, (add comma) at the very least, trade with Destiny Bond, (RC). (add period)

**Arceus-Dark**: Arceus-Dark can switch into a predicted Shadow Force from Arceus-Ghost and proceed to 2HKO it with Judgment or attempt to set up with Calm Mind. Brick Break is the only coverage option Arceus-Ghost gets that can deal super effective damage to Arceus-Dark, (add comma) and even that is a 3HKO.

**Yveltal**: While offensive variants of Yveltal may get OHKOed by +2 Never-Ending Nightmare, Life Orb + Sucker Punch variants only require a bit of chip damage to OHKO Arceus-Ghost, while Choice Scarf variants are able to outspeed or even take a +2 Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO it with Foul Play. Though very rarely seen, defensive variants of Yveltal are able to take a +2 Never-Ending Nightmare after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to OHKO with Foul Play.

**Other Dark-types**: Chople Berry Tyranitar and Darkrai can check Arceus-Ghost as well. The former can take a +2 Brick Break, since it's holding a Chople Berry thanks to its item and OHKO with Foul Play. Darkrai can survive a +2 Extreme Speed even after Stealth Rock damage and proceed to deal heavy damage with Dark Pulse or outright OHKO Arceus-Ghost with Black Hole Eclipse.

**Status Conditions**: Support Arceus formes like Arceus-Water, Arceus-Ground, and Arceus-Fairy can cripple Arceus-Ghost with status-inflicting moves such as Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. Mega Sableye can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp prior to Mega Evolving as well. Zygarde can paralyze it with Glare, making it susceptible to slower, hard-hitting threats like Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre. All of these options are able to hinder Arceus-Ghost's attempt to sweep and must be properly dealt with. Clefable is able to survive a Never-Ending Nightmare and proceed to use Toxic and stall out Arceus-Ghost with Wish.

**Normal- and Ghost-type Combination**: The method of repeated switching between Ghost- and Normal-types takes advantage of Shadow Force's low PP. However, this method of checking Arceus-Ghost becomes less effective with entry hazards, (add comma) and a well-timed Never-Ending Nightmare or Shadow Claw can stop the attempt.

**Mega Salamence**: Thanks to its great natural bulk and Intimidate prior to Mega Evolving, Mega Salamence can easily take a Shadow Force and attempt to set up on Arceus-Ghost, since it has a good chance of OHKOing it with +1 Double-Edge. However, a +1 (should this be +2) Never-Ending Nightmare is able to OHKO Mega Salamence after Stealth Rock damage.
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