[1v1] Archeops [QC 2/3]

charizard8888

Catch The Wave
is a Forum Moderator Alumnus

AM Check: Wrath of Alakazam, motogp
Suggestions: partys over
QC [2/3] Dream Eater Gengar, UnleashOurPassion
GP [0/1]

Overview
Archeops is a downright powerful physical attacker in the 1v1 metagame. Its outstanding Rock / Flying offensive typing coupled with a mammoth of an Attack stat and access to high base powered STAB and coverage moves like Head Smash and Outrage paves its way for being a powerful fast attacker. It also has a great 110 base Speed stat which lets it outspeed top-tier threats including both Mega Charizard formes, Durant, Mega Pinsir, and also speed ties with Jumpluff which is desirable for a powerful attacker in order to take the least number hits before using its own. Archeops' offensive strength can be further upgraded with Choice Band and Z-Crystals. Its Speed can be further increased by Choice Scarf in order to defeat fast threats Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, Nagandel, Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Mega Lopunny. Archeops also gets a utility move in Switcheroo which can be used with Choice items to cripple defensive Pokemon by locking them into a move. With these great offensive traits, Archeops stands out as a great check to top-tier threats including Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite, and Primarina. Its Rock / Flying typing makes it weak to Water, Steel, Rock, Electric, and Ice all of which are common attacking types which leaves it vulnerable to Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Magnezone, and set dependent Kyurem-B. Archeops is also very frail due to its low defenses on both physical and special side meaning it cannot take hits so if it fails to KO the opposing Pokemon, then it's most likely going to lose due to its inability to tank moves. Its ability, Defeatist doesn't help it as it halves its Attacking stats when it reaches 50% HP or below but it doesn't affect the result of most of its matchups in 1v1. Archeops loses to every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk which are very prevalent.

Choice Chaos
Archeops @ Choice Band
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Fly
- Rock Slide / Outrage
- Switcheroo / Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves
Head Smash, albeit of its relatively low accuracy, is a great Rock-type STAB move with a huge 150 Base Power which lets it OHKO Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite through Multiscale, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Meloetta, and other such Pokemon. Its recoil effect hardly matters in 1v1, but given its unfortunate ability and low bulk, Archeops heavily relies it to one shot the foe. Fly is an interesting Flying-type STAB which cloaks it on the first turn and strikes on the the second allowing it to defeat the likes of Mega Heracross, Mega Blaziken, Mega Venusaur, and Keldeo. As Rock Slide has better accuracy than Head Smash, it can be used as a more reliable Rock-type STAB against Pokemon that can be KOed with it like Mega Pinsir and Victini. It also comes with a 30% flinch chance which can be useful for defeating Pokemon like Mimikyu, Crustle, Avalugg, and Carracosta that cannot be OHKOed by any of its other moves. Outrage combined with Choice Band lets it OHKO Non-Choice Scarf Garchomp. It can be also used as the more reliable move to KO Latios. Switcheroo can be used to choice-lock defensive Pokemon like Chansey and Dusclops which allows Archeops to then KO these. Alternatively, Earthquake can be used to OHKO Terrakion, Stakataka, and Nihilego with ease (without relying on Head Smash for defeating Nihilego) and also provides it Rock / Ground coverage which few Pokemon resist.

Set Details
Maximum Attack investment with Choice Band lets it hit as hard as possible which is required to one shot Bulky Kyurem-B, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Dragonite through Multiscale, Offensive Mew, and most of the time Heatran. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature lets it to outpace both Mega Charizard fomes, Non-Scarf Garchomp, Mega Pinsir, Blacephalon, Durant, and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Jumpluff, and Latios. Archeops is locked into Defeatist which doesn't help Archeops and its rather a liability but it doesn't affect Archeops much in 1v1.

Usage Tips
Archeops is a powerful fast but frail physical attacker so its good to send it against Pokemon that get outsped by and cannot wall it such as Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Mega Pinsir, Mega Heracross, and Mega Blaziken. Avoid sending it against faster threats like Greninja and Tapu Koko, physically defensive walls such as Mega Slowbro, Zygarde-C and Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Magnezone as they would always defeat it. Since Archeops is choice-locked, it's important to pick the appropriate move, Archeops should mostly use Head Smash as it's the hardest-hitting move it gets barring if the foe resists it and its other moves get super effective coverage. As Fly is a boon as it helps it take out Blaziken which is busy using Protect for getting Speed Boost, it is also a bane. Be careful with the usage of Fly as Blaziken may predict it coming and use Protect on the second turn when it strikes. Use Rock Slide in place of Head Smash against Pokemonthat can be KOed with it like Mega Pinsir, Victini, Volcarona, and Alolan Marowak as it has more accuracy. However, against Charizard Archeops should always use Head Smash for the first time as it may be the bulky Mega Charizard X variant which can take a Rock Slide. You may use instead pick Rock Slide if you are aware that the opposing Charizard variant is Mega Charizard Y or non-fully bulky Mega Charizard X.

Team Options
Archeops gets outsped by some hard-hitters like Greninja, Tapu Koko, Nagandel, Mega Lucario, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B and Garchomp which can easily one shot it. Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can defeat all of these threats except for Mega Lucario and Kyurem-B turning out to be a great partner for Archeops. In turn, Archeops can eliminate Dragonite, Meloetta, Bulky Mega Heracross, and Primarina which are able to defeat Porygon-Z. Either of the bulk invested Charizard variants pair up well with Archeops as both of them can check Steel-type Pokemon. In addition to that, Bulky Mega Charizard Y equipped with Flame Charge offers support against Mega Gyarados, Scarf Kyurem-B, Greninja, Mega Slowbro, and Mimikyu while Archeops can deal with Mega Charizard X, Dragonite, Chansey, and Heatran which threaten Mega Charizard Y. Semi Bulky Mega Charizard X checks Mega Metagross more reliably, Mega Lopunny, Tapu Koko, Mimikyu, Scarf Tapu Lele, Magnezone, Sawk, and Donphan which can easily defeat Archeops while the Pokemon in question helps Mega Charizard X by checking Psychium Z Tapu Lele, All Dragonite sets, Meloetta, and Primarina. The combination of Mega Charizard X and Archeops remains vulnerable to most Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Slowbro, and Greninja which can be covered by pairing up Mega Venusaur. Bulky Mega Heracross is a great teammate for Archeops as it can single-handedly take out most of Archeops' checks including most Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Sawk, faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Choice Scarf Garchomp and most of the Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Swampert. Archeops in turn helps Mega Heracross by scaring off both Mega Charizard formes, All Dragonite sets, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Medicham which can be troublesome for Mega Heracross. Fairium Z Primarina can deal with Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, Zygarde-C, Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and all Sturdy Pokemon except Magnezone, turning out to be a great team option for Archeops.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

Heat Wave can replace one of the moves in the last two slots and without any additional changes it can be used to KO Kartana as well as Genesect reliably. It also comes with a 10% burn chance which if Archeops succeeds in getting, it can defeat Ferrothorn as well. Aerial Ace can be used over Fly to avoid taking two turns in executing the move and KOes almost every Pokemon that Fly does but its damage output is weaker which misses the KO against Mega Venusaur. The same moves mentioned above in the Choice Band set can be used with Choice Scarf along with an Adamant nature allowing Archeops to get past faster threats like Nagandel, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Porygon-Z, Scarf Tapu Lele, and all Kyurem-B sets while retaining its most of its power of defeating both Mega Charizard formes and non bulk invested Dragonite through Multiscale. However, with the loss of power it can no longer defeat the likes of Psychium Z Tapu Lele, 196 Def invested Primarina, and Mega Venusaur with Charm and Synthesis. Archeops can also make use of Z-Moves for attacking. Flynium Z with Sky Attack provides it a devastating 200 Base Power Supersonic Skytrike while Rockium Z Head Smash it gets a powerful 200 Base Power Continental Crush. The Z-Moves can be used with Substitute and Hone Claws to make these attacks hit with full potential. But using Z-Moves over Choice Band reduces the power of its other moves and leaves it devoid of coverage moves which results in losing of some of the Pokemon which the Band set can defeat. Moreover, Choice Band Head Smash hits harder than Continental Crush unless Archeops gets a chance to setup Hone Claws which is pretty tough for a frail Pokemon like it, the former always one shots HP invested Dragonite through Multiscale but the latter depends on a roll to do the same.

Checks and Counters

Steel-types: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Aggron, Aegislash, Magearna, and Mega Mawile are commonly used in the 1v1 metagame which resist both of its STAB moves and are bulky enough to tank an Earthquake and retaliate with their super effective Steel-type moves.

Faster Attackers: Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B, Garchomp, Tapu Lele, Victini, and Genesect outpace Archeops and are able to take it out with their attacks. However, all of these Pokemon except for Garchomp can be defeated by the Choice Scarf variant of Archeops.

Sturdy Pokemon: Every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk defeat Archeops as they can take one hit from it and KO back with their powerful moves.

Highly Bulky Pokemon: Provided Archeops' low defenses, most of the Pokemon that can take one hit from it such as Mimikyu, Zygarde-C, Landorus-T, and Mega Slowbro can defeat it either by wearing it out or KOing it with its moves.

Water-types: Excluding Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Mega Blastoise, Archeops loses to every Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Greninja, Mega Slowbro, and Mega Swampert. As Greninja outspeeds and OHKOes it while the others are able to take a hit from it and one shot it with their super effective Water-type STAB.
 
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QC [0/3]
GP [0/1]


Overview
- Archeops is a downright (downright what attacker, bad, good? Pls mention!) physical attacker in the 1v1 metagame.
- Its outstanding Rock / Flying offensive typing coupled with a mammoth of an 140 Attack and great 110 base Speed stat and access to high base powered STAB and coverage moves like Head Smash and Outrage paves its way for being a powerful fast attacker.
- Its offensive strength can be further upgraded with Choice Band and Z-Moves. Its Speed difficulties too can be overcome by using Choice Scarf. Archeops also gets Switcheroo which can be used with Choiced items to cripple defensive Pokemon by leaving the locked into a move.
- With these great offensive traits, Archeops stands out as a great check to top-tier threats including Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard, SubTonic Rage Garchomp, Dragonite, and Primarina.
- Sadly its Rock / Flying typing makes it weak to Water, Steel, Rock, Electric, and Ice all of which are common attacking types which leaves it vulnerable to Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Magnezone, and set dependent Kyurem-B.
- It's also very frail due to its low defenses on both physical and special side meaning it cannot take hits which makes it easy to KO.
- It's Its unfortunate ability Defeatist adds to the woes the factors which makes it less usable, by halving its Attacking stats when at 50% or less health of total HP.
- It loses to every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk which are very prevalent.

Choice Chaos
Archeops @ Choice Band
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Fly
- Outrage
- Switcheroo / Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves
- Head Smash, albeit of its low accuracy, is a great Rock-type STAB move with a monstrous huge 150 Base Power which lets it OHKO Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard, Dragonite through Multiscale, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Meloetta, and other such Pokemon. It's Its recoil effect hardly matters in 1v1 but ,(AC) given its unfortunate ability, Archeops heavily relies it to one shot the foe.
- Fly is an interesting Flying-type STAB which cloaks it on the first turn and strikes on the the second allowing it to defeat the likes of Mega Heracross, Mega Blaziken, Mega Venusaur, and Keldeo. It also lets it evade Z-Moves but that doesn't help in most cases since Archeops is very frail can be KOed by regular moves too.
- Outrage combined with Choice Band lets it OHKO Non-Scarf Garchomp. It can be also used as the more reliable move to KO Latios.
- Switcheroo can be used to choice-lock defensive Pokemon like Chansey, Dusclops, and Porygon2 and allow Archeops to then KO these.
- Earthquake OHKOes Terrakion and Nihilego(Doesnt Head Smah kill Nihilego?) with ease and also provides it HeadQuake coverage which few Pokemon resist.

Set Details
- Maximum Attack investment with Choice Band lets it hit as hard as possible which is required to one shot Bulky Kyurem-B, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Dragonite through Multiscale, Umbreon, Offensive Mew, and most of the time Heatran.
- Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows it to outpace both Mega Charizard, Non-Scarf Garchomp, Mega Pinsir, Durant, and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Jumpluff, and Latios.
- /* Do we mention Defeatist here provided that the ability doesn't help it? */

Usage Tips
- Archeops is a powerful fast physical attacker so its it's good to send it against Pokemon that get outsped by and cannot wall it such as Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard, Mega Pinsir, Mega Heracross, and Mega Blaziken(since your set is band, isn't is best to leave out BlaziM here, since most BlaziM protect turn 1 and outspeeds??).
- Avoid sending it against faster threats like Greninja and Tapu Koko, physically defensive walls such as Mega Slowbro, and Sturdy Pokemon including like Golem and Magnezone as they would always defeat it.
- Try to finish the battle before Archeops reaches 50% of its total HP because it would be very difficult for Archeops to win most of the matchups after Defeatist activates.
- Since Archeops is choiced-locked, its important to pick the appropriate move, Archeops should mostly use Head Smash as it's the hardest-hitting move it gets barring if the foe resists it and its other moves get super effective coverage.
- Be careful with the usage of Fly as Pokemon with Substitute or Protect like Mimikyu, and Blaziken may predict it coming and use Protect on the second turn when it strikes.

Team Options
- Choice Band Archeops gets outsped by some hard-hitters like Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lucario, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B and Garchomp which can easily one shot it. Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can defeat all of these except for Mega Lucario and Kyurem-B turning out to be a great partner for Archeops. In turn, Archeops can eliminate Dragonite, Meloetta, Bulky Mega Heracross, and Primarina which are able to defeat Porygon-Z.
- Either of the bulk invested Charizard variants pair up well with Archeops as both of them can check Steel-type Pokemon. In addition to that, Bulky Mega Charizard Y equipped with Flame Charge offers support against Mega Gyarados, Scarf Kyurem-B, Mega Slowbro, and Mimikyu while Archeops can deal with Mega Charizard X, Dragonite, Chansey, and Heatran which threaten Mega Charizard Y. Semi Bulky Mega Charizard X checks Mega Metagross more reliably, Tapu Koko, Mimikyu, Scarf Tapu Lele, Magnezone, Sawk, and Donphan which can easily defeat Archeops while the Pokemon in question helps Mega Charizard X by checking

Strategy Comments

Other Options

- Heat Wave can be used for defeating Kartana. In the Choice Band set, it can be replace one of the Non-STAB moves without any additional changes for the set to work.
- Aerial Ace can be used over Fly to avoid taking two turns in executing the move and KOes almost every Pokemon that Fly does but its damage output is weaker which misses the KO against Mega Venusaur.
- The same moves mentioned above in the Choice Band set can be used with Choice Scarf along with an Adamant nature allowing Archeops to get past faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Porygon-Z, Scarf Tapu Lele, and all Kyurem-B sets while retaining its most of its power of defeating both Mega Charizard and non bulk invested Dragonite through Multiscale. However, with the loss of power it can no longer defeat the likes of Psychium Z Tapu Lele, 196 Def invested Primarina, and Mega Venusaur with Charm and Synthesis.
- Archeops can also make use of Z-Moves for attacking. Flynium Z with Sky Attack provides it a devastating 200 Base Power Supersonic Skytrike while Rockium Z Head Smash it gets a powerful 200 Base Power Continental Crush. The Z-Moves can be used with Substitute and Hone Claws to make these attacks hit with full potential. But using Z-Moves over Choice Band reduces the power of its other moves and leaves it devoid of coverage moves which results in losing of some of the Pokemon which the Band set can defeat. Moreover, Choice Band Head Smash hits harder than Continental Crush unless Archeops gets a chance to setup Hone Claws which is pretty tough for a frail Pokemon like it, the former always one shots HP invested Dragonite through Multiscale but the latter depends on a roll to do the same.

Checks and Counters

Steel-types: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Aggron, Aegislash, Magearna, and Mega Mawile are present in abundance commonly used in the 1v1 metagame which resist both of its STAB moves and are bulky enough to tank an Earthquake and retaliate with their super effective Steel-type moves.

Faster Attackers: Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B, Garchomp, Tapu Lele, Victini, and Genesect outpace Archeops and are able to take it out with their attacks. However, all of these Pokemon except for Garchomp can be defeated by the Choice Scarf variant of Archeops.

Sturdy Pokemon: Every relevant Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk defeat Archeops as they can take one hit from it and KO back with their powerful moves.

Mimikyu: Provided Archeops' low defenses, most of the attackers that can take one hit from it can defeat it. Mimikyu, thanks to its ability Disguise can either easily KO it with Z-Play Rough or if Archeops uses Fly on that, Play Rough would bring it in Defeatist range before 2HKOing Archeops.

Water-types: Excluding Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Mega Blastoise, Archeops loses to every Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Greninja, Mega Slowbro, and Mega Swampert. As Greninja outspeeds and OHKOes it while the others are able to take a hit from it and one shot it with their super effective Water-type STAB.
AM(Anti-meta??) QC. Nice one, a bit informal at parts, though!! I thought you'd hate Archeops given it 80% kills your favourite mon, Charizard :P
 

charizard8888

Catch The Wave
is a Forum Moderator Alumnus
AM(Anti-meta??) QC. Nice one, a bit informal at parts, though!! I thought you'd hate Archeops given it 80% kills your favourite mon, Charizard :P
Nein tis good I like to pair it up with Zard to KO Kyub, Primarina, Heatran and other such mons which are annoying for Zard
Thanks for the feedback! Implemented everything except for the Attack stat thing in the overview as just 140 makes it sound a bit less appealing but its moves and band makes it reach high levels of offensive capability + this mon isn't used that much for some reason so I'd like to go for mammoth of an attack stat.
Also this is ready for QC now
 

dom

Banned deucer.
not qc but outrage seems really questionabe, same with switcheroo being the main fourth move. rock slide is cool because head smash's acc sucks a lot.
 

charizard8888

Catch The Wave
is a Forum Moderator Alumnus
not qc but outrage seems really questionabe, same with switcheroo being the main fourth move. rock slide is cool because head smash's acc sucks a lot.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Head Smash has 80% accuracy which hits enough for me, it's the same as Stone Edge, I wouldn't replace Head Smash with Rock Slide but well it can be used as a secondary Rock-type STAB.
Rock Slide can be helpful against Mega Pinsir, Victini (No Scarfo), Alolan Marowak, Thundurus-T and with flinch it can KO Mimikyu, Crustle, Sawk (Flinch twice), Avalugg, Carracosta
It misses the KO on Dragonite, Bulky Kyurem-B, Mega Pidgeot (Bold:240/0/252/0/0/16 59.188%), Non guaranteed KO on Dank Tank Abomasnow set,
You wouldn't hit Zard with Rock Slide because
Impish:252/0/252/0/0/4 5.141%
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Charizard-Mega-X: 260-308 (72.4 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
And well Outrage hits Non Scarf Garchomp, Latios (Although Head Smash KOes but this has perfect accuracy) so yeah Rock Slide seems better than Outrage since it has more targets.
And as far as Switcheroo is concerned, I think its fine since Heat Wave is the only other option which on Band with Jolly and no SpA KOes Kartana (Now that I come to think about it, HP Fire might be better because of the acc and does the same) It also gets Zen Headbutt but that won't help, nor Knock Off

tl;dr: Replaced Outrage with Rock Slide in the main set; Mentioned the needful in Moves and Usage Tips; Outrage in Other Options now; Switcheroo stays; Replaced Heat Wave with Hidden Power Fire
Edit: Back to Heat Wave, talked to partys Outrage in the main since KOing Chomp is good but Rock Slide is slashed ahead of it.
 
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Shoutout to Archeops' sprite.

A few suggestions.

AM Check: Wrath of Alakazam
Suggestions: partys over
QC [0/3]
GP [0/1]


Overview
- Archeops is a downright potent physical attacker in the 1v1 metagame.
- Its outstanding Rock / Flying offensive typing coupled with a mammoth of an Attack stat and access to high base powered STAB and coverage moves like Head Smash and Outrage paves its way for being a powerful fast attacker.
- It also has a great 110 base Speed stat which lets it outspeed top-tier threats including both Mega Charizard formes, Durant, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Gardevoir which is desirable for a powerful attacker in order to take the least number of hits before using its own.
- Archeops' offensive strength can be further upgraded with Choice Band and Z-Moves. Its Speed difficulties too can be overcome by using Choice Scarf. Archeops also gets Switcheroo which can be used with Choiced items to cripple defensive Pokemon by leaving the locked into a move.
- With these great offensive traits, Archeops stands out as a great check to top-tier threats including Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite, and Primarina.
- Its Rock / Flying typing makes it weak to Water, Steel, Rock, Electric, and Ice all of which are common attacking types which leaves it vulnerable to Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Magnezone, and set dependent Kyurem-B.
- Archeops is also very frail due to its low defenses on both physical and special side meaning it cannot take hits which makes it easy to KO.
- Its ability Defeatist adds to the factors which makes it less usable, by halving its Attacking stats when at 50% or less health of total HP.
- Archeops loses to every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk which are very prevalent.

Choice Chaos
Archeops @ Choice Band
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Fly
- Rock Slide
- Switcheroo / Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves
- Head Smash, albeit of its low accuracy, is a great Rock-type STAB move with a huge 150 Base Power which lets it OHKO Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite through Multiscale, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Meloetta, and other such Pokemon. Its recoil effect hardly matters in 1v1, but given its unfortunate ability, Archeops heavily relies it to one shot the foe.
- Fly is an interesting Flying-type STAB which cloaks it on the first turn and strikes on the the second allowing it to defeat the likes of Mega Heracross, Mega Blaziken, Mega Venusaur, and Keldeo. It also lets it evade Z-Moves but that doesn't help in most cases since Archeops is very frail can be KOed by regular moves too.
- Rock Slide can be used as a more reliable Rock-type STAB as it has better accuracy than Head Smash. It also comes with a 30% flinch chance which can be useful for defeating Pokemon like Mimikyu, Crustle, Avalugg, and Carracosta that cannot be OHKOed by any of its other moves.
- Switcheroo can be used to choice-lock defensive Pokemon like Chansey, Dusclops, and Porygon2 although you don't really want to lock Porygon2 into an attacking move and allow Archeops to then KO these.
- Alternatively, Earthquake can be used to OHKO Terrakion and Nihilego with ease (without relying on Head Smash for the latter) and also provides it with HeadQuake coverage with Rock / Ground coverage which few Pokemon resist.

Set Details
- Maximum Attack investment with Choice Band lets it hit as hard as possible which is required to one shot Bulky Kyurem-B, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Dragonite through Multiscale, Umbreon, Offensive Mew, and most of the time Heatran.
- Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows it to outpace both Mega Charizard fomes, Non-Scarf Garchomp, Mega Pinsir, Durant, and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Jumpluff, and Latios.
- /* Do we mention Defeatist here provided that the ability doesn't help it? */

Usage Tips
- Archeops is a powerful fast physical attacker so its good to send it against Pokemon that get outsped by and cannot wall it such as Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Mega Pinsir, Mega Heracross, and Mega Blaziken.
- Avoid sending it against faster threats like Greninja and Tapu Koko, physically defensive walls such as Mega Slowbro, and Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Magnezone as they would always defeat it.
- Try to get Archeops matched up in battles that can be finished before Archeops reaches 50% of its total HP because it would be very difficult for Archeops to win most of the matchups after Defeatist activates.
- Since Archeops is choiced-locked, its important to pick the appropriate move, Archeops should mostly use Head Smash as it's the hardest-hitting move it gets barring if the foe resists it and its other moves get super effective coverage.
- As Fly is a boon as it helps it take out Blaziken which is busy using Protect for getting Speed Boost, it is also a bane. Be careful with the usage of Fly as Pokemon with Substitute or Protect like Mimikyu, and Blaziken may predict it coming and use Protect on the second turn when it strikes.
- Use Rock Slide in place of Head Smash against Pokemonthat can be KOed with it like Mega Pinsir, Victini, Volcarona, and Alolan Marowak as it has more accuracy. However, against Charizard you should use Head Smash as it may be the bulky Mega Charizard X variant which can take a Rock Slide.

Team Options
- Choice Band Archeops gets outsped by some hard-hitters like Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lucario, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B and Garchomp which can easily one shot it. Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can defeat all of these except for Mega Lucario and Kyurem-B turning out to be a great partner for Archeops. In turn, Archeops can eliminate Dragonite, Meloetta, Bulky Mega Heracross, and Primarina which are able to defeat Porygon-Z.
- Either of the bulk invested Charizard variants pair up well with Archeops as both of them can check Steel-type Pokemon. In addition to that, Bulky Mega Charizard Y equipped with Flame Charge offers support against Mega Gyarados, Scarf Kyurem-B, Greninja, Mega Swampert, Mega Slowbro, and Mimikyu while Archeops can deal with Mega Charizard X, Dragonite, Chansey, and Heatran which threaten Mega Charizard Y. Semi Bulky Mega Charizard X checks Mega Metagross more reliably, Mega Lopunny, Tapu Koko, Mimikyu, Scarf Tapu Lele, Magnezone, Sawk, and Donphan which can easily defeat Archeops while the Pokemon in question helps Mega Charizard X by checking Psychium Z Tapu Lele, All Dragonite sets, Meloetta, and Primarina.
- Bulky Mega Heracross is a great teammate for Archeops as it can single-handedly take out most Archeop's checks including most of the Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Sawk, faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Garchomp and most of the Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Swampert. Archeops in turn helps Mega Heracross by scaring off both Mega Charizard formes, All Dragonite sets, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Medicham which can be troublesome for Mega Heracross.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

- In the Choice Band set, Hidden Power Fire Heat Wave (it has a chance to burn Ferrothorn and usually OHKOs Genesect) replace one of the moves in the last two slots and without any additional changes it can be used to KO Kartana.
- Outrage can be used in place of one of the moves in the last to slots as, Outrage combined with Choice Band lets it OHKO Non-Scarf Garchomp. It can be also used as the more reliable move to KO Latios.
- Aerial Ace can be used over Fly to avoid taking two turns in executing the move and KOes almost every Pokemon that Fly does but its damage output is weaker which misses the KO against Mega Venusaur.
- The same moves mentioned above in the Choice Band set can be used with Choice Scarf along with an Adamant nature allowing Archeops to get past faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Porygon-Z, Scarf Tapu Lele, and all Kyurem-B sets while retaining its most of its power of defeating both Mega Charizard formes and non bulk invested Dragonite through Multiscale. However, with the loss of power it can no longer defeat the likes of Psychium Z Tapu Lele, 196 Def invested Primarina, and Mega Venusaur with Charm and Synthesis.
- Archeops can also make use of Z-Moves for attacking. Flynium Z with Sky Attack provides it a devastating 200 Base Power Supersonic Skystrike while Rockium Z Head Smash it gets a powerful 200 Base Power Continental Crush. The Z-Moves can be used with Substitute and Hone Claws to make these attacks hit with full potential. But using Z-Moves over Choice Band reduces the power of its other moves and leaves it devoid of coverage moves which results in losing of some of the Pokemon which the Band set can defeat. Moreover, Choice Band Head Smash hits harder than Continental Crush unless Archeops gets a chance to setup Hone Claws which is pretty tough for a frail Pokemon like it, the former always one shots HP invested Dragonite through Multiscale but the latter depends on a roll to do the same.
Add here Mixed sets.

I personally think that Choice Scarf should be another set since it counters different threats.

Checks and Counters


Steel-types: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Aggron, Aegislash, Magearna, and Mega Mawile are commonly used in the 1v1 metagame which resist both of its STAB moves and are bulky enough to tank an Earthquake and retaliate with their super effective Steel-type moves.

Faster Attackers: Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B, Garchomp, Tapu Lele, Victini, and Genesect outpace Archeops and are able to take it out with their attacks. However, all of these Pokemon except for Garchomp can be defeated by the Choice Scarf variant of Archeops.

Sturdy Pokemon: Every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk defeat Archeops as they can take one hit from it and KO back with their powerful moves.

Mimikyu: Provided Archeops' low defenses, most of the attackers that can take one hit from it can defeat it. Mimikyu, thanks to its ability Disguise can take one hit from Archeops unless it gets flinched and can either easily KO it with Twinkle Tackle or a combination of Never Ending Nightmare and Shadow Sneak.

Water-types: Excluding Primarina assuming it's not the anti-Sturdy set,against which Jolly Choice Band Archeops cannot grab a guaranteed OHKO, Tapu Fini Archeops cannot possibly OHKO Tapu Fini, and Mega Blastoise again,Jolly Choice Band Archeops cannot grab a guaranteed OHKO against standard 252 HP Mega Blastoise (50%), Archeops loses to every Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Greninja, Mega Slowbro, and Mega Swampert. As Greninja outspeeds and OHKOes it while the others are able to take a hit from it and one shot it with their super effective Water-type STAB.
 

charizard8888

Catch The Wave
is a Forum Moderator Alumnus
Shoutout to Archeops' sprite.

A few suggestions.
Thanks for the check! Implemented most of it
Spreads (1630 September)
| | Modest:248/0/0/252/8/0 14.421% | | Modest:232/0/24/216/20/16 7.927% | | Modest:92/0/196/216/0/4 6.583% | | Modest:252/0/0/252/0/4 6.125% | | Modest:224/0/64/220/0/0 5.284% | | Bold:252/0/16/200/40/0 4.580% |

252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Head Smash vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Tapu Fini: 345-406 (100.5 - 118.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Head Smash vs. 232 HP / 24 Def Tapu Fini: 337-397 (99.4 - 117.1%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Head Smash vs. 92 HP / 196 Def Tapu Fini: 291-343 (95.7 - 112.8%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

Well it defeats the four most used (+ The one in the Tapu Fini analysis) which is quite a lot so I wouldnt say it cannot possibly OHKO Fini
50/50 Blast yeah so its written that it just cannot defeat any other Water mon except those.
Yeah Rock / Ground coverage sounds better than HeadQuake lol
Literally changed Heat Wave to HP Fire few hours ago now reverted. Choice Scarf is perhaps fine in Other Options as the mons that it counters are mentioned but if its required to have its own section then it can be slashed along with Band as they both use the same moves.
What do you mean by the mixed sets? The ones with HP Ice and the Specs one?
Also whats the anti Sturdy set? The best it can do is perhaps Head Smash (From Donphan) recoil into a Sub and then Z Sky Attack but that wont work too since Ice Shard can throw it into the Defeatist range or Rock Slide flinch then Z Sky Attack, EQ for Donphan Magnezone.
Good pick on that P2 Switcheroo
 
Thanks for the check! Implemented most of it
Spreads (1630 September)
| | Modest:248/0/0/252/8/0 14.421% | | Modest:232/0/24/216/20/16 7.927% | | Modest:92/0/196/216/0/4 6.583% | | Modest:252/0/0/252/0/4 6.125% | | Modest:224/0/64/220/0/0 5.284% | | Bold:252/0/16/200/40/0 4.580% |

252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Head Smash vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Tapu Fini: 345-406 (100.5 - 118.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Head Smash vs. 232 HP / 24 Def Tapu Fini: 337-397 (99.4 - 117.1%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Archeops Head Smash vs. 92 HP / 196 Def Tapu Fini: 291-343 (95.7 - 112.8%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

Well it defeats the four most used (+ The one in the Tapu Fini analysis) which is quite a lot so I wouldnt say it cannot possibly OHKO Fini
50/50 Blast yeah so its written that it just cannot defeat any other Water mon except those.
Yeah Rock / Ground coverage sounds better than HeadQuake lol
Literally changed Heat Wave to HP Fire few hours ago now reverted. Choice Scarf is perhaps fine in Other Options as the mons that it counters are mentioned but if its required to have its own section then it can be slashed along with Band as they both use the same moves.
What do you mean by the mixed sets? The ones with HP Ice and the Specs one?
Also whats the anti Sturdy set? The best it can do is perhaps Head Smash (From Donphan) recoil into a Sub and then Z Sky Attack but that wont work too since Ice Shard can throw it into the Defeatist range or Rock Slide flinch then Z Sky Attack, EQ for Donphan Magnezone.
Good pick on that P2 Switcheroo
1. Yeah that's what I mean, mixed scarf
2.Anti-sturdy Primarina set (you know, 212/252+)
Yeah that thing pretty much

By the way, shouldn't you add in Archeops' description the lack of a good Flying STAB?

Aaand yeah that thingy
252+ Atk Archeops Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Lucario-Mega: 282-332 (100.3 - 118.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
Last edited:

DEG

The night belongs to you
is a Community Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
BAN ARCHEOPS!!!


AM Check: Wrath of Alakazam, motogp
Suggestions: partys over
QC [0/3]
GP [0/1]


Overview
- Archeops is a downright potent physical attacker in the 1v1 metagame.
- Its outstanding Rock / Flying offensive typing coupled with a mammoth of an Attack stat and access to high base powered STAB and coverage moves like Head Smash and Outrage paves its way for being a powerful fast attacker.
- It also has a great 110 base Speed stat which lets it outspeed top-tier threats including both Mega Charizard formes, Durant, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Gardevoir which is desirable for a powerful attacker in order to take the least number of hits before using its own.
- Archeops' offensive strength can be further upgraded with Choice Band and Z-Moves. Its Speed difficulties too can be overcome by using Choice Scarf. Archeops also gets Switcheroo which can be used with Choiced items to cripple defensive Pokemon by leaving the locked into a move.
- With these great offensive traits, Archeops stands out as a great check to top-tier threats including Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite, and Primarina.
- Its Rock / Flying typing makes it weak to Water, Steel, Rock, Electric, and Ice all of which are common attacking types which leaves it vulnerable to Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Magnezone, and set dependent Kyurem-B.
- Archeops is also very frail due to its low defenses on both physical and special side meaning it cannot take hits which makes it easy to KO.
- Its ability Defeatist adds to the factors which makes it less usable, by halving its Attacking stats when at 50% or less health of total HP.
- Archeops loses to every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk which are very prevalent.

Choice Chaos
Archeops @ Choice Band
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Fly
- Rock Slide / Outrage
- Switcheroo / Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves
- Head Smash, albeit of its low accuracy, is a great Rock-type STAB move with a huge 150 Base Power which lets it OHKO Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite through Multiscale, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Meloetta, and other such Pokemon. Its recoil effect hardly matters in 1v1, but given its unfortunate ability, Archeops heavily relies it to one shot the foe.
- Fly is an interesting Flying-type STAB which cloaks it on the first turn and strikes on the the second allowing it to defeat the likes of Mega Heracross, Mega Blaziken, Mega Venusaur, and Keldeo. It also lets it evade Z-Moves but that doesn't help in most cases since Archeops is very frail can be KOed by regular moves too.
- Rock Slide can be used as a more reliable Rock-type STAB as it has better accuracy than Head Smash. It also comes with a 30% flinch chance which can be useful for defeating Pokemon like Mimikyu, Crustle, Avalugg, and Carracosta that cannot be OHKOed by any of its other moves.
- Outrage combined with Choice Band lets it OHKO Non-Scarf Garchomp. It can be also used as the more reliable move to KO Latios.
- Switcheroo can be used to choice-lock defensive Pokemon like Chansey and Dusclips which allows Archeops to then KO these.
- Alternatively, Earthquake can be used to OHKO Terrakion and Nihilego with ease (without relying on Head Smash for the latter) and also provides it Rock / Ground coverage which few Pokemon resist.

Set Details
- Maximum Attack investment with Choice Band lets it hit as hard as possible which is required to one shot Bulky Kyurem-B, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Dragonite through Multiscale, Umbreon, Offensive Mew, and most of the time Heatran.
- Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows it to outpace both Mega Charizard fomes, Non-Scarf Garchomp, Mega Pinsir, Durant, and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Jumpluff, and Latios.
- /* Do we mention Defeatist here provided that the ability doesn't help it? */

Usage Tips
- Archeops is a powerful fast physical attacker so its good to send it against Pokemon that get outsped by and cannot wall it such as Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Mega Pinsir, Mega Heracross, and Mega Blaziken.
- Avoid sending it against faster threats like Greninja and Tapu Koko, physically defensive walls such as Mega Slowbro, and Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Magnezone as they would always defeat it.
- Try to get Archeops matched up in battles that can be finished before Archeops reaches 50% of its total HP because it would be very difficult for Archeops to win most of the matchups after Defeatist activates.
- Since Archeops is choice-locked, it's important to pick the appropriate move, Archeops should mostly use Head Smash as it's the hardest-hitting move it gets barring if the foe resists it and its other moves get super effective coverage.
- As Fly is a boon as it helps it take out Blaziken which is busy using Protect for getting Speed Boost, it is also a bane. Be careful with the usage of Fly as Pokemon with Substitute or Protect like Mimikyu, and Blaziken may predict it coming and use Protect on the second turn when it strikes.
- Use Rock Slide in place of Head Smash against Pokemonthat can be KOed with it like Mega Pinsir, Victini, Volcarona, and Alolan Marowak as it has more accuracy. However, against Charizard Archeops should always use Head Smash for the first time as it may be the bulky Mega Charizard X variant which can take a Rock Slide. You may use instead pick Rock Slide if you are aware that the opposing Charizard variant is Mega Charizard Y or fast Mega Charizard X from an earlier matchup.

Team Options
- Choice Band Archeops gets outsped by some hard-hitters like Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lucario, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B and Garchomp which can easily one shot it. Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can defeat all of these except for Mega Lucario and Kyurem-B turning out to be a great partner for Archeops. In turn, Archeops can eliminate Dragonite, Meloetta, Bulky Mega Heracross, and Primarina which are able to defeat Porygon-Z.
- Either of the bulk invested Charizard variants pair up well with Archeops as both of them can check Steel-type Pokemon. In addition to that, Bulky Mega Charizard Y equipped with Flame Charge offers support against Mega Gyarados, Scarf Kyurem-B, Greninja, Mega Swampert, Mega Slowbro, and Mimikyu while Archeops can deal with Mega Charizard X, Dragonite, Chansey, and Heatran which threaten Mega Charizard Y. Semi Bulky Mega Charizard X checks Mega Metagross more reliably, Mega Lopunny, Tapu Koko, Mimikyu, Scarf Tapu Lele, Magnezone, Sawk, and Donphan which can easily defeat Archeops while the Pokemon in question helps Mega Charizard X by checking Psychium Z Tapu Lele, All Dragonite sets, Meloetta, and Primarina.
- Bulky Mega Heracross is a great teammate for Archeops as it can single-handedly take out most Archeop's checks including most of the Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Sawk, faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Garchomp and most of the Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Swampert. Archeops in turn helps Mega Heracross by scaring off both Mega Charizard formes, All Dragonite sets, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Medicham which can be troublesome for Mega Heracross.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

- In the Choice Band set, Heat Wave can replace one of the moves in the last two slots and without any additional changes it can be used to KO Kartana and Genesect reliably. It also comes with a 10% burn chance which if Archeops succeeds in getting, it can defeat Ferrothorn as well.
- Aerial Ace can be used over Fly to avoid taking two turns in executing the move and KOes almost every Pokemon that Fly does but its damage output is weaker which misses the KO against Mega Venusaur.
- The same moves mentioned above in the Choice Band set can be used with Choice Scarf along with an Adamant nature allowing Archeops to get past faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Porygon-Z, Scarf Tapu Lele, and all Kyurem-B sets while retaining its most of its power of defeating both Mega Charizard formes and non bulk invested Dragonite through Multiscale. However, with the loss of power it can no longer defeat the likes of Psychium Z Tapu Lele, 196 Def invested Primarina, and Mega Venusaur with Charm and Synthesis.
- Archeops can also make use of Z-Moves for attacking. Flynium Z with Sky Attack provides it a devastating 200 Base Power Supersonic Skytrike while Rockium Z Head Smash it gets a powerful 200 Base Power Continental Crush. The Z-Moves can be used with Substitute and Hone Claws to make these attacks hit with full potential. But using Z-Moves over Choice Band reduces the power of its other moves and leaves it devoid of coverage moves which results in losing of some of the Pokemon which the Band set can defeat. Moreover, Choice Band Head Smash hits harder than Continental Crush unless Archeops gets a chance to setup Hone Claws which is pretty tough for a frail Pokemon like it, the former always one shots HP invested Dragonite through Multiscale but the latter depends on a roll to do the same.

Checks and Counters

Steel-types: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Aggron, Aegislash, Magearna, and Mega Mawile are commonly used in the 1v1 metagame which resist both of its STAB moves and are bulky enough to tank an Earthquake and retaliate with their super effective Steel-type moves.

Faster Attackers: Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B, Garchomp, Tapu Lele, Victini, and Genesect outpace Archeops and are able to take it out with their attacks. However, all of these Pokemon except for Garchomp can be defeated by the Choice Scarf variant of Archeops.

Sturdy Pokemon: Every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk defeat Archeops as they can take one hit from it and KO back with their powerful moves.

Mimikyu: Provided Archeops' low defenses, most of the attackers that can take one hit from it can defeat it. Mimikyu, thanks to its ability Disguise can take one hit from Archeops unless it gets flinched and can either easily KO it with Twinkle Tackle or a combination of Never Ending Nightmare and Shadow Sneak.

Water-types: Excluding Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Mega Blastoise, Archeops loses to every Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Greninja, Mega Slowbro, and Mega Swampert. As Greninja outspeeds and OHKOes it while the others are able to take a hit from it and one shot it with their super effective Water-type STAB.
Overview
Mention that if Archeops fails to OHKO the opponent it's most likely going to lose due to its inability to tank a hit properly.

Moves
Dusclops is better than Dusclips, I'd put Dusclops in the examples not Dusclips.

Set Details
You can mention that Archeops is locked into defeatist which is a bad ability but doesn't affect it much in 1v1

Usage Tips
Doesn't Mega Blaziken outspeed it after one speed boost?
Is there a matchup where Defeatist will make you lose? It's very rare to get Archeops under 50% also I don't think it matters alot since banded Head Smash pre-defeatist would make a lot of damage that a weakened head smash can finish

Team Options
Mention a better Ground-type and Water-type check for Pokemon.
Mention in the Arch x Zard combo that they need something to beat water-type and ground-type pokemon.


QC 1/3
 

charizard8888

Catch The Wave
is a Forum Moderator Alumnus
NOU!!!
BAN ARCHEOPS!!!



Overview
Mention that if Archeops fails to OHKO the opponent it's most likely going to lose due to its inability to tank a hit properly.

Moves
Dusclops is better than Dusclips, I'd put Dusclops in the examples not Dusclips.

Set Details
You can mention that Archeops is locked into defeatist which is a bad ability but doesn't affect it much in 1v1

Usage Tips
Doesn't Mega Blaziken outspeed it after one speed boost?
Is there a matchup where Defeatist will make you lose? It's very rare to get Archeops under 50% also I don't think it matters alot since banded Head Smash pre-defeatist would make a lot of damage that a weakened head smash can finish

Team Options
Mention a better Ground-type and Water-type check for Pokemon.
Mention in the Arch x Zard combo that they need something to beat water-type and ground-type pokemon.


QC 1/3
Implemented! Thanks for the check
Ready for the next check
 

Felucia

Robot Empress
is a Battle Simulator Moderator

AM Check: Wrath of Alakazam, motogp
Suggestions: partys over
QC [1/3] Dream Eater Gengar
GP [0/1]

Overview
- Archeops is a downright potent physical attacker in the 1v1 metagame.
- Its outstanding Rock / Flying offensive typing coupled with a mammoth of an Attack stat and access to high base powered STAB and coverage moves like Head Smash and Outrage paves its way for being a powerful fast attacker.
- It also has a great 110 base Speed stat which lets it outspeed top-tier threats including both Mega Charizard formes, Durant, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Gardevoir which is desirable for a powerful attacker in order to take the least number of hits before using its own.
- Archeops' offensive strength can be further upgraded with Choice Band and Z-Moves. Its Speed difficulties too can be overcome by using Choice Scarf. Archeops also gets Switcheroo which can be used with Choiced items to cripple defensive Pokemon by leaving the locked into a move.
- With these great offensive traits, Archeops stands out as a great check to top-tier threats including Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite, and Primarina.
- Its Rock / Flying typing makes it weak to Water, Steel, Rock, Electric, and Ice all of which are common attacking types which leaves it vulnerable to Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Magnezone, and set dependent Kyurem-B.
- Archeops is also very frail due to its low defenses on both physical and special side meaning it cannot take hits so if it fails to KO the opposing Pokemon, then it's most likely going to lose due to its inability to tank moves.
- Its ability, Defeatist doesn't help it as it halves its Attacking stats when it reaches 50% HP or below but it doesn't matter in most of the matchups in 1v1.
- Archeops loses to every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk which are very prevalent.

Choice Chaos
Archeops @ Choice Band
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Fly
- Rock Slide / Outrage
- Switcheroo / Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves
- Head Smash, albeit of its low accuracy, is a great Rock-type STAB move with a huge 150 Base Power which lets it OHKO Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Dragonite through Multiscale, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Meloetta, and other such Pokemon. Its recoil effect hardly matters in 1v1, but given its unfortunate ability, Archeops heavily relies it to one shot the foe.
- Fly is an interesting Flying-type STAB which cloaks it on the first turn and strikes on the the second allowing it to defeat the likes of Mega Heracross, Mega Blaziken, Mega Venusaur, and Keldeo. It also lets it evade Z-Moves but that doesn't help in most cases since Archeops is very frail can be KOed by regular moves too.
- Rock Slide can be used as a more reliable Rock-type STAB as it has better accuracy than Head Smash. It also comes with a 30% flinch chance which can be useful for defeating Pokemon like Mimikyu, Crustle, Avalugg, and Carracosta that cannot be OHKOed by any of its other moves.
- Outrage combined with Choice Band lets it OHKO Non-Scarf Garchomp. It can be also used as the more reliable move to KO Latios.
- Switcheroo can be used to choice-lock defensive Pokemon like Chansey and Dusclops which allows Archeops to then KO these.
- Alternatively, Earthquake can be used to OHKO Terrakion and Nihilego with ease (without relying on Head Smash for the latter) and also provides it Rock / Ground coverage which few Pokemon resist.

Set Details
- Maximum Attack investment with Choice Band lets it hit as hard as possible which is required to one shot Bulky Kyurem-B, Psychium Z Tapu Lele, Dragonite through Multiscale, Umbreon, Offensive Mew, and most of the time Heatran.
- Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows it to outpace both Mega Charizard fomes, Non-Scarf Garchomp, Mega Pinsir, Durant, and Speed tie with other base 110 Speed Pokemon like Jumpluff, and Latios.
- Archeops is locked into Defeatist which doesn't help Archeops and its rather a liability but it doesn't affect Archeops much in 1v1.

Usage Tips
- Archeops is a powerful fast physical attacker so its good to send it against Pokemon that get outsped by and cannot wall it such as Bulky Kyurem-B, both Mega Charizard formes, Mega Pinsir, Mega Heracross, and Mega Blaziken.
- Avoid sending it against faster threats like Greninja and Tapu Koko, physically defensive walls such as Mega Slowbro, and Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Magnezone as they would always defeat it.
- Since Archeops is choice-locked, it's important to pick the appropriate move, Archeops should mostly use Head Smash as it's the hardest-hitting move it gets barring if the foe resists it and its other moves get super effective coverage.
- As Fly is a boon as it helps it take out Blaziken which is busy using Protect for getting Speed Boost, it is also a bane. Be careful with the usage of Fly as Blaziken may predict it coming and use Protect on the second turn when it strikes.
- Use Rock Slide in place of Head Smash against Pokemonthat can be KOed with it like Mega Pinsir, Victini, Volcarona, and Alolan Marowak as it has more accuracy. However, against Charizard Archeops should always use Head Smash for the first time as it may be the bulky Mega Charizard X variant which can take a Rock Slide. You may use instead pick Rock Slide if you are aware that the opposing Charizard variant is Mega Charizard Y or fast Mega Charizard X from an earlier matchup.

Team Options
- Choice Band Archeops gets outsped by some hard-hitters like Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lucario, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B and Garchomp which can easily one shot it. Choice Scarf Porygon-Z can defeat all of these except for Mega Lucario and Kyurem-B turning out to be a great partner for Archeops. In turn, Archeops can eliminate Dragonite, Meloetta, Bulky Mega Heracross, and Primarina which are able to defeat Porygon-Z.
- Either of the bulk invested Charizard variants pair up well with Archeops as both of them can check Steel-type Pokemon. In addition to that, Bulky Mega Charizard Y equipped with Flame Charge offers support against Mega Gyarados, Scarf Kyurem-B, Greninja, Mega Slowbro, and Mimikyu while Archeops can deal with Mega Charizard X, Dragonite, Chansey, and Heatran which threaten Mega Charizard Y. Semi Bulky Mega Charizard X checks Mega Metagross more reliably, Mega Lopunny, Tapu Koko, Mimikyu, Scarf Tapu Lele, Magnezone, Sawk, and Donphan which can easily defeat Archeops while the Pokemon in question helps Mega Charizard X by checking Psychium Z Tapu Lele, All Dragonite sets, Meloetta, and Primarina.
- The combination of Mega Charizard X and Archeops remains vulnerable to most Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Mega Slowbro, and Greninja which can be covered by pairing up Mega Venusaur.
- Bulky Mega Heracross is a great teammate for Archeops as it can single-handedly take out most Archeop's checks including most of the Sturdy Pokemon like Golem and Sawk, faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Garchomp and most of the Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Swampert. Archeops in turn helps Mega Heracross by scaring off both Mega Charizard formes, All Dragonite sets, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Medicham which can be troublesome for Mega Heracross.

Strategy Comments

Other Options

- In the Choice Band set, Heat Wave can replace one of the moves in the last two slots and without any additional changes it can be used to KO Kartana and Genesect reliably. It also comes with a 10% burn chance which if Archeops succeeds in getting, it can defeat Ferrothorn as well.
- Aerial Ace can be used over Fly to avoid taking two turns in executing the move and KOes almost every Pokemon that Fly does but its damage output is weaker which misses the KO against Mega Venusaur.
- The same moves mentioned above in the Choice Band set can be used with Choice Scarf along with an Adamant nature allowing Archeops to get past faster threats like Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, Scarf Porygon-Z, Scarf Tapu Lele, and all Kyurem-B sets while retaining its most of its power of defeating both Mega Charizard formes and non bulk invested Dragonite through Multiscale. However, with the loss of power it can no longer defeat the likes of Psychium Z Tapu Lele, 196 Def invested Primarina, and Mega Venusaur with Charm and Synthesis.
- Archeops can also make use of Z-Moves for attacking. Flynium Z with Sky Attack provides it a devastating 200 Base Power Supersonic Skytrike while Rockium Z Head Smash it gets a powerful 200 Base Power Continental Crush. The Z-Moves can be used with Substitute and Hone Claws to make these attacks hit with full potential. But using Z-Moves over Choice Band reduces the power of its other moves and leaves it devoid of coverage moves which results in losing of some of the Pokemon which the Band set can defeat. Moreover, Choice Band Head Smash hits harder than Continental Crush unless Archeops gets a chance to setup Hone Claws which is pretty tough for a frail Pokemon like it, the former always one shots HP invested Dragonite through Multiscale but the latter depends on a roll to do the same.

Checks and Counters

Steel-types: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Aggron, Aegislash, Magearna, and Mega Mawile are commonly used in the 1v1 metagame which resist both of its STAB moves and are bulky enough to tank an Earthquake and retaliate with their super effective Steel-type moves.

Faster Attackers: Mega Lucario, Greninja, Tapu Koko, Mega Lopunny, and Scarf users like Kyurem-B, Garchomp, Tapu Lele, Victini, and Genesect outpace Archeops and are able to take it out with their attacks. However, all of these Pokemon except for Garchomp can be defeated by the Choice Scarf variant of Archeops.

Sturdy Pokemon: Every Sturdy Pokemon like Golem, Donphan, Magnezone, and Sawk defeat Archeops as they can take one hit from it and KO back with their powerful moves.

Mimikyu: Provided Archeops' low defenses, most of the attackers that can take one hit from it can defeat it. Mimikyu, thanks to its ability Disguise can take one hit from Archeops unless it gets flinched and can either easily KO it with Twinkle Tackle or a combination of Never Ending Nightmare and Shadow Sneak.

Water-types: Excluding Primarina, Tapu Fini, and Mega Blastoise, Archeops loses to every Water-type Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados, Greninja, Mega Slowbro, and Mega Swampert. As Greninja outspeeds and OHKOes it while the others are able to take a hit from it and one shot it with their super effective Water-type STAB.
Overview
- Mention Archeops also speed ties Jumpluff which is kinda relevant
- You mention it has a great base 110 speed stat, and next line you mention it has speed difficulties?? add something to the line about speed saying something like "It still isn't enough to outspeed threats like Scarf Kyurem-B" or remove the "Speed Difficulties" part and change it to "Its speed can be further increased with Choice Scarf" and either way explain what scarf beats

Team Options
- I found Primarina to be an excellent team option because it deals with Dragonite, all Sturdy users except for Magnezone, Mega Lucario, Greninja, Mega Lopunny. Basically anything physical tbh.

Checks and Counters
- Don't implement this just a tip for you as Archeops user: to beat Z-BDE Primarina, Archeops needs to hit Head Smash 3 times which is like a 51.2% chance


QC 2/3
 

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