Greetings and salutations, and welcome to A Tale of Two Nebbys, my most recent balance team that revolves around the use of two "Nebbys" in Lunala and Dusk Mane Necrozma. WHile this team was originally a hyper offense team, it was proving to be took weak to Marshadow and Yveltal, and was changed to a bulkier balance team to better adapt to the metagame changes. Many people liked that version of the team, so what I'm going to do is have both versions of the team available in the importables section.
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When I was constructing this team as a Hyper Offense team, I needed my hazard lead, and Deo-S fit the bill for what I needed. I decided on a Rocky Helmet Superpower set to improve my matchup vs opposing hazard leads such as Smeargle and Excadrill.
As a masochist, I wanted to give Dawn Wings a chance, making this the original user of Lunalium Z on my team. Its Menacing Moonraze Maelstorm was incredibly strong, being able to take down Magearna at +1 and having a chance to KO defensive Ho-Oh. Having a spinblocker is also nice. However, I'll later find out how middling its coverage, typing when combined with its ability, and speed tier was.
Mixed Rock Polish Primal Groudon was added next. It really appreciates having Hidden Power Ice on its set, as it lures in its usual switchins of Mega Salamence and Zygarde-C, and is also able to OHKO Rayquaza. Having this lure for Zygarde-C also helps its next teammate.
DD Mega Salamence is added to give the team a Ground immunity and check to Ho-Oh and opposing Primal Groudon, as well as dish out Intimidate pre-mega to help it or one its teammates set up a sweep. Its offensive capabilities are also desirable as Adamant Double Edge and Earthquake hurts a lot of the tier, especially when boosted.
Bulky SD Chople Berry Ekiller was added to the team next. Marshadow loves to prey on HO teams and potentially steal boosts, but not with Chople Ekiller. After a CC, Shadow Claw picks up the KO. This also lures in Mega Lucario, which enables Ekiller to OHKO with Earthquake. Besdies that, its cleaning capabilities with boosted Extreme Speed were highly desirable given how hard-hitting the rest of the team is.
I originally had Scarf Yveltal in this slot as a second cleaner and offensive check to the likes of Marshadow and opposing Necrozma forms. While this team appreciated it for a time, it compounded a Xerneas and a Stealth Rock weakness, and it hated being locked in to a certain move.
It is here where our final version of the Hyper Offense version of the team comes in. Having grown tired of Dawn Wings Necrozma, I swapped it out with Lunala, and I never looked back. Sure, its Z move doesn't hit as hard, but its better ability, speed, and coverage moves in Focus Blast and Ice Beam all make up for it. Meanwhile, Double Dance Dusk Mane Necrozma gives the team a second Xerneas answer and either a cleaner, wallbreaker, or both.
However, it was time to adapt the team to a balance squad. After some feedback, it was clear that Hyper Offense was too weak to mons like Marshadow and Yveltal, and the team was relying on cheese to get past them, which proved to be inconsistent. Since the team isn't HO anymore, Deo-S was swapped out to bring Scarf Yveltal back in to the fold to provide speed control for the team, and Ekiller was swapped out for Arceus-Fairy to better handle both Marshadow and opposing Yveltal.
The Sets:
Lunala @ Lunalium Z
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moongeist Beam
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
This has been an MVP for my team as of late. It's such a clutch mon. Shadow Shield gives Lunala so much leg room at just about any point in the game, and Menacing Moonraze Maelstorm is such a powerful nuclear bomb. At +1, it's able to have a good shot at OHKOing support Primal Groudon, doing 97% minimum. Focus Blast is to hit Arceus-Normal, Arceus-Dark, and Tyranitar with a relatively strong attack, and Ice Beam is to pick off Rayquaza, Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C without needing to waste my Z-move, as well as taking out a weekend Yveltal.
I opted for a Timid nature as opposed to a Modest nature to be able to outpace any Primal, non-Scarf Rayquaza, and fatter support Arceus forms.
Groudon-Primal @ Red Orb
Ability: Desolate Land
EVs: 248 HP / 176 SpD / 84 Spe
Careful Nature
- Overheat
- Rock Tomb
- Precipice Blades
- Toxic
My team was pretty weak to Primal Kyogre, and it doesn't help to have a Xerneas answer as well, so I opted for a SpDef Primal Groudon over a sweeping set. Since Arceus-Fairy was setting Stealth Rocks for me, this gave Primal Groudon the freedom to use something else over it. Rock Tomb slows down opposing Primals, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and whatever else wants to come in, as well as smacking Ho-Oh very hard. Overheat does massive damage to its usual switchins such as Arceus-Ground, especially if I used Toxic on it previously, which is also on this set for wearing down its usual switchins such as Arceus-Water, Zygarde-C, etc.
The SpDef enables it to prevent the 2HKO from +1 Primal Kyogre's Ice Beam, and the speed is to outpace defensive Yveltal.
Salamence-Mega @ Salamencite
Ability: Aerilate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Double-Edge
- Facade
I'm opting for Mega Salamence to be an offensive Defogger for the team. I've decided on Mence to be my defogger over something like Arceus-Fairy since, while it's Stealth Rock-weak, it's immune to Spikes and Toxic Spikes and I didn't want my Arceus-Fairy to have to take a Poison status when I need it to check Yveltal and Marshadow. Roost has been added back to the set for more sustain, and I'm running max speed to tie with opposing Arceus formes, opposing Mega Salamence, and outpace any Mega Lucario and revenge with Double Edge.
Arceus-Fairy @ Pixie Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 204 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Judgment
- Toxic
- Recover
Admittedly, the original team had to rely on borderline-gimmicky strategies to get past both Yveltal and Marshadow, and this mon provides a more consistent countermeasure to those two. I'm opting for Arceus-Fairy to be my Stealth Rocker for the team. It threatens out common Defoggers such as Giratina-A/O, Mega Latias, and Mega Salamence, and threatens out Mega Sableye that normally blocks hazards. The Ev spread is to outpace Timid Yveltal/Xerneas and everything slower. Arceus-Fairy also appreciates Lunalium-Z Lunala heavily-denting Primal Groudon. I'm opting to not run max speed on this as I feel having more physical bulk for Marshadow is more important.
Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Leftovers
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Toxic
- Morning Sun
- Sunsteel Strike
- Heat Wave
Yes, I'm running a SpDef Dusk Mane despite running a SpDef Primal Groudon at the same time. It sounds redundant, but I was worried about both Primal Kyogre and Xerneas putting too much pressure on the team, especially when they're being used together. With that, I wanted some extra insurance, and SpDef Dusk mane is such a fantastic set in the metagame right now, probably one if its best imo. While Primal Groudon comes in vs Kyogre, this mon is mainly coming in on Xerneas and other support Arceus formes. One again, this Nebby likes the other Nebby from a different dimension slam-dunking on Primal Groudon with Menacing Moonraze Maelstorm. The EVs are pretty much standard. Max Max in HP and special bulk, but with an Adamant nature to OHKO standard GeoXern with Sunsteel Strike after Stealth Rock.
Speaking of Stealth Rock, since Arceus-Fairy is my chosen Stealth Rocker, I opted for another move in its place on this set. I originally had Earthquake on this set to chip Pdon and Magearna, but Toxic would do that to primal Groudon already, and Magearna hates taking Sunsteel Strikes. I also noticed that despite having Overheat Pdon, my team was still being annoyed by Ferrothorn, which is increasing in usage, so I opted for Heat Wave to smack Ferrothorn, which gives my Scarf Yveltal, Arceus-Fairy, and Lunala a much easier time (screw trying to hit Focus Miss lmao). Even with an Adamant nature, it's still able to 2HKO max SpDef Ferrothorn. Heat Wave is also handy for Mega Scizor, weakened Celesteela, and the rare Skarmory.
Yveltal @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Oblivion Wing
- U-turn
- Foul Play
My team was pretty annoyed by Ultra Necrozma, and given that my team isn't Hyper Offensive anymore, I swapped Deoxys-S out and brought back Choice Scarf Yveltal. Nothing really ground-breaking here. It revenge-kills Marshadow, Ultra Necrozma, and gives me a second Pokemon to break through Mega Slowbro, which was another serious threat on my threat-list.
I opted for a Timid nature as opposed to a Modest one to outpace slow RP Primal Groudon and tie with opposing Choice Scarf Yveltal and weakened Xerneas.
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The Team's Weaknesses:
Eruption Primal Groudon's stupidly annoying for this team. Don't have many switchins to such a powerful move. Mega Salamence can come in on physical sets, Yveltal can pivot on Precipice Blades, and Lunala nukes it with its Z move.
A lot of teams are weak to this mon, too, and this one's no exception. If it comes in on primal groudon, Water Spout's denting something. Primal groudon can come in on it, and Salamence dents with Double Edge.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-666085091
Shows how handy Heat Wave on Dusk Mane can be vs mons like Skarmory. Also, Lunala's Z move cleanly OHKOs a Primal Groudon.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-666044995
Playing against Gothitelle's always an unnerving experience when using Balance. Luckily, I was able to play around it. This replay shows how well max Speed Mega Salamence is vs opposing Salamence, and has a sweep with Lunala at the end.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-665995006
Another lategame Lunala sweep. Goes to show how well Defog Salamence helps its team in the lategame. Also shows how bulky Ekiller can be exploited at times.
HO version:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664051011
Rocky start, I misclicked Magic Coat after I taunted the opposing Deo-S, but Lunala comes through in the end.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664026405
Once again, Lunala clutches the game in the end. Even managed to stop a Z-Geomancy sweep with Taunt.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664021767
This one's not a great replay, but I'm including it because of the irony that my opponent's name gives off. However, this does showcase how Deo-S works against Magic Coat Smeargle.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664008716
This one also shows how Deo-S manages against lead Excadrill.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-663999953
A Dusk Mane Necrozma sweep thanks to Mega Salamence whittling down many of the opposing mons.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-663756680
Dusk Mane Necrozma tanking a LO Dark Pulse and proceeding to kill Yveltal and chipped Arceus-Water. Had to play around Z Geomancy Xerneas, but Ekiller pulls through.
Shows how handy Heat Wave on Dusk Mane can be vs mons like Skarmory. Also, Lunala's Z move cleanly OHKOs a Primal Groudon.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-666044995
Playing against Gothitelle's always an unnerving experience when using Balance. Luckily, I was able to play around it. This replay shows how well max Speed Mega Salamence is vs opposing Salamence, and has a sweep with Lunala at the end.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-665995006
Another lategame Lunala sweep. Goes to show how well Defog Salamence helps its team in the lategame. Also shows how bulky Ekiller can be exploited at times.
HO version:
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664051011
Rocky start, I misclicked Magic Coat after I taunted the opposing Deo-S, but Lunala comes through in the end.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664026405
Once again, Lunala clutches the game in the end. Even managed to stop a Z-Geomancy sweep with Taunt.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664021767
This one's not a great replay, but I'm including it because of the irony that my opponent's name gives off. However, this does showcase how Deo-S works against Magic Coat Smeargle.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-664008716
This one also shows how Deo-S manages against lead Excadrill.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-663999953
A Dusk Mane Necrozma sweep thanks to Mega Salamence whittling down many of the opposing mons.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ubers-663756680
Dusk Mane Necrozma tanking a LO Dark Pulse and proceeding to kill Yveltal and chipped Arceus-Water. Had to play around Z Geomancy Xerneas, but Ekiller pulls through.
Lunala @ Lunalium Z
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moongeist Beam
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Leftovers
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Toxic
- Morning Sun
- Sunsteel Strike
- Heat Wave
Arceus-Fairy @ Pixie Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 204 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Judgment
- Toxic
- Recover
Groudon-Primal @ Red Orb
Ability: Desolate Land
EVs: 248 HP / 176 SpD / 84 Spe
Careful Nature
- Overheat
- Rock Tomb
- Precipice Blades
- Toxic
Salamence-Mega @ Salamencite
Ability: Aerilate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Double-Edge
- Facade
Yveltal @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Oblivion Wing
- U-turn
- Foul Play
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moongeist Beam
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Leftovers
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Toxic
- Morning Sun
- Sunsteel Strike
- Heat Wave
Arceus-Fairy @ Pixie Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 204 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Judgment
- Toxic
- Recover
Groudon-Primal @ Red Orb
Ability: Desolate Land
EVs: 248 HP / 176 SpD / 84 Spe
Careful Nature
- Overheat
- Rock Tomb
- Precipice Blades
- Toxic
Salamence-Mega @ Salamencite
Ability: Aerilate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Double-Edge
- Facade
Yveltal @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Oblivion Wing
- U-turn
- Foul Play
Deoxys-Speed @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 120 HP / 188 Atk / 200 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Superpower
- Magic Coat
- Taunt
Lunala @ Lunalium Z
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moongeist Beam
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Groudon-Primal @ Red Orb
Ability: Desolate Land
EVs: 240 SpA / 144 SpD / 124 Spe
Mild Nature
- Rock Polish
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Precipice Blades
Salamence-Mega @ Salamencite
Ability: Aerilate
EVs: 44 HP / 252 Atk / 212 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Facade
- Double-Edge
- Earthquake
Arceus @ Chople Berry
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Shadow Claw
- Earthquake
Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 148 HP / 132 Atk / 228 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Photon Geyser
- Sunsteel Strike
- Autotomize
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 120 HP / 188 Atk / 200 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Superpower
- Magic Coat
- Taunt
Lunala @ Lunalium Z
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moongeist Beam
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Groudon-Primal @ Red Orb
Ability: Desolate Land
EVs: 240 SpA / 144 SpD / 124 Spe
Mild Nature
- Rock Polish
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Precipice Blades
Salamence-Mega @ Salamencite
Ability: Aerilate
EVs: 44 HP / 252 Atk / 212 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Facade
- Double-Edge
- Earthquake
Arceus @ Chople Berry
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Extreme Speed
- Shadow Claw
- Earthquake
Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 148 HP / 132 Atk / 228 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Photon Geyser
- Sunsteel Strike
- Autotomize
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