Ubers Deoxys-S

[OVERVIEW]

Deoxys-S is the fastest Pokemon in the game and has access to numerous utility options such as Taunt, Skill Swap, and Magic Coat, as well as two different types of entry hazards in Stealth Rock and Spikes, which make it a very consistent hazard setter in the Ubers metagame. Its bulk is also reasonably good, allowing it to set up multiple layers of entry hazards against many common leads. Unfortunately, Deoxys-S only fits on very offensively oriented teams, as other playstyles cannot afford to dedicate an entire teamslot to a suicide lead. It's also unable to set up hazards against Magic Bounce and Magic Coat users unless it carries Skill Swap or Magic Coat of its own, respectively. Additionally, Deoxys-S struggles to maintain entry hazards on the opposing side of the field against Rapid Spin users like Excadrill and Cloyster, as Taunt doesn't shut them down.

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Spikes / Magic Coat
move 4: Skill Swap / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash / Rocky Helmet
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is mandatory, as it deals chip damage to foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates to pick up KOs, and allows Deoxys-S to free up a moveslot in a teammate's set, usually to give Primal Groudon the ability to run a more offensive set. Taunt shuts down Defoggers such as support Arceus formes and Giratina-O, which would otherwise be able to remove the hazards set by Deoxys-S with relative ease. Spikes gives Deoxys-S another entry hazard to set up once it gets up Stealth Rock, which allows it to more effectively wear down the opposing team. Alternatively, Magic Coat could be used to improve Deoxys-S's matchup against other Deoxys-S leads. Skill Swap allows Deoxys-S to set up hazards against Mega Sableye, which is important in the matchup versus stall.

Set Details
========

Focus Sash is crucial, as it allows Deoxys-S to almost always set up at least one layer of entry hazards, ensuring that its teamslot doesn't go to waste. Rocky Helmet could be used instead to give Deoxys-S the ability to keep its entry hazards up against Rapid Spin users such as Cloyster and Excadrill, as the recoil damage causes them to be punished more than Deoxys-S upon using Rapid Spin. Maximum Speed investment is used to outpace or at worst Speed tie with opposing Deoxys-S leads. The rest of the EVs are invested into HP and Defense to improve Deoxys-S's survivability. An EV spread of 248 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe can also be run, as it improves Deoxys-S's overall physical bulk while still giving it the ability to outspeed Deoxys-A and Pheromosa. Alternatively, 176 Speed EVs can be used to still outspeed everything up to Timid Choice Scarf Lunala while increasing Deoxys's physical bulk, which is particularly useful for Rocky Helmet variants that want to deal more recoil damage.

Usage Tips
========

Deoxys-S should always be the lead of choice unless a Rapid Spin user is spotted at Team Preview, in which case you should try to anti-lead and eliminate that Pokemon so Deoxys-S can get up entry hazards. Taunt is important to prevent Deoxys-S from becoming setup fodder for Pokemon like Xerneas, Mega Salamence, Mega Lucario, and Primal Groudon, so use it liberally. It should also be used against Defog users to prevent Deoxys-S's attempts to get up hazards from going to waste. Skill Swap should be selected against Mega Sableye to ensure Deoxys-S can set up Stealth Rock. Magic Coat should be used against opposing Deoxys-S to reflect a potential Taunt or Stealth Rock. If running Rocky Helmet, Deoxys-S should continually reset hazards against spinners, as they are punished more than it is.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon with Swords Dance or Rock Polish makes for a good partner, as the use of Deoxys-S frees up its Stealth Rock slot. Arceus, Mega Salamence, and Geomancy Xerneas also make for decent teammates, as they appreciate the support from Stealth Rock and Spikes to grab KOs they otherwise wouldn't get. Other Pokemon that enjoy exploiting the additional chip damage from Spikes like Pheromosa are solid partners for Deoxys-S. Spinblockers such as Lunala and Giratina-O make for good partners, as they can block Rapid Spin from Pokemon such as Excadrill and Cloyster, which can otherwise easily remove Deoxys-S's hazards. Mega Gengar has good synergy with Deoxys-S, since it can trap and eliminate Scolipede, allowing Deoxys-S to set hazards. Fast Taunt users such as Tapu Koko, Mega Gengar, and Mewtwo are useful teammates for their ability to outspeed and Taunt support Arceus formes, which can otherwise Defog away hazards set by Deoxys-S when it is eliminated. Mixed Primal Groudon is a good teammate, as it can lure in and 2HKO Giratina-O with Fire Blast + Dragon Pulse on teams that use it as their Defogger, ensuring that Deoxys-S's hazards stay up.

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

A dual screens set is an option, but it means that Deoxys-S misses out on Spikes, which is more consistent in most matchups. Deoxys-S can run a more offensive set with Psycho Boost to surprise some Pokemon such as Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario, but its lackluster offenses mean that it's mostly outclassed by Deoxys-A in that regard. Superpower is also an option to improve Deoxys-S's matchup versus Excadrill and Extreme Killer Arceus leads.

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

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye completely shuts down Deoxys-S with Magic Bounce, although this can be nullified with Skill Swap.

**Giratina-O**: Giratina-O can 2HKO Deoxys-S with Shadow Sneak and then proceed to Defog away any entry hazards it set.

**Rapid Spin Users**: Other suicide leads with access to Rapid Spin, such as Cloyster and Excadrill, can beat Deoxys-S one-on-one, since they can get rid of all the hazards it sets without worrying about Taunt. However, they lose to Rocky Helmet sets.

**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers, particularly those with access to priority such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Rayquaza, can force Deoxys-S to either use Taunt to stop them from setting up or set up Stealth Rock, resulting in prediction games.

**Special Attackers**: Special attackers like Primal Kyogre, Calm Mind Arceus-Ghost, and Yveltal can easily take care of Deoxys-S because its Special Defense is quite low when uninvested.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Nixon73

Scuttlebug Jamboree
I think I reserved and posted Magearna before you did, probably one of us missed something
 
Oh shit, somehow I managed to get confused and thought I reserved Magearna not Deoxys-S, my bad lol. can someone close this?

edit: actually nvm, will just edit into this thread
 
Last edited:

RNGIsFatal

Banned deucer.
I understand the first set you posted is the most-used and the most viable set, but do you think Reflect / Light Screen support or Thunder Wave is worthy of mention? Those moves are sometimes handy depending on Deoxys-S's team's archetype.
 
I understand the first set you posted is the most-used and the most viable set, but do you think Reflect / Light Screen support or Thunder Wave is worthy of mention? Those moves are sometimes handy depending on Deoxys-S's team's archetype.
Yeah that's OO material imo. I don't think it deserves its own set because if you're running dual screens you're running light clay and that makes you a lot less consistent at getting up rocks.
 

Minority

Numquam Vincar
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Deoxys-S is a very consistent hazard setter
Minor nitpick, but simply saying "is a consistent hazard setter" is plenty without giving people the wrong impression.

A dual screens set is an option, but it forces Deoxys-S to run Light Clay over Focus Sash, making it less reliable at setting Stealth Rock.
The lack of Sash on a dual screen set isn't what makes it not preferred to the main, as your Speed and selecting the appropriate screen mean you're rarely OHKOed. It's the fact that picking between standard vs. screens Deo-S is an issue of Spikes vs Screens, and Spikes are good. Screens are also good, especially in certain matchups, it's just that they have more matchup volatility as compared to Spikes.


QC 1/3
 
Set:
While one of Deoxys-Speed's main niches is that it can set up spikes and stealth rock, being forced between skill swap/magic coat means you struggle with consistent matchups across the board since the trade offs are that you lose to either Magic Bounce or opposing Deoxys-Speed. This is why Spikes should also be slashed with Magic Coat, as it gives consistent Rocks in almost all matchups.

Moves:
Magic Coat is an alternative option that helps against opposing Deoxys-S, however it is prediction-reliant and the ability to take on Mega Sableye is generally more useful.
It is only prediction-reliant versus opposing Magic Coat Deoxys-S, and you can actually just wait for your opponent to use all their Magic Coats up in that case so I don't really think its worth including that, as its hardly prediction-reliant and may mislead and discourage new players completely from using the move when it is a really strong option on Deoxys-S.

Set Details:
Mention 176+ speed for Timid Scarf Lunala as an option; this is especially important for Rocky Helmet sets that want to keep some extra bulk for Rocky Helmet damage.

Team Options:
Important to note Taunt users such as Mewtwo and Mega-Gengar as partners, as they can pressure defoggers such as Arceus-Water with taunt in order to keep spikes up. When running Deoxys-Speed, keeping your hazards up is important and doing so with sleep is no longer viable due to Dark Void nerf.

Specifically mentioning Mixed Primal Groudon as a teammate is good too as it can 2hko Giratina-Origin with Fire Blast + Dragon Pulse after rocks, which means you can lure and kill the defogger versus Giratina-O builds.

Other Options:
Remove Thunder-Wave as it has never been a viable move on Deoxys-Speed. Spikes is the best option to punish fast threats as they are frail and get worn down easily anyway.

Add a point for Superpower as it can help deal with Excadrill and helps with Ekiller leads.

Checks and Counters:
Add Rayquaza as its a fantastic Anti-lead as it sets up a similar situation that Ekiller sets up.

Remove Scolipede as Deoxys-S still gets hazards on protect and Pin Missile is reliant on hitting multiple times.

Implement and I'll stamp
 

lotiasite

undedgy
is a Forum Moderatoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
hi, gp 1/1 oh wait 1/2 change the title u nob

[OVERVIEW]

Deoxys-S is the fastest Pokemon in the game and has access to numerous utility options such as Taunt, Skill Swap, and Magic Coat, as well as two different types of entry hazards in Stealth Rock and Spikes, which makes it a very consistent hazard setter in the Ubers metagame. Its bulk is also reasonably good, allowing it to set up multiple layers of entry hazards against many common leads. Unfortunately, Deoxys-S only fits on very offensively oriented teams, as other playstyles cannot afford to dedicate an entire teamslot to a suicide lead. It's also unable to set up hazards against Magic Bounce and Magic Coat users unless it carries Skill Swap or Magic Coat of its own, respectively. Additionally, Deoxys-S struggles to maintain entry hazards on the opposing side of the field against Rapid Spin users like Excadrill and Cloyster, as Taunt doesn't shut them down.

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Spikes / Magic Coat
move 4: Skill Swap / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash / Rocky Helmet
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is mandatory, as it allows Deoxys-S to free up a moveslot in a teammate's set, usually to give Primal Groudon the ability to run a more offensive set. (probably mention what it actually does as an entry hazard?) Taunt shuts down Defoggers such as support Arceus formes and Giratina-O, which would otherwise be able to remove the hazards set by Deoxys-S with relative ease. Spikes gives Deoxys-S another entry hazard to set up once it gets up Stealth Rock, which allows it to more effectively wear down the opposing team. Alternatively, Magic Coat could be used to improve Deoxys-S's matchup against other Deoxys-S leads. Skill Swap allows Deoxys-S to set up hazards against Mega Sableye, which is important in the matchup versus stall.

Set Details
========

Focus Sash is crucial, as it allows Deoxys-S to almost always set up at least one layer of entry hazards, ensuring that its teamslot doesn't go to waste. Rocky Helmet could be used instead to give Deoxys-S the ability to keep its entry hazards up against Rapid Spin users such as Cloyster and Excadrill, as the recoil damage causes them to be punished more than Deoxys-S upon using Rapid Spin. Maximum Speed investment is used to outpace or at worst Speed tie with opposing Deoxys-S leads. The rest of the EVs are invested into HP and Defense to improve Deoxys-S's survivability. A spread of 24 Spe / 232 Def / 248 HP 248 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe can also be run, as it improves Deoxys-S's overall physical bulk while still giving it the ability to outspeed Deoxys-A and Pheromosa. Alternatively, 176 Speed can be used to still outspeed up to Timid Choice Scarf Lunala while increasing Deoxys's physical bulk, which is particularly useful for Rocky Helmet variants that want to deal more recoil damage.

Usage Tips
========

Deoxys-S should always be the lead of choice, unless a Rapid Spin user is spotted at Team Preview, in which case you should try to anti-lead and eliminate that Pokemon so Deoxys-S can get up entry hazards. Taunt is important to prevent Deoxys-S from becoming setup fodder for Pokemon like Xerneas, Mega Salamence, Mega Lucario, and Primal Groudon, so use it liberally. It should also be used against Defog users to prevent Deoxys-S's attempts to get up hazards from going to waste. Skill Swap should be selected against Mega Sableye to ensure Deoxys-S can set up Stealth Rock. Magic Coat should be used against opposing Deoxys-S to reflect a potential Taunt or Stealth Rock. If running Rocky Helmet, Deoxys-S should continually reset hazards against spinners, as they are punished more than it is.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon with Swords Dance or Rock Polish makes for a good partner, as the use of Deoxys-S frees up its Stealth Rock slot. Arceus, Mega Salamence, (AC) and Geomancy Xerneas also make for decent teammates, as they appreciate the support from Stealth Rock and Spikes to grab KOs they otherwise wouldn't get. Other Pokemon that enjoy exploiting the additional chip damage from Spikes like Pheromosa are solid partners for Deoxys-S. Spinblockers such as Lunala and Giratina-O make for good partners, as they can block Rapid Spin from Pokemon such as Excadrill and Cloyster, which can otherwise easily remove Deoxys-S's hazards. Mega Gengar has good synergy with Deoxys-S, since it can trap and eliminate Scolipede, allowing Deoxys-S to set hazards. Fast Taunt users such as Tapu Koko, Mega Gengar, and Mewtwo are useful teammates for their ability to outspeed and Taunt support Arceus formes, which can otherwise Defog away hazards set by Deoxys-S when it is eliminated. Mixed Primal Groudon is a good teammate, as it can lure in and 2HKO Giratina-O with Fire Blast + Dragon Pulse on teams that use it as their Defogger, ensuring that Deoxys-S's hazards stay up.

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

A dual screens set is an option, but it means that Deoxys-S misses out on Spikes, which is more consistent in most matchups. Deoxys-S can run a more offensive set with Psycho Boost to surprise some Pokemon such as Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario, but its lackluster offenses mean that it's mostly outclassed by Deoxys-A in that regard. Superpower is also an option to improve Deoxys-S's matchup versus Excadrill and Extreme Killer Arceus leads.

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

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye completely shuts down Deoxys-S with its ability Magic Bounce, although this can be nullified with Skill Swap.

**Giratina-O**: Giratina-O can 2HKO Deoxys-S with Shadow Sneak and then proceed to Defog away any entry hazards it set.

**Rapid Spin Users**: Other suicide leads with access to Rapid Spin, such as Cloyster and Excadrill, can beat Deoxys-S one-on-one, since they can get rid of all the hazards it sets without worrying about Taunt.

**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers, particularly those with access to priority such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Rayquaza can force Deoxys-S to either use Taunt to stop them from setting up or set up Stealth Rock, resulting in prediction games.

**Special Attackers**: Special attackers like Primal Kyogre, Calm Mind Arceus-Ghost, (AC) and Yveltal can easily take care of Deoxys-S because its Special Defense is quite low when uninvested.
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Nothing much

Remove Add Comments (AC)= add comma (RC)= remove comma (AH)= add hyphen (RH)= remove hyphen
[OVERVIEW]

Deoxys-S is the fastest Pokemon in the game and has access to numerous utility options such as Taunt, Skill Swap, and Magic Coat, as well as two different types of entry hazards in Stealth Rock and Spikes, which makes make (utility options + hazards = plural, so it should make, unless you were just referring to the hazards part, in which case ignore) it a very consistent hazard setter in the Ubers metagame. Its bulk is also reasonably good, allowing it to set up multiple layers of entry hazards against many common leads. Unfortunately, Deoxys-S only fits on very offensively oriented teams, as other playstyles cannot afford to dedicate an entire teamslot to a suicide lead. It's also unable to set up hazards against Magic Bounce and Magic Coat users unless it carries Skill Swap or Magic Coat of its own, respectively. Additionally, Deoxys-S struggles to maintain entry hazards on the opposing side of the field against Rapid Spin users like Excadrill and Cloyster, as Taunt doesn't shut them down.

[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Spikes / Magic Coat
move 4: Skill Swap / Magic Coat
item: Focus Sash / Rocky Helmet
ability: Pressure
nature: Timid
evs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is mandatory, as it deals chip damage to foes upon switching in, making it easier for teammates to pick up KOs, and it (you can remove this "it" if you want because the "making it... pick up KOs" part is a nonessential clause) allows Deoxys-S to free up a moveslot in a teammate's set, usually to give Primal Groudon the ability to run a more offensive set. Taunt shuts down Defoggers such as support Arceus formes and Giratina-O, which would otherwise be able to remove the hazards set by Deoxys-S with relative ease. Spikes gives Deoxys-S another entry hazard to set up once it gets up Stealth Rock, which allows it to more effectively wear down the opposing team. Alternatively, Magic Coat could be used to improve Deoxys-S's matchup against other Deoxys-S leads. Skill Swap allows Deoxys-S to set up hazards against Mega Sableye, which is important in the matchup versus stall.

Set Details
========

Focus Sash is crucial, as it allows Deoxys-S to almost always set up at least one layer of entry hazards, ensuring that its teamslot doesn't go to waste. Rocky Helmet could be used instead to give Deoxys-S the ability to keep its entry hazards up against Rapid Spin users such as Cloyster and Excadrill, as the recoil damage causes them to be punished more than Deoxys-S upon using Rapid Spin. Maximum Speed investment is used to outpace or at worst Speed tie with opposing Deoxys-S leads. The rest of the EVs are invested into HP and Defense to improve Deoxys-S's survivability. An EV spread of 248 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe can also be run, as it improves Deoxys-S's overall physical bulk while still giving it the ability to outspeed Deoxys-A and Pheromosa. Alternatively, 176 Speed EVs can be used to still outspeed everything up to Timid Choice Scarf Lunala while increasing Deoxys's physical bulk, which is particularly useful for Rocky Helmet variants that want to deal more recoil damage.

Usage Tips
========

Deoxys-S should always be the lead of choice,(RC) unless a Rapid Spin user is spotted at Team Preview, in which case you should try to anti-lead and eliminate that Pokemon so Deoxys-S can get up entry hazards. Taunt is important to prevent Deoxys-S from becoming setup fodder for Pokemon like Xerneas, Mega Salamence, Mega Lucario, and Primal Groudon, so use it liberally. It should also be used against Defog users to prevent Deoxys-S's attempts to get up hazards from going to waste. Skill Swap should be selected against Mega Sableye to ensure Deoxys-S can set up Stealth Rock. Magic Coat should be used against opposing Deoxys-S to reflect a potential Taunt or Stealth Rock. If running Rocky Helmet, Deoxys-S should continually reset hazards against spinners, as they are punished more than it is.

Team Options
========

Primal Groudon with Swords Dance or Rock Polish makes for a good partner, as the use of Deoxys-S frees up its Stealth Rock slot. Arceus, Mega Salamence, and Geomancy Xerneas also make for decent teammates, as they appreciate the support from Stealth Rock and Spikes to grab KOs they otherwise wouldn't get. Other Pokemon that enjoy exploiting the additional chip damage from Spikes like Pheromosa are solid partners for Deoxys-S. Spinblockers such as Lunala and Giratina-O make for good partners, as they can block Rapid Spin from Pokemon such as Excadrill and Cloyster, which can otherwise easily remove Deoxys-S's hazards. Mega Gengar has good synergy with Deoxys-S, since it can trap and eliminate Scolipede, allowing Deoxys-S to set hazards. Fast Taunt users such as Tapu Koko, Mega Gengar, and Mewtwo are useful teammates for their ability to outspeed and Taunt support Arceus formes, which can otherwise Defog away hazards set by Deoxys-S when it is eliminated. Mixed Primal Groudon is a good teammate, as it can lure in and 2HKO Giratina-O with Fire Blast + Dragon Pulse on teams that use it as their Defogger, ensuring that Deoxys-S's hazards stay up.

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

A dual screens set is an option, but it means that Deoxys-S misses out on Spikes, which is more consistent in most matchups. Deoxys-S can run a more offensive set with Psycho Boost to surprise some Pokemon such as Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario, but its lackluster offenses mean that it's mostly outclassed by Deoxys-A in that regard. Superpower is also an option to improve Deoxys-S's matchup versus Excadrill and Extreme Killer Arceus leads.

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

**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye completely shuts down Deoxys-S with Magic Bounce, although this can be nullified with Skill Swap.

**Giratina-O**: Giratina-O can 2HKO Deoxys-S with Shadow Sneak and then proceed to Defog away any entry hazards it set.

**Rapid Spin Users**: Other suicide leads with access to Rapid Spin, such as Cloyster and Excadrill, can beat Deoxys-S one-on-one, since they can get rid of all the hazards it sets without worrying about Taunt. (I would mention how they are beat by Rocky Helmet sets here also)

**Setup Sweepers**: Setup sweepers, particularly those with access to priority such as Extreme Killer Arceus and Rayquaza,(AC) can force Deoxys-S to either use Taunt to stop them from setting up or set up Stealth Rock, resulting in prediction games.

**Special Attackers**: Special attackers like Primal Kyogre, Calm Mind Arceus-Ghost, and Yveltal can easily take care of Deoxys-S because its Special Defense is quite low when uninvested.
GP 2/2
 
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