Shadow Groudon
Attack
Defense
Stamina
Best Movesets
Analysis
Shadow Groudon stands as one of the absolute apex monsters of all Ground Types. This thing is incredibly tanky, and hits like the earthquake that it embodies. While other Ground Types can compete with it depending on the situation, nothing can surpass it.... save its Primal forme.
Offense
- Mud Shot is superior to Dragon Tail, with higher overall damage output, weather compatibility with charge moves, and better meta-relevant coverage.
- Precipice Blades* is the charged move of choice, providing strong STAB damage.
- Earthquake is significantly outclassed, but still functions decently if you can't get your hands on a Precipice Blades Shadow Groudon.
- Solar Beam leaves Shadow Groudon as a surprisingly competent (though consistently outclassed) Grass attacker if you're desperate.
- Fire Blast can’t compete with Shadow Groudon’s other charge moves.
- Fire Punch* comes out fast due to being multi-bar, but it's not recommended in PvE
Mud Shot is recommended for its incredible energy generation, which lets Groudon access its powerful charge moves sooner. Dragon Tail is a surprisingly powerful option, sacrificing energy generation for incredible up-front damage, and a much stronger matchup against any Flying-types in the format.
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Fire Punch is almost mandatory due to its significantly cheaper energy cost, which gives Groudon more plays with shield-baiting, in addition to more consistent damage. Groudon's signature move, Precipice Blades, serves as Groudon's primary threat, dealing very heavy STAB damage and severely denting anything that doesn't resist it. You could run Solar Beam to try to catch a Kyogre off-guard, but it's really not worth it. Earthquake is strictly outclassed by Precipice Blades.
Shadow Groudon is a fun spice pick due to the hilarious amount of damage its Precipice Blades can deal, cleaving through even tanky Pokemon such as Lickitung, Umbreon, and Azumarill. Its access to Dragon Tail can also turn it into somewhat of an answer to opposing Dragon-type Pokemon. Unfortunately, Shadow Groudon is incredibly fragile and demands heavy shield investment. The Great League is also not lacking in good Ground-type options, further pushing Shadow Groudon out of viability.
