Competitive Corner: Groudon

Welcome back to Competitive Corner! Today, we're taking a look at the strongest of the two Primal Pokemon, Groudon.

Up until Gen 6, Groudon was always overshadowed by its rival, Kyogre. The Sea Basin Pokemon had a glaring type advantage over its land-expanding counterpart, so it often saw more use. Groudon still had a 150 Attack, so its base form can see use in competitive. Here's a sample set:

Groudon @Leftovers

Precipice Blades

Eruption

Stealth Rock

Dragon Claw

EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spe

Naive Nature

This set is used for both setting up and sweeping. Stealth Rock is one of the most commonly used entry hazards, especially to Flying-types like Rayquaza and Salamence. Precipice Blades is its primary move, able to decimate almost anything weak to Ground.

 

Primal Groudon:

And just when Groudon was left to drown in the depths of the ocean by Kyogre, ORAS gave it the blessing of a Primal Reversion, that gave it Ground/Fire typing--perfect for sweeping Steel-types like Dialga and Klefki. The best part is its ability, Desolate Land, which summons sunlight so hot that Water-type moves evapourate upon use. This is a great asset, because Ground/Fire typing has a glaring 4x weakness to Water. Now, let's test this baby out in battle:

 

Groudon @Red Orb

Precipice Blades

Fire Punch/Eruption

Swords Dance

Rock Polish

EVs: 252 Atk/4 SpD/252 Spe

Adamant/Naughty Nature

This is the quintessential Primal Groudon set. Swords Dance boosts its ridiculous 180 Attack, allowing it to break walls like Lugia, while Rock Polish turns it into a blazing fast sweeper. Literally, because the thing's half Fire-type. This allows Groudon to gain STAB on powerful moves like Fire Punch and Eruption. Which of these two you will use is ultimately your decision. Fire Punch is good because it makes great use of Groudon's impressive Attack, and Eruption is good because...Just look at its base power. If you run a Fire Punch set, go for an Adamant Nature, and if you use Eruption, use a Naughty Nature.

 

Closure

ORAS gave Groudon the better Primal Reversion, finally allowing Groudon to see as much use as Kyogre. There are still things that can counter it, like Primal Kyogre and Mega Rayquaza. But it is still very powerful and should never be taken lightly. I've cleansweeped entire teams with a single Groudon, and those days still continue.