Zacian

Competitive Strategy

Zacian is the most dominant physical attacker in Ubers: **Intrepid Sword:** - Automatically raises Attack by 1 stage on switch-in - Effectively starts at +1 Attack (195 base) - Stacks with Swords Dance for +3 total **Standard Swords Dance Sweeper:** - Moves: Swords Dance, Behemoth Blade, Play Rough, Close Combat - Item: Rusted Sword (transforms to Crowned form, +40 Attack) - EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe - Nature: Jolly or Adamant - Strategy: Switch in, get free +1 Attack, set up Swords Dance, sweep **Choice Band Wallbreaker:** - Moves: Behemoth Blade, Play Rough, Close Combat, Crunch - Item: Choice Band - Strategy: Immediate pressure with +1 Attack + Choice Band. No setup needed. **Substitute + 3 Attacks:** - Moves: Substitute, Behemoth Blade, Play Rough, Close Combat - Item: Leftovers - Strategy: Block status with Substitute, maintain +1 Attack advantage **Crowned Forme (with Rusted Sword):** - Type becomes Fairy/Steel - Attack: 130 → 170 (highest in the game) - Behemoth Blade becomes signature move - This is the standard competitive form **Key Weaknesses:** - 4× weak to Ground (Earthquake, Earth Power) - 2× weak to Fire (Heatran is a common check) - Vulnerable to Will-O-Wisp (halves Attack) - No recovery moves (relies on switching) - Banned in most formats (Ubers only) **Best Partners:** - Ground immunities: Zapdos, Tornadus, Landorus - Fire checks: Water-types, Kyogre - Cleric support: Heal Bell/Aromatherapy for burns - Entry hazards: Stealth Rock + Spikes pressure switches