[VGC 2017] Celesteela (Defensive Utility) Movesets
![[Image: celesteela_by_vaporeon249-darr64y.jpg]](http://pre02.deviantart.net/858d/th/pre/f/2016/349/1/e/celesteela_by_vaporeon249-darr64y.jpg)
Celesteela...literally stands tall as one of the most potent defensive Pokemon in VGC format given its well-rounded stats, amazing typing in Steel/Flying, and handful of rather interesting moves to beat common threats. As an Ultra Beast, Celesteela has the most "balanced" stats around the base 100 point more or less bar speed, though this is not necessarily a negative trait as explain later. The two main standout traits for Celesteela is its defensive BST of 97 HP / 103 Def / 101 SpDef paired with the Steel/Flying-typing, one of the best defensive type combinations in the game. Bar its weakness to Fire-, and Electric-type, Celesteela has a strong resistance and immunities to several typings, including the ever strong Ground-type. Movepool-wise, Celesteela has one of the strangest of the Ultra Beast (well not complaining here) with access to STABs/coverage such as Heavy Slam (FYI hits hard), Flash Cannon, Air Slash, Flamethrower, Leech Seed, Giga Drain, Wide Guard, etc.
Nearly all these traits allow Celesteela to be arguably one of the best defensive Pokemon which can wall or hold its own against threats such as Tapu Lele, Kartana, Garchomp, Tapu Bulu, Nihilego, etc. In fact, thanks to its defensive typing and high defensive stat total, Celesteela can often switch into many favorable match-ups and can potentially wall both Pokemon if they can't effectively overpower it. Despite the lack of recovery options, Leech Seed is one of the most effective and threatening end-game situations players must be wary about. This isn't an exaggeration. If the player doesn't have any method to OHKO or check Celesteela, a well-played one can be an effective end-game.
UB-04 Blaster still fears some common metagame Pokemon and is often pressured. As a result of its defensive potential, Celesteela is often targeted down and checked rather hard by most teams. Fire and Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Arcanine are major threats to the this spaceship tree Ultra Beast as it cannot withstand STAB hits without taking major damage, or getting OHKOed. Due to the passive nature of most of Celesteela's sets, player can find enough time to pressure Celesteela via double targeting, disruption moves like Taunt, or using their own Z-move attacks against it. If certain checks stick around in the endgame or it becomes Celesteela vs the World situation, chances are it won't be able to survive longer in battle.
Nevertheless, Celesteela is clearly a metagame-defining Pokemon capable of withstanding some most of the VGC 17 format due to its impressive bulk and amazing typing. The Leech Seed sets alone make Celesteela a defensive win condition once it has to deal with opposing Pokemon who aren't able to deal enough damage in retaliation. Even so, Celesteela can take on at least three of the four Tapus (bar Tapu Koko) and can do still do heavy damage against all of them with its STAB Heavy Slam. As long as Celesteela is able to stick around the field, it will remain a deadly Pokemon to face in the end-game.
Celesteela
![[Image: celesteela.png]](http://pokemonforever.com/images/pokeimages/gen7/celesteela.png)
Type: Steel / Flying
Base Stats: 97 HP / 101 Attack / 103 Defense / 107 Special Attack / 101 Special Defense / 61 Speed
Weaknesses: Fire [x2] Electric [x2]
Resistances: Bug [x0.25], Grass [x0.25], Dragon [x0.5], Fairy [x0.5], Flying [x0.5], Normal [x0.5], Psychic [x0.5], Steel [x0.5]
Immunities: Ground [x0] Poison [x0]
Ability: Beast Boost - Raises the highest stat by one stage. If equal, the "next" stat is boosted by this sequence: [Atk, Def, SpA, SpD, Spe].
Base Stats: 97 HP / 101 Attack / 103 Defense / 107 Special Attack / 101 Special Defense / 61 Speed
Weaknesses: Fire [x2] Electric [x2]
Resistances: Bug [x0.25], Grass [x0.25], Dragon [x0.5], Fairy [x0.5], Flying [x0.5], Normal [x0.5], Psychic [x0.5], Steel [x0.5]
Immunities: Ground [x0] Poison [x0]
Ability: Beast Boost - Raises the highest stat by one stage. If equal, the "next" stat is boosted by this sequence: [Atk, Def, SpA, SpD, Spe].
Defensive Utility
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 44 Atk / 116 Def / 116 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Substitute / Flamethrower / Wide Guard / Earthquake
- Protect
Milestones:
- Takes Neutral Tapu Koko (without Electric Terrain) and Xurkitree's Thunderbolt.
- HP Value to allow for 4 Substitutes.
- Flare Blitz from Adamant Arcanine has an 18.8% chance to OHKO.
-Liqudation from Adamant Araquanid has a 12.9% chance to 2HKO after leftovers
-Raises Attack due to EV Spread.
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 44 Atk / 116 Def / 116 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Substitute / Flamethrower / Wide Guard / Earthquake
- Protect
Milestones:
- Takes Neutral Tapu Koko (without Electric Terrain) and Xurkitree's Thunderbolt.
- HP Value to allow for 4 Substitutes.
- Flare Blitz from Adamant Arcanine has an 18.8% chance to OHKO.
-Liqudation from Adamant Araquanid has a 12.9% chance to 2HKO after leftovers
-Raises Attack due to EV Spread.
Here is the standard bread-and-butter Celesteela set everyone probably doesn't want me to discuss about. The main purpose of this Celesteela can be summed up in one word: stall. Well technically speaking there's more to this Celesteela than just getting passive recovery... but it does this job extremely well thanks to its rather high defensive stats and Steel/Flying-typing. In short, the goal of this Celesteela set is to setup Leech Seeds against the opponents and gradually chip away about 1/8th damage while replenishing its HP. If worried about losing too much HP after going for Leech Seed, Celesteela can always go for Protect to get another round of recovery from Leech Seed + Leftovers. Substitute is listed to allow Celesteela to "SubSeed" stall the opponent while not taking any form of direct damage, status, or stat drops for a time until the Sub breaks. Lastly, Protect can be used to either scout out for the opponent attacks, replenish HP slowly, or make it harder for the opponent to break the Substitute via double targeting.
In terms of attacking options, Celesteela can smash opposing Pokemon with STAB Heavy Slam, often netting about the max 120 base damage due to its unearthly mass. Given how most Fairy-type Pokemon are rather lightweight, Celesteela can certainly threaten most Fairy-type Pokemon, such as the Tapus themselves for potential OHKOs or heavy damage. If Celesteela nets a knock out via direct damage, Beast Boost will activate raising its Attack stat, thus making it a stronger offensive presence on the field. Some Celesteela do carry Flamethrower for Steel-types and even for potential mirror matches, though keep in mind to switch the nature of this set to "Brave" to inflict more damage while retain Attack raised from Beast Boosts. Earthquake is listed to inflict super effective damage against opposing Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon. For additional support, Wide Guard can be used to block any spread damage against the opponent, such as Earthquake, Discharge, or Rock Slide.
Most Defensive Celesteela sets like to be sent in around mid-to-late game once certain threats have been eliminated and there's little to no options the opponent can't to do stop the incoming Leech Seeds. Due to its impressive bulk and number of resistances/immunities, Celesteela is one of the hardest Pokemon to take down in the format without some of strategy to play aggressive or disrupt its passive play. Note the main objective for using Celesteela is to put itself into situations where the opponent can't do much back to Celesteela with the Leech Seed + Leftovers recovery, and eventually pick them off with STAB Heavy Slam. If Celesteela manages to get into position, there's nothing stopping it from holding the line against the opposing team. Even so would be checks/counters have to play carefully against Celesteela as they can't beat it when its seeded and Celesteela has Substitutes to stall.
Defensive Calcs:
Specially Defensive
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 188 HP / 4 Atk / 60 Def / 180 SpD / 76 Spe
Careful Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Substitute / Flamethrower / Wide Guard
- Protect
Milestones:
- This is Dark Psiana's Celesteela.
- Has a 7/8ths chance of OHKOing 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Lele.
- Can take a Z-Hydro Vortex from Modest Golduck in rain.
- LO Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt without Electric Terrain can 3HKO Celesteela if it gets a SpDef Beast Boost
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 188 HP / 4 Atk / 60 Def / 180 SpD / 76 Spe
Careful Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Substitute / Flamethrower / Wide Guard
- Protect
Milestones:
- This is Dark Psiana's Celesteela.
- Has a 7/8ths chance of OHKOing 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Lele.
- Can take a Z-Hydro Vortex from Modest Golduck in rain.
- LO Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt without Electric Terrain can 3HKO Celesteela if it gets a SpDef Beast Boost
This is essentially the same Celesteela set as above, there are some minor differences. To start with the obvious, this Celesteela is meant to be a specially defensive tank capable of withstanding most neutral hits in the format alongside some benchmarks listed down. Speaking of which, the EV Spread allows Celesteela's Beast Boost ability to raise its Sp Def every time it gets an OHKO. At the cost of potential offensive pressure from no attack boost, this Celesteela is meant to potentially 1v1 or even 2v1 opposing Pokemon thanks to potential Special Defense raise, useful against special attackers. In fact, if Celesteela can get a Beast Boost, it can withstand even an LO Tapu Koko to 1v1 if there's no terrain boost.
The moveset is the same as above, though will explain. Heavy Slam is Celesteela's main attacking option to wear down opposing targets and can still does a sizable chunks without much invest or attack raises. Leech Seed allows Celesteela to gain 1/8th of the opposing target's HP to replenish itself over time and slowly stall out the opponent. Substitute lets Celesteela protect itself from any status or intimidate drops and works in tandem with gradual recovery from Leech Seed plus Leftovers. Even so, the Substitutes might last longer thanks to the far better special defense investment and potential Beast Boosts. Flamethrower is an option against opposing Steel-types such as Kartana and enemy Celesteelas if they threaten the team. Lastly, Protect is there to scout and slowly replenish itself with its recovery options.
Defensive Calcs
Here we have a Assault Vest Celesteela that takes into account its rather interesting special movepool in order to gain potential special attack raises. Some EVs on this set were diverted into Defense to allow Celesteela to withstand some strong physical attacks like a Flare Blitz from Arcanine or Z-Liquidation from Araquanid. In terms of movepool, Celesteela has a unique movepool that's usable at least. Flash Cannon is Celesteela's main Special Steel-type STAB for opposing Fairy and Rock-type Pokemon such as Mimikyu, Tapu Lele, and Gigalith. Air Slash is an interesting STAB mainly used to improve its certain matchups such as Araquanid. Flamethrower is a great coverage option for several Steel-types notable Metagross, Kartana, and even opposing Celesteela. Giga Drain lets Celesteela hit opposing Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type Pokemon for super effective damage while replenishing some lost HP. Lastly HP Ice can be used for opposing Dragon-types Pokemon such as Garchomp or Salamence.
Offensive Calcs
Defensive Calcs
Defensive Calcs
Assault Vest Special Attacker
Celesteela @ Assault Vest
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 140 Def / 132 SpA / 4 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flash Cannon
- Air Slash
- Flamethrower
- Giga Drain / Hidden Power Ice
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 140 Def / 132 SpA / 4 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flash Cannon
- Air Slash
- Flamethrower
- Giga Drain / Hidden Power Ice
Milestones:
- Takes a neutral Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt in Electric Terrain
- Has a 15/16th chance of withstanding Flare Blitz from Adamant Arcanine
- Has a 15/16th chance of withstanding Z-Liquidation from Araquanid.
-2HKOs 252 HP 4 SpDef Araquanid with Air Slash most of the time.
- Takes a neutral Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt in Electric Terrain
- Has a 15/16th chance of withstanding Flare Blitz from Adamant Arcanine
- Has a 15/16th chance of withstanding Z-Liquidation from Araquanid.
-2HKOs 252 HP 4 SpDef Araquanid with Air Slash most of the time.
Here we have a Assault Vest Celesteela that takes into account its rather interesting special movepool in order to gain potential special attack raises. Some EVs on this set were diverted into Defense to allow Celesteela to withstand some strong physical attacks like a Flare Blitz from Arcanine or Z-Liquidation from Araquanid. In terms of movepool, Celesteela has a unique movepool that's usable at least. Flash Cannon is Celesteela's main Special Steel-type STAB for opposing Fairy and Rock-type Pokemon such as Mimikyu, Tapu Lele, and Gigalith. Air Slash is an interesting STAB mainly used to improve its certain matchups such as Araquanid. Flamethrower is a great coverage option for several Steel-types notable Metagross, Kartana, and even opposing Celesteela. Giga Drain lets Celesteela hit opposing Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type Pokemon for super effective damage while replenishing some lost HP. Lastly HP Ice can be used for opposing Dragon-types Pokemon such as Garchomp or Salamence.
Offensive Calcs
Defensive Calcs
"Celesweeper"
Celesteela @ Assault Vest / Misty Seed / Psychic Seed
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 148 HP / 84 Atk / 4 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Flame Charge
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide / Seed Bomb / Protect
Milestones:
- Outspeeds base 115 base speed Pokemon after one Flame Charge.
- Takes one LO Thunderbolt from neutral Tapu Koko. Has a 25% chance to withstand a Modest variant.
- HP Value to reduce Hail Damage.
-Misty / Psychic Seed is essentially the same as AV, though one time use.
Celesteela @ Assault Vest / Misty Seed / Psychic Seed
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 148 HP / 84 Atk / 4 Def / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Flame Charge
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide / Seed Bomb / Protect
Milestones:
- Outspeeds base 115 base speed Pokemon after one Flame Charge.
- Takes one LO Thunderbolt from neutral Tapu Koko. Has a 25% chance to withstand a Modest variant.
- HP Value to reduce Hail Damage.
-Misty / Psychic Seed is essentially the same as AV, though one time use.
This Celesteela is rather odd compared to the other three sets showcased though due to its main purpose. The idea of this Celesteela set is to 'setup' with Flame Charge as much as possible for speed boosts, and proceed to hit the opponent with its coverage options. Assault Vest allow Celesteela to take as a good amount of special hits while attempting to setup with Flame Charge. Once Celesteela nets an OHKO, its attack will raise, and deal significant damage against the foe. In terms of coverage, Heavy Slam is a staple to threaten opposing Fairy-types and other Pokemon for neutral damage. While Flame Charge doesn't net any significant OHKOs, it does have a good chance to 2HKO Kartana. Earthquake is an obvious choice for opposing Fire- and Electric-type Pokemon who threaten Celesteela. Rock Slide can round out Celesteela's coverage option and hit opposing Flying- and Fire-types with even a chance to flinch them. Seed Bomb is there for opposing Water- and Ground-type Pokemon who can potentially think their safe against Celesteela. If the user decides to run either Misty or Psychic Seed, Protect is a viable option.
Offensive Calcs
Defensive Calcs
Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to:
Threats include, but aren't limited to:
Other Notable Options
No one likes Celesteela, not even Ducks.
Offensive Calcs
Defensive Calcs
Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to:
- Ground-Types - Most Ground-type Pokemon appreciate the defensive support from Celesteela as its able to withstand against opposing Ice- and Grass-type Pokemon and freely use Earthquake without hurting the Steel/Flying-type. In turn, Ground-type Pokemon can threaten the ever present Electric- and Fire-type Pokemon who check/counter Celesteela with their STAB Ground moves. (Ex. Garchomp, Krookodile, Mudsdale, Gastrodon, etc)
- Dragon-Types - Most Dragon-type Pokemon resist either the combination of Fire-, Water- and Electric-type attacks which are threatening to Celesteela and can switch in if need be. (Ex. Garchomp, Goodra, Dragonite, Salamence, Kommo-O, etc)
- Fairy-Types - Celesteela is resist or take no damage from Steel- and Poison-type attacks, two types which effectively threaten Fairy Pokemon. (Ex. Tapu Koko / Fini / Lele / Bulu, Mimikyu, Whimsicott etc )
- Water-types - Most Water-type Pokemon are capable of threatening back Fire-type Pokemon who threaten Celesteela. (Ex. Araquanid, Gyarados, Milotic, Gastrodon, Pelipper, Politoed, etc.
- Redirection-Based Abilities: Pokemon with the Lightening Rod ability such as Alolan Marowak / Togedemaru can redirect most single-target Electric-type attacks away from Celesteela. Storm Drain users like Gastrodon also redirect most Water-type attacks away from Celesteela as well.
- Rain: Pokemon with the Drizzle ability such as Politoed and Pelipper can reduce the damage or Fire-type attacks done to Celesteela significantly.
- Trick Room: Since Celesteela is a rather slow Pokemon, Trick Room support from Pokemon like Porygon2, Oranguru, Mimikyu, etc can help Celesteela outspeed its opponents.
- Intimdate and Snarl Support: Helps Celesteela withstand and survive better threatening attacks, or improve its walling capabilities. (Ex. Arcanine, Krookodile, Salamence, Gyarados, Alolan Persian, Mandibuzz, etc. )
Threats include, but aren't limited to:
- Electric-Types - Tapu Koko, Alolan Raichu, Xurkitree, Magnezone, Vikavolt, Alolan Golem, etc.
- Fire-Types - Arcanine, Alolan Marowak, Salazzle, Torkoal, Incineroar, etc.
- Water-Types (For resistance) - Milotic, Gyarados, Araquanid, Gastrodon, Pelipper, Politoed, etc.
- Intimdate Users - Arcanine, Gyarados, Salamence, Krookodile, etc
- Will-O-Wisp and Scald burns
- Disruptive Support: Encore, Taunt, Perish Song, Disable, etc
- Powerful Z-Move attacks: Most Z -"Fire / Electric-type" STABs, Z-Liquidation from Araquanid, Z-Thunderbolt from Tapu Lele, Z-Hydro Pump from Golduck in rain.
Other Notable Options
- Wacan and Occa Berry can reduce the super effective damage of Electric- and Fire-type attacks respectively.
- The 50% Berries can restory Celesteela's HP by said number if it below 25% or below HP. Such Berries include Figy, Iapapa, Mago, Aguav, and Wiki Berry.
- Z-Moves from attacks like Heavy Slam, Flamethrower, Stone Edge or Earthquake can be used to inflict massive damage or lure out checks/counters.
- Toxic can be used to supplement with Leech Seed and wear down defensive Pokemon such as Milotic, Porygon2, Snorlax, etc.
- Terrain Seeds can be utilize to raise on of Celesteela's defensive stats by one stage based on the Terrain of the respective Tapu Pokemon. Electric and Grassy Seed raises Defense while Misty and Psychic Seed raised Special Defense.
- Potential offensive sets from Choice Band, Choice Specs, and Life Orb sets for Celesteela are possible to make use of its above average stats especially with the potential Beast Boost stat raises.
- Negative Speed Natures such as Brave, Quiet, Sassy, or Relaxed can be used to make use of Trick Room and/or Celesteela's mixed attacking capabilities.
No one likes Celesteela, not even Ducks.
