SS Acerola, Selene and SS Leaf Clear Argenta's Glistening Crystals (Ultimate Battle) | PMEX

We had an Argenta preview in Battle Rally, but ofc the real deal is on another level. I'd put Argenta around Anabel's caliber: her mechanics are so specific that only a small list of Master Fairs can attempt to defeat her.

First obstacle is Psychic Terrain. While Argenta doesn't have any passives derived from that field effect, her partners do, and the combination of Team Weird Vibes 6 + Psychic is incredibly oppressive. Then there is Rain. Argenta's Rain boosted moves will fuck you up, and it's hard to outlast Refreshing Rain 1. Argenta also has Thorton's pseudo-Acute Senses thingy so you have to apply a status change of some kind. However, Argenta is a funny comedian. Her team has Unflappable and they recover from Trap and Confusion whenever they attack. Wanna try Mallow? She'll be stuck in a Teeter Dance loop. Masterful gambit ma'am.

Needless to say this stage heavily pushes Adaman + SS Acerola specifically. Rebuffs are the only realistic avenue to damage Argenta. Not even SS Lyra is an adequate response given Argenta's passives. Hell, I'd even argue Holiday Whitney gives you more value than SS Lyra. Granted, players are posting their clears and there is always the Champion Blue + Thunderbolt Red combo which covers most of Argenta's gimmicks barring weather, and any setter will do with a pairing that stacked.

As for this clear, I figured that SS Acerola is such a good Argenta response that she can carry any Grass-type. I first tried Victor + Strike Grookey for the memes, but then I got hit with the Acute Senses thingy. I adjusted with Selene for Restrain, but Argenta is THICC. Selene is not renown for her power, so she can't solo Strike before Argenta gets out of hand. Nevertheless, I believed in the Acerola + Selene combo and I was determined to see it through without MFs if possible. After failing with Holiday Whitney, Sycamore, BP Erika and Lodge Lillie, I amped investment with SS Leaf. SS Leaf has a good combination of offense, utility, recovery, but perhaps most importantly Bad Poison recoil. Toxic punishes Argenta's insane health with continuous damageg. SS Leaf might be the best Argenta cheese around. Damaging Argenta is difficult enough that stall is a good bet.

If you try this clear here are some tips:
- You need triple Vigilance
- Reset if Argenta Flinches turn 1
- Reset if SS Leaf doesn't proc Venomous in 3 turns
- SS Acerola has issues surviving 2nd sync if Argenta procs Liquidation debuffs. When extra grid energy comes you could go for Unbending
- When Argenta reaches 50% health she summons Rain and removes Restrain. This usually happens on the Dire Hit All+ turn
- Watch where I use Potion, you have to conserve Satety Tether

Outside of that, this is a very consistent sequence. I made it a point to avoid quad-queues altogether. The endgame plan is whittling down Argenta with Bad Poison, so slow and steady is the name of the game. SS Acerola is 4/5 but she is using a 3/5 grid.

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