[OVERVIEW]
Magnet Pull gives Magneton the ability to trap and eliminate big threats such as Scizor, Empoleon, and Klefki, which makes it a great partner for Pokemon such as Mega Beedrill and Latias. Magneton's presence on the field forces the opponent to play cautiously around it with their Steel-types, as one good double switch could open up massive holes in their team. Its typing is also pretty good both offensively and defensively, allowing it to pressure UU's myriad of bulky Water- and Fairy-types, such as Suicune and Mega Altaria, while also giving Magneton STAB Volt Switch and a couple of useful resistances. However, Magneton's bulk is very poor, which means it struggles to switch into even resisted hits. Magneton is also pretty slow without Choice Scarf, failing to outspeed faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Beedrill, and lacks significant power without Choice Specs.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch gains momentum on the bulky Water- and Flying-types that Magneton forces out. Thunderbolt is a stronger STAB attack that doesn't switch Magneton out, and it also outdamages Hidden Power Fire against every Steel-type with the exceptions of Mega Steelix and Scizor. Additionally, Thunderbolt OHKOes Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Pidgeot, which Volt Switch fails to do. Flash Cannon hits Fairy-types such as Mega Altaria and Sylveon super effectively. Hidden Power Fire's only real use is in its ability to OHKO Scizor, but Scizor is one of Magneton's most important targets anyway.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack EVs allow Magneton to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Magneton to outspeed Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot and Talonflame. Magnet Pull is what gives Magneton its niche, allowing it to trap Steel-types such as Empoleon and Scizor and also revenge kill weakened Cobalion. Choice Scarf patches up Magneton's mediocre Speed and makes it a decent revenge killer.
Usage Tips
========
Magneton should be brought in, particularly early-game, on an aggressive double switch into a Steel-type that Magneton can trap, such as Scizor or Klefki. However, it should be noted that double switching can be obvious, since aggressive play with Magneton is vital to its success. Additionally, Magneton can be used to trap and chip away at Cobalion with Volt Switch, which can be very beneficial on the kinds of teams that use Magneton. Magneton can be used to revenge kill weakened foes, but keep in mind that it can't outspeed Mega Beedrill, Mega Manectric, and Mega Aerodactyl, which can all OHKO it with their super effective coverage moves. Use Volt Switch with caution when there is a Ground-type on the other team, since Pokemon such as Gliscor and Hippowdon can take advantage of a Choice-locked Magneton by setting up Stealth Rock and, in the case of Gliscor, Swords Dance. Magneton can use its resistances to switch into weaker attacks, but keep in mind that its bulk is very subpar, which means that repeated switches will quickly wear it down into KO range.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that struggle against Steel-types are Magneton's best partners because of its ability to trap them, making their match much easier. Such Pokemon include Mega Altaria, Nihilego, and Latias. Regenerator Pokemon such as Amoonguss and Alomomola make for good teammates because of their ability to effectively use Eject Button so that Magneton can get a free switch into Scizor. Flying-types such as Mega Aerodactyl and Crobat can switch into Ground- and Fighting-types and also appreciate Steel-types being eliminated. Fighting-types such as Heracross, Infernape, and Cobalion are great teammates because they can break through a lot of Magneton's defensive answers, like Blissey, Alolan Muk, and Porygon2. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Hydreigon, Rotom-W, and Starmie is great on teams that utilize Magneton, as it tends to be paired with other U-turn and Volt Switch users. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Mega Manectric, Rotom-W, Infernape, and Hydreigon can form a VoltTurn core with Magneton to keep up momentum throughout the match. Similarly, Pokemon that appreciate Volt Switch momentum, like Nidoking and Primarina, appreciate Magneton's ability to bring them safely onto the battlefield. Water-types such as Mantine, Seismitoad, and Rotom-W are greatly appreciated to sponge Fire- and Ground-type attacks aimed at Magneton from the likes of Infernape and Gliscor. Entry hazard setters such as Gliscor, Tentacruel, and Klefki are able to amplify Magneton's ability to deal chip damage with Volt Switch.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is a relatively strong STAB move that gains momentum. Thunderbolt is a stronger STAB move than Volt Switch and doesn't switch Magneton out. Additionally, Thunderbolt's superior power compared to Volt Switch allows Magneton to secure the OHKO on several very bulky Pokemon like Suicune and Tentacruel. Flash Cannon hits Pokemon such as Sylveon, Latias, and Amoonguss for either neutral or super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire allows Magneton to OHKO Scizor and deal good damage to Mega Steelix.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack EVs with a Timid nature allow Magneton to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Magnet Pull allows Magneton to trap and remove Steel-types such as Klefki and weakened Mega Aggron. Choice Specs substantially boosts Magneton's power and allows it to more effectively eliminate Steel-types.
Usage Tips
========
Magneton hits surprisingly hard, which makes it a decent wallbreaker in most games. If Magneton is paired with an Eject Button user, focusing on getting Magneton in on Scizor is a good idea. Make aggressive double switches, particularly early-game, in order to trap Steel-types such as Scizor and Klefki. However, be aware that plays like these can be obvious, so it's really just a matter of prediction. Ground-types such as Gliscor and Seismitoad can block Volt Switch and Thunderbolt and proceed to set up Swords Dance or Stealth Rock, which is suboptimal. Try to avoid using Electric-type moves when Ground-types are still on the opponent's team and hit them with Flash Cannon instead or just make a double switch. Magneton's bulk is pretty bad, and thus, even resisted hits will often do significant damage to it. However, most resisted hits don't outright OHKO it, which means that Magneton can stay in against certain Pokemon, such as Latias. It can also pivot into weaker special attackers, like defensive Sylveon and Amoonguss.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that struggle against Steel-types, such as Mega Beedrill, Latias, and Scizor, make for good teammates because Magneton can trap and remove them, paving the way for a late-game sweep. Eject Button users, particularly on Regenerator Pokemon such as Amoonguss and Alomomola, can switch in on Scizor's U-turn, switch out and recover the damage, and allow Magneton to trap it. Flying-types such as Mega Pidgeot can switch into Ground- and Fighting-types and also appreciate Steel-types being eliminated. Fighting-types make for great partners because of their ability to break through common checks to Magneton such as Krookodile, Blissey, and, to a certain extent, Amoonguss. Heracross is an amazing wallbreaker that pairs well with Volt Switch support, while Infernape and Terrakion both make for good Choice Scarf users to make up for Magneton's paltry Speed stat. Magneton is often used with other VoltTurn users, so entry hazard removal from the likes of Latias, Starmie, and Rotom-W is greatly appreciated on the types of teams Magneton finds itself on. Water-types such as Rotom-W, Suicune, and Azumarill can deal with Fire- and Ground-types such as Moltres and Hippowdon, which tend to give Magneton problems. VoltTurn users such as Mega Beedrill, Scizor, and Mega Manectric can form a VoltTurn core with Magneton to keep up momentum throughout the match. Pokemon that appreciate Volt Switch momentum, such as Azumarill and Heracross, make for good teammates, as they appreciate Magneton's ability to bring them in safely. Entry hazard setters such as Mega Aerodactyl, Empoleon, and Mega Beedrill can set up Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes for Magneton to inflict more chip damage in conjunction with Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Grass or Ice on Choice Specs sets can surprise Swampert, Gliscor, and Seismitoad with OHKOs, but it lacks significant utility compared to Hidden Power Fire because of Hidden Power Fire's ability to OHKO Scizor. Magnet Rise can be used to surprise Ground-types, but it's mostly useless because of Magneton's tendency to be used with Choice items. Eviolite seems like a decent option to make Magneton more bulky, but it leaves Magneton weak and slow, making it outclassed by all the other item options. Additionally, even with an Eviolite, Magneton isn't particularly bulky.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: While they can't usually switch in, faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Infernape, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Mega Aerodactyl are capable of outspeeding and OHKOing Magneton with a coverage or STAB move. Mega Manectric gets a special mention because it has Lightning Rod pre-Mega Evolution and, after Mega Evolution, outspeeds Magneton and OHKOes it with Overheat.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Quagsire, Gliscor, and Seismitoad are capable of switching into Volt Switch and using the free turn it provides to set up Stealth Rock, set up Swords Dance, or just attack, but Gliscor and Hippowdon should be wary of Choice Specs Flash Cannon.
**Special Walls**: Special walls such as Blissey, Porygon2, Amoonguss, and Alolan Muk can switch into Magneton pretty easily over the course of a match, but Alolan Muk doesn't like repeated Volt Switch uses.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Entei, Moltres, and Volcanion can be annoying to face; while they can't switch into Volt Switch or Thunderbolt, they resist Flash Cannon and can OHKO Magneton with a STAB move.
**Raikou**: While not particularly common, Raikou resists both of Magneton's STAB moves and uses it as setup fodder with Calm Mind.
nd uses it as setup fodder with Calm Mind.
Magnet Pull gives Magneton the ability to trap and eliminate big threats such as Scizor, Empoleon, and Klefki, which makes it a great partner for Pokemon such as Mega Beedrill and Latias. Magneton's presence on the field forces the opponent to play cautiously around it with their Steel-types, as one good double switch could open up massive holes in their team. Its typing is also pretty good both offensively and defensively, allowing it to pressure UU's myriad of bulky Water- and Fairy-types, such as Suicune and Mega Altaria, while also giving Magneton STAB Volt Switch and a couple of useful resistances. However, Magneton's bulk is very poor, which means it struggles to switch into even resisted hits. Magneton is also pretty slow without Choice Scarf, failing to outspeed faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Beedrill, and lacks significant power without Choice Specs.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch gains momentum on the bulky Water- and Flying-types that Magneton forces out. Thunderbolt is a stronger STAB attack that doesn't switch Magneton out, and it also outdamages Hidden Power Fire against every Steel-type with the exceptions of Mega Steelix and Scizor. Additionally, Thunderbolt OHKOes Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Pidgeot, which Volt Switch fails to do. Flash Cannon hits Fairy-types such as Mega Altaria and Sylveon super effectively. Hidden Power Fire's only real use is in its ability to OHKO Scizor, but Scizor is one of Magneton's most important targets anyway.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack EVs allow Magneton to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Timid nature allows Magneton to outspeed Pokemon like Mega Pidgeot and Talonflame. Magnet Pull is what gives Magneton its niche, allowing it to trap Steel-types such as Empoleon and Scizor and also revenge kill weakened Cobalion. Choice Scarf patches up Magneton's mediocre Speed and makes it a decent revenge killer.
Usage Tips
========
Magneton should be brought in, particularly early-game, on an aggressive double switch into a Steel-type that Magneton can trap, such as Scizor or Klefki. However, it should be noted that double switching can be obvious, since aggressive play with Magneton is vital to its success. Additionally, Magneton can be used to trap and chip away at Cobalion with Volt Switch, which can be very beneficial on the kinds of teams that use Magneton. Magneton can be used to revenge kill weakened foes, but keep in mind that it can't outspeed Mega Beedrill, Mega Manectric, and Mega Aerodactyl, which can all OHKO it with their super effective coverage moves. Use Volt Switch with caution when there is a Ground-type on the other team, since Pokemon such as Gliscor and Hippowdon can take advantage of a Choice-locked Magneton by setting up Stealth Rock and, in the case of Gliscor, Swords Dance. Magneton can use its resistances to switch into weaker attacks, but keep in mind that its bulk is very subpar, which means that repeated switches will quickly wear it down into KO range.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that struggle against Steel-types are Magneton's best partners because of its ability to trap them, making their match much easier. Such Pokemon include Mega Altaria, Nihilego, and Latias. Regenerator Pokemon such as Amoonguss and Alomomola make for good teammates because of their ability to effectively use Eject Button so that Magneton can get a free switch into Scizor. Flying-types such as Mega Aerodactyl and Crobat can switch into Ground- and Fighting-types and also appreciate Steel-types being eliminated. Fighting-types such as Heracross, Infernape, and Cobalion are great teammates because they can break through a lot of Magneton's defensive answers, like Blissey, Alolan Muk, and Porygon2. Entry hazard removal from the likes of Hydreigon, Rotom-W, and Starmie is great on teams that utilize Magneton, as it tends to be paired with other U-turn and Volt Switch users. U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Mega Manectric, Rotom-W, Infernape, and Hydreigon can form a VoltTurn core with Magneton to keep up momentum throughout the match. Similarly, Pokemon that appreciate Volt Switch momentum, like Nidoking and Primarina, appreciate Magneton's ability to bring them safely onto the battlefield. Water-types such as Mantine, Seismitoad, and Rotom-W are greatly appreciated to sponge Fire- and Ground-type attacks aimed at Magneton from the likes of Infernape and Gliscor. Entry hazard setters such as Gliscor, Tentacruel, and Klefki are able to amplify Magneton's ability to deal chip damage with Volt Switch.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Flash Cannon
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volt Switch is a relatively strong STAB move that gains momentum. Thunderbolt is a stronger STAB move than Volt Switch and doesn't switch Magneton out. Additionally, Thunderbolt's superior power compared to Volt Switch allows Magneton to secure the OHKO on several very bulky Pokemon like Suicune and Tentacruel. Flash Cannon hits Pokemon such as Sylveon, Latias, and Amoonguss for either neutral or super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire allows Magneton to OHKO Scizor and deal good damage to Mega Steelix.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed and Special Attack EVs with a Timid nature allow Magneton to hit as hard and as fast as possible. Magnet Pull allows Magneton to trap and remove Steel-types such as Klefki and weakened Mega Aggron. Choice Specs substantially boosts Magneton's power and allows it to more effectively eliminate Steel-types.
Usage Tips
========
Magneton hits surprisingly hard, which makes it a decent wallbreaker in most games. If Magneton is paired with an Eject Button user, focusing on getting Magneton in on Scizor is a good idea. Make aggressive double switches, particularly early-game, in order to trap Steel-types such as Scizor and Klefki. However, be aware that plays like these can be obvious, so it's really just a matter of prediction. Ground-types such as Gliscor and Seismitoad can block Volt Switch and Thunderbolt and proceed to set up Swords Dance or Stealth Rock, which is suboptimal. Try to avoid using Electric-type moves when Ground-types are still on the opponent's team and hit them with Flash Cannon instead or just make a double switch. Magneton's bulk is pretty bad, and thus, even resisted hits will often do significant damage to it. However, most resisted hits don't outright OHKO it, which means that Magneton can stay in against certain Pokemon, such as Latias. It can also pivot into weaker special attackers, like defensive Sylveon and Amoonguss.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that struggle against Steel-types, such as Mega Beedrill, Latias, and Scizor, make for good teammates because Magneton can trap and remove them, paving the way for a late-game sweep. Eject Button users, particularly on Regenerator Pokemon such as Amoonguss and Alomomola, can switch in on Scizor's U-turn, switch out and recover the damage, and allow Magneton to trap it. Flying-types such as Mega Pidgeot can switch into Ground- and Fighting-types and also appreciate Steel-types being eliminated. Fighting-types make for great partners because of their ability to break through common checks to Magneton such as Krookodile, Blissey, and, to a certain extent, Amoonguss. Heracross is an amazing wallbreaker that pairs well with Volt Switch support, while Infernape and Terrakion both make for good Choice Scarf users to make up for Magneton's paltry Speed stat. Magneton is often used with other VoltTurn users, so entry hazard removal from the likes of Latias, Starmie, and Rotom-W is greatly appreciated on the types of teams Magneton finds itself on. Water-types such as Rotom-W, Suicune, and Azumarill can deal with Fire- and Ground-types such as Moltres and Hippowdon, which tend to give Magneton problems. VoltTurn users such as Mega Beedrill, Scizor, and Mega Manectric can form a VoltTurn core with Magneton to keep up momentum throughout the match. Pokemon that appreciate Volt Switch momentum, such as Azumarill and Heracross, make for good teammates, as they appreciate Magneton's ability to bring them in safely. Entry hazard setters such as Mega Aerodactyl, Empoleon, and Mega Beedrill can set up Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes for Magneton to inflict more chip damage in conjunction with Volt Switch.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Grass or Ice on Choice Specs sets can surprise Swampert, Gliscor, and Seismitoad with OHKOs, but it lacks significant utility compared to Hidden Power Fire because of Hidden Power Fire's ability to OHKO Scizor. Magnet Rise can be used to surprise Ground-types, but it's mostly useless because of Magneton's tendency to be used with Choice items. Eviolite seems like a decent option to make Magneton more bulky, but it leaves Magneton weak and slow, making it outclassed by all the other item options. Additionally, even with an Eviolite, Magneton isn't particularly bulky.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Faster Pokemon**: While they can't usually switch in, faster Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Infernape, Choice Scarf Hydreigon, and Mega Aerodactyl are capable of outspeeding and OHKOing Magneton with a coverage or STAB move. Mega Manectric gets a special mention because it has Lightning Rod pre-Mega Evolution and, after Mega Evolution, outspeeds Magneton and OHKOes it with Overheat.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types such as Hippowdon, Quagsire, Gliscor, and Seismitoad are capable of switching into Volt Switch and using the free turn it provides to set up Stealth Rock, set up Swords Dance, or just attack, but Gliscor and Hippowdon should be wary of Choice Specs Flash Cannon.
**Special Walls**: Special walls such as Blissey, Porygon2, Amoonguss, and Alolan Muk can switch into Magneton pretty easily over the course of a match, but Alolan Muk doesn't like repeated Volt Switch uses.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Entei, Moltres, and Volcanion can be annoying to face; while they can't switch into Volt Switch or Thunderbolt, they resist Flash Cannon and can OHKO Magneton with a STAB move.
**Raikou**: While not particularly common, Raikou resists both of Magneton's STAB moves and uses it as setup fodder with Calm Mind.
nd uses it as setup fodder with Calm Mind.
Last edited: