[OVERVIEW]
Aggron has a huge offensive presence in the tier due to its high attack stat and access to STAB Head Smash. With access to Rock Head, Aggron can freely use Head Smash without taking recoil damage and easily 2 hit KO some of the premier physical walls in the tier, such as Weezing. Aggron has access to a number of valuable coverage moves such as Earthquake, Fire Punch, and Superpower to allow it to blow through pokemon that would normally wall it. Aggron has 2 four times weaknesses to common move types which severely hinder its utility in the tier. A relatively low special defense and speed leave it susceptible to being revenge killed. Aggron faces competition as a stealth rock user from Golem and Golurk, but access to taunt gives it a unique niche. Aggron additionally faces competition as a wallbreaker from Zangoose and Archeops. Aggron fits well on balanced and bulky offense teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Heavy Slam
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice banded Aggrons Head Smash does huge damage, 2HKOing even defensive pokemon such as Weezing and Type: Null. Heavy slam allows Aggron to hit rock resists such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr for neutral damage. Additionally, Heavy Slam is a STAB option with 100% accuracy. Aggron's coverage moves are chosen to punish common rock and steel resists. Earthquake allows Aggron to heavily damage steel types such as Probopass. Fire punch hits pokemon such as Bronzor and Ferroseed who otherwise take minimal damage from Aggron's other moves.
Set Details
========
Rock Head allows Aggron to use Head Smash without taking recoil damage. Maximum Attack and Speed EVs, a Choice Band, and an Adamant nature allow Aggron to maximize its damage output and outspeed as much as possible. A jolly nature may be used to outspeed most offensive Lanturn and Golem sets as well as defensive Hitmonchan.
Usage Tips
========
Aggron can find opportunities to switch in on pokemon such as Miltank and physical Skuntank. Aggron should be played aggressively in the early game to effectively wall break, switch it in on a double or a slow volt switch. Bulky rock-resistant pokemon such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath can switch in on a predicted head smash and quickly gain momentum, Aggron must be careful when using head smash if the opponent has a strong rock resist. Use Aggron's coverage moves to punish switches into rock-resists so that Aggron can freely use Head Smash. Once the opposing walls have been broken Aggron becomes fairly expendable in the late-game.
Team Options
========
Aggron fits well on balance and bulky offense teams which provide frequent switch safe switch ins and and appreciate the pressure Aggron puts on opposing walls. Aggron can 2 hit KO defensive Weezing, freeing up other physical sweepers such as Primeape and Kangaskhan later in the game. Aggron is worn down quickly and has several common weaknesses, it appreciates volt turn support to safely switch in. Eelektross can provide a slow volt switch and threaten pokemon that commonly wall Aggron such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath with super effective Giga Drains and Thunderbolts. Silvally-Fairy provides both a fighting resist and parting shot support. Aggron appreciates hazard support to further punish switches, Mesprit can set stealth rock while also providing a fighting resist and ground immunity. Checks to fighting and ground types such as Gourgeist, Musharna, and Swanna help Aggron wallbreak effectively. Specially bulky pokemon such as Musharna and Type: Null increase Aggrons longevity by providing safe pivots after Aggron has attacked. Late game cleaners who appreciate having walls weakened like Lilligant and Kangaskhan pair well with Aggron.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Heavy Slam
move 3: Head Smash
move 4: Taunt
item: Shuca Berry / Lum Berry
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Head smash allows Aggron to exert offensive pressure and potentially force a switch, which can provide a free turn to set up stealth rock. Heavy slam is Aggron’s steel STAB of choice, dealing large damage to the generally light weight tier and punishes fighting type switch ins such as Gurdurr. Taunt prevents Aggron from becoming set up fodder and prevents hazards and status moves from slower pokemon such as Weezing. Stealth rock deals damage to the opponents pokemon on a switch in.
Set Details
========
Adamant nature and max attack EVs allow Aggron to do as much damage as possible, preventing it from potentially becoming set up fodder. Max speed allows Aggron to outspeed as much as possible, taunt allows Aggron to prevent toxic spikes from Weezing and block stealth rocks from slower pokemon. Aggron can potentially run a jolly nature to outspeed pokemon such as defensive Mesprit and Hitmonchan; however, the decrease in damage output is notable. Shuca berry may allow Aggron to survive a ground type attack from full health, while lum allows Aggron to significantly damage will-o-wisp users such as Sableye.
Usage Tips
========
The offensive stealth rock set functions well as a lead versus offensive teams where its role will be limited to setting up stealth rocks. Aggron can still find ample opportunity to wall break against balanced and bulky offensive teams. Aggron can freely switch in to Skuntank, one of the premier defoggers in the tier, to reset stealth rock or threaten with a Head Smash.
Team Options
========
This Aggron set is fairly self sufficient and does not need much support to do its job. Oricorio-Sensu and Haunter pair well with Aggron, as they are immune to ground and fighting type attacks and in turn Aggron provides hazards and wallbreaking power. Additionally, Aggron checks physical Skuntank, which is often the biggest barrier to Oricorio-Sensu or Haunter sweeping; special Skuntank outspeeds and can 2 hit KO with dark pulse. Teams that struggle with Silvally-Fairy and Type: Null appreciate having Aggron to come in and sponge hits. Late game sweepers that appreciate wallbreaking support pair well with Aggron, including Kangaskhan and Lilligant. Offensive stealth rock Aggron fits well on offensive teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aggron has alternative coverage moves that allow it to hit specific pokemon, such as aqua tail, avalanche, and ice punch; however, the listed coverage moves allow Aggron to function most effectively. A lure set with substitute, focus punch, and magnet rise can be used to beat Aggrons usual checks such as Probopass. Alternative item options include life orb or stone plate. Aggron has access to rock polish, allowing it to function as a late game sweeper; however, its 4x weakness to priority mach punch and mediocre speed even at +2 may prevent it from sweeping effectively. Aggron can run sturdy with stone edge instead of head smash to ensure that stealth rock are set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-Types**: Poliwrath and Gastrodon can both switch into Aggron freely and threaten back with STAB 4x effective moves, Gastrodon also has reliable recovery and can repeatedly switch in. Offensive Water-types such as special Floatzel cannot freely switch in but threaten to OHKO if given the opportunity.
**Ground-Types**: Mudsdale is not 2HKO’d by banded head smash after leftovers and threatens to OHKO back with earthquake. Offensive Golurk survives any attack from the choice band set and threatens to OHKO in response. Defensive Torterra can take 2 Head Smashs and threaten a KO with earthquake.
**Fighting Types**: While fighting types such as hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr cannot freely switch into a banded heavy slam, all 3 OHKO with their respective fighting coverage.
**Faster attackers**: Aggrons exploitable weaknesses, relatively low special defense, and lack of reliable recovery leave it open to being chipped down by faster attackers. Swanna, Magmortar or Jynx carrying focus blast, and Haunter will do massive damage to Aggron if given the opportunity.
*Steel Types**: Aggron sets lacking superpower struggle with steel types such as Ferroseed and Probopass. Ferroseed takes minimal damage from a banded head smash and can proceed to set up hazards, while Probopass traps Aggron and OHKO's with earth power. Bronzor takes minimal damage from both Head Smash and Heavy Slam, but will be 2 hit KO'd by a choice banded Fire Punch.
Aggron has a huge offensive presence in the tier due to its high attack stat and access to STAB Head Smash. With access to Rock Head, Aggron can freely use Head Smash without taking recoil damage and easily 2 hit KO some of the premier physical walls in the tier, such as Weezing. Aggron has access to a number of valuable coverage moves such as Earthquake, Fire Punch, and Superpower to allow it to blow through pokemon that would normally wall it. Aggron has 2 four times weaknesses to common move types which severely hinder its utility in the tier. A relatively low special defense and speed leave it susceptible to being revenge killed. Aggron faces competition as a stealth rock user from Golem and Golurk, but access to taunt gives it a unique niche. Aggron additionally faces competition as a wallbreaker from Zangoose and Archeops. Aggron fits well on balanced and bulky offense teams.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Heavy Slam
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Choice banded Aggrons Head Smash does huge damage, 2HKOing even defensive pokemon such as Weezing and Type: Null. Heavy slam allows Aggron to hit rock resists such as Hitmonchan and Gurdurr for neutral damage. Additionally, Heavy Slam is a STAB option with 100% accuracy. Aggron's coverage moves are chosen to punish common rock and steel resists. Earthquake allows Aggron to heavily damage steel types such as Probopass. Fire punch hits pokemon such as Bronzor and Ferroseed who otherwise take minimal damage from Aggron's other moves.
Set Details
========
Rock Head allows Aggron to use Head Smash without taking recoil damage. Maximum Attack and Speed EVs, a Choice Band, and an Adamant nature allow Aggron to maximize its damage output and outspeed as much as possible. A jolly nature may be used to outspeed most offensive Lanturn and Golem sets as well as defensive Hitmonchan.
Usage Tips
========
Aggron can find opportunities to switch in on pokemon such as Miltank and physical Skuntank. Aggron should be played aggressively in the early game to effectively wall break, switch it in on a double or a slow volt switch. Bulky rock-resistant pokemon such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath can switch in on a predicted head smash and quickly gain momentum, Aggron must be careful when using head smash if the opponent has a strong rock resist. Use Aggron's coverage moves to punish switches into rock-resists so that Aggron can freely use Head Smash. Once the opposing walls have been broken Aggron becomes fairly expendable in the late-game.
Team Options
========
Aggron fits well on balance and bulky offense teams which provide frequent switch safe switch ins and and appreciate the pressure Aggron puts on opposing walls. Aggron can 2 hit KO defensive Weezing, freeing up other physical sweepers such as Primeape and Kangaskhan later in the game. Aggron is worn down quickly and has several common weaknesses, it appreciates volt turn support to safely switch in. Eelektross can provide a slow volt switch and threaten pokemon that commonly wall Aggron such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath with super effective Giga Drains and Thunderbolts. Silvally-Fairy provides both a fighting resist and parting shot support. Aggron appreciates hazard support to further punish switches, Mesprit can set stealth rock while also providing a fighting resist and ground immunity. Checks to fighting and ground types such as Gourgeist, Musharna, and Swanna help Aggron wallbreak effectively. Specially bulky pokemon such as Musharna and Type: Null increase Aggrons longevity by providing safe pivots after Aggron has attacked. Late game cleaners who appreciate having walls weakened like Lilligant and Kangaskhan pair well with Aggron.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Heavy Slam
move 3: Head Smash
move 4: Taunt
item: Shuca Berry / Lum Berry
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Head smash allows Aggron to exert offensive pressure and potentially force a switch, which can provide a free turn to set up stealth rock. Heavy slam is Aggron’s steel STAB of choice, dealing large damage to the generally light weight tier and punishes fighting type switch ins such as Gurdurr. Taunt prevents Aggron from becoming set up fodder and prevents hazards and status moves from slower pokemon such as Weezing. Stealth rock deals damage to the opponents pokemon on a switch in.
Set Details
========
Adamant nature and max attack EVs allow Aggron to do as much damage as possible, preventing it from potentially becoming set up fodder. Max speed allows Aggron to outspeed as much as possible, taunt allows Aggron to prevent toxic spikes from Weezing and block stealth rocks from slower pokemon. Aggron can potentially run a jolly nature to outspeed pokemon such as defensive Mesprit and Hitmonchan; however, the decrease in damage output is notable. Shuca berry may allow Aggron to survive a ground type attack from full health, while lum allows Aggron to significantly damage will-o-wisp users such as Sableye.
Usage Tips
========
The offensive stealth rock set functions well as a lead versus offensive teams where its role will be limited to setting up stealth rocks. Aggron can still find ample opportunity to wall break against balanced and bulky offensive teams. Aggron can freely switch in to Skuntank, one of the premier defoggers in the tier, to reset stealth rock or threaten with a Head Smash.
Team Options
========
This Aggron set is fairly self sufficient and does not need much support to do its job. Oricorio-Sensu and Haunter pair well with Aggron, as they are immune to ground and fighting type attacks and in turn Aggron provides hazards and wallbreaking power. Additionally, Aggron checks physical Skuntank, which is often the biggest barrier to Oricorio-Sensu or Haunter sweeping; special Skuntank outspeeds and can 2 hit KO with dark pulse. Teams that struggle with Silvally-Fairy and Type: Null appreciate having Aggron to come in and sponge hits. Late game sweepers that appreciate wallbreaking support pair well with Aggron, including Kangaskhan and Lilligant. Offensive stealth rock Aggron fits well on offensive teams.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aggron has alternative coverage moves that allow it to hit specific pokemon, such as aqua tail, avalanche, and ice punch; however, the listed coverage moves allow Aggron to function most effectively. A lure set with substitute, focus punch, and magnet rise can be used to beat Aggrons usual checks such as Probopass. Alternative item options include life orb or stone plate. Aggron has access to rock polish, allowing it to function as a late game sweeper; however, its 4x weakness to priority mach punch and mediocre speed even at +2 may prevent it from sweeping effectively. Aggron can run sturdy with stone edge instead of head smash to ensure that stealth rock are set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-Types**: Poliwrath and Gastrodon can both switch into Aggron freely and threaten back with STAB 4x effective moves, Gastrodon also has reliable recovery and can repeatedly switch in. Offensive Water-types such as special Floatzel cannot freely switch in but threaten to OHKO if given the opportunity.
**Ground-Types**: Mudsdale is not 2HKO’d by banded head smash after leftovers and threatens to OHKO back with earthquake. Offensive Golurk survives any attack from the choice band set and threatens to OHKO in response. Defensive Torterra can take 2 Head Smashs and threaten a KO with earthquake.
**Fighting Types**: While fighting types such as hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr cannot freely switch into a banded heavy slam, all 3 OHKO with their respective fighting coverage.
**Faster attackers**: Aggrons exploitable weaknesses, relatively low special defense, and lack of reliable recovery leave it open to being chipped down by faster attackers. Swanna, Magmortar or Jynx carrying focus blast, and Haunter will do massive damage to Aggron if given the opportunity.
*Steel Types**: Aggron sets lacking superpower struggle with steel types such as Ferroseed and Probopass. Ferroseed takes minimal damage from a banded head smash and can proceed to set up hazards, while Probopass traps Aggron and OHKO's with earth power. Bronzor takes minimal damage from both Head Smash and Heavy Slam, but will be 2 hit KO'd by a choice banded Fire Punch.
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