Overview
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After years of a long, painful journey in a dark competitive Underworld, Altaria finally ascends to more free and cloudy skies with its Mega Evolution. When Mega Evolved, Altaria gains numerous buffs, including much-needed increases to its offenses, a welcome ability change in Pixilate, and, perhaps most importantly, a Dragon/Fairy typing. Specifically, having this typing gives Mega Altaria has a gigantic amount of resistances and defensive utility to go along with its already great bulk, allowing it to counter and force out a number of Pokemon in OU. Mega Altaria is no slouch offensively either; in fact, with Pixilate and Fairy STAB, it is deceptively deceivingly powerful, even moreso than existing powerhouses like Azumarill, Mega Gyarados, and even Kyurem-B. (! -> .) This is further amplified by Altaria's access to Dragon Dance, as well as a wide physical, special, and supportive movepool, giving it a degree of flexibility and unpredictability.
For all the good that Mega Altaria has gained, it retains some flaws. Its Mega Altaria's base 80 Speed is quite average in ORAS OU standards, making it somewhat easy to revenge kill even with Dragon Dance. Mega Altaria is also plagued by four-moveslot syndrome; if it lacks a certain move, it can easily be taken advantage by common checks and counters. Finally, by virtue of being a Mega Evolution, it cannot hold useful items like Lum Berry, Pixie Plate, or Leftovers, which downplays hurts its offense and bulk quite a bit. It also consumes the mega stone Mega slot, meaning it (just say "It also takes up a Mega Evolution slot, so it") can't be partnered with otherwise fantastic Mega Evolutions such as Mega Venusaur, thus limiting synergy and teambuilding somewhat. Regardless of these factors, however, Mega Altaria soars above its opponents with surprising versatility and utility, its heavenly presence very much felt (and welcome) in today's metagame.
Special Attacker
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name: Special Attacker
move 1: Hyper Voice
move 2: Fire Blast
move 3: Roost
move 4: Earthquake / Heal Bell
item: Altarianite
ability: Cloud Nine / Natural Cure
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Moves
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This set's main attack is Mega Altaria's (keep "Mega Altaria's") Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice, which packs great power, consistency, and coverage, as well as the occasionally handy ability to pierce Substitutes.,(period to comma) while (don't implement this because the sentence becomes suuuper long if this is changed) Fire Blast completely roasts the many Steel-types that come in to tank Hyper Voice.;(period to semicolon, decapitalize) with the simple combination of these two attacks, Mega Altaria achieves good all-around good coverage against nearly every foe except for Fire-types (keep this). Roost provides reliable recovery, granting Altaria the ability to switch in and check threats multiple times. The last slot comes down to personal preference. Earthquake, despite being weak on this set, provides precious coverage against the common Heatran,(ac) as well as other Fire-types in general. Heal Bell is an effective supportive alternative; Altaria is notable for being one of the few Pokemon that can viably use it on an offensive set due to its ability to force switches and hit hard.
In terms of other choices, Draco Meteor may sound appealing due to its whopping 130 Base Power and Dragon coverage, but it is redundant coverage-wise and not much stronger in comparison to the more consistent Hyper Voice.,(period to comma) and Additionally,(rc) its side effect makes it an overall unappealing option. In the realm of supporting moves, Agility and Tailwind can give Altaria a chance to clean up weakened teams (and support its own in regards to the latter); however, Mega Altaria usually doesn't have the power to KO certain foes and pull off consistent sweeps, making it outclassed in such a role. Perish Song and Roar are also notable support moves that allow Altaria to counter certain setup sweepers or force unwanted switches, respectively.
Set Details
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With a Timid nature and max Speed EVs, Altaria can outrun key threats,(ac) including Jolly Mega Heracross, Jolly Bisharp, Adamant Excadrill, Adamant Lucario, and Timid Heatran, and tie with opposing base 80 Speed Pokemon such as itself other Mega Altaria, Mamoswine, and unevolved non-Mega Gallade. Using a Modest nature is an optional for even more power, although Mega Altaria doesn't gain too many notable KOs with it. Investment in bulk at the cost of either power or Speed is also optimal to tank attacks more effectively.
Cloud Nine is the preferred ability, as it gives Altaria a chance to check Swift Swim Kingdra, Mega Swampert, Sand Rush Excadrill, and other weather sweepers before Mega Evolving. Additionally, this set isn't particularly bothered by status by virtue of being a hit-and-run attacker. If absorbing attacks such as Scald, Lava Plume, and Spore is significant for its team, feel free to use Natural Cure, though keep in mind that Altaria is usually Mega Evolved and has access to Heal Bell to achieve a such a purpose (keep).
Usage Tips
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The most important aspect of this set is to focus primarily on Mega Altaria's pivotal capabilities. pivoting; avoid using it as a sweeper, as it lacks the sheer firepower or Speed to do so (as opposed to Mega Gardevoir, which offers different coverage and trades good bulk and typing for much better power and Speed). Specifically, take advantage of its combination of typing, bulk, power, coverage, and access to recovery in order to check, counter, or lure in an extensive number of threats in the tier, including but certainly not limited to Mega Sableye, Mega Lopunny, Mega Gyarados, Rotom-W, Keldeo, and Serperior, and as well as Heatran (with Earthquake). If healthy enough, however, it makes a great cleaner after the opponent's special walls are weakened or eliminated. When applicable, one way to lure in physical walls is to preemptively use Earthquake, which may encourage cause the opponent into thinking that Altaria is physical and immediately switch in their physical Mega Altaria counter.
Team Options
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This Altaria is mostly self-sufficient, focusing on supporting teammates defensively and offensively rather than sweeping itself. The only real offensive support it requires is against specially defensive Pokemon, which usually prevent Altaria from freely tossing out special attacks. As most specially defensive Pokemon besides Chansey are usually Fairy-types, such as Clefable, Sylveon, and Togekiss, using Steel-type teammates is a good answer. For example, Heatran can use a stallbreaker set which allows it to stallbreaker Heatran can trap and weaken Chansey and other special walls with a combination of Magma Storm, Taunt, and Toxic. Ferrothorn can confidently switch into and threaten a number of Fairy-types while providing excellent support with Thunder Wave and entry hazards. Excadrill can flat-out KO these threats with Iron Head while providing either Stealth Rock or Rapid Spin support. Gothitelle is another great partner that can trap and cripple special walls with Trick, although it must exercise caution against Fairy-types, (AC) as they can still threaten Altaria.
Because of its coverage, Altaria is able to lure in and weaken a number of Steel-types (for example, it can take care of Heatran with Earthquake) while chipping away at other types of Pokemon with Hyper Voice. With Earthquake, it can even take care of Heatran. This makes Altaria an ideal partner for fast sweepers and cleaners, such as Talonflame, Dragonite, Gyarados, Latios, and Volcarona. Another notable teammate is Calm Mind Clefable.; Wwhile it may seem odd and impractical to pair two similar Fairy-types together, Altaria is able to lure in and handle troublesome Steel-types, giving Clefable much more breathing room to do its work. Of course, this results in a double Steel- and Poison-type weakness, so additional insurance is required against these two types. Additionally, this Altaria can fit well on typical sandstorm team archetypes due to its resistances to Water-, Bug- (add hyphen), Dragon-, Fighting-, and Grass-type attacks. In this case, it can be partnered up with Hippowdown or Tyranitar, which provide a good defensive backbone as well as Stealth Rock support, and especially with Sand Rush Excadrill, a deadly force that synergizes extremely well with Altaria offensively and defensively. Finally, due to its all-around great offense and typing, this particular Altaria is a great SmashPass recipient.
Offensive Dragon Dance
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name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Return
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Roost / Fire Blast
item: Altarianite
ability: Natural Cure / Cloud Nine
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Moves
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Dragon Dance amplifies Mega Altaria's already awesome physical offense high Attack and patches up its middling Speed. Return is a luxury package deal; Not only is it Return naturally strong and reliable, but with boosts from STAB and Pixilate as well as generally great coverage, it is guaranteed to puncture nearly anything that isn't resistant to Fairy (keep). With Earthquake hitting all the Fairy-type resistances Fairy-resistant types super effectively, however,(rc) most Fire-, Poison-, and Steel-types become significantly less problematic,(ac) with only a few exceptions. Roost provides reliable recovery, giving Altaria the ability to take damage constantly and check opposing threats more easily, as well as giving it better chances to set up. On the other hand, Fire Blast completes Altaria's coverage, allowing it to lure in threats-such as Skarmory,(rc) Scizor,(rc) and Ferrothorn,(rc) that normally don't mind the combination of Return and Earthquake.-that wall Altaria otherwise, such as Skarmory, Scizor, and Ferrothorn. Keep in mind that running any other move over Roost makes this set easy to wear down.
There are several alternative moves to consider. Dragon Claw, while undeniably redundant with Fairy coverage, allows Altaria to hit the likes of Talonflame, Mega Venusaur, Mega Charizard X and Y, and Amoonguss for better damage harder. Double-Edge is a monstrous alternative to Return, accomplishing KOes that Mega Altaria could not before, such as an OHKO OHKO on OHKOing Chansey, uninvested Landorus-T (with Intimidate factored in), and physically defensive Rotom-W after one Dragon Dance boost and Stealth Rock damage. However, the recoil tends to stack up badly, considering Altaria is likely to endure entry hazard damage and attacks while setting up. Finally, Substitute is a neat support move that protects Altaria from status as well as fatal attacks. Keep in mind that running any other move over Roost makes this set easy to wear down.
Set Details
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An Adamant nature along with significant Attack investment makes the most out of Mega Altaria's physical offense. It is recommended to maximize Speed EVs in order to tie at best with neutral-natured maximum Speed Dragonite as well as opposing Altaria. A Jolly nature can be used to outrun even more threats before and after a Speed boost, including maximum Speed variations of Breloom, Heatran, Bisharp, and unevolved non-Mega Gallade at +0, and Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Mega Beedrill, and Adamant Choice Scarf Landorus-T at +1. This, of course, comes at the cost of power which Mega Altaria may miss dearly.
To take better advantage of Mega Altaria's fantastic defensive typing, you are absolutely free, and even encouraged, to tweak the EVs. Assuming an Adamant nature, its Speed can be lowered to outrun important benchmarks at +1, including 220 Speed for Tornadus-T and Mega Pidgeot, 184 EVs for Raikou and Starmie, and 160 EVs for Thundurus. Transferring some EVs from Attack is also perfectly acceptable in moderation.
As this set is crippled badly by burn and other status conditions, Natural Cure is used given the nod over Cloud Nine, although the latter still has its uses against weather-reliant Pokemon. For instance, unevolved Cloud Nine Altaria takes only 37.8 - 44.6% from Modest Mega Charizard Y's Fire Blast, giving it a chance to set up and Roost off the damage thereafter afterwards.
Usage Tips
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This set usually only requires a single Dragon Dance boost to get going, so setting up more is not recommended, (AC) lest Altaria gets worn down by more unnecessary damage. This is an acceptable case if Altaria needs to outrun revenge killers such as Mega Beedrill and Choice Scarf users, but be sure it has enough health and opportunities to do so. As this set's bulk isn't particularly outstanding without significant investment, it is best to switch in via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch, or after a teammate has fainted. Additionally fFor the same reason, Roost's use should be kept to a minimum, preferably on weak foes or predicted switches.
This set can be used at absolutely any time during the battle, whether early-game to punch holes in the opposing team, or mid- to late-game to sweep and clean up after its checks and counters are gone or weakened into KO range. Generally, Mega Altaria should not attempt to sweep if there are revenge killers present, as it can be outsped at +1 and be picked off by priority. If Altaria has Fire Blast, it makes for an effective lure to certain Steel-types early-game; the best way to encourage these foes to switch in is to purposely use the other moves beforehand.
Team Options
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This variation of Altaria generally works well on offensive and balanced teams due to its great power, coverage, and sweeping potential. If Altaria lacks Fire Blast, it is recommended to eliminate or weaken Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and other similar Steel-types before attempting to sweep. Magnezone easily handles these threats thanks to Magnet Pull, while Keldeo and Heatran are more offensively flexible alternatives for this role that can handle other threats by themselves. Running lures such as Jirachi, Latios, Diggersby, Azumarill, Manaphy, and Clefable is also a feasible strategy so these threats are weakened and aren't encouraged to switch out to weaken these threats is also a feasible strategy. Although Unaware Clefable takes a hefty 47.2 - 55.8% from an unboosted Return, it is still problematic to Altaria regardless. The aforementioned Heatran and Jirachi, as well as Gengar, are great checks to it.
Keeping Stealth Rock and other entry hazards off the field helps both normal and Mega Altaria set up more comfortably. Excadrill is a notable Rapid Spinner,(rc) which that is also capable of checking Fairy- and Steel-types as well as being a capable sweeper or revenge killer in Sandstorm or with a Choice Scarf,(rc) respectively (keep respectively). Latias can provide Defog support while possessing good resistances, offense, and, more importantly, Healing Wish, which can be used to give Mega Altaria a second chance to sweep. Latios is similar, but can use either Hidden Power Fire or Memento to hit Steel-types or weaken foes for setup, respectively. Dual Screens can also be employed, although this strategy is typically used on hyper offense, an archetype that Mega Altaria doesn't fit into perfectly.
Support
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name: Support
move 1: Roost
move 2: Hyper Voice / Return
move 3: Heal Bell
move 4: Flamethrower / Earthquake / Roar / Perish Song
item: Altarianite
ability: Cloud Nine
nature: Bold / Impish / Relaxed
evs: 248 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD
Moves
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Roost provides reliable, much-needed healing, an important necessity on a defensive set lacking Leftovers. The Normal-type move of choice is Mega Altaria's main attack; even without investment, both are consistent and surprisingly powerful thanks to the Pixilate's boost. Both Hyper Voice and Return have notable advantages. Hyper Voice offers special offense, allowing Mega Altaria to 2HKO physically defensive tanks such as Landorus-T, Mega Slowbro, Rotom-W, Gliscor; additionally, it makes Mega Altaria a solid check to Substitute users such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Septile, and Gliscor. On the other hand, Return is generally stronger and can exploit the weaker physical defense of several very important threats in the tier; to clarify, the likes of Assault Vest Conkeldurr, Mega Gallade, Mega Gyarados, (AC) and Thundurus are all OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage, while Assault Vest Azumarill, Mega Beedrill, Sylveon, and Chansey (with its Eviolite Knocked Off) Eviolite-less Chansey are all threatened by a clean 2HKO. Heal Bell is a quick fix to status conditions, giving Altaria the additional role of a team cleric.
Flamethrower and Earthquake provide additional coverage, ensuring that Mega Altaria is significantly more self-sufficient and not a sitting duck against certain Steel-types. If the extra coverage is not needed, Roar and Perish Song are other great support moves that force unwanted switches and counter setup sweepers, such as Mega Sableye, Mega Slowbro, Mega Latias, and Suicune. Toxic is certainly an option for wearing down defensive foes, but is overall wasteful on a Pokemon that usually attracts Steel-types, Poison-types, and defensive Pokemon with clerical moves of their own defensive clerics. Finally, Draco Meteor allows Mega Altaria to OHKO Mega Charizard X, turning it into one of the best counters to said threat. Aside from that,(ac) however, it wastes a moveslot due to a lack of significant added power and coverage.
Set Details
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The given EV spread, along with a Boled or Impish nature, allows Altaria to avoid a number of 2HKOes,(rc) being 2HKOed by a Icy Winds from Keldeo, sun-boosted Fire Blast from Mega Charizard Y, Earthquake from maximum Attack Adamant Landorus-T, and Psyshock from Life Orb Latios. Alternatively, you can bump the Defense EVs to 136 to avoid being KOed by Azumarill's Play Rough followed by Aqua Jet. Use a Relaxed nature if you plan on using both a special and physical attack (i.e. Hyper Voice and Earthquake, or Return and Flamethrower). If you do, also use 4 Speed EVs to outrun uninvested base 70's Speed Pokemon such as Skarmory. Cloud Nine is the preferred nature, (AC) as it makes switching into Mega Charizard Y, Politoed, Omastar, and other weather-reliant Pokemon much easier while unevolved before it Mega Evolves. Heal Bell is being a required move even though non-Mega Altaria has Natural Cure, (AC) because Altaria typically Mega Evolves immediately, (RC) as well as Altaria typically Mega Evolving immediately, also invalidates the use of Natural Cure.
Usage Tips
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This set is a dedicated defensive pivot, capable of switching into numerous attacks and status moves while being able to stand on its own with Roost. Additionally, with Fire Blast or Earthquake, it can avoid being too passive against Steel-types, with the added benefit of being able to lure them in sometimes as well. If Altaria uses Roar or Perish Song instead, however, it plays a little differently. With Roar, Altaria can force unwanted switches and stack up residual damage immediately multiple times. Perish Song is better used on more defensively-based teams, as it acts as a win condition in last-Pokemon scenarios and can afford to be more passive on such teams, but doesn't encourage the opponent to switch as frequently. As usual, switch out to a more capable teammate if either move brings out a threatening check or counter.
The most important factor is to never overestimate Mega Altaria's bulk and walling abilities, as it sorely lacks Leftovers and can only take so many powerful attacks at a time. To avoid difficult offensive pressure, do not switch into entry hazards frequently, and recover back to full health with Roost whenever you can help it. In English: always use Roost.
Team Options
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This particular set is a good fit on balanced teams that require a cleric and a great number of resistances in one package. Mega Altaria can tank attacks such as Fire Blast, Waterfall, Secret Sword, Thunderbolt, Knock Off, and Draco Meteor, which makes it an ideal partner to Pokemon with great defensive typings of their own. Notably, Mega Altaria creates a good core with Heatran, which can easily handle opposing Fairy-, Poison-, and Steel-types very well while tanking other super effective attacks aimed at Altaria. Heatran can also dish out use status moves, such as Lava Plume, Toxic, Taunt, and Will-O-Wisp, which Altaria typically lacks. Ferrothorn also complements Altaria well defensively, with multiple helpful moves such as Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, and Knock Off at its disposal. Excadrill is a more offensive choice, capable of switching into Altaria's weaknesses with impunity while also offering Ground-type coverage, Stealth Rock, or Rapid Spin support. Choice Specs Magnezone also pairs well with Altaria defensively while providing stellar utility with Magnet Pull, allowing it to trap eliminate slower Steel-types that are troublesome to Altaria and the rest of its team. As usual, Mega Altaria can also find a home on Sandstorm teams, providing resistances to Water-, Grass-, and Fighting-type attacks while being able to cure statuses for the likes of Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Excadrill.
Because this set can force many Pokemon to switch, as well as switch out itself frequently, entry hazard control is extremely beneficial. Entry hazard setters such as Skarmory, Tyranitar, and Excadrill are good examples of teammates that can lay out set up entry hazards quickly and force threats out themselves, depending on your team. As Defog is an issue for this strategy, using Bisharp can keep Defog users in check. As noted in the Set Details, Altaria can switch into and survive a number of 2HKOs, but only if entry hazards are off the field, making their hazard removal necessary. Fortunately, the aforementioned Skarmory and Excadrill are able to provide this, while Starmie and Latios come close to being best choices offensively.
King DDD (Defensive Dragon Dance)
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name: King DDD (Defensive Dragon Dance)
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Roost
move 3: Return
move 4: Heal Bell / Substitute / Earthquake
item: Altarianite
ability: Cloud Nine / Natural Cure
nature: Impish
evs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 96 SpD / 28 Spe
Moves
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Return is the main attack, boasting consistency, good single-move coverage, and power on its own even without investment or boosts. Besides being used for sweeping teams, it also checks foes if the situation calls for it. The combination of Dragon Dance and Roost allows Altaria to slowly, but safely, become faster and stronger while maintaining its health.
This set's playstyle slightly depends on the move being used in the last slot. Heal Bell instantly cures status conditions that Mega Altaria and its team might have contracted while setting up or switching in, and it is especially crucial when considering this set's vulnerability to burn, paralysis, and Toxic poison. Substitute blocks status instead of curing it, in addition to scouting and protecting Altaria from dangerous attacks. Earthquake provides additional coverage against Heatran as well as other Fire- and Steel-types, but leaves Altaria horribly vulnerable to status.;(period to comma, decapitalize) Iit should also be noted that a 2x resisted Return is just as powerful as a neutral Earthquake.
Another option to consider is Refresh, which has more PP than Heal Bell and prevents Altaria from losing against persistent status users. However, it does not heal status for other teammates, an unfavorable situation when faced against balanced and stall teams usually equipped with Scald, Toxic, and Will-O-Wisp users. Facade can replace Return to take advantage of any status conditions Altaria has taken. However, it is greatly reliant on the opponent having status users in the first place, making it situational and somewhat contradictory with Heal Bell or Substitute.
Set Details
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The given EV spread along with an Impish nature optimizes Altaria's defenses while making it and is ideal for setting up Dragon Dance. 28 Speed EVs is are required to outrun Mega Lopunny and Manectric at +2, and to outrun also outruns maximum Speed Azumarill when unboosted. 248 HP / 136 Def / 96 SpD narrowly escapes kills prevents KOs from some commonly feared, powerful attacks; for instance, Mega Altaria can't be 2HKOed by Choice Band Dragonite's Earthquake, Life Orb Thundurus's Hidden Power Ice, Mega Heracross's Rock Blast, and +1 Jolly Mega Charizard X's Flare Blitz, and cannot be OHKOed by Jolly Mega Beedrill's Poison Jab and Azumarill's Play Rough. A speedier spread of 248 HP / 184 Def / 76 Spe with a Jolly nature gives enough Speed to outrun maximum Speed Thundurus after +1, but makes Mega Altaria signficantly less bulky. A specially defensive spread is also worth consideration, although Mega Altaria is generally more suited for taking common physical attacks.
Usage Tips
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This set is a hybrid of the support and offensive Dragon Dance sets; it utilizes its bulk and typing to check opposing threats as well as set up multiple boosts safely. While this set is bulky enough to set up on many foes, it is easily checked and walled due to the lack of immediate power and coverage. Therefore, setting up Dragon Dance boosts early-game is not recommended. During this time, however, Mega Altaria can act as an excellent defensive Pokemon that can soak up hits, recover, and hit back hard. After its checks and counters are either weakened or eliminated mid- to late-game, Mega Altaria can then use Dragon Dance as a win condition.
In regards to Dragon Dance, this set requires more than a couple of boosts to really get going. However, with its good bulk and typing in addition to having several status prevention methods, it can set up on many threats with little problem. With Heal Bell specifically, it can confidently set up in the face of defensive Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Thundurus, Chansey, (Mega) Sableye, Politoed, Alomomola, Ice Beam-less Slowbro, and both formes of Mega Charizard. Substitute requires more prediction, (AC) as Altaria then can't switch directly into status, but yields great results when used on the opponent's predicted switches. In such a situation, Altaria can choose to either set up or hit the switch-in with Return while behind a Substitute.
Team Options
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Defensively speaking, this set is self-sufficient, only really needing Rapid Spin or Defog support to guarantee survival of the KOs listed in the Set Details. On the other hand, it badly requires a tremendous amount of offensive support, as it has very limited coverage and power. Assuming it runs mono-Fairy coverage, Altaria definitely needs partners to take care of Steel- and Poison-types, among other foes such as Unaware Clefable. Gothitelle is definitely qualified for the job with its ability Shadow Tag, which allows allowing it to take out or cripple problematic Pokemon such as like Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, Dragalge, and other walls immediately. Magnezone is a better choice for trapping Steel-types, although a backup plan must be made if defensive Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn run Shed Shell. Heatran is, as usual, an excellent partner due to its defensive and offensive synergy with Altaria, using its coverage to take care of all opposing Steel-, Poison-, and Fairy-types while wearing down switch-ins with Lava Plume or Toxic. Likewise, Pokemon such as Latios, Fire Punch Diggersby, Choice Specs Dragalge, Dragonite, Breloom, and Superpower Azumarill are great choices, (AC) as they can lure in and deal huge damage to the aforementioned threats.
Other Options
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Without the Altarianite, Altaria is simply not viable or threatening at all, as it misses out on multiple benefits. In other words, don't even think about using normal Altaria in OU. (I think this is fine to keep) In terms of other movesets that haven't already been covered, Mega Altaria can utilize a physically based mixed attacking set without Dragon Dance, similar to the special attacking set above. Like said set, it can potentially lure in checks and counters to other sets as well.
Haze is a more immediate alternative to Roar and Perish Song, differentiating itself in the fact that it can counter stat-boosting Pokemon, such as Mega Sableye, Suicune, and Mega Slowbro, without forcing Altaria to move last and take a boosted hit. However, its usability ends there, and it is usually not recommended over Roar and Perish Song, as these moves have numerous other useful properties, especially forcing targets out. (keep) Likewise, Cotton Guard is undeniably a fun and somewhat useful move, allowing Altaria to win against its usual physical checks such as Scizor, Mega Metagross, Azumarill, Mega Lopunny, and Landorus-T. Unfortunately, it usually wastes a moveslot and doesn't solve Mega Altaria's vulnerability to status conditions or powerful special attacks.
Body Slam is a good physical attack that has a high chance of paralyzing foes while having a decent Base Power that is boosted by Pixilate. While it's certainly not a bad move by itself on defensive sets, it has competition with the more powerful Return. Likewise, Facade benefits from any status conditions Altaria might have taken, and is absolutely usable on any set that utilizes Return. However, it is overall very situational, not to mention weak and almost useless if the opponent doesn't happen to have a status user at all. Ice Beam is decent on special attacking sets, (AC) as it can OHKO Landorus, Landorus-T, and specially defensive Gliscor. This particular aspect is important, (AC) as KOing these threats immediately lessens the risk of taking heavy damage from Earthquake or, in the case of Gliscor, being stalled out by Toxic or Roost (Gliscor can otherwise do so if Altaria only has Hyper Voice).
Checks and Counters
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**Fairy-types**: Altaria typically can't do much damage to bulky Fairy-type Pokemon without Dragon Dance boosts, and even then they can tank one hit and hit back super effectively with STAB attacks. Special mention goes to Unaware Clefable for negating ignoring Attack boosts, although it can be 2HKOed by a maxed-out Return or Hyper Voice.
**Steel-types**: Ferrothorn, Heatran, Scizor, and Skarmory can counter Altaria depending on its lack of Fire or Ground coverage. (Mega) Scizor, especially physically defensive versions, is an exceptional counter if Altaria is lacking Fire Blast. In addition to tanking Fairy-type attacks and Earthquake, it can ruin Mega Altaria's day simply by doing deal heavy damage with Bullet Punch. Mega Metagross typically outruns and OHKOes every set.
**Poison-type Pokemon and coverage moves**: Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss can tank Mega Altaria's Fairy-type attacks and Earthquake a few times while hitting back with Poison-type STAB attacks. The latter, however, may struggle against sets running invested Fire Blast or Substitute. Mega Beedrill and Gengar can check unboosted Altaria effectively with their blazing Speed and strong Poison-type attacks; both are especially noticeable for punishing switches with U-turn and Substitute, respectively.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types do well defensively against sets lacking Ground or Dragon coverage, but can't do much in return, so only a select few are notable. Talonflame is resistant or immune to Altaria's most commonly used attacks, and can do fatal damage with Brave Bird or cripple Altaria with Will-O-Wisp. Mega Charizard Y sports the same resistances and immunities as Talonflame, (RC) and can do huge damage to non-defensive sets with its sun-boosted Fire Blast. Heatran sports a quadruple resistance to Fairy-type attacks as well as a slew of disruptive attacks, such as Toxic, Roar, Taunt, and burning attacks, to give Altaria nightmares for ages. Defensive variants, however, tend to struggle against Altaria sets with Substitute or Earthquake.
**Revenge Killers**: Though not many Choice Scarf users can cleanly OHKO Mega Altaria, common users such as Landorus-T, Excadrill, Icy Wind Keldeo, and Heatran can do enough heavy damage to cripple or KO it after some prior damage. In sandstorm, Sand Rush Excadrill outruns Altaria even at +2, (RC) and nearly OHKOes it with Iron Head. Priority users, especially those with Bullet Punch and Ice Shard, also threaten to cut Dragon Dance sweeps short, though most cannot OHKO it Altaria due to its bulk, and Altaria can typically take out most priority users itself. To this extent, Klefki and Thundurus pose threats with their priority Thunder Wave, though this strategy is rendered ineffective by sets with Heal Bell.