Ubers Magearna

Nixon73

Scuttlebug Jamboree


[OVERVIEW]

Through its bulk and defensive typing, Magearna acts as an excellent blanket check for some of the most dangerous offensive Pokemon in the tier, including Xerneas, Yveltal, Deoxys-A, Darkrai, Mewtwo without Fire Blast, and Arceus-Dark. Heart Swap in particular allows it to defeat prominent boosting special attackers, making it arguably the best counter to the omnipresent Xerneas as well as a significant obstacle to Calm Mind Arceus formes. However, Magearna's viability is severely hurt by the common usage of its counters, especially Primal Groudon, which is present on almost any serious team and can easily set up on Magearna. Since Magearna lacks access to Toxic, it has no effective options to punish these threats, and its dependence on Leftovers and the unreliable Pain Split for recovery leaves it easy to wear down throughout the match. Moreover, its generally passive nature means that it loses a lot of momentum when it comes in and makes it a bad fit for offensive teams. Magearna has one role it can fill effectively as a blanket check for several powerful threats in the tier. Teams that need to cover all of these threats in one slot should give serious consideration to Magearna; those that do not should opt for a different check with more general utility.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Fleur Cannon
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Heart Swap
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fleur Cannon is a powerful STAB attack that hits Dark- and Dragon-types for significant damage. It causes a sharp drop in Special Attack, but since Magearna is so easy to scare out, this is usually insignificant. Volt Switch allows Magearna to provide safe opportunities to switch in for its teammates, which works well with its low Speed. Heart Swap is the defining move of the set, making it impossible for prominent special sweepers such as Xerneas and Arceus-Dark to set up unpunished. Pain Split is Magearna's only form of recovery and makes for an effective option to punish its checks such as Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh. As an alternative to Volt Switch, Flash Cannon can be used as a way to hit foes without being forced out by a stat drop and can inflict substantial damage on Fairy-types such as Xerneas.

Set Details
========

The only use Magearna has is to pivot into special attackers, so full investment in HP and Special Defense helps it perform this role. Leftovers further contributes to Magearna's ability to take special attacks throughout the match by providing a steady means of recovery. Soul Heart provides Magearna with a Special Attack boost whenever it lands a KO, but this is largely useless since Magearna still poses no threat whatsoever to its counters at +1.

Usage Tips
========

Almost every opponent will switch to Groudon or Ho-Oh when faced with Magearna, since they function as repeatedly usable hard checks. Anticipate these switches and try to double switch to something that can seize momentum against them, such as Mega Salamence or Giratina-O. Magearna's access to Volt Switch may seem promising, but it is severely hampered by the fact that Primal Groudon blocks Volt Switch and is the default switch-in to Magearna. Switching out normally is typically a better option if one anticipates a switch to Primal Groudon, although Volt Switch can be an effective way to punish a predicted switch to Ho-Oh or a Steel-type check. Pain Split tends to be the most consistent way to punish Magearna's checks after taking some chip damage and should be used often if Magearna is being used to check multiple Pokemon. Magearna should be played cautiously if your team is relying on it to check a specific opposing Pokemon and sent out only for that purpose, although it can be switched in liberally and repeatedly against most Pokemon that it checks. However, it is important to watch out for coverage moves on these Pokemon, especially Earth Power from Calm Mind Arceus formes, Heat Wave from Yveltal, and Hidden Power Ground from Xerneas. On the other hand, if Magearna isn't needed to check any of its usual targets, it still has enough physical bulk to get a good hit in against physical sweepers such as Mega Salamence. When facing Xerneas, the threat of Heart Swap is more important than its actual usage, since most good players will not be foolish enough to leave a boosted Xerneas in on Magearna. However, if Magearna does steal boosts, it is still incapable of functioning as an offensive threat unless its checks have all been worn down significantly, so it is usually best to just fire off a Fleur Cannon and pivot out.

Team Options
========

Magearna is not a Pokemon to build a team around, but rather it is one that can cover several weaknesses for a mostly complete team. It also fits better in defensive teams, since it is a significant momentum drain. Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Zygarde, Giratina, Kyurem-W, and Arceus-Dragon appreciate Magearna, since it can blanket check the weaknesses they invite onto a team. Giratina-O and Zygarde-C in particular make for excellent teammates, as Magearna can handle the Ice-, Fairy-, and Dragon-type moves these physical tanks fear. In turn, they can punish switches to Primal Groudon and other Magearna checks. Mega Sableye is an effective partner to Magearna, as Magearna can cover its only weakness in Fairy, and it can beat passive Pokemon that often switch into Magearna such as Ferrothorn. Ho-Oh is also a good partner, as it can switch into special Arceus-Ground and the Steel-types that can comfortably wall Magearna, and it fits well in the defensive teams where Magearna is used. Defog support from defensive Arceus formes or Giratina formes can help remedy Magearna's vulnerability to Spikes.
Magearna appreciates being paired with Pokemon that can punish a predicted switch to Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Magearna's other counters. Physical Arceus-Ground is an effective offensive option that can threaten Magearna checks with its EdgeQuake coverage and appreciates Magearna's ability to tank Ice Beams. Primal Kyogre checks every Pokemon commonly switched into Magearna and is very hard to switch into. Mega Gyarados can also break through Magearna checks such as Arceus-Ground and Primal Groudon, and it appreciates having Magearna nullify its most prominent check in Xerneas. Once the opposing Primal Groudon is defeated, Magearna's use of Volt Switch lets it support frail wallbreakers that appreciate free opportunities to switch in, such as Mega Lucario, Deoxys-A, Kyurem-W, and Rayquaza.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Magearna's coverage options are hampered by its Speed and the fact that it cannot afford offensive investment, so its STAB moves are usually its best moves. 4x super effective coverage is always devastating, so running Shadow Ball for Lunala or Hidden Power Fire for Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor can net some surprise KOs, but these are largely gimmicks that compromise Magearna's ability to perform its proper role. Magearna's passivity and the fact that it can handle little outside of its specific targets mean that Magearna really only has one viable set; seeking other options is a sign that a team does not need a check for Magearna's specific targets and should consider something with more general utility.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Fire-types are Magearna's most effective counters, resisting both of its STAB moves and threatening it with super effective attacks. Primal Groudon is the most significant by far, as it hard checks Magearna repeatedly and is the most common Pokemon in the metagame, to the point where it defines how Magearna is played. Ho-Oh is also a dangerous wallbreaker that can freely switch into any Magearna set and is incredibly hard to switch into. If a team is to run Magearna, it must come prepared to handle giving these powerful Pokemon repeated opportunities to switch in.

**Ground-types**: Offensive Ground-types can force out Magearna by threatening it with their powerful STAB moves. While the likes of Arceus-Ground, Dugtrio, and Excadrill don't appreciate taking a Fleur Cannon on the switch, they each outspeed and easily KO Magearna. Dugtrio is particularly worthy of caution if you're counting on Magearna as your only Xerneas check, since getting trapped will immediately cost you the game.

**Coverage Moves**: Magearna will take serious damage from Yveltal's Heat Wave, Xerneas's Hidden Power Ground, and Calm Mind Arceus's Earth Power, so play carefully if the opponent seems willing to stay in with a Pokemon checked by Magearna.

**Physical Attackers**: Magearna is intended to check special attackers, so strong physical attackers such as Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence with Earthquake, physical Arceus, Pheromosa, and Solgaleo can easily pick it off with only a little prior damage.

**Spikes**: Magearna resists Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, but as a grounded defensive pivot with no reliable recovery it is very easy to wear down with Spikes. This is not helped by the fact that it can do nothing to common Spikes users such as Ferrothorn.
 
Last edited:

Nixon73

Scuttlebug Jamboree
I think this is ready for QC. Was a bit meaner than the other guy on running non-standard sets, so would like feedback on that too.
 
Last edited:

Minority

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Change slashing to this:

move 1: Fleur Cannon
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Heart Swap
move 4: Pain Split

with flash cannon in moves


Change all the details accordingly, then I'll stamp.
 
Change slashing to this:

move 1: Fleur Cannon
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Heart Swap
move 4: Pain Split

with flash cannon in moves


Change all the details accordingly, then I'll stamp.
I don't necessarily condemn this change, but why is Volt Switch becoming the only slash after it was unslashed for so long?

Also to the op in Flash Cannon moves it's mentioned that it hits stuff that is resistant to fleur cannon. Literally the only mon I can think of is (borderline at that) Arceus-Poison. Steels, fires, and muk are all hit harder by Fleur Cannon.
 

Minority

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Flash Cannon can be used instead of Volt Switch as a way to hit Fairy-types such as Xerneas
? Flash Cannon does less to Xern than Fleur Cannon.

However, its usefulness is severely diminished by the presence of Primal Groudon, which is the default Pokemon to switch into Magearna anyways, so it should not be used until the opposing Primal Groudon is knocked out.
Such a comment would belong in usage tips, not moves.

Implement these and this is


QC: 1/3
 
Mega Gyarados works well with this mon. Usage Tips is too harsh on Volt Switch. If a Primal Groudon wants to switch into Magearna it risks taking around 25% each time and Magearna should be paired with sufficient checks to Primal Groudon. Volt Switch is for the ones who switch Ho-Oh or a Steel-type into Magearna, as Ho-Oh especially is much harder to deal with when given a free turn than Primal Groudon.

QC 2/3
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
For Team Options,

As you have mentioned under C&C how magearna allows Ferrothorn to switch in pretty easily and setup Spikes which can become problem later on. To handle Ferrothorn, and builkier Steel-types like Celesteela that can go for a free leech seed on Magearna, I believe Mega Sableye can be paired alongside Magearna to bounce back any Spikes and Leech Seed ( Usually Ferrothorn can pressure defog-users like support Arceus formes and Giratina-O and Mega Sableye is able to hard counter this Pokemon).

Ho-oh is also good pokemon to pair magearna with as it can check the one CM Arceus forme that Magearna cannot, i.e, Arceus-Ground. It also beats all the Steel-type switchins to Magearna.


Under Usage Tips,

Mention how you can use volt switch to pivot out on expected steel-type switchins like Ferrothorn since Magearna gives away a lot of momentum if the Pokemon in question is able to switch in unscratched.

Edit: The concerns about steel-types have already been addressed by Nayrz but I don't see that it has been implemented so please do fix that!
 

Nixon73

Scuttlebug Jamboree
Thank you for the check!
English is actually not my native language and I genuinely can't tell what capitalization errors I'm making, unless I'm not supposed to capitalize moves and stuff or types but I see other analyses doing this. I'll rely on GP to help me figure out those errors.
 
Nixon73
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Through its bulk and defensive typing, Magearna acts as an excellent blanket check for some of the most dangerous offensive Pokemon in the tier, notably (redundant) including Xerneas, Yveltal, Deoxys-A, Darkrai, several Mewtwo variants (there's only 3, so you should really either list out the ones it does check or say "all Mewtwo formes"), and Arceus-Dark. Heart Swap in particular allows it to defeat prominent boosting special attackers, making it arguably the best counter to the omnipresent Xerneas as well as a significant obstable obstacle to Calm Mind Arceus formes. However, Magearna's viability is severely hurt by the common usage of its counters, especially Primal Groudon, which is present on almost any serious team and can easily set up on Magearna. Since Magearna unfortunately lacks access to Toxic, it has no effective options to punish these threats, and its dependence on Leftovers and Pain Split for unreliable recovery leaves it easy to wear down throughout the match. Moreover, its generally passive nature loses a lot means that it loses a lot of momentum when it comes in and makes it a bad fit for offensive teams. Magearna has exactly one role it can fill effectively as a blanket check for several powerful threats in the tier. Teams that need to cover all of these threats in one slot should give serious consideration to Magearna; those that do not should opt for a different check with more general utility.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Fleur Cannon
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Heart Swap
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
ability: Soul Heart
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fleur Cannon is a powerful STAB attack that hits Dark- and Dragon-types for significant damage. It causes a sharp drop in Special Attack, (RC) but since Magearna is so easy to scare out this is usually insignificant. Volt Switch allows Magearna to provide safe switch-ins opportunities to switch in for its teammates, which works well with its low speed Speed. Heart Swap is the defining move of the set, making it impossible for prominent special sweepers such as Xerneas and Arceus-Dark to set up unpunished (they can still set up, just not safely). Pain Split is Magearna's only form of recovery, (RC) and makes for an effective punish option against to punish its checks such as Primal Groudon and Ho-oh Ho-Oh. As an alternative to Volt Switch, Flash Cannon can be used as a way to hit enemies foes without being forced out by a stat drop or effect, (what effects?) and can inflict substantial damage on Fairy-types such as Xerneas.

Set Details
========

The only use Magearna has is to pivot into special attackers, so full investment in hp HP and special defense Special Defense helps it perform this role. Leftovers further contributes to Magearna's ability to take special attacks throughout the match by providing a steady means of recovery. Soul Heart provides Magearna with an offensive boost a Special Attack boost (subjective but I think it's better to call it what it is rather than making it unclear which stat it boosts) whenever it lands a KO, but this is largely useless, (AC) since Magearna still poses no threat whatsoever to its counters at +1.

Usage Tips
========

Almost every team opponent (the team itself cannot switch) will switch to Groudon or Ho-oh Ho-Oh when faced with Magearna, (AC) since they function as repeatedly usable hard checks. Anticipate these switches and try to double switch into something that can seize momentum against them, such as Mega Salamence or Giratina-O. Magearna's access to Volt Switch may seem promising, but it is severely hampered by the fact that Primal Groudon blocks Volt Switch and is already the default switch-in to Magearna. Switching out normally is typically a better option if one anticipates a switch to Primal Groudon, although Volt Switch can be an effective way to punish a predicted switch to Ho-oh and Ho-Oh or a (you cant switch multiple Pokemon in) Steel-type checks check. Pain Split tends to be the most consistent way to punish Magearna's checks after taking some chip damage, (RC) and should be used often if Magearna is being used to check multiple pokemon Pokemon. Magearna should be played cautiously if your team is relying on it to check a specific enemy pokemon, opposing Pokemon and sent out only for that purpose, although it can be switched in liberally and repeatedly against most of what Pokemon that it checks. However, it is important to watch out for coverage moves on these pokemon Pokemon, especially Earth Power from Calm Mind Arceus (jsyk this is only referring to Arceus-Normal the way you've phrased it, if you're talking about arceus in general say "Calm Mind Arceus Formes"), Heat Wave from Yveltal, (AC) and Hidden Power Ground from Xerneas. On the other hand, if Magearna isn't needed to check any of its usual targets, it still has enough physical bulk to get a good hit in against physical sweepers such as Mega Salamence. When facing Xerneas, the threat of Heart Swap is more important than the actual fact of it actually using it, since most good players will not be foolish enough to leave a boosted Xerneas in on Magearna. However, if you do Magearna does steal boosts, Magearna it is still incapable of functioning as an offensive threat unless its checks have all been worn down significantly, so it is usually best to just fire off a Fleur Cannon and pivot out.

Team Options
========

Magearna is not a pokemon Pokemon to build a team around, but rather it is one that can cover several weaknesses for a mostly-complete one mostly complete team. It also fits better in defensive teams, (AC) since it is a significant momentum drain. Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Zygarde, Giratina-A Giratina, Kyurem-W, (AC) and Arceus-Dragon appreciate Magearna, since it can blanket check the weaknesses they invite onto a team. Giratina-O and Zygarde-C in particular make for excellent teammates, as Magearna can handle the Ice-, Fairy-, (AC) and Dragon-type moves these physical tanks fear. In turn, they can punish switches to Primal Groudon and other Magearna checks. Mega Sableye is an effective partner to Magearna, as Magearna can cover its only weakness in Fairy, and it can stop beat passive pokemon Pokemon that can often switch (anything "can" switch in) into Magearna such as Ferrothorn. Ho-oh Ho-Oh is also a good partner, as it can switch into special Arceus-Ground and the Steel-types that can comfortably wall Magearna, and it fits well in the defensive teams where Magearna is used. A Defog support from defensive Arceus formes or Giratina formes can help remedy Magearna's weakness to Spikes (Spikes deals the same amount of damage to all grounded Pokemon, unless you meant that Magearna is particular vulnerable to being worn down by it?). Magearna appreciates being paired up with Pokemon that can punish a predicted switch to Primal Groudon, Ho-oh Ho-Oh, and Magearna's other counters. Physical Arceus-Ground is an effective offensive option that can threaten Magearna checks with its EdgeQuake coverage and appreciates its Magearna's ability to tank Ice Beams. Primal Kyogre checks every pokemon Pokemon commonly switched into Magearna and is very hard to switch into. Mega Gyarados can also offensively check break through ("check Magearna checks" sounds a little repetitive) Magearna checks such as Arceus-Ground and Primal Groudon, and it appreciates having Magearna nullify its most prominent check in Xerneas. Once the enemy opposing Primal Groudon is defeated, Magearna's use of Volt Switch lets it support frail wallbreakers that appreciate free switches opportunities to switch in, such as Mega Lucario, Deoxys-A, Kyurem-W, (AC) and Rayquaza.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Magearna's coverage options are hampered by its speed Speed and the fact that it cannot afford offensive investment, so its STABs STAB moves (STAB shouldn't be used as a noun except if you're saying something like "Fleur Cannon" gives STAB. Read out the whole meaning; "its same-type attack bonuses are usually its best moves" does not make sense) are usually its best moves. 4x super effective coverage is always devastating, so running Shadow Ball for Lunala or Hidden Power Fire for Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor can net some surprise KOs, but these are largely gimmicks that compromise its Magearna's ability to perform its proper role. Magearna's passivity and the fact that it can handle little outside of its specific targets mean that Magearna really only has one viable set; - seeking other options is a sign that a team does not need Magearna's blanket coverage and should consider something with more general utility.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-Types Fire-types**: Fire-types are Magearna's most effective counters, resisting both of its STAB moves and threatening it with super effective attacks. Primal Groudon is the most significant by far, as it hard-checks hard checks Magearna repeatedly and is the most common pokemon Pokemon in the game metagame, to the point where it defines how Magearna is played. Ho-oh Ho-Oh is also a dangerous wallbreaker that can freely switch into any Magearna set and is incredibly hard to switch into. If a team is to run Magearna, it must come prepared to handle giving these powerful pokemon Pokemon repeated free switches opportunities to switch in.

**Ground-Types Ground-types**: Offensive Ground-types can force out Magearna by threatening it with their powerful STAB moves. While the likes of Arceus-Ground, Dugtrio, (AC) and Excadrill don't appreciate taking a Fleur Cannon on the switch, they each outspeed and easily KO Magearna. Dugtrio is particularly worthy of caution if you're counting on Magearna as your only Xerneas check, since getting trapped will immediately cost you the game.

**Coverage Moves**: Magearna will take serious damage from Yveltal's Heat Wave, Xerneas' Xerneas's Hidden Power Ground, (AC) and Arceus' Arceus's Earth Power (once again, this is referring to Arceus-Normal), so play carefully if the enemy seems a bit too happy staying on in its check your opponent seems to willing to stay in with a Pokemon checked by Magearna.

**Physical Attackers**: Magearna is intended to check special attackers, so strong physical attackers such as Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence with Earthquake, Physical physical Arceus, Pheromosa, (AC) and Solgaleo can easily pick it off with only a little prior damage.

**Spikes**: Magearna resists Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, but as a grounded defensive pivot with no reliable recovery it is very easy to wear down with Spikes. This is not helped by the fact that it can do nothing to common Spikes users such as Ferrothorn.

GP 1/2
 

Lumari

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remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Through its bulk and defensive typing, Magearna acts as an excellent blanket check for some of the most dangerous offensive Pokemon in the tier, including Xerneas, Yveltal, Deoxys-A, Darkrai, Mewtwo without Fire Blast, and Arceus-Dark. Heart Swap in particular allows it to defeat prominent boosting special attackers, making it arguably the best counter to the omnipresent Xerneas as well as a significant obstacle to Calm Mind Arceus formes. However, Magearna's viability is severely hurt by the common usage of its counters, especially Primal Groudon, which is present on almost any serious team and can easily set up on Magearna. Since Magearna lacks access to Toxic, it has no effective options to punish these threats, and its dependence on Leftovers and the unreliable Pain Split for unreliable recovery leaves it easy to wear down throughout the match. Moreover, its generally passive nature means that it loses a lot of momentum when it comes in and makes it a bad fit for offensive teams. Magearna has one role it can fill effectively as a blanket check for several powerful threats in the tier. Teams that need to cover all of these threats in one slot should give serious consideration to Magearna; those that do not should opt for a different check with more general utility.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Fleur Cannon
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Heart Swap
move 4: Pain Split
item: Leftovers
ability: Soul Heart
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Fleur Cannon is a powerful STAB attack that hits Dark- and Dragon-types for significant damage. It causes a sharp drop in Special Attack, (AC) but since Magearna is so easy to scare out, (AC) this is usually insignificant. Volt Switch allows Magearna to provide safe opportunities to switch in for its teammates, which works well with its low speed Speed. Heart Swap is the defining move of the set, making it impossible for prominent special sweepers such as Xerneas and Arceus-Dark to set up unpunished. Pain Split is Magearna's only form of recovery and makes for an effective option to punish its checks such as Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh. As an alternative to Volt Switch, Flash Cannon can be used as a way to hit foes without being forced out by a stat drop (RC) and can inflict substantial damage on Fairy-types such as Xerneas.

Set Details
========

The only use Magearna has is to pivot into special attackers, so full investment in HP and Special Defense helps it perform this role. Leftovers further contributes to Magearna's ability to take special attacks throughout the match by providing a steady means of recovery. Soul Heart provides Magearna with a Special Attack boost whenever it lands a KO, (AC) but this is largely useless, (AC) since Magearna still poses no threat whatsoever to its counters at +1.

Usage Tips
========

Almost every opponent will switch to Groudon or Ho-Oh when faced with Magearna, since they function as repeatedly usable hard checks. Anticipate these switches and try to double switch into to something that can seize momentum against them, such as Mega Salamence or Giratina-O. Magearna's access to Volt Switch may seem promising, but it is severely hampered by the fact that Primal Groudon blocks Volt Switch and is the default switch-in to Magearna. Switching out normally is typically a better option if one anticipates a switch to Primal Groudon, although Volt Switch can be an effective way to punish a predicted switch to Ho-Oh or a Steel-type check. Pain Split tends to be the most consistent way to punish Magearna's checks after taking some chip damage and should be used often if Magearna is being used to check multiple Pokemon. (remove line break) Magearna should be played cautiously if your team is relying on it to check a specific opposing Pokemon (RC) and sent out only for that purpose, although it can be switched in liberally and repeatedly against most Pokemon that it checks. However, it is important to watch out for coverage moves on these Pokemon, especially Earth Power from Calm Mind Arceus formes, Heat Wave from Yveltal, and Hidden Power Ground from Xerneas. On the other hand, if Magearna isn't needed to check any of its usual targets, it still has enough physical bulk to get a good hit in against physical sweepers such as Mega Salamence. When facing Xerneas, the threat of Heart Swap is more important than its actual usage, since most good players will not be foolish enough to leave a boosted Xerneas in on Magearna. However, if Magearna does steal boosts, it is still incapable of functioning as an offensive threat unless its checks have all been worn down significantly, so it is usually best to just fire off a Fleur Cannon and pivot out.

Team Options
========

Magearna is not a Pokemon to build a team around, but rather it is one that can cover several weaknesses for a mostly complete team. It also fits better in defensive teams, since it is a significant momentum drain. Pokemon such as Giratina-O, Zygarde, Giratina, Kyurem-W, and Arceus-Dragon appreciate Magearna, since it can blanket check the weaknesses they invite onto a team. Giratina-O and Zygarde-C in particular make for excellent teammates, as Magearna can handle the Ice-, Fairy-, and Dragon-type moves these physical tanks fear. In turn, they can punish switches to Primal Groudon and other Magearna checks. Mega Sableye is an effective partner to Magearna, as Magearna can cover its only weakness in Fairy, and it can beat passive Pokemon that often switch into Magearna such as Ferrothorn. Ho-Oh is also a good partner, as it can switch into special Arceus-Ground and the Steel-types that can comfortably wall Magearna, and it fits well in the defensive teams where Magearna is used. Defog support from defensive Arceus formes or Giratina formes can help remedy Magearna's vulnerability to Spikes.
Magearna appreciates being paired with Pokemon that can punish a predicted switch to Primal Groudon, Ho-Oh, and Magearna's other counters. Physical Arceus-Ground is an effective offensive option that can threaten Magearna checks with its EdgeQuake coverage and appreciates Magearna's ability to tank Ice Beams. Primal Kyogre checks every Pokemon commonly switched into Magearna and is very hard to switch into. Mega Gyarados can also break through Magearna checks such as Arceus-Ground and Primal Groudon, and it appreciates having Magearna nullify its most prominent check in Xerneas. Once the opposing Primal Groudon is defeated, Magearna's use of Volt Switch lets it support frail wallbreakers that appreciate free opportunities to switch in, such as Mega Lucario, Deoxys-A, Kyurem-W, and Rayquaza.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Magearna's coverage options are hampered by its Speed and the fact that it cannot afford offensive investment, so its STAB moves are usually its best moves. 4x super effective coverage is always devastating, so running Shadow Ball for Lunala or Hidden Power Fire for Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor can net some surprise KOs, but these are largely gimmicks that compromise Magearna's ability to perform its proper role. Magearna's passivity and the fact that it can handle little outside of its specific targets mean that Magearna really only has one viable set; seeking other options is a sign that a team does not need Magearna's blanket coverage defensive attributes (or w/e but awkward use of coverage) and should consider something with more general utility.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: (unbold these) Fire-types are Magearna's most effective counters, resisting both of its STAB moves and threatening it with super effective attacks. Primal Groudon is the most significant by far, as it hard checks Magearna repeatedly and is the most common Pokemon in the metagame, to the point where it defines how Magearna is played. Ho-Oh is also a dangerous wallbreaker that can freely switch into any Magearna set and is incredibly hard to switch into. If a team is to run Magearna, it must come prepared to handle giving these powerful Pokemon repeated opportunities to switch in.

**Ground-types**: Offensive Ground-types can force out Magearna by threatening it with their powerful STAB moves. While the likes of Arceus-Ground, Dugtrio, and Excadrill don't appreciate taking a Fleur Cannon on the switch, they each outspeed and easily KO Magearna. Dugtrio is particularly worthy of caution if you're counting on Magearna as your only Xerneas check, since getting it trapped will immediately cost you the game.

**Coverage Moves**: Magearna will take serious damage from Yveltal's Heat Wave, Xerneas's Hidden Power Ground, and Calm Mind Arceus's Earth Power, so play carefully if the opponent seems willing to stay in with a Pokemon checked by Magearna.

**Physical Attackers**: Magearna is intended to check special attackers, so strong physical attackers such as Mega Lucario, Mega Salamence with Earthquake, physical Arceus, Pheromosa, and Solgaleo can easily pick it off with only a little prior damage.

**Spikes**: Magearna resists Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes, but as a grounded defensive pivot with no reliable recovery it is very easy to wear down with Spikes. This is not helped by the fact that it can do nothing to common Spikes users such as Ferrothorn.
 
Last edited:

Nixon73

Scuttlebug Jamboree
There were a few parts where the GP contradicted each other, just kinda listened to the one I liked more when that happened. With that noted, I'm flagging this as done! Ty to all GP and QC for checks.
 

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