Metagross (Singles) (QC 2/3)

[dogknees]

[OVERVIEW]

* Mega-Metagross' top-tier Attack stat is complimented extremely well by its already strong STAB moves and versatile physical movepool, giving Mega-Metagross the capacity to 2HKO majority of the metagame

* Tough Claws is a very fitting ability for Mega-Metagross, with both STAB options being contact moves as well as other coverage options including Hammer Arm, and Post Pokebank options including Ice Punch / Thunder Punch

* Natural bulk is particularly good due the part Steel-type typing, giving Mega-Metagross nine resistances and one immunity. Despite these resistances, Mega-Metagross is still weak to three of the metagame's most offensive move types, being Ghost-type / Ground-type / Dark-type

* Given how popular the Tapus' are on nearly every team, Mega-Metagross serves as a fantastic answer to them

* Base 110 Speed puts Mega-Metagross ahead of threats including Aegislash, Hydreigon and Garchomp

[SET]
name: AoA (All out Attacker)
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Zen Headbutt
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Bullet Punch / Hammer Arm
item: Metagrossite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

* Meteor Mash is used over Iron Head as the Steel-type STAB of choice, while despite being less accurate than Iron Head, it does hit notably harder and has the chance to gain what could be a game changing attack boost

* Zen Headbutt is Mega-Metagross' only option for Psychic-type STAB, hitting Poison-type and Fighting-type threats including Mega-Gengar and Buzzwole with extreme firepower

* Earthquake covers Steel-type threats which resist both STAB moves such as Aegislash, Mega-Lucario, Magnezone, and other Mega-Metagross while also providing an 81.3% chance to OHKO Tapu Koko. Earthquake coverage lets it threaten certain Pokemon which would otherwise check it, including Alolan-Marowak

* Bullet Punch is used as means of hitting faster threats such as Tapu Koko, Mega-Gengar and Mega-Aerodactyl. Hammer Arm has a chance to 2HKO defensive Porygon2 and guaranteed OHKO on Mega-Kangaskhan and Hydreigon, although makes you very vulnerable to be revenge killed by Ground-type threats such as Garchomp due to the speed drop. Hydreigon can also take advantage of this and OHKO with Dark Pulse

Set Details
========

* Clear Body assists in not having to worry about common Intimidate Pokemon such as Salamence, Gyarados, and Arcanine, giving Metagross much more freedom when you chose to Mega evolve

* 252 Atk coupled with Tough Claws after mega evolving and powerful STAB contact moves lets Mega-Metagross abuse its insane physical power

* 252 Spe with a Jolly nature lets Mega-Metagross outspeed majority of the metagame including the more commonly seen Aurora Veil Alolan-Ninetails by one point, stopping it from setting up Aurora Veil with Meteor Mash if it's a Light Clay variant, as well as Garchomp, which would otherwise pose to be a big threat for Mega-Metagross

Usage Tips
========

* Mega-Metagross has amazing natural bulk. Generally, it can actually take one Super-Effective hit before being knocked out, making its checks fairly limited and its counters even fewer

* With the immunity to Toxic, Mega-Metagross can comfortably 1v1 any Porygon2 that doesn't carry Shadow Ball

* Offensive Ghost-types including Aegislash, Mimikyu, Mega-Gengar, Alolan-Marowak, and the occasional Ghost Z-Conversion Porygon-Z all pose a threat to Mega-Metagross. The team preview stage is important because of this, as the support to help Mega-Metagross against these Pokemon may not be entirely worth it

* Given Mega-Metagross' natural bulk and movepool, it can function reliably at any stage of the game, putting pressure on the opponent right from the beginning if you chose to lead or posing as a sweep threat if late game, as it forces the opponent to keep its Mega-Metagross answers healthy

* Can serve as a Tapu Lele counter if choice locked into Psychic / Psyshock / Moonblast.
Metagross cannot switch in safely especially in its non-Mega form where Choice Specs Shadow Ball OHKOs. Vs Choice Scarf variants, you lose as well, so play carefully when against Tapu Lele

* Mega evolving straight away is the best option for Mega-Metagross, granting you the instant 110 speed tier which grants you the ability to revenge kill Pokemon which would have initially been faster

Team Options
========

* It's Tapu central here. Mega-Metagross appreciates a Bulky Water-type to tank out the Ground-type and Fire-type moves which otherwise pose as a threat to Mega-Metagorss. Physically Defensive Tapu Fini fits this role perfectly, taking Ground-type moves with ease, while a base 130 Spd allows it to eat up Fire-type and Dark-type moves. Misty Surge is also really nice, allowing Mega-Metagross to switch-in against scald and have a better matchup vs Physically Defensive Arcanine and other mons carrying Will-O-Wisp

* Mega-Metagross loves the support from Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain. Under Psychic Terrain, furtherly increasing Zen Headbutt's power. Psychic Terrain also renders priority useless, protecting Mega-Metagross from Shadow Sneak / Sucker punch threats, but at the same time hindering your own ability to use Bullet Punch

* Tapu Bulu is also a nice partner, giving Mega-Metagross some much loved recovery from being grounded. This however has drawbacks, for while you take less damage from opposing Ground-type moves and sponge them, you also deal less damage with your own Earthquake, changing what would be a 2HKO on Aegislash-Defence to a 42.6% chance to 4HKO, which is not at all fine given that 252 Spa Modest Shadow Ball Aegislash can OHKO Mega-Metagross in return

* Tapu Koko fits quite nicely as well, being able to outspeed and OHKO Hydreigon, weaken Garchomp to the point where Mega-Metagross can revenge kill it, and also threaten bulky Water-types and Celesteela

* Pheromosa can be used to revenge kill opposing ground and dark threats with Ice beam / High Jump Kick coverage

* Mandibuzz can Taunt Celesteela and does fairly against Aegislash as long as it avoids Toxic, and it also provides a ground immunity and a Dark-type / Ghost-type resist

* Offensive Porygon2 works well against Defensive Celesteela and Offensive Aegislash, but falters against Substitute Aegislash

* Scarf Chandelure offers a means of speed control whilst also checking Aegislash and Defensive Celesteela, with Fire Blast being a guaranteed OHKO on both Pokemon

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

* For the Post Pokebank metagame, Ice Punch / Thunder Punch would be excellent options for Mega-Metagross, giving it more sufficient coverage against the metagame's current threats including Celesteela / Garchomp / Mega-Salamence / Mega-Gyarados / Tapu Fini, and post-bank threats to come such as Landorus-Therian / Crawdaunt

* Rock Polish as the 4th move along with an Adamant nature can be used as a sweeper, outpacing the entire meta and even some anti-meta threats such as Choice Scarf Tapu Koko

* Substitute is also a 4th move option to make Mega-Metagross harder to break, but at the cost of some coverage

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

**Celesteela**: Celesteela counters Mega-Metagross with ease, able to sponge up any physical hit and retaliate with Flamethrower / Earthquake / Leech seed + Protect

**Garchomp**: Garchomp's Earthquake does anywhere between 77-93% of damage, making it a reliable counter if Choice Scarf and reliable check if any other set, as Mega-Metagross can't OHKO with its current accessible moves

**Offensive Ghost-types**: Choice Scarf Chandelure can OHKO with Heat wave / Fire Blast while Mega-Gengar and Aegislash can OHKO with Shadow Ball. Granted, these Pokemon can only check Mega-Metagross, as a good prediction can OHKO all of them

**Bulky Water Types / Bulky Ground Types**: Mega Metagross struggles to break them without the two elemental punches, and spamming Meteor Mash until you get an attack boost / spamming Zen Headbutt until you flinch is an unreliable method of breaking these threats. Gyarados is the main culprit here, being able to intimidate Mega-Metagross and then proceed to setup with Dragon Dance. This is especially annoying, as Gyarados can then mega evolve, which can then OHKO Mega-Metagross with crunch at +1 after the Dragon Dance boost

**Post Pokebank Threats**: Ferrothorn easily sponges up Mega-Metagross' hits, dealing back damage with Iron Barbs + Rocky Helmet and can stall it out with Leech Seed + Protect. Choice Scarf Excadrill has a 75% chance to OHKO with Earthquake, making it a very reliable revenge killer. Bisharp can OHKO with sucker punch if at +2, while dealing 75%-90% with Adamant and Life Orb, while Weavile can comfortably revenge kill if Mega-Metagross is weakened and without Bullet Punch, dealing 62%-75% with Knock Off.

 

[dogknees]

This is now ready for Quality Control checks!

 

[Theorymon]

I'll check this now!

[OVERVIEW]

* Mega-Metagross has a whopping combined total stats of 700, along with amazing defensive bulk of 80 / 150 / 110 and base 145 Atk which is coupled beautifully with 110 Spe

* Tough Claws gives a nice boost to STAB contact moves, and any other contact moves

* Psychic / Steel typing gives Mega-Metagross have very nice resistances while also maintaining strong offensive pressure

* Mega-Metagross benefits from having two slots for coverage, with the only staple moves being Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt Not sure if I'd keep this, since Earthquake is pretty much needed because of Aegislash.

* Coverage options including pursuit and the elemental punches in the Post Pokebank metagame are all boosted by Tough Claws

* 80 / 150 / 110 is amazing natural bulk which is complimented by the part Steel typing

I'd mention some flaws, such as it having problems with some common Pokemon such as Celesteela and Aegislash, and ho its STABs don't give it particularly good coverage.

[SET]
name: AoA (All out Attacker)
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Bullet Punch / Hammer Arm / Pursuit
item: Metagrossite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

* Zen Headbutt is Mega-Metagross' only option for Psychic-type STAB, hitting Poison-type and Fighting-type threats including Mega-Gengar and Buzzwole with extreme firepower

* Meteor Mash is used over Iron Head as the Steel-type STAB of choice, while despite being less accurate than Iron Head, it does hit notably harder and has the chance to gain what could be a game changing attack boost

* Earthquake covers Steel-type threats which resist both STAB moves such as Aegislash, Mega-Lucario, Magnezone, and other Mega-Metagross while also providing an 81.3% chance to OHKO Tapu Koko. Earthquake coverage lets it threaten certain Pokemon which would otherwise check it, including Alolan-Marowak

* Bullet Punch is used as means of hitting faster threats such as Tapu Koko, Mega-Gengar and Mega-Aerodactyl. Hammer Arm has a chance to 2HKO defensive Porygon2 and guaranteed OHKO on Mega-Kangaskhan. Pursuit is to catch the mons which Mega-Metagross checks and counters on the switch, although a lot of the time Mega-Metagross would rather dent the switch-in with one of its STAB moves

I'd probably put Meteor Mash above Zen Headbutt since its the most powerful STAB. Also, I'd mention how Hammer Arm's Speed drop can be a big problem, letting Mega Metagross get revenge killed by threats such as Garchomp.

Set Details
========

* Clear Body assists in not having to worry about common Intimidate Pokemon such as Salamence, Gyarados, and Arcanine, giving Metagross much more freedom when you chose to Mega evolve

* 252 Atk coupled with Tough Claws after mega evolving and powerful STAB contact moves lets Mega-Metagross abuse its insane physical power

* 4 Def is minuscule and almost irrelevant, but is in Def to help sponge physical hits

* 252 Spe with a Jolly nature lets Mega-Metagross outspeed majority of the metagame including the more commonly seen Aurora Veil Alolan-Ninetails by one point, stopping it from setting up Aurora Veil with Meteor Mash if it's a Light Clay variant I'd mention that it also outspeeds Garchomp, which is incredible for a Steel-type.

Usage Tips
========

* Mega-Metagross has amazing natural bulk. Generally, it can actually take one Super-Effective hit before being knocked out, making its checks fairly limited and its counters even fewer. Unless the check can OHKO, Mega-Metagross is going to hit back extremely hard

* With the immunity to Toxic, Mega-Metagross can comfortably 1v1 any Porygon2 that doesn't carry Shadow Ball

* Due to the plethora of offensive Ghost-types and common Ghost-type coverage on Pokemon including Tapu Lele and Porygon2, the team preview stage is very important in deciding whether or not it's worth bringing along Mega-Metagross, as it does require support to take Ghost-type hits

* Given Mega-Metagross' natural bulk and movepool, it can function reliably at any stage of the game, putting pressure on the opponent right from the beginning if you chose to lead or posing as a sweep threat if late game, as it forces the opponent to keep its Mega-Metagross answers healthy

* Can serve as a Tapu Lele counter if choice locked into Psychic / Psyshock

I'd mention that you might as well Mega Evolve right away. The only thing staying in base form does is let you take an Intimidate from Salamence and Gyarados before they Mega Evolve. Mandibuzz can Taunt Celesteela and does pretty well against Aegislash as long as it avoids Toxic, and it also provides a ground immunity and a dark / ghost resist.

Team Options
========

* Mega-Metagross loves the support from Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain. Under Psychic Terrain, Zen Heabutt hits with a base power of essentially 120 without factoring in Tough Claws or STAB. Psychic Terrain also renders priority useless, protecting Mega-Metagross from Shadow Sneak / Sucker punch threats, but at the same time hindering your own ability to use Bullet Punch

* Tapu Bulu is also a nice partner, giving Mega-Metagross some much loved recovery from being grounded. This however has drawbacks, for while you take less damage from opposing Ground-type moves and sponge them, you also deal less damage with your own Earthquake, changing what would be a 2HKO on Aegislash-Defence to a 42.6% chance to 4HKO, which is not at all fine given that 252 Spa Modest Shadow Ball Aegislash can OHKO Mega-Metagross in return

* It's Tapu central here. Mega-Metagross appreciates a Bulky Water-type to tank out the Ground-type and Fire-type moves which otherwise pose as a threat to Mega-Metagorss. Physically Defensive Tapu Fini fits this role perfectly, taking Ground-type moves with ease, while a base 130 Spd allows it to eat up Fire-type and Dark-type moves. Misty Surge is also really nice, allowing Mega-Metagross to switch-in against scald and have a better matchup vs Physically Defensive Arcanine and other mons carrying Will-O-Wisp

* Pheromosa can be used to revenge kill opposing ground and dark threats with Ice beam / High Jump Kick coverage

I'd mention some Celesteela and Aegislash checks as well. Offensive Porygon2 works well against Defensive Celesteela and Offensive Aegislash, but note that it falters against Substitute Aegislash.

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

* For the Post Pokebank metagame, Ice Punch / Thunder Punch would be excellent options for Mega-Metagross, giving it more sufficient coverage against the metagame's current threats including Celesteela / Garchomp / Mega-Salamence / Mega-Gyarados / Tapu Fini, and post-bank threats to come such as Landorus-Therian / Crawdaunt

* Rock Polish as the 4th move along with an Adamant nature can be used as a sweeper, outpacing the entire meta and even some anti-meta threats such as Choice Scarf Tapu Koko

* Gravity is an anti-meta option as a 4th move which can be used so that Celesteela is hit by Earthquake, while also guaranteeing hits with Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt

* Substitute is also a 4th move option to make Mega-Metagross harder to break, but at the cost of some coverage

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

**Celesteela**: Celesteela counters Mega-Metagross with ease, able to sponge up any physical hit and retaliate with Flamethrower / Earthquake / Leech seed + Protect

**Garchomp**: Garchomp's Earthquake does anywhere between 77-93% of damage, making it a reliable counter if Choice Scarf and reliable check if any other set, as Mega-Metagross can't OHKO with its current accessible moves

**Offensive Ghost-types**: Choice Scarf Chandelure can OHKO with Heat wave / Fire Blast while Mega-Gengar and Aegislash can OHKO with Shadow Ball. Granted, these Pokemon can only check Mega-Metagross, as a good prediction can OHKO all of them

**Bulky Water Types / Bulky Ground Types**: Mega Metagross struggles to break them without the two elemental punches, and spamming Meteor Mash until you get an attack boost / spamming Zen Headbutt until you flinch is an unreliable method of breaking these threats

**Post Pokebank Threats**: Ferrothorn easily sponges up Mega-Metagross' hits, dealing back damage with Iron Barbs + Rocky Helmet and can stall it out with Leech Seed + Protect. Choice Scarf Excadrill has a 75% chance to OHKO with Earthquake, making it a very reliable revenge killer. Bisharp can OHKO with sucker punch if at +2, while dealing 75%-90% with Adamant and Life Orb, while Weavile can comfortably revenge kill if Mega-Metagross is weakened and without Bullet Punch, dealing 62%-75% with Knock Off.

 

[dogknees]

Thanks very much Theorymon, I've implemented all of your checks!

 

[Theorymon]

QC Approved 1/3

 

[dogknees]

It just occurred to me that Hammer Arm is also an option to Hit Hydreigon, so this small edit has been added in under the 4th bullet point of the Set Comment section.

Edit after QC Check: Hammer Arm has a chance to 2HKO defensive Porygon2 and guaranteed OHKO on Mega-Kangaskhan and Hydreigon, although makes you very vulnerable to be revenge killed by Ground-type threats such as Garchomp due to the speed drop. Hydreigon can also take advantage of this and OHKO with Dark Pulse.

 

[bobochan]

OVERVIEW
"Mega-Metagross has a whopping combined total stats of 700, along with amazing defensive bulk of 80 / 150 / 110 and base 145 Atk which is coupled beautifully with 110 Spe" and "80 / 150 / 110 is amazing natural bulk which is complimented by the part Steel typing" This is called repeat of unnecessary information. Quoting the analyses guide from last gen: "What isn't fine is statements like 'Gengar has a great base 130 Special Attack stat'. This provides no useful information to the reader." The first few points also lack examples, even one or two is fine. Rewrite the overview or edit more details in. If you need an example, here's the overview of Mega Metagross by Lucy (last gen):
http://www.smogon.com/dex/xy/pokemon/metagross/battle_spot_singles/

SET
Pursuit isn't worth it majority of the time, consider removal. (Even you stated "a lot of the time Mega-Metagross would rather dent the switch-in with one of its STAB moves" so there you go.)

Set Details
Unless it's for something specific such as preventing Porygon2 from getting a Download boost, remove the mention of the "4 Def is minuscule and almost irrelevant, but is in Def to help sponge physical hits" part.

Usage Tips
Cut the fluff like: "plethora of offensive Ghost-types" and "including the significant +10 Atk". You want to be more specific when you mention things. "Unless the check can OHKO, Mega-Metagross is going to hit back extremely hard" What "check" are you talking about here? Hydreigon? You gotta be specific, the reader won't know.

Team Options
Just increase in Zen Headbutt's power is fine, no need for the 120 BP part. You mention "Tapu Central" but you completely left out Tapu Koko. Outspeeds and OHKOs Hydreigon, weakens Garchomp to OHKO range, and threatens bulky Water-types + Celesteela.

Other Options
No to Gravity, unless another QC member says otherwise.

Checks and Counters
Bulky Water-types should mention Gyarados/Mega Gyarados. Getting an Intimidate in and then DD followed by STAB Crunch (OHKO) is a pain to deal with.

After these changes I will look over it one more time.

 

[dogknees]

It's ready for another look whenever you are, bobochan!

 

[bobochan]

OVERVIEW
Combine the two sentences talking about its typing. Or be more clear with Metagross's flaw and what it struggles with in particular. Hydreigon and Garchomp aren't exactly "slow", so just remove the word slower would be fine. If you really have nothing else for this section: given how popular the Tapu's are on nearly every team, Metagross is a fantastic answer to them.

Usage Tips
Additional notes on the Tapu Lele part: Metagross cannot switch in safely especially in its non-Mega form where Choice Specs Shadow Ball OHKOs. Vs Scarf variants, you lose as well. So just be careful when vsing Lele.

Team Options
Improper ordering here, it should be Tapu central followed by the mention of the Tapu's and not vice-versa (imo).

2/3

 

[dogknees]

All fixed up, thank you bobochan!