Welcome to the post-Aegislash discussion thread! With the banning of Aegislash, the metagame has already begun to shift, and many pokemon once-unviable in OU now have a new lease on life. The purpose of this thread is to discuss how the current meta is shifting since the ban, what pokemon have become more viable, less viable, etc., so if you have any thoughts, observations, or opinions on current metagame trends, shifts in playstyles, specific pokemon, or just post-Aegislash OU in general, post them here!
Mentioned pokemon of note will be placed in the OP right here:
Bronzong
General Information
Pokedex Number - #473
Type(s) - Steel/Psychic
Base Stats - 67 HP / 89 Atk / 116 Def / 79 SAtk / 116 SDef / 33 Spe
Abilities
Ability 1 - Levitate: Gives full immunity to all Ground-type moves
Ability 2 - Heatproof: Halves damage done by Fire-type moves
Hidden Ability - Heavy Metal: Doubles the Pokémon's weight
Notable Moves
Stealth Rock
Gyro Ball
Earthquake
Toxic
Hypnosis
Rain Dance
Extrasensory
Payback
Heavy Slam
Calm Mind
Psyshock
Light Screen
Reflect
Protect
Safeguard
Psychic
Flash Cannon
Rock Slide
Grass Knot
Trick Room
General Analysis:Bronzong is a classic example of a good pokemon that never sees use simply because there is a pokemon out there that does almost the exact same thing, only better. However, this may no longer be the case. The main reason Bronzong, like many other pokemon out there, fell so greatly in usage and viability was the existence of Aegislash, whose typing offensively and defensively made pokemon such as Bronzong a liability and generally more trouble that they're worth, but with the banning of Aegislash this is no longer true. Mega Gardevoir, arguably OU's greatest stallbreaker, now boasts few true counters in OU outside of Mega Scizor, and even then switching in to a well-timed Focus Blast or HP Fire is something to be wary of. On top of that, the already-potent sweeper that is Sand Rush Excadrill is currently one of the most dominating forces in the current meta, capable of sweeping almost the entire tier at +2 under Sand. Enter Bronzong. Bronzong's typing, while not as appealing due to the steel nerf, is, in this case, a blessing, resisting both of Mega Gardevoir's STABs and being able to net a clean OHKO after Stealth Rock. Now, both Jirachi and Metagross are able to boast similar feats, but both fall to Excadrill. Bronzong, however, does not, as full ground-type immunity and resists to all of Excadrill's coverage moves allow Bronzong to switch in to anything Excadrill has to offer and 2HKO in return with Earthquake. Now, being able to check two of the biggest forces in the meta is a stellar niche, but that's just what it is: a niche. Bronzong is still plagued by lack of reliable recovery, and is forced to rely on cleric support to last throughout the match. In addition, while hard countering Sand Rush Excadrill, be sure to inspect the team preview and confirm that it is indeed Sand Rush and not Mold Breaker, as making that mistake could spell disaster. All in all, Bronzong is and always will be a niche pokemon, but at the moment, the niche it holds is not one to scoff at, and may be what certain teams need in order to survive in this changed meta.
Potential Movesets
Dingitty Dong can you handle the Zong
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 4 Atk / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball/Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Protect
Set Description:
The EVs are not finalized, as I have not yet determined what the ideal spread is at this moment, but the 248 HP EVs hit a lefties number, which is always a plus. The 168 SDef EVs allow Bronzong to survive three Focus Blasts in sequential order (which isn't likely to happen anyway) from Mega Gardevoir as well as two Lava Plumes from Specially Defensive Heatran (should you be so inclined to leave Bronzong in on Heatran for some reason) allowing you to net a 2HKO with Earthquake. The 88 Defense EVs are more of a placeholder for now, but they do help in handling stray physical attacks here and there. The 4 Attack EVs are there because if put in HP they remove the lefties number and they literally do nothing put anywhere else. The moveset is fairly self-explanatory with the exception of the steel STABs. Bronzong is fairly heavy and, on average, Heavy Slam does more damage than Gyro Ball to slow, bulky mons like Azumarill or to lightweights like Mega Medicham. However, Gyro Ball gives you a OHKO on Mega Gardevoir after Stealth Rock whereas Heavy Slam does not, so it's down to preference and what the team needs more than one being better than the other. Earthquake is there for needed coverage against steels, namely Excadrill, and Protect is necessary for leftovers recovery and/or scouting sets.
Conclusion:
While not without its obvious faults, literally no other pokemon checks either Mega Gardevoir or Sand Rush Excadrill as well as Bronzong on their own, let alone together. So if you're having a hard time finding answers to one or the other, or both, look no further.
Starmie
Pokedex Number - #121
Type(s) - Water/Psychic
Base Stats - 60 HP / 75 Atk / 85 Def / 100 SAtk / 85 SDef / 115 Spe
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU -
Starmie is one of the best spinners in the game, as it has the potential to beat every OU legal spin blocker with the correct coverage move, and because of the use of Rapid Spin, it has the coverage and power to beat most, if not all, of the common defoggers in OU. Starmie is one of those mons that is really hard to switch into because of coverage and Analytic. Reflect Type also gains a notable mention as it allows it to not be pursuit trapped by OU's pursuit users.
Potential Movesets
name: Rapid Spinner
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Hydro Pump/Scald
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Ice Beam/Thunderbolt
ability: Analytic
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 32 HP/252 SAtk / 224 Spe
Set Description:
This set has the coverage to be a really efficient Rapid Spinner in todays metagame. Hydro Pump allows it to net a fuckton of 2HKOs, while Scald makes it harder to switch into due to burns. Analytic takes perfect advantage of the switches forced by the coverage and power, and allows it to make for a decent Rapid Spin user as well. It should be noted the only reason to use this set is Rapid Spin: otherwise it is outclassed by Greninja at this role. Psyshock allows it to beat OU's only remaining spin blocker: Gengar. The last slot is usually Ice Beam because it beats almost every defogger, because you use Starmie to spin, therefore keeping hazards up on your side. The EVs allow it to outspeed Thundurus, while 252 goes into SAtk to make it hit as hard as possible, the rest are dumped into HP to give it slightly better bulk.
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Starmie has the potential to rise up to OU again, due to the fact it is the best spinner. I love Starmie, who doesn't?
Hawlucha
General Information:
Dex Number: #701
Type: Fighting/Flying
Base Stats: 78 / 92 / 75 / 74 / 63 / 118
Abilities: Limber The Pokémon cannot be Paralysed while having this ability.
Unburden: Speed is doubled once the held item is consumed.
Hidden Ability (Available):
Mold Breaker: The Pokémon's moves are not affected by foe’s abilities during battle
Everybody knows what this thing does
Movepool:
Swords dance
Sky Attack
Acrobatics
High Jump Kick
Roost
Encore
Flying Press
Endeavor
Sky Drop
Taunt
Stone Edge
U-Turn
General Analysis: This poke was low on the viability rankings for the longest time due to the presence of one insurmountable threat: Aegislash. It just can't break through. Its only SE moves are fling and payback (I was actually going to make a fling unburden set) and Aegislash can easily tank attacks from its two stabs and OHKO back with shadow ball. Being one of the only birds not weak to stealth rock has its advantages however. This really doesn't NEED hazard control, unlike other bird mons, and this can sweep somewhat consistently, unlike other birds. The reason is its great ability, unburden, doubling its speed after an item is lost. Sky Attack is an amazing base 140 power move, it can only be used once (unless you are that guy) and it doubles your speed. That is great. Unfortunately it gets only one shot; once the unburden boost is gone its gone, and as soon as you are walled you are dead. This was why this poke wasn't good in the Aegi meta, Aegislash was on virtually every offensive team around and completely hard walled Hawlucha in every way. Now that Aegislash is gone, this is a poke that can run wild in the tier, as it destroys offense by the sheer power of ripping it to shreds. Even Thundurus can't take a +2 stab move from it, it can only slow it down with thunder wave.
Potential Movesets:
Unburden Sweeper
Hawlucha @ Power Herb
Ability: Unburden
Evs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sky Attack
- Acrobatics
- High Jump Kick
After an unburden and swords dance boost, its dual stabs hit so hard that very little has the ability to tank the onslaught. This set rips right through offense like Subtoxic Gliscor does to a team without steel types. Hawlucha can come in on threats that can't beat it and easily get off a swords dance, and proceed to sweep offensive teams all day, outspeeding scarfers so only Thundurus can get it in range for something to outspeed and kill it. While you still have a Talonflame weakness, this can easily be remedied by running a focus sash and forcing a switch. You live with the sash, get unburden, kill the Talonflame. If Talonflame isin't an issue, have fun wrecking right through offense like a bowling ball, since that is exactly what this set does.
Personal Conclusion: I won't use it since I use offense and try to rape stall, but you should use it since it rips apart half of my teams and destroys any offensive team lacking Talonflame or Thundurus, or either being alive.
Mega Heracross
General Information:
Dex: #214
Type: Bug/Fighting
Base Stats: 80 / 125 / 75 / 40 / 95 / 85 ---> 80 / 185 / 115 / 40 / 105 / 75
Abilities: Swarm: When HP is below 1/3rd its maximum, power of Bug-type moves is increased by 50%.
Guts: Attack is increased by 50% when induced with a status (BURN, PARALYZE, SLEEP, POISON, FREEZE). Burn’s effect of lowering Attack is not applied.
Hidden Ability (Available):
Moxie: Attack is raised by one stage when the Pokémon knocks out another Pokémon.
Mega Ability:
Skill Link: All multi-hit moves will always hit for the maximum number possible.
Notable Movepool (Bold indicates STAB)
Swords Dance
Pin Missle
Megahorn
Close Combat
Stone Edge
Earthquake
Rock Blast
Bulk Up
Bullet Seed
Facade
Focus Punch
Knock Off
Pursuit
Does it really need anything else?
General Analysis: Mega Heracross now becomes Mega Medicham 2.0. A beautiful movepool and an unfair attack stat near that of MM2X is all it needs to be an absolute wrecking ball in the OU metagame. In the past, Earthquake was required on MegaCross to hit Aegislash. Now that Aegi is banned, however, Heracross is free to go crazy in OU, and wreak havoc with its extreme power. This pokemon has the obvious weakness to flying types, but that should not deter you from using it; there are very few more efficient stallbreakers in the post-aegi OU. This thing's bulk can even let it do well against offense, as nothing on offense can switch into its unbelievably powerful attacks. Non-Mega Heracross also has become viable, especially as a scarfed cleaner due to Moxie. While its generally inferior in this meta (belongs in UU), it can still be a decent scarfer and a cool cleaner with its sheer power, especially after a moxie boost. Moxie boosts are also important pre-mega evolution, as your speed goes down when you mega evolve; its often good not to mega evolve until you really need to due to the costly loss in speed.
Swords Dance Sweeper
Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie ----> Skill Link
Evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def or Sdef (can be tweaked)
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Close Combat
Welcome to sticky web's win condition and stall's nightmare. Swords Dance Mega Heracross has the sheer power to rip right through stallish teams with ease, especially with the lack of super effective coverage moves on those teams. This generally means that Heracross can easily tank a few hits on those teams and proceed to rip apart those cores with its dual stabs and rock coverage. It is nowhere near useless against offense either, Its great bulk can allow it to tank non-flying hits with ease and OHKO anything that doesn't resist, in fact, there are no switch ins on offense to this thing. The main purpose of this poke, however, is to break semi-stall and balanced teams, full stall will often have a way to beat it. When its checks have been beaten, there is nothing to stop mega heracross from waltzing right in and ripping the opponents team to shreds. Being able to OHKO Bulky Mega Aggron at +2 is no small feat.
Substitute Stallbreaker
Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie ----> Skill Link
Evs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 Def (more bulk would be smart, however)
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Pin Missile / Swords Dance / Bulk Up
- Close Combat / Focus Punch
- Rock Blast
This is the full-stall obliterator I referenced earlier in this analysis. From behind a substitute, stall has a hard time touching mega heracross. Investing in SDef and HP is actually viable with bulk up, as that makes it even harder for stall to break those subs. While people are going to say "why aren't you running pin missile", there is really justification, and that is the amazing coverage of rock+fighting, which only now doesn't have neutral coverage against Mega Medicham. Using pin missle doesn't grant you that much coverage either, which is why swords dance and bulk up are both very viable. Focus Punch is also an option, since this will be used against more stallish teams it will usually be safe to go for a focus punch. This is almost required with the bulk up set, since close combat is really redundant and gets rid of all your progress anyways. If you are paranoid about using either with a bulk up set, you can use arm thrust (lol although it is base 75) or maybe Low Kick. Either way, this is a great stallbreaker that is literally adrian marin's worst nightmare.
All-Out Attacker
Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie ----> Skill Link
Evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def or Sdef
Jolly/Adamant Nature
- Earthquake / Knock Off / Pursuit (?)
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Close Combat
If you still want coverage, The all-out attacker set did get better with the banning of Aegislash. The main problem with this set in the old meta is the fact that using earthquake was often important since many times Aegislash can be predicted to come in. Aegislash forced it to not spam its stabs and rock blast, and forced it to use earthquake in situations where its unfavorable. Now that this isin't an issue, Heracross can easily spam its high powered stabs, and also is free to run knock off without fear of king's shield drops and it can even be a bulky uberpowerful pursuit trapper if that is what you want to do. Either way, Megacross is the master of forcing switches, and since now nothing can switch into it with Aegislash gone, this poke is really powerful against many team archetypes. If you play it right, every time it comes in something dies.
Conclusion: Defensive cores have never been able to handle Mega Heracross, and now with Aegislash gone, Even Balanced or Bulky offense teams will have trouble with it. Mega Heracross forces switches against anything slower than it, but nobody can switch in to its super powerful attacks, which results in a lot of kills for balanced offensive teams.
Staraptor
Pokedex Number - 398
Type(s) - normal/fly
Base Stats - 85 HP / 120 Atk / 70 Def / 50 SAtk / 60 SDef / 100 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate HA: Reckless
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU - This thing turns whatever doesn't resist it's 120 BP reckless boosted attacks(double-edge, suicide bird) into a steaming pile of shit. Even then, if you don't resist close combat, you'll die too. But alas, as with every route 1 bird, it is suicidal. It dies in roughly 3 of its own brave birds, but it typically gets a kill or 2 when suiciding. It also sports a weakness to stealth rock, which doesn't help its suicidal tendencies. But I shit you not when I say Skarmory is bird's only counter.
Potential Movesets
name: suicide bird
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Double-Edge
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Facade/U-Turn
ability: Reckless
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Set Description:
Basically, suicide on walls to kill them. Brave Bird is the main event here, alongside Double-Edge, as wall breaking options. Close Combat is there to hit rocks and steels that resist Suicide Nuke moves. I prefer Facade>U-Turn so I can still rek shit even when burned. U-Turn can pick up momentum on obvious Skarmory switches. Adamant Band because most base 100s nowadays aren't running +speed natures. And Adamant Band Staraptor is roughly as strong as Kyurem-Black:
252+ Atk Choice Band Teravolt Kyurem-B Outrage vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 394-465 (97.5 - 115%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 364-430 (90 - 106.4%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
only 7%~ weaker than probably the strongest attacker to ever meet OU with arguably better STABs. Not. Even. Bad.
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Staraptor is too fucking strong, too fucking suicidal, and too fucking fashionable. Seriously, underestimate Staraptor at the cost of no longer having your walls.
Cofagrigus
Pokedex Number - 563
Type(s) - Ghost
Base Stats - 58 HP / 50 Atk / 145 Def / 95 SAtk / 105 SDef / 30 Spe
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU -
While Cofagrigus was rarely hinder by Aegislash itself, the removal of Aegislash has made Pokemon that Cofa checks and counters far more common as well as naturally increasing Cofa's Spin-Blocking viability. Thanks to the addition of Toxic Spikes to its egg moves in XY, Cofa is one of the 3 fully-evolved Ghost-types to have an entry hazard and one of the very few non-Poison-types to get the move. Mummy, Cofa's signature ability, nullifies foe's abilities on contact; reducing major threats like M-Medicham, M-Mawile, Azumarill, M-Pinsir, Scizor, and Talonflame to much more manageable levels. Cofa's typing allows it to entirely wall M-Heracross, Mummy renders M-Pinsir completely unable to touch Cofagrigus after it activates, M-Medicham arguably struggles more against Cofa than it did Aegislash with no way of hitting Cofa Super Effectively, and Cofa can threaten each with a WoW burn.
Potential Movesets:
Utility
Cofagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Toxic Spikes / Pain Split
- Haze
This set does a little bit of everything; it blocks Rapid Spin, spreads burns, sets up hazards, removes the boosts accumulated by sweepers, and walls various Mega Pokemon. Hazards vs longevity is the big decision for this set. This set fits well on Offensive teams as those can have trouble against M-Heracross, M-Pinsir, Talonflame, and Sand Rush Excadrill while Cofagrigus can stop them from doing anything detrimental. Cofa also doesn't give up a lot of momentum either as it can just Haze boosts away or set hazards of its own which makes KOing it a priority for the opponent. It could work well on stall teams too as it fits nicely into a defensive core of Chansey+Ghost-type+Fighting-type (I'd personally opt for Chesnaught in that core to have 3 types of entry hazards).
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Cofa can make for a decent Trick Room user with Nasty Plot but Trick Room's gimmicky in itself and Sticky Web is a far easier to manage method of playing with speed tiers (which Defensive Cofa can Spin-Block for). Don't bother with Specially Defensive sets to wall Starmie, Dusclops does that better. Toxic Spikes are a lot more reliable than some might think since M-Venusaur and Amoonguss are the only remotely common Pokemon that remove them on switch and is seen almost exclusively on stall and even then some stall teams prefer M-Charizard X over Venusaur. Only use Cofa if you need to Spin-block, Mummy's a very nice perk to have but there are more reliable walls out there.
Mega Gardevoir
Pokedex Number - #282
Type(s) - Psychic/Fairy
Base Stats - 68 HP / 85 Atk / 65 Def / 165 SAtk / 135 SDef / 100 Spe
Ability
Pixilate: Strengthens Normal-type moves by 33%, then changes them to Fairy-type.
Notable moves
Hyper Voice
Psyshock
Psychic
Moonblast
Focus Blast
Shadow Ball
Taunt
Will-O-Wisp
Calm Mind
Stored Power
Hypnosis
General Analysis of Pokemon
Mega Gardevoir is undeniably one of the most dangerous wallbreakers in OU ever since Aegislash left for the gods' domain. Between its fantastic type coverage, ability to shut its would-be checks down with a single move and its capacity to completely dismantle Stall teams, Mega Gardevoir makes for an excellent Pokémon that easily fits on many team archetypes. Its marvelous base 165 Special Attack ensures at least something is bound to either take heavy damage or outright faint; backed up by a wonderful base 135 Special Defense and good 100 Speed stats, almost not a single Pokémon can stand up to Mega Gardevoir. That beautiful Special Attack stat combined with its great STABs and high-power coverage, along with highly effective support moves make it incredibly hard to switch in on. Its base stage has the Ability Trace, which enables it to completely shut Pokémon like defensive Heatran down and force many dangerous switches, a lethal quality, considering how difficult it is to switch in on Mega Gardevoir. Its 100 Speed may not be enough at times, but Mega Gardevoir is one of the best Pokémon to use on Sticky Web teams and has excellent synergy with offensive powerhouses like Tyranitar and Bisharp.
Potential Movesets
Takin' the Stage!
Gardevoir @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace -> Pixilate
EVs: 4 Def/252 SAtk/252 Spe or 24 Def/232 SAtk/252 Spe
Modest or Timid nature
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Taunt / Will-O-Wisp / Calm Mind
Set Description:
I'm not completely certain about the EV spread myself. I know the 24 EVs in Defense prevent LO Latios from 2HKOing with Psyshock, but with Choice Specs Latios on the rise, I'm not completely certain if the 24 EVs will still be necessary. Modest nature makes Mega Gardevoir completely brutal, while Timid allows it to outspeed neutral base 100s. Since Mega Gardevoir often doesn't really need to speedtie, as several base 95s and 100s don't fully invest in Speed all the time, Modest is a perfectly viable nature that ensures several nice 2HKOs and OHKOs after SR. There's not really much to explain on the moveset, as Mega Gardevoir is one of the most straightforward wallbreakers in the tier. Hyper Voice reaches a staggering base power of 175 after STAB and hits past Substitutes, making Mega Gardevoir an excellent Pokémon to combat Substitute users with. Psyshock hits physically weak Pokémon for much higher damage; when running Calm Mind, a +1 Modest Mega Gardevoir scores a guaranteed 2HKO on Chansey with it. Focus Blast hits the myriad of Steel-types that resist its STABs for good damage, notably Mega Mawile and Mega Scizor. The last slot comes down to preference and necessity: Taunt stops defensive Pokémon like Clefable, Chansey and Cresselia dead in their tracks, Will-O-Wisp cripples physical switch-ins for the remainder of the match and Calm Mind augments Mega Gardevoir's power to simply absurd levels while giving it a great amount of resilience on the special side of the spectrum.
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Mega Gardevoir is an absolute gem of a Pokémon and should definitely be considered if you need a powerful wallbreaker that can efficiently deal with Stall teams, should you find yourself troubled by those. Without a doubt, one of the premier wallbreakers in OU since the departure of Aegislash.
If you do decide to submit a pokemon, please try to follow this format:
Pokedex Number - [#]
Type(s) - [Type]
Base Stats - XX HP / XX Atk / XX Def / XX SAtk / XX SDef / XX Spe
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU -
Potential Movesets
[SET] [Name]
name: ---
move 1: ---
move 2: ---
move 3: ---
move 4: ---
ability: ---
item: ---
nature: ---
evs: ---
Set Description:
***
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
***
Greatly looking forward to reading what you all have to say on the subject -- I know there are many thoughts and much to discuss in this regard, so if you have a thought, post it!
Mentioned pokemon of note will be placed in the OP right here:
Bronzong
General Information
Pokedex Number - #473
Type(s) - Steel/Psychic
Base Stats - 67 HP / 89 Atk / 116 Def / 79 SAtk / 116 SDef / 33 Spe
Abilities
Ability 1 - Levitate: Gives full immunity to all Ground-type moves
Ability 2 - Heatproof: Halves damage done by Fire-type moves
Hidden Ability - Heavy Metal: Doubles the Pokémon's weight
Notable Moves
Stealth Rock
Gyro Ball
Earthquake
Toxic
Hypnosis
Rain Dance
Extrasensory
Payback
Heavy Slam
Calm Mind
Psyshock
Light Screen
Reflect
Protect
Safeguard
Psychic
Flash Cannon
Rock Slide
Grass Knot
Trick Room
General Analysis:Bronzong is a classic example of a good pokemon that never sees use simply because there is a pokemon out there that does almost the exact same thing, only better. However, this may no longer be the case. The main reason Bronzong, like many other pokemon out there, fell so greatly in usage and viability was the existence of Aegislash, whose typing offensively and defensively made pokemon such as Bronzong a liability and generally more trouble that they're worth, but with the banning of Aegislash this is no longer true. Mega Gardevoir, arguably OU's greatest stallbreaker, now boasts few true counters in OU outside of Mega Scizor, and even then switching in to a well-timed Focus Blast or HP Fire is something to be wary of. On top of that, the already-potent sweeper that is Sand Rush Excadrill is currently one of the most dominating forces in the current meta, capable of sweeping almost the entire tier at +2 under Sand. Enter Bronzong. Bronzong's typing, while not as appealing due to the steel nerf, is, in this case, a blessing, resisting both of Mega Gardevoir's STABs and being able to net a clean OHKO after Stealth Rock. Now, both Jirachi and Metagross are able to boast similar feats, but both fall to Excadrill. Bronzong, however, does not, as full ground-type immunity and resists to all of Excadrill's coverage moves allow Bronzong to switch in to anything Excadrill has to offer and 2HKO in return with Earthquake. Now, being able to check two of the biggest forces in the meta is a stellar niche, but that's just what it is: a niche. Bronzong is still plagued by lack of reliable recovery, and is forced to rely on cleric support to last throughout the match. In addition, while hard countering Sand Rush Excadrill, be sure to inspect the team preview and confirm that it is indeed Sand Rush and not Mold Breaker, as making that mistake could spell disaster. All in all, Bronzong is and always will be a niche pokemon, but at the moment, the niche it holds is not one to scoff at, and may be what certain teams need in order to survive in this changed meta.
Potential Movesets
Dingitty Dong can you handle the Zong
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 4 Atk / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball/Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Protect
Set Description:
The EVs are not finalized, as I have not yet determined what the ideal spread is at this moment, but the 248 HP EVs hit a lefties number, which is always a plus. The 168 SDef EVs allow Bronzong to survive three Focus Blasts in sequential order (which isn't likely to happen anyway) from Mega Gardevoir as well as two Lava Plumes from Specially Defensive Heatran (should you be so inclined to leave Bronzong in on Heatran for some reason) allowing you to net a 2HKO with Earthquake. The 88 Defense EVs are more of a placeholder for now, but they do help in handling stray physical attacks here and there. The 4 Attack EVs are there because if put in HP they remove the lefties number and they literally do nothing put anywhere else. The moveset is fairly self-explanatory with the exception of the steel STABs. Bronzong is fairly heavy and, on average, Heavy Slam does more damage than Gyro Ball to slow, bulky mons like Azumarill or to lightweights like Mega Medicham. However, Gyro Ball gives you a OHKO on Mega Gardevoir after Stealth Rock whereas Heavy Slam does not, so it's down to preference and what the team needs more than one being better than the other. Earthquake is there for needed coverage against steels, namely Excadrill, and Protect is necessary for leftovers recovery and/or scouting sets.
Conclusion:
While not without its obvious faults, literally no other pokemon checks either Mega Gardevoir or Sand Rush Excadrill as well as Bronzong on their own, let alone together. So if you're having a hard time finding answers to one or the other, or both, look no further.
Starmie
Pokedex Number - #121
Type(s) - Water/Psychic
Base Stats - 60 HP / 75 Atk / 85 Def / 100 SAtk / 85 SDef / 115 Spe
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU -
Starmie is one of the best spinners in the game, as it has the potential to beat every OU legal spin blocker with the correct coverage move, and because of the use of Rapid Spin, it has the coverage and power to beat most, if not all, of the common defoggers in OU. Starmie is one of those mons that is really hard to switch into because of coverage and Analytic. Reflect Type also gains a notable mention as it allows it to not be pursuit trapped by OU's pursuit users.
Potential Movesets
name: Rapid Spinner
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Hydro Pump/Scald
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Ice Beam/Thunderbolt
ability: Analytic
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 32 HP/252 SAtk / 224 Spe
Set Description:
This set has the coverage to be a really efficient Rapid Spinner in todays metagame. Hydro Pump allows it to net a fuckton of 2HKOs, while Scald makes it harder to switch into due to burns. Analytic takes perfect advantage of the switches forced by the coverage and power, and allows it to make for a decent Rapid Spin user as well. It should be noted the only reason to use this set is Rapid Spin: otherwise it is outclassed by Greninja at this role. Psyshock allows it to beat OU's only remaining spin blocker: Gengar. The last slot is usually Ice Beam because it beats almost every defogger, because you use Starmie to spin, therefore keeping hazards up on your side. The EVs allow it to outspeed Thundurus, while 252 goes into SAtk to make it hit as hard as possible, the rest are dumped into HP to give it slightly better bulk.
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Starmie has the potential to rise up to OU again, due to the fact it is the best spinner. I love Starmie, who doesn't?
Hawlucha
General Information:
Dex Number: #701
Type: Fighting/Flying
Base Stats: 78 / 92 / 75 / 74 / 63 / 118
Abilities: Limber The Pokémon cannot be Paralysed while having this ability.
Unburden: Speed is doubled once the held item is consumed.
Hidden Ability (Available):
Mold Breaker: The Pokémon's moves are not affected by foe’s abilities during battle
Everybody knows what this thing does
Movepool:
Swords dance
Sky Attack
Acrobatics
High Jump Kick
Roost
Encore
Flying Press
Endeavor
Sky Drop
Taunt
Stone Edge
U-Turn
General Analysis: This poke was low on the viability rankings for the longest time due to the presence of one insurmountable threat: Aegislash. It just can't break through. Its only SE moves are fling and payback (I was actually going to make a fling unburden set) and Aegislash can easily tank attacks from its two stabs and OHKO back with shadow ball. Being one of the only birds not weak to stealth rock has its advantages however. This really doesn't NEED hazard control, unlike other bird mons, and this can sweep somewhat consistently, unlike other birds. The reason is its great ability, unburden, doubling its speed after an item is lost. Sky Attack is an amazing base 140 power move, it can only be used once (unless you are that guy) and it doubles your speed. That is great. Unfortunately it gets only one shot; once the unburden boost is gone its gone, and as soon as you are walled you are dead. This was why this poke wasn't good in the Aegi meta, Aegislash was on virtually every offensive team around and completely hard walled Hawlucha in every way. Now that Aegislash is gone, this is a poke that can run wild in the tier, as it destroys offense by the sheer power of ripping it to shreds. Even Thundurus can't take a +2 stab move from it, it can only slow it down with thunder wave.
Potential Movesets:
Unburden Sweeper
Hawlucha @ Power Herb
Ability: Unburden
Evs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Sky Attack
- Acrobatics
- High Jump Kick
After an unburden and swords dance boost, its dual stabs hit so hard that very little has the ability to tank the onslaught. This set rips right through offense like Subtoxic Gliscor does to a team without steel types. Hawlucha can come in on threats that can't beat it and easily get off a swords dance, and proceed to sweep offensive teams all day, outspeeding scarfers so only Thundurus can get it in range for something to outspeed and kill it. While you still have a Talonflame weakness, this can easily be remedied by running a focus sash and forcing a switch. You live with the sash, get unburden, kill the Talonflame. If Talonflame isin't an issue, have fun wrecking right through offense like a bowling ball, since that is exactly what this set does.
Personal Conclusion: I won't use it since I use offense and try to rape stall, but you should use it since it rips apart half of my teams and destroys any offensive team lacking Talonflame or Thundurus, or either being alive.
General Information:
Dex: #214
Type: Bug/Fighting
Base Stats: 80 / 125 / 75 / 40 / 95 / 85 ---> 80 / 185 / 115 / 40 / 105 / 75
Abilities: Swarm: When HP is below 1/3rd its maximum, power of Bug-type moves is increased by 50%.
Guts: Attack is increased by 50% when induced with a status (BURN, PARALYZE, SLEEP, POISON, FREEZE). Burn’s effect of lowering Attack is not applied.
Hidden Ability (Available):
Moxie: Attack is raised by one stage when the Pokémon knocks out another Pokémon.
Mega Ability:
Skill Link: All multi-hit moves will always hit for the maximum number possible.
Notable Movepool (Bold indicates STAB)
Swords Dance
Pin Missle
Megahorn
Close Combat
Stone Edge
Earthquake
Rock Blast
Bulk Up
Bullet Seed
Facade
Focus Punch
Knock Off
Pursuit
Does it really need anything else?
General Analysis: Mega Heracross now becomes Mega Medicham 2.0. A beautiful movepool and an unfair attack stat near that of MM2X is all it needs to be an absolute wrecking ball in the OU metagame. In the past, Earthquake was required on MegaCross to hit Aegislash. Now that Aegi is banned, however, Heracross is free to go crazy in OU, and wreak havoc with its extreme power. This pokemon has the obvious weakness to flying types, but that should not deter you from using it; there are very few more efficient stallbreakers in the post-aegi OU. This thing's bulk can even let it do well against offense, as nothing on offense can switch into its unbelievably powerful attacks. Non-Mega Heracross also has become viable, especially as a scarfed cleaner due to Moxie. While its generally inferior in this meta (belongs in UU), it can still be a decent scarfer and a cool cleaner with its sheer power, especially after a moxie boost. Moxie boosts are also important pre-mega evolution, as your speed goes down when you mega evolve; its often good not to mega evolve until you really need to due to the costly loss in speed.
Swords Dance Sweeper
Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie ----> Skill Link
Evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def or Sdef (can be tweaked)
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Close Combat
Welcome to sticky web's win condition and stall's nightmare. Swords Dance Mega Heracross has the sheer power to rip right through stallish teams with ease, especially with the lack of super effective coverage moves on those teams. This generally means that Heracross can easily tank a few hits on those teams and proceed to rip apart those cores with its dual stabs and rock coverage. It is nowhere near useless against offense either, Its great bulk can allow it to tank non-flying hits with ease and OHKO anything that doesn't resist, in fact, there are no switch ins on offense to this thing. The main purpose of this poke, however, is to break semi-stall and balanced teams, full stall will often have a way to beat it. When its checks have been beaten, there is nothing to stop mega heracross from waltzing right in and ripping the opponents team to shreds. Being able to OHKO Bulky Mega Aggron at +2 is no small feat.
Substitute Stallbreaker
Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie ----> Skill Link
Evs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 Def (more bulk would be smart, however)
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Pin Missile / Swords Dance / Bulk Up
- Close Combat / Focus Punch
- Rock Blast
This is the full-stall obliterator I referenced earlier in this analysis. From behind a substitute, stall has a hard time touching mega heracross. Investing in SDef and HP is actually viable with bulk up, as that makes it even harder for stall to break those subs. While people are going to say "why aren't you running pin missile", there is really justification, and that is the amazing coverage of rock+fighting, which only now doesn't have neutral coverage against Mega Medicham. Using pin missle doesn't grant you that much coverage either, which is why swords dance and bulk up are both very viable. Focus Punch is also an option, since this will be used against more stallish teams it will usually be safe to go for a focus punch. This is almost required with the bulk up set, since close combat is really redundant and gets rid of all your progress anyways. If you are paranoid about using either with a bulk up set, you can use arm thrust (lol although it is base 75) or maybe Low Kick. Either way, this is a great stallbreaker that is literally adrian marin's worst nightmare.
All-Out Attacker
Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie ----> Skill Link
Evs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 Def or Sdef
Jolly/Adamant Nature
- Earthquake / Knock Off / Pursuit (?)
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Close Combat
If you still want coverage, The all-out attacker set did get better with the banning of Aegislash. The main problem with this set in the old meta is the fact that using earthquake was often important since many times Aegislash can be predicted to come in. Aegislash forced it to not spam its stabs and rock blast, and forced it to use earthquake in situations where its unfavorable. Now that this isin't an issue, Heracross can easily spam its high powered stabs, and also is free to run knock off without fear of king's shield drops and it can even be a bulky uberpowerful pursuit trapper if that is what you want to do. Either way, Megacross is the master of forcing switches, and since now nothing can switch into it with Aegislash gone, this poke is really powerful against many team archetypes. If you play it right, every time it comes in something dies.
Conclusion: Defensive cores have never been able to handle Mega Heracross, and now with Aegislash gone, Even Balanced or Bulky offense teams will have trouble with it. Mega Heracross forces switches against anything slower than it, but nobody can switch in to its super powerful attacks, which results in a lot of kills for balanced offensive teams.
Staraptor
Pokedex Number - 398
Type(s) - normal/fly
Base Stats - 85 HP / 120 Atk / 70 Def / 50 SAtk / 60 SDef / 100 Spe
Abilities: Intimidate HA: Reckless
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU - This thing turns whatever doesn't resist it's 120 BP reckless boosted attacks(double-edge, suicide bird) into a steaming pile of shit. Even then, if you don't resist close combat, you'll die too. But alas, as with every route 1 bird, it is suicidal. It dies in roughly 3 of its own brave birds, but it typically gets a kill or 2 when suiciding. It also sports a weakness to stealth rock, which doesn't help its suicidal tendencies. But I shit you not when I say Skarmory is bird's only counter.
Potential Movesets
name: suicide bird
move 1: Brave Bird
move 2: Double-Edge
move 3: Close Combat
move 4: Facade/U-Turn
ability: Reckless
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Set Description:
Basically, suicide on walls to kill them. Brave Bird is the main event here, alongside Double-Edge, as wall breaking options. Close Combat is there to hit rocks and steels that resist Suicide Nuke moves. I prefer Facade>U-Turn so I can still rek shit even when burned. U-Turn can pick up momentum on obvious Skarmory switches. Adamant Band because most base 100s nowadays aren't running +speed natures. And Adamant Band Staraptor is roughly as strong as Kyurem-Black:
252+ Atk Choice Band Teravolt Kyurem-B Outrage vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 394-465 (97.5 - 115%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 364-430 (90 - 106.4%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
only 7%~ weaker than probably the strongest attacker to ever meet OU with arguably better STABs. Not. Even. Bad.
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Staraptor is too fucking strong, too fucking suicidal, and too fucking fashionable. Seriously, underestimate Staraptor at the cost of no longer having your walls.
Cofagrigus
Pokedex Number - 563
Type(s) - Ghost
Base Stats - 58 HP / 50 Atk / 145 Def / 95 SAtk / 105 SDef / 30 Spe
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU -
While Cofagrigus was rarely hinder by Aegislash itself, the removal of Aegislash has made Pokemon that Cofa checks and counters far more common as well as naturally increasing Cofa's Spin-Blocking viability. Thanks to the addition of Toxic Spikes to its egg moves in XY, Cofa is one of the 3 fully-evolved Ghost-types to have an entry hazard and one of the very few non-Poison-types to get the move. Mummy, Cofa's signature ability, nullifies foe's abilities on contact; reducing major threats like M-Medicham, M-Mawile, Azumarill, M-Pinsir, Scizor, and Talonflame to much more manageable levels. Cofa's typing allows it to entirely wall M-Heracross, Mummy renders M-Pinsir completely unable to touch Cofagrigus after it activates, M-Medicham arguably struggles more against Cofa than it did Aegislash with no way of hitting Cofa Super Effectively, and Cofa can threaten each with a WoW burn.
Potential Movesets:
Utility
Cofagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Toxic Spikes / Pain Split
- Haze
This set does a little bit of everything; it blocks Rapid Spin, spreads burns, sets up hazards, removes the boosts accumulated by sweepers, and walls various Mega Pokemon. Hazards vs longevity is the big decision for this set. This set fits well on Offensive teams as those can have trouble against M-Heracross, M-Pinsir, Talonflame, and Sand Rush Excadrill while Cofagrigus can stop them from doing anything detrimental. Cofa also doesn't give up a lot of momentum either as it can just Haze boosts away or set hazards of its own which makes KOing it a priority for the opponent. It could work well on stall teams too as it fits nicely into a defensive core of Chansey+Ghost-type+Fighting-type (I'd personally opt for Chesnaught in that core to have 3 types of entry hazards).
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Cofa can make for a decent Trick Room user with Nasty Plot but Trick Room's gimmicky in itself and Sticky Web is a far easier to manage method of playing with speed tiers (which Defensive Cofa can Spin-Block for). Don't bother with Specially Defensive sets to wall Starmie, Dusclops does that better. Toxic Spikes are a lot more reliable than some might think since M-Venusaur and Amoonguss are the only remotely common Pokemon that remove them on switch and is seen almost exclusively on stall and even then some stall teams prefer M-Charizard X over Venusaur. Only use Cofa if you need to Spin-block, Mummy's a very nice perk to have but there are more reliable walls out there.
Mega Gardevoir
Pokedex Number - #282
Type(s) - Psychic/Fairy
Base Stats - 68 HP / 85 Atk / 65 Def / 165 SAtk / 135 SDef / 100 Spe
Ability
Pixilate: Strengthens Normal-type moves by 33%, then changes them to Fairy-type.
Notable moves
Hyper Voice
Psyshock
Psychic
Moonblast
Focus Blast
Shadow Ball
Taunt
Will-O-Wisp
Calm Mind
Stored Power
Hypnosis
General Analysis of Pokemon
Mega Gardevoir is undeniably one of the most dangerous wallbreakers in OU ever since Aegislash left for the gods' domain. Between its fantastic type coverage, ability to shut its would-be checks down with a single move and its capacity to completely dismantle Stall teams, Mega Gardevoir makes for an excellent Pokémon that easily fits on many team archetypes. Its marvelous base 165 Special Attack ensures at least something is bound to either take heavy damage or outright faint; backed up by a wonderful base 135 Special Defense and good 100 Speed stats, almost not a single Pokémon can stand up to Mega Gardevoir. That beautiful Special Attack stat combined with its great STABs and high-power coverage, along with highly effective support moves make it incredibly hard to switch in on. Its base stage has the Ability Trace, which enables it to completely shut Pokémon like defensive Heatran down and force many dangerous switches, a lethal quality, considering how difficult it is to switch in on Mega Gardevoir. Its 100 Speed may not be enough at times, but Mega Gardevoir is one of the best Pokémon to use on Sticky Web teams and has excellent synergy with offensive powerhouses like Tyranitar and Bisharp.
Potential Movesets
Takin' the Stage!
Gardevoir @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace -> Pixilate
EVs: 4 Def/252 SAtk/252 Spe or 24 Def/232 SAtk/252 Spe
Modest or Timid nature
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Taunt / Will-O-Wisp / Calm Mind
Set Description:
I'm not completely certain about the EV spread myself. I know the 24 EVs in Defense prevent LO Latios from 2HKOing with Psyshock, but with Choice Specs Latios on the rise, I'm not completely certain if the 24 EVs will still be necessary. Modest nature makes Mega Gardevoir completely brutal, while Timid allows it to outspeed neutral base 100s. Since Mega Gardevoir often doesn't really need to speedtie, as several base 95s and 100s don't fully invest in Speed all the time, Modest is a perfectly viable nature that ensures several nice 2HKOs and OHKOs after SR. There's not really much to explain on the moveset, as Mega Gardevoir is one of the most straightforward wallbreakers in the tier. Hyper Voice reaches a staggering base power of 175 after STAB and hits past Substitutes, making Mega Gardevoir an excellent Pokémon to combat Substitute users with. Psyshock hits physically weak Pokémon for much higher damage; when running Calm Mind, a +1 Modest Mega Gardevoir scores a guaranteed 2HKO on Chansey with it. Focus Blast hits the myriad of Steel-types that resist its STABs for good damage, notably Mega Mawile and Mega Scizor. The last slot comes down to preference and necessity: Taunt stops defensive Pokémon like Clefable, Chansey and Cresselia dead in their tracks, Will-O-Wisp cripples physical switch-ins for the remainder of the match and Calm Mind augments Mega Gardevoir's power to simply absurd levels while giving it a great amount of resilience on the special side of the spectrum.
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
Mega Gardevoir is an absolute gem of a Pokémon and should definitely be considered if you need a powerful wallbreaker that can efficiently deal with Stall teams, should you find yourself troubled by those. Without a doubt, one of the premier wallbreakers in OU since the departure of Aegislash.
If you do decide to submit a pokemon, please try to follow this format:
Pokedex Number - [#]
Type(s) - [Type]
Base Stats - XX HP / XX Atk / XX Def / XX SAtk / XX SDef / XX Spe
General Analysis of Pokemon/Current Roles in OU -
Potential Movesets
[SET] [Name]
name: ---
move 1: ---
move 2: ---
move 3: ---
move 4: ---
ability: ---
item: ---
nature: ---
evs: ---
Set Description:
***
Personal Opinion of the Pokemon/Conclusion:
***
Greatly looking forward to reading what you all have to say on the subject -- I know there are many thoughts and much to discuss in this regard, so if you have a thought, post it!
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