[Overview]
<p>Meganium: another one of Game Freak's many defensive Grass-types. It is fairly balanced both offensively and defensively, but Meganium is probably one of the most underrated Pokemon in the tier. Its excellent bulk and great support movepool make it an ideal team supporter; 80 / 100 / 100 defenses and resistances to Water-, Ground-, and Electric-type attacks make it hard to KO Meganium, and it also has access to useful support moves such as Synthesis, Aromatherapy, Leech Seed, and dual screens. What makes Meganium truly unique, however, is its access to rare support moves that other Grass-types in the tier lack, such as Dragon Tail and Aromatherapy. Although it's competing in a tier it wasn't designed for, Meganium is a worthy opponent and a Pokemon you shouldn't overlook.</p>
[SET]
name: Support
move 1: Synthesis
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Dragon Tail / Toxic
move 4: Aromatherapy
item: Leftovers
nature: Relaxed / Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set is the main reason to use Meganium in RU. With its good defenses and useful resistances, Meganium is an excellent team supporter. The idea is to switch into a Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type, wait for the opponent to switch out, then proceed with one of Meganium's support moves. Synthesis is Meganium's most reliable recovery move, while Giga Drain provides additional HP recovery and a decent STAB move. Dragon Tail is the main thing that sets Meganium apart from other Grass-types, but Toxic can be used to cripple bulkier Pokemon, such as Uxie. It's recommended that you set up multiple layers of entry hazards to make the most of Dragon Tail, but Stealth Rock should suffice. Finally, Aromatherapy keeps Meganium and its teammates free of status, and it's another defining advantage over the likes of Tangrowth and Ferroseed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs focus on Meganium's impressive physical bulk. Maximum HP and Defense EVs capitalize on its ability to switch into Earthquake, and help it take on physical threats such as Feraligatr, Aerodactyl, and even Golurk. Grass Knot can replace Giga Drain to hit heavier opponents such as Aggron, while Light Screen is an option to patch up the lack of Special Defense investment. A Relaxed nature is recommended if Meganium carries Dragon Tail, but you can also use Impish with Seed Bomb over Giga Drain.</p>
<p>Pokemon that can switch into Meganium's weaknesses are obvious teammates. Moltres can switch into Bug- and Fire-type attacks and destroy Bug-types with its STAB Fire-type attacks, while Druddigon can take on the majority of Fire-types with a powerful Earthquake. Slowking and Qwilfish form part of a defensive core and deal with Fire-types; Qwilfish can also set up Spikes and Toxic Spikes to raise the effectiveness of Dragon Tail. Aerodactyl and Omastar can also set up Stealth Rock and Spikes, respectively.. Pokemon that appreciate cleric support are great teammates; for example, Feraligatr and Golurk aren't a fan of being burned, and Aerodactyl is completely worthless if it gets paralyzed. Finally, Pokemon that can remove opposing Grass-types are good teammates, making Scyther an excellent offensive partner.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Aromatherapy / Leech Seed
move 4: Giga Drain
item: Light Clay
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Although it lacks the utility of the previous set, dual screens Meganium has a certain level of surprise factor. Thanks to its ability to force the oppponent out with Dragon Tail, Meganium can set up dual screens with little trouble. Switch Meganium into a Choice-locked or weak attack, set up dual screens, then bring in a powerful sweeper to wreak havoc on the opposing team. Aromatherapy gives Meganium a way to keep itself and its teammates free of debilitating status, while Leech Seed can restore some of its health. Finally, Giga Drain deals respectable damage to the opponent and gives Meganium something to do should it be Taunted.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs attempt to balance Meganium's defenses and maximize its HP, though you can focus on one of its defenses if you prefer. Light Clay is the standard item on a dual screens user to prolong the duration of screens. Synthesis can be used to restore some of Meganium's health, but it suffers from severe four-moveslot syndrome. Wish support is an excellent option if you opt for Aromatherapy over Leech Seed, making Clefable a great addition to your team. Furthermore, Clefable can take on the common special attackers, such as Moltres, that attempt to KO Meganium.</p>
<p>Pokemon that can switch into Meganium's weaknesses are helpful. Regirock can switch into Fire- and Flying-type attacks and set up Stealth Rock, while Slowking deals immense damage to Fire-types with its STAB attacks. Pokemon that can set up behind screens are obvious; Golurk can set up unbreakable Substitutes and fire off powerful attacks, while Gorebyss can switch into Fire-type attacks and set up with Shell Smash. Linoone is a more risky Pokemon to set up with, but a combination of Belly Drum and ExtremeSpeed can be lethal in the right hands. There are so many Pokemon that appreciate having boosted defenses to set up; any of the following are deadly after a boost or two: Dragon Dance Feraligatr, Nasty Plot Cofagrigus, Swords Dance Scyther, Rock Polish Rhydon, and Quiver Dance Lilligant.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Meganium has a rather average movepool, but this can be said for most Grass-types in the tier. Body Slam is an option alongside an Impish nature to spread paralysis, while GrassWhistle provides a less accurate means of crippling the opponent. Counter can be used to catch a physical attacker off-guard, but most opponents will be attacking Meganium from the special side. Meganium can use a Swords Dance set with Seed Bomb, Earthquake, and Return, but Meganium's average Speed and Attack make it an inferior Sceptile. A defensive Sunny Day set can support its teammates and give Meganium a charge-less SolarBeam—be sure to use teammates that benefit from the sun, such as Moltres, Victreebel, and Exeggutor. Rest and Sleep Talk provide an alternative form of recovery, but it's largely inferior to Synthesis and Aromatherapy. Finally, Leaf Storm hits hard off the bat and gives Meganium some firepower, but the Special Attack drop is off-putting.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Despite its excellent defensive potential and great support movepool, Meganium is brought to a halt by the majority of Grass-types in the tier. Lilligant, Tangrowth, and Ferroseed are immune to Leech Seed and take little damage from Giga Drain, while Roselia has STAB Sludge Bomb to deal heavy damage to Meganium. Fire-, Flying-, Poison, Ice-, and Bug-types deal heavy damage to Meganium, making Moltres, Honchkrow, and Scyther excellent counters. Sap Sipper Miltank and Bouffalant are immune to Grass-type moves and deal hefty damage with their STAB moves, while specially defensive Pokemon can set up on sets that lack a physical move. Taunt is arguably the best way to deal with Meganium as it relies on support and non-damaging moves and isn't exactly a hard-hitter. All in all, Meganium is an easy Pokemon to counter; the only thing you need to worry about is Dragon Tail and the prevalence of entry hazards.</p>
[Unreleased]
<p>Meganium's Dream World ability is Leaf Guard. It's largely pointless considering Meganium has access to Aromatherapy, but when the weather is sunny, Meganium cannot be statused.</p>
