[Overview]
<p>Aerodactyl is a versatile Pokemon in RU with its blazing Speed that allows it to outspeed any unboosted Pokemon in the tier bar Accelgor. From there, Aerodactyl is capable of threatening the opposition with its strong Attack stat and good offensive movepool, or using its decent support movepool to boost its own team. However, Aerodactyl also suffers from poor defensive stats and a weakness to Stealth Rock, although the former can be amended with some investment in bulk. Regardless, this makes it difficult for Aerodactyl to switch in safely, as even against resisted hits it will often lose around half of its health. Its low defenses also mean that it is very vulnerable to opposing priority and Choice Scarf users, both of which threaten Aerodactyl. That said, it is difficult to wall Aerodactyl; few Pokemon are able to always come in safely against it. Whether providing team support or requiring it, Aerodactyl is always a Pokemon to watch for in RU.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stealth Rock / Taunt
move 4: Roost / Taunt
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Perhaps no set demonstrates Aerodactyl's versatility better than this one, which is capable of being used effectively regardless if it's leading. Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's best offensive weapon, being a strong STAB option, although the accuracy will often be detrimental to Aerodactyl. Earthquake complements Stone Edge nicely, both providing excellent coverage alongside it and being a more reliable move. Stealth Rock is necessary for any team, and in conjunction with Roost, allows Aerodactyl to support the team as well as recover off its own damage. However, Aerodactyl also leads effectively with Stealth Rock and Taunt, shutting down opposing leads from setting up entry hazards or dual screens, while simultaneously setting up its own entry hazards. Finally, the combination of Taunt and Roost allows Aerodactyl to improve its longevity by healing off passive damage it may accrue while also ensuring that it doesn't become set-up fodder for the likes of Claydol.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Life Orb is the preferred item choice, as it makes Aerodactyl's offensive moves quite powerful, warding off potential switch ins. If Aerodactyl is used as a lead, however, Focus Sash is an acceptable item choice to ensure that Aerodactyl is able to set up Stealth Rock. As Aerodactyl does not use Double-Edge, Pressure is the preferred ability, as it can be used in tandem with Roost to provide a safeguard against opposing Pokemon and to stall strong moves out of their meager PP. The EV spread is typical for an offensive Pokemon, with a Jolly nature to outspeed every unboosted Pokemon except Accelgor. 84 Speed EVs can be moved to HP to slightly boost Aerodactyl's bulk while still outspeeding Sceptile and other base 120 Speed Pokemon, but this leaves it vulnerable to opposing Aerodactyl as well as additional Choice Scarf Pokemon.</p>
<p>When using Aerodactyl offensively, spinners are good teammates for Aerodactyl, as they allow it to switch in and out more freely than if Stealth Rock is present. Ground-type Pokemon such as Gligar or Steelix are solid teammates as well, absorbing Volt Switches and Thunderbolts from common Scarfed Pokemon such as Manectric. In that vein, strong special walls such as Lickilicky can be used to sponge attacks from those Pokemon that outspeed Aerodactyl after a boost. Wynaut is also an excellent partner for Aerodactyl, trapping and removing those Choice Scarf Pokemon that threaten Aerodactyl.</p>
[SET]
name: Hone Claws
move 1: Hone Claws
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Aerodactyl can be quite an effective sweeper when played properly thanks to its new boosting move, Hone Claws, along with is strong moves, coverage, and excellent Speed. Hone Claws boosts not only Aerodactyl's Attack, but also the accuracy of many of Aerodactyl's moves, particularly Stone Edge, which becomes both incredibly strong and incredibly reliable after a boost. After a boost, Earthquake can 2HKO Steelix after Stealth Rock, which goes along well with its naturally excellent coverage. Aqua Tail is the best complement to the first two options, hitting those Pokemon that Stone Edge can't super effectively, most notably Gliagar and Claydol.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Life Orb is once again the item of choice to allow Aerodactyl to sweep, boosting its damage output even further. Leftovers is also a good item choice, ensuring that Aerodactyl doesn't kill itself too quickly from Stealth Rock damage, as well as whatever prior damage it may have suffered while setting up. Pressure is once again the preferred ability, although neither ability is particularly useful for this set. A typical EV investment is used, with full Speed investment to ensure that Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Medicham cannot cut Aerodactyl's sweep short. Double-Edge is a useful choice in the fourth slot, hitting Pokemon such as Torterra harder than any other move. Although it has little use in terms of coverage, it gets neutral coverage against most Pokemon in the tier. Even more than the physical attacker set, Aerodactyl appreciates Wynaut's ability to remove Choice Scarf users early in the game that would otherwise stop Aerodactyl cold. It also greatly appreciates Spikes support, as some grounded threats, including Gallade and the aforementioned Torterra, are capable of tanking one attack from Aerodactyl and OHKOing it in return. Scolipede and Crustle are strong choices in this regard.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Aqua Tail
move 4: Double-Edge / Fire Fang
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The hallmark of any strong attacker, Aerodactyl is able to utilize an excellent Choice Band set with its good Attack and blistering Speed. Stone Edge's virtues have been previously mentioned as Aerodactyl's best offensive option, but when boosted by a Choice Band it becomes brutally powerful, cleaning through Pokemon with ease. With its good coverage and perfect accuracy, Earthquake is an excellent "safe" move to use, hitting the Steel-types that wall Stone Edge. Aqua Tail is an excellent coverage move, hitting Ground-types that could normally wall Aerodactyl super effectively. Fire Fang is useful for hitting Ferroseed and Torterra super effectively, but Double-Edge is usually preferred for its ability to be used repeatedly with little consequence before attempting to sweep with Stone Edge.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band is the requisite item to enable Aerodactyl to utilize its power. Along with full EV investment, Aerodactyl is capable of hitting as hard and fast as possible. Jolly is usually the better nature for the ability to outspeed almost every common threat, but Adamant is an option to pressure the defensive Pokemon that comfortably take Aerodactyl's attacks. Rock Head is the ability of choice here, to ensure that Aerodactyl can use Double-Edge without any repercussions. As Aerodactyl will be switching in and out more frequently with this set than with others, spinners are necessary. Hitmonchan makes a great partner to Aerodactyl, as it resists Rock-type attacks that threaten Aerodactyl. Cryogonal is also a good teammate, as it can tank the Water- and Ice-type attacks aimed at Aerodactyl with ease. Offensively, Slowking is an excellent partner, as it can take the common priority attacks, Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, that cripple Aerodactyl, and threaten the opposition in return with its dangerous Choice Specs and Trick Room sets.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Despite having a few specific sets that Aerodactyl excels at, it also has an incredibly diverse movepool that can surprise an opponent. Ice Fang and Thunder Fang have nice coverage but low Base Power, though the latter hits Pokemon such as Poliwrath harder than any other option. One of Aerodactyl's defining characteristics is its lack of a good secondary STAB option. Aerial Ace is the best Flying STAB Aerodactyl can muster but is generally not a good choice due to its low Base Power. Crunch is another weaker option, although it can be used in some circumstances to hit Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon harder. Dragon Claw has little use in RU, but is useful for hitting Druddigon. With its insane Speed, Aerodactyl becomes an excellent weather supporter, having access to all weather moves except Hail. Aerodactyl does actually get a strong Flying STAB move, as Sky Attack with a Power Herb is immensely powerful, albeit a one-time attack. Whirlwind is a lesser used option that can be used on more defensive sets, preventing opposing Pokemon from setting up in front of Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl also has the excellent team support move, Tailwind, which is a good last ditch move to double the Speed of whatever teammate comes in after Aerodactyl faints.</p>
<p>Aerodactyl also has a few unlisted sets that are generally less useful overall. Aerodactyl is able to use a unique stall set alongside Pressure, using the combination of Substitute, Roost, and Fly or Rock Slide to whittle away at the PP of opposing Pokemon, many of which have only one move with which to hit Aerodactyl. This set can also be used alongside Toxic Spikes or Toxic itself, to slowly kill opposing Pokemon with poison while Aerodactyl remains in good health. Aerodactyl is also capable of using Agility along with significant defensive investment to outspeed key threats while also becoming defensively resilient. Aerodactyl also has a varied special movepool, with options such as Heat Wave, Dragon Pulse, AncientPower, and Air Cutter, making it a great recipient for a Nasty Plot on a Baton Pass team! Finally, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk can be used in conjunction to create a bulky boosting Aerodactyl that can sweep given enough boosts.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>While Aerodactyl's movepool may be diverse, its list of checks and counters are not, with all carrying the common themes of bulky or fast. Claydol is capable of combating Aerodactyl, OHKOing it with Ice Beam or setting up Stealth Rock. Torterra resists both of Aerodactyl's main attacks, and can either OHKO with Stone Edge or Wood Hammer, or support its team with Stealth Rock and Leech Seed. Similarly, Tangrowth is capable of taking Aerodactyl's attacks and can OHKO with Giga Drain, recovering its health in the process. Gligar is a solid Aerodactyl check, taking any attack except a boosted Aqua Tail comfortably. Although gimmicky, Eviolite Bronzor is likely the best counter to Aerodactyl, taking little damage from any attack and KOing Aerodactyl with Gyro Ball in order to bypass Taunt. Accelgor and Choice Scarf users such as Manectric are excellent checks to Aerodactyl, able to outspeed and KO Aerodactyl with Hidden Power Rock and Volt Switch, respectively. Finally, priority is an excellent means of beating Aerodactyl; both Hitmonchan and Feraligatr can take an attack and retaliate with Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, respectively.</p>
<p>Aerodactyl is a versatile Pokemon in RU with its blazing Speed that allows it to outspeed any unboosted Pokemon in the tier bar Accelgor. From there, Aerodactyl is capable of threatening the opposition with its strong Attack stat and good offensive movepool, or using its decent support movepool to boost its own team. However, Aerodactyl also suffers from poor defensive stats and a weakness to Stealth Rock, although the former can be amended with some investment in bulk. Regardless, this makes it difficult for Aerodactyl to switch in safely, as even against resisted hits it will often lose around half of its health. Its low defenses also mean that it is very vulnerable to opposing priority and Choice Scarf users, both of which threaten Aerodactyl. That said, it is difficult to wall Aerodactyl; few Pokemon are able to always come in safely against it. Whether providing team support or requiring it, Aerodactyl is always a Pokemon to watch for in RU.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Stealth Rock / Taunt
move 4: Roost / Taunt
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Perhaps no set demonstrates Aerodactyl's versatility better than this one, which is capable of being used effectively regardless if it's leading. Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's best offensive weapon, being a strong STAB option, although the accuracy will often be detrimental to Aerodactyl. Earthquake complements Stone Edge nicely, both providing excellent coverage alongside it and being a more reliable move. Stealth Rock is necessary for any team, and in conjunction with Roost, allows Aerodactyl to support the team as well as recover off its own damage. However, Aerodactyl also leads effectively with Stealth Rock and Taunt, shutting down opposing leads from setting up entry hazards or dual screens, while simultaneously setting up its own entry hazards. Finally, the combination of Taunt and Roost allows Aerodactyl to improve its longevity by healing off passive damage it may accrue while also ensuring that it doesn't become set-up fodder for the likes of Claydol.<p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Life Orb is the preferred item choice, as it makes Aerodactyl's offensive moves quite powerful, warding off potential switch ins. If Aerodactyl is used as a lead, however, Focus Sash is an acceptable item choice to ensure that Aerodactyl is able to set up Stealth Rock. As Aerodactyl does not use Double-Edge, Pressure is the preferred ability, as it can be used in tandem with Roost to provide a safeguard against opposing Pokemon and to stall strong moves out of their meager PP. The EV spread is typical for an offensive Pokemon, with a Jolly nature to outspeed every unboosted Pokemon except Accelgor. 84 Speed EVs can be moved to HP to slightly boost Aerodactyl's bulk while still outspeeding Sceptile and other base 120 Speed Pokemon, but this leaves it vulnerable to opposing Aerodactyl as well as additional Choice Scarf Pokemon.</p>
<p>When using Aerodactyl offensively, spinners are good teammates for Aerodactyl, as they allow it to switch in and out more freely than if Stealth Rock is present. Ground-type Pokemon such as Gligar or Steelix are solid teammates as well, absorbing Volt Switches and Thunderbolts from common Scarfed Pokemon such as Manectric. In that vein, strong special walls such as Lickilicky can be used to sponge attacks from those Pokemon that outspeed Aerodactyl after a boost. Wynaut is also an excellent partner for Aerodactyl, trapping and removing those Choice Scarf Pokemon that threaten Aerodactyl.</p>
[SET]
name: Hone Claws
move 1: Hone Claws
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail
item: Life Orb / Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Aerodactyl can be quite an effective sweeper when played properly thanks to its new boosting move, Hone Claws, along with is strong moves, coverage, and excellent Speed. Hone Claws boosts not only Aerodactyl's Attack, but also the accuracy of many of Aerodactyl's moves, particularly Stone Edge, which becomes both incredibly strong and incredibly reliable after a boost. After a boost, Earthquake can 2HKO Steelix after Stealth Rock, which goes along well with its naturally excellent coverage. Aqua Tail is the best complement to the first two options, hitting those Pokemon that Stone Edge can't super effectively, most notably Gliagar and Claydol.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Life Orb is once again the item of choice to allow Aerodactyl to sweep, boosting its damage output even further. Leftovers is also a good item choice, ensuring that Aerodactyl doesn't kill itself too quickly from Stealth Rock damage, as well as whatever prior damage it may have suffered while setting up. Pressure is once again the preferred ability, although neither ability is particularly useful for this set. A typical EV investment is used, with full Speed investment to ensure that Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Medicham cannot cut Aerodactyl's sweep short. Double-Edge is a useful choice in the fourth slot, hitting Pokemon such as Torterra harder than any other move. Although it has little use in terms of coverage, it gets neutral coverage against most Pokemon in the tier. Even more than the physical attacker set, Aerodactyl appreciates Wynaut's ability to remove Choice Scarf users early in the game that would otherwise stop Aerodactyl cold. It also greatly appreciates Spikes support, as some grounded threats, including Gallade and the aforementioned Torterra, are capable of tanking one attack from Aerodactyl and OHKOing it in return. Scolipede and Crustle are strong choices in this regard.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Aqua Tail
move 4: Double-Edge / Fire Fang
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The hallmark of any strong attacker, Aerodactyl is able to utilize an excellent Choice Band set with its good Attack and blistering Speed. Stone Edge's virtues have been previously mentioned as Aerodactyl's best offensive option, but when boosted by a Choice Band it becomes brutally powerful, cleaning through Pokemon with ease. With its good coverage and perfect accuracy, Earthquake is an excellent "safe" move to use, hitting the Steel-types that wall Stone Edge. Aqua Tail is an excellent coverage move, hitting Ground-types that could normally wall Aerodactyl super effectively. Fire Fang is useful for hitting Ferroseed and Torterra super effectively, but Double-Edge is usually preferred for its ability to be used repeatedly with little consequence before attempting to sweep with Stone Edge.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band is the requisite item to enable Aerodactyl to utilize its power. Along with full EV investment, Aerodactyl is capable of hitting as hard and fast as possible. Jolly is usually the better nature for the ability to outspeed almost every common threat, but Adamant is an option to pressure the defensive Pokemon that comfortably take Aerodactyl's attacks. Rock Head is the ability of choice here, to ensure that Aerodactyl can use Double-Edge without any repercussions. As Aerodactyl will be switching in and out more frequently with this set than with others, spinners are necessary. Hitmonchan makes a great partner to Aerodactyl, as it resists Rock-type attacks that threaten Aerodactyl. Cryogonal is also a good teammate, as it can tank the Water- and Ice-type attacks aimed at Aerodactyl with ease. Offensively, Slowking is an excellent partner, as it can take the common priority attacks, Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, that cripple Aerodactyl, and threaten the opposition in return with its dangerous Choice Specs and Trick Room sets.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Despite having a few specific sets that Aerodactyl excels at, it also has an incredibly diverse movepool that can surprise an opponent. Ice Fang and Thunder Fang have nice coverage but low Base Power, though the latter hits Pokemon such as Poliwrath harder than any other option. One of Aerodactyl's defining characteristics is its lack of a good secondary STAB option. Aerial Ace is the best Flying STAB Aerodactyl can muster but is generally not a good choice due to its low Base Power. Crunch is another weaker option, although it can be used in some circumstances to hit Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon harder. Dragon Claw has little use in RU, but is useful for hitting Druddigon. With its insane Speed, Aerodactyl becomes an excellent weather supporter, having access to all weather moves except Hail. Aerodactyl does actually get a strong Flying STAB move, as Sky Attack with a Power Herb is immensely powerful, albeit a one-time attack. Whirlwind is a lesser used option that can be used on more defensive sets, preventing opposing Pokemon from setting up in front of Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl also has the excellent team support move, Tailwind, which is a good last ditch move to double the Speed of whatever teammate comes in after Aerodactyl faints.</p>
<p>Aerodactyl also has a few unlisted sets that are generally less useful overall. Aerodactyl is able to use a unique stall set alongside Pressure, using the combination of Substitute, Roost, and Fly or Rock Slide to whittle away at the PP of opposing Pokemon, many of which have only one move with which to hit Aerodactyl. This set can also be used alongside Toxic Spikes or Toxic itself, to slowly kill opposing Pokemon with poison while Aerodactyl remains in good health. Aerodactyl is also capable of using Agility along with significant defensive investment to outspeed key threats while also becoming defensively resilient. Aerodactyl also has a varied special movepool, with options such as Heat Wave, Dragon Pulse, AncientPower, and Air Cutter, making it a great recipient for a Nasty Plot on a Baton Pass team! Finally, Curse, Rest, and Sleep Talk can be used in conjunction to create a bulky boosting Aerodactyl that can sweep given enough boosts.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>While Aerodactyl's movepool may be diverse, its list of checks and counters are not, with all carrying the common themes of bulky or fast. Claydol is capable of combating Aerodactyl, OHKOing it with Ice Beam or setting up Stealth Rock. Torterra resists both of Aerodactyl's main attacks, and can either OHKO with Stone Edge or Wood Hammer, or support its team with Stealth Rock and Leech Seed. Similarly, Tangrowth is capable of taking Aerodactyl's attacks and can OHKO with Giga Drain, recovering its health in the process. Gligar is a solid Aerodactyl check, taking any attack except a boosted Aqua Tail comfortably. Although gimmicky, Eviolite Bronzor is likely the best counter to Aerodactyl, taking little damage from any attack and KOing Aerodactyl with Gyro Ball in order to bypass Taunt. Accelgor and Choice Scarf users such as Manectric are excellent checks to Aerodactyl, able to outspeed and KO Aerodactyl with Hidden Power Rock and Volt Switch, respectively. Finally, priority is an excellent means of beating Aerodactyl; both Hitmonchan and Feraligatr can take an attack and retaliate with Mach Punch and Aqua Jet, respectively.</p>
