Aron (Analysis)'

j. franky said:

Status: Complete

http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/aron

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[OVERVIEW]

<p>While Aron was non-existent in its initial appearance in LC, its latest addition, Head Smash, suddenly made it rise in usage. Rock-type is a fantastic attacking move in LC, where Ground-type Pokemon are barely used, which allows Aron to abuse this exclusive, non-recoiled 225 base power move. This first and foremost gives Aron a deadly weapon to hurt unprepared teams in LC, as well as the possibility of sweeping an entire team by itself. Aron's 100 base Defense and Steel-typing are an added bonus as a way of cushioning priority hits. All in all, Aron poses an immediate threat on teams with the right support.</p>

[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
ability: Rock Head
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Aron's trademark set because it has Rock Polish to patch up its middling Speed. With good Attack and a 225 base powered Head Smash, Aron becomes an offensive force and is incredibly hard to take revenge kill thanks to its high Defense stat. Furthermore, Rock Head ensures that Aron will not be taking any recoil damage from Head Smash, making Aron even harder to combat against. Earthquake and Iron Head broadens its type coverage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Rock Polish boosts its Speed to 24 or 26, depending on the nature of choice. At certain times, Rock Polish might be a bit difficult to pull off because of Aron's terrible typing and Speed. Its best bet is to come in on Pokemon like Meowth or Snover, and proceed to use Rock Polish on the switch. It can force Munchlax out as well, but Aron has to watch out for Earthquake. Aron can space in three attacks, which provide it with excellent coverage, only walled by Bronzor (which can't do much to it anyway). Head Smash is Aron's main form of attack and can literally 2HKO everything in LC. Earthquake forms the famous Ground / Rock coverage to hit Steel-types like other Aron and Shieldon, who will attempt to wall your Head Smash. Iron Head is a safe STAB move to use if Head Smash's accuracy is making you nervous, but the power Head Smash holds is death-inducing. It also hits defensive Rock-types such as Onix and Rhydon, who will resist Head Smash. </p>

<p>There are other options Aron can run in the item slot besides Life Orb. Chople Berry is an interesting option to survive Vacuum Wave from Croagunk without having to switch out. Oran Berry helps by setting up more recklessly on Pokemon that decide to stay in and hit you. However, take note that without Life Orb, Aron will not gain certain 2HKOs and OHKOs on Pokemon like Phanpy and Gligar.</p>

<p>The EVs are designed to give at least one point from each department, except for Special Attack. Maximum Attack and Speed is needed to actually help Aron pull off a successful sweep. An Adamant nature will allow Aron to hit 24 Speed after one Rock Polish, but it leaves Aron open to an easy revenge kill from Choice Scarf Jolly Mankey. Jolly is always another option to outpace and hit Mankey without switching out.</p>

<p>Aron can sweep efficiently with Stealth Rock down as it helps increase the chances of OHKOing Pokemon like Gligar. Another way to help it sweep efficiently is pairing it with Wynaut, because, since Aron lures in Mankey's Close Combat, Wynaut can switch-in to OHKO it with Counter, allowing Aron to use Adamant nature instead of Jolly. Wynaut also acts as a check to Croagunk if Aron isn't running Chople Berry. Gligar works in a similar fashion as Wynaut, in terms of checking Mankey and Croagunk. In addition to that, Gligar has access to Stealth Rock and the Ground-type immunity to safely come in on hits directed at Aron. Finally, paralysis support is always welcome to allow Aron to threaten faster threats, which could lead to an easier Rock Polish sweep.</p>

<p>Offensively, Elekid works well with Aron despite sharing similar weakness to Ground-type attacks. With Aron severely denting everything, it leaves Elekid to clean up the job late-game. Misdreavus works exceptionally well with Aron as a way to lure in Fighting-type hits, allowing Misdreavus to get a free turn to Nasty Plot or use Substitute.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Superpower
ability: Rock Head
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The purpose of this set is to deal immediate damage with a Choice Band equipped. Aron makes a good Choice Band user despite its low Speed, because it has good Attack and non-recoil Head Smash to threaten a lot of things in LC. Nothing in LC will enjoy switching in on a boosted Head Smash coming off 24 Attack. Earthquake rounds off the coverage as a way to hit Steel-types like Aron and Shieldon. The final two moves are Iron Head and Superpower. Iron Head is a nice STAB move to hit defensive Rock-types like Onix and Rhydon for super effective damage, while Superpower is used to hit Bronzor, only because it currently walls Aron's other attacks.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Adamant nature is absolutely needed for more power to hurt switch-ins. The EVs are the same as the Rock Polish set, as it adds at least one point in every department except Special Attack.</p>

<p>Aron needs several supports to function as an effective Choice Band user. Firstly, paralysis support is necessary for Aron to pull off more attacks on faster threats. Aron has a difficult time scaring anything with such low Speed and poor typing, something that can be remedied by Pokémon like Paras Secondly, Stealth Rock is much needed to increase the chances of OHKOing certain walls. Lastly, dual screen support is always welcome to take unboosted physical hits from the opponent, allowing Aron to smash them with a selected move after surviving their assault.</p>

<p>When using Choice Band Aron, make sure to pack something to take on faster set up sweepers. Aron's Speed is quite depressing, and popular set-up sweepers like Misdreavus and Gligar need to be checked the entire match. Pokemon like Munchlax can check Nasty Plot Misdreavus to a certain degree, and Choice Scarf Machop can check Swords Dance or Rock Polish Gligar. Having Gligar and Wynaut alongside Aron is a nice way of checking Scarf Mankey and Croagunk. Gligar in particular can provide a support package for Aron by setting up Stealth Rock, coming in on Ground-type hits, and checking Scarf Mankey and Croagunk.</p>

<p>Hippopotas and Phanpy are good checks to this set, as they can survive a boosted Head Smash and OHKO it in return with Earthquake. Bringing Mantyke is a nice way to come in on Earthquake, letting Mantyke threaten the latter and use Agility on the switch out.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>No matter what set Aron runs, packing something to check Fighting-types like Mankey and Croagunk is always a good idea. Wynaut and Gligar can work extremely well with Aron because they cover its weakness pretty well. Wynaut in particular can trap and kill Choiced Mankey and Croagunk. Gligar is a good partner for the most part, as it provides Stealth Rock to help Aron sweep, as well as giving Aron a good switch in to Ground- and Fighting-type hits. However, Gligar can't safely come in on Water-type attacks launched at it. As such, Paras makes a great partner because of its ability to come in on Water-type hits, as well as spread paralysis to help Aron threaten faster Pokemon.</p>

<p>Offensively, Elekid, Misdreavus, and Mantyke can fit in with Aron. Elekid in particular is an excellent late game sweeper, and with Aron naturally denting walls, Elekid can come in to deliver the finishing blow. Misdreavus can get a bonus turn by coming in on Choiced Fighting-types who are locked into Fighting-type moves. This will allow Misdreavus to set up without breaking a sweat, and possibly sweep the opposition. Mantyke works well in the Choice Band set because it attracts defensive Ground-types, giving Mantyke a free turn to use Agility.</p>

<p>The last way to improve Aron's sweep is dual screens. Dual screens are an excellent way for Aron to set up to make up for its low Speed. However, don't get too overzealous, as Aron cannot take Fighting-type hits that well even behind screens.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Aron can run a support set with Stealth Rock / Head Smash / Earthquake / Iron Head with heavy defense EV investment. However, Shieldon completely outclasses it in terms of walling threats, because it has the bulk from both ends to take both physical and special hits. The 28 point difference in Attack is the only difference between Aron and Shieldon. If you're looking for something harder-hitting, Aron can fill in that job instead. Aron can run an alternate EV spread of 196 Atk / 116 Def / 196 Spe to take super effective priority hits from Pokemon like Totodile or Squirtle better.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Due to Aron's poor typing, anything that has Fighting- and Ground-type hits could be considered as counters. Mankey is a good check to Aron because it can outpace Aron with a Choice Scarf. Croagunk is can OHKO the Rock Polish set with a priority Vacuum Wave.</p>

<p>From a defensive standpoint, Phanpy and Hippopotas who invest heavily in Defense can check the dreaded Choice Band set. Hippopotas and Phanpy can survive a boosted Head Smash and OHKO back with Earthquake.</p>

Click to expand...

Ice-eyes said:

I've been testing the set with Magnet Rise over Iron Head and it's testing pretty well. Potential sweep-stoppers like Phanpy can't really do anything to you without being able to EQ, while it also allows you to set up on things like Munchlax and Bronzor. Iron Head wasn't really doing anything for me; Rise deserves a mention, for sure.

Click to expand...

[OVERVIEW]

<p>While Aron was non-existent in its initial appearance in LC, the its latest addition to its movepool, Head Smash, suddenly made it rise in usage. Rock Rock-type is a fantastic attacking type move in LC, where Ground-type Pokemon are barely used. This allows Aron to abuse an this exclusive, no-recoil non-recoiled 225 Base Power move. First and foremost, this gives Aron a deadly weapon to hurt unprepared teams in LC, as well as the possibility of sweeping an entire team by itself. Aron's base 100 Defense and Steel-typing are an added bonus as they allow a way of cushioning priority hits. All in all, with the right support, Aron poses an immediate threat to many LC teams with the right support.</p>

[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Iron Head
ability: Rock Head
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This is Aron's trademark set because it uses has Rock Polish to patch up its middling Speed. With good Attack and a 225 Base Power Head Smash, Aron becomes an offensive force and is incredibly hard to take revenge kill, thanks to its high Defense stat. Furthermore, Rock Head ensures that Aron will not be taking any recoil damage from Head Smash, making Aron even harder to beat combat against. Earthquake and Iron Head broaden its type coverage.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Rock Polish boosts Aron's its Speed to 24 or 26, depending on the nature of choice. At certain times, Rock Polish might be a bit difficult to pull off because of Aron's terrible typing and low Speed to even threaten anything. Its best bet is to come in on Pokemon like Meowth or Snover, and proceed to use Rock Polish as they on the switch out. It can switch in on Munchlax as well to grab a Rock Polish on the switch out, but Aron has to watch out for Earthquake. Aron can space in three attacks, which provide it with excellent coverage, only walled by Bronzor (which can't do much to it anyways). Head Smash is Aron's main form of attack and can literally 2HKO everything in LC. Earthquake complements Head Smash forms the famous Ground / Rock coverage by hitting to hit Steel-types like opposing Aron and Shieldon, who will attempt to wall your Head Smash. Iron Head is a safe STAB move to use if Head Smash's accuracy is making you nervous, but the power Head Smash holds is death-inducing. It also hits defensive Rock-types such as Onix and Rhydon, who will try to resist Head Smash. </p>

<p>There are other options Aron can run in the item slot besides Life Orb. Chople Berry is an interesting option to survive Vacuum Wave from Croagunk without having to switch out. Oran Berry helps by giving Aron more survivability setting up more recklessly on Pokemon that decide to stay in and hit you. However, take note that without Life Orb, Aron will not gain certain 2HKOs and OHKOs on Pokemon like Phanpy and Gligar.</p>

<p>The EVs are designed to yield give at least one point from each department, except for Special Attack. Maximum Attack and Speed is needed to actually help Aron pull off a successful sweep. An Adamant nature will allow Aron to hit 24 Speed after one Rock Polish, but it leaves Aron open to an easy revenge-kill from Choice Scarf Jolly Mankey. Jolly is always another option to outpace and hit Mankey without switching out.</p>

<p>Aron can sweep more efficiently with Stealth Rock down, as the floating rocks it help increase the chances of OHKOing Pokemon like Gligar. Another way to help it sweep efficiently is pairing it with Wynaut. Since Aron lures in Mankey's Close Combat, Wynaut can switch-in to OHKO it with Counter, allowing Aron to use Adamant nature instead of Jolly. Wynaut also acts as a check to Croagunk if Aron isn't running Chople Berry. Gligar works in the similar fashion as Wynaut (in terms of checking Mankey and Croagunk). In addition to that, Gligar has access to Stealth Rock and a the Ground-type immunity to safely come in on hits directed at Aron. Finally, paralysis support is always welcome to allow Aron to threaten faster Pokémon, which could lead to an easier Rock Polish sweep.</p>

<p>Offensively, Elekid works well with Aron, despite sharing similar weakness to Ground-type attacks. With Aron severely denting everything, it leaves Elekid to clean up the job late-game. Gastly works exceptionally well with Aron as a way to lure in Fighting-type hits, allowing Gastly to get a free turn to use Substitute.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Iron Head
move 4: Superpower
ability: Rock Head
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The purpose of this set is to deal immediate damage with a Choice Band equipped. Aron makes a good Choice Band user despite its low Speed, because it has good Attack and a no-recoil non-recoil Head Smash to threaten a large portion of the LC metagame a lot of things in LC. Nothing in LC will enjoy switching in on a boosted Head Smash coming off 24 Attack. Earthquake rounds off the coverage, providing a way to hit Steel-types like opposing Aron and Shieldon. The final two moves are Iron Head and Superpower. Iron Head is a nice STAB move to hit defensive Rock-types like Onix and Rhydon for super effective damage, while Superpower is used to hit Bronzor, only because it otherwise currently walls Aron's other attacks.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>An Adamant nature is absolutely needed purely for more power to hurt switch-ins. The EVs are the same as the Rock Polish set, as it adds at least one point in every department except Special Attack.</p>

<p>Aron requires extensive support needs several supports to function as an effective Choice Band user. Firstly, paralysis support is absolutely needed for Aron to outspeed pull off more attacks on faster threats. Aron has a difficult time scaring anything with such low Speed and poor typing; therefore, packing a Pokemon like Paras (who provides paralysis support) could help provide the paralysis support. Secondly, Stealth Rock is much needed to increase the chances of OHKOing certain walls. Lastly, dual screen support is always welcome to take unboosted physical hits from the opponent, allowing Aron to smash them with a selected move after surviving their assault.</p>

<p>When using Choice Band Aron, make sure to pack something to take on faster set-up sweepers. Aron's Speed is quite low depressing, and popular set-up sweepers like Gligar need to be checked the entire match. Choice Scarf Machop can check Swords Dance or Rock Polish Gligar. Snover can check Gligar as well if the need arises. Having one's own Gligar and Wynaut alongside Aron is a nice way of checking Scarf Mankey and Croagunk. Gligar in particular can provide a helpful support package for Aron by setting up Stealth Rock, coming in on Ground-type hits, and as well as checking Scarf Mankey and Croagunk.</p>

<p>Hippopotas and Phanpy are good checks to this set, as they can survive a boosted Head Smash and OHKO Aron it in return with Earthquake. Bringing Mantyke is a nice way to check these threats, as it can come in on Earthquake, letting Mantyke threaten the aforementioned, and use Agility as they on the switch out.

[Team Options]

<p>No matter what set Aron runs, packing something to check Fighting-types like Mankey and Croagunk is always a good idea. Wynaut and Gligar can work extremely well with Aron because they cover its weaknesses well pretty good. Wynaut in particular can get rid of Choiced Mankey and Croagunk because of its the ability Shadow Tag, which prevents prevent opponents it from escaping. Wynaut can deliver the finishing blow with Counter. Gligar is a good partner for the most part as it provides Stealth Rock to help Aron sweep, as well as giving Aron a good switch in to Ground- and Fighting-type hits. However, Gligar can't safely come in on Water-type attacks launched at it. As such Paras makes a great partner because of its ability to come in on Water-type hits, as well as spreading paralysis to help Aron threaten faster Pokemon.</p>

<p>Offensively, Elekid and Mantyke can fit in with Aron. Elekid in particular is an excellent late-game sweeper, and with Aron naturally denting walls, Elekid can come in to deliver the finishing blow. Mantyke works well with in the Choice Band set because it attracts defensive Ground-types, giving Mantyke a free turn to set up use Agility.</p>

<p>The last way to improve Aron's sweep is dual screens. Dual screens are an excellent way for Aron to set up to make up for its low Speed. However, Although don't get too overzealous, as Aron cannot take Fighting-type attacks hits that well even behind screens. You're better off sending Aron on unboosted hits.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>Aron can run a support set using the moveset with Stealth Rock / Head Smash / Earthquake / Iron Head with heavy EV investment in Defense. However, Shieldon completely outclasses Aron it in terms of walling threats, because it has the bulk from both ends to take both physical and special hits. The 28 point difference in Attack is the only difference between Aron and Shieldon. If you're looking to support and dish out good damage, Aron can fill in that job over Shieldon. Aron can run an alternate EV spread of 196 Atk / 116 Def / 196 Spe to take super effective priority hits from Pokemon like Totodile or Squirtle better.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Due to Aron's poor typing, anything that sports has Fighting- and Ground-type attacks hits can could be considered as counters. Mankey is good check to Aron because it can outpace Aron with a Choice Scarf slapped on them. Croagunk is a good check to the Rock Polish set because it can OHKO it with Vacuum Wave.</p>

<p>From a defensive standpoint, Phanpy and Hippopotas who invest EVs heavily in Defense load up heavy Defense investment can check the dreaded Choice Band set. Hippopotas and Phanpy can survive a boosted Head Smash and OHKO back with Earthquake.</p>

Click to expand...