Metagross (Gen 4, Update)

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

Got permission from Colonel M to do a quick update on the Metagross analysis. Many of the spreads here are complete Rotom bait, but for the most part the analysis is pretty complete albeit quite lengthy. Will work on improving certain sets, changing the order of the sets, and making it more concise.

Checklist (will Edit)

Completed: Edits to Lead and Agiligross
New Sets To Do: Special Defensive Tank, Trick, Baton Pass Receiver
Edits to remaining sets.



[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Meteor Mash / Earthquake
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Occa Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 248 Atk / 8 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main purpose of this set is to set up Stealth Rock as early as possible while dealing with the most common leads in today's metagame. Metagross is one of the most reliable leads due to its great typing and defenses, and will almost guarantee that you get Stealth Rock up near the beginning of a match.</p>

<p>Metagross functions well as a lead because very few of the common leads can OHKO it. With its great bulk, it is not OHKOed by Earthquake from the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert, and by running an Occa Berry, Metagross can survive in the face of Fire attacks and retaliate. Bullet Punch is essential to the set in that it allows Metagross to get rid of Focus Sash users such as Azelf and Aerodactyl without having to take another hit. Meteor Mash is the best attacking option thanks to its great power and STAB. However, for players who simply want to beat as many of the other common leads as possible, Earthquake is the preferable choice, as it allows you to hit Infernape, Heatran, Jirachi, and other Metagross for super effective damage. Although Meteor Mash also leaves Metagross a lot more vulnerable to Infernape and Heatran, it is better to avoid the confrontation with the ladder, as it normally carries a Shucca Berry and will beat Metagross regardless. Explosion in the last slot is just a devastating move, and any lead that is not a Ghost-type will lose a big chunk of their health. The defensive behemoth that is Hippowdon has a high chance of being OHKOed, and Explosion also does up to 87% damage to the standard Bronzong lead. Because Metagross is such a reliable lead, one can forgo Explosion for both Meteor Mash and Earthquake. This will allow Metagross to function as a strong attacker should it be needed later on in the match.</p>

<p>The choice of item on Lead Gross is really dependent on what you need it to deal with. Lum Berry allows Metagross to easily defeat Roserade and Smeargle leads, as well as provide protection from Bronzong's Hypnosis. However, Occa Berry must be used with Earthquake in order to defeat Infernape. Shuca Berry can be used to take Earthquakes easier, but with Metagross's impressive Defense, they won't be OHKOing even without it.</p>

<p>In the leading position, Metagross is likely to come up against several Pokémon which can cause it problems. Heatran can survive Metagross's Earthquake with Focus Sash or Shuca Berry and threaten with a powerful STAB Fire attack of its own. As it is faster, you will be 2HKOed before you 2HKO in return unless it decides to set up Stealth Rock on the first turn. Having a bulky Water-type to switch to is helpful here. Swampert and Hippowdon are also common leads that aren't worried by Metagross in the slightest. Celebi and Latias in particular are great Pokémon to switch to, as previously mentioned. Latias does shine, however, for its ability to also take on Heatran effectively, something which Celebi cannot boast. Interestingly, Bronzong is also more of a pain than usual for Metagross with this set. Although it can't do much damage to you without Earthquake, it can also potentially put you to sleep with Hypnosis while you can't really do a whole lot back unless it is Heatproof. Even then, you need to risk a turn in order to find out, and that will more often than not be for naught.</p>

<p>Choice Specs Latias makes an excellent partner for a leading Metagross, as it can switch in easily on Heatran, Swampert and Hippowdon before proceeding to fire boosted Draco Meteors and Surfs. It is also a great Pokémon to go to against lead Infernape should you want to save your Occa Berry for later use, or if you had decided not to use one at all. Bulky Sleep Talking Rotom formes work particularly well with this set, as they can not only take Hypnosis and Sleep Powder from other leads, but also carry a handy immunity to Explosion.</p>


[SET]
name: Agiligross
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Thunderpunch / Explosion
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 112 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 132 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Metagross makes for an effective late-game sweeper once your opponent's Pokémon have been sufficiently weakened. The basic gist of this set is to use Agility, which makes Metagross faster than just about everything, and sweep. Meteor Mash, once again, will be your main attacking option. Earthquake allows you to deal with Fire-types and Steel-types who may attempt to wall Metagross.</p>

<p>For the last slot, any of the three recommended moves can be used depending on what Pokémon you want to cover. Zen Headbutt is the recommended option, as it allows Metagross to hit everything for at least neutral damage, barring Skarmory, Bronzong, and Shedinja. Thunderpunch can be used to hit Skarmory and possibly pick off a weakened one, as well as hitting Water Pokemon and Gyarados harder and with better accuracy than Zen Headbutt. Since Metagross will be faster than most of the metagame, Explosion is also a worthwhile option when low on health as it will most likely take a final pokemon down with it.</p>

<p>Life Orb exchanges survivability for power, while Lum Berry helps against burn and paralysis, although your damage output is lowered considerably. Leftovers is always an acceptable option as well.</p>

<p>The provided EVs allow you to outspeed max Speed Timid Choice Scarf Heatran, who is the biggest threat to this set. 112 HP EVs places you at 329 HP, reducing the amount of Life Orb recoil from 33 to 32. One also has the option of dropping HP EVs and adding onto Metagross's Speed; 196 Speed EVs let allows you to outspeed neutral natured, base 100 Speed Pokémon such as Flygon and Salamence that have a single Speed boost.</p>

<p>Although this variety of Metagross is an absolute menace lategame, thanks to the drop in power as a result of using Life Orb instead of Choice Band, the Pokémon that countered the previous set now have an even easier time doing so. The recoil from Life Orb as well as the free switch Agility gives them if mistimed doesn't help. Additionally, certain physically bulky Pokémon that had a harder time switching into the Choice Band set now become much more of a problem. Cresselia and Celebi can both now freely set up Reflect and nullify your Speed boosts with Thunder Wave. U-turn coming from a Choice Band Scizor works wonders here, allowing you to cause major damage and additionally keep the pressure on your opponent by allowing you to switch in a Pokémon depending on how your opponent reacted. Celebi can take out the bulky Water Pokémon that give this set problems, and even Baton Pass a Swords Dance back when you're done. Infernape can come in on Rotom-A's Will-O-Wisp and Nasty Plot to really put the hurt on your opponent.</p>

<p> Since Metagross has no method of boosting its attack other than a Life Orb, any residual damage is extremely helpful. Skarmory and Forretress can set up Spikes rather easily on many of the bulky Pokemon that cause this set trouble.</p>

[SET]
name: Special Defensive Tank
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Explosion
item: Leftovers / Expert Belt
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 136 Atk / 120 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>With a solid Base 90 Special Defense, sky high Attack, and access to Pursuit, Metagross is a answer to certain special threats in both OU and Ubers. Much of this is attributed to Metagross' valuable resistance to Dragon-typed assaults that are common in both tiers. This set focuses on these aspects to make a solid counter to Latias, decent check to Gengar, and a solid physical attacking force with strong defenses on both sides of the spectrum.</p>

<p>Pursuit is the most important move on this set, as it traps Latias, Gengar, and any Pokemon fleeing after you have revealed Bullet Punch's priority. Because most users of Pursuit are commonly Choiced, it will encourage these Pokemon to stay in. Expert Belt is most useful in masking a Choice item, but in many cases it is not needed as any Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire, or locked into a Choice Item will flee anyway. Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch provide a solid STAB attacking combo that can deal heavy damage to most offensive Pokemon while simultaneously offsetting Metagross' mediocre speed. Earthquake is the final move, which offers good coverage alongside your Steel-type STAB but is mainly just used for smashing Magnezone and Heatran switch-ins, as well as Dialga in Ubers. Explosion is also a tough option to ignore, because with 374 Attack, Metagross will most likely take another Pokemon down with it.</p>

<p>The EV's provided will maximize Metagross efficiency in eliminating the aforementioned Pokemon. With 374 Attack, Pursuit will always OHKO a fleeing Gengar and the combination of Pursuit + Bullet Punch will always 2HKO Gengar with Stealth Rock provided it stays in. Additionally, Pursuit will do a minimum of 72% to a fleeing 128 HP / 0 Def Latias with Expert Belt, which means that if Stealth Rock is on the field, Latias will most likely faint on its next appearance. Without Expert Belt, Metagross still has a good chance to do the same to 4 HP / 0 Def varients of Latias. If Latias stays in, the combination of Pursuit with a subsequent Meteor Mash will bring Latias down. The remaining EVs were placed into HP and Special Defense to maximize survivability.</p>

<p>Because the combination of Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch has such a high damage output against frailer Pokemon, it should be noted that Metagross can make a decent check to Salamence and even Rayquaza that are locked into Outrage. Therefore, Shucca Berry is also a worthwhile alternative to Leftovers and Expert Belt. With a Shucca Berry, a Metagross in good health will always survive a +1 Life Orb Earthquake or a Life Orbed Fire Blast from the standard Dragon Dance Salamence. Metagross can then retaliate with Meteor Mash followed by Bullet Punch, which will hit Salamence for a minimum of 87% damage, meaning that Salamence will most likely lose even without Stealth Rock if it attacks once.</p>

<p> Like most Metagross sets, strong Fire-types will spell its demise. Heatran, can come into this set rather easily, especially if one forgoes Earthquake for Explosion. Infernape can do the same and both will bring Metagross down with boosted Fire attacks. Latias makes a fine partner to Metagross as it can come in on both with relative ease and fire off Draco Meteors or Surfs, or Calm Mind and go for a sweep. Gyarados and Salamence also share fantastic type synergy with Metagross, being immune to Earthquakes and resisting Fire-type attacks. This Metagross also has problems dealing sufficient damage to Bronzong and Skarmory without having to resort to Explosion so your own Fire type can prove useful there, provided you watch for Bronzong's Earthquake. Rotom-A can freely come in on both and set up a Substitute on both and either Charge Beam or wreak havoc on the other team.</p>

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Earthquake
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Psychic / Shadow Ball
item: Leftovers / Expert Belt
nature: Quiet
evs: 80 HP / 124 Atk / 252 SpA / 52 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]


[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Trick / Bullet Punch
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]


[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Thunderpunch / Trick
move 4: Explosion / Zen Headbutt
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
evs: 8 HP / 252 Atk / 248 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]


[SET]
name: TrickScarf Lead
move 1: Trick
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Stealth Rock
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]


[SET]
name: Trick
move 1: Trick
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Iron Ball
nature: Adamant
evs: 208 HP / 212 Atk / 88 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]


[SET]
name: Baton Pass Recipient
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Thunderpunch
item: Lum Berry / Muscle Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 232 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]


[SET]
name: Dual Screener
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Earthquake / Meteor Mash
item: Light Clay
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 176 SpD / 8 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]








Under construction. Will edit more in shortly.
 

Darkmalice

Level 3
is a Tiering Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Lead Metagross (and most Metagross in general) should have max Attack for obvious reasons. The Def EVs are not needed. They were intended for Dugtrio. But Dugtrio is not common in OU and cannot safely switch into Dugtrio (even after Metagross nets a kill thanks to Bullet Punch). Even if Dugtrio somehow manages to land a hit on Metagross, it is very unlikely that Adamant CB Earthquake will OHKO a 252 HP / min Metagross. It deals 308 - 366 HP of damage (Metagross has 364); no Dugtrio user will risk this KO. Also, most Dugtrios in OU are Jolly, so the slight chance of a OHKO is even more redundant.
 

Frizy

dont change my ct fuckers
is a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnusis a Past SPL Championis a Past WCoP Champion
Red = Remove
Blue = Add
Bold = Singular word changes
(Bold brackets) = Comments
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Meteor Mash / Earthquake
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Occa Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 236 Atk / 12 Def / 8 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The main purpose of this set is to set up Stealth Rock as early as possible while dealing with the most common leads in today's metagame. Metagross is one of the most reliable leads due to its great typing and defenses, and will almost guarantee that you get Stealth Rock up near the beginning of a match.</p>

<p>Metagross functions well as a lead because very few of the common leads can OHKO it. With its great bulk, it is not OHKOed by Earthquake from the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert, and by running an Occa Berry, Metagross can survive in the face of powerful Fire attacks and retaliate.(Sounded awkward.) Bullet Punch is essential to the set in that as it allows (Flows better.) Metagross to get rid of Focus Sash users such as Azelf and Aerodactyl without having to take another hit. Meteor Mash is the best attacking option thanks to its great power and STAB. However, for players who simply want to beat as many of the other common leads as possible, Earthquake is the preferable choice, as it allowing you to hit Infernape, Heatran, Jirachi, and other Metagross for super effective damage. Although Meteor Mash also leaves Metagross a lot more vulnerable to Infernape and Heatran, it is better to avoid the confrontation with the latter, as it normally carries a Shuca (One c.) Berry and will beat Metagross regardless. Explosion in the last slot is just a devastating move, and any lead that is not a Ghost-type will lose a big chunk of their health. The defensive behemoth that is Hippowdon has a high chance of being OHKOed, and Explosion while also doing up to 87% damage to the standard Bronzong lead. Because Metagross is such a reliable lead, one can forgo Explosion for both Meteor Mash and Earthquake. This will allow Metagross to function as a strong attacker should it be needed later on in the match.</p>

<p>The choice of item on Lead Gross is really dependent on what you need it to deal with. Lum Berry allows Metagross to easily defeat Roserade and Smeargle leads, as well as provide protection from Bronzong's Hypnosis. However, Occa Berry must be used with Earthquake in order to defeat Infernape. Shuca Berry can be used to take Earthquakes easier, but with Metagross's impressive Defense, they won't be OHKOing even without it.</p>

<p>In the leading position, Metagross is likely to come up against several Pokémon which can cause it problems. Heatran can survive Metagross's Earthquake with Focus Sash or (Focus Sash is never used on Leadtran.) Shuca Berry and threaten with a powerful STAB Fire attack of its own. As it is faster, you will be 2HKOed before you 2HKO in return unless it decides to set up Stealth Rock on the first turn. Having a bulky Water-type to switch to is helpful here (Seems out of place). Swampert and Hippowdon are also common leads that aren't worried by Metagross in the slightest. Celebi and Latias in particular are great Pokémon to switch to, as previously mentioned. Latias does shine, however, for its ability to also take on Heatran effectively, something which Celebi cannot boast. Interestingly, Bronzong is also more of a pain than usual for Metagross with this set. Although it can't do much damage to you without Earthquake, it can also potentially put you to sleep with Hypnosis while you can't really do a whole lot back unless it is Heatproof. Even then, you need to risk a turn in order to find out, and that will more often than not be for naught. (Hardly anyone actually runs Heatproof, so I think this sentence is kinda unnecessary. It is kind of a "duh" statement anyway, no offense.) </p>

<p>Choice Specs Latias makes an excellent partner for a leading Metagross, as it can switch in easily on Heatran, Swampert and Hippowdon before proceeding to fire boosted Draco Meteors and Surfs. It is also a great Pokémon to go to against lead Infernape should you want to save your Occa Berry for later use, or if you had decided not to use one at all. Bulky Sleep Talking Rotom formes work particularly well with this set, as they can not only take Hypnosis and Sleep Powder from other leads, but also carry a handy immunity to Explosion.</p>

I'll do the others later.
 

Snorlaxe

2 kawaii 4 u
is a Top Contributor Alumnus
Lead

<p>The main purpose of this set is to set up Stealth Rock as early as possible while dealing with the most common leads in today's metagame. Metagross is one of the most reliable leads due to its great typing and defenses, and will almost guarantee that you get Stealth Rock up near the beginning of a match.</p>

<p>Metagross functions well as a lead because very few of the common leads can OHKO it. With its great bulk, it is not OHKOed by Earthquake from the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert, and by running an Occa Berry, Metagross can survive in the face of Fire-type attacks and retaliate. Bullet Punch is essential to the set in that it allows Metagross to get rid of Focus Sash users such as Azelf and Aerodactyl without having to take another hit. Meteor Mash is the best attacking option thanks to its great power and STAB. However, for players who simply want to beat as many of the other common leads as possible, Earthquake is the preferable choice, as it allows Metagross to hit Infernape, Heatran, Jirachi, and other Metagross for super effective damage. Although Meteor Mash also leaves Metagross a lot more vulnerable to Infernape and Heatran, it is better to avoid the confrontation with the ladder, as it normally carries a Shucca Berry and will beat Metagross regardless. Explosion in the last slot is just a devastating move, and any lead that is not a Ghost-type will lose a big chunk of their health. The extremely defensive Hippowdon has a high chance of being OHKOed, and Explosion also does up to 87% damage to the standard Bronzong lead. Because Metagross is such a reliable lead, one can forgo Explosion for both Meteor Mash and Earthquake. This will allow Metagross to function as a strong attacker should it be needed to deal damage later on in the match.</p>

<p>The choice of item on lead Metagross is really dependent on what you need it to deal with. Lum Berry allows Metagross to easily defeat Roserade and Smeargle leads, as well as provide protection from Bronzong's Hypnosis. However, Occa Berry must be used with Earthquake in order to defeat Infernape. Shuca Berry can be used to take Earthquakes more easily, but with Metagross's impressive Defense, they won't be OHKOing even without it.</p>

<p>In the leading position, Metagross is likely to come up against several Pokémon which can cause it problems. Heatran can survive Metagross's Earthquake with Focus Sash or Shuca Berry and threaten with a powerful STAB Fire-type attack of its own. As it is faster, Metagross will be 2HKOed before it 2HKO in return unless it decides to set up Stealth Rock on the first turn. Having a bulky Water-type to switch to is helpful here. Swampert and Hippowdon are other common leads that aren't worried by Metagross in the slightest. Celebi and Latias in particular are great Pokémon to switch to, as previously mentioned. Latias stands out, however, for its ability to also take on Heatran effectively, something which Celebi cannot boast. Interestingly, Bronzong is also more of a pain than usual for Metagross with this set. Although it can't do much damage to Metagross without Earthquake, it can also potentially put it to sleep with Hypnosis while Metagross can't really do a whole lot back unless it is Heatproof. Even then, you need to risk a turn in order to find out, and that will more often than not be for naught.</p>

<p>Choice Specs Latias makes an excellent partner for a leading Metagross, as it can switch in easily on Heatran, Swampert and Hippowdon before proceeding to fire boosted Draco Meteors and Surfs. It is also a great Pokémon to go to against lead Infernape should you want to save Metagross's Occa Berry for later use, or if you had decided not to use one at all. Bulky Sleep Talking Rotom formes work particularly well with this set, as they can not only take Hypnosis and Sleep Powder from other leads, but also carry a handy immunity to Explosion.</p>


Agiligross

<p>Metagross makes for an effective late-game sweeper once your opponent's Pokémon have been sufficiently weakened. The basic gist of this set is to use Agility, which makes Metagross faster than just about everything, and sweep. Meteor Mash, once again, will be Metagross's main attacking option. Earthquake allows it to deal with Fire-types and Steel-types who may attempt to wall Metagross.</p>

<p>For the last slot, any of the three recommended moves can be used depending on what Pokémon you want Metagross to cover. Zen Headbutt is the recommended option, as it allows Metagross to hit everything for at least neutral damage, barring Skarmory, Bronzong, and Shedinja. Thunderpunch can be used to hit Skarmory and possibly pick off a weakened one, as well as hitting Water-type Pokemon and Gyarados harder and with better accuracy than Zen Headbutt. Since Metagross will be faster than most of the metagame, Explosion is also a worthwhile option when low on health as it will most likely take a final pokemon down with it.</p>

<p>Life Orb exchanges survivability for power, while Lum Berry helps against burn and paralysis, although Metagross's damage output is lowered considerably. Leftovers is always an acceptable option as well.</p>

<p>The provided EVs allow Metagross to outspeed maximum Speed Timid nature Choice Scarf Heatran, who is the biggest threat to this set. 112 HP EVs places Metagross at 329 HP, reducing the amount of Life Orb recoil from 33 to 32. One also has the option of dropping HP EVs and adding onto Metagross's Speed; 196 Speed EVs allow Metagross to outspeed neutral natured, base 100 Speed Pokémon such as Flygon and Salamence that have a single Speed boost.</p>

<p>Although this variety of Metagross is an absolute menace lategame, thanks to the drop in power as a result of using Life Orb instead of Choice Band, the Pokémon that countered the previous set now have an even easier time doing so. The recoil from Life Orb as well as the free switch Agility gives them if mistimed doesn't help. Additionally, certain physically bulky Pokémon that had a harder time switching into the Choice Band set now become much more of a problem. Cresselia and Celebi can both now freely set up Reflect and nullify Metagross's Speed boosts with Thunder Wave. U-turn coming from a Choice Band Scizor works wonders here, causing major damage and additionally keeping the pressure on your opponent by allowing you to switch in a Pokémon depending on how your opponent reacted. Celebi can take out the bulky Water-type Pokémon that give this set problems, and even Baton Pass a Swords Dance back when you're done. Infernape can come in on Rotom-A's Will-O-Wisp and Nasty Plot to really put the hurt on your opponent.</p>

<p> Since Metagross has no method of boosting its attack other than a Life Orb, any residual damage is extremely helpful. Skarmory and Forretress can set up Spikes rather easily on many of the bulky Pokemon that cause this set trouble. I would also mention Stealth Rock support and how it helps Metagross sweep</p>


Changes in black, removals in red, comments in purple!

Nice job RaikouLover, I'll edit the rest when you write it. :]
 
<p>Although this variety of Metagross is an absolute menace lategame, thanks to the drop in power as a result of using Life Orb instead of Choice Band, the Pokémon that countered the previous set now have an even easier time doing so.
Choice Band isn't the first set listed anymore, so this sentence doesn't make sense.
 
Okay, haven't made the proofing edits yet, just working on getting everything filled in. I put the template up for the rest of the sets so feel free to discuss what I plan on adding to the mix. Removing the "Tank" set and the "Sleep Talk" set mainly because aside from boasting how defensive Metagross can be, they aren't that competitively viable or practical. Also edited in the comments to Special Defensive Tank. Feel free to discuss the sets I added so far.
 
SDef Tank

<p>With a solid Base 90 Special Defense, sky high Attack, and access to Pursuit, Metagross is an answer to certain special threats in both OU and Ubers. Much of this is attributed to Metagross' valuable resistance to Dragon-typed assaults that are common in both tiers. This set focuses on these aspects to make a solid counter to Latias, a decent check to Gengar, and a solid physical attacking force with strong defenses on both sides of the spectrum.</p>

<p>Pursuit is the most important move on this set, as it traps Latias, Gengar, and any Pokemon fleeing after you have revealed Bullet Punch's priority. Because most users of Pursuit are commonly Choisced, it will encourage these Pokemon to stay in. Expert Belt is most useful in masking a Choice item, but in many cases it is not needed as any Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire, or locked into a Choice Item will flee anyway. Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch provide a solid STAB attacking combo that can deal heavy damage to most offensive Pokemon while simultaneously offsetting Metagross' mediocre speed. Earthquake is the final move, which offers good coverage alongside your Steel-type STAB but is mainly just used for smashing Magnezone and Heatran switch-ins, as well as Dialga in Ubers. Explosion is also a tough option to ignore, because with 374 Attack, Metagross will most likely take another Pokemon down with it.</p>

<p>The EV's provided will maximize Metagross's efficiency in eliminating the aforementioned Pokemon. With 374 Attack, Pursuit will always OHKO a fleeing Gengar and the combination of Pursuit + Bullet Punch will always 2HKO Gengar with Stealth Rock provided it stays in. Additionally, Pursuit will do a minimum of 72% to a fleeing 128 HP / 0 Def Latias with Expert Belt, which means that if Stealth Rock is on the field, Latias will most likely faint on its next appearance. Without Expert Belt, Metagross still has a good chance to do the same to 4 HP / 0 Def variants of Latias. If Latias stays in, the combination of Pursuit with a subsequent Meteor Mash will bring Latias down. The remaining EVs were placed into HP and Special Defense to maximize survivability.</p>

<p>Because the combination of Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch has such a high damage output against frailer Pokemon, it should be noted that Metagross can make a decent check to Salamence and even Rayquaza that are locked into Outrage. Therefore, Shuca Berry is also a worthwhile alternative to Leftovers and Expert Belt. With a Shuca Berry, a Metagross in good health will always survive a +1 Life Orb Earthquake or a Life Orbed Fire Blast from the standard Dragon Dance Salamence. Metagross can then retaliate with Meteor Mash followed by Bullet Punch, which will hit Salamence for a minimum of 87% damage, meaning that Salamence will most likely lose even without Stealth Rock if it attacks once.</p>

<p> Like most Metagross sets, strong Fire-types will spell its demise. Heatran, can come into this set rather easily, especially if one forgoes Earthquake for Explosion. Infernape can do the same and both will bring Metagross down with boosted Fire attacks. Latias makes a fine partner to Metagross as it can come in on both with relative ease and fire off Draco Meteors or Surfs, or Calm Mind and go for a sweep. Gyarados and Salamence also share fantastic type synergy with Metagross, being immune to Earthquakes and resisting Fire-type attacks. This Metagross also has problems dealing sufficient damage to Bronzong and Skarmory without having to resort to Explosion so your own Fire type can prove useful there, provided you watch for Bronzong's Earthquake. Rotom-A can freely come in on both and set up a Substitute on both and either Charge Beam or wreak havoc on the other team.</p>
 
I don't think the Tank set should be removed. Metagross makes an excellent physical tank, so there's no reason into removing it. The Tank set is competitively viable for sure. It's one of the most durable Steel-types in the metagame. Metagross is never 2HKOed by the standard Dragon Dance Salamence's +1 LO Outrage (35.2% - 41.5%) so it can hit back for the KO with Meteor Mash. It survives Gyarados' +1 LO Earthquake (75.3% - 89%) and could use Explosion to kill it off. If Metagross is at near-perfect health, it could even survive Adamant Lucario's +2 Close Combat (82.4% - 97.3%) and return with an easy Earthquake OHKO; Jolly variants manage 75% - 88.5%. Choice Band Tyranitar can only reach 61% - 72% when using Earthquake, leaving it vulnerable to Metagross' Meteor Mash. These are just some of the strongest physical sweepers, so if you consider all of the other physical sweepers (Scizor, Jirachi, Weavile, etc.), Metagross is one hell of a tank.

I think it should stay.
 
Changes in Blue.
Comments in Red.
With its great bulk, it is not OHKOed by Earthquake from the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert, and, Added comma by running an Occa Berry, Metagross can survive in the face of Fire attacks and retaliate. Although Meteor Mash also leaves Metagross a lot more vulnerable to Infernape and Heatran, it is better to avoid the confrontation with the latter, as they normally carry a Shuca Berry and will beat Metagross regardless. Due to Metagross being such a reliable lead, one can forgo Explosion for both Meteor Mash and Earthquake; this will allow Metagross to function as a strong attacker should it be needed later on in the match.

The choice of item on Lead Gross is really dependent on what you need it to deal with. Lum Berry allows Metagross to easily defeat Roserade and Smeargle leads, as well as providing protection from Bronzong's Hypnosis. Shuca Berry can be used to take Earthquakes easier, but with Metagross' From what I understand, omitting the 's' after a noun that ends in 's' is proper, although it may acceptable either way impressive Defense, they won't be OHKOing even without it.

Heatran can survive Metagross' Earthquake with Focus Sash or Shuca Berry and threaten with a powerful STAB Fire attack of its own. Celebi and Latias in particular are great Pokémon to switch to, as previously mentioned. Previously mentioned where? Latias does shine, however, for its ability to also take on Heatran effectively, something which Celebi cannot boast. Interestingly, Bronzong is also more of a pain than usual for Metagross with this set. Although it can't do much damage to you without Earthquake, it can Omitted 'also' potentially put you to sleep with Hypnosis while you can't Omitted 'really' do a whole lot back unless it is Heatproof. Even then, you need to risk a turn in order to find out, and that will more often than not be (a) futile (endeavor). The repetition of 'not' and 'naught' just sounded weird, but that's just me <_<

Choice Specs Latias makes an excellent partner for a leading Metagross, as it can switch in easily on Heatran, Swampert and Hippowdon before proceeding to fire off boosted Draco Meteors and Surfs.


name: Agiligross
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt / ThunderPunch / Explosion
item: Life Orb / Lum Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 112 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 132 Spe

Metagross makes for an effective late-game I'm not sure about the rules about 'late-game' as opposed to 'late game'; someone else can better help you there sweeper once your opponent's Pokémon have been sufficiently weakened.

ThunderPunch can be used to hit Skarmory and possibly pick off a weakened one I don't like how this sentence is structured, but I don't see much better options, as well as hitting Water Pokémon and Gyarados harder and with better accuracy than Zen Headbutt. Since Metagross will be faster than most of the metagame, Explosion is also a worthwhile option when low on health as it will most likely take a final Pokémon down with it.

One also has the option of dropping HP EVs and adding onto Metagross' Speed; 196 Speed EVs Omitted 'let' allows you to outspeed neutral natured, base 100 Speed Pokémon such as Flygon and Salamence that have a single Speed boost.

The recoil from Life Orb as well as a possible free switch due to a mispredicted Agility doesn't help either I didn't like the structure of this sentence, but this, once again, is preferential.

There was an extra space at the beginning of this sentence Since Metagross has no method of boosting its attack other than a Life Orb, any form of residual damage is extremely helpful 'Residual damage' seems to refer only to sandstorm and hail in my knowledge; this is your call though. Skarmory and Forretress can set up Spikes rather easily on many of the bulky Pokémon that cause this set trouble.


With a solid Base 90 Special Defense, sky high Attack, and access to Pursuit, Metagross can be an answer to certain special threats in both OU and Ubers.

Pursuit is the most important move on this set, as it traps Latias, Gengar, and any Pokémon fleeing after you have revealed Bullet Punch's priority. Because most users of Pursuit are commonly Choiced, it will encourage these Pokémon to stay in. Expert Belt is most useful in masking a Choice item, but in many cases it is not needed as any Latias lacking Hidden Power Fire, or locked into a Choice attack, Added comma will flee anyway. Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch provide a solid STAB attacking combo that can deal heavy damage to most offensive Pokémon while simultaneously offsetting Metagross' mediocre speed. Explosion is also a tough option to ignore, because with 374 Attack, Metagross will most likely take another Pokémon down with it.

The EV's Again, I'm not current on the rules regarding the Smogon-based grammar provided will maximize Metagross efficiency in eliminating the aforementioned Pokémon.

Thanks to the power of Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch against frailer Pokémon, it should be noted that Metagross can make a decent check to Salamence and even Rayquaza that are locked into Outrage. Therefore, Shuca Berry is also a worthwhile alternative to Leftovers and Expert Belt. With a Shuca Berry, a Metagross in good health will always survive a +1 Life Orb Earthquake or a Life Orbed Fire Blast from the standard Dragon Dance Salamence.

Another space before the sentence Like most Metagross sets, strong Fire-types will spell its demise. Heatran Omitted comma can come into this set rather easily, especially if one forgoes Earthquake for Explosion. Infernape can do the same and both will bring Metagross down with boosted Fire attacks. Latias makes a fine partner to Metagross as it can come in on both with relative ease and fire off Draco Meteors or Surfs, or Calm Mind and go for a sweep. Gyarados and Salamence also share fantastic type synergy with Metagross, being immune to Earthquakes and resisting Fire-type attacks. This Metagross also has problems dealing sufficient damage to Bronzong and Skarmory without having to resort to Explosion, Added comma so your own Fire type can prove useful there, provided you watch for Bronzong's Earthquake.


The Choice Band set needs to go before the Agiligross in order for that one sentence to be correct; just a heads-up. Also, the Dual Screener set is likely to be outclassed by Bronzong, but that remains to be seen.

Hope I helped.
 

Snorlaxe

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Placeholder for me; I'll check the Specially Defensive tank later on today when I get done with school.
 
I think Ice Punch still deserves a mention for the Agiligross set. It helps take out Gliscor, Flygon, Hippowdon, Zapdos, and Salamence locked into Outrage. It also has decent neutral coverage with Earthquake and Meteor Mash.
 
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