Metagross (Concise + Update)

STATUS: UPLOADED.




[Overview]

<p>We all know how dangerous Metagross can be, whether the hulking chunk of metal is running a lead set or easily ripping through the remains of a team. An excellent stat distribution (including a devastating Attack), coupled with great typing create a Pokemon who any team needs to be ready for. Top this all off with a more-than-usable ability that nullifies Intimidate, and you have a Pokemon who will always be remembered as a DPP OU staple.</p>

<p>Metagross fills a certain niche that gains it consistent usage in the lead spot, where it can make use of Stealth Rock, reliable STAB, priority, and Explosion. Its respectable defenses allow it to effortlessly come in on moves it resists and wreak havoc. The only stat that really leaves you wanting more is Speed, which can be made up for due to Metagross's access to stat-boosting moves such as Agility. As with any Pokemon, it can run into problems (such as being weak to the omnipresent Earthquake), but Metagross remains reliable due to its knack for fulfilling certain duties in a variety of roles.</p>

[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 / 252 Atk / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This Metagross focuses on getting Stealth Rock up early, putting your team in a great offensive position and posing a threat to most common leads. Metagross tends to be a lot bulkier than the majority of suicide leads, and thus, very few leads can OHKO it (especially with Occa Berry). As for the move choice in the second slot, Earthquake allows Metagross to have greater coverage, but Meteor Mash is incredibly useful to hit with a strong STAB and pose a huge threat early on, should you obtain an Attack boost.</p>

<p>Bullet Punch is useful here in conjunction with Metagross's lower Speed, as it allows you to pick off the all-too-common users of Focus Sash. Explosion is an incredible move to add to your arsenal here, as with Metagross's huge Attack, you can pretty much be guaranteed that it's going to put a dent in something. To put it into perspective, Explosion has a high chance to OHKO Hippowdon, even without a single boost! Lum Berry is the preferred item here as it allows you to handle sleep-inducing leads as well as Machamp, but Occa Berry helps against some Fire-types, such as Infernape. However, you will still lose to Heatran in this case.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>4 Speed EVs are all you'll need, but if you wish to raise your Speed even more, 40 EVs from Attack can be moved there. HP is maximized to complement the natural bulkiness of Metagross, while the EVs from Attack guarantee your STAB and Explosion are going to hit like a truck. Adamant nature is preferred, as you don't need any help in Speed due to the inclusion of a priority move, and the bonus to Attack is incredibly useful.</p>

<p>Trick can be used over Bullet Punch on this set with a Choice Scarf and max Speed. This allows you to outspeed usual threats such as Azelf and 2HKO, or cripple bulkier leads such as Swampert. However, this is generally not advised, as most leads are more easily dealt with by the primary set. It is also optional to use Ice Punch and a Shuca Berry. This prevents Dragonite's Earthquake from being a problem, and also allows you to fare well against Shaymin.</p>

<p>Heatran will be a problem no matter which item and move combination you pick. Bulkier leads such as Hippowdon and Swampert are also problematic, as although they can be dealt with by Explosion, this requires you to sacrifice Metagross. If you choose Lum Berry, Starmie makes a great partner, as it can Rapid Spin away any entry hazards that you could not stop, while also dealing with Heatran and Hippowdon. Starmie also is a good switch-in to Swampert and Infernape. A bulkier ResTalking Rotom-A works well in conjunction with Occa Berry Metagross, as it can absorb the status inflicted by sleep leads, and is immune to Explosion and Rapid Spin.</p>

[SET]
name: AgiliGross
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: ThunderPunch / Zen Headbutt
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 60 HP / 252 Atk / 196 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>The only stat that Metagross is really lacking in is Speed, which can be remedied by Agility. After merely one boost, Metagross is more than capable of ripping through teams during late-game, where most useful resistances have been taken out or significantly weakened. Due to Metagross's huge Attack, sweeping at +2 Speed will be an easy task if the game has been played well so far.</p>

<p>Agility is a necessity here to boost Metagross's Speed and set the stage for a potential sweep. Meteor Mash is the best STAB option, due to its naturally high Base Power. Earthquake provides fantastic coverage alongside Meteor Mash, as most Pokemon resistant to Steel will take a heavy hit from Earthquake. ThunderPunch is the preferred option to pick off threats such as Gyarados or bulky Water-types, but Zen Headbutt is perfectly viable in order to hit Rotom-A. Life Orb is the obvious choice here, especially with the high Speed you will have, but Leftovers is usable, and Lum Berry can allow you to set up on someone who thinks that they will be able to status you.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs provided allow you to reach a Life Orb number and outspeed Choice Scarf Rotom-A after an Agility, if you choose an Adamant nature. While a bulkier spread with Leftovers can be used, it is generally the inferior option. Jolly nature is incredibly useful, as without it, Choice Scarf Flygon will have no problem coming in to revenge kill.</p>

<p>Explosion or Ice Punch can be used on this set. Explosion is especially useful as it may net you a kill that would otherwise have been impossible. However, since Metagross needs to be sweeping, it is hampered by the lack of coverage from Explosion. Ice Punch generally provides redundant coverage, but can be useful against Gliscor.</p>

<p>When using this set, it is important to keep in mind that Pokemon who are resistant to Metagross's moves will have an easier time against this set in comparison to Choice Band, as the damage output is reduced greatly. For this reason, physically bulky Pokemon will do a nice job of walling this set, and ones with access to Thunder Wave can essentially render it useless. Scizor makes a good partner for these reasons, as it can use U-turn and allow Metagross to come in at an opportune moment. Celebi can greatly threaten the bulky Water-types you will have trouble with (should you forgo ThunderPunch), while Infernape can be reliable in handling Rotom-A if you do not use Zen Headbutt.</p>

[SET]
name: Attacking Lead
move 1: Meteor Mash / Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Occa Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 HP / 248 Atk / 20 Def / 4 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>This Metagross set, unlike the rather similar Lead set, utilizes four attacking moves, meaning it can make the most of its potential to beat other common leads. Using Meteor Mash, Earthquake, and Bullet Punch all in the same set grants Metagross the ability to cover many other leads at once, while Explosion can be used once Metagross has outlived its usefulness.</p>

<p>The combination of Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch lets Metagross beat most frail leads one-on-one, such as the standard Lead Azelf and Ninjask, while Earthquake and Bullet Punch beats Infernape leads, provided you have Occa Berry as Metagross's item. Earthquake also hits Steel- and Fire-types such as Metagross, Jirachi, and Heatran; Heatran is only beaten if he uses Stealth Rock on the first turn, due to his commonly used Shuca Berry. Explosion deals with bulkier leads such as Swampert and Hippowdon, meaning they won't be able to set up Stealth Rock, while others like Gliscor and Machamp won't be able to execute their usual strategy. If you choose Occa Berry to beat Infernape leads, you lose the ability to beat Roserade, Gengar, and Smeargle leads. If you are not happy with Meteor Mash's 85% hit rate, Iron Head is an alternative option, beating the same leads despite the Base Power drop, although it will slightly hurt Metagross's ability to handle threats later in the game.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs offer Metagross a great amount of bulk to take numerous hits when used as a lead and to stop boosting threats with Explosion when used later in the game. The spread of 236 HP / 248 Atk / 20 Def / 4 Spe gives Metagross the highest chance of surviving an Adamant Mamoswine's Earthquake followed by Ice Shard, allowing it to strike back with its super effective STAB attack. The 248 Attack EVs offer Metagross the offensive power it needs to achieve the OHKOs and 2HKOs it manages against other leads. Speaking of leads, there are certain Pokemon, such as Empoleon, Skarmory, Tyranitar, and opposing Metagross, who can be outpaced by using a few extra EVs in Speed. However, if you prefer to outspeed more threats, an alternative spread of 12 HP / 252 Atk / 244 Speed offers a more offensive approach to the usual lead Metagross, sacrificing bulk for Speed. The 244 Speed EVs put Metagross at 237 Speed, outpacing neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon who don't invest in Speed, such as Celebi and Tentacruel. This also allows Metagross to outspeed Adamant Scizor, as well as Pokemon who aim for 231 Speed such as Magnezone and mixed Tyranitar. The 252 Attack EVs are once again used to power up Metagross's attacks, while the remaining EVs are dumped into HP to give Metagross some added bulk. If you choose to run Lum Berry, placing 140 EVs in HP guarantees that Metagross will survive a Fire Blast from Lead Azelf, while the remaining 116 Speed EVs are enough to outpace 8 Speed Rotom-A, as well as most defensive Suicune.</p>

<p>Since this Metagross does not use Stealth Rock, another teammate who is able to set up Stealth Rock is an asset. Swampert is a good choice and also pairs well with Lum Berry Metagross, taking on Infernape and Heatran leads with impunity, excluding the likely Explosion or Hidden Power Grass on the latter. If Metagross lacks Lum Berry, its best bet is to Bullet Punch sleep-inducing leads to break their Focus Sashes while taking the sleep, after which the best course of action is to switch to a faster Pokemon who is able to revenge kill them, such as offensive Starmie or Choice Scarf Jirachi.</p>

<p>Since Metagross carries Explosion, and thus is most likely to take down an opposing bulky lead like Swampert, Hippowdon, or Gliscor along with it, using Pokemon who can effectively take advantage of them being gone is advised. Tyranitar is a good bet, benefiting from the fact that Swampert and Hippowdon—his best counters—are out of play. Lucario also benefits from their absence, as he will have a much easier time sweeping a team clean once his main counters are gone. Dragon Dance Dragonite, as well as Heatran and Magnezone, can also take advantage of Swampert's removal.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Scarf, Metagross deals with its Speed problems without having to boost via Agility. This Metagross can serve as a great revenge killer, and often can net pivotal surprise kills. Meteor Mash is obvious as it is the best option in terms of STAB, while Earthquake greatly damages Fire- and Steel- types. ThunderPunch is helpful, as it allows you to dispose of Gyarados (even after a Dragon Dance), but Zen Headbutt threatens Rotom-A. Explosion is the recommended option in the last slot, as the extra Speed provided here allows you to net one last kill should you be at low health. Trick is viable though, as it can cripple a wall who your team just can't break.</p>

<p>It is worth mentioning that this set can function in Ubers. With a Choice Scarf, Metagross outspeeds Latias and Latios, and can take Rayquaza's Outrage and immediately proceed to KO with Ice Punch. Explosion also proves useful in dealing with Calm Mind Kyogre.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>Attack and Speed are maxed out to deal the most amount of damage in the quickest possible manner. Metagross passes the 130 Speed mark, meaning it can deal with Infernape, Gengar, and Gyarados handily. As was previously mentioned, Ice Punch can be used in the last slot, but it is usually only useful in Ubers. This set has a lower damage output, so it must rely on a certain element of surprise. However, once your opponent learns Metagross has a Choice Scarf, don't rely on them making the same mistake again.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Metagross's high Attack and excellent defensive typing make this set effective at doing what Metagross does best: sticking around and dealing damage. Meteor Mash has an unbelievable damage output with this set, and Earthquake retains the aforementioned synergy with Meteor Mash. Explosion is a given; with this set, it can cripple even Skarmory. Zen Headbutt rounds off the coverage nicely, but Bullet Punch is an option to pick off weakened Azelf or Gengar. Trick is an interesting option, but generally fits better on a Choice Scarf set. If coverage is absolutely necessary, Explosion can be dropped to accomodate both Zen Headbutt and Bullet Punch, although this is not recommended.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs maximize both Metagross's damage output and ability to dish it out. Ice Punch, ThunderPunch, or Pursuit can also work among the previously mentioned options. It is important to watch out for bulky Water-types, as they can wall Metagross all day. Skarmory and Forretress aren't hurt terribly either, and bulky Ground-types are in the same boat. Rotom-A and Zapdos are resistant to most of the attacks here. For this reason, a Calm Mind Celebi can work well and set up on these counters; Magnezone can be used trap and eliminate the Steel-types.</p>

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

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>A mixed Metagross may not seem like a viable option due to its significantly lower Special Attack, but this set does prove useful to beat some common counters. With this set, Metagross is capable of 2HKOing Skarmory and Hippowdon with the respective super effective moves, while netting an easy OHKO on Forretress and Swampert. Should Rotom-A switch in and attempt to burn you, you can easily retaliate with Psychic for the surprise KO. Meteor Mash remains, and should you decide to forgo Hidden Power Fire, Earthquake can be used for slightly different coverage (most notably, exchanging the ability to hit Skarmory in order to batter Heatran). Grass Knot allows Metagross to take on bulky Water- and Ground-types without fear, but Bullet Punch can be used if you are absolutely paranoid about its Speed.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The EVs provided allow Metagross to outspeed Choice Band Scizor, while complementing the excellent bulk of Metagross. They also provide great special attacking potential. Leftovers is the preferred option, as you don't lose any notable kills, and Metagross' life span is lengthened once again. Expert Belt is still an option though if you wish to up the damage output a bit. Hammer Arm can be used to beat Blissey and, if you chose Hidden Power Fire, Heatran.</p>

<p>This Metagross is excellent at finding, luring out, and killing usual threats. Because of this, the best teammates to this set are Pokemon who appreciate the removal of Pokemon such as Rotom-A, Skarmory, and Swampert, Metagross's usual counters</p>

[SET]
name: Trick + Iron Ball
move 1: Trick
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Meteor Mash
move 4: Explosion / Stealth Rock
item: Iron Ball
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 HP / 252 Atk / 20 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Rotom-A and Skarmory make natural switch-ins to Metagross; it is only logical that Metagross employs a combination of moves to beat both of these foes. This particular set aims to make use of Metagross's high Attack rather than its low Special Attack. Trick combined with Iron Ball form the core of this set, as it leaves the aforementioned common threats susceptible to Ground-type moves. This means that the great type coverage provided by Earthquake and Meteor Mash gets even better.</p>

<p>The last slot is up for grabs. Explosion OHKOes almost any Pokemon who doesn't resist it, courtesy of Metagross's mammoth Attack. However, since this Metagross aims at being a utility counter, it may be more potent when it's not using Explosion. For this reason, Stealth Rock can be used to support the rest of the team.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>20 Speed EVs outspeed base 115s after they have been Tricked an Iron Ball. Maximum Attack is also a given to deal as much possible damage via Earthquake. The rest are dumped into HP to complement Metagross's natural bulk. With poor prediction, this set will face difficulty against Heatran. Iron Ball is the necessary choice for item, while Adamant is useful for higher damage output. While Earthquakes is troublesome to Heatran, it can easily come in on a Meteor Mash and proceed to pick off Metagross.</p>

<p>The best teammates to this set are Pokemon who prefer to have Skarmory and Rotom-A gone, considering how well this set lures and eliminates them. Gyarados will have a much easier time setting up and maintaining a sweep with Rotom-A removed; Mamoswine will fare much better once Skarmory is gone. If Heatran does prove to be a problem, bulky Water-types can be used as a solution.</p>

[Team Options]

<p>Stealth Rock works well in conjunction with Metagross's high Attack, and turns many 3HKOs into 2HKOs. It is especially useful when using ThunderPunch to deal with bulky Water-types, and discourages Zapdos from repeatedly switching in. Dual screens make Metagross quite the offensive and defensive force, as it will be even more difficult to take down.</p>

<p>Bulky Water-, Ground- and Steel-types are almost always a good check to Metagross. Celebi can set up on most of these, and can also take on the otherwise problematic Zapdos and Rotom-A. Tyranitar can also weaken most of Metagross's counters to the point where Metagross's high Attack should have no difficulty picking them off. Heatran also is a good partner, as it can prey on the bulkier counters' lower Special Defense. Finally, Dragonite has good synergistic typing with Metagross, resisting Fire-type moves and possessing an immunity to Ground-type attacks.</p>

[Optional Changes]

<p>HP and Attack are generally the stats you will want to prioritize, but some Speed is fine in order to beat Skarmory or other Metagross. Zen Headbutt fits on most sets in order to take out Rotom-A. Iron Head has a nice flinch rate, and warrants use over Meteor Mash also because of its perfect accuracy. Icy Wind is a usable option, and can be useful on a special-based set over Ice Punch. It also deals with Metagross's Speed, while retaining coverage and Gliscor and Dragon-types. The main problem is that it is just a little on the weak side.</p>

<p>Other than that, movepool options are scarce. Gyro Ball is unreliable even with STAB and Metagross's low Speed, as Metagross's counters are generally slow. Hammer Arm warrants use on some sets, but its only real potential is against Magnet Rise Magnezone, making it therefore a little too situational. Psych Up is another situational move, but allows you to take on Curse Snorlax or even the rare Regirock. Magnet Rise can get rid of Metagross's Ground-type weakness, but still leaves you vulnerable to Fire-type moves, and doesn't complement its low Speed.</p>

[Counters]

<p>Rotom-A is the perfect counter to Metagross. Rotom-A resists all of Metagross's main attacking options while also being immune to Explosion and Earthquake. Rotom-A can immediately threaten Metagross with Will-O-Wisp, who obviously won't enjoy being burned, or stall through Rest + Sleep Talk if needed. Rotom-H can also severely weaken Metagross with Overheat; in fact, minimum Special Attack Rotom-H stands a small chance of 2HKOing Metagross with Overheat, provided Metagross has taken previous damage from Stealth Rock. Choice Band Zen Headbutt will pack a punch on Rotom-A though, so be wary of that as well as the Trick + Iron Ball set.</p>

<p>Skarmory fears next to nothing from Metagross, barring the occasional Choice Band ThunderPunch or Hidden Power Fire. Because of this, Skarmory can easily set up Spikes or Whirlwind Metagross out, depending on what the situation calls for. Bronzong also fares well, and can even do some damage with Earthquake. Forretress works similarly to these other Steel-types, but can be hit by a powerful Earthquake from Metagross. Zapdos also resists some of the main attacking options, and can threaten with Heat Wave. Again, Trick + Iron Ball beats most of these common counters, so be wary.</p>

<p>Bulky Water-types can often be problematic, but they fear both ThunderPunch and Explosion. Bulky Ground-types work even better, and most can easily do a lot of damage back with Earthquake. Hippowdon and Swampert fear Grass Knot though, while Ice Punch will quickly eliminate Gliscor.</p>

<p>Magnezone is obviously a problem should it get a Magnet Rise off before Metagross can use Earthquake, as it will then take pittance from whatever else Metagross shells out. Due to its ability, Magnezone can also trap Metagross, meaning it will probably be able to get the kill in such a scenario. Dugtrio can also work in this way, but it does not enjoy such nice resistances, and generally fears everything except ThunderPunch.</p>

Agiligross needs Zen Headbutt at least slashed. It hits waters and Rotom (!) for good neutral damage and the flinch chance is a nice bonus.

Trick seems rather useless as a set. Just slash Trick onto the Choice Scarf set.

Agreed, where do you think is the best spot for Zen Headbutt on Agiligross is?

Now that's a tricky one. Personally, I'd go something like ZH / Explosion / Tpunch / Ice Punch. ZH has the best neutral coverage and hits everything hard with a LO behind it (Rotom especially, as he's one of the best and most common Metagross counters). Explosion is second in utility, as with LO as the primary option and likely taking a hit on setup, you'll often want a last resort that can take out nearly anything, resisted or not (OHKOs specially defensive skarm?). Tpunch hits most waters (but they're already hit hard by ZH). Skarm can still take Tpunch and whirlwind you out with it, though. Ice Punch hits Dragons hard and Grass types reliably, but doesn't do anything MM and ZH can't.

Perhaps you could just slash the first three and put Ice Punch in AC.

Well he mentions that it hits Waters so I'm assuming with Thunderpunch. 4 moves slashed in one slot looks kind of shoddy though.

Nothing personal, but I'm going to wait until we get more opinions on where we put it. I appreciate the input.

Ya, I agree with Phantom, I think Ice Punch should be moved into AC and replaced with Zen Headbutt as a slash, and maybe even move Thunderpunch to AC.

Lead- The lead's EVs are Speed creep in action, so I don't think that is allowed, even though it is in the current analysis. I think it should be 252/252/4, with the extra speed EVs mentioned in AC. (Unless this isn't considered Speed creep...)

Agility- 196 Speed EVs really needs to be mentioned for Scarf Flygon with neutral nature, but I think 204 EVs with Jolly needs a mention too, as it allows you to outspeed +natured Scarf Flygon, but you do lose a lot of power.

Scarf- Needs to mention that with Ice Punch you can revenge Adamant DDnite, and needs to be renamed "Choice Scarf" instead of "Offensive Choice Scarf" I think, because the Choice Scarf set with Trick is named "Trick"

Band- Zen Headbutt needs mention or Rotom laughs at you

Thats all I got.

[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

Click to expand...

Speed Creep is in effect. Stay at 8 Spe for 178. Statistically, the best spread is 252 HP / 216 Atk / 40 Spe if you want to outspeed a few things so I would list this in AC. Meteor Mash and Lum is much better than Earthquake and Occa. That is a very situational case (you can beat Infernape, but you still lose to Heatran).

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

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Zen Headbutt is the best for Rotom and neutral hit on Water pokemon. Explosion is really good too. Thunderpunch really only hurts Specially Defensive Skarmory.

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

Click to expand...

You mention outspeeding Gyarados after a DD but the current spread doesn't even do that! Zen Headbutt is decent but certainly not as a main option. Also, Trick should be mentioned here.. which means delete that other set (what is it doing wtf?).

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

Click to expand...

Thunderpunch hits nothing that your other moves won't do better. Max out the speed to outrun ALL defensive varients of Rotom (resttalk and non) so that you rape them with Zen Headbutt. This old EV spread your using is from the beginning of DP when Dugtrio was actually used!!!! Just use standard sweeper spread for Rotom, mention of 252 HP / 248 Atk / 8 Spe in AC.

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

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I don't particularly care for this set when the other Choice Scarf works fine, and Standard Lead does everything that this set does better (beating other leads and laying Stealth Rock). It looks like Other Options Material to me but heh..

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Earthquake
move 4: Grass Knot / Bullet Punch / (Hammer Arm - AC)
item: Leftovers / Expert Belt
nature: Quiet
evs: 80 HP / 124 Atk / 252 SpA / 52 Spe

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I was going to do the initial Metagross revamp a while ago and came up with this Mixed Attacking set. You don't lower Base 90 Special Defense to preserve Base 70 Speed. This set actually works well with Leftovers since you have good bulk, 336 Atk / 317 SpA. Yes, those are your attacking stats. Heres the deal, Psychic is better than Shadow Ball for 2 reasons: A) It still beats all form of Rotom-A, and B) it beats other things too (Machamp, Roserade come to mind). Also, it serves as a solid attack after Rotom-A burns your ass (it will burn you!) so the set isn't neutered. Actually a final reason is that Psychic / Grass / Ground or Fire have very good type coverage. Hammer Arm can be thrown in there for Steel / Psychic / Fighting / Fire coverage and still beat Heatran and hurt Blissey if that is your cup of tea. So Meteor Mash is your best attack until you get burned then you just move to Psychic being the main attack. Make sense?

Damage Calculations (with just leftovers):
Psychic vs. Max HP / 136 SpD Rotom: 35-42% (Guarenteed 3HKO.. can't stall you!)
Psychic vs. Max HP Rotom: 41-48% (Good chance of 2HKO with SR in Sandstorm)
Grass Knot vs. Max HP Swampert: 84-99%
Grass Knot vs. Max HP / 88 SpDef Hippowdon: 65-76%
Hidden Power Fire vs. Max HP Scizor: 96-100%
Hidden Power Fire vs. Max HP Skarmory: 54-64%
Hidden Power Fire vs Max HP / Max SpD Skarm: 40-47% (decent chance for 2HKO with SR)
Hidden Power Fire vs. Max HP / Max SpD Forretress: 76-90%
Hammer Arm vs. Min / Min Heatran: 61-72%
Hammer Arm vs. Max / Max Blissey: 52-62%

As you can see, all your targets will be defeated easily with this spread, while still retaining the ability to outspeed Choice Band Scizor, along with 321 HP (Leftovers), 296 Def, and 216 SpDef. Bullet Punch is a good move also because Meteor Mash + Bullet Punch is still epic.


Those are my two cents. I can help you with Mixed Meta if need be.

Alrighty, I've worked in most of your updates. Please let me know, I feel a lot better about this one now.

I´m seeing several changes in almost every set that´s in the OP, and the problem is that said changes are not explained. Could you please amend this?

Also:

Quality Control Documentation Thread - OP said:

Metagross:
-Rearranged sets to: Lead -> Agiligross -> Trapper (needs to be uploaded) -> Choice Band -> Mixed Attacker
-Trick Metagross combined with Lead, adding a paragraph in AC for Trick and max Spe
-Trick Slashed on Choice Band set with Pursuit also mentioned in AC
-Slashed Lum Berry on Lead set with Occa Berry, and mentioned Shuca in AC as an option if you use Lead Gross as a non-lead
-Took 12 EVs out of Def and 4 out of HP to put in Speed, allowing Lead Metagross to outpace standard Lead Empoleon
-Agiligross updated (can be found here)

Click to expand...

Yea, DEFINITELY want to change the Agiligross EV spread to make it outspeed Scarf Rotom-H after an Agility (take out of Def and HP). Also make a mention of Jolly + Speed EVs to outspeed base 100s (Scarf Rachi and Flygon) but make note of loss in power.

Also, isn't 8 EVs in the lead set still "speed creep"? They aren't outspeeding anything that runs max Speed (unless you count CB Rhyperior lol), and outspeeding min Speed Metagross + Empoleon is "speed creep".

I fixed the Agiligross set according to Plus' thread.

There are a couple of questions that I think we still need to answer:
What are the best EVs for Lead Metagross and why?
What are the best EVs for Choice Scarf and why?
What are the best EVs for Choice Band and why?

On the OP for the Agiligross set, it's missing 4 EV's(totals up to 504 right now). Probably should be 60 HP vs. 56 HP....that is unless you're going with the other spread that RL suggested.

Why aren't you slashing Pursuit anywhere on CB? I would go as far to say that it's the only reason to use Metagross in Ubers.

Pursuit is mentioned in AC for CB; in the writing I will make sure to note it is important for ubers.

Also, fixed the spread for Agiligross. Thanks.

I am really not sure if Trick Gross is worth it. I agree with RL that it seems a little "other options" to me, especially when it relies on the surprise factor for much of its success. I tested that set out in QC round 2, and I still believe that CB Gross does the choice set much better in terms of tricking and overall usefulness, and the regular lead set is better in most circumstances. At best, I believe Trick gross is other options, especially when you are having Choice Scarf and Band as well. Even Choice Scarf is pretty debatable when it relies on the surprise factor for much of its success, and when I tested that set during my QC round I found it to be pretty lackluster.

I'd like some more input on Trick and TrickScarf Metagross from other QC members before I stamp.

Scarf Metagross is definitely legit, so I wouldn't want it to go away. It's like Scarf Scizor or Scarf Tyranitar, except trading the power on non-switch Pursuit for higher Speed, more bulk, and better typing. TrickBall is also excellent, since it cripples so many of Metagross' top counters, like Skarm, Gyara, Rotom, Zapdos, and it even makes Heatran slow enough to be outsped and EQed.

In OC: Don't even bother listing Rock Slide. Charizard and Moltres don't exist, and ThunderPunch is better for hitting Gyara anyway.

Speed creep changes for lead set aside, can you be sure to fully explain the options there? Like "you and Emp are in a creep contest, this is how much you can allocate to it without hurting notable ko xyz, this is how much empoleon ever seems to run, etc"

You guys should really try to implement an Rockless anti-lead Meta.

Something that was invented by Blue Harvest:

Metagross @ Lum Berry
236 HP/228 attack/44 Speed

-Iron Head/Meteor Mash
-Bullet Punch
-Earthquake
-Explosion

Blue Harvest herself prefers Iron Head over Meteor Mash due to accuracy issues, so in respect for her I put it over Meteor Mash.

I will now quote her explaination:

Blue Harvest said:

The best lead in the game, no question. A while back I made this spread and moveset to counter some common leads and its still one of the most reliable ones around. Machamp has a similar kill-ratio, but is less capable of fighting later in the game, and can't explode. Azelf, Aerodactyl, Breloom, Mamoswine, Ninjask, Smeargle, Roserade, 252 HP Tyranitar and Abomasnow are all 2HKOed by Iron Head + Bullet Punch 100% of the time. Explosion blows apart bulky leads like Swampert, Gliscor and Celebi immediately opening up a Lucario or Suicune sweep. Earthquake cuts open enemy Jirachi and Metagross while preventing Magnezone from easily killing me. HP EVs let me survive an Azelf Fire Blast and even a Life Orb Flamethrower. Speed outruns virtually all other lead Metagross but also outruns Adamant Lucario if I am tricked a Scarf (which for some reason Jirachis do often). Lum Berry lets me defeat sleep leads and survive burn hax from Azelf. It comes in handy later in the game against Breloom, who everyone thinks is cool to use now. Metagross, unlike Machamp, has enough bulk to be a late game check to non-Life Orb Gyarados and Explode against annoying things like Suicune and Vaporeon. Enemy lead Machamp have a slight chance to win if I get low damage rolls and hurt myself in confusion, but the chances of all that happening is only 11%.

Click to expand...

Cha-Ding.

Very understandable, but something like that should probably be it's own set going through qc.

SDS, I removed Rock Slide (lol)

Metagross (Anti-Lead) is already a set in progress in C&C right now with the same moves and slightly different EV spread.

You may want to mention the current Trick set in the AC of the Choice Scarf set and how it can be used as a lead with Trick/Meteor Mash/Explosion (or Pursuit)/SR. It's very unexpected and has given me trouble from time to time.

Why isn't Leftovers an option on Agiligross? Metagross has enough raw power to clean up offensive teams late-game (which is the set's purpose), and Leftovers allow it to take hits from TTar and Jirachi better. It could also mean you will be able to save enough health to live a ScarfGon's EQ, since Metagross usually takes around 60%-70% from it.

Tubaking said:

Metagross (Anti-Lead) is already a set in progress in C&C right now with the same moves and slightly different EV spread.

You may want to mention the current Trick set in the AC of the Choice Scarf set and how it can be used as a lead with Trick/Meteor Mash/Explosion (or Pursuit)/SR. It's very unexpected and has given me trouble from time to time.

Click to expand...

If Metagross (Anti-Lead) is going through C&C, then it will be added in the final project. I'm sorry, but I don't really see a point of adding an already going through C&C analysis into this one, as it may add confusion.

The Trick set is mentioned in the AC of the lead set due to the Trick set being recommended for use as a lead.

Blue_Tornado said:

Why isn't Leftovers an option on Agiligross? Metagross has enough raw power to clean up offensive teams late-game (which is the set's purpose), and Leftovers allow it to take hits from TTar and Jirachi better. It could also mean you will be able to save enough health to live a ScarfGon's EQ, since Metagross usually takes around 60%-70% from it.

Click to expand...

I do agree with this to an extent, but Plus did a QC check of Metagross and redid the Agiligross set that is here, so I guess the addition of Leftovers is up to his discretion. Also, please keep in mind that Leftovers is mentioned in AC of the Agiligross set.

If there aren't too many more suggestions, I would really like to start getting some approval on this.

i really think iron head should be a slash with MM .

I am against using leftovers on metagross period, if going jolly you really need LO to make up for your loss of attack. In the current metagame I wouldnt use adamant either as scarf flygon is pretty rampant right now.

edit: looking over your analysis you have the main nature as adamant, i thought there was a discussion about making it jolly?