Magnezone (Analysis)

Fatecrashers

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By SOMALIA

http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/462.shtml



QC 2/2 [Panamaxis] [Kevin Garrett]

GP 2/2 [] []

[Overview]

<p>Although Magnezone hasn't improved much in the 5th Generation, its unique ability to trap Steel-types along with its numerous resistances and respectable defensive stats give it a place as a top-tier OU Pokemon. While Magnezone's Speed is below average—even being outsped by its predecessor, Magneton, it more than compensates with its reliability and power. If your team has trouble with Steel-types such as Scizor, Forretress, and Ferrothorn, then there is no reason not to consider Magnezone for a spot on your team.</p>

[SET]
name: Trapped in the zone
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Charge Beam / Flash Cannon
item: Leftovers / Air Balloon
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 36 HP / 252 SpA / 220 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Magnezone's excellent defensive stats, decent typing, and unique ability all help it come out on top against most Steel-types. The idea is to switch Magnezone switch into an attack it resists, then set up a Substitute and proceed to either kill the opposing Pokemon or set up with Charge Beam. Substitute also allows Magnezone to avoid status, most notably Thunder Wave from Ferrothorn.</p>

<p>Thunderbolt is Magnezone's primary attack, coming off an incredible base 130 Special Attack, hitting almost anything that does not resist it for solid damage. The move in the third slot depends on what your team suffers more from: Hidden Power Fire stops common Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor, while Hidden Power Ice can be considered if your team suffers from Dragon-types, though it gives the likes of Forretress extra time to set up entry hazards. The set is rounded off with a choice between Charge Beam and Flash Cannon. Charge Beam allows Magnezone to boost its Special Attack 63% of the time, while Magnezone can utilize its great Defense and set up on most Steel-types, as most physical attacks that aren't super effective are unlikely to break its Substitute. Flash Cannon is for players who aim to use Magnezone in a more conservative manner; common threats such as Tyranitar won't like switching into STAB super effective Flash Cannon.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>The item choice is based on preference: Leftovers increases Magnezone's longevity and allows it to set up more Substitutes, while Air Balloon grants Magnezone the ability to come in on a Ground-type attack, for instance Excadrill's Earthquake, and proceed to set up a Substitute or hit it with Hidden Power. The given Speed EVs and Speed enhancing nature ensure that Magnezone outspeeds Swords Dance Scizor. 252 EVs are dumped into its Special Attack to maximize its hitting power, while the few remaining are placed into its HP stat to give it some extra bulk. If you prefer a bulkier set, an EV spread of 152 HP / 180 SpA / 176 Spe can be used to outpace Taunt Skarmory. It also means that Ferrothorn's Power Whip with Attack investment will never be able to break Magnezone's Substitute.</p>

<p>Due to the inefficiency of Explosion this generation, Magnezone is now even more helpless against special tanks. This however can be used to benefit fellow team sweepers and wallbreakers. As Magnezone will inevitably lure in the foes tanks, they can become set-up bait for its teammates. Reuniclus is unaffected by status and can set up Calm Mind on the likes of Blissey, while Excadrill can set up a Swords Dance or two and start to shred the opponent's team. Salamence and Dragonite are still among the best wallbreakers in this generation, and hit both physical and special walls for a lot of damage.</p>

<p>To make the most of Magnezone's unique ability, it should be paired both with Pokemon who lure Steel-types and Pokemon who can take advantage of the absence of Steels. Jellicent and Reuniclus tend to attract Ferrothorn and Scizor respectively, while Dragon-types in general lure bulkier Steel-types such as Metagross and Skarmory. Once you have eliminated opposing Steel-types, you will find your sweep with Dragonite much more secure. Tyranitar is another great partner here: It loves the idea of Scizor being eliminated, and can easily handle Pokemon who give Magnezone trouble, such as Blissey and Chandelure. Salamence in particular covers Magnezone's weaknesses well, and can set up on most of the latter's threats. Gyarados is another solid choice, also having great synergy with Magnezone and appreciating the field cleared of Steel-types who can stop its attempt to sweep.</p>

[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Due to Magnezone's lackluster Speed, it is only natural for a Choice Scarf set to be considered. Most threats Magnezone faces are quite fragile and can easily be OHKOed by its moves, allowing it to dispose of them with the Speed boost Choice Scarf grants and allows it to function as a revenge killer.</p>

<p>STAB Thunderbolt is Magnezone's most powerful attack, making quick work of most weakened sweepers. It is complimented by Flash Cannon, hitting Ground-types who resist Thunderbolt, and having the bonus of being able to 2HKO Scarf Tyranitar variants. Hidden Power Fire gives Magnezone a means of easily disposing of most Steel-types, although it might be worth considering Hidden Power Ice to catch opposing Dragon-types off guard. Volt Switch is the final move of this set which gives Magnezone a way to switch out while at the same time racks up some damage. This is especialy useful in scenarios where the opposing player switches to a counter, only to find Magnezone switch out to a new threat. Volt Switch also allows Magnezone to finish of weakened sweepers and switch out to the appropriate teammate to give you the upper hand in the match.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped, Magnezone reaches a respectable 360 Speed, outpacing postive natured base 110 Speed Pokemon. The EVs are tailored to give Magnezone as much raw power as possible, it doesn't need to invest any EVs in its defenses due to it being switched in and out quite frequently.</p>

<p>Due to its predictable movepool and the fact that Magnezone will be locked into one move, it is prone to be revenge killed or used as set-up bait, so having teammates who can cover its weaknesses and deal with its threats are necessary. Celebi and Gengar can switch into Fighting- or Ground-type attacks delivered at Magnezone, the former also effectively counters bulky Water-type switch-ins as well. Speaking of bulky Water-types, Pokemon such as Gyarados, Jellicent, and Suicune are great switch-ins against Fire-type attacks, and can handle the aforementioned Fighting- and Ground-type attacks fairly well. A great way to take advantage of this set is to carry Pokemon who tend to lure out Steel-types. Common Grass- and Dragon-types such as Shaymin and Salamence can accomplish this with great ease, their STAB attacks being resisted by Steel-types, not to mention the excellent synergy both Pokemon have with Magnezone.</p>

[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Thunder Wave
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Light Clay
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 160 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Magnezone has all the characteristics to function as an effective dual screener, great typing further endorsed by its ability to set up on most Steel-type Pokemon whom cannot do much damage to it.</p>

<p>The dual screens form the crux of this set, supporting not only Magnezone but also its teammates. The best method to get up the screens is by setting them up on a tank as they inflict status on Magnezone, this shouldn't be an issue as Magnezone can take advantage of being paralyzed. Hidden Power Fire gives Magnezone a chance to be offensive, setting up dual screens whilst ridding the field of enemy Steel-types. It is recommended that you forgo using Hidden Power Fire if your team lacks a spinner and / or is weak to entry hazards. Thunder Wave is more suitable if you run a more stall based team, allowing Magnezone to cripple the opponent's sweepers, making it all that much easier for your team to set-up or plow through the enemy. Volt Switch is essential on this set as not only is it Magnezone's primary attack, it also allows Magnezone to switch into a teammate on the same turn, not to mention Magnezone's low Speed, most Pokemon tend to outspeed it, allowing Magnezone to take the damage and let the switch-in come in unharmed.</p>

[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]

<p>With the given HP and Defense EVs, Magnezone will never be 2HKOed by an Adamant Jirachi's Fire Punch and will never be OHKOed by a standard Bronzong's Earthquake, excluding the Defense boost Reflect provides. The Special Defense EVs provide Magnezone with a chance to survive a Timid Heatran's Fire Blast or Timid Gengar's Focus Blast, without the need for Light Screen to be set up.</p>

<p>Baton Pass teams greatly welcome the defensive boosts both screens provide, aiding them to set up more easily and efficiently. Bulky sweepers such as Gyarados, Dragonite, and Kingdra make great partners, being able to nab a few Dragon Dances before being forced to attack. Both Vaporeon and Blissey can pass Wish to Magnezone for it to repeat the process.</p>


[Other Options]

<p>Despite not having the best of movepools, Magnezone still has a respectable amount of other choices, both offense and support orientated. Discharge is an option if you'd prefer the higher paralysis rate over the extra power Thunderbolt provides. There are several Hidden Power types to choose from, although almost all are very situational or beat a specific threat or two. Hidden Power Grass takes out Swampert, although it is worth noting that Swampert isn't a common sight in the current metagame. Hidden Power Ground can be used to demolish opposing Magnezone and Heatran, though entry hazard support might be necessary to secure an OHKO on bulky Heatran variants.</p>

<p>With the release of Drizzle Politoed, Magnezone can be utilized on rain based teams, allowing it to utilize Thunder as its primary STAB move. Magnet Rise is worth implementing on the Trapped in the zone set as it gives temporary immunity to Ground-type moves which simply demolish Magnezone. Thunder Wave and Toxic have very limited use and should not be integrated into the Dual Screen set as it will waste a valuable moveslot. As Steel-types will almost always avoid switching into Magnezone, it is almost guaranteed that it can Toxic a member of the opposing team.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>With the threat of Explosion being exterminated, Blissey comes out as the number one counter to all Magnezone variants as it can sponge any of its attacks with its astonishing base 135 Special Defense. Snorlax and Shaymin also take little damage from Magnezone's attacks and can OHKO back with Earthquake and Earth Power, respectively, the latter being able to set up Curse and use Magnezone as set up fodder. Swampert resists Magnezone's STAB Steel-type attacks, while it has an immunity to Electric-type moves, giving it a switch in and can immediately threaten it with STAB Earthquake or if Magnezone has Magnet Rise, Roar it away.</p>

<p>Excadrill can switch in on Thunderbolt or Volt Switch and easily dispose of Magnezone with Earthquake, or if Magnezone is lacking the appropriate Hidden Power, he can set up Swords Dance. Magnezone's nemesis, Heatran, can switch in on Hidden Power or Flash Cannon and set Magnezone alight with Fire Blast. Jolteon and Electivire can switch in comfortably on Magnezone, taking little from its attacks, the former not having much to hit Magnezone with, although Electivire has several choices to beat down Magnezone in Fire Punch, Cross Chop, and Earthquake. Tyranitar is still a huge threat thanks to its high Special Defense and Attack, taking pitiful damage from anything Magnezone can throw at it bar Flash Cannon which can 2HKO Scarf variants.</p>


[Dream World]

<p>Magnezone's Dream World ability is outclassed by Magnet Pull in many aspects. First and foremost, most Pokemon who come in to revenge kill Magnezone carry a move or two that will severely dent OHKO it Magnezone, rendering the boost Analyze gives after Magnezone is hit useless. Secondly, Magnezone lacks the Speed to attempt a sweep after it gains the boost, and in order to guarantee that it will hit last, it cannot have any Speed EVs invested, thereby resulting in many threats who it previously could outspeed to turn the tables on it and take it down.</p>
 
I'd probably skip out on Explosion, since it got so heavily nerfed this gen. Make Volt Change the primary option for the last slot, it'll greatly increase his utility as a scarfer so long as you've gotten rid of the opponent's Ground types. Also, you'll really need HP Fire if you want to get rid of Nattorei before it sets up a whole load of spikes, and recovers off your Thunderbolts with Leech Seed.
 
I'd probably skip out on Explosion, since it got so heavily nerfed this gen.
Thanks for reminding me forgot about Explosion.

Also, you'll really need HP Fire if you want to get rid of Nattorei before it sets up a whole load of spikes, and recovers off your Thunderbolts with Leech Seed.
Huh..HP Fire is the primary option. HP Ice is another option if you have something to take care of Nattorei and is useful this gen.

Also, specifically explain what EVs to use if not using Explosion.
This is still work in progress..I'm not done yet. Note 'Placeholder'
 

Don Honchkrorleone

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Hmm... Magnezone learns Reflect and Light Screen. With Volt Change he's a good Dual Screener. Not as good as Jirachi or Cresselia, but is still good at it.
 
Hmm... Magnezone learns Reflect and Light Screen. With Volt Change he's a good Dual Screener. Not as good as Jirachi or Cresselia, but is still good at it.
Not only this, but Magnezone also has access to Magic Coat, letting him stop Taunt users in their tracks. This could actually be a sort of epiphany for Magnezone... :P

Name: Dual Screens
Move 1: Reflect
Move 2: Light Screen
Move 3: Magic Coat / Thunder Wave
Move 4: Volt Change
Item: Light Clay
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Basically you set up screens, use Sturdy to avoid a OHKO, Magic Coat against Taunt or Hazards (or Thunder Wave a fast sweeper) and then Volt Change to your sweeper. You can also run a more bulky spread, but this mostly isn't necessary due to Sturdy. An alternative to this set is running Magnet Pull and using 252 HP, 96 Def, 162 SpD with a Bold nature. You'll never be OHKO'd by Timid Heatran's Fire Blast, and you'll also never be OHKO'd by LO Adamant Scizor's Superpower.
 
Not only this, but Magnezone also has access to Magic Coat, letting him stop Taunt users in their tracks. This could actually be a sort of epiphany for Magnezone... :P

Name: Dual Screens
Move 1: Reflect
Move 2: Light Screen
Move 3: Magic Coat / Thunder Wave
Move 4: Volt Change
Item: Light Clay
Ability: Sturdy
Nature: Timid
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe

Basically you set up screens, use Sturdy to avoid a OHKO, Magic Coat against Taunt or Hazards (or Thunder Wave a fast sweeper) and then Volt Change to your sweeper. You can also run a more bulky spread, but this mostly isn't necessary due to Sturdy. An alternative to this set is running Magnet Pull and using 252 HP, 96 Def, 162 SpD with a Bold nature. You'll never be OHKO'd by Timid Heatran's Fire Blast, and you'll also never be OHKO'd by LO Adamant Scizor's Superpower.
I disagree completely..the whole idea of Magnezone setting up screens should be on Pokemon that can't do much back so keeping Magnet Pull is better. Also if you are to stay on something that has the potential to OHKO you then you only get 1 screen up. Also the EVs seem unnecessary if you are only going to have a solitary attack with 70 BP.

Hidden Power Fire should be the primary slash followed by Thunder Wave in the third slot.
 
Yeah probably. That sounds good, I was caught between this an Halo Reach customs whilst writing this. :P
 
I think Charge Beam is arguably better than Volt Change on the sub set. Consider the fact that you can probably get a +6 under a sub if you happen to trap Nattorei at the expense of 3 layers of spikes. With the fast-paced nature of the metagame, its pretty damn good if you sac Magnezone to be able to kill 2 Pokemon guaranteed. Volt Change seems eh to me, its not gonna be doing much damage to anything you'd normally switch out of. Flash Cannon should definitely be the primary last option, but I think Charge Beam should go over Volt Change.
 

panamaxis

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Light Clay might be worth a Slash, at the very least an AC mention on the DS set. Otherwise this looks good.

QC Approved 1/2
 
The Steel Killer set can definitely make good use of Balloon, especially both Magnet Rise and Balloon (allowing you to still be levitating as you 2HKO Doryuzu with Hidden Power Fire, for instance). Another interesting set I saw involved Substitute and Recycle with Balloon, allowing him to repeatedly shed his Ground weakness by Recycling Balloon. That is a bit gimmicky but it deserves a little attention.
 
The Steel Killer set can definitely make good use of Balloon, especially both Magnet Rise and Balloon (allowing you to still be levitating as you 2HKO Doryuzu with Hidden Power Fire, for instance). Another interesting set I saw involved Substitute and Recycle with Balloon, allowing him to repeatedly shed his Ground weakness by Recycling Balloon. That is a bit gimmicky but it deserves a little attention.
Recycle takes a valuable moveslot I'm afraid, I'll make a mention of Balloon although common Pokemon Magnezone traps do not carry Ground-type attacks.
 
The Steel Killer set can definitely make good use of Balloon, especially both Magnet Rise and Balloon (allowing you to still be levitating as you 2HKO Doryuzu with Hidden Power Fire, for instance). Another interesting set I saw involved Substitute and Recycle with Balloon, allowing him to repeatedly shed his Ground weakness by Recycling Balloon. That is a bit gimmicky but it deserves a little attention.
At that point, you're probably better off with just Magnet Rise.
 

Darkmalice

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The Steel Killer set can definitely make good use of Balloon, especially both Magnet Rise and Balloon (allowing you to still be levitating as you 2HKO Doryuzu with Hidden Power Fire, for instance). Another interesting set I saw involved Substitute and Recycle with Balloon, allowing him to repeatedly shed his Ground weakness by Recycling Balloon. That is a bit gimmicky but it deserves a little attention.
Why use Recycle when it has Magnet Rise? Its 5 turns is going to last longer than waiting till you get hit by an attack. Anyways, Magnet Rise at least deserve an AC mention. It helps a lot against Steel-types with Earthquake, like Metagross, Bronzong, and Forretress if you lack HP Fire. And as already said, when combined with Balloon, it can trap and beat the ever common Doryuzu if it switches into SD or Earthquake.

name: Dual Screens
nature: Timid
evs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 162 SpD
I think you meant to have Calm as a nature. Timid with horrible base speed and no Spe EVs doesn't make sense.
 
Thanks for spotting the nature mistake, the set name I intend to keep the same. Also Magnet Rise, Balloon etc I will mention them when writing this up, I just wrote the skeleton to go through QC so don't worry everything will be included in the write up.
 
On the Dual Screens set, remove the slash with Leftovers for Light Clay. There is little reason to run a recovery item, as 'Zone al ready has great Defense and typing to set up Dual Screens. If there is a rason, please give it at least an AC mention.

Remove the slash for Charge Beam, imo a boosting move is better than plain coverage or secondary STAB.

Great analysis otherwise. Good luck for the GP checks. I will see if I can manage one later if I have time.
 
On the Dual Screens set, remove the slash with Leftovers for Light Clay. There is little reason to run a recovery item, as 'Zone al ready has great Defense and typing to set up Dual Screens. If there is a rason, please give it at least an AC mention.

Remove the slash for Charge Beam, imo a boosting move is better than plain coverage or secondary STAB.

Great analysis otherwise. Good luck for the GP checks. I will see if I can manage one later if I have time.
Flash Cannon is a good secondary slash, I'll leave it as it is as not everyone wants to use Magnezone as a 'one time use' Pokemon if you get what I mean.
 

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