Colonel M
I COULD BE BORED!
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-xy/142.shtml
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I guess you can say that I'm a Rock-type kind of guy.
Overview
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Aerodactyl was a Pokemon oft seen as a sweeper. With base 105 Attack and 130 Speed as well as access to a decent movepool, Aerodactyl provided to be a threat in whatever tier it was welcomed into. The sixth generation brought our pterodactyl something new and menacing to those that mocked it before—a Mega Evolution. Boosting its Attack to base 135 and its Speed to a whopping 150 makes Aerodactyl so fast that an Adamant nature still allows it to outspeed base 130s and pack a powerful punch. Furthermore, the addition of Tough Claws as an ability boosts moves such as STAB Aerial Ace, Aqua Tail, Fire Fang, and Ice Fang. Its typing has also given it a blessing to resist both of Talonflame's STABs as well as STAB Quick Attack from Mega Pinsir.
Be aware of Aerodactyl's cons, in particular its weakness to Stealth Rock, weakness to common priority attacks such as Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet, and Ice Shard, and mediocre defenses. Despite having these drawbacks, Mega Aerodactyl proves that with an obnoxious amount of Speed, a solid base Attack, a wide movepool, and a great ability, a Pokemon can always strike "pterror" in whatever tier it can reside in.
Offensive
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name: Offensive
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Ice Fang / Aqua Tail
move 3: Earthquake / Fire Fang
move 4: Aerial Ace / Stealth Rock
ability: Pressure
item: Aerodactylite
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Moves
========
Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's best STAB option and should be used as its main move, capable of hitting a good range of threats in OU very hard. Ice Fang covers Lati@s, Landorus-T, and Garchomp. Since Hippowdon is a major threat to Aerodactyl, Aqua Tail can be used to 2HKO Hippowdon on the switch. Earthquake is Aerodactyl's best attack to handle Aegislash. Thanks to Earthquake not being a contact move, King's Shield does not lower Aerodactyl's Attack. Though Fire Fang is riskier because of King's Shield from Aegislash, it has the advantage of preventing Skarmory and Ferrothorn from being safe switch-ins. Aerial Ace 2HKOes Conkeldurr and Mega Venusaur while OHKOing Keldeo and Mega Medicham. Stealth Rock is a great option to consider on Aerodactyl as it pressures many Defog users with its diverse movepool and forces many switches. Roost is a good option if Aerodactyl's health is a concern; however, the loss of coverage or Stealth Rock can be detrimental to Aerodactyl's momentum.
Set Details
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Mega Aerodactyl is exceptionally fast and needs as much power as possible to attain KOs against its opponents. Therefore, simply maximizing Speed and Attack will yield the best results. An Adamant nature should also be chosen over Jolly; when Mega-Evolved, Adamant Aerodactyl naturally outruns a number of important threats, including +1 Jolly Mega Tyranitar as well as +1 Adamant Gyarados. A Jolly nature allows Aerodactyl to outrun Mega Manectric and Adamant Mega Aerodactyl. Bear in mind a Jolly nature severely decreases Aerodactyl's power.
Usage Tips
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Aerodactyl's best switch-in opportunities include coming in after a revenge kill, or coming into predicted attacks such as Pinsir's Quick Attack, Earthquake, or weak Hidden Powers. Aerodactyl can also switch into Pokemon such as Talonflame (albeit moderately, as a Choice Band-boosted Brave Bird can deal considerable damage) thanks to its unique list of resistances. Also bear in mind that Aerodactyl is also immune to Trick with Aerodactylite and does not receive extra damage from Knock Off. If necessary, take advantage of these, but at the same time, don't be too reckless as both Aerodactyl and Mega Aerodactyl don't like taking too much unnecessary damage.
Additionally, ample prediction is the key to using Mega Aerodactyl offensively and effectively. Because it is fast and hard-hitting with a good list of coverage moves, opponents will often switch their Pokemon. Attempt to predict possible switch-ins when attacking early- to mid-game. If Aerodactyl packs Roost, don't forget to use that in defensive situations when possible and necessary. Predicted switches and Roost's side effect (taking away Aerodactyl's Flying typing temporarily) also give Aerodactyl opportunities to use Roost as well. Be sure to Mega Evolve as quickly as possible as otherwise you can be slower than Starmie and Greninja and OHKOed by Hydro Pump.
Team Options
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Aerodactyl's diverse movepool makes it interesting to consider teammates. With Aerial Ace, Ice Fang, and Earthquake Aerodactyl and Keldeo make great partners. Aerodactyl eliminates foes such as Mega Venusaur and Lati@s while Keldeo hampers threats such as Ferrothorn and Hippowdon. With Fire Fang used Aegislash becomes a minor headache to handle. Bisharp can be a great teammate as Bisharp appreciates Mega Aerodactyl's potential to dispose of Conkeldurr and Keldeo with STAB Aerial Ace. With Stealth Rock Bisharp can use its ability to take advantage of Defog users such as Lati@s and Zapdos. Entry hazards can really help Mega Aerodactyl clean up lategame - Deoxys-D is probably the best user of Stealth Rock and Spikes. When used alongside Keldeo and Bisharp you have a very threatening team on your side. Defog users such as Zapdos and Lati@s can pair well with Mega Aerodactyl. Stealth Rock is a major problem to Mega Aerodactyl switching in constantly. Zapdos is great as it handles Skarmory and Ferrothorn with little issue. Latios can provide more of an offensive momentum with Mega Aerodactyl while Latias provides a safer defensive pivot. For more defensive options Skarmory is a great Defog user while having access to Stealth Rock or Spikes to help with Mega Aerodactyl's momentum.
Other Options
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Aerodactyl has a lot of option for and outside its Mega evolution. For attacks, Thunder Fang gets an honorable mention for hitting Manaphy, Mega Gyarados, and Skarmory. Iron Head is its most accurate and powerful way of bypassing Fairy-types, although Stone Edge does nearly the same damage as a super effective Iron Head when factoring in STAB. Crunch and Pursuit can be used to hit or trap opposing Ghost- and Psychic-types, with the latter actually being useful as Aerodactyl can force switches. Fly is a stronger alternative than Aerial Ace for Flying-type STAB, but it leaves Aerodactyl prone to King's Shield from Aegislash as well as many other bad situations.
As far as support options are concerned, Hone Claws can boost Aerodactyl's Attack and accuracy, which is good considering its reliance on Stone Edge. However, Aerodactyl struggles to find good setup opportunities, and the Attack boost is often not enough to break through some defensive threats. The combination of Taunt + Roost can be used to break through defensive cores and Pokemon, such as Skarmory and Blissey. Taunt also prevents opposing offensive Pokemon from setting up. Defog and Tailwind are potential utility options, although Aerodactyl may struggle to find free moveslots for these moves, as it is more suited for all-out attacking.
Choice Band and Life Orb can be used if your team requires a Mega slot. Unfortunately, if Aerodactyl holds either item, it can lose in situations that Mega Aerodactyl has an upper hand on. For example, Choice Band Aerodactyl fails to 2HKO 252 / 252+ Hippowdon, and it is much slower and its coverage moves are much weaker.
Checks & Counters
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**Bulky Water-types**: Rotom-W, Slowbro, Vaporeon, Gastrodon, and other bulky Water-type Pokemon can shrug off many of Aerodactyl's attacks and threaten it with a burn from Scald or Will-O-Wisp. They must watch out for the occasional Thunder Fang or well-timed Stone Edges, although Gastrodon doesn't have this issue. Rotom-W also has the benefit of practically checkmating Mega Aerodactyl with Volt Switch, Hydro Pump, and Will-O-Wisp, though keep in mind that Stone Edge can potentially 2HKO it after Stealth Rock damage. Mega Gyarados also gets a special mention for being able to tank one Stone Edge and using this opportunity to set up with Dragon Dance or KO with Waterfall, although it is still outsped by Adamant Mega Aerodactyl after +1.
**Bulky Ground-types**: If Aerodactyl chooses not to use Ice Fang, Garchomp and Zygarde can switch into practically any attack and KO back with Stone Edge or STAB Outrage. Hippowdon also does the same if Aerodactyl lacks Aqua Tail, and even Slack Off the damage. Gliscor and Landorus-T can weaken Aerodactyl with Toxic and Intimidate respectively, although both must watch out for Ice Fang. Quagsire and Swampert get special mentions for not being bothered by any of Aerodactyl's moves at all.
**Steel-types**: While Aerodactyl has access to Earthquake and Tough Claws-boosted Fire Fang, they are unfortunately not enough to break through several Steel-types without proper prediction. Physically defensive Jirachi is 3HKOed by Fire Fang and barely 2HKOed by Earthquake, and can make Aerodactyl's life miserable by using Thunder Wave and/or Iron Head. Aegislash can also hamper Aerodactyl that do not hold Earthquake, being able to block and weaken Fire Fang with King's Shieldand threatening with Flash Cannon, Iron Head, Shadow Ball, and Shadow Sneak.
**Tanks**: Lacking Aerial Ace leaves room for punishment from the likes of Mega Venusaur, Conkeldurr, Machamp, Keldeo, and other Fighting- and Grass-types. Mega Mawile in particular can use Intimidate to weaken incoming attacks and proceed to outright KO with either Play Rough, Iron Head, or Sucker Punch. After Intimidate, Earthquake only does a maximum of 53% and Fire Fang 45%. Similarly, Azumarill isn't too bothered by most attacks saved for a well-timed Stone Edge and Thunder Fang and can use Aqua Jet to revenge kill or Play Rough to severely damage Aerodactyl on the switch.
**Faster Attackers**: Not much can naturally outrun Mega Aerodactyl save for some really fast Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Keldeo, Latios, and Garchomp. Aerodactyl's typing, however, leaves it extremely susceptible to common priority attacks, such as Bullet Punch from Lucario, Medicham, and Scizor, Aqua Jet from Azumarill and Crawdaunt, Ice Shard from Weavile and Mamoswine, and Thunder Wave from Prankster Thundurus and Klefki. Resisted priority attacks, such as Talonflame's Brave Bird and Dragonite's Extreme Speed, can even finish off a weakened Aerodactyl.
**Status and Entry Hazards**: Aerodactyl isn't particularly a fan of external battle conditions aside from sandstorm. Stealth Rock threatens to shave off a quarter of its health when it switches in, limiting its opportunities to attack or recover. Any form of status, especially paralysis, burn, and sleep, also severely hamper Aerodactyl one way or another.
Overview
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- Really fucking fast
- Tough Claws boosts STAB Aerial Ace, Aqua Tail, elemental fangs, Iron Head, and Crunch
- Adamant nature outspeeds base 130s as well as +1 Mega DD Tyranitar
- Still fairly frail after its Mega Evolution
- Stealth Rock weak
- Priority moves are a bitch
Mega Offensive
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name: Mega Offensive
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Fire Fang
move 3: Aqua Tail / Ice Fang
move 4: Aerial Ace / Roost
ability: Pressure
item: Aerodactylite
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Moves
========
- Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's best STAB option - the increased chance to critical hit is also nice.
- Aqua Tail 2HKOes Hippowdon, Gliscor, and is Aerodactyl's best attack against Tyranitar and Excadrill. The power from Tough Claws makes this move a very potent attack against Pokemon that resist Stone Edge or Rock Slide.
- Fire Fang covers Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Scizor.
- Ice Fang can be used to damage Garchomp and Zygarde.
- Aerial Ace is necessary to 2HKO Mega Venusaur and Conkeldurr as well as OHKO Keldeo.
- Roost can be used to heal damage taken from Stealth Rock or clinch switch-ins such as Talonflame.
- Rock Slide has a more reliable accuracy and the benefit of a 30% chance to flinch. It is a very viable option over Stone Edge.
- Earthquake is a viable alternative to shut down Jirachi, Heatran, and Aegislash.
- Slot 4 is pretty flexible. If needed, accommodate it to your team's needs.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe Adamant covers base 130s after Mega Evolution and gives Mega Aerodactyl maximum power.
- 399 Speed will outspeed +1 Mega Tyranitar as well as +1 Adamant Gyarados.
Usage Tips
========
- Aerodactyl is great coming in on a revenge kill or switching into predicted attacks such as Earthquake. Aerodactyl can also switch into Pokemon such as Talonflame thanks to its unique resistances. Bear in mind that Aerodactyl is also immune to Trick with Aerodactylite and does not receive extra damage from Knock Off. If necessary, take advantage of these.
- Ample prediction is key to using Mega Aerodactyl offensively and effectively. Think about possible switch-ins to Mega Aerodactyl when going on the offensive. If you pack Roost don't forget to also use that in defensive situations when it is possible. Predicted switches can be very beneficial to Aerodactyl defensively as well.
Team Options
========
- Teammates mostly depend on the moves that you select with Aerodactyl.
- Tyranitar is a great teammate since Stealth Rock is a must to ensure 2HKOes and sand can allow Mega Aerodactyl to stomach special attacks a little easier. Tyranitar also does well with absorbing a lot of the Electric- and Ice-type attacks that Mega Aerodactyl draws in.
- Celebi is a solid teammate that can also tackle bulky Water-types and also can spread around a plethora of things to benefit Mega Aerodactyl such as Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, or Heal Bell.
- Rotom-W does an awesome job at handling most of the Pokemon that carry a priority move and threatens Mega Aerodactyl - in particular Scizor and Azumarill.
- Rapid Spin is a great to help Mega Aerodactyl stay healthy. For Rapid Spin Starmie works out really well. For Starmie it is another fast Pokemon that can help puncture holes for Mega Aerodactyl to sweep. Thankfully Mega Aerodactyl can clear out Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur.
- Defog users also can help with Mega Aerodactyl. Scizor and Latias are two good examples of Pokemon that can use this. Scizor with STAB Bullet Punch can reach some of the Scarf Pokemon that can potentially be faster than Mega Aerodactyl while Latias can sponge threats such as Thundurus without Nasty Plot, Rotom-W, and others. Zapdos and Mandibuzz also work, though be aware that they share a lot of weaknesses that Aerodactyl has. Zapdos at least can purge through bulky Water-types at the least.
- Mega Aerodactyl appreciates wallbreakers. One great example is Kyurem-B. It can harass threats such as Rotom-W with Substitute and bust through walls with Fusion Bolt, STAB Ice Beam, and Earth Power against Levitating threats.
Other Options
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- Thunder Fang gets an honorable mention for bypassing bulky Water-types.
- Iron Head is Aerodactyl's most accurate and powerful way of bypassing Fairy-types, but should only be used if Fairy-types are a huge issue for the team.
- Crunch nails Starmie and is the best option against Slowbro and Reuniclus.
- Pursuit can be used. It gets a Tough Claws boost and Aerodactyl can actually force switches out.
- Hone Claws can boost Aerodactyl's Attack and accuracy. It doesn't turn many situations from 2HKOes to OHKOes that would warrant usage.
- Taunt + Roost can beat walls such as Gliscor and Blissey. Taunt is also great for preventing leads from setting up Stealth Rock and Spikes.
- Defog and Stealth Rock are potential utility options as is Tailwind. Aerodactyl is more of an all-out attacking Pokemon though.
- Choice Band and Life Orb Aerodactyl can be used if you don't want to Mega Aerodactyl and are hellbent on Aerodactyl being used as an offensive Pokemon. Unfortunately, it loses in situations that Mega Aerodactyl has an upper hand on. For example, Choice Band Aerodactyl fails to 2HKO max / max Hippowdon. Elemental fangs are also much weaker.
Checks & Counters
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- Much of Aerodactyl's Checks and Counters depend on the moveset Aerodactyl is using.
- In general bulkier Water-types such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, Vaporeon, and Gastrodon can shrug off many of Aerodactyl's attacks and threaten it off with STAB Scald. Be aware of the rare Thunder Fang and Crunch, though Gastrodon doesn't have that issue. Rotom-W has the benefit of burning Mega Aerodactyl or punishing with one of Hydro Pump or Volt Switch. Be aware that Stone Edge will 2HKO even the bulkiest of Rotom-W after Stealth Rock.
- Bold Jirachis are 3HKOed by Fire Fang and are barely 2HKOed by Earthquake. Jirachi can easily make Aerodactyl's life miserable with STAB Iron Head or paralyzing it with Thunder Wave.
- Bold Celebi are 3HKOed by Fire Fang and Ice Fang and can paralyze Aerodactyl with Thunder Wave. Be aware that Aerial Ace will 2HKO Celebi.
- Aegislash can hamper Aerodactyl without Earthquake. Though Mega Aerodactyl will often carry Fire Fang King's Shield can force Aerodactyl to -2 Attack. STAB Iron Head and Flash Cannon will do Aerodactyl in. Weakened ones can be picked off by Shadow Sneak as well.
- Garchomp and Zygarde can switch into Aerodactyl without Ice Fang and shoot it out of the sky with their STAB Dragon-type attacks or Stone Edge. They also can catch Aerodactyl during Roost with STAB Earthquake. Be aware that Garchomp can be 2HKOed by Aqua Tail after Stealth Rock.
- Lacking Aerial Ace leaves room for punishment from Mega Venusaur, Conkeldurr, Keldeo, and other Fighting-types.
- Though not a counter Gyarados can switch into Aerodactyl and Mega Evolve for a free Dragon Dance.
- Scarf users such as Genesect can outspeed Aerodactyl and shut it down with Ice Beam or Thunderbolt. In the sand Genesect gets a boost on U-turn to at least harass and weaken Aerodactyl for teammates.
- Mega Mawile can use Intimidate to cripple Mega Aerodactyl, set up a Swords Dance, and OHKO with Sucker Punch / Iron Head. Earthquake does 53% tops after Intimidate and Fire Fang is 45% tops.
- Priority attacks from Pokemon such as Lucario with Bullet Punch, Azumarill, Crawdaunt, Scizor, Mamoswine, and others can really make Mega Aerodactyl's day miserable.
- Status such as paralysis, burns, and sleep really hamper Aerodactyl.
########
- Really fucking fast
- Tough Claws boosts STAB Aerial Ace, Aqua Tail, elemental fangs, Iron Head, and Crunch
- Adamant nature outspeeds base 130s as well as +1 Mega DD Tyranitar
- Still fairly frail after its Mega Evolution
- Stealth Rock weak
- Priority moves are a bitch
Mega Offensive
########
name: Mega Offensive
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Fire Fang
move 3: Aqua Tail / Ice Fang
move 4: Aerial Ace / Roost
ability: Pressure
item: Aerodactylite
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Moves
========
- Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's best STAB option - the increased chance to critical hit is also nice.
- Aqua Tail 2HKOes Hippowdon, Gliscor, and is Aerodactyl's best attack against Tyranitar and Excadrill. The power from Tough Claws makes this move a very potent attack against Pokemon that resist Stone Edge or Rock Slide.
- Fire Fang covers Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Scizor.
- Ice Fang can be used to damage Garchomp and Zygarde.
- Aerial Ace is necessary to 2HKO Mega Venusaur and Conkeldurr as well as OHKO Keldeo.
- Roost can be used to heal damage taken from Stealth Rock or clinch switch-ins such as Talonflame.
- Rock Slide has a more reliable accuracy and the benefit of a 30% chance to flinch. It is a very viable option over Stone Edge.
- Earthquake is a viable alternative to shut down Jirachi, Heatran, and Aegislash.
- Slot 4 is pretty flexible. If needed, accommodate it to your team's needs.
Set Details
========
- 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe Adamant covers base 130s after Mega Evolution and gives Mega Aerodactyl maximum power.
- 399 Speed will outspeed +1 Mega Tyranitar as well as +1 Adamant Gyarados.
Usage Tips
========
- Aerodactyl is great coming in on a revenge kill or switching into predicted attacks such as Earthquake. Aerodactyl can also switch into Pokemon such as Talonflame thanks to its unique resistances. Bear in mind that Aerodactyl is also immune to Trick with Aerodactylite and does not receive extra damage from Knock Off. If necessary, take advantage of these.
- Ample prediction is key to using Mega Aerodactyl offensively and effectively. Think about possible switch-ins to Mega Aerodactyl when going on the offensive. If you pack Roost don't forget to also use that in defensive situations when it is possible. Predicted switches can be very beneficial to Aerodactyl defensively as well.
Team Options
========
- Teammates mostly depend on the moves that you select with Aerodactyl.
- Tyranitar is a great teammate since Stealth Rock is a must to ensure 2HKOes and sand can allow Mega Aerodactyl to stomach special attacks a little easier. Tyranitar also does well with absorbing a lot of the Electric- and Ice-type attacks that Mega Aerodactyl draws in.
- Celebi is a solid teammate that can also tackle bulky Water-types and also can spread around a plethora of things to benefit Mega Aerodactyl such as Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, or Heal Bell.
- Rotom-W does an awesome job at handling most of the Pokemon that carry a priority move and threatens Mega Aerodactyl - in particular Scizor and Azumarill.
- Rapid Spin is a great to help Mega Aerodactyl stay healthy. For Rapid Spin Starmie works out really well. For Starmie it is another fast Pokemon that can help puncture holes for Mega Aerodactyl to sweep. Thankfully Mega Aerodactyl can clear out Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur.
- Defog users also can help with Mega Aerodactyl. Scizor and Latias are two good examples of Pokemon that can use this. Scizor with STAB Bullet Punch can reach some of the Scarf Pokemon that can potentially be faster than Mega Aerodactyl while Latias can sponge threats such as Thundurus without Nasty Plot, Rotom-W, and others. Zapdos and Mandibuzz also work, though be aware that they share a lot of weaknesses that Aerodactyl has. Zapdos at least can purge through bulky Water-types at the least.
- Mega Aerodactyl appreciates wallbreakers. One great example is Kyurem-B. It can harass threats such as Rotom-W with Substitute and bust through walls with Fusion Bolt, STAB Ice Beam, and Earth Power against Levitating threats.
Other Options
########
- Thunder Fang gets an honorable mention for bypassing bulky Water-types.
- Iron Head is Aerodactyl's most accurate and powerful way of bypassing Fairy-types, but should only be used if Fairy-types are a huge issue for the team.
- Crunch nails Starmie and is the best option against Slowbro and Reuniclus.
- Pursuit can be used. It gets a Tough Claws boost and Aerodactyl can actually force switches out.
- Hone Claws can boost Aerodactyl's Attack and accuracy. It doesn't turn many situations from 2HKOes to OHKOes that would warrant usage.
- Taunt + Roost can beat walls such as Gliscor and Blissey. Taunt is also great for preventing leads from setting up Stealth Rock and Spikes.
- Defog and Stealth Rock are potential utility options as is Tailwind. Aerodactyl is more of an all-out attacking Pokemon though.
- Choice Band and Life Orb Aerodactyl can be used if you don't want to Mega Aerodactyl and are hellbent on Aerodactyl being used as an offensive Pokemon. Unfortunately, it loses in situations that Mega Aerodactyl has an upper hand on. For example, Choice Band Aerodactyl fails to 2HKO max / max Hippowdon. Elemental fangs are also much weaker.
Checks & Counters
########
- Much of Aerodactyl's Checks and Counters depend on the moveset Aerodactyl is using.
- In general bulkier Water-types such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, Vaporeon, and Gastrodon can shrug off many of Aerodactyl's attacks and threaten it off with STAB Scald. Be aware of the rare Thunder Fang and Crunch, though Gastrodon doesn't have that issue. Rotom-W has the benefit of burning Mega Aerodactyl or punishing with one of Hydro Pump or Volt Switch. Be aware that Stone Edge will 2HKO even the bulkiest of Rotom-W after Stealth Rock.
- Bold Jirachis are 3HKOed by Fire Fang and are barely 2HKOed by Earthquake. Jirachi can easily make Aerodactyl's life miserable with STAB Iron Head or paralyzing it with Thunder Wave.
- Bold Celebi are 3HKOed by Fire Fang and Ice Fang and can paralyze Aerodactyl with Thunder Wave. Be aware that Aerial Ace will 2HKO Celebi.
- Aegislash can hamper Aerodactyl without Earthquake. Though Mega Aerodactyl will often carry Fire Fang King's Shield can force Aerodactyl to -2 Attack. STAB Iron Head and Flash Cannon will do Aerodactyl in. Weakened ones can be picked off by Shadow Sneak as well.
- Garchomp and Zygarde can switch into Aerodactyl without Ice Fang and shoot it out of the sky with their STAB Dragon-type attacks or Stone Edge. They also can catch Aerodactyl during Roost with STAB Earthquake. Be aware that Garchomp can be 2HKOed by Aqua Tail after Stealth Rock.
- Lacking Aerial Ace leaves room for punishment from Mega Venusaur, Conkeldurr, Keldeo, and other Fighting-types.
- Though not a counter Gyarados can switch into Aerodactyl and Mega Evolve for a free Dragon Dance.
- Scarf users such as Genesect can outspeed Aerodactyl and shut it down with Ice Beam or Thunderbolt. In the sand Genesect gets a boost on U-turn to at least harass and weaken Aerodactyl for teammates.
- Mega Mawile can use Intimidate to cripple Mega Aerodactyl, set up a Swords Dance, and OHKO with Sucker Punch / Iron Head. Earthquake does 53% tops after Intimidate and Fire Fang is 45% tops.
- Priority attacks from Pokemon such as Lucario with Bullet Punch, Azumarill, Crawdaunt, Scizor, Mamoswine, and others can really make Mega Aerodactyl's day miserable.
- Status such as paralysis, burns, and sleep really hamper Aerodactyl.
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