Aerodactyl [GP: 1/2]

Colonel M

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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
========

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
========

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
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- 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.
 
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Colonel M

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I'm still working on it, but this is to give a layout what I am adding:

- Revenge Killer (Mega)
- Offensive (LO / Choice Band)
- Stealth Rock (Suicide Lead)
- Defog (Needs testing)

LO / Choice Band is likely outclassed especially since Jolly Mega Aerodactyl is only slightly weaker than Jolly LO Aerodactyl but can outspeed a lot of important threats. Furthermore, Mega Aerodactyl being Adamant is faster than Jolly LO Aerodactyl and is stronger. I haven't used Suicide Lead Aerodactyl much and it likely might be phased out with Rotom-W being very common. At worst a set of Rock Slide (Stone Edge) / Earthquake / Roost / Stealth Rock could work. Defog would work similar to Rock Slide (Stone Edge) / Earthquake / Roost / Stealth Rock. Revenge Mega Killer is just Stone Edge (Rock Slide) / Aqua Tail / Fire Fang / Roost (Earthquake).
 

alexwolf

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From the Aerodactyl thread:

alexwolf said:
EVs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Aqua Tail
- Fire Fang / Ice Fang
- Aerial Ace

Max Speed to outrun base 130s, +1 Adamant Dragonite, and Speed tie with opposing Mega Aerodactyl, and Adamant because you need the extra power while the extra Speed is mostly irrelevant. Aqua Tail 2HKOes most Landorus-T, Hippowdon, Gliscor, Garchomp, and Tyranitar. Fire Fang covers Steel-types can can 2HKO SpD Skarmory but Ice Fang is nice to OHKO Pokemon such as Latias, Garchomp, and Landorus. Aerial Ace is needed to 2HKO physically defensive Mega Venusaur, Conkeldurr, and Tagnrowth, as well as OHKO Keldeo. Earthquake is not really needed as Steel and Rock-types are covered by either Aqua Tail or Fire Fang, but it can be used with Ice Fang if you really want it. Taunt can be used on the last slot to get past physical walls even if you don't have the necessary coverage moves, as Mega Aerodactyl resists or is immune to the attacking moves of many physical walls, such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Skarmory.
Taunt is not a must at all, now that Aero gets Aqua Tail, which lets him 2HKO physically defensive Hippowdon after SR 78.5% of the time, and it also always 2HKOes Gliscor. Taunt is nice to fuck up Skarmory and try and stop Deo-D leads (which is not guaranteed btw, as many use Mental Herb / Magic Coat), but that's about it. Taunt is AC material.
 

Colonel M

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From the Aerodactyl thread:

Taunt is not a must at all, now that Aero gets Aqua Tail, which lets him 2HKO physically defensive Hippowdon after SR 78.5% of the time, and it also always 2HKOes Gliscor. Taunt is nice to fuck up Skarmory and try and stop Deo-D leads (which is not guaranteed btw, as many use Mental Herb / Magic Coat), but that's about it. Taunt is AC material.
Fair enough. Taunt is better for the Jolly set it seems since it lacks the raw power and needs a way to muscle through the walls a little better. Also wondering if Aerial Ace is replaceable with other moves i.e. Crunch, Thunder Fang, Roost etc.

I was using the Taunt / Roost / Aqua Tail / Rock Slide in the ladder. It was okay, but I think I overestimated Hippowdon's physical bulk too much. Though Taunt is nice for some of the fucking up with other Pokemon. For example, Roost + Taunt + Rock Slide guarantees beating Blissey.
 

alexwolf

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Yeah Taunt pairs great with Roost, and Rock + Water gets great coverage, while Roost also allows you to stay healthy and check mons such as Talonflame for an extended period of time. Make the set like this then:

EVs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Aqua Tail
- Fire Fang / Ice Fang / Taunt
- Aerial Ace / Roost

Just make sure to stress how good of a combo Roost + Taunt is. Also i don't feel strongly about Stone Edge being first, so i will let you be the judge of this.

As for other coverage moves in the place of Aerial Ace, i don't see the reason. They don't cover anything that isn't already covered, and 2HKOing Mega Venusaur is pretty damn important.
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
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Yeah with the set I had you definitely need Magnezone support though, which is kind of a big con. You also lose to Breloom which kind of blows too. I haven't been able to structure something so well with that set, which is the only reason why I was like "well you could just throw out Roost for Fire Fang to cover it".

Honestly this may be due to personal preference, but I prefer Rock Slide over Stone Edge. Tyranitar is a Pokemon for example that can sometimes afford to miss with Stone Edge. With Aero, it usually is the opposite. I think Rock Slide is the slightly better option because Aerodactyl can take advantage of the flinch rate as well as the reliable accuracy is pretty nice, but Stone Edge is a lot more reliable in terms of power. I will allow QC and other brofessional battlers help decide on it though.
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
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Also I have finished.

Utility set is definitely one that might be thrown out... but "we'll see".
 
How come Taunt + Roost Mega Aerodactyl isn't getting its own set? The set you have up there has a huge case of slash-itis, and Taunt + Roost makes the set play a lot differently than 4 damaging attacks. In addition, Taunt + Roost probably wants to be using a slightly different EV spread that invests more in bulk over Attack/Speed.
 

Colonel M

I COULD BE BORED!
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How come Taunt + Roost Mega Aerodactyl isn't getting its own set? The set you have up there has a huge case of slash-itis, and Taunt + Roost makes the set play a lot differently than 4 damaging attacks. In addition, Taunt + Roost probably wants to be using a slightly different EV spread that invests more in bulk over Attack/Speed.
Originally my plan was to split the two sets, but after thinking about it Taunt + Roost MDactyl has some awkward situations that I found. For example, Aqua Tail already 2HKOes Hippowdon (one of its bigger issues) and Fire Fang already cleaves through Skarmory.

I am, however, not opposed to re-splitting the sets as you are right - they play very differently.
 
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Colonel M

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Separated the two sets - Offensive and Taunt + Roost are now separate sets.

This is in need of QC checks.
 

alexwolf

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- I don't like your cons. Aero's only unreliable move is Stone Edge, and all the others are both quite accurate and quite strong (with Tough Claws). Also, not having a Rock move boosted by Tough Claws is not a con, in the meaning that it's not something you have to keep in mind when using Aero. If the lack of a Rock move boosted by Touch Claws resulted in Aero not having enough power to be a good revenge killer or a good wallbreaker then it would be ok to mention it as a con, but in reality it's just a minor inconvenience. So, remove your first two cons and replace them with: Lots of common weaknesses, making it not that easy to bring in and easy to revenge kill with Scarfers.

- Mention Mega Venusaur when talking about Aerial Ace, arguably the most important target of this move

- Pressure is 100% the best ability for Aero, as it's the only relevant ability on him before he MEvolves, draining the PP of moves as he switches in. Incredibly minor but still.

1st set's usage tips said:
- Taunt + Roost has a very different playstyle, but does roughly the same thing. The ideal goal is using Rock Slide and Aqua Tail with Taunt and Roost to push through walls such as Skarmory, Blissey, Gliscor, and many others. You will require Pokemon that can handle threats such as Ferrothorn and Breloom.
Remove as Taunt + Roost now has another set.

Add those and



QC APPROVED 1/3
 

Colonel M

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Done. Thanks for the stamp.

Also I thought about Unnerve but berries aren't too common at the moment. I was thinking of ridiculous shit like Shuca Heatran when using EQ on Mega Aerodactyl.
 

PK Gaming

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Fuzznip and myself examined this analysis in detail, here's the jist of what we came up with:

You neglected to mention Aerodactyl's frailty in the cons section. Furthermore, you should also mention that the moves that don't receive a Tough Claws boost are kind of weak.
- Aerodactyl should Mega Evolve ASAP. It should not even think about waiting a turn to Mega Evolve as leaving it unevolved has little-to-no benefit.
Does this really need to be stated? You'll be hard pressed to find a Pokemon that doesn't Mega Evolve immediately.

Earthquake deserves a slash alongside Aqua Tail. It basically has the same coverage as Earthquake, but with added utility against grounded Steel types (Jirachi, Aegislash, etc). I don't really like the justification you gave against using Earthquake though. Shadow Sneak doesn't nearly enough to Aerodactyl to dissuade someone from using it for Aegislash.
Removal of bulky Water-types can be done with Celebi and Clefable. Magnezone and Rotom-W also do stellar jobs. Latias and Latios are a little more prone to status and Tyranitar, but also can get the job done.
Can Clefable really deal with bulky Water-types? It has the bulk, but it doesn't have the resistance to constantly switch into bulky water types. It can't really beat them. There's no point in mentioning Magnezone over relevant Electric-types, such as Thundurus. As an aside, there's also way too much emphasis on Magnezone in this analysis, can you please tone it down?
After Stealth Rock, Aqua Tail 2HKOes Gliscor and Hippowdon most of the time. It also is Mega Aerodactyl's best option against Tyranitar and Terrakion.
Don't forget to mention Landorus-T. You come close to 2HKOing it with Aqua Tail at -1.
- Trevenant and Gourgeist-H can be used as defensive spin blockers to prevent Stealth Rock from being removed from the field. Furthermore, Gengar can be a much more offensive option.
Does mega aerodactyl really need spin blockers. It appreciates SR, but no more than your standard offensive Pokemon. It'd make more sense if SR was on the set... Ironically, it needs Rapid Spin/Defog Support. The anti-SR support grants it more freedom with switches, and it makes it harder to wear down.

I don't support the Taunt + Roost set and I definitely don't support the SR set. It's just flat out worse than Deoxys-S / Garchomp at using SR. Regular Aerodactyl is just terrible.

Remove all mentions of Magneton.
 

Colonel M

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Does this really need to be stated? You'll be hard pressed to find a Pokemon that doesn't Mega Evolve immediately.
There are some that purposely delay their Mega Evolution. Mega Gyarados is the best example - the Dark-typing can sometimes bite it in the ass. Pinsir also might want to delay its Mega to attempt to catch Rotom-W with Earthquake. Garchomp and Abomasnow become slower than their original form too.

In most cases barring Mega Gyarados it is pretty niche; however, there are some instances where some Pokemon want to hold back. This partially came from the old previews but have no issue removing it.
Can Clefable really deal with bulky Water-types? It has the bulk, but it doesn't have the resistance to constantly switch into bulky water types. It can't really beat them. There's no point in mentioning Magnezone over relevant Electric-types, such as Thundurus. As an aside, there's also way too much emphasis on Magnezone in this analysis, can you please tone it down?
Clefable's Magic Guard makes it immune to much of the damage that bulky waters depend on (burns and poison) and Clefable can easily Calm Mind / Soft-boiled / Wish. Magnezone was a huge mention due to the old Taunt + Roost set. Taunt (+ Roost) worked well for me in the pre-bank since Aqua Tail was gone and, actually, I was unaware that Adamant Aqua Tail 2HKOed Hippowdon.

I have updates to this anyway. AV Conkeldurr is a good partner since it tackles Rotom-W and other bulky Waters.
Does mega aerodactyl really need spin blockers. It appreciates SR, but no more than your standard offensive Pokemon. It'd make more sense if SR was on the set... Ironically, it needs Rapid Spin/Defog Support. The anti-SR support grants it more freedom with switches, and it makes it harder to wear down.
Part of that came with when Roost was a primary slash on the set. Also to bust through walls like Hippowdon Stealth Rock is an absolute must. It also is necessary, IIRC off the top of my head, to 2HKO Gliscor after Protect.

Anyway. I'm going to brush up on this more. I was desperately waiting for feedback and a lot of the stuff was from prebank. Glad it got noticed.

Also:
other sets
Thank the fucking lord on the latter set.
 

Jukain

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I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss SR simply because Aerodactyl learns Tailwind, which is an AWESOME support move. Basically, you set up SR and then you Tailwind before getting killed, and then boom! Stuff like Crawdaunt (or anything on the slower side really) get a massive boon. While it might seem outclassed by Mew, Aerodactyl is faster, granting it a nigh guaranteed set-up bar priority and Prankster Taunt. A set of Stone Edge / Earthquake | Stealth Rock | Taunt | Tailwind has been consistently excellent in my experiences with it.
 

Colonel M

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I'll let QC decide on that one.

As for Aerodactyl I cleaned up the analysis and am prepared for QC / extra criticism.

I alerted Fuzznip but PKGaming is being paged now as well.

Once one of you two QC check it I'll write it out too.
 
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alexwolf

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You neglected to mention Aerodactyl's frailty in the cons section. Furthermore, you should also mention that the moves that don't receive a Tough Claws boost are kind of weak.
This doesn't need to be stated, as none of those moves are in the main set, except from EQ, which is not weak at all. Also, it needs to be stated that Fire Fang should always be used with Aqua Tail (which provide the superior coverage) while EQ should be paired with Ice Fang.
 

Jukain

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This doesn't need to be stated, as none of those moves are in the main set, except from EQ, which is not weak at all. Also, it needs to be stated that Fire Fang should always be used with Aqua Tail (which provide the superior coverage) while EQ should be paired with Ice Fang.
From what I'm seeing, Tough Claws DOES NOT boost Stone Edge (or Rock Slide). That's pretty notable IMO (though STAB Stone Edge is not weak by any means).

EDIT: I understood your post as 'everything besides EQ isn't boosted', which is false
 
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Colonel M

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Most of Aerodactyl's (usable) movepool is boosted by Tough Claws. The only exceptions are its Rock-type STABs and Earthquake. Which barely matters on the latter because you're using it for coverage.

I mean it's kind of a con yeah but not really so big that it has to be mentioned IMO.
 
I'm not QC, but I was thinking that Speed might be an issue since Aerodactyl can't hold an item when Mega Evolved. A Jolly Aero, for example, reaches 438 Speed, can only hope to outrun Pokemon with +Spe base 83 (291x1.5=436) with a Choice Scarf. In other words, Aero would be prone to being revenge killed even without priority.
 

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