[OVERVIEW]
Aerodactyl is arguably the best Mega Evolution in UnderUsed UU, (AC) as it is easy to fit on most teams due to it being very customizable with its its high customizability and expansive movepool, decent bulk when invested, and ability to set up, which can surprise the opponent. With its ability to set up via Hone Claws, it can Specifically, Hone Claws can let it become a very potent wallbreaker coupled with the fact that its Flying-type STAB and some coverage moves are boosted by Tough Claws. Aerodactyl is also the fastest lead in UU, meaning it can Taunt shut down other leads through Taunt fairly easily, (AC) and be able to give giving the team entry hazards without the opponent setting up their own. Its also has an amazing Speed tier before Mega Evolving and a blistering Speed stat becomes even better after Mega Evolving, outspeeding the entire unboosted tier as well as base 80 Choice Scarf users such as Chandelure and below. Mega Aerodactyl is great at revenge killing as well, since due to as its speed and power, it makes it make it an extremely reliable blanket check for to most offensive threats such as Mega Beedrill, Shaymin, and Entei. While Aerodactyl has a lot of good things going for it, it also has trouble with a few key things. Aerodactyl struggles with bulky Water- and Steel-types such as Suicune, Mega Blastoise, Swampert, Forretress, Mega Aggron, and Doublade. It also has very common weaknesses in Water, Ice, and Rock, making it have limited switchins limiting the number of times it can switch in, (AC) as it is weak to Stealth Rock and Water- and Ice-type attacks riddle the tier.
[SET]
name: Non-boosting Attacker (eh, just "All-out Attacker" imo, this sounds seriously clunky)
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Wing Attack / Earthquake
move 3: Earthquake / Aqua Tail
move 4: Roost / Pursuit
item: Aerodactylite
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stone Edge is the obligatory STAB move that allows Aerodactyl to hit opposing Flying-types as well as Ice-, Fire-, and Bug-types such as Mamoswine, (is neutral to Rock, don't you have anything better?) Entei, Darmanitan, and Mega Beedrill. Wing Attack, while seemingly weak, gets the Tough Claws boost, (AC) allowing it to be making it very potent against Fighting-types as well as Grass-types that can tank a Stone Edge such as Shaymin and Chesnaught. Earthquake is used due to for its ability to hit Steel-types such as Cobalion, Lucario, and Doublade, (AC) as Steel-types which resist both of Aerodactyl's STAB types. Aqua Tail not only benefits from Tough Claws (RC) but also gives Aerodactyl a way around Ground-types such as Mamoswine, Krookodile, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen (although the latter two are covered by Earthquake). Roost is a reliable recovery move and allows Mega Aerodactyl to keep its health high, letting it keep threatening the opponent, (AC) while Stealth Rock (isn't slashed?) gives Mega Aerodactyl a way to support the team if Stealth Rock the move couldn't be fit onto the team somewhere else. Pursuit is an option to trap physically frail Pokemon such as Mega Beedrill and Chandelure. Taunt, in tandem with Roost, could work and allows Aerodactyl to avoid status and block recovery while wearing down the opponent with its high-powered (add hyphen) STAB moves. It also stops Defog, which works well for entry hazard-stacking (add hyphen) teams. Defog is an option to allow Aerodactyl to get rid of entry hazards; however, it is incompatible with Unnerve. Fire Fang is an option to OHKO Forretress, which would otherwise tank Aerodactyl's moves while OHKOing with Gyro Ball. Crunch gives Aerodactyl an option to hit Doublade harder than EQ Earthquake thanks to the Tough Claws boost, (AC, remove parentheses) as well as Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Reuniclus.
Set Details
========
Aerodactylite is the item of choice, (AC) as otherwise allowing Aerodactyl would be unable to Mega Evolve. A Jolly nature is used to outpace Timid Mega Sceptile and Jolly Mega Beedrill as well as certain +1 Gyarados, +1 Feraligatr, and Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Gardevoir and Chandelure; however, an Adamant nature can be used, (AC) as it is still makes Mega Aerodactyl faster than all neutral-natured (add hyphen) Pokemon such as Adamant Mega Beedrill and Modest Mega Sceptile. Maximum Attack EVs as well as maximum Speed EVs allows Aerodactyl to hit as hard and as fast as possible. However, Aerodactyl can invest into its bulk by hitting certain benchmarks in Speed. Running 104 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allows Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed Tornadus before Mega Evolving and Crobat after. Aerodactyl can also run 216 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature to outspeed Mega Sceptile and Mega Beedrill as well as Choice Scarf Chandelure and Gardevoir.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Aerodactyl is meant to be used as a fast support Pokemon that can also reliably wear down the opponent's team via its STAB moves. Make sure to bring Mega Aerodactyl in safely on a resisted hit so it can force the opponent to take a hit or die be KOed. Use the switches that Mega Aerodactyl forces to set(space)up Stealth Rock or Roost off damage. If it is healthy, try to fire off an attack, (AC) as most things threats that tend to switch into Mega Aerodactyl get worn down fast such as Swampert and Forretress. Mega Aerodactyl's moves can be somewhat unpredictable at times, (AC) so it can lure certain foes very well effectively, i.e. such as surprising Slowking with Crunch hitting Slowking harder than any other move. Mega Aerodactyl also tends to be run three attacks and Roost, so having four attacks can be really nice for luring too.
Team Options
========
Something that takes care of bulky Water-types such as Toxicroak, Shaymin, and or Heliolisk allows prevents them from forcing Mega Aerodactyl to not be forced to switch out, taking and take Stealth Rock damage, as well as and helps Aerodactyl continue to apply pressure to the opponent. Entry hazard removal support from the likes of Empoleon and Forretress helps clear away Stealth Rock, (AC) allowing Aerodactyl to have more opportunities to switch(space)in without relying on staying healthy via Roost. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Forretress and Swampert can help wear down Pokemon that switch into Aerodactyl, (AC) as most of Aerodactyl's checks and counters lack reliable recovery. Special wallbreakers such as Choice Specs Porygon-Z and Life Orb Hydreigon can destroy physical walls, (AC) allowing Aerodactyl to use its attacks more freely. Setup sweepers such as Swords Dance Lucario appreciate the support that Mega Aerodactyl can provide with its coverage, (AC) especially Pursuit, (AC) which can trap and KO Ghost-types that threaten these setup sweepers. Swords Dance Doublade is also a good teammate, (AC) as it can soften up a lot of things foes for Mega Aerodactyl to spam its attacks.
[SET]
name: Hone Claws
move 1: Hone Claws
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Wing Attack / Aqua Tail
move 4: Earthquake / Aqua Tail / Roost
item: Aerodactylite
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Hone Claws is the setup move of choice as it not only boosts Mega Aerodactyl's already sky-high (add hyphen) Attack, it but (RC) also allows Aerodactyl to not miss its prevents its STAB moves or its coverage moves from missing. Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's main STAB move that and not only hits hard (RC) but also benefits from the accuracy boost given from Hone Claws. Wing Attack gets the Tough Claws boost, (AC) making it very strong against Fighting- and Grass-types that can tank a Stone Edge, (AC) such as Shaymin and Chesnaught. Aqua Tail also benefits from Tough Claws, giving Aerodactyl a way around Ground-types that can tank a Wing Attack such as Mamoswine, Krookodile, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen. Earthquake can be used to hit Steel-types such as Cobalion and Doublade. Roost gives Aerodactyl a reliable recovery move to continue boosting; however, with its use by running it, Mega Aerodactyl loses out on important coverage. Fire Fang is an option to OHKO Forretress specifically, (AC) while Crunch gives Aerodactyl an option to hit Doublade harder than EQ thanks to the Tough Claws boost (remove parentheses) as well as Psychic-types such as Reuniclus.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs allows allow Mega Aerodactyl to hit as hard and as fast as possible. A Jolly nature allows Aerodactyl to outspeed Jolly Mega Beedrill and Timid Mega Sceptile after Mega Evolving while also outspeeding as well as certain Choice Scarf users such as Chandelure. Adamant is especially also viable, (AC) as it maximizes Aerodactyl's wallbreaking potential. Aerodactylite allows Aerodactyl to Mega Evolve in the first place. A good alternative EV spread is 232 Atk / 40 Def / 236 Spe with an Adamant nature, (AC) as this which allows Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed maximum Speed Crobat after Mega Evolving with enough Defense EVs to live and lets it survive Jolly Mamoswine's Ice Shard after Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
It is best to save Mega Aerodactyl for the mid- to or late-game, (AC) as this set aims to set(space)up and sweep rather than firing fire off powerful attacks. Be wary switching this particular set in, (AC) as the more damage Mega Aerodactyl accrues, the more easily it will be revenge killed when it aims to sweep. Based on coverage, make sure certain threats are gone, such as Ground-types such as Mamoswine if Mega Aerodactyl lacks Aqua Tail and Steel-types if Mega Aerodactyl lacks Earthquake. (AP, remove parentheses)
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Heracross and Hoopa can wear down physical walls or outright get rid of them, giving Mega Aerodactyl an easier time sweeping. Volt Switch and U-turn users, such as Forretress, Heliolisk, and Whimsicott, can wear down the opponent opposing team, allowing Aerodactyl to set up and sweep on a weakened team. Whimsicott and Heliolisk also both beat bulky Water-types, (AC) which give Aerodactyl a hard time. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Forretress, Swampert, or and Azelf (RC) can help Aerodactyl secure some 2HKOs and OHKOs. Entry hazard removal from Forretress and Empoleon is key, (AC) as more often than not, Aerodactyl will be forgoing Roost to run coverage, meaning it can be worn down if SR Stealth Rock is up. Something that weakens bulky Water-types such as Toxicroak and or Heliolisk allows Aerodactyl to not be forced out once it sets up. Healing Wish or Lunar Dance users such as Shaymin and Cresselia can give Aerodactyl a second chance at sweeping. Shaymin can also beat bulky Water-types for Aerodactyl, (AC) while Cresselia can provide Thunder Wave support.
[SET]
name: Bulky Aerodactyl
move 1: Taunt
move 2: Roost
move 3: Toxic / Stealth Rock / Stone Edge
move 4: Stone Edge / Earthquake
item: Aerodactylite
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 156 Def / 104 Spe
(blank line)
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Taunt allows Mega Aerodactyl to stallbreak while also avoiding status moves and being set up on. Roost gives Aerodactyl a means of reliable recovery, allowing it to be remain a prominent force continuously throughout the battle. Toxic provides Mega Aerodactyl with a way of putting common walls such as Blissey, Alomomola, and Suicune on a timer in conjunction with Taunt as they can no longer use to prevent them from using their recovery moves. Stealth Rock can fit here if your team is strapped for slots. Stone Edge is still a pretty powerful STAB move even with minimal investment. Earthquake provides the best neutral coverage alongside Stone Edge while also nailing the Steel- and Poison-types immune to Toxic. Wing Attack can be an option over Stone Edge to still provide decent coverage alongside Earthquake while providing more PP.
Set Details
========
248 HP EVs allows allow Mega Aerodactyl to switch into Stealth Rock 5 five times from full HP, (AC) while outspeeding 104 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature let it outspeed Crobat. The rest is are dumped into Defense to take hits from the likes of Choice Band Krookodile, Entei, and Crobat more easily. Aerodactylite is the item of choice to allow Aerodactyl to Mega Evolve. A Jolly nature allows Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed Crobat and anything slower while allowing it to invest in its bulk. A Taunt and Toxic set is an option, (AC) since as bulky Mega Aerodactyl can be ran without forgo Defog and this set is a potent stall breaker. The EVs should stay the same with only Earthquake as the attacking move to hit Steel- and Poison-types that are immune to Toxic. However, an alternative EV spread of 248 HP / 44 Def / 216 Speed can be used in case the team needs insurance against Mega Beedrill and Mega Sceptile.
Usage Tips
========
The invested bulk allows Mega Aerodactyl to come in more safely on resisted hits, (AC) and Roost off the damage, (AC) and Defog away entry hazards. Make sure to keep Mega Aerodactyl healthy though so it can check the things foes it needs to check such as Fire-types and Mega Beedrill throughout the match.
Team Options
========
Swampert appreciate Mega Aerodactyl's ability to Defog away all hazards while Swampert and has decent defensive synergy with Mega Aerodactyl, (AC) as it is immune to Electric-type attacks, resists Rock, and is neutral to Ice and Water while Mega Aerodactyl can fight off Grass-types with its Flying STAB move should it run Wing Attack. Entry hazard support from The likes of Nidoqueen and Krookodile pressures can pressure the opponent even further with entry hazard support while also providing an Electric immunity. Bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Shaymin can threaten the Water-types that take advantage of Mega Aerodactyl by setting up such as Feraligatr and Suicune.
[SET]
name: Non-mega (or just axe non-mega because it seems clunky and redundant) Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Double-Edge
move 4: Fire Blast / Stone Edge
item: Focus Sash
ability: Unnerve
nature: Hasty / Jolly
evs: 184 Atk / 72 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock gives Aerodactyl a way to break Sturdy and Focus Sashes while also providing the team with a reliable entry hazard. (what is a reliable entry hazard?) The fastest Taunt in the tier allows Aerodactyl to avoid prevent other lead's entry hazards from being laid down as it has access to the fastest Taunt. Fire Blast allows lets Aerodactyl to get around Forretress, (AC) who which may try to spin away its Stealth Rock. Stone Edge is a really good STAB move that is a bit unreliable. If that isn't needed, Double-Edge is a viable option to allow Aerodactyl to kill itself before the opponent can Defog or spin. (this doesn't reflect the slashing) Tailwind can also provide the team with the upper hand, allowing Aerodactyl to help support its team even further.
Set Details
========
Focus Sash ensures that Aerodactyl can live survive any hit and be able to set up Stealth Rock. 72 Special Attack EVs w/ Fire Blast allows allow Aerodactyl to OHKO Forretress with Fire Blast, (AC) while maximum Speed EVs allows make Aerodactyl to be as fast as possible. The rest is are dumped into Attack. A Hasty nature is essential alongside Fire Blast to not weaken its Fire Blast's power; however, a Jolly nature can be used if Fire Blast is not being used. If so, the Special Attack EVs can be moved into Attack.
Usage Tips
========
Aerodactyl should always lead, (AC) as it wins vs. against most other leads such as Azelf and Forretress thanks to its access to Taunt. Watch out for Froslass or Sableye leads, (AC) as Froslass has a super effective STAB move to hit Aerodactyl with, (AC) while Sableye has priority Taunt meaning to prevent Aerodactyl cannot Taunt from Taunting Sableye itself nor can it lay or laying down Stealth Rock. It Aerodactyl should only be used on hyper offensive teams because it is a suicide lead, meaning the team wants to apply as much offensive pressure as possible.
(blank line)
Team Options
========
Ghost-types such as Hoopa and Sableye that not only appreciate the Aerodactyl's (double check content please) entry hazard support but also can also keep Stealth Rock up thanks to by blocking Rapid Spin. Sableye also has access to Prankster Taunt, meaning it can reliably make sure no Defogger can get rid of Stealth Rock as well. VoltTurn users such as Heliolisk and Mega Beedrill appreciate being able to wear down the opponent with Stealth Rock coupled with their powerful attacks. VoltTurn users They can also wear down the opponent's Defogger or spinner, allowing Stealth Rock to stay on the field. The team should be offensively oriented to keep up the offensive pressure, (AC) since this is an offensive lead so Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Infernape, and Mienshao are good options, as they all provide power and appreciate the Stealth Rock support this set provides.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Iron Head or Iron Tail is a somewhat viable option, (AC) as it not only gains the Tough Claws boost (RC) but it also can fit replace Earthquake to hit Rock-types and gain coverage against Florges; (SC) however, (AC) you lose out on the loss of coverage for Steel-types which is not so good as leaves Mega Aerodactyl becomes completely walled by them then. Ice Fang, Thunder Fang, and Fire Fang, thanks to the Tough Claws boost, all become viable options, (AC) as with Ice Fang can hit hitting bulky Ground-types while also gaining coverage on Dragon-types such as Hydreigon, (AC) Thunder Fang can give giving Aerodactyl a way to cripple Water-types such as Feraligatr (RC) and Suicune, and so on. Fire Fang is a really nice option for covering Forretress, which is neutral to Earthquake, or and Bronzong, who which is immune to Earthquake thanks to Levitate.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Bulky Water-types**: Suicune, Swampert, and Mega Blastoise can all take Aerodactyl's attacks, even when it's at +1, and fire back with a super effective STAB move.
**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Hydreigon and Mienshao outspeed Mega Aerodactyl and can cripple or OHKO it after a bit of prior damage.
**Bulky Steel-types**: Doublade, Mega Aggron, and Bronzong all resist both of Aerodactyl's STAB types and take little from its coverage moves.
**Stealth Rock**: Being easily pressured by powerful attacks with a crippling weakness to Stealth Rock, Mega Aerodactyl has a hard time switching in multiple times with or without Roost.
**Physical Walls**: Cresselia and Porygon2 can tank Aerodactyl's STAB moves, heal off the damage with Moonlight or Recover, (AC) respectively, (AC) or and cripple Aerodactyl with Thunder Wave.
**Super Effective Priority Moves**: Mamoswine and Feraligatr both can OHKO a weakened Mega Aerodactyl with their STAB Ice Shard or and Aqua Jet respectively.
