[OVERVIEW]
Aerodactyl is arguably the best Mega Evolution in UU, as it is easy to fit onto most teams due to its high customizability and expansive movepool, decent bulk when invested, and ability to set up, which can surprise the opponent. Specifically, Hone Claws can let it become a very potent wallbreaker coupled with the fact that its Flying-type STAB moves and some coverage moves are boosted by Tough Claws. Aerodactyl is also the fastest lead in UU, meaning it can shut down other leads through Taunt fairly easily, giving the team entry hazards without the foe setting up their own. Its amazing Speed tier before Mega Evolving becomes even better after Mega Evolving, outspeeding the entire unboosted tier as well as base 80 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Chandelure and below. Mega Aerodactyl is great at revenge killing as well, as its Speed and power make it an extremely reliable blanket check to most offensive threats such as Mega Beedrill, Shaymin, and Entei. While Aerodactyl has a lot of good things going for it, it 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, limiting the number of times it can switch in, as it is weak to Stealth Rock and Water- and Ice-type attacks litter the tier.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
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 a STAB move that allows Aerodactyl to hit opposing Flying-types as well as Ice-, Fire-, and Bug-types such as Kyurem, Entei, Darmanitan, and Mega Beedrill. Wing Attack, while seemingly weak, gets the Tough Claws boost, making it very potent against Fighting-types, as well as Grass-types that can tank Stone Edge such as Shaymin and Chesnaught. Earthquake is used for its ability to hit Steel-types such as Cobalion, Lucario, and Doublade, which resist both of Aerodactyl's STAB types. Aqua Tail not only benefits from Tough Claws 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 allows Mega Aerodactyl to keep its health high, letting it keep threatening the opposing team, while Stealth Rock gives Mega Aerodactyl a way to support the team if the move can't be fit onto the team somewhere else. Pursuit is an option to trap physically frail Pokemon such as Mega Beedrill and Chandelure. Taunt could work in tandem with Roost, allowing Aerodactyl to avoid status moves and block recovery while continually wearing down the opposing team with its high-powered STAB moves. It also stops Defog, which works well for entry hazard-stacking 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 and OHKO it with Gyro Ball. Crunch gives Aerodactyl an option to hit Doublade harder than Earthquake thanks to the Tough Claws boost, as well as Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Reuniclus.
Set Details
========
Aerodactylite allows Aerodactyl to Mega Evolve. A Jolly nature is used to outpace Timid Mega Sceptile and Jolly Mega Beedrill as well as +1 Gyarados, +1 Feraligatr, and certain Choice Scarf users such as Gardevoir and Chandelure; however, an Adamant nature can be used, as it still makes Mega Aerodactyl faster than all neutral-natured Pokemon such as Adamant Mega Beedrill and Modest Mega Sceptile. Maximum Attack and Speed EVs allow 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 wth 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 that it can force the foe to take a hit. Use the switches that Mega Aerodactyl forces to set up Stealth Rock or Roost off damage. If it is healthy, try to fire off an attack, as most 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, so it can lure certain foes very effectively; for instance, it can surprise Slowking with Crunch. Mega Aerodactyl also tends to run three attacks and Roost, so having four attacks can be really nice for luring too.
Team Options
========
Pokemon like Toxicroak, Shaymin, or Heliolisk that take care of bulky Water-types can prevent them from forcing Mega Aerodactyl to switch out and take Stealth Rock damage and help Aerodactyl continue to apply pressure to the opposing team. Entry hazard removal support from the likes of Empoleon and Forretress helps clear away Stealth Rock, allowing Aerodactyl to have more opportunities to switch 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, 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, 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, especially Pursuit, which can trap and KO Ghost-types that threaten these setup sweepers. Swords Dance Doublade is also a good teammate, as it can soften up a lot of 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 not only boosts Mega Aerodactyl's already sky-high Attack but also prevents its moves from missing. Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's main STAB move and not only hits hard but also benefits from the accuracy boost given from Hone Claws. Wing Attack gets the Tough Claws boost, making it very strong against Fighting- and Grass-types that can tank Stone Edge, such as Shaymin and Chesnaught. Aqua Tail also benefits from Tough Claws, giving Aerodactyl a way around Ground-types that can tank 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, by running it, Mega Aerodactyl loses out on important coverage. Fire Fang is an option to OHKO Forretress specifically, while Crunch gives Aerodactyl an option to hit Doublade harder than Earthquake thanks to the Tough Claws boost as well as Psychic-types such as Reuniclus.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs 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 as well as certain Choice Scarf users such as Chandelure. Adamant is also viable, as it maximizes Mega 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, which allows Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed maximum Speed Crobat 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- or late-game, as this set aims to set up and sweep rather than fire off powerful attacks. Be wary of switching this particular set in, 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.
Team Options
========
Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Heracross and Hoopa can wear down physical walls or get rid of them outright, giving Mega Aerodactyl an easier time sweeping. Volt Switch and U-turn users, such as Forretress, Heliolisk, and Whimsicott, can wear down the opposing team, allowing Aerodactyl to set up safely and sweep a weakened team. Whimsicott and Heliolisk also both beat bulky Water-types, which give Aerodactyl a hard time. Entry hazard support from Pokemon such as Forretress, Swampert, and Azelf can help Aerodactyl secure some 2HKOs and OHKOs. Entry hazard removal from Forretress and Empoleon is key, as more often than not, Aerodactyl will be forgoing Roost to run coverage, meaning it can be worn down if Stealth Rock is up. A Pokemon like Toxicroak or Heliolisk that weakens bulky Water-types allows Aerodactyl to not be forced out once it sets up. Healing Wish or Lunar Dance users such as Shaymin and Cresselia can give Mega Aerodactyl a second chance at sweeping. Shaymin can also beat bulky Water-types for Aerodactyl, 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
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Taunt allows Mega Aerodactyl to stallbreak while also avoiding status moves and shutting down setup sweepers. Roost gives Aerodactyl a means of reliable recovery, allowing it to remain a prominent force continuously throughout the battle. Toxic provides Mega Aerodactyl with a way of putting common walls such as Alomomola and Suicune on a timer in conjunction with Taunt to prevent them from using their recovery moves. Alternatively, 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 having more PP.
Set Details
========
248 HP EVs allow Mega Aerodactyl to switch into Stealth Rock five times from full HP, while 104 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature let it outspeed Crobat. The remaining EVs are placed into Defense to take hits from the likes of Choice Band Krookodile, Entei, and Crobat. Aerodactylite allows Aerodactyl to Mega Evolve. 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, Roost off the damage, and be able to wear down the opponent's walls easier. Make sure to keep Mega Aerodactyl healthy so that it can check the foes it needs to check such as Fire-types and Mega Beedrill throughout the match.
Team Options
========
Swampert appreciates Mega Aerodactyl's ability to wear down opposing walls and has decent defensive synergy with Mega Aerodactyl, 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 should it run Wing Attack. Entry hazard support from the likes of Nidoqueen and Krookodile pressures the opposing team even further while also providing an Electric immunity. Bulky Grass-types such as Tangrowth and Shaymin can threaten the Water-types that can set up on Mega Aerodactyl such as Feraligatr and Suicune.
[SET]
name: 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 entry hazard support. The fastest Taunt in the tier allows Aerodactyl to prevent the other lead's entry hazards from being laid down. Double-Edge is the main attacking option to allow Aerodactyl to KO itself before the foe can use Defog or Rapid Spin. Fire Blast lets Aerodactyl to get around Forretress, which may try to spin away its Stealth Rock. If that isn't needed, Stone Edge is a really good STAB move, though it is a bit unreliable. 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 survive any hit and be able to set up Stealth Rock. 72 Special Attack EVs allow Aerodactyl to OHKO Forretress with Fire Blast, while maximum Speed EVs make Aerodactyl as fast as possible. The rest are placed into Attack to make Double-Edge hit as hard as possible. A Hasty nature is essential to not weaken 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, as it wins against most other leads such as Azelf and Forretress thanks to its access to Taunt. Watch out for Froslass or Sableye leads, as Froslass has a super effective STAB move to hit Aerodactyl with, while Sableye has priority Taunt to prevent Aerodactyl from using Taunt itself or laying down Stealth Rock. 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.
Team Options
========
Ghost-types such as Hoopa and Sableye not only appreciate Aerodactyl's entry hazard support, but also keep Stealth Rock up 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. Volt Switch and U-turn users such as Heliolisk and Mega Beedrill appreciate being able to wear down the opposing team with Stealth Rock coupled with their powerful attacks. 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, so Pokemon like 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 not only gain the Tough Claws boost but also can replace Earthquake to hit Rock-types and gain coverage against Florges; however, the loss of coverage for Steel-types leaves Mega Aerodactyl completely walled by them then. Ice Fang, Thunder Fang, and Fire Fang, thanks to the Tough Claws boost, all become viable options, with Ice Fang hitting bulky Ground-types while also gaining coverage on Dragon-types such as Hydreigon, Thunder Fang giving Aerodactyl a way to cripple Water-types such as Feraligatr and Suicune, and Fire Fang covering Forretress, which is neutral to Earthquake, and Bronzong, 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 Scarf 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 damage 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, respectively, and cripple Aerodactyl with Thunder Wave.
**Super Effective Priority Moves**: Mamoswine and Feraligatr both can KO a weakened Mega Aerodactyl with their STAB Ice Shard and Aqua Jet before it can move.
Last edited:
