Pokémon Ampharos

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Also, for the 4-attacks lure set, there is actually a decent amount of stuff Ampharos can survive from defensive/support pokemon after taking a strong attack (basically, stuff it can switch in on for wish support, or an attack it can take to fire off a rest if you're using that set instead). Here are a few calcs of defensive pokemon trying to do their best damage to Ampharos:
0 Atk Forretress Rapid Spin vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 10-12 (2.6 - 3.1%) because it beats Gyro Ball and Volt Switch lol

4 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (41 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 15-18 (3.9 - 4.6%)

4 Atk Gourgeist-Super Shadow Sneak vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 31-37 (8 - 9.6%)

4 Atk Mandibuzz Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 34-42 (8.8 - 10.9%)

4 Atk Klefki Foul Play vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 36-43 (9.3 - 11.1%)

0 Atk Skarmory Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 38-45 (9.8 - 11.7%)

252 Atk Jirachi Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 38-45 (9.8 - 11.7%)

4 Atk Crobat Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 42-49 (10.9 - 12.7%)

4 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 42-51 (10.9 - 13.2%)

4 Atk Mandibuzz/Sableye/Umbreon/etc Dark type Foul Play vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 54-64 (14 - 16.6%) -- possible 6HKO

4 SpA Heatran Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 56-66 (14.5 - 17.1%) careful for Earth Power though

4 SpA Rotom-W Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 57-67 (14.8 - 17.4%)

4 Atk Trevenant Shadow Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 58-69 (15.1 - 17.9%)

4 SpA Togekiss Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 62-74 (16.1 - 19.2%) Careful for Dazzling Gleam

252+ Atk Sharp Beak Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 66-78 (17.1 - 20.3%)

4 SpA Jellicent Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 70-84 (18.2 - 21.8%)

0 SpA Tentacruel Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 75-88 (19.5 - 22.9%)

252 Atk Jirachi Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 76-91 (19.7 - 23.6%)

252+ Atk Malamar Superpower vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 79-94 (20.5 - 24.4%)

252+ SpA Togekiss Aura Sphere vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 84-99 (21.8 - 25.7%) Careful for Dazzling Gleam again, this is a more offensive Togekiss

0 SpA Celebi Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 90-106 (23.4 - 27.6%) Careful for Earth Power, or, if you're weakened, offensive versions in general

Chansey Seismic Toss vs. 252 HP Mega Ampharos: 100-100 (26 - 26%)

0 SpA Blissey Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 94-112 (24.4 - 29.1%)

0 SpA Deoxys-D Psycho Boost vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 96-114 (25 - 29.6%) Assuming it was nerfed down to 130 base power, like its variations, though I'm not sure if that was confirmed yet

252 Atk Jirachi Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 96-114 (25 - 29.6%)

0 SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 106-126 (27.6 - 32.8%) A little bit tougher to take, especially if it poisons, but if you can predict a Giga Drain you're off easy

BEAUTIFUL!

Thought I'd throw in a few more: support pokemon to M-Amphy. Remember, these are support pokemon, not sweepers of any kind, but not necessarily defensive. Pokemon used as Pivots, as Status, or something in between attack and defense.

252+ SpA Rotom-W Hydro Pump (not the usual set either) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 78-92 (20.3 - 23.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

0 Atk Gliscor Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 146-174 (38 - 45.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Gengar Sludge Bomb (Sub/Disable) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 135-160 (35.1 - 41.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

4 SpA Heatran Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 150-178 (39 - 46.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Magnezone Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 99-117 (25.7 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ Atk Tyranitar Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mega Ampharos: 127-151 (33 - 39.3%) -- 99.9% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Starmie Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 150-178 (39 - 46.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Espeon Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 135-160 (35.1 - 41.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO


I think as we can see, even with little or no special defensive investment, Mega-Amphy sponges these hits pretty well. Of course, these are not hits it wants to take regularly, but it hits back hard, even with no special attack investment either. Coverage and investment in bulk makes Defensive Amphy a real pain in the butt to deal with.
 
Now of course, I only put in 4 attacks for coverage, other ideas include rest sets for a longer lasting tank:

Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Def
Bold Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Rest
- Dragon Pulse
- Sleep Talk


Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Def
Bold Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]/Dragon Pulse
- Confuse Ray/Cotton Guard
- Rest


But I think designating Ampharos to a defensive set is the best option, while I prefer the 4 attack for full coverage, it's easy to make it more of a support pokemon.
 
You can going full HP/SAtk and use Thunder Wave as a 4th slot to support your team a bit, Ampharos is amazing at spreading paralysis through the enemy team. Plus it pairs nicely with slow finishers like BD Azumarill/SD Zor/Krookdile/Bisharp.
 
I still don't get why ampharos is NU even when it didn't have a mega.
If you've ever played NU you'll see it doesn't overwhelm things there, it's very manageable. Easy enough to take down as it has no reliable recovery. In regards to its offense, if you can take Electric and Focus Blast reasonably well you were generally doing okay versus Amphy (Seismitoad for example takes any Ampharos not running HP Grass). Stuff doesn't move up from NU unless it is overcentralising and Amphy wasn't by any shot of the imagination. But it would be out of NU if it had Tail Glow
 
I still don't get why ampharos is NU even when it didn't have a mega.
NU doesn't have to do with power, contrary to popular belief (but shockingly within the realm of common sense) the tiers are ranked on Useage first, and Power second. If everyone used Bellsprout all the time, it would have to move up due to its useage... but s useage and power tend to correlate, Ampharos never did much that another pokemon couldn't do better. Want an offensive set, why not Thundrus-Therian? Need an electric pivot-- Go Jolteon. Need a defensive electric type-- Closest we got is Rotom Wash! Hell, want a bulky electric type-- people would kill to have Lanturns thickness. Amphy was either too skinny or not powerful enough. Now with this mega, it gets unique STAB, an amazing ability that kicks the crap out of Static and a boost to its attack and bulk. Now it's something that can really be used!
 
I've been running 48 Spe/ 252 SpA/ 204 HP with a Modest nature to outspeed an uninvested CB Azumarill while in Mega form, so as to KO with a thunderbolt before getting hit with a Play Rough - What are your guys' thoughts on that?
 

Always!

WAGESLAVE
is a Tiering Contributor
I've been running 48 Spe/ 252 SpA/ 204 HP with a Modest nature to outspeed an uninvested CB Azumarill while in Mega form, so as to KO with a thunderbolt before getting hit with a Play Rough - What are your guys' thoughts on that?
Pretty nice, but the speed EVs don't matter if you aren't Mevo'd when facing Azumarill. Also, I'd urge you to maybe try to go for a slightly higher speed tier. My opinion of course.
 
Ah - Right, but non-Mevo'd T-bolt won't necessarily KO Azumarill which was my reasoning. I dunno, I guess I just usually run into a lot of trouble with Azumarill which is why I'm obsessed with beating it :P
 

Always!

WAGESLAVE
is a Tiering Contributor
Ah - Right, but non-Mevo'd T-bolt won't necessarily KO Azumarill which was my reasoning. I dunno, I guess I just usually run into a lot of trouble with Azumarill which is why I'm obsessed with beating it :P
Oh no, when you Mevo, you still use the same speed of your base form on that turn, meaning you can squash the blue bunny with no fear.
Basically, all you have to do is Mevo, and you still outspeed and slam it with MAmphabulous's SpA stat.
 

Always!

WAGESLAVE
is a Tiering Contributor
Oh! I didn't know that! I learn something new every day :P Thanks!
No problem, but as a side note, keep the speed EVs no matter what, and/or aim for a better speed tier, because there a couple faster threats that you can beat with a bit more investment like Scizor, T-Tar too, although you sacrifice al lot of bulk to beat some of them....
 
I still don't get why ampharos is NU even when it didn't have a mega.
too adorable for tough guys to use? i dunno.

cotton guard is an amazing move buy the guy would need better recovery than rest to use it properly.

shame both of its stabs have an immunity so you cant do a monoattacking set.

the one i had ingame had hidden power water which i found worked pretty well with dragon pulse, thunder, and rain dance, but that's just me.

like aggron, amph hasthe lucky combo of a type-changing mega and the bulk to survive a few neutral hits, so waiting a turn or two before going mega often lets you tank an ice/fairy move on turn one followed by something that dragon grants a resistiance to.
 
I've been using this set along with a damp rock Politoed to supply rain and it works pretty well


Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Static/Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 SAtk / 172 HP / 84 Spd
Modest Nature
- Thunder
- Volt Switch
- Agility
- Dragon Pulse

84Spd Evs is just enough to outpace Garchomp (base 102speed) after one agility boost. Modest nature and 252sp atk for maximum power and I put the rest of the Evs in hp for bulk. Static over Plus for abilities before the mega evolution because plus has no competitive use, at least not on my team or most teams for that matter. I chose Thunder over thunderbolt because the difference in power is still a significant gap and my team has done a pretty good job keeping the rain up for a while. Other than that volt switch has endless utility (especially because it can hit volt absorb and lightning rod pokemon because of mold breaker) and dragon pulse is a still a powerful option if the rain isn't up or against ground types. Finally I chose agility over focus blast and hidden power ice because focus blast misses too much and hp ice is just too weak now after the nerf. Ampharos's main job on my team is to act as a bulky pivot and given the chance set up agility and attempt a sweep.

I haven't tried this yet but I can see Bronzong or Scolipede being good partners. Bronzong resists ground (immune), ice, dragon, and fairy, which are all four of ampharos's weakness. It can also set up trick room and stealth rock which will only help ampharos further. Scolipede can set up spikes for ampharos and should be able to pass at least a one, if not two speed boosts. Ampharos will probably take a hit upon receiving the baton pass, however due to it's bulk it should be alright.
I really don't like using Agility (or any boost move) alongside Volt Switch. It's very counterproductive in my mind. An Agility set could work (without Volt Switch, sub in something like Toxic) because Amphy does have great bulk, it just really comes down to preferences. Now, I would swap out Agility for Thunder Wave, the opponent's speed drop from paralysis will do fine. Now of course, Garchomp then becomes a massive problem. In return, you get a bulky special attacker who can also spam paralysis to a ton of threats and really help your other teammates. I'd also use Thunderbolt over Thunder, but again, that's to the player's preference.

EDIT: Just saw you are using this Amphy in Rain...carry on with using Thunder of course.
 
Kind of gimmicky, but would;

~ Electric Terrain
~ Rest
~ Charge Beam
~ Dragon Pulse

Work?

By which I mean does Electric Terrain make Rest a 100% heal without status? I guess you could also do something like Discharge/ Toxic to fit with the more defensive nature of the combo (assuming it even works the way I think).
 
Kind of gimmicky, but would;

~ Electric Terrain
~ Rest
~ Charge Beam
~ Dragon Pulse

Work?

By which I mean does Electric Terrain make Rest a 100% heal without status? I guess you could also do something like Discharge/ Toxic to fit with the more defensive nature of the combo (assuming it even works the way I think).

I'm pretty sure that Electric Terrain will prevent you from being able to use Rest.

What COULD work is using Rest on Mewtwo the Mega-evolving into Y the next turn to wake up due to Insomnia, but that's for another thread.
 
I'm pretty sure that Electric Terrain will prevent you from being able to use Rest.

What COULD work is using Rest on Mewtwo the Mega-evolving into Y the next turn to wake up due to Insomnia, but that's for another thread.
Doesn't M2 get Recover anyway?

My problem with using Amp as a defensive pokemon is that the only good recovery move he has is rest as far as I know.
 
Doesn't M2 get Recover anyway?

My problem with using Amp as a defensive pokemon is that the only good recovery move he has is rest as far as I know.
Now you understand the problem. Mega Ampharos is one of those pokemon Game Freak made with doubles in mind, in singles, its not overly viable because its a defensive pokemon with no recovery. It can have success in UU as a tankish pokemon, and Trick Room teams love the bulk and muscle he provides, but using him as a straight up defensive poke isn't an option
 
Doesn't M2 get Recover anyway?

My problem with using Amp as a defensive pokemon is that the only good recovery move he has is rest as far as I know.
You need to play him to his strengths. He's the strongest and slowest volt turner in the game with an incredible defensive typing. I used him on a volt turn team to great success before the ladder reset, using one of the spreads in the OP (one with volt switch/dpulse/rest/sleeptalk with the EVs 192 sp def and 20 speed if I remember right), and he's invaluable for being able to switch in to a lot of the top threats. Rotom is hard countered, so is Talonflame, and Aegislash as well (you under speed a lot of Aegis and can easily tank a hit and do massive damage to blade form). That's 3 of the top 4 mons that you absolutely wreck. He's also incredible for getting your other mons in safely. You don't necessarily want to switch your Genesect into mega Luc, but Amphy can tank a hit and then volt switch into Genesect for the KO.

He's more of a team player than the other megas, so he won't fit on hyper offense or anything like that, but on teams that need a pivot and have other ways to sweep he's amazing.
 
Not the strongest Volt Turner. Magnezone can use an item to boost SPA and Analytic leaves Ampharos in the dust.
1) Magnezone is a shit pivot, weak to too many common things (fire, fighting, destroyed by any EQ which Amphy can survive)
2) Using a boosting item is a bad idea on something you want to tank repeated hits and rest talk off
3) Analytic Magnezone is awful... never use him if you're not trapping steels
 
We're on the thread to talk about Mega-Ampharos. This thread kinda needs to be touched upon anyways. With Mega-Ampharos now solidly in UU, threats like Talonflame, Greninja, Mamoswine, Landorus-T and Garchomp are no longer available. Recalcs and such need to be done for UU threats. Mainly Bisharp, Mega-Aggron, Latias, Gardevoir/Mega-Gardevoir, Weaville, Hydreigon, Metagross and Diggersby.

Here's some more calcs, along with a set I think works really well,

No matter the calcs, Diggersby is pretty much a hard counter to Mega-Amphy. Likewise, Chansey and Florges walls Amphy really hard. Standard Gardevoir isn't appreciated in front of Amphy attacks, and Mega-Gardevoir Hyper Voice is terrifying.



In the end, M-Amphy can be used two ways

Specially defensive pivot
252 HP/ 200 SpDef / 56 SpAtt
Modest/Calm
Volt Switch
Dragon Pulse/Focus Blast/HP Ice
Toxic
Heal Bell

A really nice tanky hitter, Volt Switch Amphy is an amazing substitute for Assault Vest Latias, with the ability to Toxic fellow tanks. Heal Bell is a great defensive move that helps keep other offensive pokemon healthy and strong: Pokemon like Crawdaunt, Haxorus, Slowbro and Exploud appreciate it. Pokemon with Wish access keep Amphy alive to take more hits, before dealing about more. Chansey or Florges work incredibly well, and can allow Amphy to take a more defensive option. If you want those calcs, let me know (Bold Amphy takes physical hits like a boss, and tempts more earthquakes like Heatran in OU). With good bulk and really amazing special attacks: This set works best if you treat it as a lure. Send in Amphy to tempt in someone else, send in a set-up that can sponge a hit, set up and sweep with them, and use Amphy in the end. Here are some calcs, I only included pokemon that could be around if needed.

252 SpA Gardevoir Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 200+ SpD Mega Ampharos: 212-252 (55.2 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 200+ SpD Mega Ampharos: 290-344 (75.5 - 89.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 348-411 (90.6 - 107%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Latias Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 200+ SpD Mega Ampharos: 174-206 (45.3 - 53.6%) -- 41.4% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 238-280 (61.9 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

56 SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Volt Switch vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 162-192 (58 - 68.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
56 SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Volt Switch vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 162-192 (58 - 68.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
56 SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 320-380 (98.4 - 116.9%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
56 SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Dragon Pulse vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Latias: 236-278 (78.1 - 92%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Defensive Mega-Amphy works if you have a good core, and need something to sponge some hits, and help clean up. Speaking of which:

Clean-Up Crew.
252 HP/ 252 Sp Att / 4 Def
Modest
Thunderbolt
Dragon Pulse
Focus Blast
HP Ice/Toxic

4 attacker Amphy, needs support. Like a decent enough amount. Bisharp is an excellent partner, knocking out Florges pretty easily, crippling Chansey, and posing a huge offensive threat to the rest of the team that balances Mega-Amphy. Flying types work well too, if not just to fend off Diggersby. This set works best alongside revenge killers. When scary threats are gone, and the rest of the team looks good, take out Mega-Amphy and make a huge dent in the team. IF anything remains, you should at least have one pokemon left to make quick decisions on the scraps left. Use M-Amphy to carve out like a butcher's knife.

Calcs away!
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 348-411 (90.6 - 107%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Mega Aggron Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 244-288 (63.5 - 75%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Latias Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 228-270 (59.3 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Gardevoir Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 278-330 (72.3 - 85.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 289-343 (75.2 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Diggersby Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 608-716 (158.3 - 186.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Diggersby Return vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 310-366 (80.7 - 95.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Focus Blast vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 920-1084 (329.7 - 388.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Thunderbolt vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 259-306 (92.8 - 109.6%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Aggron: 410-484 (119.1 - 140.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Dragon Pulse vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Latias: 290-344 (96 - 113.9%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Gardevoir: 171-202 (61.5 - 72.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Weavile: 220-261 (78 - 92.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Focus Blast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Weavile: 788-928 (279.4 - 329%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Metagross: 187-220 (51.3 - 60.4%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Diggersby: 424-500 (113.3 - 133.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
Also, the main pokemon that resists both STABs, Ferrothorn, is no longer a problem, so it frees up your move pool a little bit. The main pokemon that you have to worry about is probably Florges

252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Florges: 102-121 (28.3 - 33.6%) -- 96.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 SpA Florges Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Ampharos: 210-248 (54.6 - 64.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Other pokes like Whimsicott can cause problems, but its not like whimsicott can do much back to you
 
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