Bronzong [QC 1/3]

[scpinion]

I revamped/added to sets from the existing analysis, which was lacking in detail and outdated. I'm not trying to claim work as my own work that I didn't do.

QC (0/3): 49/?/?
GP (0/2): ?/?

[OVERVIEW]

• Excellent defensive typing and stats grant many switch-in opportunities.
  
• Abilities, Levitate and Heatproof, address two weaknesses, but Levitate is preferred
• Levitate + Steel typing allow Bronzong to reliably check many 'mons that utilize EQ as coverage to hit Steel types, unlike Registeel.
• Low speed tier makes an offensive TR set viable, but also limits the support set's effectiveness
• Weakness to Dark-type attacks, especially Knock Off, limits Bronzong's utility when compared to other Steel types, such as Mega-Steelix.
• No reliable recovery
• Overall, key niches are as a bulky Steel type w/ SR that doesn't take up the mega-slot or as an effective TR setter.

[SET]
name: Specially Defensive Support
move 1: Stealth Rock / Protect
move 2: Gyro Ball / Heavy Slam
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Typing/Bulk make reliable SR setter
• Protect to pair w/ Toxic if SR is on another 'mon
• Gyro Ball is strongest STAB and can hit for significant damage w/o investment. Able to pressure Defensive Flygon when paired w/ Toxic.
• Heavy Slam is another option for STAB that hits Fairies harder and will always break Sub-CM Meloetta's Substitute. Does minimal damage to heavier Pokemon, such as Tyrantrum.
• EQ is to punish Fire-type switch ins
• Toxic to punish other switch ins

Set Details
========

• Max HP + SpD for maximum bulk, which lets Bronzong check common threats like Meloetta, Tangrowth, or Virizion.
• Sassy + 0 Spe IVs to power up Gyro Ball
• Levitate > Heatproof to let Bronzong check EQ users like Flygon, Tyrantrum, and Rhyperior. No Spikes Damage, which is nice in a tier with limited hazard control options.
• Leftovers for residual recovery
• Physically def. is an option on teams lacking a solid check to common physical attackers such as Tyrantrum or Glalie.

Usage Tips
========

• Bronzong is a great pivot b/c of its typing and Ability, which makes it immune to Spikes/T-spikes and resist SR.
• Same qualities allow it to set SR throughout a match
• Most teams have a reliable check/counter to Bronzong so use EQ/Toxic on a predicted switch
• Bronzong checks major offensive threats such as Tyrantrum, Scarf Flygon, Rhyperior, Meloetta (w/o Shadow Ball), Exploud (watch out for Fire Blast), Mega-Glalie

Team Options
========

• Alomomola/Aromatise: Wish passing, physical bulk to complement Bronzong's Special bulk, resists Fire/Dark attacks, respectively.
• Qwilfish: Physical bulk, resists Fire attacks, hazard stack core to punish switches Bronzong forces, Bronzong covers weaknesses well
• Verizion (esp. physical variant): less passive Dark type switch in
  
• Setup Sweepers can take advantage of Hazards.
• Wall Breakers can use the switches Bronzong forces to pivot in safely. CB Tyrantrum, Melo, Embroar, Exploud

[SET]
name: Offensive Trick Room
move 1: Trick Room
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Gyro Ball
move 4: Explosion
item: Macho Brace / Life Orb
ability: Levitate
nature: Brave
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
ivs: 0 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• TR is the main move that makes Bronzong a great lead on TR teams.
• SR is crucial on a TR team to ensure KO's and maximize damage output during TR turns
• Gyro Ball is strongest STAB and hits most Taunt users hard
• EQ is an option, but likely inferior b/c TR teams often utilize Mega-Camerupt or Steelix, which get STAB Ground-type attacks.
• Explosion causes massive damage, gives switch initiative (if it doesn't KO), and prevents a Rapid Spin/Defog so SR stay on the field.

Set Details
========

• Max HP for bulk and Max Atk to make Gyro/Explosion hit as hard as possible.
• Brave + 0 Spe IVs + Macho Brace to power up Gyro Ball. Base 150 STAB on any 'mon w/ a speed stat greater than X (need to look this up)
• Life Orb to power up all moves, but invalidates defensive merits of Bronzong.
• Mental Herb is an option to guarantee TR and SR go up vs. a faster Taunt user. However, Taunt has limited distribution in RU.

Usage Tips
========

• Bronzong makes an excellent lead on TR teams b/c it can reliably set TR and SR, then boom to generate momentum.
• Be aware of opposing Ghost types that can switch into Explosion and consider saving it for later in the match, if possible.
• If using Macho Brace, Bronzong can make a great late game cleaner with Gyro Ball after Steel resists have been removed b/c its bulk/typing allow it to tank a hit and set TR.

Team Options
========

• This set tends to support other TR sweepers, opposed to requiring support itself. Examples: Mega-Camerupt, Exploud, Escavalier
• Cofagrius or Trevenant make a good partner by spin blocking so Bronzong's hazards stay, while also providing support for the TR team.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Dual Screens suicide lead for HO teams. Speed Tier + Taunt limits effectiveness.
• Chesto + Rest on the bulky set to make up for lack of reliable recovery
• Hypnosis is an option, but unreliable.
• Access to Sunny Day, Rain Dance, and Sandstorm + ability to reliably pivot carves a niche on weather teams
• Trick + crippling item (Toxic Orb, Iron Ball, Choice Band, Lagging Tail, etc.) can be used over Toxic to catch some checks/counters, but is less reliable. Toxic Orb has niche to permanently cripple 'mons that are paired w/ a Cleric.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Taunt**: Prevents hazards/Toxic, which means Bronzong is practically useless. Jellicent, Drapion, etc.

**Dark/Ghost Types**: SE damage, often Knock Off. Houndoom, Cofagrius, Scrafty

**Pursuit Trappers**: they leave Bronzong unable to switch in, crippling it for the match. Drapion, Spiritomb, Houndoom, Escavalier

**Fire Types**: SE damage, but must watch out for EQ. Emboar, Delphox, Houndoom, Mega-Camerupt

**Escavalier**: Bronzong can't Toxic or damage significantly, Knock Off is a clean 2hko, some carry Pursuit, if SD it is a free set up turn

**Eelektross**: Resists/Immune to Bronzong's attacks, hits SE w/ Knock Off/Flamethrower, momentum w/ Volt Switch

**Seismitoad/Clawitzer**: Scald burns and/or SE coverage

**Xatu**: Magic Bounce prevents SR/Toxic, Roost can stall out Gyro Ball and EQ

 

[scpinion]

this is ready for the first QC check!

 

[col49]

ah, sorry for being slow on this.

honestly, i'd want phys.def to be represented equally as an option on the standard support set, b.c while spdef /can/ take on stuff like tyrantrum, glalie, etc. decently enough, handling more aggressive offense batteries that might utilize these 'mons in tandem bust through handily enough, and it's not like this is a 'mon that can always afford alomomola support. the major downside really boil down to being less resilient of a meloetta / growth check, as well as perhaps not eating flygon fire blasts as graciously, but these too are things that can be pretty aptly handily by more dedicated, defensively-minded builds. just keep it as a strong mention in sets details. furthermore, spikes immunity is also really big for levitate > heat proof

mental herb is lame on otr, i'd rather the slashes be macho brace / life orb, with macho brace being preferred largely for its ability to keep dmg output reasonably high while retaining natural bulk (lo recoil makes the defensive merits of the set less meaningful). there just aren't enough taunt users for such a thing to be gainful. normal gem is kinda lame for not even breaking bulky waters, which is really the only thing you'd be wanting a tech like that to do, so i'd just omit the option entirely.

i'd also mention toxic orb trick in with the other trick + crippling item bits there. the ability to stuff something like a momo or jellicent more absolutely (both removing lefties recovery and preventing the toxic from being handily cleric'ed away) has some real value to it for certain bulky offenses.

1/3

 

[scpinion]

Implemented. Thanks for the check!

Ready for 2nd QC check.

 

[Ping_Pong_Along]

Hey, I'm not QC, but I noticed something you might want to change real quick. In set details on the support set, you mention physically defensive checks Tyranitar rather than Tyrantrum. :)

 

[scpinion]

Hey, I'm not QC, but I noticed something you might want to change real quick. In set details on the support set, you mention physically defensive checks Tyranitar rather than Tyrantrum. :)

Thanks! Fixed.

 

[-kal-]

This is the spread i've been using on my Bronzong recently.
252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD @ Relaxed Nature. spdef evs to take on Specs Meloetta and Tangrowth (still does not handle Tang that well). The rest dumped into phys def to take on Tyrantrum, Mega Glalie, and some variants of Durant better. Even with full spdef, specs FB from both Meloetta and Tangrowth are still a 3HKO and with full physdef CB Head Smash on Tyrantrum is still a 3HKO after sr.

Calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Meloetta Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 126-149 (37.2 - 44%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Tangrowth Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 124-147 (36.6 - 43.4%) -- 99.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Choice Specs Meloetta Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 136 SpD Bronzong: 152-179 (44.9 - 52.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Tangrowth Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 136 SpD Bronzong: 150-177 (44.3 - 52.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 124-147 (36.6 - 43.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 120+ Def Bronzong: 138-163 (40.8 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

I'll let other qc members give their input on whether this should be the main spread first so don't implement yet.

Expand on C&C too btw.

 

[Punchshroom]

Just wanted to suggest a possible alternative to Steel STAB in Heavy Slam, which deals way more damage against the Fairies and always breaks SubCM Meloetta's Subs. The downside is pitiful damage against Tyrantrum, though.

0 Atk Bronzong Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aromatisse: 206-246 (50.7 - 60.5%) -- 87.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Bronzong Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Togetic: 126-150 (40.2 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Bronzong Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Meloetta: 102-120 (25.2 - 29.7%)

 

[scpinion]

Expand on C&C too btw.

As in I'm missing some or the ones I have listed aren't detailed enough? If the latter, then I'll be writing it out in more detail after the 2nd QC check.

Just wanted to suggest a possible alternative to Steel STAB in Heavy Slam, which deals way more damage against the Fairies and always breaks SubCM Meloetta's Subs. The downside is pitiful damage against Tyrantrum, though.

0 Atk Bronzong Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Aromatisse: 206-246 (50.7 - 60.5%) -- 87.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Bronzong Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Togetic: 126-150 (40.2 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Bronzong Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Meloetta: 102-120 (25.2 - 29.7%)

Added, thanks! Do you think it is worth it to run 60 Spe EVs to creep no investment Togetic and nab the 2hko after rocks?

 

[Punchshroom]

Added, thanks! Do you think it is worth it to run 60 Spe EVs to creep no investment Togetic and nab the 2hko after rocks?

You can probably list that in Set Details as an alternative spread. However, 2HKO after Rocks implies Togetic would be switching into Bronzong which usually never happens, since Togetic accomplishes nothing from doing so (cannot keep SR off the field with Defog since Zong would just set them up again, not to mention Togetic detests Toxic), so speedcreeping Togetic seems unnecessary.

Oh yeah, note on Heavy Slam's higher PP compared to Gyro Ball's. Also give examples of switch-ins (what Fire-type switch-ins? What does Toxic cripple especially?).

Edit: scpinion

Heavy Slam is another option for STAB that hits Fairies harder and will always break Sub-CM Meloetta's Substitute. Does minimal damage to heavier Pokemon, such as Tyrantrum.

Mega Glalie is also another target that is hit for far less with Heavy Slam than with Gyro Ball (in fact, Gyro Ball cleanly OHKOes MGlalie). You can emphasize that Gyro Ball is more suited against offensive Pokemon, while Heavy Slam is more useful against passive and slow Pokemon.

 

[Ping_Pong_Along]

With Mega Abomasnow running rampant in the tier, I think Iron Head should get some serious mentions since it 2HKOes Mixed Mega Abomasnow and Swords Dance Mega Abomasnow after rocks, while still 2HKOing Mega Glalie and Tyrantrum. It's also cool for flinch chances against Aromatisse, which it outspeeds with an Impish nature. Also, I agree with -kal- that a mixed spread is probably best. The spread that I've been using is 248 HP / 168 Def / 92 SpD Impish / Relaxed nature. 168 Def hits a jump point and helps it survive SD Mega Abomasnow's Wood Hammer. I'm not QC, so I'd wait to see how they feel about these suggestions before making any changes beyond mentions of Slowking and Mega Abomasnow.

 

[Sweep]

Mention HP Fire in OO, Durant often likes to come in mid-game on Bronzong and HP Fire will OHKO it 94% of the time. It can also chip away at Mega Abomasnow, Ferroseed, and Escavalier while allowing Bronzong to keep Gyro Ball to get a stronger hit on most things than Iron Head (a move that I agree with Ping Pong Along is probably worth mentioning in Moves).

kal's spread is convincing to me, but I'll QC stamp this when I bring Bronzong spreads up to other QC members on IRC. mention somewhere that the support set can fit on both defensively and somewhat offensively-inclined teams imo (not hyper offense of course, but bulky offense for sure). This looks good overall!

 

[g]

Psywave is amazing on this Pokemon
phys def is a good set as well
Colbur is nice on TR if it ends up being a set
Not a fan of Earthquake at all since really psywave is better against all targets bar Emboar

 

[scpinion]

If someone wants to take this over they can. I haven't played the new meta, and probably won't for a little while, so I'm probably not the person to be writing it.