QC: Hootie / p2 / PK Gaming
GP: CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
* By virtue of its amazing defensive typing, its ability Levitate, and its decent bulk, Bronzong is able to check many top-tier Pokemon in the OU metagame. Notably, it is one of the only perfect checks to Landorus-T and Mega Metagross, and it also checks Tapu Lele, Magearna, Garchomp without a Fire-type move, Nihilego, and Salamence.
* It is a reliable user of Stealth Rock due to its good bulk allowing it to take a hit.
* Pursuit users such as Weavile, which give Bronzong trouble, are less popular this generation.
* However, Bronzong lacks reliable recovery, so even powerful resisted hits such as Magearna's Fleur Cannon can wear it down easily.
* It is vulnerable to Dark- and Fire-type moves, which are common in OU, including the ever-(hyphen)present Knock Off and still-relevant Pursuit.
* Bronzong is setup fodder for certain setup sweepers, such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard X if Bronzong lacks Toxic, Swords Dance Mega Scizor, and Swords Dance Kartana, due to its passivity.
* Being a passive Stealth Rock user makes Mega Sableye Bronzong's worst enemy, as Bronzong can't pressure stall enough to use Stealth Rock, which is crucial in the matchup.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Gyro Ball
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Stealth Rock allows Bronzong to support its teammates by wearing down opposing Pokemon; it's a very reliable Stealth Rock user because its immense bulk and good typing usually allow it to take a hit and use the move.
* Gyro Ball is Bronzong's main STAB move, hitting Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Tapu Lele, and Pheromosa hard.
* Earthquake allows Bronzong to hit Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Magearna, Magnezone, and Heatran. It is also Bronzong's best option for Electric-types like Tapu Koko.
* Because Bronzong is one of the best switch-ins to Landorus-T, Hidden Power Ice is used to allow Bronzong to 2HKO it back. It can also hit Garchomp, which Bronzong is a great check to unless it has a Fire-type attack. Finally, it can deter Zygarde from setting up on Bronzong.
* Toxic can be used over Stealth Rock if a teammate is already using the move to catch Pokemon that can typically set up on Bronzong, such as Volcarona, and to cripple Zapdos, which can use Defog to remove Stealth Rock without taking much damage.
Set Details
========
* The highest possible amount of EVs are put into HP and Defense to maximize Bronzong's physical bulk. This notably allows it to take Adamant Landorus-T's Supersonic Skystrike followed by Fly, factoring in two turns of Leftovers recovery, almost all of the time, along with hits from Garchomp and Mega Metagross. A Relaxed nature further increases its physical bulk and powers up Gyro Ball.
* Leftovers lets Bronzong be worn down less quickly; it's the only form of reliable recovery Bronzong has.
* Levitate is Bronzong's main niche over other Steel-types, as it allows Bronzong to perfectly check Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Mega Metagross among other Pokemon by being immune to Earthquake.
Usage Tips
========
* Switch Bronzong into Pokemon that it checks, such as Tapu Lele, in order to set up Stealth Rock for its teammates.
* Try to play Bronzong conservatively. Due to its lack of reliable recovery, pivot Bronzong into Pokemon that it checks, such as Mega Metagross, but don't pivot it into any Pokemon that have powerful neutral attacks, especially if the opposing team has a Pokemon such as Landorus-T.
* Bronzong's good bulk allows it to usually take one hit. If your opponent's team has a Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock such as Volcarona, taking this a hit and getting Stealth Rock up should be a priority to pressure the opposing team into using Defog.
* Avoid giving Pokemon that can set up on Bronzong, such as Mega Charizard X, free turns to do so. This can be done by double switching into a Pokemon that checks the setup sweeper.
Team Options
========
* Bronzong fits best on balanced or defensive teams where it can check a plethora of threats while providing Stealth Rock support. It can pivot into Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Tapu Lele, Garchomp, and Mega Metagross. Because of this role compression, it can afford to have a wide variety of offensive partners, such as Nihilego, Keldeo, offensive Landorus-T, and Buzzwole.
* Strong wallbreakers are also necessary to improve Bronzong's matchup against stall due to its nature as a passive Stealth Rock user. These include Taunt Tapu Lele, offensive Landorus-T, Swords Dance Tapu Bulu, and stallbreaker Heatran.
* Tapu Fini is an amazing partner for Bronzong. It can take on Pokemon that give Bronzong trouble, such as Mega Charizard X and Ash-Greninja, and it can prevent opposing Pokemon from using Defog with Taunt.
* Other Pokemon that can take Fire- and Dark-type attacks for Bronzong make good partners for it, including Zygarde, Keldeo, Heatran, and Clefable.
* Due to Bronzong's lack of reliable recovery, Wish users like Alomomola make for decent partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Bronzong is a great lead for Trick Room teams because it can set up Stealth Rock, use Trick Room, and then use Explosion. However, it is very susceptible to Taunt, and Trick Room is a niche strategy in the first place.
* Rest can be used as a form of recovery for Bronzong, but means it must forego being able to hit Landorus-T or Steel-types.
* A Colbur Berry can be used to surprise Weavile and allow Bronzong to take a Pursuit once on the switch out. However, this gives Bronzong no recovery at all, which leaves it worn down easily.
* Rock Slide can allow Bronzong to surprise Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y on the switch in.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: As a result of Bronzong's passivity, Mega Sableye is a big issue because it can prevent Bronzong from using Stealth Rock, can't be poisoned by Toxic, and takes little damage from any move Bronzong uses.
**Dark-types**: Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tyranitar, and Bisharp can hit Bronzong with their powerful STAB moves. Knock Off and Pursuit weaken Bronzong significantly.
**Fire-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcarona threaten Bronzong with their powerful STAB moves. Mega Charizard X and Volcarona can set up on Bronzong, but the former does not appreciate Earthquake and the latter should avoid Toxic.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Skarmory and Zapdos take little to no damage from any move Bronzong uses and can Defog away Stealth Rock; the latter is only harmed by Toxic. Mold Breaker Excadrill can threaten Bronzong with Earthquake and spin away Stealth Rock.
**Ghost-types**: While uncommon, Alolan Marowak, Gengar, and Mimikyu can use their powerful STAB-moves to OHKO Bronzong, or in the former's case, set up Stealth Rock. However, none of them appreciate Earthquake.
**Mold Breaker and Teravolt**: Because Bronzong relies on Levitate to check Ground-types, Kyurem-B and Mold Breaker Excadrill can hit Bronzong with Earth Power and Earthquake, respectively, ignoring its ability.
GP: CryoGyro
[OVERVIEW]
* By virtue of its amazing defensive typing, its ability Levitate, and its decent bulk, Bronzong is able to check many top-tier Pokemon in the OU metagame. Notably, it is one of the only perfect checks to Landorus-T and Mega Metagross, and it also checks Tapu Lele, Magearna, Garchomp without a Fire-type move, Nihilego, and Salamence.
* It is a reliable user of Stealth Rock due to its good bulk allowing it to take a hit.
* Pursuit users such as Weavile, which give Bronzong trouble, are less popular this generation.
* However, Bronzong lacks reliable recovery, so even powerful resisted hits such as Magearna's Fleur Cannon can wear it down easily.
* It is vulnerable to Dark- and Fire-type moves, which are common in OU, including the ever-(hyphen)present Knock Off and still-relevant Pursuit.
* Bronzong is setup fodder for certain setup sweepers, such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard X if Bronzong lacks Toxic, Swords Dance Mega Scizor, and Swords Dance Kartana, due to its passivity.
* Being a passive Stealth Rock user makes Mega Sableye Bronzong's worst enemy, as Bronzong can't pressure stall enough to use Stealth Rock, which is crucial in the matchup.
[SET]
name: Defensive Pivot
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Gyro Ball
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Relaxed
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Stealth Rock allows Bronzong to support its teammates by wearing down opposing Pokemon; it's a very reliable Stealth Rock user because its immense bulk and good typing usually allow it to take a hit and use the move.
* Gyro Ball is Bronzong's main STAB move, hitting Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu, Tapu Lele, and Pheromosa hard.
* Earthquake allows Bronzong to hit Steel-types such as Mega Metagross, Magearna, Magnezone, and Heatran. It is also Bronzong's best option for Electric-types like Tapu Koko.
* Because Bronzong is one of the best switch-ins to Landorus-T, Hidden Power Ice is used to allow Bronzong to 2HKO it back. It can also hit Garchomp, which Bronzong is a great check to unless it has a Fire-type attack. Finally, it can deter Zygarde from setting up on Bronzong.
* Toxic can be used over Stealth Rock if a teammate is already using the move to catch Pokemon that can typically set up on Bronzong, such as Volcarona, and to cripple Zapdos, which can use Defog to remove Stealth Rock without taking much damage.
Set Details
========
* The highest possible amount of EVs are put into HP and Defense to maximize Bronzong's physical bulk. This notably allows it to take Adamant Landorus-T's Supersonic Skystrike followed by Fly, factoring in two turns of Leftovers recovery, almost all of the time, along with hits from Garchomp and Mega Metagross. A Relaxed nature further increases its physical bulk and powers up Gyro Ball.
* Leftovers lets Bronzong be worn down less quickly; it's the only form of reliable recovery Bronzong has.
* Levitate is Bronzong's main niche over other Steel-types, as it allows Bronzong to perfectly check Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Mega Metagross among other Pokemon by being immune to Earthquake.
Usage Tips
========
* Switch Bronzong into Pokemon that it checks, such as Tapu Lele, in order to set up Stealth Rock for its teammates.
* Try to play Bronzong conservatively. Due to its lack of reliable recovery, pivot Bronzong into Pokemon that it checks, such as Mega Metagross, but don't pivot it into any Pokemon that have powerful neutral attacks, especially if the opposing team has a Pokemon such as Landorus-T.
* Bronzong's good bulk allows it to usually take one hit. If your opponent's team has a Pokemon weak to Stealth Rock such as Volcarona, taking this a hit and getting Stealth Rock up should be a priority to pressure the opposing team into using Defog.
* Avoid giving Pokemon that can set up on Bronzong, such as Mega Charizard X, free turns to do so. This can be done by double switching into a Pokemon that checks the setup sweeper.
Team Options
========
* Bronzong fits best on balanced or defensive teams where it can check a plethora of threats while providing Stealth Rock support. It can pivot into Pokemon such as Landorus-T, Tapu Lele, Garchomp, and Mega Metagross. Because of this role compression, it can afford to have a wide variety of offensive partners, such as Nihilego, Keldeo, offensive Landorus-T, and Buzzwole.
* Strong wallbreakers are also necessary to improve Bronzong's matchup against stall due to its nature as a passive Stealth Rock user. These include Taunt Tapu Lele, offensive Landorus-T, Swords Dance Tapu Bulu, and stallbreaker Heatran.
* Tapu Fini is an amazing partner for Bronzong. It can take on Pokemon that give Bronzong trouble, such as Mega Charizard X and Ash-Greninja, and it can prevent opposing Pokemon from using Defog with Taunt.
* Other Pokemon that can take Fire- and Dark-type attacks for Bronzong make good partners for it, including Zygarde, Keldeo, Heatran, and Clefable.
* Due to Bronzong's lack of reliable recovery, Wish users like Alomomola make for decent partners.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Bronzong is a great lead for Trick Room teams because it can set up Stealth Rock, use Trick Room, and then use Explosion. However, it is very susceptible to Taunt, and Trick Room is a niche strategy in the first place.
* Rest can be used as a form of recovery for Bronzong, but means it must forego being able to hit Landorus-T or Steel-types.
* A Colbur Berry can be used to surprise Weavile and allow Bronzong to take a Pursuit once on the switch out. However, this gives Bronzong no recovery at all, which leaves it worn down easily.
* Rock Slide can allow Bronzong to surprise Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y on the switch in.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: As a result of Bronzong's passivity, Mega Sableye is a big issue because it can prevent Bronzong from using Stealth Rock, can't be poisoned by Toxic, and takes little damage from any move Bronzong uses.
**Dark-types**: Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tyranitar, and Bisharp can hit Bronzong with their powerful STAB moves. Knock Off and Pursuit weaken Bronzong significantly.
**Fire-types**: Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcarona threaten Bronzong with their powerful STAB moves. Mega Charizard X and Volcarona can set up on Bronzong, but the former does not appreciate Earthquake and the latter should avoid Toxic.
**Entry Hazard Removers**: Skarmory and Zapdos take little to no damage from any move Bronzong uses and can Defog away Stealth Rock; the latter is only harmed by Toxic. Mold Breaker Excadrill can threaten Bronzong with Earthquake and spin away Stealth Rock.
**Ghost-types**: While uncommon, Alolan Marowak, Gengar, and Mimikyu can use their powerful STAB-moves to OHKO Bronzong, or in the former's case, set up Stealth Rock. However, none of them appreciate Earthquake.
**Mold Breaker and Teravolt**: Because Bronzong relies on Levitate to check Ground-types, Kyurem-B and Mold Breaker Excadrill can hit Bronzong with Earth Power and Earthquake, respectively, ignoring its ability.
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