[OVERVIEW]
Charizard has two Mega Evolutions that play different roles. Mega Charizard Y is able to use Drought and its high Special Attack stat to become a fierce wallbreaker, while Mega Charizard X uses Dragon Dance in conjunction with its fantastic offensive typing to sweep. Unfortunately, Charizard is very weak to Stealth Rock. Charizard's base forme and Mega Charizard Y take 50% damage from Stealth Rock, while Mega Charizard X takes 25% damage, limiting its ability to set up and sweep. Additionally, Mega Charizard Y struggles to break through Toxapex and Chansey and is outsped by many common offensive Pokemon, allowing it to be easily revenge killed. Mega Charizard X has difficulty with the prevalence of its checks, such as Landorus-T, Toxapex, and Tapu Fini, in the metagame. While it can break through these checks, it typically wears itself out in doing so. In addition, the popularity of Choice Scarf users above base 100 Speed further reduces Mega Charizard X's effectiveness, as it can typically be revenge killed after setting up.
[SET]
name: Drought Wallbreaker Y
move 1: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 2: Solar Beam
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Charizardite Y
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fire Blast is Mega Charizard Y's main STAB attack. After the sun boost from Drought, Fire Blast 2HKOes nearly every neutral target as well as offensive Pokemon that resist it. Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for improved accuracy. However, the loss of power causes Charizard to miss 2HKOs on Garchomp and Mew. Solar Beam becomes a one-turn move in the sun, letting Charizard beat the Water- and Rock-types that resist its Fire-type STAB moves. Focus Blast hits Tyranitar, which overrides Charizard's sun and halves the power of Solar Beam, as well as Heatran, which otherwise walls Charizard. If Charizard's team has solid answers to Tyranitar and Heatran, such as trapping from Dugtrio, Hidden Power Ice can be used instead to surprise Dragon-types such as Garchomp, Zygarde, and Dragonite. Roost gives Charizard longevity, letting it recover off Stealth Rock damage.
Set Details
========
Charizardite Y is required to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y, giving Charizard a large Special Attack boost and Drought. A Timid nature is used to outspeed Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, Zygarde, and Mimikyu as well as Speed tie with other base 100s such as Mega Medicham. Modest can be used with Flamethrower to mediate the trade-off between power and accuracy or with Fire Blast to allow Mega Charizard Y to 2HKO offensive Zygarde. However, using a Timid nature to outspeed the aforementioned threats is typically preferred. 252 Speed EVs allows Charizard to reach the previously mentioned Speed benchmarks. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Charizard's damage output, enabling it to operate as a wallbreaker. Blaze is used as Charizard's pre-Mega ability to avoid taking damage from opposing sun.
Usage Tips
========
Use Charizard to wallbreak early-game. By softening opposing walls, Charizard will give its teammates more opportunities to sweep late-game. Very few Pokemon are able to safely switch into Mega Charizard Y. Make efforts to safely bring Charizard in against Pokemon it can force out or otherwise KO to put pressure on the opposing team. If possible, remove Stealth Rock or prevent it from being set up before bringing in Charizard to avoid having it lose half of its health.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal is important to keep Charizard healthy. Tapu Fini, Mew, and Latios can use Defog, while Excadrill can use Rapid Spin. Dugtrio can remove Mega Charizard Y's best checks; it traps and removes Chansey and Toxapex, and it can also trap Tyranitar and Heatran so Charizard doesn't have to risk missing Focus Blast. Pursuit support from the likes of Weavile and Choice Band Tyranitar is nice to pick off Latios. These Pokemon can also pressure Chansey. Since many offensive Pokemon, such as Tapu Koko and Greninja, are able to revenge kill Mega Charizard Y, switch-ins to these Pokemon are required. Pivots like Assault Vest Tangrowth can make good answers. Volt Switch and U-turn users can bring Charizard in safely. Tapu Koko and Greninja fill these roles well, as they tend to force in defensive Grass-types that Charizard can take advantage of. Late-game sweepers appreciate Mega Charizard Y's ability to wallbreak. Shift Gear Magearna, Ash-Greninja, and Porygon-Z make good partners in this regard.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance X
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Roost / Thunder Punch
item: Charizardite X
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance allows Charizard to boost its Attack and Speed simultaneously. Dragon Claw is a powerful STAB attack that is boosted by Tough Claws. Flare Blitz is a nuke able to take on Steel-types, which resist Dragon Claw, as well as most of the Fairy-types in the metagame. Roost improves Charizard's longevity, eases setup, and allows it to stay out of range of revenge killers. Thunder Punch can be used to hit Tapu Fini and Toxapex for solid damage. Earthquake is another option to deal great damage to Tyranitar and Toxapex as well as OHKO Heatran.
Set Details
========
Charizardite X is required to allow Charizard to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X. 252 Speed EVs are used with a Jolly nature to allow Charizard to outspeed Tapu Lele and Speed tie with other base 100s such as Mega Medicham. 252 Attack EVs are used to maximize Charizard's damage output. Blaze is used as the pre-Mega ability to avoid taking damage from sun.
Usage Tips
========
Remove Stealth Rock or prevent it from being set up before bringing in Charizard to ease its ability to set up. Use Dragon Dance on Pokemon Charizard checks, such as Tapu Koko and Scizor. Avoid taking too much damage while setting up, as this will prevent Charizard from freely using Flare Blitz and could make it vulnerable to revenge killing. Also, avoid status while setting up, as paralysis allows Charizard to be revenge killed easily, while poison quickly wears it down. Charizard can be used to soften walls early-game, easing its sweep late-game. However, do not let Charizard become too weakened early-game, or it will be unable to set up later without Healing Wish support.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal is crucial; Mew, Zapdos, and Excadrill make good partners for this. Do not use Tapu Fini to Defog, as Misty Terrain weakens Mega Charizard X's Dragon STAB moves versus grounded targets. Answers to Landorus-T are necessary, whether this comes in the form of a lure such as Waterium Z Scolipede or a defensive counter such as Skarmory. Pokemon able to lure Tapu Fini, such as Grassium Z Heatran and Thunderbolt Latios, are useful partners. Wallbreakers like Hoopa-U and Tapu Lele are useful to soften the opposing team for Mega Charizard X's sweep. Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain also protects Mega Charizard X from priority attacks. Unless Charizard is running Earthquake, it needs help to take on Heatran. Dugtrio can trap it, while Garchomp, Keldeo, Greninja, and Landorus-T can all threaten it and otherwise weaken the opposing team. Lures like Surf Latios can also be used. A Healing Wish user such as Jirachi can allow Charizard to recklessly wallbreak with Flare Blitz early-game and safely restore its health for a late-game sweep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mega Charizard Y could use Earthquake over Focus Blast to hit Heatran and Tyranitar without having to risk missing Focus Blast. It could also use Hidden Power Electric to surprise Mantine and Pelipper. Luring Pelipper is especially useful for teammates such as Sand Rush Excadrill that rely on weather. However, the loss of Roost or coverage can be detrimental. Tailwind can be used over Roost to allow Mega Charizard Y to obliterate offensive teams. However, against such teams, Charizard can find difficulty in setting up the move without fainting. Mega Charizard X can run a bulkier set with Will-O-Wisp, which lures Landorus-T and allows it to contribute to defensive cores. However, it struggles to find a place in the current metagame. Swords Dance could be used to turn Mega Charizard X into a dedicated wallbreaker. It could also be used in conjunction with Tailwind to allow Mega Charizard X to take on both offensive and defensive teams. However, this set is worn down very quickly and is typically only suited for early-game wallbreaking.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock deals massive damage to all formes of Charizard. This limits Mega Charizard Y's opportunities to switch in to wallbreak and limits Mega Charizard X's ability to set up or use Flare Blitz.
**Scouting**: There are very few Pokemon able to efficiently handle both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y. However, once the specific forme of Charizard is determined, its counters can be preserved. Analyzing Charizard's team composition can potentially reveal which forme of Charizard is being run—Pursuit support and Tapu Fini are usually only run with Mega Charizard Y, while wallbreakers typically indicate Mega Charizard X.
**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers force out both formes of Charizard. Choice Scarf users above base 100 Speed, such as Garchomp and Keldeo, are particularly threatening, as they can revenge kill a +1 Mega Charizard X.
**Defensive Water-types**: Water-types like Tapu Fini and Toxapex can handle Mega Charizard X. Toxapex can also handle Mega Charizard Y, making it one of the only Pokemon able to take on both formes of Charizard.
**Dragon-types**: Most Dragon-types can switch into one hit from Mega Charizard Y and proceed to force it out. Choice Scarf-wielding Dragon-types, like Garchomp, can also revenge kill or force out Mega Charizard X.
**Chansey**: Chansey is able to take all of Mega Charizard Y's hits and set up Stealth Rock or spread poison with Toxic.
**Heatran**: Heatran is able to take boosted hits from Mega Charizard X unless it is carrying Earthquake.
**Bulky Ground-types**: Defensive Ground-types like Landorus-T can handle Mega Charizard X, though they will typically sustain massive damage from Flare Blitz.
Charizard has two Mega Evolutions that play different roles. Mega Charizard Y is able to use Drought and its high Special Attack stat to become a fierce wallbreaker, while Mega Charizard X uses Dragon Dance in conjunction with its fantastic offensive typing to sweep. Unfortunately, Charizard is very weak to Stealth Rock. Charizard's base forme and Mega Charizard Y take 50% damage from Stealth Rock, while Mega Charizard X takes 25% damage, limiting its ability to set up and sweep. Additionally, Mega Charizard Y struggles to break through Toxapex and Chansey and is outsped by many common offensive Pokemon, allowing it to be easily revenge killed. Mega Charizard X has difficulty with the prevalence of its checks, such as Landorus-T, Toxapex, and Tapu Fini, in the metagame. While it can break through these checks, it typically wears itself out in doing so. In addition, the popularity of Choice Scarf users above base 100 Speed further reduces Mega Charizard X's effectiveness, as it can typically be revenge killed after setting up.
[SET]
name: Drought Wallbreaker Y
move 1: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 2: Solar Beam
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Roost
item: Charizardite Y
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fire Blast is Mega Charizard Y's main STAB attack. After the sun boost from Drought, Fire Blast 2HKOes nearly every neutral target as well as offensive Pokemon that resist it. Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for improved accuracy. However, the loss of power causes Charizard to miss 2HKOs on Garchomp and Mew. Solar Beam becomes a one-turn move in the sun, letting Charizard beat the Water- and Rock-types that resist its Fire-type STAB moves. Focus Blast hits Tyranitar, which overrides Charizard's sun and halves the power of Solar Beam, as well as Heatran, which otherwise walls Charizard. If Charizard's team has solid answers to Tyranitar and Heatran, such as trapping from Dugtrio, Hidden Power Ice can be used instead to surprise Dragon-types such as Garchomp, Zygarde, and Dragonite. Roost gives Charizard longevity, letting it recover off Stealth Rock damage.
Set Details
========
Charizardite Y is required to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y, giving Charizard a large Special Attack boost and Drought. A Timid nature is used to outspeed Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, Zygarde, and Mimikyu as well as Speed tie with other base 100s such as Mega Medicham. Modest can be used with Flamethrower to mediate the trade-off between power and accuracy or with Fire Blast to allow Mega Charizard Y to 2HKO offensive Zygarde. However, using a Timid nature to outspeed the aforementioned threats is typically preferred. 252 Speed EVs allows Charizard to reach the previously mentioned Speed benchmarks. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Charizard's damage output, enabling it to operate as a wallbreaker. Blaze is used as Charizard's pre-Mega ability to avoid taking damage from opposing sun.
Usage Tips
========
Use Charizard to wallbreak early-game. By softening opposing walls, Charizard will give its teammates more opportunities to sweep late-game. Very few Pokemon are able to safely switch into Mega Charizard Y. Make efforts to safely bring Charizard in against Pokemon it can force out or otherwise KO to put pressure on the opposing team. If possible, remove Stealth Rock or prevent it from being set up before bringing in Charizard to avoid having it lose half of its health.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal is important to keep Charizard healthy. Tapu Fini, Mew, and Latios can use Defog, while Excadrill can use Rapid Spin. Dugtrio can remove Mega Charizard Y's best checks; it traps and removes Chansey and Toxapex, and it can also trap Tyranitar and Heatran so Charizard doesn't have to risk missing Focus Blast. Pursuit support from the likes of Weavile and Choice Band Tyranitar is nice to pick off Latios. These Pokemon can also pressure Chansey. Since many offensive Pokemon, such as Tapu Koko and Greninja, are able to revenge kill Mega Charizard Y, switch-ins to these Pokemon are required. Pivots like Assault Vest Tangrowth can make good answers. Volt Switch and U-turn users can bring Charizard in safely. Tapu Koko and Greninja fill these roles well, as they tend to force in defensive Grass-types that Charizard can take advantage of. Late-game sweepers appreciate Mega Charizard Y's ability to wallbreak. Shift Gear Magearna, Ash-Greninja, and Porygon-Z make good partners in this regard.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance X
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Dragon Claw
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Roost / Thunder Punch
item: Charizardite X
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance allows Charizard to boost its Attack and Speed simultaneously. Dragon Claw is a powerful STAB attack that is boosted by Tough Claws. Flare Blitz is a nuke able to take on Steel-types, which resist Dragon Claw, as well as most of the Fairy-types in the metagame. Roost improves Charizard's longevity, eases setup, and allows it to stay out of range of revenge killers. Thunder Punch can be used to hit Tapu Fini and Toxapex for solid damage. Earthquake is another option to deal great damage to Tyranitar and Toxapex as well as OHKO Heatran.
Set Details
========
Charizardite X is required to allow Charizard to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X. 252 Speed EVs are used with a Jolly nature to allow Charizard to outspeed Tapu Lele and Speed tie with other base 100s such as Mega Medicham. 252 Attack EVs are used to maximize Charizard's damage output. Blaze is used as the pre-Mega ability to avoid taking damage from sun.
Usage Tips
========
Remove Stealth Rock or prevent it from being set up before bringing in Charizard to ease its ability to set up. Use Dragon Dance on Pokemon Charizard checks, such as Tapu Koko and Scizor. Avoid taking too much damage while setting up, as this will prevent Charizard from freely using Flare Blitz and could make it vulnerable to revenge killing. Also, avoid status while setting up, as paralysis allows Charizard to be revenge killed easily, while poison quickly wears it down. Charizard can be used to soften walls early-game, easing its sweep late-game. However, do not let Charizard become too weakened early-game, or it will be unable to set up later without Healing Wish support.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal is crucial; Mew, Zapdos, and Excadrill make good partners for this. Do not use Tapu Fini to Defog, as Misty Terrain weakens Mega Charizard X's Dragon STAB moves versus grounded targets. Answers to Landorus-T are necessary, whether this comes in the form of a lure such as Waterium Z Scolipede or a defensive counter such as Skarmory. Pokemon able to lure Tapu Fini, such as Grassium Z Heatran and Thunderbolt Latios, are useful partners. Wallbreakers like Hoopa-U and Tapu Lele are useful to soften the opposing team for Mega Charizard X's sweep. Tapu Lele's Psychic Terrain also protects Mega Charizard X from priority attacks. Unless Charizard is running Earthquake, it needs help to take on Heatran. Dugtrio can trap it, while Garchomp, Keldeo, Greninja, and Landorus-T can all threaten it and otherwise weaken the opposing team. Lures like Surf Latios can also be used. A Healing Wish user such as Jirachi can allow Charizard to recklessly wallbreak with Flare Blitz early-game and safely restore its health for a late-game sweep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mega Charizard Y could use Earthquake over Focus Blast to hit Heatran and Tyranitar without having to risk missing Focus Blast. It could also use Hidden Power Electric to surprise Mantine and Pelipper. Luring Pelipper is especially useful for teammates such as Sand Rush Excadrill that rely on weather. However, the loss of Roost or coverage can be detrimental. Tailwind can be used over Roost to allow Mega Charizard Y to obliterate offensive teams. However, against such teams, Charizard can find difficulty in setting up the move without fainting. Mega Charizard X can run a bulkier set with Will-O-Wisp, which lures Landorus-T and allows it to contribute to defensive cores. However, it struggles to find a place in the current metagame. Swords Dance could be used to turn Mega Charizard X into a dedicated wallbreaker. It could also be used in conjunction with Tailwind to allow Mega Charizard X to take on both offensive and defensive teams. However, this set is worn down very quickly and is typically only suited for early-game wallbreaking.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock deals massive damage to all formes of Charizard. This limits Mega Charizard Y's opportunities to switch in to wallbreak and limits Mega Charizard X's ability to set up or use Flare Blitz.
**Scouting**: There are very few Pokemon able to efficiently handle both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y. However, once the specific forme of Charizard is determined, its counters can be preserved. Analyzing Charizard's team composition can potentially reveal which forme of Charizard is being run—Pursuit support and Tapu Fini are usually only run with Mega Charizard Y, while wallbreakers typically indicate Mega Charizard X.
**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers force out both formes of Charizard. Choice Scarf users above base 100 Speed, such as Garchomp and Keldeo, are particularly threatening, as they can revenge kill a +1 Mega Charizard X.
**Defensive Water-types**: Water-types like Tapu Fini and Toxapex can handle Mega Charizard X. Toxapex can also handle Mega Charizard Y, making it one of the only Pokemon able to take on both formes of Charizard.
**Dragon-types**: Most Dragon-types can switch into one hit from Mega Charizard Y and proceed to force it out. Choice Scarf-wielding Dragon-types, like Garchomp, can also revenge kill or force out Mega Charizard X.
**Chansey**: Chansey is able to take all of Mega Charizard Y's hits and set up Stealth Rock or spread poison with Toxic.
**Heatran**: Heatran is able to take boosted hits from Mega Charizard X unless it is carrying Earthquake.
**Bulky Ground-types**: Defensive Ground-types like Landorus-T can handle Mega Charizard X, though they will typically sustain massive damage from Flare Blitz.
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