[OVERVIEW]
Charizard is very unpredictable due to its two Mega Evolutions, with X being a physical sweeper, and Y being a special wall breaker. On their own, these two Mega Evolutions provide massive offensive pressure, but when combined, they make Charizard a top tier threat that can decide games based on its unpredictability. However, its common speed tier and weakness to Stealth Rock and Garchomp keep it in check.
Below are some sample sets. These sets are likely to be standard, but they will be expanded upon and updated as the metagame progresses.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Flare Blitz
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Earthquake / Roost / Thunder Punch / Dragon Claw
item: Charizardite X
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
* The standard Dragon Dance set, letting Mega Charizard X outspeed most threats in the metagame.
* It's STAB moves are very powerful, with the last move being chosen depending on what threats you want to cover, or in the case of Roost, set up on.
* Earthquake hits Heatran, Dragon Claw gives it a Dragon-type STAB that doesn't lock it in, and Thunderpunch deals massive damage to Azumarill and Tapu Fini.
* Jolly lets you outspeed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele after a Dragon Dance.
* Save this Pokemon for late game, since Fairy-types and Fire-resists are a big barrier to it sweeping. Outrage in particular should be saved for late game due to Fairy-types.
* Consider Pokemon that help deal with Garchomp, Suicuine, Tapu Fini, and Mega Slowbro.
[SET]
name: Versatile Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Flame Charge
move 3: Outrage
move 4: Flare Blitz / Earthquake
item: Charizardite X
ability: Blaze
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
* Swords Dance and Flame Charge make Mega Charizard X into a more effective wall breaker, with its STABs 2HKOing even resistsances.
* Adamant maximizes Mega Charizard X's power, but Jolly ensures you outspeed Timid Tapu Lele.
* Its stabs are fairly risky, so you can replace Flare Blitz with Earthquae to reliably handle Heatran and Tapu Koko.
* Like most sweepers, it's best to save Mega Charizard X for late game, especially since it relies on Outrage and Flare Blitz.
* You will often choose to set up Flame Charge or Swords Dance depending on the makeup of your opponent's team. Flame Charge works best against offensive teams, while Swords Dance works best against slower, bulkier teams.
* Stealth Rock is a good idea to ensure Mega Charizard X blasts through walls.
* You'll also need a Garchomp and Mega Salamence check so you won't be forced to Outrage often.
* Finally, consider Pokemon that can restore Charizard's health, such as users of Lunar Dance, Healing Wish, Z-Parting Shot, or Z-Memento.
[SET]
name: Drought Attacker
move 1: Flamethrower / Fire Blast
move 2: Solar Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Overheat / Hidden Power Ice / Earthquake / Roost / Flame Charge
item: Charizardite Y
ability: Blaze / Solar Power
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
* Mega Charizard Y is a powerful wall breaker thanks to Drought. Choose between reliability or power with Flamethrower vs Fire Blast, take advantage of the sun with Solar beam to slam Water-types. The rest of the moves are coverage that depends on what your team needs.
* Timid ensures you outspeed Tapu Lele, but Modest brings plenty of power to the table.
* Mega Charizard Y works best early game, especially if you see bulky Stealth Rock Pokemon such as Hippowdon or Swampert in team preview, so you can defeat them and avoid getting hit by Stealth Rock yourself.
* Bring checks to popular Electric-types such as Tapu Koko, Thundurus, and Rotom-H. Also consider a Pokemon to defeat specially defensive Alolan Marowak.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Will-O-Wisp
move 2: Roost
move 3: Dragon Claw
move 4: Earthquake / Flame Charge
item: Charizardite X
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 164 HP / 116 Def / 228 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
* This Mega Charizard X suprises foes with its good bulk and utility with Will-O-Wisp. It acts as a good check to threats such as Mimikyu, Kartana, and Tapu Bulu. Earthquake ensures Nihilego and Heatran can't switch in for free, but Flame Charge lets Mega Charizard X outspeed threats such as Garchomp.
* The EVs and Nature allow Mega Charizard X to outspeed Jolly Mimikyu, and take less damage from Stealth Rock.
* Use Will-O-Wisp as much as possible to catch Mega Charizard X's checks off guard, such as Hippowdon, Landorus-T, and Azumarill.
* Consider carrying Pokemon that have an easier time with Pokemon that Mega Charizard X lures and burns. You'll also want Pokemon that can deal with bulky set up Pokemon that don't care about status moves such as Suicune and Tapu Fini.
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