I've been using Aggron for a while and I feel like I have a firm grasp on it's capabilities in standard play.
Los gehts!
[Pros]
<ul>
<li>Aggron possesses unrivalled physical defense in its Mega Form.</li>
<li>It boasts a wide selection of support moves: Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, and Dragon Tail to name a few.</li>
<li>Filter lets it check not only more-or-less every physical attacker in the game, but even a few special attackers also.</li>
<li>Mono-Steel typing gives it plenty of switch opportunities.</li>
<li>Its high Attack stat prevents Pokemon from freely switching in or setting up.</li>
</ul>
[Cons]
<ul>
<li>It's slow. <strong>Very slow.</strong></li>
<li>It's slightly vulnerable on its special side.</li>
<li>Despite having a good Attack stat, there are Pokemon that can switch in, set up, and completely destroy it.</li>
<li>It has to Mega Evolve before it can become useful, which can put you at a disadvantage because you can't switch it into battle until it has Mega Evolved.</li>
<li>It has no reliable recovery.</li>
</ul>
[Set recommendations]
<p>name: Tank <br />
move 1: Stealth Rock <br />
move 2: Heavy Slam / Iron Head <br />
move 3: Thunder Wave <br />
move 4: Earthquake / Rock Slide / Superpower <br />
item: Aggronite <br />
ability: Filter (Sturdy) <br />
nature: Relaxed <br />
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD </p>
<p>Say hello to possibly the single greatest physical tank in the game. After a Mega Evolution, Aggron gains a colossal boost to its physical defense and access to Filter, which lets it tank virtually any unboosted physical attack in the game. In short, you can depend on it to check nearly every physical attacker, and even a few special attackers, as long as it's healthy. When it comes to using Stealth Rock, Mega Aggron is one of the most reliable options in standard; short of using Taunt or Magic Bounce, it's difficult to prevent it from using Stealth Rock. In terms of offense, Heavy Slam is deceptively strong; the weight boost Mega Aggron receives after it Mega Evolves allows it it to hit more threats for higher damage. Garchomp for instance, is now susceptible to a 100 Base Power Heavy Slam. Unfortunately, Heavy Slam is completely worthless against Pokemon who are also heavy; Mamoswine and Tyranitar take a measly 40 Base Power from Heavy Slam, which is significant because you can't 2HKO them. If Heavy Slam's inability to cover certain threats bothers you, Iron Head can be used. It's generally weaker, but it deals consistent damage. Thunder Wave is one of Mega Aggron's most useful assets; we've already established that Mega Aggron's immense bulk and Filter makes difficult to actually OHKO Mega Aggron, meaning it has easy time paralyzing offensive Pokemon who are matched up against it. Earthquake is useful for dealing with Pokemon who resist Steel-type moves such as Excadrill, Charizard-X and Aegislash (and Tyranitar, if Heavy Slam is used). Rock Slide is exclusively used to deal with the omnipresent Talonflame, as neither of Mega Aggron's moves manage to deal significant damage to it. Superpower has similar coverage to Earthquake, and is particularly useful against Mega Kanghaskan. Should you choose to use Superpower, you should invest in Attack, since it makes it easier to OHKO Mega Kanghaskan after it has taken residual damage.</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Charizard-X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 166-198 (48.2 - 57.5%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO</li>
<li>252+ Atk Life Orb Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 211-250 (61.3 - 72.6%) -- Guaranteed 2HKO.</li>
<li>252 Atk Adaptability Mega Lucario Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 186-219 (54 - 63.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>+2 252+ Life Orb Atk Aegislash Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 203-240 (59.01 - 69.76%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Filter Mega Aggron: 232-275 (67.44 - 79.94%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 SpA Life Orb Greninga Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Mega Aggron: 181-214 (52.61 - 62.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
</ul>
<p>As you can see, it's pretty much impossible for physical attackers to OHKO Mega Aggron without a boosting move, and even Special Attackers struggle to take it down in one shot. An Relaxed nature is chosen to take advantage of Mega Aggron's amazing Defense, whereas the EV spread patches up its unimpressive Special Defense stat. In addition, a Relaxed nature ensures that you're slower than Aegislash, which allows you to attack it while it's in Blade Form. A maximized Defense investment can make it even stronger on the physical side, but this leads to diminishing returns as +63 defense to a Defense stat that's already really high isn't that noticeable. Dragon Tail and Roar can be used to shuffle threats; both moves have their advantages (dealing damage vs forcing out Substitute users) but they both come at the cost of a precious moveslot. With all of that said, there are few drawbacks to using Mega Aggron: it has no access to recovery moves or Leftovers, so it can quickly get worn down. The lack of Leftovers is significant because it can't heal its way out of a 2HKO from certain Pokemon (Excadrill for example). As a result, it greatly appreciates Wish support to heal off damage. Sylveon works great here because it has solid synergy with Mega Aggron. Mega Aggron can check some of the Pokemon that counter it and in return, Sylveon can ward off stronger Special Attackers and heal Aggron with Wish. Togekiss similarly functions as a partner to Mega Aggron, and with the added benefit of being immune to Ground-type and the ability to also spread paralysis. Mega Aggron also appreciates Rapid Spin support; due to its complete lack of recovery, it can be worn down by simply switching against teams that employ entry hazards, so the ability to clear them is useful. Rapid Spin or Defog work here, but Rapid Spin is preferred due to its ability to keep Mega Aggron's own entry hazards on the field. Excadrill and Starmie are both reliable; Starmie gets the overall nod due to its ability to better check Mega Aggron's counters, but they're both generally good choices. Dragon-types in general make for decent offensive partners mainly because they love Mega Aggron's ability to deal with Fairy-types and opposing Dragons and in return they can somewhat check Mega Aggron's counters.</p>
<p>name: RestTalk <br >
move 1: Rest <br >
move 2: Sleep Talk <br >
move 3: Heavy Slam / Iron Head <br >
move 4: Earthquake / Dragon Tail <br >
item: Aggronite <br >
ability: Filter (Sturdy) <br >
nature: Relaxed <br >
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD</p>
<p>This set focuses on long term walling with the Rest + Sleep Talk combination. It does this by fixing Mega Aggron's greatest downside, thereby making it extremely difficult to take down in the process. Rest heals off any damage that Mega Aggron incurs throughout the match, while Sleep Talk still lets you keep up the offensive pressure with its attacking moves. While RestTalk provides Mega Aggron with a means of sticking around, it loses out on its best supporting moves. As a result, this set is much more team-oriented than the previous set. It appreciates having Pokemon that can cover its checks and counters. Rotom-W can deal with nearly all of its counters, and it can provide Mega Aggron with a means of switching into battle via Volt Switch. This set greatly appreciates having entry hazards on the field, due to the fact that it's prone to causing switches and Dragon Tail can shuffle Pokemon.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Defensive Pokemon who don't particularly care for its attacks are good counters. Hippowdon can effortlessly switch in, wall it, and beat Mega Aggron with repeated uses of Earthquake. Skarmory, Forretress, and Ferrothorn disregard all of Mega Aggron's moves and set up on it. Gastrodon, Vaporeon, Rotom-W, and Politoed can sponge just about anything Mega Aggron throws at them, and wear it down with their Water-type moves or even potentially burn it. Gliscor is also a solid counter, though Heavy Slam hits for 120BP, so it should be wary of taking a healthy Mega Aggron head on. Generally speaking, bulky Special attackers (such as Reuniclus) will come out on top against Mega Aggron.</p>
<p>Countering Mega Aggron with offensive-inclined Pokemon can prove a bit challenging due to its incredible defenses and access to Thunder Wave. Aegislash, Excadrill, and Lucario can take it out, but only if it has been weakened to the point where their STAB moves can OHKO it, otherwise it can threaten each of them with Earthquake. Garchomp is on a higher class than the aforementioned Pokemon, mainly because it isn't bothered by any of Mega Aggron's moves and deals significant damage to it with Earthquake (or even Fire Blast if Garchomp has Mega Evolved). Fire-type Special Attackers are among the only Pokemon in the game that can take out Mega Aggron in one strike. Volcarona can flat out OHKO Mega Aggron with Fire Blast, but it should be wary of Rock Slide and Thunder Wave.</p>
Los gehts!
[Pros]
<ul>
<li>Aggron possesses unrivalled physical defense in its Mega Form.</li>
<li>It boasts a wide selection of support moves: Stealth Rock, Thunder Wave, and Dragon Tail to name a few.</li>
<li>Filter lets it check not only more-or-less every physical attacker in the game, but even a few special attackers also.</li>
<li>Mono-Steel typing gives it plenty of switch opportunities.</li>
<li>Its high Attack stat prevents Pokemon from freely switching in or setting up.</li>
</ul>
[Cons]
<ul>
<li>It's slow. <strong>Very slow.</strong></li>
<li>It's slightly vulnerable on its special side.</li>
<li>Despite having a good Attack stat, there are Pokemon that can switch in, set up, and completely destroy it.</li>
<li>It has to Mega Evolve before it can become useful, which can put you at a disadvantage because you can't switch it into battle until it has Mega Evolved.</li>
<li>It has no reliable recovery.</li>
</ul>
[Set recommendations]
<p>name: Tank <br />
move 1: Stealth Rock <br />
move 2: Heavy Slam / Iron Head <br />
move 3: Thunder Wave <br />
move 4: Earthquake / Rock Slide / Superpower <br />
item: Aggronite <br />
ability: Filter (Sturdy) <br />
nature: Relaxed <br />
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD </p>
<p>Say hello to possibly the single greatest physical tank in the game. After a Mega Evolution, Aggron gains a colossal boost to its physical defense and access to Filter, which lets it tank virtually any unboosted physical attack in the game. In short, you can depend on it to check nearly every physical attacker, and even a few special attackers, as long as it's healthy. When it comes to using Stealth Rock, Mega Aggron is one of the most reliable options in standard; short of using Taunt or Magic Bounce, it's difficult to prevent it from using Stealth Rock. In terms of offense, Heavy Slam is deceptively strong; the weight boost Mega Aggron receives after it Mega Evolves allows it it to hit more threats for higher damage. Garchomp for instance, is now susceptible to a 100 Base Power Heavy Slam. Unfortunately, Heavy Slam is completely worthless against Pokemon who are also heavy; Mamoswine and Tyranitar take a measly 40 Base Power from Heavy Slam, which is significant because you can't 2HKO them. If Heavy Slam's inability to cover certain threats bothers you, Iron Head can be used. It's generally weaker, but it deals consistent damage. Thunder Wave is one of Mega Aggron's most useful assets; we've already established that Mega Aggron's immense bulk and Filter makes difficult to actually OHKO Mega Aggron, meaning it has easy time paralyzing offensive Pokemon who are matched up against it. Earthquake is useful for dealing with Pokemon who resist Steel-type moves such as Excadrill, Charizard-X and Aegislash (and Tyranitar, if Heavy Slam is used). Rock Slide is exclusively used to deal with the omnipresent Talonflame, as neither of Mega Aggron's moves manage to deal significant damage to it. Superpower has similar coverage to Earthquake, and is particularly useful against Mega Kanghaskan. Should you choose to use Superpower, you should invest in Attack, since it makes it easier to OHKO Mega Kanghaskan after it has taken residual damage.</p>
<ul class="damage_calculation">
<li>252 Atk Charizard-X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 166-198 (48.2 - 57.5%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO</li>
<li>252+ Atk Life Orb Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 211-250 (61.3 - 72.6%) -- Guaranteed 2HKO.</li>
<li>252 Atk Adaptability Mega Lucario Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 186-219 (54 - 63.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>+2 252+ Life Orb Atk Aegislash Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 203-240 (59.01 - 69.76%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 SpA Life Orb Gengar Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Filter Mega Aggron: 232-275 (67.44 - 79.94%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
<li>252 SpA Life Orb Greninga Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Mega Aggron: 181-214 (52.61 - 62.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO</li>
</ul>
<p>As you can see, it's pretty much impossible for physical attackers to OHKO Mega Aggron without a boosting move, and even Special Attackers struggle to take it down in one shot. An Relaxed nature is chosen to take advantage of Mega Aggron's amazing Defense, whereas the EV spread patches up its unimpressive Special Defense stat. In addition, a Relaxed nature ensures that you're slower than Aegislash, which allows you to attack it while it's in Blade Form. A maximized Defense investment can make it even stronger on the physical side, but this leads to diminishing returns as +63 defense to a Defense stat that's already really high isn't that noticeable. Dragon Tail and Roar can be used to shuffle threats; both moves have their advantages (dealing damage vs forcing out Substitute users) but they both come at the cost of a precious moveslot. With all of that said, there are few drawbacks to using Mega Aggron: it has no access to recovery moves or Leftovers, so it can quickly get worn down. The lack of Leftovers is significant because it can't heal its way out of a 2HKO from certain Pokemon (Excadrill for example). As a result, it greatly appreciates Wish support to heal off damage. Sylveon works great here because it has solid synergy with Mega Aggron. Mega Aggron can check some of the Pokemon that counter it and in return, Sylveon can ward off stronger Special Attackers and heal Aggron with Wish. Togekiss similarly functions as a partner to Mega Aggron, and with the added benefit of being immune to Ground-type and the ability to also spread paralysis. Mega Aggron also appreciates Rapid Spin support; due to its complete lack of recovery, it can be worn down by simply switching against teams that employ entry hazards, so the ability to clear them is useful. Rapid Spin or Defog work here, but Rapid Spin is preferred due to its ability to keep Mega Aggron's own entry hazards on the field. Excadrill and Starmie are both reliable; Starmie gets the overall nod due to its ability to better check Mega Aggron's counters, but they're both generally good choices. Dragon-types in general make for decent offensive partners mainly because they love Mega Aggron's ability to deal with Fairy-types and opposing Dragons and in return they can somewhat check Mega Aggron's counters.</p>
<p>name: RestTalk <br >
move 1: Rest <br >
move 2: Sleep Talk <br >
move 3: Heavy Slam / Iron Head <br >
move 4: Earthquake / Dragon Tail <br >
item: Aggronite <br >
ability: Filter (Sturdy) <br >
nature: Relaxed <br >
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD</p>
<p>This set focuses on long term walling with the Rest + Sleep Talk combination. It does this by fixing Mega Aggron's greatest downside, thereby making it extremely difficult to take down in the process. Rest heals off any damage that Mega Aggron incurs throughout the match, while Sleep Talk still lets you keep up the offensive pressure with its attacking moves. While RestTalk provides Mega Aggron with a means of sticking around, it loses out on its best supporting moves. As a result, this set is much more team-oriented than the previous set. It appreciates having Pokemon that can cover its checks and counters. Rotom-W can deal with nearly all of its counters, and it can provide Mega Aggron with a means of switching into battle via Volt Switch. This set greatly appreciates having entry hazards on the field, due to the fact that it's prone to causing switches and Dragon Tail can shuffle Pokemon.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Defensive Pokemon who don't particularly care for its attacks are good counters. Hippowdon can effortlessly switch in, wall it, and beat Mega Aggron with repeated uses of Earthquake. Skarmory, Forretress, and Ferrothorn disregard all of Mega Aggron's moves and set up on it. Gastrodon, Vaporeon, Rotom-W, and Politoed can sponge just about anything Mega Aggron throws at them, and wear it down with their Water-type moves or even potentially burn it. Gliscor is also a solid counter, though Heavy Slam hits for 120BP, so it should be wary of taking a healthy Mega Aggron head on. Generally speaking, bulky Special attackers (such as Reuniclus) will come out on top against Mega Aggron.</p>
<p>Countering Mega Aggron with offensive-inclined Pokemon can prove a bit challenging due to its incredible defenses and access to Thunder Wave. Aegislash, Excadrill, and Lucario can take it out, but only if it has been weakened to the point where their STAB moves can OHKO it, otherwise it can threaten each of them with Earthquake. Garchomp is on a higher class than the aforementioned Pokemon, mainly because it isn't bothered by any of Mega Aggron's moves and deals significant damage to it with Earthquake (or even Fire Blast if Garchomp has Mega Evolved). Fire-type Special Attackers are among the only Pokemon in the game that can take out Mega Aggron in one strike. Volcarona can flat out OHKO Mega Aggron with Fire Blast, but it should be wary of Rock Slide and Thunder Wave.</p>
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