Gallade

Lumari

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[OVERVIEW]

Gallade's access to a Mega Evolution instantly places makes it viable (or w/e but 'places' isn't accurate anymore since it dropped) it in the OU tier, granting it a crucial Speed boost and a massive Attack increase, meshing that mesh (or just replace the comma with 'and' if the MEvo is doing the meshing instead of the boosts, can't 100% catch that) well with its expansive movepool to make for a worthy addition to any offensive team. Mega Gallade's versatility is unparalleled, boasting great boosting moves such as Swords Dance and Bulk Up, as well as great utility options such as Will-O-Wisp and Skill Swap. Mega Gallade's all-round stats allow it to take some hits with its respectable bulk (RC) and still hit hard even without a boost. However, Mega Gallade sits at the crowded base 110 Speed tier, meaning that facing common Pokemon such as Gengar and the Lati twins requires it to take a gamble. Mega Gallade is also rather weak when not Mega-Evolved, (add hyphen cuz adjectival sense) which can be problematic if the opponent is able to constantly apply pressure. In addition to this, Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye are almost perfect checks to Mega Gallade, and they are a common sight in the OU tier.

[SET]
Swords Dance
########

name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
item: Galladite
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly

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

Swords Dance is used to skyrocket Mega Gallade's Attack, making it even harder to switch into. Close Combat is Mega Gallade's main STAB attack, hitting insanely hard even without an Attack boost. Drain Punch can be used if the defense drops are a bother, while also giving Mega Gallade more longevity, although the sheer damage of Close Combat is usually preferred. Knock Off gives Mega Gallade decent coverage by hitting Psychic-types (RC) and is a good move to spam in general. Zen Headbutt rounds off Mega Gallade's moveset with a strong STAB move to smack Fairies and threats such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo. Alternatively, if your team already has answers to the aforementioned threats, Ice Punch can be used to hit Gliscor, Landorus-T, and most Flying-types that resist Close Combat, and Substitute can be used to capitalize on all the switches that Mega Gallade forces.

Set Details
========

The EV spread is standard for a physical attacker. Justified allows Mega Gallade to switch into weak or non-STAB Dark-type moves such as Knock Off and gain a free +1 Attack boost. A Jolly nature is needed to maintain Mega Gallade's great Speed tier and Speed tie with common threats such as the Lati twins, Gengar, and Mega Metagross.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Gallade's nice special bulk allows it to switch into weak special attacks, even before Mega Evolving. Either way, Gallade should be Mega Evolved as soon as possible to gain the crucial boosts, especially the to its Speed, (AC) boost which otherwise sits at a mediocre base 80. Swords Dance can be set up rather easily against defensive teams; against more offensive teams, Mega Gallade should just start attacking straight away. Physical Dark-type attacks will still hurt, so don't switch into strong Knock Offs recklessly for the Justified boost.

Team Options
========

A common core that can be used to good effect is a Bisharp + Mega Gallade core, as both members can easily remove their counterpart's checks. Heatran stops Unaware Clefable in its tracks and provides a reliable Talonflame check while being able to set up Stealth Rock, and a Magma Storm + Solarbeam variant can trap and remove Mega Slowbro. Entry hazard setters such as Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, and Tyranitar work well to whittle down opponents, while also handling some of Mega Gallade's checks such as Talonflame, Gengar, and the Lati twins. Rotom-W and Landorus-T form a VoltTurn core which that can also potentially (redundant with can) lure in Pokemon which that Mega Gallade can take advantage of, such as Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, and Chesnaught. Teammates which that can beat or take advantage of Mega Gallade's biggest checks in Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye make great partners, including CM + MG Calm Mind + Magic Guard Clefable, Sylveon, Talonflame, Volcarona, and Gliscor. Dragalge and Tentacruel can use Toxic Spikes, which can rack up damage very quickly, (AC) as Mega Gallade forces switches.

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

Mega Gallade's movepool contains many utility moves and usable options, most of which can be situationally useful. Taunt can be used to stallbreak or prevent an opponent from setting up for free, Skill Swap completely shuts down Mega Sableye, Bulk Up can be used in a more bulky set, Leaf Blade can be used to deal slightly more damage to Mega Slowbro, Will-O-Wisp can be used to catch common switch-ins such as Azumarill, and Destiny Bond can be used to let Mega Gallade try and to bring an opponent down with it. Shadow Sneak can be used for some priority, but it is extremely weak, even with a Swords Dance boost.

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

**Fairy-types**: Fairies such as Azumarill and Clefable resist Close Combat and Knock Off, while being able to hit Mega Gallade super effectively.

**Priority and Revenge Killers**: Common priority moves can finish off a weakened Mega Gallade or outright OHKO it, as its Defense isn't too good. Talonflame and Mega Pinsir always has have a form of Flying-type priority, so these two are extremely dangerous to Mega Gallade. In addition to this, faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl, Tornadus-T, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Mega Pidgeot can come in and revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye**: These two resist almost everything Mega Gallade can throw at them (RC) and can use most variants for setup fodder, except for Skill Swap variants if Mega Sableye is being used in Mega Sableye's case.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types such as stallbreaker Mew and Cresselia can easily heal off the damage from Knock Off (RC) and whittle Mega Gallade down or force it out.

**Ground-types**: Many Ground-types such as Gliscor, Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Hippowdon can easily check Mega Gallade if it is not running Ice Punch, and even then, Hippowdon can still stall it out with Slack Off. Landorus-T can also get chip damage off with U-turn while forcing Mega Gallade out with Intimidate, Gliscor can Toxic stall Mega Gallade, and Garchomp can come in and easily revenge kill Mega Gallade.



GP 1/2
 
Last edited:

AM

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Ok so an fyi to whoever reads this I changed up a bunch of stuff in the OP since QC was in the middle of discussing changes that we felt pertinent to Mega Gallade. I'm tagging The Dutch Plumberjack in case you want to just glance over it and make sure everything is ok before the GP is actually implemented or if you want to edit, might not be since I'm not fantastic at grammar.

To make it easier on whoever I changed Set, Moves, Set Details, Team Options, and Checks and Counters. Checks and Counters I just removed a section which was the ground type section since it became invalid with the current changes, added some fairies in the Fairy section since it was pretty bare and added Mega Alakazam in Revenge Killers.

I went ahead and just did this because it would take too long to go through all these changes and explaining them so there you have it.
 

Lumari

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Ok so an fyi to whoever reads this I changed up a bunch of stuff in the OP since QC was in the middle of discussing changes that we felt pertinent to Mega Gallade. I'm tagging The Dutch Plumberjack in case you want to just glance over it and make sure everything is ok before the GP is actually implemented or if you want to edit, might not be since I'm not fantastic at grammar.
yeah this still needs some work grammar-wise, gotta go somewhere now but will go over it in about two hours
 
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Lumari

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horyzhnz here you go
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[OVERVIEW]

Gallade's access to a Mega Evolution instantly places it makes it viable (or w/e, but it's BL now) in the OU tier, granting it a crucial Speed boost and a massive Attack increase, meshing that mesh (or 'and meshing' depending on what exactly is doing the meshing) well with its expansive movepool to make for a worthy addition to any offensive team. Mega Gallade's versatility is unparalleled, boasting great boosting moves such as Swords Dance and Bulk Up, as well as great utility options such as Will-O-Wisp and Skill Swap. Mega Gallade's all-round stats allow it to take some hits with its respectable bulk (RC) and still hit hard even without a boost. However, Mega Gallade sits at the crowded base 110 Speed tier, meaning that facing common Pokemon such as Gengar and the Lati twins requires it to take a gamble. Mega Gallade is also rather weak when not Mega-Evolved, (add hyphen cause adjectival sense) which can be problematic if the opponent is able to constantly apply pressure. In addition to this, Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye are almost perfect checks to Mega Gallade, and they are a common sight in the OU tier.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch / Close Combat
move 3: Ice Punch / Knock Off / Shadow Sneak
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
item: Galladite
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly / Adamant

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

Swords Dance is used to skyrocket Mega Gallade's Attack, making it even harder to switch into. Drain Punch is Mega Gallade's main STAB attack, providing it with both an offensive presence and longevity. Close Combat can be used for wall-breaking wallbreaking purposes, hitting insanely hard even without an Attack boost; (SC) however, (AC) this comes with the risk of opponents taking advantage of defense drops. Ice Punch gives Mega Gallade the ability to get past Garchomp, Gliscor, and Landorus-T more easily. Knock Off gives Mega Gallade decent coverage by hitting Psychic-types (RC) and is a good move to spam in general. Shadow Sneak improves Mega Gallade's matchup against offensive threats such as Starmie, Alakazam, and Mega Alakazam while not risking Speed ties with Gengar, Latios, and Latias. Zen Headbutt rounds off Mega Gallade's moveset with a strong STAB move to smack Fairies and threats such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo. Alternatively, if your team already has answers to the aforementioned these (too close in the text for 'aforementioned' to be appropriate imo) threats, Ice Punch can be used to hit Gliscor, Landorus-T, and most Flying-types that resist Close Combat, and (repeated information after the edits) Substitute can be used to capitalize on all the switches that Mega Gallade forces.

Set Details
========

The EV spread is standard for a physical attacker, with maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature allowing it Mega Gallade to maintain its great Speed tier, outspeeding outspeed the likes of Keldeo, Garchomp, and Landorus and Speed tying with common threats such as Latios, Latias, Gengar, and Mega Metagross. (merged this with the old mention of Jolly because that had become repeated information after the edits; tbqh I'm not sure how necessary the point about 'maintain its great Speed tier' still is, and plain 'allowing MGallade to outspeed X and Speed tie with Y' would look a tad cleaner imo, but up to you) Justified allows Mega Gallade to switch into weak or non-STAB Dark-type moves such as Knock Off and gain a free +1 Attack boost. A Jolly nature is needed to maintain Mega Gallade's great Speed tier and Speed tie with common threats such as the Lati twins, Gengar, and Mega Metagross. An Adamant nature can be used to increase Mega Gallade's wall-breaking wallbreaking potential, allowing it to OHKO or come close for nearly OHKO several bulky Pokemon after Stealth Rock damage and a Swords Dance boost, such as max maximum HP Mega Altaria and Magic Guard Clefable with Zen Headbutt and while Close Combat has a high chance to OHKO defensive Garchomp and defensive Skarmory with Close Combat after Stealth Rock and a Swords Dance boost. (required some restructuring for clarity) The loss of Speed, (AC) however, (AC) will have Pokemon such as Keldeo and Landorus outspeed you Mega Gallade.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Gallade's nice special bulk allows it to switch into weak special attacks, even before Mega Evolving. Either way, Gallade should be Mega Evolved as soon as possible to gain the crucial boosts, especially the to its Speed, (AC) boost which otherwise sits at a mediocre base 80. Swords Dance can be set up rather easily against defensive teams; against more offensive teams, Mega Gallade should just start attacking straight away. Physical Dark-type attacks will still hurt, so don't switch into strong Knock Offs recklessly for the Justified boost.

Team Options
========

A common core that can be used to good effect is a Bisharp + Mega Gallade core, as both members can easily remove their counterpart's checks. Heatran can slow down Unaware Clefable and provides a reliable Talonflame check while being able to set up Stealth Rock and providing a much-needed (add hyphen) Fairy resistance. Entry hazard setters such as Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Tyranitar work well to whittle down opponents, while also handling some of Mega Gallade's checks such as Talonflame, Gengar, and the Lati twins. Klefki and Ferrothorn can provide Spikes and Thunder Wave support for Mega Gallade to take advantage of mid- (add hyphen) to or late-game (add hyphen) for to sweep or to Mega Evolve more easily. Rotom-W and Landorus-T form a VoltTurn core which that can also potentially (redundant with 'can') lure in Pokemon which that Mega Gallade can take advantage of, such as Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, and Chesnaught. Teammates which that can beat or take advantage of Mega Gallade's biggest checks in Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye make great partners, including CM + MG Calm Mind + Magic Guard Clefable, Sylveon, Talonflame, Volcarona, and Gliscor. Dragalge and Tentacruel can use Toxic Spikes, which can rack up damage very quickly, (AC; leave this one out if you mean 'as' in the sense 'while', I took it to mean 'because', in which case it takes a comma by default) as Mega Gallade forces switches.

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

Mega Gallade's movepool contains many utility moves and usable options, most of which can be situationally useful. Taunt can be used to stallbreak or prevent an opponent from setting up for free, Skill Swap completely shuts down Mega Sableye, Bulk Up can be used in a more bulky set, Leaf Blade can be used to deal slightly more damage to Mega Slowbro, Will-O-Wisp can be used to catch common switch-ins such as Azumarill, and Destiny Bond can be used to let Mega Gallade try and to bring an opponent down with it.

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

**Fairy-types**: Fairies such as Azumarill, Whimsicott, Sylveon, Togekiss, and Clefable resist Close Combat and Knock Off, while being able to hit Mega Gallade super effectively.

**Priority and Revenge Killers**: Common priority moves can finish off a weakened Mega Gallade or outright OHKO it, as its Defense isn't too good. Talonflame and Mega Pinsir always has have a form of Flying-type priority, so these two are extremely dangerous to Mega Gallade. In addition to this, faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl, Tornadus-T, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Pidgeot can come in and revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye**: These two resist almost everything Mega Gallade can throw at them (RC) and can use most variants for setup fodder.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types such as stallbreaker Mew and Cresselia can easily heal off the damage from Knock Off (RC) and whittle Mega Gallade down or force it out. If Mega Gallade fails to set up a Swords Dance, Slowbro can slow it down through the use of Thunder Wave.


GP 1/2 redux
now I'm wondering if I should include this one in my total check count
 
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[OVERVIEW]

Gallade's access to a Mega Evolution instantly makes it viable in the OU tier, granting grants it a crucial Speed boost and a massive Attack increase that meshes well with its expansive movepool to make for a worthy addition to any offensive team. Mega Gallade's versatility is unparalleled, boasting great boosting moves such as Swords Dance and Bulk Up, as well as great utility options such as Will-O-Wisp and Skill Swap. Mega Gallade's all-round well-rounded stats allow it to take some hits with its respectable bulk and still hit hard even without a boost. However, Mega Gallade sits at the crowded base 110 Speed tier, meaning that facing common Pokemon such as Gengar, Latios, and Latias and the Lati twins requires it to take a gamble. Mega Gallade is also rather weak when not Mega-Evolved, which can be problematic if the opponent is able to constantly apply pressure. In addition to this, Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye are almost perfect checks to Mega Gallade, and they are a quite common sight in the OU tier.

[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch / Close Combat
move 3: Ice Punch / Knock Off / Shadow Sneak
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe


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

Swords Dance is used to skyrocket boost Mega Gallade's Attack, making it even harder to switch into. Drain Punch is Mega Gallade's main STAB attack, providing it with both offensive presence and longevity. Close Combat can be used for wallbreaking purposes, hitting insanely hard even without an Attack boost; however, this comes with the risk of opponents foes taking advantage of the defense drops. Ice Punch gives Mega Gallade the ability to get past Garchomp, Gliscor, and Landorus-T more easily. Knock Off gives Mega Gallade decent coverage by hitting Psychic-types and is a good move to spam in general. Shadow Sneak improves Mega Gallade's matchup against offensive threats such as Starmie, Alakazam, and Mega Alakazam while not risking Speed ties with Gengar, Latios, and Latias. Zen Headbutt rounds off Mega Gallade's moveset with a strong STAB move to smack Fairies Fairy-types and threats such as Mega Venusaur and Keldeo. Alternatively, if your team already has answers to these, Substitute can be used to capitalize on all the switches that Mega Gallade forces.

Set Details
========

The EV spread is standard for a physical attacker, with maximum Speed investment and a Jolly nature allowing Mega Gallade to maintain its great Speed tier, outspeeding the likes of Keldeo, Garchomp, and Landorus and Speed tying with Latios, Latias, Gengar, and Mega Metagross. Justified allows Mega Gallade to switch into weak or non-STAB Dark-type moves such as Knock Off and gain a free +1 Attack boost. An Adamant nature can be used to increase Mega Gallade's wallbreaking potential, allowing it to OHKO or nearly OHKO 2HKO several bulkier Pokemon such as maximum HP Mega Altaria and Magic Guard Clefable with Zen Headbutt and defensive Garchomp and defensive Skarmory after Stealth Rock with Close Combat. The loss of Speed, however, will allow Pokemon such as Keldeo and Landorus to outspeed Mega Gallade.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Gallade's nice special bulk allows it to switch into weak special attacks, (RC) even before Mega Evolving. Either way, Gallade should be Mega Evolved as soon as possible to gain the crucial stat boosts, especially to its Speed, (AC) which otherwise sits at a mediocre base 80. Swords Dance can be set up rather easily against defensive teams; against more offensive teams, Mega Gallade should just start attacking straight away. Physical Dark-type attacks will still hurt, so don't switch into strong Knock Offs users recklessly for the Justified boost.

Team Options
========

A common core that can be used to good effect is a Bisharp + Mega Gallade Bisharp and Mega Gallade form an excellent core, as both members can easily remove their counterpart's checks. Heatran can slow down Unaware Clefable and provides both a reliable Talonflame check and a much-needed Fairy resistance while being able to set up Stealth Rock and provide a much-needed Fairy resistance. Entry hazard setters such as Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, Garchomp, and Tyranitar work well to whittle down opponents, foes while also handling some of Mega Gallade's checks such as Talonflame, Gengar, Latios, and Latias and the Lati twins. Klefki and Ferrothorn can provide Spikes and Thunder Wave support for Mega Gallade to take advantage of mid- to late-game to sweep or to Mega Evolve more easily. Rotom-W and Landorus-T form a VoltTurn core that can also lure in Pokemon that Mega Gallade can take advantage of, such as Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, and Chesnaught. Teammates that can beat or take advantage of Mega Gallade's biggest checks in Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye make for great partners, including Calm Mind + Magic Guard Clefable, Sylveon, Talonflame, Volcarona, and Gliscor, and Calm Mind + Magic Guard Clefable (I think it sounds better when you move it here). Dragalge and Tentacruel can use Toxic Spikes, which can rack up damage very quickly as Mega Gallade forces switches.

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

Mega Gallade's movepool contains many utility moves and usable options, most of which can be situationally useful. Taunt can be used to stallbreak or prevent an opponent a foe from setting up for free, Skill Swap completely shuts down Mega Sableye, Bulk Up can be used in on a more bulky set, Leaf Blade can be used to deal slightly more damage to Mega Slowbro, Will-O-Wisp can be used to catch common switch-ins such as Azumarill, and Destiny Bond can be used to let Mega Gallade try to bring an opponent a foe down with it.

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

**Fairy-types**: Fairies such as Azumarill, Whimsicott, Sylveon, Togekiss, and Clefable resist Close Combat and Knock Off, (RC) while being able to hit Mega Gallade super effectively.

**Priority and Revenge Killers**: Common priority moves can finish off a weakened Mega Gallade or outright OHKO it, as its Defense isn't too good. Talonflame and Mega Pinsir always has have a form of Flying-type priority, so these two are extremely dangerous to Mega Gallade. In addition to this, faster Pokemon such as Mega Aerodactyl, Tornadus-T, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Pidgeot can come in and revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye**: These two Pokemon resist almost everything Mega Gallade can throw at them and can use most variants for as setup fodder.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types such as stallbreaker Mew and Cresselia and stallbreaker Mew can easily heal off the damage from Knock Off and whittle Mega Gallade down or force it out. If Mega Gallade fails to set up a Swords Dance, Slowbro can slow it down through the use of with Thunder Wave.

GP 2/2
 
Last edited:
I know there is an impending GP 2/2, but shouldn't it be changed to he/him? Gallade can only be male, after all.
 

Lumari

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I know there is an impending GP 2/2, but shouldn't it be changed to he/him? Gallade can only be male, after all.
It's generally better to stick to genderless pronouns (cause we pretty much refer to the Pokemon as species as opposed to gendered characters); you're right in that male pronouns would probably be acceptable in Gallade's case, but it's up to the author's discretion, and he preferred genderless pronouns, so who are we to argue :)
(additionally, if you're using gendered pronouns just for Gallade and sticking to genderless pronouns for everything else, the relative pronouns and the like are gonna be confusing as heck, so I'd advise against it anyway)
 

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