add (Capitalize)
(comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
[OVERVIEW]
Gallade's access to a Mega Evolution instantlyplaces 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, especiallythe 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 corewhich 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 tryand 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 alwayshas 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 variantsif 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.
Gallade's access to a Mega Evolution instantly
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Knock Off
move 4: Zen Headbutt
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
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
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
[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
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
**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
**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
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