Taken over from boltsandbombers from here
QC: AM / TDK / Steve Angello
GP: Snobalt / P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gyarados's access to Crunch in combination with its ferocious Attack stat and acceptable Speed stat makes it a considerably more threatening Dragon Dance sweeper that is capable of taking huge chunks out of opposing teams. Gyarados has phenomenal bulk for an offensive Pokemon and retains critical resistances and immunities in both its Mega and non-Mega formes. Its typing, combined with Intimidate, allows Gyarados to excel not only as an offensive sweeper but also as a supportive defensive wall, checking multiple threats such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona. Gyarados also has decent coverage throughout its limited but helpful movepool, although it generally has a hard time fitting all it needs onto a single set. Furthermore, having Mold Breaker in its Mega forme allows Mega Gyarados to break through certain abilities, such as Unaware, Sturdy, Magic Bounce, and Water Absorb.
However, both Gyarados's base forme and Mega forme are prone to residual damage, especially Stealth Rock, and its lack of reliable recovery means that this damage will be present throughout the battle. Gyarados's Speed, while not unsalvageable, is also quite mediocre in a metagame full of speedy offensive threats, meaning that even after a Dragon Dance, there will still be certain Pokemon that outspeed Gyarados.
[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Waterfall / Earthquake
move 4: Ice Fang / Substitute / Earthquake
item: Gyaradosite
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance boosts both Gyarados's Attack and Speed stats to formidable levels, allowing it to outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame bar Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Alakazam, as well as Mega Manectric, Mega Beedrill, and Mega Lopunny if Gyarados is running an Adamant nature. Crunch is a powerful STAB move that deals immense damage after an Attack boost, also hitting bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Jirachi, Slowbro, Celebi, and Latias. Waterfall is a strong secondary STAB attack that not only has a chance to make the foe flinch but also deals heavy damage to Fire-, Fairy- and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Heatran, Clefable, Sylveon, and Conkleldurr. Ice Fang is one of Gyarados's best coverage options, hitting bulky Grass- and Dragon-type Pokemon such as Breloom, Chesnaught, Mega Altaria, and Garchomp. Substitute sacrifices a slight amount of Gyarados's HP and not only allows it to avoid status ailments and Leech Seed from Pokemon such as Mew, Mega Sableye, and Amoonguss but also makes it harder for foes to revenge kill it. Earthquake is an option over Waterfall or Substitute that targets Keldeo as well as Rotom-W thanks to Mold Breaker. Alternatively, Taunt is an option to prevent defensive Pokemon such as Mega Sableye, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn from using recovery, status-inducing moves, or Leech Seed. Keep in mind that these coverage moves are highly interchangeable and can be easily altered to benefit the team's specific needs.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment allows Mega Gyarados to hit astonishingly hard with its moves thanks to its massive Attack stat. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Mega Gyarados to outspeed Dragonite without a boost and Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Beedrill after a boost. An Adamant nature is a secondary option to hit slightly harder, but this is usually an inferior option as Gyarados is then unable to outspeed those Pokemon, some of which are common in the current metagame. Gyaradosite allows Gyarados to Mega Evolve, while Intimidate slightly softens up physical attacks before Gyarados Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
Finding the appropriate time to Mega Evolve Gyarados is critical. Keeping Gyarados's Flying typing, as well as keeping Intimidate, allows it to check Pokemon such as Excadrill, Keldeo, and Conkeldurr much more easily than Mega Gyarados can. The timing of setting up a Dragon Dance is relevant as well, as due to Gyarados's fantastic bulk, it easily sets up on a large amount of the metagame, including Hippowdon, Gliscor, Bisharp, Starmie lacking Thunderbolt, and Victini locked into V-create. However, Gyarados's checks and counters, such as Keldeo and Azumarill, first have to be substantially weakened or outright KOed, as Gyarados will fall victim to them if it attempts to set up at the incorrect time.
Team Options
========
Healing Wish support from Pokemon such as Jirachi, Latias, and Celebi helps Gyarados due to how quickly it gets worn down from potential residual damage from Stealth Rock, Iron Barbs, and status conditions. Furthermore, entry hazard removal is also crucial, as taking 25% damage upon entry harshly cuts into Gyarados's longevity. Latias fulfills both roles, while Excadrill can pressure Klefki and Electric-type Pokemon. Dragalge can support Gyarados by setting up Toxic Spikes to quickly wear down Pokemon that Gyarados might have issues against, checking Chesnaught and Keldeo decently and severely damaging Ferrothorn with Hidden Power Fire. Azumarill checks Keldeo while also surprising Ferrothorn with Superpower, meaning Gyarados doesn't have to attack Ferrothorn as often and thus takes less residual damage from Iron Barbs. Kyurem-B pressures a considerable number of Gyarados's checks such as Skarmory, Rotom-W, and Chesnaught, safely lures in Ferrothorn and KOs it with Hidden Power Fire, and can cripple Clefable with Iron Head on the predicted switch.
[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Bounce
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 88 HP / 220 Atk / 4 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance raises Gyarados's already high Attack to immense levels while also increasing Gyarados's mediocre Speed stat. Bounce is a two-turn STAB attack that hits Fighting-, Bug-, and Grass-type Pokemon for super effective damage, gives Gyarados an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, and also has a chance to paralyze the opposing Pokemon. Waterfall is Gyarados's solid secondary STAB option, boasting decent power and hitting Rock-, Fire-, and Ground-type Pokemon while also forming a handy paraflinch combination with Bounce. Substitute sacrifices a slight amount of Gyarados's HP and allows it to bypass status conditions from the likes of Mega Sableye, Rotom-W, Mew, Gliscor, Heatran, and Amoonguss. In addition, Substitute allows Gyarados to avoid Leech Seed from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, preventing it from taking residual damage.
Set Details
========
The given HP and Defense EVs prevent Gyarados's Substitute from being broken by a burned Ferrothorn's Power Whip, allowing easier setup against it. The remaining EVs are implemented to maximize Gyarados's high Attack and Speed, allowing Gyarados to outspeed Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric at +1 and KOing Choice Scarf Tyranitar at +1 Attack. Leftovers gives Gyarados important passive recovery each turn, slightly alleviating residual damage, especially from Stealth Rock, Rocky Helmet, and Iron Barbs. Intimidate allows Gyarados to lighten the damage taken from physical attacks, especially from Pokemon such as Excadrill, Talonflame, and Landorus-T.
Usage Tips
========
The most appropriate time to set up Gyarados's Substitute is when anticipating an opposing Pokemon such as Mew, Clefable, or Mega Sableye to attempt to inflict status conditions onto Gyarados. Similarly, both Substitute and Dragon Dance are best used on Pokemon that Gyarados can comfortably force out with its dual STAB moves, including Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Jirachi, Excadrill, and Talonflame. Keep in mind that Bounce can give Gyarados an extra turn of Leftovers recovery if needed, potentially saving it from an attack that could KO it without the slight recovery.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal gives Gyarados much more accessible setup opportunities, as it will no longer lose a nasty 25% of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Thus, Gyarados appreciates Pokemon such as Excadrill, Latios, and Latias which can clear entry hazards using Rapid Spin or Defog. Starmie can not only use Rapid Spin but severely damages Rotom-W as well as lure in Ferrothorn and hits it with Hidden Power Fire so Gyarados will not be forced to take as much residual damage from Iron Barbs. Healing Wish support from Pokemon including Celebi, Latias, and Jirachi not only restores Gyarados's HP and cures its possible status conditions, but it also gives Gyarados a second chance to sweep teams thanks to full recovery. As a result of Gyarados's inability to break through specific defensive Pokemon, such as Unaware Clefable and, to a lesser extent, Quagsire, Pokemon that can pressure said Pokemon, such as Mega Venusaur, Power Herb Solar Beam Heatran, and Dragalge make superb teammates. Bulky Ground-types such as Excadrill, Hippowdon, and Garchomp share considerably strong type synergy, patching up Gyarados's weaknesses to Electric- and Rock-type attacks. Landorus-T also lures in bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Rotom-W and Slowbro and cripples them with Explosion and the rare Toxic. Wallbreakers that can tear apart defensive cores that Gyarados might have issues with can support it before an attempted sweep; examples include Kyurem-B, Dragalge, and Azumarill.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Thunder Wave / Roar / Dragon Tail
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Waterfall is a decently powerful STAB attack that still hits rather hard uninvested thanks to Gyarados's fantastic Attack stat, and it damages the Pokemon that Gyarados checks such as Volcarona and Heatran. Alternatively, Scald cripples switch-ins with a possible burn, although it is significantly weaker than Waterfall. Scald, however, should not be used with Dragon Tail, due to conflicting natures, and Thunder Wave, as the chip damage from burns helps wear down targets faster. Thunder Wave cripples fast attackers such as Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard X, Latios, and Mega Lopunny. Roar can phaze setup sweepers such as Keldeo, Mega Charizard X, and opposing Gyarados. Dragon Tail accumulates chip damage, although not only are Fairy-types immune to it, but it also makes physical contact, meaning Gyarados has the potential to take unwanted residual damage from Rocky Helmet, Iron Barbs, and Rough Skin. Rest puts Gyarados to sleep for two turns but allows it to heal any damage taken while also curing any status conditions. Sleep Talk prevents Gyarados from being setup fodder when facing Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X and Talonflame.
Set Details
========
Full investment into Gyarados's HP gives it as much bulk as possible, while 104 Defense EVs allow Gyarados to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt after Stealth Rock damage, factoring in Intimidate. This allows Gyarados to cripple it with Thunder Wave or heal off the damage taken with Rest. The remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense, allowing it to take hits more effectively from the likes of Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Volcarona. Leftovers gives Gyarados passive recovery each turn, slightly alleviating any damage taken throughout the battle, especially from residual damage.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to the large amount of investment into Special Defense, Gyarados acts as an excellent pivot into a variety of special attackers such as Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Volcarona. Furthermore, thanks to Intimidate, Gyarados acts as a decent check to a vast number of physically attacking Pokemon such as Mega Metagross lacking Thunder Punch, Scizor, Talonflame, Conkeldurr, and Mamoswine lacking Freeze-Dry. The usages of both Rest and Sleep Talk are both fairly straightforward. Rest allows Gyarados to completely heal itself, while Sleep Talk should only be used during the turns that Gyarados remains asleep. These two moves not only allow Gyarados to have some form of recovery but also allow it to act as a fantastic status absorber.
Team Options
========
Bulky Ground-type Pokemon can easily switch into Electric- and Rock-type attacks that Gyarados is generally forced to switch out of. Good examples include Hippowdon, Excadrill, and Garchomp, all of which can also provide Stealth Rock support to accumulate chip damage on opposing Pokemon. Spikes and Toxic Spikes support helps rack up a considerable amount of damage thanks to Gyarados's phazing. Ferrothorn, which shares fantastic defensive type synergy with Gyarados and can also provide Stealth Rock support, and Chesnaught, which handles Bisharp even after the possible Defiant boost from Gyarados's Intimidate, work fantastically in that role. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Tentacruel, Excadrill, and Zapdos helps keep Gyarados healthy, as taking 25% damage from each switch into Stealth Rock drastically reduces Gyarados's time on the field or forces it to Rest early. Bulky Grass-type Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, Chesnaught, and Celebi make for excellent teammates, as the majority of them share fantastic type synergy with Gyarados.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An offensive Dragon Dance set with three attacks and a Lum Berry is an option, trading bulk for stronger offensive presence. Natural Gift with a Liechi Berry provides a 100 Base Power Grass-type attack that deals massive damage to bulky Water-types such as Rotom-W, Azumarill, and Slowbro while also having the potential to raise Gyarados's Attack by one stage when Gyarados is at low health. Cheri Berry not only cures paralysis from Pokemon such as Thundurus and Klefki once but also gives Gyarados a powerful Fire-type attack for Steel-types such as Scizor and Ferrothorn. Stone Edge hits Kyurem-B and Zapdos considerably harder than any other move. Life Orb breaks down physical walls such as Skarmory much more effectively, although the lack of Lum Berry or Leftovers and the residual damage from Life Orb hurt Gyarados's longevity on the field. Bounce on Mega Gyarados helps defeat Keldeo and Mega Venusaur more easily before it Mega Evolves while allowing it to fake its set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-type Pokemon such as Chesnaught and Keldeo can revenge kill Gyarados, particularly when it has Mega Evolved, with their respective STAB attacks. Breloom and Conkeldurr both can ignore potential Speed boosts and deal a hefty amount of damage with Mach Punch, while Gyarados needs prior damage to be able to KO them back.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus can revenge kill an unboosted Gyarados, with the last being able to ignore any Speed boosts and potentially paralyze Gyarados with Prankster Thunder Wave, leaving Gyarados open to revenge killing.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Skarmory, which has the potential to phaze Gyarados with Whirlwind or deal a massive amount of damage with Counter, Chesnaught, and bulky Garchomp all handle the majority Gyarados's STAB attacks with relative ease.
**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers such as Talonflame, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, and Mach Punch users all have the possibility to beat Gyarados even after a Dragon Dance boost.
**Status Conditions**: Priority Thunder Wave from Klefki and Thundurus severely hinders Gyarados for the rest of the battle, while burn chips away at its health and halves its Attack.
**Residual Damage**: Due to Gyarados's lack of recovery, forms of residual damage such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, Rocky Helmet, and Iron Barbs quickly wear it down. Ferrothorn in particular takes minimal damage from Gyarados's attacks and can wear it down very quickly with the combination of Leech Seed and Iron Barbs.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-type Pokemon, particularly Mega Altaria, which only fears Ice Fang, Unaware Clefable, and Azumarill, take both of Mega Gyarados's STAB attacks with relative ease, although they take a hefty chunk of damage from Bounce.
QC: AM / TDK / Steve Angello
GP: Snobalt / P Squared
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gyarados's access to Crunch in combination with its ferocious Attack stat and acceptable Speed stat makes it a considerably more threatening Dragon Dance sweeper that is capable of taking huge chunks out of opposing teams. Gyarados has phenomenal bulk for an offensive Pokemon and retains critical resistances and immunities in both its Mega and non-Mega formes. Its typing, combined with Intimidate, allows Gyarados to excel not only as an offensive sweeper but also as a supportive defensive wall, checking multiple threats such as Mega Charizard Y and Volcarona. Gyarados also has decent coverage throughout its limited but helpful movepool, although it generally has a hard time fitting all it needs onto a single set. Furthermore, having Mold Breaker in its Mega forme allows Mega Gyarados to break through certain abilities, such as Unaware, Sturdy, Magic Bounce, and Water Absorb.
However, both Gyarados's base forme and Mega forme are prone to residual damage, especially Stealth Rock, and its lack of reliable recovery means that this damage will be present throughout the battle. Gyarados's Speed, while not unsalvageable, is also quite mediocre in a metagame full of speedy offensive threats, meaning that even after a Dragon Dance, there will still be certain Pokemon that outspeed Gyarados.
[SET]
name: Offensive Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Crunch
move 3: Waterfall / Earthquake
move 4: Ice Fang / Substitute / Earthquake
item: Gyaradosite
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance boosts both Gyarados's Attack and Speed stats to formidable levels, allowing it to outspeed the majority of the unboosted metagame bar Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Alakazam, as well as Mega Manectric, Mega Beedrill, and Mega Lopunny if Gyarados is running an Adamant nature. Crunch is a powerful STAB move that deals immense damage after an Attack boost, also hitting bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Jirachi, Slowbro, Celebi, and Latias. Waterfall is a strong secondary STAB attack that not only has a chance to make the foe flinch but also deals heavy damage to Fire-, Fairy- and Fighting-type Pokemon such as Heatran, Clefable, Sylveon, and Conkleldurr. Ice Fang is one of Gyarados's best coverage options, hitting bulky Grass- and Dragon-type Pokemon such as Breloom, Chesnaught, Mega Altaria, and Garchomp. Substitute sacrifices a slight amount of Gyarados's HP and not only allows it to avoid status ailments and Leech Seed from Pokemon such as Mew, Mega Sableye, and Amoonguss but also makes it harder for foes to revenge kill it. Earthquake is an option over Waterfall or Substitute that targets Keldeo as well as Rotom-W thanks to Mold Breaker. Alternatively, Taunt is an option to prevent defensive Pokemon such as Mega Sableye, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn from using recovery, status-inducing moves, or Leech Seed. Keep in mind that these coverage moves are highly interchangeable and can be easily altered to benefit the team's specific needs.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack investment allows Mega Gyarados to hit astonishingly hard with its moves thanks to its massive Attack stat. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Mega Gyarados to outspeed Dragonite without a boost and Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, Mega Sceptile, and Mega Beedrill after a boost. An Adamant nature is a secondary option to hit slightly harder, but this is usually an inferior option as Gyarados is then unable to outspeed those Pokemon, some of which are common in the current metagame. Gyaradosite allows Gyarados to Mega Evolve, while Intimidate slightly softens up physical attacks before Gyarados Mega Evolves.
Usage Tips
========
Finding the appropriate time to Mega Evolve Gyarados is critical. Keeping Gyarados's Flying typing, as well as keeping Intimidate, allows it to check Pokemon such as Excadrill, Keldeo, and Conkeldurr much more easily than Mega Gyarados can. The timing of setting up a Dragon Dance is relevant as well, as due to Gyarados's fantastic bulk, it easily sets up on a large amount of the metagame, including Hippowdon, Gliscor, Bisharp, Starmie lacking Thunderbolt, and Victini locked into V-create. However, Gyarados's checks and counters, such as Keldeo and Azumarill, first have to be substantially weakened or outright KOed, as Gyarados will fall victim to them if it attempts to set up at the incorrect time.
Team Options
========
Healing Wish support from Pokemon such as Jirachi, Latias, and Celebi helps Gyarados due to how quickly it gets worn down from potential residual damage from Stealth Rock, Iron Barbs, and status conditions. Furthermore, entry hazard removal is also crucial, as taking 25% damage upon entry harshly cuts into Gyarados's longevity. Latias fulfills both roles, while Excadrill can pressure Klefki and Electric-type Pokemon. Dragalge can support Gyarados by setting up Toxic Spikes to quickly wear down Pokemon that Gyarados might have issues against, checking Chesnaught and Keldeo decently and severely damaging Ferrothorn with Hidden Power Fire. Azumarill checks Keldeo while also surprising Ferrothorn with Superpower, meaning Gyarados doesn't have to attack Ferrothorn as often and thus takes less residual damage from Iron Barbs. Kyurem-B pressures a considerable number of Gyarados's checks such as Skarmory, Rotom-W, and Chesnaught, safely lures in Ferrothorn and KOs it with Hidden Power Fire, and can cripple Clefable with Iron Head on the predicted switch.
[SET]
name: Bulky Dragon Dance
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Bounce
move 3: Waterfall
move 4: Substitute
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 88 HP / 220 Atk / 4 Def / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Dragon Dance raises Gyarados's already high Attack to immense levels while also increasing Gyarados's mediocre Speed stat. Bounce is a two-turn STAB attack that hits Fighting-, Bug-, and Grass-type Pokemon for super effective damage, gives Gyarados an extra turn of Leftovers recovery, and also has a chance to paralyze the opposing Pokemon. Waterfall is Gyarados's solid secondary STAB option, boasting decent power and hitting Rock-, Fire-, and Ground-type Pokemon while also forming a handy paraflinch combination with Bounce. Substitute sacrifices a slight amount of Gyarados's HP and allows it to bypass status conditions from the likes of Mega Sableye, Rotom-W, Mew, Gliscor, Heatran, and Amoonguss. In addition, Substitute allows Gyarados to avoid Leech Seed from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Mega Venusaur, preventing it from taking residual damage.
Set Details
========
The given HP and Defense EVs prevent Gyarados's Substitute from being broken by a burned Ferrothorn's Power Whip, allowing easier setup against it. The remaining EVs are implemented to maximize Gyarados's high Attack and Speed, allowing Gyarados to outspeed Mega Lopunny and Mega Manectric at +1 and KOing Choice Scarf Tyranitar at +1 Attack. Leftovers gives Gyarados important passive recovery each turn, slightly alleviating residual damage, especially from Stealth Rock, Rocky Helmet, and Iron Barbs. Intimidate allows Gyarados to lighten the damage taken from physical attacks, especially from Pokemon such as Excadrill, Talonflame, and Landorus-T.
Usage Tips
========
The most appropriate time to set up Gyarados's Substitute is when anticipating an opposing Pokemon such as Mew, Clefable, or Mega Sableye to attempt to inflict status conditions onto Gyarados. Similarly, both Substitute and Dragon Dance are best used on Pokemon that Gyarados can comfortably force out with its dual STAB moves, including Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Jirachi, Excadrill, and Talonflame. Keep in mind that Bounce can give Gyarados an extra turn of Leftovers recovery if needed, potentially saving it from an attack that could KO it without the slight recovery.
Team Options
========
Entry hazard removal gives Gyarados much more accessible setup opportunities, as it will no longer lose a nasty 25% of its health upon switching into Stealth Rock. Thus, Gyarados appreciates Pokemon such as Excadrill, Latios, and Latias which can clear entry hazards using Rapid Spin or Defog. Starmie can not only use Rapid Spin but severely damages Rotom-W as well as lure in Ferrothorn and hits it with Hidden Power Fire so Gyarados will not be forced to take as much residual damage from Iron Barbs. Healing Wish support from Pokemon including Celebi, Latias, and Jirachi not only restores Gyarados's HP and cures its possible status conditions, but it also gives Gyarados a second chance to sweep teams thanks to full recovery. As a result of Gyarados's inability to break through specific defensive Pokemon, such as Unaware Clefable and, to a lesser extent, Quagsire, Pokemon that can pressure said Pokemon, such as Mega Venusaur, Power Herb Solar Beam Heatran, and Dragalge make superb teammates. Bulky Ground-types such as Excadrill, Hippowdon, and Garchomp share considerably strong type synergy, patching up Gyarados's weaknesses to Electric- and Rock-type attacks. Landorus-T also lures in bulky Water-type Pokemon such as Rotom-W and Slowbro and cripples them with Explosion and the rare Toxic. Wallbreakers that can tear apart defensive cores that Gyarados might have issues with can support it before an attempted sweep; examples include Kyurem-B, Dragalge, and Azumarill.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Waterfall
move 2: Thunder Wave / Roar / Dragon Tail
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Leftovers
ability: Intimidate
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Waterfall is a decently powerful STAB attack that still hits rather hard uninvested thanks to Gyarados's fantastic Attack stat, and it damages the Pokemon that Gyarados checks such as Volcarona and Heatran. Alternatively, Scald cripples switch-ins with a possible burn, although it is significantly weaker than Waterfall. Scald, however, should not be used with Dragon Tail, due to conflicting natures, and Thunder Wave, as the chip damage from burns helps wear down targets faster. Thunder Wave cripples fast attackers such as Mega Metagross, Mega Charizard X, Latios, and Mega Lopunny. Roar can phaze setup sweepers such as Keldeo, Mega Charizard X, and opposing Gyarados. Dragon Tail accumulates chip damage, although not only are Fairy-types immune to it, but it also makes physical contact, meaning Gyarados has the potential to take unwanted residual damage from Rocky Helmet, Iron Barbs, and Rough Skin. Rest puts Gyarados to sleep for two turns but allows it to heal any damage taken while also curing any status conditions. Sleep Talk prevents Gyarados from being setup fodder when facing Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X and Talonflame.
Set Details
========
Full investment into Gyarados's HP gives it as much bulk as possible, while 104 Defense EVs allow Gyarados to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt after Stealth Rock damage, factoring in Intimidate. This allows Gyarados to cripple it with Thunder Wave or heal off the damage taken with Rest. The remaining EVs are placed into Special Defense, allowing it to take hits more effectively from the likes of Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Volcarona. Leftovers gives Gyarados passive recovery each turn, slightly alleviating any damage taken throughout the battle, especially from residual damage.
Usage Tips
========
Thanks to the large amount of investment into Special Defense, Gyarados acts as an excellent pivot into a variety of special attackers such as Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Volcarona. Furthermore, thanks to Intimidate, Gyarados acts as a decent check to a vast number of physically attacking Pokemon such as Mega Metagross lacking Thunder Punch, Scizor, Talonflame, Conkeldurr, and Mamoswine lacking Freeze-Dry. The usages of both Rest and Sleep Talk are both fairly straightforward. Rest allows Gyarados to completely heal itself, while Sleep Talk should only be used during the turns that Gyarados remains asleep. These two moves not only allow Gyarados to have some form of recovery but also allow it to act as a fantastic status absorber.
Team Options
========
Bulky Ground-type Pokemon can easily switch into Electric- and Rock-type attacks that Gyarados is generally forced to switch out of. Good examples include Hippowdon, Excadrill, and Garchomp, all of which can also provide Stealth Rock support to accumulate chip damage on opposing Pokemon. Spikes and Toxic Spikes support helps rack up a considerable amount of damage thanks to Gyarados's phazing. Ferrothorn, which shares fantastic defensive type synergy with Gyarados and can also provide Stealth Rock support, and Chesnaught, which handles Bisharp even after the possible Defiant boost from Gyarados's Intimidate, work fantastically in that role. Entry hazard removal from Pokemon such as Tentacruel, Excadrill, and Zapdos helps keep Gyarados healthy, as taking 25% damage from each switch into Stealth Rock drastically reduces Gyarados's time on the field or forces it to Rest early. Bulky Grass-type Pokemon such as Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, Chesnaught, and Celebi make for excellent teammates, as the majority of them share fantastic type synergy with Gyarados.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An offensive Dragon Dance set with three attacks and a Lum Berry is an option, trading bulk for stronger offensive presence. Natural Gift with a Liechi Berry provides a 100 Base Power Grass-type attack that deals massive damage to bulky Water-types such as Rotom-W, Azumarill, and Slowbro while also having the potential to raise Gyarados's Attack by one stage when Gyarados is at low health. Cheri Berry not only cures paralysis from Pokemon such as Thundurus and Klefki once but also gives Gyarados a powerful Fire-type attack for Steel-types such as Scizor and Ferrothorn. Stone Edge hits Kyurem-B and Zapdos considerably harder than any other move. Life Orb breaks down physical walls such as Skarmory much more effectively, although the lack of Lum Berry or Leftovers and the residual damage from Life Orb hurt Gyarados's longevity on the field. Bounce on Mega Gyarados helps defeat Keldeo and Mega Venusaur more easily before it Mega Evolves while allowing it to fake its set.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-types**: Fighting-type Pokemon such as Chesnaught and Keldeo can revenge kill Gyarados, particularly when it has Mega Evolved, with their respective STAB attacks. Breloom and Conkeldurr both can ignore potential Speed boosts and deal a hefty amount of damage with Mach Punch, while Gyarados needs prior damage to be able to KO them back.
**Electric-types**: Electric-types such as Mega Manectric, Raikou, and Thundurus can revenge kill an unboosted Gyarados, with the last being able to ignore any Speed boosts and potentially paralyze Gyarados with Prankster Thunder Wave, leaving Gyarados open to revenge killing.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon such as Skarmory, which has the potential to phaze Gyarados with Whirlwind or deal a massive amount of damage with Counter, Chesnaught, and bulky Garchomp all handle the majority Gyarados's STAB attacks with relative ease.
**Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers such as Talonflame, Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, and Mach Punch users all have the possibility to beat Gyarados even after a Dragon Dance boost.
**Status Conditions**: Priority Thunder Wave from Klefki and Thundurus severely hinders Gyarados for the rest of the battle, while burn chips away at its health and halves its Attack.
**Residual Damage**: Due to Gyarados's lack of recovery, forms of residual damage such as Stealth Rock, Spikes, Rocky Helmet, and Iron Barbs quickly wear it down. Ferrothorn in particular takes minimal damage from Gyarados's attacks and can wear it down very quickly with the combination of Leech Seed and Iron Barbs.
**Fairy-types**: Fairy-type Pokemon, particularly Mega Altaria, which only fears Ice Fang, Unaware Clefable, and Azumarill, take both of Mega Gyarados's STAB attacks with relative ease, although they take a hefty chunk of damage from Bounce.
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