I'm copy + pasting 6tennis 's analysis. I'm not gonna be changing prose too much here, since this is still "his" analysis, I'm just implementing the last stuff QC (aka me lol) told him to since he doesn't have time, and am gonna put this through QC one time so GP can check it. I'll only significantly change prose if asked to.
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Heracross has the highest base Attack stat in Battle Spot Singles. Couple that with its exceptional ability in Skill Link, making all its multi-hit moves hit 5 times, and its access to moves that take advantage of this ability, and you can see why Mega Heracross is one of the best wallbreakers in the metagame. Its coverage moves, including Pin Missile, Close Combat, Rock Blast, Bullet Seed, and Earthquake, are perfect for taking down the most common physical walls in Battle Spot, namely Cresselia, Suicune, and Zapdos. Aside from Mega Heracross's offensive capabilities, its good bulk before and after Mega Evolving allows Mega Heracross to take a few hits, and its defensive typing means it resists common types, such as Ground and Fighting, giving it a good matchup against Pokemon like Mamoswine and Lucario. This Bug / Fighting typing also gives Mega Heracross a resistance to Dark, giving it an edge against Swagger + Foul Play users.
Despite all this, though, Mega Heracross still has trouble beating a number of common offensive Pokemon. Heracross's low Speed and even lower Speed when Mega Evolved means that Heracross is outsped by a great number of the offensive threats. On top of that, while its defensive typing gives Heracross some good resistances, this typing also leaves Heracross weak to some very common attacking types, such as Fire and Flying, which means immense pressure is put on it from Blaziken and Talonflame.
[SET]
Name: All-Out Attacker
Move 1: Pin Missile
Move 2: Rock Blast
Move 3: Close Combat / Earthquake
Move 4: Bullet Seed / Earthquake
Item: Heracronite
Ability: Guts
Nature: Adamant / Jolly
EVs: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpDef / 92 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pin Missile reaches an effective Base Power of 125 with Skill Link. Its primary targets are Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Slowbro, as well as Grass-types such as Serperior. An added perk is that Pin Missile can break Focus Sashes and Substitutes and avoid Rocky Helmet damage. Rock Blast is another move affected by Skill Link and is Mega Heracross's best option for hitting the Flying-types that it otherwise has trouble with, such as Thundurus, Dragonite, Zapdos, Gyarados, and predicted Talonflame and Mega Salamence switch-ins. Close Combat hits Steel- and Normal-types, such as Mega Kangaskhan, Porygon2, and Heatran, for super effective damage. Bullet Seed 2HKOes Suicune, Hippowdon, and defensive Rotom-W, and OHKOes Mamoswine and offensive Rotom-W. However, if Aegislash is a problem for your team, consider Earthquake instead of one of the last two moves to 2HKO it. As a bonus, Earthquake also guarantees a OHKO on maximum HP Mega Gengar. However, since Mega Heracross can only afford to give up Close Combat or Bullet Seed, choosing this alternative will come at the cost of coverage, and Close Combat and Bullet Seed hit a wider variety of threats harder than Earthquake in general.
Set Details
========
Heracronite gives Heracross great offensive stats and an amazing ability. Before Mega Evolution, however, Guts can be used to absorb status moves so that Heracross isn't crippled by burns and paralysis. A spread of 156 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpDef / 92 Spe ensures that Mega Heracross takes less residual damage and outspeeds Cresselia.
However, if Heracross doesn't need much bulk, consider a Jolly nature with a spread of 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe. This allows Mega Heracross to outspeed the important targets Jolly Breloom and Adamant Dragonite, both of which hate multi-hit moves due to Focus Sash and Multiscale respectively. Because of this, Mega Heracross is actually a decent lead, as before Mega Evolving, Heracross outspeeds Mamoswine, meaning that Heracross can defeat two very popular Focus Sash leads. This offensive spread also allows Heracross to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan before both Mega Evolve, potentially leading to a surprise KO.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Heracross functions as a good lead, because it has very few solid switch-ins. You can make use of its resistances very easily. Heracross can come in on a resisted hit, particularly Earthquake or Mach Punch, or a free switch, giving Heracross the opportunity to Mega Evolve and wreak havoc. While the best idea usually is to Mega Evolve as soon as possible for the extra bulk and power, there are a few instances where Heraross should stay unevolved. Heracross is a bit faster before it Mega Evolves, allowing it to outspeed certain threats such as Mamoswine. Also, if Heracross gets burned, it will deal more damage in its base forme than when Mega Evolved thanks to Guts. If you are using Heracross with a Healing Wish or Lunar Dance user, feel free to be more reckless with Mega Evolving, as these moves will remove burns from Mega Heracross.
Since most physical and special walls have a low damage output, Heracross can very easily switch into them, provided Heracross can take out that wall with coverage moves. Slowbro and Suicune are prime examples, because prior to Heracross Mega Evolving, it can switch into Scald without any fear of being KOed or burned. Speed control such as paralysis and Trick Room is a godsend for Mega Heracross because speed control allows Mega Heracross to beat common offensive threats that would otherwise counter it. You might want to consider benching Heracross if the Team Preview shows many of Mega Heracross's offensive checks, such as Talonflame, Blaziken, and Mega Salamence, especially since these Pokemon are common leads.
Team Options
========
Cresselia can sponge most powerful hits for Heracross and provide it with Trick Room, Thunder Wave, and Lunar Dance support. Cersselia can also serve as a check to a lot of Pokemon that are faster than Heracross, such as Blaziken, Mega Salamence, and Kangaskhan. Porygon2 is another reliable user of Thunder Wave and Trick Room, and unlike Cresselia, offensive variants deal with special attacking Aegislash fairly well. Heatran can cover Heracross's weaknesses effectively and Heracross can break through special walls that Heatran can't get past, such as Chansey. Heatran also beats Talonflame and Aegislash reliably, which is a huge benefit for Heracross. Answers to Fire- and Flying- types in general really help out Heracross, as they can switch in on almost all of Heracross's attacks other than Rock Blast. Examples of these kinds of Pokemon include Rotom-W, Zapdos, and Tyranitar. Thundurus deserves a special mention here, as it can not only beat Flying-types easily, but also spread paralysis throughout the opposing team. Raikou deals with Flying-types well and can set up with Calm Mind, while Mega Heracross deals with Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, Mamoswine, and Chansey for Raikou. Landorus-T serves as a blanket check to a lot of the common Pokemon that threaten Heracross, such as physical Blaziken, Talonflame, and sometimes Mega Kangaskhan, and can provide Heracross with U-turn support, an effective way to switch in Heracross safely. In addition, Landorus-T has Intimidate, which can force a lot of switches and provide Heracross with great support. Talonflame makes for a good partner as well, taking care of Blaziken and Volcarona, and defeating weakened Pokemon in general. Greninja is a good choice to provide Mega Heracross with additional coverage that can hit common threats super effectively, such as Garchomp and Gengar. A Mega Gengar of your own is a great back up Mega Evolution, since it can use Destiny Bond to trap and KO Mega Mawile and Aegislash. Focus Sash Gengar works too if you want to use it with Mega Heracross or other Mega Evolutions, and it can use Icy Wind to surprise Mega Salamence.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Swords Dance can give Mega Heracross absolutely terrifying Attack, but the move comes at the cost of coverage. Substitute serves as a means to dodge common status moves that physical walls tend to throw at Heracross, such as Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp, and it makes Mega Herarcross very difficult to revenge kill. Heracross can run a number of sets without its Mega Stone, but you'll usually want to opt for the higher Attack and Skill Link. An Assault Vest set with Guts and Pursuit can lure in Mega Gengar, a common counter to Heracross, and is especially useful on stall teams. Heracross can also run a Choice Scarf, turning it into a revenge killer. Moxie is especially useful on such sets, though the ability can also net Heracross an Attack boost before Mega Evolution by picking off threats. However, Guts is usually better for saving Heracross from being crippled by Will-O-Wisp and Scald.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Salamence can come in on Heracross, taking little damage from its moves, except for Rock Blast, thanks to Intimidate. Salamence can then use Dragon Dance to turn itself into an offensive powerhouse and decimate Heracross with Double-Edge, Return, or Hyper Voice. While Talonflame has to be wary of getting hit by Rock Blast on the switch, Heracross has no chance of living a Brave Bird from any variant of Talonflame. Skarmory risks a 2HKO from Close Combat, but if it gets in safely, it can OHKO Mega Heracross with Drill Peck after Heracross has had its defenses lowered by Close Combat or straight up OHKO it with Brave Bird.
**Aegislash**: Aegislash's only worry is switching into Earthquake; otherwise, it either completely walls Mega Heracross or gets a Weakness Policy boost from Earthquake if it gets in safely.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap Mega Heracross and burn it with Will-O-Wisp, crippling it for the rest of the match. Note that Mega Gengar without Will-O-Wisp take serious damage from Rock Blast and are always OHKOed by Earthquake.
**Mega Mawile**: Mega Mawile only risks a OHKO from Heracross's Earthquake if Heracross hasn't had its Attack lowered; in return it grabs an easy OHKO on Mega Heracross with Play Rough.
**Mega Altaria**: Mega Altaria takes massive damage from Rock Blast, but it can otherwise come in and OHKO Mega Heracross with Pixilate Hyper Voice or Return.
**Intimidate**: Intimidate users such as Landorus-T and Mega Manectric drastically reduce Mega Heracross's wallbreaking power, especially when they are in a VoltTurn core.
**Faster Pokemon**: Although Heracross has great bulk, when weakened it can often be taken out by faster Pokemon with strong attacks, especially after defensive drops from Close Combat. Examples of faster Pokemon include Garchomp, Charizard, Latios, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Gardevoir.
**Blaziken**: Blaziken is faster than Heracross and can hit it with a super effective Flare Blitz. However, under Trick Room, Heracross can beat it with Close Combat and Earthquake.
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Heracross has the highest base Attack stat in Battle Spot Singles. Couple that with its exceptional ability in Skill Link, making all its multi-hit moves hit 5 times, and its access to moves that take advantage of this ability, and you can see why Mega Heracross is one of the best wallbreakers in the metagame. Its coverage moves, including Pin Missile, Close Combat, Rock Blast, Bullet Seed, and Earthquake, are perfect for taking down the most common physical walls in Battle Spot, namely Cresselia, Suicune, and Zapdos. Aside from Mega Heracross's offensive capabilities, its good bulk before and after Mega Evolving allows Mega Heracross to take a few hits, and its defensive typing means it resists common types, such as Ground and Fighting, giving it a good matchup against Pokemon like Mamoswine and Lucario. This Bug / Fighting typing also gives Mega Heracross a resistance to Dark, giving it an edge against Swagger + Foul Play users.
Despite all this, though, Mega Heracross still has trouble beating a number of common offensive Pokemon. Heracross's low Speed and even lower Speed when Mega Evolved means that Heracross is outsped by a great number of the offensive threats. On top of that, while its defensive typing gives Heracross some good resistances, this typing also leaves Heracross weak to some very common attacking types, such as Fire and Flying, which means immense pressure is put on it from Blaziken and Talonflame.
[SET]
Name: All-Out Attacker
Move 1: Pin Missile
Move 2: Rock Blast
Move 3: Close Combat / Earthquake
Move 4: Bullet Seed / Earthquake
Item: Heracronite
Ability: Guts
Nature: Adamant / Jolly
EVs: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpDef / 92 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Pin Missile reaches an effective Base Power of 125 with Skill Link. Its primary targets are Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Slowbro, as well as Grass-types such as Serperior. An added perk is that Pin Missile can break Focus Sashes and Substitutes and avoid Rocky Helmet damage. Rock Blast is another move affected by Skill Link and is Mega Heracross's best option for hitting the Flying-types that it otherwise has trouble with, such as Thundurus, Dragonite, Zapdos, Gyarados, and predicted Talonflame and Mega Salamence switch-ins. Close Combat hits Steel- and Normal-types, such as Mega Kangaskhan, Porygon2, and Heatran, for super effective damage. Bullet Seed 2HKOes Suicune, Hippowdon, and defensive Rotom-W, and OHKOes Mamoswine and offensive Rotom-W. However, if Aegislash is a problem for your team, consider Earthquake instead of one of the last two moves to 2HKO it. As a bonus, Earthquake also guarantees a OHKO on maximum HP Mega Gengar. However, since Mega Heracross can only afford to give up Close Combat or Bullet Seed, choosing this alternative will come at the cost of coverage, and Close Combat and Bullet Seed hit a wider variety of threats harder than Earthquake in general.
Set Details
========
Heracronite gives Heracross great offensive stats and an amazing ability. Before Mega Evolution, however, Guts can be used to absorb status moves so that Heracross isn't crippled by burns and paralysis. A spread of 156 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpDef / 92 Spe ensures that Mega Heracross takes less residual damage and outspeeds Cresselia.
However, if Heracross doesn't need much bulk, consider a Jolly nature with a spread of 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe. This allows Mega Heracross to outspeed the important targets Jolly Breloom and Adamant Dragonite, both of which hate multi-hit moves due to Focus Sash and Multiscale respectively. Because of this, Mega Heracross is actually a decent lead, as before Mega Evolving, Heracross outspeeds Mamoswine, meaning that Heracross can defeat two very popular Focus Sash leads. This offensive spread also allows Heracross to outspeed Adamant Kangaskhan before both Mega Evolve, potentially leading to a surprise KO.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Heracross functions as a good lead, because it has very few solid switch-ins. You can make use of its resistances very easily. Heracross can come in on a resisted hit, particularly Earthquake or Mach Punch, or a free switch, giving Heracross the opportunity to Mega Evolve and wreak havoc. While the best idea usually is to Mega Evolve as soon as possible for the extra bulk and power, there are a few instances where Heraross should stay unevolved. Heracross is a bit faster before it Mega Evolves, allowing it to outspeed certain threats such as Mamoswine. Also, if Heracross gets burned, it will deal more damage in its base forme than when Mega Evolved thanks to Guts. If you are using Heracross with a Healing Wish or Lunar Dance user, feel free to be more reckless with Mega Evolving, as these moves will remove burns from Mega Heracross.
Since most physical and special walls have a low damage output, Heracross can very easily switch into them, provided Heracross can take out that wall with coverage moves. Slowbro and Suicune are prime examples, because prior to Heracross Mega Evolving, it can switch into Scald without any fear of being KOed or burned. Speed control such as paralysis and Trick Room is a godsend for Mega Heracross because speed control allows Mega Heracross to beat common offensive threats that would otherwise counter it. You might want to consider benching Heracross if the Team Preview shows many of Mega Heracross's offensive checks, such as Talonflame, Blaziken, and Mega Salamence, especially since these Pokemon are common leads.
Team Options
========
Cresselia can sponge most powerful hits for Heracross and provide it with Trick Room, Thunder Wave, and Lunar Dance support. Cersselia can also serve as a check to a lot of Pokemon that are faster than Heracross, such as Blaziken, Mega Salamence, and Kangaskhan. Porygon2 is another reliable user of Thunder Wave and Trick Room, and unlike Cresselia, offensive variants deal with special attacking Aegislash fairly well. Heatran can cover Heracross's weaknesses effectively and Heracross can break through special walls that Heatran can't get past, such as Chansey. Heatran also beats Talonflame and Aegislash reliably, which is a huge benefit for Heracross. Answers to Fire- and Flying- types in general really help out Heracross, as they can switch in on almost all of Heracross's attacks other than Rock Blast. Examples of these kinds of Pokemon include Rotom-W, Zapdos, and Tyranitar. Thundurus deserves a special mention here, as it can not only beat Flying-types easily, but also spread paralysis throughout the opposing team. Raikou deals with Flying-types well and can set up with Calm Mind, while Mega Heracross deals with Tyranitar, Ferrothorn, Mamoswine, and Chansey for Raikou. Landorus-T serves as a blanket check to a lot of the common Pokemon that threaten Heracross, such as physical Blaziken, Talonflame, and sometimes Mega Kangaskhan, and can provide Heracross with U-turn support, an effective way to switch in Heracross safely. In addition, Landorus-T has Intimidate, which can force a lot of switches and provide Heracross with great support. Talonflame makes for a good partner as well, taking care of Blaziken and Volcarona, and defeating weakened Pokemon in general. Greninja is a good choice to provide Mega Heracross with additional coverage that can hit common threats super effectively, such as Garchomp and Gengar. A Mega Gengar of your own is a great back up Mega Evolution, since it can use Destiny Bond to trap and KO Mega Mawile and Aegislash. Focus Sash Gengar works too if you want to use it with Mega Heracross or other Mega Evolutions, and it can use Icy Wind to surprise Mega Salamence.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Swords Dance can give Mega Heracross absolutely terrifying Attack, but the move comes at the cost of coverage. Substitute serves as a means to dodge common status moves that physical walls tend to throw at Heracross, such as Thunder Wave or Will-O-Wisp, and it makes Mega Herarcross very difficult to revenge kill. Heracross can run a number of sets without its Mega Stone, but you'll usually want to opt for the higher Attack and Skill Link. An Assault Vest set with Guts and Pursuit can lure in Mega Gengar, a common counter to Heracross, and is especially useful on stall teams. Heracross can also run a Choice Scarf, turning it into a revenge killer. Moxie is especially useful on such sets, though the ability can also net Heracross an Attack boost before Mega Evolution by picking off threats. However, Guts is usually better for saving Heracross from being crippled by Will-O-Wisp and Scald.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Flying-types**: Salamence can come in on Heracross, taking little damage from its moves, except for Rock Blast, thanks to Intimidate. Salamence can then use Dragon Dance to turn itself into an offensive powerhouse and decimate Heracross with Double-Edge, Return, or Hyper Voice. While Talonflame has to be wary of getting hit by Rock Blast on the switch, Heracross has no chance of living a Brave Bird from any variant of Talonflame. Skarmory risks a 2HKO from Close Combat, but if it gets in safely, it can OHKO Mega Heracross with Drill Peck after Heracross has had its defenses lowered by Close Combat or straight up OHKO it with Brave Bird.
**Aegislash**: Aegislash's only worry is switching into Earthquake; otherwise, it either completely walls Mega Heracross or gets a Weakness Policy boost from Earthquake if it gets in safely.
**Mega Gengar**: Mega Gengar can trap Mega Heracross and burn it with Will-O-Wisp, crippling it for the rest of the match. Note that Mega Gengar without Will-O-Wisp take serious damage from Rock Blast and are always OHKOed by Earthquake.
**Mega Mawile**: Mega Mawile only risks a OHKO from Heracross's Earthquake if Heracross hasn't had its Attack lowered; in return it grabs an easy OHKO on Mega Heracross with Play Rough.
**Mega Altaria**: Mega Altaria takes massive damage from Rock Blast, but it can otherwise come in and OHKO Mega Heracross with Pixilate Hyper Voice or Return.
**Intimidate**: Intimidate users such as Landorus-T and Mega Manectric drastically reduce Mega Heracross's wallbreaking power, especially when they are in a VoltTurn core.
**Faster Pokemon**: Although Heracross has great bulk, when weakened it can often be taken out by faster Pokemon with strong attacks, especially after defensive drops from Close Combat. Examples of faster Pokemon include Garchomp, Charizard, Latios, Mega Kangaskhan, and Mega Gardevoir.
**Blaziken**: Blaziken is faster than Heracross and can hit it with a super effective Flare Blitz. However, under Trick Room, Heracross can beat it with Close Combat and Earthquake.
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