[OVERVIEW]
Mega Kangaskhan is not only one of the best choices for a Mega Evolution but also one of the strongest Pokemon in the format. Its base 100 Speed allows it to outrun the majority of unboosted Pokemon. Its access to Fake Out and Sucker Punch means that even foes that outspeed it aren't necessarily problematic. Fake Out also provides excellent support to a variety of Pokemon, making Mega Kangaskhan more of a team player than most other offensive powerhouses. Its additional access to coverage options like Fire Punch and Hammer Arm can make it unpredictable to deal with. The aforementioned moves combined with its incredible ability, Parental Bond, and access to high Base Power moves like Double-Edge let Mega Kangaskhan outright OHKO many foes, including Focus Sash users such as Smeargle and Thundurus. However, Parental Bond worsens its matchup against foes like Iron Barbs Ferrothorn or those with Rocky Helmet. Finally, Mega Kangaskhan's Normal typing grants it very few resistances, making it difficult to switch in without taking an undesirable amount of damage.
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Low Kick
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fake Out
item: Kangaskhanite
ability: Inner Focus / Scrappy
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Double-Edge is Mega Kangaskhan's STAB move of choice, as it makes it as immediately threatening as possible. However, Return is still a viable alternative if you're running a bulkier EV spread and therefore find the recoil associated with Double-Edge undesirable. Low Kick is useful for hitting Steel-types that resist Double-Edge, like Ferrothorn and Dialga, super effectively and for dealing significant damage to opposing Mega Kangaskhan. Sucker Punch provides the set with a strong priority attack to hit faster foes before they can strike. Fake Out imparts a great deal of utility, as it gives Mega Kangaskhan's partner a partially free turn to attack or set up while a foe is unable to move. You may also opt to use Protect over any of Low Kick, Sucker Punch, or Fake Out if you prefer Mega Kangaskhan to have the ability to defend itself for a turn.
Set Details
========
Inner Focus is chosen to prevent Kangaskhan from being flinched by opposing Fake Out users, thereby preventing the loss of a turn. Scrappy can also be used in order to hit uncommon Ghost-types. A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs are used to allow Mega Kangaskhan to outrun as many foes as possible. The remaining 252 EVs are placed into Attack to allow it to hit as hard as possible. Alternatively, a spread of 4 HP / 172 Atk / 76 Def / 4 SpD / 252 Spe can be run if you'd like Mega Kangaskhan to have the ability to survive opposing Jolly Mega Kangaskhan's Low Kick and are willing to sacrifice some of its damage output to accomplish this. An Adamant nature is viable to increase Mega Kangaskhan's damage output, but this then doesn't allow it to outspeed foes such as positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
This set aims to deal as much damage as possible with strong attacks. Leading with Kangaskhan is usually a good idea, as it can then use Fake Out to gain early momentum. Be aware of situations where Double-Edge's recoil would put Mega Kangaskhan into KO range of a foe's attack. Using Sucker Punch against a faster Primal Kyogre or Primal Groudon, potentially as a result of speed control such as Trick Room, may be wise to reduce the damage of a potential Water Spout or Eruption. Be aware of Kangaskhan's lower base Speed in comparison to its Mega Evolution on the turn it Mega Evolves to avoid being caught off guard as it's outsped. However, you may also wish to intentionally delay Mega Evolving in order to remain slower for a turn if you anticipate Trick Room. Remember that not Mega Evolving is also an option in order to make use of Inner Focus or Scrappy. Don't be afraid of switching Mega Kangaskhan out, as preserving the option to use Fake Out later on may be useful.
Team Options
========
Fake Out makes setup sweepers like Geomancy Xerneas and Swords Dance Groudon or Scizor good partners, as it gives them the ability to set up more safely. For a similar reason, this also makes Smeargle a good partner, as Fake Out can make it easy for it to get off a Dark Void. Dark-types like Yveltal and Weavile can help Mega Kangaskhan beat opposing Ghost-types that it finds problematic. Yveltal's Dark Aura is also able to power up Mega Kangaskhan's Sucker Punch. Speed control from Pokemon such as Thunder Wave Thundurus is valuable for helping Mega Kangaskhan deal with faster foes. Talonflame resists the STAB moves of and can KO opposing Fighting-types, and it also provides a form of speed control in Tailwind. Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Meowstic likewise resist Fighting-type attacks and provide various support. For example, Cresselia has access to speed control in the form of Trick Room and can boost Mega Kangaskhan's attacks with Helping Hand. Meowstic's Safeguard protects Mega Kangaskhan from status and can combine this with a Swagger aimed at it to boost Mega Kangaskhan's Attack stat.
[SET]
name: Power-Up Punch
move 1: Return
move 2: Power-Up Punch
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fake Out
item: Kangaskhanite
ability: Inner Focus / Scrappy
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is Mega Kangaskhan's strongest and most consistent attack without any drawbacks, making it optimal for this set. Double-Edge's power is not necessary at +2 Attack and the recoil can end Mega Kangaskhan's sweep early, making it a generally poorer choice. Thanks to Parental Bond, Power-Up Punch boosts Mega Kangaskhan's Attack by two stages per use, granting it the power to easily sweep through teams. Sucker Punch provides a means of hitting faster foes and thereby improves Mega Kangaskhan's chances of sweeping through them with minimal risk. Fake Out provides utility by giving Mega Kangaskhan's partner a free turn to attack or maneuver into a better position. If you'd prefer Mega Kangaskhan had the ability to defend itself for a turn, Protect can alternatively be used in place of Fake Out.
Set Details
========
Inner Focus prevents Kangaskhan from flinching and losing a turn. Scrappy can be used instead if you'd prefer the ability to Fake Out Ghost-types, although you should be aware that they're less common in VGC16 than they have been in previous years. A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs allow Mega Kangaskhan to outspeed the majority of foes. The remaining EVs are invested into Attack to allow Mega Kangaskhan to hit as hard as possible after the former goal has been met. A spread of 4 HP / 172 Atk / 76 Def / 4 SpD / 252 Spe is notable for allowing Mega Kangaskhan to survive opposing Jolly Mega Kangaskhan's Low Kick should you be willing to give up the appropriate Attack EVs. An Adamant nature improves Mega Kangaskhan's damage output, but it leaves Mega Kangaskhan more reliant on Sucker Punch to deal with faster foes.
Usage Tips
========
This set aims to get Mega Kangaskhan into a position where it can set up with Power-Up Punch and then proceed to sweep. Don't use Power-Up Punch if the opponent has counters, as it's a weak move if you don't then capitalize on the boosts in the following turns with either Return or Sucker Punch. Try to particularly focus your game plan around eliminating Will-O-Wisp and Intimidate users, as they're the most likely candidates to prevent Mega Kangaskhan's sweep. Remember against Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre that Sucker Punch can reduce the damage of Water Spout and Eruption should they be faster as a result of speed control such as Trick Room. Base Kangaskhan is slower than its Mega Evolution, so be aware of this on the turn you choose to Mega Evolve. Also bear in mind the option of not Mega Evolving immediately in order to make use of Inner Focus or Scrappy.
Team Options
========
Follow Me and Rage Powder users are important because they increase Mega Kangaskhan's chances of successfully setting up with Power-Up Punch. Those that resist Fighting-type moves, such as Amoonguss, Togekiss, and Clefairy, make for particularly good redirection users. Smeargle also has access to Follow Me, and its Dark Void provides more opportunities to help Mega Kangaskhan set up. Mega Kangaskhan also has Fake Out to help Smeargle safely get off Dark Void. Furthermore, Smeargle can then use Transform on your boosted Mega Kangaskhan, leaving you with two +2 Mega Kangaskhan to put on double the offensive pressure. Dark-types such as Yveltal and Weavile are valuable because they provide checks to opposing Ghost-types. Additionally, Yveltal's Dark Aura powers up Mega Kangaskhan's Sucker Punch. Talonflame provides a check to opposing Fighting-types and a form of speed control in Tailwind. Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Meowstic also resist Fighting-type moves and have a variety of helpful support moves. Cresselia has multiple options for speed control, and its Helping Hand can boost Mega Kangaskhan's attacks. Meowstic can use Safeguard to prevent status such as paralysis and burn from hindering Mega Kangaskhan's sweep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ice Punch provides Mega Kangaskhan with the ability to OHKO 4x Ice-weak foes such as Landorus-T and Mega Salamence even through Intimidate. Fire Punch helps to check foes such as Ferrothorn and Scizor, which can otherwise prove to be problematic. Crunch can be used in place of Sucker Punch if hitting Ghost-types reliably is more important than priority. However, bear in mind that Ghost-types such as Gengar can still outspeed and burn Mega Kangaskhan with Will-O-Wisp before it has a chance to strike back. Hammer Arm can be used on Trick Room teams to help slow down Mega Kangaskhan as a result of the Speed drop the move causes. A Brave nature and 0 Speed IVs accomplish something similar, as they make Mega Kangaskhan more effective under the effect of Trick Room. However, this is generally not necessary, as Mega Kangaskhan has access to priority moves in Fake Out and Sucker Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-type Pokemon**: Fighting-types such as Mienshao, Infernape, and Terrakion can all outspeed and OHKO Mega Kangaskhan with their super effective STAB moves. All three also have access to Quick Guard, which can block Mega Kangaskhan's attempts to use Fake Out and Sucker Punch. Mienshao also has access to the ability Inner Focus, which prevents it from flinching.
**Intimidate and Burns**: Intimidate users such as Salamence and Landorus-T reduce Mega Kangaskhan's Attack by one stage when sent out. Will-O-Wisp users such as Gengar, Sableye, and Giratina-O can also reduce Mega Kangaskhan's damage output by inflicting burn on it.
**Faster Pokemon**: Low Kick Life Orb Weavile, Aura Sphere Mewtwo, and Low Kick Greninja can all outspeed and OHKO Mega Kangaskhan with their super effective moves. It's worth noting that while Mewtwo is weak to Sucker Punch, it is not OHKOed by the move and therefore trades positively against Mega Kangaskhan.
**Encore**: Encore users such as Liepard, Whimsicott, and Raichu can lock Mega Kangaskhan into an ineffectual Fake Out, making it a dead weight on the field until it switches out.
**Ability Removal**: Skill Swap users such as Cresselia, Gengar, and Bronzong can steal Mega Kangaskhan's Parental Bond away from it, hampering Mega Kangaskhan's damage output. Worry Seed Whimsicott can also replace Parental Bond with Insomnia, equally reducing Mega Kangaskhan's damage output significantly.
**Chip Damage**: Iron Barbs Ferrothorn and foes holding a Rocky Helmet such as Amoonguss and Togekiss can inflict significant chip damage to Mega Kangaskhan as a result of Parental Bond triggering those effects twice.
Mega Kangaskhan is not only one of the best choices for a Mega Evolution but also one of the strongest Pokemon in the format. Its base 100 Speed allows it to outrun the majority of unboosted Pokemon. Its access to Fake Out and Sucker Punch means that even foes that outspeed it aren't necessarily problematic. Fake Out also provides excellent support to a variety of Pokemon, making Mega Kangaskhan more of a team player than most other offensive powerhouses. Its additional access to coverage options like Fire Punch and Hammer Arm can make it unpredictable to deal with. The aforementioned moves combined with its incredible ability, Parental Bond, and access to high Base Power moves like Double-Edge let Mega Kangaskhan outright OHKO many foes, including Focus Sash users such as Smeargle and Thundurus. However, Parental Bond worsens its matchup against foes like Iron Barbs Ferrothorn or those with Rocky Helmet. Finally, Mega Kangaskhan's Normal typing grants it very few resistances, making it difficult to switch in without taking an undesirable amount of damage.
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Double-Edge
move 2: Low Kick
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fake Out
item: Kangaskhanite
ability: Inner Focus / Scrappy
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Double-Edge is Mega Kangaskhan's STAB move of choice, as it makes it as immediately threatening as possible. However, Return is still a viable alternative if you're running a bulkier EV spread and therefore find the recoil associated with Double-Edge undesirable. Low Kick is useful for hitting Steel-types that resist Double-Edge, like Ferrothorn and Dialga, super effectively and for dealing significant damage to opposing Mega Kangaskhan. Sucker Punch provides the set with a strong priority attack to hit faster foes before they can strike. Fake Out imparts a great deal of utility, as it gives Mega Kangaskhan's partner a partially free turn to attack or set up while a foe is unable to move. You may also opt to use Protect over any of Low Kick, Sucker Punch, or Fake Out if you prefer Mega Kangaskhan to have the ability to defend itself for a turn.
Set Details
========
Inner Focus is chosen to prevent Kangaskhan from being flinched by opposing Fake Out users, thereby preventing the loss of a turn. Scrappy can also be used in order to hit uncommon Ghost-types. A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs are used to allow Mega Kangaskhan to outrun as many foes as possible. The remaining 252 EVs are placed into Attack to allow it to hit as hard as possible. Alternatively, a spread of 4 HP / 172 Atk / 76 Def / 4 SpD / 252 Spe can be run if you'd like Mega Kangaskhan to have the ability to survive opposing Jolly Mega Kangaskhan's Low Kick and are willing to sacrifice some of its damage output to accomplish this. An Adamant nature is viable to increase Mega Kangaskhan's damage output, but this then doesn't allow it to outspeed foes such as positive-natured base 90 Speed Pokemon.
Usage Tips
========
This set aims to deal as much damage as possible with strong attacks. Leading with Kangaskhan is usually a good idea, as it can then use Fake Out to gain early momentum. Be aware of situations where Double-Edge's recoil would put Mega Kangaskhan into KO range of a foe's attack. Using Sucker Punch against a faster Primal Kyogre or Primal Groudon, potentially as a result of speed control such as Trick Room, may be wise to reduce the damage of a potential Water Spout or Eruption. Be aware of Kangaskhan's lower base Speed in comparison to its Mega Evolution on the turn it Mega Evolves to avoid being caught off guard as it's outsped. However, you may also wish to intentionally delay Mega Evolving in order to remain slower for a turn if you anticipate Trick Room. Remember that not Mega Evolving is also an option in order to make use of Inner Focus or Scrappy. Don't be afraid of switching Mega Kangaskhan out, as preserving the option to use Fake Out later on may be useful.
Team Options
========
Fake Out makes setup sweepers like Geomancy Xerneas and Swords Dance Groudon or Scizor good partners, as it gives them the ability to set up more safely. For a similar reason, this also makes Smeargle a good partner, as Fake Out can make it easy for it to get off a Dark Void. Dark-types like Yveltal and Weavile can help Mega Kangaskhan beat opposing Ghost-types that it finds problematic. Yveltal's Dark Aura is also able to power up Mega Kangaskhan's Sucker Punch. Speed control from Pokemon such as Thunder Wave Thundurus is valuable for helping Mega Kangaskhan deal with faster foes. Talonflame resists the STAB moves of and can KO opposing Fighting-types, and it also provides a form of speed control in Tailwind. Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Meowstic likewise resist Fighting-type attacks and provide various support. For example, Cresselia has access to speed control in the form of Trick Room and can boost Mega Kangaskhan's attacks with Helping Hand. Meowstic's Safeguard protects Mega Kangaskhan from status and can combine this with a Swagger aimed at it to boost Mega Kangaskhan's Attack stat.
[SET]
name: Power-Up Punch
move 1: Return
move 2: Power-Up Punch
move 3: Sucker Punch
move 4: Fake Out
item: Kangaskhanite
ability: Inner Focus / Scrappy
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is Mega Kangaskhan's strongest and most consistent attack without any drawbacks, making it optimal for this set. Double-Edge's power is not necessary at +2 Attack and the recoil can end Mega Kangaskhan's sweep early, making it a generally poorer choice. Thanks to Parental Bond, Power-Up Punch boosts Mega Kangaskhan's Attack by two stages per use, granting it the power to easily sweep through teams. Sucker Punch provides a means of hitting faster foes and thereby improves Mega Kangaskhan's chances of sweeping through them with minimal risk. Fake Out provides utility by giving Mega Kangaskhan's partner a free turn to attack or maneuver into a better position. If you'd prefer Mega Kangaskhan had the ability to defend itself for a turn, Protect can alternatively be used in place of Fake Out.
Set Details
========
Inner Focus prevents Kangaskhan from flinching and losing a turn. Scrappy can be used instead if you'd prefer the ability to Fake Out Ghost-types, although you should be aware that they're less common in VGC16 than they have been in previous years. A Jolly nature and 252 Speed EVs allow Mega Kangaskhan to outspeed the majority of foes. The remaining EVs are invested into Attack to allow Mega Kangaskhan to hit as hard as possible after the former goal has been met. A spread of 4 HP / 172 Atk / 76 Def / 4 SpD / 252 Spe is notable for allowing Mega Kangaskhan to survive opposing Jolly Mega Kangaskhan's Low Kick should you be willing to give up the appropriate Attack EVs. An Adamant nature improves Mega Kangaskhan's damage output, but it leaves Mega Kangaskhan more reliant on Sucker Punch to deal with faster foes.
Usage Tips
========
This set aims to get Mega Kangaskhan into a position where it can set up with Power-Up Punch and then proceed to sweep. Don't use Power-Up Punch if the opponent has counters, as it's a weak move if you don't then capitalize on the boosts in the following turns with either Return or Sucker Punch. Try to particularly focus your game plan around eliminating Will-O-Wisp and Intimidate users, as they're the most likely candidates to prevent Mega Kangaskhan's sweep. Remember against Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre that Sucker Punch can reduce the damage of Water Spout and Eruption should they be faster as a result of speed control such as Trick Room. Base Kangaskhan is slower than its Mega Evolution, so be aware of this on the turn you choose to Mega Evolve. Also bear in mind the option of not Mega Evolving immediately in order to make use of Inner Focus or Scrappy.
Team Options
========
Follow Me and Rage Powder users are important because they increase Mega Kangaskhan's chances of successfully setting up with Power-Up Punch. Those that resist Fighting-type moves, such as Amoonguss, Togekiss, and Clefairy, make for particularly good redirection users. Smeargle also has access to Follow Me, and its Dark Void provides more opportunities to help Mega Kangaskhan set up. Mega Kangaskhan also has Fake Out to help Smeargle safely get off Dark Void. Furthermore, Smeargle can then use Transform on your boosted Mega Kangaskhan, leaving you with two +2 Mega Kangaskhan to put on double the offensive pressure. Dark-types such as Yveltal and Weavile are valuable because they provide checks to opposing Ghost-types. Additionally, Yveltal's Dark Aura powers up Mega Kangaskhan's Sucker Punch. Talonflame provides a check to opposing Fighting-types and a form of speed control in Tailwind. Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Meowstic also resist Fighting-type moves and have a variety of helpful support moves. Cresselia has multiple options for speed control, and its Helping Hand can boost Mega Kangaskhan's attacks. Meowstic can use Safeguard to prevent status such as paralysis and burn from hindering Mega Kangaskhan's sweep.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ice Punch provides Mega Kangaskhan with the ability to OHKO 4x Ice-weak foes such as Landorus-T and Mega Salamence even through Intimidate. Fire Punch helps to check foes such as Ferrothorn and Scizor, which can otherwise prove to be problematic. Crunch can be used in place of Sucker Punch if hitting Ghost-types reliably is more important than priority. However, bear in mind that Ghost-types such as Gengar can still outspeed and burn Mega Kangaskhan with Will-O-Wisp before it has a chance to strike back. Hammer Arm can be used on Trick Room teams to help slow down Mega Kangaskhan as a result of the Speed drop the move causes. A Brave nature and 0 Speed IVs accomplish something similar, as they make Mega Kangaskhan more effective under the effect of Trick Room. However, this is generally not necessary, as Mega Kangaskhan has access to priority moves in Fake Out and Sucker Punch.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fighting-type Pokemon**: Fighting-types such as Mienshao, Infernape, and Terrakion can all outspeed and OHKO Mega Kangaskhan with their super effective STAB moves. All three also have access to Quick Guard, which can block Mega Kangaskhan's attempts to use Fake Out and Sucker Punch. Mienshao also has access to the ability Inner Focus, which prevents it from flinching.
**Intimidate and Burns**: Intimidate users such as Salamence and Landorus-T reduce Mega Kangaskhan's Attack by one stage when sent out. Will-O-Wisp users such as Gengar, Sableye, and Giratina-O can also reduce Mega Kangaskhan's damage output by inflicting burn on it.
**Faster Pokemon**: Low Kick Life Orb Weavile, Aura Sphere Mewtwo, and Low Kick Greninja can all outspeed and OHKO Mega Kangaskhan with their super effective moves. It's worth noting that while Mewtwo is weak to Sucker Punch, it is not OHKOed by the move and therefore trades positively against Mega Kangaskhan.
**Encore**: Encore users such as Liepard, Whimsicott, and Raichu can lock Mega Kangaskhan into an ineffectual Fake Out, making it a dead weight on the field until it switches out.
**Ability Removal**: Skill Swap users such as Cresselia, Gengar, and Bronzong can steal Mega Kangaskhan's Parental Bond away from it, hampering Mega Kangaskhan's damage output. Worry Seed Whimsicott can also replace Parental Bond with Insomnia, equally reducing Mega Kangaskhan's damage output significantly.
**Chip Damage**: Iron Barbs Ferrothorn and foes holding a Rocky Helmet such as Amoonguss and Togekiss can inflict significant chip damage to Mega Kangaskhan as a result of Parental Bond triggering those effects twice.
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