ScraftyIsTheBest
On to new Horizons!
MagneSTRONGTH
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a solid base 120 Special Attack, Magneton is a prime candidate for a Choice Specs set. This set hits very hard right off the bat while also reliably trapping Steel-types, most notably Escavalier. Unlike other sets, this one also has more use outside of simply trapping Steel-types; thanks to its Electric / Steel typing granting it a vast number of resistances and a decent base 70 Speed, Magneton can also check common threats such as Absol, Kabutops, and Feraligatr. Magneton also hits harder than every other Electric-type in RU, giving it the edge over its competition. Thunderbolt is a great STAB move that can also pummel Aggron, Klinklang, and Water-types with ease. Flash Cannon provides a much-needed secondary STAB to hit Rhydon and Sandslash while providing solid overall coverage with Thunderbolt. Hidden Power Fire nails Steelix and Ferroseed, two common Steel-types in the tier that don't mind Flash Cannon or Thunderbolt. Finally, Volt Switch is chosen as the last move to allow Magneton to get out of play if needed while dealing reasonable damage and gaining momentum.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>A Timid nature is chosen to get the Speed edge over neutral-natured Absol and Kabutops. However, a Modest nature is a viable alternative to allow Magneton to OHKO Slowking without entry hazard support if your team already has a way to deal with these threats. Magnet Pull is the chosen ability, as Magneton still aims to trap Steel-types while being a hard hitter. However, Analytic is a useful ability as well if trapping Steel-types is not required for Magneton, and it might appreciate the extra damage output against Pokemon it can't outspeed. It is also noteworthy that Analytic activates even if the opponent switches out, meaning Magneton can be significantly harder to switch into in some cases. A bulkier EV spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA is usable with Analytic to minimize Speed and maximize Magneton's damage output. Hidden Power Ground is a usable option over Hidden Power Fire if Lanturn is a problem for your team, but the move is fairly useless otherwise and Magneton will then lose the ability to eliminate Ferroseed and Escavalier.</p>
<p>With Magneton's primary job being to remove Steel-types, it pairs up well with any Pokemon that benefit from the removal of such Pokemon, most notably Druddigon, Cinccino, Swellow, and Mesprit; the latter three can use U-turn to allow Magneton to come in safely while forming a VoltTurn core with it. Magneton appreciates entry hazard support, with Smeargle, Scolipede, and Crustle all being great options for this. Pursuit trappers, such as Absol, Drapion, and Spiritomb, are useful to trap Pokemon that resist Volt Switch such as Roselia. Rotom is also an option for a teammate because it sports decent defensive synergy with Magneton.</p>