[Overview]
<p>We all know how dangerous Metagross can be, whether the hulking chunk of metal is running a lead set or easily ripping through the remains of a team. An excellent stat distribution (including a devastating Attack), coupled with great typing
provide for create a Pokemon
who any team needs to be ready for. Top this all off with a more-than-usable ability that suppresses Intimidate, and you have a Pokemon
who will always be remembered as a DPP OU staple.</p>
<p>Metagross fills a certain niche that gains it consistent usage in the lead spot, where it can make use of Stealth Rock, reliable STAB, priority, and Explosion. Its respectable defenses allow it to effortlessly come in on moves it resists and wreak havoc. The only stat that really leaves you wanting more is Speed, which can be made up for due to
Metagross's access to stat boosting moves. As with any Pokemon, it can run into problems (such as being weak to the omnipresent Earthquake), but Metagross remains reliable due to its knack for fulfilling certain duties in a variety of roles.</p>
(Metagross' applies to every Metagross while Metagross's indicates to one Metagross.)
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Meteor Mash / Earthquake
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Occa Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This
variation of Metagross focuses on getting Stealth Rock up early
, (comma) while putting your team in a great offensive position
, (comma) and
still posing a threat to most common leads. Metagross tends to be a lot bulkier than the majority of suicide leads, and thus, very few leads can OHKO it (especially with Occa Berry). As for the move choice in the second slot, Earthquake allows Metagross
to hit more things more coverage, but Meteor Mash is incredibly useful to hit with a strong STAB and pose a huge threat early on, should you obtain an Attack boost.</p>
<p>Bullet Punch is useful here in conjunction with
Metagross's lower Speed, as it allows you to pick off the all-too-common users of Focus Sash. Explosion is an incredible move to add to your arsenal here, as with
Metagross's huge Attack, you can
be pretty much be guaranteed that it's going to put a dent in something. To put it into perspective, Explosion has a high chance to OHKO Hippowdon, even without a single boost! Lum Berry is the
preferred item here as it allows you to handle sleep-inducing leads as well as Machamp, but Occa
Berry helps against some Fire-types, such as Infernape. However, you will still lose to Heatran in this case.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>4 Speed EVs are all you'll
really need, but if you wish to raise your Speed even more, 40 EVs from Attack can be moved there. HP is maximized to complement the natural bulkiness of Metagross, while the EVs from Attack guarantee your STAB and Explosion are going to hit like a truck. Adamant nature is
preferred, as you don't
really need any help in Speed due to the inclusion of a priority move, and the bonus to Attack is incredibly useful.</p>
<p>Trick
can be used over Bullet Punch on this set with a Choice Scarf and max Speed. This allows you to outspeed usual threats such as Azelf and 2HKO, or cripple bulkier leads such as Swampert. However, this is generally not advised, as most leads are dealt with easier by the primary set. It is also optional to use Ice Punch and a Shuca Berry. This prevents Dragonite's Earthquake from being a problem, and also allows you to fare well against Shaymin.</p>
<p>Heatran will be a problem no matter which item and move combination you pick. Bulkier leads such as Hippowdon and Swampert are also problematic, as although they can be dealt with by Explosion, this requires you to sacrifice Metagross. If you choose Lum Berry, Starmie makes a great partner, as it can Rapid Spin away any entry hazards that you could not stop, while also dealing with Heatran and Hippowdon. Starmie also is a good switch-in to Swampert and Infernape. A bulkier Restalking Rotom-A works well in conjunction with Occa Berry
Metagross, as it can absorb the status inflicted by sleep leads, and is immune to Explosion and Rapid Spin.</p>
[SET]
name: AgiliGross
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: ThunderPunch / Zen Headbutt
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 60 HP / 252 Atk / 196 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>The only stat
of Metagross that is really
lacking at
all is its Speed, which can be remedied by Agility. After merely one boost, Metagross is more than capable of ripping through teams
at late-game in the game, where
Pokemon with resistances to Metagross's attacks have been taken out or significantly weakened. Due to
Metagross's huge Attack, sweeping at +2 Speed will be an easy task if the game has been played well so far.</p>
<p>Agility is a necessity here to boost
the Speed of Metagross's Speed and set the stage for a potential sweep. Meteor Mash is the best STAB option, due to its naturally high
Base Power. Earthquake provides fantastic coverage alongside Meteor Mash, as most
Pokemon resistant to Steel will take a heavy hit from Earthquake. ThunderPunch is the preferred option to pick off threats such as Gyarados or bulky Water-types, but Zen Headbutt is perfectly viable in order to hit Rotom-A. Life Orb is the obvious choice here, especially with the high Speed you will have, but Leftovers is usable, and Lum Berry can allow you to set up on someone thinking they will be able to status you.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs provided allow you to reach a Life Orb number and outspeed Choice Scarf Rotom-A after an Agility, if you choose an Adamant nature. While a bulkier spread with Leftovers can be used, it is generally the inferior option. Jolly nature is incredibly useful, as without it, Choice Scarf Flygon will have no problem coming in to revenge kill.</p>
<p>Explosion or Ice Punch
can be used on this set.
With Explosion, (comma) fills a certain niche late game, as it Metagross can net you a kill that would otherwise have been impossible
late-game. However, since Metagross needs to be sweeping,
it is hampered by
the lack of coverage from Explosion having one of its moves cause instant suicide. Ice Punch generally provides redundant coverage, but
it can be useful against Gliscor.</p>
<p>When using this set, it is important to keep in mind that Pokemon who are resistant to
Metagross's moves will have an easier time against this set in comparison to Choice Band, as the damage output is reduced greatly. For this reason, physically bulky Pokemon will do a nice job of walling this set, and ones with access to Thunder Wave can essentially render it useless. Scizor makes a good partner for these reasons, as it can use U-turn and allow Metagross to come in at an opportune moment. Celebi can greatly threaten the bulky Water-types you will have trouble with (should you bypass ThunderPunch), while Infernape can be reliable in handling Rotom-A if you do not use Zen Headbutt.</p>
[SET]
name: Attacking Lead
move 1: Meteor Mash / Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Occa Berry
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 HP / 248 Atk / 20 Def / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This Metagross set, unlike the rather similar Lead set, utilizes four attacking moves, meaning it can
make the most of its potential to beat other common leads. Using Meteor Mash, Earthquake, and Bullet Punch all in the same set grants Metagross the ability to cover many other leads at once, while Explosion can be used once Metagross has outlived its usefulness.</p>
<p>The combination of Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch lets Metagross beat most frail leads one-on-one, such as the standard Lead Azelf and Ninjask, while Earthquake and Bullet Punch beats Infernape leads, provided you have Occa Berry as Metagross's item. Earthquake also hits Steel- and Fire-types such as Metagross, Jirachi, and Heatran; Heatran is only beaten if
it uses Stealth Rock on the first turn, due to
its commonly used Shuca Berry. Explosion deals with bulkier leads such as Swampert and Hippowdon, meaning they won't be able to set up Stealth Rock, while others
such as Gliscor and Machamp won't be able to execute their usual strategy. If you choose Occa Berry to beat Infernape leads, you lose the ability to beat Roserade, Gengar, and Smeargle leads. If you are not happy with Meteor Mash's 85% hit rate, Iron Head is an alternative option, beating the same leads despite the Base Power drop, although it will slightly hurt Metagross's ability to handle threats later in the game.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs offer Metagross a great amount of bulk
(removed comma) that giving it the ability to take numerous hits when used as a lead and to stop boosting threats with Explosion when used later in the game. The spread of 236 HP / 248 Atk / 20 Def / 4 Spe gives Metagross the highest chance of surviving an Adamant Mamoswine's Earthquake followed by Ice Shard, allowing it to strike back with its super effective STAB attack. The 248 Attack EVs offer Metagross the offensive power it needs to achieve the OHKOs and 2HKOs it manages against other leads. Speaking of leads, there are certain Pokemon, such as Empoleon, Skarmory, Tyranitar, and opposing Metagross
, (comma) who can be outpaced by using a few extra EVs in Speed. However, if you prefer to outspeed more threats, an alternative spread of 12 HP / 252 Atk / 244 Speed offers a more offensive approach to the usual lead Metagross, sacrificing bulk for Speed. The 244 Speed EVs put Metagross at 237 Speed, outpacing neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon who don't invest in Speed, such as Celebi and Tentacruel. This also allows Metagross to outspeed Adamant Scizor, as well as Pokemon who aim for 231 Speed such as Magnezone and mixed Tyranitar. The 252 Attack EVs are once again used to power up Metagross's attacks, while the remaining EVs are dumped into HP to give Metagross some added bulk. If you choose to run Lum Berry, placing 140 EVs in HP guarantees that Metagross will survive a Fire Blast from Lead Azelf, while the remaining 116 Speed EVs are enough to outpace 8 Speed Rotom-A, as well as most defensive Suicune.</p>
<p>Since this Metagross does not use Stealth Rock, another teammate who is able to set up Stealth Rock is an asset. Swampert is a good choice and also pairs well with Lum Berry Metagross, taking on Infernape and Heatran leads with impunity, excluding the likely Explosion or Hidden Power Grass on the latter. If Metagross lacks Lum Berry, its best bet is to Bullet Punch sleep-inducing leads to break their Focus Sashes while taking the sleep, after which the best course of action is to switch to a faster Pokemon
who is able to revenge kill them, such as offensive Starmie or Choice Scarf Jirachi.</p>
<p>Since Metagross carries Explosion, and thus is most likely to take down an opposing bulky lead
such as Swampert, Hippowdon, or Gliscor
along with it, using Pokemon who can effectively take advantage of them being gone is advised. Tyranitar is a good bet, benefiting from the fact that Swampert and Hippowdon—
its best counters—are out of play. Lucario also benefits from their absence, as
it will have a much easier time sweeping a team clean once
its main counters are gone. Dragon Dance Dragonite, as well as Heatran and Magnezone, can also take advantage of
the lack of Swampert's removal.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: ThunderPunch / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Explosion / Trick
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>
Unlike the afore set, With a Choice Scarf
, (comma) this Metagross deals with
its Speed problems without having to boost
via Agility by donning a Choice Scarf.
This Metagross It can serve as a great revenge killer, and often can net pivotal surprise kills. Meteor Mash is obvious as it is the best option in terms of STAB, while Earthquake greatly damages Fire- and Steel- types. ThunderPunch is helpful, as it allows you to
dispose of destroy Gyarados (even after a Dragon Dance), but Zen Headbutt threatens Rotom-A. Explosion is the recommended option in the last slot, as the extra Speed provided here allows you to net one last kill should you be at low health. Trick is viable though, as it can cripple a wall
who your team just can't break.</p>
<p>It is worth mentioning that this set can function in Ubers. With a Choice Scarf, Metagross outspeeds Latias and Latios, and can take Rayquaza's Outrage and immediately proceed to KO with Ice Punch. Explosion also proves useful in dealing with Calm Mind Kyogre.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Attack and Speed are maxed out to deal
optimal damage with sufficient Speed as much damage as possible as fast as possible. Metagross passes the 130
Speed mark, meaning it can deal with Infernape, Gengar, and Gyarados handily. As
was previously mentioned, Ice Punch can be used in the last slot, but it is usually only
of use useful in Ubers. This set has a lower damage output, and so it must rely on a certain element of surprise. However, once your opponent learns Metagross has a Choice Scarf, don't rely on them making the same mistake again.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Bullet Punch / Trick
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>
Metagross's high Attack and excellent defensive typing make this set effective at doing what Metagross does best: sticking around and dealing damage. Meteor Mash has an unbelievable damage output
under with this set, and Earthquake retains the
aforementioned synergy with Meteor Mash. Explosion is a given; with this set, it can cripple even Skarmory. Zen Headbutt rounds off the coverage nicely, but Bullet Punch is an option to pick off weakened Azelf or Gengar. Trick is an interesting option, but generally fits better on a Choice Scarf set. If coverage is absolutely necessary, Explosion can be dropped to use
both Zen Headbutt and Bullet Punch, although this is not recommended.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs
are simple to maximize
the both
Metagross's damage output and ability to deal such damage. Ice Punch, ThunderPunch, or Pursuit
can also work among the previously mentioned options. It is important to watch out for bulky Water-types, as they can wall Metagross all day. Skarmory and Forretress aren't hurt terribly either, and bulky Ground-types work in much the same manner. Rotom-A and Zapdos also are resistant to most of the attacks here. For this reason, a Calm Mind Celebi can work well and set up on these counters, or Magnezone can trap and eliminate the Steel-types.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Psychic
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Earthquake
move 4: Grass Knot / Bullet Punch
item: Leftovers / Expert Belt
nature: Quiet
evs: 80 HP / 124 Atk / 252 SpA / 52 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>A mixed Metagross may not seem like a viable option due to
its significantly lower Special Attack, but this set does prove useful to beat some common counters. With this set, Metagross is capable of 2HKOing Skarmory and Hippowdon with the respective moves, while
it netting an easy OHKO on Forretress and Swampert. Should Rotom-A switch in and attempt to burn you, you can easily retaliate with Psychic for the surprise KO. Meteor Mash remains, and should you decide to
forgo Hidden Power Fire, Earthquake can be used for slightly different coverage (most notably, missing the ability to hit Skarmory
in exchange for Heatran). Grass Knot allows Metagross to take on bulky Water- and Ground-types without fear, but Bullet Punch can be used if you are absolutely paranoid about its Speed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs provided allow
Metagross to outspeed Choice Band Scizor
(removed comma) while complementing
the its excellent bulk
of Metagross. They also provide great
special attacking potential. Leftovers is the
preferred option, as you don't lose any notable kills, and
Metagross's life span is lengthened once again. Expert Belt is still an option though if you wish to up
Metagross's Attack power damage output a bit. Hammer Arm can be used to beat Blissey and, if you chose Hidden Power Fire, Heatran.
(backspaced)</p>
<p>This Metagross is excellent at finding, luring out, and killing usual threats. Because of this, the best teammates to this set are
ones that Pokemon who appreciate the removal of
Metagross's counters such as Rotom-A, Skarmory, and Swampert.</p>
[SET]
name: Trick + Iron Ball
move 1: Trick
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Meteor Mash
move 4: Explosion / Stealth Rock
item: Iron Ball
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 HP / 252 Atk / 20 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Rotom-A and Skarmory make natural switch-ins to Metagross; it is only logical that
Metagross employs a combination of moves to beat both of these foes. This particular set aims to make use of
Metagross's higher Attack than Special Attack. Trick combined with Iron Ball form the core of this set, as it leaves
the aforementioned common threats susceptible to Ground-type moves. This means that the great type coverage provided by Earthquake and Meteor Mash gets even better.</p>
<p>The last slot is up for grabs. Explosion
OHKOes almost
any Pokemon who doesn't resist it, courtesy of
Metagross's mammoth Attack. However, since this Metagross aims at being a utility counter, it may be more potent when it's not
committing suicide using Explosion. For this reason, Stealth Rock can be used to support the rest of the team.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>20 Speed EVs
are vital to this set to outspeed base 115s after they have been Tricked an Iron Ball. Maximum Attack is also a given
in order to deal as much possible damage via Earthquake. The rest are dumped into HP to complement
Metagross's natural bulk. With poor prediction, this set will face difficulty against Heatran. Iron Ball is the necessary choice for item, while Adamant is useful for higher damage output. While
Earthquake is an anathema troublesome to Heatran, it can easily come in on a Meteor Mash and proceed to pick off Metagross.</p>
<p>The best teammates to this set are
ones that Pokemon who prefer to have Skarmory and Rotom-A gone, considering how well this set lures
them out and eliminates them. Gyarados will have a much easier time setting up and maintaining a sweep with Rotom-A removed; Mamoswine will fare much better once Skarmory is gone. If Heatran does prove to be a problem, bulky Water-types can be used as a solution.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Stealth Rock works well in
conjunction with
Metagross's high Attack, and turns many 3HKOs into 2HKOs. It is especially useful when using ThunderPunch to deal with bulky Water-types, and discourages Zapdos from repeatedly
switching in. Dual
screens make Metagross quite the offensive and defensive force, as it will be even more difficult to take down.</p>
<p>Bulky Water-, Ground- and Steel-types are almost always a good check to Metagross. Celebi can set up on most of these, and can also take on the otherwise problematic Zapdos and Rotom-A. Tyranitar can also weaken most of
Metagross's counters to the point where
Metagross's high Attack should have no difficulty picking them off. Heatran also is a good partner, as it can prey on the bulkier counters' lower Special Defense. Finally, Dragonite has good
synergistic typing with Metagross, resisting Fire-type moves and
possessing an immunity to Ground-type attacks.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>HP and Attack are generally the stats you will want to prioritize, but some Speed is fine in order to beat Skarmory or other Metagross. Zen Headbutt fits on most sets in order to take out Rotom-A. Iron Head has a nice flinch rate, and warrants use over Meteor Mash also because of its perfect accuracy. Icy Wind is a usable option, and can be useful on a special based set over Ice Punch. It also deals with
Metagross's Speed, while retaining coverage and Gliscor and Dragon-types. The main problem is that it is just a little on the weak side.</p>
<p>Other than that, movepool options are scarce. Gyro Ball is unreliable even with STAB and
Metagross's low Speed, as
Metagross's counters are generally slow. Hammer Arm warrants use on some sets, but its only real potential is against Magnet Rise Manezone, making it therefore a little too situational. Psych Up is another situational move, but
it allows you to take on Curse Snorlax or even the rare Regirock. Magnet Rise can
get rid
you of
Metagross's Ground-type weakness, but still leaves
it vulnerable to Fire-type moves, and doesn't
work well synergistically complement with its low Speed.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Rotom-A is the perfect counter to Metagross. Rotom-A resists all of Metagross's main attacking options while also being immune to Explosion and Earthquake. Rotom-A can immediately threaten Metagross with Will-O-Wisp, who obviously won't enjoy being burned, or stall through Rest + Sleep Talk if needed. Rotom-H can also severely weaken Metagross with Overheat; in fact, minimum Special Attack Rotom-H stands a small chance of 2HKOing Metagross with Overheat, provided Metagross has taken previous damage from Stealth Rock.</p>
(watch out for choice band zen headbutt? trick + iron ball has potential here too.)
<p>Skarmory fears next to nothing from Metagross, barring the occasional Choice Band ThunderPunch or Hidden Power Fire. Due to this, Skarmory can easily set up Spikes or Whirlwind Metagross out, depending on what the situation calls for. Bronzong also fares well, and can even do some damage with Earthquake. Forretress works similarly to these other Steel-types, but can be hit by a powerful Earthquake from Metagross. Zapdos also resists some of the main attacking options, and can threaten with Overheat.</p>
(these pokemon need to watch out for trick + iron ball as well.)
<p>Bulky Water-types can often be problematic, but they fear both ThunderPunch and Explosion. Bulky Ground-types work even better, and most can easily do a lot of damage back with Earthquake. Hippowdon and Swampert fear Grass Knot
though, however, while Ice Punch will quickly eliminate Gliscor.</p>
<p>Magnezone is obviously a problem should it get a Magnet Rise off before Metagross can use Earthquake, as it will then take extremely little from whatever Metagross shells out. Due to its ability, Magnezone can also trap Metagross, meaning it will probably be able to get the kill in such a scenario. Dugtrio can also work in this way, but it does not enjoy such nice resistances, and generally fears everything except ThunderPunch.</p>
