First analysis! I hope it's good enough to comply with smogon standards. A big shoutout to sandshrewz, who helped me a lot in getting involved with the C&C community. The skeleton of this analysis, written by Berserker Lord can be found here.
[Overview]
<p>Metagross has been one of the more popular choices in OU since its heydays in the ADV era. Being one of those few Pokemon that can wall and break walls at the same time, it is capable of pulling off a multitude of effective sets thanks to its expansive movepool. Metagross has an excellent defensive typing, which grants it a fantastic number of resistances and a useful neutrality to Fighting-type attacks that plague most of the other Steel-types in the tier. It even has a passable Special Attack stat to run mixed sets to great effect. Metagross's immunity to Toxic also gives it the potential to wall many Pokemon.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Metagross is hindered by a less-than-stellar Speed stat. Its STAB moves also have poor coverage; Metagross is thus vulnerable to threats such as Gliscor, Jellicent, and Rotom-W. Weaknesses to common Ground- and Fire-type attacks don't help either. Fortunately, Metagross can patch up most of its shortcomings with moves such as Agility and Magnet Rise, but the former cannot be thrown on to most standard sets, and the latter simply doesn't work well on most of Metagross's sets. Nonetheless, Metagross is a great choice for any OU team which needs an effective team player.</p>
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Earthquake / Hammer Arm
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Metagross's great bulk allows it to set up Stealth Rock without much fuss. Meteor Mash won't be hitting too many Pokemon super effectively, but with STAB, it hits very hard. Pursuit allows Metagross to dent Latios, Celebi and Gengar, which will usually switch out of Metagross. Hammer Arm provides valuable coverage on Pokemon that resist Steel, mainly Rotom-W and Ferrothorn. Earthquake is a viable alternative to Hammer Arm, however, hitting Jirachi, Tentacruel, Heatran, and pesky Fire-types for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs for this set optimize Metagross's bulk and hard-hitting potential. 60 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed neutral-natured Heatran with no Speed investment and OHKO with Earthquake. Bullet Punch is viable in tandem with Hammer Arm to compensate for the Speed reduction, but even with STAB, it is not very powerful. Metagross is still able to use Explosion with a Normal Gem to destroy walls. Life Orb is perfectly usable with Explosion and Metagross's other moves. Occa Berry helps Metagross withstand strong Fire moves so that it can set up Stealth Rock. This strategy is more effective when Metagross is used as a Heatran lure, as it can take a Fire Blast with Occa Berry and OHKO with Earthquake.</p>
<p>Pursuit can be used to greater effect with an EV spread of 252 HP / 80 Atk / 176 SpD to help Metagross survive special attacks. Shuca Berry works very well with Ice Punch, as this lets Metagross survive Landorus's Earthquake and then OHKO it. Ice Punch also ruins Choice Haxorus and Dragonite locked into Outrage. However, this set is notably walled by Skarmory and Forretress, which can take several hits and set up in the process. Metagross doesn't do well against bulky Waters, which can easily take unboosted Hammer Arms and use Scald to get a lucky burn. Volcarona is problematic, with its ability to set up on Metagross with this moveset. Celebi makes a fine team partner to take out Skarmory and Forretress, and Choice Scarf Terrakion will have no issues with taking out Volcarona.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Hammer Arm
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Pursuit / ThunderPunch
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band is a brilliant item on physical hitters, and Metagross turns it up a notch. With Metagross reaching an Attack stat of 607, it can put its excellent coverage to good use and OHKO or 2HKO most of the OU metagame with some prediction. Meteor Mash allows Metagross to muscle through almost any Pokemon and Bullet Punch provides indispensable priority for faster threats. Hammer Arm deals heavy damage to Rotom-W and Ferrothorn. In a strange case, the Speed drop from Hammer Arm actually helps Metagross take out Skarmory, as it becomes slower than Skarmory after a single Hammer Arm and is able to mash Skarmory for super effective damage when Skarmory inevitably Roosts. There are three options for the last moveslot. Zen Headbutt gives Metagross a reliable secondary STAB, mainly for hitting Conkeldurr and Volcarona hard. Pursuit traps and destroys any Latios, Latias, and Alakazam lacking Hidden Power Fire. ThunderPunch is Metagross's strongest option against Slowbro and Skarmory, 2HKOing both with Stealth Rock damage. ThunderPunch also guarantees a OHKO on Gyarados with Stealth Rock on the field.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs are to just outspeed Bulky Gyarados. Explosion is viable as it allows Metagross to cripple many walls. For Pursuit, a 252 HP / 252 Atk EV spread works better. Ice Punch has room on this set to hit Dragon-types and Gliscor, but has little effectiveness beyond that. Trick works very well to mess up most walls, but this is at the expense of a vital coverage move and Metagross has enough power to simply break walls with attacks. Entry hazards are essential so that Metagross can better smash through opponents with Meteor Mash.</p>
<p>This set is countered by Slowbro, which can make use of Regenerator to stay healthy, even if Metagross carries ThunderPunch. Bulky Steel- and Water-types can switch into Meteor Mash with impunity. Heatran is a notable example, it takes little from Meteor Mash and can melt Metagross with a mighty Fire Blast. Bulky Water-types such as Jellicent can Scald Metagross, which will be crippled with a burn. Hydreigon assists Metagross in dealing with most of its counters. Magnezone helps Metagross too by trapping Forretress, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn. Magnezone is also efficient at wiping Water-types out with STAB Thunderbolt.</p>
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt / ThunderPunch
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is one of Metagross's best sweeping sets. Agility allows it to outspeed most threats, while 80 / 130 / 90 defenses provide all the bulk a sweeper could ever need. Meteor Mash hits even harder wtih Life Orb and has the ability to raise Metagross's Attack. This makes it difficult even for Pokemon that resist its moves to switch in. Earthquake provides great coverage on Metagross's main threats—Fire- and Steel-types. Zen Headbutt gives Fighting-types a tough time and allows Metagross to hit Water-types for respectable damage. ThunderPunch will provide more damage on Water-types not named Rotom-W, except for Tentacruel, which are hit harder by Zen Headbutt. ThunderPunch will prove to be vastly useful against Skarmory, so that must be kept in mind when choosing between the two.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs in Speed and the Jolly nature are to ensure that Metagross outspeeds Choice Scarf Terrakion and Chlorophyll Venusaur in sun after an Agility boost. Lum Berry is a good choice of item to avoid a burn or paralysis, which would otherwise end Metagross's sweep. Air Balloon is also an option, as it allows Metagross to safely switch into Ground-type moves and grab a boost, but the loss in power is unappealing. In case any of these items strike your fancy, change Metagross's nature to Adamant to compensate for the loss of Life Orb. </p>
<p>Ice Punch can be used to obliterate Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and Dragonite, but Meteor Mash has effectively the same base power (with STAB) as a 2x effective Ice Punch, so the move will not see a lot of use otherwise. Ferrothorn and Forretress are notorious for setting up hazards and Leech Seed on this set, so team support is needed to ensure that Metagross doesn't become setup bait. Gliscor, Quagsire, Hippowdon, Bronzong, and Jellicent do a good job in wearing down Metagross. Slowbro and Skarmory also have no troubles with this set if Metagross happens to lack ThunderPunch. Celebi fits the bill as a good teammate for Metagross, as it can take care of most of the aforementioned threats. Magnezone pairs well with Metagross to zap Water-types and eliminate Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Trick / Pursuit
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>At a glance, Metagross looks like an unwise choice for a Choice Scarf set. However, it is actually capable of using its Speed stat to outspeed +1 Adamant Dragonite and 2HKO with Ice Punch. Meteor Mash is for powerful STAB, and Earthquake is to take out Fire- and Steel-types. Ice Punch deals heavy damage to Landorus, Gliscor, and Salamence. Trick is a good move to mess with walls, while Pursuit is to slam fleeing Latios, Starmie, and Gengar.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are to outspeed +1 Adamant Gyarados and the aforementioned Dragonite. ThunderPunch will badly hurt Metagross's Water-type counters, namely Gyarados and Jellicent. Zen Headbutt can be used for nailing Fighting-types and 2HKOing Rotom-W; it is also capable of 2HKOing Gastrodon with Spikes.</p>
<p>Because this set does not hit nearly as hard as Metagross's other sets, entry hazards are essential to score crucial 2HKOs on Pokemon such as Jellicent. Skarmory, Forretress, and Ferrothorn can set up hazards all day against this set. Bulky Water-types can take Metagross's hits quite well and eventually wear it down with STAB attacks. Magnet Pull Magnezone totally messes up this set, as long as it doesn't switch in on an Earthquake. As for teammates, Celebi is once again a reliable choice to handle Water-types, while Heatran can scorch Steel-types.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Earthquake
item: Life Orb
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 228 SpA / 24 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Metagross has an excellent stat distribution, so a mixed set provides a superb element of surprise and wallbreaking capabilities. Meteor Mash should be used most of the time; this is Metagross's most powerful move in its moveset. Hidden Power Fire roasts Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Tangrowth for 2HKOs; Forretress and Scizor are OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage. Grass Knot 2HKOes Jellicent, Slowbro, and Hippowdon. Zen Headbutt is for beating Fighting-types and light Water-types, such as Rotom-W. However, Earthquake is a great coverage option for hitting Heatran and Jirachi.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs are for outspeeding max Speed Wobbuffet. Using Expert Belt will give Metagross extra longevity, but the loss in power is not attractive. Ice Punch has its uses on this set to damage Dragonite, Gliscor, and Landorus, but that's the only use it's going to see. Bullet Punch can be used for priority, especially since Metagross is slow with this set.</p>
<p>Metagross needs Earthquake to counter Heatran, as it will otherwise be walled by the same. Rotom-W takes negligible damage from Grass Knot and can deal heavy damage with Hydro Pump. Tyranitar pairs well with Metagross to eliminate Heatran, while Celebi can take out Rotom-W.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Metagross has an expansive support movepool that it can use to its advantage. The RestTalk combo looks great on paper, but Metagross is at the risk of becoming setup bait for many threats. Gravity is an interesting choice to augment Meteor Mash's accuracy, and it also lets Metagross hurt Rotom-W, Skarmory, and Bronzong with Earthquake. Hone Claws is a fine choice to use in tandem with Meteor Mash, but Metagross is too slow to use it effectively. Magnet Rise gives Metagross better chances against slower Ground-types such as Hippowdon. However, it is not a good choice on most of Metagross's sets. Reflect + Light Screen + Light Clay is a viable combination, but there are faster and better dual screeners than Metagross. Iron Head is a neat option if you're sick of Meteor Mash missing, but it it noticeably weaker than Meteor Mash, and Metagross can't even take advantage of the flinch chance with its poor Speed. Block + Explosion is a great combination to trap and destroy walls. Gyro Ball + Iron Ball is viable, but Metagross isn't as slow as Gyro Ball's premier users, and most walls can take Gyro Ball with ease. Metagross also loses its ability to outrun most Steel-types in the tier.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Having a reliable counter to Metagross is difficult because of its wallbreaking prowess and excellent bulk. Most of Metagross's counters rely on the poor coverage of its STAB moves and its lack of access to powerful coverage moves for taking it out. Apart from a computer hacker, Slowbro is closest thing to what can be called a "good Metagross counter". It can take most of Metagross's attacks barring Grass Knot and Choice Band ThunderPunch and wear it down with STAB Water-type attacks. Skarmory functions similarly to Slowbro in walling Metagross, though it falls to repeated Hidden Power Fires and will be smashed by Hammer Arm as it Roosts. However, all that Skarmory can do is phaze Metagross or setup hazards. Heatran and Rotom-W can comfortably switch in to a Meteor Mash and ruin Metagross using Fire Blast and Hydro Pump, respectively. Steel-types are good checks to Metagross providing it lacks Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake. Bulky Water-types wall any Metagross lacking ThunderPunch or Zen Headbutt. Notable examples include Jellicent, Politoed, Gyarados, and Tentacruel. These Pokemon aside, Metagross is also vulnerable to revenge kills because of its middling Speed stat.</p>
[Overview]
<p>Metagross has been one of the more popular choices in OU since its heydays in the ADV era. Being one of those few Pokemon that can wall and break walls at the same time, it is capable of pulling off a multitude of effective sets thanks to its expansive movepool. Metagross has an excellent defensive typing, which grants it a fantastic number of resistances and a useful neutrality to Fighting-type attacks that plague most of the other Steel-types in the tier. It even has a passable Special Attack stat to run mixed sets to great effect. Metagross's immunity to Toxic also gives it the potential to wall many Pokemon.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, Metagross is hindered by a less-than-stellar Speed stat. Its STAB moves also have poor coverage; Metagross is thus vulnerable to threats such as Gliscor, Jellicent, and Rotom-W. Weaknesses to common Ground- and Fire-type attacks don't help either. Fortunately, Metagross can patch up most of its shortcomings with moves such as Agility and Magnet Rise, but the former cannot be thrown on to most standard sets, and the latter simply doesn't work well on most of Metagross's sets. Nonetheless, Metagross is a great choice for any OU team which needs an effective team player.</p>
[SET]
name: Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Earthquake / Hammer Arm
item: Leftovers
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Metagross's great bulk allows it to set up Stealth Rock without much fuss. Meteor Mash won't be hitting too many Pokemon super effectively, but with STAB, it hits very hard. Pursuit allows Metagross to dent Latios, Celebi and Gengar, which will usually switch out of Metagross. Hammer Arm provides valuable coverage on Pokemon that resist Steel, mainly Rotom-W and Ferrothorn. Earthquake is a viable alternative to Hammer Arm, however, hitting Jirachi, Tentacruel, Heatran, and pesky Fire-types for super effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs for this set optimize Metagross's bulk and hard-hitting potential. 60 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed neutral-natured Heatran with no Speed investment and OHKO with Earthquake. Bullet Punch is viable in tandem with Hammer Arm to compensate for the Speed reduction, but even with STAB, it is not very powerful. Metagross is still able to use Explosion with a Normal Gem to destroy walls. Life Orb is perfectly usable with Explosion and Metagross's other moves. Occa Berry helps Metagross withstand strong Fire moves so that it can set up Stealth Rock. This strategy is more effective when Metagross is used as a Heatran lure, as it can take a Fire Blast with Occa Berry and OHKO with Earthquake.</p>
<p>Pursuit can be used to greater effect with an EV spread of 252 HP / 80 Atk / 176 SpD to help Metagross survive special attacks. Shuca Berry works very well with Ice Punch, as this lets Metagross survive Landorus's Earthquake and then OHKO it. Ice Punch also ruins Choice Haxorus and Dragonite locked into Outrage. However, this set is notably walled by Skarmory and Forretress, which can take several hits and set up in the process. Metagross doesn't do well against bulky Waters, which can easily take unboosted Hammer Arms and use Scald to get a lucky burn. Volcarona is problematic, with its ability to set up on Metagross with this moveset. Celebi makes a fine team partner to take out Skarmory and Forretress, and Choice Scarf Terrakion will have no issues with taking out Volcarona.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Bullet Punch
move 3: Hammer Arm
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Pursuit / ThunderPunch
item: Choice Band
nature: Adamant
evs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Band is a brilliant item on physical hitters, and Metagross turns it up a notch. With Metagross reaching an Attack stat of 607, it can put its excellent coverage to good use and OHKO or 2HKO most of the OU metagame with some prediction. Meteor Mash allows Metagross to muscle through almost any Pokemon and Bullet Punch provides indispensable priority for faster threats. Hammer Arm deals heavy damage to Rotom-W and Ferrothorn. In a strange case, the Speed drop from Hammer Arm actually helps Metagross take out Skarmory, as it becomes slower than Skarmory after a single Hammer Arm and is able to mash Skarmory for super effective damage when Skarmory inevitably Roosts. There are three options for the last moveslot. Zen Headbutt gives Metagross a reliable secondary STAB, mainly for hitting Conkeldurr and Volcarona hard. Pursuit traps and destroys any Latios, Latias, and Alakazam lacking Hidden Power Fire. ThunderPunch is Metagross's strongest option against Slowbro and Skarmory, 2HKOing both with Stealth Rock damage. ThunderPunch also guarantees a OHKO on Gyarados with Stealth Rock on the field.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs are to just outspeed Bulky Gyarados. Explosion is viable as it allows Metagross to cripple many walls. For Pursuit, a 252 HP / 252 Atk EV spread works better. Ice Punch has room on this set to hit Dragon-types and Gliscor, but has little effectiveness beyond that. Trick works very well to mess up most walls, but this is at the expense of a vital coverage move and Metagross has enough power to simply break walls with attacks. Entry hazards are essential so that Metagross can better smash through opponents with Meteor Mash.</p>
<p>This set is countered by Slowbro, which can make use of Regenerator to stay healthy, even if Metagross carries ThunderPunch. Bulky Steel- and Water-types can switch into Meteor Mash with impunity. Heatran is a notable example, it takes little from Meteor Mash and can melt Metagross with a mighty Fire Blast. Bulky Water-types such as Jellicent can Scald Metagross, which will be crippled with a burn. Hydreigon assists Metagross in dealing with most of its counters. Magnezone helps Metagross too by trapping Forretress, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn. Magnezone is also efficient at wiping Water-types out with STAB Thunderbolt.</p>
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt / ThunderPunch
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This is one of Metagross's best sweeping sets. Agility allows it to outspeed most threats, while 80 / 130 / 90 defenses provide all the bulk a sweeper could ever need. Meteor Mash hits even harder wtih Life Orb and has the ability to raise Metagross's Attack. This makes it difficult even for Pokemon that resist its moves to switch in. Earthquake provides great coverage on Metagross's main threats—Fire- and Steel-types. Zen Headbutt gives Fighting-types a tough time and allows Metagross to hit Water-types for respectable damage. ThunderPunch will provide more damage on Water-types not named Rotom-W, except for Tentacruel, which are hit harder by Zen Headbutt. ThunderPunch will prove to be vastly useful against Skarmory, so that must be kept in mind when choosing between the two.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs in Speed and the Jolly nature are to ensure that Metagross outspeeds Choice Scarf Terrakion and Chlorophyll Venusaur in sun after an Agility boost. Lum Berry is a good choice of item to avoid a burn or paralysis, which would otherwise end Metagross's sweep. Air Balloon is also an option, as it allows Metagross to safely switch into Ground-type moves and grab a boost, but the loss in power is unappealing. In case any of these items strike your fancy, change Metagross's nature to Adamant to compensate for the loss of Life Orb. </p>
<p>Ice Punch can be used to obliterate Landorus, Gliscor, Salamence, and Dragonite, but Meteor Mash has effectively the same base power (with STAB) as a 2x effective Ice Punch, so the move will not see a lot of use otherwise. Ferrothorn and Forretress are notorious for setting up hazards and Leech Seed on this set, so team support is needed to ensure that Metagross doesn't become setup bait. Gliscor, Quagsire, Hippowdon, Bronzong, and Jellicent do a good job in wearing down Metagross. Slowbro and Skarmory also have no troubles with this set if Metagross happens to lack ThunderPunch. Celebi fits the bill as a good teammate for Metagross, as it can take care of most of the aforementioned threats. Magnezone pairs well with Metagross to zap Water-types and eliminate Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Trick / Pursuit
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>At a glance, Metagross looks like an unwise choice for a Choice Scarf set. However, it is actually capable of using its Speed stat to outspeed +1 Adamant Dragonite and 2HKO with Ice Punch. Meteor Mash is for powerful STAB, and Earthquake is to take out Fire- and Steel-types. Ice Punch deals heavy damage to Landorus, Gliscor, and Salamence. Trick is a good move to mess with walls, while Pursuit is to slam fleeing Latios, Starmie, and Gengar.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are to outspeed +1 Adamant Gyarados and the aforementioned Dragonite. ThunderPunch will badly hurt Metagross's Water-type counters, namely Gyarados and Jellicent. Zen Headbutt can be used for nailing Fighting-types and 2HKOing Rotom-W; it is also capable of 2HKOing Gastrodon with Spikes.</p>
<p>Because this set does not hit nearly as hard as Metagross's other sets, entry hazards are essential to score crucial 2HKOs on Pokemon such as Jellicent. Skarmory, Forretress, and Ferrothorn can set up hazards all day against this set. Bulky Water-types can take Metagross's hits quite well and eventually wear it down with STAB attacks. Magnet Pull Magnezone totally messes up this set, as long as it doesn't switch in on an Earthquake. As for teammates, Celebi is once again a reliable choice to handle Water-types, while Heatran can scorch Steel-types.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Grass Knot
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Earthquake
item: Life Orb
nature: Naughty
evs: 252 Atk / 228 SpA / 24 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Metagross has an excellent stat distribution, so a mixed set provides a superb element of surprise and wallbreaking capabilities. Meteor Mash should be used most of the time; this is Metagross's most powerful move in its moveset. Hidden Power Fire roasts Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Tangrowth for 2HKOs; Forretress and Scizor are OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage. Grass Knot 2HKOes Jellicent, Slowbro, and Hippowdon. Zen Headbutt is for beating Fighting-types and light Water-types, such as Rotom-W. However, Earthquake is a great coverage option for hitting Heatran and Jirachi.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The Speed EVs are for outspeeding max Speed Wobbuffet. Using Expert Belt will give Metagross extra longevity, but the loss in power is not attractive. Ice Punch has its uses on this set to damage Dragonite, Gliscor, and Landorus, but that's the only use it's going to see. Bullet Punch can be used for priority, especially since Metagross is slow with this set.</p>
<p>Metagross needs Earthquake to counter Heatran, as it will otherwise be walled by the same. Rotom-W takes negligible damage from Grass Knot and can deal heavy damage with Hydro Pump. Tyranitar pairs well with Metagross to eliminate Heatran, while Celebi can take out Rotom-W.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Metagross has an expansive support movepool that it can use to its advantage. The RestTalk combo looks great on paper, but Metagross is at the risk of becoming setup bait for many threats. Gravity is an interesting choice to augment Meteor Mash's accuracy, and it also lets Metagross hurt Rotom-W, Skarmory, and Bronzong with Earthquake. Hone Claws is a fine choice to use in tandem with Meteor Mash, but Metagross is too slow to use it effectively. Magnet Rise gives Metagross better chances against slower Ground-types such as Hippowdon. However, it is not a good choice on most of Metagross's sets. Reflect + Light Screen + Light Clay is a viable combination, but there are faster and better dual screeners than Metagross. Iron Head is a neat option if you're sick of Meteor Mash missing, but it it noticeably weaker than Meteor Mash, and Metagross can't even take advantage of the flinch chance with its poor Speed. Block + Explosion is a great combination to trap and destroy walls. Gyro Ball + Iron Ball is viable, but Metagross isn't as slow as Gyro Ball's premier users, and most walls can take Gyro Ball with ease. Metagross also loses its ability to outrun most Steel-types in the tier.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Having a reliable counter to Metagross is difficult because of its wallbreaking prowess and excellent bulk. Most of Metagross's counters rely on the poor coverage of its STAB moves and its lack of access to powerful coverage moves for taking it out. Apart from a computer hacker, Slowbro is closest thing to what can be called a "good Metagross counter". It can take most of Metagross's attacks barring Grass Knot and Choice Band ThunderPunch and wear it down with STAB Water-type attacks. Skarmory functions similarly to Slowbro in walling Metagross, though it falls to repeated Hidden Power Fires and will be smashed by Hammer Arm as it Roosts. However, all that Skarmory can do is phaze Metagross or setup hazards. Heatran and Rotom-W can comfortably switch in to a Meteor Mash and ruin Metagross using Fire Blast and Hydro Pump, respectively. Steel-types are good checks to Metagross providing it lacks Hidden Power Fire or Earthquake. Bulky Water-types wall any Metagross lacking ThunderPunch or Zen Headbutt. Notable examples include Jellicent, Politoed, Gyarados, and Tentacruel. These Pokemon aside, Metagross is also vulnerable to revenge kills because of its middling Speed stat.</p>
