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[OVERVIEW]
With a new set of arms, Mega Metagross makes its way to Battle Spot Singles, capable of punching holes in the metagame. Mega Metagross shows off its majestic Attack stat coupled with an excellent offensive movepool containing a plethora of solid options to run such as Zen Headbutt, Earthquake, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, Grass Knot, and Hammer Arm by checking and countering many threats in the metagame such as Mega Gardevoir, Mega Altaria, Mega Heracross, Mega Lopunny, and Heatran. Its ability, Tough Claws, boosts the power of all of its contact moves by 33%, making its attacks hit harder and get potential KOs. Its base 110 Speed stat allows it to outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Mega Kangskhan, Garchomp, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Zapdos, and its bulk and typing allow it to take several hits from physical and special attackers, granting it plenty of opportunities to switch in. For example, it helps check Fairy- and Ice-types such as Sylveon and Glalie, which makes it a good partner for Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Hydreigon.
Despite its positive traits, Mega Metagross has trouble against Pokemon such as Bisharp, Mega Blaziken, Aegislash, Mega Mawile, and Suicune because of the advantages they hold such as their powerful STAB attacks along with their coverage moves. Before Mega Evolving, Metagross has to deal with its lackluster Speed and will surely get hit by an attack before being able to outspeed the opposing Pokemon. Because it lacks reliable recovery Mega Metagross has a difficult time breaking past defensive status users such as Mega Sableye, Slowbro, Rotom-W, Cresselia, and anything with Scald. Mega Metagross Steel / Psychic STAB moves isn't all that great either besides hitting Fairy-, Fighting-, Ice-, and Poison-types such as Sylveon, Conkeldurr, Mamoswine, and Gengar. Nonetheless, Mega Metagross is able to hold its own in the metagame.
[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Zen Headbutt
move 2: Bullet Punch / Meteor Mash
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Earthquake / Hammer Arm
item: Metagrossite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Zen Headbutt is Mega Metagross's STAB move, which allows it to hit Fighting- and Poison-types such as Blaziken, Mega Heracross, Breloom, Gengar, and Mega Venusaur. It is also Mega Metagross's strongest option against be used to hit Rotom-W. Bullet Punch lets Mega Metagross pick off weaker threats along with hitting Fairy- and Ice-types for super effective damage such as Mega Gardevoir and Weavile. Meteor Mash can be used over Bullet Punch to hit other threats for more damage. Despite the lack of perfect accuracy, the move still has high power. It is also helpful with the Tough Claws ability. Ice Punch has great coverage, dealing with Dragon-, Flying-, Grass-, and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Mega Salamence, Dragonite, Landorus-T, Thundurus, Zapdos, Serperior, and Gliscor. Earthquake gives Mega Metagross more coverage against Fire- and Steel-types such as Mega Charizard X, Heatran, Mega Lucario, Aegislash, and Excadrill. Hammer Arm allows Mega Metagross to hit Ferrothorn along with Dark-, Normal-, and Rock-types such as Hydreigon, Mega Kangaskhan, Chansey, and Tyranitar. Unfortunately, Hammer Arm decreases Mega Metagross's Speed after each use, putting it at a disadvantage against fast Pokemon that wouldn't outspeed it normally. Iron Head can be used instead of Bullet Punch or Meteor Mash because of its perfect accuracy and decent Base Power.
Set Details
========
Metagrossite is the only item for Metagross to use because it gives a huge boost in power, bulk, and Speed, as well as Tough Claws to deal a little extra damage on foes through contact. Maximum Attack and Speed investment ensures that Mega Metagross can hit hard while outspeeding many threats in the metagame. A Jolly nature is preferred over Adamant because it allows Mega Metagross to outspeed base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Mega Gardevoir, Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Zapdos, Jolly Mega Kangaskhan, and Jolly Garchomp. Clear Body prevents Mega Metagross's stats from being lowered before Mega Evolving. For example, the ability lets Metagross face off against Intimidate users such as Landorus-T, Mega Mawile, Mega Manectric, and Gyarados as well as switch into Icy Wind and Rock Tomb. If tying with base 100 Speed threats such as Gengar or Latios is unnecessary or unappealing, you can add some bulk over max Speed. 220 EVs allow Mega Metagross to outspeed base 105 threats such as Manectric, Lopunny, and Mega Pinsir after Mega Evolving, while 196 Speed is needed to outspeed Garchomp, if it's your only concern. 244 Speed EVs can be used to outspeed base 108 Speed Pokemon such as Infernape; however, it is uncommon. The rest of the EVs can be allocated to HP and Defense, which is particularly useful when you're dealing with Garchomp, as the combination of Earthquake + Rough Skin damage can KO Mega Metagross.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Metagross's primary job is to start attacking and forcing out various threats in the metagame such as Mega Salamence, Sylveon, Heatran, Gliscor, and Conkeldurr. If you're planning on using Mega Metagross early-game as a lead, make sure your opponent doesn't have a lead that could hinder Metagross. It's also best for Mega Metagross to be on the lookout for potential Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and the uncommon Heatran. It's very crucial to watch out for Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave users such as Mega Sableye, Rotom-W, Rotom-H, Cresselia, and Thundurus, as Will-O-Wisp renders Mega Metagross's attacks useless and deals passive damage, while Thunder Wave ruins its Speed. It's better to almost always use Zen Headbutt and Bullet Punch or Meteor Mash because both moves hit many Pokemon hard that do not resist them, unless you're facing a Pokemon that is weak to Mega Metagross's coverage moves.
Even though Mega Metagross is resistant against several types, don't switch it in repeatedly because it lacks reliable recovery; this means it can only be switched in a few times. Because Mega Metagross is holding Metagrossite, it can use that to its advantage to scout for Trick / Switcheroo users such as Rotom-W, Gothitelle, and Noivern. It's usually best to send Mega Metagross in on Fairy-types such as Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir because it resists their STAB moves. However, some Gardevoir carry Will-O-Wisp, which is capable of burning Metagross on the switch or prior to Mega Evolution. Try to Mega Evolve Metagross as soon as possible, as the Speed boost is crucial for outspeeding certain threats such as Garchomp and Mega Kangaskhan.
Team Options
========
Hydreigon and Mega Metagross have excellent synergy with each other, as Hydreigon can take on Dark-, Fire-, and Ghost-types while Mega Metagross can handle Dragon-, Fairy-, Fighting-, and Ice-types. Additionally, Hydreigon's ability Levitate gives it an immunity to Ground-type attacks, and it can eliminate Aegislash with Choice Specs Dark Pulse. Stallbreaker variants of Hydreigon can even provide Taunt or Thunder Wave support against defensive threats such as Cresselia and Porygon2 so that Mega Metagross has an easier time dealing with these bulky matchups. Togekiss is a viable teammate, as it can take down Dark-, Fighting-, and bulky Grass-types such as opposing Hydreigon, Breloom, Tangrowth, and Mega Venusaur, while Mega Metagross can switch into Ice-type attacks. Together, Mega Metagross, Togekiss, and Hydreigon can form a nice Steel / Fairy / Dragon core. Both Gyarados and Landorus-T can switch in and soften physical attacks for Mega Metagross with Intimidate. With a Ground immunity and Fire resistance, Gyarados can punish both types with its STAB Water-type moves. Landorus-T is able to punish Fire- and Steel-types with Earthquake. In return, Mega Metagross can sponge Rock- and Ice-type attacks for Gyarados and Landorus-T, respectively. Talonflame pairs well with Mega Metagross, as it can clean Aegislash off the field and burn physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp.
Tyranitar resists Dark-, Fire-, and Ghost-type moves and can get rid of Mega Gengar with Pursuit if it switches out. However, it needs to watch for Focus Blast. Rotom-W and Rotom-H are immune to Ground and can burn physical attackers with Will-O-Wisp, while Mega Metagross can take Rock-type moves for Rotom-H and Grass-type moves for Rotom-W. Rotom-H also helps with eliminating Aegislash. Garchomp and Mamoswine can both switch into Electric-type moves, keeping Mega Metagross safe from Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Thundurus. Conkeldurr makes a decent partner, being able to take on Dark-types such as Bisharp while not even fearing status thanks to Guts, so it can absorb Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave for Mega Metagross.
[SET]
name: Substitute + Hone Claws
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Hone Claws
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Zen Headbutt / Meteor Mash
item: Metagrossite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Substitute prevents Mega Metagross from being hit by powerful attacks and helps it avoid status moves such as Thunder Wave, Will-O-Wisp, and Leech Seed. Many expect Mega Metagross to run an all-out attacking set; this gives Mega Metagross the opportunity to set up Substitute on a predicted Sucker Punch from Pokemon such as Mega Mawile and Bisharp. Hone Claws raises Mega Metagross's Attack and accuracy by one stage. Using it in conjunction with Substitute also lets Mega Metagross set up for free against defensive Pokemon such as Cresselia, Ferrothorn, and Clefable. Earthquake is used to hit Fire-, Rock-, and Steel-types such as Heatran, Tyranitar, and Aegislash. The last moveslot is a toss-up between Zen Headbutt and Meteor Mash. Zen Headbutt can hit Poison- and Fighting-types such as Gengar and Breloom and has a chance to make the foe flinch, while Meteor Mash hits Mega Altaria, Sylveon, Clefable, Latios, Latias, and Cresselia. It notably OHKOes Latios at +1 and OHKOes Mega Kangaskhan at +2. With a Hone Claws boost under Mega Metagross's belt, both of these attacks will have perfect accuracy.
Set Details
========
252 HP EVs give Mega Metagross more bulk to take hits better. This also ensures that Mega Metagross's Substitute doesn't break from weak attacks such as Breloom's Mach Punch. 252 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Mega Metagross to outspeed non-Choice Scarf variants of Garchomp. There's no point in running any EVs in Attack for this set because it's necessary for Mega Metagross to outspeed as many foes as possible while having extra bulk to take hits. Clear Body allows Metagross to block any moves or abilities that would decrease its stats. 236 HP EVs can be used to keep Suicune from breaking Substitute with Scald. The remaining 20 EVs can be added to Attack to give Mega Metagross a little more damage output.
Usage Tips
========
This set helps with Mega Metagross's bulk, allowing it to to have a safe turn behind a Substitute after a weak attack. It resists many attacks that don't break it's Substitute. Mega Metagross should set up Substitute on defensive Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur, Clefable, Cresselia, and Ferrothorn because they won't be able to break it. Notably, its Substitute can survive Scald from Suicune, Mach Punch from Breloom, and Ice Beam from Cresselia. Try to use Substitute on predicted status moves such as Leech Seed and Thunder Wave, Sucker Punches, or switches to either get an Hone Claws boost or to hit the opposing Pokemon for damage. For example, Mega Metagross can predict Aegislash to be switched in, which gives it the perfect time to set up Substitute. It can then proceed to spam Earthquake and 2HKO it while ignoring King's Shield. However, if Aegislash carries Weakness Policy, it 2HKOes Mega Metagross with Shadow Sneak. Set up Hone Claws as soon as Mega Metagross is behind a Substitute in order to prepare for a sweep. Also, it's very crucial that its checks and counters are gone for a safe switch in and setup. It's always best for Mega Metagross to switch in after its teammate has fainted, as it won't have to risk taking any damage. You have to be very careful when Mega Evolving Metagross because it'll still have its low base 70 Speed first turn, so switch it into slower Pokemon such as Cresselia, Sylveon, and Tyranitar.
Team Options
========
Hydreigon and Mega Metagross have amazing synergy and check each other's checks and counters. Serperior's Glare allows it to paralyze Ground-types such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Excadrill, and it's able to deal with Hippowdon, Rhyperior, and Mamoswine for Mega Metagross. The more Pokemon Mega Metagross outspeeds, the more free turns it has to set up Substitute on a turn they're fully paralyzed. Serperior also helps by setting up dual screens and can help break down physical walls with Contrary Leaf Storm such as Suicune and Rotom-W. Garchomp can help take care of Fire-types and can switch into any Electric-type move. Mega Metagross resists Dragon-, Fairy-, and Ice-type moves, providing a nice switch-in for Garchomp's counters. Greninja has excellent coverage that can help get rid of threats such as Garchomp, Gengar, Hippowdon, Mega Salamence, and Landorus-T. Thundurus gives speed control with Thunder Wave, and with its ability Prankster, it'll surely get a paralysis off. Rotom-H and Rotom-W are immune to Ground-type moves, and both can use Will-O-Wisp to soften attacks aimed at Mega Metagross. Breloom offers Metagross Spore support and can even slow foes with Rock Tomb so that Metagross has an easier time outspeeding them prior to Mega Evolution. Breloom is also able to eliminate bulky Water-types such as Rotom-W, Suicune, and Slowbro, which Metagross really appreciates.
Mamoswine does an excellent job at removing Ground-, Dragon-, and Steel-types such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Mega Mawile so Mega Metagross has an easier time setting up. If Ferrothorn is a pain when trying to set up Hone Claws, consider Magnezone as a partner to trap and remove this nuisance. Mega Metagross isn't actually too bad on rain teams for their ability to threaten dangerous Fire-types Mega Metagross might struggle with such as Talonflame, Blaziken, and Mega Charizard X and Y. Mega Salamence has an easy time with certain matchups Mega Metagross struggles with, namely Fairy-, Fighting-, and Ice-types such as Mega Mawile, Mamoswine, and Blaziken.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Protect can be used to ensure Mega Metagross is not outsped when it Mega Evolves and scout the foe's moves and potential Choice item. Thunder Punch hits Water- and Flying-types such as Suicune, Azumarill, Gyarados, and Talonflame. Grass Knot gets a boost from Tough Claws and targets Ground- and Water-types such as Mega Swampert and Quagsire. Pursuit can surprise threats that tend to switch out such as Latios. Agility can be used with an Adamant nature to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon. No Speed would need to be invested in such a set, and instead 252 EVs can be put into both HP and Attack. Explosion is a last-resort option to KO the threat if Mega Metagross has no way of beating it. Rock Slide can be used to hit notable checks on the switch such as Charizard, Talonflame, and Volcarona. Power-Up Punch can be used to get a boost Mega Metagross's Attack; however, offensive moves such as Hammer Arm are generally better options than setting up, not to mention Power-Up Punch is usually outclassed by Hone Claws beause it doesn't offer any boost in accuracy for Zen Headbutt and Meteor Mash, while Mega Metagross could get hurt from setting up against Rocky Helmet / Rough Skin / Iron Barbs users such as Cresselia, Garchomp, and Ferrothorn. Assault Vest gives Metagross extra bulk in Special Defense and lets it act as a tank. A Substitute + 3 attacks set with Zen Headbutt, Meteor Mash, and Earthquake or Hammer Arm can be used in order to avoid status moves while attacking behind a Substitute. Toxic deserves a special mention in order to wear down bulky walls such as Cresselia, which would otherwise comfortably wall Metagross with reliable recovery + Rocky Helmet damage.
An Adamant nature is useful for hitting threats harder. This nature can be used in conjunction with other Pokemon on Mega Metagross's team if they carry Icy Wind, Rock Tomb, or even Thunder Wave. It would also allow for Mega Metagross to get some possible KOs that it normally wouldn't such as on Hydreigon and Mega Kangaskhan; however, Mega Metagross will lose out on its ability to outspeed base 100s. When you're running an Adamant nature, 124 EVs in HP can allow Mega Metagross to survive an Earthquake from Adamant Landorus-T, while putting the rest in Speed will allow Mega Metagross to Speed tie with neutral-natured base 95 Pokemon. You can even run max HP and max Attack if you find outspeeding those isn't worthwhile.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Mega Metagross has a lot of trouble against the most threatening Fire-types in the metagame. Notable Pokemon include Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Blaziken, Talonflame, and Rotom-H. Both Mega Charizard X and Blaziken can OHKO Mega Metagross with Flare Blitz, and Mega Blaziken can even outspeed Mega Metagross with Speed Boost after using Protect. Mega Charizard Y's Fire moves get a boost from Drought, allowing it to KO Mega Metagross with any of its strong Fire attacks. Talonflame can cripple Mega Metagross with Will-O-Wisp while stalling with Roost. Rotom-H can easily get rid of Mega Metagross with Overheat.
**Dark- and Ghost-types**: Mega Sableye can burn Mega Metagross with Will-O-Wisp, neutering its physical attacking capabilities. Mega Sableye can then proceed to set up with Calm Mind while replenishing itself with Recover and KO Mega Metagross with its Dark-type STAB attacks. Aegislash can gain a boost in Attack and Special Attack from Weakness Policy from Mega Metagross's Earthquake and KO it with Shadow Ball. Mega Gengar outspeeds Mega Metagross and can OHKO it with Shadow Ball.
**Ground-types**: Hippowdon carries Rocky Helmet, which, because the majority of Mega Metagross's moves make contact, helps wear Mega Metagross down. Additionally, Ice Punch only 3HKOes Hippowdon, while Earthquake 2HKOes Mega Metagross with Rocky Helmet. Hippowdon can also use Slack Off to recover any lost health. Choice Scarf Garchomp 2HKOes Mega Metagross with Earthquake and has the ability Rough Skin, which will give out residual damage. Landorus-T can come into Mega Metagross and lower its Attack with Intimidate. It can outspeed with Choice Scarf and has a chance to OHKO with Earthquake.
**Burn and Paralysis**: Mega Metagross is vulnerable to burn and paralysis. Burns will decrease its Attack, making its moves completely useless. Paralysis ruins Mega Metagross's Speed with an additional chance to immobilize it. Notable status users that would give Mega Metagross trouble are Mega Sableye, Mega Gengar, Rotom-W, Rotom-H, Thundurus, and Cresselia.
**Cresselia and Porygon2**: Cresselia is able to easily wall Mega Metagross and paralyze it with Thunder Wave, ruining its Speed. It also commonly carries Rocky Helmet, which will deal passive damage after each hit Mega Metagross deals to it, and can recover any damage that's dealt to it with Moonlight; however, when Mega Metagross is behind a Substitute, Cresselia can't do much to it. Mega Metagross has no way of beating Porygon2 if it's an all-out attacker because many are physical walls and can take any hit. Porygon2 can also paralyze Mega Metagross with Thunder Wave. However, Substitute + Hone Claws allows Mega Metagross to deal with Porygon2 and Cresselia unless Porygon2 carries Foul Play or Shadow Ball.
**Mega Mawile**: Mawile can switch in and decrease Mega Metagross's Attack with Intimidate, while Mega Metagross isn't able to OHKO Mega Mawile with any of its moves and needs to watch out for Sucker Punch when it's not at full health. If Bullet Punch is being used, however, Mega Metagross can play mind games with Mega Mawile because it outspeeds, and if Substitute is being used, Mega Metagross can bypass Sucker Punch.
**Bulky Water-types**: Gyarados can take Mega Metagross's attacks thanks to Intimidate, and regular Gyarados variants wear down Mega Metagross with Rocky Helmet and carry Thunder Wave. Suicune resists Mega Metagross's Steel-type STAB attacks and can burn it with Scald. The same goes for Mega Slowbro. Both of these Pokemon can use Mega Metagross to set up Calm Mind in order to deal more damage. However, Gyarados needs to be aware of Thunder Punch, while Suicune and Mega Slowbro needs to be wary of Grass Knot.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Skarmory and Scizor can reliably check Metagross. Skarmory can use Whirlwind to prevent the Hone Claws set from setting up even through Substitute, while Scizor, especially the bulky Mega variants, takes almost nothing from Earthquake or Hammer Arm and threatens to set up and retaliate with powerful Bug-type STAB attack or Dark-type coverage move.
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