http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/metang
[Overview]
<p>Although NFE, this lump of metal shouldn't be overlooked. Metang has usable defenses, a decent Attack stat, and, thanks to its typing, only two weaknesses. Furthermore, Metang's typing grants it eight resistances and an immunity to Poison-type moves. Metang may seem like "just another Steel-type," but access to Reflect, Light Screen, and Trick make it unique at what it does. That's not all; being NFE, Metang can take full advantage of Eviolite, which gives it a nice defensive boost. Unfortunately, Metang doesn't have any form of reliable recovery outside of Rest, which means it has to rely on a Chesto Berry to wake it up. All in all, Metang is pretty average, but if you use it, you gain instant cool points.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Stealth Rock / Earthquake
move 4: Meteor Mash
item: Light Clay / Eviolite
nature: Impish
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With good defenses, useful resistances, and decently powered STAB moves, Metang is an excellent user of dual screens. The idea is to set up on a weak or resisted attack, and proceed to either hit the opponent hard, or bring in a sweeper to set up. Furthermore, Metang is an excellent lure to Ground- and Fire-type moves, and it grants many opportunities for its teammates to switch in. Stealth Rock provides additional team support, whereas Earthquake can be used to damage Steel-types that resist Meteor Mash. Meteor Mash is the obligatory STAB, and it deals plenty of damage to frail opponents.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs and nature take advantage of Metang's decent physical bulk. You may be wondering why the EVs aren't split between Metang's defenses; the primary reason is that Metang resists common Rock- and Normal-type attacks, not to mention it resists the majority of physical attacks, bar Earthquake. A specially defensive spread can be used if you prefer to take on weak special attackers, such as Swoobat, but the physical spread is superior in most cases. The item choice is down to personal preference; Light Clay is used to prolong the duration of screens, whereas Eviolite grants Metang a 50% boost to its defenses. Alternatively, an Air Balloon gives Metang a temporary immunity to Ground-type moves, but an Occa Berry can be used to weaken an oncoming Fire-type attack.</p>
<p>Wish support helps Metang overcome its lack of reliable recovery; Leafeon and Clefable are both great Wish passers, and they're both decent clerics as well. Pokemon that can switch into Fire- and Ground-type moves are helpful too. Thick Fat Hariyama can take on the majority of Fire-types and threaten them with Stone Edge; Kabutops, Omastar, and Rhydon also resist Fire-type moves, and their STAB attacks will extinguish any flames on the field. Scyther, Mandibuzz, and Honchkrow are immune to Earthquake, and Grass-types, such as Sceptile, resist it. Pokemon that can set up behind screens are recommended. Dragon Dancers, such as Fraxure and Altaria, are good choices, as is Swords Dance Feraligatr and Nasty Plot Porygon-Z.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Looking at Metang's movepool, you'll notice it's quite expansive. ThunderPunch, Zen Headbutt, Pursuit, Rock Slide, Ice Punch, and Bullet Punch are all viable physical options, but Metang isn't the most powerful sweeper out there. A Choice Band can be held with any combination of the aforementioned moves, and it can be used in tandem with Trick to screw with walls Metang may encounter. Metang has access to Explosion; however, Explosion isn't as effective this generation since it doesn't lower the target's Defense. Gyro Ball can be used with a Speed-lowering nature, but Metang won't be dealing as much damage as slower threats, such as Ferroseed. Gravity is somewhat useful, but Metang only benefits from an unavoidable Earthquake. A weather support set is viable, but there are better Pokemon to set up. Magnet Rise is fairly gimmicky, but it can save Metang from a nasty Ground-type attack. Hone Claws can raise Metang's Attack and accuracy, though Metang is too slow to use it effectively. Metang's special movepool is surprisingly large, but it's hard to make use of with such a poor Special Attack stat. Agility and Rock Polish are two Speed-boosting options, but Metang is no offensive powerhouse, so it's outclassed by Aggron for the most part. Metang's other ability, Light Metal, is pretty useless, and its only advantage is that it weakens opposing Grass Knot and Low Kick. Protect and Iron Defense are usually a waste of a moveslot, but they help Metang stall for an extra turn and raise its Defense, respectively. Finally, Metang can abuse Toxic to cripple bulky Pokemon, such as Uxie.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Ground- and Fire-types are the bane of Metang; Rhydon, Gligar, Moltres, Charizard, and Entei can all break the ground beneath Metang's feet, or scorch it to death, respectively. Aggron and Magneton can beat Metang if it doesn't carry Earthquake; Magneton has access to Magnet Pull and a powerful Hidden Power Fire, whereas Aggron can tear Metang apart with Earthquake. Steelix is another great counter as it resists Metang's STAB, and it has STAB Earthquake to KO Metang swiftly. Ferroseed is an unlikely option, but it takes little damage from any of Metang's attacks, and can set up entry hazards or cripple an opponent with Thunder Wave. Metang won't be doing a lot to Water-types either, so Crawdaunt, Poliwrath, and Slowking can wall it for an eternity. Rotom is immune to Earthquake, resists Meteor Mash, and has access to Will-O-Wisp to cripple Metang. Almost anything with a good Defense stat can beat Metang, making Cofagrigus, Uxie, Tangrowth, and Claydol decent checks. Most of the time it's just easier to Taunt Metang, as it'll be setting up anyway. Burning Metang will lower its Attack stat, but that doesn't mean it won't set up on you. Metang isn't fast, it isn't powerful, and it isn't difficult to beat in general.</p>
