Metagross


Metagross (DONE)


QC: 3/3 (sparktrain), (HeaLnDeal), (cbrevan)
GP: 2/2 (Snobalt), (GatoDelFuego)

Okay, my first analysis! Wish me well.

[OVERVIEW]

Mega Metagross is one of the most fearsome threats in the CAP metagame. Its wonderful defensive typing gives it a massive nine resistances, including Fairy, as well as an immunity to Poison. Furthermore, its monstrous base 150 Defense and 110 Special Defense stats give it a major amount of bulk. Its offensive STAB combination is great, with Steel and Psychic working well together and threatening Fairy-types. In addition to this, Mega Metagross has a huge base 145 Attack stat and a good base 110 Speed stat. Its movepool perfectly complements its great power, and Tough Claws boosts the power of many of its moves. Mega Metagross can serve two roles on a team; it can be used as a strong wallbreaker or a speedy late-game sweeper. Either way, it can take down many powerful threats in the CAP metagame, such as Mega Altaria and Clefable, and it also can use its amazing movepool to deal with potential threats, such as Colossoil and Heatran. However, Mega Metagross is greatly hampered by four-moveslot syndrome, as it wants to fit all of its moves to take on all of its checks, but it simply cannot. For example, if Mega Metagross does not run Hammer Arm, Ferrothorn can severely wall it, and if Grass Knot is not there, then Mega Slowbro can also completely wall Mega Metagross.

[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Zen Headbutt
move 3: Bullet Punch / Grass Knot / Ice Punch
move 4: Hammer Arm / Earthquake
item: Metagrossite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=======

Meteor Mash is Mega Metagross's strongest STAB attack, which allows it to get past anything that does not resist it. Zen Headbutt takes down Fighting-, Ghost-, and Poison-types, OHKOing Mollux, and 2HKOing physically defensive Tomohawk and Rotom-W. Bullet Punch revenge kills weakened Pokemon and allows Mega Metagross to be used late-game to clean up. It OHKOes Stratagem after Stealth Rock and also has perfect accuracy. Grass Knot can 2HKO Mega Slowbro and 3HKO Slowbro, which otherwise wall Mega Metagross. It also generally does good damage against heavy Pokemon, which are fairly common in the CAP Metagame. Ice Punch OHKOes most Landorus-T sets and 2HKOes physically defensive variants. Ice Punch also OHKOes all variants of Gliscor with a little prior damage. Hammer Arm is the preferred move in the fourth moveslot, as it deals great damage to Steel-, Dark-, Rock-, and Ice-types. Earthquake deals with some common Pokemon such as Heatran, Plasmanta, Mollux, and opposing Mega Metagross.

Set Details
========

A Metagrossite is required for Metagross to Mega Evolve. Maximum Attack and Speed EVs are for Mega Metagross to be a potent and fast attacker. A Jolly nature is recommended for a chance to outspeed or Speed tie any of the common base 110 Speed Pokemon such as Latios, Gengar and Mega Gallade. An Adamant nature, however, can also be used, as Mega Metagross gains a significant amount of power, and can get a guaranteed OHKO on Colossoil with Hammer Arm. Clear Body helps with any Intimidate or Sticky Web drops before Mega Evolving.

Usage Tips
========

This set is best used as a powerful wallbreaker, preferably early- and mid-game. It can check many common threats due to its bulk and favorable typing, so it can be used as a generally safe safe switch-in to many Pokemon. These qualities also allow it to stay in and punch holes in the opposing team for a while before going down. Avoid careless switches against Pokemon such as Mollux and Colossoil, as they can either OHKO Mega Metagross or put a massive dent in its health before it even starts attacking, which can severely limit its longevity.

Team Options
========

Azumarill is a great team member for Mega Metagross, as it deals with Talonflame and Colossoil, both of which can do massive damage to Mega Metagross. Colossoil takes care of Mollux if Mega Metagross isn't running Earthquake and also if Trick Room is up. Colossoil also appreciates Mega Metagross's ability to take on Fairy-types. Stratagem is a wonderful partner too, as it can eliminate Mollux with Earth Power and also OHKO Pyroak (Mega Metagross's ultimate counter) with Ancient Power or Paleo Wave after Stealth Rock. Stratagem, on the other hand, really appreciates Mega Metagross weakening Pokemon so that it can easily clean up late-game. Keldeo performs well with Mega Metagross, as it eliminates some of Mega Metagross's counters, such as Colossoil and Bisharp, while Mega Metagross protects it from any Fairy-, Flying-, or Grass-types. Stealth Rock users are appreciated, such as Tomohawk, as they further improve Mega Metagross's wallbreaking capabilities, and allow it to get some crucial OHKOs, such as against Stratagem with Bullet Punch.

[SET]
name: Rock Polish
move 1: Rock Polish
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Hammer Arm / Earthquake / Ice Punch
item: Metagrossite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 228 HP / 252 Atk / 28 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Rock Polish is required for Mega Metagross to gain a major amount of Speed, and a +2 boost will ensure it outspeeds the vast majority of Pokemon in the CAP metagame. Meteor Mash is a great move to take out any Rock-, Fairy-, or Ice-type Pokemon, such as Sylveon and Mega Diancie. Meteor Mash also does good damage against neutral targets. Zen Headbutt is used to take out Fighting-types such as Tomohawk and the Poison-types that Mega Metagross walls. The flinch chance can also prove helpful. Hammer Arm is the preferred move in the fourth moveslot, taking out Steel-types and Dark-types such as Colossoil and Ferrothorn, as well as hitting any other Ice- and Rock-types. However, the Speed drop can be counterproductive with Rock Polish, hampering Mega Metagross's late-game sweeping capabilities. Earthquake is another solid option with great coverage, hitting Pokemon such as Kitsunoh, Heatran, Ferrothorn, and opposing Mega Metagross, and it has no negative drawbacks unlike Hammer Arm. However, Earthquake is not boosted by Tough Claws. Ice Punch is also an option, hitting Landorus-T and Dragon-types hard, but it should not be used for hitting Cyclohm due to Cyclohm's massive base 115 Defense and access to Static, as well as the lower Base Power of Ice Punch. In fact, Ice Punch is a 3HKO after Leftovers against physically defensive Cyclohm.

Set Details
========

Metagrossite is required for Metagross to Mega Evolve and gain power, Speed, and bulk. 252 Attack EVs are required so that Mega Metagross can have as much power as possible and fulfill its role as a late-game sweeper. 28 Speed EVs are required to outspeed Choice Scarf base 110 Speed Pokemon in the CAP metagame such as Latios, Gengar, and Kitsunoh after a Rock Polish boost. It is not required to put any more EVs into Speed because hardly any viable Pokemon are faster than +2 Mega Metagross. The remaining 228 EVs are put into HP so that Mega Metagross can be as bulky as possible. However, an alternate EV spread of 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature can be used to allow Mega Metagross to take on Pokemon such as Keldeo and Charizard late-game without a boost, which can be crucial, while sacrificing some bulk and attacking power. An Adamant nature is required to OHKO Colossoil with Hammer Arm and generally have much more power. A Jolly nature is not needed, as the Rock Polish boost will let Mega Metagross outspeed almost everything fast in the CAP metagame anyway. Clear Body is a handy ability to have before Mega Evolving, preventing stat drops from Intimidate and Sticky Web.

Usage Tips
========

This set is a late-game setup sweeper, but it one of its main niches is that it can be also used effectively early-game as a wallbreaker. However, Wish support is often recommended to bring it back to full health and allow it to start its role as a late-game sweeper. Mega Metagross should also be used once most or all of its checks and counters are gone, as once it has gotten a boost, it would kill momentum to switch out and try setting up again, as the opponent would know that you would try to set up. To set up, Metagross should be brought in on a Pokemon that will force the opponent to switch Pokemon so it can Mega Evolve, use Rock Polish, and then proceed to outspeed and hopefully sweep everything.

Team Options
========

As with many late-game setup sweepers, Mega Metagross's main checks and counters need to be eliminated for it to effectively clean up. Therefore, Stratagem is a great team member, as it deals with many of Mega Metagross's checks and counters. Earth Power has a 30% chance to OHKO physically defensive Cyclohm after Stealth Rock, and Earth Power will OHKO Choice Specs Cyclohm and Heatran after Stealth Rock. Stratagem will also OHKO Pyroak with Ancient Power or Paleo Wave after Stealth Rock and OHKO Bisharp with Vacuum Wave. Azumarill can be a good team member, as it takes down Talonflame, Colossoil, and Stratagem with Aqua Jet. Electric-types can deal with Talonflame, which can tear through Mega Metagross's health with Flare Blitz. Rotom-W and Cyclohm can also deal with Mega Slowbro, which severely walls Mega Metagross.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========

A Hone Claws set is viable, as it boosts Mega Metagross's Attack and reduces the chance of Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt missing. Hone Claws can also put much more pressure on defensive teams, as the time spent not attacking by the opposing team can be used to boost, and the other team will have a hard time trying to deal with a +2 or +3 Mega Metagross. However, Hone Claws only boosts Attack by one stage, and acquiring multiple boosts will not be easy. In terms of moves, Pursuit is a viable option, as Pursuit can do good damage against Latios and Latias, as well as generally hitting any foe before they switch out. Thunder Punch is an option, hitting any Flying- or Water-types (such as Skarmory), although Ice Punch is a better option to hit some other Flying-types and many other types as well, and bulky Water-types are not too common in the CAP metagame. Substitute can be used for avoiding a painful Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Bisharp. Substitute can be useful on a Hone Claws set, giving Mega Metagross some free turns to boost, but it limits Mega Metagross's coverage to just two moves, and it should not be used on a Rock Polish set, as Mega Metagross only needs to use Rock Polish once.

Checks & Counters
========

**Pyroak**: Pyroak is the ultimate counter to Mega Metagross. It laughs at any attack Mega Metagross could possibly run while 2HKOing it with Lava Plume. In addition to Pyroak's great bulk, it also has Synthesis, allowing it to reliably heal itself instantly.

**Cyclohm**: It might seem like Earthquake can demolish Cyclohm, but this is not true. Earthquake is only a 3HKO to physically defensive Cyclohm, while Cyclohm can 2HKO Mega Metagross with Fire Blast. Earthquake is a 2HKO on Choice Specs Cyclohm, but Cyclohm can OHKO back with Fire Blast. Cyclohm also has a great recovery move in the form of Slack Off, which also greatly aids its ability to check Mega Metagross. However, Cyclohm relies on the low-accuracy Fire Blast to check Mega Metagross.

**Mega Scizor**: Mega Metagross can't really do too much to Mega Scizor. Hammer Arm has a 78.9% chance of 3HKOing Bulky Mega Scizor while Earthquake has a 88.9% chance of 4HKOing Bulky Mega Scizor. Mega Scizor can set up with Swords Dance and Roost off the damage, and after two Sword Dance boosts, a Knock Off will OHKO Mega Metagross, not to mention that the next Pokemon after Mega Metagross will have to deal with a boosted Mega Scizor. However, only a Swords Dance set can actually easily take down Mega Metagross; Knock Off is a 3HKO without any boosts even with full Attack investment, and Mega Metagross is initially faster than Mega Scizor. However, Hammer Arm does reduce Mega Metagross's Speed.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, Gliscor, and especially Landorus-T can destroy Mega Metagross if it doesn't run Ice Punch, which most Mega Metagross don't have, or in the case of Hippowdon, Grass Knot. Choice Scarf Landorus-T has a 50% chance of OHKOing with Earthquake, while Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Gliscor can all 2HKO with Earthquake. However, Mega Metagross can 2HKO Choice Scarf Landorus-T and most Garchomp variants with Ice Punch.

**Faster Fire-types**: Choice Scarf Mollux, Choice Scarf Heatran, and Talonflame can all outspeed and revenge kill Mega Metagross. Choice Scarf Mollux will outspeed and destroy Mega Metagross with a Fire Blast or Eruption. However, Mega Metagross will OHKO with either Zen Headbutt or Earthquake otherwise. Heatran has a very similar case with Mollux, except that Earthquake is needed to take it down. The best move Mega Metagross has to take down Talonflame is Zen Headbutt, which is a 2HKO, while a Choice Band Flare Blitz will OHKO Mega Metagross. However, with Stealth Rock, Zen Headbutt will be an OHKO.

**Status Effects**: Status effects, especially paralysis and burns, can badly cripple Mega Metagross. Paralysis inducers, such as Thunderus, Clefable, and Revenankh, can greatly hamper Mega Metagross's ability to handle offensive threats and leave it very vulnerable to being revenge killed. Burn inducers, such as Mega Sableye and Scald users, can severely neuter Mega Metagross's ability to wallbreak.

**Slowbro and Mega Slowbro**: Slowbro and Mega Slowbro can check Mega Metagross very well if Mega Metagross does not run Grass Knot, which is a rare choice. Meteor Mash is a pitiful 6HKO on physically defensive Slowbro, while Slowbro can either spam Scald or Fire Blast and heal up with Slack Off. Meteor Mash is a puny 7HKO on Mega Slowbro, which can set up with Calm Mind, heal itself with Slack Off, and become a powerful tank. However, Grass Knot does 3HKO Slowbro and 2HKO Mega Slowbro.

**Colossoil**: On the all-out attacker set, if Mega Metagross is not running Hammer Arm, Colossoil will OHKO with Earthquake, while Sucker Punch can do a good deal of damage (64.4% to 76.4%). However, Hammer Arm is common on Mega Metagross, which is an OHKO on Colossoil. In addition to this, Colossoil can only 2HKO Rock Polish Mega Metagross.

**Bisharp**: Bisharp is a problem if Mega Metagross lacks Hammer Arm, as Sucker Punch and Knock Off both 2HKO it, while Mega Metagross's Earthquake has a slim 18% chance to OHKO Bisharp.
 
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The Rock Polish set's main difference from the All-Out Attacking set is that it's primarily used to sweep late-game, as opposed to just wallbreaking. It looks like you currently have OU's EV spread listed (80 HP / 252+ Atk / 176 Spe), which is used to outspeed Adamant Sand Rush Excadrill at +2. This isn't quite as relevant in CAP, so I'm thinking that outpacing the metagame's fastest scarfers (Kitsunoh, Gengar/Latios to an extent) after a boost might be a better benchmark.

A few other things, I'd prefer that Hammer Arm be slashed in front of Earthquake, even on the Rock Polish set, as it provides mostly superior coverage and gets the Tough Claws boost. Pyroak should definitely get the first mention in Checks and Counters, as it's one of the only Pokemon that can actually claim to counter Mega Metagross, barring a bunch of flinch hax.
 
The Rock Polish set's main difference from the All-Out Attacking set is that it's primarily used to sweep late-game, as opposed to just wallbreaking. It looks like you currently have OU's EV spread listed (80 HP / 252+ Atk / 176 Spe), which is used to outspeed Adamant Sand Rush Excadrill at +2. This isn't quite as relevant in CAP, so I'm thinking that outpacing the metagame's fastest scarfers (Kitsunoh, Gengar/Latios to an extent) after a boost might be a better benchmark.

A few other things, I'd prefer that Hammer Arm be slashed in front of Earthquake, even on the Rock Polish set, as it provides mostly superior coverage and gets the Tough Claws boost. Pyroak should definitely get the first mention in Checks and Counters, as it's one of the only Pokemon that can actually claim to counter Mega Metagross, barring a bunch of flinch hax.
So the Rock Polish EV changes are implemented. 28 Speed EVs is what I put.

Other changes implemented.
 
Do you guys think that a Hone Claws set should be in Other Options or as an individual set? Right now I'm thinking of putting it in Other Options.
 

QueenOfLuvdiscs

Tier 3 Audino sub
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Mention Scarf Mollux as a check rather than in Trick Room, as that's not that common. You could mention Skarmory with the reasoning for ThunderPunch as well. Add these, then I'll give it a full look over tomorrow.
 
Trick Room in general is a big hurt to Metagross, Mollux included. Camerupt, Heatran, Crawdaunt, Azumarill, and many other Trick Room mons put the hurt on him with SE nukes.
 
Mention Scarf Mollux as a check rather than in Trick Room, as that's not that common. You could mention Skarmory with the reasoning for ThunderPunch as well. Add these, then I'll give it a full look over tomorrow.
Changes implemented. However, I didn't remove Trick Room Mollux, I gave preference to Choiced Mollux rather than Trick Room Mollux.

Trick Room in general is a big hurt to Metagross, Mollux included. Camerupt, Heatran, Crawdaunt, Azumarill, and many other Trick Room mons put the hurt on him with SE nukes.
Changes implemented.

Thanks for the suggestions!
 
I'll check this

Set Details (both)
- Be sure to include what Clear Body does, preventing drops from Sticky Web and Intimidate before mega-evolving is handy

Other Options
- Substitute can be used to dodge Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Bisharp, not to mention easing prediction against potential switch-ins.
- Remove the non-mega/Trick/Band thing. You said it yourself that it's not viable; Other Options stuff should be somewhat useable.

Checks and Counters
- It's important to mention that Pyroak and Cyclohm both have reliable recovery with Synthesis and Slack Off respectively, which is what makes them such effective answers to Mega Metagross (in addition to natural bulk, of course).
- Add Mega Scizor; bulky variants in particular can avoid the 2HKO from any of its attacks and heal off the damage with Roost.
- In the Colossoil section, clarify which Mega Metagross set you're referencing for your calc since the two sets have differing bulk.
- Change Mollux to Faster Pokemon. Basically, stuff like Choice Scarf Mollux / Choice Scarf Heatran / Talonflame can all work as they can easily outspeed and revenge kill it, not to mention they resist Bullet Punch. In the case of Trick Room, again Mollux can work, as well as Mega Camerupt.

Good work on this! QC 1/3

Also, update to the new analysis format when you get the chance (template is in the analysis reservation thread)
 
I'll check this

Set Details (both)
- Be sure to include what Clear Body does, preventing drops from Sticky Web and Intimidate before mega-evolving is handy

Other Options
- Substitute can be used to dodge Sucker Punch from Colossoil and Bisharp, not to mention easing prediction against potential switch-ins.
- Remove the non-mega/Trick/Band thing. You said it yourself that it's not viable; Other Options stuff should be somewhat useable.

Checks and Counters
- It's important to mention that Pyroak and Cyclohm both have reliable recovery with Synthesis and Slack Off respectively, which is what makes them such effective answers to Mega Metagross (in addition to natural bulk, of course).
- Add Mega Scizor; bulky variants in particular can avoid the 2HKO from any of its attacks and heal off the damage with Roost.
- In the Colossoil section, clarify which Mega Metagross set you're referencing for your calc since the two sets have differing bulk.
- Change Mollux to Faster Pokemon. Basically, stuff like Choice Scarf Mollux / Choice Scarf Heatran / Talonflame can all work as they can easily outspeed and revenge kill it, not to mention they resist Bullet Punch. In the case of Trick Room, again Mollux can work, as well as Mega Camerupt.

Good work on this! QC 1/3

Also, update to the new analysis format when you get the chance (template is in the analysis reservation thread)
All changes implemented. Hopefully I got the analysis template right!
 

QueenOfLuvdiscs

Tier 3 Audino sub
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
On the all out attacker set, I'd remove Ice Punch from there as you even say yourself that it's not too relevant
On rock polish, I'd still use max speed. This still allows metagross to outspeed a lot of stuff in the tier if unable to get a rock polish off.

everything else looks fine to me atm, but I'll have another look at it later
 

jas61292

used substitute
is a Community Contributoris a Top CAP Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Personally, I think the low speed on the Rock Polish set is ideal, since the extra bulk is a massive help and the speed only really helps against scarfers. With that said, I would probably throw in a few different higher speed spreads as alternatives in the set details, to hit different benchmarks and beat out certain opponents. Though I don't think full, max speed would ever be necessary.
 
Removed Ice Punch from All-Out Attacker set.

I had a chat with HeaLnDeal, Jiggly and Exclaimer in PS, and all three agreed that there is no need for an alternate EV spread in the Rock Polish set, so I didn't add any alts. 216 speed can outspeed a +2 Mega Sharpedo with a Rock Polish, but that's it.
 

cbrevan

spin, spin, spin
is a CAP Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
I'm not sure why Ice Punch was removed from the All Out Attacking set. Ice Punch allows Mega Metagross to get past some of its check such as Gliscor and the Lando formes. Being able to blow get past Gliscor without taking an Earthquake to the face is great, as is OHKOing Scarf Lando and Landorus. I get that Scarf Lando-t or Bulky Chomp aren't everywhere in CAP but that shouldn't make Ice Punch unviable on Mega Metagross.

Mention that Earthquake lets you bop other Mega Metagross.
 
RIP Landorus

Removed all mention of Landorus-Incarnate.

Also made some minor additions to the content in the 'Checks and Counters' section
 
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HeaLnDeaL

Let's Keep Fighting
is an Artistis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a CAP Contributor Alumnus
Overview said:
+ Can take down all of the S, A+ ranked Pokemon in the CAP metagame (sometimes depending on the moveset), bar Mega Slowbro.
This should probably be reworded, since the VR are not static and change with time. Instead, just list 4 or so great CAP mons that megagross can take out.

Once this is done, consider this QC 2/3.
 
This should probably be reworded, since the VR are not static and change with time. Instead, just list 4 or so great CAP mons that megagross can take out.

Once this is done, consider this QC 2/3.
All changes implemented.

Thanks so much!
It might take a while for me to write this up, it might not...it really depends on the irl situation. Hopefully in 2 days I should have some good progress going on writing it up!
 

HeaLnDeaL

Let's Keep Fighting
is an Artistis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a CAP Contributor Alumnus
I don't think Colossoil and Heatran are the most friendly of mons to include in that list... However you could reword that bit and say that Metagross has potential to KO would-be threats, such as Colossoil and Heatran, I suppose. In general, seems weird to say that he can beat up Colossoil in the overview and then later say Colossoil is a check in the Checks and Counters section.
 
I don't think Colossoil and Heatran are the most friendly of mons to include in that list... However you could reword that bit and say that Metagross has potential to KO would-be threats, such as Colossoil and Heatran, I suppose. In general, seems weird to say that he can beat up Colossoil in the overview and then later say Colossoil is a check in the Checks and Counters section.
Yup, changes implemented (I put that as a separate dot point, but that doesn't really matter anyway because I'm writing it up).
 

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