Statistics
|
Stat |
| HP |
80
|
363 |
| Atk |
105
|
308 |
| Def |
65
|
228 |
| SpA |
60
|
218 |
| SpD |
75
|
248 |
| Spe |
130
|
358 |
This is an attacking Aerodactyl. Depending on which "regular" attack you choose, opt for Hidden Power for the other. Though Ancientpower has that chance to boost all stats, its weak base power and PP lead HP Rock to be recommended. Earthquake is mainly for Electrics and other Rock types. Wing Attack has STAB and is a nifty OHKO on Heracross. And finally, should something like Forretress or Skarmory come along, Fire Blast will give them something to think about. Good in theory, but unfortunately this pales in comparison to the RSE standard for a lot of reasons, notably the lack of Rock Slide, Choice Band and Rock Head (which would make Double-Edge an option).
Curse helps Aerodactyl's weak Defense, and Substitute blocks status while you Curse up. It sucks that AncientPower only has max 8 PP, so Hidden Power Rock is recommended. This set will give Aerodactyl a chance to actually do some damage, but it comes at a cost of Aerodactyl's best stat, his Speed.
Despite his bad Defense, Aerodactyl's typing and ability to learn Reflect can make it useful as a pseudo-Hazer. Though this set overlooks Aerodactyl's Speed (and Attack for that matter), it can be quite useful as somewhat of a wall. This was more popular when Fire Blast was on a lot of sweepers, notably Snorlax.
Other Options
Double-Edge is a wild option simply for the sheer power, but the recoil probably won't be worth it.
Opinion
Undoubtedly a cool pokemon and he is usable, but Aerodactyl is simply that: usable. He has good Attack and Speed, but unfortunately does not have any strong STAB attacks to take advantage of it. Being a Rock type immune to Earthquake is good, but his defensive stats are weak and he has a myriad of other weaknesses. His only option to get an attack boost besides getting lucky with Ancientpower is Curse, which ruins his Speed. Despite all of these contradictions, Aerodactyl is very solid, but only if you know what you're doing.
Counters
Suicune's very high defenses and STAB Surfs completely ruin Aerodactyl, as do those of most other Water-types. Skarmory needs to beware of Fire Blast, but otherwise takes Aerodactyl's attacks easily and Whirlwinds it off. Pokemon with Curse and Roar will boost with the Curse set and then remove whatever Aerodactyl accomplishes.
