Level 50 Statistics (see level 5, 50, 100)
|
Stat |
| HP |
80
|
186 |
| Atk |
105
|
156 |
| Def |
65
|
116 |
| Spc |
60
|
111 |
| Spe |
130
|
181 |
Overview
Aerodactyl is the second fastest Pokemon in the game (tied with Jolteon and Mewtwo), and packs a good Attack stat, a decent typing (Rock/Flying), and a critical hit ratio of roughly 25%. However, what's good about Aerodactyl pales in comparison to what's bad about it. Its defenses and HP are decidedly mediocre; expect it to eat a healthy chunk of damage from Hyper Beams and die to Explosions despite its Normal resistance. It is weak to Ice-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks, which are everywhere in the RBY metagame, and it easily has one of the worst movepools in the game. Luckily, being fast makes it hard for things that are already hurt to switch in, as they are most likely going to take two hits. Its unique typing and high Attack make it a strong UU choice, but all it has in OU play is its Speed.
A combination of Double-Edge followed by Hyper Beam will do a lot to many Pokemon, especially after taking Aerodactyl's huge critical hit rate into consideration. Fire Blast has a 30% chance to burn whatever switches in, assuming it hits, which can royally screw Golem and Rhydon, as well as Onix in UU; Mimic can be useful to get Earthquake from the aforementioned Rock-type Pokemon.
Other Options
Supersonic has a 55% chance to hit and confuse the opponent, which can be Aerodactyl's saving grace. Fly is a bit of a novelty option that could work as a STAB attack. Wing Attack is another option as a STAB attack that you probably shouldn't use, as it isn't very good in RBY with only 35 Base Power.
Checks and Counters
Aerodactyl can't effectively damage Gengar. Rhydon and Golem are second on the counters list for pretty much the same reason: Aerodactyl has a hard time damaging them. Starmie, Kabutops, Omastar, Lapras, Slowbro... practically any Water-type Pokemon that can take a hit and deliver a Surf is a counter as well. Another way to counter Aerodactyl is to paralyze it, thus removing the only advantage it would otherwise have: its great Speed.
