Fire
========
* Charizard establishes its place on Fire teams because of its ability to fill the role of a powerful late-game sweeper or an incredible wallbreaker.
* Mega Charizard X fills the former role through its access to Dragon Dance, which makes it one of the deadliest threats in the metagame.
* This is only heightened by its fantastic ability in Tough Claws, which increases the power of contact moves like Flare Blitz and Outrage by 1.3x.
* Mega Charizard X also brings great bulk and a neutrality to Water-type moves, both of which Fire teams often lack, allowing it to set up against a number of different Pokemon.
* Additionally, Mega Charizard X's Dragon typing allows it to help deal with Dragon-type teams that Fire would normally struggle against.
* To complement this, Mega Charizard X has access to a wide range of moves such as a recovery move in Roost as well as an offensive move in Earthquake, which makes it hard to wall.
* However, Mega Charizard X still suffers from a dreadful 4x Stealth Rock weakness before it Mega Evolves and can be worn down easily in conjunction with Flare Blitz recoil.
* Furthermore, status conditions like paralysis and poison can be sweep ending for it.
* Mega Charizard Y is one of the best wallbreakers in the metagame because of its fantastic Special Attack and ability.
* Its ability Drought is a godsend for every Fire team because it increases the power of Fire-type moves and allows the use of Solar Beam without wasting a turn while weakening the power of Water-type moves.
* To go with this, Mega Charizard Y has a wide movepool including Focus Blast and Solar Beam, which let it threaten most of the metagame.
* Its offensive power is supported by its decent base 100 Speed tier, which lets it outspeed a majority of the metagame.
* Defensively, Mega Charizard Y has access to a great support move in Roost, which lets it heal 50% of its health back.
* Just like its counterpart, Mega Charizard Y also has great special bulk, which lets it survive most special moves; in addition to this, its Flying sub-typing brings a much-needed Ground immunity to the team that Mega Charizard X does not.
* Unfortunately, Mega Charizard Y also suffers from the dreaded 4x weakness to Stealth Rock.
* Mega Charizard Y is often reliant on sun being up to wallbreak with its Fire-type moves and is much weaker without it.
* Despite having great special bulk, it has sub-par Defense, which makes it prone to being revenge killed by priority moves and faster physical attackers.
[SET]
name: Dragon Dance (Fire)
move 1: Dragon Dance
move 2: Outrage / Dragon Claw
move 3: Flare Blitz
move 4: Roost
item: Charizardite X
ability: Blaze
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Dragon Dance increases Mega Charizard X's already great Attack and Speed stats and turns it into a fantastic late-game cleaner.
* Outrage is Mega Charizard X's primary STAB move that allows it to OHKO an incredible amount of Pokemon that do not resist it. However, using it locks Mega Charizard X into Outrage for 2-3 turns.
* Alternatively, Dragon Claw can be used as a weaker STAB move to avoid being locked into Outrage. However, the loss of power means Mega Charizard X misses out on beating Toxapex.
* Flare Blitz is Mega Charizard X's secondary STAB move that is primarily used if the opposing Pokemon resists Dragon. However, you should be wary of using Flare Blitz, as its recoil wears down Mega Charizard X quickly.
* Roost allows Mega Charizard X to heal 50% of its health back and lets it set up on a number of weaker walls.
* Earthquake can be used over Roost to hit Pokemon like Heatran and Toxapex if not running Outrage. However, getting back health with Roost is usually much more important.
Set Details
========
* 252 Attack EVs maximize Mega Charizard X's damage output to allow it to sweep more easily.
* 252 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature allow Mega Charizard X to outspeed Pokemon like Kyurem-B and Choice Scarf Excadrill after a Dragon Dance and let it Speed tie with other base 100 Speed Pokemon like Manaphy.
* Blaze is preferred over Solar Power, as Solar Power might cause unnecessary damage to Charizard because of Torkoal's Drought.
* Charizardite X allows Charizard to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X.
Usage Tips
========
* Clearing Stealth Rock is a must before sending in Charizard, as it is still 4x weak to Stealth Rock before it Mega Evolves.
* Play smart with Charizard's Mega Evolution. Using Dragon Dance without Mega Evolving against Pokemon that have Ground-type coverage might be better, as the foe might predict a Mega Evolution and use a Ground-type move.
* It is usually best to Mega Evolve as soon as possible, as this changes its weakness to Stealth Rock from 4x to 2x.
* Try to make use of the fact that Charizard has two Mega Evolutions; opponents expecting Mega Charizard Y may use an Electric-type attack, which can be easily taken advantage of by setting up.
* Try to get rid of Mega Charizard X's checks and counters before setting up with Dragon Dance.
* Capitalize on the fact that Mega Charizard X can force switches and Dragon Dance on that turn.
* Avoid using Flare Blitz recklessly, as Mega Charizard X could get worn down very quickly due to recoil and will be vulnerable to priority attackers.
* Avoid setting up on Pokemon like Porygon2 and Chansey, as they could have a status inflicting move like Toxic or Thunder Wave. Getting hit by either of those moves could be sweep ending.
* If running Earthquake, try to hide it and lure in checks to Mega Charizard X like Toxapex and Heatran.
Team Options
========
* Torkoal is a fantastic Pokemon for hazard control; not only does it remove Stealth Rock, it can also set up its own Stealth Rock. Torkoal also acts as a great defensive pivot that can tank physical attacks for Mega Charizard X. Torkoal assists Mega Charizard X in setting up, as Torkoal can run Yawn and put the foe to sleep.
* Heatran is another Stealth Rock user that provides additional help for Mega Charizard X by running a wide number of moves including Bloom Doom for Water- and Ground-type Pokemon, Flash Cannon for Rock- and Fairy-types, and Earth Power for opposing Heatran. It can also run a defensive set with Toxic to cripple walls for Mega Charizard X as well as provide a more reliable neutrality to Rock-type moves.
* Rotom-H can run a specially defensive dual screens set with Will-O-Wisp and Volt Switch to improve Mega Charizard X's bulk and bring it in safely. Rotom-H can also run a more offensive set to beat Water-types with a powerful Thunderbolt and Ground-types like Landorus with Hidden Power Ice.
* Infernape is a versatile Pokemon that can run a number of roles to suit Mega Charizard X, including a Choice Scarf set to beat Nihilego with Earthquake, which would otherwise pose a big problem to Mega Charizard X. Infernape can also run a support set with Stealth Rock and Taunt to stop opposing Stealth Rock from being set.
* Volcarona partners with Mega Charizard X as another set up sweeper and can beat Psychic-types with Bug Buzz. These two work well together, as one can set up and weaken the opposing team, while the other can clean up late-game.
* Volcanion functions as a Water immunity and can beat threats like Tyranitar, Heatran, and Hippowdon with Steam Eruption for Mega Charizard X.
* Victini is a fantastic wallbreaker that can weaken opposing walls to let Mega Charizard X clean up later. Victini can also run U-turn to gain momentum and bring in Mega Charizard X safely.
[SET]
name: Wallbreaker (Fire)
move 1: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 2: Solar Beam
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Roost
item: Charizardite Y
ability: Blaze
nature: Timid
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Fire Blast is Mega Charizard Y's primary move and does incredible damage under sun.
* Flamethrower is a more accurate but less powerful alternative to Fire Blast. The difference in power is very noticeable, as Flamethrower misses out on 2HKO'ing Latios.
* Solar Beam allows Mega Charizard Y to deal super effective damage to Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type Pokemon like Keldeo, Alolan Golem, and Seismitoad.
* Focus Blast is used to hit Pokemon like Tyranitar and Heatran super effectively, both of which would otherwise wall Mega Charizard Y.
* Roost allows Mega Charizard Y to heal back 50% of its health and improves its longevity.
Set Details
========
* 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Mega Charizard Y's Special Attack and allows it to hit as hard as possible.
* 252 Speed EVs with a Timid nature allow Mega Charizard Y to outspeed Kyurem-B, Hydreigon, and Mimikyu.
* Blaze is the preferred ability, as Solar Power might chip away Charizard's health because of Drought set by Torkoal or opposing Mega Charizard Y.
* Charizardite Y allows Charizard to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y.
Usage Tips
========
* Mega Charizard Y is best used early-game. Switching Charizard in early-game and Mega Evolving allows Mega Charizard Y to set up sun for the rest of the team and start weakening opposing Pokemon without having to worry about Stealth Rock being up.
* It is a good idea to switch in Mega Charizard Y after a teammate faints to mitigate the chances of Mega Charizard Y taking unnecessary damage.
* Avoid switching in Mega Charizard Y if Stealth Rock is up, as it is heavily pressured into using Roost and playing safely.
* Avoid any status inflicting Pokemon that can live an attack from Mega Charizard Y. Status conditions such as paralysis and poison severely reduce Mega Charizard Y's use in a match.
* As Mega Charizard Y is usually the main Ground immunity in Fire-type teams and always useful for setting up sun, don't recklessly allow it to faint.
* Always try to keep Mega Charizard Y above 50% health if there is an opposing Stealth Rock setter, as Stealth Rock going up means Mega Charizard Y cannot be brought in unless it's removed.
* Keeping Mega Charizard Y for sun support until late-game with a Choice Scarf-using cleaner like Victini is a good idea because they can easily clean up late-game with a sun-boosted Fire-type move.
* As Mega Charizard Y's damage output heavily relies on sun, always try to make full use of it and avoid attacking outside of sun.
* An example of Drought use would be against Sand Rush or Swift Swim users. Switch in Mega Charizard Y after a teammate faints to eliminate the opposing weather and set sun.
* Be careful of using Solar Beam if there is a weather setter in the opposing team. If an opposing weather setter like Pelipper comes in on a predicted Solar Beam, then Mega Charizard Y will be locked into Solar Beam for a turn and Pelipper can severely weaken it with Scald while taking little damage from Solar Beam.
* On a similar note, try and pivot Mega Charizard Y into them, as Mega Charizard Y will threaten them out most of the time.
* Avoid using Fire Blast recklessly, as it has low PP and a chance to miss. If the opposing Pokemon is severely weakened and can be KOed by Solar Beam, it is better to use Solar Beam to preserve Fire Blast's PP.
Team Options
========
* Torkoal forms a nice Drought core with Mega Charizard Y that allows sun to almost always be up in a game. Torkoal is also one of Fire’s very few Pokemon that can provide hazard control. Being able to clear away Stealth Rock and even set up its own Stealth Rock, Torkoal is a crucial Pokemon to pair with Mega Charizard Y.
* Heatran provides a solid backbone for Mega Charizard Y because of its incredible number of resistances. Like Torkoal, Heatran can run Stealth Rock. However, it is much more offensive with access to moves like Flash Cannon, Solar Beam, and Earth Power to beat Pokemon that threaten Mega Charizard Y like Tyranitar, opposing Heatran, and Volcanion. On the other hand, Mega Charizard Y acts as a Ground immunity and resists Fighting for Heatran.
* Infernape is another Stealth Rock user that can run an offensive or a supporting set depending on the team. Infernape becomes an amazing wallbreaker with a Choice Band, and it can use a Choice Scarf and Earthquake to check Choice Scarf Nihilego. It can also turn into an anti-lead with a Focus Sash.
* Victini works well together with Mega Charizard Y, as it can clean up late-game under Drought from Mega Charizard Y. Victini can also beat Water / Flying types like Gyarados for Mega Charizard Y. In return, Mega Charizard can remove Pokemon like Swampert that generally wall Victini.
* Rotom-H provides a resistance to Electric-type moves and can bring Mega Charizard Y in safely through a slow Volt Switch. Rotom-H can also run a defensive set with dual screens to improve Mega Charizard Y's bulk.
* Volcarona appreciates Mega Charizard Y's Drought weakening opposing Water-type moves to allow it to set up easier. Sun also ensures a number of KOs for Volcarona’s Fire Blast such as OHKOing Kyurem-B.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fire
--------
* Mega Charizard X can run an Adamant nature to have more Attack, but this means Mega Charizard X gets outsped by Pokemon like Kyurem-B and at +1 it is outsped by Choice Scarf Excadrill.
* Mega Charizard Y can use a Modest nature to increase its already high Special Attack, but this would mean Mega Charizard Y misses out on outspeeding Mimikyu and Kyurem-B, which is usually much more valuable.
* Mega Charizard Y can run Defog to clear away Stealth Rock. However, Roost is a much more valuable utility move for Mega Charizard Y.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Defensive Walls**: Both Mega Evolutions of Charizard get walled by specific Pokemon. Mega Charizard X has a hard time against Pokemon like Tapu Fini that resist or are immune to both of its STAB moves. Physically defensive walls such as Mandibuzz, Porygon2, and Hippowdon can all take a Flare Blitz at +1 and Foul Play, status, or Earthquake in return. On the other hand, Mega Charizard Y is hard walled by Chansey, as it barely takes any damage from even Fire Blast under sun and can set up Stealth Rock or status Mega Charizard Y. Defensive Water-types such as Mantine and Pelipper also pose a problem for Mega Charizard Y, as Mantine takes very little damage from Solar Beam and Pelipper can override Drought with Drizzle to ruin Mega Charizard Y's chances of doing any meaningful damage.
**Toxapex**: Toxapex completely walls Mega Charizard Y and Mega Charizard X that don't have Outrage or Earthquake. It can even remove Mega Charizard X's stat boosts with Haze and Toxic it.
**Heatran**: Heatran, in general, is a tough Pokemon for Mega Charizard X without Earthquake, as Heatran can set Stealth Rock and use Earth Power to KO it. While Mega Charizard Y can KO Heatran with Focus Blast, it isn’t a guaranteed KO and the accuracy is risky because Heatran can OHKO back with Stone Edge.
**Entry Hazards**: Entry hazards, specifically Stealth Rock, are a huge problem for both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y.Stealth Rock wears them both down easily and Mega Charizard X is also susceptible to Spikes.
**Faster Pokemon**: As base 100 Speed isn't anything remarkable, both Mega Charizard X and Mega Charizard Y easily get outsped by a number of different Pokemon. For example, attackers such as Terrakion, Latios, Choice Scarf Excadrill, Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, and Mega Aerodactyl easily KO both Mega Evolutions of Charizard.
**Status**: Status conditions such as Toxic and Thunder Wave can disrupt Mega Charizard X’s and Mega Charizard Y's influence in a battle by putting them on a timer or by reducing their Speed dramatically.
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