Alakazam

[Jordy]

[OVERVIEW]

Mega Alakazam is one of the best special attackers in the tier thanks to its outstanding Speed stat that only leaves it outsped by viable Choice Scarf users. Additionally, it can take advantage of common Pokemon like Arghonaut, Heatran, and Mega Latios thanks to its typing, access to Recover, and ability; Trace allows Mega Alakazam to copy Heatran's Flash Fire and Mega Latios's Levitate, meaning that it can effectively wall Heatran lacking Corkscrew Crash and Mega Latios lacking Draco Meteor. Furthermore, Trace is an extremely useful tool against rain teams and also allows Mega Alakazam to copy a few other interesting abilities like Regenerator and Soul-Heart. However, Mega Alakazam is extremely frail, leaving it susceptible to common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja.

[SET]
name: Spoonmaster (Standard)
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Recover
move 4: Shadow Ball / Calm Mind
item: Alakazite
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is preferred over Psyshock to reliably 2HKO Landorus-T and physically defensive Clefable. Focus Blast allows Mega Alakazam to hit Steel- and Dark-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Weavile, and Mega Tyranitar, which are not bothered by Psychic. Recover enables Mega Alakazam to reliably take on Heatran and Mega Latios. Shadow Ball notably allows Mega Alakazam to hit Psychic-types, which can comfortably take both Psychic and Focus Blast, such as Aurumoth, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios, as well as Kitsunoh. Alternatively, Calm Mind can be run to threaten balanced and bulky offensive teams much more convincingly and potentially sweep late-game.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature is preferred to outspeed Ash-Greninja and Modest Mega Alakazam. A Modest nature can be run to increase Mega Alakazam's wallbreaking prowess but will leave Mega Alakazam outsped by Timid Mega Alakazam. Magic Guard is chosen to ignore passive damage from sources such as entry hazards prior to Mega Evolving. Additionally, if Mega Alakazam is running Calm Mind, it can choose to not Mega Evolve and set up on Chansey, as Magic Guard ignores Toxic damage.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Alakazam is a very self-sufficient wallbreaker that can even sweep late-game thanks to its high Speed and Special Attack. It's best to try switching Mega Alakazam into Pokemon like Mega Latios, Heatran, and Arghonaut, although you should scout for Corkscrew Crash and Draco Meteor from Heatran and Mega Latios before comfortably switching in. From there, it's best to try to weaken the opposition with Mega Alakazam or potentially double switch out to a teammate, as Mega Alakazam will almost always force a switch after it switches in. The opportunity can also be used to recover health with Recover. You should ensure to remove priority users like Colossoil, Mega Mawile, and Mega Medicham from the game before trying to sweep with Mega Alakazam. Additionally, be wary of common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja, though Mega Alakazam can catch them on the switch with Shadow Ball and Focus Blast, respectively.

Team Options
========

Tapu Lele can form a powerful Psychic-type core with Mega Alakazam, as its ability Psychic Surge makes Mega Alakazam menacingly hard to switch into reliably. Tapu Lele also weakens shared checks, such as Steel-types, for Mega Alakazam. Additionally, Psychic Terrain shields Mega Alakazam from priority attacks. In return, Mega Alakazam can check a bunch of faster Pokemon for Tapu Lele like Tornadus-T and Greninja. Magnezone is very good at ensuring damage on Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, which Mega Alakazam tends to struggle against. Other Pokemon that can force damage on Steel-types, such as Jumbao and Focus Blast Magearna, are also valued in this regard. Heatran can trap Chansey, consistently force out Steel-types, and pressure bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth and Jumbao, which Mega Alakazam can somewhat struggle against. Pivots such as Tornadus-T, Choice Scarf Kitsunoh, and Greninja can often force the opposition to switch and bring Mega Alakazam in with U-turn. Additionally, Tornadus-T tends to draw in Steel-types and can cripple them with Knock Off, making it easier for Mega Alakazam to consistently wear them down. Due to Mega Alakazam's potential to force many switches, it fits particularly nice on Spikes stacking teams with a setter like Greninja, Ferrothorn, or Arghonaut to set Spikes. Greninja is particularly notable because it can weaken Steel-types with Low Kick if that is desired. Lastly, if Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, Dark-types like Weavile and Colossoil are good Pokemon to pair with it because they can consistently force out Psychic-types like Reuniclus and potentially Pursuit trap Kitsunoh.

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

Knock Off can be run in the last slot to significantly cripple switch-ins like Celesteela, Assault Vest Magearna, and Chansey, which rely on their item. Hidden Power Ice is also an option to OHKO Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp while still being able to 2HKO Mega Latios after Stealth Rock damage. Thanks to Mega Alakazam's great matchup against rain teams due to its ability to Trace Swift Swim, Energy Ball can be used to take out Mega Swampert. Dazzling Gleam is an option that allows Mega Alakazam to hit Mega Sableye hard, effectively allowing it to pressure stall teams. However, all these options are very team specific and thus will rarely find a place in the last slot.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Magearna and Celesteela can effectively wall Mega Alakazam, as they take very little damage from anything it can throw at them. However, they should be mindful of Knock Off, which greatly cripples them. Other Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Steelium Z Heatran, and Jirachi can take a hit and retaliate in return if needed.

**Priority**: Because of Mega Alakazam's frailty, it'll quickly fall over to priority attacks like Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Colossoil. Additionally it can quickly be worn down into range of priority moves from Mega Medicham, Weavile, and Ash-Greninja.

**Dark-types**: Mega Sableye can efficiently wall any Mega Alakazam that is lacking Dazzling Gleam. Although it's worn down quickly, Hoopa-U can also take a few hits if needed. Although not the most common, Mega Alakazam should watch out for Choice Scarf Weavile, which can outspeed and force it out.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh, Greninja, Landorus-T, and Kartana outspeed Mega Alakazam and can exploit its underwhelming physical bulk and KO it.

**Psychic-types**: Although it can't switch in, Reuniclus can win in a one-on-one against Mega Alakazam thanks to Leftovers and Calm Mind. If Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, the matchup becomes significantly easier for Pokemon like Aurumoth.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Thanks to Chansey's great special bulk, it's relatively unbothered by anything Mega Alakazam can throw at it. However, it has to be wary of Knock Off, and it should be noted that Chansey can lose to Alakazam if it stays in its regular forme and starts building up boosts with Calm Mind. Other specially defensive walls like Jumbao and specially defensive Pajantom can also take any move from Mega Alakazam, though it should be noted that Jumbao is quickly pressured to heal up, putting momentum in Mega Alakazam's favor, while Pajantom lacks reliable recovery.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [xavgb, 231402], [Mx, 298148]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[snake]

[OVERVIEW]

* Mega Alakazam is one of the best special wallbreakers in the tier thanks to its outstanding Speed stat, only leaving it outsped by Choice Scarf users.
* Additionally, it can take advantage of common Pokemon like Arghonaut, Heatran, and Mega Latios thanks to its typing, access to Recover, and Trace.
* Trace allows Mega Alakazam to copy Heatran and Mega Latios' abilities, Flash Fire and Leviate, respectively. This means that Mega Alakazam can efficiently wall Heatran and Mega Latios lacking Corkscrew Crash and Draco Meteor, respectively. try to vary up the second sentence's structure so that "lacking CC" is next to Heatran
* Furthermore, Trace is an extremely useful tool against rain teams and also allows Mega Alakazam to copy a few other interesting abilities like Regenerator and Soul-Heart.
* However, Mega Alakazam is extremely frail, leaving it susceptible to common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja.

[SET]
name: Spoonmaster
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Recover
move 4: Shadow Ball / Calm Mind
item: Alakazite
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Psychic is preferred over Psyshock to reliably 2HKO physically defensive Clefable.
* Focus Blast allows Mega Alakazam to hit Steel- and Dark-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Tyranitar, which are not bothered by Psychic.
* Recover enables Mega Alakazam to reliably take on Heatran. and Mega Latios?
* Shadow Ball notably allows Mega Alakazam to hit Psychic-types which can comfortably take both Psychic and Focus Blast, such as Reuniclus, opposing Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios. mention also it lets zam hit Kitsunoh (hits it on the switch in) and Aurumoth (now it's not setup bait)..really useful move
* Alternatively, Calm Mind can be run to threaten bulkier teams much more convincingly and potentially sweep late-game. i'm not sure if this will be read as "stall teams" but CM without dgleam or shadow ball can't hit mega sableye

Set Details
========

* A Timid nature is preferred to outspeed Ash-Greninja and Modest Mega Alakazam.
* A Modest nature can be run to increase Mega Alakazam's wallbreaking prowess, but will miss out on the aforementioned benchmarks. ig mention that it speed ties at worst, but you really lose out to timid mega alakazam
came back up from checks and counters to say that you should say why you pick magic guard - beats Chansey

Usage Tips
========

* Mega Alakazam is a very self sufficient wallbreaker that can even sweep late-game thanks to its high Speed and Special Attack.
* It's best to try and switch Mega Alakazam into Pokemon like Mega Latios, Heatran, and Arghonaut, although you should scout their movesets first before comfortable switching in. scout for what specifically?
* From there, it's best to try and weaken the opposition with Mega Alakazam or potentially double switch out into a teammate, as Mega Alakazam will almost always force a switch out after it switches in. this is a great time to use recover too
* You should ensure to remove priority users like Colossoil, Mega Mawile, and Mega Medicham from the game before trying to sweep with Mega Alakazam.
* Additionally, it should be wary of common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja. if these are present, try to catch them on the switch?

Team Options
========

* Tapu Lele can form a powerful Psychic spam core with Mega Alakazam, as its ability Psychic Surge allows it to set up Psychic Terrain, which makes Mega Alakazam menacingly hard to switch into reliably. Additionally, Psychic Terrain also shields Mega Alakazam from priority attacks. in return, zam provides speed control? or is it just lele supporting zam
* Pivots such as Tornadus-T, Kitsunoh, and Greninja can often force the opposition to switch and bring Mega Alakazam in with U-turn.
* Magnezone is very good at ensuring damage on Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, which Mega Alakazam tends to struggle against.
* Other Pokemon that can force damage on Steel-types, like Focus Blast Magearna are also valued in this regard.

i think it'd flow better to go with lele -> other pokemon that force damage like focus blast megearna, jumbao, etc. -> magnezone -> pivots
it gets all of the stuff about overwhelming checks out of the way and then goes into pivots

* Heatran can trap Chansey, consistently force out Steel-types, and pressure bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth and Jumbao, which Mega Alakazam tends to struggle against.
* Lastly, if Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, Dark-types like Weavile and Colossoil are good Pokemon to pair with Mega Alakazam, because they can consistently force out Psychic-types like Reuniclus. trap kit too

brief mention to sr / spikes to net koes

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

* Knock Off can be run in the last slot to significantly cripple switch ins like Assault Vest Magearna, Celesteela, and Chansey which rely on their item.
* Hidden Power Ice is also an option to OHKO Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp, while still being able to 2HKO Mega Latios.
* Thanks to Mega Alakazam's great matchup against rain teams due to tracing Mega Swapert's Swift Swim, Energy Ball can be used to significantly improve the matchup.
* Lastly, Dazzling Gleam is an option that allows Mega Alakazam to hit Mega Sableye, effectively allowing it to break stall teams.
* However, all these options are very team-specific and thus will rarely find a place in the last slot.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Magearna and Celesteela can effectively wall Mega Alakazam, because they take very little damage from anything it can throw at them. However, they should be mindful of Knock Off, which greatly cripples them. Other Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Steelium Z Heatran, and Jirachi can take a hit and retaliate in return if needed.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Reuniclus and Jirachi can avoid being 2HKOed by Shadow Ball and can cripple or threaten Mega Alakazam with strong moves. mention those that have an easier time when it's not running shadow ball

**Priority**: Because of Mega Alakazam's frailty, it'll quickly fall over to priority attacks like Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Colossoil and Mega Medicham's Fake Out.

**Dark-types**: Mega Sableye can efficiently wall any Mega Alakazam that is lacking Dazzling Gleam. Although it's worn down quickly, Hoopa-U can also take a few hits if needed. could mention scarf weav here

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh, Greninja, and Landorus-T outspeed Mega Alakazam and can exploit its underwhelming physical bulk and KO it. will you kill me again if i mention scarf kartana again

**Chansey**: Thanks to Chansey's great special bulk, it's relatively unbothered by anything Mega Alakazam can throw at it. However, it has to be wary of Knock Off and it should be noted that it can lose to Alakazam if it stays in its regular form and starts building up boosts with Calm Mind.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

QC 1/3

 

[xavgb]

[OVERVIEW]

* Mega Alakazam is one of the best special wallbreakers in the tier thanks to its outstanding Speed stat, only leaving it outsped by Choice Scarf users. - Bit weird to describe it as a wallbreaker primarily and then name its Speed, maybe change to "sweeper" or "attacker"?
* Additionally, it can take advantage of common Pokemon like Arghonaut, Heatran, and Mega Latios thanks to its typing, access to Recover, and Trace.
* Trace allows Mega Alakazam to copy Heatran and Mega Latios' abilities, Flash Fire and Levitate, respectively. This means that Mega Alakazam can efficiently wall Heatran lacking Corkscrew Crash and Mega Latios lacking Draco Meteor.
* Furthermore, Trace is an extremely useful tool against rain teams and also allows Mega Alakazam to copy a few other interesting abilities like Regenerator and Soul-Heart.
* However, Mega Alakazam is extremely frail, leaving it susceptible to common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja.

[SET]
name: Spoonmaster
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Recover
move 4: Shadow Ball / Calm Mind
item: Alakazite
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

* Psychic is preferred over Psyshock to reliably 2HKO physically defensive Clefable.
* Focus Blast allows Mega Alakazam to hit Steel- and Dark-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Tyranitar, which are not bothered by Psychic. - Weavile > Ash-Gren here
* Recover enables Mega Alakazam to reliably take on Heatran and Mega Latios.
* Shadow Ball notably allows Mega Alakazam to hit Psychic-types which can comfortably take both Psychic and Focus Blast, such as Aurumoth, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios, as well as Kitsunoh, which is not bothered by any of Mega Alakazam's other moves.
* Alternatively, Calm Mind can be run to threaten balanced and bulky offensive teams much more convincingly and potentially sweep late-game.

Set Details
========

* A Timid nature is preferred to outspeed Ash-Greninja and Modest Mega Alakazam.
* A Modest nature can be run to increase Mega Alakazam's wallbreaking prowess, but will miss out against Timid Mega Alakazam.
* Magic Guard is chosen to ignore passive damage such as from entry hazards prior to Mega Evolving. Additionally, if Mega Alakazam is running Calm Mind, it can choose to not Mega Evolve and set up on Chansey, as it ignores Toxic damage.

Usage Tips
========

* Mega Alakazam is a very self sufficient wallbreaker that can even sweep late-game thanks to its high Speed and Special Attack.
* It's best to try and switch Mega Alakazam into Pokemon like Mega Latios, Heatran, and Arghonaut, although you should scout for Corkscrew Crash and Draco Meteor from Heatran and Mega Latios respectively first before comfortably switching in.
* From there, it's best to try and weaken the opposition with Mega Alakazam or potentially double switch out into a teammate, as Mega Alakazam will almost always force a switch out after it switches in. The opportunity can also be used to recover health with Recover.
* You should ensure to remove priority users like Colossoil, Mega Mawile, and Mega Medicham from the game before trying to sweep with Mega Alakazam.
* Additionally, it should be wary of common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja, though it can catch them on the switch with Shadow Ball and Focus Blast, respectively.

Team Options
========

* Tapu Lele can form a powerful Psychic spam core with Mega Alakazam, as its ability Psychic Surge allows it to set up Psychic Terrain, which makes Mega Alakazam menacingly hard to switch into reliably. Additionally, Psychic Terrain also shields Mega Alakazam from priority attacks. In return, Mega Alakazam provides some form of Speed control for Tapu Lele. - You should mention that Tapu Lele weakens Psychic checks/shared checks for Mega Alakazam
* Magnezone is very good at ensuring damage on Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, which Mega Alakazam tends to struggle against.
* Other Pokemon that can force damage on Steel-types, like Focus Blast Magearna and Jumbao are also valued in this regard.
* Heatran can trap Chansey, consistently force out Steel-types, and pressure bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth and Jumbao, which Mega Alakazam can somewhat struggle against.
* Pivots such as Tornadus-T, Kitsunoh, and Greninja can often force the opposition to switch and bring Mega Alakazam in with U-turn. - Add that Tornadus-T can also draw in Steel types and remove their items.
* Lastly, if Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, Dark-types like Weavile and Colossoil are good Pokemon to pair with Mega Alakazam, because they can consistently force out Psychic-types like Reuniclus and potentially Pursuit trap Kitsunoh.
* Due Mega Alakazam's potential to force many switches, it pairs particularly nice on Spikes stacking teams that use Pokemon like Greninja, Ferrothorn, or Arghonaut to set Spikes. Greninja is particularly notable because it can weaken Steel-types with Low Kick if that is desired.

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

* Knock Off can be run in the last slot to significantly cripple switch ins like Assault Vest Magearna, Celesteela, and Chansey which rely on their item.
* Hidden Power Ice is also an option to OHKO Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp, while still being able to 2HKO Mega Latios.
* Thanks to Mega Alakazam's great matchup against rain teams, as it can trace Swift Swim from Pokemon like Mega Swampert and Kingdra, Energy Ball can be used to take Mega Swampert out.
* Dazzling Gleam is an option that allows Mega Alakazam to hit Mega Sableye, effectively allowing it to break stall teams. - Gleam Zam still doesn't beat Chansey, nor would it beat any lele check on stall. It would be fairer to say that it improves its matchup against stall/is better at pressuring stall.
* However, all these options are very team specific and thus will rarely find a place in the last slot.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Magearna and Celesteela can effectively wall Mega Alakazam, because they take very little damage from anything it can throw at them. However, they should be mindful of Knock Off, which greatly cripples them. Other Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Steelium Z Heatran, and Jirachi can take a hit and retaliate in return if needed.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Reuniclus and Jirachi can avoid being 2HKOed by Shadow Ball and can cripple or threaten Mega Alakazam with strong moves. If Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, the matchup becomes significantly easier for Pokemon like Aurumoth. - 252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Reuniclus: 250-296 (58.9 - 69.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery. Reuniclus can't feature on this point. Since Jirachi isn't big enough to be mentioned on its own and is already mentioned in the steels point, I would either move this point further down, and explain that it only applies to Zam not running Shadow Ball, or remove it entirely.

**Priority**: Because of Mega Alakazam's frailty, it'll quickly fall over to priority attacks like Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Colossoil and Mega Medicham's Fake Out.

**Dark-types**: Mega Sableye can efficiently wall any Mega Alakazam that is lacking Dazzling Gleam. Although it's worn down quickly, Hoopa-U can also take a few hits if needed. Although not the most common, Mega Alakazam should watch out for Choice Scarf Weavile, which can outspeed and force it out.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh, Greninja, Landorus-T, and Kartana outspeed Mega Alakazam and can exploit its underwhelming physical bulk and KO it. - I think this point should be above the priority point, since all four examples here KO from full.

**Chansey**: Thanks to Chansey's great elephantine special bulk defense, it's relatively unbothered by anything Mega Alakazam can throw at it. However, it has to be wary of Knock Off and it should be noted that it can lose to Alakazam if it stays in its regular form and starts building up boosts with Calm Mind. - Maybe change this point to specially bulky pokemon, and add def jumb/spdef pajantom.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

QC 2/3

 

[Mx]

[OVERVIEW]

Mega Alakazam is one of the best special attackers in the tier thanks to its outstanding Speed stat, only leaving it outsped by viable Choice Scarf users. Additionally, it can take advantage of common Pokemon like Arghonaut, Heatran, and Mega Latios thanks to its typing, access to Recover, and Trace. Trace allows Mega Alakazam to copy Heatran and Mega Latios' abilities, Flash Fire and Levitate, respectively. This means that Mega Alakazam can efficiently wall Heatran lacking Corkscrew Crash and Mega Latios lacking Draco Meteor. Furthermore, Trace is an extremely useful tool against rain teams [Specify that this is because it copies Swift Swim] and also allows Mega Alakazam to copy a few other interesting abilities like Regenerator and Soul-Heart. However, Mega Alakazam is extremely frail, leaving it susceptible to common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja.

[SET]
name: Spoonmaster
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Recover
move 4: Shadow Ball / Calm Mind
item: Alakazite
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is preferred over Psyshock to reliably 2HKO physically defensive Clefable. [Given that Clef is +B in the VR, I think there are better examples that could be given of why use Psychic over Psyshock, like dealing more damage to Mega Mawile and Landorus-T, or simply saying it's better against targets with similar defenses. Using Clef alone as an example doesn't seems like a very persuasive argument] Focus Blast allows Mega Alakazam to hit Steel- and Dark-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Weavile, and Mega Tyranitar, which are not bothered by Psychic. Recover enables Mega Alakazam to reliably take on Heatran and Mega Latios. Shadow Ball notably allows Mega Alakazam to hit Psychic-types which can comfortably take both Psychic and Focus Blast, such as Aurumoth, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios, as well as Kitsunoh, which is not bothered by any of Mega Alakazam's other moves [Why is Kit mentioned separately? It takes more damage from Psychic that Mega Latios. I think this last part would be better removed, because it is just repeating that these can tank Psychic+Focus Blast]. Alternatively, Calm Mind can be run to threaten balanced and bulky offensive teams much more convincingly and potentially sweep late-game.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature is preferred to outspeed Ash-Greninja and Modest Mega Alakazam. A Modest nature can be run to increase Mega Alakazam's wallbreaking prowess, but will miss out against Timid Mega Alakazam. Magic Guard is chosen to ignore passive damage such as from entry hazards prior to Mega Evolving. Additionally, if Mega Alakazam is running Calm Mind, it can choose to not Mega Evolve and set up on Chansey, as it ignores Toxic damage.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Alakazam is a very self sufficient wallbreaker that can even sweep late-game thanks to its high Speed and Special Attack. It's best to try and switch Mega Alakazam into Pokemon like Mega Latios, Heatran, and Arghonaut, although you should scout for Corkscrew Crash and Draco Meteor from Heatran and Mega Latios respectively first before comfortably switching in. From there, it's best to try and weaken the opposition with Mega Alakazam or potentially double switch out into a teammate, as Mega Alakazam will almost always force a switch out after it switches in. The opportunity can also be used to recover health with Recover. You should ensure to remove priority users like Colossoil, Mega Mawile, and Mega Medicham from the game before trying to sweep with Mega Alakazam. Additionally, it should be wary of common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja, though it can catch them on the switch with Shadow Ball and Focus Blast, respectively.

Team Options
========

Tapu Lele can form a powerful Psychic spam core with Mega Alakazam, as its ability Psychic Surge allows it to set up Psychic Terrain, which makes Mega Alakazam menacingly hard to switch into reliably. Tapu Lele also weakens shared checks, Steel-types, for Mega Alakazam. Additionally, Psychic Terrain also shields Mega Alakazam from priority attacks. In return, Mega Alakazam provides some form of Speed control [Being fast is not the same as speed control, just say that it can check faster Pokemon] for Tapu Lele. Magnezone is very good at ensuring damage on Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, which Mega Alakazam tends to struggle against. Other Pokemon that can force damage on Steel-types, like Focus Blast Magearna and Jumbao are also valued in this regard. Heatran can trap Chansey, consistently force out Steel-types, and pressure bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth and Jumbao, which Mega Alakazam can somewhat struggle against. Pivots such as Tornadus-T, Kitsunoh, and Choice Scarf Greninja [If I recall correctly, this is the only set that runs U-turn, so might as well name it] can often force the opposition to switch and bring Mega Alakazam in with U-turn. Additionally, Tornadus-T tends to draw in Steel-types and can cripple them with U-turn [I assume you mean Knock Off], making it easier for Mega Alakazam to consistently wear them down. Due Mega Alakazam's potential to force many switches, it pairs particularly nice on Spikes stacking teams that use Pokemon like Greninja, Ferrothorn, or Arghonaut to set Spikes. Greninja is particularly notable because it can weaken Steel-types with Low Kick if that is desired.
Lastly, if Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, Dark-types like Weavile and Colossoil are good Pokemon to pair with Mega Alakazam, because they can consistently force out Psychic-types like Reuniclus and potentially Pursuit trap Kitsunoh.

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

Knock Off can be run in the last slot to significantly cripple switch ins like Assault Vest Magearna, Celesteela, and Chansey which rely on their item. Hidden Power Ice is also an option to OHKO Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp, while still being able to 2HKO Mega Latios after Stealth Rock. [Mention this to give a better idea that the loss in power can be noticeable in that matchup, because without SR it's a roll] Thanks to Mega Alakazam's great matchup against rain teams, as it can trace Swift Swim from Pokemon like Mega Swampert and Kingdra, Energy Ball can be used to take Mega Swampert out. Dazzling Gleam is an option that allows Mega Alakazam to hit Mega Sableye, effectively allowing it to pressure stall teams. However, all these options are very team specific and thus will rarely find a place in the last slot.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Magearna and Celesteela can effectively wall Mega Alakazam, because they take very little damage from anything it can throw at them. However, they should be mindful of Knock Off, which greatly cripples them. Other Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Steelium Z Heatran, and Jirachi can take a hit and retaliate in return if needed.

**Priority**: Because of Mega Alakazam's frailty, it'll quickly fall over to priority attacks like Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Colossoil and Mega Medicham's Fake Out. [Make it clear that Fake Out is to wear it down and only kills at low health, otherwise it looks like it is just as effective as Sucker Punch, which is a clean OHKO]

**Dark-types**: Mega Sableye can efficiently wall any Mega Alakazam that is lacking Dazzling Gleam. Although it's worn down quickly, Hoopa-U can also take a few hits if needed. Although not the most common, Mega Alakazam should watch out for Choice Scarf Weavile, which can outspeed and force it out.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh, Greninja, Landorus-T, and Kartana outspeed Mega Alakazam and can exploit its underwhelming physical bulk and KO it.

**Psychic-types**: Although it can't switch in, Reuniclus can win in a one-on-one against Mega Alakazam thanks to Leftovers and Caln Mind. If Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, the matchup becomes significantly easier for Pokemon like Aurumoth.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Thanks to Chansey's great special bulk, it's relatively unbothered by anything Mega Alakazam can throw at it. However, it has to be wary of Knock Off and it should be noted that it can lose to Alakazam if it stays in its regular form and starts building up boosts with Calm Mind. Other specially defensive walls like Jumbao and specially defensive Pajantom can also take any move from Mega Alakazam, though it should be noted that Jumbao is quickly pressured to heal up, putting momentum in Mega Alakazam's favor, while Pajantom lacks reliable recovery.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [xavgb, 231402], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

3/3. Good job as always.

 

[Rabia]

add
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gp

[OVERVIEW]

Mega Alakazam is one of the best special attackers in the tier thanks to its outstanding Speed stat, only leaving it outsped by viable Choice Scarf users. Additionally, it can take advantage of common Pokemon like Arghonaut, Heatran, and Mega Latios thanks to its typing, access to Recover, and Trace. Trace allows Mega Alakazam to copy Heatran and Mega Latios' Latios's abilities, Flash Fire and Levitate,(RC) respectively. This means that Mega Alakazam can efficiently wall Heatran lacking Corkscrew Crash and Mega Latios lacking Draco Meteor. Furthermore, Trace is an extremely useful tool against rain teams and also allows Mega Alakazam to copy a few other interesting abilities like Regenerator and Soul-Heart. However, Mega Alakazam is extremely frail, leaving it susceptible to common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja.

[SET]
name: Spoonmaster (Standard)
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Recover
move 4: Shadow Ball / Calm Mind
item: Alakazite
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is preferred over Psyshock to reliably 2HKO Landorus-T and physically defensive Clefable. Focus Blast allows Mega Alakazam to hit Steel- and Dark-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Weavile, and Mega Tyranitar, which are not bothered by Psychic. Recover enables Mega Alakazam to reliably take on Heatran and Mega Latios. Shadow Ball notably allows Mega Alakazam to hit Psychic-types,(AC) which can comfortably take both Psychic and Focus Blast, such as Aurumoth, Mega Alakazam, Kitsunoh,(RC) and Mega Latios,(AC) as well as Kitsunoh. Alternatively, Calm Mind can be run to threaten balanced and bulky offensive teams much more convincingly and potentially sweep late-game.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature is preferred to outspeed Ash-Greninja and Modest Mega Alakazam. A Modest nature can be run to increase Mega Alakazam's wallbreaking prowess,(RC) but will miss out against on Timid Mega Alakazam. Magic Guard is chosen to ignore passive damage from sources such as from entry hazards prior to Mega Evolving. Additionally, if Mega Alakazam is running Calm Mind, it can choose to not Mega Evolve and set up on Chansey, as it Magic Guard ignores Toxic damage.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Alakazam is a very self-sufficient(AH) wallbreaker that can even sweep late-game thanks to its high Speed and Special Attack. It's best to try and switch Mega Alakazam into Pokemon like Mega Latios, Heatran, and Arghonaut, although you should scout for Corkscrew Crash and Draco Meteor from Heatran and Mega Latios respectively first before comfortably switching in. From there, it's best to try and weaken the opposition with Mega Alakazam or potentially double switch out into a teammate, as Mega Alakazam will almost always force a switch out after it switches in. The opportunity can also be used to recover health with Recover. You should ensure to remove priority users like Colossoil, Mega Mawile, and Mega Medicham from the game before trying to sweep with Mega Alakazam. Additionally, it should be wary of common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja, though it can catch them on the switch with Shadow Ball and Focus Blast, respectively.

Team Options
========

Tapu Lele can form a powerful Psychic spam core with Mega Alakazam, as its ability Psychic Surge allows it to set up Psychic Terrain, which makes Mega Alakazam menacingly hard to switch into reliably. Tapu Lele also weakens shared checks, such as Steel-types, for Mega Alakazam. Additionally, Psychic Terrain also shields Mega Alakazam from priority attacks. In return, Mega Alakazam can check a bunch of faster Pokemon for Tapu Lele,(RC) like Tornadus-T and Greninja. Magnezone is very good at ensuring damage on Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, which Mega Alakazam tends to struggle against. Other Pokemon that can force damage on Steel-types, like Focus Blast Magearna and Jumbao and Focus Blast Magearna,(AC) are also valued in this regard. Heatran can trap Chansey, consistently force out Steel-types, and pressure bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth and Jumbao, which Mega Alakazam can somewhat struggle against. Pivots such as Tornadus-T, Choice Scarf Kitsunoh, and Greninja can often force the opposition to switch and bring Mega Alakazam in with U-turn. Additionally, Tornadus-T tends to draw in Steel-types and can cripple them with Knock Off, making it easier for Mega Alakazam to consistently wear them down. Due to Mega Alakazam's potential to force many switches, it pairs fits particularly nice on Spikes-stacking(AH) teams that use a Pokemon like Greninja, Ferrothorn, or Arghonaut to set Spikes. Greninja is particularly notable because it can weaken Steel-types with Low Kick if that is desired. Lastly, if Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, Dark-types like Weavile and Colossoil are good Pokemon to pair with Mega Alakazam,(RC) it because they can consistently force out Psychic-types like Reuniclus and potentially Pursuit trap Kitsunoh.

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

Knock Off can be run in the last slot to significantly cripple switch-ins(AH) like Assault Vest Magearna,(RC) Celesteela, Assault Vest Magearna,(AC) and Chansey,(AC) which rely on their item. Hidden Power Ice is also an option to OHKO Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp,(RC) while still being able to 2HKO Mega Latios after Stealth Rock damage. Thanks to Mega Alakazam's great matchup against rain teams, as it can trace Swift Swim from Pokemon like Mega Swampert and Kingdra, Energy Ball can be used to take Mega Swampert out. Dazzling Gleam is an option that allows Mega Alakazam to hit Mega Sableye hard (there really needs to be an adjective here), effectively allowing it to pressure stall teams. However, all these options are very team-specific(AH) and thus will rarely find a place in the last slot.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Magearna and Celesteela can effectively wall Mega Alakazam, because as they take very little damage from anything it can throw at them. However, they should be mindful of Knock Off, which greatly cripples them. Other Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Steelium Z Heatran, and Jirachi can take a hit and retaliate in return if needed.

**Priority**: Because of Mega Alakazam's frailty, it'll quickly fall over to priority attacks like Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Colossoil. Additionally it can quickly be worn down into range of priority moves from Mega Medicham, Weavile, and Ash-Greninja.

**Dark-types**: Mega Sableye can efficiently wall any Mega Alakazam that is lacking Dazzling Gleam. Although it's worn down quickly, Hoopa-U can also take a few hits if needed. Although not the most common, Mega Alakazam should watch out for Choice Scarf Weavile, which can outspeed and force it out.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh, Greninja, Landorus-T, and Kartana outspeed Mega Alakazam and can exploit its underwhelming physical bulk and KO it.

**Psychic-types**: Although it can't switch in, Reuniclus can win in a one-on-one against Mega Alakazam thanks to Leftovers and Caln Calm Mind. If Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, the matchup becomes significantly easier for Pokemon like Aurumoth.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Thanks to Chansey's great special bulk, it's relatively unbothered by anything Mega Alakazam can throw at it. However, it has to be wary of Knock Off,(AC) and it should be noted that it Chansey can lose to Alakazam if it stays in its regular form forme and starts building up boosts with Calm Mind. Other specially defensive walls like Jumbao and specially defensive Pajantom can also take any move from Mega Alakazam, though it should be noted that Jumbao is quickly pressured to heal up, putting momentum in Mega Alakazam's favor, while Pajantom lacks reliable recovery.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [xavgb, 231402], [Mx, 298148]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [, ]]

gp 1/2 once implemented

 

[Lumari]

remove add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2

check

[OVERVIEW]

Mega Alakazam is one of the best special attackers in the tier thanks to its outstanding Speed stat (RC) that only leaving leaves it outsped by viable Choice Scarf users. Additionally, it can take advantage of common Pokemon like Arghonaut, Heatran, and Mega Latios thanks to its typing, access to Recover, and Trace ability; (SC) Trace allows Mega Alakazam to copy Heatran's Flash Fire and Mega Latios's abilities, Flash Fire and Levitate, (comma) This means meaning that Mega Alakazam it can efficiently effectively wall Heatran lacking Corkscrew Crash and Mega Latios lacking Draco Meteor. Furthermore, Trace is an extremely useful tool against rain teams and also allows Mega Alakazam to copy a few other interesting abilities like Regenerator and Soul-Heart. However, Mega Alakazam is extremely frail, leaving it susceptible to common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja.

[SET]
name: Spoonmaster (Standard)
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Recover
move 4: Shadow Ball / Calm Mind
item: Alakazite
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Psychic is preferred over Psyshock to reliably 2HKO Landorus-T and physically defensive Clefable. Focus Blast allows Mega Alakazam to hit Steel- and Dark-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Weavile, and Mega Tyranitar, which are not bothered by Psychic. Recover enables Mega Alakazam to reliably take on Heatran and Mega Latios. Shadow Ball notably allows Mega Alakazam to hit Psychic-types, which can comfortably take both Psychic and Focus Blast, such as Aurumoth, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios, as well as Kitsunoh. Alternatively, Calm Mind can be run to threaten balanced and bulky offensive teams much more convincingly and potentially sweep late-game.

Set Details
========

A Timid nature is preferred to outspeed Ash-Greninja and Modest Mega Alakazam. A Modest nature can be run to increase Mega Alakazam's wallbreaking prowess but will miss out on leave Mega Alakazam outsped by Timid Mega Alakazam. Magic Guard is chosen to ignore passive damage from sources such as entry hazards prior to Mega Evolving. Additionally, if Mega Alakazam is running Calm Mind, it can choose to not Mega Evolve and set up on Chansey, as Magic Guard ignores Toxic damage.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Alakazam is a very self-sufficient wallbreaker that can even sweep late-game thanks to its high Speed and Special Attack. It's best to try and switch switching Mega Alakazam into Pokemon like Mega Latios, Heatran, and Arghonaut, although you should scout for Corkscrew Crash and Draco Meteor from Heatran and Mega Latios first before comfortably switching in. From there, it's best to try and to weaken the opposition with Mega Alakazam or potentially double switch out into to a teammate, as Mega Alakazam will almost always force a switch after it switches in. The opportunity can also be used to recover health with Recover. You should ensure to remove priority users like Colossoil, Mega Mawile, and Mega Medicham from the game before trying to sweep with Mega Alakazam. Additionally, it should be wary of common Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh and Greninja, though it Mega Alakazam can catch them on the switch with Shadow Ball and Focus Blast, respectively.

Team Options
========

Tapu Lele can form a powerful Psychic-type spam core with Mega Alakazam, as its ability Psychic Surge allows it to set up Psychic Terrain, which makes Mega Alakazam menacingly hard to switch into reliably. Tapu Lele also weakens shared checks, such as Steel-types, for Mega Alakazam. Additionally, Psychic Terrain also shields Mega Alakazam from priority attacks. In return, Mega Alakazam can check a bunch of faster Pokemon for Tapu Lele like Tornadus-T and Greninja. Magnezone is very good at ensuring damage on Pokemon like Celesteela, Magearna, and Ferrothorn, which Mega Alakazam tends to struggle against. Other Pokemon that can force damage on Steel-types, such as Jumbao (or put a comma here, honestly can't tell if this is a 3-item list or a category with 2 examples) and Focus Blast Magearna, are also valued in this regard. Heatran can trap Chansey, consistently force out Steel-types, and pressure bulky Grass-types like Tangrowth and Jumbao, which Mega Alakazam can somewhat struggle against. Pivots such as Tornadus-T, Choice Scarf Kitsunoh, and Greninja can often force the opposition to switch and bring Mega Alakazam in with U-turn. Additionally, Tornadus-T tends to draw in Steel-types and can cripple them with Knock Off, making it easier for Mega Alakazam to consistently wear them down. Due to Mega Alakazam's potential to force many switches, it fits particularly nice on Spikes stacking (RH) teams that use a Pokemon with a setter like Greninja, Ferrothorn, or Arghonaut to set Spikes. Greninja is particularly notable because it can weaken Steel-types with Low Kick if that is desired. Lastly, if Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, Dark-types like Weavile and Colossoil are good Pokemon to pair with it because they can consistently force out Psychic-types like Reuniclus and potentially Pursuit trap Kitsunoh.

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

Knock Off can be run in the last slot to significantly cripple switch-ins like Celesteela, Assault Vest Magearna, and Chansey, which rely on their item. Hidden Power Ice is also an option to OHKO Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp while still being able to 2HKO Mega Latios after Stealth Rock damage. Thanks to Mega Alakazam's great matchup against rain teams (RC) as it can due to its ability to Trace Swift Swim from Pokemon like Mega Swampert and Kingdra, Energy Ball can be used to take out Mega Swampert out. Dazzling Gleam is an option that allows Mega Alakazam to hit Mega Sableye hard, effectively allowing it to pressure stall teams. However, all these options are very team specific (RH) and thus will rarely find a place in the last slot.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Steel-types**: Magearna and Celesteela can effectively wall Mega Alakazam, as they take very little damage from anything it can throw at them. However, they should be mindful of Knock Off, which greatly cripples them. Other Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Steelium Z Heatran, and Jirachi can take a hit and retaliate in return if needed.

**Priority**: Because of Mega Alakazam's frailty, it'll quickly fall over to priority attacks like Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Colossoil. Additionally it can quickly be worn down into range of priority moves from Mega Medicham, Weavile, and Ash-Greninja.

**Dark-types**: Mega Sableye can efficiently wall any Mega Alakazam that is lacking Dazzling Gleam. Although it's worn down quickly, Hoopa-U can also take a few hits if needed. Although not the most common, Mega Alakazam should watch out for Choice Scarf Weavile, which can outspeed and force it out.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Choice Scarf users like Kitsunoh, Greninja, Landorus-T, and Kartana outspeed Mega Alakazam and can exploit its underwhelming physical bulk and KO it.

**Psychic-types**: Although it can't switch in, Reuniclus can win in a one-on-one against Mega Alakazam thanks to Leftovers and Calm Mind. If Mega Alakazam isn't running Shadow Ball, the matchup becomes significantly easier for Pokemon like Aurumoth.

**Specially Defensive Walls**: Thanks to Chansey's great special bulk, it's relatively unbothered by anything Mega Alakazam can throw at it. However, it has to be wary of Knock Off, and it should be noted that Chansey can lose to Alakazam if it stays in its regular forme and starts building up boosts with Calm Mind. Other specially defensive walls like Jumbao and specially defensive Pajantom can also take any move from Mega Alakazam, though it should be noted that Jumbao is quickly pressured to heal up, putting momentum in Mega Alakazam's favor, while Pajantom lacks reliable recovery.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[snake_rattler, 227784], [xavgb, 231402], [Mx, 298148]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [, ]]