VGC Mega Dragonite QC[2/2] GP[1/1]

[Darts]

[SET]
Bulky Attacker (Dragonite-Mega) @ Dragoninite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 2 HP / 32 SpA / 32 Spe
Modest Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Heat Wave
- Extreme Speed / Thunderbolt
- Protect

[SET COMMENTS]
* This set utilizes Mega Dragonite's high base Special Attack stat as well as its strong type coverage to go for positive trades against other Pokemon. Generally, Mega Dragonite does not look to OHKO opposing Pokemon but rather provide consistent damage. Notably, Mega Dragonite is great for dealing with threats such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, Venusaur, and Sneasler.

* **Dragon Pulse**: While Dragon Pulse OHKOes important attackers such as Garchomp, its main purpose is to provide consistent damage for Mega Dragonite's partners to finish off foes. Notably, Dragon Pulse 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y.

* **Heat Wave**: Heat Wave provides sizable damage against Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit, Excadrill, and Corviknight. Against Whimsicott Tailwind teams in particular, Heat Wave does substantial damage to Whimsicott and can even be further strengthened by Mega Charizard Y's Drought.

* **Extreme Speed versus Thunderbolt**: Because of Dragon Pulse's lack of damage multipliers, a defensively trained Garchomp or Sneasler will survive with low HP. Additionally, a Whimsicott equipped with Focus Sash will survive a Heat Wave. Dragonite utilizes Extreme Speed as consistent follow-up damage to knock out these low-HP targets. Timid Mega Dragonite often runs Thunderbolt because Dragon Pulse no longer 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y. However, Thunderbolt is also useful for dealing damage to Pelipper and Toxapex.

* **Modest versus Timid**: Modest Mega Dragonite is important when running Extreme Speed so that Dragon Pulse 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y and OHKOes Garchomp. The Modest nature also guarantees that Heat Wave 2HKOes Swords Dance Kingambit. On the other hand, Timid Mega Dragonite is valuable for outspeeding Timid Mega Charizard Y, since most Mega Charizard Y sets do not invest 32 Stat Points into Speed. It also outspeeds Adamant Garchomp.

Other Options
========
* **Tailwind**: Pokemon such as Mega Delphox, Mega Floette, and Mega Staraptor naturally outspeed Mega Dragonite. For example, a Kingambit with Tailwind can use Iron Head against Mega Floette to OHKO it and protect Mega Dragonite from Fairy-type moves. Depending on the matchup, Tailwind can be more valuable than Extreme Speed.

Teambuilding
=========

* **Checks and Weaknesses**: Mega Dragonite struggles to deal damage to pure Fairy-type Pokemon such as Mega Floette and Sylveon. In particular, these two have high Special Defense stats and will not take much from Heat Wave while retaliating with strong spread damage in the form of Dazzling Gleam and Hyper Voice, respectively.

* Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales are strong checks because they deal large damage to Mega Dragonite through Multiscale with Blizzard. After setting up an Aurora Veil, Mega Froslass only takes about 30-40% from Heat Wave. Alolan Ninetales can also pressure Dragonite from the back by switching into a Dragon Pulse.

* Mega Aerodactyl is a strong check because it has a chance to flinch Mega Dragonite with Rock Slide and threatens an OHKO with Ice Fang after Multiscale is broken. Mega Dragonite often partners with Sneasler to knock out Fairy-types, and Mega Aerodactyl's Dual Wingbeat can OHKO Focus Sash sets as well as set Tailwind so that Sylveon attacks before Sneasler.

* Rain teams generally run multiple answers to Mega Dragonite. Mega Swampert checks Mega Dragonite with Ice Punch, outspeeding it thanks to Swift Swim in the rain. Mega Dragonite's Dragon Pulse does not 2HKO Leftovers Calm Archaludon, while Archaludon threatens Mega Dragonite in return with an Electro Shot or Dragon Pulse.

* Though Mega Dragonite is a check to Garchomp with Multiscale, Garchomp can also be a check if Fake Out, Rock Slide, or other chip damage breaks Multiscale. Garchomp often runs a Jolly nature and Life Orb, outspeeding and knocking out a chipped Mega Dragonite with Dragon Claw.

* Incineroar is problematic for Mega Dragonite because Fake Out will not only prevent Mega Dragonite from attacking but also deal damage and break Multiscale. Additionally, Incineroar's Parting Shot will prevent Mega Dragonite from picking up an OHKO against Garchomp or common 2HKOs against Mega Charizard Y and Basculegion-M. Priority moves such as Sneasler's Feint and Sylveon's Quick Attack break Mega Dragonite's Multiscale and allow an opposing partner such as Mega Floette or Mega Aerodactyl, respectively, to knock out Mega Dragonite. A low-HP Sylveon can still provide value with a last Quick Attack before fainting.

* **Good Partners and Synergies**: Sneasler provides the perfect offensive coverage in tandem with Mega Dragonite. Its use of strong Poison-type moves such as Dire Claw can OHKO the Fairy-types that threaten Mega Dragonite. Sneasler's Close Combat is super effective against bulky Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit and Archaludon that Mega Dragonite may not trade positively with. It can also use Fake Out before Incineroar to neuter it as a threat while pressuring it with Close Combat.

* Mega Charizard Y similarly provides strong offensive coverage against Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Against Mega Floette with Calm Mind, Mega Dragonite often struggles to deal significant damage while taking a lot from Dazzling Gleam or Moonblast. In this matchup, it is advisable to bring a different Mega Evolution such as Mega Charizard Y to the battle.

* **Kingambit and Mega Floette**: Kingambit can use Iron Head to check the Fairy-type Pokemon that Mega Dragonite struggles against as well as Ice-types such as Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales. Mega Floette can OHKO Dragon-types such as Garchomp that Mega Dragonite may struggle with. Mega Dragonite provides consistent damage against Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y that Mega Floette and Kingambit struggle against.

* Garchomp pairs well with Mega Dragonite because of its Dragon- and Ground-type attacks. Earthquake and Stomping Tantrum check Rock-type Pokemon such as Mega Tyranitar, Lycanroc-D, and Glimmora. Dragon Claw checks opposing Garchomp and Mega Dragonite. Rock Slide threatens Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Froslass.

* Basculegion-M is a great partner for Mega Dragonite because both Pokemon synergize well with Sneasler and Kingambit. A Life Orb-boosted Wave Crash or Last Respects will knock out physically frail Fairy-type Pokemon such as Sylveon and Mega Floette. Combined with Tailwind, Basculegion-M checks Mega Froslass, Mega Aerodactyl, and Swift Swim Mega Swampert. After Hisuian Arcanine's Focus Sash is broken, Aqua Jet will OHKO it and protect Mega Dragonite from Head Smash.

* If running Tailwind on Mega Dragonite, pair it with bulky attackers such as Kingambit, Basculegion-M, and Gholdengo. Notably, under Tailwind, Kingambit can outspeed opposing Mega Floette, and Basculegion-M and Gholdengo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl. These Pokemon match the slower tempo of Mega Dragonite.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/darts.618277/

Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/pengu.650323/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rausakura.589964/

Grammar Checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skype.600060/

 

[pengu]

i'd like to see this again, so ping me here or on discord once this is implemented - for your first analysis, you did a really nice job!
add remove (comment) highlight

Copyedit

Dragonite-Mega @ Dragoninite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 2 HP / 32 SpA / 32 Spe
Modest Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Heat Wave
- Extreme Speed / Thunderbolt (top 8 at worlds had thunderbolt dragonite)
- Protect


[SET COMMENTS]

* This is the Dragonite set that Takuma Yamazaki used to win the World Championships this year. It (no need to specify this) This set utilizes Mega Dragonite’s high base Special Attack stat (145) as well as its strong type coverage to go for positive trades against other Pokemon. Generally, Mega Dragonite does not look to OHKO opponent Pokemon, but rather provide consistent damage (would mention some foes that mega dragonite does well into, such as mega charizard y and garchomp).

* **Dragon Pulse** Of the special attacks in Dragonite’s movepool, Dragon Pulse is particularly strong because of its type coverage, high Base Power, and perfect Accuracy. (this is dex info, aka something that a player could easily look up) While the move Dragon Pulse OHKOes important attackers such as Garchomp, its main purpose is to provide consistent damage for Mega Dragonite’s partners to finish off. Notably, Mega Charizard Y is 2HKOed if Mega Dragonite is Modest by Dragon Pulse ("if Mega Dragonite is Modest" - the set is modest so it is assumed that these calcs are taken with modest in mind).

* **Heat Wave** Spread attacks are crucial in regulation M-B and provide consistent damage when an opponent uses Protect. (dex info) Heat Wave provides sizable damage against Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit, Excadrill, and Corviknight. Against Tailwind teams in particular, Heat Wave will do substantial damage to Whimsicott and can even leverage Mega Charizard Y’s Drought ability to deal extra damage.

* **Extreme Speed** Because of Dragon Pulse’s lack of damage multipliers, a defensively trained Garchomp or Sneasler will survive with low HP. Additionally, a Whimsicott equipped with Focus Sash will survive a Heat Wave. Dragonite utilizes Extreme Speed as consistent follow-up damage to knock out these low targets.

* **Mega Evolving Dragonite** Unless the base forme Dragonite is equipped with the ability Inner Focus, it is recommended to Mega Evolve as soon as possible. It provides Dragonite with significantly more defenses that will make it take less damage on switch-ins. (this doesn't feel too necessary; this section should only be if there is a possibility to reasonably preserve mega evolution, like on mega tyranitar)

Other Options
========
* **Tailwind** Tailwind is arguably the strongest Speed control option in the format. (this feels like fluff aka additional and unnecessary information) Mega Dragonite is naturally outsped by Pokemon such as Mega Delphox, Mega Floette-Eternal ("Mega Floette" is grammatically correct for future reference), Mega Staraptor, etc. For example, a Kingambit with Tailwind can use Iron Head against Mega Floette-Eternal to OHKO it and protect Mega Dragonite from Fairy moves. Depending on the matchup, Tailwind can be more valuable than Extreme Speed in certain scenarios ("Depending on the matchup" and "in certain scenarios" is repetition).

* **Thunderbolt** This move was often used on Timid Mega Dragonite because Dragon Pulse no longer 2HKOed Mega Charizard Y. However, it is also useful for dealing damage to Pelipper and Toxapex. (move to main set)

Abilities
===========

* **Inner Focus** Though Mega Dragonite will always have the ability Multiscale upon Mega Evolution, in some instances its ability prior to Mega Evolving is important. When Dragonite has the move Tailwind, the ability Inner Focus becomes more valuable as it is possible to keep Dragonite in its base forme to ignore a Fake Out and set Tailwind, then Mega Evolve and launch attacks afterward. Multiscale becomes more valuable when Dragonite switches onto the field to take less damage from an attack. (none of this is necessary, mega dragonite run multiscale and since you aren't preserving mega evolution base forme abilities don't become too relevant. additionally, an ability point should be made alongside the initial set comments, not its own section)

Teambuilding
=========

**Checks and Weaknesses**: Mega Dragonite struggles to deal damage to pure fairy type Pokemon such as Mega Floette-Eternal and Sylveon. In particular, these two have high Special Defense stats and will not take much from Heat Wave while returning with strong spread damage in the form of Dazzling Gleam and Hyper Voice, respectively.

* Mega Froslass is a strong check as well because Blizzard is 4x super effective and will deal 70-80% of Dragonite-Mega’s HP because it deals large damage to Mega Dragonite through Multiscale with Blizzard. After setting up an Aurora Veil, Mega Froslass will only take about 30-40% from Heat Wave. (alolan ninetales mention too?)

* Mega Aerodactyl is a strong check with a chance to flinch Mega Dragonite with Rock Slide as well as threatening an OHKO with Ice Fang after Multiscale is broken. (maybe mention wide guard blocking heat wave or tailwind allowing partners like sylveon and garchomp to outspeed mega dragonite?)

* Though Mega Dragonite is a check to Garchomp with Multiscale, Garchomp can also be a check if Multiscale is broken by Fake Out, Rock Slide, etc. (I would suggest significantly expanding on this point, stating that Dragon-types like Garchomp, Archaludon, and opposing Dragonite threaten significant damage when Multiscale is broken)

* Incineroar is problematic for Mega Dragonite because Fake Out will not only prevent Mega Dragonite from attacking but also deal damage and render Multiscale useless (unless healed by a partner Pokemon) break Multiscale. Additionally, Incineroar’s parting shot will prevent Mega Dragonite from picking up an OHKO against Garchomp or common 2HKOs against Mega Charizard Y and Basculegion.

(i think an additional point can be made here about priority moves in general, as they can break multiscale and then allow a partner like mega floette or mega froslass to ohko mega dragonite that same turn. Also, drop a Mega Swampert mention somewhere)

* **Good Partners and Synergies**: Sneasler provides the perfect offensive coverage in tandem with Mega Dragonite. Its use of strong Poison-type moves such as Dire Claw, Poison Jab, and Gunk shot (Dire Claw was the only one run alongside Mega Dragonite in Worlds Day 2) can OHKO the Fairy-types (Sylveon, Mega Floette) that threaten Mega Dragonite. Sneasler’s Close Combat is super effective against bulky Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit and Archaludon that Mega Dragonite may not trade positively with. It is also able to use Fake Out before Incineroar to neuter it as a threat.

* Mega Charizard Y similar provides strong offensive coverage against Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Against Mega Floette-Eternal with Calm Mind, Mega Dragonite often struggles to deal significant damage while taking a lot from Dazzling Gleam / Moonblast. In this matchup, it is advisable to bring a different mega evolution to the battle (such as Mega Charizard Y) (remove parenthesis here).

* **Kingambit and Floette** Dubbed the “fantasy” core, Fairy-, Dragon-, and Steel-type Pokemon synergize well with each other both defensively and offensively. (dex info / fluff) Kingambit can check the Fairy-type Pokemon that Mega Dragonite struggles against with Iron Head (mentnion kingambit beating mega froslass and ice-types). Mega Floette-Eternal can OHKO Dragon-types such as Garchomp that Mega Dragonite may struggle with. Mega Dragonite provides consistent damage against Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y that Mega Floette and Kingambit struggle against.

* **Pelipper** Despite its typing, Mega Dragonite rarely runs Flying-type moves because its movepool lacks consistent special Flying-type attacks. However, Pelipper’s ability to bring rain to the battlefield with Drizzle enables Mega Dragonite to use Hurricane without the risk of missing. This enables Mega Dragonite to threaten Grass-type Pokemon such as Mega Venusaur and Mega Scovillain. (is it really ever run alongside pelipper anymore? this feels even less relevant now that mega dragonite's hurricane isn't even in the other options section)

* If running Tailwind on Mega Dragonite, pair it with bulky attackers such as Kingambit, Basculegion, and Gholdengo. These Pokemon take significant advantage of Tailwind because they begin to outpace important threats to Mega Dragonite with doubled speed. Notably, under Tailwind, Kingambit can outspeed opposing Mega Floette, and Basculegion and Gholdengo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl. These Pokemon match the slower tempo of Mega Dragonite.

(i'd like to see you expand on basculegion-m and talk more about garchomp, since they were both on the worlds winning team)

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/darts.618277/

 

[Darts]

pengu

 

[pengu]

Send this to QC: 1/2, nice work on this so far! Another QC member will check your analysis after you implement this

Copyedit

Dragonite-Mega @ Dragoninite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 2 HP / 32 SpA / 32 Spe
Modest Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Heat Wave
- Extreme Speed / Thunderbolt
- Protect

[SET COMMENTS]

* This set utilizes Mega Dragonite’s high base Special Attack stat as well as its strong type coverage to go for positive trades against other Pokemon. Generally, Mega Dragonite does not look to OHKO opposing Pokemon, but rather provide consistent damage. Notably, Mega Dragonite is great for dealing with threats such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, Venusaur, and Sneasler.

* **Dragon Pulse** While Dragon Pulse OHKOes important attackers such as Garchomp, its main purpose is to provide consistent damage for Mega Dragonite’s partners to finish off. Notably, Dragon Pulse 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y.

* **Heat Wave** Heat Wave provides sizable damage against Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit, Excadrill, and Corviknight. Against Tailwind teams in particular, Heat Wave does substantial damage to Whimsicott and can even leverage Mega Charizard Y’s Drought ability to deal extra damage.

* **Extreme Speed vs Thunderbolt** Because of Dragon Pulse’s lack of damage multipliers, a defensively trained Garchomp or Sneasler will survive with low HP. Additionally, a Whimsicott equipped with Focus Sash will survive a Heat Wave. Dragonite utilizes Extreme Speed as consistent follow-up damage to knock out these low targets. Timid Mega Dragonite often runs this move Thunderbolt because Dragon Pulse no longer 2HKOed Mega Charizard Y. However, it is also useful for dealing damage to Pelipper and Toxapex.

* **Thunderbolt** Timid Mega Dragonite often runs this move because Dragon Pulse no longer 2HKOed Mega Charizard Y. However, it is also useful for dealing damage to Pelipper and Toxapex.

(for future reference, slashed moves should be in the same point w/ "vs" in between, typically a comparison of which is better depending on preference / the team)

Other Options
========
* **Tailwind** Pokemon such as Mega Delphox, Mega Floette, and Mega Staraptor naturally outspeed Mega Dragonite. For example, a Kingambit with Tailwind can use Iron Head against Mega Floette to OHKO it and protect Mega Dragonite from Fairy moves. Depending on the matchup, Tailwind can be more valuable than Extreme Speed.

Teambuilding
=========

**Checks and Weaknesses**: Mega Dragonite struggles to deal damage to pure Fairy-type Pokemon such as Mega Floette and Sylveon. In particular, these two have high Special Defense stats and will not take much from Heat Wave while returning with strong spread damage in the form of Dazzling Gleam and Hyper Voice, respectively.

* Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales are strong checks because they deal large damage to Mega Dragonite through Multiscale with Blizzard. After setting up an Aurora Veil, Mega Froslass only takes about 30-40% from Heat Wave. (would mention alolan ninetales swapping in safely on dragon pulse)

* Mega Aerodactyl is a strong check with a chance to flinch Mega Dragonite with Rock Slide as well as threatening an OHKO with Ice Fang after Multiscale is broken. Wide Guard can protect opposing Kingambit from Heat Wave, which threatens common Mega Dragonite partners (Basculegion, Kingambit, Alolan Ninetales) (would rather this be a mention of a pokemon like Sylveon that threatens Mega Dragonite directly). Mega Dragonite often partners with Sneasler to knock out Fairy types, and Mega Aerodactyl’s Dual Wingbeat can OHKO Focus Sash sets as well as set Tailwind so that Sylveon attacks before Sneasler.

* Rain teams generally run multiple answers to Mega Dragonite. Mega Swampert checks Mega Dragonite with Ice Punch, outspeeding thanks to Swift Swim in the rain; paired with Pelipper’s Drizzle, it outspeeds and threatens 4x super effective damage. Mega Dragonite’s Dragon Pulse does not 2HKO Leftovers Calm Archaludon with a Calm nature and Leftovers, while Archaludon returns with an Electro Shot, Dragon Pulse, or Draco Meteor or Dragon Pulse (they rarely run Draco Meteor nowadays).

* Though Mega Dragonite is a check to Garchomp with Multiscale, Garchomp can also be a check if Fake Out, Rock Slide, or other chip damage breaks Multiscale. Garchomp often runs Jolly nature and Life Orb, outspeeding and knocking out a chipped Mega Dragonite with Dragon Claw. It is important to either preserve Multiscale with Protect or threaten opposing Dragon-type Pokemon such as Garchomp, Archaludon, Dragonite, and opposing Mega Dragonite with Fairy- or Ice-type attacks. (this is a point to be mentioned in the good partners and synergies section)

* Incineroar is problematic for Mega Dragonite because Fake Out will not only prevent Mega Dragonite from attacking but also deal damage and break Multiscale. Additionally, Incineroar’s parting shot will prevent Mega Dragonite from picking up an OHKO against Garchomp or common 2HKOs against Mega Charizard Y and Basculegion.

* Priority moves such as Sneasler’s Feint or Sylveon’s Quick attack break Mega Dragonite’s Multiscale and allow an opposing partner such as Mega Floette or Mega Aerodactyl respectively to knock out Mega Dragonite. A low HP Sylveon can still provide value with a last Quick Attack before fainting. (i think you can combine this with the Incineroar point since the main ideas seem to be similar here)

* **Good Partners and Synergies**: Sneasler provides the perfect offensive coverage in tandem with Mega Dragonite. Its use of strong Poison-type moves such as Dire Claw can OHKO the Fairy-types that threaten Mega Dragonite. Sneasler’s Close Combat is super effective against bulky Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit and Archaludon that Mega Dragonite may not trade positively with. It is also able to use Fake Out before Incineroar to neuter it as a threat while threatening it with Close Combat.

* Mega Charizard Y similarly provides strong offensive coverage against Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Against Mega Floette with Calm Mind, Mega Dragonite often struggles to deal significant damage while taking a lot from Dazzling Gleam or Moonblast. In this matchup, it is advisable to bring a different Mega Evolution to the battle such as Mega Charizard Y.

* **Kingambit and Floette** Kingambit can check the Fairy-type Pokemon that Mega Dragonite struggles against with Iron Head as well as Ice-types such as Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales. Mega Floette can OHKO Dragon-types such as Garchomp that Mega Dragonite may struggle with. Mega Dragonite provides consistent damage against Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y that Mega Floette and Kingambit struggle against.

* Garchomp pairs well with Mega Dragonite to counter Mega Charizard Y teams. These archetypes rely on Pokemon such as Garchomp, Whimsicott, or Sylveon to check Dragon-type Pokemon. The goal of bringing both Mega Dragonite or Garchomp is to trade either Pokemon for one of these checks, then sweep the rest of the opposing team with the other Dragon-type. (this feels kinda meh. think more about garchomp assisting mega dragonite, such as into mega tyranitar and kingambit / other steel-types. mega charizard y is already handled by mega dragonite, as are whimsicott and garchomp)

* Male Basculegion-M is a great partner for Mega Dragonite because both Pokemon synergize well with Sneasler and Kingambit. Aqua Jet can knock out a low Mega Charizard Y, Sneasler, or even Sylveon after Sneasler’s Dire Claw. Players often lead Mega Dragonite because of its consistency with Multiscale, which sets up Male Basculegion to sweep late-game with Last Respects. (would rather you talk about it threatening the physically-frail fairies of the format a bit more + its ability to positively trade into mega aerodactyl and mega swampert and incineroar, maybe even mentioning mega dragonite threatening foes like sinistcha and venusaur)

* If running Tailwind on Mega Dragonite, pair it with bulky attackers such as Kingambit, Basculegion, and Gholdengo. These Pokemon take significant advantage of Tailwind because they begin to outpace important threats to Mega Dragonite with doubled Speed. Notably, under Tailwind, Kingambit can outspeed opposing Mega Floette, and Basculegion and Gholdengo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl. These Pokemon match the slower tempo of Mega Dragonite.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/darts.618277/

Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/pengu.650323/

 

[Badly Poisoned]

Minor nitpick, but under the Heat Wave point in particular, mentioning "Against Tailwind teams in particular" just to specify Whimsicott sounds counterintuitive, because Tailwind is run by Talonflame, MAero, Pelipper and sometimes opposing MNite, all of which resisting the Heat Wave.
As an addendum, a very important key target for Heat Wave is Venusaur, who does not threaten Dnite per-se, but is very dangerous to common partners like Basc and Sneasler.
Also, as a second addendum (waiting for a QC member to comment on this one), Flamethrower may be worth mentioning under OO or as a slash as it is not uncommonly run over Heat Wave, dealing more damage (2HKO Froslass through Veil), is 100% accurate, and bypasses Wide Guard (notable for sniping Venusaur against Pex Sun).

 

[RauSakura]

Great job! I don't have many changes so you can mark this as 2/2 after implementing and move onto the GP stage!

add remove comment

Copyedit

[SET]
Bulky Offensive (Dragonite-Mega) Feel free to change this set name if you like @ Dragoninite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 2 HP / 32 SpA / 32 Spe
Modest Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Heat Wave
- Extreme Speed / Thunderbolt
- Protect

[SET COMMENTS]

* This set utilizes Mega Dragonite’s high base Special Attack stat as well as its strong type coverage to go for positive trades against other Pokemon. Generally, Mega Dragonite does not look to OHKO opposing Pokemon, but rather provide consistent damage. Notably, Mega Dragonite is great for dealing with threats such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, Venusaur, and Sneasler.

* **Dragon Pulse** While Dragon Pulse OHKOes important attackers such as Garchomp, its main purpose is to provide consistent damage for Mega Dragonite’s partners to finish off. Notably, Dragon Pulse 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y.

* **Heat Wave** Heat Wave provides sizable damage against Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit, Excadrill, and Corviknight. Against Whimsicott Tailwind teams in particular, Heat Wave does substantial damage to Whimsicott and can even leverage Mega Charizard Y’s Drought ability to deal extra damage.

* **Extreme Speed vs Thunderbolt** Because of Dragon Pulse’s lack of damage multipliers, a defensively trained Garchomp or Sneasler will survive with low HP. Additionally, a Whimsicott equipped with Focus Sash will survive a Heat Wave. Dragonite utilizes Extreme Speed as consistent follow-up damage to knock out these low HP targets. Timid Mega Dragonite often runs Thunderbolt because Dragon Pulse no longer 2HKOed Mega Charizard Y. However, it is also useful for dealing damage to Pelipper and Toxapex.

Other Options
========
* **Tailwind** Pokemon such as Mega Delphox, Mega Floette, and Mega Staraptor naturally outspeed Mega Dragonite. For example, a Kingambit with Tailwind can use Iron Head against Mega Floette to OHKO it and protect Mega Dragonite from Fairy moves. Depending on the matchup, Tailwind can be more valuable than Extreme Speed.

Teambuilding
=========

**Checks and Weaknesses**: Mega Dragonite struggles to deal damage to pure Fairy-type Pokemon such as Mega Floette and Sylveon. In particular, these two have high Special Defense stats and will not take much from Heat Wave while returning retaliating Better word choice with strong spread damage in the form of Dazzling Gleam and Hyper Voice, respectively.

* Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales are strong checks because they deal large damage to Mega Dragonite through Multiscale with Blizzard. After setting up an Aurora Veil, Mega Froslass only takes about 30-40% from Heat Wave. Alolan Ninetales can also pressure Dragonite from the back by switching into a Dragon Pulse.

* Mega Aerodactyl is a strong check with a chance to flinch Mega Dragonite with Rock Slide as well as threatening an OHKO with Ice Fang after Multiscale is broken. Mega Dragonite often partners with Sneasler to knock out Fairy types, and Mega Aerodactyl’s Dual Wingbeat can OHKO Focus Sash sets as well as set Tailwind so that Sylveon attacks before Sneasler.

* Rain teams generally run multiple answers to Mega Dragonite. Mega Swampert checks Mega Dragonite with Ice Punch, outspeeding thanks to Swift Swim in the rain. Mega Dragonite’s Dragon Pulse does not 2HKO Leftovers Calm Archaludon, while Archaludon returns threatens Mega Dragonite in return with an Electro Shot or Dragon Pulse.

* Though Mega Dragonite is a check to Garchomp with Multiscale, Garchomp can also be a check if Fake Out, Rock Slide, or other chip damage breaks Multiscale. Garchomp often runs Jolly nature and Life Orb, outspeeding and knocking out a chipped Mega Dragonite with Dragon Claw.

* Incineroar is problematic for Mega Dragonite because Fake Out will not only prevent Mega Dragonite from attacking but also deal damage and break Multiscale. Additionally, Incineroar’s Parting Shot will prevent Mega Dragonite from picking up an OHKO against Garchomp or common 2HKOs against Mega Charizard Y and Basculegion Basculegion-M. Priority moves such as Sneasler’s Feint or Sylveon’s Quick attack break Mega Dragonite’s Multiscale and allow an opposing partner such as Mega Floette or Mega Aerodactyl respectively to knock out Mega Dragonite. A low HP Sylveon can still provide value with a last Quick Attack before fainting.


* **Good Partners and Synergies**: Sneasler provides the perfect offensive coverage in tandem with Mega Dragonite. Its use of strong Poison-type moves such as Dire Claw can OHKO the Fairy-types that threaten Mega Dragonite. Sneasler’s Close Combat is super effective against bulky Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit and Archaludon that Mega Dragonite may not trade positively with. It is also able to use Fake Out before Incineroar to neuter it as a threat while threatening it with Close Combat.

* Mega Charizard Y similarly provides strong offensive coverage against Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Against Mega Floette with Calm Mind, Mega Dragonite often struggles to deal significant damage while taking a lot from Dazzling Gleam or Moonblast. In this matchup, it is advisable to bring a different Mega Evolution to the battle such as Mega Charizard Y.

* **Kingambit and Floette** Kingambit can check the Fairy-type Pokemon that Mega Dragonite struggles against with Iron Head as well as Ice-types such as Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales. Mega Floette can OHKO Dragon-types such as Garchomp that Mega Dragonite may struggle with. Mega Dragonite provides consistent damage against Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y that Mega Floette and Kingambit struggle against.

*Garchomp pairs well with Mega Dragonite because of its Dragon- and Ground-type attacks. Earthquake and Stomping Tantrum check Rock-type Pokemon such as Mega Tyranitar, Lycanroc-D, and Glimmora. Dragon Claw checks opposing Garchomp and Mega Dragonite. Rock Slide threatens Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Froslass with 2x super effective damage. Fluff

* Basculegion-M is a great partner for Mega Dragonite because both Pokemon synergize well with Sneasler and Kingambit. A Life Orb boosted Wave Crash or Last Respects will knock out physically-frail Fairy-type Pokemon such as Sylveon or Mega Floette-Eternal Floette. Combined with Tailwind, Basculegion-M checks Mega Froslass, Mega Aerodactyl , and Swift Swim Mega Swampert. After breaking Hisuian Arcanine’s Arcanine's Focus Sash, Aqua Jet will OHKO and protect Mega Dragonite from Head Smash.

* If running Tailwind on Mega Dragonite, pair it with bulky attackers such as Kingambit, Basculegion, and Gholdengo. These Pokemon take significant advantage of Tailwind because they begin to outpace important threats to Mega Dragonite with doubled Speed. Notably, under Tailwind, Kingambit can outspeed opposing Mega Floette, and Basculegion and Gholdengo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl. These Pokemon match the slower tempo of Mega Dragonite.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/darts.618277/

Quality checked by:
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https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rausakura.589964/

Grammar Checked by:

 

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[SET]
Bulky Offensive Attacker (Dragonite-Mega) @ Dragoninite
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 2 HP / 32 SpA / 32 Spe
Modest Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Heat Wave
- Extreme Speed / Thunderbolt
- Protect

[SET COMMENTS]
* This set utilizes Mega Dragonite’s Dragonite's (ASCII apostrophe use ' not ’ ) high base Special Attack stat as well as its strong type coverage to go for positive trades against other Pokemon. Generally, Mega Dragonite does not look to OHKO opposing Pokemon (RC) but rather provide consistent damage. Notably, Mega Dragonite is great for dealing with threats such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, Venusaur, and Sneasler.

* **Dragon Pulse**: <- make sure to add these colons While Dragon Pulse OHKOes important attackers such as Garchomp, its main purpose is to provide consistent damage for Mega Dragonite’s Dragonite's partners to finish off foes. Notably, Dragon Pulse 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y.

* **Heat Wave**: Heat Wave provides sizable damage against Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit, Excadrill, and Corviknight. Against Whimsicott Tailwind teams in particular, Heat Wave does substantial damage to Whimsicott and can even leverage be further strengthened by Mega Charizard Y’s Y's Drought ability to deal extra damage.

* **Extreme Speed vs versus Thunderbolt**: Because of Dragon Pulse’s Pulse's lack of damage multipliers, a defensively trained Garchomp or Sneasler will survive with low HP. Additionally, a Whimsicott equipped with Focus Sash will survive a Heat Wave. Dragonite utilizes Extreme Speed as consistent follow-up damage to knock out these low HP low-HP targets. Timid Mega Dragonite often runs Thunderbolt because Dragon Pulse no longer 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y. However, it Thunderbolt is also useful for dealing damage to Pelipper and Toxapex.

* **Modest vs versus Timid**: Modest Mega Dragonite is important when running Extreme Speed so that Dragon Pulse 2HKOes Mega Charizard Y and OHKOes Garchomp. The Modest nature also guarantees that Heat Wave 2HKOes Swords Dance Kingambit. On the other hand, Timid Mega Dragonite is valuable for outspeeding Timid Mega Charizard Y, since most Mega Charizard Y sets do not invest 32 Stat Points into Speed (RC) as well as. (AP) It also outspeeds Adamant Garchomp.

Other Options
========
* **Tailwind**: Pokemon such as Mega Delphox, Mega Floette, and Mega Staraptor naturally outspeed Mega Dragonite. For example, a Kingambit with Tailwind can use Iron Head against Mega Floette to OHKO it and protect Mega Dragonite from Fairy Fairy-type moves. Depending on the matchup, Tailwind can be more valuable than Extreme Speed.

Teambuilding
=========

* **Checks and Weaknesses**: <- make sure to add the additional bullet (*) Mega Dragonite struggles to deal damage to pure Fairy-type Pokemon such as Mega Floette and Sylveon. In particular, these two have high Special Defense stats and will not take much from Heat Wave while retaliating with strong spread damage in the form of Dazzling Gleam and Hyper Voice, respectively.

* Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales are strong checks because they deal large damage to Mega Dragonite through Multiscale with Blizzard. After setting up an Aurora Veil, Mega Froslass only takes about 30-40% from Heat Wave. Alolan Ninetales can also pressure Dragonite from the back by switching into a Dragon Pulse.

* Mega Aerodactyl is a strong check with because it has a chance to flinch Mega Dragonite with Rock Slide as well as threatening and threatens an OHKO with Ice Fang after Multiscale is broken. Mega Dragonite often partners with Sneasler to knock out Fairy types Fairy-types, and Mega Aerodactyl’s Aerodactyl's Dual Wingbeat can OHKO Focus Sash sets as well as set Tailwind so that Sylveon attacks before Sneasler.

* Rain teams generally run multiple answers to Mega Dragonite. Mega Swampert checks Mega Dragonite with Ice Punch, outspeeding it thanks to Swift Swim in the rain. Mega Dragonite’s Dragonite's Dragon Pulse does not 2HKO Leftovers Calm Archaludon, while Archaludon threatens Mega Dragonite in return with an Electro Shot or Dragon Pulse.

* Though Mega Dragonite is a check to Garchomp with Multiscale, Garchomp can also be a check if Fake Out, Rock Slide, or other chip damage breaks Multiscale. Garchomp often runs a Jolly nature and Life Orb, outspeeding and knocking out a chipped Mega Dragonite with Dragon Claw.

* Incineroar is problematic for Mega Dragonite because Fake Out will not only prevent Mega Dragonite from attacking but also deal damage and break Multiscale. Additionally, Incineroar’s Incineroar's Parting Shot will prevent Mega Dragonite from picking up an OHKO against Garchomp or common 2HKOs against Mega Charizard Y and Basculegion-M. Priority moves such as Sneasler’s Sneasler's Feint or Sylveon’s and Sylveon's Quick Attack break Mega Dragonite’s Dragonite's Multiscale and allow an opposing partner such as Mega Floette or Mega Aerodactyl, (AC) respectively, (AC) to knock out Mega Dragonite. A low HP low-HP Sylveon can still provide value with a last Quick Attack before fainting.

* **Good Partners and Synergies**: Sneasler provides the perfect offensive coverage in tandem with Mega Dragonite. Its use of strong Poison-type moves such as Dire Claw can OHKO the Fairy-types that threaten Mega Dragonite. Sneasler’s Sneasler's Close Combat is super effective against bulky Steel-type Pokemon such as Kingambit and Archaludon that Mega Dragonite may not trade positively with. It is can also able to use Fake Out before Incineroar to neuter it as a threat while threatening pressuring it with Close Combat.

* Mega Charizard Y similarly provides strong offensive coverage against Steel- and Fairy-type Pokemon. Against Mega Floette with Calm Mind, Mega Dragonite often struggles to deal significant damage while taking a lot from Dazzling Gleam or Moonblast. In this matchup, it is advisable to bring a different Mega Evolution to the battle such as Mega Charizard Y to the battle.

* **Kingambit and Mega Floette**: Kingambit can use Iron Head to check the Fairy-type Pokemon that Mega Dragonite struggles against with Iron Head as well as Ice-types such as Mega Froslass and Alolan Ninetales. Mega Floette can OHKO Dragon-types such as Garchomp that Mega Dragonite may struggle with. Mega Dragonite provides consistent damage against Fire-types such as Mega Charizard Y that Mega Floette and Kingambit struggle against.

* Garchomp pairs well with Mega Dragonite because of its Dragon- and Ground-type attacks. Earthquake and Stomping Tantrum check Rock-type Pokemon such as Mega Tyranitar, Lycanroc-D, and Glimmora. Dragon Claw checks opposing Garchomp and Mega Dragonite. Rock Slide threatens Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Froslass.

* Basculegion-M is a great partner for Mega Dragonite because both Pokemon synergize well with Sneasler and Kingambit. A Life Orb boosted Orb-boosted Wave Crash or Last Respects will knock out physically-frail physically frail Fairy-type Pokemon such as Sylveon or and Mega Floette. Combined with Tailwind, Basculegion-M checks Mega Froslass, Mega Aerodactyl, and Swift Swim Mega Swampert. After breaking Hisuian Arcanine's Focus Sash is broken, Aqua Jet will OHKO it and protect Mega Dragonite from Head Smash.

* If running Tailwind on Mega Dragonite, pair it with bulky attackers such as Kingambit, Basculegion Basculegion-M, and Gholdengo. These Pokemon take significant advantage of Tailwind because they begin to outpace important threats to Mega Dragonite with doubled Speed (RP + dex info; this is just explaining what tailwind does) Notably, under Tailwind, Kingambit can outspeed opposing Mega Floette, and Basculegion Basculegion-M and Gholdengo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl. These Pokemon match the slower tempo of Mega Dragonite.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/darts.618277/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/pengu.650323/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rausakura.589964/
Grammar Checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/skype.600060/