Overview
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With the release of Ω Ruby and A Sapphire, Metagross received a brand new evolution and, along with it, a brand new role in VGC. With a high base 145 Attack and a great ability in Tough Claws, Metagross is able to immense damage to a majority of the metagame, and it's even able to OHKO max defense Sylveon. Its bulk is no laughing matter either, as 80/150/110 defenses make Metagross not only an offensive Pokémon, but a respectable tank as well, if need be. And, thanks to its expansive movepool and coverage, it is relatively easy to fit onto any VGC team.
However, it's not all clear skies for this octa-core supercomputer. The fact that this is Generation VI means Metagross has to deal with two new weaknesses in Ghost and Dark, as well as the threats carrying those types. Also, while having access to so many moves, Metagross cannot run them all simultaneously, meaning there is going to be some coverage it will miss out on that it would desperately want. Nevertheless, the second Hoenn pseudo-legendary is primed to Mash holes in the opponent's team if you're unprepared for its coming, and it will certainly headbutt its way to the top of the threat list.
Mega Metagross
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name: Fast Mega
move 1: Meteor Mash / Iron Head
move 2: Ice Punch / Bullet Punch
move 3: Zen Headbutt / Hammer Arm / Bullet Punch
move 4: Protect
ability: Clear Body
item: Metagrossite
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly / Adamant
Moves
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Meteor Mash is the strongest STAB move in Mega Metagross's RAM, with it having 90 Base Power, getting a Tough Claws boost, and potentially being able to raise Metagross's Attack. If the 90 Accuracy is too shaky, Iron Head is a viable alternative, having 100 Accuracy, solid 80 base power, and a chance to flinch the opponent. Ice Punch is a great coverage move to have, as it is able to handle Mega Salamence and Landorus-Therian, two of the most commonly-seen Pokémon in VGC. Zen Headbutt is a strong secondary STAB that deals considerable damage to Pokémon that resist its Steel-type attacks, and it is notable for getting a considerable dent in Rotom-W and an OHKO on Amoonguss. Hammer Arm is an option for hitting Tyranitar and Bisharp with force, but the speed drop is a liability that should be considered before choosing to run it. Bullet Punch is another STAB that, while less powerful than Meteor Mash or Iron Head, can be used if a priority move is needed, and can easily take care of weakened threats. In the last moveslot, Protect because VGC. As an option not listed, Earthquake can be used to patch up a weakness to Tyranitar or Bisharp, but it is not encouraged due to not making contact and thus not receiving a Tough Claws boost.
Set Details
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252 EVs in Attack let Metagross hit most of the metagame for serious damage with its naturally high base Attack, while maximally investing in speed and a positive nature lets it outspeed a lot of the metagame. A Jolly nature will let it speed tie with opposing base 110 Speed Pokémon such as Latios and Gengar, while using an Adamant nature will give Metagross even more raw power.
Usage Tips
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With the release of Ω Ruby and A Sapphire, Metagross received a brand new evolution and, along with it, a brand new role in VGC. With a high base 145 Attack and a great ability in Tough Claws, Metagross is able to immense damage to a majority of the metagame, and it's even able to OHKO max defense Sylveon. Its bulk is no laughing matter either, as 80/150/110 defenses make Metagross not only an offensive Pokémon, but a respectable tank as well, if need be. And, thanks to its expansive movepool and coverage, it is relatively easy to fit onto any VGC team.
However, it's not all clear skies for this octa-core supercomputer. The fact that this is Generation VI means Metagross has to deal with two new weaknesses in Ghost and Dark, as well as the threats carrying those types. Also, while having access to so many moves, Metagross cannot run them all simultaneously, meaning there is going to be some coverage it will miss out on that it would desperately want. Nevertheless, the second Hoenn pseudo-legendary is primed to Mash holes in the opponent's team if you're unprepared for its coming, and it will certainly headbutt its way to the top of the threat list.
Mega Metagross
########
name: Fast Mega
move 1: Meteor Mash / Iron Head
move 2: Ice Punch / Bullet Punch
move 3: Zen Headbutt / Hammer Arm / Bullet Punch
move 4: Protect
ability: Clear Body
item: Metagrossite
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Jolly / Adamant
Moves
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Meteor Mash is the strongest STAB move in Mega Metagross's RAM, with it having 90 Base Power, getting a Tough Claws boost, and potentially being able to raise Metagross's Attack. If the 90 Accuracy is too shaky, Iron Head is a viable alternative, having 100 Accuracy, solid 80 base power, and a chance to flinch the opponent. Ice Punch is a great coverage move to have, as it is able to handle Mega Salamence and Landorus-Therian, two of the most commonly-seen Pokémon in VGC. Zen Headbutt is a strong secondary STAB that deals considerable damage to Pokémon that resist its Steel-type attacks, and it is notable for getting a considerable dent in Rotom-W and an OHKO on Amoonguss. Hammer Arm is an option for hitting Tyranitar and Bisharp with force, but the speed drop is a liability that should be considered before choosing to run it. Bullet Punch is another STAB that, while less powerful than Meteor Mash or Iron Head, can be used if a priority move is needed, and can easily take care of weakened threats. In the last moveslot, Protect because VGC. As an option not listed, Earthquake can be used to patch up a weakness to Tyranitar or Bisharp, but it is not encouraged due to not making contact and thus not receiving a Tough Claws boost.
Set Details
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252 EVs in Attack let Metagross hit most of the metagame for serious damage with its naturally high base Attack, while maximally investing in speed and a positive nature lets it outspeed a lot of the metagame. A Jolly nature will let it speed tie with opposing base 110 Speed Pokémon such as Latios and Gengar, while using an Adamant nature will give Metagross even more raw power.
Usage Tips
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- Metagross should be sent out mid-game, when it can easily mega evolve and take out both the threats currently on the field and in the opponent's Poké Balls.
- It is generally recommended to stay in and continually deal damage, occasionally going for a Protect if need be. Metagross is already coming in at a later point in the match, and it has impressive bulk as is, so there's little purpose in switching it out for another Pokémon.
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- Pokémon that have good type synergy with Metagross are good allies, such as Rotom-W and Latios
- Tailwind support from Talonflame, Togekiss, or Suicune, as well as paralysis support from Thundurus, greatly help Metagross with speed control, or otherwise just giving the opposing team a difficult time
- Hydreigon and Tyranitar are good teammates to help Metagross deal with Aegislash and Gengar, and Metagross can help them deal with Sylveon. They're also great for having great type coverage.
- Salamence has great type synergy with Metagross, and can weaken opposing Earthquakes with Intimidate and snipe Landorus-T with Drago Meteor.
- Metagross works well with rain, so rain team staples like Politoed and Ludicolo are good teammates to have
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- Metagross has a lot of sweeping potential; as such, it is important to be able to switch it in safely, so that it can fulfill its role as an offensive cleaner
- When Mega Evolving, it is not always necessary to go for the priority move. Sometimes, it is okay to go straight for an attacking move, if you definitely know you can safely outspeed and KO the opponent(s)
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- Rotom-W has great type synergy with Metagross and sports an immunity to Earthquake
- Pokémon that can switch in to take a Dark-type attack or get a Justified boost (e.g. Sylveon, Swords of Justice)
- Pokémon, such as Thundurus, Whimsicott, or Fake Out users, to help control opposing faster threats or otherwise troublesome Pokémon
- Hydreigon and Tyranitar are good teammates to help Metagross deal with Aegislash and Gengar, and Metagross can help them deal with Sylveon. They're also great for having great type coverage.
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- Thunder Punch
- Items other than Metagrossite, notably Lum Berry or Assault Vest.
- Rock Slide
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- Mega Charizard Y
- Camerupt
- Volcarona
- Talonflame
- Rotom-W
- Milotic
- Ludicolo
- Intimidate (after Mega Evolution) (Landorus-T, Scrafty, Gyarados, Mega Mawile, Mega Manectric)
- Will-O-Wisp
- Ghost/Dark-types (Bisharp, Aegislash, Hydreigon)
- Sucker Punch (Mega Mawile, Mega Kangaskhan)
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