Aerodactyl

Take Azelfie

More flags more fun
QC: Passion / DTC / EonX
GP: Sobi and P Squared / Haund

[OVERVIEW]

Aerodactyl's fantastic Speed tier allows it to outpace almost the entire metagame including Virizion and Sneasel, as well as Choice Scarf Hoopa and Emboar, making it a stellar revenge killer and late-game cleaner. It is only outsped by Accelgor and Choice Scarf users with a base Speed over 70 like Medicham. Its decent Attack stat coupled with a colorful offensive movepool and utility options like Stealth Rock allows it to mix up its moveset quite a bit. It is also the fastest viable Pursuit user in the tier, and its Rock typing allows it to check Fletchinder that try to switch out. Unfortunately, Aerodactyl has very mediocre bulk that prevents it from taking even neutral hits well. It is also weak to common offensive types like Rock, Steel, and Ice. Aerodactyl struggles against many physically defensive Pokemon, either due to their defensive typing resisting Aerodactyl's Rock STAB moves or because they can heal off the damage faster than Aerodactyl can deal it.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Aerial Ace / Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's strongest STAB move, which is especially good at hitting Fire- and Ice-types like Houndoom and Abomasnow. Earthquake gives Aerodactyl a way to hit Steel- and Rock-types like Registeel and Diancie while also providing a more accurate attack against Fire-types. Pursuit lets it trap Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Hoopa as well as Fletchinder, which don't want to stay in on Aerodactyl. Aerial Ace lets Aerodactyl OHKO Virizion and Hitmonlee as well as deal a large amount of damage to other bulkier Pokemon that are weak to the move, such as Tangrowth and Gurdurr. Roost gives Aerodactyl a way to recover HP after it has lost some from weaker hits, Stealth Rock, and Life Orb recoil.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature let Aerodactyl outpace the majority of the metagame, including prominent threats such as Virizion, Sneasel, Choice Scarf Hoopa, and Choice Scarf Emboar as well as be able to Speed tie with Jolteon. Maximum Attack and Life Orb increase Aerodactyl's damage output. Unnerve lets Aerodactyl ignore damage-reduction Berries like Colbur Berry for Pursuit and Charti Berry for Stone Edge, the former being very common for escaping Aerodactyl's Pursuits.

Usage Tips
========

Aerodactyl is very frail and thus doesn't like coming in on attacks. Try to bring it in after a teammate has fainted or through a slow Volt Switch, U-turn, or Baton Pass. Aerodactyl can also try to come in on a Ground-type attack like Earthquake, but this should only be done if Aerodactyl can KO the Pokemon back. Be wary of priority users, as Aerodactyl can get chipped down pretty easily, and its opportunities to use Roost are very rare. Aerodactyl should be using Roost on a predicted switch, usually when Aerodactyl is threatening a Pokemon with a move that will OHKO it.

Team Options
========

Aerodactyl appreciates hazard control because it doesn't want to come in on Stealth Rock repeatedly, so partners like Blastoise and Flygon can work well with it. Aerodactyl helps out against Fire- and Fighting-types, and Steel-types like Registeel and Mawile appreciate having those removed so they can come in safely. Magneton helps to remove Registeel and Bronzong, two Pokemon that don't mind taking Aerodactyl's STAB moves. It helps against bulky Water-types as well, which are also capable of taking Aerodactyl's moves. Aerodactyl has a hard time against bulky Ground-types, so Grass-types like Venusaur, which can deal with Seismitoad and Rhyperior, couple well with it. While Aerodactyl can get repeated chip damage on Steel-types via Earthquake, it makes it a lot easier to just have partners to deal with the likes of Steelix and Bronzong, such as Fire-types like Houndoom and Delphox. Fighting-types such as Sawk and Medicham help to remove some of Aerodactyl's checks like Rhyperior and Registeel. Aerodactyl in return provides an offensive check to Fletchinder, which threatens common Fighting-types.

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

Hone Claws can make Aerodactyl a threatening sweeper, but its bulk doesn't allow it to set up reliably. Ice Fang lets Aerodactyl do more damage to Flygon, which takes Stone Edge really well and can Roost off the damage. A lead set looks appealing at first glance, but the extra Speed in the end is not worth it when compared to Archeops, which has Endeavor and Head Smash to play a more effective role as a suicide lead. Aqua Tail can be used over Earthquake in order to hit Rhyperior harder but has imperfect accuracy. Tailwind and Defog are options that Aerodactyl can use before fainting in order to support its teammates. Double-Edge + Rock Head gives Aerodactyl good neutral coverage that can damage Flygon and Seismitoad as well Fighting-types in one moveslot. Toxic can cripple walls that aren't Steel-types on the switch. Taunt can be used in tandem with Roost to take advantage of passive Pokemon like Weezing and Registeel.

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

**Bulky Steel-types**: Aerodactyl can get chip damage on bulky Steel-types through Earthquake, but due to their large amount of bulk and super effective STAB moves, Aerodactyl will more than likely lose the matchup. Bronzong also has Levitate, meaning it is immune to Earthquake.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Flygon and Seismitoad only fear Aerodactyl's more uncommon coverage moves and resist its hardest-hitting move, Stone Edge. They also tend to carry coverage that is strong enough to OHKO Aerodactyl.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Slowking and Alomomola can shrug off most of Aerodactyl's attacks with ease. Some also have recovery and can stall out Stone Edge's PP, leaving Aerodactyl unable to use its most prized STAB move.

**Choice Scarf Users and Priority**: Aerodactyl's less than optimal bulk means that it can get KOed quite easily by faster Pokemon whether it would be through Sucker Punch or Ice Shard or because of a Pokemon wielding a Choice Scarf like Hitmonlee.
 
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Ice Fang is definitely slashworthy for the likes of Flygon, which otherwise bodies aero. A Stealth Rock set is also very viable, considering how much pressure it's capable of applying. Wing Attack shouldn't be listed as a primary option IMO, and Earthquake should take its place. You could slash Choice Band, but mention how more prediction is required to make the most of it.

Mention how the EVs let it hit as hard and fast as possible. Going a bit over the slashes, but dragon-types in particular synergize decently with Aerodactyl, in particular Druddigon and Flygon. Talk about how a dedicated lead set is a bad idea, due to archeops outclassing it. Pursuit should also be slashed IMO, as many mons flee at the sight of Aero, such as delphox and sigilyph. Whenever I've used aero (a LOT) it's usually come out during the late-game, but hit-and run tactics work just as well. Fire-types also work well with Aero.

Steelix, Tangrowth, Slowking, and a lot of other fat mons are the bane of Aerodactyl's existence, so you could put them in C&C. Its bulk also makes switching in an issue, so Stealth Rock is also a partial check as well.

Also, how does anyone else feel about another set revolving around Stealth Rock?

Hope this helped, sorry for writing so much
 

MrAldo

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Stone Edge is fine on the first slot but the rest of the set could use some work.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Aerial Ace / Pursuit
move 3: Earthquake / Aqua Tail
move 4: Roost / Stealth Rock
item: Life Orb
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

This is how I would arrange the set. Stone Edge being the best STAB move at its disposal. Pursuit is what give aerodactyl a great niche on teams tbh. Pursuit trapping sigilyph, delphox and scarf hoopa effectively most of the time is really notable and I would give it a primary slot just because of that. Wing attack deserves a slash cause getting rid of virizion is really sweet.

Earthquake smack switch-ins like registeel, mega steelix, qwilfish and tyrantrum for pretty good damage and I think it should be the primary option. Aqua tail is great to get past rhyperior and hit mega camerupt harder than earthquake would.

Roost for recovery, I dont see the merit of taunt without roost much honestly, would just put it in Other Options, an important mention. Stealth Rock on the last slot to set them on a sack and keep applying pressure.

Ice fang doesnt deserve a slash on the primary set tbh, it just hits
flygon even though it is a pretty important target, make it an important mention in OO as well.

Hope this helps you.
 
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Take Azelfie

More flags more fun
Stone Edge is fine on the first slot but the rest of the set could use some work.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Pursuit / Wing Attack
move 3: Earthquake / Aqua Tail
move 4: Roost / Stealth Rock / Taunt
item: Life Orb
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

This is how I would arrange the set. Stone Edge being the best STAB move at its disposal. Pursuit is what give aerodactyl a great niche on teams tbh. Pursuit trapping sigilyph, delphox and scarf hoopa effectively most of the time is really notable and I would give it a primary slot just because of that. Wing attack deserves a slash cause getting rid of virizion is really sweet.

Earthquake smack switch-ins like registeel, mega steelix, qwilfish and tyrantrum for pretty good damage and I think it should be the primary option. Aqua tail is great to get past rhyperior and hit mega camerupt harder than earthquake would.

Roost for recovery, I dont see the merit of taunt without roost much honestly, would just put it in Other Options, an important mention. Stealth Rock on the last slot to set them on a sack and keep applying pressure.

Ice fang doesnt deserve a slash on the primary set tbh, it just hits
flygon even though it is a pretty important target, make it an important mention in OO as well.

Hope this helps you.
Thanks aldo with the slashes. I'll also add a lot of what you said Drangonn except I don't feel a Stealth Rocks set shouldn't be added tbh since Life Orb can slap Stealth Rock on if it needs it and there are many better rockers out there.
 

Punchshroom

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I'm not sure if Pursuit should be slashed first. Aero does make decent use of it, but Sneasel / Houndoom tend to be more effective at trapping Psychics. Wing Attack is much more useful since it lets Aero swat Virizion and do a good chunk to +1 Scrafty, which Aerodactyl still outspeeds, plus Fighting-types like Hitmonlee, Medicham, Gallade, Sawk, etc. in general, which otherwise Aero struggle to beat 1v1. Pursuit seems only second-slash worthy, and greater emphasis needs to be placed on things Aero can Pursuit that others cannot, most notably Fletchinder. <- Take Azelfie
 
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SlottedPig

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Wing Attack is a mega aero meme. In ru, aero can both lose its item (weak knock offs from alo / venu / uxie / seis) and there's a relevant mon that can have its evasion boosted (malamar on defogs) so if flying stab is to be included it really should be Acrobatics / Aerial Ace.

nevermind about acrobatics but aerial ace is still better
 
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MrAldo

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Shame aerodactyl doesnt get acrobatics :( certainly agree with aerial ace over wing attack on the set tho, the pp difference doesnt really come into action ever so yeah, aerial ace over wing attack.

Mmm, now that you mention most fighting types targets I agree with switching the slashes there, aerial ace/pursuit should be there. Pursuit is still pretty nice and deserves to be in there.

Set updated in my post to reflect that.
 

Threw

cohiba
Imo Hone Claws is more than threatening enough to have its own set. Just for some very important examples, you come really close to 2HKOing Mega Steelix and Alomomola at +1 (i.e., this would probably pair well with hazard stack) and guarantee a 2HKO on Diancie and offensive Flygon. And let's be honest, there's no point at which a perfectly accurate Stone Edge isn't completely horrifying.
 
I don't think Hone Claws is a viable enough option on a Pokemon that is already strapped for moveslots as it is, unable to OHKO a lot of Pokemon at +1, and has issues setting up because of its frailty. It doesn't do nearly enough damage to common walls like Alomomola and Mega Steelix (2HKO'ing after spending a turn setting up is... not great.), so I don't foresee it being that effective of a sweeper if it does manage to find a chance to sweep. It's really not worth it to spend a turn only increasing Attack (and Stone Edge hit rate) by 1 unless you're Durant.

That said, Hone Claws is a cool OO addition.
 

phantom

Banned deucer.
ugh, this looks so clunky. this should be pretty simple and I don't really agree with much of anything anyone has said thus far.

Main set should be this:

Stone Edge
Earthquake
Pursuit
Aerial Ace / Roost

Earthquake eclipses Aqua Tail by a long shot due to the fact that it has significantly more important targets. I'm not even sure what Aqua Tail really hits aside from Rhyperior?? On the other hand, Earthquake is good for Registeel, Magneton, Mawile, Tyrantrum, and various Poison-types such as Qwilfish and Drapion. Pursuit should be used since Aero faces a lot of competition with ttrum and this is one of the best ways for Aero to differentiate itself from it. Lastly, Aerial Ace over Roost since aero barely has time to Roost in the first place and Aerial Ace lets it take out Fighting-type Rock resists and RK offensive Grass-types such as Virizion and Venusaur with ease after just SR damage. The ability can be either Pressure or Unnerve, since there's hardly any berry users that Aero would want to try and kill in the first place, aside from revenging a weakened, fleeing colbur melo, which is an awfully specific scenario, akin to pressure being useful with roost to harry sucker punch absol.

Stealth Rock and Taunt aren't good. Aero is a mediocre at best Stealth Rock user and Taunt really doesn't do much of anything for it. Other options to include are Ice Fang in the last slot since it can RK Virizion when weakened and take out Flygon, Double-Edge with Rock Head since it gets great neutral coverage that can target Flygon + Seismitoad + Fighters in one slot, and finally Toxic to cripple Alo and other bulky Pokemon that aren't Steels that can wall Aero.

Defog and Tailwind to other options.
 

passion

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in moves
-assuming you mean not scarf when saying "non-boosted hoopa" aerodactyl outspeeds it so mention that there instead
-remove parts about rocks, taunt, and rock slide (too weak to be worth it imo) all of these options can be mentioned in OO I guess.
in set details
-mention it outruns scarf hoopa again when talking about its speed might seem repetitive but its important
In team options
-mention magneton somewhere it traps most lix/zong etc and hurts bulky water types outside seismitoad
-fighting types like sawk, viriz, etc are good with aero because they annoy aero checks/switchins
In c&c
-Mention ground types like rhyp and flygon

After implemented qc 1/3 (sry if any random spelling mistakes on my end did this on mobile when bored in study hall.)
 
[Overview]

Mention it outspeeds and OHKO's Virizion and Sneasel, and even outspeeds two common Choice Scarfer's in Emboar and Hoopa. Mention the only relevant things that outspeed Aerodactyl are Accelgor and 71 base Speed and higher Scarf Pokemon like Tyrantrum.

Mention that it's a decent offensive Fletchinder check that can Pursuit it while it switches out.

I wouldn't really mention SR + Taunt as a main point since that's not a main set, but you can mention it has a lot of different variations it can use decently well, and list SR / Taunt.

[Other Options]

Taunt + Roost needs to be mentioned. It's a pretty decent option.

Also mention Adamant, as it helps Aerodactyl vs a lot of bulky Pokemon, but there's a lot of opportunity cost in using it because Adamant Aerodactyl fails to outspeed Pokemon like Sneasel and Scarf Emboar/Hoopa.

[Checks and Counters]

Mention Seismitoad under the bulky ground section

You mention that Hoopa outspeeds Aerodactyl under the faster Pokemon section,, actually, 252 Speed Jolly Aerodactyl outspeeds Timid Scarf Hoopa by 1 point. Mention Medicham as a revenge killer instead of Hoopa.

QC 2/3
 

EonX

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[Overview]

- Note Aerodactyl's struggles with virtually all physically defensive Pokemon in RU

[Life Orb]

- Change the wording a bit in Usage Tips. Instead of VoltTurn and Baton Pass, it should probably be Volt Switch, U-turn, and Baton Pass. Newer players may not understand what VoltTurn means. Better to not risk it when Aero isn't commonly seen on teams utilizing VoltTurn. That or just elaborate a bit as to what it is.

[Checks and Counters]

- Replace Flygon with Slowking in the physically defensive Pokemon section. Flygon is mentioned previously and rarely runs physical Defense EVs while Slowking can pivot into Aerodactyl
- Flygon never runs Stone Edge (or shouldn't at least) but mention that it can push through Aero with STAB Outrage or Draco Meteor

QC Approved 3/3
 

Sobi

Banned deucer.
amcheck implement what you want~
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]

Aerodactyl's fantastic speed Speed tier outpaces allows it to outpace almost the entire metagame including Virizion and Sneasel, even being fast enough for as well as Choice Scarf Hoopa and Emboar. It is only outpaced by Accelgor and Choice Scarf users with a base speed Speed over 70 like Medicham. Nice Its decent (Comment: nice doesn't fit here) Attack stat coupled with a colorful offensive movepoll movepool and utility options like Stealth Rock and Taunt let's allows it to mix up it its moveset quite a bit. Possesing It is also the fastest viable Pursuit user in the tier tier, [AC] and with its Rock typing can allow allows it to check Fletchinder trying that try to switch out. Unfortunately Unfortunately, [AC] Aerodactyl has very mediocre bulk that doesn't let prevents it take from taking even neutral hits well. It is also weak to common offensive types like Rock, Steel, and Ice. Aerodactyl struggles against virtualy virtually [spelling] any physically defensive Pokemon, either due to their defensive typing resisting Aerodactyls Aerodactyl's Rock STAB moves or because they can heal off the damage faster than it Aerodactyl can output deal it.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Aerial Ace / Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's strongest STAB move, [AC] which is especially good at hitting Fire- and Ice-types like Abomasnow and Houndoom. Houndoom and Abomasnow. Earthquake gives Aerodactyl coverage against a way to hit Steel- and Rock-types like Diancie Registeel and Registeel Diancie while also providing a more accurate move attack against Fire-types. Pursuit lets it trap Psychic's Psychic-types which don't want to stay in on Aerodactyl, like Sigilyph, Sigilyph and Hoopa Hoopa, and as well as Fletchinder Fletchinder. who doesn't want to stay in on Aerodactyl. Aerial Ace lets Aerodactyl OHKO Virizion and Hitmonlee as well as deal a large amount to of damage to other bulkier Pokemon that are weak to it the move, such as like Tangrowth and Gurdurr. Roost gives Aerodactyl a way to recover HP after it has lost some from weaker hits. hits, Stealth Rock, and Life Orb recoil.

Set Details
========

Max speed Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature lets it outpace a the majority of the metagame such as Virizion, Sneasel, Choice Scarf Hoopa, and Choice Scarf Emboar as well as being be able to speed Speed tie with Jolteon. Max attack Maximum Attack and Life Orb increase Aerodactyl's damage output. Unnerve lets Aerodactly ignore resist damage reduction berries like Colbur Berry for Pursuit and Charti Berry for Stone Edge. Edge, the former Colbur being very common for escaping Aerodactyl's Pursuits.

Usage Tips
========

Aerodactyl is very frail, thus it doesn't like coming in on attacks. Try to bring it in after a teammate has fainted or through a slow Volt Switch, U-Turn U-turn, U-turn, or Baton Pass. Aerodactyl can also try to come in on a Groud-type Ground-type attack like Earthquake Earthquake, but this should only be done if Aerodactyl can KO the Pokemon back. Be wary of priority users users, [AC] as Aerodactyl can get chipped down pretty easilly easily, [AC] and its opportunities to use Roost are very rare. Aerodactyl should be using Roost when a on a predicted switch switch, from the opponent is happening, usually when Aerodactyl is threatening a Pokemon with a move that will OHKO. OHKO it.

Team Options
========

Aerodactyl appreciates hazard control because it doesn't want to come in on Stealth Rock continuously continuously, [AC] so partners like Blastoise and Flygon can work well with Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl helps out against Fire- and Fighting-types, so Steel-types like Registeel and Mawile appreciate having those removed removed. [AP] so it can come in safely. Magneton helps to do remove Registeel and Bronzong, two things Pokemon that don't mind taking Aerodactyl's STABs. STAB moves. It also helps against bulky waters Water-types as well well, [AC] which are also capable of taking Aerodactyl's moves. Aerodactyl has a hard time against bulky Ground-types Ground-types, [AC] so Grass-types that can deal with Seismitoad and Rhyperior, like Venusaur Venusaur, [AC] who can deal with Seismitoad and Rhyperior couple well with Aerodactyl. While Aerodactyl can get get repeated chip damage on Steel-types via Earthquake, it makes it a lot easier to just have partners to deal with the likes of Steelix and Bronzong. Some examples would be Fire-types like Houndoom and Delphox. Fighting-types such as Sawk and Medicham help to remove some of Aerodactyl's checks like Rhyperior and Registeel. Aerodactyl is in return provides an offensive check to Fletchinder Fletchinder, [AC] who which threatens common Fighting-types.

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

Hone Claws can make Aerodactyl a nice sweeper sweeper, [AC] but its bulk lets it down a lot when trying to set up. Ice Fang lets Aerodactyl do more damage to Flygon Flygon, [AC] who which takes Stone Edge really well and can roost off the damage. A lead set looks appealing at first glance glance, [AC] but the extra speed Speed in the end is not worth it when being compared to Archeops Archeops, [AC] who which also has Endeavor and Head Smash to play a more effective role as a suicide lead. Aqua Tail can be used over Earthquake in order to get hit Rhyperior harder but has imperfect accuracy. Tailwind and Defog are options that Aerodactyl can use before fainting in order to support its teammates. Double-Edge + Rock Head gives Aerodactyl good neutral coverage that can damage Flygon and Seismitoad as well as as Fighting-types in one moveslot. Toxic can cripple walls that aren't Steel-types on the switch. Taunt can be used in tandem with Roost to take advantage of passive Pokemon like Weezing and Registeel Registeel. [AP]

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

**Bulky Steel-types**: Aerodactyl can get chip damage on bulky Steel-types through Earthquake Earthquake, [AC] but due to the their large amount of bulk and super effective STAB moves, Aerodactyl will more than likely lose the match up. matchup. Not to mention Bronzong also has Levitate Levitate, [AC] meaning it is immune to Earthquake.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Flygon and Seismitoadonly Seismitoad only fear Aerodactyl's more uncommon coverage moves and resist Aerodactyl's hardest hitting move move, [AC] Stone Edge. They also tend to carry coverage that is stron strong enough to OHKO Aerodactyl.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Slowking and Alomomola can shrug off most of Aerodactyl's attacks with ease. Some also have recovery and can stall out Stone Edge Edge's PP PP, [AC] leaving Aerodactyl rendered useless of its most prized STAB. STAB move.

**Choice Scarf Users and Priority**: Aerodactyl's less than optimal bulk means that it can get killed KOed quite easily by something faster Pokemon than it whether it would be through Sucker Punch and or Ice Shard or because of a Pokemon wielding a Choice Scarf like Hitmonlee.
 

P Squared

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GP 1/2
add remove


I removed / modified a couple of things from the amcheck so take a look if you want but the majority of it was great :thumbsup:
[OVERVIEW]

Aerodactyl's fantastic speed Speed tier outpaces allows it to outpace almost the entire metagame including Virizion and Sneasel, even being fast enough for as well as Choice Scarf Hoopa and Emboar. It is only outpaced by Accelgor and Choice Scarf users with a base speed Speed over 70 like Medicham. Nice Its decent (Comment: nice doesn't fit here) Attack stat coupled with a colorful offensive movepoll movepool and utility options like Stealth Rock and Taunt let's allows it to mix up it its moveset quite a bit. Possesing It is also the fastest viable Pursuit user in the tier tier, [AC] and with its Rock typing can allow allows it to check Fletchinder trying that try to switch out. Unfortunately Unfortunately, [AC] Aerodactyl has very mediocre bulk that doesn't let prevents it take from taking even neutral hits well. It is also weak to common offensive types like Rock, Steel, and Ice. Aerodactyl struggles against virtualy virtually [spelling] any physically defensive Pokemon, either due to their defensive typing resisting Aerodactyls Aerodactyl's Rock STAB moves or because they can heal off the damage faster than it Aerodactyl can output deal it.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Aerial Ace / Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's strongest STAB move, [AC] which is especially good at hitting Fire- and Ice-types like Abomasnow and Houndoom. Houndoom and Abomasnow. Earthquake gives Aerodactyl coverage against a way to hit Steel- and Rock-types like Diancie Registeel and Registeel Diancie while also providing a more accurate move attack against Fire-types. Pursuit lets it trap Psychic's Psychic-types like Sigilyph, Sigilyph and Hoopa Hoopa, and as well as Fletchinder Fletchinder, which don't who doesn't want to stay in on Aerodactyl. Aerial Ace lets Aerodactyl OHKO Virizion and Hitmonlee as well as deal a large amount to of damage to other bulkier Pokemon that are weak to it the move, such as like Tangrowth and Gurdurr. Roost gives Aerodactyl a way to recover HP after it has lost some from weaker hits. hits, Stealth Rock, and Life Orb recoil.

Set Details
========

Max speed Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature lets it let Aerodactyl outpace a the majority of the metagame such as Virizion, Sneasel, Choice Scarf Hoopa, and Choice Scarf Emboar as well as being be able to speed Speed tie with Jolteon. Max attack Maximum Attack and Life Orb increase Aerodactyl's damage output. Unnerve lets Aerodactyl ignore resist damage-reduction Berries like Colbur Berry for Pursuit and Charti Berry for Stone Edge. Edge, the former Colbur being very common for escaping Aerodactyl's Pursuits.

Usage Tips
========

Aerodactyl is very frail, (RC) and thus it doesn't like coming in on attacks. Try to bring it in after a teammate has fainted or through a slow Volt Switch, U-Turn U-turn, or Baton Pass. Aerodactyl can also try to come in on a Groud-type Ground-type attack like Earthquake Earthquake, but this should only be done if Aerodactyl can KO the Pokemon back. Be wary of priority users users, [AC] as Aerodactyl can get chipped down pretty easilly easily, [AC] and its opportunities to use Roost are very rare. Aerodactyl should be using Roost when a on a predicted switch switch, from the opponent is happening, usually when Aerodactyl is threatening a Pokemon with a move that will OHKO. OHKO it.

Team Options
========

Aerodactyl appreciates hazard control because it doesn't want to come in on Stealth Rock repeatedly, continuously so partners like Blastoise and Flygon can work well with it Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl helps out against Fire- and Fighting-types, and Steel-types like Registeel and Mawile appreciate having those removed removed so it they can come in safely. Magneton helps to do remove Registeel and Bronzong, two things Pokemon that don't mind taking Aerodactyl's STABs. STAB moves. It also helps against bulky waters Water-types as well well, [AC] which are also capable of taking Aerodactyl's moves. Aerodactyl has a hard time against bulky Ground-types Ground-types, [AC] so Grass-types like Venusaur Venusaur, [AC] who which can deal with Seismitoad and Rhyperior, (AC) couple well with Aerodactyl. While Aerodactyl can get get repeated chip damage on Steel-types via Earthquake, it makes it a lot easier to just have partners to deal with the likes of Steelix and Bronzong. Some examples would be Fire-types like Houndoom and Delphox. Fighting-types such as Sawk and Medicham help to remove some of Aerodactyl's checks like Rhyperior and Registeel. Aerodactyl is in return provides an offensive check to Fletchinder Fletchinder, [AC] who which threatens common Fighting-types.

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

Hone Claws can make Aerodactyl a nice sweeper sweeper, [AC] but its bulk lets it down a lot when it tries trying to set up. Ice Fang lets Aerodactyl do more damage to Flygon Flygon, [AC] who which takes Stone Edge really well and can Roost off the damage. A lead set looks appealing at first glance glance, [AC] but the extra speed Speed in the end is not worth it when being compared to Archeops Archeops, [AC] who which also has Endeavor and Head Smash to play a more effective role as a suicide lead. Aqua Tail can be used over Earthquake in order to get hit Rhyperior harder but has imperfect accuracy. Tailwind and Defog are options that Aerodactyl can use before fainting in order to support its teammates. Double-Edge + Rock Head gives Aerodactyl good neutral coverage that can damage Flygon and Seismitoad as well as as Fighting-types in one moveslot. Toxic can cripple walls that aren't Steel-types on the switch. Taunt can be used in tandem with Roost to take advantage of passive Pokemon like Weezing and Registeel Registeel. [AP]

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

**Bulky Steel-types**: Aerodactyl can get chip damage on bulky Steel-types through Earthquake Earthquake, [AC] but due to the their large amount of bulk and super effective STAB moves, Aerodactyl will more than likely lose the match up. matchup. Not to mention Bronzong also has Levitate Levitate, [AC] meaning it is immune to Earthquake.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Flygon and Seismitoadonly Seismitoad only fear Aerodactyl's more uncommon coverage moves and resist Aerodactyl's its hardest-hitting move move, [AC] Stone Edge. They also tend to carry coverage that is stron strong enough to OHKO Aerodactyl.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Slowking and Alomomola can shrug off most of Aerodactyl's attacks with ease. Some also have recovery and can stall out Stone Edge Edge's PP PP, [AC] leaving Aerodactyl rendered useless of its most prized STAB. STAB move.

**Choice Scarf Users and Priority**: Aerodactyl's less than optimal bulk means that it can get killed KOed quite easily by something faster Pokemon than it whether it would be through Sucker Punch and or Ice Shard or because of a Pokemon wielding a Choice Scarf like Hitmonlee.
 
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[OVERVIEW]

Aerodactyl's fantastic Speed tier allows it to outpace almost the entire metagame including Virizion and Sneasel, as well as Choice Scarf Hoopa and Emboar. It is only outsped outpaced (rep) by Accelgor and Choice Scarf users with a base Speed over 70 like Medicham. Its decent Attack stat coupled with a colorful offensive movepool and utility options like Stealth Rock allows it to mix up its moveset quite a bit. It is also the fastest viable Pursuit user in the tier, and its Rock typing allows it to check Fletchinder that try to switch out. Unfortunately, Aerodactyl has very mediocre bulk that prevents it from taking even neutral hits well. It is also weak to common offensive types like Rock, Steel, and Ice. Aerodactyl struggles against virtually any physically defensive Pokemon, either due to their defensive typing resisting Aerodactyl's Rock STAB moves or because they can heal off the damage faster than Aerodactyl can deal it.

[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Pursuit
move 4: Aerial Ace / Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's strongest STAB move, which is especially good at hitting Fire- and Ice-types like Houndoom and Abomasnow. Earthquake gives Aerodactyl a way to hit Steel- and Rock-types like Registeel and Diancie while also providing a more accurate attack against Fire-types. Pursuit lets it trap Psychic-types like Sigilyph and Hoopa as well as Fletchinder, which don't want to stay in on Aerodactyl. Aerial Ace lets Aerodactyl OHKO Virizion and Hitmonlee as well as deal a large amount of damage to other bulkier Pokemon that are weak to the move, such as Tangrowth and Gurdurr. Roost gives Aerodactyl a way to recover HP after it has lost some from weaker hits, Stealth Rock, and Life Orb recoil.

Set Details
========

Maximum Speed and a Jolly nature let Aerodactyl outpace the majority of the metagame, including prominent threats such as Virizion, Sneasel, Choice Scarf Hoopa, and Choice Scarf Emboar as well as be able to Speed tie with Jolteon. Maximum Attack and Life Orb increase Aerodactyl's damage output. Unnerve lets Aerodactyl ignore damage-reduction Berries like Colbur Berry for Pursuit and Charti Berry for Stone Edge, the former being very common for escaping Aerodactyl's Pursuits.

Usage Tips
========

Aerodactyl is very frail and thus doesn't like coming in on attacks. Try to bring it in after a teammate has fainted or through a slow Volt Switch, U-turn, or Baton Pass. Aerodactyl can also try to come in on a Ground-type attack like Earthquake, but this should only be done if Aerodactyl can KO the Pokemon back. Be wary of priority users, as Aerodactyl can get chipped down pretty easily, and its opportunities to use Roost are very rare. Aerodactyl should be using Roost on a predicted switch, usually when Aerodactyl is threatening a Pokemon with a move that will OHKO it.

Team Options
========

Aerodactyl appreciates hazard control because it doesn't want to come in on Stealth Rock repeatedly, so partners like Blastoise and Flygon can work well with it. Aerodactyl helps out against Fire- and Fighting-types, and Steel-types like Registeel and Mawile appreciate having those removed so they can come in safely. Magneton helps to remove Registeel and Bronzong, two Pokemon that don't mind taking Aerodactyl's STAB moves. It helps against bulky Water-types as well, which are also capable of taking Aerodactyl's moves. Aerodactyl has a hard time against bulky Ground-types, so Grass-types like Venusaur, which can deal with Seismitoad and Rhyperior, couple well with it Aerodactyl. While Aerodactyl can get repeated chip damage on Steel-types via Earthquake, it makes it a lot easier to just have partners to deal with the likes of Steelix and Bronzong, (AC) such as Some examples would be Fire-types like Houndoom and Delphox. Fighting-types such as Sawk and Medicham help to remove some of Aerodactyl's checks like Rhyperior and Registeel. Aerodactyl in return provides an offensive check to Fletchinder, which threatens common Fighting-types.

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

Hone Claws can make Aerodactyl a nice threatening sweeper, but its bulk doesn't allow it to set up reliably lets it down a lot when it tries to set up. Ice Fang lets Aerodactyl do more damage to Flygon, which takes Stone Edge really well and can Roost off the damage. A lead set looks appealing at first glance, but the extra Speed in the end is not worth it when compared to Archeops, which has Endeavor and Head Smash to play a more effective role as a suicide lead. Aqua Tail can be used over Earthquake in order to hit Rhyperior harder but has imperfect accuracy. Tailwind and Defog are options that Aerodactyl can use before fainting in order to support its teammates. Double-Edge + Rock Head gives Aerodactyl good neutral coverage that can damage Flygon and Seismitoad as well Fighting-types in one moveslot. Toxic can cripple walls that aren't Steel-types on the switch. Taunt can be used in tandem with Roost to take advantage of passive Pokemon like Weezing and Registeel.

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

**Bulky Steel-types**: Aerodactyl can get chip damage on bulky Steel-types through Earthquake, but due to their large amount of bulk and super effective STAB moves, Aerodactyl will more than likely lose the matchup. Bronzong also has Levitate, meaning it is immune to Earthquake.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Flygon and Seismitoad only fear Aerodactyl's more uncommon coverage moves and resist its hardest-hitting move, Stone Edge. They also tend to carry coverage that is strong enough to OHKO Aerodactyl.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Pokemon like Slowking and Alomomola can shrug off most of Aerodactyl's attacks with ease. Some also have recovery and can stall out Stone Edge's PP, leaving Aerodactyl rendered useless of unable to use its most prized STAB move.

**Choice Scarf Users and Priority**: Aerodactyl's less than optimal bulk means that it can get KOed quite easily by faster Pokemon whether it would be through Sucker Punch or Ice Shard or because of a Pokemon wielding a Choice Scarf like Hitmonlee.


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