UU Aerodactyl

Amaroq

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(Mega) Aerodactyl

QC:
[3/3]
GP: [2/2]

[OVERVIEW]

Mega Aerodactyl is one of the best Mega Evolutions available in UU and is an extremely easy fit on teams of all archetypes. Its blistering base 150 Speed makes it the fastest unboosted Pokemon in the tier, and a good Attack stat and Tough Claws give it respectable damage output. Mega Aerodactyl has several viable coverage options to complement its nice STAB moves, and thus, its sets are highly customizable, although some of these options lack power. Between its Speed, power, and coverage, Mega Aerodactyl has all the tools it needs to be one of the premier anti-offense Pokemon in the tier, while its access to Hone Claws allows it to function as a dangerous sweeper against bulkier teams as well. While its defensive stats are only average and a weakness to Stealth Rock and common attacking types such as Water, Ice, and Electric limit its opportunities to switch in, it has a useful defensive typing and Roost to augment its longevity. Additionally, utility options such as Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Defog allow it to support its team if necessary. Focus Sash Aerodactyl is a fast, efficient suicide lead with high base Speed, which allows it to outpace other suicide leads such as Azelf and Froslass, access to Stealth Rock and Taunt, and a way of KOing itself to prevent opposing Defog and Rapid Spin. However, this set is only useful to hyper offense teams that want a good matchup against other hazard leads.

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

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

Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's strongest STAB option and hits most Pokemon that don't resist it for good damage. Wing Attack is the secondary STAB move of choice, provides coverage on targets like Celebi and Infernape, and benefits from Tough Claws. Aerial Ace has the same Base Power and ignores accuracy and evasion modifiers, but Wing Attack's higher PP makes it the better choice in most situations. Earthquake provides good coverage in conjunction with Mega Aerodactyl's STAB moves, enabling it to hit Raikou, Steel-types like Metagross, Magneton, Cobalion, and Empoleon, and bulky Poison-types such as Tentacruel and Nidoqueen super effectively. Pursuit gives Mega Aerodactyl the ability to weaken or KO many of the Pokemon it forces out such as Mega Beedrill, Mega Pidgeot, Mega Sceptile, Latias, Starmie, and Celebi. Mega Aerodactyl can either remove these Pokemon or weaken them to the point where they can no longer come in safely. Aqua Tail is an option over Wing Attack, Earthquake, or Pursuit because it provides coverage against Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Krookodile. Roost provides Mega Aerodactyl with a means of recovering its HP, allowing it to switch in more often.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature enable Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and slower Choice Scarf users like Chandelure. 252 Attack EVs increase Mega Aerodactyl's damage output as much as possible. Unnerve prevents foes from consuming Berries. Mega Aerodactyl gets Tough Claws upon Mega Evolution, which boosts the power of its contact moves by 30%.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Aerodactyl can revenge kill many common offensive Pokemon like Mega Sceptile, Mega Beedrill, and Mega Pidgeot and should be brought in on resisted or weak neutral attacks in order to force out or KO slower Pokemon like Chandelure and Togekiss. Mega Aerodactyl functions well as a late-game cleaner after its bulkier checks like Swampert and Hippowdon have been removed or worn down and should utilize its Speed and coverage to pressure opposing offensive teams, but it is less helpful against bulkier teams and should be used carefully as a countermeasure to particular Pokemon common on bulkier archetypes such as Celebi, Amoonguss, and Mandibuzz.

Team Options
========

Strong wallbreakers like Cobalion, Primarina, and Heracross can open up opportunities for Mega Aerodactyl to clean. Scizor can switch in on Ice- and Steel-type attacks aimed at Mega Aerodactyl, lure in Fire-types that Mega Aerodactyl can take advantage of, and use U-turn to bring Mega Aerodactyl in safely. Mega Aerodactyl is weak to Stealth Rock, so it appreciates entry hazard control. Latias, Starmie, Scizor, Empoleon, and Tentacruel can all fulfill this role due to their access to Defog or Rapid Spin. Mega Aerodactyl excels at supporting users of Spikes, as it threatens and traps many of the Defog and Rapid Spin users in the tier. In turn, Mega Aerodactyl appreciates Spikes damage breaking down most of its checks. Klefki in particular is a great partner because it can set up Spikes, take Rock- and Ice-type attacks for Mega Aerodactyl, and cripple faster Choice Scarf users like Latias and Terrakion with Thunder Wave. In return, Mega Aerodactyl provides an immunity to Ground-type attacks aimed at Klefki and can pressure the Fire-types that threaten it. As Mega Aerodactyl struggles to break through bulky Water- and Ground-types, offensive Grass-types like Celebi and Rotom-C that can deal with them make good teammates. In exchange, Mega Aerodactyl can take on the Flying- and Fire-types that threaten them. Dragon-types with the ability Levitate like Latias and Hydreigon can also handle bulky Water- and Ground-types well. Offensive Water-types like Primarina, Starmie, and Crawdaunt can pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, Krookodile, and Swampert. Fighting-types like Cobalion, Heracross, and Infernape appreciate Mega Aerodactyl's ability to trap offensive Ghost- and Psychic-types like Chandelure and Celebi. Each of these Pokemon possesses some way of breaking through bulky Pokemon for Mega Aerodactyl in return.

[SET]
name: Hone Claws
move 1: Hone Claws
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Wing Attack / Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail / Earthquake
item: Aerodactylite
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Hone Claws boosts Mega Aerodactyl's Attack and accuracy by one stage, giving it the power to break through bulkier Pokemon and turning Stone Edge into a reliable move. Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's most powerful STAB move and hits hard after a Hone Claws boost. The accuracy boost from Hone Claws eliminates the risk of missing. Wing Attack is a secondary STAB move that provides coverage on targets such as Celebi and Amoonguss and benefits from Tough Claws. Aqua Tail receives the damage bonus from Tough Claws and lets Mega Aerodactyl beat bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Krookodile after a boost. Earthquake is an alternative to either Wing Attack or Aqua Tail to allow Mega Aerodactyl to break through Steel-types like Empoleon, Cobalion, and Magneton. Roost allows Mega Aerodactyl to set up on bulky Pokemon like Gliscor and Krookodile, but Mega Aerodactyl usually benefits more from a coverage move.

Set Details
========

The EV spread enables Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed as much of the metagame as possible and do as much damage as it can. A Jolly nature allows Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed every unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as Choice Scarf users like Chandelure. Unnerve is rarely a factor, but it can on occasion be useful by preventing an opponent like Recycle Snorlax or Shuca Berry Cobalion from using its held Berry. Once it Mega Evolves, Tough Claws provides a 30% power boost to all of Mega Aerodactyl's contact moves.

Usage Tips
========

Save Mega Aerodactyl for the mid- or late-game, when it has opportunities to set up. This set should avoid switching in as aggressively as the offensive set can, as it has no way of recovering HP and needs to be healthy enough to set up and avoid being revenge killed. Mega Aerodactyl should come in through pivot support, on a double switch, or after a teammate has fainted. Prior to setting up, remove Pokemon that Mega Aerodactyl's choice of coverage fails to handle effectively; eliminate Ground-types if not using Aqua Tail and Steel-types if not using Earthquake.

Team Options
========

Hippowdon makes a good partner due to its ability to set up sandstorm, which boosts Mega Aerodactyl's Special Defense by 1.5x and therefore makes it surprisingly specially resilient. Hippowdon can also set up Stealth Rock and switch in on Rock-type attacks for Mega Aerodactyl, while Mega Aerodactyl can pressure Grass-types like Celebi for Hippowdon. Wallbreakers like Primarina, Infernape, and Cobalion can open up opportunities for Mega Aerodactyl to sweep. Magneton can remove Scizor, Empoleon, and other Steel-types for Mega Aerodactyl. This is especially useful if Mega Aerodactyl is not running Earthquake. Magneton can also pressure bulky Water-types that Mega Aerodactyl struggles to break through even after a boost. Grass-type partners that can take on bulky Water-types (and bulky Ground-types if Mega Aerodactyl forgoes Aqua Tail) include Celebi and Rotom-C. Raikou can threaten bulky Water-types and lure in special walls like Amoonguss and Alolan Muk that Mega Aerodactyl can take advantage of. Mega Aerodactyl appreciates entry hazard support to wear down its checks. Swampert, Hippowdon, Celebi, and Nidoqueen can all set up Stealth Rock, while Klefki can provide Spikes. Mega Aerodactyl is also weak to Stealth Rock. Pokemon like Starmie and Tentacruel can remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin, as can Defog users like Latias and Scizor.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Double-Edge
move 4: Fire Blast / Stone Edge
item: Focus Sash
ability: Pressure
nature: Hasty / Jolly
evs: 176 Atk / 80 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is the best entry hazard in the game, providing consistent damage on everything not immune to indirect damage and breaking Focus Sashes and Sturdy. Taunt prevents opposing leads like Azelf, Froslass, and opposing Aerodactyl from setting up entry hazards and opposing Defoggers from removing Aerodactyl's Stealth Rock. Aerodactyl is fast enough to prevent every other relevant lead from setting up entry hazards. Double-Edge allows Aerodactyl to KO itself after it has expended its Focus Sash, thereby preventing the foe from removing Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin or Defog. Fire Blast enables Aerodactyl to KO Forretress and severely damage defensive Scizor, which can remove its Stealth Rock through Rapid Spin and Defog, respectively. Stone Edge is a strong STAB option that hits reasonably hard off of base 105 Attack and allows Aerodactyl to do decent damage to neutral targets before going down but is almost always inferior to Fire Blast.

Set Details
========

Focus Sash guarantees that Aerodactyl can survive an attack and set up Stealth Rock. 252 Speed EVs and a Hasty or Jolly nature ensure that Aerodactyl is as fast as possible. 80 Special Attack EVs allow Aerodactyl to KO physically defensive Forretress and offensive Scizor sets with Fire Blast. The remaining EVs bolster Double-Edge's power and enable Aerodactyl to do as much damage as possible when KOing itself. If Aerodactyl runs Stone Edge over Fire Blast, use a Jolly nature and 252 Attack EVs.

Usage Tips
========

Suicide lead Aerodactyl should only be used on hyper offense. Every other team archetype cannot afford to dedicate a slot to a suicide lead. Lead with Aerodactyl in order to set up entry hazards and prevent the opponent from setting their hazards or clearing yours. Be wary of Froslass leads, which can force Aerodactyl to choose between setting and preventing hazards through the use of super effective STAB Icy Wind.

Team Options
========

Offensive Ghost-types like Decidueye, Chandelure, and Doublade appreciate entry hazard support and can block Rapid Spin. Tornadus can take advantage of opposing Defog to gain a Defiant boost. Strong offensive Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Mega Sharpedo, Cobalion, Primarina, Mega Beedrill, and Infernape can punish the use of Defog or Rapid Spin by taking the opportunity to set up or fire off powerful attacks. Pokemon that make use of U-turn and Volt Switch like Scizor, Raikou, Infernape, Mienshao, and Hydreigon appreciate Aerodactyl's ability to provide entry hazard support and prevent the opponent from setting up entry hazards of their own. Teams using Aerodactyl as a suicide lead should have countermeasures in place to handle Froslass leads, like Scizor or Choice Scarf Hydreigon.

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

Fire Fang and Ice Fang can be used to hit Pokemon like Scizor and Gliscor, but they have limited coverage otherwise and lack power against other targets, although Ice Fang does hit Latias harder than any alternative other than Crunch. Mega Aerodactyl can make use of utility options like Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Defog but must sacrifice an attacking move, Roost, or Hone Claws. Taunt in particular can be useful against bulkier teams, as it prevents recovery or status from common Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Blissey, or Alomomola. Crunch is a viable option to hit Pokemon weak to Dark-type attacks like Latias, Starmie, Reuniclus, and Slowbro super effectively. Crunch can also help the suicide lead set hit hazard removers like Starmie and Latias, but it is almost always a suboptimal choice because Double-Edge allows it to faint safely and Fire Blast targets the Steel-types that can prevent it from KOing itself with Double-Edge. A bulky set with both Taunt and Toxic can be used, but it sacrifices Mega Aerodactyl's offensive presence in exchange for a way to break stall. Tailwind allows Aerodactyl to provide additional team support through a temporary boost to Speed, but forces it to sacrifice coverage or other utility moves.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Suicune, Swampert, and Slowbro can take anything Mega Aerodactyl can throw at them and retaliate with super effective STAB Scalds. Empoleon in particular resists both of Mega Aerodactyl's STAB types and Aqua Tail and takes little from Pursuit, though it has to fear Earthquake.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon and Gliscor can take on the all-out attacking set if it doesn't run Aqua Tail and stall it out with Toxic.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types resist both of Mega Aerodactyl's STAB types and can retaliate with their own super effective STAB attacks, though most fear Earthquake. Scizor can pick Mega Aerodactyl off with Bullet Punch. Cobalion can survive an Earthquake and KO with Iron Head or All-Out Pummeling or set up a Rock Polish. Doublade takes even Earthquakes reasonably well and can set up a Swords Dance or KO Mega Aerodactyl with Gyro Ball or Iron Head. Forretress can take a Stone Edge with ease and threaten Mega Aerodactyl back with Gyro Ball.

**Fast Choice Scarf Users**: Fast Choice Scarf users can revenge kill Mega Aerodactyl, although some need a bit of prior damage. Options include Terrakion, Infernape, Hydreigon, and Mienshao. Even with a Choice Scarf, Pokemon slower than base 85 Speed fail to outspeed Mega Aerodactyl.

**Priority**: Bullet Punch, Ice Shard, and Aqua Jet all hit Mega Aerodactyl super effectively, and a strong Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave can pick it off once it's weakened. Pokemon like Scizor, Mamoswine, Crawdaunt, and Weavile all have access to super effective priority moves.

**Mega Sharpedo**: Mega Sharpedo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl after one turn of Speed Boost and proceed to KO.

**Stealth Rock:** Mega Aerodactyl is weak to Stealth Rock, which limits its ability to switch in.
 
Last edited:

Hilomilo

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I'll go ahead and give this a bit of an unofficial qc check (don't really know what to call it lol). Implement whatever you feel is necessary.

Overview
* I'm not really sure that saying that it's one of the tier's available Mega Evolutions is useful information, only since it's something we already know. Instead, I'd say that it's among the tier's best Mega Evolutions.
* When you say that it lacks Flying-type STAB, give examples of some Pokemon it can struggle to break through.
* In your line about Stealth Rock limiting Aerodactyl's switch-in opportunities, I'd definitely mention its common weaknesses. Pretty much all of Aero's weaknesses bar Rock are pretty common, so I'd highlight that problem here.

Set: Offensive

Moves
* I feel like the Stone Edge line needs some more substance. I'd either give examples of some Pokemon it hits pretty hard or say that it hits most unresisted targets for good damage.
* Give some examples of Wing Attack targets (Buzzwole should definitely be one of them imo)

Set Details
* Considering Heracross was recently removed from the VR, you should probably just say that it can outspeed Choice Scarf users that are slower than Base 85 Speed, and maybe use Chandelure and Magneton as examples.

Usage Tips
* In your first line, give examples of Pokemon it can come in on and revenge kill.
* I feel like you should go more in depth in your second line. If Mega Aerodactyl wants to clean up late-game, what exactly should be removed or weakened for it to do that? Explain a bit.

Team Options
* I'd add in your Scizor line that it can bring Mega Aerodactyl in safely with U-turn if need be.
* I'd also say when talking about Klefki that it can use Thunder Wave to cripple the Choice Scarf users that would otherwise outspeed and threaten Aerodactyl.
* Give examples of Dragon-types with Levitate.
* I'd maybe replace Lucario with Buzzwole, just since the latter is a lot more relevant.

Set: Hone Claws

Moves
* Give examples of Wing Attack targets.

Set Details
* Replace the Gardevoir mention with something like Magneton or maybe +1 Xurkitree.
* Maybe give an example of when Unnerve can be situationally useful (possibly against Recycle Snorlax or Shuca Berry Cobalion).

Usage Tips
* In your second line, say that Mega Aerodactyl should be brought in with support from a pivot or after a teammate has fainted.

Team Options
Looks really nice

Set: Suicide Lead

Moves
* Give examples of opposing leads in your Taunt line.

Set Details
Looks good

Usage Tips
* Say something about sending in some sort of means of countermeasures to Froslass leads first in order to allow Aerodactyl to reliably fulfill its role.

Team Options
* I think giving examples of some frailer offensive Pokemon (Infernape, Xurkitree, Mega Absol) that appreciate Aerodactyl's ability to safely bring them into play would be a good thing to do in this section.

Other Options
* I think you should mention the downsides that come with using Fire Fang and Ice Fang. Both have relatively low power and not great coverage overall.
* Why is Crunch a suboptimal choice? Explain.
* Say that Tailwind usually gives up coverage that Aerodactyl will need.

Checks and Counters
* This looks good, I'd just change the mention of Choice Scarf Heracross to something more general (mons below 85 Speed) since it's no longer on the VR.

I hope this helped! :) It looks super good
 
Overview:
Specifically mention that base 150 speed makes it the fastest unboosted mon in the tier.
''A lack of a powerful Flying-type STAB move means that Mega Aerodactyl struggles to break through some of the tier's bulkier Pokemon, even with Hone Claws.'' Honestly this is only relevant for pert, gastro and quag as every other rock resist is beaten by aqua tail/earthquake. I dont really find this line very useful anyway since pointing out something a pokemon doesnt have isnt really important to an analysis. I would just remove this entirely.

Offensive:
''Fighting-types like Cobalion, Lucario, and Infernape appreciate Mega Aerodactyl's ability to trap fast offensive Ghost- and Psychic-types.'' There are no fast ghost types in this tier anymore so word that differently. Also give examples.

Hone Claws:
''Raikou and Xurkitree threaten bulky Water-types and lure in special walls that Mega Aerodactyl can take advantage of.'' Such as?

Suicide Lead:
''Fire Blast enables Aerodactyl to KO Forretress and offensive Scizor, which can remove its Stealth Rock through Rapid Spin and Defog, respectively.'' Offensive Scizor doesnt run defog, so just mention that it can hit bulky scizor very hard.
Give reasons to run Stone Edge over Fire Blast at all.
Froslass wont prevent rocks from being set, i wouldnt call that ''defeating''.

OO:
Remove the Necrozma mention as it takes only 2% more from crunch than stone edge.
C&C:
Give examples of priority users.

Finally, do everything hilomilo said. QC:1/3
 
Last edited:
remove buzzwole mentions, and chandelure isnt really a reason to run crunch so remove that part in oo. looks good otherwise

qc 2/3
 

Dlanyer

Elle est crème comme Nivea, facile comme niveau 1.
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Dunno where i can ask for it, so i'll just put it there: on the MAero's analysis on the smogdex, keldeo is mentionned, so i'm wondering if this analysis will replace the current one?
 

Eyan

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Remove mentions of Conkeldurr and Xurkitree. Just as a fact check, Tough Claws only boosts the power of contact moves by 1.3x (30%), so change the few mentions you have of the 33% to reflect this. Finally, while I agree that Ice Fang is almost purely for Gliscor, in OO, I'd mention that it still does a good chunk to Latias (more than anything else aside from Crunch with it being slightly strong than Stone Edge + better accuracy) for the sake of it.

QC 3/3
 

Eyan

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GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Mega Aerodactyl is one of the best Mega Evolutions available in UU and is an extremely easy fit on teams of all archetypes. Its blistering base 150 Speed makes it the fastest unboosted Pokemon in the tier, and a good Attack stat and Tough Claws give it respectable damage output. Mega Aerodactyl has several viable coverage options to complement its nice STABs moves and thus, its sets are highly customizable, although some of these options lack power. Between its Speed, power, and coverage, Mega Aerodactyl has all the tools it needs to be one of the premier anti-offense Pokemon in the tier, while its access to Hone Claws allows it to function as a dangerous sweeper against bulkier teams as well. While its defensive stats are only average and a weakness to Stealth Rock and common attacking types such as Water, Ice, and Electric limit its switch-in opportunities to switch in, it has a useful defensive typing and Roost to augment its longevity. Additionally, utility options such as Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Defog allow it to support its team if necessary. Focus Sash Aerodactyl is a fast, efficient suicide lead with high base Speed, (ac) which that allows it to outpace other suicide leads such as Azelf and Froslass, access to Stealth Rock and Taunt, and a way of KOing itself to prevent opposing Defog and Rapid Spin. However, this set is only useful to hyper offense teams that want a good matchup against other hazard leads.

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

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

Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's strongest STAB option and hits most Pokemon that don't resist it for good damage. Wing Attack is the secondary STAB move of choice, provides coverage on targets like Celebi and Infernape, (rc) and benefits from Tough Claws. Aerial Ace has the same Base Power and ignores accuracy and evasion modifiers, but Wing Attack's higher PP makes it the better choice in most situations. Earthquake provides good coverage in conjunction with Mega Aerodactyl's STAB moves, enabling it to hit Raikou, Steel-types like Metagross, Magneton, Cobalion, and Empoleon, and bulky Poison-types such as Tentacruel and Nidoqueen super effectively. Pursuit gives Mega Aerodactyl the ability to weaken or KO many of the Pokemon it forces out such as Mega Beedrill, Mega Pidgeot, Mega Sceptile, Latias, Starmie, and Celebi. Mega Aerodactyl can either remove these Pokemon or weaken them to the point where they can no longer come in safely. Aqua Tail is an option over Wing Attack, Earthquake, or Pursuit because it provides coverage for against ("for" sounds a little odd, as though it's providing coverage for the sake of Ground-types) Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Krookodile. Roost provides Mega Aerodactyl with a means of recovering its HP, (ac) allowing and allows it to switch in more often.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature enables Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and slower Choice Scarf users like Chandelure. 252 Attack EVs increase Mega Aerodactyl's damage output as much as possible. Unnerve prevents foes from consuming Berries. Mega Aerodactyl gets Tough Claws upon Mega Evolution, which boosts the power of its contact moves by 30%.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Aerodactyl can revenge kill many common offensive Pokemon, (rc) like Mega Sceptile, Mega Beedrill, and Mega Pidgeot, (rc) and should be brought in on attacks that are weak and neutral or resisted in order to force out or KO slower Pokemon like Chandelure or and Togekiss. Mega Aerodactyl functions well as a late-game cleaner after its bulkier checks like Swampert and Hippowdon have been removed or worn down and should utilize its Speed and coverage to pressure opposing offensive teams, but it is less helpful against bulkier teams and should be used carefully as a countermeasure to particular Pokemon common on bulkier archetypes such as Celebi, Amoonguss, and Mandibuzz.

Team Options
========

Strong wallbreakers like Cobalion, Primarina, and Heracross can open up opportunities for Mega Aerodactyl to clean. Scizor can switch in on Ice- and Steel-type attacks aimed at Mega Aerodactyl, lures in Fire-types that Mega Aerodactyl can take advantage of, and can use U-turn to bring Mega Aerodactyl in safely. Mega Aerodactyl is weak to Stealth Rock, so it appreciates entry hazard control. Latias, Starmie, Scizor, Empoleon, and Tentacruel can all fulfill this role due to their access to Defog or Rapid Spin. Mega Aerodactyl is excellent for at supporting users of Spikes, as it threatens and traps many of the Defog and Rapid Spin users in the tier. In turn, Mega Aerodactyl appreciates how Spikes damage breaks breaking down most of its checks. Klefki in particular is a great partner because it can set up Spikes, (ac) and take Rock- and Ice-type attacks for Mega Aerodactyl, (ac) and cripple faster Choice Scarf users like Latias and Terrakion with Thunder Wave. In return, Mega Aerodactyl provides an immunity to Ground-type attacks aimed at Klefki and can pressure the Fire-types that threaten it. As Mega Aerodactyl struggles to break through bulky Water- and Ground-types, offensive Grass-types like Celebi and Rotom-C that can deal with them make good teammates. In exchange, Mega Aerodactyl can take on the Flying- and Fire-types that threaten them. Dragon-types with the ability Levitate like Latias and Hydreigon can also handle bulky Water- and Ground-types well. Offensive Water-types like Primarina, Starmie, and Crawdaunt can pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, Krookodile, and Swampert. Fighting-types like Cobalion, Heracross, and Infernape appreciate Mega Aerodactyl's ability to trap offensive Ghost- and Psychic-types like Chandelure and Celebi. Each of these Pokemon possesses some way of breaking through bulky Pokemon for Mega Aerodactyl in return.

[SET]
name: Hone Claws
move 1: Hone Claws
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Wing Attack / Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail / Earthquake
item: Aerodactylite
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Hone Claws boosts Mega Aerodactyl's Attack and accuracy by one stage, giving it the power to break through bulkier Pokemon and turning Stone Edge into a reliable move. Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's most powerful STAB move and hits hard after a Hone Claws boost. The accuracy boost from Hone Claws eliminates the risk of missing unless facing a Pokemon with the ability Unaware. Wing Attack is a secondary STAB move that provides coverage on targets such as Celebi and Amoonguss and benefits from Tough Claws. Aqua Tail receives the damage bonus from Tough Claws and lets Mega Aerodactyl beat bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Krookodile after a boost. Earthquake is an alternative to either Wing Attack or Aqua Tail to allow Mega Aerodactyl to break through Steel-types like Empoleon, Cobalion, and Magneton. Roost allows Mega Aerodactyl to set up on bulky Pokemon like Gliscor and Krookodile, but Mega Aerodactyl usually benefits more from a coverage move.

Set Details
========

The EV spread enables Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed as much of the metagame as possible and do as much damage as it can. A Jolly nature allows Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed every unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as Choice Scarf users like Chandelure. Unnerve is rarely a factor, but it can on occasion be useful by preventing an opponent like Recycle Snorlax or Shuca Berry Cobalion from using its held Berry. Once it Mega Evolves, Tough Claws provides a 30% power boost to all of Mega Aerodactyl's contact moves.

Usage Tips
========

Save Mega Aerodactyl for the mid- or late-game, when it has opportunities to set up. This set should avoid switching in as aggressively as the offensive set can, as it has no way of recovering HP and needs to be healthy enough to set up and avoid being revenge killed. Mega Aerodactyl should come in through pivot support, on a double switch, or after a teammate has fainted. Prior to setting up, remove Pokemon that Mega Aerodactyl's choice of coverage fails to handle effectively.; (period->semicolon) eliminate Ground-types if not using Aqua Tail and Steel-types if not using Earthquake.

Team Options
========

Hippowdon makes a good partner due to its ability to set up sandstorm, which boosts Mega Aerodactyl's Special Defense by 1.5x and therefore makes it surprisingly specially resilient. Hippowdon can also set up Stealth Rock and switch in on Rock-type attacks for Mega Aerodactyl, while Mega Aerodactyl can pressure Grass-types like Celebi for Hippowdon. Wallbreakers like Primarina, Infernape, and Cobalion can open up opportunities for Mega Aerodactyl to sweep. Magneton can remove Scizor, Empoleon, and other Steel-types for Mega Aerodactyl. This is especially useful if Mega Aerodactyl is not running Earthquake. Magneton can also pressure bulky Water-types that Mega Aerodactyl struggles to break through even after a boost. Grass-type partners that can take on bulky Water-types (and bulky Ground-types if Mega Aerodactyl forgoes Aqua Tail) include Celebi and Rotom-C. Raikou can threaten bulky Water-types and lure in special walls like Amoonguss and Alolan Muk that Mega Aerodactyl can take advantage of. Mega Aerodactyl appreciates entry hazard support to wear down its checks. Swampert, Hippowdon, Celebi, and Nidoqueen can all set up Stealth Rock, while Klefki can provide Spikes. Mega Aerodactyl is also weak to Stealth Rock. Pokemon like Starmie and Tentacruel can remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin, as can Defog users like Latias and Scizor.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Double-Edge (add hyphen)
move 4: Fire Blast / Stone Edge
item: Focus Sash
ability: Pressure
nature: Hasty / Jolly
evs: 176 Atk / 80 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is the best entry hazard in the game, provides consistent damage on everything not immune to indirect damage, and breaks Focus Sashes and Sturdy. Taunt prevents opposing leads like Azelf, Froslass, and opposing Aerodactyl from setting up entry hazards and opposing Defoggers from removing Aerodactyl's Stealth Rock. Aerodactyl is fast enough to prevent every other relevant lead from setting up entry hazards. Double-Edge (add hyphen) allows Aerodactyl to KO itself after it has expended its Focus Sash, thereby preventing the opponent foe from removing Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin or Defog. Fire Blast enables Aerodactyl to KO Forretress and severely damage defensive Scizor, which can remove its Stealth Rock through Rapid Spin and Defog, respectively. Stone Edge is a strong STAB option that hits reasonably hard off of base 105 Attack and allows Aerodactyl to do decent damage to neutral targets before going down, (rc) but is almost always inferior to Fire Blast.

Set Details
========

Focus Sash guarantees that Aerodactyl can survive an attack and set up Stealth Rock. 252 Speed EVs and a Hasty or Jolly nature ensure that Aerodactyl is as fast as possible. 80 Special Attack EVs allow Aerodactyl to KO physically defensive Forretress and offensive Scizor sets with Fire Blast. The remaining EVs bolster Double-Edge's power and enable Aerodactyl to do as much damage as possible when KOing itself. If Aerodactyl runs Stone Edge over Fire Blast, use a Jolly nature and 252 Attack EVs.

Usage Tips
========

Suicide lead Aerodactyl should only be used on hyper offense. Every other team archetype cannot afford to dedicate a slot to a suicide lead. Lead with Aerodactyl in order to set up entry hazards and prevent the opponent from setting their hazards or clearing yours. Be wary of Froslass leads, which can force Aerodactyl to choose between setting and preventing hazards through the use of super effective STAB Icy Wind. Teams using Aerodactyl as a suicide lead should have countermeasures in place to handle Froslass leads.

Team Options
========

Offensive Ghost-types like Decidueye, Chandelure, and Doublade appreciate entry hazard support and can block Rapid Spin. Tornadus can take advantage of opposing Defog to gain a Defiant boost. Strong offensive Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Mega Sharpedo, Cobalion, Primarina, Mega Beedrill, and Infernape can punish the use of Defog or Rapid Spin by taking the opportunity to set up or fire off powerful attacks. Pokemon that make use of U-turn and Volt Switch like Scizor, Raikou, Infernape, Mienshao, and Hydreigon appreciate Aerodactyl's ability to provide entry hazard support and prevent the opponent from setting up entry hazards of their own.

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

Fire Fang and Ice Fang can be used to hit Pokemon like Scizor and Gliscor, respectively, but have limited coverage otherwise and lack power against other targets, although Ice Fang does hit Latias harder than any alternative other than Crunch. Mega Aerodactyl can make use of utility options like Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Defog, (rc) but must sacrifice an attacking move, Roost, or Hone Claws. Taunt in particular can be useful against bulkier teams, as it prevents recovery or status from common Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Blissey, or Alomomola. Crunch is a viable option to hit Pokemon weak to Dark-type attacks like Latias, Starmie, Reuniclus, and Slowbro super effectively. Crunch can also help the suicide lead set hit hazard removers like Starmie and Latias, but it is almost always a suboptimal choice because Double-Edge (add hyphen) allows it to faint safely and Fire Blast targets the Steel-types that can prevent it from KOing itself with Double-Edge (add hyphen). A bulky set with both Taunt and Toxic can be used, (rc) but sacrifices Mega Aerodactyl's offensive presence in exchange for a way to break stall. Tailwind allows Aerodactyl to provide additional team support through a temporary boost to Speed, (rc) but forces it to sacrifice coverage or other utility moves.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Suicune, Swampert, and Slowbro can take anything Mega Aerodactyl can throw at it them and retaliate with super effective STAB Scalds. Empoleon in particular resists both of Mega Aerodactyl's STAB types and Aqua Tail and takes little from Pursuit, though it has to fear Earthquake.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon and Gliscor can take on the all-out attacking set if it doesn't run Aqua Tail and stall it out with Toxic.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types resist both of Mega Aerodactyl's STAB types and can retaliate with their own super effective STAB attacks, though most fear Earthquake. Scizor can pick Mega Aerodactyl off with Bullet Punch. Cobalion can survive an Earthquake and KO with Iron Head or All-Out Pummeling or set up a Rock Polish. Doublade takes even Earthquakes reasonably well and can set up a Swords Dance or KO with Gyro Ball or Iron Head. Forretress can take a Stone Edge with ease and threaten Mega Aerodactyl back with Gyro Ball.

**Fast Choice Scarf Users**: Fast Choice Scarf users can revenge kill Mega Aerodactyl, although some need a bit of prior damage. Options include Terrakion, (ac) Infernape, Hydreigon, and Mienshao. Even with a Choice Scarf, (ac) Pokemon slower than base 85 Speed fail to outspeed Mega Aerodactyl.

**Priority**: Bullet Punch, Ice Shard, and Aqua Jet all hit Mega Aerodactyl super effectively, and a strong Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave can pick it off once it's weakened. Pokemon like Scizor, Mamoswine, Crawdaunt, and Weavile all have access to super effective priority moves.

**Mega Sharpedo**: Mega Sharpedo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl after one turn of Speed Boost and proceed to KO.

**Stealth Rock:** Mega Aerodactyl is weak to Stealth Rock, which limits its ability to switch in.
 

Lumari

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GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

Mega Aerodactyl is one of the best Mega Evolutions available in UU and is an extremely easy fit on teams of all archetypes. Its blistering base 150 Speed makes it the fastest unboosted Pokemon in the tier, and a good Attack stat and Tough Claws give it respectable damage output. Mega Aerodactyl has several viable coverage options to complement its nice STAB moves, (AC) and thus, its sets are highly customizable, although some of these options lack power. Between its Speed, power, and coverage, Mega Aerodactyl has all the tools it needs to be one of the premier anti-offense Pokemon in the tier, while its access to Hone Claws allows it to function as a dangerous sweeper against bulkier teams as well. While its defensive stats are only average and a weakness to Stealth Rock and common attacking types such as Water, Ice, and Electric limit its opportunities to switch in, it has a useful defensive typing and Roost to augment its longevity. Additionally, utility options such as Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Defog allow it to support its team if necessary. Focus Sash Aerodactyl is a fast, efficient suicide lead with high base Speed, which allows it (getting rid of the subordinate clause to make the list clearer) to outpace other suicide leads such as Azelf and Froslass, access to Stealth Rock and Taunt, and a way of KOing itself to prevent opposing Defog and Rapid Spin. However, this set is only useful to hyper offense teams that want a good matchup against other hazard leads.

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

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

Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's strongest STAB option and hits most Pokemon that don't resist it for good damage. Wing Attack is the secondary STAB move of choice, provides coverage on targets like Celebi and Infernape, (AC) and benefits from Tough Claws. Aerial Ace has the same Base Power and ignores accuracy and evasion modifiers, but Wing Attack's higher PP makes it the better choice in most situations. Earthquake provides good coverage in conjunction with Mega Aerodactyl's STAB moves, enabling it to hit Raikou, Steel-types like Metagross, Magneton, Cobalion, and Empoleon, and bulky Poison-types such as Tentacruel and Nidoqueen super effectively. Pursuit gives Mega Aerodactyl the ability to weaken or KO many of the Pokemon it forces out such as Mega Beedrill, Mega Pidgeot, Mega Sceptile, Latias, Starmie, and Celebi. Mega Aerodactyl can either remove these Pokemon or weaken them to the point where they can no longer come in safely. Aqua Tail is an option over Wing Attack, Earthquake, or Pursuit because it provides coverage against Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Krookodile. Roost provides Mega Aerodactyl with a means of recovering its HP, allowing it to switch in more often.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature enables enable Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed the entire unboosted metagame and slower Choice Scarf users like Chandelure. 252 Attack EVs increase Mega Aerodactyl's damage output as much as possible. Unnerve prevents foes from consuming Berries. Mega Aerodactyl gets Tough Claws upon Mega Evolution, which boosts the power of its contact moves by 30%.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Aerodactyl can revenge kill many common offensive Pokemon like Mega Sceptile, Mega Beedrill, and Mega Pidgeot and should be brought in on resisted or weak neutral attacks that are weak and neutral or resisted in order to force out or KO slower Pokemon like Chandelure and Togekiss. Mega Aerodactyl functions well as a late-game cleaner after its bulkier checks like Swampert and Hippowdon have been removed or worn down and should utilize its Speed and coverage to pressure opposing offensive teams, but it is less helpful against bulkier teams and should be used carefully as a countermeasure to particular Pokemon common on bulkier archetypes such as Celebi, Amoonguss, and Mandibuzz.

Team Options
========

Strong wallbreakers like Cobalion, Primarina, and Heracross can open up opportunities for Mega Aerodactyl to clean. Scizor can switch in on Ice- and Steel-type attacks aimed at Mega Aerodactyl, lure in Fire-types that Mega Aerodactyl can take advantage of, and use U-turn to bring Mega Aerodactyl in safely. Mega Aerodactyl is weak to Stealth Rock, so it appreciates entry hazard control. Latias, Starmie, Scizor, Empoleon, and Tentacruel can all fulfill this role due to their access to Defog or Rapid Spin. Mega Aerodactyl excels at supporting users of Spikes, as it threatens and traps many of the Defog and Rapid Spin users in the tier. In turn, Mega Aerodactyl appreciates Spikes damage breaking down most of its checks. Klefki in particular is a great partner because it can set up Spikes, take Rock- and Ice-type attacks for Mega Aerodactyl, and cripple faster Choice Scarf users like Latias and Terrakion with Thunder Wave. In return, Mega Aerodactyl provides an immunity to Ground-type attacks aimed at Klefki and can pressure the Fire-types that threaten it. As Mega Aerodactyl struggles to break through bulky Water- and Ground-types, offensive Grass-types like Celebi and Rotom-C that can deal with them make good teammates. In exchange, Mega Aerodactyl can take on the Flying- and Fire-types that threaten them. Dragon-types with the ability Levitate like Latias and Hydreigon can also handle bulky Water- and Ground-types well. Offensive Water-types like Primarina, Starmie, and Crawdaunt can pressure Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, Krookodile, and Swampert. Fighting-types like Cobalion, Heracross, and Infernape appreciate Mega Aerodactyl's ability to trap offensive Ghost- and Psychic-types like Chandelure and Celebi. Each of these Pokemon possesses some way of breaking through bulky Pokemon for Mega Aerodactyl in return.

[SET]
name: Hone Claws
move 1: Hone Claws
move 2: Stone Edge
move 3: Wing Attack / Earthquake
move 4: Aqua Tail / Earthquake
item: Aerodactylite
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Hone Claws boosts Mega Aerodactyl's Attack and accuracy by one stage, giving it the power to break through bulkier Pokemon and turning Stone Edge into a reliable move. Stone Edge is Mega Aerodactyl's most powerful STAB move and hits hard after a Hone Claws boost. The accuracy boost from Hone Claws eliminates the risk of missing unless facing a Pokemon with the ability Unaware. (is this relevant in UU play? If there are no relevant unaware users in UU that you'd use Stone Edge against--reckon you'd use Wing Attack against Quagsire if that one still is sorta relevant--better to just remove it) Wing Attack is a secondary STAB move that provides coverage on targets such as Celebi and Amoonguss and benefits from Tough Claws. Aqua Tail receives the damage bonus from Tough Claws and lets Mega Aerodactyl beat bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Krookodile after a boost. Earthquake is an alternative to either Wing Attack or Aqua Tail to allow Mega Aerodactyl to break through Steel-types like Empoleon, Cobalion, and Magneton. Roost allows Mega Aerodactyl to set up on bulky Pokemon like Gliscor and Krookodile, but Mega Aerodactyl usually benefits more from a coverage move.

Set Details
========

The EV spread enables Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed as much of the metagame as possible and do as much damage as it can. A Jolly nature allows Mega Aerodactyl to outspeed every unboosted Pokemon in the tier as well as Choice Scarf users like Chandelure. Unnerve is rarely a factor, but it can on occasion be useful by preventing an opponent foe like Recycle Snorlax or Shuca Berry Cobalion from using its held Berry. Once it Mega Evolves, Tough Claws provides a 30% power boost to all of Mega Aerodactyl's contact moves.

Usage Tips
========

Save Mega Aerodactyl for the mid- or late-game, when it has opportunities to set up. This set should avoid switching in as aggressively as the offensive set can, as it has no way of recovering HP and needs to be healthy enough to set up and avoid being revenge killed. Mega Aerodactyl should come in through pivot support, on a double switch, or after a teammate has fainted. Prior to setting up, remove Pokemon that Mega Aerodactyl's choice of coverage fails to handle effectively; eliminate Ground-types if not using Aqua Tail and Steel-types if not using Earthquake.

Team Options
========

Hippowdon makes a good partner due to its ability to set up sandstorm, which boosts Mega Aerodactyl's Special Defense by 1.5x and therefore makes it surprisingly specially resilient. Hippowdon can also set up Stealth Rock and switch in on Rock-type attacks for Mega Aerodactyl, while Mega Aerodactyl can pressure Grass-types like Celebi for Hippowdon. Wallbreakers like Primarina, Infernape, and Cobalion can open up opportunities for Mega Aerodactyl to sweep. Magneton can remove Scizor, Empoleon, and other Steel-types for Mega Aerodactyl. This is especially useful if Mega Aerodactyl is not running Earthquake. Magneton can also pressure bulky Water-types that Mega Aerodactyl struggles to break through even after a boost. Grass-type partners that can take on bulky Water-types (and bulky Ground-types if Mega Aerodactyl forgoes Aqua Tail) include Celebi and Rotom-C. Raikou can threaten bulky Water-types and lure in special walls like Amoonguss and Alolan Muk that Mega Aerodactyl can take advantage of. Mega Aerodactyl appreciates entry hazard support to wear down its checks. Swampert, Hippowdon, Celebi, and Nidoqueen can all set up Stealth Rock, while Klefki can provide Spikes. Mega Aerodactyl is also weak to Stealth Rock. Pokemon like Starmie and Tentacruel can remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin, as can Defog users like Latias and Scizor.

[SET]
name: Suicide Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Double-Edge
move 4: Fire Blast / Stone Edge
item: Focus Sash
ability: Pressure
nature: Hasty / Jolly
evs: 176 Atk / 80 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Stealth Rock is the best entry hazard in the game, provides providing consistent damage on everything not immune to indirect damage (RC) and breaks breaking (optional but bit better because non-equivalent items) Focus Sashes and Sturdy. Taunt prevents opposing leads like Azelf, Froslass, and opposing Aerodactyl from setting up entry hazards and opposing Defoggers from removing Aerodactyl's Stealth Rock. Aerodactyl is fast enough to prevent every other relevant lead from setting up entry hazards. Double-Edge allows Aerodactyl to KO itself after it has expended its Focus Sash, thereby preventing the foe from removing Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin or Defog. Fire Blast enables Aerodactyl to KO Forretress and severely damage defensive Scizor, which can remove its Stealth Rock through Rapid Spin and Defog, respectively. Stone Edge is a strong STAB option that hits reasonably hard off of base 105 Attack and allows Aerodactyl to do decent damage to neutral targets before going down but is almost always inferior to Fire Blast.

Set Details
========

Focus Sash guarantees that Aerodactyl can survive an attack and set up Stealth Rock. 252 Speed EVs and a Hasty or Jolly nature ensure that Aerodactyl is as fast as possible. 80 Special Attack EVs allow Aerodactyl to KO physically defensive Forretress and offensive Scizor sets with Fire Blast. The remaining EVs bolster Double-Edge's power and enable Aerodactyl to do as much damage as possible when KOing itself. If Aerodactyl runs Stone Edge over Fire Blast, use a Jolly nature and 252 Attack EVs.

Usage Tips
========

Suicide lead Aerodactyl should only be used on hyper offense. Every other team archetype cannot afford to dedicate a slot to a suicide lead. Lead with Aerodactyl in order to set up entry hazards and prevent the opponent from setting their hazards or clearing yours. Be wary of Froslass leads, which can force Aerodactyl to choose between setting and preventing hazards through the use of super effective STAB Icy Wind. Teams using Aerodactyl as a suicide lead should have countermeasures in place to handle Froslass leads. (should go in TO + with a few examples)

Team Options
========

Offensive Ghost-types like Decidueye, Chandelure, and Doublade appreciate entry hazard support and can block Rapid Spin. Tornadus can take advantage of opposing Defog to gain a Defiant boost. Strong offensive Pokemon such as Hydreigon, Mega Sharpedo, Cobalion, Primarina, Mega Beedrill, and Infernape can punish the use of Defog or Rapid Spin by taking the opportunity to set up or fire off powerful attacks. Pokemon that make use of U-turn and Volt Switch like Scizor, Raikou, Infernape, Mienshao, and Hydreigon appreciate Aerodactyl's ability to provide entry hazard support and prevent the opponent from setting up entry hazards of their own.

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

Fire Fang and Ice Fang can be used to hit Pokemon like Scizor and Gliscor, respectively, but they have limited coverage otherwise and lack power against other targets, although Ice Fang does hit Latias harder than any alternative other than Crunch. Mega Aerodactyl can make use of utility options like Stealth Rock, Taunt, and Defog but must sacrifice an attacking move, Roost, or Hone Claws. Taunt in particular can be useful against bulkier teams, as it prevents recovery or status from common Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Blissey, or Alomomola. Crunch is a viable option to hit Pokemon weak to Dark-type attacks like Latias, Starmie, Reuniclus, and Slowbro super effectively. Crunch can also help the suicide lead set hit hazard removers like Starmie and Latias, but it is almost always a suboptimal choice because Double-Edge allows it to faint safely and Fire Blast targets the Steel-types that can prevent it from KOing itself with Double-Edge. A bulky set with both Taunt and Toxic can be used, but it sacrifices Mega Aerodactyl's offensive presence in exchange for a way to break stall. Tailwind allows Aerodactyl to provide additional team support through a temporary boost to Speed, but forces it to sacrifice coverage or other utility moves.

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

**Bulky Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Suicune, Swampert, and Slowbro can take anything Mega Aerodactyl can throw at them and retaliate with super effective STAB Scalds. Empoleon in particular resists both of Mega Aerodactyl's STAB types and Aqua Tail and takes little from Pursuit, though it has to fear Earthquake.

**Bulky Ground-types**: Bulky Ground-types like Hippowdon and Gliscor can take on the all-out attacking set if it doesn't run Aqua Tail and stall it out with Toxic.

**Bulky Steel-types**: Steel-types resist both of Mega Aerodactyl's STAB types and can retaliate with their own super effective STAB attacks, though most fear Earthquake. Scizor can pick Mega Aerodactyl off with Bullet Punch. Cobalion can survive an Earthquake and KO with Iron Head or All-Out Pummeling or set up a Rock Polish. Doublade takes even Earthquakes reasonably well and can set up a Swords Dance or KO Mega Aerodactyl with Gyro Ball or Iron Head. Forretress can take a Stone Edge with ease and threaten Mega Aerodactyl back with Gyro Ball.

**Fast Choice Scarf Users**: Fast Choice Scarf users can revenge kill Mega Aerodactyl, although some need a bit of prior damage. Options include Terrakion, Infernape, Hydreigon, and Mienshao. Even with a Choice Scarf, Pokemon slower than base 85 Speed fail to outspeed Mega Aerodactyl.

**Priority**: Bullet Punch, Ice Shard, and Aqua Jet all hit Mega Aerodactyl super effectively, and a strong Mach Punch or Vacuum Wave can pick it off once it's weakened. Pokemon like Scizor, Mamoswine, Crawdaunt, and Weavile all have access to super effective priority moves.

**Mega Sharpedo**: Mega Sharpedo can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl after one turn of Speed Boost and proceed to KO.

**Stealth Rock:** Mega Aerodactyl is weak to Stealth Rock, which limits its ability to switch in.
 
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