hi
GP 1/2
Overview
########
Mega Alakazam is an exceptional revenge killer, outspeeding most of the unboosted metagame. However, its poor defensive typing and paper-thin defenses makeAlakazamit extremely susceptible to priority, hampering its effectiveness against offensive teams. Alakazam gains Trace upon Mega Evolution, an ability which allows Alakazamit to revenge kill some of the most dangerous threats in the tier, notably Swift Swim sweepers and Sand Rush Excadrill. It can also be used to stealacquire Sheer Force and Protean to boost its power to even greater levels, acting as a terrifying late-game cleaner.
Mega Alakazam
########
name: Mega Alakazam
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Substitute / Protect
ability: Magic Guard
item: Alakazite
evs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest / Timid
Moves
========
Psychic is Mega Alakazam’s optimal STAB move, as it hits physically defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Vensaur, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon,for greater damageharder. In order to handle Dark- and Steel-types, Focus Blast is a requirused coverage move in the second slot, threatening Tyranitar, Mega Gyarados, Heatran, and Excadrill. Opposing Psychic-types, which would otherwise wall youAlakazam, are threatened by a super effective Shadow Ball, deterring switch-inPsychic-types, such as Mew, Latios, Latias, Mega Gardevoir, and opposing Mega Alakazam, from switching in on Mega Alakazam. In the final moveslot, Mega Alakazam has a number of viable options. Hidden Power Fire is preferred to OHKO Scizor and Ferrothorn, and hit other Steel-types more reliably. However, either Substitute or Protect can be used to ensure Mega Evolution, especially against offensive teams. Substitute shields Mega Alakazam from status and priority, prolonging its longevity, as well as acting as a buffer against possible revenge killers. Protect guarantees that Alakazam will Mega Evolutionve, giving Alakazamit an immediate boost to its Speed and greater general flexibility. It is especially advantageous against rain offense before Mega Evolving, enabling Alakazam to revenge kill Swift Swim sweepers after Mega Evolving and gaining Trace.
Taunt allows Mega Alakazam to shut down Chansey, specially defensive Heatran, Calm Mind Clefable, and entry hazard users. However, naturally strong Pokemon, such as Hippowdon, are able to hurt Alakazam even when Taunted. Additionally, if Pranksterwais copied by Trace, Taunt can prevent Thundurus from crippling youMega Alakazam with Thunder Wave. Hidden Power Ice is a great option to OHKO Landorus, Garchomp Focus Sash-lacking Focus SashGarchomp, specially defensive Gliscor, which avoids the 2HKO from Psychic, and Dragonite, provided Multiscale has been broken. Calm Mind is can optionbe used against balance and more defensive teams, punishing its switch-ins, but Mega Alakazam’'s frailty hampers its ability to set up, and it is still vulnerable to priority and physical attacks. Lastly, Encore helps Alakazam againstdeal with setup sweepers, defensive Pokemon, and Sucker Punch users.
Set Details
========
Full investment and a positive nature252 Special Attack EVs maximize Alakazam’'s Special Attack, and; upon Mega Evolution, its power is equivalent to a Life Orb user with base 123 Special Attack and its Speed is significantly higher. 224 Speed EVs allow Mega Alakazam to outspeed +1 Mega Gyarados, but more EVs can be invested into Speed if not running Hidden Power Fire. Magic Guard is the preferred ability, enabling Alakazam to switch into entry hazards without taking damage before Mega Evolving. Alakazite is needed to achieve Mega Evolution, boosting Alakazam’s Special Attack and Speed to incredible levels. As the increase in power is more beneficial when wallbreaking, and base 150 Speed is often enough, Modest is the preferred nature to maximize Mega Alakazam's damage output. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed Adamant Mega Aerodactyl, Mega Manectric, Adamant Choice Scarf Landorus-T, and Timid Choice Scarf Heatran. When using a Timid nature, 224 Speed EVs should be used to outspeed Scarf Tyranitar and Pokemon with base 115s Speed before Mega Evolution. Protect is less effective on a Timid Alakazam, as it is able to outspeed most of the metagame even before Mega Evolving.
Usage Tips
========
It is imperative to consider Mega Alakazam's frailty both before and after Mega Evolution, and it should Mega Evolve as soon as possible in order to receive Trace and the Speed needed to revenge kill effectively. As such, it should only be brought in after a teammate has beenknockKOed out or on an obvious switch by the opponent. Before Mega Evolution, Magic Guard allows Alakazam to switch into entry hazards, so Defog or Rapid Spin support is not a necessity. Alakazam’'s primary role is to act as a revenge killer, and Trace allows Alakazam to accomplish this in a unique manner, enabling Alakazam to revenge kill Swift Swim sweepers, as well as Sand Rush Excadrill. Additionally, Trace can be used to handle Calm Mind Clefable, as Unaware ignores accumulated boosts. Heatran sets lacking Earth Power are completely shut down by Taunt. However, it is only necessary to use Taunt when Heatran is switching into Heatran to prevent the use of Taunt and Roar; when switching into Alakazam, Heatran aims towill be attacking directly. Thundurus and Greninja are two other notable threats that Alakazam is able to handle thanks to Trace, copying Prankster and Protean, respectively. While Alakazam is best used as a revenge killer, it has sufficient power and Speed to act as a late-game cleaner, especially against unprepared teams lacking priority.
Team Options
========
Strong wallbreakers, such as Landorus, Diggersby, and Crawdaunt, are important teammates for Alakazam, as they are able to cripple or check Chansey and Jirachi, while Terrakion is notable for its access to both Stealth Rock and Swords Dance, making it one of Alakazam's best partners. Chansey, one of Alakazam’'s top counters, is best handled by powerful Fighting-types, includingsuch as Breloom and Keldeo. Entry hazards are important forto scoringe crucial KOs, especially sincbecause Alakazam cannot afford to take a hit back. As neither Latias nor Latios are KOed by Shadow Ball without significant prior damage beforehand, Pursuit Bisharp is a viable teammate, as is Tyranitar, which can lay down Stealth Rock, Pursuit trap Psychic- and Ghost-types, and handle priority from Talonflame. Pokemon that are able to withstand common priority users are essential teammates, so Heatran, which checks Talonflame, Scizor, and Bisharp, and Amoonguss, one of the few Pokemon that can tank Azumarill’'s Aqua Jet, are valuable partners to Mega Alakazam.
Revenge Killer
########
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunder Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
ability: Magic Guard
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Generally outdamaging Psyshock, Psychic is chosen as theobligational STAB move. Focus Blast provides necessary coverage against Dark-types, which are immune to Psychic, and Steel-types, which resist Psychic, whereas Shadow Ball hits Psychic-types that, which resist both Psychic and Fighting. Thunder Wave is the optimal choice in the final moveslot, as, in tandem with Focus Sash, it enables Alakazam to cripple dangerous sweepers, such as Mega Charizard X and other Dragon Dance users, that would otherwise outspeed Alakazam. However, depending on what threatens your team most, Alakazam can also utilize either Hidden Power Ice or Hidden Power Fire over Thunder Wave. Hidden Power Ice OHKOes both of the Landorus, Landorus-T formes, Garchomp, Dragonite, provided Multiscale is broken, and other Pokemon 4x weak to Ice. For additional and more reliable coverage against Steel-types, Hidden Power Fire can be used, especialnotably to hitting Ferrothorn and Scizor harder than Focus Blast does.
Set Details
========
Both252 Special Attack and Speed EVs are maximized to allow Alakazam to act as a revenge killer, and a Timid nature lets Alakazam outspeed most threats Choice Scarf-lacking Choice Scarfthreats. Magic Guard protects Alakazam from all forms of residual damage, allowing its Focus Sash to stay preserved even against sand and entry hazard damage. Focus Sash is the preferred item, guaranteeing at least one hit on the opponentfoe if it is intact. Due to its Speed, Alakazam is often able to get off a second hit, provided it is not facing a Choice Scarf Pokemonuser.
Usage Tips
========
Due to its frailty, Alakazam is unable to switch intothe weakemost of attacks, and should therefore should only be brought in after a teammate has fainted. Additionally, this serves to preserve Alakazam’s Focus Sash, and thanks to Magic Guard, Alakazam can switch freelis not affected by into Stealth Rock and othery hazards. Unlike most revenge killers, Alakazam can be brought in against faster threats it can OHKO, as Focus Sash guarantees that it will survive a hit. Prior damage is often needed to score OHKOs, so entry hazard support is appreciated, but the nature of Focus Sash somewhat mitigates this requirement. When facing a Pokemon that outspeeds Alakazam and cannot be OHKOed by it, Thunder Wave can be used to cripple the opponentfoe, allowing a teammate to finish it off.
Team Options
========
Without Mega Evolving, Alakazam sees a significant drop in power, so more Dark-types threaten Alakazam,somaking Breloom, Keldeo, and Conkledurr are top choices whengood teambuildingmates. Stealth Rock and other entry hazards are also greatly appreciated, allowing Alakazam to OHKO a greater number of threats. Terrakion is a great teammate, with access to both Stealth Rock and STAB Close Combat to hammer Chansey and other common counters to Alakazam. Pursuit trappers, such as Tyranitar and Bisharp, are also required to take on Latios, Latias, and other bulky Psychic-types.
Other Options
########
While Psychic is the preferred STAB move, Psyshock can be used in conjunction with Taunt to defeat Chansey, one of Alakazam's top counters. When carrying either Substitute or Protect, Disable works well on Mega Alakazam, but requiresyouit to forego important coverage. Grass Knot allows youMega Alakazam to reliably handle Gyarados, as it OOHKOing and 2HKOesing Mega Gyarados and 2HKOes Gyarados, respectively, helping with the "Psychic vs. Focus Blast" mind games. Grass Knot lets Alakazam OHKO both Omastar and Kabutops without having to resort to Focus Blast, as well as Greninja followingafter Stealth Rock and one round of Life Orb Ddamage. Grass Knot also 2HKOes Tyranitar, specially defensive Hippowdon, and Calm Mind Suicune, provided Suicune uses Calm Mind on the first turn. Future Sight can be used to put pressure on some of Alakazam’'s usual switch-ins, as in tandem with powerful teammates, Alakazam’'s hard counters often fail to avoid the 2HKO. Finally, Dazzling Gleam threatens Dragon-types, most notably Swift Swim Kingdra.
Checks & Counters
########
**Special Walls**: Chansey is able to wall both of Mega Alakazam's sets due to her high Special Defense and access to recovery, but Alakazam variants carrying Taunt can harass Chansey. Specially defensive Hippowdon is able to switch into Alakazam, survive the second hit, and respond with a strong Earthquake, even when uninvested. Specially defensive Jirachi is only 3HKOed by Shadow Ball, while in return, Iron Head is a 2HKO in returnes Mega Alakazam. Barely scratched by any of Alakazam's moves, specially defensive Togekiss can cripple it with Thunder Wave. Assault Vest Azumarill avoids the 2HKO and KOes Alakazam in return, as does Alomomola, whoich can then Toxic Alakazam in return. Cresselia comfortably tanks all of Alakazam's moves, crippling it with either Toxic or Thunder Wave.
**Dark-types**: Bisharp can threaten Alakazam with both priority Sucker Punch and Pursuit,but cannot switch intomust beware of Focus Blast. Sableye is notable as it, only fearsing the rare Dazzling Gleam, being immune to Psychic and taking little damage from Shadow Ball. Mandibuzz, a bulky threat, is able to avoid the 2HKO from Alakazam and KO back with either Foul Play or Knock Off.
**Priority Attacks**: Due to its poor typing and general frailty, especially on the physical side, priority is the most efficient way of dealing with Alakazam. Talonflame is able to OHKO Alakazam with Brave Bird, and Mega Scizor fears only Hidden Power Fire, and can respond with a powerful Bullet Punch. Mega Pinsir needs only a little prior damage or a broken Focus Sash to pick off Alakazam, and Bisharp is able to utilize its STAB Sucker Punch against Alakazam once itihas safelywitched in.
########
Mega Alakazam is an exceptional revenge killer, outspeeding most of the unboosted metagame. However, its poor defensive typing and paper-thin defenses make
Mega Alakazam
########
name: Mega Alakazam
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Substitute / Protect
ability: Magic Guard
item: Alakazite
evs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
nature: Modest / Timid
Moves
========
Psychic is Mega Alakazam’s optimal STAB move, as it hits physically defensive Pokemon, such as Mega Vensaur, Landorus-T, and Hippowdon,
Taunt allows Mega Alakazam to shut down Chansey, specially defensive Heatran, Calm Mind Clefable, and entry hazard users. However, naturally strong Pokemon, such as Hippowdon, are able to hurt Alakazam even when Taunted. Additionally, if Prankster
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
It is imperative to consider Mega Alakazam's frailty both before and after Mega Evolution, and it should Mega Evolve as soon as possible in order to receive Trace and the Speed needed to revenge kill effectively. As such, it should only be brought in after a teammate has been
Team Options
========
Strong wallbreakers, such as Landorus, Diggersby, and Crawdaunt, are important teammates for Alakazam, as they are able to cripple or check Chansey and Jirachi, while Terrakion is notable for its access to both Stealth Rock and Swords Dance, making it one of Alakazam's best partners. Chansey, one of Alakazam
Revenge Killer
########
name: Revenge Killer
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Focus Blast
move 3: Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunder Wave / Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Fire
ability: Magic Guard
item: Focus Sash
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Timid
Moves
========
Generally outdamaging Psyshock, Psychic is chosen as the
Set Details
========
Usage Tips
========
Due to its frailty, Alakazam is unable to switch into
Team Options
========
Without Mega Evolving, Alakazam sees a significant drop in power, so more Dark-types threaten Alakazam,
Other Options
########
While Psychic is the preferred STAB move, Psyshock can be used in conjunction with Taunt to defeat Chansey, one of Alakazam's top counters. When carrying either Substitute or Protect, Disable works well on Mega Alakazam, but requires
Checks & Counters
########
**Special Walls**: Chansey is able to wall both of Mega Alakazam's sets due to her high Special Defense and access to recovery, but Alakazam variants carrying Taunt can harass Chansey. Specially defensive Hippowdon is able to switch into Alakazam, survive the second hit, and respond with a strong Earthquake
**Dark-types**: Bisharp can threaten Alakazam with both priority Sucker Punch and Pursuit,
**Priority Attacks**: Due to its poor typing and general frailty, especially on the physical side, priority is the most efficient way of dealing with Alakazam. Talonflame is able to OHKO Alakazam with Brave Bird, and Mega Scizor fears only Hidden Power Fire, and can respond with a powerful Bullet Punch. Mega Pinsir needs only a little prior damage or a broken Focus Sash to pick off Alakazam, and Bisharp is able to utilize its STAB Sucker Punch against Alakazam once it
Last edited:
