PH Broken Gyarados [Done]

[aerobee]

[SET]
name: Pursuit Trapper
move 1: Pursuit
move 2: Trick-or-Treat / Gastro Acid / Sucker Punch / Spore
move 3: Knock Off / Sucker Punch
move 4: Water Shuriken
item: Lum Berry / Dread Plate
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
in-battle alt: Mega

[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to its ludicrously powerful Huge Power-boosted attacks, solid overall bulk, potential mind games with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, and ability to threaten Shell Smash Primal Groudon with STAB Water Shuriken, Mega Gyarados is arguably the best revenge killer in the format. Pursuit is its most important move, notably threatening Giratina, and it potentially traps many Mold Breaker users that Mega Gyarados can survive a hit from; it heavily damages or OHKOes Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Dialga. Trick-or-Treat is an incredible tool for Mega Gyarados, making most Wonder Guard users weak to Pursuit and Sucker Punch to often outright remove them. Alternatively, Gastro Acid threatens Wonder Guard Mega Sableye and Xerneas reliant on Leftovers for recovery due to the threat of Knock Off; Gastro Acid also is passed by Baton Pass, and it threatens frail Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers like Mega Gardevoir and Mega Lucario, removing their immunity to Water Shuriken. However, Gastro Acid sacrifices some key KOs compared to Trick-or-Treat, like against Primal Kyogre and Slaking. Spore incapacitates Primal Groudon using King's Shield and Wonder Guard or Shadow Tag switch-ins, and it is rarely blocked due to the move's targets usually forgoing Safety Goggles. Mega Gyarados can also forgo running a utility move for an all-out attacker set with both Sucker Punch and Knock Off. Knock Off is a ridiculously powerful STAB attack that OHKOes Giratina and most neutral Pokemon and it severely chips extremely bulky sweepers like Primal Groudon and Fairy-types like Mega Diancie and Xerneas. Alternatively, Sucker Punch creates mind games against offensive Shadow Tag users can that survive Water Shuriken but not Sucker Punch after minimal damage, like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Rayquaza. Finally, Water Shuriken sets Mega Gyarados apart from other Huge Power Dark-types, allowing it to threaten Primal Groudon and Mold Breaker Mega Diancie; it also breaks through Focus Sash, threatening extremely frail offensive Pokemon like Deoxys-A. Lum Berry prevents status from foes Mega Gyarados wants to Pursuit trap, like Giratina and Mold Breaker Mega Gengar, while Dread Plate enables key KOs, including Giratina with Pursuit after Stealth Rock, as well as Mega Mewtwo X and Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza with Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Investment in HP optimizes Mega Gyarados's overall bulk, avoiding the 2HKO from Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave.

Mega Gyarados works best on teams that only have room for one revenge killer and have teammates that lure in threats it can Pursuit trap. Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas fairly easily lures in the most significant of said threats, Primal Groudon, making it an amazing partner. Mega Gyarados also appreciates Xerneas passing Substitutes to it, giving it more chances to threaten opposing Wonder Guard users with Trick-or-Treat or Gastro Acid, particularly if it lacks Lum Berry. Mega Gyarados threatens the largest threats to the ubiquitous core of Giratina, Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, and Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas, those being Mega Gengar and Mega Latios, though it struggles to consistently check the latter without Sucker Punch and careful play. Mega Gyarados also assists Giratina as a secondary check to Primal Groudon, as it can revenge kill Primal Groudon if Giratina is overwhelmed by disruption moves like Dark Void, Spore, and Taunt. In return, Giratina checks most Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, which Mega Gyarados can't reliably threaten. Mega Gyarados also works well on teams with two Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X, as it can threaten Wonder Guard users weak to Dark for them, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Cresselia, and Dusclops, and opposing sweepers that can force Mega Mewtwo X out, like Mega Gengar and Mold Breaker Mega Mewtwo Y. It's alsovaluable alongside Protean Mega Latios or Mega Mewtwo Y because trapping Dark-weak Wonder Guard users, like minimum Speed Cresselia, Dusclops, and Mega Mewtwo Y lacking Baton Pass, allows these teammates to forgo coverage for them in favor of other threats. As Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most common switch-in to Mega Gyarados, Pokemon that take advantage of it coming in, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar with Poison-type coverage, and Dialga with Steel-type coverage, are great teammates. Because Mega Gyarados is prone to entry hazards and opposing Pursuit users wearing it down over a game, Magic Bounce users, like Giratina, Yveltal, and rarer options in Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, are good partners. Finally, because Mega Gyarados dislikes burns, defensive Wonder Guard users are great teammates, especially ones that utilize Aromatherapy well like Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Mega Scizor, and especially if Mega Gyarados forgoes Lum Berry.

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

Iron Head allows Mega Gyarados running Trick-or-Treat to threaten its most common switch-ins in Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former; however, its normal options are generally superior. Poison Jab is a very niche option on Gastro Acid sets that functions similarly to Iron Head, but also has a chance to poison foes, which can help create mind games. Stealth Rock is a niche option that capitalizes on Mega Gyarados's ability to force in Wonder Guard users. Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web are options, but extremely niche and generally outclassed by Stealth Rock on Mega Gyarados. Parting Shot retains momentum when the opponent switches, though an incorrect prediction can prove disastrous. Dark Void is an option over Spore to affect occasional Safety Goggles + Wonder Guard users, though Spore is generally preferred due to its perfect accuracy. Coverage moves like Fusion Bolt, Sacred Fire, Close Combat, and Thousand Arrows could be run to immediately threaten certain Wonder Guard users not weak to Dark or Water. Shed Shell is niche to escape Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, which can be paired with Primal Groudon. Leftovers is another option that increases Mega Gyarados's longevity, but since the item reveals itself, it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to sleep from setup sweepers or burn from Prankster Giratina with Will-O-Wisp. Also, Mega Gyarados's listed items are generally very valuable. An alternative EV spread of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe outspeeds Baton Pass Cresselia, and 180 HP / 252 Atk / 76 Spe outspeeds Magic Bounce Giratina and Meloetta not running minimum Speed, allowing Mega Gyarados to better check them. However, both spreads leave Mega Gyarados vulnerable to being OHKOed by Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave.

Mega Gyarados can also run a Poison Heal set with 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD and a Calm or Careful nature, allowing it to check a wide variety of Mold Breaker users when healthy; it enjoys spreading status with Will-O-Wisp or Psycho Shift, threatening Mold Breaker Shell Smash sweepers with Foul Play, and using a plethora of possible utility moves like Spiky Shield, King's Shield, Recover, Knock Off, and Stealth Rock. However, this set struggles to compete with the likes of Poison Heal Primal Kyogre and Magic Guard Ho-Oh as status-immune checks to Mold Breaker users, is prone to Choice item + Mold Breaker users powering through it, and is forced out by Mold Breaker Mega Diancie, Xerneas, and Wonder Guard Mega Gardevoir. Mega Gyarados can also run an offensive Mold Breaker set with Shell Smash, Beat Up or Knock Off, Crabhammer, and a utility move. Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados differentiates itself from Mega Tyranitar with its STAB Crabhammer and generally better defensive typing, granting it a better matchup against Huge Power Mega Gyarados, and from Wonder Guard Mega Gyarados with item freedom. However, lacking Mega Tyranitar's superior physical bulk leaves Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados more vulnerable to Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, Pixilate Mega Diancie, and, in a one-on-one situation, Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza.

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

**Wonder Guard Xerneas**: Wonder Guard Xerneas, especially Substitute + Baton Pass variants, can come in on Mega Gyarados lacking rare Steel- or Poison-type coverage with relative ease, threatening it with Moonblast. However, Xerneas variants not running Recover must be wary of losing its Leftovers to Knock Off.

**Priority Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers with priority moves like Huge Power Regigigas and Slaking, Shadow Tag Regigigas, and Pixilate Mega Diancie can avoid Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch or Water Shuriken by moving first. However, most revenge killers are unable to switch in safely and need team support to get in.

**Status Users**: While Lum Berry is standard to circumvent this issue for much of the battle, status ailments are nevertheless an issue for Mega Gyarados, with burn from Will-O-Wisp especially hampering its revenge killing.

**Shadow Tag Users**: Offensive Shadow Tag users all threaten a weakened Mega Gyarados, and Mega Mewtwo X outright OHKOes it with a Choice Band-boosted Drain Punch. However, Mega Mewtwo X has a chance to get OHKOed by Sucker Punch without defensive EVs and is always OHKOed by Dread Plate-boosted Sucker Punch.

**Prankster + Destiny Bond**: Prankster + Destiny Bond users, most notably Giratina, can remove Mega Gyarados, making it easier for an offensive teammate such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios to set up and sweep.

**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can transform into Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. However, Choice Scarf variants must be wary of Knock Off, as then Chansey can't reliably outspeed and revenge kill boosted threats.

**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Offensive Wonder Guard users not weak to Mega Gyarados's STAB moves, such as Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, cannot be revenge killed by Mega Gyarados and can switch into it without much difficulty. However, Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers must often be careful to avoid Knock Off—after Gastro Acid or Trick-or-Treat—ifthe coverage or Imposter-proofing from said item is useful in a particular matchup.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[Daylight, 562267], [berry, 226455], [NToTheN, 569731]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866], [Adeleine, 517429]]

 

[Daylight]

I’m not actually QC so you can obviously ignore this. But I did read it thoroughly (it’s very thorough and well written btw) and I just noticed some stuff I wanted to comment on.

[SET]
name: Pursuit Trapper
move 1: Trick-or-Treat / Gastro Acid / Sucker Punch
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Knock Off / Sucker Punch
move 4: Water Shuriken
item: Lum Berry / Dread Plate
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
in-battle alt: Mega

[SET COMMENTS]
Huge Power Mega Gyarados is the best revenge-killer in the metagame, due Thanks to its ludicrously powerful Huge Power-boosted attacks, solid overall bulk, ability to force 50-50s with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, and ability having STAB Water Shuriken to threaten the bulkiest Mold Breaker Shell Smash sweeper in Primal Groudon with STAB Water Shuriken, Huge Power Mega Gyarados is arguably the best revenge killer in the format. Trick-or-Treat puts incredible pressure on the opposing Pokemon when paired with Pursuit, as much of the time there isn't a safe switch-in to Mega Gyarados - most Wonder Guard users are susceptible to being removed Trick-or-Treat is used. This is just put in a way that’s confusing. I would say something like… Trick-or-Treat is an incredible tool for Mega Gyarados, allowing Mega Gyarados to force 50/50s against (or even outright remove) most opposing Wonder Guards users. Alternatively, Gastro Acid is an option that can similarly threatens Wonder Guard Xerneas, Mega Audino, and Mega Sableye, while also being Baton Passed; however, the lack of an added Ghost-type on the opposing Pokemon means that Mega Gyarados's attack will not OHKO it as often. Sucker Punch can also be used in the first moveslot, as a Mega Gyarados can pose even more of an immediate threat with a four-attack set. Pursuit is possibly the most crucial move to Mega Gyarados's ability to pose a threat success, notably endangering threatening opposing Giratina, as well as heavily damage damaging or OHKOing Mold Breaker users that Mega Gyarados can survive a hit from, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Dialga. Knock Off is a ridiculously powerful STAB attack when Huge Power is taken into account; it OHKOes opposing Giratina and most neutral Pokemon, while severely chipping extremely bulky sweepers like Primal Groudon and resists like Mega Diancie and Xerneas. Sucker Punch is another option for the third moveslot, as against foes that don't resist Water Shuriken it, Sucker Punch, and Pursuit will suffice as moves that force mindgames every time Mega Gyarados comes in. Alternatively, Knock Off can be forgone for Sucker Punch, which gives it a better matchup against foes that resist Water Shuriken. You could mention how forgoing Knock Off can make it harder to force 50 / 50s especially versus mons like Giratina. Finally, Water Shuriken is what sets Mega Gyarados apart from other Huge Power Dark-types, allowing it to threatening Primal Groudon and Mold Breaker Mega Diancie; it also breaks Focus Sash, threatening extremely frail offensive Pokemon like Deoxys-Attack. Lum Berry increases the number of times Mega Gyarados can come in on Pokemon it's intended to Pursuit trap, like Giratina and Mold Breaker Mega Gengar, while Dread Plate allows Mega Gyarados to achieve key KOs, including Giratina with Pursuit after Stealth Rock, as well as Mega Mewtwo X and Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza with Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Investment in HP maximizes Mega Gyarados's overall bulk, avoiding the 2HKO from Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave; maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature makes Mega Gyarados's hit as hard as possible.

Mega Gyarados works best on teams that only have room for one revenge-killer, and it works best with teammates that lure threats that it can Pursuit trap. The most significant of said threats, Primal Groudon, is fairly easily lured in by SubPass Xerneas, making it an amazing partner. Xerneas can also pass Substitutes to Mega Gyarados with Trick-or-Treat or Gastro Acid if it lacks a Lum Berry, allowing it chances to threaten most opposing Wonder Guard users. Mega Gyarados also appreciates Xerneas’ ability to Baton Pass Substitutes to it, giving it more chances to threaten opposing Wonder Guards users with Trick-or-Treat or Gastro Acid, particularly if it lacks Lum Berry. Just clarifying Mega Gyarados works very well with the ubiquitous 3-Pokemon core of Giratina, Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, and SubPass Xerneas, as it threatens the largest threats to this core in Mega Gengar and Mega Latios, though it struggles to consistently check the latter without Sucker Punch and careful play. Mega Gyarados also assists Giratina as a secondary check to Primal Groudon, for when Giratina is overwhelmed due to disruption like Dark Void, Spore, or Taunt. In return, Giratina checks most Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, which Mega Gyarados is unable to reliably threaten. Mega Gyarados also works well on teams relying on two Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X, as it can threaten Wonder Guard users weak to Dark-type attacks, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Cresselia, and Dusclops, while also threatening opposing sweepers that can force Mega Mewtwo X out, like Mega Gengar and Mold Breaker Mega Mewtwo Y. It's also a valuable partner for teams relying on Protean Mega Latios or Mega Mewtwo Y to dish out damage, as trapping Dark-weak Wonder Guard users virtually eliminates the need to prepare for said Wonder Guard users. As Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most common switch-in to Mega Gyarados, Pokemon that take advantage of it coming in, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar with Poison-type coverage, and Dialga with Steel-type coverage, are great teammates. Because Mega Gyarados is prone to getting worn down by hazards and opposing Pursuit users over the course of a game, Magic Bounce users, like Giratina, Yveltal, and rarer options in Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, are good partners. Finally, valuable on virtually every team, defensive Wonder Guard users, like Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Mega Scizor, are great teammates. You could specifically mention that support Wonder Guards can provide Aromatherapy support as Gyarados really dislikes Burn and Sleep, especially if it’s opting to forgo Lum Berry for Dread Plate or a different item.

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

Iron Head is an option that allows Mega Gyarados running Trick-or-Treat to threaten its most common switch-ins in Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former; however, the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Water Shuriken, Knock Off, Pursuit, or Sucker Punch is often too high to consider using it. Stealth Rock is a niche option that capitalizes on Mega Gyarados's ability to force in Wonder Guard users in in the majority of instances, but the role of a Stealth Rock setter is usually relegated to one of Mega Gyarados's best partners in Wonder Guard Xerneas. Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web are alternative also options, but are extremely niche and generally outclassed by Stealth Rock as an entry hazard on Mega Gyarados. Parting Shot can be used to retain momentum when the opponent switches, though an incorrect predict can prove disastrous and the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Mega Gyarados's main moves is very high. Leftovers is an option to increase Mega Gyarados's longevity, but as the item reveals itself running it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to being put asleep by opposing setup sweepers, or Burned by Prankster Giratina with Will-O-Wisp. An alternative spread of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used to speedcreep Baton Pass Cresselia running a neutral Speed nature, but this gives Modest Mega Gengar a chance to OHKO Mega Gyarados with a boosted Sludge Wave.

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

**Status Users**: While Lum Berry is usually used to circumvent this issue for much of the battle, status ailments, especially Will-O-Wisp, is nevertheless an issue for Mega Gyarados, as it is heavily dependent on Huge Power-boosted attacks to revenge-kill opposing threats.

**Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X**: While offensive Shadow Tag users all pose a threat to a weakened Mega Gyarados, Mega Mewtwo X is a particularly good Shadow Tag user to trap and KO it, as a Choice Band-boosted Drain Punch OHKOes Mega Gyarados. However, Mega Mewtwo X has a chance to get OHKOed by Sucker Punch without defensive investment, and is always OHKOed by Dread Plate-boosted Sucker Punch.

**Prankster Destiny Bond**: Prankster Destiny Bond users, the most notable of them being Giratina, can remove Mega Gyarados, making it easier for an offensive teammate, such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios, to set up and sweep.

**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can Transform into Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game, and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. However, Choice Scarf variants must be wary of having their item removed by Knock Off, as then Chansey can't reliably outspeed and revenge-kill boosted threats when Transformed.

**Chip Damage**: Damage from hazards, Giratina's Curse, and chip from opposing sweepers damaging it when it switches in can wear Mega Gyarados down over the course of a battle.

You could mention Wonder Guard Xerneas here as a check as it does usually force Gyarados out and can take a hit even when afflicted with Gastro Acid. Some of the better Wonder Guard Smashers also do pretty decently well into Gyarados—both Lucario and Gardevoir OHKO after minimal chip.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

 

[berry]

[SET]
name: Pursuit Trapper
move 1: Trick-or-Treat / Gastro Acid / Sucker Punch
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Knock Off / Sucker Punch
move 4: Water Shuriken
item: Lum Berry / Dread Plate
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
in-battle alt: Mega

[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to its ludicrously powerful Huge Power-boosted attacks, solid overall bulk, ability to force 50-50s with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, and STAB Water Shuriken to threaten the most threatening Shell Smash sweeper in Primal Groudon, Huge Power Mega Gyarados is arguably the best revenge killer in the format. Trick-or-Treat is an incredible tool for Mega Gyarados, allowing Mega Gyarados it to force 50-50s against, and often outright remove, most opposing Wonder Guard users. Alternatively, Gastro Acid is an option that similarly poses a threat to Wonder Guard Xerneas, Mega Audino, and Mega Sableye, while with the effect also being Baton Passed; however, the lack of an added Ghost-type on the opposing Pokemon means that Mega Gyarados's attack will not OHKO as often attacks may come short of OHKOing opponents. Sucker Punch can also be used in the first moveslot, as Mega Gyarados can pose even more of an immediate threat with a four-attack set. Pursuit is arguably the most important move for Mega Gyarados's success, notably threatening opposing Giratina, as well as heavily damaging or OHKOing Mold Breaker users that Mega Gyarados can survive a hit from, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Dialga. Knock Off is a ridiculously powerful STAB attack when Huge Power is taken into account; it OHKOes opposing OHKOing Giratina and most neutral Pokemon, while severely chipping extremely bulky sweepers like Primal Groudon and resists like Mega Diancie and Xerneas. Alternatively Knock Off can be forgone for Sucker Punch, allowing for additional 50-50s against sweepers resisting Water Shuriken and heavy damage, or even OHKOs, against offensive Shadow Tag users. Finally, Water Shuriken is what sets Mega Gyarados apart from other Huge Power Dark-types, allowing it to threaten Primal Groudon and Mold Breaker Mega Diancie; it also breaks Focus Sash, threatening extremely frail offensive Pokemon like Deoxys-Attack. Lum Berry increases the number of times Mega Gyarados can come in on Pokemon it's intended to Pursuit trap, like Giratina and Mold Breaker Mega Gengar, while Dread Plate allows Mega Gyarados to achieve key KOs, including Giratina with Pursuit after Stealth Rock, as well as Mega Mewtwo X and Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza with Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Investment in HP maximizes Mega Gyarados's overall bulk, avoiding the 2HKO from Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave; maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature makes Mega Gyarados's hit as hard as possible.

Mega Gyarados works best on teams that only have room for one revenge-killer, and it works best with teammates that lure threats that it can Pursuit trap. The most significant of said threats, Primal Groudon, is fairly easily lured in by SubPass Xerneas, making it an amazing partner. Mega Gyarados also appreciates Xerneas’ ability to Baton Pass Substitutes to it, giving it more chances to threaten opposing Wonder Guards users with Trick-or-Treat or Gastro Acid, particularly if it lacks Lum Berry. Mega Gyarados works very well with the ubiquitous 3-Pokemon core of Giratina, Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, and SubPass Xerneas, as it threatens the largest threats to this core in Mega Gengar and Mega Latios, though it struggles to consistently check the latter without Sucker Punch and careful play. Mega Gyarados also assists Giratina as a secondary check to Primal Groudon, for when Giratina is overwhelmed due to disruption like Dark Void, Spore, or Taunt. In return, Giratina checks most Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, which Mega Gyarados is unable to reliably threaten. Mega Gyarados also works well on teams relying on two Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X, as it can threaten Wonder Guard users weak to Dark-type attacks, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Cresselia, and Dusclops, while also threatening opposing sweepers that can force Mega Mewtwo X out, like Mega Gengar and Mold Breaker Mega Mewtwo Y. It's also a valuable partner for teams relying on Protean Mega Latios or Mega Mewtwo Y to dish out damage, as trapping Dark-weak Wonder Guard users virtually eliminates the need to prepare for said Wonder Guard users. makes it easier for these special attackers to sweep in the endgame. i just didn't like the way this line sounded, if what I said is inaccurate try and find another way of stating what u said As Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most common switch-in to Mega Gyarados, Pokemon that take advantage of it coming in, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar with Poison-type coverage, and Dialga with Steel-type coverage, are great teammates. Because Mega Gyarados is prone to getting worn down by hazards and opposing Pursuit users over the course of a game, Magic Bounce users, like Giratina, Yveltal, and rarer options in Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, are good partners. Finally, because Mega Gyarados dislikes getting inflicted with Burn, Paralysis, or Sleep every mon hates getting statused, but gyara is specifically weak to burn (read below). Maybe reconsider mentioning these specifically , defensive Wonder Guard users, especially ones that utilize Aromatherapy well, like Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Mega Scizor, are great teammates, especially if Mega Gyarados opts to run a different item than Lum Berry.

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

Iron Head is an option that allows Mega Gyarados running Trick-or-Treat to threaten its most common switch-ins in Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former; however, the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Water Shuriken, Knock Off, Pursuit, or Sucker Punch is often too high to consider using it. Stealth Rock is a niche option that capitalizes on Mega Gyarados's ability to force Wonder Guard users in in the majority of instances, but the role of a Stealth Rock setter is usually relegated to one of Mega Gyarados's best partners in Wonder Guard Xerneas. Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web are options, but are extremely niche and generally outclassed by Stealth Rock as an entry hazard on Mega Gyarados. Parting Shot can be used to retain momentum when the opponent switches, though an incorrect predict can prove disastrous and the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Mega Gyarados's main moves is very high. Leftovers is an option to increase Mega Gyarados's longevity, but as the item reveals itself running it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to being put asleep by opposing setup sweepers, or Burned by Prankster Giratina with Will-O-Wisp. An alternative spread of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used to speedcreep Baton Pass Cresselia running a neutral Speed nature, but this gives Modest Mega Gengar a chance to OHKO Mega Gyarados with a boosted Sludge Wave.

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

**Wonder Guard Xerneas**: Wonder Guard Xerneas, especially SubPass variants, can come in on Mega Gyarados lacking rare Steel-type coverage with relative ease, and threatens Mega Gyarados threatening it with Moonblast. However, Xerneas variants not running Recover must be wary of having its Leftovers removed.

**Status Users**: While Lum Berry is usually used to circumvent this issue for much of the battle, status ailments, especially Will-O-Wisp, is nevertheless an issue for Mega Gyarados, as it is heavily dependent on Huge Power-boosted attacks to revenge-kill opposing threats. I would change this to burn-inducing moves as being weak to status isn't unique to just gyara, but burn specifically halves its damage output and shuts down its physical prowess.

**Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X**: While offensive Shadow Tag users all pose a threat to a weakened Mega Gyarados, Mega Mewtwo X is a particularly good Shadow Tag user to trap and KO it, as a Choice Band-boosted Drain Punch OHKOes Mega Gyarados. However, Mega Mewtwo X has a chance to get OHKOed by Sucker Punch without defensive investment, and is always OHKOed by Dread Plate-boosted Sucker Punch.

**Prankster Destiny Bond**: Prankster Destiny Bond users, the most notable of them being Giratina, can remove Mega Gyarados, making it easier for an offensive teammate, such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios, to set up and sweep.

**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can Transform into Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game, and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. However, Choice Scarf variants must be wary of having their item removed by Knock Off, as then Chansey can't reliably outspeed and revenge-kill boosted threats when Transformed.

**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Offensive Wonder Guard users not weak to Mega Gyarados’s STAB moves, such as Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, cannot be revenged by Mega Gyarados and can come into it without much difficulty. However, Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers must often be careful to not have their item removed, through Gastro Acid into Knock Off, if the coverage or Imooster-proofing allowed for by said item is useful in a particular matchup.

**Chip Damage**: Damage from hazards, Giratina's Curse, and chip from opposing sweepers damaging it when it switches in can wear Mega Gyarados down over the course of a battle. again, this isn't something that mega gyara is uniquely weak to, and you mention bouncers to mitigate this in the upper section. If anything, add a mention of wish for healing in the teammates section, but I wouldn't include this here

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[username1, userid1], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

great job, 1/2
[berry, 226455]

e: didn't realize u might've been in the middle of adding some stuff daylight suggested, just pm me on discord if i need to redo or change anything about this rr#9863

 

[NToTheN]

remove, add, comment

[SET]
name: Pursuit Trapper
move 1: Trick-or-Treat / Gastro Acid / Sucker Punch
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Knock Off / Sucker Punch
move 4: Water Shuriken
item: Lum Berry / Dread Plate
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
in-battle alt: Mega

[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to its ludicrously powerful Huge Power-boosted attacks, solid overall bulk, ability to force 50-50s with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, and STAB Water Shuriken to threaten the most threatening Shell Smash sweeper in Primal Groudon, Huge Power Mega Gyarados is arguably the best revenge killer in the format. Trick-or-Treat is an incredible tool for Mega Gyarados, allowing it to force 50-50s against, and often outright remove, most opposing Wonder Guard users. Alternatively, Gastro Acid is an option that poses a threat to, on top of what Trick-or-Treat affects, Wonder Guard Xerneas, Mega Audino, and this is optional but xern and audi arent threatened that much by mgyara even with their ability removed. xern especially. Mega Sableye, with the effect also being Baton Passed; however, the lack of an added Ghost-type on the opposing Pokemon means that Mega Gyarados's attacks may come short of OHKOing opponents. you could mention that gastro acid allows water shuriken to hit, letting it force 50/50s on things like mega gardevoir and mega lucario. Sucker Punch can also be used in the first moveslot, as Mega Gyarados can pose even more of an immediate threat with a four-attack set. Pursuit is arguably the most important move for Mega Gyarados's success, notably threatening Giratina, as well as heavily damaging or OHKOing Mold Breaker users that Mega Gyarados can survive a hit from, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Dialga. Knock Off is a ridiculously powerful STAB attack when Huge Power is taken into account; OHKOing Giratina and most neutral Pokemon, while severely chipping extremely bulky sweepers like Primal Groudon and resists like Mega Diancie and Xerneas. Alternatively Knock Off can be forgone for Sucker Punch, allowing for additional 50-50s against sweepers resisting Water Shuriken and heavy damage, or even OHKOs, against offensive Shadow Tag users. Finally, Water Shuriken sets Mega Gyarados apart from other Huge Power Dark-types, allowing it to threaten Primal Groudon and Mold Breaker Mega Diancie; it also breaks Focus Sash, threatening extremely frail offensive Pokemon like Deoxys-Attack. Lum Berry increases the number of times Mega Gyarados can come in on Pokemon it's intended to Pursuit trap, like Giratina and Mold Breaker Mega Gengar, while Dread Plate allows Mega Gyarados to achieve key KOs, including Giratina with Pursuit after Stealth Rock, as well as Mega Mewtwo X and Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza with Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Investment in HP maximizes Mega Gyarados's overall bulk, avoiding the 2HKO from Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave; maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature makes Mega Gyarados's hit as hard as possible.

Mega Gyarados works best on teams that only have room for one revenge-killer, and it works best with teammates that lure threats that it can Pursuit trap. The most significant of said threats, Primal Groudon, is fairly easily lured in by SubPass Xerneas, making it an amazing partner. Mega Gyarados also appreciates Xerneas’ ability to Baton Pass Substitutes to it, giving it more chances to threaten opposing Wonder Guards users with Trick-or-Treat or Gastro Acid, particularly if it lacks Lum Berry. Mega Gyarados works very well with the ubiquitous 3-Pokemon core of Giratina, Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, and SubPass Xerneas, as it threatens the largest threats to this core in Mega Gengar and Mega Latios, though it struggles to consistently check the latter without Sucker Punch and careful play. Mega Gyarados also assists Giratina as a secondary check to Primal Groudon, for when Giratina is overwhelmed due to disruption like Dark Void, Spore, or Taunt. In return, Giratina checks most Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, which Mega Gyarados is unable to reliably threaten. Mega Gyarados also works well on teams relying on two Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X, as it can threaten Wonder Guard users weak to Dark-type attacks, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Cresselia, and Dusclops, while also threatening opposing sweepers that can force Mega Mewtwo X out, like Mega Gengar and Mold Breaker Mega Mewtwo Y. It's also a valuable partner for teams relying on Protean Mega Latios or Mega Mewtwo Y to dish out damage, as trapping Dark-weak Wonder Guard users allows for teammates to prepare for other Wonder Guard users, allowing for the team to increase the amount of favorable matchups. As Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most common switch-in to Mega Gyarados, Pokemon that take advantage of it coming in, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar with Poison-type coverage, and Dialga with Steel-type coverage, are great teammates. Because Mega Gyarados is prone to getting worn down by hazards and opposing Pursuit users over the course of a game, Magic Bounce users, like Giratina, Yveltal, and rarer options in Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, are good partners. Finally, because Mega Gyarados dislikes getting inflicted with Burn, defensive Wonder Guard users, especially ones that utilize Aromatherapy well, like Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Mega Scizor, are great teammates, especially if Mega Gyarados opts to run a different item than Lum Berry.

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

Iron Head is an option that allows Mega Gyarados running Trick-or-Treat to threaten its most common switch-ins in Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former; however, the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Water Shuriken, Knock Off, Pursuit, or Sucker Punch is often too high to consider using it. Poison Jab is a very niche option on Gastro Acid sets that functions similarly to Iron Head, but also has a chance to Poison foes, which can help in some 50-50 scenarios. However, much like Iron Head, the opportunity cost of not running one of Mega Gyarados's main moves is usually too high to consider using it. Stealth Rock is a niche option that capitalizes on Mega Gyarados's ability to force Wonder Guard users in in the majority of instances, but the role of a Stealth Rock setter is usually relegated to one of Mega Gyarados's best partners in Wonder Guard Xerneas. Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web are options, but are extremely niche and generally outclassed by Stealth Rock as an entry hazard on Mega Gyarados. Parting Shot can be used to retain momentum when the opponent switches, though an incorrect predict can prove disastrous and the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Mega Gyarados's main moves is very high. Leftovers is an option to increase Mega Gyarados's longevity, but as the item reveals itself running it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to being put asleep by opposing setup sweepers, or Burned by Prankster Giratina with Will-O-Wisp. An alternative spread of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used to speedcreep Baton Pass Cresselia running a neutral Speed nature, but this gives Modest Mega Gengar a chance to OHKO Mega Gyarados with a boosted Sludge Wave.

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

**Wonder Guard Xerneas**: Wonder Guard Xerneas, especially SubPass variants, can come in on Mega Gyarados lacking rare Steel-type coverage with relative ease, and threatens Mega Gyarados with Moonblast. However, Xerneas variants not running Recover must be wary of having its Leftovers removed.

**Status Users**: While Lum Berry is usually used to circumvent this issue for much of the battle, status ailments, especially Will-O-Wisp, is nevertheless an issue for Mega Gyarados, as it is heavily dependent on Huge Power-boosted attacks to revenge-kill opposing threats.

**Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X**: While offensive Shadow Tag users all pose a threat to a weakened Mega Gyarados, Mega Mewtwo X is a particularly good Shadow Tag user to trap and KO it, as a Choice Band-boosted Drain Punch OHKOes Mega Gyarados. However, Mega Mewtwo X has a chance to get OHKOed by Sucker Punch without defensive investment, and is always OHKOed by Dread Plate-boosted Sucker Punch.

**Prankster Destiny Bond**: Prankster Destiny Bond users, the most notable of them being Giratina, can remove Mega Gyarados, making it easier for an offensive teammate, such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios, to set up and sweep.

**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can Transform into Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game, and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. However, Choice Scarf variants must be wary of having their item removed by Knock Off, as then Chansey can't reliably outspeed and revenge-kill boosted threats when Transformed.

**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Offensive Wonder Guard users not weak to Mega Gyarados’s STAB moves, such as Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, cannot be revenged by Mega Gyarados and can come into it without much difficulty. However, Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers must often be careful to not have their item removed, through Gastro Acid into Knock Off, if the coverage or Imooster-proofing allowed for by said item is useful in a particular matchup.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455], [username2, userid2]]
- Grammar checked by: [[username1, userid1]]

Fantastic job, I have very little to say. QC 2/2

 

[UT]

GP Team

 

[UT]

add remove conjecture

GP Check

[SET]
name: Pursuit Trapper
move 1: Trick-or-Treat / Gastro Acid / Sucker Punch
move 2: Pursuit
move 3: Knock Off / Sucker Punch
move 4: Water Shuriken
item: Lum Berry / Dread Plate
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
in-battle alt: Mega

[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to its ludicrously powerful Huge Power-boosted attacks, solid overall bulk, ability to force 50-50s create mind games with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, and STAB Water Shuriken to threaten the most threatening Shell Smash sweeper in Primal Groudon and ability to threaten Shell Smash Primal Groudon with STAB Water Shuriken, Huge Power Mega Gyarados is arguably the best revenge killer in the format. Trick-or-Treat is an incredible tool for Mega Gyarados, allowing it to force 50-50s against, and often outright remove, most opposing Wonder Guard users make most Wonder Guard users weak to Pursuit and Sucker Punch and often outright remove them. Alternatively, Gastro Acid is an option that poses a threat to threatens Mega Sableye and annoys Xerneas reliant on Leftovers for recovery why does "reliant on Leftovers" matter?, with the effect also being Baton Passed and has the added benefit of being passed by Baton Pass; additionally, removing frail Wonder Guard from Shell Smash sweepers with the ability, such as Mega Gardevoir and Mega Lucario, allows for Mega Gyarados to threaten them with Water Shuriken if weakened Gastro Acid threatens frail Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers like Mega Gardevoir and Mega Lucario, as it removes their immunity to Water Shuriken. However, the lack of an added Ghost-type on the opposing Pokemon means that Mega Gyarados's attacks may come short of OHKOing opponents Gastro Acid misses some key KOs compared to Trick-or-Treat like give an example or two. Sucker Punch can also be used in the first moveslot, as Mega Gyarados can pose even more of an immediate threat with a four-attack set Mega Gyarados can also forgo a utility move and run an all out attacker set with Sucker Punch. Pursuit is arguably the most important move for Mega Gyarados's success, notably threatening Giratina, as well as heavily damaging or OHKOing Mold Breaker users that Mega Gyarados can survive a hit from, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Dialga. Knock Off is a ridiculously powerful STAB attack when Huge Power is taken into account; OHKOing that OHKOes Giratina and most neutral Pokemon, while severely chipping extremely bulky sweepers like Primal Groudon and resists Fairy-types like Mega Diancie and Xerneas. Alternatively, (comma) Knock Off can be forgone for Sucker Punch, allowing for additional 50-50s against sweepers resisting Water Shuriken and heavy damage, or even OHKOs, against offensive Shadow Tag users Sucker Punch is an option to create mind games against offensive Shadow Tag users that resist Water Shurkin like example. Finally, Water Shuriken sets Mega Gyarados apart from other Huge Power Dark-types, allowing it to threaten Primal Groudon and Mold Breaker Mega Diancie; it also breaks Focus Sash, threatening extremely frail offensive Pokemon like Deoxys-Attack. Lum Berry increases the number of times Mega Gyarados can come in on Pokemon it's intended to Pursuit trap allows Mega Gyarados to avoid status from foes it wants to Pursuit trap, like Giratina and Mold Breaker Mega Gengar, while Dread Plate allows Mega Gyarados to achieve key KOs, including Giratina with Pursuit after Stealth Rock, as well as Mega Mewtwo X and Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza with Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Investment in HP maximizes Mega Gyarados's overall bulk, avoiding the 2HKO from Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave; maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature makes Mega Gyarados's hit as hard as possible. don't need to explain max investment unless it's a key benchmark, like HP is with Gengar

Mega Gyarados works best on teams that only have room for one revenge killer, and it works best with and have teammates that lure threats that it can Pursuit trap. The most significant of said threats, Primal Groudon, is fairly easily lured in by SubPass Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas, making it an amazing partner. Mega Gyarados also appreciates Xerneas’s ability to Baton Pass pass Substitutes to it, giving it more chances to threaten opposing Wonder Guards users with Trick-or-Treat or Gastro Acid, particularly if it lacks Lum Berry. Mega Gyarados works very well with the ubiquitous 3-Pokemon core of Giratina, Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, and SubPass Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas, as it threatens the largest threats to this core in Mega Gengar and Mega Latios, though it struggles to consistently check the latter without Sucker Punch and careful play. Mega Gyarados also assists Giratina as a secondary check to Primal Groudon, for when Giratina is overwhelmed due to disruption like Dark Void, Spore, or Taunt as it can still revenge kill Primal Groudon if Giratina is overwhelmed by disruption like Dark Void, Spore, and Taunt. In return, Giratina checks most Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, which Mega Gyarados is unable to reliably threaten. Mega Gyarados also works well on teams relying on two Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X, as it can threaten Wonder Guard users weak to Dark-type attacks, such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Cresselia, and Dusclops, while also threatening opposing sweepers that can force Mega Mewtwo X out, like Mega Gengar and Mold Breaker Mega Mewtwo Y. It's also a valuable partner for teams relying on Protean Mega Latios or Mega Mewtwo Y to dish out damage, as trapping Dark-weak Wonder Guard users like example allows for teammates to prepare for other Wonder Guard users, allowing for the team to increase the amount of favorable matchups forgo coverage for them in favor of other threats. As Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most common switch-in to Mega Gyarados, Pokemon that take advantage of it coming in, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar with Poison-type coverage, and Dialga with Steel-type coverage, are great teammates. Because Mega Gyarados is prone to getting worn down by entry hazards and opposing Pursuit users over the course of a game, Magic Bounce users, like Giratina, Yveltal, and rarer options in Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, are good partners. Finally, because Mega Gyarados dislikes getting inflicted with burn, defensive Wonder Guard users, especially ones that utilize Aromatherapy well, like Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Mega Scizor, are great teammates, especially if Mega Gyarados opts to run a different item than Lum Berry.

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

Iron Head is an option that allows Mega Gyarados running Trick-or-Treat to threaten its most common switch-ins in Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former; however, the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Water Shuriken, Knock Off, Pursuit, or Sucker Punch is often too high to consider using it its normal options are generally superior. Poison Jab is a very niche option on Gastro Acid sets that functions similarly to Iron Head, but also has a chance to poison foes, which can help in some 50-50 scenarios create mind games. However, much like Iron Head, the opportunity cost of not running one of Mega Gyarados's main moves is usually too high to consider using it. Stealth Rock is a niche option that capitalizes on Mega Gyarados's ability to force Wonder Guard users in in the majority of instances, but the role of a Stealth Rock setter is usually relegated to one of Mega Gyarados's best partners in Wonder Guard Xerneas force in Wonder Guard users. Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web are options, but are extremely niche and generally outclassed by Stealth Rock as an entry hazard on Mega Gyarados. Parting Shot can be used to retain momentum when the opponent switches, though an incorrect predict prediction can prove disastrous and the opportunity cost of missing out on one of Mega Gyarados's main moves is very high. Spore is an option that can put Primal Groudon using King's Shield that turn, as well as most Wonder Guard switch-ins and Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, to sleep, though it is fairly difficult to fit; Dark Void is an alternative option that affects occasional Wonder Guard users running Safety Goggles, but is virtually never worth it over Spore due to the chance of missing Spore and Dark Void are options to incapacitate Primal Groudon using King's Shield and Wonder Guard and Shadow Tag switch-ins; while both are niche, Spore is generally preferred due to its perfect accuracy. Coverage to threaten opposing Wonder Guard users not weak to Dark- or Water-type attacks, like Poison Jab, you mention this earlier Fusion Bolt, Sacred Fire, Close Combat, and Thousand Arrows, could be run. why? what are relevant foes this beats that Trick or Treat or Gastro don't? However, coverage moves are usually not worth running as Trick-or-Treat and Gastro Acid are useful in a wider variety of matchups. Shed Shell allows Mega Gyarados to escape opposing Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, which can be paired with Primal Groudon, but missing out on Lum Berry hampers its ability to switch in on Mold Breaker users it forces out as well as Prankster Giratina. Leftovers is another option that increases Mega Gyarados's longevity, but as the item reveals itself, (comma) running it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to being put asleep to sleep by opposing setup sweepers, (comma) or burned by Prankster Giratina with Will-O-Wisp. Alternative spreads of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe with an Adamant nature, to speedcreep Baton Pass Cresselia running a neutral Speed nature, and and 180 HP / 252 Atk / 76 Spe with an Adamant nature, to speedcreep neutral nature Magic Bounce Giratina and Wonder Guard Meloetta, are options; however, these spreads make Mega Gyarados less bulky, notably giving Modest Mega Gengar a chance to OHKO Mega Gyarados with a boosted Sludge Wave. An alternative spread of 220 HP /252 Atk / 36 Spe outspeeds Baton Pass Cresselia, and 180 HP / 252 Atk / 76 Spe outspeeds Giratina and Meloetta, allowing Mega Gyarados to better check them. However, both of these spreads leave Mega Gyarados vulnerable to being OHKOed by Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave.

Mega Gyarados can also opt to run a Poison Heal set with a spread of 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD with and a Calm or Careful nature, allowing it to check a wide variety of Mold Breaker users when healthy; it enjoys running status spreading in with Will-O-Wisp or Psycho Shift, a way to threaten threatening Mold Breaker Shell Smash sweepers in with Foul Play, protection in Spiky Shield or King's Shield, and either recovery, item removal in Knock Off, or Stealth Rock and has a plethora of utility moves in Spiky Shield, King's Shield, Recover, Knock Off, and Stealth Rock. However, this set struggles to compete with the likes of Poison Heal Primal Kyogre or and Magic Guard Ho-Oh as checks to Mold Breaker users immune to status infliction are you saying the mold breakers are immune to status, or PHeal Gyara is? unclear, and is prone to getting powered through by Choiced Choice item Mold Breakers as well as users and is forced out by Mold Breaker Mega Diancie, Xerneas, and Wonder Guard Mega Gardevoir. Mega Gyarados can run an offensive Mold Breaker set with a spread of 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe or 32 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 220 Spe with an Adamant nature and Leftovers or Lum Berry, with its moveset comprised of Shell Smash, Beat Up or Knock Off, Crabhammer, and one of Spore, Dark Void, King's Shield, or Stealth Rock. Mega Gyaradoes can also run an offensive Mold Breaker set with Shell Smash, Beat Up or Knock Off, Crabhammer, and a utility move. Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados differentiates itself from Mega Tyranitar with its Water-type STAB move and generally better defensive typing, granting it a better matchup against Huge Power Mega Gyarados, and from Wonder Guard Gyarados with item freedom. However, missing out on Mega Tyranitar's superior physical bulk leaves Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados more vulnerable to Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, Pixilate Mega Diancie, and in a 1v1 situation Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza.

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

**Wonder Guard Xerneas**: Wonder Guard Xerneas, especially SubPass Substitute + Baton Pass variants, can come in on Mega Gyarados lacking rare Steel-type coverage with relative ease, and threatens Mega Gyarados with Moonblast. However, Xerneas variants not running Recover must be wary of having its Leftovers removed.

**Priority Revenge Killers**: The majority of opposing revenge killers making use of priority can threaten Mega Gyarados. Aerilate and Pixilate users, like Mega Diancie and Mega Rayquaza, can threaten significant chip or even an outright KO with Fake Out + Extreme Speed, and after coming in can outspeed Mega Gyarados's own priority. Huge Power Slaking and Regigigas running Fake Out + Extreme Speed are also problematic, although Mega Gyarados's resistance to Pursuit means that it can switch out multiple times throughout the game against teams reliant on Slaking and Regigigas to chip it. Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas are particularly dangerous for Mega Gyarados excluding rare Shed Shell sets, as Fake Out + Extreme Speed can sustain significant chip against Mega Gyarados, outright KOing it if Mega Gyarados has taken significant chip; Lum Berry Mega Gyarados's Knock Off is unable to OHKO healthy Shadow Tag Slaking, and almost never OHKOes Regigigas from full. However, priority revenge killers have a difficult time coming in on Mega Gyarados, especially if Mega Gyarados is carrying Dread Plate, requiring heavy pivoting support to come in safely, and Mega Gyarados can largely neutralize most priority revenge killers' offensive presence if it uses Gastro Acid on the switch. this is way, way, way too much detail for checks and counters. Revenge killers with access to priority like Pixilate Mega Diance, Huge Power Slacking, and Shadow Tag Regigigas can avoid Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch by moving first. However, most revenge killers are unable to switch in safely and need team support to get in.

**Status Users**: While Lum Berry is usually used to circumvent this issue for much of the battle, status ailments, especially Will-O-Wisp, is are nevertheless an issue for Mega Gyarados, as it is heavily dependent on Huge Power-boosted attacks to revenge kill opposing threats.

**Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X**: While offensive Shadow Tag users all pose a threat to a weakened Mega Gyarados, Mega Mewtwo X is a particularly good Shadow Tag user to trap and KO it, as a Choice Band-boosted Drain Punch OHKOes Mega Gyarados. However, Mega Mewtwo X has a chance to get OHKOed by Sucker Punch without defensive investment, (comma) and is always OHKOed by Dread Plate-boosted Sucker Punch.

**Prankster Destiny Bond**: Prankster Destiny Bond users, the most notable of them being most notably Giratina, can remove Mega Gyarados, making it easier for an offensive teammate, such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios, to set up and sweep.

**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can Transform into Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game, (comma) and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. However, Choice Scarf variants must be wary of having their item removed by Knock Off, as then Chansey can't reliably outspeed and revenge kill boosted threats when Transformed.

**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Offensive Wonder Guard users not weak to Mega Gyarados’s STAB moves, such as Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, cannot be revenged by Mega Gyarados and can come into it without much difficulty. However, Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers must often be careful to not have their item removed, through Gastro Acid into Knock Off, if the coverage or Imooster Imposter-proofing allowed for by said item is useful in a particular matchup.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[Daylight, 562267], [berry, 226455], [NToTheN, 569731]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866], [username2, userid2]]

GP 1/2! Going to want a second check on this due to how dense it is.

 

[Adeleine]

Add/Fix Remove Comment
(AC)/(RC): Add/Remove Comma

Hide

[SET]
name: Pursuit Trapper
move 1: Trick-or-Treat / Gastro Acid / Sucker Punch / Spore Pursuit
move 2: Pursuit Trick-or-Treat / Gastro Acid / Sucker Punch / Spore
move 3: Knock Off / Sucker Punch
move 4: Water Shuriken
item: Lum Berry / Dread Plate
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
in-battle alt: Mega

[SET COMMENTS]
Thanks to its ludicrously powerful Huge Power-boosted attacks, solid overall bulk, ability to create potential mind games with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, and ability to threaten Shell Smash Primal Groudon with STAB Water Shuriken, Huge Power Mega Gyarados is arguably the best revenge killer in the format. Pursuit is its most important move, notably threatening Giratina, and it potentially traps many Mold Breaker users that Mega Gyarados can survive a hit from; it heavily damages or OHKOes Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Dialga. (I imagine this mostly makes sense? change if desired) Trick-or-Treat is an incredible tool for Mega Gyarados, allowing it to make making most Wonder Guard users weak to Pursuit and Sucker Punch and to often outright remove them. Alternatively, Gastro Acid is an option that threatens Wonder Guard (I assume? if not, maybe clarification would help) Mega Sableye and of Xerneas reliant on Leftovers for recovery due to the threat of Knock Off, while also having the added benefit of being passed by Baton Pass; additionally, Gastro Acid Off; Gastro Acid also is passed by Baton Pass, and it threatens frail Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers like Mega Gardevoir and Mega Lucario, as it removes removing their immunity to Water Shuriken. However, Gastro Acid misses sacrifices some key KOs compared to Trick-or-Treat, (AC) like against Primal Kyogre and Slaking. Spore incapacitates Primal Groudon using King's Shield and Wonder Guard or Shadow Tag switch-ins, and it is rarely blocked due to the move's targets usually forgoing Safety Goggles. Mega Gyarados can also forgo running a utility move and run for an all-out (added hyphen) attacker set with both Sucker Punch and Knock Off. Pursuit is arguably the most important move for Mega Gyarados's success, notably threatening Giratina, as well as heavily damaging or OHKOing Mold Breaker users that Mega Gyarados can survive a hit from, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Dialga. Knock Off is a ridiculously powerful STAB attack that OHKOes Giratina and most neutral Pokemon, while severely chipping and it severely chips extremely bulky sweepers like Primal Groudon and Fairy-types like Mega Diancie and Xerneas. Alternatively, Sucker Punch is an option to create creates mind games against offensive Shadow Tag users can that survive Water Shuriken but not Sucker Punch after minimal damage, like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Rayquaza. Spore allows Mega Gyarados to incapacitate Primal Groudon using King's Shield and Wonder Guard and Shadow Tag switch-ins, and is rarely blocked due to the move's targets usually forgoing Safety Goggles. Finally, Water Shuriken sets Mega Gyarados apart from other Huge Power Dark-types, allowing it to threaten Primal Groudon and Mold Breaker Mega Diancie; it also breaks through Focus Sash, threatening extremely frail offensive Pokemon like Deoxys-Attack. Lum Berry allows Mega Gyarados to avoid prevents status from foes it Mega Gyarados wants to Pursuit trap, like Giratina and Mold Breaker Mega Gengar, while Dread Plate allows Mega Gyarados to achieve enables key KOs, including Giratina with Pursuit after Stealth Rock, as well as Mega Mewtwo X and Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza with Sucker Punch or Pursuit. Investment in HP maximizes optimizes Mega Gyarados's overall bulk, avoiding the 2HKO from Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave.

Mega Gyarados works best on teams that only have room for one revenge killer and have teammates that lure in threats that it can Pursuit trap. Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas fairly easily lures in the most significant of said threats, Primal Groudon, is fairly easily lured in by Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas, making it an amazing partner. Mega Gyarados also appreciates Xerneas’s ability to pass passing Substitutes to it, giving it more chances to threaten opposing Wonder Guards users with Trick-or-Treat or Gastro Acid, particularly if it lacks Lum Berry. Mega Gyarados works very well with threatens the largest threats to the ubiquitous core of Giratina, Mold Breaker Primal Groudon, and Substitute + Baton Pass Xerneas, as it threatens the largest threats to this core in those being Mega Gengar and Mega Latios, though it struggles to consistently check the latter without Sucker Punch and careful play. Mega Gyarados also assists Giratina as a secondary check to Primal Groudon, as it can still revenge kill Primal Groudon if Giratina is overwhelmed by disruption moves like Dark Void, Spore, and Taunt. In return, Giratina checks most Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers, which Mega Gyarados is unable to can't reliably threaten. Mega Gyarados also works well on teams relying on with two Huge Power Mega Mewtwo X, as it can threaten Wonder Guard users weak to Dark-type attacks, Dark for them, (I imagine this works?) such as Mega Mewtwo Y, Cresselia, and Dusclops, while also threatening and opposing sweepers that can force Mega Mewtwo X out, like Mega Gengar and Mold Breaker Mega Mewtwo Y. It's also a valuable partner for teams relying on valuable alongside Protean Mega Latios or Mega Mewtwo Y to dish out damage, as because trapping Dark-weak Wonder Guard users, like minimum Speed Cresselia, Dusclops, and Mega Mewtwo Y lacking Baton Pass, allows for these teammates to forgo coverage for them in favor of other threats. As Wonder Guard Xerneas is the most common switch-in to Mega Gyarados, Pokemon that take advantage of it coming in, such as Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar with Poison-type coverage, and Dialga with Steel-type coverage, are great teammates. Because Mega Gyarados is prone to getting worn down by entry hazards and opposing Pursuit users over the course of wearing it down over a game, Magic Bounce users, like Giratina, Yveltal, and rarer options in Registeel, Mega Steelix, and Mega Venusaur, are good partners. (do these help re pursuit users? possible tinkeringi spot) Finally, because Mega Gyarados dislikes getting inflicted with burn, burns, defensive Wonder Guard users are great teammates, especially ones that utilize Aromatherapy well (RC) like Primal Kyogre, Slaking, and Mega Scizor, are great teammates, and especially if Mega Gyarados opts to run a different item than forgoes Lum Berry.

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

Iron Head is an option that allows Mega Gyarados running Trick-or-Treat to threaten its most common switch-ins in Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former; however, its normal options are generally superior. Poison Jab is a very niche option on Gastro Acid sets that functions similarly to Iron Head, but also has a chance to poison foes, which can help create mind games. (maybe worth clarifying why iron head matches to ToT specifically and pjab to GA, if possible) Stealth Rock is a niche option that capitalizes on Mega Gyarados's ability to force in Wonder Guard users. Spikes, Toxic Spikes, and Sticky Web are options, but are extremely niche and generally outclassed by Stealth Rock as an entry hazard on Mega Gyarados. Parting Shot can be used to retain retains momentum when the opponent switches, though an incorrect prediction can prove disastrous. (if the reason why it can prove disastrous is fairly simple, eg magic bounce users, maybe worth putting that in) Dark Void is an option over Spore to affect occasional Safety Goggles + Wonder Guard users, though Spore is generally preferred due to its perfect accuracy. Coverage to threaten opposing Wonder Guard users not weak to Dark- or Water-type attacks, moves like Fusion Bolt, Sacred Fire, Close Combat, and Thousand Arrows (RC) could be run to pose an immediate threat to opposing Wonder Guard users weak to it. immediately threaten certain Wonder Guard users not weak to Dark or Water. Shed Shell allows Mega Gyarados is niche (I imagine this makes sense in context of my slight reorg of items section?) to escape Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, which can be paired with Primal Groudon, but missing out on Lum Berry hampers its ability to switch in on Mold Breaker users it forces out as well as Prankster Giratina. Leftovers is another option that increases Mega Gyarados's longevity, but as since the item reveals itself, running it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to being put to sleep by sleep from setup sweepers or burned by burn from Prankster Giratina with Will-O-Wisp. Also, Mega Gyarados's listed items are generally very valuable. An alternative EV spread of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe outspeeds Baton Pass Cresselia, and 180 HP / 252 Atk / 76 Spe outspeeds Magic Bounce Giratina and Meloetta not running minimum Speed, allowing Mega Gyarados to better check them. However, both of these spreads leave Mega Gyarados vulnerable to being OHKOed by Modest Mega Gengar's Sludge Wave.

Mega Gyarados can also opt to run a Poison Heal set with 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD and a Calm or Careful nature, allowing it to check a wide variety of Mold Breaker users when healthy; it enjoys running status spreading status with Will-O-Wisp or Psycho Shift, threatening Mold Breaker Shell Smash sweepers with Foul Play, and has using a plethora of possible utility moves in like Spiky Shield, King's Shield, Recover, Knock Off, and Stealth Rock. However, this set struggles to compete with the likes of Poison Heal Primal Kyogre and Magic Guard Ho-Oh as status-immune checks to Mold Breaker users, and is prone to getting powered through by Choice item + Mold Breaker users powering through it, and is forced out by Mold Breaker Mega Diancie, Xerneas, and Wonder Guard Mega Gardevoir. Mega Gyarados can also run an offensive Mold Breaker set with Shell Smash, Beat Up or Knock Off, Crabhammer, and a utility move. Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados differentiates itself from Mega Tyranitar with its Water-type STAB move STAB Crabhammer and generally better defensive typing, granting it a better matchup against Huge Power Mega Gyarados, and from Wonder Guard Mega (if its not supposed to be mega, at this point, id probably just say "base" for clarity) Gyarados with item freedom. However, missing out on lacking Mega Tyranitar's superior physical bulk leaves Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados more vulnerable to Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas, Pixilate Mega Diancie, and in a 1v1 situation and, in a one-on-one situation, Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza.

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

**Wonder Guard Xerneas**: Wonder Guard Xerneas, especially SubPass Substitute + Baton Pass variants, can come in on Mega Gyarados lacking rare Steel- or Poison-type coverage with relative ease, and threatens Mega Gyarados threatening it with Moonblast. However, Xerneas variants not running Recover must be wary of having its Leftovers removed. losing its Leftovers to Knock Off.

**Priority Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers with access to priority moves like Huge Power Regigigas and Slaking, Shadow Tag Regigigas, and Pixilate Mega Diancie can avoid Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch or Water Shuriken by moving first. However, most revenge killers are unable to switch in safely and need team support to get in.

**Status Users**: While Lum Berry is usually used standard to circumvent this issue for much of the battle, status ailments, especially Will-O-Wisp, are nevertheless an issue for Mega Gyarados, as it is heavily dependent on Huge Power-boosted attacks to revenge kill opposing threats. with burn from Will-O-Wisp especially hampering its revenge killing.

**Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X Users**: (I imagine this makes sense?) While Offensive Shadow Tag users all pose a threat to threaten a weakened Mega Gyarados, and Mega Mewtwo X is a particularly good Shadow Tag user to trap and KO it, as a Choice Band-boosted Drain Punch OHKOes Mega Gyarados. outright OHKOes it with a Choice Band-boosted Drain Punch. However, Mega Mewtwo X has a chance to get OHKOed by Sucker Punch without defensive investment EVs (subjective but id slightly prefer this slightly less jargony/unclearer wording when evs arent discussed elsewhere in the paragraph) and is always OHKOed by Dread Plate-boosted Sucker Punch.

**Prankster + Destiny Bond**: Prankster + Destiny Bond users, most notably Giratina, can remove Mega Gyarados, making it easier for an offensive teammate (RC) such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios (RC) to set up and sweep.

**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can Transform transform into Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. However, Choice Scarf variants must be wary of having their item removed by Knock Off, as then Chansey can't reliably outspeed and revenge kill boosted threats.

**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Offensive Wonder Guard users not weak to Mega Gyarados's (fixed apostrophe) STAB moves, such as Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, cannot be revenged revenge killed by Mega Gyarados and can come switch into it without much difficulty. However, Wonder Guard Shell Smash sweepers must often be careful to not have their item removed, through Gastro Acid into Knock Off, avoid Knock Off—after Gastro Acid or Trick-or-Treat—if (I imagine this makes sense?) the coverage or Imposter-proofing allowed for by from said item is useful in a particular matchup.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[Daylight, 562267], [berry, 226455], [NToTheN, 569731]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866], [Adeleine, 517429]]

GP Team done

 

[UT]

Implemented and uploaded!

https://www.smogon.com/dex/xy/pokemon/gyarados/pure-hackmons/