[OVERVIEW]
Bronzong's typing and good bulk allow it to consistently check Pokemon like Magearna, Tapu Lele, Mega Latias, and Mega Latios. Combine this with the ability to set up Stealth Rock and access to Levitate, making it a good answer to Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp, and Bronzong has several reasons to be used over even the best Steel-types in the tier. However, it is fairly passive and can't touch bulky Pokemon that don't care about Toxic like Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Gliscor, and Reuniclus, making Bronzong a bit of a momentum drain. Bronzong also lacks any reliable recovery, meaning it can be overwhelmed by the Pokemon it is meant to check. Bronzong's typing, while good, leaves it with a crippling vulnerability to being Pursuit trapped by the likes of Tyranitar and Weavile. Bronzong faces a lot of competition from other Steel-types like specially defensive Magearna and Celesteela that are less passive and have better forms of recovery, though Bronzong distinguishes itself with its access to Stealth Rock. They're also solid answers to Mega Alakazam, while Bronzong isn't, meaning it can be quite awkward to fit onto a team. Specially defensive Jirachi also gives Bronzong competition, as they serve very similar roles; however, Bronzong's Levitate and better matchups against Heatran and Magnezone mean it isn't strictly outclassed.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Gyro Ball
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bronzong is a decent Stealth Rock setter, as it's sturdy and can annoy a lot of entry hazard removers like Tornadus-T and Rotom-W with Toxic. Earthquake lets Bronzong combat common Steel-type counterplay in Heatran, Magnezone, and Mega Mawile. It also gives it a better way to deal with opposing Steel-types like Magearna and Excadrill. Toxic lets Bronzong cripple a large number of Pokemon in the tier that would otherwise not fear anything from it, such as Rotom-W, Mega Latias, Tangrowth, and Zapdos.
Set Details
========
Maximized HP and Special Defense investment is used so Bronzong can be as sturdy of a Magearna, Tapu Lele, and Mega Latios check as possible. Levitate is used over Heatproof for a number of reasons; a total immunity to Ground-type moves is valued more than taking half damage from Fire-type moves, as Ground-type Pokemon are more prevalent in the tier, and Bronzong will lose to most Fire-types even with Heatproof. Additionally, Heatproof will lead to Bronzong being vulnerable to chip damage from Spikes, reducing its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Using Bronzong is very straightforward; bring it in on Pokemon it beats and consequently forces out, such as Magearna, Garchomp, Mega Latias, and Tapu Lele, and use this as an opportunity to set up Stealth Rock. Don't let Bronzong get hit by Knock Off, as it heavily relies on its Leftovers to keep checking the threats it needs to throughout the game. If the opponent has a Pursuit trapper such as Tyranitar or Weavile, try your best to avoid letting them in for free, especially if they are paired with Pokemon that Bronzong's team needs it to check like Magearna and Excadrill.
Team Options
========
Bronzong fits well on balance thanks to the valuable role compression it can provide as a Stealth Rock setter, check to Psychic-types, and Ground-type switch-in. While Bronzong does a good job checking the majority of Psychic-types, it's unable to properly check Mega Alakazam, so a check to it like specially defensive Tapu Bulu, Assault Vest Tyranitar, or Mega Scizor should be paired with Bronzong. Bronzong is prey to Fire-types like Heatran and Mega Charizard X, so Pokemon like Toxapex, Tapu Fini, and Gliscor are good teammates. Assault Vest Tyranitar is also a good partner to Bronzong, acting as a check to Fire-types as well as Mega Alakazam. Gastrodon can check Mega Alakazam and most Fire-types in the tier while also countering Rotom-W for Bronzong, making it a great teammate. Bronzong invites in Steel-types that aren't weak to Earthquake like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Skarmory, so Pokemon that can take advantage of this like Magnezone, Zapdos, and Mega Charizard X are appreciated.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Ice is an option so Bronzong can more effectively deal damage to Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp. It can also force Gliscor to use Roost, giving a teammate a free switch in. Protect gives Bronzong more passive recovery, allows it to scout against Choice-locked Pokemon and Z-Moves, and allows it to stall out and wear down offensive answers alongside Toxic. It is very difficult to drop any of the moves on the listed set, however.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types That Aren't Weak To Earthquake**: Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Mega Scizor, and Skarmory don't care about anything Bronzong can do and can therefore easily take advantage of it.
**Dark-types**: Ash-Greninja, Tyranitar, and Weavile force out Bronzong due to their strong super effective STAB moves. Tyranitar and Weavile are exceptionally bad for Bronzong to face, as they can Pursuit trap it and potentially outright remove it from the game.
**Fire-types**: Heatran, Mega Charizard X, and Victini all threaten to OHKO Bronzong with their powerful STAB moves, though they can't freely switch in due to Toxic and Earthquake.
**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Pokemon like Kartana, Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, and Mega Lopunny can easily overcome Bronzong, either with coverage or simply the sheer strength of their attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mellow, 423226]]
- Quality checked by: [[Jordy, 395754], [Leo, 328915], [GMars, 273636]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [Empress, 175616]]
Bronzong's typing and good bulk allow it to consistently check Pokemon like Magearna, Tapu Lele, Mega Latias, and Mega Latios. Combine this with the ability to set up Stealth Rock and access to Levitate, making it a good answer to Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp, and Bronzong has several reasons to be used over even the best Steel-types in the tier. However, it is fairly passive and can't touch bulky Pokemon that don't care about Toxic like Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Gliscor, and Reuniclus, making Bronzong a bit of a momentum drain. Bronzong also lacks any reliable recovery, meaning it can be overwhelmed by the Pokemon it is meant to check. Bronzong's typing, while good, leaves it with a crippling vulnerability to being Pursuit trapped by the likes of Tyranitar and Weavile. Bronzong faces a lot of competition from other Steel-types like specially defensive Magearna and Celesteela that are less passive and have better forms of recovery, though Bronzong distinguishes itself with its access to Stealth Rock. They're also solid answers to Mega Alakazam, while Bronzong isn't, meaning it can be quite awkward to fit onto a team. Specially defensive Jirachi also gives Bronzong competition, as they serve very similar roles; however, Bronzong's Levitate and better matchups against Heatran and Magnezone mean it isn't strictly outclassed.
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Gyro Ball
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic
item: Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bronzong is a decent Stealth Rock setter, as it's sturdy and can annoy a lot of entry hazard removers like Tornadus-T and Rotom-W with Toxic. Earthquake lets Bronzong combat common Steel-type counterplay in Heatran, Magnezone, and Mega Mawile. It also gives it a better way to deal with opposing Steel-types like Magearna and Excadrill. Toxic lets Bronzong cripple a large number of Pokemon in the tier that would otherwise not fear anything from it, such as Rotom-W, Mega Latias, Tangrowth, and Zapdos.
Set Details
========
Maximized HP and Special Defense investment is used so Bronzong can be as sturdy of a Magearna, Tapu Lele, and Mega Latios check as possible. Levitate is used over Heatproof for a number of reasons; a total immunity to Ground-type moves is valued more than taking half damage from Fire-type moves, as Ground-type Pokemon are more prevalent in the tier, and Bronzong will lose to most Fire-types even with Heatproof. Additionally, Heatproof will lead to Bronzong being vulnerable to chip damage from Spikes, reducing its longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Using Bronzong is very straightforward; bring it in on Pokemon it beats and consequently forces out, such as Magearna, Garchomp, Mega Latias, and Tapu Lele, and use this as an opportunity to set up Stealth Rock. Don't let Bronzong get hit by Knock Off, as it heavily relies on its Leftovers to keep checking the threats it needs to throughout the game. If the opponent has a Pursuit trapper such as Tyranitar or Weavile, try your best to avoid letting them in for free, especially if they are paired with Pokemon that Bronzong's team needs it to check like Magearna and Excadrill.
Team Options
========
Bronzong fits well on balance thanks to the valuable role compression it can provide as a Stealth Rock setter, check to Psychic-types, and Ground-type switch-in. While Bronzong does a good job checking the majority of Psychic-types, it's unable to properly check Mega Alakazam, so a check to it like specially defensive Tapu Bulu, Assault Vest Tyranitar, or Mega Scizor should be paired with Bronzong. Bronzong is prey to Fire-types like Heatran and Mega Charizard X, so Pokemon like Toxapex, Tapu Fini, and Gliscor are good teammates. Assault Vest Tyranitar is also a good partner to Bronzong, acting as a check to Fire-types as well as Mega Alakazam. Gastrodon can check Mega Alakazam and most Fire-types in the tier while also countering Rotom-W for Bronzong, making it a great teammate. Bronzong invites in Steel-types that aren't weak to Earthquake like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Skarmory, so Pokemon that can take advantage of this like Magnezone, Zapdos, and Mega Charizard X are appreciated.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Ice is an option so Bronzong can more effectively deal damage to Ground-types like Landorus-T and Garchomp. It can also force Gliscor to use Roost, giving a teammate a free switch in. Protect gives Bronzong more passive recovery, allows it to scout against Choice-locked Pokemon and Z-Moves, and allows it to stall out and wear down offensive answers alongside Toxic. It is very difficult to drop any of the moves on the listed set, however.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Steel-types That Aren't Weak To Earthquake**: Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Mega Scizor, and Skarmory don't care about anything Bronzong can do and can therefore easily take advantage of it.
**Dark-types**: Ash-Greninja, Tyranitar, and Weavile force out Bronzong due to their strong super effective STAB moves. Tyranitar and Weavile are exceptionally bad for Bronzong to face, as they can Pursuit trap it and potentially outright remove it from the game.
**Fire-types**: Heatran, Mega Charizard X, and Victini all threaten to OHKO Bronzong with their powerful STAB moves, though they can't freely switch in due to Toxic and Earthquake.
**Powerful Wallbreakers**: Pokemon like Kartana, Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, and Mega Lopunny can easily overcome Bronzong, either with coverage or simply the sheer strength of their attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Mellow, 423226]]
- Quality checked by: [[Jordy, 395754], [Leo, 328915], [GMars, 273636]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [Empress, 175616]]
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