PH Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza [QC 2/2] [GP 1/1]

[NToTheN]

[SET]
name: Choice Band + Mold Breaker
move 1: Dragon Ascent
move 2: Sacred Fire / Precipice Blades
move 3: Crabhammer / Trick / Extreme Speed
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Band
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Mega Rayquaza uses its sky-high Attack stat primarily to obliterate foes with its STAB Dragon Ascent, which deals huge damage to everything that doesn't resist it. Sacred Fire is used to hit Steel-type Pokemon, such as Wonder Guard Mega Scizor, Registeel, and Mega Steelix; it also finds great utility in its 50% burn chance, which constantly chips at bulky switch-ins like Prankster Giratina while weakening opposing Imposter users. Precipice Blades is another good option, OHKOing Mold Breaker Mega Tyranitar from full health and Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock. Crabhammer can be used to OHKO Primal Groudon and KO Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock, while Trick invalidates would-be checks like King's Shield users and Giratina by forcing them to stick to one status move. Extreme Speed is a great option for picking off weakened foes, especially with Mega Rayquaza's high Attack stat and Choice Band. U-turn takes advantage of Mega Rayquaza demanding switch-ins, as it allows you to conserve momentum. Mega Rayquaza's Mold Breaker allows it threaten opposing Wonder Guard users, letting it keep momentum even more effectively.

Rayquaza's most common check is Prankster Giratina, so naturally anything that can beat it pairs well with Mega Rayquaza. Mega Gyarados is an amazing option, as it can force coinflip scenarios against Giratina with its Huge Power-boosted Pursuit and Knock Off. Special Mold Breaker users like Mega Gengar and Mega Diancie can continuously pressure Giratina. Mega Gengar in particular is amazing for its Speed, which lets it take care of fast threats that Mega Rayquaza can't; notably it Speed ties with Mega Mewtwo X and outspeeds opposing Mega Rayquaza, Timid Mega Latios, and Timid Mega Diancie. Slow pivots like Mega Audino, Mega Scizor, and Cresselia, allow Mega Rayquza to get into the field safely, capitalizing on its potential to pressure many Pokemon with its devastating attacks once in. Mega Rayquaza also appreciates the help from Aromatherapy and Defog users like Primal Kyogre and Mega Audino to remove status and Stealth Rock. This set can also be paired with a Choice Specs Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza as not only do they defeat each other's checks, but the opponent lack reliable counterplay due to not knowing which set is in. Mega Rayquaza pairs well with -ate Speed Pokemon because it takes advantage of their ability to force opposing Wonder Guards users in.

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

Dragon Claw threatens Prankster Giratina more effectively than Dragon Ascent; however, it is hard to fit and usually not worth it over a coverage option. Additionally, Gear Grind has better rolls than Dragon Ascent to OHKO the common Xerneas, but it mostly isn't worth it because Dragon Ascent usually OHKOes Xerneas anyway. V-Create is a powerful alternative to Sacred Fire, KOing Mega Steelix after minor chip damage and making Mega Rayquaza slightly easier to imposter-proof; however, its drawbacks mean Mega Rayquaza is usually forced out after using the move once, and it doesn't spread status like Sacred Fire does. A Jolly nature can be used to outspeed opposing neutral nature Mega Rayquaza, Modest Arceus, and Timid Mega Diancie and Mega Latios, though the extra pressure Adamant brings against Prankster Giratina is usually better. Mega Rayquaza can also use entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock, as it often forces many switches. Waterfall and Steam Eruption are more accurate alternatives to Crabhammer, but they do not KO Mega Tyranitar after rocks like Crabhammer does. Close Combat can be used to hit Normal-types like Arceus and Slaking, but is outclassed by Sacred Fire in most cases. Thousand Arrows is another decent option, which hits the Electric-types that resist Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent, but is also usually outclassed by Sacred Fire.

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

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina is one of the few Pokemon that can switch in on Choice Band Mega Rayquaza and live to tell the tale. While Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent 2HKOes it, it can heal and PP stall with its priority recovery. Additionally, priority status moves like Glare can hinder Mega Rayquaza's ability to consistently threaten foes later in the game. Additionally, some Prankster Giratina sets elect to run Destiny Bond, which can make a Mega Rayquaza sweep short.

**Shadow Tag**: Offensive Shadow Tag users, like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, can consistently trap and KO Mega Rayquaza with their powerful attacks. Additionally, Perish Song trappers such as Lugia and Arceus commonly run King's Shield, which can remove Rayquaza's strongest asset in its high attack, as well as removing it with Perish Song.

**Priority Users**: Common priority users like Refrigerate Kyurem-B and Mega Abomasnow, Pixilate Mega Diancie, Aerilate Mega Rayquaza, Extreme Speed Regigigas, and Huge Power + Sucker Punch Dark-types can reliably KO Mega Rayquaza after Dragon Ascent's defense drops. These threats can effectively force a coinflip scenarios, KOing Rayquaza with priority if it stays in and getting good dama with Pursuit if it decides to switch out.

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock heavily punishes Mega Rayquaza due to its pivot-heavy playstyle, chipping it every time it switches in. However, Stealth Rock is rather difficult to consistently keep on the field, as a teammate with Defog can remove Stealth Rock then potentially bring Mega Rayquaza in with a pivot move.

**King's Shield Users**: Activating King's Shield with a contact move potentially nullifies Mega Rayquaza's ability to break walls and secure KOs. However, King's Shield users must be healthy, as well as sufficiently bulky enough, to switch into Mega Rayquaza and hamper its offensive prowess.

**Imposter**: Defense drops from Dragon Ascent mean that Imposter users can effectively force out Mega Rayquaza, even if they don't hold a Choice Band.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[NToTheN, 569731]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455], [Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429]]

 

[berry]

[SET]
name: Choice Band Mold Breaker
move 1: Dragon Ascent
move 2: Sacred Fire / Precipice Blades / V-Create
move 3: Crabhammer / Trick / Extreme Speed
move 4: U-Turn
item: Choice Band
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Mega Rayquaza uses its sky-high attack stat and Choice Band primarily to obliterate opposing Pokemon with Dragon Ascent. strong physical STABs and great varied coverage. Max Speed is used to outspeed base 110s like Mega Latios and Mega Diancie, and max Attack is used for maximum damage. move this down below Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's primary attack, as it deals huge damage to everything that doesn't resist it, and the Pokemon that do resist the move are generally not very common. Fire-type attacks like Sacred Fire are used to hit Steel-type Pokemon, and Ground-type moves like Precipice Blades can be used to do the same while also hitting effectively damage Rock-types like Mega Tyranitar. Sacred Fire in particular is good for its ability to burn Giratina and Pokemon that run Imposter, nullifying the threat they pose. Additionally, Sacred Fire finds great utility in its 50% burn chance, which constantly weakens bulky switchins like Giratina as well as dropping the attack of Imposters. Crabhammer can be used to hit Primal Groudon, and Trick is used to cripple nullify I don't like using the word cripple, my preferred substitutions are hinder / nullify / stop / invalidate etc would-be checks like King's Shield Cresselia and Prankster Giratina by forcing them to stick to one status move. Extreme Speed is a great option for revenge killing, as it is complemented by Mega Rayquaza's large attack stat and its Choice Band. Finally, U-Turn is used to take advantage of Rayquaza's demand for a switch-in, as it lets your teammates come in on the checks mentioned above. mention something about mold breaker u-turn being able to keep momentum on wonder guards, as usually stuff like that is blocked

The best (and arguably only) switch-in to banded Mega Rayquaza Rayquaza's most widespread checks are physically bulky support Pokemon like Cresselia and is Giratina, so naturally anything that can beat Giratina these pairs well with it. Mega Gyarados is an amazing option, as it can trap both Cresselia and Giratina with its Huge Power Pursuit and cripple it heavily damage them on the switch. If you are looking for a Mold Breaker Pokemon that works well with it, both Mega Gengar and Mega Diancie work great, as they both beat Giratina. Mold Breakers like Mega Gengar and Mega Diancie also make great partners, as they can continuously pressure Giratina. Mega Gengar in particular is amazing for its speed, letting it take care of fast threats that Mega Rayquaza can't add an example of one of these?. It also threatens King's Shield Cresselia, another check to Mega Rayquaza. Moves like King's Shield can protect your opponent from damage as well as lower its damage output with an attack drop. add a whole other section about pivots and slower pivots, as they're most effective at actually getting rayquaza in

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

Choice Band Mega Rayquaza's moveset is pretty rigid, so not much else it used. However, you could run Dragon Claw if you really want to hit Giratina, or run Gear Grind to OHKO Xerneas. Dragon Claw is another strong physical STAB, most notable for hitting super effective damage on Giratina. Additionally, Steel-type attacks like Gear Grind can OHKO common threats like Xerneas and Mega Audino, as well as breaking focus sashes with its multi-hit.

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

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina is one of the few Pokemon that can switch in on banded Mega Rayquaza and live to tell the tale. While it can take an upwards of 60% is readily 2HKO'd by a banded Dragon Ascent, it is able to heal and PP stall Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent with its priority recovery. If necessary, it can even use Glare to make Rayquaza have a tougher time being brought in later in the game. Additionally, priority status moves like Glare can hinder Rayquaza's ability to consistently threaten opponents later in the game. Additionally, some Prankster Giratina sets elect to run Destiny Bond, which can stop Mega Rayquaza short of its goals of sweeping.

**Shadow Tag**: Most Shadow Tag Pokemon are able to trap and eliminate banded Rayquaza. Things like Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X run Play Rough, which can OHKO Mega Rayquaza under the right conditions. Most perishtrap Pokemon run King's Shield, a massive problem for a banded Rayquaza. Offensive Shadow Tag users like Mega Mewtwo X commonly run Fairy coverage that can consistently OHKO Rayquaza. Additionally, Perish Song trapping sets commonly run King's Shield, which can remove Rayquaza's strongest asset in its high attack.

**Destiny Bond**: While rare, Destiny Bond can take out Mega Rayquaza reliably. added to prankster tina

**Priority Users**: Common users of Fake Out + Extreme Speed like Regigigas/Slaking, Pixilate Diancie, and Referigerate Abomasnow can all knock out Mega Rayquaza if you stay in., Common priority users like Pixilate Mega Diancie and Extremespeed Regigigas can reliably outspeed Rayquaza, threatening a KO after Dragon Ascent's defense drops. These threats can effectively force a 50/50, KOing Rayquaza with priority if it stays in and attacking with Pursuit if it decides to switch out.

**Choice Scarf Users**: Mega Rayquaza relies on being faster than its opponent to KO it. A surprise scarf could kill KO Rayquaza while you were expecting to be faster.

**Other Fast Hard-Hitters**: Most that is faster than Mega Rayquaza is a problem for it. Mewtwo Mega X/Y, Mega Gengar, Mega Aerodactyl, and Timid Mega Latios can all threaten it out. I mention this pretty commonly when doing checks it seems, but being weak to faster and hard-hitting mons isn't a trait that's unique to Mega Ray.

**Stealth Rock**: Mega Rayquaza likes be brought in by pivoting and then switching out a turn or two later after clicking an attack. This is usually repeated several times throughout a battle, and if Stealth Rock has been set up on your side it can severely hinder Rayquaza's ability to come in and click an attack. Stealth Rocks heavily punish Rayquaza due to its pivot-heavy playstyle, chipping it for every time it decides to swtich in and secure a KO. Effective defog support is required if you intend to use Rayquaza throughout the entire game.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[NToTheN, 569731 ]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

add remove comment
bit of work to be done, implement and tag me again and I'll re-read and check again

also a bit unsure of the smogon politics regarding the word "cripple", so I changed it around. In the future, try to use words like "hinder" or more descriptive terms like "heavily damage" depending on what you're referencing

 

[NToTheN]

Implemented, and yeah I didn't think about the potential problems with using the word "cripple." All instances have been removed. Thanks for qc!

 

[aerobee]

add remove comments

[SET]
name: Choice Band Mold Breaker
move 1: Dragon Ascent
move 2: Sacred Fire / Precipice Blades / V-Create i know i had v-create in the smogdex set but sacred fire is just so much better
move 3: Crabhammer / Trick / Extreme Speed
move 4: U-Turn
item: Choice Band
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Adamant / Jolly i would personally always run adamant, it gets better rolls vs prank gira; jolly is definitely worth a mention in other option however
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Mega Rayquaza uses its sky-high attack stat primarily to obliterate opposing Pokemon with strong physical STAB moves. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's primary attack, as it deals huge damage to everything that doesn't resist it. Fire-type attacks like Sacred Fire are used to hits Steel-type Pokemon, such as Wonder Guard Mega Scizor, Registeel, and Mega Steelix; it also finds great utility in its 50% burn chance, which constantly weakens bulky switch-ins like Prankster Giratina as well as dropping the attack of opposing Imposter users. moved this here and griund-type attacks like Precipice Blades is another good coverage option, OHKOing Mold Breaker effectively damage Mega Tyranitar from full and Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock. Additionally, Sacred Fire finds great utility in its 50% burn chance, which constantly weakens bulky switchins like Giratina as well as dropping the attack of Imposters. Crabhammer can be used to hit OHKO Primal Groudon and KO Mold Breaker Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock, and Trick is used an option to invalidate would-be checks like Cresselia and Giratina cress isn't a check by forcing them to stick to one status move. Extreme Speed is a great option for revenge killing picking off weakened foes, it's not strong enough to actually revenge most mons as it is complemented by Mega Rayquaza's large attack stat and its Choice Band. Finally, U-Turn is used to take advantage of Rayquaza's demand for a switch-in, as it lets your teammates come in on the checks mentioned above allows for the conservation of momentum. don't write in second person Thanks to Mega Rayquaza's ability Mold Breaker, it can do so even against Mold Breaker allows Mega Rayquaza to threaten Pokemon with the Wonder Guard ability, allowing it to always keep momentum no matter what severely restricting what switches safely into it. changed wording, i think this is what you meant Mega Rayquaza runs maximum speed EVs to outpace most base 110s, and max attack EVs to deal as much damage as possible. Usually and aAdamant nature is ran to more reliably OHKO many Pokemon, but Jolly can be run as well if speed is preferred pressure Mega Rayquaza's main check in Prankster Giratina more effectively. jolly should be mentioned in other options

Rayquaza's most widespread only splashable checks are physically bulky support Pokemon like Cresselia and is Prankster Giratina, so naturally anything that can beat these it pairs well with it Mega Rayquaza. again cress is not a check Mega Gyarados is an amazing option, as it can trap come in on Giratina, as well as a rarer Mega Rayquaza check in Mega Slowbro, with its and force 50-50s against them with Huge Power-boosted Pursuit and hit it for massive damage Knock Off. word this differently if you want but this is the general idea Special Mold Breaker users that threaten Giratina, like Mega Gengar and Mega Diancie, also make great partners, as they can continuously pressure Giratina. Mega Gengar in particular is amazing for its speed and ability to force out one-time switch-ins like King's Shield Cresselia, unsure if cress needs a mention here, it's not coming in more than once or twice if you play well letting it take care of fast threats that Mega Rayquaza can't.; this is questionable imo, list a few examples if this is true Most notably it speedties with Mega Mewtwo X and outspeeds base 110s with a speed boosting nature, like tTimid Mega Latios or tTimid Mega Diancie. timid 110s are quite rare, i'm not sure this is worth mentioning It also threatens King's Shield Cresselia, another check to Mega Rayquaza. Mega Rayquaza's potential is capitalized on through the use of slow pivots like Mega Audino, Mega Scizor, and Cresselia. Their pivoting moves, like Parting Shot and Baton Pass, which allow Rayquaza to get ointo the field without having to risk taking an attack, letting it safely, allowing it to pressure a wide variety of Pokemon with its devastating attacks once it is in. Mega Rayquaza can otherwise have difficulty entering the field without aggressive prediction. fluff + the teammates section has to be one paragraph

i would also mention dual ray teams, with one being band and the other specs moldy. -ates also work well with band ray, as a lot of the time they force wonder guards in + therefore provide free momentum. additionally while theyre nigh necessary on every team defoggers + aroma users in defensive wgs are great teammates as ray dislikes getting burnt/parad and doesnt like coming in on rocks

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

Dragon Claw is another strong physical STAB, most notable for hitting super effective damage on can threaten Prankster Giratina more effectively than Dragon Ascent; however, it is quite hard to fit, and it's usually not worth it over other coverage options like Sacred Fire, Precipice Blades, or Crabhammer. Additionally, Steel-type attacks like Gear Grind can OHKO common threats like Xerneas and Mega Audino, as well as breaking focus sashes with its multi-hit. gear grind gets barely better rolls than ascent vs xern/audi, not worth a mention imo V-Create is a powerful alternative to Sacred Fire, KOing Mega Steelix after minor chip and being slightly easier to Imposter-proof; however, its drawbacks mean Mega Rayquaza is usually forced out after using the move once, and it doesn't spread status like Sacred Fire does. this could be worded better but this is the general idea. A Jolly nature can be used to outspeed opposing Mega Rayquaza not running a positive Speed nature, Modest Arceus, and Timid Mega Diancie and Mega Latios, though the extra pressure an Adamant nature allows for against Prankster Giratina makes a Jolly nature not worth it most of the time. mention close combat/low kick, maybe arrows, hazards in rocks/spikes/tspikes, and waterfall/steam eruption over crabhammer for accuracy/potential flinch (naughty/naive nature if steam eruption) at the cost of not koing ttar after rocks

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

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina is one of the few Pokemon that can switch in on banded Mega Rayquaza and live to tell the tale. While it is readily 2HKO'd by a banded Dragon Ascent, it is able to heal and PP stall with its priority recovery. Additionally, priority status moves like Will-O-Wisp and Glare can hinder Rayquaza's ability to consistently threaten opponents later in the game. Additionally, some Prankster Giratina sets elect to run Destiny Bond, which can stop Mega Rayquaza short of its goals of sweeping.

**Shadow Tag**: Offensive Shadow Tag users, like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, commonly run Fairy coverage that can consistently OHKO Rayquaza with either coverage or extremely powerful STAB attacks. my wording may be confusing as mmx runs coverage and mmy can just nuke with psycho boost or something but you get the general idea Additionally, Shadow Tag Perishtrappers, such as Lugia and Arceus, Song trapping sets commonly run King's Shield, which can remove Rayquaza's strongest asset in its high attack. this starts to mix with the kings users section below

**Priority Users**: Common priority users like Refrigerate Kyurem-B and Mega Abomasnow, Pixilate Mega Diancie, Aerilate Mega Rayquaza, Huge Power Dark-types running Sucker Punch, and Extreme sSpeed Regigigas can reliably outspeed Rayquaza, threatening a KO after Dragon Ascent's defense drops. These threats can effectively force a 50/50, KOing Rayquaza with priority if it stays in and attacking with Pursuit if it decides to switch out. you can mention shuriken gyarados if you want to, your call

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rocks heavily punish Rayquaza due to its pivot-heavy playstyle, chipping it for every time it decides to switches in and secure a KO. Effective defog support is required if you intend to use Rayquaza throughout the entire game. However, Stealth Rock is rather difficult to consistently keep on the field, as a teammate with Defog can remove Stealth Rock then potentially bring Mega Rayquaza in with a pivot move. word this as you want but this is the general idea

**King's Shield Users**: King's Shield blocks damage that Mega Rayquaza does, while also lowering its attack if it uses a contact move like Dragon Ascent. This can , potentially nullifying Rayquaza's ability to break walls and secure KOs in certain situations. However, King's Shield users must be healthy, as well as sufficiently bulky enough, to switch into Mega Rayquaza and hamper its offensive prowess. word this how you want, the general idea is that kings users still have to switch in if theyre not already on the field. you could mention "less bulky" kings users like cress and arc can't switch in if hazards are on the field

**Imposter Chansey**: ray is hard to improof even though the opposing imposter user doesn't have choice band, and the imposter user can take advantage of that. you can mention random imposters if you want but that's your call

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[NToTheN, 569731 ]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455 ], [Mbouchon, 515077 ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

There's quite a bit to change here, tell me once you're done implementing + I'll take another look and hopefully stamp 2/2

e: good job, QC 2/2 (1/2 if you don't count berry's check)

 

[NToTheN]

Mbouchon Implemented. i kept in the part about timid base 110s, because they are more common than you think. i also didnt include the part about water shuriken either, as ray doesnt fear it even after a drop from ascent.

also i forgot to tag berry last time so berry

 

[berry]

you're all set, 2/2

 

[NToTheN]

Alright great! I'm ready GP Team

 

[Adeleine]

Add/Fix Remove Comment
(AC): Add Comma

Hide

[SET]
name: Choice Band + (visibility notice) Mold Breaker
move 1: Dragon Ascent
move 2: Sacred Fire / Precipice Blades
move 3: Crabhammer / Trick / Extreme Speed
move 4: U-Turn U-turn
item: Choice Band
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

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

Mega Rayquaza uses its sky-high attack stat primarily to obliterate opposing Pokemon with strong physical STAB moves. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's primary attack, as it Attack stat primarily to obliterate foes with its STAB Dragon Ascent, which deals huge damage to everything that doesn't resist it. Sacred Fire is used to hit Steel-type Pokemon, such as Wonder Guard Mega Scizor, Registeel, and Mega Steelix; it also finds great utility in its 50% burn chance, which constantly weakens chips at bulky switch-ins like Prankster Giratina as well as dropping the attack of while weakening opposing Imposter users. Precipice Blades is another good option, OHKOing Mold Breaker Mega Tyranitar from full health and Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock. Crabhammer can be used to OHKO Primal Groudon and KO Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock, and Trick can be used to invalidate while Trick instead invalidates would-be checks like King's Shield users and Giratina, (AC) by forcing them to stick to one status move. Extreme Speed is a great option for picking off weakened foes, as it is complemented by Mega Rayquaza's large attack stat and its especially with Mega Rayquaza's high Attack and Choice Band. Finally, U-Turn is used to take advantage of Rayquaza's demand for a switch-in, U-turn takes advantage of Mega Rayquaza demanding switch-ins, as it allows you to conserve momentum. Mega Rayquaza's Mold Breaker allows it threaten opposing Wonder Guard users, allowing it to letting it keep momentum even more effectively.

Mega Rayquaza's most splashable checks common check is Prankster Giratina, so naturally anything that can beat it pairs well with Mega Rayquaza. Mega Gyarados is an amazing option, as it can force 50/50s coinflip scenarios against Giratina with its Huge Power-boosted Pursuit and Knock Off. Special Mold Breakers Break users like Mega Gengar and Mega Diancie also make great partners, as they can continuously pressure Giratina. Mega Gengar in particular is amazing for its speed, letting Speed, which lets it take care of fast threats that Mega Rayquaza can't; notably it speedties Speed ties with Mega Mewtwo X and outspeeds opposing Mega Rayquaza, Timid Mega Latios, and Timid Mega Diancie. Mega Rayquaza's potential is capitalized on through the use of Slow pivots like Mega Audino, Mega Scizor, and Cresselia, allows Rayquza Cresselia allow Mega Rayquaza to get into the field safely, allowing to pressure a wide variety of capitalizing on its potential to pressure many Pokemon with its devastating attacks once in. Mega Rayquaza also appreciates the help from Aromatherapy and Defog users like (give an example or two) to remove status and Stealth Rock. This set can also be paired with a Choice Specs Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza can also be paired with Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, as not only do they defeat each other's (added apostrophe) checks, but the opponent cannot make reliable counterplay due to their lack of knowledge on lacks reliable counterplay due to not knowing which set is in. Mega Rayquaza pairs well with -ate Speed Pokemon because Rayquaza it takes advantage of their ability to force opposing Wonder Guard users in.

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

Dragon Claw threatens Prankster Giratina more effectively than Dragon Ascent; however, it is hard to fit and usually not worth it over options like Sacred Fire, Precipice Blades or Crabhammer. a coverage option. Additionally, Gear Grind has better rolls than Dragon Ascent to OHKO the common Xerneas, but it usually isn't worth using as you OHKO Xerneas with Dragon Ascent most of the time because Dragon Ascent usually OHKOes Xerneas anyway. V-Create V-create is a powerful alternative to Sacred Fire, KOing Mega Steelix after minor chip and being chip damage and making Mega Rayquaza (i imagine you mean improofing mray as a whole and not just the one move of vcreate here?) slightly easier to Imposter-proof; however, its drawbacks mean Mega Rayquaza is usually forced out after using the move once, and it doesn't spread status like Sacred Fire does. A Jolly nature can be used to outspeed neutral nature opposing Mega Rayquaza not running a positive Speed nature, Modest Arceus, and Timid Mega Diancie and Mega Latios, though the extra pressure an Adamant nature allows for Adamant brings against Prankster Giratina makes a Jolly nature not worth it most of the time. is usually better. Mega Rayquaza can also use entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock can also be used, as Mega Rayquaza Rock, as it often forces many switches. Waterfall and Steam Eruption are more accurate alternatives to Crabhammer, but they do not KO Mega Tyranitar after rocks Stealth Rock like Crabhammer does. Close Combat can be used to hit Normal-types like Arceus and Slaking, but is not preffered due to being it is outclassed by Sacred Fire in most cases. Thousand Arrows is another decent option, which hits the Electric-types that resist Mega Rayquaza's Dragon Ascent, but isn't used due to being outclassed by Sacred Fire in a lot of cases due to its burn chance. (if it isn't used, it probably shouldn't be mentioned. if you meant like "isn't mentioned"; "Thousand Arrows is another decent option, hitting the Electric-types that resist Dragon Ascent, but it's also usually outclassed by Sacred Fire." its not clear how sacred fires burn chance would specifically let it outclass tarrows in specific here, but you can include and clarify that if you want)

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

**Prankster Giratina**: Prankster Giratina is one of the few Pokemon that can switch in on banded Choice Band Mega Rayquaza and live to tell the tale. While it is readily 2HKO'd by a banded Dragon Ascent, it is able to Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent 2HKOes it, it can heal and PP stall with its priority recovery. Additionally, priority status moves like Glare can hinder Mega Rayquaza's ability to consistently threaten opponents foes later in the game. Additionally, some Prankster Giratina sets elect to run Destiny Bond, which can stop Mega Rayquaza short of its goals of sweeping. a Mega Rayquaza sweep short.

**Shadow Tag**: Offensive Shadow Tag users, like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, (AC) can consistently trap and KO Mega Rayquaza with their powerful attacks. Additionally, Perishtrappers Perish Song trappers such as Lugia and Arceus commonly run King's Shield, which can remove Mega Rayquaza's strongest asset in its high Attack. (mention whether they can directly beat mega rayquaza with perish song or not)

**Priority Users**: Common priority users like Refrigerate Kyurem-B and (Mega?) Abomasnow, Pixilate Mega Diancie, Aerilate Mega Rayquaza, Extreme Speed Regigigas, and Huge Power + Sucker Punch Dark-types running Sucker Punch can reliably outspeed Rayquaza, threatening a KO Mega Rayquaza after Dragon Ascent's defense drops. These threats can effectively force a 50/50, coinflip scenario, KOing Mega Rayquaza with priority if it stays in and attacking (would "KOing" or "probably KOing" or "often KOing" etc be appropriate?) with Pursuit if it decides to switch out.

**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rocks heavily punish Rock heavily punishes Mega Rayquaza due to its pivot-heavy playstyle, chipping it every time it switches in. However, Stealth Rock is rather difficult to consistently keep on the field, as a teammate with Defog can remove Stealth Rock and then potentially bring Mega Rayquaza in with a pivot move.

**King's Shield Users**: King's Shield blocks damage that Mega Rayquaza does, while also lowering its attack if it uses a contact move like Dragon Ascent, potentially nullifying Activating King's Shield with a contact move cripples Mega Rayquaza's ability to break walls and secure KOs. However, King's Shield users must be healthy, as well as sufficiently bulky enough, to switch into Mega Rayquaza and then hamper its offensive prowess.

**Imposter**: Defense drops from Dragon Ascent means mean that Imposter users can effectively force out Mega Rayquaza, (AC) even if they don't hold the a Choice Band.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[NToTheN, 569731]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455], [Mbouchon, 515077]] (removed blankspaces before all end brackets)
- Grammar checked by: [[Finland, 517429]]

i think PH uses 1/1 grammar checks not 2/2? if im wrong though ofc just do whatever c/c leaders want

 

[UT]

Yes, we use 1/1 unless the GPer specifically requests a second check.

GP Team done!

 

[NToTheN]

Everything has been implemented!

 

[UT]

Uploaded!

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