[SET]
Gale Wings Revenge Killer (Rayquaza-Mega) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Chatter
- Oblivion Wing / Aeroblast
- Trick
- Taunt / Stealth Rock / Spore
[SET COMMENTS]
Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza uses its phenomenal Special Attack and priority Flying-type STAB move to revenge kill most offensive threats. Chatter often OHKOes opposing Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon behind a Substitute after a Shell Smash defense drop and is mainly used for this ability. Additionally, the confusion inflicted by Chatter also bolsters the chances of KOing opposing Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon. Oblivion Wing and Aeroblast with Choice Specs are the primary moves to revenge kill opposing threats. Oblivion Wing has immense recovery and more PP at the cost of worse damage rolls on Mold Breaker Xerneas and unboosted threats like Primal Groudon. Aeroblast can be instead used for its increased power, but it comes at the cost of low PP, a chance to miss, and not providing any longevity. Trick is used to greatly hinder Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza's most common answers in Wonder Guard users. Taunt shuts down many Wonder Guard users that would usually be able to safely switch into Mega Rayquaza, like Mega Audino and Blissey. Stealth Rock and Spore capitalize on the switches it often forces, the former by setting up entry hazards for its teammates for free and the the latter by being an incredible tool for disruption and letting its teammates find free turns. Stealth Rock often pairs well with Trick, since support Wonder Guard users will always have to choose between pivoting and getting rid of hazards once they are given Choice Specs, losing their momentum if they choose the latter and keeping hazards up if they choose the former.
Because of Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza's ability to consistently revenge kill Primal Groudon, opposing Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Gengar, it often finds itself on Mold Breaker-oriented offense teams with teammates that can take advantage of its revenge killing consistency. Mold Breaker sweepers like Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Latios appreciate it for this reason. Another Choice item + Trick user like Choice Scarf Mega Mewtwo Y can work wonders in dismantling the opponent's team by neutering two of its members for the rest of the match. Offensive Wonder Guard users like Xerneas and Gyarados can Imposter-proof Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza, as they don't have to worry about Taunt. Wonder Guard Gyarados holds its Mega Stone, making it immune to Trick and therefore a notably good partner. Huge Power Mega Gyarados further bolsters a team's revenge killing power when paired with Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza while providing strong offensive support, such as with Gastro Acid + Pursuit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band, Choice Specs Mold Breaker, and Aerilate Mega Rayquaza can run other coverage moves to more effectively threaten a variety of Pokemon such as Giratina, Xerneas, and Arceus. Spore and Taunt may be run for disruption on Aerilate sets, but entry hazards, Boomburst, and Pursuit are usually too valuable to replace. A Jolly or Timid nature can be run on Choice item Mold Breaker sets to outspeed most opposing Mega Rayquaza, but they sacrifice damage against Giratina and important damage rolls with Aeroblast, like not always 2HKOing specially defensive Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock. Choice Band Mega Rayquaza can use entry hazards to capitalize on the switches it forces. Extreme Speed on Choice Band sets can pick off weakened foes; it does fail to threaten bulkier sweepers like Primal Groudon and Dialga, though Water Shuriken can be run for the former. U-turn over Volt Switch on Choice Specs sets can threaten Blissey significantly more and pivot against Primal Groudon, but the better damage from Volt Switch is usually preferred. Both Choice Band and Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza can run slower EV spreads and invest in Defense, which helps them tank hits from Huge Power Mega Gyarados, Slaking, and Regigigas at the cost of being outsped by opposing Mega Rayquaza. Substitute sets can run Taunt over Dark Void to shut down Blissey and Giratina. Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza can also run Cotton Guard + Quiver Dance, which allows it to resist many revenge killing attempts that would otherwise threaten a standard set, but the longer setup time and susceptibility to countersweeps from Imposter Chansey make it a niche pick. Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza run either physical or special Shell Smash sets with Dragon Ascent and Aeroblast, respectively, but doing so can be difficult to Imposter-proof. Sky Plate, Shed Shell, or Life Orb can be run on Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza while forgoing Trick, allowing it to run a higher variety of support moves. However, even with favorable rolls from Life Orb, the extra damage from Choice Specs is usually required in order to consistently KO certain threats like Primal Groudon with Oblivion Wing.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Prankster Giratina**: A healthy Prankster Giratina can reliably switch into both Choice Band and Substitute Mega Rayquaza to check it with Destiny Bond, Glare, or a well-timed Encore; it must be wary of Dark Void and Taunt from Substitute Mega Rayquaza, however.
**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey forces out all common variants of Mega Rayquaza. Even though Substitute blocks Imposter, Whirlwind lets Chansey tank and force out Substitute + Oblivion Wing variants. It can also be very threatening if it copies Aerilate or Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza with Taunt or Spore.
**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. Shadow Tag Regigigas is particularly dangerous for its reliability in removing most Mega Rayquaza with Fake Out + Extreme Speed. Perish Song + Shadow Tag users such as Lugia and Arceus can eliminate Mega Rayquaza as well, but not as reliably.
**Priority Users**: -Ate users and Mega Gyarados can OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Extreme Speed and Sucker Punch; the latter can also punish a switch with Pursuit. Mega Diancie is of note for surviving a boosted Oblivion Wing and always OHKOing Substitute variants with Boomburst. However, the increased priority given to Flying-type moves by Gale Wings means variants of Mega Rayquaza with this ability do not have to worry about being knocked out by Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch.
**Blissey**: Specially defensive Blissey walls both Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza and Substitute Mega Rayquaza, though the latter can break through with good sleep turn luck.
**Wonder Guard Users**: Most Wonder Guard users can switch into Gale Wings and Aerilate Mega Rayquaza. While some need to be wary of Taunt, Trick, and Spore, their immunity to Mega Rayquaza's attacks makes them reliable and consistent checks.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock punishes Mega Rayquaza for its frequent switching, making it fail to survive most revenge killing attempts. Oblivion Wing sets can heal back the damage, however.
**King's Shield Users**: Activating King's Shield negates any threat that Choice Band Mega Rayquaza may pose, and it can be used to scout against Choice Specs variants.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ntothen.569731/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rl.554093/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/
Gale Wings Revenge Killer (Rayquaza-Mega) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Chatter
- Oblivion Wing / Aeroblast
- Trick
- Taunt / Stealth Rock / Spore
[SET COMMENTS]
Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza uses its phenomenal Special Attack and priority Flying-type STAB move to revenge kill most offensive threats. Chatter often OHKOes opposing Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon behind a Substitute after a Shell Smash defense drop and is mainly used for this ability. Additionally, the confusion inflicted by Chatter also bolsters the chances of KOing opposing Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon. Oblivion Wing and Aeroblast with Choice Specs are the primary moves to revenge kill opposing threats. Oblivion Wing has immense recovery and more PP at the cost of worse damage rolls on Mold Breaker Xerneas and unboosted threats like Primal Groudon. Aeroblast can be instead used for its increased power, but it comes at the cost of low PP, a chance to miss, and not providing any longevity. Trick is used to greatly hinder Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza's most common answers in Wonder Guard users. Taunt shuts down many Wonder Guard users that would usually be able to safely switch into Mega Rayquaza, like Mega Audino and Blissey. Stealth Rock and Spore capitalize on the switches it often forces, the former by setting up entry hazards for its teammates for free and the the latter by being an incredible tool for disruption and letting its teammates find free turns. Stealth Rock often pairs well with Trick, since support Wonder Guard users will always have to choose between pivoting and getting rid of hazards once they are given Choice Specs, losing their momentum if they choose the latter and keeping hazards up if they choose the former.
Because of Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza's ability to consistently revenge kill Primal Groudon, opposing Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Gengar, it often finds itself on Mold Breaker-oriented offense teams with teammates that can take advantage of its revenge killing consistency. Mold Breaker sweepers like Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, Mega Rayquaza, and Mega Latios appreciate it for this reason. Another Choice item + Trick user like Choice Scarf Mega Mewtwo Y can work wonders in dismantling the opponent's team by neutering two of its members for the rest of the match. Offensive Wonder Guard users like Xerneas and Gyarados can Imposter-proof Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza, as they don't have to worry about Taunt. Wonder Guard Gyarados holds its Mega Stone, making it immune to Trick and therefore a notably good partner. Huge Power Mega Gyarados further bolsters a team's revenge killing power when paired with Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza while providing strong offensive support, such as with Gastro Acid + Pursuit.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Band, Choice Specs Mold Breaker, and Aerilate Mega Rayquaza can run other coverage moves to more effectively threaten a variety of Pokemon such as Giratina, Xerneas, and Arceus. Spore and Taunt may be run for disruption on Aerilate sets, but entry hazards, Boomburst, and Pursuit are usually too valuable to replace. A Jolly or Timid nature can be run on Choice item Mold Breaker sets to outspeed most opposing Mega Rayquaza, but they sacrifice damage against Giratina and important damage rolls with Aeroblast, like not always 2HKOing specially defensive Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock. Choice Band Mega Rayquaza can use entry hazards to capitalize on the switches it forces. Extreme Speed on Choice Band sets can pick off weakened foes; it does fail to threaten bulkier sweepers like Primal Groudon and Dialga, though Water Shuriken can be run for the former. U-turn over Volt Switch on Choice Specs sets can threaten Blissey significantly more and pivot against Primal Groudon, but the better damage from Volt Switch is usually preferred. Both Choice Band and Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza can run slower EV spreads and invest in Defense, which helps them tank hits from Huge Power Mega Gyarados, Slaking, and Regigigas at the cost of being outsped by opposing Mega Rayquaza. Substitute sets can run Taunt over Dark Void to shut down Blissey and Giratina. Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza can also run Cotton Guard + Quiver Dance, which allows it to resist many revenge killing attempts that would otherwise threaten a standard set, but the longer setup time and susceptibility to countersweeps from Imposter Chansey make it a niche pick. Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza run either physical or special Shell Smash sets with Dragon Ascent and Aeroblast, respectively, but doing so can be difficult to Imposter-proof. Sky Plate, Shed Shell, or Life Orb can be run on Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza while forgoing Trick, allowing it to run a higher variety of support moves. However, even with favorable rolls from Life Orb, the extra damage from Choice Specs is usually required in order to consistently KO certain threats like Primal Groudon with Oblivion Wing.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Prankster Giratina**: A healthy Prankster Giratina can reliably switch into both Choice Band and Substitute Mega Rayquaza to check it with Destiny Bond, Glare, or a well-timed Encore; it must be wary of Dark Void and Taunt from Substitute Mega Rayquaza, however.
**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey forces out all common variants of Mega Rayquaza. Even though Substitute blocks Imposter, Whirlwind lets Chansey tank and force out Substitute + Oblivion Wing variants. It can also be very threatening if it copies Aerilate or Gale Wings Mega Rayquaza with Taunt or Spore.
**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. Shadow Tag Regigigas is particularly dangerous for its reliability in removing most Mega Rayquaza with Fake Out + Extreme Speed. Perish Song + Shadow Tag users such as Lugia and Arceus can eliminate Mega Rayquaza as well, but not as reliably.
**Priority Users**: -Ate users and Mega Gyarados can OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Extreme Speed and Sucker Punch; the latter can also punish a switch with Pursuit. Mega Diancie is of note for surviving a boosted Oblivion Wing and always OHKOing Substitute variants with Boomburst. However, the increased priority given to Flying-type moves by Gale Wings means variants of Mega Rayquaza with this ability do not have to worry about being knocked out by Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch.
**Blissey**: Specially defensive Blissey walls both Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza and Substitute Mega Rayquaza, though the latter can break through with good sleep turn luck.
**Wonder Guard Users**: Most Wonder Guard users can switch into Gale Wings and Aerilate Mega Rayquaza. While some need to be wary of Taunt, Trick, and Spore, their immunity to Mega Rayquaza's attacks makes them reliable and consistent checks.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock punishes Mega Rayquaza for its frequent switching, making it fail to survive most revenge killing attempts. Oblivion Wing sets can heal back the damage, however.
**King's Shield Users**: Activating King's Shield negates any threat that Choice Band Mega Rayquaza may pose, and it can be used to scout against Choice Specs variants.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ntothen.569731/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rl.554093/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/
Last edited:
