[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gallade's high Attack stat and access to Swords Dance allow it to function as a solid wallbreaker. Its above average Speed stat puts it ahead of Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Keldeo. While it faces competition from Mega Medicham as a wallbreaker because of its initial lack of power, Mega Gallade's access to Knock Off allows it to break through Pokemon such as Mew and Reuniclus, which normally wall Mega Medicham. Mega Gallade also has superior durability both physically and specially, allowing it to set up on weaker attacks. Unfortunately, Mega Gallade suffers from being hopelessly walled by Mega Sableye, making it virtually useless against stall teams. Its physical bulk is rather lackluster as well, meaning that it's more prone to being revenge killed by commonly used priority moves and has limited setup opportunities.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its already high Attack stat in order to better break through bulkier Pokemon such as Clefable, Landorus-T, and Skarmory. Close Combat is Mega Gallade's most powerful STAB Fighting-type move, destroying anything that doesn't resist it as well as OHKOing Steel-types such as Heatran and Dark-types such as Tyranitar. Zen Headbutt provides Mega Gallade with a valuable Psychic-type STAB attack to hit Toxapex and Mega Venusaur, as well as Pokemon that resist Close Combat such as Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Fini. Knock Off provides very important coverage against Mew, Reuniclus, and Slowbro, all of which resist Mega Gallade's STAB combination. It's also useful for getting rid of Landorus-T and Clefable's Leftovers as they switch in.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible, Speed tying with Latios and Gengar. Maximum Attack investment allows it to hit as hard as possible. Justified is the best ability prior to Mega Evolution because you can attempt to pivot Gallade into weaker Knock Offs from the likes of Tangrowth and Ferrothorn to get an Attack boost. Inner Focus is Mega Gallade's ability, which is useful for preventing flinches from Choice Scarf Jirachi's Iron Head as well as Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny's Fake Out.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Gallade is best used as an early- or mid-game wallbreaker to punch holes into the opponent's defensive core. Use Swords Dance on forced switches or on Pokemon Mega Gallade can set up on safely such as Assault Vest Tangrowth, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn. Only set up a Swords Dance if Mega Gallade can potentially threaten whatever is most likely switching into it; otherwise, it is best to just spam Knock Off or Close Combat for extra chip damage. Because Mega Gallade is able to take special hits decently well, you can choose to stay in on Pokemon such as Clefable and Tapu Fini if it's already at +2, as it can easily tank a Moonblast from full health and 2HKO them with Zen Headbutt, which can be very helpful for teammates. It is also able to take hits from Choice Scarf Latios as well as Life Orb Greninja, but this is not recommended unless you no longer need Mega Gallade's extra health. Although Gallade is best used earlier on, it can be saved until late-game as well to clean up.
Team Options
========
Gallade works well on bulky offensive teams in need of a strong balance breaker that struggle against Pokemon like Mew and Toxapex. Tapu Lele, particularly the Choice Scarf set, works well in conjunction with Mega Gallade, as it gives Mega Gallade boosted Zen Headbutts that can be used to 2HKO Pokemon such as Clefable without needing a Swords Dance boost. Psychic Terrain is also useful because it protects Mega Gallade from priority attacks, and Tapu Lele can revenge kill Greninja, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Lopunny. Mega Gallade pairs well with other strong wallbreakers such as Choice Band Zygarde and Swords Dance Garchomp, as they are able to pressure each other's switch-ins and allow the other to wallbreak more effectively afterwards. Partners that can help Mega Gallade in stall matchups are imperative. Clefable and offensive Landorus-T are good choices because they can set up Stealth Rock against Mega Sableye, while SubToxic Heatran can heavily pressure the likes of Unaware Clefable and Mega Sableye. Ash-Greninja appreciates Clefable, Tapu Fini, and Tangrowth pressured, and it's also able to punish defensive Landorus-T, which Mega Gallade often baits in. Mega Gallade appreciates having a defensive backbone to support it, as it can often force in Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Tapu Lele, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Pinsir. Celesteela is a good partner that can check Tapu Lele as well as Mega Pinsir, while Tangrowth can pivot into both Tapu Lele and Ash-Greninja. Zapdos can switch into Mega Pinsir as well as check offensive Landorus-T with Hidden Power Ice. Defensive Landorus-T can switch into physical attackers such as Mimikyu, Mega Pinsir, and Choice Band Zygarde, which often try to hit Gallade with priority moves. Some form of entry hazard removal or Poison-type is very helpful because Mega Gallade is grounded and very much dislikes the residual damage from hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, as they limit its opportunities to switch in or set up. Some examples are Toxapex, Amoonguss, Mantine, and Choice Scarf Latios.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ice Punch can be used to smack Landorus-T as well as do more damage to Mega Pinsir, Tapu Bulu, and Zapdos, but Mega Gallade just doesn't have room for it anywhere, and without Knock Off, it's mostly outclassed by Mega Medicham. Drain Punch can be used over Close Combat, as it can make Mega Gallade harder to wear down, but it loses out on a ton of power. Mega Gallade has lots of interesting options, such as Bulk Up, Shadow Sneak, Will-O-Wisp, Destiny Bond, and Taunt, but none of them are worth using. Four Attacks Mega Gallade is completely outclassed by Medicham, and without Swords Dance it can't break nearly as much.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye is the best counter to Mega Gallade in OU. It is immune to both of Mega Gallade's STAB attacks, takes virtually no damage from a boosted Knock Off, and threatens to burn it with Will-O-Wisp.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Mega Slowbro resists both of Mega Gallade's STAB moves and can even tank boosted Knock Offs while threatening to burn Mega Gallade with Scald. Defensive Landorus-T can pivot into Mega Gallade's attacks, but not frequently. Tapu Fini can check an unboosted Mega Gallade, but it is 2HKOed by Zen Headbutt after a Swords Dance. Unaware Clefable can take on Mega Gallade with ease, while Magic Guard sets have to be wary against it if it's already used Swords Dance. Physically defensive Tangrowth can take a +2 Close Combat and put Mega Gallade to sleep with Sleep Powder.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Lele and Garchomp can revenge kill Mega Gallade with Moonblast and Outrage, respectively. Ash-Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and Choice Band Weavile threaten to do a ton of damage with their STAB attacks. Groundium Z Dugtrio can trap Mega Gallade and OHKO it with Tectonic Rage after Stealth Rock.
**Priority Users**: Mega Gallade is prone to being chipped by priority attacks due to its lower physical bulk. Moves such as Choice Band Zygarde's Extreme Speed, Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack, Mimikyu's Shadow Sneak, and Mega Mawile and Bisharp's Sucker Punch all threaten to do a ton of damage to Mega Gallade.
Mega Gallade's high Attack stat and access to Swords Dance allow it to function as a solid wallbreaker. Its above average Speed stat puts it ahead of Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y, Garchomp, and Keldeo. While it faces competition from Mega Medicham as a wallbreaker because of its initial lack of power, Mega Gallade's access to Knock Off allows it to break through Pokemon such as Mew and Reuniclus, which normally wall Mega Medicham. Mega Gallade also has superior durability both physically and specially, allowing it to set up on weaker attacks. Unfortunately, Mega Gallade suffers from being hopelessly walled by Mega Sableye, making it virtually useless against stall teams. Its physical bulk is rather lackluster as well, meaning that it's more prone to being revenge killed by commonly used priority moves and has limited setup opportunities.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Zen Headbutt
move 4: Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its already high Attack stat in order to better break through bulkier Pokemon such as Clefable, Landorus-T, and Skarmory. Close Combat is Mega Gallade's most powerful STAB Fighting-type move, destroying anything that doesn't resist it as well as OHKOing Steel-types such as Heatran and Dark-types such as Tyranitar. Zen Headbutt provides Mega Gallade with a valuable Psychic-type STAB attack to hit Toxapex and Mega Venusaur, as well as Pokemon that resist Close Combat such as Volcarona, Mega Charizard Y and Tapu Fini. Knock Off provides very important coverage against Mew, Reuniclus, and Slowbro, all of which resist Mega Gallade's STAB combination. It's also useful for getting rid of Landorus-T and Clefable's Leftovers as they switch in.
Set Details
========
Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible, Speed tying with Latios and Gengar. Maximum Attack investment allows it to hit as hard as possible. Justified is the best ability prior to Mega Evolution because you can attempt to pivot Gallade into weaker Knock Offs from the likes of Tangrowth and Ferrothorn to get an Attack boost. Inner Focus is Mega Gallade's ability, which is useful for preventing flinches from Choice Scarf Jirachi's Iron Head as well as Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny's Fake Out.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Gallade is best used as an early- or mid-game wallbreaker to punch holes into the opponent's defensive core. Use Swords Dance on forced switches or on Pokemon Mega Gallade can set up on safely such as Assault Vest Tangrowth, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn. Only set up a Swords Dance if Mega Gallade can potentially threaten whatever is most likely switching into it; otherwise, it is best to just spam Knock Off or Close Combat for extra chip damage. Because Mega Gallade is able to take special hits decently well, you can choose to stay in on Pokemon such as Clefable and Tapu Fini if it's already at +2, as it can easily tank a Moonblast from full health and 2HKO them with Zen Headbutt, which can be very helpful for teammates. It is also able to take hits from Choice Scarf Latios as well as Life Orb Greninja, but this is not recommended unless you no longer need Mega Gallade's extra health. Although Gallade is best used earlier on, it can be saved until late-game as well to clean up.
Team Options
========
Gallade works well on bulky offensive teams in need of a strong balance breaker that struggle against Pokemon like Mew and Toxapex. Tapu Lele, particularly the Choice Scarf set, works well in conjunction with Mega Gallade, as it gives Mega Gallade boosted Zen Headbutts that can be used to 2HKO Pokemon such as Clefable without needing a Swords Dance boost. Psychic Terrain is also useful because it protects Mega Gallade from priority attacks, and Tapu Lele can revenge kill Greninja, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Lopunny. Mega Gallade pairs well with other strong wallbreakers such as Choice Band Zygarde and Swords Dance Garchomp, as they are able to pressure each other's switch-ins and allow the other to wallbreak more effectively afterwards. Partners that can help Mega Gallade in stall matchups are imperative. Clefable and offensive Landorus-T are good choices because they can set up Stealth Rock against Mega Sableye, while SubToxic Heatran can heavily pressure the likes of Unaware Clefable and Mega Sableye. Ash-Greninja appreciates Clefable, Tapu Fini, and Tangrowth pressured, and it's also able to punish defensive Landorus-T, which Mega Gallade often baits in. Mega Gallade appreciates having a defensive backbone to support it, as it can often force in Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Tapu Lele, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Pinsir. Celesteela is a good partner that can check Tapu Lele as well as Mega Pinsir, while Tangrowth can pivot into both Tapu Lele and Ash-Greninja. Zapdos can switch into Mega Pinsir as well as check offensive Landorus-T with Hidden Power Ice. Defensive Landorus-T can switch into physical attackers such as Mimikyu, Mega Pinsir, and Choice Band Zygarde, which often try to hit Gallade with priority moves. Some form of entry hazard removal or Poison-type is very helpful because Mega Gallade is grounded and very much dislikes the residual damage from hazards, especially Toxic Spikes, as they limit its opportunities to switch in or set up. Some examples are Toxapex, Amoonguss, Mantine, and Choice Scarf Latios.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ice Punch can be used to smack Landorus-T as well as do more damage to Mega Pinsir, Tapu Bulu, and Zapdos, but Mega Gallade just doesn't have room for it anywhere, and without Knock Off, it's mostly outclassed by Mega Medicham. Drain Punch can be used over Close Combat, as it can make Mega Gallade harder to wear down, but it loses out on a ton of power. Mega Gallade has lots of interesting options, such as Bulk Up, Shadow Sneak, Will-O-Wisp, Destiny Bond, and Taunt, but none of them are worth using. Four Attacks Mega Gallade is completely outclassed by Medicham, and without Swords Dance it can't break nearly as much.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Mega Sableye**: Mega Sableye is the best counter to Mega Gallade in OU. It is immune to both of Mega Gallade's STAB attacks, takes virtually no damage from a boosted Knock Off, and threatens to burn it with Will-O-Wisp.
**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Mega Slowbro resists both of Mega Gallade's STAB moves and can even tank boosted Knock Offs while threatening to burn Mega Gallade with Scald. Defensive Landorus-T can pivot into Mega Gallade's attacks, but not frequently. Tapu Fini can check an unboosted Mega Gallade, but it is 2HKOed by Zen Headbutt after a Swords Dance. Unaware Clefable can take on Mega Gallade with ease, while Magic Guard sets have to be wary against it if it's already used Swords Dance. Physically defensive Tangrowth can take a +2 Close Combat and put Mega Gallade to sleep with Sleep Powder.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users such as Tapu Lele and Garchomp can revenge kill Mega Gallade with Moonblast and Outrage, respectively. Ash-Greninja, Mega Lopunny, and Choice Band Weavile threaten to do a ton of damage with their STAB attacks. Groundium Z Dugtrio can trap Mega Gallade and OHKO it with Tectonic Rage after Stealth Rock.
**Priority Users**: Mega Gallade is prone to being chipped by priority attacks due to its lower physical bulk. Moves such as Choice Band Zygarde's Extreme Speed, Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack, Mimikyu's Shadow Sneak, and Mega Mawile and Bisharp's Sucker Punch all threaten to do a ton of damage to Mega Gallade.
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