[OVERVIEW]
Thanks to its great typing, movepool, and ability, Magearna is one of the premier breakers and setup sweepers in the CAP metagame. Magearna's typing provides it with resistances to Psychic-, Fairy-, Flying-, and Dark-type moves, meaning that it gets many setup opportunities against many common Pokemon such as Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, Tornadus-T, and Weavile. Magearna's access to moves like Calm Mind and Pain Split allows it to overwhelm stall teams and bulkier teams in general. Magearna also has access to Shift Gear, and it becomes near impossible to revenge kill with one Shift Gear under its belt because it is capable of outspeeding the whole unboosted metagame. This makes its matchup against more offensive teams quite troublesome for them, further adding to its versatility. Furthermore, it can snowball out of control rather quickly thanks to its Z-Move, which allows it to overwhelm would-be checks like Tangrowth, and Soul-Heart. Aside from its capabilities as a breaker and sweeper, Magearna can also be used as a reliable check to Psychic- and Fairy-types like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, and other Magearna. It's especially notable as a specially defensive Steel-type thanks to its access to Volt Switch, allowing it to consistently keep and generate momentum, something Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Celesteela can't do. It should be noted, however, that prior to using Shift Gear, Magearna is rather slow and will be outsped by Pokemon like Landorus-T and Heatran, meaning that it will sometimes be difficult to successfully set up. In addition to that, Magearna is very susceptible to getting worn down because it lacks any form of reliable recovery, meaning that it'll often get overwhelmed by Pokemon like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and entry hazards over time.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Pain Split
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Fleur Cannon
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Thunderbolt
item: Fairium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 184 SpA / 44 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind allows Magearna to break through specially defensive targets like Tangrowth. In conjunction with Calm Mind, Pain Split allows Magearna to break past Chansey, effectively turning it into a stallbreaker. Hidden Power Ground is run to consistently deal with Heatran as well as Mega Crucibelle. Thunderbolt is an alternative option that can be run to reliably deal with Toxapex, Celesteela, and Moltres.
Set Details
========
Fairium Z is preferred to consistently break through Pokemon like Tangrowth and also permits Magearna to ignore Fleur Cannon's Special Attack drop when Twinkle Tackle is used. Shuca Berry is an alternative item that can be run to lure in faster Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp. Wiki Berry can be run if Magearna's team already has another Z-Move user and also allows it to be played more aggressively. 252 HP and 28 Defense EVs are run for Magearna to be able to take an unboosted Earthquake from Landorus-T. 44 Special Defense EVs are used to survive two Focus Blasts from Modest Mega Alakazam.
Usage Tips
========
This set has a particularly good matchup against bulkier teams, as it is capable of setting up in front of Pokemon like Chansey and Tangrowth and can keep itself healthy with Pain Split, allowing it to set up multiple times throughout the match. Magearna should be used as a wallbreaker against more offensive teams that use a faster Ground- or Fire-type like Landorus-T, Smokomodo, or Heatran because it will be unable to reliably sweep. Although Magearna can potentially break past Heatran with a Calm Mind boost, it is generally advised to avoid doing so because Magearna will often be needed to check threats like Mega Alakazam and Tornadus-T throughout the match.
Team Options
========
If Magearna isn't running Thunderbolt, Pokemon that can punish Toxapex like Reuniclus, Mega Latios, Tapu Lele, and Mega Alakazam are useful teammates because Magearna lets Toxapex in for free. In addition to that, Pokemon that can keep Heatran in check like Arghonaut and Rotom-W are important too because Magearna can find itself too pressured to use Hidden Power Ground even when Heatran is predicted to switch in. They can also check Ground- and Fire-type Pokemon. Grass-types like Tangrowth, Jumbao, and Ferrothorn can check Ground-type Pokemon too while also checking Electric-types. Tornadus-T can check Ground-types and also provides free switches for Magearna with U-turn. In return, Magearna can check Mega Crucibelle, which Tornadus-T tends to draw in.
[SET]
name: Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Fleur Cannon
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Fairium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Magearna, alongside its excellent bulk, typing and ability, makes great use of Shift Gear, turning into a late-game sweeper. Calm Mind enables Magearna to reliably break through would-be checks like Tangrowth, making it quite reliable at breaking balance teams. Focus Blast is run to deal with Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn, which can otherwise handle Magearna quite well. Thunderbolt is another option that can be used instead of Calm Mind to consistently deal with Toxapex and Celesteela. Lastly, Ice Beam can be run alongside Thunderbolt to take on Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp more reliably, as well as Amoonguss; however, if this combination is used, it should be used over Fleur Cannon and Focus Blast.
Set Details
========
Fairium Z is run to quickly overwhelm Pokemon like Tangrowth while also providing Magearna with a reliable move to break past other specially bulky Pokemon. Additionally, Twinkle Tackle ignores Fleur Cannon's Special Attack drop upon usage. Shuca Berry can be run to set up on Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp, but Magearna gives up the ability to overwhelm balance teams as quickly. Fightinium Z can also be run to break past Heatran and Ferrothorn without having to rely on Focus Blast's shaky at best accuracy. Lastly, Iapapa Berry is an option to keep Magearna out of range from priority moves like Water Shuriken from Ash-Greninja.
Usage Tips
========
Magearna can be used as mid-game breaker with Calm Mind or as a late-game sweeper with Shift Gear. You should carefully evaluate when to use Calm Mind and when to use Shift Gear because they allow Magearna to do different things. For example, if Magearna is up against a more offensive team, it's beneficial to use Shift Gear first because then it can outspeed the majority of the team. Calm Mind should be used against bulkier teams, as they will often struggle to reliably switch into +1 Twinkle Tackle from Magearna. However, it should be noted that before setting up at all, Magearna should look to wear down offensive checks such as Choice Scarf Kitsunoh first. Magearna is extremely self-sufficient with its Z-Move; therefore, it should be used to break through would-be checks such as Tangrowth and Chansey. Alternatively, Magearna's Z-Move can be used to pave the way for another teammate to sweep. In addition to picking when to use which setup move, you should not recklessly set up with Magearna because it's prone to being revenge killed by priority moves like Water Shuriken.
Team Options
========
Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, and Mega Latios can take advantage of Toxapex and Fidgit, which are the main Pokemon that Magearna struggles with. Furthermore, they can force in and force damage on specially defensive Steel-types like Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna, potentially allowing Magearna to break through the opposition. Greninja and Ash-Greninja can set Spikes for Magearna to wear down switch-ins. Additionally, Greninja has the ability to weaken Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex for Magearna. Alternatively, Arghonaut can be used on bulkier teams to set Spikes. Tornadus-T tends to draw in and cripple Pokemon like Heatran and Assault Vest Magearna, which benefits Magearna. Pajantom is a good partner with Magearna because it tends to draw in and trap Pokemon like Clefable and Jumbao, which Magearna can use as setup bait. Furthermore, Pajantom is prone to getting Pursuit trapped by Weavile, which Magearna can also set up on. Lastly, Magearna can be run with dual screens Tapu Koko on hyper offensive teams too to ease setup and provide a Fairy-resistant Pokemon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Trick Room Magearna can be used on dedicated Trick Room teams for its Psychic- and Fairy-type resistance, allowing the team to handle Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Jumbao, and Pajantom much better and allowing Mega Mawile to focus more on wallbreaking. Specially defensive Magearna with Heart Swap is an option on many balanced and stall teams for its ability to take on Tapu Lele and Calm Mind + Pain Split Magearna. In addition to this, it can also take on Aurumoth lacking Overheat. Assault Vest is an option that can be run to turn Magearna into a sturdier check to offensive Psychic-types. However, it's quickly worn down and doesn't fit on a lot of teams because it has to compete with Heart Swap sets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Toxapex and Amoonguss aren't bothered by much from Magearna and can thus wall it. However, they should watch out for Thunderbolt and Ice Beam, respectively. Lastly, Tangrowth can take any boosted attack from Magearna other than Twinkle Tackle.
**Fire-types**: Volcarona can use Magearna as setup bait with relative ease, as it is not bothered by any attack from Magearna. Smokomodo can switch into Calm Mind + Pain Split Magearna quite reliably, but it is prone to being worn down quickly. Heatran can take an unboosted Focus Blast and Hidden Power Ground in a pinch, but it will lose if it gets worn down slightly. Volkraken can also switch into Magearna once or twice thanks to its respectable natural bulk. However, it's quickly worn down by Stealth Rock.
**Steel-types**: Assault Vest Magearna can take pretty much any attack from offensive Magearna variants, though it can lose to Pain Split variants. Specially defensive Magearna with Heart Swap can steal Magearna's stat boosts and retaliate. Other Steel-types like Kitsunoh, Celesteela, and Jirachi can take most attacks from Magearna reliably. Celesteela should watch out for Thunderbolt, however.
**Residual Damage**: Spikes are quite annoying for Magearna to deal with, as it will get overwhelmed by Psychic- and Fairy-types like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele very quickly. Luckily, Magearna can somewhat pressure Arghonaut and Greninja to prevent Spikes from going up in the first place.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor can prevent Magearna from setting up. However, they should be wary of variants carrying Shuca Berry because they can set up on the aforementioned Ground-types. Furthermore, they can't reliably switch in because of the threat of Fleur Cannon and Ice Beam.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[xavgb, 231402], [Jho, 208105], [snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [Rabia, 336073]]
Thanks to its great typing, movepool, and ability, Magearna is one of the premier breakers and setup sweepers in the CAP metagame. Magearna's typing provides it with resistances to Psychic-, Fairy-, Flying-, and Dark-type moves, meaning that it gets many setup opportunities against many common Pokemon such as Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, Tornadus-T, and Weavile. Magearna's access to moves like Calm Mind and Pain Split allows it to overwhelm stall teams and bulkier teams in general. Magearna also has access to Shift Gear, and it becomes near impossible to revenge kill with one Shift Gear under its belt because it is capable of outspeeding the whole unboosted metagame. This makes its matchup against more offensive teams quite troublesome for them, further adding to its versatility. Furthermore, it can snowball out of control rather quickly thanks to its Z-Move, which allows it to overwhelm would-be checks like Tangrowth, and Soul-Heart. Aside from its capabilities as a breaker and sweeper, Magearna can also be used as a reliable check to Psychic- and Fairy-types like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, and other Magearna. It's especially notable as a specially defensive Steel-type thanks to its access to Volt Switch, allowing it to consistently keep and generate momentum, something Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Celesteela can't do. It should be noted, however, that prior to using Shift Gear, Magearna is rather slow and will be outsped by Pokemon like Landorus-T and Heatran, meaning that it will sometimes be difficult to successfully set up. In addition to that, Magearna is very susceptible to getting worn down because it lacks any form of reliable recovery, meaning that it'll often get overwhelmed by Pokemon like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and entry hazards over time.
[SET]
name: Calm Mind + Pain Split
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Pain Split
move 3: Fleur Cannon
move 4: Hidden Power Ground / Thunderbolt
item: Fairium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 184 SpA / 44 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Calm Mind allows Magearna to break through specially defensive targets like Tangrowth. In conjunction with Calm Mind, Pain Split allows Magearna to break past Chansey, effectively turning it into a stallbreaker. Hidden Power Ground is run to consistently deal with Heatran as well as Mega Crucibelle. Thunderbolt is an alternative option that can be run to reliably deal with Toxapex, Celesteela, and Moltres.
Set Details
========
Fairium Z is preferred to consistently break through Pokemon like Tangrowth and also permits Magearna to ignore Fleur Cannon's Special Attack drop when Twinkle Tackle is used. Shuca Berry is an alternative item that can be run to lure in faster Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp. Wiki Berry can be run if Magearna's team already has another Z-Move user and also allows it to be played more aggressively. 252 HP and 28 Defense EVs are run for Magearna to be able to take an unboosted Earthquake from Landorus-T. 44 Special Defense EVs are used to survive two Focus Blasts from Modest Mega Alakazam.
Usage Tips
========
This set has a particularly good matchup against bulkier teams, as it is capable of setting up in front of Pokemon like Chansey and Tangrowth and can keep itself healthy with Pain Split, allowing it to set up multiple times throughout the match. Magearna should be used as a wallbreaker against more offensive teams that use a faster Ground- or Fire-type like Landorus-T, Smokomodo, or Heatran because it will be unable to reliably sweep. Although Magearna can potentially break past Heatran with a Calm Mind boost, it is generally advised to avoid doing so because Magearna will often be needed to check threats like Mega Alakazam and Tornadus-T throughout the match.
Team Options
========
If Magearna isn't running Thunderbolt, Pokemon that can punish Toxapex like Reuniclus, Mega Latios, Tapu Lele, and Mega Alakazam are useful teammates because Magearna lets Toxapex in for free. In addition to that, Pokemon that can keep Heatran in check like Arghonaut and Rotom-W are important too because Magearna can find itself too pressured to use Hidden Power Ground even when Heatran is predicted to switch in. They can also check Ground- and Fire-type Pokemon. Grass-types like Tangrowth, Jumbao, and Ferrothorn can check Ground-type Pokemon too while also checking Electric-types. Tornadus-T can check Ground-types and also provides free switches for Magearna with U-turn. In return, Magearna can check Mega Crucibelle, which Tornadus-T tends to draw in.
[SET]
name: Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Fleur Cannon
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Fairium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Magearna, alongside its excellent bulk, typing and ability, makes great use of Shift Gear, turning into a late-game sweeper. Calm Mind enables Magearna to reliably break through would-be checks like Tangrowth, making it quite reliable at breaking balance teams. Focus Blast is run to deal with Steel-types like Heatran and Ferrothorn, which can otherwise handle Magearna quite well. Thunderbolt is another option that can be used instead of Calm Mind to consistently deal with Toxapex and Celesteela. Lastly, Ice Beam can be run alongside Thunderbolt to take on Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp more reliably, as well as Amoonguss; however, if this combination is used, it should be used over Fleur Cannon and Focus Blast.
Set Details
========
Fairium Z is run to quickly overwhelm Pokemon like Tangrowth while also providing Magearna with a reliable move to break past other specially bulky Pokemon. Additionally, Twinkle Tackle ignores Fleur Cannon's Special Attack drop upon usage. Shuca Berry can be run to set up on Ground-types like Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Garchomp, but Magearna gives up the ability to overwhelm balance teams as quickly. Fightinium Z can also be run to break past Heatran and Ferrothorn without having to rely on Focus Blast's shaky at best accuracy. Lastly, Iapapa Berry is an option to keep Magearna out of range from priority moves like Water Shuriken from Ash-Greninja.
Usage Tips
========
Magearna can be used as mid-game breaker with Calm Mind or as a late-game sweeper with Shift Gear. You should carefully evaluate when to use Calm Mind and when to use Shift Gear because they allow Magearna to do different things. For example, if Magearna is up against a more offensive team, it's beneficial to use Shift Gear first because then it can outspeed the majority of the team. Calm Mind should be used against bulkier teams, as they will often struggle to reliably switch into +1 Twinkle Tackle from Magearna. However, it should be noted that before setting up at all, Magearna should look to wear down offensive checks such as Choice Scarf Kitsunoh first. Magearna is extremely self-sufficient with its Z-Move; therefore, it should be used to break through would-be checks such as Tangrowth and Chansey. Alternatively, Magearna's Z-Move can be used to pave the way for another teammate to sweep. In addition to picking when to use which setup move, you should not recklessly set up with Magearna because it's prone to being revenge killed by priority moves like Water Shuriken.
Team Options
========
Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Tapu Lele, and Mega Latios can take advantage of Toxapex and Fidgit, which are the main Pokemon that Magearna struggles with. Furthermore, they can force in and force damage on specially defensive Steel-types like Celesteela and Assault Vest Magearna, potentially allowing Magearna to break through the opposition. Greninja and Ash-Greninja can set Spikes for Magearna to wear down switch-ins. Additionally, Greninja has the ability to weaken Pokemon like Celesteela and Toxapex for Magearna. Alternatively, Arghonaut can be used on bulkier teams to set Spikes. Tornadus-T tends to draw in and cripple Pokemon like Heatran and Assault Vest Magearna, which benefits Magearna. Pajantom is a good partner with Magearna because it tends to draw in and trap Pokemon like Clefable and Jumbao, which Magearna can use as setup bait. Furthermore, Pajantom is prone to getting Pursuit trapped by Weavile, which Magearna can also set up on. Lastly, Magearna can be run with dual screens Tapu Koko on hyper offensive teams too to ease setup and provide a Fairy-resistant Pokemon.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Trick Room Magearna can be used on dedicated Trick Room teams for its Psychic- and Fairy-type resistance, allowing the team to handle Pokemon like Tapu Lele, Jumbao, and Pajantom much better and allowing Mega Mawile to focus more on wallbreaking. Specially defensive Magearna with Heart Swap is an option on many balanced and stall teams for its ability to take on Tapu Lele and Calm Mind + Pain Split Magearna. In addition to this, it can also take on Aurumoth lacking Overheat. Assault Vest is an option that can be run to turn Magearna into a sturdier check to offensive Psychic-types. However, it's quickly worn down and doesn't fit on a lot of teams because it has to compete with Heart Swap sets.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Toxapex and Amoonguss aren't bothered by much from Magearna and can thus wall it. However, they should watch out for Thunderbolt and Ice Beam, respectively. Lastly, Tangrowth can take any boosted attack from Magearna other than Twinkle Tackle.
**Fire-types**: Volcarona can use Magearna as setup bait with relative ease, as it is not bothered by any attack from Magearna. Smokomodo can switch into Calm Mind + Pain Split Magearna quite reliably, but it is prone to being worn down quickly. Heatran can take an unboosted Focus Blast and Hidden Power Ground in a pinch, but it will lose if it gets worn down slightly. Volkraken can also switch into Magearna once or twice thanks to its respectable natural bulk. However, it's quickly worn down by Stealth Rock.
**Steel-types**: Assault Vest Magearna can take pretty much any attack from offensive Magearna variants, though it can lose to Pain Split variants. Specially defensive Magearna with Heart Swap can steal Magearna's stat boosts and retaliate. Other Steel-types like Kitsunoh, Celesteela, and Jirachi can take most attacks from Magearna reliably. Celesteela should watch out for Thunderbolt, however.
**Residual Damage**: Spikes are quite annoying for Magearna to deal with, as it will get overwhelmed by Psychic- and Fairy-types like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele very quickly. Luckily, Magearna can somewhat pressure Arghonaut and Greninja to prevent Spikes from going up in the first place.
**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Gliscor can prevent Magearna from setting up. However, they should be wary of variants carrying Shuca Berry because they can set up on the aforementioned Ground-types. Furthermore, they can't reliably switch in because of the threat of Fleur Cannon and Ice Beam.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[xavgb, 231402], [Jho, 208105], [snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Estronic, 240732], [Rabia, 336073]]
Last edited: