OU Magearna

[Jordy]

WIP done by Anish

[Overview]

Thanks to its ability Soul-Heart, Magearna has the ability to snowball with Shift Gear sets, meaning that it is very hard to check late-game. It also has a great typing, which gives it resistances to common types like Fairy, Psychic, and Dark. This gives it good setup opportunities and allows it to function as a defensive check to Pokemon such as Clefable, Tapu Lele, Mega Alakazam, and Ash-Greninja. Magearna possesses over a high base 130 Special Attack with an excellent movepool consisting of good moves like Fleur Cannon, Focus Blast, Calm Mind, Shift Gear, and Thunderbolt. Essentially, Magearna can pick its check and counters due to the variety of Z-Crystals it can viably run on offensive sets, such as Fairium Z, Steelium Z, and Electrium Z, which hit a wide variety of Pokemon. Additionally, Magearna has access to Volt Switch, which allows it to act as a defensive pivot and gain momentum. Unfortunately, Magearna lacks any sort of reliable recovery whatsoever, meaning it can be worn down with ease. This means that most Magearna sets, Assault Vest sets especially, are prone to Spikes, because they will have a hard time switching into Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele multiple times throughout the match. Mediocre Speed prior to setup also means Magearna is susceptible to common Pokemon such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Zygarde.

[SET]
name: Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Calm Mind / Thunderbolt
move 3: Fleur Cannon / Flash Cannon
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Fairium Z / Steelium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind allows Magearna to to break past its usual checks such as Assault Vest Tangrowth. Thunderbolt can be run instead of Calm Mind if breaking past Toxapex and Celesteela is desired, but this gets rid of Magearna's ability to reliably break past walls. Focus Blast hits sturdy Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Flash Cannon should be run with Thunderbolt to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. Ice Beam could be run instead of Fleur Cannon alongside Thunderbolt to hit Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor, but it is notably weaker against anything not hit super effectively.

Set Details
========

Fairium Z allows Magearna to overwhelm specially defensive checks such as Gastrodon and Tangrowth after a Calm Mind boost. Steelium Z turns Flash Cannon into Corkscrew Crash, allowing Magearna to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. An Iapapa Berry can be run, giving Magearna recovery in a pinch and keeping it out of range of common priority attacks such as Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken. Shuca Berry is another alternative, allowing Magearna to set up on Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Zygarde. Electrium Z can be used on Thunderbolt sets to break past Toxapex and Celesteela more easily. Fightinium Z can also be run on Thunderbolt sets to break past Heatran and Ferrothorn reliably. Metronome is also an option for Magearna's attacks to consistently get stronger if its team already has another Z-Move user.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna function best as a late-game sweeper once the opposition is weakened. However, Magearna can also be used as a mid-game breaker, where it can be used more aggresively. A boosted Twinkle Tackle is extremely hard to switch into, which makes it quite easy for Magearna to pave the way for one of its teammates to clean up late-game. If you intend to sweep with Magearna late-game, it is important to keep Magearna healthy throughout the match, as it may need to get multiple boosts to win. In addition, keeping Magearna healthy also prevents it from being revenge killed by priority moves such as Water Shuriken and Bullet Punch. You should gauge whether it is beneficial to use Calm Mind or Shift Gear. For example, if Magearna is facing slower Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Clefable, and Tangrowth, it's better to use Calm Mind to break past these Pokemon. If Magearna is facing offensive teams with faster Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, it will be beneficial to use Shift Gear first to outspeed these Pokemon. Additionally, Magearna should time its Z-Moves optimally. Steelium Z sets really want Toxapex weakened before attempting to sweep and also want a bit of chip damage on Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss to KO them. If run, Electrium Z sets should attempt to weaken Toxapex before using Gigavolt Havoc because Toxapex can take an unboosted Gigavolt Havoc from full HP. Fightinium Z sets can afford to set up early if Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn are still healthy, because it can usually overwhelm them, but the set really needs Toxapex weakened.

Team Options
========

Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Latios are excellent teammates for Magearna because they can consistently switch into Toxapex and wear down Steel-types such as Heatran, Celesteela, and Assault Vest Magearna. Greninja and Ash-Greninja can be used to wear down Magearna's checks with Spikes. Greninja can also function as a dual entry hazard lead on hyper offense, additionally providing Toxic Spikes support. Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Alakazam appreciate Magearna's ability as a mid-game breaker with Calm Mind so that they can clean up late-game. Tornadus-T can remove items from Pokemon such as Toxapex, Assault Vest Magearna, and Heatran. Furthermore, it also provides Defog support, which is useful to keep Magearna as healthy as possible. Dual screens from Tapu Koko or Aurora Veil support from Alolan Ninetales lets Magearna set up much more easily. Tapu Koko also provides Electric Terrain to potentially boost Magearna's Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc.

[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Fleur Cannon
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Iron Head
item: Assault Vest
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 224 SpD / 36 Spe

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

Volt Switch helps Magearna perform its role as a pivot and maintain momentum for the team. Focus Blast hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire reliably hits Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor and prevents them from using Magearna as bait to set Spikes or gain boosts. Ice Beam gives Magearna the ability to OHKO Ground types like Landorus-T. It also prevents Gliscor from blocking Volt Switch, since it doesn't fear Fleur Cannon. Iron Head is used despite Magearna's lower Attack stat to beat Calm Mind users like Clefable, Magearna, and Mega Alakazam. However, Flash Cannon can be used if the aforementioned foes aren't issues.

Set Details
========

36 Speed EVs allow Magearna to outspeed uninvested Clefable, which gives it a good chance at beating Clefable. A Calm nature should be used with Flash Cannon. 22 Speed IVs without any Speed investment can be run to underspeed Celesteela, which allows Magearna to absorb Leech Seed for its teammates before pivoting out to them.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna can switch into most special attackers, but it is prone to being worn down, so you should not overly rely on Magearna to blanket check every specially offensive threat. Generally, try not to switch Magearna in when Spikes are on the field, because they tend to chip it down quite easily. However, if a Ground-type is anticipated to switch in to block Volt Switch, Magearna can use Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam instead to get rid of them. If a Greninja is confirmed to be Protean, consider the risk of using Volt Switch on it because Greninja can use Spikes to block Volt Switch.

Team Options
========

Defoggers like Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Tapu Koko can keep Spikes off the field for Magearna and also form a good VoltTurn core with it. Pokemon such as Landorus-T and physically defensive Tangrowth can check Ground-types such as Zygarde, Gliscor, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, which Magearna tends to struggle against. Powerful wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Garchomp, and Kyurem-B appreciate Magearna's slow Volt Switch to get them into battle. Solid checks to Heatran such as Zygarde, Gliscor, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios are appreciated. Magearna can be run on rain teams, as it can switch into Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and also weaken Ferrothorn with Focus Blast, which is often annoying to rain teams.

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

A specially defensive set with Z-Heal Bell + Heart Swap with can be used to steal boosts from Reuniclus, Mega Latias, and opposing Calm Mind Magearna while also acting as a cleric that is able to answer Tapu Lele, but these defensive sets are usually suboptimal on stall teams. Trick Room can be used on dedicated teams as an alternative setter with enough bulk and power to set Trick Room at least once or twice. This set can also be run on offensive teams as a late-game sweeper but is outclassed by Shift Gear sets in that regard. Explosion can be run on Assault Vest sets to do major damage to Volcarona. Alternatively, Energy Ball can also be run to catch Gastrodon and Mega Swampert off guard, but it doesn't offer much else.

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

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Pokemon can be a major threat to Magearna. Toxapex only fears boosted Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc, taking anything else rather comfortably. Chansey eats everything Magearna can throw at it with relative ease, with the exception of boosted Twinkle Tackle, and it also loses to Calm Mind and Pain Split variants. Assault Vest Magearna can be a good check to Shift Gear Magearna. Gastrodon can block Volt Switch and take any move from Magearna well besides boosted Twinkle Tackle or the rare Energy Ball. Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, and Assault Vest Tangrowth can also deal with Magearna, only fearing select Calm Mind sets.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon resist Magearna's STAB attacks and threaten it with super effective coverage of their own. Volcarona can take any hit reasonably well from offensive sets and will KO back with Fire Blast. It can also use Assault Vest Magearna as setup bait. Heatran only fears Focus Blast, All-Out Pummeling, or an Electric Terrain-boosted Gigavolt Havoc. Pokemon such as Blacephalon can also take on Magearna well, though it can be KOed by Twinkle Tackle after Stealth Rock damage.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Mawile are good checks to offensive Magearna sets. Jirachi and opposing Assault Vest or specially defensive Magearna can take any hit very comfortably from Shift Gear Magearna, and Jirachi also has the ability to recover health with the combination of Wish + Protect. Celesteela only fears Gigavolt Havoc from Magearna. Mega Scizor shrugs off any attack bar Hidden Power Fire or Gigavolt Havoc. Ferrothorn and Heatran both can take any hit bar All-Out Pummeling, though they can be heavily damaged by Hidden Power Fire or, in Heatran's case, Focus Blast.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor can potentially block Assault Vest Magearna's Volt Switch and threaten it out with Earthquake or Thousand Arrows, but they don't take Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam very well. All of them fall over to Shift Gear Magearna's Ice Beam or Twinkle Tackle as well. Magearna can also run a Shuca Berry, which allows it to use them as set up bait or to pick them off with Twinkle Tackle.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Anish, 232514], [Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[lyd, 303291], [Leo, 328915], [Talah, 248449]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]

 

[astroshagger]

Just curious: why is the default nature for the AV set Calm and not Sassy? I feel like Sassy + Iron Head is superior as it lets you take on CM Clef as well as other Magearna, without having to worry about the SAtk drop when using Fleur Cannon.

Also, any mention of the 22 Spe IV when running Sassy to underspeed Celesteela? - or is that not a thing anymore?

 

[Jordy]

Just curious: why is the default nature for the AV set Calm and not Sassy? I feel like Sassy + Iron Head is superior as it lets you take on CM Clef as well as other Magearna, without having to worry about the SAtk drop when using Fleur Cannon.

Also, any mention of the 22 Spe IV when running Sassy to underspeed Celesteela? - or is that not a thing anymore?

Changes are still being made, and this was one of them anyways. I just took this WIP from Anish so I didn't bother to change the sets yet.

 

[lydian]

[Overview]

* Magearna also has a great typing, which gives it resistances or immunities to common types like Fairy, Psychic, Dark, Dragon, and Flying. This gives it good set up opportunities and allows it to function as a defensive check to Pokemon such as Clefable, Tapu Lele, Mega Alakazam, Kyurem-B, and Tornadus-T.

Listing every type makes me sick, don't do this.

[Double Dance - Moves]

* Fleur Cannon, especially when boosted by Fairium Z, is an incredibly powerful nuke that breaks Ground-types like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor, along with specially defensive checks like Gastrodon and Tangrowth after a Calm Mind.

I don't like the way this is worded tbh, makes it sound like Fleur Cannon is only there for Ground-types or smth, which really isn't true. I know you can word this a little better.

[Double Dance - Usage Tips]

* However, Magearna can also be used as a mid-game breaker, where it can be used more aggresively. A boosted Twinkle Tackle is extremely hard to switch into, if using a Fairium Z set.

Talk a bit more about when using it late-game or mid-game.

* If you intend to sweep with Magearna late-game, it is important to keep Magearna healthy throughout the match, as it may need to get multiple boosts to win. In addition, keeping Magearna healthy also prevents it from being revenge killed by priority moves such as Water Shuriken or Bullet Punch.

Tell players that if they can see another win condition it might be useful to let Magearna tank a hit not to lose or get your team heavily weakened by another threat, like Ash-Greninja or whatever.

[SET - Shift Gear 3 Attacks]

name: Shift Gear

Call the set Shift Gear 3 Attacks, because Double Dance also has Shift Gear.

[Moves - Assault Vest]

* Iron Head allows Magearna to check Calm Mind Magearna, Clefable, and Tapu Lele.
* Hidden Power Fire reliably hits Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor, and prevents them from using Magearna as bait to set Spikes or gain boosts.

Order is messed up.

[Moves - OTR]

* Thunderbolt hits Toxapex and Celesteela for super effective damage, which comfortably take any other move.
* Focus Blast hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn, for good damage, which resist Fleur Cannon.
* Ice Beam can be run instead of Fleur Cannon, hitting largely the same targets as Fleur Cannon, while allowing Magearna to run a different Z-Crystal like Electrium Z.

Oh wow, order is messed up again!

[Other Options]

* Z-Heal Bell Magearna can be run on Stall teams for its ability to answer Tapu Lele, while acting as a cleric, but doesn't offer a lot aside from that.

Say it faces competition from Jirachi too.

[Checks & Counters]

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor can potentially block Assault Vest Magearna's Volt Switch, and threaten it out with Earthquake or Thousand Arrows, but don't take Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam very well from Assault Vest Magearna. All of them fall over to Shift Gear Magearna's Ice Beam or Twinkle Tackle aswell.

Talk about how Shuca can trick them into thinking they can KO it and get used as set up bait though.

Good work brother, QC 1/3

 

[Gary]

 

[lydian]

Shift Gear—Moves

• Mention three attacks somewhere.

Shift Gear—Set Details

• Metronome should receive a mention in my opinion. It’s nice for offenses that already have a Z-move user.

Assault Vest—Set Details

Soul-Heart is the only available ability.

• You can probably cut this.

Other Options

Z-Heal Bell + Heart Swap with can be used to steal boosts from Reuniclus and Mega Latias, and also acts as a cleric that is able to answer Tapu Lele, but these defensive sets are usually sub optimal.

• Also checks opposing CM Split Magearna, which is nice to stall teams,

Energy Ball can be run on Assault Vest sets to catch Gastrodon and Mega Swampert off guard, but doesn't offer much else.

• I’m not sure if this is oo worthy. If anything I’d include Explosion before it.

Checks & Counters—Steel-types

• Add opposing Magearna here too!

QC 1/3

 

[Leo]

This, lets Magearna viably run an array of different Z-Crystals such as Fairium Z, Fightinium Z, and Electrium Z, which essentially lets Magearna pick its checks and counters.

I’d specify on offensive sets here cause u mention volt switch which is pretty much exclusively ran on av

Flash Cannon is an alternative to Iron Head that can be used if Calm Mind Magearna and Clefable aren't an issue.

while this kinda explains why Iron Head is used it’s kind of an awkward way to get the information to the reader cause I don’t think it’s that self explanatory. I’d just replace this with something like “Iron Head is used despite its lower atk because it bypasses boosts from clef mag etc however flash cannon may be used instead if etc”

Wish users such as Alomomola and Clefable can keep Magearna healthy throughout the match. Additionally, Alomomola and Clefable can also check Ground-types for Magearna.

I think it’s a bit odd to have this as a second bullet considering av mag is usually ran on bulky offenses which rarely have alo and wish clef is pretty eh, just have this lower or cut it entirely imo

2/3

 

[talah]

[OVERVIEW]

such as Fairium Z, Fightinium Z, and Electrium Z

replace Fightinium w/ Steelium, much more commonly used & a better Z crystal viability wise

[SET]
name: Shift Gear

Flash Cannon should be run with Thunderbolt to break past checks like Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss

mention AV Magearna instead of Amoonguss and before Venu, mention how it can OHKO Mawile (after Venu)

reflect above changes in Set Details

Usage Tips

more of the same, Steelium should be more represented & talk about how it likes Toxapex being weakened & what not

[SET]
name: Assault Vest

Powerful wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham and Kyurem-B

a pretty notable partner lately has been Garchomp who takes very good advantage of Heatran/Pex & what not, so try to mention him too

looks good, 3/3

 

[queso]

Amcheck, feel free to implement what you want
Add, Remove, (RC) = remove comma, (comments)

amcheck

[OVERVIEW]

Magearna has a high base 130 Special Attack with an excellent movepool with access to moves like Fleur Cannon, Focus Blast, Volt Switch, Calm Mind, Shift Gear, and Thunderbolt. ("moves like" means the moves have something in common. are they 'good'? are they good coverage? are they varied?) Z-Crystals on offensive sets, such as Fairium Z, Steelium Z, and Electrium Z, which essentially lets Magearna pick its checks and counters. It also has a great typing, which gives it resistances to common types like Fairy, Psychic, and Dark. This gives it good set up opportunities and allows it to function as a defensive check to Pokemon such as Clefable, Tapu Lele, Mega Alakazam, and Ash-Greninja. (once again, "such as" needs a descriptor. "specially offensive"? "notable OU threats"? "Pokemon which don't run coverage for it"? "Pokemon whose STAB moves are resisted by it?") Thanks to its ability, Soul-Heart, Magearna has the ability to snowball on offensive sets, meaning that Magearna is very hard to check late-game. Additionally, Magearna has access to Volt Switch, which allows it to act as a defensive pivot and gain momentum. Unfortunately, Magearna lacks any sort of reliable recovery whatsoever, meaning that Magearna can be worn down with ease. This means that most Magearna sets, Assault Vest sets especially, are prone to Spikes, (change to "all mag sets" if it's all sets, i'm not sure) because they will have a hard time switching into Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele multiple times throughout the match. Mediocre Speed prior to setup also means Magearna is susceptible to common Pokemon such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Zygarde.

[SET]
name: Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Calm Mind / Thunderbolt
move 3: Fleur Cannon / Flash Cannon
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Fairium Z / Steelium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind can help Magearna boost its Special Attack, allowing it to break past usual checks such as Assault Vest Tangrowth and Gastrodon. Focus Blast hits sturdy Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Thunderbolt can be run instead of Calm Mind if breaking past Toxapex and Celesteela is desired, but gets rid of Magearna's ability to reliably break past walls. Flash Cannon should be run with Thunderbolt to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. Ice Beam could be run instead along Thunderbolt to hit Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor, but is notably weaker against anything not hit super effectively.

Set Details
========

Fairium Z allows Magearna to overwhelm specially defensive checks such as Gastrodon and Tangrowth after a Calm Mind boost. Steelium Z turns Flash Cannon into Corkscrew Crash, allowing Magearna to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. An Iapapa Berry can be run, giving Magearna recovery in a pinch. After Magearna activates the berry, it will be out of range of common priority attacks such as Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken. Shuca Berry is another alternative, allowing Magearna to set up on Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Zygarde. Electrium Z can be used on Thunderbolt sets to break past Toxapex and Celesteela easier. Fightinium Z could also be run on Thunderbolt sets to break past Heatran and Ferrothorn reliably. Metronome is also an option for Magearna to consistently get stronger if its team already has another Z-Move user.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna function best as a late-game sweeper once the opposition is weakened. However, Magearna can also be used as a mid-game breaker, where it can be used more aggresively. A boosted Twinkle Tackle is extremely hard to switch into, which makes it quite easy for Magearna to pave the way for one of its teammates to clean up late-game. If you intend to sweep with Magearna late-game, it is important to keep Magearna healthy throughout the match, as it may need to get multiple boosts to win. In addition, keeping Magearna healthy also prevents it from being revenge killed by priority moves such as Water Shuriken or Bullet Punch. You should gauge whether it is beneficial to use Calm Mind or Shift Gear. For example, if Magearna is facing slower Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Clefable, or Tangrowth, it's better to use Calm Mind to break past these Pokemon. If Magearna is facing offensive teams with Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, it will be beneficial to use Shift Gear first to outspeed these Pokemon. Additionally, Magearna should time its Z-Moves. Steelium Z sets really want Toxapex weakened before attempting to sweep, and also want a bit of chip damage on Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss to OHKO them. If run, Electrium Z sets should attempt to weaken Toxapex before using Gigavolt Havoc because Toxapex can take an unboosted Gigavolt Havoc from full HP. If run, Fightinium Z sets can afford to set up early if Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn are still healthy, because it can usually overwhelm them, but they really need Toxapex weakened.

Team Options
========

Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Latios are excellent teammates for Magearna because they can consistently switch into Toxapex (RC) and wear down Steel-types. Greninja can wear down Magearna's checks with Spikes. Greninja can also function as a dual hazard lead on hyper offense, additionally providing Toxic Spikes support. Ash-Greninja also provides Spikes support to Magearna and also appreciates Magearna's ability to bait in checks such as Toxapex and Tangrowth, opening up holes for it. Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Alakazam appreciate Magearna's ability as a mid-game breaker with Calm Mind so that they can clean up late-game. Tornadus-T can remove items from Pokemon such as Toxapex, Assault Vest Magearna, and Heatran. Furthermore, it also provides Defog support, which is useful to keep Magearna as healthy as possible. Screens or Aurora Veil support from Tapu Koko or Alolan Ninetales respectively lets Magearna set up much easier. Tapu Koko also provides Electric Terrain to potentially boost Magearna's Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc.

[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Fleur Cannon
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Iron Head
item: Assault Vest
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 224 SpD / 36 Spe

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

Volt Switch helps Magearna perform its role as a pivot and maintain momentum for the team. Focus Blast hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire reliably hits Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, and prevents them from using Magearna as bait to set Spikes or gain boosts. Ice Beam gives Magearna the ability to OHKO Ground types like Landorus-T. It also prevents Gliscor from blocking Volt Switch, since it doesn't fear Fleur Cannon. (Ice beam isn't on the set and you forgot to talk about fleur cannon.) to beat Calm Mind users like Clefable, Magearna, and Mega Alakazam. However, Flash Cannon can be used if Calm Mind Clefable, Magearna, and Mega Alakazam aren't issues.

Set Details
========

36 Speed EVs allow Magearna to outspeed uninvested Clefable, which gives it a good chance at beating Clefable. A Calm nature should be used with Flash Cannon. 22 Speed IVs without any Speed investment can be run to underspeed Celesteela, which allows Magearna to absorb Leech Seed for its teammates (RC) which it will want to pivot into.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna can switch into most Special Attackers, but it is prone to being worn down, so you should not overly rely on Magearna to blanket check every specially offensive threat. Generally, try not to switch Magearna in when Spikes are on the field because they also tend to chip Magearna down it's prone to being worn down very easily. However, if a Ground-type is anticipated to switch in to block Volt Switch, Magearna can use Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam instead to get rid of them. If a Greninja is confirmed to be Protean, consider the risk of using Volt Switch on it because Greninja can use Spikes to block Volt Switch.

Team Options
========

Defoggers like Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Tapu Koko can keep Spikes off the field for Magearna (RC) and also form a good VoltTurn core with Magearna. Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Physically Defensive physically defensive Tangrowth can check Ground-types such as Zygarde, Gliscor, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, which Magearna tends to struggle against. Powerful wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Garchomp, and Kyurem-B appreciate Magearna's slow Volt Switch to get them into battle. Solid checks to Heatran such as Zygarde, Gliscor, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios are appreciated. Magearna can be run on rain teams, as it can switch into Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and also weaken Ferrothorn with Focus Blast, which is often annoying to rain teams.

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

A set of Calm Mind, Pain Split, Fleur Cannon, and Thunderbolt can be run with a bulkier spread and a Shuca Berry or Fairium Z as item to break stall, but has less snowballing potential and requires more support overall. A specially defensive set with Z-Heal Bell + Heart Swap with can be used to steal boosts from Reuniclus, Mega Latias, and opposing Calm Mind Magearna while also acting as a cleric that is able to answer Tapu Lele, but these defensive sets are usually sub optimal suboptimal on stall teams. Trick Room can be used on dedicated Trick Room teams as an alternative setter with enough bulk and power to set Trick Room at least once or twice. This set can also be run on offensive teams as a late-game sweeper, but is outclassed by Shift Gear sets in that regard. Explosion can be run on Assault Vest sets to do major damage to Volcarona. Alternatively, Energy Ball can also be run to catch Gastrodon and Mega Swampert off guard, but doesn't offer much else.

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

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Pokemon can be a major threat to Magearna. Toxapex only fears boosted Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc, but takes anything else rather comfortably. Chansey eats everything Magearna can throw at it with relative ease, with the exception of boosted Twinkle Tackle, and it also loses to Calm Mind and Pain Split variants. Assault Vest Magearna can be a good check to Shift Gear Magearna. Gastrodon can block Volt Switch and take any move from Magearna well besides boosted Twinkle Tackle or, albeit rare, Energy Ball. Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, and Assault Vest Tangrowth can also deal with Magearna, only fearing select Calm Mind sets.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon resist Magearna's STAB attacks and threaten it with super effective coverage of their own. Volcarona can take any hit reasonably well from offensive sets and will KO back with Fire Blast. It can also use Assault Vest Magearna as set up bait. Heatran only fears Focus Blast, All-Out Pummeling, or an Electric Terrain-boosted Gigavolt Havoc. Pokemon such as Blacephalon can also take on Magearna well, though it can die to Twinkle Tackle after Stealth Rock damage.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Mawile are good checks to offensive Magearna sets. Jirachi and opposing Assault Vest or specially defensive Magearna can take any hit very comfortably from Shift Gear Magearna, and Jirachi also has the ability to recover health with the combination of Wish + Protect. Celesteela only fears Gigavolt Havoc from Magearna. Mega Scizor shrugs off any attack bar Hidden Power Fire or Gigavolt Havoc. Ferrothorn and Heatran both can take any hit bar All-Out Pummelling Pummeling, though they can be heavily damaged by Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire Hidden Power Fire or Focus Blast respectively.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor can potentially block Assault Vest Magearna's Volt Switch (RC) and threaten it out with Earthquake or Thousand Arrows, respectively, but they don't take Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam very well. Additionally, all All of them fall over to Shift Gear Magearna's Ice Beam or Twinkle Tackle as well (add space between as and well). Magearna can also run a Shuca Berry, which allows it to use them as set up bait or to pick them off with Fairium Z-boosted Fleur Cannon Twinkie Tackle.

 

[autumn]

going over that my colours are add remove comments
GP 1/2

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[OVERVIEW]

Magearna has a high base 130 Special Attack with an excellent movepool consisting of moves like (removing redundancy) with access to moves like Fleur Cannon, Focus Blast, Volt Switch, Calm Mind, Shift Gear, and Thunderbolt. ("moves like" means the moves have something in common. are they 'good'? are they good coverage? are they varied?) (descriptors really aren't needed for every "thing like" post in an analysis only when it's not clear. I'd suggest to add one to this point because the moves are so diferent but otherwise it's not needed so add something before moves like) Z-Crystals on offensive sets, such as Fairium Z, Steelium Z, and Electrium Z, which essentially lets Magearna pick its checks and counters. (explain this a bit more imo it's not really intuitive to newer players or clear) It also has a great typing, which gives it resistances to common types like Fairy, Psychic, and Dark. This gives it good set up setup opportunities and allows it to function as a defensive check to Pokemon such as Clefable, Tapu Lele, Mega Alakazam, and Ash-Greninja. (once again, "such as" needs a descriptor. "specially offensive"? "notable OU threats"? "Pokemon which don't run coverage for it"? "Pokemon whose STAB moves are resisted by it?") (not needed unless writer wants to add here) Thanks to its ability, (RC) Soul-Heart, Magearna has the ability to snowball on offensive sets, meaning that Magearna it is very hard to check late-game. Additionally, Magearna has access to Volt Switch, which allows it to act as a defensive pivot and gain momentum. (you list volt switch when talking about movepool so remove one so you're not repeating info or put this volt switch explanation next to your list) Unfortunately, Magearna lacks any sort of reliable recovery whatsoever, meaning that Magearna it can be worn down with ease. This means that most Magearna sets, Assault Vest sets especially, are prone to Spikes, (change to "all mag sets" if it's all sets, i'm not sure) because they will have a hard time switching into Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele multiple times throughout the match. Mediocre Speed prior to setup also means Magearna is susceptible to common Pokemon such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Zygarde.

[SET]
name: Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Calm Mind / Thunderbolt
move 3: Fleur Cannon / Flash Cannon
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Fairium Z / Steelium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind can help Magearna boost its Special Attack, allowing it allows Magearna to to break past its usual checks such as Gastrodon and Assault Vest Tangrowth and Gastrodon. (moved so you don't imply av gastro but if you don't think gastro is relevant enough to be first you can consider removing or just removing the "assault vest" part and keeping order if that's the only tangrowth set) Focus Blast hits sturdy Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Thunderbolt can be run instead of Calm Mind if breaking past Toxapex and Celesteela is desired, but this gets rid of Magearna's ability to reliably break past walls. (put this next to cm because it's slashed next to it) Flash Cannon should be run with Thunderbolt to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. Ice Beam could be run instead alongside Thunderbolt to hit Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor, but is notably weaker against anything not hit super effectively. (is this with fleur cannon so sg / fleur / boltbeam or sg / cm / boltbeam or both. not really explained here)

Set Details
========

Fairium Z allows Magearna to overwhelm specially defensive checks such as Gastrodon and Tangrowth after a Calm Mind boost. Steelium Z turns Flash Cannon into Corkscrew Crash, allowing Magearna to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. An Iapapa Berry can be run, giving Magearna recovery in a pinch. After Magearna activates the berry, it will be out of range of common priority attacks such as Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken. Shuca Berry is another alternative, allowing Magearna to set up on Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Zygarde. Electrium Z can be used on Thunderbolt sets to break past Toxapex and Celesteela easier. Fightinium Z could can also be run on Thunderbolt sets to break past Heatran and Ferrothorn reliably. Metronome is also an option for Magearna's attacks to consistently get stronger if its team already has another Z-Move user.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna function best as a late-game sweeper once the opposition is weakened. However, Magearna can also be used as a mid-game breaker, where it can be used more aggresively. A boosted Twinkle Tackle is extremely hard to switch into, which makes it quite easy for Magearna to pave the way for one of its teammates to clean up late-game. If you intend to sweep with Magearna late-game, it is important to keep Magearna healthy throughout the match, as it may need to get multiple boosts to win. In addition, keeping Magearna healthy also prevents it from being revenge killed by priority moves such as Water Shuriken or Bullet Punch. You should gauge whether it is beneficial to use Calm Mind or Shift Gear. For example, if Magearna is facing slower Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Clefable, or Tangrowth, it's better to use Calm Mind to break past these Pokemon. If Magearna is facing offensive teams with faster Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, it will be beneficial to use Shift Gear first to outspeed these Pokemon. Additionally, Magearna should time its Z-Moves optimally. Steelium Z sets really want Toxapex weakened before attempting to sweep, (RC) and also want a bit of chip damage on Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss to OHKO them. If run, Electrium Z sets should attempt to weaken Toxapex before using Gigavolt Havoc because Toxapex can take an unboosted Gigavolt Havoc from full HP. If run, (repetition) Fightinium Z sets can afford to set up early if Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn are still healthy, because it can usually overwhelm them, but they the set really needs Toxapex weakened.

Team Options
========

Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Latios are excellent teammates for Magearna because they can consistently switch into Toxapex (RC) and wear down Steel-types. (maybe explain what steels they can wear down or if they have coverage because saying psychic types beat steels isn't intuitive to new readers) Greninja can wear down Magearna's checks with Spikes. (you explain both gren formes and spikes right after so this repeats a lot so consider rewording or removing. if it's referring to a different gren set then keep it but explain more) Greninja can also function as a dual hazard lead on hyper offense, additionally providing Toxic Spikes support. Ash-Greninja also provides Spikes support to Magearna and also appreciates Magearna's ability to bait in checks such as Toxapex and Tangrowth, opening up holes for it. Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Alakazam appreciate Magearna's ability as a mid-game breaker with Calm Mind so that they can clean up late-game. Tornadus-T can remove items from Pokemon such as Toxapex, Assault Vest Magearna, and Heatran. Furthermore, it also provides Defog support, which is useful to keep Magearna as healthy as possible. Dual screens or Aurora Veil support from Tapu Koko or Alolan Ninetales, (AC) respectively, (AC) lets Magearna set up much easier more easily. Tapu Koko also provides Electric Terrain to potentially boost Magearna's Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc.

[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Fleur Cannon
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Iron Head
item: Assault Vest
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 224 SpD / 36 Spe

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

Volt Switch helps Magearna perform its role as a pivot and maintain momentum for the team. Focus Blast hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire reliably hits Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, (RC and you also mention ferro for both focus blast and hp fire) and prevents them from using Magearna as bait to set Spikes or gain boosts. Ice Beam gives Magearna the ability to OHKO Ground types like Landorus-T. It also prevents Gliscor from blocking Volt Switch, since it doesn't fear Fleur Cannon. (Ice beam isn't on the set and you forgot to talk about fleur cannon.) (ice beam is a moves mention here and fleur cannon is main stab and doesn't require moves explanation following new writing policies) Iron Head is used despite Magearna's lower Attack stat to beat Calm Mind users like Clefable, Magearna, and Mega Alakazam. However, Flash Cannon can be used if Calm Mind Clefable, Magearna, and Mega Alakazam the aforementioned foes aren't issues.

Set Details
========

36 Speed EVs allow Magearna to outspeed uninvested Clefable, which gives it a good chance at beating Clefable. A Calm nature should be used with Flash Cannon. 22 Speed IVs without any Speed investment can be run to underspeed Celesteela, which allows Magearna to absorb Leech Seed for its teammates (RC) (add the comma back) which it will want to pivot into.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna can switch into most special attackers, but it is prone to being worn down, so you should not overly rely on Magearna to blanket check every specially offensive threat. Generally, try not to switch Magearna in when Spikes are on the field because they also tend to chip Magearna down it's prone to being worn down very easily. (content change because you're taken the idea of mag ebing prone to be chipped by everything to only making it about spikes. Jordy keep what's correct) However, if a Ground-type is anticipated to switch in to block Volt Switch, Magearna can use Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam instead to get rid of them. If a Greninja is confirmed to be Protean, consider the risk of using Volt Switch on it because Greninja can use Spikes to block Volt Switch.

Team Options
========

Defoggers like Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Tapu Koko can keep Spikes off the field for Magearna (RC) and also form a good VoltTurn core with Magearna it. Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Physically Defensive physically defensive Tangrowth can check Ground-types such as Zygarde, Gliscor, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, which Magearna tends to struggle against. Powerful wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Garchomp, and Kyurem-B appreciate Magearna's slow Volt Switch to get them into battle. Solid checks to Heatran such as Zygarde, Gliscor, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios are appreciated. Magearna can be run on rain teams, as it can switch into Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and also weaken Ferrothorn with Focus Blast, which is often annoying to rain teams.

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

A set of Calm Mind, Pain Split, Fleur Cannon, and Thunderbolt can be run with a bulkier spread (is it specific for 252/252 hp spd?) and a Shuca Berry or Fairium Z as the item to break stall, but it has less snowballing potential and requires more support overall. A specially defensive set with Z-Heal Bell + Heart Swap with can be used to steal boosts from Reuniclus, Mega Latias, and opposing Calm Mind Magearna while also acting as a cleric that is able to answer Tapu Lele, but these defensive sets are usually sub optimal suboptimal on stall teams. (it hasn't implied that there only work on stall before this line so it isn't super clear) Trick Room can be used on dedicated Trick Room teams as an alternative setter with enough bulk and power to set Trick Room at least once or twice. This set can also be run on offensive teams as a late-game sweeper, (RC) but is outclassed by Shift Gear sets in that regard. Explosion can be run on Assault Vest sets to do major damage to Volcarona. Alternatively, Energy Ball can also be run to catch Gastrodon and Mega Swampert off guard, but doesn't offer much else.

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

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Pokemon can be a major threat to Magearna. Toxapex only fears boosted Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc, but takes anything else rather comfortably. Chansey eats everything Magearna can throw at it with relative ease, with the exception of boosted Twinkle Tackle, and it also loses to Calm Mind and Pain Split variants. Assault Vest Magearna can be a good check to Shift Gear Magearna. Gastrodon can block Volt Switch and take any move from Magearna well besides boosted Twinkle Tackle or, albeit rare, Energy Ball. Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, and Assault Vest Tangrowth can also deal with Magearna, only fearing select Calm Mind sets.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon resist Magearna's STAB attacks and threaten it with super effective coverage of their own. Volcarona can take any hit reasonably well from offensive sets and will KO back with Fire Blast. It can also use Assault Vest Magearna as set up setup bait. Heatran only fears Focus Blast, All-Out Pummeling, or an Electric Terrain-boosted Gigavolt Havoc. Pokemon such as Blacephalon can also take on Magearna well, though it can die to be KOed by Twinkle Tackle after Stealth Rock damage.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Mawile are good checks to offensive Magearna sets. Jirachi and opposing Assault Vest or specially defensive Magearna can take any hit very comfortably from Shift Gear Magearna, and Jirachi also has the ability to recover health with the combination of Wish + Protect. Celesteela only fears Gigavolt Havoc from Magearna. Mega Scizor shrugs off any attack bar Hidden Power Fire or Gigavolt Havoc. Ferrothorn and Heatran both can take any hit bar All-Out Pummelling Pummeling, though they can be heavily damaged by Focus Blast or Hidden Power Fire Hidden Power Fire or Focus Blast respectively.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor can potentially block Assault Vest Magearna's Volt Switch (RC) and threaten it out with Earthquake or Thousand Arrows, respectively, but they don't take Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam very well. Additionally, all All of them fall over to Shift Gear Magearna's Ice Beam or Twinkle Tackle as well (add space between as and well). Magearna can also run a Shuca Berry, which allows it to use them as set up bait or to pick them off with Fairium Z-boosted Fleur Cannon Twinkie Twinkle Tackle.

 

[Lumari]

GP 2/2

check

[Overview]
(this rly needs to mention its role in the first sentence, right now it even only sorta gets to it in the 4th)
Magearna high base 130 Special Attack with an excellent movepool consisting of good moves like Fleur Cannon, Focus Blast, Calm Mind, Shift Gear, and Thunderbolt. Z-Crystals on offensive sets, such as Fairium Z, Steelium Z, and Electrium Z, hit a wide variety of Pokemon, essentially letting Magearna pick its checks and counters. It also has a great typing, which gives it resistances to common types like Fairy, Psychic, and Dark. This gives it good setup opportunities and allows it to function as a defensive check to Pokemon such as Clefable, Tapu Lele, Mega Alakazam, and Ash-Greninja. Thanks to its ability Soul-Heart, Magearna has the ability to snowball on offensive sets, meaning that it is very hard to check late-game. Additionally, Magearna has access to Volt Switch, which allows it to act as a defensive pivot and gain momentum. Unfortunately, Magearna lacks any sort of reliable recovery whatsoever, meaning it can be worn down with ease. This means that most Magearna sets, Assault Vest sets especially, are prone to Spikes, because they will have a hard time switching into Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele multiple times throughout the match. Mediocre Speed prior to setup also means Magearna is susceptible to common Pokemon such as Heatran, Landorus-T, and Zygarde.

[SET]
name: Shift Gear
move 1: Shift Gear
move 2: Calm Mind / Thunderbolt
move 3: Fleur Cannon / Flash Cannon
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Fairium Z / Steelium Z
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe

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

Calm Mind allows Magearna to to break past its usual checks such as Assault Vest Tangrowth. Thunderbolt can be run instead of Calm Mind if breaking past Toxapex and Celesteela is desired, but this gets rid of Magearna's ability to reliably break past walls. Focus Blast hits sturdy Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Flash Cannon should be run with Thunderbolt to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. Ice Beam could be run instead of Fleur Cannon alongside Thunderbolt to hit Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor, but it is notably weaker against anything not hit super effectively.

Set Details
========

Fairium Z allows Magearna to overwhelm specially defensive checks such as Gastrodon and Tangrowth after a Calm Mind boost. Steelium Z turns Flash Cannon into Corkscrew Crash, allowing Magearna to break past checks like Assault Vest Magearna, Mega Venusaur, Mega Mawile, and Amoonguss. An Iapapa Berry can be run, giving Magearna recovery in a pinch. After Magearna activates the berry, it will be and keeping it out of range of common priority attacks such as Bullet Punch and Water Shuriken. Shuca Berry is another alternative, allowing Magearna to set up on Ground-types such as Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Zygarde. Electrium Z can be used on Thunderbolt sets to break past Toxapex and Celesteela easier more easily. Fightinium Z can also be run on Thunderbolt sets to break past Heatran and Ferrothorn reliably. Metronome is also an option for Magearna's attacks to consistently get stronger if its team already has another Z-Move user.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna function best as a late-game sweeper once the opposition is weakened. However, Magearna can also be used as a mid-game breaker, where it can be used more aggresively. A boosted Twinkle Tackle is extremely hard to switch into, which makes it quite easy for Magearna to pave the way for one of its teammates to clean up late-game. If you intend to sweep with Magearna late-game, it is important to keep Magearna healthy throughout the match, as it may need to get multiple boosts to win. In addition, keeping Magearna healthy also prevents it from being revenge killed by priority moves such as Water Shuriken or and Bullet Punch. You should gauge whether it is beneficial to use Calm Mind or Shift Gear. For example, if Magearna is facing slower Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Clefable, or and Tangrowth, it's better to use Calm Mind to break past these Pokemon. If Magearna is facing offensive teams with faster Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, it will be beneficial to use Shift Gear first to outspeed these Pokemon. Additionally, Magearna should time its Z-Moves optimally. Steelium Z sets really want Toxapex weakened before attempting to sweep and also want a bit of chip damage on Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss to KO them. If run, Electrium Z sets should attempt to weaken Toxapex before using Gigavolt Havoc because Toxapex can take an unboosted Gigavolt Havoc from full HP. Fightinium Z sets can afford to set up early if Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn are still healthy, because it can usually overwhelm them, but the set really needs Toxapex weakened.

Team Options
========

Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Latios are excellent teammates for Magearna because they can consistently switch into Toxapex and wear down Steel-types such as Heatran, Celesteela, and Assault Vest Magearna. Greninja and Ash-Greninja can be used to wear down Magearna's checks with Spikes. Greninja can also function as a dual entry hazard lead on hyper offense, additionally providing Toxic Spikes support. Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Alakazam appreciate Magearna's ability as a mid-game breaker with Calm Mind so that they can clean up late-game. Tornadus-T can remove items from Pokemon such as Toxapex, Assault Vest Magearna, and Heatran. Furthermore, it also provides Defog support, which is useful to keep Magearna as healthy as possible. Dual screens or Aurora Veil support from Tapu Koko or Aurora Veil support from Alolan Ninetales, respectively, lets Magearna set up much more easily. Tapu Koko also provides Electric Terrain to potentially boost Magearna's Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc.

[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Fleur Cannon
move 3: Focus Blast / Hidden Power Fire
move 4: Iron Head
item: Assault Vest
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Sassy
evs: 248 HP / 224 SpD / 36 Spe

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

Volt Switch helps Magearna perform its role as a pivot and maintain momentum for the team. Focus Blast hits Steel-types such as Heatran and Ferrothorn for super effective damage. Hidden Power Fire reliably hits Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor and prevents them from using Magearna as bait to set Spikes or gain boosts. Ice Beam gives Magearna the ability to OHKO Ground types like Landorus-T. It also prevents Gliscor from blocking Volt Switch, since it doesn't fear Fleur Cannon. Iron Head is used despite Magearna's lower Attack stat to beat Calm Mind users like Clefable, Magearna, and Mega Alakazam. However, Flash Cannon can be used if the aforementioned foes aren't issues.

Set Details
========

36 Speed EVs allow Magearna to outspeed uninvested Clefable, which gives it a good chance at beating Clefable. A Calm nature should be used with Flash Cannon. 22 Speed IVs without any Speed investment can be run to underspeed Celesteela, which allows Magearna to absorb Leech Seed for its teammates, which it will want to pivot into before pivoting out to them.

Usage Tips
========

Magearna can switch into most special attackers, but it is prone to being worn down, so you should not overly rely on Magearna to blanket check every specially offensive threat. Generally, try not to switch Magearna in when Spikes are on the field, (AC) because they tend to chip Magearna it down quite easily. However, if a Ground-type is anticipated to switch in to block Volt Switch, Magearna can use Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam instead to get rid of them. If a Greninja is confirmed to be Protean, consider the risk of using Volt Switch on it because Greninja can use Spikes to block Volt Switch.

Team Options
========

Defoggers like Tornadus-T, Landorus-T, and Tapu Koko can keep Spikes off the field for Magearna and also form a good VoltTurn core with it. Pokemon such as Landorus-T and physically defensive Tangrowth can check Ground-types such as Zygarde, Gliscor, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, which Magearna tends to struggle against. Powerful wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Garchomp, and Kyurem-B appreciate Magearna's slow Volt Switch to get them into battle. Solid checks to Heatran such as Zygarde, Gliscor, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Latios are appreciated. Magearna can be run on rain teams, as it can switch into Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele and also weaken Ferrothorn with Focus Blast, which is often annoying to rain teams.

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

A specially defensive set with Z-Heal Bell + Heart Swap with can be used to steal boosts from Reuniclus, Mega Latias, and opposing Calm Mind Magearna while also acting as a cleric that is able to answer Tapu Lele, but these defensive sets are usually suboptimal on stall teams. Trick Room can be used on dedicated teams as an alternative setter with enough bulk and power to set Trick Room at least once or twice. This set can also be run on offensive teams as a late-game sweeper, (RC) but is outclassed by Shift Gear sets in that regard. Explosion can be run on Assault Vest sets to do major damage to Volcarona. Alternatively, Energy Ball can also be run to catch Gastrodon and Mega Swampert off guard, but it doesn't offer much else.

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

**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Specially defensive Pokemon can be a major threat to Magearna. Toxapex only fears boosted Thunderbolt and Gigavolt Havoc, but takes taking ("but" doesnt make sense w/ "only") anything else rather comfortably. Chansey eats everything Magearna can throw at it with relative ease, with the exception of boosted Twinkle Tackle, and it also loses to Calm Mind and Pain Split variants. Assault Vest Magearna can be a good check to Shift Gear Magearna. Gastrodon can block Volt Switch and take any move from Magearna well besides boosted Twinkle Tackle or, albeit rare, the rare Energy Ball. Amoonguss, Mega Venusaur, and Assault Vest Tangrowth can also deal with Magearna, only fearing select Calm Mind sets.

**Fire-types**: Fire-type Pokemon resist Magearna's STAB attacks and threaten it with super effective coverage of their own. Volcarona can take any hit reasonably well from offensive sets and will KO back with Fire Blast. It can also use Assault Vest Magearna as setup bait. Heatran only fears Focus Blast, All-Out Pummeling, or an Electric Terrain-boosted Gigavolt Havoc. Pokemon such as Blacephalon can also take on Magearna well, though it can be KOed by Twinkle Tackle after Stealth Rock damage.

**Steel-types**: Pokemon such as Jirachi, Celesteela, Magearna, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Mawile are good checks to offensive Magearna sets. Jirachi and opposing Assault Vest or specially defensive Magearna can take any hit very comfortably from Shift Gear Magearna, and Jirachi also has the ability to recover health with the combination of Wish + Protect. Celesteela only fears Gigavolt Havoc from Magearna. Mega Scizor shrugs off any attack bar Hidden Power Fire or Gigavolt Havoc. Ferrothorn and Heatran both can take any hit bar All-Out Pummeling, though they can be heavily damaged by Hidden Power Fire or, in Heatran's case, (FB is just as powerful against Ferro unless Chople is a thing) Focus Blast respectively.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Gliscor can potentially block Assault Vest Magearna's Volt Switch and threaten it out with Earthquake or Thousand Arrows, respectively, but they don't take Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam very well. All of them fall over to Shift Gear Magearna's Ice Beam or Twinkle Tackle as well. Magearna can also run a Shuca Berry, which allows it to use them as set up bait or to pick them off with Twinkle Tackle.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Anish, 232514], [Jordy, 395754]]
- Quality checked by: [[lyd, 303291], [Leo, 328915], [Talah, 248449]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [x, x]]

 

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