[OVERVIEW]
Magearna is both a powerful and bulky threat, being able to switch into a myriad of Pokemon and use them as setup fodder, such as Arceus-Fairy and Mew. Its incredible diversity leaves the opponent at the mercy of whatever Magearna may have, be it through Stones or movepool. Furthermore, pivot sets of Magearna are some of the best anti-setup Pokemon in the metagame, being able to take on a wide range of threats such as Darkrai and Lunala. Magearna can also take on the roles of a deadly Trick Room sweeper, forcing offense to adapt in a way that rarely gives it the opportunity to set up. This exploitable pressure unlocks the capability of the Pinsirite set, which is a great supportive late-game sweeper that can perform a variety of roles early game. Magearna's incredibly strong typing in Steel / Fairy also makes it deceptively bulky, even when using offensive stones like Cameruptite. However, it suffers from a few major disadvantages, like a poor offensive matchup due to the prominence of Fire-types like Primal Groudon, Entei, and Ho-Oh. The common usage of one-time checks in the current metagame can cause Magearna to be forced out too often, making Trick Room sets inconsistent. Having Pain Split as its only form of recovery also makes it exploitable as a pivot, due to it lacking the damage or setup that offensive sets have. Lastly, whilst it checks a good portion of the metagame, Magearna is often overwhelmed by the Pokemon it checks in tandem, such as Diancite Tapu Lele and Blastoisinite Darkrai.
[SET]
name: Cameruptite Calm Mind + Pain Split
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Thunderbolt / Flash Cannon / Focus Blast
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Pain Split
item: Cameruptite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Modest
ivs: 0 Atk
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shadow Ball is a strong coverage move that is able to hit most targets for neutral or greater damage, such as Victini, neutral Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground, and Necrozma-DM. Thunderbolt allows Magearna to become a solid Flying-type answer for the likes of Cobalion and Skarmory by forcing them out and allows it to pivot around the likes of Metagross. It also hits Water-types like Golisopod and Primal Kyogre for considerable damage, which would be able to check it otherwise. Flash Cannon is an alternate move over Thunderbolt that gives Magearna a STAB attack, allowing it to soft check the likes of -ateSpeed Zygarde and wear down other defensive targets such as Gliscor and pivot Magearna. However, it also leaves it incapable of effectively damaging Ho-Oh. Focus Blast is an alternate coverage move that provides greater damage output on the likes of Zygarde and Primal Groudon but leaves it with matchup problems with Ho-Oh and has low accuracy. Ice Beam is also another alternative to Shadow Ball that when combined with Thunderbolt provides metagame-wide coverage, specifically against Ground-types such as Arceus-Ground and Gliscor to prevent them from switching in as often. Calm Mind allows Magearna to boost its already impressive Special Attack and Special Defense to astronomical levels, making it far harder to check consistently, and difficult to check with passive targets. Pain Split allows Magearna to have some form of recovery, exploiting the likes of support Arceus, Mew, and Blissey.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Attack maximize Magearna's longevity whilst keeping its wallbreaking power solid. Cameruptite is required for Mega Evolution and grants Magearna Sheer Force with a large buff to both defenses and a great Special Attack increase. A loss of Speed can hurt against a few targets, like Hippowdon, but it isn't too harmful. Soul-Heart is Magearna's only ability, and it has very few situations where delaying a Mega Evolution would help it. Lastly, 4 Defense EVs give Genesect a Special Attack boost from Download. However, an alternate spread of 232 HP / 252 SpA / 24 Spe with a Modest nature allows Magearna to outspeed uninvested Venusaurite Hippowdon. Another alternate spread of 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpA with a Modest nature can let Magearna tank two Thousand Arrows from Altarianite Zygarde at the cost of some power.
Usage Tips
========
As this variant of Magearna is a common stallbreaker, finding ways of forcing setup fodder in for Magearna is key, such as neutral Arceus formes and Mew. This can then be exploited with the usage of Calm Mind, enabling Magearna to break more defensive teams. However, if the opponent has something that can safely force Magearna out, attacking safely and switching out is the best bet. Pain Split is also a strong option if Magearna's HP is relatively low, as it can allow it to recover some HP depending on the situation. Through this, aim to keep Magearna healthy in longer games, as it can act as a very powerful wincon when its checks are worn down. If Magearna cannot find an opportunity to switch in, it can often find a chance to eliminate one of its checks simply by tanking a hit from the likes of Entei and Landorus-Therian and revenge killing them.
Team Options
========
Manectite Mew is an excellent option for Magearna, as it is able to take on the likes of Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Zygarde, Entei, and Landorus-T for Magearna whilst bringing in Ghost- and Dark-types such as Darkrai and Arceus-Ghost. Golisopod can benefit greatly from Magearna's presence, as it is able to lure in and damage opposing Red Orb users such as Primal Groudon and set up Spikes for its team. In the same way, Primal Kyogre can easily exploit Magearna's ability to force switches and overwrite Desolate Land from Primal Groudon, pressuring the opponent immensely. Lucarionite Zygarde benefits from Magearna's resistance to Ice-type attacks and ability to bring in setup fodder like Arceus-Fairy and Mew. This cyclical pattern, especially from Glare variants, also benefits from entry hazard support, as both are able to force many switches. Magearna appreciates Terrakion bringing in Pokemon like Arceus-Fairy, Mew, and Giratina, so that it can use them as setup fodder. It also appreciates Terrakion wearing down Landorus-T and other offensive checks. Lunala can be combined with Magearna to pressure common defensive answers like Confide Blissey and pivot Magearna. Darkrai also appreciates Magearna in this way, as it is able to pressure the likes of Toxapex and pivot Magearna. In the very same way, Calm Mind Arceus-Ground also benefits from Cameruptite Magearna, as it is able to handle Swords Dance Primal Groudon modestly and use it as setup fodder whilst still providing similar ways to pressure the opposing team.
[SET]
name: Sablenite Pivot
move 1: Fleur Cannon
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Heart Swap
move 4: Pain Split
item: Sablenite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Sassy
ivs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fleur Cannon is a solid STAB move that deals great damage to Magearna's common switch-ins and chips the likes of Primal Groudon over the course of the game. It is also able to pressure other Ground-types like Zygarde and Landorus-T, discouraging them from blocking Volt Switch. Volt Switch is a great move to spam once opposing Ground-types have been weakened or removed, giving Magearna the ability to grant great momentum for its teammates due to its incredibly low base 35 Speed after Mega Evolving. Heart Swap gives Magearna the ability to deny common setup from the likes of Tapu Lele, Darkrai, Calm Mind Arceus, and Manaphy, allowing it to be arguably the best pivot in the metagame (RP) It is also and making it less passive by letting it deal significant damage with a Fleur Cannon if the foe stays in. It is also able to pass a Special Attack drop from Fleur Cannon to the opposing Pokemon, making certain checks bait for other targets. Heal Bell is an alternative option over Volt Switch that allows Magearna to become a cleric for balance and stall teams. If needed, Flash Cannon and Dazzling Gleam are potential options over Fleur Cannon if PP is a problem. However, they lack power in comparison to Fleur Cannon and can fail to check some threats, such as Tapu Lele. The lack of a drop also makes it impossible to cripple some threats such as CM Arceus, making Magearna less reliable of a check to Calm Mind users.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Defense combined with the Mega Evolution bonus from Sablenite provide Magearna with the ability to take on threats such as Lunala and Darkrai. Sablenite provides Magearna with the ability to Mega Evolve and gifts Magearna with a boost of 50 to both defenses, as well as Magic Bounce. Magic Bounce in particular makes applying status or hazards against Magearna a risky business, as it can switch in and force the opponent's Pokemon to be afflicted instead. Minimum Speed allows for Magearna to underspeed as many targets as possible, such as Toxapex and Blissey. It also helps versus Trick Room Magearna variants, allowing it to Heart Swap boosts first if Trick Room does go up.
Usage Tips
========
Use Magearna as a way of getting strong but frail wallbreakers in, like Terrakion and Darkrai, through the use of Volt Switch. In the cases where the opponent has a Ground-type that can safely stop Magearna from pivoting, using Fleur Cannon to chip these switches is key. Use Heart Swap on highly boosted Pokemon that Magearna can check, which will boost the power of Fleur Cannon and Volt Switch if it nets a Special Attack boost. Heart Swap can also be used to force Fleur Cannon's -2 Special Attack drop on targets like Arceus-Ground, making it easier to force switches. If Magearna gets chipped throughout the game, using Pain Split on a healthy check so that Magearna can force a loss of momentum on the opponent. Against passive targets, switching in Magearna to prevent entry hazards from going up gets momentum up quickly for Magearna's team, particularly if the opponent does not have a Primal Groudon or Landorus-T.
Team Options
========
Pivots that can beat Primal Groudon are essential: Venusaurite Gliscor stands out as the best candidate, as it is able to wall most Primal Groudon sets given the chip from Fleur Cannon, and as the damage from Fleur Cannon is able to effectively scout the set, it can determine whether it can take it on or not. It also appreciates the support from Heal Bell if Magearna is running this move. Primal Kyogre and Golisopod also appreciate Magearna luring in Ground-types and wearing them down, especially Primal Groudon, as they can summon Primordial Sea, overwriting Desolate Land. Magearna also wears down Primal Groudon for these Pokemon, permitting them the chance to wallbreak. Entry hazard setters such as Toxapex and Primal Groudon also help wear down the predominant checks to Magearna. Fire-types like Entei and Victini can heavily benefit from the amount of collective pressure they put on Primal Groudon and appreciate how Magearna can check other offensive Magearna, preserving their health as a result. Fast but frail wallbreakers like Lucarionite Terrakion, Darkrai, Tapu Lele, and Azelf appreciate the pivot support; Azelf appreciates Magearna in particular, as it can wear down the Ground-types Azelf struggles with. Manectite Mew can also form a strong defensive core with Magearna, as Magearna stops the likes of Darkrai and opposing Magearna whilst Mew soothes momentum loss, beating Zygarde and Swords Dance + Stealth Rock Primal Groudon.
[SET]
name: Cameruptite Trick Room + Calm Mind (Double Dance)
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Trick Room
move 3: Ice Beam / Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunderbolt / Focus Blast
item: Cameruptite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Modest
ivs: 0 Atk / 12 Spe
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Magearna to hit the likes of Zygarde, Primal Groudon and Landorus-T super effectively. In combination with Thunderbolt, it forms BoltBeam coverage, securing a 2HKO on most Flying-types, such as Ho-Oh. It also allows Magearna to use Pokemon like Arceus-Flying and Cobalion as setup fodder. Shadow Ball is an alternate option that works well with Focus Blast, hitting offensive checks like Victini and Necrozma-DM whilst Focus Blast breaks more common checks like Primal Groudon and Blissey and provides more protection against Darkrai. However, it leaves Magearna dependent on Focus Blast accuracy and unable to beat certain checks such as Ho-Oh. Calm Mind allows for Magearna to bust past passive walls like support Arceus formes, Mew, and Blissey if carrying Focus Blast whilst making it tougher to KO with special attacks. Lastly, Trick Room allows Magearna to invert Speed tiers, becoming a great tool against offensive teams.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Attack investment maximizes breaking power without sacrificing bulk. Cameruptite is required for Mega Evolution (RC) and grants Magearna Sheer Force with a great buff to both defenses and a fantastic Special Attack increase, especially when paired with Sheer Force. A loss of Speed helps with the Trick Room sweep. In combination with these boosts, 12 Speed IVs allow Magearna to outspeed Toxapex outside of Trick Room. 4 Defense gives Genesect a Special Attack boost from Download. Soul-Heart is Magearna's only ability (RC) and provides little utility, as Magearna is considerably weaker without Sheer Force. However, it can be preserved in the case where Magearna is able to obtain a free KO.
Usage Tips
========
Conserving HP is key for this Magearna; however, if the opportunity presents itself, Magearna should take advantage of setup fodder to dent its opposing checks, readying itself for a sweep, as it can still play a hit-and-run style. Consider trying to get Stealth Rock up before attempting a sweep, as Pokemon such as Ho-Oh may prove difficult to get past. In this way, try to use these Stealth Rock setters to lure in Pokemon that Magearna can use as setup fodder such as Mew, as it will allow Magearna to manage its checks more easily. Late-game, Magearna should take any setup opportunities present, as it will most likely be able to clean up from there. Try taking advantage of Pokemon like Kartana and Darkrai to try setting up Trick Room last-minute.
Team Options
========
Whilst Primal Groudon stacks Ground weaknesses, it also happens to be the best Stealth Rock setter in the metagame and can weaken opposing threats like Ho-Oh and Zygarde. Metagross is also capable of handling this role (RC) whilst removing pressure on Magearna to check Tapu Lele for a team. Landorus-Therian can also provide Stealth Rock support, particularly supporting preventing Magearna from being broken by Primal Groudon and luring in certain Defoggers like Manectite Mew that Magearna can set up on. Golisopod benefits heavily from Trick Room and particularly exploits Primal Groudon very well whilst in return luring in Dragon-types for Magearna to use as setup fodder. Primal Kyogre and Victini also benefit from Trick Room in a similar way, pressuring Primal Groudon heavily as a result. Lucarionite Zygarde benefits from Magearna very well, as it is able to lure in common setup fodder for Magearna like Arceus-Fairy and Mew. Glare sets can also paralyze Buzzwole, giving Magearna the ability to break it outside of Trick Room. As for supportive teammates, Blissey is able to pass large Wishes to Magearna, benefiting from its lack of recovery and great defensive utility. This pairs particularly well with the Shadow Ball + Focus Blast variants, as the defensive utility from being able to check Tapu Lele and Darkrai goes well on balance. Diancite Shaymin-S can also compress a safety net against faster foes with Healing Wish, giving Magearna the ability to play more recklessly early-game so that it can sweep.
[SET]
name: Pinsirite Shift Gear
move 1: Return
move 2: Shift Gear
move 3: Pain Split / Explosion
move 4: Heal Bell / Substitute / Iron Defense
item: Pinsirite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 252 Atk / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is Magearna's main and usually only attacking move, providing great mono-coverage type in Flying. Shift Gear allows Magearna to boost its Speed extremely quickly whilst also boosting its Attack by 1 stage, making it easy to start sweeping given the opportunity. Pain Split allows Magearna to annoy its checks and heal up using their health, giving it a far greater presence in longer games and allowing it to perform as a cleric combined with Heal Bell. On more offensive teams, if desired, Explosion can be used over Pain Split as a last-ditch attempt to cripple one of Magearna's checks and prevent Defog from removing any entry hazards. Heal Bell allows Magearna to heal up any status it is inflicted with over the course of a game and has the added benefit of healing any status that the team may have acquired in the process, making it Mix and Mega's best offensive cleric. Substitute may be used over Heal Bell to scout for certain coverage and lower the Special Attack of the likes of Overheat Primal Groudon, allowing Magearna to potentially beat out those checks in a one-on-one situation. It can also block status from Aggronite Mew, which can potentially PP stall the Heal Bell variant. It is also able to PP stall important attacks from Fire-type checks, such as Overheat from Primal Groudon and Sacred Fire from Entei and Ho-Oh. Iron Defense may also be used over the above two, making Magearna difficult to dispatch for the likes of Entei, Ho-Oh, and Buzzwole. If required, a more niche option in Light Screen may also be used to improve matchups versus Overheat Primal Groudon and Thunderbolt Magearna. It also has the added bonus of temporarily supporting Magearna's team.
Set Details
========
220 Speed allows Magearna to outspeed Diancite Shaymin-S at +2. From this, the rest of the EVs are dumped into HP and Attack with an Adamant Nature to maximize bulk and power without sacrificing the ability to outspeed certain targets at +2. Pinsirite provides Magearna with Aerilate and a Steel / Flying typing, making most Ground-type checks fodder against it. It also provides Magearna with a solid 30 Attack boost whilst modestly improving its defenses and Speed.
Usage Tips
========
Find a point where Pinsirite Magearna can switch in safely in its base forme to get off its Mega Evolution. This will allow Magearna to properly check threats like Arceus-Ground and Landorus-T. Utilizing Pain Split and Heal Bell helps if you cannot find a situation where clicking Shift Gear will allow Magearna the opportunity to break or potentially sweep, and Pain Split will also allow Magearna to exploit passive targets such as Blissey and eventually set up on them. Delaying the usage of Heal Bell on passive Pokemon that utilize status to cripple Magearna such as Aggronite Mew and instead setting up with Shift Gear allows Magearna to break them. Clicking Return for some chip damage is also an option if the above options do little to help Magearna or its team. Utilize Substitute to scout or stall out certain coverage or moves on Pokemon like Primal Groudon. This works particularly well on Toxic Spikes as it is able to wear down the less effective checks to this set. In the cases where Magearna has Explosion, use it as a last-resort attempt to disable one of Magearna's checks for another Pokemon.
Team Options
========
Wish Blissey makes for a particularly deadly supportive partner that can make certain stallbreakers such as Primal Groudon extremely effective, as they do not need to worry about getting chipped against slow teams. Magearna itself also appreciates this partnership, as it can clean late-game against the offensive teams that have the ability to deal with Blissey well. Fire-types that can beat the various Steel-types that Pinsirite Magearna brings in are very appreciated, such as Primal Groudon and Entei - Primal Groudon is especially good for Magearna, as Primal Groudon can set up Stealth Rock while Magearna can cure it of status ailments. They are also able to pressure miscellaneous threats that resist their attacks such as Venusaurite Zapdos. Primal Groudon also benefits from Pisnirite Magearna, as it is able to switch into most of the Ground-type Pokemon that check Primal Groudon. Ground-type Pokemon like Lucarionite Zygarde and Gliscor can benefit Magearna, as they beat the Fire-types that can force Magearna out, such as Primal Groudon and Victini. Bulky Pokemon that utilize Rest or are vulnerable to status heavily benefit from Magearna's support, like Zygarde-C, Lunala, and Mew. Primal Groudon also benefits heavily from this, as it can use a more niche Swords Dance + Rest set alongside Pinsirite Magearna. Pivots like Mew and Zapdos are strong supporting partners for Magearna, as they can help with other physical attackers that would force it out, such as Zygarde. They are also able to Defog Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes away, assisting the archetypes that Pinsirite Magearna fits on.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Magearna can opt to go for a faster playstyle with Manectite or Alakazite and an EV spread of 36 HP / 252 SpA / 220 Spe with a Modest nature, utilizing Fleur Cannon as a STAB nuke. The faster-paced playstyle of this set often makes it a boon for offensive teams that require a Tapu Lele check, (comma) Darkrai check, and -ate counter all in one; however, this set faces competition from Cameruptite due to the defensive roles that these two Stones forfeit overall.
Magearna can exploit its Ground-type checks with a Calm Mind Latiasite set, and in the same way, it can double up on its physical bulk and run a Calm Mind Venusaurite set as a sweeper that is hard to take down . Both of these sets are heavily appreciative of Toxic Spikes support, as they become much more capable of breaking down defensive teams with their greater longevity. However, their dependency on Fleur Cannon for initial damage and lack of power on coverage moves make them less viable in comparison to Pinsirite and Cameruptite sets.
Magearna can run a physically based Blue Orb set with 252 HP / 148 Def / 108 SpD and a Bold nature. This set in particular makes it a great answer to the various Red Orb users in the metagame, but due to its weakness to Primal Groudon, it faces competition from other Fire answers that can take on Primal Groudon. Magearna can also run Manectite over Blue Orb on this set, though it still fails to check most physical threats with this Stone, and as a result this set should only be used as a role compressor for teams that need an -ateSpeed switch-in.
Magearna can drop Calm Mind on both of its Cameruptite sets for a coverage move. This allows it to damage certain targets such as Arceus-Fairy much heavier whilst still retaining the same momentum with Trick Room as it would otherwise; (SC) however, it also leaves it vulnerable to passive walls such as Aggronite Mew. Magearna is capable of running Volt Switch over Calm Mind on the Pain Split Cameruptite set, but this set loses out on significant defensive utility as a result.
Magearna can run Latiasite or Venusaurite on its standard pivot set; however, these Stones are outclassed by Sablenite's general utility and have very few defining niches. Magearna is also capable of using Audinite as a substitute for Sablenite, but then it loses out on some key roles that Sablenite Magearna provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Primal Groudon**: Not only can Primal Groudon block Magearna's Volt Switch, but it is also able to take whatever the Cameruptite set throws at it quite easily. Defensive sets are 3HKOed at worst by any move other than Focus Blast, and offensive sets are 4HKOed by moves like Sablenite Magearna's Fleur Cannon. It is also capable of setting Stealth Rock, which can chip Magearna's teammates heavily.
**Magearna**: Sablenite Magearna can cause huge issues for Cameruptite Magearna, as if it doesn't have Flash Cannon or Focus Blast, it will find it difficult to chip down the opposing Magearna and will slowly be worn down, especially if the variant in question can utilize Trick Room. It is also able to pivot out of a Calm Mind + Pain Split matchup, potentially bringing in a threatening breaker that Magearna cannot chip down.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh is able to beat most sets of Magearna if Stealth Rock is off the field, making it significantly harder for Magearna to dent these teams without entry hazards. Ho-Oh is also able to threaten offensive Magearna out with a possible OHKO with Sacred Fire.
**Blissey**: Blissey is capable of walling every set with Confide, barring relatively uncommon Focus Blast Cameruptite variants and the rare Alakazite variants of Magearna.
**Defensive Ground-types**: Pokemon such as Gliscor and Arceus-Ground are able to block Magearna's Volt Switch and prevent it from gaining momentum. However, both of these Pokemon are vulnerable to any other set, as Magearna will happily take them on one-on-one if it gets in for free or KO them quickly with Ice Beam.
**Entei**: Entei is able to safely switch into most Magearna sets once, effectively forcing them out (RC) and harming their capability to sweep.
**Zygarde**: Lucarionite Zygarde can cause serious issues for Shadow Ball + Thunderbolt Cameruptite Magearna, as it is only able to deal 40% with Shadow Ball, which Zygarde can heal off with Pain Split. However, it is very prone to getting lured and taken out by the likes of Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam.
**Landorus-T**: Landorus-T can check Magearna a single time, similarly to Entei, but it is prone to the likes of Pinsirite from walling it, and being lured and taken out by Ice Beam.
**Phazers**: Whirlwind users like Skarmory, Hippowdon, and Aggronite Mew can phaze Pinsirite Magearna, preventing it from potentially boosting to dangerous levels. Hippowdon and Aggronite Mew are especially dangerous, as they can also check Calm Mind sets.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM can take one hit from Magearna and threaten it out with some heavy damage. However, they can lose to certain Magearna variants like Shadow Ball Cameruptite Magearna.
Magearna is both a powerful and bulky threat, being able to switch into a myriad of Pokemon and use them as setup fodder, such as Arceus-Fairy and Mew. Its incredible diversity leaves the opponent at the mercy of whatever Magearna may have, be it through Stones or movepool. Furthermore, pivot sets of Magearna are some of the best anti-setup Pokemon in the metagame, being able to take on a wide range of threats such as Darkrai and Lunala. Magearna can also take on the roles of a deadly Trick Room sweeper, forcing offense to adapt in a way that rarely gives it the opportunity to set up. This exploitable pressure unlocks the capability of the Pinsirite set, which is a great supportive late-game sweeper that can perform a variety of roles early game. Magearna's incredibly strong typing in Steel / Fairy also makes it deceptively bulky, even when using offensive stones like Cameruptite. However, it suffers from a few major disadvantages, like a poor offensive matchup due to the prominence of Fire-types like Primal Groudon, Entei, and Ho-Oh. The common usage of one-time checks in the current metagame can cause Magearna to be forced out too often, making Trick Room sets inconsistent. Having Pain Split as its only form of recovery also makes it exploitable as a pivot, due to it lacking the damage or setup that offensive sets have. Lastly, whilst it checks a good portion of the metagame, Magearna is often overwhelmed by the Pokemon it checks in tandem, such as Diancite Tapu Lele and Blastoisinite Darkrai.
[SET]
name: Cameruptite Calm Mind + Pain Split
move 1: Shadow Ball
move 2: Thunderbolt / Flash Cannon / Focus Blast
move 3: Calm Mind
move 4: Pain Split
item: Cameruptite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Modest
ivs: 0 Atk
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shadow Ball is a strong coverage move that is able to hit most targets for neutral or greater damage, such as Victini, neutral Arceus formes like Arceus-Ground, and Necrozma-DM. Thunderbolt allows Magearna to become a solid Flying-type answer for the likes of Cobalion and Skarmory by forcing them out and allows it to pivot around the likes of Metagross. It also hits Water-types like Golisopod and Primal Kyogre for considerable damage, which would be able to check it otherwise. Flash Cannon is an alternate move over Thunderbolt that gives Magearna a STAB attack, allowing it to soft check the likes of -ateSpeed Zygarde and wear down other defensive targets such as Gliscor and pivot Magearna. However, it also leaves it incapable of effectively damaging Ho-Oh. Focus Blast is an alternate coverage move that provides greater damage output on the likes of Zygarde and Primal Groudon but leaves it with matchup problems with Ho-Oh and has low accuracy. Ice Beam is also another alternative to Shadow Ball that when combined with Thunderbolt provides metagame-wide coverage, specifically against Ground-types such as Arceus-Ground and Gliscor to prevent them from switching in as often. Calm Mind allows Magearna to boost its already impressive Special Attack and Special Defense to astronomical levels, making it far harder to check consistently, and difficult to check with passive targets. Pain Split allows Magearna to have some form of recovery, exploiting the likes of support Arceus, Mew, and Blissey.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Attack maximize Magearna's longevity whilst keeping its wallbreaking power solid. Cameruptite is required for Mega Evolution and grants Magearna Sheer Force with a large buff to both defenses and a great Special Attack increase. A loss of Speed can hurt against a few targets, like Hippowdon, but it isn't too harmful. Soul-Heart is Magearna's only ability, and it has very few situations where delaying a Mega Evolution would help it. Lastly, 4 Defense EVs give Genesect a Special Attack boost from Download. However, an alternate spread of 232 HP / 252 SpA / 24 Spe with a Modest nature allows Magearna to outspeed uninvested Venusaurite Hippowdon. Another alternate spread of 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpA with a Modest nature can let Magearna tank two Thousand Arrows from Altarianite Zygarde at the cost of some power.
Usage Tips
========
As this variant of Magearna is a common stallbreaker, finding ways of forcing setup fodder in for Magearna is key, such as neutral Arceus formes and Mew. This can then be exploited with the usage of Calm Mind, enabling Magearna to break more defensive teams. However, if the opponent has something that can safely force Magearna out, attacking safely and switching out is the best bet. Pain Split is also a strong option if Magearna's HP is relatively low, as it can allow it to recover some HP depending on the situation. Through this, aim to keep Magearna healthy in longer games, as it can act as a very powerful wincon when its checks are worn down. If Magearna cannot find an opportunity to switch in, it can often find a chance to eliminate one of its checks simply by tanking a hit from the likes of Entei and Landorus-Therian and revenge killing them.
Team Options
========
Manectite Mew is an excellent option for Magearna, as it is able to take on the likes of Swords Dance Primal Groudon, Zygarde, Entei, and Landorus-T for Magearna whilst bringing in Ghost- and Dark-types such as Darkrai and Arceus-Ghost. Golisopod can benefit greatly from Magearna's presence, as it is able to lure in and damage opposing Red Orb users such as Primal Groudon and set up Spikes for its team. In the same way, Primal Kyogre can easily exploit Magearna's ability to force switches and overwrite Desolate Land from Primal Groudon, pressuring the opponent immensely. Lucarionite Zygarde benefits from Magearna's resistance to Ice-type attacks and ability to bring in setup fodder like Arceus-Fairy and Mew. This cyclical pattern, especially from Glare variants, also benefits from entry hazard support, as both are able to force many switches. Magearna appreciates Terrakion bringing in Pokemon like Arceus-Fairy, Mew, and Giratina, so that it can use them as setup fodder. It also appreciates Terrakion wearing down Landorus-T and other offensive checks. Lunala can be combined with Magearna to pressure common defensive answers like Confide Blissey and pivot Magearna. Darkrai also appreciates Magearna in this way, as it is able to pressure the likes of Toxapex and pivot Magearna. In the very same way, Calm Mind Arceus-Ground also benefits from Cameruptite Magearna, as it is able to handle Swords Dance Primal Groudon modestly and use it as setup fodder whilst still providing similar ways to pressure the opposing team.
[SET]
name: Sablenite Pivot
move 1: Fleur Cannon
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Heart Swap
move 4: Pain Split
item: Sablenite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Sassy
ivs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fleur Cannon is a solid STAB move that deals great damage to Magearna's common switch-ins and chips the likes of Primal Groudon over the course of the game. It is also able to pressure other Ground-types like Zygarde and Landorus-T, discouraging them from blocking Volt Switch. Volt Switch is a great move to spam once opposing Ground-types have been weakened or removed, giving Magearna the ability to grant great momentum for its teammates due to its incredibly low base 35 Speed after Mega Evolving. Heart Swap gives Magearna the ability to deny common setup from the likes of Tapu Lele, Darkrai, Calm Mind Arceus, and Manaphy, allowing it to be arguably the best pivot in the metagame (RP) It is also and making it less passive by letting it deal significant damage with a Fleur Cannon if the foe stays in. It is also able to pass a Special Attack drop from Fleur Cannon to the opposing Pokemon, making certain checks bait for other targets. Heal Bell is an alternative option over Volt Switch that allows Magearna to become a cleric for balance and stall teams. If needed, Flash Cannon and Dazzling Gleam are potential options over Fleur Cannon if PP is a problem. However, they lack power in comparison to Fleur Cannon and can fail to check some threats, such as Tapu Lele. The lack of a drop also makes it impossible to cripple some threats such as CM Arceus, making Magearna less reliable of a check to Calm Mind users.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Defense combined with the Mega Evolution bonus from Sablenite provide Magearna with the ability to take on threats such as Lunala and Darkrai. Sablenite provides Magearna with the ability to Mega Evolve and gifts Magearna with a boost of 50 to both defenses, as well as Magic Bounce. Magic Bounce in particular makes applying status or hazards against Magearna a risky business, as it can switch in and force the opponent's Pokemon to be afflicted instead. Minimum Speed allows for Magearna to underspeed as many targets as possible, such as Toxapex and Blissey. It also helps versus Trick Room Magearna variants, allowing it to Heart Swap boosts first if Trick Room does go up.
Usage Tips
========
Use Magearna as a way of getting strong but frail wallbreakers in, like Terrakion and Darkrai, through the use of Volt Switch. In the cases where the opponent has a Ground-type that can safely stop Magearna from pivoting, using Fleur Cannon to chip these switches is key. Use Heart Swap on highly boosted Pokemon that Magearna can check, which will boost the power of Fleur Cannon and Volt Switch if it nets a Special Attack boost. Heart Swap can also be used to force Fleur Cannon's -2 Special Attack drop on targets like Arceus-Ground, making it easier to force switches. If Magearna gets chipped throughout the game, using Pain Split on a healthy check so that Magearna can force a loss of momentum on the opponent. Against passive targets, switching in Magearna to prevent entry hazards from going up gets momentum up quickly for Magearna's team, particularly if the opponent does not have a Primal Groudon or Landorus-T.
Team Options
========
Pivots that can beat Primal Groudon are essential: Venusaurite Gliscor stands out as the best candidate, as it is able to wall most Primal Groudon sets given the chip from Fleur Cannon, and as the damage from Fleur Cannon is able to effectively scout the set, it can determine whether it can take it on or not. It also appreciates the support from Heal Bell if Magearna is running this move. Primal Kyogre and Golisopod also appreciate Magearna luring in Ground-types and wearing them down, especially Primal Groudon, as they can summon Primordial Sea, overwriting Desolate Land. Magearna also wears down Primal Groudon for these Pokemon, permitting them the chance to wallbreak. Entry hazard setters such as Toxapex and Primal Groudon also help wear down the predominant checks to Magearna. Fire-types like Entei and Victini can heavily benefit from the amount of collective pressure they put on Primal Groudon and appreciate how Magearna can check other offensive Magearna, preserving their health as a result. Fast but frail wallbreakers like Lucarionite Terrakion, Darkrai, Tapu Lele, and Azelf appreciate the pivot support; Azelf appreciates Magearna in particular, as it can wear down the Ground-types Azelf struggles with. Manectite Mew can also form a strong defensive core with Magearna, as Magearna stops the likes of Darkrai and opposing Magearna whilst Mew soothes momentum loss, beating Zygarde and Swords Dance + Stealth Rock Primal Groudon.
[SET]
name: Cameruptite Trick Room + Calm Mind (Double Dance)
move 1: Calm Mind
move 2: Trick Room
move 3: Ice Beam / Shadow Ball
move 4: Thunderbolt / Focus Blast
item: Cameruptite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Modest
ivs: 0 Atk / 12 Spe
evs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Ice Beam allows Magearna to hit the likes of Zygarde, Primal Groudon and Landorus-T super effectively. In combination with Thunderbolt, it forms BoltBeam coverage, securing a 2HKO on most Flying-types, such as Ho-Oh. It also allows Magearna to use Pokemon like Arceus-Flying and Cobalion as setup fodder. Shadow Ball is an alternate option that works well with Focus Blast, hitting offensive checks like Victini and Necrozma-DM whilst Focus Blast breaks more common checks like Primal Groudon and Blissey and provides more protection against Darkrai. However, it leaves Magearna dependent on Focus Blast accuracy and unable to beat certain checks such as Ho-Oh. Calm Mind allows for Magearna to bust past passive walls like support Arceus formes, Mew, and Blissey if carrying Focus Blast whilst making it tougher to KO with special attacks. Lastly, Trick Room allows Magearna to invert Speed tiers, becoming a great tool against offensive teams.
Set Details
========
Maximum HP and Special Attack investment maximizes breaking power without sacrificing bulk. Cameruptite is required for Mega Evolution (RC) and grants Magearna Sheer Force with a great buff to both defenses and a fantastic Special Attack increase, especially when paired with Sheer Force. A loss of Speed helps with the Trick Room sweep. In combination with these boosts, 12 Speed IVs allow Magearna to outspeed Toxapex outside of Trick Room. 4 Defense gives Genesect a Special Attack boost from Download. Soul-Heart is Magearna's only ability (RC) and provides little utility, as Magearna is considerably weaker without Sheer Force. However, it can be preserved in the case where Magearna is able to obtain a free KO.
Usage Tips
========
Conserving HP is key for this Magearna; however, if the opportunity presents itself, Magearna should take advantage of setup fodder to dent its opposing checks, readying itself for a sweep, as it can still play a hit-and-run style. Consider trying to get Stealth Rock up before attempting a sweep, as Pokemon such as Ho-Oh may prove difficult to get past. In this way, try to use these Stealth Rock setters to lure in Pokemon that Magearna can use as setup fodder such as Mew, as it will allow Magearna to manage its checks more easily. Late-game, Magearna should take any setup opportunities present, as it will most likely be able to clean up from there. Try taking advantage of Pokemon like Kartana and Darkrai to try setting up Trick Room last-minute.
Team Options
========
Whilst Primal Groudon stacks Ground weaknesses, it also happens to be the best Stealth Rock setter in the metagame and can weaken opposing threats like Ho-Oh and Zygarde. Metagross is also capable of handling this role (RC) whilst removing pressure on Magearna to check Tapu Lele for a team. Landorus-Therian can also provide Stealth Rock support, particularly supporting preventing Magearna from being broken by Primal Groudon and luring in certain Defoggers like Manectite Mew that Magearna can set up on. Golisopod benefits heavily from Trick Room and particularly exploits Primal Groudon very well whilst in return luring in Dragon-types for Magearna to use as setup fodder. Primal Kyogre and Victini also benefit from Trick Room in a similar way, pressuring Primal Groudon heavily as a result. Lucarionite Zygarde benefits from Magearna very well, as it is able to lure in common setup fodder for Magearna like Arceus-Fairy and Mew. Glare sets can also paralyze Buzzwole, giving Magearna the ability to break it outside of Trick Room. As for supportive teammates, Blissey is able to pass large Wishes to Magearna, benefiting from its lack of recovery and great defensive utility. This pairs particularly well with the Shadow Ball + Focus Blast variants, as the defensive utility from being able to check Tapu Lele and Darkrai goes well on balance. Diancite Shaymin-S can also compress a safety net against faster foes with Healing Wish, giving Magearna the ability to play more recklessly early-game so that it can sweep.
[SET]
name: Pinsirite Shift Gear
move 1: Return
move 2: Shift Gear
move 3: Pain Split / Explosion
move 4: Heal Bell / Substitute / Iron Defense
item: Pinsirite
ability: Soul-Heart
nature: Adamant
evs: 36 HP / 252 Atk / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Return is Magearna's main and usually only attacking move, providing great mono-coverage type in Flying. Shift Gear allows Magearna to boost its Speed extremely quickly whilst also boosting its Attack by 1 stage, making it easy to start sweeping given the opportunity. Pain Split allows Magearna to annoy its checks and heal up using their health, giving it a far greater presence in longer games and allowing it to perform as a cleric combined with Heal Bell. On more offensive teams, if desired, Explosion can be used over Pain Split as a last-ditch attempt to cripple one of Magearna's checks and prevent Defog from removing any entry hazards. Heal Bell allows Magearna to heal up any status it is inflicted with over the course of a game and has the added benefit of healing any status that the team may have acquired in the process, making it Mix and Mega's best offensive cleric. Substitute may be used over Heal Bell to scout for certain coverage and lower the Special Attack of the likes of Overheat Primal Groudon, allowing Magearna to potentially beat out those checks in a one-on-one situation. It can also block status from Aggronite Mew, which can potentially PP stall the Heal Bell variant. It is also able to PP stall important attacks from Fire-type checks, such as Overheat from Primal Groudon and Sacred Fire from Entei and Ho-Oh. Iron Defense may also be used over the above two, making Magearna difficult to dispatch for the likes of Entei, Ho-Oh, and Buzzwole. If required, a more niche option in Light Screen may also be used to improve matchups versus Overheat Primal Groudon and Thunderbolt Magearna. It also has the added bonus of temporarily supporting Magearna's team.
Set Details
========
220 Speed allows Magearna to outspeed Diancite Shaymin-S at +2. From this, the rest of the EVs are dumped into HP and Attack with an Adamant Nature to maximize bulk and power without sacrificing the ability to outspeed certain targets at +2. Pinsirite provides Magearna with Aerilate and a Steel / Flying typing, making most Ground-type checks fodder against it. It also provides Magearna with a solid 30 Attack boost whilst modestly improving its defenses and Speed.
Usage Tips
========
Find a point where Pinsirite Magearna can switch in safely in its base forme to get off its Mega Evolution. This will allow Magearna to properly check threats like Arceus-Ground and Landorus-T. Utilizing Pain Split and Heal Bell helps if you cannot find a situation where clicking Shift Gear will allow Magearna the opportunity to break or potentially sweep, and Pain Split will also allow Magearna to exploit passive targets such as Blissey and eventually set up on them. Delaying the usage of Heal Bell on passive Pokemon that utilize status to cripple Magearna such as Aggronite Mew and instead setting up with Shift Gear allows Magearna to break them. Clicking Return for some chip damage is also an option if the above options do little to help Magearna or its team. Utilize Substitute to scout or stall out certain coverage or moves on Pokemon like Primal Groudon. This works particularly well on Toxic Spikes as it is able to wear down the less effective checks to this set. In the cases where Magearna has Explosion, use it as a last-resort attempt to disable one of Magearna's checks for another Pokemon.
Team Options
========
Wish Blissey makes for a particularly deadly supportive partner that can make certain stallbreakers such as Primal Groudon extremely effective, as they do not need to worry about getting chipped against slow teams. Magearna itself also appreciates this partnership, as it can clean late-game against the offensive teams that have the ability to deal with Blissey well. Fire-types that can beat the various Steel-types that Pinsirite Magearna brings in are very appreciated, such as Primal Groudon and Entei - Primal Groudon is especially good for Magearna, as Primal Groudon can set up Stealth Rock while Magearna can cure it of status ailments. They are also able to pressure miscellaneous threats that resist their attacks such as Venusaurite Zapdos. Primal Groudon also benefits from Pisnirite Magearna, as it is able to switch into most of the Ground-type Pokemon that check Primal Groudon. Ground-type Pokemon like Lucarionite Zygarde and Gliscor can benefit Magearna, as they beat the Fire-types that can force Magearna out, such as Primal Groudon and Victini. Bulky Pokemon that utilize Rest or are vulnerable to status heavily benefit from Magearna's support, like Zygarde-C, Lunala, and Mew. Primal Groudon also benefits heavily from this, as it can use a more niche Swords Dance + Rest set alongside Pinsirite Magearna. Pivots like Mew and Zapdos are strong supporting partners for Magearna, as they can help with other physical attackers that would force it out, such as Zygarde. They are also able to Defog Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes away, assisting the archetypes that Pinsirite Magearna fits on.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Magearna can opt to go for a faster playstyle with Manectite or Alakazite and an EV spread of 36 HP / 252 SpA / 220 Spe with a Modest nature, utilizing Fleur Cannon as a STAB nuke. The faster-paced playstyle of this set often makes it a boon for offensive teams that require a Tapu Lele check, (comma) Darkrai check, and -ate counter all in one; however, this set faces competition from Cameruptite due to the defensive roles that these two Stones forfeit overall.
Magearna can exploit its Ground-type checks with a Calm Mind Latiasite set, and in the same way, it can double up on its physical bulk and run a Calm Mind Venusaurite set as a sweeper that is hard to take down . Both of these sets are heavily appreciative of Toxic Spikes support, as they become much more capable of breaking down defensive teams with their greater longevity. However, their dependency on Fleur Cannon for initial damage and lack of power on coverage moves make them less viable in comparison to Pinsirite and Cameruptite sets.
Magearna can run a physically based Blue Orb set with 252 HP / 148 Def / 108 SpD and a Bold nature. This set in particular makes it a great answer to the various Red Orb users in the metagame, but due to its weakness to Primal Groudon, it faces competition from other Fire answers that can take on Primal Groudon. Magearna can also run Manectite over Blue Orb on this set, though it still fails to check most physical threats with this Stone, and as a result this set should only be used as a role compressor for teams that need an -ateSpeed switch-in.
Magearna can drop Calm Mind on both of its Cameruptite sets for a coverage move. This allows it to damage certain targets such as Arceus-Fairy much heavier whilst still retaining the same momentum with Trick Room as it would otherwise; (SC) however, it also leaves it vulnerable to passive walls such as Aggronite Mew. Magearna is capable of running Volt Switch over Calm Mind on the Pain Split Cameruptite set, but this set loses out on significant defensive utility as a result.
Magearna can run Latiasite or Venusaurite on its standard pivot set; however, these Stones are outclassed by Sablenite's general utility and have very few defining niches. Magearna is also capable of using Audinite as a substitute for Sablenite, but then it loses out on some key roles that Sablenite Magearna provides.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Primal Groudon**: Not only can Primal Groudon block Magearna's Volt Switch, but it is also able to take whatever the Cameruptite set throws at it quite easily. Defensive sets are 3HKOed at worst by any move other than Focus Blast, and offensive sets are 4HKOed by moves like Sablenite Magearna's Fleur Cannon. It is also capable of setting Stealth Rock, which can chip Magearna's teammates heavily.
**Magearna**: Sablenite Magearna can cause huge issues for Cameruptite Magearna, as if it doesn't have Flash Cannon or Focus Blast, it will find it difficult to chip down the opposing Magearna and will slowly be worn down, especially if the variant in question can utilize Trick Room. It is also able to pivot out of a Calm Mind + Pain Split matchup, potentially bringing in a threatening breaker that Magearna cannot chip down.
**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh is able to beat most sets of Magearna if Stealth Rock is off the field, making it significantly harder for Magearna to dent these teams without entry hazards. Ho-Oh is also able to threaten offensive Magearna out with a possible OHKO with Sacred Fire.
**Blissey**: Blissey is capable of walling every set with Confide, barring relatively uncommon Focus Blast Cameruptite variants and the rare Alakazite variants of Magearna.
**Defensive Ground-types**: Pokemon such as Gliscor and Arceus-Ground are able to block Magearna's Volt Switch and prevent it from gaining momentum. However, both of these Pokemon are vulnerable to any other set, as Magearna will happily take them on one-on-one if it gets in for free or KO them quickly with Ice Beam.
**Entei**: Entei is able to safely switch into most Magearna sets once, effectively forcing them out (RC) and harming their capability to sweep.
**Zygarde**: Lucarionite Zygarde can cause serious issues for Shadow Ball + Thunderbolt Cameruptite Magearna, as it is only able to deal 40% with Shadow Ball, which Zygarde can heal off with Pain Split. However, it is very prone to getting lured and taken out by the likes of Fleur Cannon or Ice Beam.
**Landorus-T**: Landorus-T can check Magearna a single time, similarly to Entei, but it is prone to the likes of Pinsirite from walling it, and being lured and taken out by Ice Beam.
**Phazers**: Whirlwind users like Skarmory, Hippowdon, and Aggronite Mew can phaze Pinsirite Magearna, preventing it from potentially boosting to dangerous levels. Hippowdon and Aggronite Mew are especially dangerous, as they can also check Calm Mind sets.
**Steel-types**: Steel-types such as Necrozma-DM can take one hit from Magearna and threaten it out with some heavy damage. However, they can lose to certain Magearna variants like Shadow Ball Cameruptite Magearna.
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