By SOMALIA
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/462.shtml
QC 2/2 [Panamaxis] [Kevin Garrett]
GP 2/2 [] []
[Overview]
<p>Although Magnezone hasn't improved much in the 5th Generation, its unique ability to trap Steel-types along with its numerous resistances and respectable defensive stats give it a place as a top-tier OU Pokemon. While Magnezone's Speed is below average—even being outsped by its predecessor, Magneton, it more than compensates with its reliability and power. If your team has trouble with Steel-types such as Scizor, Forretress, and Ferrothorn, then there is no reason not to consider Magnezone for a spot on your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Trapped in the zone
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Charge Beam / Flash Cannon
item: Leftovers / Air Balloon
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 36 HP / 252 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Magnezone's excellent defensive stats, decent typing, and unique ability all help it come out on top against most Steel-types. The idea is to switch Magnezone switch into an attack it resists, then set up a Substitute and proceed to either kill the opposing Pokemon or set up with Charge Beam. Substitute also allows Magnezone to avoid status, most notably Thunder Wave from Ferrothorn.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt is Magnezone's primary attack, coming off an incredible base 130 Special Attack, hitting almost anything that does not resist it for solid damage. The move in the third slot depends on what your team suffers more from: Hidden Power Fire stops common Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor, while Hidden Power Ice can be considered if your team suffers from Dragon-types, though it gives the likes of Forretress extra time to set up entry hazards. The set is rounded off with a choice between Charge Beam and Flash Cannon. Charge Beam allows Magnezone to boost its Special Attack 63% of the time, while Magnezone can utilize its great Defense and set up on most Steel-types, as most physical attacks that aren't super effective are unlikely to break its Substitute. Flash Cannon is for players who aim to use Magnezone in a more conservative manner; common threats such as Tyranitar won't like switching into STAB super effective Flash Cannon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The item choice is based on preference: Leftovers increases Magnezone's longevity and allows it to set up more Substitutes, while Air Balloon grants Magnezone the ability to come in on a Ground-type attack, for instance Excadrill's Earthquake, and proceed to set up a Substitute or hit it with Hidden Power. The given Speed EVs and Speed enhancing nature ensure that Magnezone outspeeds Swords Dance Scizor. 252 EVs are dumped into its Special Attack to maximize its hitting power, while the few remaining are placed into its HP stat to give it some extra bulk. If you prefer a bulkier set, an EV spread of 152 HP / 180 SpA / 176 Spe can be used to outpace Taunt Skarmory. It also means that Ferrothorn's Power Whip with Attack investment will never be able to break Magnezone's Substitute.</p>
<p>Due to the inefficiency of Explosion this generation, Magnezone is now even more helpless against special tanks. This however can be used to benefit fellow team sweepers and wallbreakers. As Magnezone will inevitably lure in the foes tanks, they can become set-up bait for its teammates. Reuniclus is unaffected by status and can set up Calm Mind on the likes of Blissey, while Excadrill can set up a Swords Dance or two and start to shred the opponent's team. Salamence and Dragonite are still among the best wallbreakers in this generation, and hit both physical and special walls for a lot of damage.</p>
<p>To make the most of Magnezone's unique ability, it should be paired both with Pokemon who lure Steel-types and Pokemon who can take advantage of the absence of Steels. Jellicent and Reuniclus tend to attract Ferrothorn and Scizor respectively, while Dragon-types in general lure bulkier Steel-types such as Metagross and Skarmory. Once you have eliminated opposing Steel-types, you will find your sweep with Dragonite much more secure. Tyranitar is another great partner here: It loves the idea of Scizor being eliminated, and can easily handle Pokemon who give Magnezone trouble, such as Blissey and Chandelure. Salamence in particular covers Magnezone's weaknesses well, and can set up on most of the latter's threats. Gyarados is another solid choice, also having great synergy with Magnezone and appreciating the field cleared of Steel-types who can stop its attempt to sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Due to Magnezone's lackluster Speed, it is only natural for a Choice Scarf set to be considered. Most threats Magnezone faces are quite fragile and can easily be OHKOed by its moves, allowing it to dispose of them with the Speed boost Choice Scarf grants and allows it to function as a revenge killer.</p>
<p>STAB Thunderbolt is Magnezone's most powerful attack, making quick work of most weakened sweepers. It is complimented by Flash Cannon, hitting Ground-types who resist Thunderbolt, and having the bonus of being able to 2HKO Scarf Tyranitar variants. Hidden Power Fire gives Magnezone a means of easily disposing of most Steel-types, although it might be worth considering Hidden Power Ice to catch opposing Dragon-types off guard. Volt Switch is the final move of this set which gives Magnezone a way to switch out while at the same time racks up some damage. This is especialy useful in scenarios where the opposing player switches to a counter, only to find Magnezone switch out to a new threat. Volt Switch also allows Magnezone to finish of weakened sweepers and switch out to the appropriate teammate to give you the upper hand in the match.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped, Magnezone reaches a respectable 360 Speed, outpacing postive natured base 110 Speed Pokemon. The EVs are tailored to give Magnezone as much raw power as possible, it doesn't need to invest any EVs in its defenses due to it being switched in and out quite frequently.</p>
<p>Due to its predictable movepool and the fact that Magnezone will be locked into one move, it is prone to be revenge killed or used as set-up bait, so having teammates who can cover its weaknesses and deal with its threats are necessary. Celebi and Gengar can switch into Fighting- or Ground-type attacks delivered at Magnezone, the former also effectively counters bulky Water-type switch-ins as well. Speaking of bulky Water-types, Pokemon such as Gyarados, Jellicent, and Suicune are great switch-ins against Fire-type attacks, and can handle the aforementioned Fighting- and Ground-type attacks fairly well. A great way to take advantage of this set is to carry Pokemon who tend to lure out Steel-types. Common Grass- and Dragon-types such as Shaymin and Salamence can accomplish this with great ease, their STAB attacks being resisted by Steel-types, not to mention the excellent synergy both Pokemon have with Magnezone.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Thunder Wave
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Light Clay
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 160 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Magnezone has all the characteristics to function as an effective dual screener, great typing further endorsed by its ability to set up on most Steel-type Pokemon whom cannot do much damage to it.</p>
<p>The dual screens form the crux of this set, supporting not only Magnezone but also its teammates. The best method to get up the screens is by setting them up on a tank as they inflict status on Magnezone, this shouldn't be an issue as Magnezone can take advantage of being paralyzed. Hidden Power Fire gives Magnezone a chance to be offensive, setting up dual screens whilst ridding the field of enemy Steel-types. It is recommended that you forgo using Hidden Power Fire if your team lacks a spinner and / or is weak to entry hazards. Thunder Wave is more suitable if you run a more stall based team, allowing Magnezone to cripple the opponent's sweepers, making it all that much easier for your team to set-up or plow through the enemy. Volt Switch is essential on this set as not only is it Magnezone's primary attack, it also allows Magnezone to switch into a teammate on the same turn, not to mention Magnezone's low Speed, most Pokemon tend to outspeed it, allowing Magnezone to take the damage and let the switch-in come in unharmed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With the given HP and Defense EVs, Magnezone will never be 2HKOed by an Adamant Jirachi's Fire Punch and will never be OHKOed by a standard Bronzong's Earthquake, excluding the Defense boost Reflect provides. The Special Defense EVs provide Magnezone with a chance to survive a Timid Heatran's Fire Blast or Timid Gengar's Focus Blast, without the need for Light Screen to be set up.</p>
<p>Baton Pass teams greatly welcome the defensive boosts both screens provide, aiding them to set up more easily and efficiently. Bulky sweepers such as Gyarados, Dragonite, and Kingdra make great partners, being able to nab a few Dragon Dances before being forced to attack. Both Vaporeon and Blissey can pass Wish to Magnezone for it to repeat the process.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Despite not having the best of movepools, Magnezone still has a respectable amount of other choices, both offense and support orientated. Discharge is an option if you'd prefer the higher paralysis rate over the extra power Thunderbolt provides. There are several Hidden Power types to choose from, although almost all are very situational or beat a specific threat or two. Hidden Power Grass takes out Swampert, although it is worth noting that Swampert isn't a common sight in the current metagame. Hidden Power Ground can be used to demolish opposing Magnezone and Heatran, though entry hazard support might be necessary to secure an OHKO on bulky Heatran variants.</p>
<p>With the release of Drizzle Politoed, Magnezone can be utilized on rain based teams, allowing it to utilize Thunder as its primary STAB move. Magnet Rise is worth implementing on the Trapped in the zone set as it gives temporary immunity to Ground-type moves which simply demolish Magnezone. Thunder Wave and Toxic have very limited use and should not be integrated into the Dual Screen set as it will waste a valuable moveslot. As Steel-types will almost always avoid switching into Magnezone, it is almost guaranteed that it can Toxic a member of the opposing team.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>With the threat of Explosion being exterminated, Blissey comes out as the number one counter to all Magnezone variants as it can sponge any of its attacks with its astonishing base 135 Special Defense. Snorlax and Shaymin also take little damage from Magnezone's attacks and can OHKO back with Earthquake and Earth Power, respectively, the latter being able to set up Curse and use Magnezone as set up fodder. Swampert resists Magnezone's STAB Steel-type attacks, while it has an immunity to Electric-type moves, giving it a switch in and can immediately threaten it with STAB Earthquake or if Magnezone has Magnet Rise, Roar it away.</p>
<p>Excadrill can switch in on Thunderbolt or Volt Switch and easily dispose of Magnezone with Earthquake, or if Magnezone is lacking the appropriate Hidden Power, he can set up Swords Dance. Magnezone's nemesis, Heatran, can switch in on Hidden Power or Flash Cannon and set Magnezone alight with Fire Blast. Jolteon and Electivire can switch in comfortably on Magnezone, taking little from its attacks, the former not having much to hit Magnezone with, although Electivire has several choices to beat down Magnezone in Fire Punch, Cross Chop, and Earthquake. Tyranitar is still a huge threat thanks to its high Special Defense and Attack, taking pitiful damage from anything Magnezone can throw at it bar Flash Cannon which can 2HKO Scarf variants.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Magnezone's Dream World ability is outclassed by Magnet Pull in many aspects. First and foremost, most Pokemon who come in to revenge kill Magnezone carry a move or two that will severely dent OHKO it Magnezone, rendering the boost Analyze gives after Magnezone is hit useless. Secondly, Magnezone lacks the Speed to attempt a sweep after it gains the boost, and in order to guarantee that it will hit last, it cannot have any Speed EVs invested, thereby resulting in many threats who it previously could outspeed to turn the tables on it and take it down.</p>
http://www.serebii.net/pokedex-bw/462.shtml
QC 2/2 [Panamaxis] [Kevin Garrett]
GP 2/2 [] []
[Overview]
<p>Although Magnezone hasn't improved much in the 5th Generation, its unique ability to trap Steel-types along with its numerous resistances and respectable defensive stats give it a place as a top-tier OU Pokemon. While Magnezone's Speed is below average—even being outsped by its predecessor, Magneton, it more than compensates with its reliability and power. If your team has trouble with Steel-types such as Scizor, Forretress, and Ferrothorn, then there is no reason not to consider Magnezone for a spot on your team.</p>
[SET]
name: Trapped in the zone
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Charge Beam / Flash Cannon
item: Leftovers / Air Balloon
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 36 HP / 252 SpA / 220 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Magnezone's excellent defensive stats, decent typing, and unique ability all help it come out on top against most Steel-types. The idea is to switch Magnezone switch into an attack it resists, then set up a Substitute and proceed to either kill the opposing Pokemon or set up with Charge Beam. Substitute also allows Magnezone to avoid status, most notably Thunder Wave from Ferrothorn.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt is Magnezone's primary attack, coming off an incredible base 130 Special Attack, hitting almost anything that does not resist it for solid damage. The move in the third slot depends on what your team suffers more from: Hidden Power Fire stops common Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor, while Hidden Power Ice can be considered if your team suffers from Dragon-types, though it gives the likes of Forretress extra time to set up entry hazards. The set is rounded off with a choice between Charge Beam and Flash Cannon. Charge Beam allows Magnezone to boost its Special Attack 63% of the time, while Magnezone can utilize its great Defense and set up on most Steel-types, as most physical attacks that aren't super effective are unlikely to break its Substitute. Flash Cannon is for players who aim to use Magnezone in a more conservative manner; common threats such as Tyranitar won't like switching into STAB super effective Flash Cannon.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The item choice is based on preference: Leftovers increases Magnezone's longevity and allows it to set up more Substitutes, while Air Balloon grants Magnezone the ability to come in on a Ground-type attack, for instance Excadrill's Earthquake, and proceed to set up a Substitute or hit it with Hidden Power. The given Speed EVs and Speed enhancing nature ensure that Magnezone outspeeds Swords Dance Scizor. 252 EVs are dumped into its Special Attack to maximize its hitting power, while the few remaining are placed into its HP stat to give it some extra bulk. If you prefer a bulkier set, an EV spread of 152 HP / 180 SpA / 176 Spe can be used to outpace Taunt Skarmory. It also means that Ferrothorn's Power Whip with Attack investment will never be able to break Magnezone's Substitute.</p>
<p>Due to the inefficiency of Explosion this generation, Magnezone is now even more helpless against special tanks. This however can be used to benefit fellow team sweepers and wallbreakers. As Magnezone will inevitably lure in the foes tanks, they can become set-up bait for its teammates. Reuniclus is unaffected by status and can set up Calm Mind on the likes of Blissey, while Excadrill can set up a Swords Dance or two and start to shred the opponent's team. Salamence and Dragonite are still among the best wallbreakers in this generation, and hit both physical and special walls for a lot of damage.</p>
<p>To make the most of Magnezone's unique ability, it should be paired both with Pokemon who lure Steel-types and Pokemon who can take advantage of the absence of Steels. Jellicent and Reuniclus tend to attract Ferrothorn and Scizor respectively, while Dragon-types in general lure bulkier Steel-types such as Metagross and Skarmory. Once you have eliminated opposing Steel-types, you will find your sweep with Dragonite much more secure. Tyranitar is another great partner here: It loves the idea of Scizor being eliminated, and can easily handle Pokemon who give Magnezone trouble, such as Blissey and Chandelure. Salamence in particular covers Magnezone's weaknesses well, and can set up on most of the latter's threats. Gyarados is another solid choice, also having great synergy with Magnezone and appreciating the field cleared of Steel-types who can stop its attempt to sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Due to Magnezone's lackluster Speed, it is only natural for a Choice Scarf set to be considered. Most threats Magnezone faces are quite fragile and can easily be OHKOed by its moves, allowing it to dispose of them with the Speed boost Choice Scarf grants and allows it to function as a revenge killer.</p>
<p>STAB Thunderbolt is Magnezone's most powerful attack, making quick work of most weakened sweepers. It is complimented by Flash Cannon, hitting Ground-types who resist Thunderbolt, and having the bonus of being able to 2HKO Scarf Tyranitar variants. Hidden Power Fire gives Magnezone a means of easily disposing of most Steel-types, although it might be worth considering Hidden Power Ice to catch opposing Dragon-types off guard. Volt Switch is the final move of this set which gives Magnezone a way to switch out while at the same time racks up some damage. This is especialy useful in scenarios where the opposing player switches to a counter, only to find Magnezone switch out to a new threat. Volt Switch also allows Magnezone to finish of weakened sweepers and switch out to the appropriate teammate to give you the upper hand in the match.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped, Magnezone reaches a respectable 360 Speed, outpacing postive natured base 110 Speed Pokemon. The EVs are tailored to give Magnezone as much raw power as possible, it doesn't need to invest any EVs in its defenses due to it being switched in and out quite frequently.</p>
<p>Due to its predictable movepool and the fact that Magnezone will be locked into one move, it is prone to be revenge killed or used as set-up bait, so having teammates who can cover its weaknesses and deal with its threats are necessary. Celebi and Gengar can switch into Fighting- or Ground-type attacks delivered at Magnezone, the former also effectively counters bulky Water-type switch-ins as well. Speaking of bulky Water-types, Pokemon such as Gyarados, Jellicent, and Suicune are great switch-ins against Fire-type attacks, and can handle the aforementioned Fighting- and Ground-type attacks fairly well. A great way to take advantage of this set is to carry Pokemon who tend to lure out Steel-types. Common Grass- and Dragon-types such as Shaymin and Salamence can accomplish this with great ease, their STAB attacks being resisted by Steel-types, not to mention the excellent synergy both Pokemon have with Magnezone.</p>
[SET]
name: Dual Screens
move 1: Light Screen
move 2: Reflect
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Thunder Wave
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Light Clay
ability: Magnet Pull
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 160 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Magnezone has all the characteristics to function as an effective dual screener, great typing further endorsed by its ability to set up on most Steel-type Pokemon whom cannot do much damage to it.</p>
<p>The dual screens form the crux of this set, supporting not only Magnezone but also its teammates. The best method to get up the screens is by setting them up on a tank as they inflict status on Magnezone, this shouldn't be an issue as Magnezone can take advantage of being paralyzed. Hidden Power Fire gives Magnezone a chance to be offensive, setting up dual screens whilst ridding the field of enemy Steel-types. It is recommended that you forgo using Hidden Power Fire if your team lacks a spinner and / or is weak to entry hazards. Thunder Wave is more suitable if you run a more stall based team, allowing Magnezone to cripple the opponent's sweepers, making it all that much easier for your team to set-up or plow through the enemy. Volt Switch is essential on this set as not only is it Magnezone's primary attack, it also allows Magnezone to switch into a teammate on the same turn, not to mention Magnezone's low Speed, most Pokemon tend to outspeed it, allowing Magnezone to take the damage and let the switch-in come in unharmed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>With the given HP and Defense EVs, Magnezone will never be 2HKOed by an Adamant Jirachi's Fire Punch and will never be OHKOed by a standard Bronzong's Earthquake, excluding the Defense boost Reflect provides. The Special Defense EVs provide Magnezone with a chance to survive a Timid Heatran's Fire Blast or Timid Gengar's Focus Blast, without the need for Light Screen to be set up.</p>
<p>Baton Pass teams greatly welcome the defensive boosts both screens provide, aiding them to set up more easily and efficiently. Bulky sweepers such as Gyarados, Dragonite, and Kingdra make great partners, being able to nab a few Dragon Dances before being forced to attack. Both Vaporeon and Blissey can pass Wish to Magnezone for it to repeat the process.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Despite not having the best of movepools, Magnezone still has a respectable amount of other choices, both offense and support orientated. Discharge is an option if you'd prefer the higher paralysis rate over the extra power Thunderbolt provides. There are several Hidden Power types to choose from, although almost all are very situational or beat a specific threat or two. Hidden Power Grass takes out Swampert, although it is worth noting that Swampert isn't a common sight in the current metagame. Hidden Power Ground can be used to demolish opposing Magnezone and Heatran, though entry hazard support might be necessary to secure an OHKO on bulky Heatran variants.</p>
<p>With the release of Drizzle Politoed, Magnezone can be utilized on rain based teams, allowing it to utilize Thunder as its primary STAB move. Magnet Rise is worth implementing on the Trapped in the zone set as it gives temporary immunity to Ground-type moves which simply demolish Magnezone. Thunder Wave and Toxic have very limited use and should not be integrated into the Dual Screen set as it will waste a valuable moveslot. As Steel-types will almost always avoid switching into Magnezone, it is almost guaranteed that it can Toxic a member of the opposing team.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>With the threat of Explosion being exterminated, Blissey comes out as the number one counter to all Magnezone variants as it can sponge any of its attacks with its astonishing base 135 Special Defense. Snorlax and Shaymin also take little damage from Magnezone's attacks and can OHKO back with Earthquake and Earth Power, respectively, the latter being able to set up Curse and use Magnezone as set up fodder. Swampert resists Magnezone's STAB Steel-type attacks, while it has an immunity to Electric-type moves, giving it a switch in and can immediately threaten it with STAB Earthquake or if Magnezone has Magnet Rise, Roar it away.</p>
<p>Excadrill can switch in on Thunderbolt or Volt Switch and easily dispose of Magnezone with Earthquake, or if Magnezone is lacking the appropriate Hidden Power, he can set up Swords Dance. Magnezone's nemesis, Heatran, can switch in on Hidden Power or Flash Cannon and set Magnezone alight with Fire Blast. Jolteon and Electivire can switch in comfortably on Magnezone, taking little from its attacks, the former not having much to hit Magnezone with, although Electivire has several choices to beat down Magnezone in Fire Punch, Cross Chop, and Earthquake. Tyranitar is still a huge threat thanks to its high Special Defense and Attack, taking pitiful damage from anything Magnezone can throw at it bar Flash Cannon which can 2HKO Scarf variants.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Magnezone's Dream World ability is outclassed by Magnet Pull in many aspects. First and foremost, most Pokemon who come in to revenge kill Magnezone carry a move or two that will severely dent OHKO it Magnezone, rendering the boost Analyze gives after Magnezone is hit useless. Secondly, Magnezone lacks the Speed to attempt a sweep after it gains the boost, and in order to guarantee that it will hit last, it cannot have any Speed EVs invested, thereby resulting in many threats who it previously could outspeed to turn the tables on it and take it down.</p>
