[SET]
name: Protect
move 1: Protect
move 2: Double Iron Bash
move 3: Earthquake / Superpower
move 4: Toxic / Thunder Punch
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 244 SpD / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Melmetal leverages its massive bulk and Attack to tank strong hits and strike back harder. Protect allows Melmetal to maximize its Leftovers recovery while also scouting Choice item users like Dragapult and Blacephalon. Earthquake hits Toxapex and Heatran super effectively while catching Zapdos and Corviknight attempting to recover with Roost; however, Superpower is a valid option that still hits Heatran hard while seriously pressuring Ferrothorn and Equilibra. Toxic cripples Zapdos, Slowbro, and Astrolotl; Toxic also synergizes well with Protect, racking up extra chip damage. Alternatively, Thunder Punch pressures Urshifu-R, Slowbro, and Corviknight; it also hits Toxapex super effectively, which is important if not running Earthquake. 12 Speed EVs allow Melmetal to outspeed Toxapex.
Melmetal appreciates pivoting support from offensive and defensive pivots alike. Urshifu-R appreciates Melmetal switching into and heavily damaging Tapu Fini, while Dragapult can pivot it into Blissey and Clefable. Slow pivots like Landorus-T, Slowbro, and Rotom-W also provide pivoting support for Melmetal. Landorus-T handily switches into defensive Zapdos and Blacephalon, Slowbro can take care of Urshifu-R, and Rotom-W checks Astrolotl and Heatran. Offensive Pokemon like Weavile, Kartana, and Nidoking take great advantage of the holes Melmetal creates in opposing teams. Venomicon-E pairs well with Melmetal, as together they can overwhelm their shared checks, most notably Zapdos.
[SET]
name: Three Attacks + Thunder Wave
move 1: Double Iron Bash
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Thunder Punch
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Protective Pads
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 104 SpD / 112 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With the combination of Thunder Wave and Thunder Punch, Melmetal is capable of breaking through Pokemon that would normally check it, most notably Toxapex and Corviknight. Superpower hits Ferrothorn and Heatran in one slot. Protective Pads is used to avoid any chip damage Melmetal would take from Rocky Helmet users like Corviknight and Toxapex while also avoiding contact effect abilities like Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs and Zapdos's Static. The given EV spread has enough Speed to outpace Hippowdon while giving Melmetal the ability to avoid the 2HKO from Hippowdon's Earthquake and the OHKO from Heatran's Magma Storm after Stealth Rock.
Melmetal pairs particularly well with Pokemon that appreciate Toxapex and Corviknight eliminated or at the very least heavily weakened. Weavile is a notable partner, as it takes great advantage of Toxapex being paralyzed and Corviknight being chipped. Other offensive teammates, like Dragapult, Volcanion, and Garchomp, also gain a lot from these foes being crippled. Buzzwole is a nice defensive option that takes some of the onus off of Melmetal for checking Weavile while also switching into Earthquake from Landorus-T and Saharaja. Pivoting support from defensive stalwarts like Landorus-T and Slowbro help Melmetal get onto the field; Slowbro also offers Future Sight support, augmenting Melmetal's already threatening offensive presence. Venomicon-E appreciates Corviknight not being able to effectively pivot on it and can use paralysis turns to set up with Coil.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Double Iron Bash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Thunder Punch
item: Assault Vest
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Careful
evs: 128 HP / 116 Atk / 252 SpD / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
When equipped with an Assault Vest, Melmetal is capable of tanking a multitude of super effective special hits that would otherwise force it out like Heatran's Magma Storm and Blacephalon's Flamethrower; it also lets Melmetal better check Tapu Lele. Earthquake hits Heatran, Toxapex, and Astrolotl super effectively; be careful, however, as Astrolotl commonly runs Will-O-Wisp. Ice Punch nails Landorus-T and Zapdos for super effective damage. Thunder Punch is a decent midground option that hits Slowbro and Corviknight hard. The given investment in special bulk, in conjunction with Assault Vest, allows Melmetal to avoid an OHKO from Modest Heatran's Eruption while avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Specs Dragapult's Flamethrower. 12 Speed EVs allow Melmetal to outpace Toxapex.
Assault Vest Melmetal can be easily chipped, so it greatly appreciates pivoting support from Landorus-T, Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Colossoil. Offensive pivots like Urshifu-R and Dragapult also pair well with Melmetal, as they can safely get it onto the field while wallbreaking for it. Kartana appreciates Melmetal potentially KOing foes like Heatran and takes care of Saharaja and Hippowdon for it. Weavile and Zeraora appreciate Melmetal's ability to switch into Tapu Koko effectively, and both appreciate the holes Melmetal punches in the opposition.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Melmetal is capable of running a Choice Band set to fully make use of its staggeringly high Attack; however, this set can struggle to break through Zapdos and Corviknight, Melmetal's two most consistent answers, and is very prone to chip damage. Melmetal can run a Life Orb set on Trick Room teams; however, Trick Room is generally somewhat gimmicky and Life Orb's recoil detracts from Melmetal's natural bulk.
Checks and Counters
====
**Zapdos and Corviknight**: Zapdos and Corviknight are capable of switching into Melmetal and forcing it out with Heat Wave and Body Press, respectively; be careful, however, as Zapdos loathes Toxic, while Corviknight cannot beat Melmetal while paralyzed.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Arghonaut, Slowbro, and Toxapex all have the bulk to switch into Melmetal's Double Iron Bash and can force it out with Circle Throw in the former's case and Scald in the latter two's cases; however, Melmetal has tools to beat each of them over time. Arghonaut and Slowbro despise Toxic, and Melmetal can break through Toxapex with Thunder Wave paralysis in combination with Double Iron Bash's flinch chance. While it is ill-advised to directly switch it into Melmetal, Urshifu-R forces Melmetal out with Close Combat and cannot be scouted with Protect due to Unseen Fist.
**Pyroak**: Pyroak can easily switch into any of Melmetal's attacks and force it out with Overheat; however, it despises getting statused.
**Chip Damage**: Melmetal relies heavily on its natural bulk to tank hits and KO back; accordingly, chip damage through U-turn, Knock Off, Spikes, and contact effects like Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs and Toxapex's Rocky Helmet seriously hinder Melmetal.
**Revenge Killers**: Due to Melmetal's incredibly low Speed, it can be somewhat trivial to revenge kill. Volcanion, Blacephalon, and Landorus-T are all capable of forcing Melmetal out with their strong, super effective STAB attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[dex, 277988]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [Rabia, 336073]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
name: Protect
move 1: Protect
move 2: Double Iron Bash
move 3: Earthquake / Superpower
move 4: Toxic / Thunder Punch
item: Leftovers
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 244 SpD / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Melmetal leverages its massive bulk and Attack to tank strong hits and strike back harder. Protect allows Melmetal to maximize its Leftovers recovery while also scouting Choice item users like Dragapult and Blacephalon. Earthquake hits Toxapex and Heatran super effectively while catching Zapdos and Corviknight attempting to recover with Roost; however, Superpower is a valid option that still hits Heatran hard while seriously pressuring Ferrothorn and Equilibra. Toxic cripples Zapdos, Slowbro, and Astrolotl; Toxic also synergizes well with Protect, racking up extra chip damage. Alternatively, Thunder Punch pressures Urshifu-R, Slowbro, and Corviknight; it also hits Toxapex super effectively, which is important if not running Earthquake. 12 Speed EVs allow Melmetal to outspeed Toxapex.
Melmetal appreciates pivoting support from offensive and defensive pivots alike. Urshifu-R appreciates Melmetal switching into and heavily damaging Tapu Fini, while Dragapult can pivot it into Blissey and Clefable. Slow pivots like Landorus-T, Slowbro, and Rotom-W also provide pivoting support for Melmetal. Landorus-T handily switches into defensive Zapdos and Blacephalon, Slowbro can take care of Urshifu-R, and Rotom-W checks Astrolotl and Heatran. Offensive Pokemon like Weavile, Kartana, and Nidoking take great advantage of the holes Melmetal creates in opposing teams. Venomicon-E pairs well with Melmetal, as together they can overwhelm their shared checks, most notably Zapdos.
[SET]
name: Three Attacks + Thunder Wave
move 1: Double Iron Bash
move 2: Superpower
move 3: Thunder Punch
move 4: Thunder Wave
item: Protective Pads
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Adamant
evs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 104 SpD / 112 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
With the combination of Thunder Wave and Thunder Punch, Melmetal is capable of breaking through Pokemon that would normally check it, most notably Toxapex and Corviknight. Superpower hits Ferrothorn and Heatran in one slot. Protective Pads is used to avoid any chip damage Melmetal would take from Rocky Helmet users like Corviknight and Toxapex while also avoiding contact effect abilities like Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs and Zapdos's Static. The given EV spread has enough Speed to outpace Hippowdon while giving Melmetal the ability to avoid the 2HKO from Hippowdon's Earthquake and the OHKO from Heatran's Magma Storm after Stealth Rock.
Melmetal pairs particularly well with Pokemon that appreciate Toxapex and Corviknight eliminated or at the very least heavily weakened. Weavile is a notable partner, as it takes great advantage of Toxapex being paralyzed and Corviknight being chipped. Other offensive teammates, like Dragapult, Volcanion, and Garchomp, also gain a lot from these foes being crippled. Buzzwole is a nice defensive option that takes some of the onus off of Melmetal for checking Weavile while also switching into Earthquake from Landorus-T and Saharaja. Pivoting support from defensive stalwarts like Landorus-T and Slowbro help Melmetal get onto the field; Slowbro also offers Future Sight support, augmenting Melmetal's already threatening offensive presence. Venomicon-E appreciates Corviknight not being able to effectively pivot on it and can use paralysis turns to set up with Coil.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Double Iron Bash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Ice Punch
move 4: Thunder Punch
item: Assault Vest
ability: Iron Fist
nature: Careful
evs: 128 HP / 116 Atk / 252 SpD / 12 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
When equipped with an Assault Vest, Melmetal is capable of tanking a multitude of super effective special hits that would otherwise force it out like Heatran's Magma Storm and Blacephalon's Flamethrower; it also lets Melmetal better check Tapu Lele. Earthquake hits Heatran, Toxapex, and Astrolotl super effectively; be careful, however, as Astrolotl commonly runs Will-O-Wisp. Ice Punch nails Landorus-T and Zapdos for super effective damage. Thunder Punch is a decent midground option that hits Slowbro and Corviknight hard. The given investment in special bulk, in conjunction with Assault Vest, allows Melmetal to avoid an OHKO from Modest Heatran's Eruption while avoiding a 2HKO from Choice Specs Dragapult's Flamethrower. 12 Speed EVs allow Melmetal to outpace Toxapex.
Assault Vest Melmetal can be easily chipped, so it greatly appreciates pivoting support from Landorus-T, Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Colossoil. Offensive pivots like Urshifu-R and Dragapult also pair well with Melmetal, as they can safely get it onto the field while wallbreaking for it. Kartana appreciates Melmetal potentially KOing foes like Heatran and takes care of Saharaja and Hippowdon for it. Weavile and Zeraora appreciate Melmetal's ability to switch into Tapu Koko effectively, and both appreciate the holes Melmetal punches in the opposition.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
====
Melmetal is capable of running a Choice Band set to fully make use of its staggeringly high Attack; however, this set can struggle to break through Zapdos and Corviknight, Melmetal's two most consistent answers, and is very prone to chip damage. Melmetal can run a Life Orb set on Trick Room teams; however, Trick Room is generally somewhat gimmicky and Life Orb's recoil detracts from Melmetal's natural bulk.
Checks and Counters
====
**Zapdos and Corviknight**: Zapdos and Corviknight are capable of switching into Melmetal and forcing it out with Heat Wave and Body Press, respectively; be careful, however, as Zapdos loathes Toxic, while Corviknight cannot beat Melmetal while paralyzed.
**Water-types**: Bulky Water-types like Arghonaut, Slowbro, and Toxapex all have the bulk to switch into Melmetal's Double Iron Bash and can force it out with Circle Throw in the former's case and Scald in the latter two's cases; however, Melmetal has tools to beat each of them over time. Arghonaut and Slowbro despise Toxic, and Melmetal can break through Toxapex with Thunder Wave paralysis in combination with Double Iron Bash's flinch chance. While it is ill-advised to directly switch it into Melmetal, Urshifu-R forces Melmetal out with Close Combat and cannot be scouted with Protect due to Unseen Fist.
**Pyroak**: Pyroak can easily switch into any of Melmetal's attacks and force it out with Overheat; however, it despises getting statused.
**Chip Damage**: Melmetal relies heavily on its natural bulk to tank hits and KO back; accordingly, chip damage through U-turn, Knock Off, Spikes, and contact effects like Ferrothorn's Iron Barbs and Toxapex's Rocky Helmet seriously hinder Melmetal.
**Revenge Killers**: Due to Melmetal's incredibly low Speed, it can be somewhat trivial to revenge kill. Volcanion, Blacephalon, and Landorus-T are all capable of forcing Melmetal out with their strong, super effective STAB attacks.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[dex, 277988]]
- Quality checked by: [[Lasen, 273339], [Rabia, 336073]]
- Grammar checked by: [[UT, 523866]]
Last edited:
