Metagross [4N] - Dual Screens

Erodent

is a Contributor Alumnus
Status: Ready! (More suggestions and proofreads are always welcome)http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/metagross

Team options italicized (the last paragraph).

Updates:
Spr_4d_376.png

I've been using this set for a few days now, trying to tweak the EVs every now and then. So far I like it (I've been primarily pairing it with a Gyarados). It's REALLY bulky once it sets up screens, most non super-effective special attacks doing only a pathetic 15%-30% and experiencing similar results from the physical spectrum. The boom I can use (Explosion) after setting up the screens is helpful as well.
------------------------------------------------------

[SET]
name: Dual Screener
move 1: Reflect
move 2: Light Screen
move 3: Explosion
move 4: Earthquake / Meteor Mash
item: Light Clay
nature: Careful
evs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 176 SpD / 8 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Pokemon with outstanding offensive power often find their attacking stats overshadowing their supportive prowess. This is especially true for Metagross. While most dual screen users are specially-based, Metagross brings different tools to the table. Firstly, contrary to what its Psychic-typing suggests, Metagross is actually a physically-based Pokemon. Its high Attack can exploit a threatening Earthquake, STAB-boosted Meteor Mash, or a formidable Explosion that makes way for an incoming teammate. This describes the difference between Metagross and Bronzong - Metagross is not only a defensive screener, but also an offensive screener as well. Secondly, even before the support of both Reflect and Light Screen, its bulk borders high levels. This allows it to accomplish its job with consistent ease.</p>

<p>This Metagross' EVs are specifically configured to set up on its long-time rivals. The given spread of 252 HP / 72 Def / 176 SpD / 8 Spe and a Careful nature attempt to allow Metagross to set up on opponents that give it the most problems, including Magnezone, Heatran, and Dugtrio. This Metagross will outrun 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe versions of Magnezone and OHKO them with Earthquake. If the Magnezone is faster, worry not; one Thunderbolt before (and two after Light Screen) will never 3HKO you, factoring Stealth Rock damage. You can then use Reflect and then Explode, which can hugely dent but unfortunately not OHKO Magnezone. Heatran is a tougher story altogether, and the very best you'll be able to do against it if it uses Fire Blast is set up dual screens (logically, you can also use Earthquake to OHKO it if you have set up Light Screen). If it uses Earth Power, one without Light Screen will do 45%-53%, and an Earth Power after a Light Screen will do 22%-27%. You will usually be unable to survive Heatran's third assault, so most of the time you will have to settle for the fact that Metagross will only be able to set up dual screens. The next troublesome opponent is Dugtrio. If you wish to be able to both set up dual screens and defeat it, you will need to set up Reflect as it switches in. Jolly Choice Banded Dugtrio's Earthquakes will then do only 43% damage at max, allowing you to set up Light Screen, survive even if you have taken prior Stealth Rock damage, and Explode.</p>

<p>Metagross' moveset requires a brief elaboration. The first three moves are the vital constituents of this set and are thus irreplaceable. Metagross' fourth moveslot, however, can be debated on. While Metagross' STAB-boosted Meteor Mash may seem like the more favorable option, Earthquake has proven to be the superior choice. It allows Metagross to score crucial OHKOs on Magnezone and Heatran, suddenly making Meteor Mash a mediocre choice. Although Meteor Mash can harm defensive versions of Gliscor and Hippowdon, both of them can heal themselves anyway. Moreover, Explosion will either OHKO or gravely wound them to the point that an incoming sweeper can finish them off. Other options that can be used include Stealth Rock or other attacking moves like the elemental punches. Substitute can even be used to scout incoming foes. In spite of all these choices, Earthquake still seems to be the most appropriate move.</p>

<p>Support for this Metagross can prove useful but is not mandatory, as its objective is simply to set up dual screens, OHKO something if possible, and/or use Explosion. Therefore, you should focus on teammates that can abuse the active dual screens instead. Gyarados and Metagross can cushion each other's weaknesses; Gyarados can also use numerous Dragon Dances to set up under dual screens. Latias also functions similarly to Gyarados, with the added bonus of Metagross resisting more of its weaknesses, but employs Calm Mind instead of Dragon Dance. A teammate that can eliminate Rotom formes and set up along the way will also prove useful. Examples of these include Dragon Dance Tyranitar and Curse Snorlax. Teammates do not always have to appear in the form of set-up sweepers, though. Gliscor partners well with Metagross, can abuse Rock Polish and Swords Dance, and Baton Pass their effects to other teammates. Celebi can Baton Pass Calm Mind or Swords Dance, while helping Metagross with its Swampert problem. Any other teammate that can offensively make use of the multiple turns and defensive barriers that the dual screens provide are generally key partners to this set. Examples include, but are not limited to, Dragon Dance Salamence, Torment Heatran, and Calm Mind Suicune.</p>
 
This is very well written, however I question this sets viability due to the existence of Bronzong.

Bronzong has a lot more Special Defense which helps a lot against Fire-types especially behind a Light Screen, but most importantly Bronzong has Levitate which gives it a load more opportunities to switch in. Although Metagross resists the STAB types of many Pokemon like Aerodactyl, Tyranitar, and Salamence, it can't switch in because of being weak to Earthquake while Bronzong can, giving it more chances to set up. The EV spread of this set seems to be trying to mimic Bronzong's Special Attack taking abilities by using a Careful nature and so many EVs, instead of using what Bronzong doesn't have, 130 base Defense.

Both have Explosion, which will usually either take out a Pokemon or die trying to. Metagross' extra high Attack stat is not so superior in this scenario. Furthermore, Bronzong has Earthquake too. You mention Earthquake for Heatran and Magnezone, both of which Bronzong can OHKO too, even without that enormous attack stat.

I would recommend explaining why this should be used instead of Bronzong.
 
MetaNite said:
Although Metagross resists the STAB types of many Pokemon like Aerodactyl, Tyranitar, and Salamence...
Click to expand...

Most Salamence carry Fire Blast, you know.

I also question this sets viability, because it seems to be outclassed by other dual screeners such as Rotom, for example. This set seems to get walled a lot, especially by Rotom. Also, because dual screens usually force a good amount of switches, could Pursuit be used on this set?
 
Offensive screeners are great. The thing that separates itself from other screeners is that others don't pose a threat offensively on the opponent. Metagross is threatening, and can usually forces switch outs unlike some bulkier dual screeners.
 
Dual Screen

<p>Pokemon with outstanding offensive power often find their Attack or Special Attack stats overshadowing their supportive prowess. This is especially true for Metagross, who has the essential ingredients of becoming a successful dual screen user. While most dual screen users are specially-based Psychic-types, Metagross brings different tools to the table. The distinct characteristics that differentiate Metagross from other dual screen users are three things. Firstly, contrary to what its Psychic typing suggests, Metagross is actually a physically-based Pokemon. Secondly, even before the support of both Reflect and Light Screen, its bulk borders high levels. This means that it will be able to do what it is designed to do most of the time, as it finds its defenses further elevated by both screens. Finally, as previously mentioned, it can put its base 135 Attack stat to full use, exploiting either a threatening Earthquake or STAB-boosted Meteor Mash, and going off with a formidable Explosion to make way for an incoming teammate.</p>
Click to expand...
<p>This Metagross's [singular possessive] EVs are specifically configured to set up on even enemies that limit its potential. With the given spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 72 Def / 172 SpD / 8 Spe and a Careful nature, Metagross reaches 364 HP, 207 Attack, 314 Defense, 285 Special Defense, and 179 Speed. These stats attempt to remedy allow Metagross to at the very least set up on opponents that give it the most problems, including Magnezone, Heatran, and Dugtrio. This Metagross will outrun 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe versions of Magnezone and OHKO them with Earthquake. If the Magnezone invested more EVs into Speed, instead outruns Metagross, and possibly uses Magnet Rise, you will not need to worry. Simply use Light Screen while you get blasted by a Thunderbolt that does 46.15% maximum. The subsequent Thunderbolts will only do 23.35% maximum, meaning that you will survive at least two more Thunderbolts factoring Stealth Rock damage. This allows you to set up Reflect after Light Screen and use Explosion after setting up both screens, which can hugely dent but unfortunately not OHKO Magnezone.</p>

<p>Heatran is a tougher story altogether, and the very best you'll be able to do against it if it uses Fire Blast is set up dual screens (of course, you can also use Earthquake to OHKO it if it uses Fire Blast and you have set up Light Screen as it switched in). If it has other ideas and for some reason uses Earth Power, you have a tiny chance of being able to set up both screens and take it down. Its first Earth Power will do 45%-53%, and an Earth Power after a Light Screen will do 22%-27%. There is an extremely small chance that you will be able to survive Heatran's third assault, so most of the time you will have to settle for the fact that Metagross will only be able to set up dual screens. The next troublesome opponent is Dugtrio. If you wish to be able to both set up dual screens and defeat it, you will need to set up Reflect as it switches in. Jolly Choice Banded Dugtrio's Earthquakes will then do only 43% damage at max, allowing you to set up Light Screen, survive even if you have taken prior Stealth Rock damage, and Explode.</p>

<p>Metagross' moveset requires a brief elaboration. The first three moves are understandable and the vital constituents of this set. Metagross' fourth moveslot, however, can be debated on. At first glance, Metagross' STAB-boosted Meteor Mash may seem like the more favorable option; however, Earthquake has proven to be the more favorable option. While Meteor Mash is a fine choice, Earthquake allows Metagross to score crucial OHKOs on Magnezone and Heatran, suddenly making Meteor Mash extremely mediocre. It can be argued that Meteor Mash can harm defensive versions of Gliscor and Hippowdon, but both of them can heal themselves anyway. Moreover, Explosion will either OHKO or gravely wound them to the point that an incoming sweeper can finish them off. Other options that can be used include Stealth Rock - such a set can transform Metagross into a fine lead - or other attacking moves like the elemental punches. Substitute can even be used to scout incoming Heatran switches; you can then OHKO them with Earthquake. In spite of all these choices, Earthquake still seems to be the most appropriate move.</p>

<p>Support for this Metagross can prove useful but is not mandatory, as its objective is simply to set up dual screens, OHKO something if possible, and/or use Explosion. Therefore, you should focus on teammates that partner well with Metagross upon switching in instead. Gyarados can cushion Metagross' Ground- and Fire-type weaknesses, while Metagross is resistant to the Rock-type attacks that Gyarados is weak to. Gyarados can also use numerous Dragon Dances to set up once Metagross has done its main job. Latias also functions similarly to Gyarados, with the added bonus of Metagross resisting more of its weaknesses, but employs Calm Mind instead of Dragon Dance. With Reflect up, Latias will even survive a U-turn coming from Choice Band Scizor, allowing it to do reasonable damage with Surf if need be. A teammate that can eliminate Rotom formes and set up along the way will also prove useful. Examples of these include Dragon Dance Tyranitar and Curse Snorlax. Teammates do not always have to appear in the form of set-up sweepers, though. Gliscor partners well with Metagross, can abuse Rock Polish and Swords Dance, and Baton Pass their effects to other teammates. Celebi can Baton Pass Calm Mind or Swords Dance, while helping Metagross with its Swampert problem. Any other teammate that can offensively make use of the multiple turns and defensive barriers that the dual screens provide are generally key partners to this set. Examples include, but are not limited to, Dragon Dance Salamence, Torment Heatran, and Calm Mind Suicune.</p>
Click to expand...
There you go, bud. I do believe the correct phrase is dual screens and not dual-screens, unless you have proof that it's the other way around.

Also, when you said Psychic typing, should it read Psychic-typing? I'm not entirely sure how this rule works, but I thought it was hyphenated.
 
Witness315 said:
Most Salamence carry Fire Blast, you know.
Click to expand...

most salamence also do not have stab fire moves. he's saying he can come in on an outrage and screen, which is why he said STAB instead of 'he can come in on any move aerodactyl, tyranitar, and salamence usually carries'
 
Hey Xia, thanks! I changed everything except "include VS are".

MetaNite / Witness315: franky summed it up nicely. As everyone knows, Bronzong is more of a defensive threat, and Metagross is more of an offensive threat. You can use this to your advantage (bluffing, making opponents switch out in fear) in the process of setting up the precious dual screens. Also, Witness315 - Bronzong and Metagross have many similar counters (Rotom-H, Heatran...), and yet a dual screen Bronzong is still viable. I see no reason why Metagross can't do the same thing! Also, this Metagross is more physically defensive than standard screener Bronzong, who runs Relaxed + no Def EVs. Finally, as I've mentioned, Metagross can outrun some Magnezone, while Bronzong (without Trick Room) can't.
 
This is very well written Erodent, great job!

<p>This Metagross's EVs are specifically configured to set up on even enemies that limit its potential. With the given spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 72 Def / 172 SpD / 8 Spe and a Careful nature, Metagross reaches 364 HP, 207 Attack, 314 Defense, 285 Special Defense, and 179 Speed. These stats attempt to remedy allow Metagross to at the very least set up on opponents that give it the most problems, including Magnezone, Heatran, and Dugtrio. This Metagross will outrun 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe versions of Magnezone and OHKO them with Earthquake. Even if the Magnezone invested more EVs into Speed, instead outrunning Metagross and possibly using Magnet Rise, you will not need to worry. Simply use Light Screen while you get blasted by a Thunderbolt that does 46.15% maximum. The subsequent Thunderbolts will only do 23.35% maximum, meaning that you will survive at least two more Thunderbolts factoring Stealth Rock damage. This allows you to set up Reflect after Light Screen and use Explosion after setting up both screens, which can hugely dent but unfortunately not OHKO Magnezone.</p>

------

<p>Metagross' moveset requires a brief elaboration. The first three moves are understandable and the vital constituents of this set. Metagross' fourth moveslot, however, can be debated on. At first glance, Metagross' STAB-boosted Meteor Mash may seem like the more favorable option. However, Earthquake has proven to be the superior option, as it allows Metagross to score crucial OHKOs on Magnezone and Heatran, suddenly making Meteor Mash an extremely mediocre choice. (looked a little awkward, so I reworded it.) It can be argued that Meteor Mash can harm defensive versions of Gliscor and Hippowdon, but both of them can heal themselves anyway. Moreover, Explosion will either OHKO or gravely wound them to the point that an incoming sweeper can finish them off. Other options that can be used include Stealth Rock - such a set can transform Metagross into a fine lead - or other attacking moves like the elemental punches. Substitute can even be used to scout incoming Heatran switches; you can then OHKO them with Earthquake. In spite of all these choices, Earthquake still seems to be the most appropriate move.</p>
Click to expand...
Just some nitpicks.

Also, the correct way is "Metagross'", not "Metagross's". When a word ends with an S, just add an apostrophe when using the possessive form.
I would suggest you add a small explanation in the set comments on how this set differs from other defensive screeners.

Keep it up!
 
Wow. This set is almost identical to the one I ran in Stage 3 on my Metagross lead. This is an excellent set and I'm surprised it didn't already have an analysis.
 
I've been running this exact set, except more evs into defense, to make it a wall to combat scizor and other physical threats, while running exactly enough speed to outspeed CD Adamant Scizor by one from the analysis (to reflect on a U turn, halving the damage), to support a latias sweep.

It fared well against physical threats such as swampert, scizor, etc etc, but when Heatran, or Salamence came in, you had to switch out, fearing a fire blast, giving time for Heatran to set up a sub, or for Salamence to Dragon Dance.

Other than that, it wasn't a bad set. I posted my version in the Creative pokemon sets, but didn't get much of a look or enough constructive criticism, for me to attempt an analysis.

Otherwise, nice job.
 
Hi Malfunction, thanks! This is actually an offensive screener, so I'll make a mention about that.

Eradd and WarriorPrince, thanks for your comments :)

(I think this is ready unless anyone has more suggestions)
 
Oh, and if you'd like, you can add that Meteor Mash can help boost Metagrosses' attack higher with a bit of luck, helping it to max it's explosion damage (if it has the chance).

You could also do an alternative EVs to accomadate a more defensive version, kind of like a pseudo skarmory (I used the dual screen, because of it's massive defenses). I've stopped a 2+ Lucario right in it's tracks before with it.
 
This Metagross' EVs are specifically configured to set up on even enemies that limit its potential. With the given spread of 252 HP / 4 Atk / 72 Def / 172 SpD / 8 Spe and a Careful nature, Metagross reaches 364 HP, 307 Attack, 314 Defense, 284 Special Defense, and 178 Speed.
Click to expand...

Metagross' min Attack is 306 (without a -nature and with 31 IVs). Add 4 EVs to that and it's 307. Metagross' Special Defense is 284.9. All numbers get scaled down in Pokemon, so it becomes 284.

Is there a reason why there is 4 EV in Attack? I rather put it into SpD to reach a bonus point stat, increasing its Special Defense by 2 (from 284 to 286).
 
If you could Erodent, please trim this up. It's a little long if you ask me. Feel free to suggest why it's necessary though.
 
Will do Colonel. I'll get to this in 2 hours and edit with a status update.

EDIT: I trimmed this quite a bit, deleting a total of 219 words in the process. I feel that the rest is necessary, but if there are other opinions feel free to voice them!
 
If you can, merge the 2nd and 3rd paragraph and cut some of the stuff in there (simply state that "With Light Screen, Metagross fares better against Magnezone thanks to Light Screen cutting Thunderbolt's damage to 102938120938% maximum".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top