[OVERVIEW]
Metagross offers a unique and fantastic mixture of power and versatility to ADV. It is a staple of many iterations of offense, with access to the devastating Explosion and the ability to draw in many of its best targets. Metagross goes far beyond just blowing itself up, though; it is a truly multi-faceted creature. Whether generating early aggression with Choice Band-boosted Meteor Mashes, pivoting into resisted Rock Slides mid-game, or cleaning weakened teams with a well-timed Agility, this cosmic colossus is a force to be reckoned with.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rock Slide / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Band
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 128 HP / 252 Atk / 128 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Choice Band Metagross is the single best source of immediate offense in the tier. Its STAB Meteor Mash backed by base 135 Attack and a Choice Band is freakishly powerful. Metagross is often able to muscle even past targets that resist it such as Skarmory with this move, in particular if a fortuitous Attack raise should occur. Explosion is an incredible tool for splitting defensive cores open, OHKOing everything bar Gengar. Earthquake provides fine coverage, striking opposing Metagross and Jirachi, as well as offering an acceptable neutral hit against Swampert and Suicune. Rock Slide is the foremost choice in the fourth slot, as it targets Zapdos and Moltres. Hidden Power Bug sees use as a countermeasure to defensive Celebi, punishing it for staying in and using Leech Seed on Metagross. Double-Edge is a fine option over either of these for a hard neutral hit that simultaneously covers Water-types and Zapdos.
The EVs allow Metagross to maximize its damage output and guarantee a KO on Skarmory with Explosion. 128 HP EVs ensure that Metagross survives Jolly Dugtrio's Earthquake from full health and covers MixMence's Fire Blast well too. The Speed makes Metagross just faster than minimum Speed Suicune. Metagross can use a spread of 72 HP / 252 Atk / 184 Spe to outrun maximum Speed neutral-natured Tyranitar and Swampert. An alternate spread of 184 HP / 252 Atk / 72 Spe, which always survives an Earthquake from +1 Metagross or Salamence, is another possibility. If your team relies solely on Metagross for switching into Rock Slides, you may wish to consider a bulkier spread of 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe to provide cushioning against Tyranitar and Aerodactyl. It is worth noting that these bulk benchmarks, while well intended, lose their efficacy if Metagross switches into just a resisted Body Slam or Rock Slide or even a layer of Spikes. Lacking Leftovers severely damages Choice Band Metagross's longevity, so a proactive approach with your Explosion early on is often advisable.
Team Options
========
This set is particularly potent when leading on an offensively inclined team. A blind turn 1 Explosion against a favorable lead matchup such as Tyranitar can be game breaking in its ability to blow a major roadblock away when it catches a Skarmory or Swampert on the switch. Dragon Dance users such as Tyranitar and Salamence appreciate Metagross's ability to tear down walls, creating a juncture for them to sweep in the later phases of the game. Snorlax pairs well with this set, being able to tank early hits from Zapdos and Suicune and keep up offensive momentum. When played aggressively, this Metagross is likely to take substantial damage or be KOed early, so a secondary Rock-type answer such as Swampert is appreciated for safety against the physical armada. Swampert's pivoting ability is also excellent for getting Metagross into play repeatedly. Zapdos, another purveyor of offense, has good type synergy with Metagross and can switch into Skarmory and Water-types well. Zapdos is also able to shut down opposing Zapdos with Thunder Wave in lead mirrors, reducing its capability to threaten Metagross.
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Unlike other Metagross sets that see the majority of their action early, this configuration is designed for late-game and sweeping. Its immunity to sand and Toxic negates the strategies that damage the efficacy of other Speed boosters like Dragon Dance Salamence and also avoid forcing it to hold Leftovers. Once its counters are weakened or removed, Metagross can use Agility to take its Speed to 396, beating out every unboosted Pokemon. From there, its usual Meteor Mash and Earthquake wipe through a carefully weakened enemy team. Explosion is the favored choice in the final slot on this set, as the opportunity will not always present itself for Metagross to sweep. Your judgement of the game situation should indicate whether Metagross must be relegated to a luring and wall removal role. For example, if you have been unable to weaken your opponent's conservatively played Swampert, it is unwise to keep Metagross alive and withheld in an effort to facilitate its sweep—instead, look to use Explosion. For more one-dimensional teams that rely less on gameplan flexibility, Rock Slide is available over Explosion to cover Zapdos and Moltres.
Lum Berry opens up many otherwise unavailable setup opportunities, shielding Metagross for a turn against Gengar's Will-O-Wisp and Blissey's Thunder Wave. Opting for Leftovers improves Metagross's longevity and ability to switch into attacks once or twice earlier on. Liechi Berry is a more niche item option; combined with Substitute to reach activation range, it allows Metagross to boost its Attack without hoping for Meteor Mash's chance to.
Team Options
========
Agility Metagross is the set that most appreciates Clear Body, negating the issues with Intimidate pivoting often faced by other boosters. This ability to avoid Attack drops contributes to its value as the perfect receiver for Baton Pass Celebi's Swords Dance boosts. Performing this combination successfully is extremely threatening. Magneton is a requirement on most Agility Metagross teams, as Skarmory's ability to safely wall Metagross and Whirlwind it away hinders its potency. Metagross also benefits from the support of mixed attackers such as Tyranitar and Salamence due to their ability to lure in Swampert and cripple it with Hidden Power Grass.
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Protect
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 176 Atk / 80 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
An often overlooked strength of Metagross is its base 130 Defense, which is supported by a valuable defensive typing that grants it sand and Toxic immunity along with a fine selection of resistances. This set offers a different dimension to Metagross, bolstering its role as a mid-game pivot and check to physical attackers while still enabling it to output respectable damage with Meteor Mash and Earthquake. Protect facilitates this strategy as a superb and multifaceted move that provides free recovery through the game and scouts Choice Band users such as Metagross, Aerodactyl, and Tyranitar. The aggressive Explosion remains a fixture on this balanced set, as Metagross retains its role of removing bulky Water-types to support its offensive teammates. Explosion also sees use to remove a boosted CurseLax in a pinch. Toxic is a possible option over Explosion, but heavy use of Refresh on Water-types such as Milotic and Swampert invalidates its greatest niche. It is still valued against Zapdos, Moltres, and the lesser seen non-Rest Suicune, though. Hidden Power Grass is usable, most likely over Protect; however, it requires some investment to 2HKO Swampert, its main target.
This Metagross set suffers from letting Moltres enter freely, a particularly dangerous prospect because the Magneton balance teams it often features on hate Moltres's Will-O-Wisps and Fire Blasts. Replacing Protect with Rock Slide turns this weakness on its head, catching the Moltres switching in with a crushing OHKO. Rock Slide also deals respectable damage to Zapdos, comfortably 2HKOing it.
The EV spread is heavily favored to survive two Earthquakes from Jolly Tyranitar and is guaranteed to do so if you risk Protect on a possible Dragon Dance. Its Dugtrio survival chances are also aided, being able to do so even after stepping on three Spikes and using Protect right after. Metagross still requires attacking investment to threaten Snorlax and pressure its switch-ins. On teams with unreliable physical walling, in particular those lacking a traditional bulky Water-type, Metagross can invest more in Defense and use an Impish nature for greater safety against the likes of Dragon Dance Salamence and Tyranitar.
Team Options
========
Tank Metagross appreciates Magneton, as it cannot punish Skarmory by itself. This set is best suited to a Magneton-aided balance or offense team, in which its typical partners in Salamence and Gyarados are found. Metagross combines with either of these two Intimidate users to generate a formidable balance core with excellent type synergy. Metagross appreciates their Ground immunities and Fire resistances and reciprocates the favor with Rock and Ice resistances. Celebi combines with Metagross excellently, being able to freely switch into Water-types all game and potentially even support it with Heal Bell to remove paralysis from Snorlax, Jirachi, and Blissey and burns from Gengar.
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Meteor Mash
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Mixed Metagross is a balanced set, a jack-of-all-trades designed to fill a void left on many specially inclined or mixed offense teams. STAB Psychic from a well-invested Special Attack stat dominates Gengar, and Metagross does not fear its usual Will-O-Wisp. The move also makes for a respectable neutral hit on Swampert and offensive Zapdos. Hidden Power Fire weakens Skarmory, which will often willingly tank multiple hits from Metagross in exchange for the opportunity to lay Spikes. It offers an improvement over Choice Band-boosted Meteor Mash, which is otherwise Metagross's best means of damaging Skarmory while staying alive, due to Metagross's ability to switch moves and gain Leftovers recovery. It also eliminates the possibility of a pivot from Skarmory to Magneton from the opponent, which would usually comfortably trap and pick off a Metagross locked into Meteor Mash. Hidden Power Fire also dominates Forretress, which often sees Metagross as an opening to set up Spikes. The combination of Thunder Punch and Hidden Power Grass can replace Psychic and Hidden Power Fire on teams that profit from weakening Swampert. Thunder Punch retains the ability to strike Skarmory that the loss of Hidden Power Fire would otherwise sacrifice. This configuration of mixed Metagross also often uses Earthquake in lieu of Meteor Mash, OHKOing Magneton and hitting Jirachi and opposing Metagross harder. However, losing Meteor Mash makes Snorlax and Blissey more difficult to deal with, often pressuring you to use Explosion earlier than what is ideal. Mixed Metagross without Meteor Mash also has to use Explosion to OHKO Dugtrio.
This set is typically selected on teams that would like to have Jirachi in a vacuum but fear Tyranitar, Blissey, and Snorlax too much to justify its use. Unlike Jirachi, Metagross has Steel STAB and Explosion available to it. Meteor Mash disallows Tyranitar's Dragon Dance setup and is also mixed Metagross's only way to OHKO Dugtrio while staying alive itself. The threat of Explosion forces Blissey and Snorlax to switch out. Explosion can be replaced with Pursuit on teams where Gengar removal is crucial, but this choice is often inadvisable, as multiple successful Pursuits are required to KO Gengar, which can wear Metagross down through the game's course with Fire Punch, Will-O-Wisp, and Spikes damage.
Maximized Special Attack is required for the greatest possible damage output against Gengar and Skarmory, a necessity in the era of specially defensive Gengar. 252 HP EVs help Metagross switch into Gengar's Thunderbolts and Aerodactyl's Rock Slides alike. However, on teams without Tyranitar that particularly fear CurseLax, greater Attack investment in place of this HP is appreciated for a more powerful Explosion against this boosted target.
Team Options
========
The loss of Earthquake compromises Metagross's ability to check Jirachi and duel other Metagross. Dugtrio is a fantastic partner to Metagross, as it can mitigate this loss by trapping these Pokemon. Dugtrio also fits well supporting the special offenses that often elect to use this Metagross, picking off weakened Blissey and Snorlax to open up Suicune or Celebi. Celebi is also able to Baton Pass Calm Mind boosts to Metagross, which is an often effective mid-game receiver due to its physical threat to typical special walls.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
Metagross can hold a Salac Berry with a Jolly nature and Endure on a set that works similarly to its Agility build. This circumvents the requirement for a turn of vulnerability when it would usually set up Agility, finding particular efficacy against Dugtrio and +1 Dragon Dance Tyranitar, which it outspeeds after its boost. However, Salac Berry Metagross is still slower than Aerodactyl and Jolteon at +1. Psych Up is an interesting choice for combating CurseLax. However, the necessity for tankiness on this type of set leaves it too slow to theoretically copy a Dragon Dance boost from Tyranitar and then outspeed it.
Checks and Counters
========
The most ubiquitous and important Metagross counter is Swampert. Its Steel resistance and great defensive stats allow it to soak up Meteor Mashes and return damage with Earthquake. Swampert's love affair with Protect forces Metagross users to be wary of attempting an Explosion against it—the preferred strategy is often to predict a Swampert switch and use Explosion then as opposed to doing so when actually facing it. Other Water-types such as Suicune and Milotic can also absorb Meteor Mashes but are far more vulnerable to Explosion. Zapdos is a handy offensive check to Metagross, often staring it down from the lead. Zapdos must avoid Choice Band-boosted Rock Slide, though, which comes a damage roll away from OHKOing its offensive variant. Gyarados and Moltres are similar to Zapdos in this fashion; they resist Meteor Mash and are Earthquake immune but must care for Rock Slide. Skarmory can lay Spikes against Metagross well and use Protect to recover damage dealt. It too folds to Choice Band-boosted Explosion, however. Metagross can be removed by both the tier's trappers, Dugtrio and Magneton, from a certain range. When preparing to trap Metagross with either one of these, one should employ the information given by Metagross's set to estimate the amount of bulk on its spread and thus the safe range to pick it off from. Magneton can also switch into a Choice-locked Meteor Mash with its double resistance to Steel and comfortably 2HKO Metagross too.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Triangles, 118250]]
- Quality checked by: [[BKC, 52012], [vapicuno, 5454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Metagross offers a unique and fantastic mixture of power and versatility to ADV. It is a staple of many iterations of offense, with access to the devastating Explosion and the ability to draw in many of its best targets. Metagross goes far beyond just blowing itself up, though; it is a truly multi-faceted creature. Whether generating early aggression with Choice Band-boosted Meteor Mashes, pivoting into resisted Rock Slides mid-game, or cleaning weakened teams with a well-timed Agility, this cosmic colossus is a force to be reckoned with.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Explosion
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Rock Slide / Hidden Power Bug
item: Choice Band
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 128 HP / 252 Atk / 128 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Choice Band Metagross is the single best source of immediate offense in the tier. Its STAB Meteor Mash backed by base 135 Attack and a Choice Band is freakishly powerful. Metagross is often able to muscle even past targets that resist it such as Skarmory with this move, in particular if a fortuitous Attack raise should occur. Explosion is an incredible tool for splitting defensive cores open, OHKOing everything bar Gengar. Earthquake provides fine coverage, striking opposing Metagross and Jirachi, as well as offering an acceptable neutral hit against Swampert and Suicune. Rock Slide is the foremost choice in the fourth slot, as it targets Zapdos and Moltres. Hidden Power Bug sees use as a countermeasure to defensive Celebi, punishing it for staying in and using Leech Seed on Metagross. Double-Edge is a fine option over either of these for a hard neutral hit that simultaneously covers Water-types and Zapdos.
The EVs allow Metagross to maximize its damage output and guarantee a KO on Skarmory with Explosion. 128 HP EVs ensure that Metagross survives Jolly Dugtrio's Earthquake from full health and covers MixMence's Fire Blast well too. The Speed makes Metagross just faster than minimum Speed Suicune. Metagross can use a spread of 72 HP / 252 Atk / 184 Spe to outrun maximum Speed neutral-natured Tyranitar and Swampert. An alternate spread of 184 HP / 252 Atk / 72 Spe, which always survives an Earthquake from +1 Metagross or Salamence, is another possibility. If your team relies solely on Metagross for switching into Rock Slides, you may wish to consider a bulkier spread of 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe to provide cushioning against Tyranitar and Aerodactyl. It is worth noting that these bulk benchmarks, while well intended, lose their efficacy if Metagross switches into just a resisted Body Slam or Rock Slide or even a layer of Spikes. Lacking Leftovers severely damages Choice Band Metagross's longevity, so a proactive approach with your Explosion early on is often advisable.
Team Options
========
This set is particularly potent when leading on an offensively inclined team. A blind turn 1 Explosion against a favorable lead matchup such as Tyranitar can be game breaking in its ability to blow a major roadblock away when it catches a Skarmory or Swampert on the switch. Dragon Dance users such as Tyranitar and Salamence appreciate Metagross's ability to tear down walls, creating a juncture for them to sweep in the later phases of the game. Snorlax pairs well with this set, being able to tank early hits from Zapdos and Suicune and keep up offensive momentum. When played aggressively, this Metagross is likely to take substantial damage or be KOed early, so a secondary Rock-type answer such as Swampert is appreciated for safety against the physical armada. Swampert's pivoting ability is also excellent for getting Metagross into play repeatedly. Zapdos, another purveyor of offense, has good type synergy with Metagross and can switch into Skarmory and Water-types well. Zapdos is also able to shut down opposing Zapdos with Thunder Wave in lead mirrors, reducing its capability to threaten Metagross.
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Unlike other Metagross sets that see the majority of their action early, this configuration is designed for late-game and sweeping. Its immunity to sand and Toxic negates the strategies that damage the efficacy of other Speed boosters like Dragon Dance Salamence and also avoid forcing it to hold Leftovers. Once its counters are weakened or removed, Metagross can use Agility to take its Speed to 396, beating out every unboosted Pokemon. From there, its usual Meteor Mash and Earthquake wipe through a carefully weakened enemy team. Explosion is the favored choice in the final slot on this set, as the opportunity will not always present itself for Metagross to sweep. Your judgement of the game situation should indicate whether Metagross must be relegated to a luring and wall removal role. For example, if you have been unable to weaken your opponent's conservatively played Swampert, it is unwise to keep Metagross alive and withheld in an effort to facilitate its sweep—instead, look to use Explosion. For more one-dimensional teams that rely less on gameplan flexibility, Rock Slide is available over Explosion to cover Zapdos and Moltres.
Lum Berry opens up many otherwise unavailable setup opportunities, shielding Metagross for a turn against Gengar's Will-O-Wisp and Blissey's Thunder Wave. Opting for Leftovers improves Metagross's longevity and ability to switch into attacks once or twice earlier on. Liechi Berry is a more niche item option; combined with Substitute to reach activation range, it allows Metagross to boost its Attack without hoping for Meteor Mash's chance to.
Team Options
========
Agility Metagross is the set that most appreciates Clear Body, negating the issues with Intimidate pivoting often faced by other boosters. This ability to avoid Attack drops contributes to its value as the perfect receiver for Baton Pass Celebi's Swords Dance boosts. Performing this combination successfully is extremely threatening. Magneton is a requirement on most Agility Metagross teams, as Skarmory's ability to safely wall Metagross and Whirlwind it away hinders its potency. Metagross also benefits from the support of mixed attackers such as Tyranitar and Salamence due to their ability to lure in Swampert and cripple it with Hidden Power Grass.
[SET]
name: Bulky Attacker
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Protect
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 HP / 176 Atk / 80 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
An often overlooked strength of Metagross is its base 130 Defense, which is supported by a valuable defensive typing that grants it sand and Toxic immunity along with a fine selection of resistances. This set offers a different dimension to Metagross, bolstering its role as a mid-game pivot and check to physical attackers while still enabling it to output respectable damage with Meteor Mash and Earthquake. Protect facilitates this strategy as a superb and multifaceted move that provides free recovery through the game and scouts Choice Band users such as Metagross, Aerodactyl, and Tyranitar. The aggressive Explosion remains a fixture on this balanced set, as Metagross retains its role of removing bulky Water-types to support its offensive teammates. Explosion also sees use to remove a boosted CurseLax in a pinch. Toxic is a possible option over Explosion, but heavy use of Refresh on Water-types such as Milotic and Swampert invalidates its greatest niche. It is still valued against Zapdos, Moltres, and the lesser seen non-Rest Suicune, though. Hidden Power Grass is usable, most likely over Protect; however, it requires some investment to 2HKO Swampert, its main target.
This Metagross set suffers from letting Moltres enter freely, a particularly dangerous prospect because the Magneton balance teams it often features on hate Moltres's Will-O-Wisps and Fire Blasts. Replacing Protect with Rock Slide turns this weakness on its head, catching the Moltres switching in with a crushing OHKO. Rock Slide also deals respectable damage to Zapdos, comfortably 2HKOing it.
The EV spread is heavily favored to survive two Earthquakes from Jolly Tyranitar and is guaranteed to do so if you risk Protect on a possible Dragon Dance. Its Dugtrio survival chances are also aided, being able to do so even after stepping on three Spikes and using Protect right after. Metagross still requires attacking investment to threaten Snorlax and pressure its switch-ins. On teams with unreliable physical walling, in particular those lacking a traditional bulky Water-type, Metagross can invest more in Defense and use an Impish nature for greater safety against the likes of Dragon Dance Salamence and Tyranitar.
Team Options
========
Tank Metagross appreciates Magneton, as it cannot punish Skarmory by itself. This set is best suited to a Magneton-aided balance or offense team, in which its typical partners in Salamence and Gyarados are found. Metagross combines with either of these two Intimidate users to generate a formidable balance core with excellent type synergy. Metagross appreciates their Ground immunities and Fire resistances and reciprocates the favor with Rock and Ice resistances. Celebi combines with Metagross excellently, being able to freely switch into Water-types all game and potentially even support it with Heal Bell to remove paralysis from Snorlax, Jirachi, and Blissey and burns from Gengar.
[SET]
name: Mixed
move 1: Psychic
move 2: Hidden Power Fire
move 3: Meteor Mash
move 4: Explosion
item: Leftovers
ability: Clear Body
nature: Quiet
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Set Description
========
Mixed Metagross is a balanced set, a jack-of-all-trades designed to fill a void left on many specially inclined or mixed offense teams. STAB Psychic from a well-invested Special Attack stat dominates Gengar, and Metagross does not fear its usual Will-O-Wisp. The move also makes for a respectable neutral hit on Swampert and offensive Zapdos. Hidden Power Fire weakens Skarmory, which will often willingly tank multiple hits from Metagross in exchange for the opportunity to lay Spikes. It offers an improvement over Choice Band-boosted Meteor Mash, which is otherwise Metagross's best means of damaging Skarmory while staying alive, due to Metagross's ability to switch moves and gain Leftovers recovery. It also eliminates the possibility of a pivot from Skarmory to Magneton from the opponent, which would usually comfortably trap and pick off a Metagross locked into Meteor Mash. Hidden Power Fire also dominates Forretress, which often sees Metagross as an opening to set up Spikes. The combination of Thunder Punch and Hidden Power Grass can replace Psychic and Hidden Power Fire on teams that profit from weakening Swampert. Thunder Punch retains the ability to strike Skarmory that the loss of Hidden Power Fire would otherwise sacrifice. This configuration of mixed Metagross also often uses Earthquake in lieu of Meteor Mash, OHKOing Magneton and hitting Jirachi and opposing Metagross harder. However, losing Meteor Mash makes Snorlax and Blissey more difficult to deal with, often pressuring you to use Explosion earlier than what is ideal. Mixed Metagross without Meteor Mash also has to use Explosion to OHKO Dugtrio.
This set is typically selected on teams that would like to have Jirachi in a vacuum but fear Tyranitar, Blissey, and Snorlax too much to justify its use. Unlike Jirachi, Metagross has Steel STAB and Explosion available to it. Meteor Mash disallows Tyranitar's Dragon Dance setup and is also mixed Metagross's only way to OHKO Dugtrio while staying alive itself. The threat of Explosion forces Blissey and Snorlax to switch out. Explosion can be replaced with Pursuit on teams where Gengar removal is crucial, but this choice is often inadvisable, as multiple successful Pursuits are required to KO Gengar, which can wear Metagross down through the game's course with Fire Punch, Will-O-Wisp, and Spikes damage.
Maximized Special Attack is required for the greatest possible damage output against Gengar and Skarmory, a necessity in the era of specially defensive Gengar. 252 HP EVs help Metagross switch into Gengar's Thunderbolts and Aerodactyl's Rock Slides alike. However, on teams without Tyranitar that particularly fear CurseLax, greater Attack investment in place of this HP is appreciated for a more powerful Explosion against this boosted target.
Team Options
========
The loss of Earthquake compromises Metagross's ability to check Jirachi and duel other Metagross. Dugtrio is a fantastic partner to Metagross, as it can mitigate this loss by trapping these Pokemon. Dugtrio also fits well supporting the special offenses that often elect to use this Metagross, picking off weakened Blissey and Snorlax to open up Suicune or Celebi. Celebi is also able to Baton Pass Calm Mind boosts to Metagross, which is an often effective mid-game receiver due to its physical threat to typical special walls.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
========
Metagross can hold a Salac Berry with a Jolly nature and Endure on a set that works similarly to its Agility build. This circumvents the requirement for a turn of vulnerability when it would usually set up Agility, finding particular efficacy against Dugtrio and +1 Dragon Dance Tyranitar, which it outspeeds after its boost. However, Salac Berry Metagross is still slower than Aerodactyl and Jolteon at +1. Psych Up is an interesting choice for combating CurseLax. However, the necessity for tankiness on this type of set leaves it too slow to theoretically copy a Dragon Dance boost from Tyranitar and then outspeed it.
Checks and Counters
========
The most ubiquitous and important Metagross counter is Swampert. Its Steel resistance and great defensive stats allow it to soak up Meteor Mashes and return damage with Earthquake. Swampert's love affair with Protect forces Metagross users to be wary of attempting an Explosion against it—the preferred strategy is often to predict a Swampert switch and use Explosion then as opposed to doing so when actually facing it. Other Water-types such as Suicune and Milotic can also absorb Meteor Mashes but are far more vulnerable to Explosion. Zapdos is a handy offensive check to Metagross, often staring it down from the lead. Zapdos must avoid Choice Band-boosted Rock Slide, though, which comes a damage roll away from OHKOing its offensive variant. Gyarados and Moltres are similar to Zapdos in this fashion; they resist Meteor Mash and are Earthquake immune but must care for Rock Slide. Skarmory can lay Spikes against Metagross well and use Protect to recover damage dealt. It too folds to Choice Band-boosted Explosion, however. Metagross can be removed by both the tier's trappers, Dugtrio and Magneton, from a certain range. When preparing to trap Metagross with either one of these, one should employ the information given by Metagross's set to estimate the amount of bulk on its spread and thus the safe range to pick it off from. Magneton can also switch into a Choice-locked Meteor Mash with its double resistance to Steel and comfortably 2HKO Metagross too.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Triangles, 118250]]
- Quality checked by: [[BKC, 52012], [vapicuno, 5454]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Last edited:
