Between Mega Crucibelle's amazing pre- and post-mega ability, access to U-turn, and most importantly, STAB Head Smash, alongside a great Speed tier and amazing bulk, it's undeniably one of the best, most influential Pokemon in the CAP metagame. There's very little opportunity cost to running Mega Crucibelle, meaning that it will often outclass other Mega Evolutions like Mega Alakazam, Mega Latios, and Mega Mawile, which would otherwise be excellent options for teams. Regenerator in tandem with U-turn allows Crucibelle to function as an early-game pivot, providing tons of utility and weakening the opposition for itself late-game, while it can turn into a frightening wallbreaker once it Mega Evolves. Furthermore, its typing provides a very valuable Flying- and Fairy-type resistance, meaning it will not struggle to switch into play often. It should also not be undervalued just how threatening it is to be able to use Head Smash without getting punished unless Mega Crucibelle misses because of the significant lack of solid Rock-resistant Pokemon. Bulkier teams will often have to resort to incredibly niche Pokemon like Swampert, Seismitoad, Mega Aggron, and Hippowdon as well as defensive Kartana (Synthesis, HP invested) to check Mega Crucibelle, further evidencing just how centralizing of a force it is. Even facing these checks, Mega Crucibelle can still either gain momentum and pressure by pivoting out of them with U-turn or luring them with coverage moves like Low Kick and Wood Hammer. To add onto that, Mega Crucibelle is also incredibly hard to check offensively because its Speed tier puts it above Pokemon like Mega Latios and Mega Diancie, while its special bulk allows it to avoid being OHKOed by what would otherwise be good offensive checks, like Volkraken and Mega Alakazam. Pokemon like Jumbao and Tornadus-T are often forced to run the otherwise unconventional Hidden Power Ground just to prevent them from being bait for Mega Crucibelle. This issue has become even more apparent with the departure of Zygarde, which was Mega Crucibelle's strongest check.
Arghonaut – With enough investment, Arghonaut can be made to avoid being 2HKOed by Gunk Shot from Mega Crucibelle and threatens it out with Earthquake. However, if Mega Crucibelle uses U-turn on the initial turn Arghonaut comes in, it cannot do this again. Arghonaut also loses to Crucibelle if Gunk Shot ever poisons it on the switch, making it extremeley unreliable. It must also be careful of Mega Crucibelle carrying Wood Hammer, as this can knock out Arghonaut after it switches in to any attack.
Garchomp – Garchomp avoids being 2HKOed by both of Mega Crucibelle's STABs and can threaten to OHKO it in return. However, if Garchomp is U-turned on once or otherwise takes chip, it can no longer switch into Mega Crucibelle.
Fidgit – Very similar to Garchomp, as it lacks reliable recovery whilst it can take Head Smash twice. It is extremely prone to being worn down, especially by Mega Crucibelle's U-turn.
Landorus-T – Forces Mega Crucibelle out because it has to respect the possibility of Choice Scarf, but Head Smash does 2hko offensive variants, and defensive variants suffer the same issues as Garchomp and Fidgit; they're extremely vulnerable to U-turn.
Hippowdon – An extremely niche pick, but Hippowdon can be used to fix a team's Mega Crucibelle weakness, as it can easily switch into Mega Crucibelle's STAB attacks and threaten it with Earthquake. However, due to Mega Crucibelle's access to Wood Hammer, which has a chance to 2HKO Hippowdon, it must be wary coming in until Crucibelle's moves are fully revealed. Hippowdon, like every other defensive check to Mega Crucibelle, can be taken advantage of with U-turn to easily gain momentum.
Ferrothorn – Whilst Ferrothorn is one of the best checks to the usual Mega Crucibelle sets, it must scout for Low Kick before it's comfortable staying in on it because Low Kick can 2HKO it with a little prior chip damage. Otherwise, Mega Crucibelle can still U-turn for free on Ferrothorn, as it ignores Iron Barbs damage, allowing it to gain momentum even on its best check. Despite this, well-built Mega Crucibelle teams will often have multiple Pokemon which pressure Ferrothorn; it's often partnered with Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele, making Ferrothorn's job much more strenuous.
Magearna – Same as Ferrothorn, but Head Smash can 2HKO after Stealth Rock and U-turn damage.
Kartana – Defensive Kartana, much like Ferrothorn, can easily take on Mega Crucibelle and is much better against Low Kick variants. Mega Crucibelle must also be wary of Choice Scarf Kartana, as it can outspeed and OHKO.
Jirachi – Super niche Pokemon that can be used to somewhat check Mega Crucibelle, as it threatens it with Iron Head, but it is vulnerable to U-turn. Mega Crucibelle must be wary of Choice Scarf Jirachi if its item is not revealed, though.
Excadrill – One of the few removal options that can take on Mega Crucibelle as long as it is lacking Low Kick. Like everything else that is slower than Mega Crucibelle, it can easily be worn down by U-turn into a range where it can no longer switch in.
Celesteela – While it can take a Head Smash and threaten Mega Crucibelle out with Heavy Slam, this allows Mega Crucibelle's common partners to much more easily break through teams. It can also be taken advantage of with U-turn, because Celesteela has to attack.
Naviathan – Naviathan can set up on most variants of Crucibelle; however, it must be wary of Low Kick.
Ash-Greninja – Outspeeds Mega Crucibelle and threatens to OHKO it even before transformation as long as it's holding Choice Specs.
Mega Mawile – Mega Mawile can safely come in on Crucibelle as long as it has not Mega Evolved because it needs to Intimidate Mega Crucibelle in order to beat it one-on-one.
Volkraken & Mega Alakazam – Both Pokemon can come in and revenge kill Mega Crucibelle. Prior chip damage is needed, though, as both their STAB options have extremely low chances to OHKO Mega Crucibelle from full.
Tapu Lele – Choice Scarf variants can outspeed Mega Crucibelle and OHKO it from full HP, but these variants have been struggling recently because it is easily Pursuit trapped and just not that threatening in general.
Kitsunoh – Kitsunoh can come in on Mega Crucibelle once and can also threaten to OHKO it with either Meteor Mash or Earthquake.
Cyclohm – Whilst Cyclohm can't threaten Mega Crucibelle with any attacks, Mega Crucibelle is often forced out in fear of being Paralyzed by Static.
Syclant – Thanks to its signature ability, Mountaineer, Syclant can come in on Head Smash without taking any damage and also force Mega Crucibelle out with Earthquake. This is extremeley risky however, as Gunk Shot can OHKO Syclant.
Swampert & Seismitoad – While these Pokemon are great Mega Crucibelle checks, they lack recovery and are prone to being worn down, lose to Wood Hammer, and are easily taken advantage of with U-turn. They also offer very little to a team outside of checking Crucibelle.
Mega Slowbro – Mega Slowbro can comfortably take Mega Crucibelle's attacks but can end up losing if Gunk Shot poisons it. Mega Crucibelle can also force Slowbro to Mega Evolve earlier than it would like, as Slowbro can't take on Mega Crucibelle nearly as easily.
Crawdaunt – Can force Mega Crucibelle out because Aqua Jet has a strong chance to OHKO it.
Garchomp – Garchomp avoids being 2HKOed by both of Mega Crucibelle's STABs and can threaten to OHKO it in return. However, if Garchomp is U-turned on once or otherwise takes chip, it can no longer switch into Mega Crucibelle.
Fidgit – Very similar to Garchomp, as it lacks reliable recovery whilst it can take Head Smash twice. It is extremely prone to being worn down, especially by Mega Crucibelle's U-turn.
Landorus-T – Forces Mega Crucibelle out because it has to respect the possibility of Choice Scarf, but Head Smash does 2hko offensive variants, and defensive variants suffer the same issues as Garchomp and Fidgit; they're extremely vulnerable to U-turn.
Hippowdon – An extremely niche pick, but Hippowdon can be used to fix a team's Mega Crucibelle weakness, as it can easily switch into Mega Crucibelle's STAB attacks and threaten it with Earthquake. However, due to Mega Crucibelle's access to Wood Hammer, which has a chance to 2HKO Hippowdon, it must be wary coming in until Crucibelle's moves are fully revealed. Hippowdon, like every other defensive check to Mega Crucibelle, can be taken advantage of with U-turn to easily gain momentum.
Ferrothorn – Whilst Ferrothorn is one of the best checks to the usual Mega Crucibelle sets, it must scout for Low Kick before it's comfortable staying in on it because Low Kick can 2HKO it with a little prior chip damage. Otherwise, Mega Crucibelle can still U-turn for free on Ferrothorn, as it ignores Iron Barbs damage, allowing it to gain momentum even on its best check. Despite this, well-built Mega Crucibelle teams will often have multiple Pokemon which pressure Ferrothorn; it's often partnered with Pokemon such as Ash-Greninja and Tapu Lele, making Ferrothorn's job much more strenuous.
Magearna – Same as Ferrothorn, but Head Smash can 2HKO after Stealth Rock and U-turn damage.
Kartana – Defensive Kartana, much like Ferrothorn, can easily take on Mega Crucibelle and is much better against Low Kick variants. Mega Crucibelle must also be wary of Choice Scarf Kartana, as it can outspeed and OHKO.
Jirachi – Super niche Pokemon that can be used to somewhat check Mega Crucibelle, as it threatens it with Iron Head, but it is vulnerable to U-turn. Mega Crucibelle must be wary of Choice Scarf Jirachi if its item is not revealed, though.
Excadrill – One of the few removal options that can take on Mega Crucibelle as long as it is lacking Low Kick. Like everything else that is slower than Mega Crucibelle, it can easily be worn down by U-turn into a range where it can no longer switch in.
Celesteela – While it can take a Head Smash and threaten Mega Crucibelle out with Heavy Slam, this allows Mega Crucibelle's common partners to much more easily break through teams. It can also be taken advantage of with U-turn, because Celesteela has to attack.
Naviathan – Naviathan can set up on most variants of Crucibelle; however, it must be wary of Low Kick.
Ash-Greninja – Outspeeds Mega Crucibelle and threatens to OHKO it even before transformation as long as it's holding Choice Specs.
Mega Mawile – Mega Mawile can safely come in on Crucibelle as long as it has not Mega Evolved because it needs to Intimidate Mega Crucibelle in order to beat it one-on-one.
Volkraken & Mega Alakazam – Both Pokemon can come in and revenge kill Mega Crucibelle. Prior chip damage is needed, though, as both their STAB options have extremely low chances to OHKO Mega Crucibelle from full.
Tapu Lele – Choice Scarf variants can outspeed Mega Crucibelle and OHKO it from full HP, but these variants have been struggling recently because it is easily Pursuit trapped and just not that threatening in general.
Kitsunoh – Kitsunoh can come in on Mega Crucibelle once and can also threaten to OHKO it with either Meteor Mash or Earthquake.
Cyclohm – Whilst Cyclohm can't threaten Mega Crucibelle with any attacks, Mega Crucibelle is often forced out in fear of being Paralyzed by Static.
Syclant – Thanks to its signature ability, Mountaineer, Syclant can come in on Head Smash without taking any damage and also force Mega Crucibelle out with Earthquake. This is extremeley risky however, as Gunk Shot can OHKO Syclant.
Swampert & Seismitoad – While these Pokemon are great Mega Crucibelle checks, they lack recovery and are prone to being worn down, lose to Wood Hammer, and are easily taken advantage of with U-turn. They also offer very little to a team outside of checking Crucibelle.
Mega Slowbro – Mega Slowbro can comfortably take Mega Crucibelle's attacks but can end up losing if Gunk Shot poisons it. Mega Crucibelle can also force Slowbro to Mega Evolve earlier than it would like, as Slowbro can't take on Mega Crucibelle nearly as easily.
Crawdaunt – Can force Mega Crucibelle out because Aqua Jet has a strong chance to OHKO it.
Revenankh – Forces Mega Crucibelle out with Earthquake or its many status options. It takes very little damage from any of Mega Crucibelle's attacks but can easily be taken advantage of with U-turn.
Mega Aggron – Mega Aggron can take many hits from Mega Crucibelle, because even sets with Low Kick fail to 3HKO it. However, as it lacks reliable recovery by itself, it is prone to being worn down easily. Because of this, it is really only seen on defensive builds where it has access to Wish support, limiting the amount of cases where this is relevant.
Mega Aggron – Mega Aggron can take many hits from Mega Crucibelle, because even sets with Low Kick fail to 3HKO it. However, as it lacks reliable recovery by itself, it is prone to being worn down easily. Because of this, it is really only seen on defensive builds where it has access to Wish support, limiting the amount of cases where this is relevant.
While it may not seem broken on paper, here are a few replays that prove how threatening Mega Crucibelle is.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7cap-825427844Jordy vs pythonsl:
Python's team features a very solid answer to Mega Crucibelle on paper in Mega Aggron. However, all it's able to do is force Mega Crucibelle to use U-turn, and it ends up being lured by All-Out Pummeling from Tapu Lele, leaving Python's team unable to handle Mega Crucibelle, with only Arghonaut being able to stomach a hit. As you can see, Mega Crucibelle is able to come in several more times, setting Stealth Rock every time while taking advantage of the passive Jumbao and Clefable.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7cap-831784493SUNmyser vs EpicUmbreon29:
EpicUmbreon brings a set that shows off Mega Crucibelle's other options here, in this case Coil. Coil allows Mega Crucibelle to force Defensive Tomohawk to Haze its boosts and get KOed. Additionally, thanks to its great Speed tier, it continually forces Mega Medicham out. Even with a setup oriented set, it's still able to pivot out of Magearna and set up again, enabling Kitsunoh to clean up.
Process:
The Council under this process has the ability to change Mega Crucibelle in whatever method that does not remove its identity, which is utilizing an underused typing. This can include changes to its stat spread, movepool, and ability. Things like the removal of Head Smash and U-turn are within the realm of possibility. This does not mean we should actively look to nerf Mega Crucibelle a significant amount, but to a level where it remains good in the metagame.snake_rattler said:
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/!\Rules for posting in this thread/!\
Do not post one liners, nor uninformed posts;
Do not hold discussion on other potential nerfing processes;
Do not hold discussion on the nerfing process;
You are required to make respectful posts.
If you fail to follow these rules, your post will be deleted and you will be infracted.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask Jordy, SHSP, snake_rattler, Jho, and/or Mx.
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