[OVERVIEW]
Mega Lopunny is a fearsome physical threat in OU thanks to its high Speed and Attack stats, Scrappy ability, and access to a solid priority move in Fake Out, which lets it pick off faster targets like Mega Alakazam, Mega Swampert under the rain, and boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X. Its Speed stat allows it to get the jump on key offensive threats like Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko. Additionally, it can use the combination of Encore and Power-Up Punch to break past bulky targets that it normally has trouble against, like Toxapex and Clefable. However, Mega Lopunny lacks the immediate power necessary to threaten bulkier structures, and its frailty and lack of reliable recovery moves leave it unable to safely switch into neutral attacks like Landorus-T's Earthquake, forcing it to rely on its teammates to come in safely. Not to mention, it is vulnerable to being picked off by priority moves like Ash-Greninja's Water Shuriken and Weavile's Ice Shard. Additionally, its reliance on contact moves leaves it susceptible to being worn down by Pokemon that have abilities and items that can afflict it with chip damage, such as Garchomp and Rocky Helmet users like Tornadus-T and Zapdos. On the topic of Zapdos as well as Volcarona, Mega Lopunny is also susceptible to being crippled by Static and Flame Body.
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: Frustration
move 3: High Jump Kick
move 4: Quick Attack / Ice Punch
item: Lopunnite
ability: Limber
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Fake Out helps Mega Lopunny wear down faster Pokemon like Mega Alakazam, Mega Swampert under the rain, and boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Volcarona, and Gyarados, and pick them off later in the game if they are not within KO range. Frustration provides strong neutral coverage and KOes offensive targets like Tapu Koko, Tornadus-T, and Mega Medicham after they have taken prior chip damage. High Jump Kick smashes and OHKOes Chansey and Dark- and Steel-types like Mega Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran. With Scrappy, High Jump Kick also threatens Mega Sableye. Quick Attack pairs well with Fake Out, forming a deadly double-priority combination that gives offensive teams major headaches and picks off the aforementioned faster targets threatened by Fake Out. Lastly, Ice Punch is useful for breaking past Ground-types like Landorus-T and Gliscor.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred to outspeed Tapu Koko and Ash-Greninja. If Mega Lopunny is used on bulkier teams, it can afford to run an Adamant nature instead to maximize its damage output at the cost of being outpaced by the aforementioned Pokemon. Limber is Lopunny's preferred ability before Mega Evolution, as it allows Lopunny to switch into Thunder Wave and Glare in a pinch.
Usage Tips
========
This Mega Lopunny set is best utilized as a hit-and-run attacker that can threaten the opposition with its complementary STAB combination and priority in Fake Out. If Mega Lopunny is faced with boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X, it can come in repeatedly via smart sacrifices and use Fake Out against them and eventually pick them off with Quick Attack, stopping them from bowling over the rest of Mega Lopunny's team. However, Mega Lopunny must be wary of contact punishers that will inflict chip damage or have abilities that can potentially afflict it with status like Garchomp, Volcarona, and Rocky Helmet users like Zapdos, as this will make Mega Lopunny vulnerable to being revenge killed. Mega Lopunny must also stay out of the field if defensive checks like Clefable and Slowbro are still active, as Mega Lopunny struggles to take them on while they threaten it with status or heavy damage in return, so it should only come back in once these checks are weakened or removed. Due to its frailty and lack of longevity, Mega Lopunny struggles to switch in against strong neutral attacks like Earthquake from Landorus-T. Therefore, the best scenarios for bringing Mega Lopunny in safely are aggressive switches and pivot support from Volt Switch and U-turn. Another thing to keep in mind is that Ferrothorn and Heatran, two prime targets against High Jump Kick, sometimes run Protect to potentially bait Mega Lopunny into taking crash damage. Therefore, it is a good idea to scout for Protect on these two Pokemon so that Mega Lopunny can time the use of High Jump Kick correctly and take them down.
Team Options
========
Mega Lopunny is a solid fit on teams ranging from offense and bulky offense to balance and semi-stall teams, which greatly enjoy its ability to handle fast-paced teams and appreciate the free entry provided by its pivoting teammates. Notable examples of such teammates are Magearna, Rotom-W, Tapu Koko, and Landorus-T, as they grant Mega Lopunny a safe entry via Volt Switch and U-turn. Victini is another notable pivoting teammate, as Choice Band variants smash their way through bulky structures with repeated attacks, while the Choice Scarf variant can sacrifice itself to remove bulky targets like Tapu Fini with Final Gambit. Hoopa-U has incredible offensive synergy with Mega Lopunny, as it can bust past bulky Pokemon that Mega Lopunny struggles against, like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Skarmory, while Mega Lopunny deals with fast-paced teams that give Hoopa-U trouble. Weavile is a solid teammate for similar reasons, as it can trap and eliminate the aforementioned Psychic-types with Pursuit. Mega Lopunny also appreciates Kyurem-B's strong matchup against bulky structures and blasting through these teams with Subzero Slammer and Fusion Bolt. Swords Dance and Choice Band variants of Kartana are also solid teammates since they heavily pressure Flying-types and Slowbro. Serperior overwhelms defensive checks like Toxapex and Clefable with Leaf Storm and provides paralysis support with Glare to cripple faster targets like Mega Alakazam. Rockium Z variants of Landorus-T tear through Zapdos, removing a major roadblock for Mega Lopunny. Tapu Fini summons Misty Terrain, protecting Mega Lopunny from attempted status ailments like Toxic or a burn from Scald from Toxapex, and it makes up for Mega Lopunny's rough matchup against bulky structures by pressuring them with Taunt + Nature's Madness. Pokemon that set up Spikes like Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and both Protean and Ash-Greninja pair exceptionally well with Mega Lopunny, as they provide heavy pressure against Pokemon like Toxapex and Slowbro. Greninja is a notable case, as Protean variants can eliminate bulky Fairy-types like Clefable and Tapu Fini with Gunk Shot, while Ash-Greninja threatens bulky Psychic-types that Mega Lopunny struggles against, like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Reuniclus. Toxapex absorbs Toxic Spikes and sets up Toxic Spikes of its own, which aids Mega Lopunny in wearing down the opposition, especially in conjunction with Fake Out. Bulky Psychic-types like Reuniclus and Cresselia are notable partners, as Reuniclus can soak up status conditions thanks to Magic Guard and preys on bulky teams by setting up with Calm Mind, while Cresselia spreads status and pressures checks like Toxapex with Future Sight.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mega Lopunny's fourth moveslot offers plenty of flexibility. Secret Power is an option if Mega Lopunny is paired with Tapu Bulu, as it can punish answers like Toxapex and Clefable with the chance of putting them to sleep while Grassy Terrain is in effect. Healing Wish is a late-game option to restore a weakened teammate back to full health at the cost of sacrificing itself. Heal Bell can be used to cure itself and its teammates from status ailments. Lastly, Facade is an option if Mega Lopunny is burned or poisoned to deal more damage against the likes of Toxapex, Mew, and Cresselia; however, being burned means that Mega Lopunny's other attacking moves, like High Jump Kick and Frustration, will deal less damage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Physical Walls**: Mega Lopunny fares poorly against a wide range of physically bulky Pokemon. Bulky Psychic-types like Cresselia, Reuniclus, and both regular and Mega Slowbro are especially bad news for Mega Lopunny, as all of them not only wall Mega Lopunny with ease, as Frustration doesn't come close to 2HKOing them, but they can also heal off any damage taken and threaten it in return either with super effective damage or by spreading status. Clefable is not 2HKOed by Frustration, heals off any damage taken, and threatens Mega Lopunny either with Moonblast or paralysis from Thunder Wave; however, it doesn't appreciate being locked into Encore from the Power-Up Punch variant. Defensive Landorus-T drops Mega Lopunny's Attack stat thanks to Intimidate, isn't OHKOed by Ice Punch, punishes it with chip damage from Rocky Helmet, and slugs it out with Earthquake. Zapdos not only chips Mega Lopunny with Rocky Helmet, but also heals with Roost and threatens it with paralysis from Static. Toxapex survives two hits from Frustration, heals with Recover, and threatens to cripple Mega Lopunny with Toxic or a burn from Scald, but it doesn't have total freedom against the Power-Up Punch variant due to the risk of being locked by Encore.
**Faster Threats and Priority**: Despite Mega Lopunny's impressive Speed stat, it is outpaced by Mega Alakazam, Choice Scarf users like Kartana and Landorus-T, and weather sweepers like Mega Swampert and Sand Rush Excadrill, all of which can threaten it with heavy damage. Additionally, priority moves like Ash-Greninja's Water Shuriken, Weavile's Ice Shard, and Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch threaten to pick off a weakened Mega Lopunny.
**Residual Damage and Contact Effects**: Mega Lopunny despises being worn down by entry hazards, as the accumulated chip damage makes it easier to deal with later in the game, leaving it prone to being picked off by moves like Landorus-T's Earthquake and Celesteela's Heavy Slam. Toxic Spikes is especially notable, as the poison damage taken will force it on a ticking timer. Due to Mega Lopunny's overreliance on making contact to deal damage, it is highly susceptible to Pokemon that have abilities or items that inflict chip damage to it, like Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Rocky Helmet users like Serperior, Skarmory, and Tornadus-T. Additionally, Skarmory and Zapdos heal off any damage taken, and Zapdos threatens to paralyze Mega Lopunny thanks to Static. If Mega Lopunny is facing a boosted Volcarona, it can risk being punished with Flame Body burns should it attempt to revenge kill it with Fake Out and Quick Attack.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/diyusi.519886/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.102/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user6.105/
Mega Lopunny is a fearsome physical threat in OU thanks to its high Speed and Attack stats, Scrappy ability, and access to a solid priority move in Fake Out, which lets it pick off faster targets like Mega Alakazam, Mega Swampert under the rain, and boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X. Its Speed stat allows it to get the jump on key offensive threats like Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko. Additionally, it can use the combination of Encore and Power-Up Punch to break past bulky targets that it normally has trouble against, like Toxapex and Clefable. However, Mega Lopunny lacks the immediate power necessary to threaten bulkier structures, and its frailty and lack of reliable recovery moves leave it unable to safely switch into neutral attacks like Landorus-T's Earthquake, forcing it to rely on its teammates to come in safely. Not to mention, it is vulnerable to being picked off by priority moves like Ash-Greninja's Water Shuriken and Weavile's Ice Shard. Additionally, its reliance on contact moves leaves it susceptible to being worn down by Pokemon that have abilities and items that can afflict it with chip damage, such as Garchomp and Rocky Helmet users like Tornadus-T and Zapdos. On the topic of Zapdos as well as Volcarona, Mega Lopunny is also susceptible to being crippled by Static and Flame Body.
[SET]
name: All-Out Attacker
move 1: Fake Out
move 2: Frustration
move 3: High Jump Kick
move 4: Quick Attack / Ice Punch
item: Lopunnite
ability: Limber
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Fake Out helps Mega Lopunny wear down faster Pokemon like Mega Alakazam, Mega Swampert under the rain, and boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X, Volcarona, and Gyarados, and pick them off later in the game if they are not within KO range. Frustration provides strong neutral coverage and KOes offensive targets like Tapu Koko, Tornadus-T, and Mega Medicham after they have taken prior chip damage. High Jump Kick smashes and OHKOes Chansey and Dark- and Steel-types like Mega Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran. With Scrappy, High Jump Kick also threatens Mega Sableye. Quick Attack pairs well with Fake Out, forming a deadly double-priority combination that gives offensive teams major headaches and picks off the aforementioned faster targets threatened by Fake Out. Lastly, Ice Punch is useful for breaking past Ground-types like Landorus-T and Gliscor.
Set Details
========
A Jolly nature is preferred to outspeed Tapu Koko and Ash-Greninja. If Mega Lopunny is used on bulkier teams, it can afford to run an Adamant nature instead to maximize its damage output at the cost of being outpaced by the aforementioned Pokemon. Limber is Lopunny's preferred ability before Mega Evolution, as it allows Lopunny to switch into Thunder Wave and Glare in a pinch.
Usage Tips
========
This Mega Lopunny set is best utilized as a hit-and-run attacker that can threaten the opposition with its complementary STAB combination and priority in Fake Out. If Mega Lopunny is faced with boosted sweepers like Mega Charizard X, it can come in repeatedly via smart sacrifices and use Fake Out against them and eventually pick them off with Quick Attack, stopping them from bowling over the rest of Mega Lopunny's team. However, Mega Lopunny must be wary of contact punishers that will inflict chip damage or have abilities that can potentially afflict it with status like Garchomp, Volcarona, and Rocky Helmet users like Zapdos, as this will make Mega Lopunny vulnerable to being revenge killed. Mega Lopunny must also stay out of the field if defensive checks like Clefable and Slowbro are still active, as Mega Lopunny struggles to take them on while they threaten it with status or heavy damage in return, so it should only come back in once these checks are weakened or removed. Due to its frailty and lack of longevity, Mega Lopunny struggles to switch in against strong neutral attacks like Earthquake from Landorus-T. Therefore, the best scenarios for bringing Mega Lopunny in safely are aggressive switches and pivot support from Volt Switch and U-turn. Another thing to keep in mind is that Ferrothorn and Heatran, two prime targets against High Jump Kick, sometimes run Protect to potentially bait Mega Lopunny into taking crash damage. Therefore, it is a good idea to scout for Protect on these two Pokemon so that Mega Lopunny can time the use of High Jump Kick correctly and take them down.
Team Options
========
Mega Lopunny is a solid fit on teams ranging from offense and bulky offense to balance and semi-stall teams, which greatly enjoy its ability to handle fast-paced teams and appreciate the free entry provided by its pivoting teammates. Notable examples of such teammates are Magearna, Rotom-W, Tapu Koko, and Landorus-T, as they grant Mega Lopunny a safe entry via Volt Switch and U-turn. Victini is another notable pivoting teammate, as Choice Band variants smash their way through bulky structures with repeated attacks, while the Choice Scarf variant can sacrifice itself to remove bulky targets like Tapu Fini with Final Gambit. Hoopa-U has incredible offensive synergy with Mega Lopunny, as it can bust past bulky Pokemon that Mega Lopunny struggles against, like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Skarmory, while Mega Lopunny deals with fast-paced teams that give Hoopa-U trouble. Weavile is a solid teammate for similar reasons, as it can trap and eliminate the aforementioned Psychic-types with Pursuit. Mega Lopunny also appreciates Kyurem-B's strong matchup against bulky structures and blasting through these teams with Subzero Slammer and Fusion Bolt. Swords Dance and Choice Band variants of Kartana are also solid teammates since they heavily pressure Flying-types and Slowbro. Serperior overwhelms defensive checks like Toxapex and Clefable with Leaf Storm and provides paralysis support with Glare to cripple faster targets like Mega Alakazam. Rockium Z variants of Landorus-T tear through Zapdos, removing a major roadblock for Mega Lopunny. Tapu Fini summons Misty Terrain, protecting Mega Lopunny from attempted status ailments like Toxic or a burn from Scald from Toxapex, and it makes up for Mega Lopunny's rough matchup against bulky structures by pressuring them with Taunt + Nature's Madness. Pokemon that set up Spikes like Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and both Protean and Ash-Greninja pair exceptionally well with Mega Lopunny, as they provide heavy pressure against Pokemon like Toxapex and Slowbro. Greninja is a notable case, as Protean variants can eliminate bulky Fairy-types like Clefable and Tapu Fini with Gunk Shot, while Ash-Greninja threatens bulky Psychic-types that Mega Lopunny struggles against, like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Reuniclus. Toxapex absorbs Toxic Spikes and sets up Toxic Spikes of its own, which aids Mega Lopunny in wearing down the opposition, especially in conjunction with Fake Out. Bulky Psychic-types like Reuniclus and Cresselia are notable partners, as Reuniclus can soak up status conditions thanks to Magic Guard and preys on bulky teams by setting up with Calm Mind, while Cresselia spreads status and pressures checks like Toxapex with Future Sight.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mega Lopunny's fourth moveslot offers plenty of flexibility. Secret Power is an option if Mega Lopunny is paired with Tapu Bulu, as it can punish answers like Toxapex and Clefable with the chance of putting them to sleep while Grassy Terrain is in effect. Healing Wish is a late-game option to restore a weakened teammate back to full health at the cost of sacrificing itself. Heal Bell can be used to cure itself and its teammates from status ailments. Lastly, Facade is an option if Mega Lopunny is burned or poisoned to deal more damage against the likes of Toxapex, Mew, and Cresselia; however, being burned means that Mega Lopunny's other attacking moves, like High Jump Kick and Frustration, will deal less damage.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Physical Walls**: Mega Lopunny fares poorly against a wide range of physically bulky Pokemon. Bulky Psychic-types like Cresselia, Reuniclus, and both regular and Mega Slowbro are especially bad news for Mega Lopunny, as all of them not only wall Mega Lopunny with ease, as Frustration doesn't come close to 2HKOing them, but they can also heal off any damage taken and threaten it in return either with super effective damage or by spreading status. Clefable is not 2HKOed by Frustration, heals off any damage taken, and threatens Mega Lopunny either with Moonblast or paralysis from Thunder Wave; however, it doesn't appreciate being locked into Encore from the Power-Up Punch variant. Defensive Landorus-T drops Mega Lopunny's Attack stat thanks to Intimidate, isn't OHKOed by Ice Punch, punishes it with chip damage from Rocky Helmet, and slugs it out with Earthquake. Zapdos not only chips Mega Lopunny with Rocky Helmet, but also heals with Roost and threatens it with paralysis from Static. Toxapex survives two hits from Frustration, heals with Recover, and threatens to cripple Mega Lopunny with Toxic or a burn from Scald, but it doesn't have total freedom against the Power-Up Punch variant due to the risk of being locked by Encore.
**Faster Threats and Priority**: Despite Mega Lopunny's impressive Speed stat, it is outpaced by Mega Alakazam, Choice Scarf users like Kartana and Landorus-T, and weather sweepers like Mega Swampert and Sand Rush Excadrill, all of which can threaten it with heavy damage. Additionally, priority moves like Ash-Greninja's Water Shuriken, Weavile's Ice Shard, and Mega Scizor's Bullet Punch threaten to pick off a weakened Mega Lopunny.
**Residual Damage and Contact Effects**: Mega Lopunny despises being worn down by entry hazards, as the accumulated chip damage makes it easier to deal with later in the game, leaving it prone to being picked off by moves like Landorus-T's Earthquake and Celesteela's Heavy Slam. Toxic Spikes is especially notable, as the poison damage taken will force it on a ticking timer. Due to Mega Lopunny's overreliance on making contact to deal damage, it is highly susceptible to Pokemon that have abilities or items that inflict chip damage to it, like Garchomp, Ferrothorn, and Rocky Helmet users like Serperior, Skarmory, and Tornadus-T. Additionally, Skarmory and Zapdos heal off any damage taken, and Zapdos threatens to paralyze Mega Lopunny thanks to Static. If Mega Lopunny is facing a boosted Volcarona, it can risk being punished with Flame Body burns should it attempt to revenge kill it with Fake Out and Quick Attack.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/favmon-garchomp.653095/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/diyusi.519886/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.102/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user5.104/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user6.105/
Last edited:
