[OVERVIEW]
Mega Lopunny is a fearsome physical threat in OU thanks to its high Speed and Attack stats, very consistent STAB combination, especially with its Scrappy ability, and access to solid priority moves in Fake Out and Quick Attack, which lets it chip down and 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, locking them into their recovery moves and using them to set up. However, Mega Lopunny lacks the immediate power necessary to threaten bulkier structures, and its frailty and lack of longevity leave it unable to safely switch into neutral attacks, 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 at low HP. 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, and it also risks getting crippled with status 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 / Healing Wish
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 to 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 prior chip damage. High Jump Kick cleanly OHKOes Chansey and Dark- and Steel-types like Mega Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran, and it OHKOes Ferrothorn guaranteed after Stealth Rock. 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 more efficiently. Ice Punch is useful for breaking past Ground-types like Landorus-T and Gliscor. Lastly, Healing Wish lets Mega Lopunny restore a weakened teammate once its offensive capabilities are no longer needed.
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 to 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 can potentially afflict it with status like Rocky Helmet Landorus-T, Garchomp, Volcarona, and Zapdos, as they will make Mega Lopunny vulnerable to being revenge killed. As Mega Lopunny tends to struggle against defensive answers like Clefable and Slowbro, it is advised to play more carefully against teams that have these Pokemon and send in a teammate that can handle them. Due to its frailty and lack of longevity, Mega Lopunny struggles to switch in against strong neutral attacks. Therefore, the best scenarios for bringing Mega Lopunny in safely are aggressive double switches and pivot support from Volt Switch and U-turn. Another thing to keep in mind is that Ferrothorn and Heatran, two prime targets for 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. It appreciates the free entry provided by its pivoting teammates, notably including 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 and Toxapex 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, as it blasts 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 status ailments like Toxic poison and burns, 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 Battle Bond 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 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 a niche option that doesn't make contact and has a chance of inflicting paralysis. 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.
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 not only do all of them 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 status spreading. 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 by 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/zinnias.569291/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
Mega Lopunny is a fearsome physical threat in OU thanks to its high Speed and Attack stats, very consistent STAB combination, especially with its Scrappy ability, and access to solid priority moves in Fake Out and Quick Attack, which lets it chip down and 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, locking them into their recovery moves and using them to set up. However, Mega Lopunny lacks the immediate power necessary to threaten bulkier structures, and its frailty and lack of longevity leave it unable to safely switch into neutral attacks, 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 at low HP. 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, and it also risks getting crippled with status 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 / Healing Wish
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 to 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 prior chip damage. High Jump Kick cleanly OHKOes Chansey and Dark- and Steel-types like Mega Tyranitar, Excadrill, and Heatran, and it OHKOes Ferrothorn guaranteed after Stealth Rock. 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 more efficiently. Ice Punch is useful for breaking past Ground-types like Landorus-T and Gliscor. Lastly, Healing Wish lets Mega Lopunny restore a weakened teammate once its offensive capabilities are no longer needed.
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 to 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 can potentially afflict it with status like Rocky Helmet Landorus-T, Garchomp, Volcarona, and Zapdos, as they will make Mega Lopunny vulnerable to being revenge killed. As Mega Lopunny tends to struggle against defensive answers like Clefable and Slowbro, it is advised to play more carefully against teams that have these Pokemon and send in a teammate that can handle them. Due to its frailty and lack of longevity, Mega Lopunny struggles to switch in against strong neutral attacks. Therefore, the best scenarios for bringing Mega Lopunny in safely are aggressive double switches and pivot support from Volt Switch and U-turn. Another thing to keep in mind is that Ferrothorn and Heatran, two prime targets for 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. It appreciates the free entry provided by its pivoting teammates, notably including 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 and Toxapex 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, as it blasts 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 status ailments like Toxic poison and burns, 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 Battle Bond 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 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 a niche option that doesn't make contact and has a chance of inflicting paralysis. 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.
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 not only do all of them 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 status spreading. 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 by 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/zinnias.569291/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
Last edited:
