[OVERVIEW]
Mega Pinsir carves out a niche in OU as a dangerous wallbreaker thanks to its sky-high Attack, access to Swords Dance, and amazing ability in Aerialate. Its Aerialate-boosted Quick Attack lets Mega Pinsir act as an effective revenge killer and pick off faster Pokemon such as Quiver Dance-boosted Volcarona, Mega Lopunny, Hawlucha, and Serperior. Its Speed tier lets it stand out compared to other wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Mega Charizard X. However, Mega Pinsir lacks any form of reliable recovery, and its typing leaves it a liability, as it is vulnerable to Stealth Rock, especially after Mega Evolving. It also struggles against common Pokemon such as Zapdos, Tapu Koko, and Rotom-W, as they can take advantage of Mega Pinsir's typing and threaten it with their STAB moves. Mega Pinsir can't fit all of its coverage moves at once to hit them super effectively. Despite Mega Pinsir's Speed tier, it is outpaced by common Pokemon such as Tornadus-T and Ash-Greninja. Thanks to these factors, Mega Pinsir needs a lot of support, especially entry hazard removal, to utilize its full potential and faces competition from other wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Mega Charizard X.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Frustration
move 3: Quick Attack
move 4: Close Combat / Earthquake
item: Pinsirite
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Swords Dance turns Mega Pinsir into a deadly wallbreaker, letting it pose a threat to defensive teams and clean up weakened targets. Frustration threatens to OHKO Pokemon like Tapu Bulu, Kommo-o, and Mega Medicham. Quick Attack allows Mega Pinsir to function as a solid revenge killer and pick off faster targets like Mega Lopunny, Serperior, Hawlucha, and Mega Alakazam at +2. Close Combat tears through Steel- and Rock-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Mega Tyranitar as well as dealing major damage to Magearna and Rotom-W. Finally, Earthquake punishes Tapu Koko on the switch as well as hitting Magearna much harder.
Set Details
========
Hyper Cutter is Pinsir's preferred ability before Mega Evolution because it lets Pinsir ignore Intimidate in a pinch. A Jolly nature is preferred to outpace Pokemon like Mega Medicham, Mega Charizard X, and Kyurem-B.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Pinsir fills the job of breaking holes through defensive teams in the early-game and cleaning up in the late-game. Early-game, it can forgo setting up with Swords Dance and focus on attacking to chip answers like Rotom-W to put them in range of its boosted attacks later in the game. However, once Mega Evolved, it can become much harder to bring Mega Pinsir in due to its 4x weakness to Stealth Rock. Mega Pinsir should be mindful of scenarios on when to use Quick Attack, as faster targets that are not within KO range will threaten it in return with heavy damage. Mega Pinsir should also be wary of Psychic Terrain, as its Quick Attack will be nullified against grounded targets such as Mega Alakazam. Mega Pinsir should not try to aim for a sweep if Pokemon that pose an immediate threat such as Zapdos and Tapu Koko are still active. Managing Mega Pinsir's HP is essential, as it needs to be at full HP to beat specific targets such as Mega Latias one-on-one. Mega Pinsir should take advantage of the free turns provided such as Gliscor setting up Stealth Rock by making aggressive switches and forcing an immediate reaction from the opponent. Another good way to safely bring in Mega Pinsir is with support from Volt Switch and U-turn or to sacrifice a weakened Pokemon, which is only valid on offense and hyper offense structures.
Team Options
========
Mega Pinsir fits best on offense, bulky offense, and hyper offense teams that appreciate its wallbreaking capabilities and can give it proper support. However, it is not strictly limited to these structures. Ground-types such as Gastrodon, Seismitoad, Landorus-T, and Excadrill are good partners for Mega Pinsir, as they can take on Electric-types that threaten Mega Pinsir such as Zapdos and Tapu Koko, threaten the latter with their STAB moves, cripple them with Toxic, and provide Stealth Rock support. Excadrill also has the benefit of offering Rapid Spin support to remove entry hazards for Mega Pinsir and is a good offensive partner that can pressure checks such as Rotom-W and Mega Latias. Rockium Z Landorus-T can tear through Zapdos, removing Mega Pinsir's biggest counter. Entry hazard removal is a top priority, so pairing it with a Defog user such as Serperior, Tapu Fini, Kartana, Gliscor, or Skarmory is a good idea. Serperior has the benefit of providing paralysis support with Glare, crippling faster threats such as Tornadus-T and Mega Latias, and it can lure in Steel-types and wear them down with Knock Off or threaten them with Hidden Power Fire. Tapu Fini provides Misty Terrain support, allowing Pinsir before Mega Evolution to set up safely without fear of status while checking Grass-types that threaten Tapu Fini. Kartana checks Ground-type Stealth Rock setters that threaten Mega Pinsir such as defensive Landorus-T, and Choice Band and Swords Dance variants put heavy pressure on Flying- and Steel-types such as Zapdos, Tornadus-T, and Magearna. Gliscor can bring Mega Pinsir in safely with U-turn and provide Knock Off support to remove Leftovers from Ferrothorn and Clefable and Black Sludge from Toxapex, allowing Mega Pinsir to break through them more easily. Finally, Skarmory provides Spikes support, putting pressure on physical walls such as Slowbro. Magnezone is a good partner for Mega Pinsir, as it can trap and remove Skarmory and Celesteela, relieving a lot of pressure for Mega Pinsir and allowing it to run Earthquake over Close Combat more easily. Magnezone can also bring it in more safely with Volt Switch. Other Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Rotom-W, and Zapdos check Flying-types such as Tornadus-T, provide Defog support, and safely bring Mega Pinsir in with Volt Switch. Ash-Greninja is another good partner for Mega Pinsir since it provides Spikes support and together, they can pressure certain walls more easily such as Toxapex. Dragonite is another fantastic teammate for Mega Pinsir as they form a powerful Flying-type core that can overwhelm shared checks for the other to clean up. Tornadus-T can soften Mega Pinsir's checks thanks to U-turn, Knock Off, Taunt, or different Z-moves. Kyurem-B is another relevant partner that pressures Flying- and Steel-types so that Mega Pinsir can clean up. Although more niche, Mega Pinsir can be used on more balance teams, which can provide it with cleric support from the likes of Chansey and Clefable, curing any status afflicted with Heal Bell and improving its longevity with Wish. Steel-type pivots such as Magearna and Jirachi are also appreciated, as they can cover Flying-types like Tornadus-T and bring Mega Pinsir in safely with Volt Switch and U-turn. Jirachi also grants Healing Wish support to restore Mega Pinsir back to full health if it has been worn down throughout the game. On hyper offense teams, Mega Pinsir enjoys being paired with dedicated leads such as Taunt Mew and Imprison Landorus-T that prevent opposing hazards on the opening turn and then get up their own entry hazards. Excadrill is also a good lead for Mega Pinsir, as it bypasses Magic Bounce with Mold Breaker and can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Stone Edge can be used over Close Combat and Earthquake to hit Zapdos. However, being walled by Magearna is not desirable. Feint can be used to outpriortize Ash-Greninja's Water Shuriken and Mega Lopunny's Quick Attack but is weaker than Quick Attack, making Mega Pinsir's role as a revenge killer less effective. Substitute is an interesting option on bulkier teams to avoid status from the likes of Clefable and Toxapex, allowing Mega Pinsir a free opportunity to attack or set up Swords Dance. However, it means Mega Pinsir must drop Quick Attack. Knock Off is a decent option to remove items such as Wiki Berry from Rotom-W and Rocky Helmet from Skarmory and Zapdos while still hitting Pokemon like Jirachi for super effective damage. However, the lack of power is very limiting. Mega Pinsir can also use an Adamant nature to maximize its damage output. Unfortunately, this leaves it outpaced by Mega Charizard X and Kyurem-B, both of which threaten to OHKO Mega Pinsir with their STAB moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types and Electric-type coverage**: Pokemon like Tapu Koko, Rotom-W, Thundurus-T, and Zapdos can take Mega Pinsir's STAB moves and force it out with their super effective STAB moves. However, Tapu Koko doesn't like taking Earthquake on the switch, while Rotom-W must watch out for Close Combat. Zapdos is especially notable because it hard counters Mega Pinsir; not only can it threaten it with its STAB moves, but it can also paralyze Mega Pinsir with Static and heal off any damage taken. Zapdos must watch out for the rare Stone Edge, however. Mega Pinsir must also be wary of Pokemon that may have Electric-type coverage to threaten an unexpected KO such as Thunder from Clefable and Thunder Punch from Kommo-o.
**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Magearna, Celesteela, and Skarmory resist both of Mega Pinsir's STAB moves but don't like switching into Close Combat or Earthquake in the case of Magearna. Skarmory can also heal off the damage with Roost and threaten Mega Pinsir with Counter and Whirlwind if Stealth Rock is on the field.
**Rock-types and Rock-type coverage**: Mega Diancie and the rare Mega Aerodactyl resist both of Mega Pinsir's STAB moves, are faster than Mega Pinsir, and threaten an OHKO with Diamond Storm and Stone Edge, respectively. Tyranitar can also threaten Mega Pinsir if it is wielding a Choice Scarf or if Mega Pinsir is running Earthquake and can potentially punish it with Pursuit. Mega Pinsir must also watch out for Pokemon that carry Rock-type coverage such as Stone Edge from the likes of Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Tapu Bulu.
**Ice-types and Ice-type coverage**: Weavile is faster than Mega Pinsir and threatens an immediate OHKO with Icicle Crash or picks it off with Ice Shard. Kyurem-B is bulky enough to live an unboosted Close Combat if Stealth Rock is not on the field and can fire back with Subzero Slammer or Ice Beam. A healthy Mega Latias can survive a +2 Quick Attack and retaliate back with Ice Beam.
**Faster Threats and Priority**: Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Ash-Greninja can outpace Mega Pinsir and deal heavy damage to it, with the latter threatening it with Water Shuriken, even when Mega Pinsir uses Quick Attack. Choice Scarf Victini can live a +2 Quick Attack and retaliate back with V-Create. Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny can come in repeatedly and use Fake Out to wear down Mega Pinsir throughout the game. Weather sweepers such as Sand Rush Excadrill and Mega Swampert can take +2 Quick Attack and threaten Mega Pinsir.
**Flying-types**: Pelipper can survive Mega Pinsir's unboosted Frustation and threaten to burn it with Scald or an OHKO with Hurricane. Flyinium Z users such as Dragonite, Gyarados, and Landorus-T deserve a mention because they can also live Mega Pinsir's unboosted STAB moves and OHKO it with Supersonic Skystrike.
**Entry Hazards**: If Pinsir hasn't Mega Evolved yet, Toxic Spikes from Toxapex is a major issue, as the damage taken from poison will wear Pinsir down throughout the game. The presence of Stealth Rock is detrimental to Pinsir, especially after Mega Evolving, making it more difficult to switch in and out of battle.
[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/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Mega Pinsir carves out a niche in OU as a dangerous wallbreaker thanks to its sky-high Attack, access to Swords Dance, and amazing ability in Aerialate. Its Aerialate-boosted Quick Attack lets Mega Pinsir act as an effective revenge killer and pick off faster Pokemon such as Quiver Dance-boosted Volcarona, Mega Lopunny, Hawlucha, and Serperior. Its Speed tier lets it stand out compared to other wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Mega Charizard X. However, Mega Pinsir lacks any form of reliable recovery, and its typing leaves it a liability, as it is vulnerable to Stealth Rock, especially after Mega Evolving. It also struggles against common Pokemon such as Zapdos, Tapu Koko, and Rotom-W, as they can take advantage of Mega Pinsir's typing and threaten it with their STAB moves. Mega Pinsir can't fit all of its coverage moves at once to hit them super effectively. Despite Mega Pinsir's Speed tier, it is outpaced by common Pokemon such as Tornadus-T and Ash-Greninja. Thanks to these factors, Mega Pinsir needs a lot of support, especially entry hazard removal, to utilize its full potential and faces competition from other wallbreakers such as Mega Medicham, Mega Mawile, and Mega Charizard X.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Frustration
move 3: Quick Attack
move 4: Close Combat / Earthquake
item: Pinsirite
ability: Hyper Cutter
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Swords Dance turns Mega Pinsir into a deadly wallbreaker, letting it pose a threat to defensive teams and clean up weakened targets. Frustration threatens to OHKO Pokemon like Tapu Bulu, Kommo-o, and Mega Medicham. Quick Attack allows Mega Pinsir to function as a solid revenge killer and pick off faster targets like Mega Lopunny, Serperior, Hawlucha, and Mega Alakazam at +2. Close Combat tears through Steel- and Rock-types like Heatran, Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Mega Tyranitar as well as dealing major damage to Magearna and Rotom-W. Finally, Earthquake punishes Tapu Koko on the switch as well as hitting Magearna much harder.
Set Details
========
Hyper Cutter is Pinsir's preferred ability before Mega Evolution because it lets Pinsir ignore Intimidate in a pinch. A Jolly nature is preferred to outpace Pokemon like Mega Medicham, Mega Charizard X, and Kyurem-B.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Pinsir fills the job of breaking holes through defensive teams in the early-game and cleaning up in the late-game. Early-game, it can forgo setting up with Swords Dance and focus on attacking to chip answers like Rotom-W to put them in range of its boosted attacks later in the game. However, once Mega Evolved, it can become much harder to bring Mega Pinsir in due to its 4x weakness to Stealth Rock. Mega Pinsir should be mindful of scenarios on when to use Quick Attack, as faster targets that are not within KO range will threaten it in return with heavy damage. Mega Pinsir should also be wary of Psychic Terrain, as its Quick Attack will be nullified against grounded targets such as Mega Alakazam. Mega Pinsir should not try to aim for a sweep if Pokemon that pose an immediate threat such as Zapdos and Tapu Koko are still active. Managing Mega Pinsir's HP is essential, as it needs to be at full HP to beat specific targets such as Mega Latias one-on-one. Mega Pinsir should take advantage of the free turns provided such as Gliscor setting up Stealth Rock by making aggressive switches and forcing an immediate reaction from the opponent. Another good way to safely bring in Mega Pinsir is with support from Volt Switch and U-turn or to sacrifice a weakened Pokemon, which is only valid on offense and hyper offense structures.
Team Options
========
Mega Pinsir fits best on offense, bulky offense, and hyper offense teams that appreciate its wallbreaking capabilities and can give it proper support. However, it is not strictly limited to these structures. Ground-types such as Gastrodon, Seismitoad, Landorus-T, and Excadrill are good partners for Mega Pinsir, as they can take on Electric-types that threaten Mega Pinsir such as Zapdos and Tapu Koko, threaten the latter with their STAB moves, cripple them with Toxic, and provide Stealth Rock support. Excadrill also has the benefit of offering Rapid Spin support to remove entry hazards for Mega Pinsir and is a good offensive partner that can pressure checks such as Rotom-W and Mega Latias. Rockium Z Landorus-T can tear through Zapdos, removing Mega Pinsir's biggest counter. Entry hazard removal is a top priority, so pairing it with a Defog user such as Serperior, Tapu Fini, Kartana, Gliscor, or Skarmory is a good idea. Serperior has the benefit of providing paralysis support with Glare, crippling faster threats such as Tornadus-T and Mega Latias, and it can lure in Steel-types and wear them down with Knock Off or threaten them with Hidden Power Fire. Tapu Fini provides Misty Terrain support, allowing Pinsir before Mega Evolution to set up safely without fear of status while checking Grass-types that threaten Tapu Fini. Kartana checks Ground-type Stealth Rock setters that threaten Mega Pinsir such as defensive Landorus-T, and Choice Band and Swords Dance variants put heavy pressure on Flying- and Steel-types such as Zapdos, Tornadus-T, and Magearna. Gliscor can bring Mega Pinsir in safely with U-turn and provide Knock Off support to remove Leftovers from Ferrothorn and Clefable and Black Sludge from Toxapex, allowing Mega Pinsir to break through them more easily. Finally, Skarmory provides Spikes support, putting pressure on physical walls such as Slowbro. Magnezone is a good partner for Mega Pinsir, as it can trap and remove Skarmory and Celesteela, relieving a lot of pressure for Mega Pinsir and allowing it to run Earthquake over Close Combat more easily. Magnezone can also bring it in more safely with Volt Switch. Other Electric-types like Tapu Koko, Rotom-W, and Zapdos check Flying-types such as Tornadus-T, provide Defog support, and safely bring Mega Pinsir in with Volt Switch. Ash-Greninja is another good partner for Mega Pinsir since it provides Spikes support and together, they can pressure certain walls more easily such as Toxapex. Dragonite is another fantastic teammate for Mega Pinsir as they form a powerful Flying-type core that can overwhelm shared checks for the other to clean up. Tornadus-T can soften Mega Pinsir's checks thanks to U-turn, Knock Off, Taunt, or different Z-moves. Kyurem-B is another relevant partner that pressures Flying- and Steel-types so that Mega Pinsir can clean up. Although more niche, Mega Pinsir can be used on more balance teams, which can provide it with cleric support from the likes of Chansey and Clefable, curing any status afflicted with Heal Bell and improving its longevity with Wish. Steel-type pivots such as Magearna and Jirachi are also appreciated, as they can cover Flying-types like Tornadus-T and bring Mega Pinsir in safely with Volt Switch and U-turn. Jirachi also grants Healing Wish support to restore Mega Pinsir back to full health if it has been worn down throughout the game. On hyper offense teams, Mega Pinsir enjoys being paired with dedicated leads such as Taunt Mew and Imprison Landorus-T that prevent opposing hazards on the opening turn and then get up their own entry hazards. Excadrill is also a good lead for Mega Pinsir, as it bypasses Magic Bounce with Mold Breaker and can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Stone Edge can be used over Close Combat and Earthquake to hit Zapdos. However, being walled by Magearna is not desirable. Feint can be used to outpriortize Ash-Greninja's Water Shuriken and Mega Lopunny's Quick Attack but is weaker than Quick Attack, making Mega Pinsir's role as a revenge killer less effective. Substitute is an interesting option on bulkier teams to avoid status from the likes of Clefable and Toxapex, allowing Mega Pinsir a free opportunity to attack or set up Swords Dance. However, it means Mega Pinsir must drop Quick Attack. Knock Off is a decent option to remove items such as Wiki Berry from Rotom-W and Rocky Helmet from Skarmory and Zapdos while still hitting Pokemon like Jirachi for super effective damage. However, the lack of power is very limiting. Mega Pinsir can also use an Adamant nature to maximize its damage output. Unfortunately, this leaves it outpaced by Mega Charizard X and Kyurem-B, both of which threaten to OHKO Mega Pinsir with their STAB moves.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Electric-types and Electric-type coverage**: Pokemon like Tapu Koko, Rotom-W, Thundurus-T, and Zapdos can take Mega Pinsir's STAB moves and force it out with their super effective STAB moves. However, Tapu Koko doesn't like taking Earthquake on the switch, while Rotom-W must watch out for Close Combat. Zapdos is especially notable because it hard counters Mega Pinsir; not only can it threaten it with its STAB moves, but it can also paralyze Mega Pinsir with Static and heal off any damage taken. Zapdos must watch out for the rare Stone Edge, however. Mega Pinsir must also be wary of Pokemon that may have Electric-type coverage to threaten an unexpected KO such as Thunder from Clefable and Thunder Punch from Kommo-o.
**Steel-types**: Pokemon like Magearna, Celesteela, and Skarmory resist both of Mega Pinsir's STAB moves but don't like switching into Close Combat or Earthquake in the case of Magearna. Skarmory can also heal off the damage with Roost and threaten Mega Pinsir with Counter and Whirlwind if Stealth Rock is on the field.
**Rock-types and Rock-type coverage**: Mega Diancie and the rare Mega Aerodactyl resist both of Mega Pinsir's STAB moves, are faster than Mega Pinsir, and threaten an OHKO with Diamond Storm and Stone Edge, respectively. Tyranitar can also threaten Mega Pinsir if it is wielding a Choice Scarf or if Mega Pinsir is running Earthquake and can potentially punish it with Pursuit. Mega Pinsir must also watch out for Pokemon that carry Rock-type coverage such as Stone Edge from the likes of Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Tapu Bulu.
**Ice-types and Ice-type coverage**: Weavile is faster than Mega Pinsir and threatens an immediate OHKO with Icicle Crash or picks it off with Ice Shard. Kyurem-B is bulky enough to live an unboosted Close Combat if Stealth Rock is not on the field and can fire back with Subzero Slammer or Ice Beam. A healthy Mega Latias can survive a +2 Quick Attack and retaliate back with Ice Beam.
**Faster Threats and Priority**: Pokemon like Tornadus-T and Ash-Greninja can outpace Mega Pinsir and deal heavy damage to it, with the latter threatening it with Water Shuriken, even when Mega Pinsir uses Quick Attack. Choice Scarf Victini can live a +2 Quick Attack and retaliate back with V-Create. Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny can come in repeatedly and use Fake Out to wear down Mega Pinsir throughout the game. Weather sweepers such as Sand Rush Excadrill and Mega Swampert can take +2 Quick Attack and threaten Mega Pinsir.
**Flying-types**: Pelipper can survive Mega Pinsir's unboosted Frustation and threaten to burn it with Scald or an OHKO with Hurricane. Flyinium Z users such as Dragonite, Gyarados, and Landorus-T deserve a mention because they can also live Mega Pinsir's unboosted STAB moves and OHKO it with Supersonic Skystrike.
**Entry Hazards**: If Pinsir hasn't Mega Evolved yet, Toxic Spikes from Toxapex is a major issue, as the damage taken from poison will wear Pinsir down throughout the game. The presence of Stealth Rock is detrimental to Pinsir, especially after Mega Evolving, making it more difficult to switch in and out of battle.
[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/cm-reuniclus.620979/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/tbolt.555379/
Last edited:
