[SET]
name: Choice Specs + Mold Breaker
move 1: Draco Meteor / Spacial Rend
move 2: Aeroblast / Oblivion Wing
move 3: Searing Shot / Secret Sword / Trick
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
in-battle alt: Mega
[SET COMMENTS]
Mega Rayquaza's amazing offensive stats, good Speed tier, and great STAB moves make it a powerful wallbreaker with Choice Specs. Draco Meteor is extremely powerful and heavily damages most potential switch-ins, like specially defensive Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh. Notably, Draco Meteor also OHKOes Huge Power Mega Gyarados after Stealth Rock and Imposter Chansey lacking Eviolite. Special Rend is a weaker option that still reaches important benchmarks, like OHKOing Giratina and 2HKOing specially defensive Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock, while not pressuring Mega Rayquaza to switch out. Aeroblast is a secondary STAB move that threatens Fairy-types like Xerneas and Mega Audino; Oblivion Wing is an alternative that greatly increases Mega Rayquaza's longevity. Additionally, Mega Rayquaza can also run Oblivion Wing in the third moveslot, which increases its longevity while giving it three powerful STAB moves, though it will fail to break through the occasional Registeel. Searing Shot targets Steel-types like Registeel and the rare specially defensive Mega Steelix; Secret Sword 2HKOes standard Registeel while also threatening Wonder Guard Blissey. Trick dismantles what defensive counterplay the opposing team has for Mega Rayquaza. Volt Switch allows Mega Rayquaza to retain momentum, taking advantage of its uncanny ability to force switches and force the most prominent Ground-type in Primal Groudon out. A Modest nature allows Mega Rayquaza to OHKO Primal Groudon forgoing bulk EVs, offensive Arceus, and Mold Breaker Mega Tyranitar from full health, as well as OHKOing bulky Primal Groudon variants after Stealth Rock.
Choice Specs + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza works well on balance and bulky offense teams that can capitalize on its ability to force switches, as well as providing it support. In particular, it works well with the ubiquitous core of Mold Breaker + Shell Smash Primal Groudon, Prankster Giratina, Baton Pass + Wonder Guard Xerneas, and Huge Power Mega Gyarados. Primal Groudon appreciates Mega Rayquaza bringing in checks like specially defensive Primal Kyogre, Blissey, and the occasional Registeel and Ho-Oh; in return, Primal Groudon forces Giratina in. Prankster Giratina can deter most opposing setup attempts and use Will-O-Wisp or Glare to potentially dismantle Shadow Tag users, which often can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza. Wonder Guard Xerneas can pass Substitutes or Shell Smash boosts to Mega Rayquaza with Baton Pass, the latter potentially enabling a sweep; additionally, it can lure Primal Groudon in. Huge Power Mega Gyarados can heavily damage offensive Shadow Tag users like Mega Mewtwo X, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, as well as revenge killing Choice item Shadow Tag users that remove Mega Rayquaza—bar the occasional Play Rough Mega Mewtwo X. Specially defensive Pokemon, like Primal Kyogre, Blissey, Registeel, and Ho-Oh, are able to Imposter-proof Mega Rayquaza, though the latter two are difficult to fit. Offensive Wonder Guard users, like Mega Lucario, Xerneas, and Mega Gardevoir, are good to threaten Wonder Guard Xerneas while also luring Prankster Giratina in (if the latter two are not running Moonblast). Revenge killers, like Refrigerate Kyurem-B, Pixilate Mega Diancie, Imposter Chansey, and Shadow Tag Regigigas, threaten opposing sweepers that can otherwise wreak havoc if coming in after Mega Rayquaza KOes a foe. In particular, Refrigerate Kyurem-B and Imposter Chansey work well, as the former can OHKO both Choice Scarf and Eviolite Imposter Chansey with Icicle Plate-boosted Extreme Speed, and the latter also Imposter-proofs Mega Rayquaza. Defensive Wonder Guard users can provide Defog, cleric, and Wish support for Mega Rayquaza; many of them, in particular slow ones like Blissey, Mega Audino, and Escavalier, are also excellent at safely pivoting Mega Rayquaza in. Finally, Mega Rayquaza can be run with Choice Band + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza to keep the opponent guessing when one Mega Rayquaza is sent out, provided both Pokemon have the same HP percentage.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dragon Claw threatens Prankster Giratina more effectively than Dragon Ascent on Choice Band + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza; however, it is hard to fit and usually not worth it over a coverage option. Additionally, Gear Grind has better odds than Dragon Ascent to OHKO the common Xerneas, but it mostly isn't worth it because Dragon Ascent usually OHKOes Xerneas anyway. V-create is a powerful alternative to Sacred Fire, KOing Mega Steelix after minor chip damage and making Choice Band + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza slightly easier to Imposter-proof; however, its drawbacks usually force Mega Rayquaza out after one use, and it doesn't spread status like Sacred Fire does. A Jolly nature can be used to outspeed opposing neutral nature Mega Rayquaza, Modest Arceus, and Timid Mega Diancie and Mega Latios, though the extra pressure Adamant brings against Prankster Giratina is usually more valuable. Mega Rayquaza can also use entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock, as it forces many switches. Waterfall and Steam Eruption are more accurate alternatives to Crabhammer, but they do not KO Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock . Close Combat and Low Kick can be used to hit Normal-types like Arceus and Slaking while also targeting most Steel-types, but it does not provide burn support like Sacred Fire and fails to OHKO Mega Scizor. Thousand Arrows can be run over Precipice Blades, as it is more accurate and OHKOes Air Balloon + Wonder Guard users, like Mega Manectric and Drapion; however, the additional damage output from Precipice Blades is usually too valuable to forgo. Extreme Speed can pick off frailer weakened foes like Mega Mewtwo Y and heavily chipped Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Rayquaza, though it fails to threaten bulkier offensive Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Dialga, and Mega Tyranitar. Water Shuriken specifically targets Primal Groudon and Shell Smash Mega Tyranitar sets, though it is virtually pointless otherwise.
Choice Specs + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza can run a Timid nature to outspeed Timid Protean Mega Latios, neutral nature Mega Rayquaza and Arceus, and the occasional Timid Mega Diancie; however, the power drop misses key OHKOes against offensive Arceus, Primal Groudon, and Mega Gyarados after Stealth Rock. U-turn heavily damages specially defensive Wonder Guard Blissey, though Volt Switch's superior overall damage is usually more valuable. Sludge Wave OHKOes Wonder Guard Xerneas from full and Mega Audino after Stealth Rock, though both already can't switch into Aeroblast and Oblivion Wing.
Both Choice Band + Mold Breaker and Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza can run slower spreads and invest in Defense to more easily tank hits from Huge Power Mega Gyarados, Slaking, and Regigigas. 56 Speed EVs outspeeds Adamant Primal Groudon, 164 EVs outspeeds Jolly Primal Groudon, and 216 EVs gets the jump on Modest Mega Latios and Mega Diancie. However, running slower spreads leaves Mega Rayquaza at risk of getting outsped by opposing Mega Rayquaza.
Physical Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza sets have numerous other options, including Shell Smash, Dragon Ascent, coverage for Rock- and Steel-types like Earthquake and Low Kick, and either disruption or protection in Spore, Dark Void, and King's Shield. A similar moveset can be run on special sets with Spacial Rend, Aeroblast, Oblivion Wing, and Searing Shot. However, Shell Smash Mega Rayquaza is difficult to Imposter-proof without compromising the team structure and is usually not worth running.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Prankster Giratina**: Healthy Prankster Giratina is one of the few Pokemon that can reliably switch in on Choice Band Mega Rayquaza. While Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent 2HKOes, Giratina can heal and PP stall with its priority recovery. Additionally, priority status moves like Will-O-Wisp, Glare, and Spore can hinder Mega Rayquaza's ability to consistently threaten foes later in the game. Some Prankster Giratina sets also run Destiny Bond, which can cut Mega Rayquaza's sweep short. Prankster Giratina can also hinder Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking ability with Glare or remove it with Destiny Bond, though it must come in on a prediction to do so.
**Shadow Tag**: Offensive Shadow Tag users, like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, can consistently trap and KO Mega Rayquaza with their powerful attacks. Additionally, Perish Song trappers such as Lugia and Arceus commonly run King's Shield, which can remove Choice Band Mega Rayquaza's strongest asset in its high Attack, as well as removing it with Perish Song. However, Adamant Choice Band Mega Mewtwo X is outsped by rare Jolly and Timid Mega Rayquaza variants, and must invest at least 136 EVs in Speed to outspeed neutral nature Mega Rayquaza.
**Priority Users**: Refrigerate Kyurem-B and Mega Abomasnow, Pixilate Mega Diancie, Silk Scarf Huge Power Slaking and Regigigas, and the occasional Dread Plate Huge Power Mega Gyarados can OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Extreme Speed and Sucker Punch, or punish it with Pursuit. Aerilate Mega Rayquaza can force Mega Rayquaza out with the combination of Fake Out and Extreme Speed, and Shadow Tag Regigigas can remove Mega Rayquaza if it is heavily chipped or has had its defenses lowered by Dragon Ascent.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock heavily punishes Mega Rayquaza due to its pivot-heavy playstyle, chipping it every time it switches in. However, Stealth Rock is rather difficult to consistently keep on the field, as a teammate with Defog can remove Stealth Rock and potentially bring Mega Rayquaza in with a pivot move.
**King's Shield Users**: Activating King's Shield with a contact move potentially nullifies Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza's ability to break walls and secure KOs. Additionally, King's Shield can be used to scout against both Choice Band and Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza in a one-on-one situation. However, King's Shield users must be healthy and sufficiently bulky if they wish to come in on Choice Band Mega Rayquaza.
**Imposter Users**: Imposter Chansey can force Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza out if its defenses have been lowered by Dragon Ascent and can often cripple the most common Imposter-proof to Choice Band Mega Rayquaza in Prankster Giratina if Mega Rayquaza runs Trick. Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also forced out by Imposter users. However, Choice Scarf Imposter Chansey is outright OHKOed by Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza, and Eviolite Imposter Chansey is unable to switch in safely to unscouted Mega Rayquaza after minor chip.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[NToTheN, 569731], [Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455], [Mbouchon, 515077], [Ransei, 235009]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Adeleine, 517429], [UT, 523866]]
name: Choice Specs + Mold Breaker
move 1: Draco Meteor / Spacial Rend
move 2: Aeroblast / Oblivion Wing
move 3: Searing Shot / Secret Sword / Trick
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Mold Breaker
nature: Modest
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
in-battle alt: Mega
[SET COMMENTS]
Mega Rayquaza's amazing offensive stats, good Speed tier, and great STAB moves make it a powerful wallbreaker with Choice Specs. Draco Meteor is extremely powerful and heavily damages most potential switch-ins, like specially defensive Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh. Notably, Draco Meteor also OHKOes Huge Power Mega Gyarados after Stealth Rock and Imposter Chansey lacking Eviolite. Special Rend is a weaker option that still reaches important benchmarks, like OHKOing Giratina and 2HKOing specially defensive Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock, while not pressuring Mega Rayquaza to switch out. Aeroblast is a secondary STAB move that threatens Fairy-types like Xerneas and Mega Audino; Oblivion Wing is an alternative that greatly increases Mega Rayquaza's longevity. Additionally, Mega Rayquaza can also run Oblivion Wing in the third moveslot, which increases its longevity while giving it three powerful STAB moves, though it will fail to break through the occasional Registeel. Searing Shot targets Steel-types like Registeel and the rare specially defensive Mega Steelix; Secret Sword 2HKOes standard Registeel while also threatening Wonder Guard Blissey. Trick dismantles what defensive counterplay the opposing team has for Mega Rayquaza. Volt Switch allows Mega Rayquaza to retain momentum, taking advantage of its uncanny ability to force switches and force the most prominent Ground-type in Primal Groudon out. A Modest nature allows Mega Rayquaza to OHKO Primal Groudon forgoing bulk EVs, offensive Arceus, and Mold Breaker Mega Tyranitar from full health, as well as OHKOing bulky Primal Groudon variants after Stealth Rock.
Choice Specs + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza works well on balance and bulky offense teams that can capitalize on its ability to force switches, as well as providing it support. In particular, it works well with the ubiquitous core of Mold Breaker + Shell Smash Primal Groudon, Prankster Giratina, Baton Pass + Wonder Guard Xerneas, and Huge Power Mega Gyarados. Primal Groudon appreciates Mega Rayquaza bringing in checks like specially defensive Primal Kyogre, Blissey, and the occasional Registeel and Ho-Oh; in return, Primal Groudon forces Giratina in. Prankster Giratina can deter most opposing setup attempts and use Will-O-Wisp or Glare to potentially dismantle Shadow Tag users, which often can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza. Wonder Guard Xerneas can pass Substitutes or Shell Smash boosts to Mega Rayquaza with Baton Pass, the latter potentially enabling a sweep; additionally, it can lure Primal Groudon in. Huge Power Mega Gyarados can heavily damage offensive Shadow Tag users like Mega Mewtwo X, Mega Mewtwo Y, and Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza with Pursuit and Sucker Punch, as well as revenge killing Choice item Shadow Tag users that remove Mega Rayquaza—bar the occasional Play Rough Mega Mewtwo X. Specially defensive Pokemon, like Primal Kyogre, Blissey, Registeel, and Ho-Oh, are able to Imposter-proof Mega Rayquaza, though the latter two are difficult to fit. Offensive Wonder Guard users, like Mega Lucario, Xerneas, and Mega Gardevoir, are good to threaten Wonder Guard Xerneas while also luring Prankster Giratina in (if the latter two are not running Moonblast). Revenge killers, like Refrigerate Kyurem-B, Pixilate Mega Diancie, Imposter Chansey, and Shadow Tag Regigigas, threaten opposing sweepers that can otherwise wreak havoc if coming in after Mega Rayquaza KOes a foe. In particular, Refrigerate Kyurem-B and Imposter Chansey work well, as the former can OHKO both Choice Scarf and Eviolite Imposter Chansey with Icicle Plate-boosted Extreme Speed, and the latter also Imposter-proofs Mega Rayquaza. Defensive Wonder Guard users can provide Defog, cleric, and Wish support for Mega Rayquaza; many of them, in particular slow ones like Blissey, Mega Audino, and Escavalier, are also excellent at safely pivoting Mega Rayquaza in. Finally, Mega Rayquaza can be run with Choice Band + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza to keep the opponent guessing when one Mega Rayquaza is sent out, provided both Pokemon have the same HP percentage.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Dragon Claw threatens Prankster Giratina more effectively than Dragon Ascent on Choice Band + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza; however, it is hard to fit and usually not worth it over a coverage option. Additionally, Gear Grind has better odds than Dragon Ascent to OHKO the common Xerneas, but it mostly isn't worth it because Dragon Ascent usually OHKOes Xerneas anyway. V-create is a powerful alternative to Sacred Fire, KOing Mega Steelix after minor chip damage and making Choice Band + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza slightly easier to Imposter-proof; however, its drawbacks usually force Mega Rayquaza out after one use, and it doesn't spread status like Sacred Fire does. A Jolly nature can be used to outspeed opposing neutral nature Mega Rayquaza, Modest Arceus, and Timid Mega Diancie and Mega Latios, though the extra pressure Adamant brings against Prankster Giratina is usually more valuable. Mega Rayquaza can also use entry hazards like Spikes and Stealth Rock, as it forces many switches. Waterfall and Steam Eruption are more accurate alternatives to Crabhammer, but they do not KO Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock . Close Combat and Low Kick can be used to hit Normal-types like Arceus and Slaking while also targeting most Steel-types, but it does not provide burn support like Sacred Fire and fails to OHKO Mega Scizor. Thousand Arrows can be run over Precipice Blades, as it is more accurate and OHKOes Air Balloon + Wonder Guard users, like Mega Manectric and Drapion; however, the additional damage output from Precipice Blades is usually too valuable to forgo. Extreme Speed can pick off frailer weakened foes like Mega Mewtwo Y and heavily chipped Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Rayquaza, though it fails to threaten bulkier offensive Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Dialga, and Mega Tyranitar. Water Shuriken specifically targets Primal Groudon and Shell Smash Mega Tyranitar sets, though it is virtually pointless otherwise.
Choice Specs + Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza can run a Timid nature to outspeed Timid Protean Mega Latios, neutral nature Mega Rayquaza and Arceus, and the occasional Timid Mega Diancie; however, the power drop misses key OHKOes against offensive Arceus, Primal Groudon, and Mega Gyarados after Stealth Rock. U-turn heavily damages specially defensive Wonder Guard Blissey, though Volt Switch's superior overall damage is usually more valuable. Sludge Wave OHKOes Wonder Guard Xerneas from full and Mega Audino after Stealth Rock, though both already can't switch into Aeroblast and Oblivion Wing.
Both Choice Band + Mold Breaker and Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza can run slower spreads and invest in Defense to more easily tank hits from Huge Power Mega Gyarados, Slaking, and Regigigas. 56 Speed EVs outspeeds Adamant Primal Groudon, 164 EVs outspeeds Jolly Primal Groudon, and 216 EVs gets the jump on Modest Mega Latios and Mega Diancie. However, running slower spreads leaves Mega Rayquaza at risk of getting outsped by opposing Mega Rayquaza.
Physical Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza sets have numerous other options, including Shell Smash, Dragon Ascent, coverage for Rock- and Steel-types like Earthquake and Low Kick, and either disruption or protection in Spore, Dark Void, and King's Shield. A similar moveset can be run on special sets with Spacial Rend, Aeroblast, Oblivion Wing, and Searing Shot. However, Shell Smash Mega Rayquaza is difficult to Imposter-proof without compromising the team structure and is usually not worth running.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Prankster Giratina**: Healthy Prankster Giratina is one of the few Pokemon that can reliably switch in on Choice Band Mega Rayquaza. While Choice Band-boosted Dragon Ascent 2HKOes, Giratina can heal and PP stall with its priority recovery. Additionally, priority status moves like Will-O-Wisp, Glare, and Spore can hinder Mega Rayquaza's ability to consistently threaten foes later in the game. Some Prankster Giratina sets also run Destiny Bond, which can cut Mega Rayquaza's sweep short. Prankster Giratina can also hinder Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking ability with Glare or remove it with Destiny Bond, though it must come in on a prediction to do so.
**Shadow Tag**: Offensive Shadow Tag users, like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y, can consistently trap and KO Mega Rayquaza with their powerful attacks. Additionally, Perish Song trappers such as Lugia and Arceus commonly run King's Shield, which can remove Choice Band Mega Rayquaza's strongest asset in its high Attack, as well as removing it with Perish Song. However, Adamant Choice Band Mega Mewtwo X is outsped by rare Jolly and Timid Mega Rayquaza variants, and must invest at least 136 EVs in Speed to outspeed neutral nature Mega Rayquaza.
**Priority Users**: Refrigerate Kyurem-B and Mega Abomasnow, Pixilate Mega Diancie, Silk Scarf Huge Power Slaking and Regigigas, and the occasional Dread Plate Huge Power Mega Gyarados can OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Extreme Speed and Sucker Punch, or punish it with Pursuit. Aerilate Mega Rayquaza can force Mega Rayquaza out with the combination of Fake Out and Extreme Speed, and Shadow Tag Regigigas can remove Mega Rayquaza if it is heavily chipped or has had its defenses lowered by Dragon Ascent.
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock heavily punishes Mega Rayquaza due to its pivot-heavy playstyle, chipping it every time it switches in. However, Stealth Rock is rather difficult to consistently keep on the field, as a teammate with Defog can remove Stealth Rock and potentially bring Mega Rayquaza in with a pivot move.
**King's Shield Users**: Activating King's Shield with a contact move potentially nullifies Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza's ability to break walls and secure KOs. Additionally, King's Shield can be used to scout against both Choice Band and Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza in a one-on-one situation. However, King's Shield users must be healthy and sufficiently bulky if they wish to come in on Choice Band Mega Rayquaza.
**Imposter Users**: Imposter Chansey can force Choice Band Mold Breaker Mega Rayquaza out if its defenses have been lowered by Dragon Ascent and can often cripple the most common Imposter-proof to Choice Band Mega Rayquaza in Prankster Giratina if Mega Rayquaza runs Trick. Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also forced out by Imposter users. However, Choice Scarf Imposter Chansey is outright OHKOed by Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza, and Eviolite Imposter Chansey is unable to switch in safely to unscouted Mega Rayquaza after minor chip.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[NToTheN, 569731], [Mbouchon, 515077]]
- Quality checked by: [[berry, 226455], [Mbouchon, 515077], [Ransei, 235009]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Adeleine, 517429], [UT, 523866]]
Last edited by a moderator:
. For the most part fillers are all the main things I removed. Other things were rather just reworded.
