Garchomp (Mega)
C -> B-
Mega-Garchomp is really overlooked due to the fact that its speed drop and ability are perceived as a death sentence, but this is really not the case.
For the last 6 months I have consistently been having fantastic success with Garchomp as a lead stealth rocker.
Garchomp-Mega @ Garchompite
Ability: Rough Skin (sand force after mega evolving)
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Brave Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Dragon Tail
- Earthquake
- Flamethrower
With
base 170 attack Garchomp doesn't even need ev's to do decent damage, just a +attack nature. I chose brave because losing 20 speed doesn't do much to an already slow 'mon (remember dragon tail is also -6 priority), and ramps its attack stat up to 414. Adamant is not desirable as it weakens flamethrower.
Full HP and SpDef investment gives MegaChomp frightening 420/266/289 defenses, which let it tank almost anything. I chose full SpDef investment because the 3 most prevalent move threats to it (HP ice, Moonblast, and Draco Meteor) are all special. Note that this set only takes
30-35% damage from a Lando-T HP ice. It also survives scarf Lele and Mega-Diancie moonblasts, easily revenge killing with earthquake. Garchomp's excellent defensive typing and astronomical bulk mean it doesn't need need to worry about neutral hits.
Regarding the moves and the pokemon's role:
Stealth rock is stealth rock- 'nuff said.
Dragon tail is a fantastic move to use after setting up rocks, phazing the opponent out and causing switch in damage. Very often I am able to use this move 4 turns in succession to frustrate and wear down opponents. Its easy to predict if they switch into a fairy, in which case they can be nailed with a different move on the switch in.
Earthquake doesn't require much explanation.
Flamethrower/Fire Blast; this is the real dark horse of the set. Mega Chomp has a
base 120 special attack. Flamethrower deals >50% to Skarmory, ohko's Kartana, does >50% to offensive Bulu, 65% to Ferrothorn, and does very respectable damage (>35%) to many other nuisances such as specially defensive Celesteela and Tangrowth. Flamethrower is also useful once chomp has been intimidated 2+ times by dragon tailing and getting switched into by Lando-T over and over again (which WILL happen in soooo many games).
While Garchomp's deceptively powerful flamethrower and decent 414 attack can pressure foes, one may for forgiven for thinking that much of the meta still walls Mega Chomp. This is correct, and is particularly evident when Mega Chomp comes up against stall teams, where earthquake fails to do >50% to a variety of threats such as Chansey, Quagsire, Clefable, and Mega Sableye, who can easily stall or burn it out. This is not a problem, as these threats can simply be dragon tailed out (with the exception of Clefable). Not satisfied with this answer? Well then...
SAND FORCE
It's no secret that Tyranitar has seen a massive rise in viability recently, and is therefore becoming increasingly common on a variety of teams. Tyranitar brings with it a mighty sandstorm, which endows Mega-Garchomp with a 30% stronger earthquake, allowing it to muscle past pesky stall foes.
This is why I wish for Mega Garchomp to rise. Tt sets up rocks with ease and phases its opposition out, dealing chip damage, and decimating grassy walls with its nifty powerful flamethrower. Furthermore, with all the sand floating around the place its gets a very welcome earthquake boost, allowing it to threaten almost any foe.
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Regarding Qwilfish, that thing NEEDS fell stinger. That move is its only saving grace, the only thing that gives it some kind of niche in the meta, the only thing that makes it fun!
Pain split is also pretty unique to it on rain teams. Also I believe it did get liquidation this gen, which is definitely better than waterfall.
