[OVERVIEW]
Aerodactyl is the fastest user of Tailwind and the fastest support Pokemon in the metagame. However, it faces competition from other Tailwind users that possess more bulk, such as Togekiss and Suicune, with Aerodactyl's niches over them being its blistering Speed, its ability to disrupt teams with Sky Drop, and its ability to check Mega Charizard Y. Aerodactyl's weaknesses to many common types and its low bulk make it reliant on its Focus Sash. Aerodactyl is also checked by common Pokemon in the metagame, such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Rotom-W, as well as weather teams. Aerodactyl's Attack isn't the highest, so it is severely crippled by Intimidate and Will-O-Wisp.
[SET]
name: Offensive Support
move 1: Rock Slide
move 2: Sky Drop / Wide Guard / Taunt
move 3: Tailwind
move 4: Protect
item: Focus Sash
ability: Unnerve
nature: Jolly
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
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Rock Slide is Aerodactyl's best STAB move and is really useful with Aerodactyl's high Speed, which allows Aerodactyl to outspeed most of the unboosted metagame and potentially net crucial flinches. Sky Drop is a very disruptive support move that turns the battle into a 1v1 situation for a turn; it can also subdue a threat to Aerodactyl's partner for one turn. Keep in mind that Sky Drop will not work on any Pokemon weighing above 200 kg (440.9 lbs), such as Virizion and Terrakion. Wide Guard protects Aerodactyl and its partner from common spread moves, such as Rock Slide, while Taunt can be used to shut down status inducers or opposing speed control setters. Tailwind boosts the Speeds of Aerodactyl and its partner for three turns. Protect allows Aerodactyl to scout for opposing Fake Out users and acts as general protection against hits that can break Aerodactyl's Focus Sash.
Set Details
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Aerodactyl has really low bulk, so there isn't a need to invest into it. Maximum Speed investment with a Jolly nature allows Aerodactyl to take advantage of its high Speed so that it can set up Tailwind. Maximum Attack investment allows Aerodactyl to hit as hard as possible. Focus Sash allows Aerodactyl to survive at least one hit. Unnerve stops the foe's Berry from being eaten, which is very useful against Pokemon that generally carry Sitrus Berry such as Rotom-H and Thundurus.
Usage Tips
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Aerodactyl works great as a lead because a first-turn Tailwind can put massive pressure on your opponent. Be wary of Fake Out users, however. Don't sacrifice Aerodactyl after it has used Tailwind, as it can always be useful by disrupting the foe with Sky Drop or flinches from Rock Slide. Again, keep in mind that Sky Drop will not be able to pick up Pokemon that weigh 200 kg (440.9 lbs) or over, such as Virizion and Terrakion.
Team Options
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Pokemon with middling Speed tiers that benefit greatly from Tailwind, such as Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Gardevoir, are great partners with Aerodactyl. Notably, Mega Kangaskhan offers Fake Out support, which gives Aerodactyl an easier time to set up Tailwind. Aerodactyl, in turn, can allow Kangaskhan to set up with Power-Up Punch more easily by potentially immobilizing a threat for a turn with Sky Drop. Aerodactyl's Unnerve can also allow Mega Kangaskhan to beat Pokemon that are EVed to survive its attacks with a Sitrus Berry activating in between. Mega Charizard Y is protected by Aerodactyl's Wide Guard, while Aerodactyl can also remove bulky Fire-types, such as Rotom-H, that give Mega Charizard Y trouble. Mega Charizard Y, in turn, is able to check common Steel-types, such as Ferrothorn and Aegislash, that wall Aerodactyl's attacks. Heatran is another Pokemon with a middling Speed tier that greatly appreciates Tailwind, as well as Wide Guard to block Earthquake. Aerodactyl can also use Sky Drop to check Fighting-types and cripple a threat to Heatran so that it can set up a Substitute. Setup sweepers are also good partners for Aerodactyl due to its access to Sky Drop, which can give those sweepers an easier time setting up by crippling a threat. Gyarados is a great Aerodactyl partner, as Aerodactyl gives it an easier time setting up by using Sky Drop on a Pokemon that threatens Gyarados or offering Wide Guard support against Rock Slide. Although it doesn't benefit from Tailwind, Ferrothorn has great type synergy with Aerodactyl. Aerodactyl is able to protect Ferrothorn from Heat Wave with Wide Guard and can also threaten opposing Fire- and Fighting-types. Ferrothorn, in turn, can switch into Water-, Rock-, and Electric-type attacks aimed at Aerodactyl while also being able to force out opposing Ice-types. Other Steel-types, such as Aegislash, are great partners, as they can switch into Ice- and Rock-type attacks aimed at Aerodactyl. Aegislash also greatly benefits from Wide Guard, protecting it from common spread moves, such as Earthquake and Heat Wave.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
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Aerodactylite is an option, but generally there are better Mega Evolutions to use. Earthquake hits Heatran; however, Aerodactyl already has limited moveslots. Stone Edge can be used over Rock Slide, as it bypasses Wide Guard and allows Aerodactyl to check Mega Charizard Y more reliably, but Aerodactyl's high Speed and Rock Slide's flinch chance make it a better choice over Stone Edge. Ice Fang is an alternate coverage move that hits Landorus-T hard.
Checks and Counters
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**Steel-types**: Steel-types, such as Aegislash and Ferrothorn, give Aerodactyl massive trouble. Aegislash has Wide Guard to protect its side from Aerodactyl's Rock Slide while also taking minimal damage from Sky Drop. Aegislash can also force out Aerodactyl with Flash Cannon, while Ferrothorn doesn't really care about either of Aerodactyl's attacks and can easily OHKO it with Gyro Ball.
**Taunt**: Taunt shuts down both Tailwind and Protect. This makes Aerodactyl susceptible to being KOed due to its low bulk.
**Intimidate and Burns**: Intimidate and burns will lower Aerodactyl's damage output immensely, although getting flinches with Rock Slide and disrupting foes with Sky Drop are still important.
**Speed Control**: Speed control will lower Aerodactyl's blistering Speed, allowing foes to take advantage of its low bulk and KO it.
**Weather**: Hail, sand, and rain teams all threaten Aerodactyl. Hail teams have Blizzard users that can OHKO Aerodactyl, with the residual hail damage breaking its Focus Sash. Sand teams typically pack Sand Rush Excadrill, which outspeeds Aerodactyl and can deal massive damage to it with Iron Head, and rain teams utilize Swift Swim users, which can outspeed and OHKO Aerodactyl.
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