Insurgency – Gallade Guide for VGC 2016

 

Gallade’s Base Stats of 68 125 65 65 115 80 does not by any chance, look appealing in VGC 2016. Fortunately, the blessing of a Mega Evolution gifted Gallade with huge boosts to its Base Attack, Defense, and Speed. Mega Gallade is tied with Scrafty for the second highest Base Special Defense of all eligible Fighting Type Pokemon, losing out only to Virizion. It also has the second and third highest Base Attack (165) of all Psychic and Fighting Type Pokemon respectively,  beaten only by Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Heracross. Its improved Base Speed of 110 allows it to net the crucial out-speed over Mega Kangaskhan and the majority of the Restricted Legendaries. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

44 Atk Mega Gallade Low Kick (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Primal Kyogre: 118-139 (67 – 78.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

44 Atk Mega Gallade Low Kick (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kyurem-W: 236-278 (118 – 139%) — guaranteed OHKO

44 Atk Mega Gallade Low Kick (100 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 182-216 (100.5 – 119.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Mega Gallade Low Kick (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Dialga: 210-248 (101.4 – 119.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

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252 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Mega Gallade: 122-146 (69.7 – 83.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Dialga Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Mega Gallade: 108-127 (61.7 – 72.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Turboblaze Kyurem-W Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Mega Gallade: 129-153 (73.7 – 87.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Mega Gallade: 116-140 (66.2 – 80%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

However, while its Base Defense and Special Defense are somewhat respectable (95 and 115 respectively), Mega Evolution did nothing to patch up its horrendous Base HP of 68, meaning that it can only survive weak attacks and cannot switch in easily. It is also not hard to revenge kill it, as many Pokemon out-speed it, it has several weaknesses, and cannot take strong hits. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

4 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Mega Gallade: 254-300 (145.1 – 171.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Primal Kyogre Water Spout (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Mega Gallade in Heavy Rain: 160-189 (91.4 – 108%) — 50% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Mega Gallade: 154-184 (88 – 105.1%) — 31.3% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Mega Gallade: 203-242 (116 – 138.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

Its offensive capabilities are also not so much desirable when no STAB is involved. Gallade’s susceptibility to Intimidate carriers and Burns also limits its offensive capabilities, as it has no way to make up for a lowered Attack stat. Gallade also suffers from the problem of not having the best coverage moves for VGC 2016, with the more popular options in Knock Off and Ice Punch weakened by the current metagame.

On the other hand, Gallade learns a huge array of support moves like Quick Guard, Wide Guard, Trick Room and Feint. This would allow the Blade Pokemon to pull off a supportive role. However, playing a supportive Gallade brings with it an awkward dilemma. For Gallade to actually provide consistent support to the team, Mega Evolution would be useful, for it gives Gallade a welcome boost to its flailing Defense. Yet, using Mega Gallade as a supporting Pokemon is a huge waste of potential, considering that one would want to make full use of the Base 165 Attack and Base 110 Speed.

In conclusion, Gallade is stuck in an awkward place in terms of role distribution, but arguably best role it serves would be a dedicated support. By that, it would mean that Gallade would be used as a dedicated counter to Pokemon like Dialga, Mega Kangaskhan, and Ferrothorn, while providing defensive support to the team through Wide Guard or Quick Guard. This role does not limit it to any form, so players can play a normal Gallade under Trick Room, or run a fast Mega Gallade, to do as much damage as possible so that the team’s main power output can sweep safely and clean up.

 

—SAMPLE SETS—

 

Gallade in its normal form, while not as hard hitting as its Mega Form and highly fragile on the Physical spectrum, still has certain tricks in its arsenal.

 

Gallade (M) @ Lum Berry
Ability: Justified
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 212 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Close Combat or Low Kick
– Feint or Quick Guard
– Taunt
– Trick Room

44 Atk Gallade Low Kick (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 60 Def Dialga: 138-164 (66.6 – 79.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

44 Atk Gallade Close Combat vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 170-204 (93.9 – 112.7%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

44 Atk Gallade Low Kick (100 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 144-170 (79.5 – 93.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Dialga Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gallade: 72-85 (41.1 – 48.5%) — guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 212+ Def Gallade: 145-172 (82.8 – 98.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

This set is modified off Baz Anderson’s Gallade featured on Episode 85 of his PS! Live series, by moving 40 EVs from Defense to Attack. This done so as to allow Gallade net the KO after the opponent has suffered from chip damage. Low Kick and Close Combat are the STAB moves to choose. The former helps maintain Gallade’s longevity, while the latter is good for consistent damage output. This Gallade can be seen as a slightly more offensive Trick Room setter, and opponents are unlikely to suspect that it is the Trick Room setter, considering its arguably more useful Mega form. The Lum Berry plus Taunt combination allows Gallade to ignore any incoming Dark Void and cripple Smeargle.

Another note is Justified, which allows Gallade to benefit from an opposing Mega Kangaskhan’s Sucker Punch, as well as the full Dark STAB Yveltal, assuming that Gallade survives a Foul Play.

 

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Mega Evolution turns Gallade into a fearsome attacker that can out-speed many of the common VGC 2016 Pokemon. So, here is a set that taps into the increase in firepower.

 

Gallade @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 4 Def / 28 SpD / 180 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Ice Punch
– Low Kick
– Protect
– Quick Guard or Wide Guard

-1 44 Atk Mega Gallade Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 136-160 (82.4 – 96.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

This set is probably the most efficient build available for Mega Gallade. The Speed EVs are guaranteed to allow Gallade to out-speed Pokemon like Mega Kangaskhan after Mega Evolution. 44 EVs in Attack is the minimum for Low Kick to OHKO Jolly Mega Kangaskhan. The remaining 32 EVs are put into bulk, though it can be moved into Attack for a better damage roll. Regardless, Ice Punch is unfortunately a 2HKO against Mega Salamence and Landorus Therian after the Intimidate drop.

 

—SAMPLE CONSTRUCTION—

 

Gallade – Mega Mawile – Primal Kyogre

 

Gallade handles Dialga, Mega Kangaskhan, Smeargle and Ferrothorn, while providing Quick Guard, Trick Room, and/or Wide Guard support. Mega Mawile brings Intimidate to help Gallade and Primal Kyogre last longer on the Physical spectrum, while also packing Iron Head and Play Rough against opposing Xerneas, Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, and Yveltal. Primal Kyogre takes out opposing Primal Groudon. The combination of Quick Guard and Primordial Seas also nullifies Talonflame’s damage output.

 

Mega Gallade – Primal Groudon –  Landorus Therian

 

Mega Gallade handles Mega Kangaskhan, Smeargle, and protects Primal Groudon and Landorus Therian from opposing Water Spout, Origin Pulse, Precipice Blades, Eruption, Hyper Voice, and Dazzling Gleam. Primal Groudon provides another outlet to hit Dialga and Ferrothorn, while also checking opposing Scizor and Bronzong. Desolate Land also helps protect itself and Landorus Therian from a stray Water Type move. Landorus Therian brings Intimidate Support, and can help dispatch opposing Mega Salamence and Talonflame. It is also decent against opposing Primal Groudon, due to it resisting both Ground Type and Fire Type STAB, and being able to deal heavy damage in return.

 

Gallade / Mega Gallade – Meowstic / Klefki

 

Meowstic and Klefki both provide Safeguard and Swagger support, with Meowstic packing Fake Out support as well. This combination is basically setting up for Gallade or Mega Gallade to sweep.

 

—SAMPLE TEAMS—

 

Gallade – Primal Kyogre – Zekrom – Mega Mawile – Parasect – Bronzong

Baz Anderson’s Team featured in Episode 85 of his PS! Live series.

 

—VERDICT—

 

Gallade is in all seriousness, a niche Pokemon that, while can do a unique job well, still not consistent enough in comparison to the more common Pokemon in the metagame. Cresselia and Bronzong are undoubtly the default choices for a Trick Room setter, while Mawile, Salamence, Kangaskhan, and Gengar are all better equipped to star as the team’s dedicated Mega Evolution.

One redeeming factor for Gallade as a Trick Room setter is that it is the only Pokemon beside Mr. Mime to pack both Trick Room and Wide Guard, and the only Pokemon beside Kecleon to pack both Feint and Trick Room.

In conclusion, Gallade would be great if played correctly, but in the charge for the final CP Points for Worlds 2016, probably too risky for most players. Still, if time permits, do give Gallade a try. It might just be the glue needed for your team!

Phantom Zone – Sceptile Guide for VGC 2016

 

Sceptile’s Base Stats of 70 85 65 105 85 120 pales in comparison to the hard hitters of VGC 2016. The only redeeming factor arguably lies in its impressive 120 Base Speed. Fortunately, the blessing of a Mega Evolution gave Sceptile a new lease of life. Mega Sceptile has the highest Base Special Attack, Speed, (both at 145) and Base Stat Total of all Grass Type Pokémon. It is also the fastest Dragon Type Pokémon, which is especially useful in VGC 2016. Mega Sceptile is able to out-speed the likes of Mega Salamence, Kyogre, Rayquaza; and OHKO them with support. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

+1 252 SpA Mega Sceptile Dragon Pulse vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 258-306 (150.8 – 178.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Mega Sceptile Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primal Kyogre: 222-264 (107.2 – 127.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Mega Sceptile Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 236-278 (131.1 – 154.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

Boosting Mega Sceptile’s Special Attack is easy, thanks to Lightningrod. This Ability redirects Electric Type moves to raise the recipient’s Special Attack. As such, Discharge users like Thundurus Incarnate are often seen with Mega Sceptile. Since Mega Sceptile is immune to powder moves by virtue of its Type, it is almost impossible to Paralyze it. While moves like Glare and Body Slam exist, they are rarely encountered in VGC. Hence, only priority moves and Trick Room can cripple Mega Sceptile before it can do its job. On the other hand, Mega Sceptile can also execute a Physical set with its improved Base Attack of 110.

Mega Sceptile’s bulk of 70 75 85 is extremely mediocre in VGC 2016. It is vulnerable to revenge killers, as well as priority moves like Ice Shard and Gale Wings Talonflame’s Brave Bird.

 

252 Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Sceptile: 244-291 (168.2 – 200.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Weavile Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Sceptile: 168-196 (115.8 – 135.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Return vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Sceptile: 159-189 (109.6 – 130.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

Mega Sceptile’s offensive capabilities are also not so much desirable when no STAB is involved. For example:

 

+1 252 SpA Mega Sceptile Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Mawile: 116-138 (73.8 – 87.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Ferrothorn: 132-156 (72.9 – 86.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Note: Ferrothorn still falls to Mega Sceptile’s Hidden Power Fire after a Lightningrod boost.

 

To sum it up, Mega Sceptile is a dedicated glass cannon that is somewhat dependent on team support to function.

The best way to maximize Mega Sceptile’s effectiveness is play it as a Lead. You would want to Mega Evolve Sceptile as soon as possible to take advantage of the boost in Base Stats as well as provide Lightningrod support. More crucially, the start of the match is void of all forms of Speed Control. Hence, one has until Trick Room, or an opposing Tailwind is set up to hit as hard as possible. Those it cannot take out is left to be taken out by the team’s Main Force.

Alternatively, one could keep Mega Sceptile in the back to bring on against opposing Kyogre and Rayquaza. This is because most players tend not to lead with their members of the Weather Trio. Thus, a Sceptile user stands to lose the momentum when led against the likes of opposing Crobat, Mawile, Talonflame, and Xerneas. As such, it might be better for Mega Sceptile to be played as a late game sweeper after opposing threats are suitably dealt with.

 

—SAMPLE SETS—

 

Mega Sceptile triumphs over Sceptile in almost every aspect. Thus, Sceptile has to rely on Held Items to carve itself a niche in the VGC 2016 metagame. Here are some sets that capitalize on that:

 

Sceptile @ Light Ball or Razor Fang
Ability: Unburden
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 2 Atk / 30 Def
– Fling
– Grass Knot
– Hidden Power [Ice]
– Protect

252+ SpA Sceptile Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primal Kyogre: 132-156 (63.7 – 75.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Sceptile: 76-91 (52.4 – 62.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

This set is meant to make use of Fling to either 1. Paralyze opposing Primal Groudon, or 2. net a guaranteed Flinch. Sceptile is unable to net the OHKO against Mega Salamence, Kyogre, Rayquaza, and Landorus Therian. Yet, the damage from either Grass Knot and Hidden Power [Ice] is enough bring them down to KO range from a spread attack.

 

Sceptile @ Focus Sash
Ability: Unburden
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Endeavor
– Leaf Blade or Quick Attack
– Protect
– Swords Dance

+2 252+ Atk Sceptile Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 180 Def Primal Kyogre: 230-272 (111.1 – 131.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

This set is meant to make use of Focus Sash to either 1. Set up a Swords Dance, or 2. F.E.A.R. Against faster threats, players are able to Endeavor on the turn Focus Sash is supposed to trigger, and finish the job off next turn. Otherwise, Endeavor can be used in tandem with a spread attack to quickly finish off a foe.

 

Sceptile @ Choice Specs
Ability: Overgrow
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 2 Atk / 30 Def
– Focus Blast
– Frenzy Plant
– Grass Knot
– Hidden Power [Ice]

252 SpA Choice Specs Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 178-210 (98.3 – 116%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Sceptile Frenzy Plant vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primal Kyogre: 222-264 (107.2 – 127.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Overgrow Sceptile Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Xerneas: 202-238 (100 – 117.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Sceptile Helping Hand Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Xerneas: 202-238 (100 – 117.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Sceptile Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 196-232 (115.2 – 136.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Sceptile with an ally’s Friend Guard: 121-144 (83.4 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

This set is meant to turn Sceptile into a fast all-out-attacker. Frenzy Plant is great for damage output, but requires one turn to recharge and can miss. Grass Knot, while safer, is not capable of assuring the ever important OHKO. Fortunately, that can be remedied by partnering Sceptile with Clefairy. Clefairy can either use Helping Hand to boost damage output, or Follow Me to redirect attacks if Frenzy Plant was used. Friend Guard also helps Sceptile live certain moves that would otherwise have OHKOed it.

 

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Mega Sceptile might not be able to make use of a Held Item, but the improvements to its Base Stats means that it is just as, if not more fearsome. As such, here are some sets that are better suited for Mega Evolution.

 

Sceptile (M) @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature  or Modest Nature
IVs: 2 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA
– Dragon Pulse
– Grass Knot
– Hidden Power [Fire] or Quick Guard
– Protect

 

This set is the staple Mega Sceptile set: Two STAB moves, Protect, and a filler move. Hidden Power [Fire] helps Mega Sceptile break down Mega Mawile and Ferrothorn, especially on a predicted switch-in. Quick Guard protects Mega Sceptile and its partner against priority moves like Fake Out and Ice Shard, as well as elevated moves. It is best used to block Gale Wings elevated Brave Bird while the partner picks off the Talonflame in question. Timid Nature is required for Sceptile to be able to block Liepard’s Fake Out with Quick Guard. It also pairs well with Discharge support. Otherwise, Modest Nature can be adopted so Mega Sceptile can achieve the important OHKOs.

 

Sceptile @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Dragon Claw
– Leaf Blade
– Protect
– Swords Dance

 

This set is the set to go for if the player intends to run a Physical set. Swords Dance is a must, to help Mega Sceptile hit as hard, if not harder, than a Special variant.

 

—SAMPLE CONSTRUCTION—

 

Mega Sceptile – Primal Groudon – Thundurus Incarnate

 

Mega Sceptile handles the Mega Salamence, Primal Kyogre, and Rayquaza that threaten Primal Groudon. In return, Primal Groudon picks off Mega Mawile, Scizor, Dialga, and Ferrothorn. Thundurus Incarnate acts as the glue, providing Speed Control and triggering Mega Sceptile’s Lightningrod. It can fire off Discharge alongside either teammate to nullify Crobat and Talonflame. Lastly, Thundurus Incarnate packs Prankster elevated Taunt to ward off opposing Prankster shenanigans.

 

Mega Sceptile – Smeargle

 

Choice Scarf Smeargle is arguably most commonly stopped by Fake Out and Prankster elevated Taunt, all of which can be blocked by Quick Guard. That is where Mega Sceptile comes in. Once Dark Void is set up, Mega Sceptile can pick off the opposition while Smeargle makes way for another partner. Against Prankster elevated Safeguard, Choice Scarf Smeargle can also make use of Super Fang to wreak havoc. Coupled with either Grass Knot or Dragon Pulse, opponents risk losing a Pokemon early.

 

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 116 SpD Primal Groudon: 108-127 (52.1 – 61.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Xerneas: 114-135 (56.4 – 66.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Grass Knot (100 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 93-111 (51.3 – 61.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

Since Mega Sceptile easily out-speeds the majority of the metagame, any switches-in risks getting demolished by Mega Sceptile on the following turn.

 

Mega Sceptile – Mega Mawile

 

This combination is unique, because, while the synergy is not immediately obvious, the Mega Evolutions can each handle what the other cannot.

 

—SAMPLE TEAMS—

 

Mega Sceptile – Primal Kyogre – Primal Groudon – Mega Mawile – Cresselia – Tornadus

Jonathan Marston’s Top 4 Manchester Mid-Season Showdown Team

Mega Sceptile – Primal Groudon – Mewtwo – Clefairy – Gengar – Talonflame

Dust’s Top 16 Victoria League MegaTokyo Off Team

 

—VERDICT—

 

Mega Sceptile would fare so much better if Primal Groudon did not gain the additional Fire Type. Then again, a +2 Grass Knot still wrecks Primal Groudon.

Mega Sceptile, with its frail build and less than desirable coverage, is not the Pokemon to build around as the team’s main source of damage output. However, it does fare well as a secondary Mega Evolution, with it being a superb counter to Mega Salamence, Primal Kyogre, Mega Rayquaza, as well as the slowly but surely rising Thundurus Incarnate.

Do give Mega Sceptile a try if your team has the slot and necessary support for it!