Atlantis – Swampert Guide for VGC 2016

 

Swampert’s Base Stats of 100 110 90 85 90 60 is rather intriguing in VGC 2016. In terms of bulk, 100 90 90 is rather impressive for a non-Legendary Pokemon. Base Attack of 110 means Swampert can actually do some damage, compared to the passive Cresselia. Mega Evolution has arguably made Swampert a better Pokemon than it already was. The improvement to its Base Attack, now at 150, gave Mega Swampert the power to match the hard hitters of VGC 2016. While not necessarily guaranteed to OHKO certain Pokemon, there is still a good chance for Mega Swampert to do so. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

252+ Atk Mega Swampert Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 168-200 (98.8 – 117.6%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Mega Swampert Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Primal Groudon: 228-268 (110.1 – 129.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Mega Swampert Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Rayquaza: 212-252 (117.7 – 140%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Mega Swampert Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus: 140-166 (90.9 – 107.7%) — 50% chance to OHKO

-1 252+ Atk Mega Swampert Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 156-184 (94.5 – 111.5%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

 

Mega Swampert now has 100 110 110 for bulk. That is enough for it to survive a whole slew of attacks commonly seen in VGC 2016. For example:

 

20 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Swampert: 114-135 (55 – 65.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Primal Kyogre Water Spout (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Swampert in Heavy Rain: 169-199 (81.6 – 96.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Primal Kyogre Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Swampert: 61-72 (29.4 – 34.7%) — 8.8% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Swampert: 91-108 (43.9 – 52.1%) — 12.9% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Mega Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Swampert: 157-187 (75.8 – 90.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

+2 252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Swampert: 127-150 (61.3 – 72.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Swampert: 163-193 (78.7 – 93.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

Mega Swampert’s sole drawback is probably its 4x Weakness to Grass Type moves. With Pokemon like Ferrothorn enjoying a significant amount of the spotlight, Mega Swampert will have to be wary even under Trick Room. For example:

 

204+ Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Swampert: 324-384 (156.5 – 185.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

The best way to use Swampert, specifically after Mega Evolution, would be to deploy it as a Main Force, considering its high Base Attack and type coverage. Its low Base Speed of 60 (70 after Mega Evolution) and Ability of Swift Swim (after Mega Evolution), means that it can function both in Trick Room and out.

 

—SAMPLE SETS—

 

Swampert is rather unique in the sense that it has some actual utility without Mega Evolution, unlike Metagross and Salamence before it. Of course, Item Play forms a part of the argument. Here are some sets to tap into Swampert’s “strengths” prior to Mega Evolution:

 

Swampert @ Expert Belt
Ability: Torrent
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Earth Power
– Ice Beam
– Scald or Protect
– Wide Guard

252+ SpA Expert Belt Swampert Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Mawile: 161-190 (102.5 – 121%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Expert Belt Swampert Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 226-269 (132.1 – 157.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Expert Belt Swampert Earth Power vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Primal Groudon: 168-202 (95.4 – 114.7%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Expert Belt Swampert Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 206-245 (113.8 – 135.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Expert Belt Swampert Scald vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 182-218 (118.1 – 141.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

This set is a set modified from the variant Angel Miranda brought to prominence nearing the end of VGC 2015. Quiet Nature is not a necessity, considering that it already out-speeds Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon under Trick Room, even with 31 IVs. Scald is chosen as the move to replace for Protect due to the prominence of Primal Groudon, and by extension, Desolate Land. Wide Guard goes a long way in VGC 2016, being capable of blocking nasty moves like Water Spout, Precipice Blades, Dazzling Gleam, and Icy Wind.

 

#

 

Mega Swampert has very obvious strengths that indicate where to target for EV Training. As such, here is a set to consider when raising one:

 

Swampert @ Swampertite
Ability: Torrent
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
IVs: 19 Spe
– Earthquake / Mirror Coat / Protect
– Ice Punch
– Waterfall
– Wide Guard

 

This set, while basic, is still rather efficient. The 19 IVs in Speed will allow Mega Swampert to not only under-speed Minimum Speed Primal Groudon by a point, but out-speed Pokemon with Base 100 Speed by a point under Primordial Sea. Mirror Coat can be a surprise niche to counter opposing Primal Kyogre and Xerneas, considering that Mega Swampert survives a +2 Dazzling Gleam from the latter. Otherwise, Earthquake and Protect are equally good options.

 

—SAMPLE CONSTRUCTION—

Mega Swampert – Primal Kyogre – Primal Groudon – Ferrothorn

 

Mega Swampert covers Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Thundurus Incarnate, Landorus Therian, and Talonflame without risking too much in return. Primal Kyogre helps provide the Primordial Sea to boost not only Waterfall’s power, but also trigger Swift Swim. Primal Groudon smashes Ferrothorn, one of, if not the biggest threat to Mega Swampert and can help in taking out Mega Mawile and Bronzong. Ferrothorn would be the answer to opposing Primal Kyogre and Xerneas.

 

Mega Swampert – Primal Kyogre – Ludicolo

 

An uncommon Rain Team that still has its merits. Mega Swampert is undoubtedly the Main Force on the Physical spectrum, while Ludicolo provides Fake Out support and covers opposing Primal Kyogre. Primal Kyogre ties everything together by providing the Weather.

 

Mega Swampert – Bronzong – Thundurus Incarnate

 

Mega Swampert is slow, so for it to fully utilize its powers, a Trick Room user would be greatly appreciated. Bronzong comes in with Gyro Ball, which can help flatten Xerneas. Thundurus Incarnate, on the other hand, helps Mega Swampert handle opposing Primal Kyogre. It also serves as an alternative form of Speed Control through Thunder Wave. A useful synergy would be that Mega Swampert can safely fire off Earthquakes beside both Bronzong and Thundurus Incarnate, due to their immunity to Ground Type moves.

 

—SAMPLE TEAMS—

Swampert – Primal Kyogre – Mega Rayquaza – Mega Mawile – Crobat – Amoonguss

Alexiev Castro’s Top 8 Peru Regionals Team

—VERDICT—

 

Despite Mudkip’s popularity as a meme, Swampert has never really enjoyed stardom in VGC. With the metagame getting bulkier, Swampert, especially Mega Swampert,  has the potential to go all the way in becoming the crux of any team.

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

Speed Force – Salamence Guide for VGC 2016

 

Salamence’s Base Stats of 95 135 80 110 80 100 is not the most appealing in VGC 2016, where Restricted Legendaries dominate the field. However, there is still a silver lining in every cloud. For Salamence, it was Mega Evolution. Its Defense received a generous boost from 80 to 130, while small increases to every other Base Stat bar HP meant that Mega Salamence was more fearsome as a threat. Base Attack and Special Attack of 145 and 120 respectively, while falling short of Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon’s standards, is still rather decent. While not able to net many OHKOs, it still makes for a good 2HKO on almost everything that does not resist its STAB moves. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

236 SpA Mega Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 210-248 (116 – 137%) — guaranteed OHKO

236 SpA Mega Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-W: 210-248 (104.4 – 123.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

236 SpA Mega Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Liepard: 175-207 (102.3 – 121%) — guaranteed OHKO

20 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Talonflame: 160-190 (104.5 – 124.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

Carrying Intimidate before Mega Evolution comes as a welcome boost to its decent Base HP and Defense of 95 and 130 respectively. As such, certain hard-hitting Physical attackers may stumble against Mega Salamence due to the drop in Attack. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

-1 252 Atk Primal Groudon Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 44-52 (25.8 – 30.5%) — guaranteed 4HKO

-1 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0- Def Mega Salamence: 99-117 (57.8 – 68.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

While fast, Mega Salamence is unfortunately another victim of a 4x Weakness to Ice. The popularity of Xerneas also severely threatens Mega Salamence’s longevity. Additionally, Mega Salamence’s Base 90 Special Defense is barely better than Mega Sceptile’s. This means that it is likewise vulnerable to threats from the Special Spectrum, especially from moves like Ice Beam and Dazzling Gleam.

 

252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Dazzling Gleam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 150-176 (87.7 – 102.9%) — 12.5% chance to OHKO

-1 252 Atk Expert Belt Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 178-216 (104 – 126.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

Mega Salamence’s coverage is also markedly weak, due to the strong preference to carry Normal Type moves to benefit from Aerilate. As such, slightly bulkier Pokemon can often shrug off Mega Salamence’s safest moves. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

236 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Salamence: 84-100 (49.4 – 58.8%) — 98.8% chance to 2HKO

236 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Primal Groudon: 76-90 (43.4 – 51.4%) — 6.3% chance to 2HKO

236 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Xerneas: 72-85 (35.6 – 42%) — guaranteed 3HKO

 

The way Mega Salamence’s Stats are distributed means that it would function best as a Lead. For most sets, activating Mega Evolution as early as possible is highly recommended. This gives Salamence the necessary boost in Speed and allows Mega Salamence to enjoy the benefits of Aerilate. Players can also refrain from locking Salamence into its Mega Form to retain Intimidate, which can prove useful in the later stages of a match. Mega Salamence’s role would therefore be to provide the chip damage for the Main Force(s) of the team.

Alternatively, Mega Salamence can also be played as one of the Main Forces, coming in for a fallen comrade to clean up. This would be more useful against the notorious Smeargle Xerneas combination, a situation which Mega Salamence cannot safely manage.

 

—SAMPLE SETS—

 

While Mega Salamence is superior in almost anyway, Salamence still has a trick that Mega Salamence does not – Item Play. Here is a set that builds upon that:

 

Salamence @ Lum Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 36 HP / 4 Def / 132 SpA / 84 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Draco Meteor
– Flamethrower
– Protect
– Tailwind

132 SpA Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 182-216 (100.5 – 119.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Primal Kyogre Origin Pulse vs. 36 HP / 84 SpD Salamence in Heavy Rain: 72-86 (41.1 – 49.1%) — guaranteed 3HKO

 

This set was what the 2nd Runners Up of Japan’s 2015 Generation Showdown ran for his Salamence. Since Salamence lacks the Speed and the Ability of Mega Salamence, moves like Double-Edge and Hyper Voice were dropped in favor of Draco Meteor, Flamethrower, and Tailwind. The Lum Berry would allow Salamence to shrug off Dark Void on the turn it sets up Tailwind. If that is not an issue, Focus Sash can be used instead, assuming that it has not already been taken up by another Pokemon.

 

#

 

Mega Salamence is probably the only reason why players would want to use Salamence in VGC 2016, and the Usage Stats reflect that trend. Hence, here are some sets to consider when training Mega Salamence:

 

Salamence @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 196 Atk / 52 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
– Double-Edge
– Draco Meteor
– Protect
– Sleep Talk or Substitute or Tailwind

52 SpA Mega Salamence Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 182-216 (100.5 – 119.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

196 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Amoonguss: 252-296 (114 – 133.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

This set revolves more around Mega Salamence’s Base 145 Attack, with just enough EVs in Special Attack to guarantee the OHKO on standard Mega Rayquaza. Double-Edge is the obligatory STAB move, which gets the added bonus of being able to smash Amoonguss in one hit. The last move is dependent on the team. Sleep Talk allows Mega Salamence to function even if put to Sleep by Dark Void or Spore. Substitute can help Mega Salamence survive a hit when played right. Tailwind gives the team a fast Speed mode.

 

Salamence @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 20 Atk / 236 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
– Draco Meteor
– Double-Edge
– Hyper Voice or Hydro Pump
– Protect

236 SpA Mega Salamence Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 116 SpD Primal Groudon: 224-268 (108.2 – 129.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Primal Groudon Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Mega Salamence: 72-86 (42.3 – 50.5%) — 2% chance to 2HKO

20 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Xerneas: 129-153 (63.8 – 75.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 150-176 (88.2 – 103.5%) — 25% chance to OHKO

20 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Amoonguss: 222-264 (100.4 – 119.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

This set focuses on Mega Salamence’s Special Attack instead. Likewise, the EVs in Attack are the minimum to guarantee the OHKO on Amoonguss. The filler move now falls mainly between Hyper Voice and Hydro Pump. The former is the safer option against the majority of VGC 2016 Pokemon, while Hydro Pump can be especially rewarding against Primal Groudon, given the right support.

 

—SAMPLE CONSTRUCTION—

Mega Salamence – Primal Groudon – Xerneas

 

Mega Salamence packs Intimidate prior to Mega Evolution to help cripple opposing Primal Groudon, as well as beefing up Xerneas’ Physical bulk. Mega Salamence can also help counter opposing Primal Groudon on its own. Xerneas’ job is to smash through opposing Restricted Legendaries after Geomancy. Primal Groudon snags threats to Mega Salamence and Xerneas, like Weavile and Mega Mawile. It also smashes almost everything Xerneas cannot OHKO on its own.

 

Mega Salamence – Primal Kyogre – Primal Groudon

 

Mega Salamence has the power to put a huge dent in opposing Primal Kyogre with Double-Edge, and disable Mega Rayquaza to regain control of the Weather War. Dual Primal gives the Player the flexibility to switch between different attacking modes, and can be a hassle to break down when played right.

 

—SAMPLE TEAMS—

 

Mega Salamence – Primal Groudon – Xerneas – Mega Kangaskhan – Smeargle – Talonflame

BIG 6

Mega Salamence – Primal Kyogre – Primal Groudon – Mega Kangaskhan – Cresselia – Thundurus Incarnate

Alejandro Gomez’s UK Nationals Winning Team

Mega Salamence – Primal Groudon – Yveltal – Mega Kangaskhan – Jumpluff – Thundurus Incarnate

Arash Ommati’s Germany Nationals Winning Team

—VERDICT—

 

Mega Salamence is very popular in VGC 2016, which is not without reason. Making full use of Mega Salamence before it makes its retreat will mean the difference.

Mother Box – Metagross Guide for VGC 2016

 

Metagross’ Base Stats of 80 135 130 95 90 70 is considered passable by the standards of VGC 2016. Decent in both offense and defense, able to out-speed the majority of the Restricted Legendaries under Trick Room, with a great array of resistances to boot. When it received the blessing of a Mega Evolution, it was supposed to be a sign of things to come. 80 145 150 105 110 110 is in all fairness, amazingly balanced. Offensively, Mega Metagross packs a huge punch. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Salamence: 196-232 (115.2 – 136.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Xerneas: 204-240 (100.9 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

-1 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 180-212 (109 – 128.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

Mega Metagross is no slouch in the defensive department either. 80 150 110 in bulk, coupled with Steel Type’s high number of resistances, means that it takes a great deal of effort to really hurt Mega Metagross without relying on a Super Effective hit. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

+2 252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Dazzling Gleam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 63-75 (40.3 – 48%) — guaranteed 3HKO

+2 252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 100-118 (64.1 – 75.6%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Sucker Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Metagross: 96-114 (61.5 – 73%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Metagross: 108-128 (69.2 – 82%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

Yet, VGC 2016 was not kind to Mega Metagross. The introduction of Restricted Legendaries like Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon meant a real test for the Iron Leg Pokemon. Unfortunately, Mega Metagross would suffer against these threats if it was trained without defensive investments. The damage calculations are listed below:

 

76+ SpA Primal Kyogre Water Spout (150 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross in Heavy Rain: 169-199 (108.3 – 127.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

76+ SpA Primal Kyogre Origin Pulse vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross in Heavy Rain: 126-148 (80.7 – 94.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

0 SpA Primal Groudon Eruption (150 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross in Harsh Sunshine: 252-296 (161.5 – 189.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

140+ Atk Primal Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Metagross: 144-170 (92.3 – 108.9%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

4 SpA Life Orb Mega Rayquaza Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 198-234 (126.9 – 150%) — guaranteed OHKO

0- Atk Dark Aura Yveltal Foul Play vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Metagross: 168-198 (107.6 – 126.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

4 SpA Dark Aura Yveltal Dark Pulse vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 140-168 (89.7 – 107.6%) — 50% chance to OHKO

 

Metagross is definitely a great Pokemon in its own right, even more so after Mega Evolution. Stats alone, it can perform well as either the team’s Main Force or Rear Guard. With a bit of support, it is not difficult for Mega Metagross to go far in any tournament.

 

—SAMPLE SET—

 

Like Sceptile, Gallade, Blaziken and Gardevoir before it, Whenever you’ve got a Pokemon like Metagross that is almost completely eclipsed by its Mega evolution, the goal then becomes finding something that the normal Form has over its Mega counterpart, no matter how small. This would exist in the form of Item Play.

 

Metagross @ Zoom Lens or Macho Brace
Ability: Clear Body
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
– Hammer Arm
– Ice Punch
– Meteor Mash or Gyro Ball
– Protect

252+ Atk Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Xerneas: 182-216 (90 – 106.9%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Metagross Gyro Ball (112 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Xerneas: 224-266 (110.8 – 131.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Metagross Hammer Arm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 130-154 (71.8 – 85%) — guaranteed 2HKO

+2 252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 118-139 (63.1 – 74.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

This set is meant to fully “utilize” Metagross low Base Speed of 70. Zoom Lens helps make Meteor Mash virtually unmissable, thanks to this Metagross variant’s inability to out-speed opposing Pokemon. Otherwise, Macho Brace helps Metagross snag the crucial OHKO on Xerneas with Gyro Ball.

 

Metagross @ Toxic Orb or Red Card
Ability: Clear Body
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Hammer Arm or Ice Punch
– Iron Head
– Protect
– Trick or Stealth Rock

 

This set is one that, while not really feasible in VGC 2016, still fun to pull off. The first variant relies on Metagross’ inability to get Poisoned to Trick Toxic Orb onto an unsuspecting Pokemon like Cresselia and Thundurus Incarnate. The second variant is more of a surprise gimmick against Xerneas, forcefully nullifying Geomancy, and rather rewarding when executed perfectly. Stealth Rock helps rack up some passive damage on the unfortunate switch in, especially Mega Salamence, Rayquaza, Yveltal, and Thundurus Incarnate.

 

#

 

Like Mega Gallade and Mega Gardevoir before it, Mega Metagross received a sizable improvement to its Base Speed. With that opened up new ways for Mega Metagross to be utilized. Here are some sets to illustrate that:

 

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
Level: 50
EVs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 180 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Hammer Arm or Thunderpunch
– Ice Punch
– Iron Head or Meteor Mash
– Protect

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 180 Def Primal Kyogre: 110-130 (53.1 – 62.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Hammer Arm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 160-190 (88.3 – 104.9%) — 31.3% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 160-190 (103.8 – 123.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

This set is arguably the most efficient variant Mega Metagross can run. Ice Punch and either Iron Head or Meteor Mash works great against Mega Salamence and Xerneas, while also hitting Rayquaza, Thundurus Incarnate, and Landorus Therian. The choice of filler comes down to the coverage the team needs. Hammer Arm has a decent chance of flattening Mega Kangaskhan at the cost of a slightly detrimental Speed drop, while Thunderpunch can be a surprise against Primal Kyogre and Talonflame. 180 Speed EVs are the minimum for Mega Metagross to out-speed Jolly Mega Kangaskhan.

 

—SAMPLE CONSTRUCTION—

 

Mega Metagross – Primal Kyogre – Weavile

 

Mega Metagross is rather decent against Big 6, with Primal Kyogre and its Primordial Seas nullifying Fire Type attacks from Primal Groudon and Talonflame. Weavile helps out by handling Pokemon like Yveltal, Mega Gengar, Thundurus Incarnate, and Landorus Therian. With Fake Out, Weavile can also help Metagross work around the horrendous Base 70 Speed on the turn it goes through Mega Evolution.

 

Mega Metagross – Hydreigon

 

An old core from back in Generation V. Hydreigon resists Metagross’ Weaknesses and vice versa. With Hydreigon being surprisingly impressive against the majority of the Restricted Legendaries, this core can prove to be useful in VGC 2016.

 

—SAMPLE TEAMS—

 

Mega Metagross – Primal Kyogre – Kyurem White – Smeargle – Liepard – Talonflame

Julio Palafox’s Top 8 Mexico Regionals Team

Metagross – Primal Groudon – Xerneas – Mega Gengar – Sableye – Whimsicott

Shisir L.’s Top 8 Brisbane Regionals Team

 

—VERDICT—

 

Metagross, especially after Mega Evolution, is always a great addition to any team. However, VGC 2016 was not kind to it. As a Steel Type, it faces stiff competition from Mawile for the team’s Mega Evolution. It is also behind Dialga, Scizor, Bronzong, and Ferrothorn in the pecking order. Hence, while rewarding, it may be hard to justify Metagross’ place in the team.

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