Mega Manectric Analysis for Ultra Series (VGC 2019)

 

OVERVIEW

 

Mega Evolution has made Manectric a lot more viable in VGC, thanks to Intimidate and a significant boost to its Base Speed. This allows it to function admirably as a support, with Intimidate and Snarl crippling both foes’ damage output and Volt Switch for board positioning. In a metagame with obscene Base Stats, such tools can prove highly valuable for damage control. This article seeks to explore how one would construct a Mega Manectric set for usage in Ultra Series.

 

MOVES

 

1. Volt Switch

   • In terms of Electric Type STAB, the main difference that Mega Evolution brings is the rise in viability of Volt Switch. It enables the cycling of Intimidate and board positioning, while still doing significant damage to the likes of Primal Kyogre and Yveltal. The utility that Volt Switch provides overrides that of Thunder, which should only be considered if players intend to hit the aforementioned threats without having to switch out and let the incoming ally take a stray hit.

2. Hidden Power [Water] / [Ice]

   • Hidden Power [Water] works well to catch Primal Groudon, synergizing well with the Primal Kyogre that Manectric is often paired with.
   • Players who fear Mega Salamence and Landorus Therian more can opt to run Hidden Power [Ice] instead.

3. Snarl / Overheat

   • Snarl is mainly used to filter the damage output from opposing Lunala and Ultra Necrozma, with utility against Primal Kyogre and Xerneas a welcome bonus. Coupled with Intimidate and Volt Switch, this turns Manectric into a great option for damage control.
   • Running Overheat allows players to punch Grass Type and/or Steel Type foes like Bronzong and Amoonguss extremely hard, with it doing even more damage under Desolate Land. While the Special Attack drop it inflicts on Mega Manectric can nullify its offensive output, players can easily Volt Switch or manually replace Mega Manectric with a better equipped teammate. Players do need to note that Primordial Sea can and will mess with Overheat while active.

4. Protect

   • While Intimidate and Snarl helps to mitigate the problems caused by Mega Manectric’s low bulk, it is still highly susceptible to Fake Out and unfiltered Z Moves. This is where Protect comes in handy, with it also capable of scouting for opposing Choice Scarf holders like Tapu Lele.

 

HOLD ITEM

 

Manectite is the only option available for Mega Manectric.

 

SETS

 

Manectric-Mega @ Manectite
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 12 HP / 84 Def / 188 SpA / 4 SpD / 220 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 1 Atk
– Hidden Power [Water]
– Protect
– Snarl
– Volt Switch

 

Standard Mega Manectric set. The EVs given allow Mega Manectric to outspeed Mega Gengar and Tapu Koko, OHKO 252 HP 60 SpD Primal Groudon with Hidden Power [Water] under Primordial Sea, and survive Earth Power from 4 SpA Mega Rayquaza. Players do need to note that they would be better off with a Lightningrod Manectric so that there is more utility for the Discharge Pokemon before Mega Evolution.

 

EV BENCHMARKS

 

Speed

220 Spe EVs -> Outspeed Mega Gengar and Tapu Koko

 

Defense

-1 252+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 120-144 (82.7 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252+ Atk Incineroar Malicious Moonsault vs. 4 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 123-145 (84.2 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 4 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 76 Def Mega Manectric: 41-48 (28.2 – 33.1%) — guaranteed 4HKO

-1 132 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 156 Def Mega Manectric: 41-48 (28.2 – 33.1%) — guaranteed 4HKO

 

252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Manectric in Electric Terrain: 56-66 (38.6 – 45.5%) — guaranteed 3HKO

-1 252+ SpA Primal Kyogre Origin Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Manectric in Heavy Rain: 118-141 (81.3 – 97.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 4 SpA Life Orb Mega Rayquaza Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Manectric: 120-143 (82.7 – 98.6%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 4 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric in Psychic Terrain: 123-145 (84.2 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252 SpA Neuroforce Ultra Necrozma Earth Power vs. 4 HP / 12 SpD Mega Manectric: 122-145 (83.5 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 44 SpD Mega Manectric: 123-145 (84.2 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

4 SpA Mega Rayquaza Earth Power vs. 12 HP / 84 SpD Mega Manectric: 124-146 (84.3 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252 SpA Lunala Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom vs. 4 HP / 124 SpD Mega Manectric: 123-145 (84.2 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

Offense

20 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primal Kyogre: 72-86 (34.7 – 41.5%) — guaranteed 3HKO

60 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Lele: 49-58 (33.5 – 39.7%) — guaranteed 3HKO

60 SpA Mega Manectric Thunder vs. 236 HP / 236+ SpD Incineroar: 67-79 (33.5 – 39.5%) — guaranteed 3HKO

100 SpA Mega Manectric Snarl vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Gengar: 46-56 (34 – 41.4%) — guaranteed 3HKO

188 SpA Mega Manectric Hidden Power Water vs. 252 HP / 60 SpD Primal Groudon in Heavy Rain: 212-252 (102.4 – 121.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

188 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 4 HP / 4 SpD Yveltal: 120-144 (59.4 – 71.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

188 SpA Mega Manectric Snarl vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Lunala: 88-108 (41.3 – 50.7%) — 0.4% chance to 2HKO

188 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko in Electric Terrain: 56-66 (38.3 – 45.2%) — guaranteed 3HKO

188 SpA Mega Manectric Snarl vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Ultra Necrozma: 48-58 (27.7 – 33.5%) — Miniscule chance to 3HKO

188 SpA Mega Manectric Snarl vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Shadow Shield Lunala: 44-54 (20.6 – 25.3%) — Miniscule chance to 4HKO

212 SpA Mega Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 168-200 (101.8 – 121.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

228 SpA Mega Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Salamence: 172-204 (101.1 – 120%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Mega Manectric Thunder vs. 4 HP / 4 SpD Yveltal: 198-234 (98 – 115.8%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Mega Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 144-172 (80 – 95.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Mega Manectric Thunder vs. 252 HP / 44 SpD Incineroar: 102-120 (50.4 – 59.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 252 HP / 44 SpD Incineroar: 64-76 (31.6 – 37.6%) — 87.1% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 236 HP / 236+ SpD Incineroar: 49-58 (24.5 – 29%) — 99.1% chance to 4HKO

 

COUNTERS AND CHECKS

 

Mega Rayquaza

 

Mega Manectric can’t threaten Mega Rayquaza without Hidden Power [Ice], which would deprive the former a valuable asset against Primal Groudon. Even when equipped with Hidden Power [Ice], Manectric isn’t necesssarily better off since Delta Stream cuts the damage taken. While Mega Manectric can survive Earth Power from Mega Rayquaza, assuming that the latter does not carry a boosting Hold Item like Life Orb, and that isn’t enough to prevent the Discharge Pokemon from going down to ExtremeSpeed on the following turn.

 

Amoonguss

 

While Amoonguss cannot stop Mega Manectric from switching out via Volt Switch, it can incapacitate the incoming Pokemon with Spore. In terms of dealing damage, Amoonguss can use Rage Powder to redirect any moves from Mega Manectric (bar Snarl), with it resisting most of the Discharge Pokemon’s arsenal. While Overheat under Desolate Land can threaten the KO after a bit of prior chip damage, Overheat is not too popular on Mega Manectric and is nullified by Primordial Sea, reducing its reliability.

 

Ultra Necrozma

 

Mega Evolution might allow Manectric to outspeed Ultra Necrozma, but the best it can do is to delay the inevitable through Snarl and pray that the opponent does not intend to target it with Light That Burns the Sky. It does improve an ally’s odds against the signature Z Move, and reduce its damage output overall.

 

TEAMMATES

 

Primal Kyogre

 

Lightningrod on regular Manectric helps shield Primal Kyogre from powerful hits like Thunder and Gigavolt Havoc, so careful timing of Mega Evolution is key to the synergy between these two Pokemon. After Mega Evolution, Mega Manectric can use Snarl in tandem with Intimidate to reduce the damage Primal Kyogre would take from hits, improving the latter’s longevity. In return, Primal Kyogre helps massacre opposing Ground Type Pokemon like Landorus Therian, or foes like Mega Salamence and Ultra Necrozma with Ice Beam.

Solgaleo

 

Mega Manectric’s efficiency at dealing with Yveltal (and Primal Groudon with the help of Primal Kyogre) makes it a great ally to Solgaleo, who is highly vulnerable to the aforementioned threat(s). In return, Solgaleo makes up for Mega Manectric’s inadequacy against Xerneas with its STAB Sunsteel Strike.

 

Tapu Fini

 

Intimidate and Snarl combined help to make Tapu Fini even harder to eliminate, while the Alolan Guardian can further increment the team’s bulkiness through Light Screen. With Nature’s Madness, it makes bulkier foes easier to KO with Volt Switch, Thunder, or any other Mega Manectric’s coverage options.

 

 

Manectric Analysis for Ultra Series (VGC 2019)

 

OVERVIEW

 

Regular Manectric has, for most of VGC history, been relegated to niche category, mostly featured in mono Electric teams. While Mega Evolution saw it claim a spot on the finalist’s team back in VGC 2016, it has since seen a stark drop to its popularity as Generation VII introduced two very useful metagame forces to squash the number of roles that it can fill. Yet, it is not all doom and gloom for regular Manectric, as its Hold Item flexibility allows it to play in a much different role to its Mega counterpart. This article seeks to explore the optimal way to construct a regular Manectric set for usage in Ultra Series, with a separate follow-up article to cover Mega Manectric.

 

MOVES

 

1. Thunder / Volt Switch

   • Thunder works well with the Primordial Sea that Manectric usually operates under to deal massive damage, securing a clean 2HKO on 252 HP Primal Kyogre. Choice Specs helps allow it to 2HKO even Assault Vest Yveltal, which is rather impressive for a Pokemon of regular Manectric’s calibre.
   • If players do not have confidence of maintaining Primordial Sea, they could opt for Volt Switch instead for better pivoting. It may not be as useful as it would be after Mega Evolution since it lacks Intimidate, but it still provides valuable fast switch to establish favorable field conditions for a partner.

2. Hidden Power [Water] / [Ice]

   • Hidden Power [Water] works well to catch Primal Groudon, with Expert Belt sufficient to provide the power boost necessary to OHKO bulkier builds, synergizing well with the Primal Kyogre that Manectric is often paired with.
   • Players who fear Mega Salamence and Landorus Therian more can opt to run Hidden Power [Ice] instead.

3. Overheat / Roar

   • Running Overheat allows players to punch Grass Type and/or Steel Type foes like Bronzong and Amoonguss extremely hard, with it doing even more damage under Desolate Land. While the Special Attack drop it inflicts on Manectric can nullify its offensive output, players can easily Volt Switch or manually replace Manectric with a better equipped teammate. Players do need to note that Primordial Sea can and will mess with Overheat while active.
   • This slot is also the slot that players can drop in order to run a supportive move like Roar, which helps to deny the setting up of Geomancy and Trick Room.

4. Protect

   • Manectric variants that do not carry a Choice Item or Assault Vest are highly recommended to bring Protect, owing to Manectric’s poor bulk. It is also useful at scouting out for Choice Scarf and warding off Fake Out.

 

HOLD ITEM

 

Regular Manectric relies largely on Lightningrod to provide it with the power necessary to start dealing massive damage. However, because the attainment of these boosts is unreliable or not viable, players are not recommended to waste restricted Hold Items like Z Crystals on Manectric. Volt Switch variants have an additional complication of being arguably incompatible with Terrain Seeds. As such, more crude choices like Expert Belt, Life Orb, and Magnet serve as Manectric’s better options.

 

SETS

 

Manectric @ Expert Belt
Ability: Lightning Rod
Level: 50
EVs: 12 HP / 68 Def / 204 SpA / 4 SpD / 220 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Hidden Power [Water] / [Ice]
– Overheat / Roar
– Protect
– Thunder / Volt Switch

 

Standard Manectric set, with players free to pick and choose whichever Hold Item that catches their eye. The EVs given allow Manectric to outspeed Mega Kangaskhan, OHKO 252 HP 60 SpD Primal Groudon with Hidden Power [Water] under Primordial Sea (w/ Expert Belt, and survive an Earthquake from -1 Jolly Landorus Therian.

 

EV BENCHMARKS

 

Speed

220 Spe EVs -> Outspeed Mega Kangaskhan

 

Defense

4 Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Manectric: 115-136 (79.3 – 93.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Mega Rayquaza Dragon Ascent vs. 0 HP / 20 Def Manectric: 122-144 (84.1 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 52 Def Manectric: 61-72 (42 – 49.6%) — guaranteed 3HKO

-1 252 Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 12 HP / 68 Def Manectric: 122-146 (82.9 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252+ Atk Incineroar Malicious Moonsault vs. 4 HP / 164 Def Manectric: 123-145 (84.2 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

252 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Manectric: 49-58 (33.7 – 40%) — guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Manectric: 102-121 (70.3 – 83.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Manectric: 114-135 (78.6 – 93.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 12 HP / 0 SpD Manectric: 61-73 (41.4 – 49.6%) — guaranteed 3HKO

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 60 SpD Manectric: 123-145 (84.2 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

Offense

92 SpA Manectric Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross in Harsh Sun: 158-186 (101.2 – 119.2%) — guaranteed OHKO

148 SpA Manectric Overheat vs. 252 HP / 36+ SpD Ferrothorn: 184-220 (101.6 – 121.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

164 SpA Manectric Hidden Power Water vs. 236 HP / 236+ SpD Incineroar in Heavy Rain: 68-80 (34 – 40%) — guaranteed 3HKO

180 SpA Manectric Hidden Power Water vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Stakataka in Heavy Rain: 86-102 (51.1 – 60.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

188 SpA Manectric Thunder vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primal Kyogre: 104-126 (50.2 – 60.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

196 SpA Manectric Thunder vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko in Electric Terrain: 73-87 (50 – 59.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

236 SpA Manectric Thunder vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Crobat: 192-228 (100 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Manectric Thunder vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Lele: 73-87 (50 – 59.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Manectric Thunder vs. 236 HP / 236+ SpD Incineroar: 64-76 (32 – 38%) — 93.2% chance to 3HKO

 

0 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross in Harsh Sun: 173-204 (110.8 – 130.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

0 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Hidden Power Water vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Stakataka in Heavy Rain: 86-103 (51.1 – 61.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

12 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Thunder vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Primal Kyogre: 108-130 (52.1 – 62.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

36 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Thunder vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Crobat: 194-230 (101 – 119.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

180 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Hidden Power Water vs. 252 HP / 60 SpD Primal Groudon in Heavy Rain: 211-250 (101.9 – 120.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

212 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 168-202 (101.8 – 122.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Thunder vs. 4 HP / 4 SpD Yveltal: 197-233 (97.5 – 115.3%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 158-187 (92.9 – 110%) — 50% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 144-173 (80 – 96.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Expert Belt Manectric Thunder vs. 252 HP / 76+ SpD Tapu Fini: 137-161 (77.4 – 90.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

180 SpA Life Orb Manectric Thunder vs. 4 HP / 4 SpD Yveltal: 203-242 (100.4 – 119.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

212 SpA Life Orb Manectric Hidden Power Water vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko in Heavy Rain: 73-86 (50 – 58.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO

236 SpA Life Orb Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 172-203 (101.1 – 119.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

244 SpA Life Orb Manectric Overheat vs. 236 HP / 196+ SpD Amoonguss in Harsh Sun: 221-260 (100.9 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Life Orb Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Rayquaza: 156-187 (86.6 – 103.8%) — 18.8% chance to OHKO

 

COUNTERS AND CHECKS

 

Primal Groudon

 

Manectric cannot Volt Switch against Primal Groudon, and lacks the Intimidate to help reduce the Continent Pokemon’s damage output. As such, it doesn’t fancy its chances against Precipice Blades. It is able to OHKO Primal Groudon with Hidden Power [Water] while under Primordial Sea, with its above average Base Speed allowing it to strike before the Restricted Legendary.

 

Mega Rayquaza

 

Manectric can’t threaten Mega Rayquaza without Hidden Power [Ice], which would deprive the former a valuable asset against Primal Groudon. Even when equipped with Hidden Power [Ice], Manectric isn’t necesssarily better off since Delta Stream cuts the damage taken. The Sky High Pokemon has none of these worries, with Earth Power an easy OHKO on Manectric, which is slower before Mega Evolution.

 

Ultra Necrozma

 

Manectric lacks the raw Speed its Mega Evolution counterpart boasts to outspeed Ultra Necrozma, meaning that the Restricted Legendary is able to finish off the Discharge Pokemon before it can either Volt Switch into safety or cripple its offenses with Snarl.

 

TEAMMATES

 

Primal Kyogre

 

Manectric’s main selling point lies in Lightningrod, which is useful at shielding an allied Primal Kyogre from Electric Type moves like Thunder and Gigavolt Havoc. In return, Primal Kyogre helps to smash Ground Type foes like Primal Groudon and Landorus Therian. Its Primordial Sea is also important at suppressing Delta Stream and allowing Hidden Power [Ice] to actually hurt Mega Rayquaza.

Yveltal

 

Manectric’s Lightningrod benefits Yveltal in the same manner it does with Primal Kyogre, though the Discharge Pokemon does not have much in its arsenal to deal with Xerneas outside of Roar, which itself only works at phazing out the Restricted Legendary. Yveltal provides more support for Manectric through Dark Type STAB against Ultra Necrozma and acting as a switch in on Ground Type moves.

 

Tapu Fini

 

Tapu Fini appreciates Lightningrod support to further compress its vulnerabilities, while returning the favor through Nature’s Madness, which brings bulkier targets within KO range of Thunder or any of Manectric’s coverage moves. Tapu Fini’s access to Scald allows players to drop Hidden Power [Water] for Hidden Power [Ice], and rely on fast Volt Switch to bring in Primal Kyogre to punch Primal Groudon. Additionally, Tapu Fini can also use Haze to remove Geomancy boosts and Overheat drops, eliminating the need for Manectric to carry Roar.

VGC 2019 Tier List

Ultra Series has already been in play for just over one month, and the metagame has largely settled to the point where a generic tier list can be made out of the format. This article shall be the first of its kind on this site, as we look into what constitutes the different viability tiers.

The tier ranking explanations are as follows: Premier Tier, A Tier, B Tier, and C Tier. The Premier Tier will consist of Pokemon that are clearly a mark above the rest. A Tier corresponds to highly efficient metagame Pokemon, that, while powerful and effective, doesn’t carry the same influence as those above it. B Tier Pokemon are those that aren’t as immediately powerful, but can still hold their own in a team that either benefits off its utility or can support it adequately. Lastly, C Tier is mainly meant for less viable or niche Pokemon that require a lot more team support like dedicated Trick Room to make it work.

Do note that any tier list is subject to shifts across the metagame and is almost impossible to completely prevent bias. That said, this list seeks to be as objective as possible. Readers are highly encouraged to provide constructive criticism in the comments as to which Pokemon should get a different ranking.

Premier Tier

 

Restricted Legendaries

• Xerneas
  • Xerneas, barring a seismic shift to the Type Effectiveness chart, is still undoubtedly the Pokemon that all teams have to come prepared for, with Geomancy allowing it to steamroll through unprepared opposing teams. Many strong teams with high tournament placings have 2 or 3 Pokemon equipped with skills to either deny or rid the Life Pokemon’s Geomancy boosts.
• Primal Kyogre
  • A behemoth from VGC 2016 that is back to cause trouble for any teams that intend to rely on Primal Groudon. In fact, it is this Weather War between the two Primals that has made Speed control and board positioning extremely valuable in this format. It’s Primordial Sea is one of the only ways to remove Desolate Land and Delta Stream, boosting its Water Type STAB that many players call upon to eliminate Incineroar and Primal Groudon.
• Primal Groudon
  • A Pokemon that, when paired with Xerneas, grants the player with near perfect coverage, with the combination of Fire Type and Ground Type STAB sufficient to eliminate all those that resist Xerneas’ Moonblast. It is also one of the few Restricted Legendaries to carry a Type resistance to Xerneas’s STAB. The combination of Swords Dance and Gravity allows it to sweep through even prepared teams.
• Mega Rayquaza
  • The one and only Pokemon that players call upon to lift the effects of Desolate Land. The flexibility of Hold Item choice as a Restricted Legendary that has access to Mega Evolution makes it a very scary proposition, with players able to either further increment its damage output or give it more bulk and survivability. Dragon Ascent, Earth Power, and ExtremeSpeed off equally high Base Attack and Special Attack allows it to hit a multitude of threats in the metagame.

Mega Pokemon

• Mega Salamence
  • The one Mega option not named Rayquaza that is worth it’s placing in the Premier Tier. Immunity to Precipice Blades, Intimidate before Mega Evolution, high damage output on both ends with Draco Meteor and Aerilate boosted Double Edge, all make it a ferocious foe. It shares similar coverage to Mega Rayquaza without taking up a Restricted Legendary slot and is equally useful as a Tailwind setter.

Regular Pokemon

• Amoonguss
  • One of, if not the best support Pokemon that has survived the test of time ever since its introduction. It is great under Trick Room, carrying Clear Smog and Grass Knot to deal with Xerneas and Primal Kyogre respectively. The combination of Spore and Rage Powder can disrupt the opponent’s plan greatly, with it exerting a lot of pressure just through its existence on the team.
• Incineroar
  • Hands down one of the most all rounded Pokemon in VGC. Intimidate, Fake Out, slow U Turn, Snarl, combined with powerful moves like Malicious Moonsalt and Flare Blitz, allow Incineroar to pull off a variety of roles for one’s team.
• Tapu Fini
  • A great support Pokemon with a plethora of options to support the team. Nature’s Madness breaks down bulky foes, Haze removes all unwanted Stat changes, Icy Wind provides Speed control, Scald synergizes well with Air Lock to quickly eliminate Primal Groudon, and Light Screen to filter the damage taken from Special hits.

 

A Tier

 

Restricted Legendaries

• Yveltal
  • A strong presence thanks to the introduction of the Light Trio, with Darkium Z synergizing well with Dark Aura boosted STAB. It doesn’t do so well against Xerneas and the Alolan Guardians, and isn’t defining enough to make it into the Premier Tier.
• Lunala
  • A Pokemon that makes it into A Tier due to an immensely powerful signature Z Move in Menacing Moonraze Maelstrom, as well as signature Ability in Shadow Shield. It is usually played as a secondary powerhouse, which costs it a place in Premier Tier. Another factor that counts against it is its weakness to Incineroar, since the Heel Pokemon shrugs off pretty much everything that Lunala can muster.
• Ultra Necrozma
  • Another powerful introduction in Generation VII. It’s signature Z Move is immensely powerful when under Psychic Terrain. Earth Power helps to hit Incineroar, while either Moongeist Beam or Sunsteel Strike can help cover different portions of the metagame. Like Yveltal and Lunala, Ultra Necrozma is unfortunately not dominating enough to warrant placement in the Premier Tier.

Mega Pokemon

• Mega Gengar
  • A Pokemon that misses out on the Premier Tier largely due to Incineroar’s effectiveness in the metagame. The popularity of Choice Scarf Tapu Lele has also affected its viability in the metagame. Its Shadow Tag is still extremely useful as a form of Weather control, with Sludge Bomb and Shadow Ball necessary to hit Xerneas and the Light Trio respectively.

Regular Pokemon

• Bronzong
  • One of the best Trick Room setters of the current metagame. Levitate grants it protection against Precipice Blades, while it can use Skill Swap to regain control of the Weather and pass the immunity to an allied Primal Kyogre or Primal Groudon simultaneously. Psychium Z allows it to abuse a more accurate Hypnosis, or forcefully set up Trick Room against Taunt. Lastly, Gyro Ball helps to cover faster threats like Mega Rayquaza and Xerneas. It fails to enter Premier Tier because it is largely useless under Misty Terrain and after Intimidate.
• Landorus Therian
  • A Pokemon that is saved from obscurity thanks to Groundium Z, and, to a lesser extent, the sheer popularity of Incineroar. Tectonic Rage is an exceptionally strong move against both Primal Groudon and Incineroar, with U Turn working off its unique Base Speed to improve the player’s board position. Its viability is rounded out by Intimidate and immunity to Precipice Blades.
• Tapu Koko
  • Electric Terrain helps to block Spore, with its STAB combination helpful against Mega Salamence, Primal Kyogre, and Mega Rayquaza. Access to fast Taunt helps it shut down Geomancy and Smeargle, while U Turn and Volt Switch helps with pivoting.
• Tapu Lele
  • Psychic Terrain blocks Fake Out, with Choice Scarf variants exceptionally useful against Mega Salamence, Mega Rayquaza, Mega Gengar, Yveltal, and Nihilego.
• Nihilego
  • A Pokemon that does surprisingly well against 5 out of the 8 Premier tier threats, though it doesn’t fare well against the Pokemon it shares this Tier with. It does not go one step higher simply because it is highly dependent on a Z Crystal and/or Beast Boost to start sweeping, and is more of an anti-metagame pick than a format influence behemoth.
• Stakataka
  • Staktaka serves as a great alternative to Bronzong if the team is weak to Yveltal, Incineroar, and Lunala, though players will have to watch out for Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Wide Guard can block spread moves but isn’t able to ward off Scald. STAB Gyro Ball snags Xerneas, while STAB Rock Slide (including Continental Crush) strikes Mega Salamence, Mega Rayquaza, and Incineroar.

 

B Tier

 

Restricted Legendaries

• Solgaleo
  • Solgaleo is actually quite useful against the threats hailing from the Premier Tier, with it only having to worry about Primal Groudon. Its poor matchup against the Restricted Legendaries in A Tier sees it drop down one level.

Mega Pokemon

• Mega Kangaskhan
  • Mega Kangaskhan’s role has changed from VGC 2016, where it still had access to Power Up Punch. With the advent of the Light Trio in Generation VII, Bite has become a surprise pick to exert flinch shenanigans. Fake Out and Double Edge retain their utility from three years ago.
• Mega Sceptile
  • Dragon Pulse, Grass Knot, and Nature Power combine to give Mega Sceptile amazing coverage. Now that Tapu Koko is available, Lightningrod + Discharge spam is even more of an abusable strategy.
• Mega Manectric
  • Mega Manectric getting Intimidate as an Ability after Mega Evolution allows players to cut Primal Groudon and co on the switch, with its coverage options tasty against many of the top threats in VGC 2019.
• Mega Metagross
  • Mega Metagross boasts effective coverage through the combination of Ice Punch, Iron Head, and Stomping Tantrum. Clear Body before Mega Evolution allows it to be led against Incineroar, which it easily 2HKOs with Stomping Tantrum when fresh. While it is good against Mega Salamence, Mega Rayquaza, Xerneas, and the recently “discovered” Nihilego, it poor matchup against Primal Kyogre, Primal Groudon, Yveltal, and Lunala cuts back on its viability.

Regular Pokemon

• Crobat
  • Tailwind setter that is great at denying Geomancy from Xerneas, through the combination of Taunt and Haze. Super Fang is used to quickly whittle down bulky foes that it cannot touch. However, due to its relatively frailness and Super Fang’s shortcomings, Crobat is not as highly rated as Tapu Fini.
• Smeargle
  • Loss of Dark Void, in addition to the introduction of Electric Terrain and Misty Terrain, has made Smeargle a lot less useful as compared to its heyday in VGC 2016. It is still useful for Fake Out, Follow Me, Transform, and other shenanigans to help Xerneas set up Geomancy. However, it is highly vulnerable to Taunt and Haze.
• Ferrothorn
  • Ferrothorn enjoys a great Type combination, but it is too much of a momentum sink to warrant a place in the A Tier. With Kyogre + Xerneas cores no longer as popular in Ultra Series, Ferrothorn’s usefulness has taken a significant hit, especially with Primal Groudon everywhere and its unfortunate 4x weakness to Fire Type moves.
• Tsareena
  • Tsareena keeps everything that it had going for it from Moon Series, like Queenly Majesty to block Fake Out, Helping Hand and Feint support, Power Whip to hurt Primal Kyogre, and U Turn for board positioning. However, the return of Mega Salamence and Mega Rayquaza has led to a huge cut to its stock.
• Togedemaru
  • Raichu’s replacement, with its status as a Steel Type Pokemon arguably providing more pros than cons.
• Celesteela
  • The return of Primal Kyogre has allowed Celesteela to better function in the role it played in VGC 2017, since Primordial Sea eliminates its Weakness to Fire Type moves as long as it is active. Players technically only need to focus on getting rid of foes that threaten this Ultra Beast, then have it Leech Seed and stall out for victory. It is also one of the few Pokemon to be able to sit in against Moonblast and Precipice Blades, though it does need to watch out for Incineroar and Gravity.

 

C Tier

 

Restricted Legendaries

• Ho-Oh
  • Fantastic against Primal Groudon and Xerneas, while being bulky enough to tank hits from Mega Rayquaza and co. With Brave Bird, it hits every Pokemon in the Premier Tier for at least neutral damage. The predicted rise of Nihilego after Europe Internationals is a huge problem since it is 4x weak to STAB Power Gem.
• Kyogre
  • Choice Scarf Kyogre is surprisingly powerful, though heavily reliant on an allied Rayquaza switch in to work against teams that carry Primal Groudon.
• Dialga
  • Great against Mega Salamence and Primal Kyogre, with Trick Room helping to curb the influence of Xerneas. It is also one of the only few viable Trick Room setters to not be weak to the likes of Yveltal, Lunala, and Incineroar. It is rather iffy against Primal Groudon, though it should be able to exert some pressure once Trick Room is up. Not anywhere near consistent enough on its own to climb up from C Tier.

Mega Pokemon

• Mega Mawile
  • A former powerhouse against the Mortality Duo. Incineroar’s popularity has seen its viability take a huge hit, especially now that Earth Power is extremely common on the likes of Mega Rayquaza and Ultra Necrozma. It cannot switch in on anything before Mega Evolution due to its abysmal bulk and relies heavily on Trick Room to function.
• Mega Camerupt
  • A great Pokemon to have for usage under Trick Room, with Sheer Force Earth Power able to OHKO Primal Groudon. Nature Power with adequate support allows it to smash foes like Mega Salamence, Mega Rayquaza, and Ultra Necrozma. However, it is horribly weak to Primal Kyogre and is extremely reliant on Trick Room.

Regular Pokemon

• Alolan Persian
  • Fast support with Fake Out, Foul Play, Parting Shot, and Taunt. It is heavily reliant on a team archetype that has powerful attackers to make up for its abysmal damage output. Choice Scarf Tapu Lele more or less shuts it down.
• Ditto
  • Ditto. Requires extremely skillful play to pull off.
• Shedinja
  • A Pokemon that works better on paper than in actual play. Sunsteel Strike and Moongeist Beam both ignore Wonder Guard, while Incineroar and Amoonguss eliminate it before and after Soak, respectively. It is useful in forcing opponents to bring certain Pokemon to prevent being walled out, however.
• Gothitelle
  • Shadow Tag helps pin in opponent immediately since it does not require Mega Evolution to trigger. It lacks proper damage output on its own and is vulnerable to Yveltal, Incineroar, and Lunala.
• Araquanid
  • Water Bubble allows it to at least 2HKO Incineroar through Intimidate. Leech Life and good Special bulk allow it to face off against Ultra Necrozma. Wide Guard helps to block Precipice Blades to allow an ally to switch in relatively safely against Primal Groudon. It is reliant on Trick Room and favorable Weather to hit Primal Groudon, however. The return of Mega Salamence and Mega Rayquaza has also hurt its viability.
• Kartana
  • A Pokemon that is hurt by its fragility and vulnerability to Intimidate. Despite having obscenely high Base Attack, it does not get good moves to back it up and is checked by Mega Salamence, Mega Rayquaza, and Incineroar.