Month: February 2021

Latias Analysis for Series 8 (VGC 2021)

“They make a small herd of only several members. They rarely make contact with people or other Pokémon. They disappear if they sense enemies.”

OVERVIEW

At first glance, Latias is a bad pick in Series 8. Crowned Zacian and Shadow Rider Calyrex both make short work of the Eon Pokemon. Both of Latias’ STAB have ineffective matchups to common Types. All of these cut into its viability as an offensive presence, with a strong sibling alternative in Latios if players really desire the unique Type combination.

Latias isn’t without value though. Its Base Speed of 110 is pretty good, allowing it to outspeed the likes of Charizard, Nihilego, and Kartana. Its Special Attack is decent, and it has access to a wide variety of coverage moves. Latias is also reasonably bulky on the Special spectrum, synergizing well with Dynamax to allow it to take a few hits.

With the right support, Latias can be used effectively to surprise foes with its reach. It is flexible enough to perform a variety of roles for the team. This differential value can come in handy in team preview to confound the opposition.

SAMPLE SETS

Latias (F) @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 108 HP / 252 SpA / 148 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Draco Meteor / Shadow Ball
– Mystical Fire
– Protect / Air Slash
– Stored Power

Speed Benchmarks:

148 Spe EVs -> Outspeed Shadow Rider Calyrex by 1 after +1

Damage Benchmarks:

+2 252+ SpA Latias Mystical Fire vs. 4 HP / 244 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Kartana: 284-336 (105.1 – 124.4%) — guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Latias Max Mindstorm vs. 252 HP / 100 SpD Amoonguss: 234-276 (105.8 – 124.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Mindstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Venusaur-Gmax: 434-512 (139.1 – 164.1%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Calyrex-Shadow: 234-276 (132.9 – 156.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Flare vs. 220 HP / 20 SpD Zacian-Crowned: 252-298 (129.2 – 152.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Moltres-Galar: 195-229 (117.4 – 137.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 220 HP / 4 SpD Dialga: 232-274 (114.2 – 134.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Mindstorm vs. 68 HP / 28 SpD Dynamax Regieleki: 352-415 (107.3 – 126.5%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Mindstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Landorus-Therian: 174-205 (105.4 – 124.2%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Flare vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Metagross: 316-374 (101.2 – 119.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 177-208 (100.5 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Urshifu-Gmax: 351-414 (99.7 – 117.6%) — 93.8% chance to OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Mindstorm vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Tapu Fini: 171-202 (97.1 – 114.7%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 244 HP / 188+ SpD Incineroar: 192-226 (95.5 – 112.4%) — 75% chance to OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Flare vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Rillaboom-Gmax: 382-450 (92.2 – 108.6%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Charizard-Gmax: 267-315 (86.6 – 102.2%) — 12.5% chance to OHKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Flare vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Metagross: 314-370 (83.9 – 98.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Mindstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Thundurus: 174-205 (56.1 – 66.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252+ SpA Latias Max Wyrmwind vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Kyogre: 177-208 (50.2 – 59%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Defensive Benchmarks:

252 Atk Urshifu-Gmax Wicked Blow vs. 108 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Latias on a critical hit: 228-270 (67.4 – 79.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Gmax Sucker Punch vs. 108 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Latias: 198-234 (58.5 – 69.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Metagross Max Hailstorm vs. 108 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Latias: 168-198 (49.7 – 58.5%) — 99.6% chance to 2HKO

#

252+ SpA Life Orb Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. 108 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Latias: 151-179 (44.6 – 52.9%) — 23.8% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Kyogre Max Hailstorm vs. 108 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Latias: 134-158 (39.6 – 46.7%) — guaranteed 3HKO

An offensive Latias spread meant for usage alongside Pheromosa. The Lissome Pokemon, which is 1 point faster than Shadow Rider Calyrex, is to Fling a Salac Berry on Latias and trigger its Weakness Policy. The Salac Berry would then activate on Latias, giving it a +1 boost to its Speed. This boost then helps Latias outspeed and KO Crowned Zacian and Shadow Rider Calyrex.

Stored Power serves as the strongest Psychic Type STAB available to Weakness Policy Latias, tapping on the boosts from both Weakness Policy and the Salac Berry. Its damage mechanism would see it synergize well with Air Slash, one of the more reliable ways to boost Latias’ stat (as Max Airstream).

Mystical Fire is an absolute staple for its coverage against Steel Type foes like Kartana and Crowned Zacian, which leaves very few moves left to fit popular moves like Draco Meteor, Protect, Air Slash, Shadow Ball, or other coverage options to help out the team.

Latias @ Mago Berry
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 164 HP / 92 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
– Helping Hand
– Icy Wind / Tailwind
– Mystical Fire
– Psyshock

Damage Benchmarks:

44 SpA Latias Psyshock vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 186-218 (100.5 – 117.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
92 SpA Latias Mystical Fire vs. 4 HP / 244 SpD Assault Vest Kartana: 116-140 (85.9 – 103.7%) — 18.8% chance to OHKO
92 SpA Latias Psyshock vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Venusaur-Gmax: 126-150 (80.7 – 96.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO
244 SpA Latias Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Nihilego: 216-254 (100 – 117.5%) — guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Latias Mystical Fire vs. 4 HP / 244 SpD Assault Vest Kartana: 132-156 (97.7 – 115.5%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Latias Psyshock vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Venusaur-Gmax: 144-170 (92.3 – 108.9%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

A Japanese Latias set from Series 7 that is slightly better attuned for supporting the team. Icy Wind is a great measure of Speed control that breaks Focus Sash, though players could opt for Tailwind instead. Helping Hand helps improve its ally’s damage output. The last two moves are meant for dealing with Nihilego and Kartana.

TEAMMATES

Tyranitar / Incineroar

Tyranitar and Incineroar are two Dark Type Pokemon that fare pretty well against the Pokemon that threaten Latias. Each provides slightly different benefits that players can shape to fit their teams’ needs.

Tyranitar brings with it Sand Stream to override Drought upon switch-in. This would then deny Venusaur the capability to outspeed and incapacitate Latias with Sleep Powder. Tyranitar’s Rock Type STAB is also wonderful against specific threats like Galarian Moltres and Yveltal. The Armor Pokemon is itself a popular candidate for the Weakness Policy, and Latias is great as a support. Mystical Fire helps chunk the likes of Kartana, while Ally Switch allows players to let Latias take an incoming Fighting Type or Ground Type move.

Incineroar brings incredible utility to the table with Intimidate, Fake Out, and Parting Shot. Flare Blitz helps finish off weakened Steel Type adversaries. It does not share a weakness to Fairy Type moves like Tyranitar does with Latias, though it retains fantastic coverage against Ghost Type foes like Shadow Rider Calyrex. It is also capable of learning moves like Taunt to deny Trick Room, which is detrimental to a fast Pokemon like Latias.

Dialga / Crowned Zacian

Latias does have quite a bit of Type Weaknesses, which means that it doesn’t exactly pair well with the Restricted Legendary Pokemon that would amplify this shortcoming. Of those who don’t share the same vulnerabilities, Dialga and Crowned Zacian take top billing.

Dialga is a fantastic bulky behemoth whose Type Weaknesses are resisted by Latias. It is a known carrier of Trick Room, which provides the team with a powerful Plan B when facing opposing Tailwind. Max Steelspike and Max Quake are two fantastic options to buff the allied board’s bulk, which Latias greatly appreciate out of Dynamax. In return, the Eon Pokemon offers support in the form of Helping Hand, Heal Pulse, or even Ally Switch.

Crowned Zacian, on the other hand, doesn’t compete with Latias for the precious Dynamax slot, making it a great late game sweeper after Latias has done its job. Intrepid Sword aids it in its job against an opposition that has likely exhausted most resources, while Behemoth Blade is nasty against foes who’ve managed to save their Dynamax.

Pheromosa / Alcremie

Two candidates that players could consider to bolster Latias’ damage output. While Comfey is a great choice, the duo featured in this section offers something that Comfey lacks.

Pheromosa is the fastest Fling user, and the only one who reliably outspeeds fast snipers like Ghost Rider Calyrex and Crowned Zacian. This makes it the best option for a Fling Salac Berry strategy that Latias needs to gain the initial outspeed against the aforementioned threats.

Alcremie, on the other hand, offers Sweet Veil and Decorate. Sweet Veil nullifies Sleep shenanigans, eliminating the one move that opposing Venusaur can “threaten” Latias with. Decorate, on the other hand, offers the same boost as Weakness Policy, which frees up the Hold Item slot on Latias. This allows Latias to run a bulky spread with the Assault Vest, while still retaining high levels of firepower. Decorate is also reusable, unlike the Weakness Policy, though it can be stopped by Fake Out and/or redirection.

CHECKS & COUNTERS

Grimmsnarl

Grimmsnarl, well known for providing Prankster Screens support, is immune to Latias’ STAB combination. Spirit Break lowers Latias’ Special Attack while dealing super effective damage to the Eon Pokemon. Latias has to rely on team support to quickly eliminate Grimmsnarl before the latter completely nullifies Latias’ damage output.

Single Strike Urshifu

Choice Band Wicked Blow OHKOs moderately bulky Latias through Dynamax. While the Wushu Pokemon is slower, the opposition can easily curb Latias through either Electroweb or Tailwind.

Ice Rider Calyrex

Ice Rider Calyrex’s ridiculous bulk makes it hard to outright KO, especially so while it is in Dynamax. Latias is no exception. As a Pokemon who is weak to Ice Type moves, Latias dreads the duel with the High King Pokemon. Ice Rider Calyrex is also commonly seen with Trick Room, which is a field condition that reverses Latias’ Speed advantage.

Metagross Analysis for Series 8 (VGC 2021)

“Metagross has four brains that are joined by a complex neural network. As a result of integration, this Pokémon is smarter than a supercomputer.”

OVERVIEW

Budget Solgaleo. Despite that seemingly derogatory label, Metagross is still a scarily powerful Pokemon that players should not underestimate. While it may have mediocre Base Special Defense and Speed, smart players will definitely be able to make up for these statistical shortcomings. Most importantly, running Metagross instead of Solgaleo free up the team’s sole Restricted Legendary slot to ideally encourage a better team composition. Ignore the Iron Leg Pokemon to one’s own peril.

SAMPLE SETS

Metagross @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Clear Body
Level: 50
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature / Brave Nature
– Ice Punch / Rock Slide / Thunder Punch
– Meteor Mash / Iron Head / Steel Roller
– Protect
– Stomping Tantrum

Damage Benchmarks:

+2 0 Atk Metagross Stomping Tantrum vs. 68 HP / 148 Def Regieleki: 196-232 (119.5 – 141.4%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 Atk Metagross Stomping Tantrum vs. 68 HP / 148 Def Regieleki through Reflect: 159-187 (96.9 – 114%) — 81.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Metagross Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Rillaboom-Gmax: 192-228 (92.7 – 110.1%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Urshifu-Gmax: 159-187 (90.3 – 106.2%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Metagross Max Quake vs. 68 HP / 148 Def Regieleki: 170-202 (103.6 – 123.1%) — guaranteed OHKO
236 Atk Metagross Max Hailstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Landorus-Therian: 332-392 (100.6 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 Atk Metagross Max Quake vs. 220 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 224-264 (114.8 – 135.3%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 Atk Metagross Max Hailstorm vs. 252 HP / 156+ Def Amoonguss: 250-296 (113.1 – 133.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 Atk Metagross Max Hailstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Thundurus: 338-398 (109 – 128.3%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 Atk Metagross Max Steelspike vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Urshifu-Gmax: 189-223 (107.3 – 126.7%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 68 Atk Metagross Max Hailstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Venusaur-Gmax: 312-368 (100 – 117.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 156 Atk Metagross Max Hailstorm vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Rillaboom-Gmax through Reflect: 208-245 (100.4 – 118.3%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 228 Atk Metagross Max Quake vs. 244 HP / 68 Def Incineroar through Reflect: 201-237 (100 – 117.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 Atk Metagross Max Hailstorm vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Moltres-Galar: 332-392 (100 – 118%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 Atk Metagross Max Quake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Kyogre: 166-196 (94.3 – 111.3%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

Defensive Benchmarks:

252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Gmax Wicked Blow vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Metagross on a critical hit: 252-296 (80.7 – 94.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Groudon Max Quake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Metagross: 236-278 (75.6 – 89.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Groudon Precipice Blades vs. 204 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Metagross: 152-180 (41.9 – 49.7%) — guaranteed 3HKO

#

252 SpA Dark Aura Yveltal Max Darkness vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Dynamax Metagross: 314-372 (83.9 – 99.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

A Weakness Policy Metagross set that has remained largely unchanged since its “debut” in VGC 2017. The primary source of variance now lies in the slot usually reserved for Ice Punch, with viable alternatives like Rock Slide and Thunder Punch proving valuable to cover different threats.

Ice Punch’s biggest use largely lies in the coverage it gets against Grass Type and Ground Type foes, especially Landorus Therian, which takes 4x super effective damage from it. Rock Slide is meant to deal specifically with airborne Fire Type threats like Charizard and Heat Rotom. Meanwhile, Thunder Punch snags bulky Water Type Pokemon like Kyogre and Tapu Fini, while denying Spore shenanigans when used as Max Lightning.

Metagross’s mediocre Speed makes it a decent proposition under Trick Room since it allows the Iron Leg Pokemon to outspeed faster threats like Solgaleo and Crowned Zacian consistently. In that case, players could opt to run Brave Metagross with minimal Speed investment.

TEAMMATES

Dusclops / Mimikyu

It’d be a folly to run Weakness Policy Metagross without packing something to reliably trigger it. While not the first candidates that spring to mind, Dusclops and Mimikyu offer valuable tech. Both are naturally immune to Fake Out (bar Scrappy) and carry Shadow Sneak to help outrun faster foes.

Dusclops offers Ally Switch and Trick Room, two important assets for players intending to run Brave Metagross. The former is a decent way to bring Metagross out of harm’s way from certain Max Moves, like G Max Wildfire. While the duo may amplify the team’s weakness to Dark Type and Ghost Type moves, players can get around this shortcoming with careful play.

Mimikyu is a rather niche pick, but a valuable one. Its unique STAB combination is great against the Dark Type and Ghost Type threats to Metagross, making it a decent secondary Dynamax option. Its key niche is Copycat, which allows Mimikyu to return to sender steal an Astral Barrage from Ghost Rider Calyrex.

Incineroar / Yveltal

Incineroar’s role as Metagross’ partner is to help filter the damage dealt by Physical moves through Intimidate, as well as a sponge for Dark Type and Ghost Type moves that heavily threaten the Iron Leg Pokemon. Yveltal is the more offensive option, though it can still use Snarl to help bolster Metagross’ weaker Special bulk. Both Dark Type Pokemon are great against Shadow Rider Calyrex and Metagross/Solgaleo mirrors.

Tapu Fini

For all of Metagross’ offensive powers, it can easily be neutered by a well-timed Will O Wisp, or even an untimely Spore. This is where Misty Terrain support becomes necessary. Tapu Fini’s STAB combination allows it to handle Fire, Ground, and Dark Type threats to Metagross. In return, Metagross serves as a fantastic switch in against Rillaboom and Poison Type moves.

CHECKS & COUNTERS

Charizard

Charizard easily melts Metagross with its obscene levels of firepower, thanks to multiple layers of damage modifiers in its favor. Metagross’ common moves don’t faze the Flame Pokemon, unless it happens to carry the uncommon Rock Slide. Even then, Charizard is naturally faster, immune to Bulldoze, so it can be difficult for Metagross to land the hit first without team support.

Yveltal

As a Psychic Type Pokemon, Yveltal serves as one of Metagross’ worst nightmares, considering that Dark Aura boosted STAB can punch straight through the Iron Leg Pokemon. Like Charizard, it is immune to Bulldoze, and can even capitalize on Metagross’ Weakness Policy boost to floor it with Foul Play. The Destruction Pokemon can also survive +2 Max Hailstorm through Dynamax and trigger its own Weakness Policy for the following turn.

Shadow Rider Calyrex

Shadow Rider Calyrex ‘s high Base Special Attack allows it to OHKO (with the help of the Life Orb) Dynamax Metagross with Max Phantasm, unless the latter is carrying the Assault Vest. Even Astral Barrage is a scary proposition since the High King Pokemon is commonly seen with and supported by Helping Hand Indeedee F.

Salamence Analysis for Series 8 (VGC 2021)

“After many long years, its cellular structure underwent a sudden mutation to grow wings. When angered, it loses all thought and rampages out of control.”

OVERVIEW

It honestly isn’t a good time to be Salamence right now. Without Mega Evolution and Aerilate, its raw hide is really put to the test against the Restricted Legendary Pokemon dominating the format. This is before mentioning the presence of Crowned Zacian, a behemoth that more or less chews up Salamence.

Yet, Salamence is still a valuable pseudo Legendary in its own right. Intimidate is a good defensive tool, while it has a natural immunity to Ground Type moves. Add this to Dragon Type’s Type Resistances, and the Dragon Pokemon suddenly becomes a decent Sun counter.

Salamence is arguably versatile enough to pull off different sets, so long as players manage to fit its strengths onto their teams. While Salamence is still slightly niche, it is definitely worth an exploratory shot.

SAMPLE SETS

Salamence @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Moxie
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Dual Wingbeat
– Earthquake
– Protect
– Rock Slide

Damage Benchmarks:

252 Atk Salamence Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Urshifu-Gmax: 230-272 (130.6 – 154.5%) — guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Salamence Max Quake vs. 68 HP / 148 Def Regieleki: 206-244 (125.6 – 148.7%) — guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Salamence Max Rockfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Charizard-Gmax: 376-444 (122 – 144.1%) — guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Salamence Max Airstream vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Rillaboom-Gmax: 252-296 (121.7 – 142.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Salamence Max Rockfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Moltres-Galar: 168-198 (101.2 – 119.2%) — guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Salamence Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Venusaur-Gmax: 266-314 (85.2 – 100.6%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Salamence Max Quake vs. 220 HP / 4 Def Zacian-Crowned: 136-160 (69.7 – 82%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Salamence Max Rockfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Thundurus: 204-240 (65.8 – 77.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252 Atk Salamence Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Landorus-Therian: 84-99 (50.9 – 60%) — guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252 Atk Salamence Max Quake vs. 244 HP / 68 Def Incineroar: 102-122 (50.7 – 60.6%) — guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Salamence Max Rockfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Thundurus: 304-358 (98 – 115.4%) — 87.5% chance to OHKO

Defensive Benchmarks:

252 SpA Kyogre Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Salamence: 272-324 (79.5 – 94.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Solar Power Charizard-Gmax G-Max Wildfire vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Salamence in Sun: 172-203 (50.2 – 59.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Wildfire damage

A Salamence set designed specifically to counter the current iteration of Sun. Safety Goggles nullifies the effects of Sleep Powder (from Venusaur), as well as Spore and Rage Powder from Amoonguss. It does mean that Salamence misses out on the immediate OHKO on Venusaur, but it is arguably a worthwhile trade to prevent Salamence from being incapacitated.

Rock Slide’s main purpose is to smash Charizard and override Sun with Sand, though it is also useful for hitting Zapdos, Heat Rotom, and Thundurus Incarnate. Earthquake, on the other hand, snags Steel Type adversaries that would otherwise wall this Salamence set, like Metagross, Dialga, Solgaleo, and Crowned Zacian.

While Intimidate is useful for curbing the damage output of Crowned Zacian, Moxie is recommended as the Ability on this Salamence variant mainly to prevent triggering Defiant unnecessarily. Moxie also allows Salamence to snowball Attack boosts and become progressively stronger with each KO it deals.

Salamence @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
Timid Nature
– Flamethrower / Fire Blast / Heat Wave
– Hurricane / Air Slash
– Hydro Pump
– Protect

Damage Benchmarks:

+1 0 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Urshifu-Gmax: 386-456 (109.6 – 129.5%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 0 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Rillaboom-Gmax: 452-534 (109.1 – 128.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 28 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Urshifu-Gmax through Light Screen: 352-416 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 60 SpA Salamence Max Flare vs. 220 HP / 20 SpD Zacian-Crowned: 196-232 (100.5 – 118.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 76 SpA Salamence Max Geyser vs. 244 HP / 188+ SpD Incineroar: 202-238 (100.4 – 118.4%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 188 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 68 HP / 28 SpD Regieleki: 164-193 (100 – 117.6%) — guaranteed OHKO
+1 204 SpA Salamence Max Geyser vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Landorus-Therian: 166-196 (100.6 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 212 SpA Salamence Max Geyser vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Landorus-Therian: 330-390 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO
+1 220 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Venusaur-Gmax: 312-368 (100 – 117.9%) — guaranteed OHKO
+1 228 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Rillaboom-Gmax: 414-488 (100 – 117.8%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 228 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 252 HP / 100 SpD Coba Berry Amoonguss: 222-262 (100.4 – 118.5%) — guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 244 HP / 12 SpD Tapu Fini: 169-199 (96 – 113%) — 75% chance to OHKO
+2 252 SpA Salamence Max Flare vs. 4 HP / 244 SpD Assault Vest Dynamax Kartana in Rain: 256-304 (94.8 – 112.5%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO
+2 252 SpA Salamence Max Flare vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax Metagross: 288-340 (92.3 – 108.9%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252 SpA Salamence Max Airstream vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kyogre: 160-189 (90.9 – 107.3%) — 43.8% chance to OHKO

Defensive Benchmarks:

252+ Atk Zacian-Crowned Behemoth Blade vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Salamence: 276-326 (80.7 – 95.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Weakness Policy Salamence is actually a pretty interesting take for the Dragon Pokemon. This set leans on the Special spectrum, though players could still run a Physical variant to cover a slightly different list of threats.

Investing in Salamence’s Special Attack allows it to use Hydro Pump, one of its only ways to properly check the influence of Landorus Therian. Flamethrower rounds out the set, helping Salamence cover Steel Type threats like Celesteela and Crowned Zacian.

Special variants don’t benefit from Moxie, so Intimidate is the go-to Ability. Physical variants, utilizing the same moves from the set above, may prefer Moxie’s Attack boosts, which synergizes well with Weakness Policy.

TEAMMATES

Sableye / Spectrier

While Salamence can be a powerful Dynamax candidate, it is often best used as a mid to late game sweeper after the opposition has exhausted their own Dynamax. As such, Pokemon that are adept at stalling out foes become useful as allies to Salamence. Here, two candidates are highlighted: Sableye and Spectrier.

Sableye’s Prankster allows it to Burn problematic foes like Solgaleo and Crowned Zacian to neuter their damage output. It also opens up Trick play, ridding the former of its Weakness Policy and sicking it with a Lagging Tail. Foul Play may also be used to punish Weakness Policy play, or help handle Defiant Pokemon like Thundurus Incarnate.

Spectrier is another fast Will O Wisp user, though it does not have the blessings of Prankster. It is an offensive threat in its own right, with Grim Neigh a scary proposition to face even if Spectrier is built to support the team. Snarl can help weaken Special strikers like Lapras and Yveltal, while it can be a secondary Bulldoze user to help trigger another ally’s Weakness Policy.

Riolu / Comfey

Players intending to run Salamence as a sweeper should definitely consider Riolu and Comfey. The former offers Prankster Coaching, which is great for Moxie sets to help start the snowball. Comfey, on the other hand, is a great trigger for Weakness Policy and can help manage Salamence’s HP through Floral Healing and Ally Switch.

Solgaleo / Crowned Zacian

With the best Ground Type Pokemon in the format now amplifying Salamence’s weakness to ice Type moves, the onus of managing Steel Type Pokemon awkwardly falls to the same Pokemon. It isn’t necessarily a wild decision either. Steel Type Pokemon naturally resist all 4 Types that Salamence is weak to, while doing super effective damage in return to 3 of them.

While Salamence is no longer the top Bulldoze user, Solgaleo is still one of the best beneficiaries of this strategy. It commonly carries Earthquake, which Salamence is immune to, to help snipe at Steel Type mirrors.

Crowned Zacian, on the other hand, doesn’t compete with Salamence for the precious Dynamax slot, and is a powerful damage dealer thanks to Intrepid Sword. It is a known carrier of Close Combat, which comes in useful in the matchup against Dialga and Ferrothorn. While uncommon, Play Rough is a decent measure that players can use to cover Dragon Type opposition.

CHECKS & COUNTERS

Lapras

Salamence’s 4x weakness to Ice Type moves puts it at a clear disadvantage against Gigantamax Lapras, who will definitely be directing a G Max Resonance into that slot. Players may be able to avoid the KO through positional play, but the Aurora Veil that goes up after will definitely be a nightmare to work against.

Solgaleo / Crowned Zacian

While Salamence can outspeed land the KO on Solgaleo with +2 Max Flare, its is contingent on Solgaleo not entering Dynamax. The chances of that happening? About zero, since the opposition is likely to anticipate that and let Salamence trigger the Sunne Pokemon’s Weakness Policy, then KO in return with Max Rockfall. Crowned Zacian, on the other hand, outspeeds and can dish the hurt on Moxie sets with +1 Play Rough or Behemoth Blade.

Coalossal

Coalossal resists Max Airstream, and isn’t particularly bothered by Intimidate if it is a Special set. While it does not like taking a Max Geyser or a Max Quake, Coalossal isn’t likely to be in a position to take that hit from Salamence thanks to Steam Engine. This means that Salamence will have to survive a super effectivve +2 G Max Vocalith before it can even move, which it can only do with Assault Vest + Dynamax.