"Hi everyone, hope you're having a great week. Today I present my 5th team-building attempt with Mega Gallade. As some of you may already know, I enjoy playing with "underrated" Pokemon in OU. This is because they are less predictable and more rewarding to use in battle. Mega Gallade is one of my favourite Pokemon, and it is also very powerful. That said, it faces stiff competition from Mega Medicham, as the latter is believed to be the stronger of the two.
However, all is not lost as Mega Gallade has an edge over Mega Medicham. It possesses greater speed and defence, as well as versatility and utility. All of which makes it a powerful force to be reckoned with!
PS: Mega Gallade and Crawdaunt are a dangerous pairing. To find out more about the core, grab some popcorn and stay tuned..."
—Anime Fan.
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Team Building Process:
[Set-Up Sweeper + Wallbreaker]
As the centre of the team Mega Gallade has the role of bulky set-up sweeper. Its speed and utility remain effective against offensive and defensive teams alike. Mega Gallade is also versatile and can play many roles thanks to its vast move-pool. When utilising Zen Headbutt it forms an excellent core with Crawdaunt as they're capable of breaking each other's counters.
[Wallbreaker + Abuser]
Crawdaunt is a suitable wall breaker that synergizes well with the team. It provides both additional offence as well as a priority Aqua Jet. Crawdaunt makes a great car with Mega Gallade since it can beat psychic, ghost, and fairy-type Pokemon. Furthermore, it is also capable of stall breaking! I wanted to use the core in an attempt to try something different (no bishop).
[Defensive Wall + Stealth Rock User]
A bulky Stealth Rock setter like Landorus-T was added into the team to counter physical threats like Talonflame and Mega Pinsir. Its use of Stealth Rock supports the team by providing potential KOs. Landorus-T has a great ability and typing, which can be advantageous in battle. It surprisingly has a good synergy with Jirachi.
[Defensive Pivot + Set Up Sweeper]
Clefable compliments the team by offering to patch up its weaknesses. It also forms a dragon, steel, and fairy core with Jirachi and Latios. Clefable's utility options and ability makes it an exceptional support for the team.
[Revenge Killer + Healing Wish User]
Beating Mega Gardevoir is very important, and Jirachi does exactly that. Its typing compliments with the team and allows it to form a steel, dragon, and fairy core with Latios and Clefable. Jirachi plays the role of a revenge killer as well as Scout.
[Hazard Removal + Wallbreaker]
Latios rounds up the team by sheltering them from fire, water and electric assaults. Its typing synergizes Jirachi and Clefable. Furthermore, it performs the role of hazard removal and a wall breaker.
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Teammate Analysis:
Gallade @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 160 HP / 96 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
Bulk Up
Drain Punch
Knock Off
Substitute
Bulk Up increases Mega Gallade's defence and attack stat, thus making it extra dangerous and difficult to KO. Drain Punch compliments this set well by boosting longevity and providing STAB. Knock Off provides utility and is easily spammed. It has excellent coverage with Drain Punch and allows Mega Gallade to beat its counters (psychics). Substitute goes into the final slot, as it protects Mega Gallade from status. It also gives Mega Gallade the opportunity to set up on defensive and offensive threats like Tangrowth, and Bisharp.
Note: Max speed investment is used to maintain offensive pressure on Latios, Keldeo and Gengar. When combined with Substitute, the defensive EVs allow Mega Gallade to set up on bulky psychic types like Cresselia, Slowbro and Mew. There's an alternate set down low. It utilises Swords Dance, along with Substitute. It's a good option for its additional offence IMO ^^
Team Building Process:
As the centre of the team Mega Gallade has the role of bulky set-up sweeper. Its speed and utility remain effective against offensive and defensive teams alike. Mega Gallade is also versatile and can play many roles thanks to its vast move-pool. When utilising Zen Headbutt it forms an excellent core with Crawdaunt as they're capable of breaking each other's counters.
Crawdaunt is a suitable wall breaker that synergizes well with the team. It provides both additional offence as well as a priority Aqua Jet. Crawdaunt makes a great car with Mega Gallade since it can beat psychic, ghost, and fairy-type Pokemon. Furthermore, it is also capable of stall breaking! I wanted to use the core in an attempt to try something different (no bishop).
A bulky Stealth Rock setter like Landorus-T was added into the team to counter physical threats like Talonflame and Mega Pinsir. Its use of Stealth Rock supports the team by providing potential KOs. Landorus-T has a great ability and typing, which can be advantageous in battle. It surprisingly has a good synergy with Jirachi.
Clefable compliments the team by offering to patch up its weaknesses. It also forms a dragon, steel, and fairy core with Jirachi and Latios. Clefable's utility options and ability makes it an exceptional support for the team.
Beating Mega Gardevoir is very important, and Jirachi does exactly that. Its typing compliments with the team and allows it to form a steel, dragon, and fairy core with Latios and Clefable. Jirachi plays the role of a revenge killer as well as Scout.
Latios rounds up the team by sheltering them from fire, water and electric assaults. Its typing synergizes Jirachi and Clefable. Furthermore, it performs the role of hazard removal and a wall breaker.
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Teammate Analysis:
Gallade @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 160 HP / 96 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
Bulk Up increases Mega Gallade's defence and attack stat, thus making it extra dangerous and difficult to KO. Drain Punch compliments this set well by boosting longevity and providing STAB. Knock Off provides utility and is easily spammed. It has excellent coverage with Drain Punch and allows Mega Gallade to beat its counters (psychics). Substitute goes into the final slot, as it protects Mega Gallade from status. It also gives Mega Gallade the opportunity to set up on defensive and offensive threats like Tangrowth, and Bisharp.
Note: Max speed investment is used to maintain offensive pressure on Latios, Keldeo and Gengar. When combined with Substitute, the defensive EVs allow Mega Gallade to set up on bulky psychic types like Cresselia, Slowbro and Mew. There's an alternate set down low. It utilises Swords Dance, along with Substitute. It's a good option for its additional offence IMO ^^
Crawdaunt (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature / Adamant Nature
Swords Dance increases Crawdaunt's attack to terrifying levels, making it dangerous against offensive and defensive teams. Crabhammer is a powerful STAB move that also boasts a high critical-hit ratio. Crunch is used as it does not interrupt the power of Mega Gallade's Knock Off. Furthermore, it is a powerful and reliable STAB move that has the perk of breaking Mega Evolutions, as well as item-less Pokemon. Aqua Jet is Crawdaunt's form of priority, it makes up for its poor speed and is effective for cleaning late-game.
Note: A Jolly Nature is preferred since it provides optimal speed when going up against defensive teams. It allows Crawdaunt to outspeed bulky threats like Rotom-Wash, Heatran, as well as opposing Landorus-Therian. That said, an Adamant Nature can be used to boost its strength further. A Choice Band set is another option that provides a tonne of power without sacrificing Crawdaunt's speed. However, doing so will force Jirachi to run a different set (utilising two or more Choice users is often disadvantageous).
Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Lax Nature
Boasting accuracy and power, Earthquake is a fantastic STAB move. Stealth Rock supports the team by helping them to grab potential KOs. Hidden Power Ice is used to lure and weaken Garchomp, as well as opposing Landorus-T. This especially benefits Mega Gallade, as they can be problematic without Ice Punch. Hidden Power Fire is another alternative, to be used against Scizor and Ferrothorn. Swords Dance can be used to KO Clefable, Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor and even Mega Venusaur (if using SD, changed nature to Relaxed). Stone Edge compliments the set by providing perfect coverage with Earthquake.
Note: The combination of Rocky Helmet and Hidden Power Fire, is enough to KO Mega Scizor. It also gives Landorus-T a means to damage Ferrothorn and defensive Skarmory. Weakening said walls give the team the opportunity to switch. The use of Hidden Power Fire on Landorus-T, allows Jirachi to use something else. 48 EVs in speed allows Landorus-T to outpace Jolly Crawdaunt, as well as opposing defensive Landorus-T. However doing so will reduce its defensive capabilities. A Yache Berry can be used to lure and KO Mega Metagross, however, the removal of Rocky Helmet may cause Landorus-T to be somewhat passive.
Clefable (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Mind turns Clefable into a defensive sweeper, by boosting its Special Attack and Sp. Defence. Moonblast allows Clefable to threaten opposing fighting and dark-types. Soft Boiled is used for longevity, allowing Clefable to counter and wall threats. Thunder Wave is great for speed control, it is also useful for deterring Heatran and Mega Metagross from switching in.
Note: Clefable can run 6 IVs in speed, which will allow it to set up on Ferrothorn. Thunder Wave is the preferred move on this set because it suits and benefits the team. What's more, it also deters dangerous threats from switching in e.g. Mega Metagross.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
Iron Head is a useful STAB that allows Jirachi to beat fairies-types. It can also be used to flinch and KO dangerous threats. U-Turn provides excellent momentum, as well as the ability to scout. Fire Punch is a great option to pummel Ferrothorn and Scizor. However is those are already covered, then Heart Stamp is the preferred option, as it increases its ability to revenge-kill and KO Mega Venusaur. Healing Wish is great support move that allows Jirachi to restore a teammate. However is very taxing, which results to Jirachi fainting during battle.
Note: Mega Venusaur can carry Knock Off, carelessly switching into Jirachi can be a bad idea. Furthermore, without Heart Stamp Mega Venusaur can be difficult to face in battle. Giving Landorus-T Hidden Power Fire, whilst Jirachi carries Heart Stamp seems credible in my opinion (MHM). Utilising more than one Choice user is often disadvantageous. If running a Choice Band on Crawdaunt, it is recommended to use a Sub Toxic, or a Mixed Lure set on Jirachi.
Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
Draco Meteor is an incredibly powerful STAB move, it is also useful for wall breaking. Psyshock provides additional STAB and is great for smacking fairies and water types e.g. opposing Clefables and Manaphy. Defog isn't very important, but it supports the team by removing entry hazards. This especially benefits [Bulk Up] Mega Gallade. Surf is compulsory for hitting Gliscor, Heatran, and Tyranitar. Roost increases longevity, allowing Latios to continuously counter water, fire and electric types.
Note: A Colbur Berry can be used to avoid getting Pursuit trapped, however, the loss of power from a Life Orb can be discouraging. Dragon Pulse is a good alternative to Draco Meteor, as it doesn't lower it's Special Attack. This can also be useful when trying to hit Tyranitar (because it can't take advantage of a Sp.Atk drop anymore). That said, the power loss is also noticeable. Latios can run an additional coverage or support moves over Defog. This is mainly due to the team's lack of weakness to entry hazards.
To conclude:
Mega Gallade is a great Pokemon to use in OU. It's versatility and utility is very impressive, and sets it apart from Mega Medicham. The team also looks well-prepared for OU, as it was built to work around threats. I've enjoying battling online with one of my favourite Pokemon, plus it was a great experience as well. Mega Gallade isn't outclassed by Mega Medicham IMO, this is due to them working best in different in areas. That said teambuilding with Mega Gallade is challenging, but a fun and useful experience. On a random note...Mega Gallade looks amazing! ^^
Threats:
Mega Metagross and Gengar are a huge threat to the team, due to their overwhelming power. The presence of these threats often means a KO teammate. What's more, when played well this duo can effectively sweep the team. That said Landorus-T can be effective against Mega Metagross, as it can torment it with mind games, or KO it with a Yache Berry. Furthermore, the following threats are speed-tied against Mega Gallade and Latios (at full HP M-Gallade has a 75% chance to survive a Shadow Ball from Gengar). Adamant Crawdaunt is an effective answer to beating weakened threats.
Both variants of Gyarados are terrifying to go up against, due to their powerful STAB, as well as access to Dragon Dance. At +2 both variants are more than capable of sweeping through the team (with a weakened Clefable, or a flinch). Thankfully neither variant can set up easily against the team.
Rain teams a huge problem as well. This is mainly because of their boosted speed and coverage. When played well the following threats are capable of sweeping with ease (especially Kingdra and Omaster). That said when weakened, the majority of these threats can be revenge killed by Crawdaunt. Beating Politoed as soon as possible is highly advised.
Frightening and terrifying, opposing Crawdaunts are also a threat to watch out for as the team doesn't have any counters. Knock Off deals a lot of damage, as well as removing an item. Thankfully Crawdaunt can be revenge killed by faster members of the team.
A mammoth of a threat, this Pokemon is especially dangerous due to its typing and attack stat. It can also utilise troublesome moves like Endeavour, and Knock Off. That said Mamoswine isn't very common, plus it can be KO by Mega Gallade and Crawdaunt.
Equipped with Choice item, the following threats can be very dangerous when played right. A single mistake can easily result in the loss of an important teammate, thus caution is advised when battling these threats. Adamant Crawdaunt is an effective answer to beating weakened threats.
Feraligatr is another threat to watch out for. It's ability and access to Dragon Dance gives it the means to potentially sweep through the team! However, it suffers from the four-move syndrome, which gives Crawdaunt the advantage (if it isn't running Super Power). A healthy Clefable is also a solid check to DD Feraligatr, regardless of its nature.
When equipped with a Lum Berry, Volcanora can be a terrifying opponent in battle. It's typing and access to Quiver dance gives it potential to sweep the team. That said it has a crippling weakness to Stealth Rock and is KO'd by Adamant Crawdaunt's Aqua Jet.
The ex-assistant of Mega Gallade is out for revenge. It's STAB typing and ability makes it a dangerous foe to face in battle, especially since none of the team appreciates switching into its assaults. That said, Bisharp is easily checked by Crawdaunt, as well as Mega Gallade's substitute. What's more, Jirachi can use Healing Wish to restore a weakened Mega Gallade, thus allowing it check Bisharp regardless (lol).
Replays:
Available On Request.
Team Export:
Gallade-Mega @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Substitute
Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Lax Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
Crawdaunt (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Aqua Jet
- Crabhammer
- Crunch
Clefable (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 6 Spe
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Thunder Wave
Jirachi @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 132 Atk / 160 SpA / 216 Spe
Mild Nature
- Iron Head
- Icy Wind
- Energy Ball
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Roost
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Substitute
Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Lax Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
Crawdaunt (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Aqua Jet
- Crabhammer
- Crunch
Clefable (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 6 Spe
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Thunder Wave
Jirachi @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 132 Atk / 160 SpA / 216 Spe
Mild Nature
- Iron Head
- Icy Wind
- Energy Ball
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Roost
P.S. What are your thoughts and suggestions on the team (no replacing Mega)? Thanks for reading through the thread, and I hope you have wonderful week ^^
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