continued from here
GP Check: [(Threw) The Dutch Plumberjack / GatoDelFuego ]
[SET]
name: Mixed Life Orb Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: Earthquake / Surf / Fire Blast
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor lets Mega Rayquaza lure and break physically defensive walls that are assuming that it is purely physical. Dragon Ascent lets Mega Rayquaza hit Fairy-types that Draco Meteor cannot. It also lets Mega Rayquaza hit walls that have no issue taking any of Mega Rayquaza's special moves like Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre. Earthquake is more commonly used as a coverage option, as it lets Mega Rayquaza hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus and Klefki and Rock-types such as Mega Diancie and Rock Arceus super effectively, but Surf can also be utilized to OHKO Primal Groudon, which can otherwise survive any hit Mega Rayquaza has to offer if it has investment in bulk and is at relatively high HP. Fire Blast is another alternative that can hit physically bulky Steel-types that are not hit super effectively by Earthquake, such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn. Extreme Speed should be used to take out faster threats such as Darkrai and Arceus that can hinder Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities.
Set Details
========
Life Orb is used on this set, as it increases Mega Rayquaza's overall power and wallbreaking capabilities to impressive levels. Naive is the nature of choice, as it does not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats and still lets it outspeed Pokemon such as Mega Diancie and Latios. Dropping Mega Rayzuaza's Special Defense stat over its Defense is optimal, as this allows Mega Rayquaza to not be 2HKOed by Normal Arceus's Extreme Speed. However, this does leave it in range to get 2HKOed by Primal Kyogre's and Mewtwo's Ice Beam. The given EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to OHKO Primal Groudon with Surf, 2HKO Arceus with Draco Meteor, and still be able to muscle through most special walls with ease.
Usage Tips
========
This Mega Rayquaza set is best used early in the game, as it can break through the opposing team because of its expansive coverage. However, it can be quite inferior compared to other sets, as this Mega Rayquaza cannot boost any of its stats, which leaves it vulnerable to faster revenge killers. It can also be easily taken down by two of the metagame's most prominent threats in Darkrai and Klefki, as they can take advantage of Draco Meteor and Dragon Ascent's stat drops and set up a Substitute against it. This is why it is important to only use this set against Pokemon that cannot take advantage of Mega Rayquaza's lowered stats and start setting up. As mentioned previously, this set is not designed to take damage from even neutral attacks. In light of this, it is advised to safely bring in Rayquaza in order for it to last longer and ensure a safe Mega Evolution by sacking a teammate or bringing it in on a weakened Pokemon that can be taken out by Extreme Speed. Being able to bluff a strictly physical set is vital and sometimes game changing, as your opponent might bring in a check that deals with a physical Mega Rayquaza only for it to be destroyed by a Draco Meteor. Be wary when deciding whether to use Dragon Ascent, as the Defense drops can leave Mega Rayquaza susceptible to priority moves from Arceus and other Mega Rayquaza. This set cannot sweep teams as well as the other Mega Rayquaza sets can due to it being plagued by stat drops, meaning it is geared towards a wallbreaking role instead of a sweeping one.
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon is a great partner for this set, as it can effectively run a dual dance or Rock Polish set due to Mega Rayquaza being able to weaken all of Primal Groudon's checks, allowing it to sweep the opposing team with ease. Primal Groudon can also deal with Fairy-types easily and absorb status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, which can cripple Mega Rayquaza. It can also spread paralysis against faster threats, which helps Mega Rayquaza wallbreak more easily because it need not fear being revenge killed. Other setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Darkrai, Swords Dance Arceus, and Geomancy Xerneas also fit well with this set, as all of their checks and counters can be severely weakened by Mega Rayquaza's scary offensive pressure as well. Entry hazard removal is required, as Mega Rayquaza needs to switch out frequently due to the stat drops from its moves. Good examples of Pokemon capable of filling this role are Latios and Steel and Fairy Arceus, as Mega Rayquaza can weaken their checks and counters with Earthquake. Hazard support is also advised, as it lets Mega Rayquaza have an easier time breaking the opposing team's walls and acquire more OHKOs against pokemon such as Ho-Oh, Lugia, and, Yveltal. Notable Pokemon that fill this role include Primal Groudon and Klekfi, which can apply pressure to the opposing team while setting up their respective hazards. Cleric support can be useful in conjunction with this set, as Mega Rayquaza will often be worn down quickly after Life Orb recoil and constant switching when Draco Meteor and Dragon Ascent stat drops occur. If Mega Rayquaza chooses to run Earthquake, Pokemon that can remove Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Skarmory are recommended. This includes Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh, which can break through bulky Fairy-types and also appreciate Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities immensely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mega Rayquaza has many potential sets to choose from. One example of this variety is a Choice Band set that makes Mega Rayquaza an effective cleaner that can sweep late-game once the opposing team is weakened. Common moves on this set include Dragon Ascent, V-create, Earthquake, Waterfall, and Extreme Speed, which makes it capable of breaking the majority of defensive cores in the tier with ease. However, Mega Rayquaza's setup capabilities are very appealing and often overshadow the Choice Band set. Mega Rayquaza can run a Choice Specs set as well, as it can surprise and KO physically oriented walls such as Lugia and Primal Groudon; however, this set is generally not recommended, as Rayquaza must run Dragon Ascent to Mega Evolve, meaning that it will need to invest in its Attack in order to use such a set to its full potential. It also means that Mega Rayquaza cannot utilize Extreme Speed, which makes it easily revenge killed by faster Pokemon like Darkrai and Mewtwo. Being locked into Draco Meteor can also be a setback, as the stat drops can easily allow your opponent to bring in a Fairy-type Pokemon like Xerneas and have a free turn to set up Geomancy. Regular Rayquaza can also be used, but it is outclassed by its Mega Evolution due to Mega Rayquaza's ability to do everything regular Rayquaza can but better. Although it can effectively be used as a wallbreaker alongside another Mega Pokemon such as Mega Diancie and Mega Salamence, it's still rather niche overall. A bulky Mega Rayquaza set is possible as well due to Mega Rayquaza's great natural bulk and access to Delta Stream. Bulky spreads with Swords Dance and Dragon Dance are possible, giving Mega Rayquaza more setup opportunities with its extra bulk. A spread of 200 HP / 252 Attack / 56 Speed with an Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to survive a +2 Extreme Speed from a Jolly Lum Berry Normal Arceus after Stealth Rock damage. It is also able to outspeed uninvested Arceus, Primal Kyogre, and Groudon without any stat boosts and can outspeed the entire metagame after a Dragon Dance. However, this set is quite mediocre, as Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre can both set up with their impressive bulk as well, and the Speed Mega Rayquaza loses with this set leaves it susceptible to faster Pokemon that can revenge kill it. Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is often considered viable due to the majority of players assuming that it is a great revenge killer. This is true to some extent, but Mega Rayquaza's access to Extreme Speed means it's somewhat unnecessary to run Choice Scarf to outspeed other threats. Mega Rayquaza can also gain Speed boosts from Dragon Dance, which often surpasses the capabilities of the Choice Scarf set, as the latter set's lack of Life Orb or boosted stats often leaves Mega Rayquaza too weak to 2HKO the threats it's supposed to.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Klefki, and Fairy Arceus can all check Mega Rayquaza due to their immunity to Dragon-type moves, and they are usually capable of surviving any unboosted move Mega Rayquaza has to offer and proceeding to OHKO it with their respective STAB attacks. Mega Rayquaza will also need to be wary of Choice Scarf Xerneas and fast, bulky Fairy Arceus, which are able to outspeed it and take it out. Klefki is also a nuisance, as it is able to hax Mega Rayquaza with Swagger, Thunder Wave, and Double Team before it is even able to hit back.
**Lugia**: Lugia can check Mega Rayquaza with Multiscale and is able to 2HKO it with Ice Beam. However, Lugia will always need to be at full health if it would like to survive a boosted hit and will need to invest in Special Attack in order to be able to 2HKO or OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Ice Beam.
**Dragon Arceus**: Bulky Dragon Arceus sets can usually avoid any 2HKOs from non-special or mixed sets while being able to OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Judgment. Dragon Arceus's typing allows it to take any of Mega Rayquaza's attacks besides Outrage and Draco Meteor without being hit super effectively.
**Yveltal**: Bulky Yveltal variants use Foul Play to deal massive amounts of damage to every Mega Rayquaza variant except the Choice Specs set, while it can survive any unboosted hit from Mega Rayquaza.
**Status Moves**: Status moves like Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Klefki and Mega Sableye can cripple Mega Rayquaza tremendously and potentially leave it useless for the rest of the match, although if Rayquaza chooses to run a Lum Berry, this issue can be remedied once.
**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon resist both of Mega Rayquaza's STAB attacks and can wall it depending on which coverage moves it decides to run. Bullet Punch users can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza once it's weakened, as they resist Extreme Speed.
**Rock Arceus**: Defensive Rock Arceus is able to survive a +1 Waterfall or Earthquake from Mega Rayquaza and can burn or paralyze it in return.
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster threats such as Darkrai and Mewtwo can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza once it has been weakened by Life Orb recoil or Dragon Ascent stat drops. Choice Scarf users such as Kyurem-W and Genesect can also threaten to OHKO Mega Rayquaza without any Speed boosts with a super effective Ice Beam. This means Mega Rayquaza will often rely on priority to deal with these faster threats, but these Pokemon will need to be wary, as Mega Rayquaza can potentially KO them with a boosted Extreme Speed when they are weakened.
GP Check: [(Threw) The Dutch Plumberjack / GatoDelFuego ]
[SET]
name: Mixed Life Orb Attacker
move 1: Draco Meteor
move 2: Dragon Ascent
move 3: Earthquake / Surf / Fire Blast
move 4: Extreme Speed
item: Life Orb
ability: Air Lock
nature: Naive
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Draco Meteor lets Mega Rayquaza lure and break physically defensive walls that are assuming that it is purely physical. Dragon Ascent lets Mega Rayquaza hit Fairy-types that Draco Meteor cannot. It also lets Mega Rayquaza hit walls that have no issue taking any of Mega Rayquaza's special moves like Ho-Oh and Primal Kyogre. Earthquake is more commonly used as a coverage option, as it lets Mega Rayquaza hit Steel-types such as Steel Arceus and Klefki and Rock-types such as Mega Diancie and Rock Arceus super effectively, but Surf can also be utilized to OHKO Primal Groudon, which can otherwise survive any hit Mega Rayquaza has to offer if it has investment in bulk and is at relatively high HP. Fire Blast is another alternative that can hit physically bulky Steel-types that are not hit super effectively by Earthquake, such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn. Extreme Speed should be used to take out faster threats such as Darkrai and Arceus that can hinder Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities.
Set Details
========
Life Orb is used on this set, as it increases Mega Rayquaza's overall power and wallbreaking capabilities to impressive levels. Naive is the nature of choice, as it does not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats and still lets it outspeed Pokemon such as Mega Diancie and Latios. Dropping Mega Rayzuaza's Special Defense stat over its Defense is optimal, as this allows Mega Rayquaza to not be 2HKOed by Normal Arceus's Extreme Speed. However, this does leave it in range to get 2HKOed by Primal Kyogre's and Mewtwo's Ice Beam. The given EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to OHKO Primal Groudon with Surf, 2HKO Arceus with Draco Meteor, and still be able to muscle through most special walls with ease.
Usage Tips
========
This Mega Rayquaza set is best used early in the game, as it can break through the opposing team because of its expansive coverage. However, it can be quite inferior compared to other sets, as this Mega Rayquaza cannot boost any of its stats, which leaves it vulnerable to faster revenge killers. It can also be easily taken down by two of the metagame's most prominent threats in Darkrai and Klefki, as they can take advantage of Draco Meteor and Dragon Ascent's stat drops and set up a Substitute against it. This is why it is important to only use this set against Pokemon that cannot take advantage of Mega Rayquaza's lowered stats and start setting up. As mentioned previously, this set is not designed to take damage from even neutral attacks. In light of this, it is advised to safely bring in Rayquaza in order for it to last longer and ensure a safe Mega Evolution by sacking a teammate or bringing it in on a weakened Pokemon that can be taken out by Extreme Speed. Being able to bluff a strictly physical set is vital and sometimes game changing, as your opponent might bring in a check that deals with a physical Mega Rayquaza only for it to be destroyed by a Draco Meteor. Be wary when deciding whether to use Dragon Ascent, as the Defense drops can leave Mega Rayquaza susceptible to priority moves from Arceus and other Mega Rayquaza. This set cannot sweep teams as well as the other Mega Rayquaza sets can due to it being plagued by stat drops, meaning it is geared towards a wallbreaking role instead of a sweeping one.
Team Options
========
Primal Groudon is a great partner for this set, as it can effectively run a dual dance or Rock Polish set due to Mega Rayquaza being able to weaken all of Primal Groudon's checks, allowing it to sweep the opposing team with ease. Primal Groudon can also deal with Fairy-types easily and absorb status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave, which can cripple Mega Rayquaza. It can also spread paralysis against faster threats, which helps Mega Rayquaza wallbreak more easily because it need not fear being revenge killed. Other setup sweepers such as Nasty Plot Darkrai, Swords Dance Arceus, and Geomancy Xerneas also fit well with this set, as all of their checks and counters can be severely weakened by Mega Rayquaza's scary offensive pressure as well. Entry hazard removal is required, as Mega Rayquaza needs to switch out frequently due to the stat drops from its moves. Good examples of Pokemon capable of filling this role are Latios and Steel and Fairy Arceus, as Mega Rayquaza can weaken their checks and counters with Earthquake. Hazard support is also advised, as it lets Mega Rayquaza have an easier time breaking the opposing team's walls and acquire more OHKOs against pokemon such as Ho-Oh, Lugia, and, Yveltal. Notable Pokemon that fill this role include Primal Groudon and Klekfi, which can apply pressure to the opposing team while setting up their respective hazards. Cleric support can be useful in conjunction with this set, as Mega Rayquaza will often be worn down quickly after Life Orb recoil and constant switching when Draco Meteor and Dragon Ascent stat drops occur. If Mega Rayquaza chooses to run Earthquake, Pokemon that can remove Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Skarmory are recommended. This includes Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh, which can break through bulky Fairy-types and also appreciate Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities immensely.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Mega Rayquaza has many potential sets to choose from. One example of this variety is a Choice Band set that makes Mega Rayquaza an effective cleaner that can sweep late-game once the opposing team is weakened. Common moves on this set include Dragon Ascent, V-create, Earthquake, Waterfall, and Extreme Speed, which makes it capable of breaking the majority of defensive cores in the tier with ease. However, Mega Rayquaza's setup capabilities are very appealing and often overshadow the Choice Band set. Mega Rayquaza can run a Choice Specs set as well, as it can surprise and KO physically oriented walls such as Lugia and Primal Groudon; however, this set is generally not recommended, as Rayquaza must run Dragon Ascent to Mega Evolve, meaning that it will need to invest in its Attack in order to use such a set to its full potential. It also means that Mega Rayquaza cannot utilize Extreme Speed, which makes it easily revenge killed by faster Pokemon like Darkrai and Mewtwo. Being locked into Draco Meteor can also be a setback, as the stat drops can easily allow your opponent to bring in a Fairy-type Pokemon like Xerneas and have a free turn to set up Geomancy. Regular Rayquaza can also be used, but it is outclassed by its Mega Evolution due to Mega Rayquaza's ability to do everything regular Rayquaza can but better. Although it can effectively be used as a wallbreaker alongside another Mega Pokemon such as Mega Diancie and Mega Salamence, it's still rather niche overall. A bulky Mega Rayquaza set is possible as well due to Mega Rayquaza's great natural bulk and access to Delta Stream. Bulky spreads with Swords Dance and Dragon Dance are possible, giving Mega Rayquaza more setup opportunities with its extra bulk. A spread of 200 HP / 252 Attack / 56 Speed with an Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to survive a +2 Extreme Speed from a Jolly Lum Berry Normal Arceus after Stealth Rock damage. It is also able to outspeed uninvested Arceus, Primal Kyogre, and Groudon without any stat boosts and can outspeed the entire metagame after a Dragon Dance. However, this set is quite mediocre, as Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre can both set up with their impressive bulk as well, and the Speed Mega Rayquaza loses with this set leaves it susceptible to faster Pokemon that can revenge kill it. Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is often considered viable due to the majority of players assuming that it is a great revenge killer. This is true to some extent, but Mega Rayquaza's access to Extreme Speed means it's somewhat unnecessary to run Choice Scarf to outspeed other threats. Mega Rayquaza can also gain Speed boosts from Dragon Dance, which often surpasses the capabilities of the Choice Scarf set, as the latter set's lack of Life Orb or boosted stats often leaves Mega Rayquaza too weak to 2HKO the threats it's supposed to.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Klefki, and Fairy Arceus can all check Mega Rayquaza due to their immunity to Dragon-type moves, and they are usually capable of surviving any unboosted move Mega Rayquaza has to offer and proceeding to OHKO it with their respective STAB attacks. Mega Rayquaza will also need to be wary of Choice Scarf Xerneas and fast, bulky Fairy Arceus, which are able to outspeed it and take it out. Klefki is also a nuisance, as it is able to hax Mega Rayquaza with Swagger, Thunder Wave, and Double Team before it is even able to hit back.
**Lugia**: Lugia can check Mega Rayquaza with Multiscale and is able to 2HKO it with Ice Beam. However, Lugia will always need to be at full health if it would like to survive a boosted hit and will need to invest in Special Attack in order to be able to 2HKO or OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Ice Beam.
**Dragon Arceus**: Bulky Dragon Arceus sets can usually avoid any 2HKOs from non-special or mixed sets while being able to OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Judgment. Dragon Arceus's typing allows it to take any of Mega Rayquaza's attacks besides Outrage and Draco Meteor without being hit super effectively.
**Yveltal**: Bulky Yveltal variants use Foul Play to deal massive amounts of damage to every Mega Rayquaza variant except the Choice Specs set, while it can survive any unboosted hit from Mega Rayquaza.
**Status Moves**: Status moves like Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp from Pokemon such as Klefki and Mega Sableye can cripple Mega Rayquaza tremendously and potentially leave it useless for the rest of the match, although if Rayquaza chooses to run a Lum Berry, this issue can be remedied once.
**Steel-types**: Steel-type Pokemon resist both of Mega Rayquaza's STAB attacks and can wall it depending on which coverage moves it decides to run. Bullet Punch users can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza once it's weakened, as they resist Extreme Speed.
**Rock Arceus**: Defensive Rock Arceus is able to survive a +1 Waterfall or Earthquake from Mega Rayquaza and can burn or paralyze it in return.
**Faster Pokemon**: Faster threats such as Darkrai and Mewtwo can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza once it has been weakened by Life Orb recoil or Dragon Ascent stat drops. Choice Scarf users such as Kyurem-W and Genesect can also threaten to OHKO Mega Rayquaza without any Speed boosts with a super effective Ice Beam. This means Mega Rayquaza will often rely on priority to deal with these faster threats, but these Pokemon will need to be wary, as Mega Rayquaza can potentially KO them with a boosted Extreme Speed when they are weakened.
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