Gen 6 Mega Gallade [QC 2/2] [GP 2/2]

Paprikaflow

Paprikaflow

is a Pre-Contributor
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gallade functions as a wallbreaker as well as a setup sweeper thanks to its powerful Attack and good Speed stats. Gallade has access to a diverse movepool with powerful or practical STAB moves. Utilizing Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its Attack even higher, which can make it difficult for defensive teams to take it on. With the choice between Knock Off for Psychic-types, Ice Punch for Dragon- and Ground-types, and Poison Jab for Fairy-types, Mega Gallade's coverage is never perfect but adjustable to team needs and not easy to predict. Its decent bulk, notably in Special Defense, gives it setup opportunities against a majority of defensive Pokemon; it also allows Mega Gallade to take a hit from certain offensive threats in a pinch, like Mega Lopunny and Mega Alakazam. Due to its versatile movepool and naturally high Speed, Attack, and Special Defense stats, Mega Gallade can be played both as a bulky sweeper or as a fully offensive glass cannon. Despite having a lot of different move options, Mega Gallade can never cover all its threats and defensive checks with one set, making it dependent on its teammates to help out. Besides the Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, Mega Gallade struggles with fast Flying-types such as Tornadus-T and Talonflame as well as bulky Psychic-types like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Bulky Drain Punch Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Shadow Sneak / Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 152 HP / 100 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Due to Mega Gallade's high base Speed and ability in Inner Focus, it becomes quite hard to revenge kill. When combined with Drain Punch, Mega Gallade becomes a powerful offensive threat that is difficult to get rid of. Psycho Cut is chosen over Zen Headbutt for its ability to bypass harmful contact effects, which allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting paralyzed by Static Zapdos, being burned by Flame Body Volcarona, and taking damage from Rocky Helmet. Thanks to Psycho Cut, Mega Gallade is able to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Zapdos. Shadow Sneak's priority allows Mega Gallade to hit faster targets and avoid risky Speed ties against threats such as Mega Alakazam, Latios, and weakened Mega Metagross. Knock Off, on the other hand, allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic-types that resist both of its STAB moves, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias. It also comes with the benefit of removing items such as Rocky Helmet and Leftovers and hitting Cofagrigus harder.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature allow Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible. 100 Attack EVs allow Mega Gallade to be able to 2HKO physically defensive Zapdos, and the bulk investment lets Mega Gallade survive Crunch from Mega Tyranitar and Earthquake from Life Orb Excadrill; this also makes it harder to revenge kill, letting it set up on various different options, such as Zapdos, Excadrill, and Mega Venusaur. Alternatively, a spread of 224 HP / 28 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe further commits to making Mega Gallade even harder to revenge kill at the cost of immediate firepower. 28 Attack EVs is the minimum investment needed for it to 2HKO Clefable with a Swords Dance-boosted Psycho Cut.

Usage Tips
========

For Mega Gallade to shine, it needs its teammates to pave the way. Defensive checks like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Skarmory and bulky Fighting- and Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Mega Scizor should already be chipped or crippled. To sweep successfully, Mega Gallade usually needs to use Swords Dance in order to deal enough damage, so it is important to pick a good spot to set up where it can neither be afflicted by a status move nor be damaged enough to not be able to recover enough with Drain Punch, if it is at risk to be revenge killed. It is crucial that an opposing Pokemon doesn't cripple it with status conditions. Despite performing best as a late-game sweeper, Mega Gallade can also be used to break down defensive cores early-game, especially if it can set up with Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade does well on balanced, bulky offense, and hyper offense teams. On hyper offense, it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely; therefore, dual screens Serperior is a good teammate, as it additionally helps against Rotom-W, which threatens to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Assault Vest Bisharp can pivot into Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Excadrill also switches into Fairy-types well, and it threatens Rotom-W with Mold Breaker Earthquake. Additionally, it can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Teammates like Zapdos and Thundurus that can cover Mega Gallade's weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can trap bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resistances. Clefable can help out Mega Gallade by absorbing status moves while supporting with Knock Off and Thunder Wave itself, providing better opportunities for Mega Gallade to break opposing teams.

[SET]
name: Glass Cannon
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Knock Off / Poison Jab
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Mega Gallade's high Speed and Attack, combined with the powerful STAB move Close Combat and accompanied by Psycho Cut, make it a strong physical wallbreaker, which gets even stronger by using Swords Dance. Mega Gallade's rather fragile Defense being lowered is a notable risk of Close Combat. Using Psycho Cut over Zen Headbutt allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting crippled by contact-based abilities and items such as Rocky Helmet, Garchomp's Rough Skin, and Zapdos's Static. Knock Off provides coverage against bulky Psychic-types such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias that resist both of Mega Gallade's STAB moves, while Poison Jab enables Mega Gallade to OHKO Fairy-types like Clefable after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Mega Gallade to deal as much damage as possible while utilizing the base 110 Speed tier to outspeed threats like Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Mega Medicham and Speed tie with threats like Latios, Latias, and Mega Metagross. Justified is used as Gallade's preferred pre-Mega ability, as it can punish Knock Off from weaker foes like Ferrothorn.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Gallade can be used as a wallbreaker against defensive cores or as a sweeper after weakening its checks. Ideally, Mega Gallade comes in on foes that allow it to use Swords Dance. It is important to choose setup opportunities carefully to avoid Mega Gallade getting crippled by Scald or Will-O-Wisp burns or paralyzed by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade can be a strong sweeper on bulky offense or hyper offense teams. With the support of dual screens, which are often used on hyper offense teams, it can set up Swords Dance more safely. Therefore, classic dual screen setters like Serperior and Latias make good teammates. Because it struggles with Psychic-types like Latios, Cresselia, and Slowbro, Pursuit trappers like Assault Vest Bisharp and Tyranitar synergyze well with Mega Gallade, especially since both are able to pressure Clefable as well. To cover its weakness to Flying-types, teammates like Zapdos and Thundurus are helpful. Both possess the ability to spread paralysis, making it easier for Mega Gallade to sweep late-game. Magnezone can trap bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross; it also provides valuable Flying and Fairy resistances. Pokemon like Clefable and Slowbro that help against Rocky Helmet, Rough Skin, and Iron Barbs users such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Ferrothorn make good teammates for Mega Gallade as well.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Zen Headbutt can be used over Psycho Cut; it is slightly stronger and has a flinch chance, but it will make Mega Gallade vulnerable to contact effects. Bulk Up replacing Swords Dance, especially behind dual screens and combined with Drain Punch, is a possible alternative. It allows Mega Gallade to sustain its HP against strong physical attackers like Mega Scizor, Mega Lopunny, Tyranitar, and Mega Metagross, ultimately overcoming them and being able to sweep after. Leaf Blade is another option for the last moveslot, allowing Mega Gallade to hit Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Slowbro super effectively. Taunt is a niche option, stopping foes from using status moves or preventing them from using Slack Off or Roost, giving Mega Gallade additional setup opportunities against Pokemon like Rotom-W, Skarmory, and Hippowdon. Ice Punch can be chosen as well to hit Dragon-, Flying-, and Ground-types hard, such as Latios, Gliscor, and Landorus-T.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fast Flying-types**: Tornadus-T and Talonflame are big threats, outspeeding and being able to revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias are some of the best counters to Mega Gallade, surviving most of its moves at +2 and crippling it back with status.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Clefable all stomach hits from Mega Gallade at +2 and can damage it back significantly. Quagsire's ability Unaware makes it ignore Mega Gallade's Attack boosts. Hippowdon can phaze Mega Gallade with Whirlwind or cripple it with Toxic while sustaining itself with Slack Off.

**Status Users**: Pokemon that are able to status Mega Gallade like Rotom-W with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave and Thundurus with Thunder Wave are good options to trade for weakening Mega Gallade.

**Fairy-types**: If Mega Gallade is not running Poison Jab, Fairy-types like Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, and Azumarill can survive even a Swords Dance-boosted attack and revenge kill it with their Fairy-type STAB moves.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
 
Last edited:
[SET]
name: Drain Tank
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Shadow Sneak / Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 152 HP / 100 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Due to Mega Gallade's high base speed and ability Inner Focus, it becomes quite hard to revenge kill. When combined with Drain Punch, Mega Gallade becomes a drain tank that is difficult to get rid of offensively. Psycho Cut is chosen over Zen Headbutt for its unique ability of bypassing contact. This allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting paralyzed from Static Zapdos, burned from Flame Body Volcarona, (AC) and take damage from Rocky Helmet, Rough Skin, (AC) and Iron Barbs. Thanks to Psycho Cut, Mega Gallade is able to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, (AC) and Zapdos and doing that without taking overly taking damage when done properly. Knock Off as the last move allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic types that resist both of its STABs, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias. It also comes with the benefit of removing items such as Rocky Helmet and Leftovers, and also hitting Cofagrigus harder. Shadow Sneak on the other hand has priority, allowing Mega Gallade to hit faster targets or avoid risky speed ties from threats such as Mega Alakazam, Latios, and a weakened Mega Metagross.

Set Details
========

Ideally it utilizes Steel-types like Excadrill or Heatran, but also Pokemon that cannot status it like Zapdos or choice looked Dark-types such as Tyranitar or Weavile can be great options. 100 Atk provide enough damage, especially after Swords dancing to make Mega Gallade a threat. Noticeable is that Mega Gallade gains the ability Inner Focus after Mega evolving, which prevents being flinched. Therefore, Mega Lopunny or Mega Medicham cannot chip it down with Fake Out or will die trying. 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature allow Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible. 100 Atk allows Mega Gallade to be able to 2HKO physically defensive Zapdos, and the rest are put into HP and Def for bulk. This makes Mega Gallade harder to revenge kill, and provides enough bulk to let it set up on various different options, such as Zapdos, Excadrill, or Mega Venusaur. Tier such als Mega Metagross, Latios and Latias. Alternatively, a spread of 224 HP / 28 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe further commits to making Mega Gallade hard to revenge kill, at the cost of immediate fire power. 28 Atk is the exact minimum Atk investment needed to 2HKO Clefable with a Swords Dance boosted Psycho Cut, with the rest of the EVs put into bulk. The remaining EVs are invested into HP with 4 Def making Gallade even bulkier and as hard as possible to be revenge killed.

Usage Tips
========

For Gallade to shine it needs its teammates to pave the way. Defensive checks like Landorus-T, Clefable, (AC) and Skarmory should already be chipped or crippled and same goes for Bulky Steel types that cannot be hit super effective by fighting moves like Meta-Metagross or Mega Scizor. To sweep successfully, (AC) Mega Gallade usually needs to Swords Dance in order to deal enough damage, so it is important to pick a good spot to set up. It is crucial that an opposing Pokemon cannot cripple it with status conditions. Despite its best role as late game sweeper, (AC) it can also be used to break down defensive cores early, especially if you can set up early with Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade does well in Balanced, Bulky Offense or Hyper Offense teams. In Hyper Offense it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely, therefore double screen Serperior is a good teammate, which additionally helps against Rotom-Wash that threats to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Another good teammate is Assault Vest Bisharp, being able to pivot on Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Great synergy exists between Mega Gallade and Excadrill. Excadrill counters Clefable, can hit Rotom-Wash with Earthquake due its Mold Breaker ability and can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Mega Gallade can be a good teammate for Volcarona, utilizing its bulk, that allows it to sustain almost any hit, to beat potential threats like Tornadus-Therian, Heatran, Crawdaunt or Mega Lopunny, creating an easier time for Volcarona to set up and sweep. Teammates like Zapdos or Thundurus that can cover its weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Despite seeing progressively less usage Magnezone can also be a good partner, as it traps bulky steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resist.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by: Paprikaflow
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user2.102/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/

I want to say QC 1/2, but TBH since Mega Gallade doesn't have an old entry at all in XY (ORAS) OU, this should probably be a full Mega Gallade entry.

- Change the title to "Mega Gallade"
- Add a second set (called "Glass Cannon") consisting of 252 atk / 4 def / 252 spe with SD, CC, Psycho Cut, and Knock Off with Poison Jab slashed. Mention how this set provides immediate power but is much easier to revenge kill. Psycho Cut is still preferred over zenheadbutt to avoid contact. Poison Jab OHKOs Clefable.
- Add "Overview", "Other Options" (mention Zen Headbutt for more power / flinch, Bulk Up, Leaf Blade for Quagsire and Slowbro, and Taunt as possible options), and "Checks and Counters". See my Excadrill QC for example.

Would of great help. Please & thannk you Paprikaflow
 
Last edited:
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gallade functions as a wallbreaker as well as a set up sweeper, thanks to its powerful 165 attack and 110 speed stats. Gallade has access to a diverse movepool with both powerfull or practical STAB moves. Utilizing Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its attack even higher, which can make it difficult for defensive teams to take it on. Knock Off can be particularly useful to pressure bulky Psychic-types, Ice Punch helps against Dragon- and Ground-types, while Poison Jab can be used to hit Fairy-types hard. Its decent bulk, notably in Special Defense, gives it setup opportunities against a majority of defensive Pokemon. It also allows Mega Gallade to take a hit from certain offensive threats in a pinch. Due to its versitile movepool, its naturally high speed, attack, and SpD stats Mega Gallade can be played both as Bulky Sweeper or as full offensive Glass Cannon.

[SET]
name: Bulky Drain Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Shadow Sneak / Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 152 HP / 100 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Due to Mega Gallade's high base speed and ability Inner Focus, it becomes quite hard to revenge kill. When combined with Drain Punch, Mega Gallade becomes a drain tank that is difficult to get rid of offensively. Psycho Cut is chosen over Zen Headbutt for its unique ability of bypassing contact. This allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting paralyzed from Static Zapdos, burned from Flame Body Volcarona, and take damage from Rocky Helmet, Rough Skin, and Iron Barbs. Thanks to Psycho Cut, Mega Gallade is able to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, and Zapdos. Knock Off as the last move allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic types that resist both of its STABs, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias. It also comes with the benefit of removing items such as Rocky Helmet and Leftovers, and also hitting Cofagrigus harder. Shadow Sneak on the other hand has priority, allowing Mega Gallade to hit faster targets or avoid risky speed ties from threats such as Mega Alakazam, Latios, and a weakened Mega Metagross.

Set Details
========

The infamous CrashinBoomBang set has the 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature allowing Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible. 100 Atk allows Mega Gallade to be able to 2HKO physically defensive Zapdos, and the rest are put into HP and Def for bulk. This makes Mega Gallade harder to revenge kill, and provides enough bulk to let it set up on various different options, such as Zapdos, Excadrill, or Mega Venusaur. Alternatively, a spread of 224 HP / 28 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe further commits to making Mega Gallade hard to revenge kill, at the cost of immediate fire power. 28 Atk is the exact minimum Atk investment needed to 2HKO Clefable with a Swords Dance boosted Psycho Cut, with the rest of the EVs put into bulk.

Usage Tips
========

For Gallade to shine it needs its teammates to pave the way. Defensive checks like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Skarmory should already be chipped or crippled and same goes for Bulky Steel types that cannot be hit super effective by fighting moves like Meta-Metagross or Mega Scizor. To sweep successfully, Mega Gallade usually needs to Swords Dance in order to deal enough damage, so it is important to pick a good spot to set up. It is crucial that an opposing Pokemon cannot cripple it with status conditions. Despite its best role as late game sweeper, it can also be used to break down defensive cores early, especially if you can set up early with Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade does well in Balanced, Bulky Offense or Hyper Offense teams. In Hyper Offense it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely, therefore double screen Serperior is a good teammate, which additionally helps against Rotom-Wash which threats to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Another good teammate is Assault Vest Bisharp, being able to pivot on Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Well into Fairy-types switches Excadrill, which also threatens Rotom-Wash with Mold Breaker Earthquakes. Additionally, it helps to remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Teammates like Zapdos or Thundurus that can cover its weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can also be a good partner, as it traps bulky steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resist.

[SET]
name: Glass Cannon
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Knock Off/ Poison Jab
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Mega Gallade's high speed and attack, combined with the powerful STAB-move close combat and accompanied by the other STAB-move Psycho Cut makes it a strong physical breaker. It gets even stronger by using Swords Dance, boosting its attack stat by two stages. Mega Gallade has a decently good SpD, but is rather fragile on the physical side, making it a Glass Cannon especially after defense drops from Close Combat. Despite the rather low bulk, using Swords Dance at the right time will make it even more dangerous.
Using Psycho Cut over Zen Headbutt allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting crippled by contact-based abilities such as Rocky Helmet Garchomp or Static Zapdos. This allows Mega Gallade to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, and Zapdos. Knock Off as the last move allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic types that resist both of its STABs, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias, while Poison Jab after a Swords Dance enables Mega Gallade to OHKO Fairy-types like Clefable. This set provides immediate power, yet makes Gallade easier to be revenge killed, compared the bulkier set.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Mega Gallade to deal as much damage as possible while utilizing the 110 speed tier to outspeed threats like Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Mega Medicham and speed tie against threats like Latios, Latias or Mega Metagross. Justified is used as Gallade's prefered pre-Mega ability, as it can punish Knock Off from weaker foes like Ferrothorn.

Usage Tips
========
Mega Gallade can be used to break through defensive cores or as a sweeper after weaking its checks. Ideally Gallade comes in on foes that allow it to use Swords Dance. It is important to choose those spots carefully and to avoid getting crippled by Scald or Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========
Mega Gallade does well in Balanced, Bulky Offense or Hyper Offense teams. In Hyper Offense it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely, therefore double screen Serperior is a good teammate, which additionally helps against Rotom-Wash which threats to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Another good teammate is Assault Vest Bisharp, being able to pivot on Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Teammates like Zapdos or Thundurus that can cover its weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can also be a good partner, as it traps bulky steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resist.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Zen Headbutt can be used over Psycho Cut. It is slightly stronger and has a flinch chance, yet will make Gallade lose out on its no contact move. Bulk Up, especially behind Screens, is a possible alternative especially when combined with Drain Punch. Leaf Blade is another option for the last move slot, allowing to hit Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Slowbro super effective. Taunt is a nieche option, stopping foes from using status moves or prevent them from recovering by using Slack Off or Roost. Ice Punch can be chosen as well to hit Gliscor and Landorus-T harder.

Checks and Counters
===================
Fast Flying-types: Tornadus-T and Talonflame are big threats that can revenge kill Mega Gallade.

Bulky Psychic Types: Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias are some of the best counters to Mega Gallade, eating up most of its moves at +2 and crippling it back with status.

Physically Defensive Pokemon: Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Clefable all stomach hits from Mega Gallade at +2 and can damage it back significantly. Quagsire's ability Unaware make it ignore Mega Gallades Attack raises. Hippowdon can Whirlwind Mega Gallade out or Toxic it and sustain with Slack Of. Being a Fairy-type with good defensive stats, (AC) Clefable can also check Mega Gallade.

Status Users: Pokemon that are able to status Mega Gallade like Rotom-Wash or Thundurus are good options to trade for weakening Mega Gallade.

Strong Steel-types with Fighting resistance: Mega Metagross and Mega Scizor can beat Mega Gallade with strong steel moves

[SET CREDITS]
Written by: Paprikaflow
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by: RufflesPro
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/

QC 1/2
 
add remove highlight comment

[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gallade (not sure why there was a link to the dex page here) functions as a wallbreaker as well as a set up setup sweeper (RC) thanks to its powerful base 165 Attack and base 110 Speed stats. Gallade has access to a diverse movepool with both powerfull powerful or practical STAB moves. Utilizing Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its Attack even higher, which can make it difficult for defensive teams to take it on. Knock Off can be particularly useful to pressure bulky Psychic-types, Ice Punch helps against Dragon- and Ground-types, while Poison Jab can be used to hit Fairy-types hard. (Is it necessary to elaborate on Gallade's coverage moves in the overview, especially since Ice Punch is only mentioned in Other Options? Shouldn't that be saved for its individual set analyses?) Its decent bulk, notably in Special Defense, gives it setup opportunities against a majority of defensive Pokemon. It also allows Mega Gallade to take a hit from certain offensive threats in a pinch. Due to its versitile movepool (RC) its and naturally high Speed, Attack, and SpD Special Defense stats, (AC) Mega Gallade can be played both as Bulky Sweeper a bulky sweeper or as full a fully offensive glass cannon. (Both sets listed here seem to be just two different Swords Dance variants. Shouldn't you elaborate on that?)

(Are there any notable weaknesses that players should know about Mega Gallade? Generally, overviews list a Pokemon's relevant weaknesses or bad matchups against other metagame-relevant Pokemon.)

[SET]
name: Bulky Drain Sweeper (Would something like "Bulky Swords Dance" fit better?)
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Shadow Sneak / Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 152 HP / 100 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Due to Mega Gallade's high base Speed and ability in Inner Focus, it becomes quite hard to revenge kill. When combined with Drain Punch, Mega Gallade becomes a drain tank that is difficult to get rid of offensively. Psycho Cut is chosen over Zen Headbutt for its unique (many moves are non-contact) ability of bypassing to bypass harmful contact effects. This allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting paralyzed from by Static Zapdos, burned from by Flame Body Volcarona, and take damage from Rocky Helmet, Rough Skin, and Iron Barbs. (What relevant Pokemon have these abilities?) Thanks to Psycho Cut, Mega Gallade is able to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-Therian Landorus-T, and Zapdos. Knock Off as the last move allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic types Psychic-types that resist both of its STABs STAB moves, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias. It also comes with the benefit of removing items such as Rocky Helmet and Leftovers (RC) and also hitting Cofagrigus harder. Shadow Sneak on On the other hand, (AC) Shadow Sneak's has priority (RC) allowing allows Mega Gallade to hit faster targets or avoid risky Speed ties from threats such as Mega Alakazam, Latios, and a weakened Mega Metagross. (Based on the move order, shouldn't this sentence about Shadow Sneak come first before Knock Off's sentence?)

Set Details
========

The infamous CrashinBoomBang set has the (filler) 252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature allowing allow Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible. 100 Atk allows Attack EVs allow Mega Gallade to be able to 2HKO physically defensive Zapdos, and the rest are put into HP and Def for bulk (RP) This investment makes Mega Gallade harder to revenge kill, and provides enough bulk to let letting it set up on various different options, such as Zapdos, Excadrill, or and Mega Venusaur. (Any specific damage calculations that make this bulk investment useful against these three?) Alternatively, a spread of 224 HP / 28 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe further commits to making Mega Gallade hard to revenge kill (RC) at the cost of immediate fire power. (Any specific damage calculations that make this bulk investment useful?) 28 Atk Attack EVs is the exact minimum Atk investment needed to 2HKO Clefable with a Swords Dance boosted Dance-boosted Psycho Cut (RC) with the rest of the EVs put into bulk.

Usage Tips
========

For Mega Gallade to shine, (AC) it needs its teammates to pave the way. Defensive checks like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Skarmory should already be chipped or crippled and bulky Fighting-neutral Steel-types like Mega Metagross and same goes for Bulky Steel types that cannot Mega Scizor should already be hit super effective by fighting moves like Meta-Metagross chipped or Mega Scizor crippled. To sweep successfully, Mega Gallade usually needs to use Swords Dance in order to deal enough damage, so it is important to pick a good spot to set up. (Elaborate on what you mean here.) It is crucial that an opposing Pokemon cannot cripple it with status conditions. Despite its performing best role as late game a late-game sweeper, it Mega Gallade can also be used to break down defensive cores early early-game, especially if you can set up early with Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade does well in on balanced, bulky offense, (AC) and or hyper offense teams. In On hyper offense, (AC) it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely; (RC, ASC) therefore, (AC) dual screens double screen Serperior is a good teammate, which as it additionally helps against Rotom-Wash Rotom-W, (AC) which threats threatens to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Another good teammate is (fluff) Assault Vest Bisharp (RC) being able to can pivot on into Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Well Excadrill also switches into Fairy-types switches Excadrill well, which also and it threatens Rotom-Wash Rotom-W with Mold Breaker Earthquakes Earthquake. Additionally, it helps to can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Teammates like Zapdos or and Thundurus that can cover its Mega Gallade's weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can also be a good partner, as it traps trap (fluff) bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resist resistances.

[SET]
name: Glass Cannon
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Knock Off (space) / Poison Jab
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: (remove space) 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Mega Gallade's high Speed and Attack, combined with the powerful STAB-move close combat STAB move Close Combat and accompanied by the other STAB-move STAB move Psycho Cut, (AC) make makes it a strong physical breaker wallbreaker. It gets even stronger by using Swords Dance, boosting its attack Attack stat by two stages. Mega Gallade has a decently good SpD Special Defense, but is rather fragile on the physical side, making it a Glass Cannon glass cannon, (AC) especially after defense Defense drops from Close Combat. (What's the point of these two sentences? You're describing things that are either dex info or can be easily inferred.) (remove line break) Using Psycho Cut over Zen Headbutt allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting crippled by contact-based abilities and items such as Rocky Helmet, (AC) Garchomp's Rough Skin, and Zapdos's Garchomp or Static Zapdos. Knock Off as the last move allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic types that resist both of its STABs, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias, (You can't copy exact sentences from other set analyses. Change the wording on this.) while Poison Jab after a Swords Dance enables Mega Gallade to OHKO Fairy-types like Clefable after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Mega Gallade to deal as much damage as possible while utilizing the 110 speed tier to (obvious info) outspeed threats like Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Mega Medicham and Speed tie against threats like Latios, Latias, (AC) and or Mega Metagross. (remove line break) Justified is used as Gallade's prefered preferred pre-Mega ability, as it can punish Knock Off from weaker foes like Ferrothorn.

Usage Tips
========
Mega Gallade can be used to break through as a wallbreaker against defensive cores or as a sweeper after weaking weakening its checks. Ideally, (AC) Mega Gallade comes in on foes that allow it to use Swords Dance. It is important to choose those spots carefully (RC) to avoid getting crippled by Scald or Will-O-Wisp burns or paralyzed by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========
Mega Gallade does well in Balanced, Bulky Offense or Hyper Offense teams. In Hyper Offense it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely, therefore double screen Serperior is a good teammate, which additionally helps against Rotom-Wash which threats to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Another good teammate is Assault Vest Bisharp, being able to pivot on Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Teammates like Zapdos or Thundurus that can cover its weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can also be a good partner, as it traps bulky steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resist. (You can't copy the exact words from the other set's team options. Change the wording on this.)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Zen Headbutt can be used over Psycho Cut. It is slightly stronger and has a flinch chance, yet but it will make Gallade lose out on its no vulnerable to contact move effects. Bulk Up, especially behind Screens dual screens and combined with Drain Punch, is a possible alternative. (An alternative to Swords Dance? If so, this doesn't adequately explain why Bulk Up is a potential option over it.) Leaf Blade is another option for the last move slot moveslot, (to which set?) allowing Mega Gallade to hit Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Slowbro super effective effectively. Taunt is a nieche niche option, stopping foes from using status moves or prevent preventing them from recovering by using Slack Off or Roost. (What Pokemon use these moves?) Ice Punch can be chosen aswell as well to hit Dragon-, Flying-, (AC) or Ground-types hard, such als as Gliscor, Landorus-Therian or Landorus-T, and Latios.

Checks and Counters
===================
**Fast Flying-types**: Tornadus-Therian (Don't bold these when writing an analysis; instead, put them in between asterisks.) Tornadus-T and Talonflame are big threats, out speeding outspeeding and being able to revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Bulky Psychic Types Psychic-types**: Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias are some of the best counters to Mega Gallade, eating up most of its moves at +2 and crippling it back with status.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Clefable all stomach hits from Mega Gallade at +2 and can damage it back significantly. Quagsire's ability Unaware make makes it ignore Mega Gallades Gallade's Attack raises boosts. Hippowdon can Whirlwind phaze Mega Gallade out with Whirlwind or Toxic cripple it and sustain with Toxic while sustaining itself with Slack Of Off.

**Status Users**: Pokemon that are able to status Mega Gallade like Rotom-Wash or Rotom-W and Thundurus are good options to trade for weakening Mega Gallade. (What moves would they use against Mega Gallade, and what specific status conditions hurt Gallade the most?)

**Fairy Types Fairy-types**: If Mega-Gallade Mega Gallade is not running Poison Jab, Fairy-types like Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, (AC) and Azumarill can survive even a Swords Dance boosted Dance-boosted attack and revenge kill Mega-Gallade Mega Gallade with their respective Fairy-type STAB moves.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by: Paprikaflow
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by: RufflesPro
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/

Given the amount of edits, I'd like this analysis to have another GP check. I'd also consider getting more QC input due to some of the comments I've left.

GP Check 1/2

a-blue-banana-gif.645975
 
Last edited:
Paprikaflow Some of the comments I left on my check seem to have been left unaddressed. I need you to address them as best as possible because many of them are regarding important info that newer players may need to know; notify me again when you're done so that I can take a look at it. Until then, please mark this as [GP 0/2].
 
a blue banana said:
Paprikaflow Some of the comments I left on my check seem to have been left unaddressed. I need you to address them as best as possible because many of them are regarding important info that newer players may need to know; notify me again when you're done so that I can take a look at it. Until then, please mark this as [GP 0/2].
Click to expand...
I disagree with some of your points.
I looked at about 10 overviews of other mons and couldn't find one that explicitly adresses the mons weaknesses. Further besides Clef Gallades weaknesses depend on the set it runs. Clef is adressed and I tried to somehow express that.
Bulky Drain Sweeper fits better than Swords Dance Sweeper, because having Drain Punch is the relevant difference of the set.
 
Paprikaflow I'm not sure which analyses you read as a reference, but for all of the analyses that have come through my section this year there is something to the tune of "However," at the latter part of the Overview. It needn't be too extensive but a good Overview is an introduction of the pros followed by some of the cons, regardless of how the weaknesses are addressed in different sections of the analysis.

As for the set name, I def think that's your choice on what the most relevant should be. How about Bulky Drain Punch Sweeper to keep the relevant part of the set and contain the full move name?
 
zinnias said:
Paprikaflow I'm not sure which analyses you read as a reference, but for all of the analyses that have come through my section this year there is something to the tune of "However," at the latter part of the Overview. It needn't be too extensive but a good Overview is an introduction of the pros followed by some of the cons, regardless of how the weaknesses are addressed in different sections of the analysis.

As for the set name, I def think that's your choice on what the most relevant should be. How about Bulky Drain Punch Sweeper to keep the relevant part of the set and contain the full move name?
Click to expand...

I incorporate some of the weaknesses in the Overview. I do understand where you are coming from.
Personally I don't care if it is Drain Sweeper or Drain Punch Sweeper. If you think latter is the better version I am fine with that. Edited that aswell.
 
I would like these parts of the analysis to be addressed in some way, then you can move on to the second check.

[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gallade functions as a wallbreaker as well as a setup sweeper thanks to its powerful base 165 Attack and base 110 Speed stats. Gallade has access to a diverse movepool with powerful or practical STAB moves. Utilizing Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its Attack even higher, which can make it difficult for defensive teams to take it on. While Knock Off can be particularly useful to pressure bulky Psychic-types, Ice Punch helps against Dragon- and Ground-types, while Poison Jab can be used to hit Fairy-types hard. Its decent bulk, notably in Special Defense, gives it setup opportunities against a majority of defensive Pokemon. It also allows Mega Gallade to take a hit from certain offensive threats in a pinch. Due to its versitile movepool and naturally high Speed, Attack, and Special Defense stats, Mega Gallade can be played both as a bulky sweeper or as a fully offensive glass cannon. Despite having a lot of different move options Mega Gallade can never cover all the threads and defensive checks with one set, making it dependend on its team mates to help out. Besides the Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, Mega Gallade struggles with fast Flying-types such as Tornadus-T or Talonflame, as well as bulky Psychic-types like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Bulky Drain Punch Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Shadow Sneak / Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 152 HP / 100 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Due to Mega Gallade's high base Speed and ability in Inner Focus, it becomes quite hard to revenge kill. When combined with Drain Punch, Mega Gallade becomes a powerful offensive threat that is difficult to get rid of. Psycho Cut is chosen over Zen Headbutt for its ability to bypass harmful contact effects. This allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting paralyzed by Static Zapdos, burned by Flame Body Volcarona, and take damage damaged from Rocky Helmet, Rough Skin, and Iron Barbs. (What relevant Pokemon have these abilities?) Thanks to Psycho Cut, Mega Gallade is able to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Zapdos. Shadow Sneak's priority allows Mega Gallade to hit faster targets or avoid risky Speed ties from threats such as Mega Alakazam, Latios, and weakened Mega Metagross. Knock Off on the other hand allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic-types that resist both of its STAB moves, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias. It also comes with the benefit of removing items such as Rocky Helmet and Leftovers and hitting Cofagrigus harder.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature allow Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible. 100 Attack EVs allow Mega Gallade to be able to 2HKO physically defensive Zapdos, and the bulk investment lets Mega Gallade survive Crunch from Mega Tyranitar or an Earthquake from Life Orb Excadrill as well as make it harder to revenge kill, letting it set up on various different options, such as Zapdos, Excadrill, and Mega Venusaur. Alternatively, a spread of 224 HP / 28 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe further commits to making Mega Gallade even harder to revenge kill at the cost of immediate fire power. (Any particular damage calc where the extra bulk is proven useful?) 28 Attack EVs is the minimum investment needed to 2HKO Clefable with a Swords Dance-boosted Psycho Cut.

Usage Tips
========

For Mega Gallade to shine, it needs its teammates to pave the way. Defensive checks like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Skarmory and bulky Fighting- or Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Mega Scizor should already be chipped or crippled. To sweep successfully, Mega Gallade usually needs to use Swords Dance in order to deal enough damage, so it is important to pick a good spot to set up, where it can neither be afflicted by a status move nor be damaged enough to not be able to recover enough with drain punch, if it is in risk to be revenge killed. It is crucial that an opposing Pokemon cannot cripple it with status conditions. Despite performing best as a late-game sweeper, Mega Gallade can also be used to break down defensive cores early-game, especially if you can set up with Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade does well on balanced, bulky offense, and hyper offense teams. On hyper offense, it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely; herefore, dual screens Serperior is a good teammate, as it additionally helps against Rotom-W, which threatens to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Assault Vest Bisharp can pivot into Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Excadrill also switches into Fairy-types well, and it threatens Rotom-W with Mold Breaker Earthquake. Additionally, it can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Teammates like Zapdos and Thundurus that can cover Mega Gallade's weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can trap bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resistances.

[SET]
name: Glass Cannon
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Knock Off / Poison Jab
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Mega Gallade's high Speed and Attack, combined with the powerful STAB move Close Combat and accompanied by the other STAB move Psycho Cut, make it a strong physical wallbreaker, which gets even stronger by using Swords Dance, boosting its Attack stat by two stages. (You don't need to mention this because it's dex info.) Mega Gallade has a decently good Special Defense (RC) but is rather fragile on the physical side, making it a fragile especially after Defense drops from Close Combat. (I still don't know if this is a sentence that needs to be stated. Is there a reason why this is left in?) Using Psycho Cut over Zen Headbutt allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting crippled by contact-based abilities and items such as Rocky Helmet, Garchomp's Rough Skin, and Zapdos's Static. Knock Off provides coverage against bulky Psychic types such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias, that resist both of Mega Gallade's STAB moves, while Poison Jab enables Mega Gallade to OHKO Fairy-types like Clefable after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Mega Gallade to deal as much damage as possible (I don't think you need to say this because it should be apparent to readers) while utilizing the 110 speed tier to outspeed threats like Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Mega Medicham and Speed tie against threats like Latios, Latias, and Mega Metagross.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Gallade can be used as a wallbreaker against defensive cores or as a sweeper after weakening its checks. Ideally, Mega Gallade comes in on foes that allow it to use Swords Dance. It is important to choose those spots carefully to avoid getting crippled by Scald or Will-O-Wisp burns or paralyzed by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade can be a strong sweeper in Bulky Offense or Hyper Offense teams. With the support of dual screens, which are often used in Hyper Offensive teams, it can set up Swords Dance more safely. Therefore classic dual screen setters like Serperior or Latias make good teammates. Struggling with by Psychic-types like Latios, Cresselia or Slowbro, pursuit trappers like Assault Vest Bisharp and Tyranitar synergyze well with Mega Gallade, especially since both er able to pressure Clefalbe aswell. To cover the weakness to Flying-types teammates like Zapdos or Thundurus are helpful. Both posses the ability to spread paralysis, making it easier for Mega Gallade to sweep in the late game. For its ability to trap bulky steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, Magnezone can be a great partner. It also provides valuable Flying and Fairy resist.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Zen Headbutt can be used over Psycho Cut. It is slightly stronger and has a flinch chance, but it will make Gallade vulnerable to contact effects. Bulk Up replacing Swords Dance, especially behind dual screens and combined with Drain Punch, is a possible alternative. It allows Mega Gallade to sustain against strong physical attackers like Mega Scizor, Mega Lopunny, Tyranitar, and Mega Metagross, ultimatively overcoming them and being able to sweep, with its boosted attack after. Leaf Blade is another option for the last moveslot, (AC, are you referring to the last moveslot of a specific set or just in general?) allowing Mega Gallade to hit Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Slowbro super effectively. Taunt is a niche option, stopping foes from using status moves or preventing them from recovering by using Slack Off or Roost, giving Mega Gallade additionally set up options against Pokemon like Rotom-W, Skarmory and Hippowdon. Ice Punch can be chosen as well to hit Dragon-, Flying-, or Ground-types hard, such as Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Latios.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fast Flying-types**: Tornadus-T and Talonflame are big threats, outspeeding and being able to revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias are some of the best counters to Mega Gallade, eating up most of its moves at +2 and crippling it back with status.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Clefable all stomach hits from Mega Gallade at +2 and can damage it back significantly. Quagsire's ability Unaware makes it ignore Mega Gallade's Attack boosts. Hippowdon can phaze Mega Gallade with Whirlwind or cripple it with Toxic while sustaining itself with Slack Off.

**Status Users**: Pokemon that are able to status Mega Gallade like Rotom-W with Will-o-Wisp or Thunder Wave and Thundurus with Thunder Wave are good options to trade for weakening Mega Gallade.

**Fairy-types**: If Mega Gallade is not running Poison Jab, Fairy-types like Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, and Azumarill can survive even a Swords Dance-boosted attack and revenge kill Mega Gallade with their Fairy-type STAB moves.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/

If you have any questions on how to implement changes, please refer to point 3 from this guide.
 
- Relevant Pokemon for Drain Punch Gallade that have Rough Skin or Iron Barbs = Garchomp and that's it. Since you run Drain Punch you don't even care for non-helmet Garchomp.
- Particular calcs for the alternative spread - No additional calc besides - 28 Attack EVs is the min. to 2HKO clef at +2 and the rest is dumped in bulk -> which is makes sense because the other bulky spreads bulk is mostly working for being bulky and not for it's specific calcs. This one just takes it further.
- Set details the given EV spread... I think saying it is doesn't hurt either, especially compared to the other EV spread where you use weaker moves and more to bulk, compared to max Atk and the strongest possible Attacks. 110 speed tier is the most important offensive speed tier for fast mons. I don't see half a sentence mentioning it hurting either.
- Being weaker after SpD drop because of CC speaks to its "quality" as a Class Cannon
- Leaf Blade is another option for the last moveslot is a general option. You always want the same 3 moves SD/ Fightings-Stab / Psycho-Stab / X
 
2/2 GP Team done
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gallade functions as a wallbreaker as well as a setup sweeper thanks to its powerful base 165 Attack and base 110 (add an adjective to describe the speed 'good' 'great' etc whichever is more accurate; avoids just repeating the number as dex info) Speed stats. Gallade has access to a diverse movepool with powerful or practical STAB moves. Utilizing Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its Attack even higher, which can make it difficult for defensive teams to take it on. While Knock Off can be particularly useful to pressure bulky Psychic-types, Ice Punch helps against Dragon- and Ground-types, while and Poison Jab can be used to hit Fairy-types hard. (for an overview you don't need to compare move options, that's more relevant to the set, so making this a list to focus on the positives of each move) Its decent bulk, notably in Special Defense, gives it setup opportunities against a majority of defensive Pokemon (RP); (ASC) it also allows Mega Gallade to take a hit from certain offensive threats in a pinch. (do you have any examples for these? if it can take a hit from certain offensive threats for example, naming one can be useful for a new player knows taht it can soft check it for example) Due to its versitile movepool and naturally high Speed, Attack, and Special Defense stats, Mega Gallade can be played both as a bulky sweeper or as a fully offensive glass cannon. Despite having a lot of different move options, (AC) Mega Gallade can never cover all the threads its threats and defensive checks with one set, making it dependend dependent on its team mates teammates to help out. Besides the Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, Mega Gallade struggles with fast Flying-types such as Tornadus-T or and Talonflame (RC) as well as bulky Psychic-types like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Bulky Drain Punch Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Shadow Sneak / Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 152 HP / 100 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Due to Mega Gallade's high base Speed and ability in Inner Focus, it becomes quite hard to revenge kill. When combined with Drain Punch, Mega Gallade becomes a powerful offensive threat that is difficult to get rid of. Psycho Cut is chosen over Zen Headbutt for its ability to bypass harmful contact effects (RP) This, (AC) which allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting paralyzed by Static Zapdos, burned by Flame Body Volcarona, and take taking damage from Rocky Helmet (RC) Rough Skin, and Iron Barbs. (Based on the comment you gave before, are the mention of Rough Skin and Iron Barbs needed? You have said that there aren't relevant users) Thanks to Psycho Cut, Mega Gallade is able to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Zapdos. Shadow Sneak's priority allows Mega Gallade to hit faster targets or and avoid risky Speed ties from against threats such as Mega Alakazam, Latios, and weakened Mega Metagross. Knock Off, (AC) on the other hand, (AC) allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic-types that resist both of its STAB moves, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias. It also comes with the benefit of removing items such as Rocky Helmet and Leftovers and hitting Cofagrigus harder.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature allow Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible. 100 Attack EVs allow Mega Gallade to be able to 2HKO physically defensive Zapdos, and the bulk investment lets Mega Gallade survive Crunch from Mega Tyranitar or an and Earthquake from Life Orb Excadrill; (ASC) this also makes as well as make it harder to revenge kill, letting it set up on various different options, such as Zapdos, Excadrill, and Mega Venusaur. Alternatively, a spread of 224 HP / 28 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe further commits to making Mega Gallade even harder to revenge kill at the cost of immediate fire power firepower. 28 Attack EVs is the minimum investment needed for it to 2HKO Clefable with a Swords Dance-boosted Psycho Cut.

Usage Tips
========

For Mega Gallade to shine, it needs its teammates to pave the way. Defensive checks like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Skarmory and bulky Fighting- or and Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Mega Scizor should already be chipped or crippled. To sweep successfully, Mega Gallade usually needs to use Swords Dance in order to deal enough damage, so it is important to pick a good spot to set up (RC) where it can neither be afflicted by a status move nor be damaged enough to not be able to recover enough with Drain Punch, if it is in at risk to be revenge killed. It is crucial that an opposing Pokemon cannot doesn't cripple it with status conditions. Despite performing best as a late-game sweeper, Mega Gallade can also be used to break down defensive cores early-game, especially if you it can set up with Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade does well on balanced, bulky offense, and hyper offense teams. On hyper offense, it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely; herefore therefore, dual screens Serperior is a good teammate, as it additionally helps against Rotom-W, which threatens to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Assault Vest Bisharp can pivot into Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Excadrill also switches into Fairy-types well, and it threatens Rotom-W with Mold Breaker Earthquake. Additionally, it can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Teammates like Zapdos and Thundurus that can cover Mega Gallade's weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can trap bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resistances. (You talk about Mega Gallade fitting on balance teams at the start of this paragraph, but you mostly mention offensive teammates. Are tehre any bulkier teammates that deserve a mention?)

[SET]
name: Glass Cannon
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Knock Off / Poison Jab
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Mega Gallade's high Speed and Attack, combined with the powerful STAB move Close Combat and accompanied by the other STAB move Psycho Cut, make it a strong physical wallbreaker, which gets even stronger by using Swords Dance. Mega Gallade has decently good Special Defense but is rather fragile on the physical side, especially after Defense drops from Close Combat. (Is covering its stats in this much depth this relevant to the Moves section of this set?) Using Psycho Cut over Zen Headbutt allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting crippled by contact-based abilities and items such as Rocky Helmet, Garchomp's Rough Skin, and Zapdos's Static. Knock Off provides coverage against bulky Psychic types Psychic-types such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias (RC) that resist both of Mega Gallade's STAB moves, while Poison Jab enables Mega Gallade to OHKO Fairy-types like Clefable after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Mega Gallade to deal as much damage as possible while utilizing the base 110 Speed tier to outspeed threats like Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Mega Medicham and Speed tie against threats like Latios, Latias, , (AC)and Mega Metagross. Justified is used as Gallade's preferred pre-Mega ability, as it can punish Knock Off from weaker foes like Ferrothorn.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Gallade can be used as a wallbreaker against defensive cores or as a sweeper after weakening its checks. Ideally, Mega Gallade comes in on foes that allow it to use Swords Dance. It is important to choose those spots setup opportunities carefully to avoid Mega Gallade getting crippled by Scald or Will-O-Wisp burns or paralyzed by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade can be a strong sweeper in on bulky offense or hyper offense teams. With the support of dual screens, which are often used in on hyper Offensive offense teams, it can set up Swords Dance more safely. Therefore, (AC) classic dual screen setters like Serperior or and Latias make good teammates. Struggling Because it struggles with by Psychic-types like Latios, Cresselia, (AC) and or Slowbro, Pursuit trappers like Assault Vest Bisharp and Tyranitar synergyze well with Mega Gallade, especially since both er are able to pressure Clefalbe aswell as well. To cover the its weakness to Flying-types, (AC) teammates like Zapdos or and Thundurus are helpful. Both posses possess the ability to spread paralysis, making it easier for Mega Gallade to sweep in the late game late-game. For its ability to Magnezone can trap bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross (RC) Magnezone can be a great partner. It ; (ASC) italso provides valuable Flying and Fairy resist resistances. (You've changed up the wording here, which is good, but are there no different partners? Or do both Gallade sets fit on exactly the same teams?)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Zen Headbutt can be used over Psycho Cut (RP); (ASC) it is slightly stronger and has a flinch chance, but it will make Mega Gallade vulnerable to contact effects. Bulk Up replacing Swords Dance, especially behind dual screens and combined with Drain Punch, is a possible alternative. It allows Mega Gallade to sustain its HP against strong physical attackers like Mega Scizor, Mega Lopunny, Tyranitar, and Mega Metagross, ultimatively ultimately overcoming them and being able to sweep (RC) with its boosted attack after. Leaf Blade is another option for the last moveslot, (AC) allowing Mega Gallade to hit Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Slowbro super effectively. Taunt is a niche option, stopping foes from using status moves or preventing them from recovering by using Slack Off or Roost, giving Mega Gallade additionally set up options additional setup opportunities against Pokemon like Rotom-W, Skarmory, (AC) and Hippowdon. Ice Punch can be chosen as well to hit Dragon-, Flying-, or and Ground-types hard, such as Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Latios.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fast Flying-types**: Tornadus-T and Talonflame are big threats, outspeeding and being able to revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias are some of the best counters to Mega Gallade, eating up surviving most of its moves at +2 and crippling it back with status.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Clefable all stomach hits from Mega Gallade at +2 and can damage it back significantly. Quagsire's ability Unaware makes it ignore Mega Gallade's Attack boosts. Hippowdon can phaze Mega Gallade with Whirlwind or cripple it with Toxic while sustaining itself with Slack Off.

**Status Users**: Pokemon that are able to status Mega Gallade like Rotom-W with Will-o-Wisp or Thunder Wave and Thundurus with Thunder Wave are good options to trade for weakening Mega Gallade.

**Fairy-types**: If Mega Gallade is not running Poison Jab, Fairy-types like Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, and Azumarill can survive even a Swords Dance-boosted attack and revenge kill Mega Gallade it with their Fairy-type STAB moves.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/user3.103/
stamp.gif
 
checked it over agan, you'll be ready to upload after this. removed a couple double spaces as well
[OVERVIEW]
Mega Gallade functions as a wallbreaker as well as a setup sweeper thanks to its powerful Attack and good Speed stats. Gallade has access to a diverse movepool with powerful or practical STAB moves. Utilizing Swords Dance allows Mega Gallade to boost its Attack even higher, which can make it difficult for defensive teams to take it on. With the choice between Knock Off for Psychic-types, Ice Punch for Dragon- and Ground-types, or and Poison Jab for Fairy-types, (AC) Mega Gallade's coverage is never perfect (RC) but able adjustable to team needs and not easy to predict. Its decent bulk, notably in Special Defense, gives it setup opportunities against a majority of defensive Pokemon; it also allows Mega Gallade to take a hit from certain offensive threats in a pinch, like Mega Lopunny or and Mega Alakazam. Due to its versitile versatile movepool and naturally high Speed, Attack, and Special Defense stats, Mega Gallade can be played both as a bulky sweeper or as a fully offensive glass cannon. Despite having a lot of different move options, Mega Gallade can never cover all its threats and defensive checks with one set, making it dependent on its teammates to help out. Besides the Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, Mega Gallade struggles with fast Flying-types such as Tornadus-T and Talonflame as well as bulky Psychic-types like Cresselia, Slowbro, and Reuniclus.

[SET]
name: Bulky Drain Punch Sweeper
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Drain Punch
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Shadow Sneak / Knock Off
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 152 HP / 100 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Due to Mega Gallade's high base Speed and ability in Inner Focus, it becomes quite hard to revenge kill. When combined with Drain Punch, Mega Gallade becomes a powerful offensive threat that is difficult to get rid of. Psycho Cut is chosen over Zen Headbutt for its ability to bypass harmful contact effects, which allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting paralyzed by Static Zapdos, being burned by Flame Body Volcarona, and taking damage from Rocky Helmet. Thanks to Psycho Cut, Mega Gallade is able to beat some of the traditional physically defensive pivots such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Zapdos. Shadow Sneak's priority allows Mega Gallade to hit faster targets and avoid risky Speed ties against threats such as Mega Alakazam, Latios, and weakened Mega Metagross. Knock Off, on the other hand, allows Mega Gallade to hit bulky Psychic-types that resist both of its STAB moves, such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias. It also comes with the benefit of removing items such as Rocky Helmet and Leftovers and hitting Cofagrigus harder.

Set Details
========

252 Speed EVs and a Jolly nature allow Mega Gallade to be as fast as possible. 100 Attack EVs allow Mega Gallade to be able to 2HKO physically defensive Zapdos, and the bulk investment lets Mega Gallade survive Crunch from Mega Tyranitar and Earthquake from Life Orb Excadrill; this also makes it harder to revenge kill, letting it set up on various different options, such as Zapdos, Excadrill, and Mega Venusaur. Alternatively, a spread of 224 HP / 28 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe further commits to making Mega Gallade even harder to revenge kill at the cost of immediate firepower. 28 Attack EVs is the minimum investment needed for it to 2HKO Clefable with a Swords Dance-boosted Psycho Cut.

Usage Tips
========

For Mega Gallade to shine, it needs its teammates to pave the way. Defensive checks like Landorus-T, Clefable, and Skarmory and bulky Fighting- and Steel-types like Mega Metagross and Mega Scizor should already be chipped or crippled. To sweep successfully, Mega Gallade usually needs to use Swords Dance in order to deal enough damage, so it is important to pick a good spot to set up where it can neither be afflicted by a status move nor be damaged enough to not be able to recover enough with Drain Punch, if it is at risk to be revenge killed. It is crucial that an opposing Pokemon doesn't cripple it with status conditions. Despite performing best as a late-game sweeper, Mega Gallade can also be used to break down defensive cores early-game, especially if it can set up with Swords Dance.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade does well on balanced, bulky offense, and hyper offense teams. On hyper offense, it can utilize Light Screen and Reflect to set up Swords Dance more safely; therefore, dual screens Serperior is a good teammate, as it additionally helps against Rotom-W, which threatens to burn Gallade with Will-O-Wisp. Assault Vest Bisharp can pivot into Fairy-types and threaten Psychic-types with Pursuit. Excadrill also switches into Fairy-types well, and it threatens Rotom-W with Mold Breaker Earthquake. Additionally, it can remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Teammates like Zapdos and Thundurus that can cover Mega Gallade's weakness to Flying-type attacks while also spreading paralysis are also greatly appreciated. Magnezone can trap bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross, while also providing valuable Flying and Fairy resistances. Clefable can help out Mega Gallade (RC) by absorbing status moves (RC) while supporting with Knock Off and Thunder Wave itself, providing better opportunities to for Mega Gallade to break opposing teams.

[SET]
name: Glass Cannon
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Psycho Cut
move 4: Knock Off / Poison Jab
item: Galladite
ability: Justified
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========

Mega Gallade's high Speed and Attack, combined with the powerful STAB move Close Combat and accompanied by Psycho Cut, make it a strong physical wallbreaker, which gets even stronger by using Swords Dance. Mega Gallade's rather fragile physical Defense geting even lower being lowered is a notable risk of Close Combat. Using Psycho Cut over Zen Headbutt allows Mega Gallade to avoid getting crippled by contact-based abilities and items such as Rocky Helmet, Garchomp's Rough Skin, and Zapdos's Static. Knock Off provides coverage against bulky Psychic-types such as Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias that resist both of Mega Gallade's STAB moves, while Poison Jab enables Mega Gallade to OHKO Fairy-types like Clefable after a Swords Dance.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread allows Mega Gallade to deal as much damage as possible while utilizing the base 110 Speed tier to outspeed threats like Mega Charizard Y, Keldeo, and Mega Medicham and Speed tie against with threats like Latios, Latias, and Mega Metagross. Justified is used as Gallade's preferred pre-Mega ability, as it can punish Knock Off from weaker foes like Ferrothorn.

Usage Tips
========

Mega Gallade can be used as a wallbreaker against defensive cores or as a sweeper after weakening its checks. Ideally, Mega Gallade comes in on foes that allow it to use Swords Dance. It is important to choose setup opportunities carefully to avoid Mega Gallade getting crippled by Scald or Will-O-Wisp burns or paralyzed by Thunder Wave.

Team Options
========

Mega Gallade can be a strong sweeper on bulky offense or hyper offense teams. With the support of dual screens, which are often used on hyper offense teams, it can set up Swords Dance more safely. Therefore, classic dual screen setters like Serperior and Latias make good teammates. Because it struggles with Psychic-types like Latios, Cresselia, and Slowbro, Pursuit trappers like Assault Vest Bisharp and Tyranitar synergyze well with Mega Gallade, especially since both are able to pressure Clefalbe Clefable as well. To cover its weakness to Flying-types, teammates like Zapdos and Thundurus are helpful. Both possess the ability to spread paralysis, making it easier for Mega Gallade to sweep late-game. Magnezone can trap bulky Steel-types that Mega Gallade struggles with, such as Skarmory, Mega Scizor, and Mega Metagross; it also provides valuable Flying and Fairy resistances. Pokemon like Clefable or and Slowbro (RC) that help against Rocky Helmet, Rough Skin, and Iron Barbs isers such as Garchomp Landorus-T, Ferrothorn Garchomp, and Landorus-T Ferrothorn make good teammates for Mega Gallade aswell as well. (makes list order match, helmet is mentioned first so lando is now the first example)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Zen Headbutt can be used over Psycho Cut; it is slightly stronger and has a flinch chance, but it will make Mega Gallade vulnerable to contact effects. Bulk Up replacing Swords Dance, especially behind dual screens and combined with Drain Punch, is a possible alternative. It allows Mega Gallade to sustain its HP against strong physical attackers like Mega Scizor, Mega Lopunny, Tyranitar, and Mega Metagross, ultimately overcoming them and being able to sweep after. Leaf Blade is another option for the last moveslot, allowing Mega Gallade to hit Quagsire, Hippowdon, and Slowbro super effectively. Taunt is a niche option, stopping foes from using status moves or preventing them from using Slack Off or Roost, giving Mega Gallade additional setup opportunities against Pokemon like Rotom-W, Skarmory, and Hippowdon. Ice Punch can be chosen as well to hit Dragon-, Flying-, and Ground-types hard, such as Gliscor Latios, Landorus-T Gliscor, and Latios Landorus-T. (list order change, dragon is mentioned first so now latios is the first example)

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fast Flying-types**: Tornadus-T and Talonflame are big threats, outspeeding and being able to revenge kill Mega Gallade.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Latias are some of the best counters to Mega Gallade, surviving most of its moves at +2 and crippling it back with status.

**Physically Defensive Pokemon**: Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Clefable all stomach hits from Mega Gallade at +2 and can damage it back significantly. Quagsire's ability Unaware makes it ignore Mega Gallade's Attack boosts. Hippowdon can phaze Mega Gallade with Whirlwind or cripple it with Toxic while sustaining itself with Slack Off.

**Status Users**: Pokemon that are able to status Mega Gallade like Rotom-W with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave and Thundurus with Thunder Wave are good options to trade for weakening Mega Gallade.

**Fairy-types**: If Mega Gallade is not running Poison Jab, Fairy-types like Mega Altaria, Mega Gardevoir, and Azumarill can survive even a Swords Dance-boosted attack and revenge kill it with their Fairy-type STAB moves.

[SET CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/alpha1013.565035/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/autumn.384270/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top