[OVERVIEW]
With an incredible stat spread, a fantastic STAB combination, and a good Speed tier, Mega Mewtwo X finds itself as one of the most threatening offensive Pokemon in Balanced Hackmons. Due to its Fighting STAB and high Attack stat, Mega Mewtwo X can pressure Normal-, Steel-, and Dark-types, while its Psychic-type STAB makes Mega Mewtwo X an effective user of Photon Geyser, a powerful move that allows it to get past would-be checks such as Sturdy Shedinja and Fur Coat or Unaware Pokemon. These two types complement each other well, as Pokemon that resist Psychic often don't resist Fighting and vice versa, limiting viable answers to its STAB combination to Pokemon such as Mega Slowbro, Mega Sableye, and Cresselia. Also, with a good Special Attack stat, it can bypass Pokemon that wall physical attackers, such as Fur Coat Pokemon, Zygarde-C and Mega Slowbro, and with its decent bulk it can take neutral STAB attacks in a pinch. For instance, it has the bulk to take Kyurem-B's Extreme Speed, Regigigas's Facade, and Dialga's Core Enforcer. Finally, its high Speed stat in conjunction with its typing allows it to force out or eliminate many Pokemon, including Kartana, Regigigas, Arceus, and Registeel.
However, Mega Mewtwo X is still limited by its weaknesses to Flying- and Fairy-type attacks, making it vulnerable to being revenge killed by Mega Rayquaza and Mega Diancie, which are very common. Also, it Speed ties with Mega Gengar and is outsped by Mega Mewtwo Y, giving it quite a list of offensive checks. Meanwhile, defensively, though Mega Mewtwo X has few checks in general, Pokemon that do check it such as Mega Sableye, Giratina, and Cresselia consistently do so, as they either resist or are immune to its STAB moves. Also, Mega Mewtwo X can often be OHKOed by slower offensive threats that it cannot OHKO, such as Mega Rayquaza and Primal Groudon.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Photon Geyser
move 2: Close Combat
move 3: Knock Off / Spectral Thief
move 4: U-turn / Trick
item: Choice Band
ability: Adaptability / Tough Claws
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Photon Geyser is the Psychic STAB move of choice, bypassing Fur Coat and Sturdy. With Adaptability, it 2HKOes Giratina and Mega Audino, as well as potentially 2HKOing Zygarde-C after Stealth Rock and potentially OHKOing Primal Kyogre after Stealth Rock. Close Combat is the Fighting STAB move of choice, OHKOing Registeel, Kartana, and Primal Kyogre lacking Fur Coat and 2HKOing Zygarde-C lacking Fur Coat. It also functions as a way to beat Steel-types and Dark-types that don't mind being hit by Photon Geyser. Knock Off hits Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Mega Slowbro while also removing Leftovers from Pokemon to reduce their passive recovery. It can also be used to remove Plates from Judgment users, limiting their coverage; Choice items and Life Orbs from offensive Pokemon, neutering their power; and Safety Goggles, removing their Spore immunity. Spectral Thief is a more consistent option to hit Psychic-types, steal boosts from slower Pokemon that have stolen other boosts, and punish foes that may otherwise set up on Mega Mewtwo X, but Knock Off is preferred due to the added utility of removing items. U-turn can be used to gain momentum on the switches that Mega Mewtwo X forces while also dealing heavy damage to Psychic-types that may try to switch in. Trick can be used to lock defensive Pokemon into one move, crippling them if they need to use healing moves to check Mega Mewtwo X, while also giving Mega Mewtwo X the freedom to switch attacks again. However, Mega Mewtwo X generally prefers the power that is granted by Choice Band, so using Trick does come with a drawback. Finally, Ice Hammer can be used to OHKO Zygarde-C, but it is already 2HKOed by Mega Mewtwo X's STAB attacks, and running Ice Hammer leaves Mega Mewtwo X walled by Psychic-types.
Set Details
========
Choice Band is used to boost Mega Mewtwo X's power alongside Adaptability so it can OHKO Primal Kyogre and 2HKO Mega Audino and Giratina. Adaptability boosts Photon Geyser and Close Combat, further increasing Mega Mewtwo X's power and turning it into a frightening wallbreaker. Tough Claws can be run over Adaptability, but it has the drawback of not boosting Photon Geyser, which is arguably the best move on the set. However, it can boost coverage moves such as Knock Off, Spectral Thief, U-turn, and Ice Hammer. A Jolly nature is used to maximize Speed without sacrificing Mega Mewtwo X's bulk and power.
Usage Tips
========
It's important to conserve PP on Photon Geyser and Close Combat, as both moves have fairly low PP that can be stalled down by the opponent by using type immunities. Bring Mega Mewtwo X in on Pokemon it can threaten, such as Steel-types, Mega Tyranitar, and Kyurem-B. Be careful not to let Mega Mewtwo X's item get removed, as Choice Band is vital for its power. Scouting for Knock Off on Pokemon such as Mega Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar will help in assessing if Mega Mewtwo X can switch in on them. Scout for status on common users such as Registeel, Giratina, and Dialga to ensure that Mega Mewtwo X does not get burned or paralyzed, as it needs both its Speed and power to achieve the 2HKOs and OHKOs that make it good. Do not play Mega Mewtwo X recklessly; make sure you mainly bring it in with slow pivoting or double switches, as Mega Mewtwo X needs to remain healthy to defeat certain threats. Be wary of locking Mega Mewtwo X into Photon Geyser or Close Combat while Dark- or Ghost-types are on the opposing team, as much momentum will be lost if they switch in. Only use Trick when you no longer need Choice Band on Mega Mewtwo X or when the need for power is outweighed by the benefit of crippling a defensive Pokemon. Ensure that the opposing Pokemon is not holding items that cannot be Tricked, such as a Z-Crystal, or items that would cripple Mega Mewtwo X, such as Toxic Orbs from Poison Heal Pokemon.
Team Options
========
An Imposter user such as Chansey can be used in order to see which Pokemon Mega Mewtwo X can come in on, while also checking to see if Mega Mewtwo X can safely revenge kill Mega Rayquaza and Mega Diancie. Stealth Rock support is also valuable to get damage on many of the switches that Mega Mewtwo X forces, such as against Registeel and Dialga, make walls easier to break down, and let Mega Mewtwo X get the potential 2HKO on Zygarde-C. Pokemon with -ate abilities such as Mega Rayquaza, Mega Diancie, and Zekrom can take advantage of Mega Mewtwo X's ability to eliminate Steel-types. In return, they can beat Pokemon that check Mega Mewtwo X, such as Mega Slowbro and Mega Sableye, and Mega Diancie in particular can additionally eliminate Dark-types so Mega Mewtwo X can use Photon Geyser more freely. Mega Mewtwo X also appreciates checks to Pixilate and Aerilate users, such as Flash Fire Steel-types and Fur Coat Chansey. Checks to opposing Mega Mewtwo X, such as Imposter Chansey, Cresselia, and Mega Slowbro, are appreciated, as they can additionally Imposter-proof Mega Mewtwo X. Checks to Mega Gengar such as Yveltal and Mega Audino are good team options, as Mega Mewtwo X is forced out by Mega Gengar. Mega Mewtwo X appreciates entry hazard removal from common Defoggers such as Giratina, Mega Audino, and Zygarde-C, as Toxic Spikes can put it on a timer which Mega Mewtwo X cannot often afford. Finally, Mega Slowbro, Cresselia, and Mega Sableye can all Imposter-proof Mega Mewtwo X, while also providing safe opportunities to bring it in with slow pivoting.
[SET]
name: Technician
move 1: Storm Throw
move 2: Frost Breath
move 3: Bonemerang / Sunsteel Strike
move 4: Knock Off / Stealth Rock / Spectral Thief
item: Life Orb
ability: Technician
nature: Naive
evs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Storm Throw is the Fighting-type STAB move of choice, doing considerable damage to almost anything that does not resist it thanks to the guaranteed critical hit as well as Technician's boost in power. In addition, Storm Throw's critical hit also lets Mega Mewtwo X ignore drops to its attack from King's Shield and boosts to the opponent's Defense, which helps it wallbreak more efficiently. Frost Breath rounds out the coverage, OHKOing Mega Rayquaza and Zygarde-C while also 2HKOing Giratina. By virtue of its guaranteed critical hit, Frost Breath can also ignore boosts to the opponent's Special Defense, which may be useful. Bonemerang is used to OHKO Aegislash and Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock while also breaking Substitutes and Focus Sash. Sunsteel Strike can be used to bypass Fur Coat, OHKO Shedinja, and 2HKO Mega Audino. Knock Off is used to remove items as well as hit Psychic-types such as Mega Mewtwo Y and Cresselia. Stealth Rock can be run, as Mega Mewtwo X forces out many common Magic Bounce Pokemon such as Mega Audino and Giratina. Spectral Thief is an option to more consistently hit Psychic-types while also stealing some boosts. Finally, Shell Smash can be run on this set to boost Mega Mewtwo X's offensive prowess, but it will often not need the boost in power and cannot often afford wasting a turn to set up.
Set Details
========
Life Orb allows Mega Mewtwo X to achieve the OHKO on Zygarde-C and Aegislash as well as the 2HKO on Mega Audino, Primal Groudon, and Giratina. Expert Belt can also be used to avoid recoil, as this set relies on super effective hits to do damage. However, the lower power does make a difference, as Mega Mewtwo X no longer reliably OHKOes Zygarde-C and no longer reliably 2HKOes Mega Audino. Technician is used to boost the power of Storm Throw and Frost Breath, allowing them to get key damage on their intended targets. A Naive nature is used to maximize Speed while maintaining power. Naive is preferred, as -ate Fake Out and Extreme Speed are a common way to revenge kill Mega Mewtwo X, so it cannot afford to lower its Defense stat.
Usage Tips
========
Don't let Mega Mewtwo X take unnecessary damage. As Mega Mewtwo X runs Life Orb, it is already on a timer, and adding damage onto that can hurt Mega Mewtwo X's potential in the match. Don't let Mega Mewtwo X get statused by common users such as Aegislash, Mega Audino, and Dialga, as poison limits its longevity, burn limits its physical damage output, and paralysis can drastically reduce its potency against offense. Make sure to bring Mega Mewtwo X in on Pokemon it forces out, such as Steel-types, or use a teammate's slow momentum move to get it in. Avoid taking unnecessary damage, as Mega Mewtwo X already has a limit on the number of attacks it can deliver in a game due to Life Orb, so it's important that Mega Mewtwo X not waste HP getting a 2HKO where it could have gotten an OHKO. When Mega Mewtwo X forces a switch, it can take the opportunity to set up Stealth Rock to discourage the opponent from switching liberally. Also, because Storm Throw and Frost Breath guarantee a critical hit, Mega Mewtwo X can check Contrary Pokemon that have not boosted their Speed, such as Mega Rayquaza.
Team Options
========
Imposter can be used to scout sets on typical checks to Mega Mewtwo X, such as RegenVest Giratina, Mega Slowbro, and Aegislash. Pokemon that resist Fighting and have the bulk or typing to take on Mega Mewtwo X's other attacks, such as Mega Slowbro and Ho-Oh, can Imposter-proof it. Pokemon that force out Mega Mewtwo X's defensive checks are good partners, such as Mega Diancie and Zekrom. Mega Mewtwo X can also eliminate Steel-types for Mega Diancie and Ground- and Dragon-types for Zekrom. Defoggers such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Mega Audino can remove entry hazards for Mega Mewtwo X to keep its HP as high as possible. Pokemon that check -ate users such as Flash Fire Registeel, Flash Fire Celesteela, and Soundproof Arceus can function as partners to Mega Mewtwo X so it isn't revenge killed. Checks to Triage Mega Rayquaza such as Unaware Mega Tyranitar, faster Dazzling users, and Zekrom can function as effective teammates to Mega Mewtwo X. Pokemon such as Registeel, Mega Audino, and Zygarde-C can help Mega Mewtwo X by helping it switch in with their slow pivot moves. If Mega Mewtwo X is not running Stealth Rock, partners with the ability to set up entry hazards such as Zygarde-C, Registeel, and Giratina can be useful. Checks to Mega Gengar such as Yveltal and Mega Audino can afford Mega Mewtwo X more opportunities to wallbreak, as it will no longer have to worry about being revenge killed. Checks to Aegislash, such as Yveltal, Mega Gengar, and Mega Gyarados, should be used if Mega Mewtwo X is not running Bonemerang as Mega Mewtwo X cannot bypass it otherwise. Fur Coat Primal Kyogre can wall Mega Mewtwo X, so Pokemon such as Zekrom and Mega Sceptile can be used deal with it.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
An Adamant nature can be used on the main set to have a chance at OHKOing Primal Groudon after Stealth Rock with Close Combat, 2HKO Zygarde-C after Leftovers, and OHKO Mega Rayquaza with Photon Geyser. A Naughty nature can be used on the Technician set to 2HKO Fur Coat Primal Kyogre. However, Mega Mewtwo X enjoys having maximum Speed, which these natures do not give. Mega Mewtwo X can run a set with Refrigerate or Pixilate for the priority, defeating its common checks and also beating Zygarde-C, Aerilate Mega Rayquaza, and Giratina. However, Mega Mewtwo X generally does not need the priority, and its main sets are powerful enough that an -ate set only helps against other -ate users. Tinted Lens can be run over Adaptability in order to be able to use STAB options more freely. However, the power loss from Adaptability is noticeable, as without it, Mega Mewtwo X cannot 2HKO Zygarde-C or Giratina, and Mega Mewtwo X is still checked by Pokemon immune to its STAB moves. Mega Mewtwo X can run a Poison Heal set with Low Kick, Will-O-Wisp, Knock Off, and Leech Seed to function as a check to boosted Regigigas as well as prevent it from being statused easily. However, a Poison Heal set sorely misses out on the power that other sets provide via ability, item, or both. Mega Mewtwo X can run a Shell Smash set with Dazzling to lure -ate users that may try to revenge kill Mega Mewtwo X while also breaking down physical walls such as Zygarde-C and Giratina with Stored Power. However, this set fares poorly against Unaware and Spectral Thief users, so it is often very risky to use. Finally, Mega Mewtwo X can run a Contrary set. However, this set can be difficult to Imposter-proof, and Mega Mewtwo X generally does not require the extra power, as it 2HKOes most of the metagame already. The extra bulk can be beneficial, but its main sets are often more reliable and less risky to use.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Imposter**: Imposter switches in on most of Mega Mewtwo X's attacks and easily forces it out. However, it must be wary of a Poison Heal set, as they are generally self Imposter proof.
**Priority**: Mega Rayquaza and Mega Diancie can revenge kill Mega Mewtwo X with their -ate sets. However, both must be wary of Dazzling, and Mega Rayquaza must be wary of Mega Mewtwo X itself running an -ate set. In addition to -ate sets, Triage Mega Rayquaza can revenge kill Mega Mewtwo X with less fear of an -ate set, but must still be wary of Dazzling.
**Psychic-types**: Defensive Psychic-types such as Cresselia and Mega Slowbro can wall Mega Mewtwo X's main sets. They must be wary of Dark-or Ghost-type coverage, such as Knock Off or Spectral Thief, however. Knock Off does tend to do reduced damage after the item is lost, though, so it is easier to handle.
**Ghost-types**: With their high bulk in conjunction with their typings, Mega Sableye, Aegislash, and Giratina can check Mega Mewtwo X's Adaptability set. However, the former two must be wary of Technician, while Giratina must be wary of Photon Geyser on the Adaptability set, as it will get 2HKOed. All Ghost-types must also be wary of Knock Off and Spectral Thief, but Knock Off still does reduced damage after the first use so it's more manageable than Spectral Thief.
**Dark-types**: Mega Sableye is immune to both of Mega Mewtwo X's STAB moves, making it a viable option to check Mega Mewtwo X with Poison Heal in order to ensure it doesn't get worn down too quickly. However, it must be wary of any coverage move, as Mega Sableye can only sufficiently check Mega Mewtwo X sets that have no way to hurt it, which is very rare. Fur Coat Yveltal can check Adaptability sets, but requires Leftovers to do so and cannot take chip damage.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[GL Volkner, 330455]]
- Quality checked by: [[Funbot28, 255984], [ScarfWynaut, 221682], [E4 Flint, 203690]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Electrolyte, 148072], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
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