[OVERVIEW]
Metagross is the premier offensive Steel-type in RU thanks to its excellent offensive stats and defensive typing. Its amazing versatility makes it quite hard to accurately predict its set, being able to fulfill several niches such as Stealth Rock setter, wallbreaker, sweeper, and revenge killer. Incorrectly predicting what set it is running can allow Metagross to utilize the free turns to wallbreak or set up. This is further exemplified by its ability to run several coverage moves. Meteor Mash's chance to boost its Attack can leave would-be counters such as Bronzong, Milotic, and Torterra insufficient after slight chip damage. Its great coverage options limit the number of checks that can switch into it; however, they also leave Metagross with a bad case of four-moveslot syndrome. On one hand, Metagross's base 70 Speed stat allows it to outspeed common nuisances to bulky offense teams, such as Bewear and Pangoro, but on the other hand, it leaves it extremely vulnerable to Pokemon such as Mega Blastoise, Nidoqueen, and Feraligatr. Although it has few weaknesses, most of them are very common and easily exploit Metagross. For example, Metagross's weakness to Dark means it can be easily trapped and removed from play by Pokemon such as Drapion, Escavalier, and Honchkrow, while its Fire-type weakness can leave it setup fodder against Ninetales and Salazzle. Even though Meteor Mash is a great STAB move, Steel is a mediocre offensive typing, being resisted by common Water-, Steel-, and Fire-types such as Milotic, Slowbro, Forretress, Arcanine, and Ninetales. Metagross does have coverage for most of them, but it is left very prediction reliant on teams with several Steel-resistant Pokemon.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Toxic / Explosion
item: Shuca Berry / Custap Berry
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 180 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Meteor Mash is a powerful STAB move and has a useful chance to boost Attack, which can let Metagross overwhelm regular checks such as Tangela, Milotic, and Rhyperior. Earthquake boasts almost unresisted coverage alongside Meteor Mash, hitting Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types such as Arcanine, Registeel, and Mega Ampharos super effectively. Toxic lets Metagross cripple defensive checks such as non-Refresh Milotic and Slowbro, notably being the only option that can cripple Mandibuzz. Explosion is an option on hyper offense, letting Metagross blow up a counter or a fast threat such as Milotic or Noivern so another member of the team can sweep without having to worry about them. Bullet Punch can pick off faster Fairy- and Rock-types such as Slurpuff, Gardevoir, and Aerodactyl, as well as KOing very weakened threats. It can even allow Metagross to clean up offensive teams if it gets enough Meteor Mash boosts. Thunder Punch allows Metagross to hit bulky Water-types such as Mantine, Milotic, and Mega Blastoise on the switch. Pursuit lets Metagross switch into and remove Pokemon such as Espeon and Choice Scarf Gardevoir.
Set Details
========
The given spread lets Metagross outspeed Adamant Bewear, Pangoro, and Mantine while maximizing its offensive presence. The remaining EVs go into HP to increase its bulk. Shuca Berry allows it to take Ground-type moves from the likes of Nidoqueen, Zygarde-10%, Rhyperior, and Tyrantrum and check them. Alternatively, Custap Berry lets it fire off a powerful Explosion even against faster threats once its HP drops below 25%. This is particularly useful on hyper offense builds, which appreciate the extra momentum and weakening or removing of a single threat at the expense of Metagross's life. Clear Body lets it have a decent matchup against Sticky Web teams and prevents stat drops from moves such as Psychic from Gardevoir. A Colbur Berry is a decent option to prevent being Pursuit trapped by the likes of Escavalier and Honchkrow and to take Dark-type coverage from Pokemon such as Mega Blastoise and Tsareena. Running an Iapapa Berry improves Metagross's longevity, making it a consistent switch-in to the likes of Gardevoir throughout the whole match.
Usage Tips
========
Utilize Metagross's excellent defensive typing and bulk to pivot into threats it walls, such as Gardevoir, Tyrantrum, Snorlax, Vanilluxe, and Mega Abomasnow, using them as fodder to set up Stealth Rock early in the match. Once Stealth Rock is up, Metagross is free to dish out powerful attacks or fish for Meteor Mash boosts to wallbreak. Don't rely too much on Metagross as your only switch-in to these Pokemon, as its lack of reliable recovery makes it very easy to wear down. Only use Explosion once Metagross isn't needed anymore and Pokemon such as Gardevoir are dealt with. Use it to blow up a Pokemon that counters one of Metagross's teammates so it can sweep.
Team Options
========
Shuca Berry Metagross is an excellent offensive glue, being able to provide Stealth Rock, a wide array of resistances, and good offensive presence. This means it easily fits on many offensive and bulky offensive teams. Therefore, many offense staples like Roserade do well with Metagross. Pokemon that are able to beat bulky Water-types, such as Machamp and Toxicroak, pair well with Metagross. Additionally, they can pressure Steel-types like Forretress. Pokemon that are walled by Fairy-types, like Goodra and Mega Blastoise, appreciate Metagross's ability to switch in and scare them away. In return, they can pressure Fire-type Pokemon and wear down bulky Water-types like Araquanid.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Thunder Punch
move 4: Bullet Punch / Pursuit / Explosion
item: Choice Band
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Meteor Mash is a high-powered STAB move with a useful chance to boost Metagross's Attack, allowing it to break through common counters with some luck. Earthquake provides coverage against Fire- and Steel-types like Arcanine and Registeel. Thunder Punch lets Metagross damage bulky Water-types such as Slowbro and Milotic. Bullet Punch lets Metagross clean teams once they are sufficiently weakened and circumvent its mediocre Speed stat. It also helps against weakened threats such as Noivern or Virizion. Pursuit is an option that lets Metagross switch into and remove Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Gardevoir and Espeon, while Explosion's high power lets it break common switch-ins to Metagross like Slowbro and provides extra momentum. Trick lets Metagross cripple a usual counter such as fast Mandibuzz without going down like with Explosion, although it leaves Metagross a lot less powerful. Hammer Arm hits Normal-types such as Bewear and Porygon2 without having to hope for a Meteor Mash boost while still hitting most Earthquake targets, notably allowing Metagross to always switch into and beat CurseLax, although the Speed-lowering effect can leave Metagross vulnerable to slower threats like Pangoro.
Set Details
========
Choice Band is a necessity to increase Metagross's wallbreaking abilities. Clear Body gives it a decent matchup against Sticky Web teams and prevents random stat drops from moves such as Bug Buzz. An Adamant nature gives Metagross more power, although Jolly is an option to outspeed Pokemon like Cresselia and Tyrantrum.
Usage Tips
========
Use Metagross's wide array of resistances to switch it into Pokemon it walls and dish out powerful attacks. Be aware that Metagross's main STAB attack can give many free turns to Pokemon that resist Steel, such as Ninetales and Raikou. Thus, try to predict when the opponent might try to bring them in, and smack them with the appropriate coverage move. Bullet Punch should only be used against weakened threats, as it can leave Metagross setup fodder to many threatening pokemon like Linoone and Barbaracle. Similarly, avoid using Explosion unless Metagross is no longer needed.
Team Options
========
Metagross is a wallbreaker with good defensive utility, so teams that need a hard-hitting switch-in to Fairy-, Flying-, and Rock-type Pokemon will appreciate Choice Band Metagross. VoltTurn support from the likes of Mega Ampharos and Passimian lets Metagross switch in with ease and threaten the Pokemon that switch into them. Choice Band Metagross is able to deal with its usual counters better than other sets can thanks to its sheer power, although because it is still reliant on prediction, it appreciates teammates that remove usual roadblocks to it like Water- and Fire-types.
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Meteor Mash
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Thunder Punch / Explosion
item: Life Orb / Weakness Policy
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Agility increases Metagross's lacking Speed stat to high levels, enabling it to outspeed common Choice Scarf users such as Gardevoir. Meteor Mash is Metagross's main STAB move and has a nifty chance to boost its Attack, allowing it to bypass common counters like Torterra with luck. Earthquake hits Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-type Pokemon that might try to check Metagross, like Arcanine, Registeel, and Mega Ampharos. Thunder Punch nails Water-type switch-ins like Mega Blastoise and Milotic, although it lacks the power to take out bulkier Pokemon like Slowbro. Explosion can let Metagross KO Pokemon that would otherwise check it like Mandibuzz and Milotic at the expense of its own life.
Set Details
========
Life Orb powers up its moves, allowing it to deal consistent damage and boosting Explosion and Thunder Punch, which allows it to bypass its usual counters like Mandibuzz and Milotic. Weakness Policy can be run to power up its attacks significantly, although activating it leaves Metagross very weakened and vulnerable to revenge killing. Clear Body can allow it to sweep Sticky Web teams if it is able to set up. An Adamant nature provides Metagross with more power, notably letting it OHKO Milotic with a Life Orb-boosted Explosion after Stealth Rock, although a Jolly nature allows it to outspeed base 100 Speed Choice Scarf users such as Shaymin and Flygon as well as Choice Scarf Houndoom.
Usage Tips
========
Although Metagross has many good setup opportunities, make sure to conserve it until its counters are taken out or weakened enough for it to sweep. Explosion sets should be used more as a wallbreaker, luring in and heavily weakening or outright KOing usual switch-ins to other common Metagross sets. This can allow other teammates to set up a sweep with far less difficulty. This set can bluff the more common Shuca Berry set if running Weakness Policy, which can allow Metagross to even set up on Pokemon such as Flygon and Zygarde-10%. Although Metagross isn't very weak to the usual forms of priority like Extreme Speed and Ice Shard, it should still be wary of Sucker Punch from the likes of Toxicroak, Honchkrow, and Lycanroc-D and Golisopod’s First Impression, all of which can weaken it or KO it if sufficiently weakened. Also, even weak priority can KO Metagross if it is low on health.
Team Options
========
Pokemon such as Arcanine and Machamp that dislike Water- and Flying-types appreciate Metagross's ability to lure them in and KO them with a Life Orb-boosted Explosion. Many of Metagross's counters do not have reliable recovery. As a result, entry hazards from the likes of Roserade, Nidoqueen, and Golisopod can help it KO targets like Forretress. Pokemon that can help Metagross set up through their use of double screens, VoltTurn support, and Yawn are important to maximize its chances of setting up. Therefore, Pokemon like Electrode, Flygon, and Uxie make for great partners.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Meteor Mash
move 2: Zen Headbutt
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Trick
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Clear Body
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Meteor Mash is Metagross's main STAB move and can allow it to get past its counters with some luck thanks to a nifty chance to boost its Attack. Earthquake hits Fire-, Steel-, and Electric-types that might want to switch into its other moves, like Ninetales, opposing Metagross, and Mega Ampharos. Trick can cripple a bulky wall such as Snorlax or Bronzong, severely reducing their effectiveness. Explosion can be used on more offensive builds to dispose of a threat once Metagross is no longer needed. Thunder Punch nails bulky Water-types like Mega Blastoise and Vaporeon, as well as hitting fast Mandibuzz slightly stronger than Meteor Mash. Ice Punch can reliably revenge kill Noivern and Grass-types like Virizion, although they're already hit hard by Meteor Mash.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf boosts Metagross's mediocre Speed stat, allowing it to revenge kill several threats like Salazzle, Swellow, and Virizion. Clear Body can help it combat Sticky Web teams and avoids annoying stat drops from moves like Psychic.
Usage Tips
========
Choice Scarf Metagross has a much better matchup against offensive teams, having limited switch-ins outside of Pokemon such as a well-played Arcanine, Raikou, or Feraligatr. Although it has the coverage to KO most offensive Pokemon, once it is locked into a move it cannot take advantage of its movepool. Thus, try to predict when the opponent might send out a Pokemon that resists Steel, and hit it with the appropriate coverage move or double switch out to a teammate that can handle it. Metagross's vulnerability to Pursuit can leave it unable to KO more than one threat if a Pokemon such as Escavalier, Honchkrow, or Drapion is on the opposing team. Thus, make sure to gauge when it's appropriate to revenge kill a threat. Trick can cripple opposing Pokemon like Mandibuzz, but be wary of using it until all fast threats like Salazzle are dealt with. Similarly, Explosion can KO a threat to the team, but only do so once Metagross isn't needed anymore. After Pokemon that wall Metagross like Slowbro and Milotic are dealt with, Metagross should attempt to clean the opposing team.
Team Options
========
Despite its Speed boost, Choice Scarf Metagross is unable to outspeed very fast threats like Aerodactyl, Dragon Dance Feraligatr, and Dragon Dance Flygon. Additionally, it is slower than all other viable Choice Scarf users like Salazzle, Raikou, and Goodra, meaning its teammates must have a way to combat these type of Pokemon. This makes partners such as Slowbro and Porygon2 ideal. Pokemon that can threaten Water-, Fire-, and Steel-types can make using Metagross far less prediction reliant. These include Pokemon like Roserade, Zygarde-10%, and Feraligatr. Wallbreakers like Toxicroak and Choice Specs Goodra can pave the way for Metagross to clean the opposing team.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Zen Headbutt is an option that provides decent neutral coverage and is able to heavily damage Pokemon like Seismitoad and take out most Fighting-types such as Bewear and Machamp while still hitting most Thunder Punch targets decently hard. However, it does leave Metagross more vulnerable to Water-types that are able to take a Zen Headbutt, like Milotic and Slowbro. Electrium Z lets Metagross break common switch-ins such as Mandibuzz, Milotic, and Slowbro, although it sorely misses the utility or power that its other items grant it.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Pokemon such as Milotic, Slowbro, and Mega Blastoise can switch into Metagross's Steel STAB attacks with ease and threaten it out with Scald or Dark Pulse. However, most of them take a lot of damage from either Explosion or Thunder Punch.
**Fire-types**: Fire-types like Salazzle and Ninetales can revenge kill non-Choice Scarf sets with ease and switch into every move bar Earthquake.
**Dark-types and Dark-type coverage**: Fast Mandibuzz can switch into every set with ease as long as Metagross doesn't click Explosion and proceed to cripple it with Knock Off or outright KO it with Foul Play. Slower variants can check it, although it is unable to switch into most sets as easily as faster variants can. Honchkrow is able to revenge kill it with Sucker Punch after some slight chip damage. Drapion and Escavalier can threaten it with Knock Off or trap it.
**Ground-types**: Many Ground-types in RU like Donphan, Seismitoad, and Rhyperior can take a hit and heavily damage non-Shuca Berry variants of Metagross. However, they must be wary of Meteor Mash boosts, Explosion, and Shuca Berry.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[zizalith,410251]]
- Quality checked by: [[phantom,180300], [MrAldo,227521], [roman,396169]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack,232216], [Eien,100418]]
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