[OVERVIEW]
As one of the most versatile Pokemon in STABmons, Meloetta can fill a variety of roles. It has the potential to be a deadly setup sweeper, a powerful wallbreaker, or an excellent special tank. As such, it can fit into many team archetypes, such as balance and offense. Meloetta's unique typing provides an immunity to Ghost and only two weaknesses, which benefits Meloetta's longevity. Offensively, Meloetta gains a very spammable move in Boomburst. This is aided by Meloetta's solid Special Attack, which allows it to be one of the best special attackers in the metagame. In addition, Meloetta also has very good special bulk, allowing it to tank lots of hits. Unfortunately, Meloetta is held back by its poor Speed combined with its near-useless ability. It also has an underlying vulnerability to Pursuit trapping and the more common Knock Off. Lastly, Meloetta doesn't have a very good STAB combination, so it often relies on coverage moves.
[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Dazzling Gleam / U-turn
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Modest
evs: 144 HP / 252 SpA / 112 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Boomburst is an incredibly spammable STAB move, with 140 Base Power, 100% accuracy, and no downsides whatsoever. Psystrike is another very powerful STAB move, and it hits specially defensive walls such as Chansey. Focus Blast hits would-be safe switch-ins such as Heatran and Tyranitar hard. Dazzling Gleam is mainly used to hit Sableye, which otherwise walls Meloetta. U-turn is a great move to maintain momentum on predicted switches. Hidden Power Ice is a usable option to hit certain bulky Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Garchomp. Hidden Power Fire can be used to hit Scizor in particular, as well as provide a more reliable attack for Ferrothorn. Trick is worth noting as well, as it can be used with Choice Specs to cripple walls such as Chansey and Porygon2.
Set Details
========
The EVs are set to maximize Meloetta's power and bulk, with enough Speed EVs invested to outspeed Tyranitar. Choice Specs is the ideal option to make Meloetta hit as hard as possible while not whittling down its HP, as Meloetta has no form of recovery. Life Orb is another viable option, that boosts the power of all of Meloetta's moves without locking it into a move. Meloetta uses a Modest nature for maximum power.
Usage Tips
========
Meloetta should be used to break down defensive cores because of its overwhelming wallbreaking potential. When in doubt, spam Boomburst, as no Pokemon wants to take a neutral Boomburst. Make sure to not switch Meloetta into physical attacks and especially a potential Knock Off, as Meloetta's physical bulk is rather poor and it is a very item-reliant Pokemon. In general, be careful bringing Meloetta out if the opponent has Tyranitar or Weavile, as they can Pursuit trap it, potentially KOing it. Following that, if Meloetta has Choice Specs, try to avoid using Psystrike until Dark-types such as Tyranitar and Weavile have been KOed.
Team Options
========
Meloetta functions very well on teams that have trouble dealing with defensive cores, because it dismantles bulky builds. Setup sweepers such as Porygon-Z and Scizor appreciate Meloetta's ability to beat most walls, including Unaware Clefable and Quagsire. Fire-type Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X and Talonflame can beat the Steel-types that Meloetta can have trouble with, particularly Bronzong and Bug/Steel-type Pokemon (most notably Scizor and Forretress). Entry hazard setters make it even harder to switch in on Meloetta. As Meloetta is vulnerable to Dark-type moves, especially Knock Off, Pokemon that resist Dark and, specifically, Knock Off absorbers are good team options as well. Some good examples are Whimsicott and Terrakion.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Psyshock / Hyper Voice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Dazzling Gleam
item: White Herb / Life Orb
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Modest
evs: 88 Def / 232 SpA / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash is a powerful setup move that patches up Meloetta's low Speed and raises its Special Attack to an absurdly high level, turning Meloetta into a potent sweeper. Psyshock is a powerful STAB move that allows Meloetta to hit specially defensive tanks hard, while Hyper Voice is an alternate STAB option that has slightly better neutralcoverage but leaves Meloetta weaker to special walls. Focus Blast is used to hit Steel-types hard, which otherwise give Meloetta huge problems. It also offers decent super effective coverage. Unfortunately, with only 70% accuracy, it isn't that reliable. Dazzling Gleam is mainly used to hit Sableye, which otherwise walls Meloetta, and is also useful for hitting Dark- and Dragon-types for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
The EVs are set to maximize power and Speed and guarantee that Meloetta survives Adamant Silk Scarf Ursaring's Fake Out + Extreme Speed from full health with no Defense drops, the strongest priority attacker that might attempt to revenge kill Meloetta. White Herb is used in conjunction with Shell Smash, as it removes the Defense and Special Defense drops and makes Meloetta more difficult to revenge kill. Life Orb is also an option to increase the power of Meloetta's attacks in general. When using Life Orb, an EV spread of 68 HP / 252 SpA / 188 Spe should be used because the extra bulk isn't needed without White Herb and it's preferable to go for the most power possible. A Modest nature is preferable to Timid because the extra Speed doesn't allow Meloetta to outspeed anything notable at +2, and the extra power Modest provides is appreciated.
Usage Tips
========
Shell Smash should generally be the first move used, but don't feel forced to use it. If Meloetta is up against a priority user, it is sometimes smarter to just take the KO with an unboosted move and save setting up for later, as Meloetta can only use White Herb once. Try to remove Prankster users such as Thundurus and Sableye before sending in Meloetta because they can use various moves such as Thunder Wave and Topsy-Turvy to cripple it. While Meloetta is capable of tanking priority moves if absolutely needed, it is generally recommended to try removing priority-based revenge killers such as Fake Out + Extreme Speed users and Talonflame before Meloetta sets up, as they are capable of ending its sweep. Meloetta is generally better late-game to clean up already weakened foes. It isn't always able to outright OHKO foes, so having prior damage is very useful. Directly switching Meloetta in is generally a bad idea because it just gives the foe a free attack, and Meloetta is far less effective as a sweeper with prior damage.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can set up Light Screen and Reflect such as Mew and Slowking are good team options because dual screens effectively double Meloetta's bulk and allow it to set up much more easily. Pokemon that can cripple the foe without KOing it such as Memento Whimsicott and Parting Shot Sableye can give Meloetta an easy opportunity to set up while also maintaining momentum. A physically bulky attacker such as Mew or Clefable can they deal with Meloetta's biggest threats such as Sableye and Fake Out + Extreme Speed Braviary while being able to either cripple them with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave or simply KO them with their powerful attacks. Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill and Latias are appreciated because Meloetta does not perform as well with prior damage. Conversely, entry hazard setters such as Forretress can whittle down foes and help Meloetta nab some KOs that it would not get otherwise such as a guaranteed OHKO on Mega Charizard Y after Stealth Rock damage and a guaranteed OHKO against Mega Blastoise with Stealth Rock damage and one layer of Spikes. Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Ferrothorn that can deal with Fake Out + Extreme Speed users are good team options, as Fake Out + Extreme Speed can threaten to KO Meloetta if it is weakened.
[SET]
name: Special Tank
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Rapid Spin / U-turn
item: Assault Vest
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Modest
evs: 144 HP / 252 SpA / 112 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Boomburst is a very powerful and spammable STAB move. Psystrike is another very powerful STAB move that hits special tanks, most notably Chansey. Focus Blast hits Steel-types, which otherwise stop Meloetta, although its poor accuracy makes it unreliable. Rapid Spin is an option for teams that need entry hazard control. U-turn is used to maintain momentum on predicted switches. Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Sableye, which otherwise walls Meloetta, but it isn't as important on this set because Meloetta isn't trying to break walls and it can just U-turn out.
Set Details
========
Meloetta has excellent natural bulk, and Assault Vest allows it to switch into many special attackers such as Gengar and Mega Manectric. Enough Speed is invested to outspeed Tyranitar, while full Special Attack investment and a Modest nature maximizes Meloetta's damage output. The remaining EVs are put into HP for maximum bulk. Boomburst can still hit hard without a boosting item thanks to its high Base Power. Alternatively, you can opt for 252 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature if you desire bulk over attack power.
Usage Tips
========
Meloetta has insanely good special bulk and can switch into just about any special attack bar Dark-type attacks comfortably. When in doubt, spam Boomburst because it will hit just about anything hard bar Pokemon that resist it; even when uninvested, it will 2HKO a large majority of threats. However, Sableye will nearly always switch into Meloetta, so don't be afraid to click Dazzling Gleam if Meloetta is running it and Sableye is still healthy. Rapid Spin is easy to use assuming the opponent doesn't have Sableye, as people won't be expecting it. It's important to keep entry hazards off the field when using Assault Vest Meloetta because of how prone it is to getting worn down coupled with Meloetta's lack of recovery. If you predict your opponent will switch Pokemon but aren't sure what they'll send in, U-turn is a great option. A slow U-turn allows Meloetta to absorb the hit if the foe attacks and allows you to send in whatever puts you in the best position.
Team Options
========
Physical tanks such as Ferrothorn can absorb physical hits, while Meloetta can take special ones in return. Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp such as Sableye also help Meloetta by crippling physical attackers. Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill and Latias are good options because Meloetta is very prone to getting worn down and entry hazards expedite the process. Charizard Mega Y can deal with Steel-types, which otherwise annoy Meloetta, while Meloetta can remove Stealth Rock in return. Knock Off absorbers such as Terrakion are good partners due to Meloetta's weakness to the move. Wish passers such as Chansey and Clefable help preserve Meloetta's longevity, letting it continue walling threats.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Meloetta can run a fully defensive set with Recover and Glare, which can be fairly useful. Calm Mind can be used, but such a set can be rather ineffective because it is generally outclassed by other special attackers such as Hoopa-Unbound. Alternatively, running Judgment and either Flame Plate, Fist Plate, or Earth Plate on the wallbreaker and sweeper sets is an option, as they offer more reliable and powerful coverage; however, using the item slot on the Plate can be disappointing, as it doesn't boost any other moves. Other coverage options such as Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, and Thunderbolt are all relatively viable and can remove threats such as Suicune, Jirachi, and Skarmory, although they don't cover anything notable and are very team specific. Meloetta can use a set with Wish, Protect, Baton Pass, and Hyper Voice or Psyshock, but this is usually unadvised due to other Pokemon outclassing it in this department such as Chansey. Using Meloetta-P is another option, as Meloetta has higher Speed in its Pirouette forme and can take advantage of Extreme Speed. Meloetta-P isn't that viable, though, as it has to spend a turn using Relic Song to transform and has to do it again if it ends up switching out, in addition to Relic Song wasting a moveslot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Sableye**: Due to its Dark / Ghost typing, Sableye is immune to both of Meloetta's STAB types. It is also immune to Meloetta's most common coverage option, Focus Blast. If Meloetta opts not to run Dazzling Gleam, Sableye walls it. If that isn't enough, Sableye can end Meloetta's sweep with Topsy-Turvy and turn it into setup bait.
**Offensive Dark-types and Pursuit Trappers**: Meloetta has mediocre physical bulk, and any physical Dark Pokemon such as Weavile or Tyranitar gives it a lot of trouble, especially if running Pursuit, which many Dark-types run in STABmons. Moreover, Bisharp resists or is immune to both of Meloetta's STAB types and always runs Sucker Punch.
**Bulky Steel-types**: Bulky Steel-types such as Scizor and Jirachi resist both of Meloetta's STAB types and don't care much about Focus Blast. Unless Meloetta is running Fire coverage, they will force it out.
**Revenge Killers**: Meloetta is very vulnerable to being revenge killed by the likes of Stoutland and Weavile due to its mediocre Speed and lack of priority moves.
As one of the most versatile Pokemon in STABmons, Meloetta can fill a variety of roles. It has the potential to be a deadly setup sweeper, a powerful wallbreaker, or an excellent special tank. As such, it can fit into many team archetypes, such as balance and offense. Meloetta's unique typing provides an immunity to Ghost and only two weaknesses, which benefits Meloetta's longevity. Offensively, Meloetta gains a very spammable move in Boomburst. This is aided by Meloetta's solid Special Attack, which allows it to be one of the best special attackers in the metagame. In addition, Meloetta also has very good special bulk, allowing it to tank lots of hits. Unfortunately, Meloetta is held back by its poor Speed combined with its near-useless ability. It also has an underlying vulnerability to Pursuit trapping and the more common Knock Off. Lastly, Meloetta doesn't have a very good STAB combination, so it often relies on coverage moves.
[SET]
name: Wallbreaker
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Dazzling Gleam / U-turn
item: Choice Specs / Life Orb
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Modest
evs: 144 HP / 252 SpA / 112 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Boomburst is an incredibly spammable STAB move, with 140 Base Power, 100% accuracy, and no downsides whatsoever. Psystrike is another very powerful STAB move, and it hits specially defensive walls such as Chansey. Focus Blast hits would-be safe switch-ins such as Heatran and Tyranitar hard. Dazzling Gleam is mainly used to hit Sableye, which otherwise walls Meloetta. U-turn is a great move to maintain momentum on predicted switches. Hidden Power Ice is a usable option to hit certain bulky Pokemon such as Landorus-T and Garchomp. Hidden Power Fire can be used to hit Scizor in particular, as well as provide a more reliable attack for Ferrothorn. Trick is worth noting as well, as it can be used with Choice Specs to cripple walls such as Chansey and Porygon2.
Set Details
========
The EVs are set to maximize Meloetta's power and bulk, with enough Speed EVs invested to outspeed Tyranitar. Choice Specs is the ideal option to make Meloetta hit as hard as possible while not whittling down its HP, as Meloetta has no form of recovery. Life Orb is another viable option, that boosts the power of all of Meloetta's moves without locking it into a move. Meloetta uses a Modest nature for maximum power.
Usage Tips
========
Meloetta should be used to break down defensive cores because of its overwhelming wallbreaking potential. When in doubt, spam Boomburst, as no Pokemon wants to take a neutral Boomburst. Make sure to not switch Meloetta into physical attacks and especially a potential Knock Off, as Meloetta's physical bulk is rather poor and it is a very item-reliant Pokemon. In general, be careful bringing Meloetta out if the opponent has Tyranitar or Weavile, as they can Pursuit trap it, potentially KOing it. Following that, if Meloetta has Choice Specs, try to avoid using Psystrike until Dark-types such as Tyranitar and Weavile have been KOed.
Team Options
========
Meloetta functions very well on teams that have trouble dealing with defensive cores, because it dismantles bulky builds. Setup sweepers such as Porygon-Z and Scizor appreciate Meloetta's ability to beat most walls, including Unaware Clefable and Quagsire. Fire-type Pokemon such as Mega Charizard X and Talonflame can beat the Steel-types that Meloetta can have trouble with, particularly Bronzong and Bug/Steel-type Pokemon (most notably Scizor and Forretress). Entry hazard setters make it even harder to switch in on Meloetta. As Meloetta is vulnerable to Dark-type moves, especially Knock Off, Pokemon that resist Dark and, specifically, Knock Off absorbers are good team options as well. Some good examples are Whimsicott and Terrakion.
[SET]
name: Shell Smash
move 1: Shell Smash
move 2: Psyshock / Hyper Voice
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Dazzling Gleam
item: White Herb / Life Orb
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Modest
evs: 88 Def / 232 SpA / 188 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Shell Smash is a powerful setup move that patches up Meloetta's low Speed and raises its Special Attack to an absurdly high level, turning Meloetta into a potent sweeper. Psyshock is a powerful STAB move that allows Meloetta to hit specially defensive tanks hard, while Hyper Voice is an alternate STAB option that has slightly better neutralcoverage but leaves Meloetta weaker to special walls. Focus Blast is used to hit Steel-types hard, which otherwise give Meloetta huge problems. It also offers decent super effective coverage. Unfortunately, with only 70% accuracy, it isn't that reliable. Dazzling Gleam is mainly used to hit Sableye, which otherwise walls Meloetta, and is also useful for hitting Dark- and Dragon-types for super effective damage.
Set Details
========
The EVs are set to maximize power and Speed and guarantee that Meloetta survives Adamant Silk Scarf Ursaring's Fake Out + Extreme Speed from full health with no Defense drops, the strongest priority attacker that might attempt to revenge kill Meloetta. White Herb is used in conjunction with Shell Smash, as it removes the Defense and Special Defense drops and makes Meloetta more difficult to revenge kill. Life Orb is also an option to increase the power of Meloetta's attacks in general. When using Life Orb, an EV spread of 68 HP / 252 SpA / 188 Spe should be used because the extra bulk isn't needed without White Herb and it's preferable to go for the most power possible. A Modest nature is preferable to Timid because the extra Speed doesn't allow Meloetta to outspeed anything notable at +2, and the extra power Modest provides is appreciated.
Usage Tips
========
Shell Smash should generally be the first move used, but don't feel forced to use it. If Meloetta is up against a priority user, it is sometimes smarter to just take the KO with an unboosted move and save setting up for later, as Meloetta can only use White Herb once. Try to remove Prankster users such as Thundurus and Sableye before sending in Meloetta because they can use various moves such as Thunder Wave and Topsy-Turvy to cripple it. While Meloetta is capable of tanking priority moves if absolutely needed, it is generally recommended to try removing priority-based revenge killers such as Fake Out + Extreme Speed users and Talonflame before Meloetta sets up, as they are capable of ending its sweep. Meloetta is generally better late-game to clean up already weakened foes. It isn't always able to outright OHKO foes, so having prior damage is very useful. Directly switching Meloetta in is generally a bad idea because it just gives the foe a free attack, and Meloetta is far less effective as a sweeper with prior damage.
Team Options
========
Pokemon that can set up Light Screen and Reflect such as Mew and Slowking are good team options because dual screens effectively double Meloetta's bulk and allow it to set up much more easily. Pokemon that can cripple the foe without KOing it such as Memento Whimsicott and Parting Shot Sableye can give Meloetta an easy opportunity to set up while also maintaining momentum. A physically bulky attacker such as Mew or Clefable can they deal with Meloetta's biggest threats such as Sableye and Fake Out + Extreme Speed Braviary while being able to either cripple them with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave or simply KO them with their powerful attacks. Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill and Latias are appreciated because Meloetta does not perform as well with prior damage. Conversely, entry hazard setters such as Forretress can whittle down foes and help Meloetta nab some KOs that it would not get otherwise such as a guaranteed OHKO on Mega Charizard Y after Stealth Rock damage and a guaranteed OHKO against Mega Blastoise with Stealth Rock damage and one layer of Spikes. Pokemon such as Porygon2 and Ferrothorn that can deal with Fake Out + Extreme Speed users are good team options, as Fake Out + Extreme Speed can threaten to KO Meloetta if it is weakened.
[SET]
name: Special Tank
move 1: Boomburst
move 2: Psystrike
move 3: Focus Blast
move 4: Rapid Spin / U-turn
item: Assault Vest
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Modest
evs: 144 HP / 252 SpA / 112 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Boomburst is a very powerful and spammable STAB move. Psystrike is another very powerful STAB move that hits special tanks, most notably Chansey. Focus Blast hits Steel-types, which otherwise stop Meloetta, although its poor accuracy makes it unreliable. Rapid Spin is an option for teams that need entry hazard control. U-turn is used to maintain momentum on predicted switches. Dazzling Gleam can be used to hit Sableye, which otherwise walls Meloetta, but it isn't as important on this set because Meloetta isn't trying to break walls and it can just U-turn out.
Set Details
========
Meloetta has excellent natural bulk, and Assault Vest allows it to switch into many special attackers such as Gengar and Mega Manectric. Enough Speed is invested to outspeed Tyranitar, while full Special Attack investment and a Modest nature maximizes Meloetta's damage output. The remaining EVs are put into HP for maximum bulk. Boomburst can still hit hard without a boosting item thanks to its high Base Power. Alternatively, you can opt for 252 Special Defense EVs and a Calm nature if you desire bulk over attack power.
Usage Tips
========
Meloetta has insanely good special bulk and can switch into just about any special attack bar Dark-type attacks comfortably. When in doubt, spam Boomburst because it will hit just about anything hard bar Pokemon that resist it; even when uninvested, it will 2HKO a large majority of threats. However, Sableye will nearly always switch into Meloetta, so don't be afraid to click Dazzling Gleam if Meloetta is running it and Sableye is still healthy. Rapid Spin is easy to use assuming the opponent doesn't have Sableye, as people won't be expecting it. It's important to keep entry hazards off the field when using Assault Vest Meloetta because of how prone it is to getting worn down coupled with Meloetta's lack of recovery. If you predict your opponent will switch Pokemon but aren't sure what they'll send in, U-turn is a great option. A slow U-turn allows Meloetta to absorb the hit if the foe attacks and allows you to send in whatever puts you in the best position.
Team Options
========
Physical tanks such as Ferrothorn can absorb physical hits, while Meloetta can take special ones in return. Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp such as Sableye also help Meloetta by crippling physical attackers. Entry hazard removers such as Excadrill and Latias are good options because Meloetta is very prone to getting worn down and entry hazards expedite the process. Charizard Mega Y can deal with Steel-types, which otherwise annoy Meloetta, while Meloetta can remove Stealth Rock in return. Knock Off absorbers such as Terrakion are good partners due to Meloetta's weakness to the move. Wish passers such as Chansey and Clefable help preserve Meloetta's longevity, letting it continue walling threats.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Meloetta can run a fully defensive set with Recover and Glare, which can be fairly useful. Calm Mind can be used, but such a set can be rather ineffective because it is generally outclassed by other special attackers such as Hoopa-Unbound. Alternatively, running Judgment and either Flame Plate, Fist Plate, or Earth Plate on the wallbreaker and sweeper sets is an option, as they offer more reliable and powerful coverage; however, using the item slot on the Plate can be disappointing, as it doesn't boost any other moves. Other coverage options such as Energy Ball, Shadow Ball, and Thunderbolt are all relatively viable and can remove threats such as Suicune, Jirachi, and Skarmory, although they don't cover anything notable and are very team specific. Meloetta can use a set with Wish, Protect, Baton Pass, and Hyper Voice or Psyshock, but this is usually unadvised due to other Pokemon outclassing it in this department such as Chansey. Using Meloetta-P is another option, as Meloetta has higher Speed in its Pirouette forme and can take advantage of Extreme Speed. Meloetta-P isn't that viable, though, as it has to spend a turn using Relic Song to transform and has to do it again if it ends up switching out, in addition to Relic Song wasting a moveslot.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Sableye**: Due to its Dark / Ghost typing, Sableye is immune to both of Meloetta's STAB types. It is also immune to Meloetta's most common coverage option, Focus Blast. If Meloetta opts not to run Dazzling Gleam, Sableye walls it. If that isn't enough, Sableye can end Meloetta's sweep with Topsy-Turvy and turn it into setup bait.
**Offensive Dark-types and Pursuit Trappers**: Meloetta has mediocre physical bulk, and any physical Dark Pokemon such as Weavile or Tyranitar gives it a lot of trouble, especially if running Pursuit, which many Dark-types run in STABmons. Moreover, Bisharp resists or is immune to both of Meloetta's STAB types and always runs Sucker Punch.
**Bulky Steel-types**: Bulky Steel-types such as Scizor and Jirachi resist both of Meloetta's STAB types and don't care much about Focus Blast. Unless Meloetta is running Fire coverage, they will force it out.
**Revenge Killers**: Meloetta is very vulnerable to being revenge killed by the likes of Stoutland and Weavile due to its mediocre Speed and lack of priority moves.
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