Solerme's Amoonguss
Same reasons etc
Same reasons etc
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Victim Of The Week [VoTW #27 - Zygarde / Zygarde-Complete]
- Thread starter dogknees
- Start date
- Status
Voting for ThickFatAzumarill's Mega Venusaur. While Amoonguss also checks Ferrothorn quite well, I personally prefer Venu because it's more viable than our mushroom friend and can take on threats Amoonguss can only dream of beating thanks to Venu's thicc fat.
Congratulations to Solerme for winning VoTW 22 (Ferrothorn) with your submission of Amoonguss! Your posts will be logged into the archive.
Victim of the week #23 - Mega-Metagross
Another fat steel this week, but slightly different. Up next, we've got Mega-Metagross. Pre-Pokebank, this mon was an absolute monster. Post-Pokebank it took a hit with the introduction of numerous new checks and counters, which will remain unnamed since that's what you guys are here for! Despite this, Mega-Metagross is still most definitely a threat to be reckoned with. Boasting a whopping 700 bst total, Mega-Metagross has the capabilities to both hit extremely hard and take many hits in return. Checks and counters can also widely depend on coverage options, with common moves including Meteor Mash / Iron Head / Bullet Punch / Zen Headbutt / Ice Punch / Thunder Punch / Hammer Arm / Earthquake. There are also some more niche options, including substitute + hone claws which can be very nice to break past certain defensive walls, though is extremely matchup dependant. So how do you deal with Mega-Metagross?
Submissions are open and will be closed in four days from now. Best of luck everyone!
Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 108 Atk / 28 Def / 116 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Swords Dance / Thief
- Roost
Mega Scizor's typing, along with great natural bulk and reliable recovery, makes it one of the best defensive answers to Mega Metagross. Its bulk allows it to easily setup with Swords Dance or threaten to 2HKO outright with a Technician-boosted Thief.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 35-42 (19.7 - 23.7%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 45-54 (25.4 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 39-47 (22 - 26.5%) -- 15% chance to 4HKO
Even Mega Metagross's most effective move, Superpower, can't threaten this monster very much.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Superpower vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 71-84 (40.1 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
While in return, Mega Scizor can alternate between Roost and Swords Dance to get to +6 and 2HKO with Bullet Punch or just 2HKO with Thief.
108+ Atk Technician Mega Scizor Thief vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 80-96 (51.6 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 108+ Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 80-94 (51.6 - 60.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Mega Scizor is also excellent at gaining momentum vs. Mega Metagross, as it can easily U-turn out on a predicted switch.
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Reserving Mega Scizor, since HP Fire MegaGross is practically non-existent in BSS, unlike it was in OU.
Edit: Wow ok.
Edit: Wow ok.
Porygon2 @ Eviolite
Ability: Download
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 220 Def / 44 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Foul Play
- Trick Room
- Recover
Unless MegaGross has Hammer Arm or gets several flinches in a row, our digital duck friend will come out on top against that super computer monstrosity. Analytic is probably better, but once Trick Room is up Meta can't fish for flinches against you.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 244 HP / 220+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 51-61 (26.7 - 31.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Hammer Arm vs. 244 HP / 220+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 86-102 (45 - 53.4%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 84-100 (54.1 - 64.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 124-148 (80 - 95.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO(if someone is still using Meteor Mash and gets an Attack boost against you, they're in for a nasty surprise!)
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Hammer Arm vs. 244 HP / 220+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 86-102 (45 - 53.4%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 84-100 (54.1 - 64.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 124-148 (80 - 95.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO(if someone is still using Meteor Mash and gets an Attack boost against you, they're in for a nasty surprise!)
TRIO TRIO TRIO (Dugtrio) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Rock Tomb
- Memento
In light of recent events, I figured I should post the meme homies, Dugtrio. Before you write this off as BS, please remember Dugtrio's fantastic Arena Trap ability. What do most competent Metagross users do when faced with a fast ground type? They switch out. You know what they can't do when that fast ground type is Dugtrio? Switch out. Dugtrio coming in on Metagross guarantees that this giant threat will be gone and the rest of your team no longer has to deal with this fast, powerful, bulky steel type. If you don't want to use your Z-move slot on Duggy, Choice Band is another option; however, this doesn't guarantee a kill with EQ. I'll post both calcs below. The only thing Metagross can do to stop Duggy in normal circumstances is Bullet Punch, but BP is run on less than 43% of Metagross, so it's not the biggest concern in the world.
Offensive Calcs:
252 Atk Dugtrio Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 182-216 (117.4 - 139.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 152-180 (98 - 116.1%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dugtrio: 84-99 (75.6 - 89.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Charizard (M) @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 100 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Roost
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flame Charge / Fire Punch
Being one of the most popular Pokémon this metagame has ever had and having the enormous advantage that you always doubt on what it will mega-evolve into, Charizard is clearly an ally to consider when it comes to check Mega-Metagross. This spread lives an normal Earthquake and one from burned Metagross in any case, with the access to Roost which turns Metagross' dream to kill Charizard into a nightmare. This is without mentioning the fact that the opponent can anticipate a Mega-Charizard Y and go Thunder Punch, ensuring a net victory for Mega-Charizard X. In case the opponent plays the safe option and uses Zen Headbutt, this spread isn't 2HKO'd by it. Flame Charge is an option if you want to outspeed Metagross and then prepare the rest of the game, while Fire Punch ensures a systematic 2HKO against Metagross.
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 100-118 (54 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk burned Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 50-59 (27 - 31.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
→ Max 95.5% with two max rolls in a row after the burn
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 76-91 (41 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 98-116 (63.2 - 74.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Lord of aesthetics (Aegislash) @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature / Modest Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
Aegislash works well to beat Metagross, hammering it with Z-shadow Ball (or even just regular Shadow Ball for low bulk varients) while only really having to worry about EQ. If MegaGross lacks EQ then it's an easy win thanks to attack drops from King's Shield.
Offensive Calcs:
(vs All-out attacker) 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 156-186 (100.6 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
(vs Sub hone claws) 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Never-Ending Nightmare (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 308-366 (164.7 - 195.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 88-104 (52.6 - 62.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 43-51 (25.7 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Aegislash works great to counter other popular mons such as Lele and Koko (but I'm sure you all know this already).
Volcarona @ Firium Z / Buginium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast / Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain / HP Ground / HP Ice
QD Volcarona is a very powerful setup sweeper. The bug can easily deal with Megagross with its good STABs, even if Metagross carries Earthquake.
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 180-212 (116.1 - 136.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 132-156 (85.1 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 136-162 (84.4 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 87-103 (54 - 63.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 109-129 (67.7 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Just Dance on Metagross and YOLO !
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Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Earthquake
- Gyro Ball
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stealth Rock
How do you defeat the iron titan? Float over it with a giant bell. With access to Levitate, most Metagross sets can't hit it hard enough to take Bronzong out in any due haste (unless you find one running a very niche Gravity). Hammer Arm is the best option against Bronzong, but Bronzong has a ~96% to beat that out through brute strength, and if Bronzong fails, Metagross is going to probably be stuck with a -4 speed and low health, making it ripe for a revenge kill. Bronzong is immune to Toxic, and if for some reason you face a Stealth Rock variant, you can set up your own rocks to counter, or just set it up for the lols, beacuse you've probably got all the time in the world. Toxic is also another option for Bronzong over Hidden Power Ice, if you think your opponent is going to bring in something that can easily finish off Bronzong, but I prefer Hidden Power Ice to threaten all the 4x Ice weakness Pokemon who like to switch in on Bronzong. Hidden Power Fire can be run as well over Hidden Power Ice/Toxic, to threaten 4x Fire weakness Pokemon, but it's not worth using against Metagross since Earthquake hits harder. Since this Bronzong has no problem shrugging off Metagross, and you're never going to outspeed it anyway, running a Relaxed+0IV Spd is optimal to work under Trick Room and max out Gyro Ball for potential switches. Bronzong is safe to switch into Metagross and absorb/dodge most hits easily as well, which is pretty nice, and passive leftovers recovery may just heal it back up after the switch.
Offensive Calcs:
(All-Out Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (32.2 - 38.7%) -- 96.4% chance to 3HKO
(Hone-Claws Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (26.7 - 32%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
(Tryhard Meta?) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Metagross-Mega: 38-46 (20.3 - 24.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
Defensive Calcs:
(All-Out Meta)
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 15-18 (8.6 - 10.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 16-19 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 20-24 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 31-37 (17.8 - 21.2%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 36-42 (20.6 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 40-48 (22.9 - 27.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 44-52 (25.2 - 29.8%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 53-63 (30.4 - 36.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if for some reason a niche Gravity is set up...
(All-Out Meta) 252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 82-98 (47.1 - 56.3%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
If your opponent is really trying to be weird...
(Tryhard Meta V2?) 252+ SpA Metagross-Mega Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Bronzong: 58-70 (33.3 - 40.2%) -- 38% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if something has gone horribly and utterly wrong...
(Sub-Claw Meta) +6 0 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 52-62 (29.8 - 35.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
(All-Out Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (32.2 - 38.7%) -- 96.4% chance to 3HKO
(Hone-Claws Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (26.7 - 32%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
(Tryhard Meta?) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Metagross-Mega: 38-46 (20.3 - 24.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
Defensive Calcs:
(All-Out Meta)
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 15-18 (8.6 - 10.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 16-19 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 20-24 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 31-37 (17.8 - 21.2%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 36-42 (20.6 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 40-48 (22.9 - 27.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 44-52 (25.2 - 29.8%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 53-63 (30.4 - 36.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if for some reason a niche Gravity is set up...
(All-Out Meta) 252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 82-98 (47.1 - 56.3%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
If your opponent is really trying to be weird...
(Tryhard Meta V2?) 252+ SpA Metagross-Mega Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Bronzong: 58-70 (33.3 - 40.2%) -- 38% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if something has gone horribly and utterly wrong...
(Sub-Claw Meta) +6 0 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 52-62 (29.8 - 35.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
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Ability: Storm Drain
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Recover
- Fissure / Rock Tomb / Toxic
Resistent to its Steel STAB and immune to one of Metag's current staple moves, Thunder Punch, it is only 4hkod by the rare Zen Headbutt, while 2hkoing back
Offensive:
0 SpA Gastrodon Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 90-108 (58 - 69.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Defensive:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 244 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 88-105 (40.5 - 48.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Iapapa Berry recovery
Meteor Mash -- 22.5 - 26.7%
Bullet Punch -- 10.1 - 12.4% possible 9HKO after Iapapa Berry recovery
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Steelix(Steelixite)
Ability : Sand Force
EVs : 252 HP / 84 Atk / 172 Def
Relaxed Nature
Gyro Ball
Earthquake
Curse
Rock Blast / Rock Slide / Stone Edge
Most of the best answers to Mega-Gross have been mentioned but Steelix too is a solid counter to it fearing only Hammer Arm(not earthquake) on the switch in which gives a chance Metagross to take it out with 3 hits. In any other scenario Steelix from its side after one boost from Curse it always OHKOs. Calcs below :
+1 84 Atk Steelix-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 156-186 (100.6 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 50-60 (27.4 - 32.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 66-78 (36.2 - 42.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 44-54 (24.1 - 29.6%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 34-42 (18.6 - 23%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 50-60 (27.4 - 32.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 66-78 (36.2 - 42.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 44-54 (24.1 - 29.6%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 34-42 (18.6 - 23%) -- possible 5HKO
Mega Steelix works pretty good under trick room and at the same time acts as counter-play to that same style especially if the opponent uses Mega Mawile. It gives hard time to a lot of fairies Mimikyu to name one.
Nominating: Bulky Mega-Gengar. The "when defeated" section on PGL shows M-gengar as a potential threat to M-Metagross.
Mega-Gengar @ Gengarite
252 HP / 52 Def / 204 Spe
- Will-o-Wisp
- Hex
- Substitute/Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
Since M-Gengar is faster, it can WoW to halve M-Metagross's attack. Even a Zen heatbutt + Bullet punch from a Burned Jolly M-Metagross are incapable of taking M-gengar down, as shown below:
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 109-129 (65.2 - 77.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 27-33 (16.1 - 19.7%) -- possible 6HKO
The PGL shows that Jolly is preferable nature for M-metagross, maybe players are concerned about its speed and ability to invest more a "fast bulky" set, idk. Even for a adamant nature M-Metagross, the chances to defeat M-gengar are minimal (88,5 - 105,9%). A full offensive M-Gengar's shadow ball can OHKO a non-HP/SpD M-Metagross, however, it can't do much against bulkier sets.
Also I'm taking calcs from a Zen headbutt as move, but less than 50% of M-Metagross carry this move, they prefer elemental punchs, EQ and Iron head as a moveset. With all these considerations and the data info from PGL, I would say that WoW + Hex Bulky M-Gengar would be a nice way to deal with M-Metagross. Actually, if used correcly, it can stop many physical mons, like M-salamence (non-boosted), Landorus-T (not scafed), M-Kang, M-gyarados, mimikyu, etc. And the power of Hex + burn helps to wallbreak toxapex, celesteela, ferrothorn, and even Aegi-shield. Substitute, otherwise, can be used to stall and doing mind-games. Sludge bomb helps against fairies (aka tapus) and gives more power than hex, if your opponent isn't burned.
Mega-Gengar @ Gengarite
252 HP / 52 Def / 204 Spe
- Will-o-Wisp
- Hex
- Substitute/Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
Since M-Gengar is faster, it can WoW to halve M-Metagross's attack. Even a Zen heatbutt + Bullet punch from a Burned Jolly M-Metagross are incapable of taking M-gengar down, as shown below:
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 109-129 (65.2 - 77.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 27-33 (16.1 - 19.7%) -- possible 6HKO
The PGL shows that Jolly is preferable nature for M-metagross, maybe players are concerned about its speed and ability to invest more a "fast bulky" set, idk. Even for a adamant nature M-Metagross, the chances to defeat M-gengar are minimal (88,5 - 105,9%). A full offensive M-Gengar's shadow ball can OHKO a non-HP/SpD M-Metagross, however, it can't do much against bulkier sets.
Also I'm taking calcs from a Zen headbutt as move, but less than 50% of M-Metagross carry this move, they prefer elemental punchs, EQ and Iron head as a moveset. With all these considerations and the data info from PGL, I would say that WoW + Hex Bulky M-Gengar would be a nice way to deal with M-Metagross. Actually, if used correcly, it can stop many physical mons, like M-salamence (non-boosted), Landorus-T (not scafed), M-Kang, M-gyarados, mimikyu, etc. And the power of Hex + burn helps to wallbreak toxapex, celesteela, ferrothorn, and even Aegi-shield. Substitute, otherwise, can be used to stall and doing mind-games. Sludge bomb helps against fairies (aka tapus) and gives more power than hex, if your opponent isn't burned.
Sableye-Mega @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 204 Def / 52 SpD
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Foul Play
- Filler
Nice defensive answer to Metagross on stall teams. Just burn it first turn and proceed to Recover off damage and Foul Play whenever you can. Iron Head notably doesn't 2HKO Mega Sableye even when it's not burned, so you can Foul Play twice to get rid of Metagross as well. Crippling Metagross with burn however is the safer thing to do, as Iron Head flinches can be nasty.
Offensive:
0 Atk Mega Sableye Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 126-150 (81.2 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0 Atk Mega Sableye Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 186-222 (120 - 143.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Meteor Mash attack boost)
Defensive:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Mega Sableye: 61-73 (38.8 - 46.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Mega Sableye: 30-36 (19.1 - 22.9%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Sableye: 43-51 (27.3 - 32.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam / Hidden Power Ice
- Flamethrower
Pretty self explanatory. You come in on any move (except thunder punch) and proceed to stall it out with the combination of leech seed + protect. Spread is to ensure that thunder punch is a guaranteed 3hko after leftovers recovery (not taking protect into account, which makes this even more impressive).
44 Spa is where the remainder goes, giving you a 39.8% chance to 2HKO with flamethrower, which is useful if you're under the effects of taunt or can't use leech seed for whatever reason. HP Ice can be used if you want this set to double up as your Mega-Mence, Landorus, and Garchomp answer. If this is the case, you can run a Bold nature over Relaxed, though keep in mind that you'll have to pack a solid Mimikyu answer if you don't run Heavy Slam.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 212+ Def Celesteela: 90-106 (44.1 - 51.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 39.8% chance to 2HKO
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 92.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam / Hidden Power Ice
- Flamethrower
Pretty self explanatory. You come in on any move (except thunder punch) and proceed to stall it out with the combination of leech seed + protect. Spread is to ensure that thunder punch is a guaranteed 3hko after leftovers recovery (not taking protect into account, which makes this even more impressive).
44 Spa is where the remainder goes, giving you a 39.8% chance to 2HKO with flamethrower, which is useful if you're under the effects of taunt or can't use leech seed for whatever reason. HP Ice can be used if you want this set to double up as your Mega-Mence, Landorus, and Garchomp answer. If this is the case, you can run a Bold nature over Relaxed, though keep in mind that you'll have to pack a solid Mimikyu answer if you don't run Heavy Slam.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 212+ Def Celesteela: 90-106 (44.1 - 51.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 39.8% chance to 2HKO
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 92.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
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What can easily tank a Mega Metagross, set up and destroy said Metagross, as well as tank other physically attacking Pokemon in the BSS circuit, on top of not using your Mega slot (or slots) all in one package? Why the hungriest of all hippos of course.
Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Slack Off
- Curse
This is a mighty uncommon set for the hungry Hippo, although for your physical tanking purposes, a 252/252+ spread is best on this Hippowdon. At it's best, Jolly (which is practically a given) Mega Metagross fails to 2HKO Hippowdon with Ice Punch, while both are unboosted.
At +1 Curse, a Mega Meta is barely gonna 5HKO a Hippowdon of that spread, meanwhile Earthquake will do a buttload to Mega Meta and kill it in the process.
If Mega Meta remotely wants a chance, it needs to run Hone Claws, or get a lucky Ice Punch freeze.
Note: You could use a Curse Quagsire to almost the same effect if you wanna.
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 78-94 (36.2 - 43.7%) -- 98.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 54-64 (25.1 - 29.7%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Submissions are now closed! There are to be no edits of your own Pokemon, nor are there to be any new submissions. A few quick things to note;
Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 108 Atk / 28 Def / 116 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Swords Dance / Thief
- Roost
Mega Scizor's typing, along with great natural bulk and reliable recovery, makes it one of the best defensive answers to Mega Metagross. Its bulk allows it to easily setup with Swords Dance or threaten to 2HKO outright with a Technician-boosted Thief.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 35-42 (19.7 - 23.7%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 45-54 (25.4 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 39-47 (22 - 26.5%) -- 15% chance to 4HKO
Even Mega Metagross's most effective move, Superpower, can't threaten this monster very much.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Superpower vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 71-84 (40.1 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
While in return, Mega Scizor can alternate between Roost and Swords Dance to get to +6 and 2HKO with Bullet Punch or just 2HKO with Thief.
108+ Atk Technician Mega Scizor Thief vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 80-96 (51.6 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 108+ Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 80-94 (51.6 - 60.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Mega Scizor is also excellent at gaining momentum vs. Mega Metagross, as it can easily U-turn out on a predicted switch.
Porygon2 @ Eviolite
Ability: Download
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 220 Def / 44 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Foul Play
- Trick Room
- Recover
Unless MegaGross has Hammer Arm or gets several flinches in a row, our digital duck friend will come out on top against that super computer monstrosity. Analytic is probably better, but once Trick Room is up Meta can't fish for flinches against you.
TRIO TRIO TRIO (Dugtrio) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Rock Tomb
- Memento
In light of recent events, I figured I should post the meme homies, Dugtrio. Before you write this off as BS, please remember Dugtrio's fantastic Arena Trap ability. What do most competent Metagross users do when faced with a fast ground type? They switch out. You know what they can't do when that fast ground type is Dugtrio? Switch out. Dugtrio coming in on Metagross guarantees that this giant threat will be gone and the rest of your team no longer has to deal with this fast, powerful, bulky steel type. If you don't want to use your Z-move slot on Duggy, Choice Band is another option; however, this doesn't guarantee a kill with EQ. I'll post both calcs below. The only thing Metagross can do to stop Duggy in normal circumstances is Bullet Punch, but BP is run on less than 43% of Metagross, so it's not the biggest concern in the world.
Offensive Calcs:
252 Atk Dugtrio Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 182-216 (117.4 - 139.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 152-180 (98 - 116.1%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dugtrio: 84-99 (75.6 - 89.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Charizard (M) @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 100 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Roost
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flame Charge / Fire Punch
Being one of the most popular Pokémon this metagame has ever had and having the enormous advantage that you always doubt on what it will mega-evolve into, Charizard is clearly an ally to consider when it comes to check Mega-Metagross. This spread lives an normal Earthquake and one from burned Metagross in any case, with the access to Roost which turns Metagross' dream to kill Charizard into a nightmare. This is without mentioning the fact that the opponent can anticipate a Mega-Charizard Y and go Thunder Punch, ensuring a net victory for Mega-Charizard X. In case the opponent plays the safe option and uses Zen Headbutt, this spread isn't 2HKO'd by it. Flame Charge is an option if you want to outspeed Metagross and then prepare the rest of the game, while Fire Punch ensures a systematic 2HKO against Metagross.
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 100-118 (54 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk burned Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 50-59 (27 - 31.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
→ Max 95.5% with two max rolls in a row after the burn
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 76-91 (41 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 98-116 (63.2 - 74.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Lord of aesthetics (Aegislash) @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature / Modest Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
Aegislash works well to beat Metagross, hammering it with Z-shadow Ball (or even just regular Shadow Ball for low bulk varients) while only really having to worry about EQ. If MegaGross lacks EQ then it's an easy win thanks to attack drops from King's Shield.
Offensive Calcs:
(vs All-out attacker) 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 156-186 (100.6 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
(vs Sub hone claws) 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Never-Ending Nightmare (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 308-366 (164.7 - 195.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 88-104 (52.6 - 62.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 43-51 (25.7 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Aegislash works great to counter other popular mons such as Lele and Koko (but I'm sure you all know this already).
Volcarona @ Firium Z / Buginium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast / Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain / HP Ground / HP Ice
QD Volcarona is a very powerful setup sweeper. The bug can easily deal with Megagross with its good STABs, even if Metagross carries Earthquake.
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 180-212 (116.1 - 136.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 132-156 (85.1 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 136-162 (84.4 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 87-103 (54 - 63.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 109-129 (67.7 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Just Dance on Metagross and YOLO !
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Earthquake
- Gyro Ball
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stealth Rock
How do you defeat the iron titan? Float over it with a giant bell. With access to Levitate, most Metagross sets can't hit it hard enough to take Bronzong out in any due haste (unless you find one running a very niche Gravity). Hammer Arm is the best option against Bronzong, but Bronzong has a ~96% to beat that out through brute strength, and if Bronzong fails, Metagross is going to probably be stuck with a -4 speed and low health, making it ripe for a revenge kill. Bronzong is immune to Toxic, and if for some reason you face a Stealth Rock variant, you can set up your own rocks to counter, or just set it up for the lols, beacuse you've probably got all the time in the world. Toxic is also another option for Bronzong over Hidden Power Ice, if you think your opponent is going to bring in something that can easily finish off Bronzong, but I prefer Hidden Power Ice to threaten all the 4x Ice weakness Pokemon who like to switch in on Bronzong. Hidden Power Fire can be run as well over Hidden Power Ice/Toxic, to threaten 4x Fire weakness Pokemon, but it's not worth using against Metagross since Earthquake hits harder. Since this Bronzong has no problem shrugging off Metagross, and you're never going to outspeed it anyway, running a Relaxed+0IV Spd is optimal to work under Trick Room and max out Gyro Ball for potential switches. Bronzong is safe to switch into Metagross and absorb/dodge most hits easily as well, which is pretty nice, and passive leftovers recovery may just heal it back up after the switch.
Ability: Storm Drain
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Recover
- Fissure / Rock Tomb / Toxic
Resistent to its Steel STAB and immune to one of Metag's current staple moves, Thunder Punch, it is only 4hkod by the rare Zen Headbutt, while 2hkoing back
Offensive:
0 SpA Gastrodon Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 90-108 (58 - 69.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Defensive:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 244 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 88-105 (40.5 - 48.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Iapapa Berry recovery
Meteor Mash -- 22.5 - 26.7%
Bullet Punch -- 10.1 - 12.4% possible 9HKO after Iapapa Berry recovery
Steelix(Steelixite)
Ability : Sand Force
EVs : 252 HP / 84 Atk / 172 Def
Relaxed Nature
Gyro Ball
Earthquake
Curse
Rock Blast / Rock Slide / Stone Edge
Most of the best answers to Mega-Gross have been mentioned but Steelix too is a solid counter to it fearing only Hammer Arm(not earthquake) on the switch in which gives a chance Metagross to take it out with 3 hits. In any other scenario Steelix from its side after one boost from Curse it always OHKOs. Calcs below :
Mega Steelix works pretty good under trick room and at the same time acts as counter-play to that same style especially if the opponent uses Mega Mawile. It gives hard time to a lot of fairies Mimikyu to name one.
Sableye-Mega @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 204 Def / 52 SpD
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Foul Play
- Filler
Nice defensive answer to Metagross on stall teams. Just burn it first turn and proceed to Recover off damage and Foul Play whenever you can. Iron Head notably doesn't 2HKO Mega Sableye even when it's not burned, so you can Foul Play twice to get rid of Metagross as well. Crippling Metagross with burn however is the safer thing to do, as Iron Head flinches can be nasty.
Damn it, whenever I think of a Pokemon for Mega Meta, someone beats me to the punch
What can easily tank a Mega Metagross, set up and destroy said Metagross, as well as tank other physically attacking Pokemon in the BSS circuit, on top of not using your Mega slot (or slots) all in one package? Why the hungriest of all hippos of course.
Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Slack Off
- Curse
This is a mighty uncommon set for the hungry Hippo, although for your physical tanking purposes, a 252/252+ spread is best on this Hippowdon. At it's best, Jolly (which is practically a given) Mega Metagross fails to 2HKO Hippowdon with Ice Punch, while both are unboosted.
At +1 Curse, a Mega Meta is barely gonna 5HKO a Hippowdon of that spread, meanwhile Earthquake will do a buttload to Mega Meta and kill it in the process.
If Mega Meta remotely wants a chance, it needs to run Hone Claws, or get a lucky Ice Punch freeze.
Note: You could use a Curse Quagsire to almost the same effect if you wanna.
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 78-94 (36.2 - 43.7%) -- 98.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 54-64 (25.1 - 29.7%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
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Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 HP / 108 Atk / 28 Def / 116 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Swords Dance / Thief
- Roost
Mega Scizor's typing, along with great natural bulk and reliable recovery, makes it one of the best defensive answers to Mega Metagross. Its bulk allows it to easily setup with Swords Dance or threaten to 2HKO outright with a Technician-boosted Thief.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 35-42 (19.7 - 23.7%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 45-54 (25.4 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 39-47 (22 - 26.5%) -- 15% chance to 4HKO
Even Mega Metagross's most effective move, Superpower, can't threaten this monster very much.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Superpower vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Mega Scizor: 71-84 (40.1 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
While in return, Mega Scizor can alternate between Roost and Swords Dance to get to +6 and 2HKO with Bullet Punch or just 2HKO with Thief.
108+ Atk Technician Mega Scizor Thief vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 80-96 (51.6 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 108+ Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 80-94 (51.6 - 60.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Mega Scizor is also excellent at gaining momentum vs. Mega Metagross, as it can easily U-turn out on a predicted switch.
Porygon2 @ Eviolite
Ability: Download
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 220 Def / 44 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Foul Play
- Trick Room
- Recover
Unless MegaGross has Hammer Arm or gets several flinches in a row, our digital duck friend will come out on top against that super computer monstrosity. Analytic is probably better, but once Trick Room is up Meta can't fish for flinches against you.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 244 HP / 220+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 51-61 (26.7 - 31.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Hammer Arm vs. 244 HP / 220+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 86-102 (45 - 53.4%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 84-100 (54.1 - 64.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 124-148 (80 - 95.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO(if someone is still using Meteor Mash and gets an Attack boost against you, they're in for a nasty surprise!)
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Hammer Arm vs. 244 HP / 220+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 86-102 (45 - 53.4%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO
0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 84-100 (54.1 - 64.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0- Atk Porygon2 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 124-148 (80 - 95.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO(if someone is still using Meteor Mash and gets an Attack boost against you, they're in for a nasty surprise!)
TRIO TRIO TRIO (Dugtrio) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Arena Trap
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Rock Tomb
- Memento
In light of recent events, I figured I should post the meme homies, Dugtrio. Before you write this off as BS, please remember Dugtrio's fantastic Arena Trap ability. What do most competent Metagross users do when faced with a fast ground type? They switch out. You know what they can't do when that fast ground type is Dugtrio? Switch out. Dugtrio coming in on Metagross guarantees that this giant threat will be gone and the rest of your team no longer has to deal with this fast, powerful, bulky steel type. If you don't want to use your Z-move slot on Duggy, Choice Band is another option; however, this doesn't guarantee a kill with EQ. I'll post both calcs below. The only thing Metagross can do to stop Duggy in normal circumstances is Bullet Punch, but BP is run on less than 43% of Metagross, so it's not the biggest concern in the world.
Offensive Calcs:
252 Atk Dugtrio Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 182-216 (117.4 - 139.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 152-180 (98 - 116.1%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Dugtrio: 84-99 (75.6 - 89.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Charizard (M) @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 156 Def / 100 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Roost
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flame Charge / Fire Punch
Being one of the most popular Pokémon this metagame has ever had and having the enormous advantage that you always doubt on what it will mega-evolve into, Charizard is clearly an ally to consider when it comes to check Mega-Metagross. This spread lives an normal Earthquake and one from burned Metagross in any case, with the access to Roost which turns Metagross' dream to kill Charizard into a nightmare. This is without mentioning the fact that the opponent can anticipate a Mega-Charizard Y and go Thunder Punch, ensuring a net victory for Mega-Charizard X. In case the opponent plays the safe option and uses Zen Headbutt, this spread isn't 2HKO'd by it. Flame Charge is an option if you want to outspeed Metagross and then prepare the rest of the game, while Fire Punch ensures a systematic 2HKO against Metagross.
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 100-118 (54 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk burned Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 50-59 (27 - 31.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
→ Max 95.5% with two max rolls in a row after the burn
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Mega Charizard X: 76-91 (41 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 98-116 (63.2 - 74.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Lord of aesthetics (Aegislash) @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature / Modest Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Shadow Sneak
- King's Shield
Aegislash works well to beat Metagross, hammering it with Z-shadow Ball (or even just regular Shadow Ball for low bulk varients) while only really having to worry about EQ. If MegaGross lacks EQ then it's an easy win thanks to attack drops from King's Shield.
Offensive Calcs:
(vs All-out attacker) 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 156-186 (100.6 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
(vs Sub hone claws) 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Never-Ending Nightmare (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 308-366 (164.7 - 195.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Defensive Calcs:
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 88-104 (52.6 - 62.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Aegislash-Shield: 43-51 (25.7 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Aegislash works great to counter other popular mons such as Lele and Koko (but I'm sure you all know this already).
Volcarona @ Firium Z / Buginium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast / Fiery Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain / HP Ground / HP Ice
QD Volcarona is a very powerful setup sweeper. The bug can easily deal with Megagross with its good STABs, even if Metagross carries Earthquake.
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 180-212 (116.1 - 136.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 132-156 (85.1 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 136-162 (84.4 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 87-103 (54 - 63.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 109-129 (67.7 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Just Dance on Metagross and YOLO !
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Earthquake
- Gyro Ball
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Stealth Rock
How do you defeat the iron titan? Float over it with a giant bell. With access to Levitate, most Metagross sets can't hit it hard enough to take Bronzong out in any due haste (unless you find one running a very niche Gravity). Hammer Arm is the best option against Bronzong, but Bronzong has a ~96% to beat that out through brute strength, and if Bronzong fails, Metagross is going to probably be stuck with a -4 speed and low health, making it ripe for a revenge kill. Bronzong is immune to Toxic, and if for some reason you face a Stealth Rock variant, you can set up your own rocks to counter, or just set it up for the lols, beacuse you've probably got all the time in the world. Toxic is also another option for Bronzong over Hidden Power Ice, if you think your opponent is going to bring in something that can easily finish off Bronzong, but I prefer Hidden Power Ice to threaten all the 4x Ice weakness Pokemon who like to switch in on Bronzong. Hidden Power Fire can be run as well over Hidden Power Ice/Toxic, to threaten 4x Fire weakness Pokemon, but it's not worth using against Metagross since Earthquake hits harder. Since this Bronzong has no problem shrugging off Metagross, and you're never going to outspeed it anyway, running a Relaxed+0IV Spd is optimal to work under Trick Room and max out Gyro Ball for potential switches. Bronzong is safe to switch into Metagross and absorb/dodge most hits easily as well, which is pretty nice, and passive leftovers recovery may just heal it back up after the switch.
Offensive Calcs:
(All-Out Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (32.2 - 38.7%) -- 96.4% chance to 3HKO
(Hone-Claws Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (26.7 - 32%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
(Tryhard Meta?) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Metagross-Mega: 38-46 (20.3 - 24.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
Defensive Calcs:
(All-Out Meta)
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 15-18 (8.6 - 10.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 16-19 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 20-24 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 31-37 (17.8 - 21.2%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 36-42 (20.6 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 40-48 (22.9 - 27.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 44-52 (25.2 - 29.8%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 53-63 (30.4 - 36.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if for some reason a niche Gravity is set up...
(All-Out Meta) 252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 82-98 (47.1 - 56.3%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
If your opponent is really trying to be weird...
(Tryhard Meta V2?) 252+ SpA Metagross-Mega Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Bronzong: 58-70 (33.3 - 40.2%) -- 38% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if something has gone horribly and utterly wrong...
(Sub-Claw Meta) +6 0 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 52-62 (29.8 - 35.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
(All-Out Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (32.2 - 38.7%) -- 96.4% chance to 3HKO
(Hone-Claws Meta) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 50-60 (26.7 - 32%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
(Tryhard Meta?) 0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Metagross-Mega: 38-46 (20.3 - 24.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
Defensive Calcs:
(All-Out Meta)
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 15-18 (8.6 - 10.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 16-19 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 20-24 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 31-37 (17.8 - 21.2%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 36-42 (20.6 - 24.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 40-48 (22.9 - 27.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 44-52 (25.2 - 29.8%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 53-63 (30.4 - 36.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if for some reason a niche Gravity is set up...
(All-Out Meta) 252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 82-98 (47.1 - 56.3%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
If your opponent is really trying to be weird...
(Tryhard Meta V2?) 252+ SpA Metagross-Mega Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Bronzong: 58-70 (33.3 - 40.2%) -- 38% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
And if something has gone horribly and utterly wrong...
(Sub-Claw Meta) +6 0 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 52-62 (29.8 - 35.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Recover
- Fissure / Rock Tomb / Toxic
Resistent to its Steel STAB and immune to one of Metag's current staple moves, Thunder Punch, it is only 4hkod by the rare Zen Headbutt, while 2hkoing back
Offensive:
0 SpA Gastrodon Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 90-108 (58 - 69.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Defensive:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 244 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 88-105 (40.5 - 48.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Iapapa Berry recovery
Meteor Mash -- 22.5 - 26.7%
Bullet Punch -- 10.1 - 12.4% possible 9HKO after Iapapa Berry recovery
Steelix(Steelixite)
Ability : Sand Force
EVs : 252 HP / 84 Atk / 172 Def
Relaxed Nature
Gyro Ball
Earthquake
Curse
Rock Blast / Rock Slide / Stone Edge
Most of the best answers to Mega-Gross have been mentioned but Steelix too is a solid counter to it fearing only Hammer Arm(not earthquake) on the switch in which gives a chance Metagross to take it out with 3 hits. In any other scenario Steelix from its side after one boost from Curse it always OHKOs. Calcs below :
+1 84 Atk Steelix-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 156-186 (100.6 - 120%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 50-60 (27.4 - 32.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 66-78 (36.2 - 42.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 44-54 (24.1 - 29.6%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 34-42 (18.6 - 23%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 50-60 (27.4 - 32.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 66-78 (36.2 - 42.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 44-54 (24.1 - 29.6%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. +1 252 HP / 172+ Def Steelix-Mega: 34-42 (18.6 - 23%) -- possible 5HKO
Nominating: Bulky Mega-Gengar. The "when defeated" section on PGL shows M-gengar as a potential threat to M-Metagross.
Mega-Gengar @ Gengarite
252 HP / 52 Def / 204 Spe
- Will-o-Wisp
- Hex
- Substitute/Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
Since M-Gengar is faster, it can WoW to halve M-Metagross's attack. Even a Zen heatbutt + Bullet punch from a Burned Jolly M-Metagross are incapable of taking M-gengar down, as shown below:
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 109-129 (65.2 - 77.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 27-33 (16.1 - 19.7%) -- possible 6HKO
The PGL shows that Jolly is preferable nature for M-metagross, maybe players are concerned about its speed and ability to invest more a "fast bulky" set, idk. Even for a adamant nature M-Metagross, the chances to defeat M-gengar are minimal (88,5 - 105,9%). A full offensive M-Gengar's shadow ball can OHKO a non-HP/SpD M-Metagross, however, it can't do much against bulkier sets.
Also I'm taking calcs from a Zen headbutt as move, but less than 50% of M-Metagross carry this move, they prefer elemental punchs, EQ and Iron head as a moveset. With all these considerations and the data info from PGL, I would say that WoW + Hex Bulky M-Gengar would be a nice way to deal with M-Metagross. Actually, if used correcly, it can stop many physical mons, like M-salamence (non-boosted), Landorus-T (not scafed), M-Kang, M-gyarados, mimikyu, etc. And the power of Hex + burn helps to wallbreak toxapex, celesteela, ferrothorn, and even Aegi-shield. Substitute, otherwise, can be used to stall and doing mind-games. Sludge bomb helps against fairies (aka tapus) and gives more power than hex, if your opponent isn't burned.
Mega-Gengar @ Gengarite
252 HP / 52 Def / 204 Spe
- Will-o-Wisp
- Hex
- Substitute/Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb
Since M-Gengar is faster, it can WoW to halve M-Metagross's attack. Even a Zen heatbutt + Bullet punch from a Burned Jolly M-Metagross are incapable of taking M-gengar down, as shown below:
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 109-129 (65.2 - 77.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 52 Def Mega Gengar: 27-33 (16.1 - 19.7%) -- possible 6HKO
The PGL shows that Jolly is preferable nature for M-metagross, maybe players are concerned about its speed and ability to invest more a "fast bulky" set, idk. Even for a adamant nature M-Metagross, the chances to defeat M-gengar are minimal (88,5 - 105,9%). A full offensive M-Gengar's shadow ball can OHKO a non-HP/SpD M-Metagross, however, it can't do much against bulkier sets.
Also I'm taking calcs from a Zen headbutt as move, but less than 50% of M-Metagross carry this move, they prefer elemental punchs, EQ and Iron head as a moveset. With all these considerations and the data info from PGL, I would say that WoW + Hex Bulky M-Gengar would be a nice way to deal with M-Metagross. Actually, if used correcly, it can stop many physical mons, like M-salamence (non-boosted), Landorus-T (not scafed), M-Kang, M-gyarados, mimikyu, etc. And the power of Hex + burn helps to wallbreak toxapex, celesteela, ferrothorn, and even Aegi-shield. Substitute, otherwise, can be used to stall and doing mind-games. Sludge bomb helps against fairies (aka tapus) and gives more power than hex, if your opponent isn't burned.
Sableye-Mega @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 204 Def / 52 SpD
Impish Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Foul Play
- Filler
Nice defensive answer to Metagross on stall teams. Just burn it first turn and proceed to Recover off damage and Foul Play whenever you can. Iron Head notably doesn't 2HKO Mega Sableye even when it's not burned, so you can Foul Play twice to get rid of Metagross as well. Crippling Metagross with burn however is the safer thing to do, as Iron Head flinches can be nasty.
Offensive:
0 Atk Mega Sableye Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 126-150 (81.2 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0 Atk Mega Sableye Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 186-222 (120 - 143.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Meteor Mash attack boost)
Defensive:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Mega Sableye: 61-73 (38.8 - 46.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Mega Sableye: 30-36 (19.1 - 22.9%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Sableye: 43-51 (27.3 - 32.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 Atk Mega Sableye Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 126-150 (81.2 - 96.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 0 Atk Mega Sableye Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Metagross: 186-222 (120 - 143.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Meteor Mash attack boost)
Defensive:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Mega Sableye: 61-73 (38.8 - 46.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Mega Sableye: 30-36 (19.1 - 22.9%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Mega Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 204+ Def Sableye: 43-51 (27.3 - 32.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam / Hidden Power Ice
- Flamethrower
Pretty self explanatory. You come in on any move (except thunder punch) and proceed to stall it out with the combination of leech seed + protect. Spread is to ensure that thunder punch is a guaranteed 3hko after leftovers recovery (not taking protect into account, which makes this even more impressive).
44 Spa is where the remainder goes, giving you a 39.8% chance to 2HKO with flamethrower, which is useful if you're under the effects of taunt or can't use leech seed for whatever reason. HP Ice can be used if you want this set to double up as your Mega-Mence, Landorus, and Garchomp answer. If this is the case, you can run a Bold nature over Relaxed, though keep in mind that you'll have to pack a solid Mimikyu answer if you don't run Heavy Slam.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 212+ Def Celesteela: 90-106 (44.1 - 51.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 39.8% chance to 2HKO
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 92.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam / Hidden Power Ice
- Flamethrower
Pretty self explanatory. You come in on any move (except thunder punch) and proceed to stall it out with the combination of leech seed + protect. Spread is to ensure that thunder punch is a guaranteed 3hko after leftovers recovery (not taking protect into account, which makes this even more impressive).
44 Spa is where the remainder goes, giving you a 39.8% chance to 2HKO with flamethrower, which is useful if you're under the effects of taunt or can't use leech seed for whatever reason. HP Ice can be used if you want this set to double up as your Mega-Mence, Landorus, and Garchomp answer. If this is the case, you can run a Bold nature over Relaxed, though keep in mind that you'll have to pack a solid Mimikyu answer if you don't run Heavy Slam.
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 212+ Def Celesteela: 90-106 (44.1 - 51.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 39.8% chance to 2HKO
44 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 70-84 (45.1 - 54.1%) -- 92.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
What can easily tank a Mega Metagross, set up and destroy said Metagross, as well as tank other physically attacking Pokemon in the BSS circuit, on top of not using your Mega slot (or slots) all in one package? Why the hungriest of all hippos of course.
Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Slack Off
- Curse
This is a mighty uncommon set for the hungry Hippo, although for your physical tanking purposes, a 252/252+ spread is best on this Hippowdon. At it's best, Jolly (which is practically a given) Mega Metagross fails to 2HKO Hippowdon with Ice Punch, while both are unboosted.
At +1 Curse, a Mega Meta is barely gonna 5HKO a Hippowdon of that spread, meanwhile Earthquake will do a buttload to Mega Meta and kill it in the process.
If Mega Meta remotely wants a chance, it needs to run Hone Claws, or get a lucky Ice Punch freeze.
Note: You could use a Curse Quagsire to almost the same effect if you wanna.
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 78-94 (36.2 - 43.7%) -- 98.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 54-64 (25.1 - 29.7%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Voting for dogknee's Celesteela. It's sheer bulk allows it to wall anything that can't deal significant damage to it, and Mega Metagross is no exception (except for those carrying Thunder Punch, but even then Celesteela has Protect, Lefties, and Leech Seed to heal itself back up).
Voting for Solerme's Gastrodon. I'll admit, it's not the most viable thing in the meta, but it can beat Metagross pretty easily. What really sells me on it is that it can also deal with Metagross's team mates. According to the usage stats, Metagross's top 5 partners are Lando-T, Koko, Mimikyu, Fini, and Lele. This Gastrodon does pretty well against all if those except Lele (and maybe Fini).
Will vote for BlizzardHero's real bell-ringer. Bronzong. This Pokemon, to me, is a great stop to most psychic Pokemon in Battle Spot Singles. It can set up Stealth Rocks, and wall Mega Metagross to hell and back, and smack it up with Earthquake, while being immune to Meta's strongest coverage option to cover Bronzong.
Voting for GateCreeper's Mega Sableye. Running burn can shut down at lot of physical attackers even if the opponent switches, and recover makes it so Metagross can't really keep up if you play your cards right. Furthermore, Foul Play works well given that the most common Meta sets are All-Out's.
Voting for Freeh Squad's Mega Scizor
Not only Scizor is resistant to dual-STAB from Mega Metagross, it also takes every, single, coverage moves neutrally at most. The strongest move that Mega Metagross can use to hit Mega Scizor isHidden Power Fire possibly boosted Earthquake from Meteor Mash which still does:
+1 252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Scizor: 70-83 (39.5 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
... less than half.
There is no much for Scizor to do except setting up on it while hoping Meteor Mash doesn't boost Metagross, but the fact that Mega Metagross can be set up on is just too notable.
The bolded ones I think are also some best options and made me hesitate before choosing Mega Scizor. They are just my personal opinions based on my own experience:
Porygon2: Porygon2 has to spend more than just couple turns to make Metagross faint, and if its Eviolite is gone or if it is poisoned for whatever the reason, it can't check Metagross.
Dugtrio: It is capable of revenge killing, but it can't even switch in, meaning it has to wait for one of its ally to switch out safely or faint.
Mega Charizard X: I personally think this mon is the second best check to Megagross. Unless Stealth Rock is up, I think it is fine.
Aegislash: Metagross doesn't run Substitute... so I guess this is good option too... unless Metagross user makes god predict using Earthquake.
Volcarona: Unless it is near full HP, uninvested variants die to Zen Headbutt.
Bronzong: It does shut down Mega Metagross, but it is too passive, and it may hand over momentum as Metagross switches to the counter. Setting Stealth Rock is mostly worthwhile, however.
Gastrodon: I am not sure what does this guy do outsides dealing with Mega Metagross. It loses to Substitute Mega Gyarados, Mega Salamence OHKOs it with high chance after a Dragon Dance and Stealth Rock, and more. I like how it at least stops Tapu Koko (Grass Knot though) and rain teams, however.
Mega Steelix: Wins against Metagross, but it loses to too many other threats, and is revenge killed or forced out very easily by medium-speed-tier special attackers. I still like the interesting spreads and calls, however.
Mega Sableye: The moves it can run are just middle finger signs to Metagross: Will-O-Wisp leaves it near useless for the rest of the match, Foul Play just says "no" to rare Hone Claws variants. Metagross has to pray that Meteor Mash hits twice in a row after Stealth Rock damage, which is an impossible environment where Sableye will mostly lead and Mega Evolve to gain Magic Bounce in Turn 1.
Celesteela: Thunder Punch is there. I personally get Thunder Punch most of the time just to hit Tapu Fini, Primarina, Skarmory, and Celesteela. Of course, it laughs at any Metagross without it.
Hippowdon: Curse sounds interesting, but I think the 'mon itself can be used much more viable with semi-suicide lead with Yawn and Stealth Rock. Also, I think Hippowdon handles Metagross decent without such modifications.
So all of the above are good checks to the fat Iron thingy. I chose Mega Scizor which not only walls Metagross, but rather sets up on it and can stay healthy while checking it using Roost.
Not only Scizor is resistant to dual-STAB from Mega Metagross, it also takes every, single, coverage moves neutrally at most. The strongest move that Mega Metagross can use to hit Mega Scizor is
+1 252 Atk Mega Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Scizor: 70-83 (39.5 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
... less than half.
There is no much for Scizor to do except setting up on it while hoping Meteor Mash doesn't boost Metagross, but the fact that Mega Metagross can be set up on is just too notable.
The bolded ones I think are also some best options and made me hesitate before choosing Mega Scizor. They are just my personal opinions based on my own experience:
Porygon2: Porygon2 has to spend more than just couple turns to make Metagross faint, and if its Eviolite is gone or if it is poisoned for whatever the reason, it can't check Metagross.
Dugtrio: It is capable of revenge killing, but it can't even switch in, meaning it has to wait for one of its ally to switch out safely or faint.
Mega Charizard X: I personally think this mon is the second best check to Megagross. Unless Stealth Rock is up, I think it is fine.
Aegislash: Metagross doesn't run Substitute... so I guess this is good option too... unless Metagross user makes god predict using Earthquake.
Volcarona: Unless it is near full HP, uninvested variants die to Zen Headbutt.
Bronzong: It does shut down Mega Metagross, but it is too passive, and it may hand over momentum as Metagross switches to the counter. Setting Stealth Rock is mostly worthwhile, however.
Gastrodon: I am not sure what does this guy do outsides dealing with Mega Metagross. It loses to Substitute Mega Gyarados, Mega Salamence OHKOs it with high chance after a Dragon Dance and Stealth Rock, and more. I like how it at least stops Tapu Koko (Grass Knot though) and rain teams, however.
Mega Steelix: Wins against Metagross, but it loses to too many other threats, and is revenge killed or forced out very easily by medium-speed-tier special attackers. I still like the interesting spreads and calls, however.
Mega Sableye: The moves it can run are just middle finger signs to Metagross: Will-O-Wisp leaves it near useless for the rest of the match, Foul Play just says "no" to rare Hone Claws variants. Metagross has to pray that Meteor Mash hits twice in a row after Stealth Rock damage, which is an impossible environment where Sableye will mostly lead and Mega Evolve to gain Magic Bounce in Turn 1.
Celesteela: Thunder Punch is there. I personally get Thunder Punch most of the time just to hit Tapu Fini, Primarina, Skarmory, and Celesteela. Of course, it laughs at any Metagross without it.
Hippowdon: Curse sounds interesting, but I think the 'mon itself can be used much more viable with semi-suicide lead with Yawn and Stealth Rock. Also, I think Hippowdon handles Metagross decent without such modifications.
So all of the above are good checks to the fat Iron thingy. I chose Mega Scizor which not only walls Metagross, but rather sets up on it and can stay healthy while checking it using Roost.
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Voting for Feesh Squad's Mega Scizor. There was a reason people used Scizor in OU to stop the god that was Mega Metagross - MegaGross can't really touch it. Being able to set-up on an offensive monster like Metagross is impressive, and the ability to gain momentum on switches with U-turn is also invaluable in a 3v3 format where momentum is everything.
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