<p>Despite a constantly changing metagame, Aerodactyl has retained his position as a popular lead. This is largely because of his access to Taunt and the fastest Stealth Rock in OU (barring Choice Scarf users). Aerodactyl, for better and or worse, will continue to be an influential lead with its blessed options simple but effective playstyle, easily preventing other leads from setting up entry hazards and while setting up his own.</p>
<p>Alternatively, Aerodactyl can also venture from the lead position, making use of his great Speed both not only offensively and but, surprisingly, defensively as well. Though the Life Orb set has some shortcomings, it has the potential to rip through unprepared or weakened teams as Aerodactyl can outrunhe has the advantage of outrunning a major portion of the metagame, including the ever-popular Choice Scarf Tyranitar. With the correct support Aerodactyl using a Life Orb can also jeopardize stall-oriented teams, a skill that few Pokemon possess. Defensively, Aerodactyl can use the infamous SubRoost strategy to be a complete annoyance against any team, provided he has the correct support.</p>
[SET]
name: Lead
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Rock Slide / Stone Edge
move 4: Earthquake
item: Focus Sash
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Against the perpetually changing OU metagame, Aerodactyl has constantly filled his niche as one of the best suicide leads. The game plan is straightforward: Aerodactyl should prevent the opposing lead from setting up in any way by using Taunt while laying down Stealth Rock wheneverwhen possible. Aerodactyl can then batter the opponent with the infamous EdgeQuake combo before fainting or switch to another team member. Should Aerodactyl be up against certain leads requiring prediction, such as Roserade and opposing Aerodactyl, the game plan may be modified.</p>
[ADDITONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Early Stealth Rock in general is a major asset to wear down the opponent's team, so whatever your team's strategy may be, so strong sweepers and bulky walls or tanks can capitalize. For example, an Nasty Plot Infernape with one Nasty Plot boost cannot OHKO common variants of Gyarados and Dragonite without Stealth Rock on the field, while phazers such as Suicune and Heatran also benefit from entry hazards. A team with Aerodactyl appreciates strong Ghost-types who can block Rapid Spin. Gengar and Rotom-H are excellent examples, able to dish out damage while simultaneously blocking Rapid Spin. Both must keep in mind, however, that common spinners such as Starmie and Forretress have ways of combating ghostsGhost-types, and may swiftly KO with Hydro Pump and Payback, respectively.</p>
<p>The choice between Rock Slide and Stone Edge is entirely up to the user. Rock Slide is the primary option thanks to higher accuracy and a high flinch chance. The combination of these two factors in tandem with Aerodactyl's high Speed may prove convenientuseful against leads holding Focus Sash. On the other hand, Stone Edge is a stronger option, since power outweighs the trade in accuracytrading lower accuracy for higher power. It should be noted that Stone Edge will always OHKO Lead Dragonite (factoring in Life Orb recoil),(comma) and other Flying-type leads, such as Crobat and Zapdos, are eliminated promptly.</p>
<p>Aerodactyl can rarely take more than a hit or two with no EV investment in his defenses, turningmeaning Focus Sash intois the only viable item. It not only gives Aerodactyl a second chance if Taunt is misused you mispredict with Taunt, but it also allows him to survive hits from faster Pokemon, most of whom are equipped with Choice Scarf. Some common counters to watch out for are Choice Scarf Jirachi and Metagross, who can 2HKO Aerodactyl with Iron Head, or a combination of Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch, respectively. Magnezone can easily trap Choice Scarf Jirachi thanks to Magnet Pull and can then use its good Defense stat and quadruple4x resistance to Iron Head to set up a Substitute without fear and proceed to KO Jirachi with Thunderbolt. Chances are, Magnezone will escape withkeep its Substitute intact, allowing it to deal damage to another Pokemon before being forced out. Aerodactyl also covers Magnezone's weaknesses to Fire- and Ground-type attacks, meaning that he can easily come back in to set up Stealth Rock later in the match.</p>
<p>Certain leads, while not necessarily counters to Lead Aerodactyl, can throw the turbulence tide of the battle in their favor. Carrying pivots for bulkier leads is strongly encouraged since Aerodactyl can't deal significant damage to them. Though a rare lead in today's metagame, Bronzong takes very little damage from all of Aerodactyl's attacks and can also easily 2HKO Aerodactyl with Gyro Ball. Swampert, on the other hand, is moderately common and can 2HKO Aerodactyl with Ice Beam. The specific leads that force Aerodactyl to only set up Stealth Rock are Machamp, Infernape, Metagross, Empoleon, and Mamoswine, all of whom use a priority move to nullify Focus Sash. Finally, Aerodactyl also has to watch out for other lead Aerodactyl, as the advantage is decided by the Speed tie whoever wins the Speed tie gains an immediate advantage. If one is fighting an opposing Aerodactyl, it would be wise to attempt to Taunt first to stop him from setting up Stealth Rock.</p>
[SET]
name: Life Orb
move 1: Stone Edge
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Taunt
move 4: Roost
item: Life Orb
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With great coverage in only two attacking moves, blistering Speed, and access to Roost and Taunt to beat stall teams, Aerodactyl finds a great niche on offensive teams outside of the lead spot. Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's primary STAB move and deals a lot of damage to Pokemon who do not resist it. Earthquake completes the infamous EdgeQuake combo, which provides fantastic type coverage. Roost alleviates the weaknesses given by Aerodactyl's Flying typing, and lets him heal against weak special attacks like Blissey's Ice Beam. With max Speed, Aerodactyl outspeeds every non-boosted Pokemon in the metagame bar Jolteon, Crobat, and Ninjask (Electrode?), all of whom are hit for super effective damage with the two moves provided.</p>
<p>Fire Blast and Crunch are potential replacements for Taunt if one wants to hurt offensive teams rather than stall-oriented teams. Even with a hindering nature, Fire Blast OHKOes physically defensive Forretress 100% of the time, as well as eliminating Scizor after Stealth Rock damage. Crunch can be used to 2HKO Celebi after some residual damage, and provides a more accurate attack to deal with Psychic- and Ghost-type threats, particularly Rotom-A. In addition, Aerodactyl can find a niche on stall teams. While this may not seem plausible at first glance due to Aerodactyl's horrible defenses, he checks many common threats to stall teams, such as Infernape, Gliscor, Taunt Heatran, Lucario, Scarf Tyranitar, and Mixed Dragonite.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Entry hazards and hard-hitting Pokemon are extremely beneficial when attempting to clean up with Aerodactyl. In particular, Stealth Rock helps Aerodactyl get the guaranteed KO on bulky Gyarados after Intimidate. Because Aerodactyl doesn't hit very hard, having powerful attackers like Mixed Dragonite on his side helps Aerodactyl break down bulky walls, such as Hippowdon, Celebi, and Swampert.</p>
<p>Tyranitar and Magnezone are two great partners for Aerodactyl. Tyranitar provides sandstorm, which increases Aerodactyl's Special Defense and makes him one of the best Heatran switch-ins in the game. Tyranitar can also lure some of Aerodactyl's counters, including Gliscor, Bronzong, and Breloom with a bait set. Magnezone traps pesky Steel-types, like Choice Scarf Jirachi and Scizor, who get in Aerodactyl's way. Pokemon who resist the EdgeQuake combination, like Breloom, Flygon, and Bronzong, are great counters to this set. Faster Choice Scarf users, such as Rotom-A, cannot switch in without losing a large chunk of health, but can easily revenge kill Aerodactyl.</p>
[SET]
name: SubRoost
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Roost
move 3: Taunt / Whirlwind
move 4: Rock Slide / Whirlwind
item: Leftovers
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 248 HP / 116 Atk / 144 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Aerodactyl's Speed, resistances, and ability, Pressure, give him all the right tools to run a successful SubRoost set. The idea behind this set is to set up sandstorm and bring in Aerodactyl on a resisted attack, such as Fire Blast or Return, or an immunity, such as Earthquake. From there, Aerodactyl can usually set up Substitute with his base 130 Speed stat and attempt to stall out the opponent's PP with Pressure. To ensure that Aerodactyl can continue making Substitutes, Roost is a necessity on the set. With sandstorm boosting Aerodactyl's Special Defense to a respectable level, Aerodactyl can usually feel free to use Roost when not protected by a Substitute.</p>
<p>The other two attacks on the set are almost as important as Substitute and Roost. Taunt prevents any Pokemon from using any phazing or healing moves, which can be a major asset if Aerodactyl is used in conjunction with entry hazards. With a sandstorm brewing, Aerodactyl will quickly eat up an opponent's health. Rock Slide is used to help damage any Flying-type or Levitating Pokemon, who have an immunity to Toxic Spikes. Rock Slide can also flinch other Pokemon as a small side bonus. Whirlwind could be used over either move as it allows Aerodactyl to outspeed and drive away other phazers like Skarmory and Swampert. Taunt does this as well, but Whirlwind has the advantage of bringing inforcing Pokemon who to take severe damage from entry hazards.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>This Aerodactyl set clearly benefits from entry hazards, as Pressure, Taunt, and Whirlwind will cause havoc and force plenty of switches. Tyranitar with Pursuit or Hippowdon with Roar is also needed, not only to set up sandstorm, but to remove Ghost-types, and in Hippowdon's case, force more switches.</p>
<p>The 116 Attack EVs allow Aerodactyl to KO non-bulky Dragonite and Gyarados with Rock Slide after Stealth Rock and at least two turns of sandstorm. In addition, 144 Speed EVs are enough to outspeed Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and the rest is invested towards HP to better take hits on both sides of the spectrum. If Rock Slide is not being used, an alternate EV spread of 248 HP / 116 SpD / 144 speedSpe can be used to take special hits better than the main spread. Additionally, if Dragon Dance Gyarados is a main concern for the team, Speed can be maximized along with a simple investment of 148 HP and 108 Attack.</p>
<p>If Aerodactyl does not have Toxic Spikes support from one of his teammates, Toxic should be considered over Rock Slide. With Toxic, Aerodactyl has a decent option for depleting his opponent's HP instead of just their PP. Toxic is also particularly valuable because Aerodactyl tends to draw out bulky Water-type Pokemon, such as Swampert, who absolutely hate eating Toxic. Scizor is a huge threat to Aerodactyl, as Bullet Punch will kill Aerodactyl before he has the opportunity to Roost. Magnezone can trap Scizor and eliminate him, with either a Choice Scarf or Substitute set. Magnezone is also is a great partner for Aerodactyl, as it boasts plenty of resistances and an immunity.(space) Metagross and Tyranitar are also big threats, since they are immune to sandstorm damage, and can take out Aerodactyl with their STAB attacks. Skarmory can usually switch in on either both of them and use Spikes to create even more entry hazards.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>When using Lead Aerodactyl, offensive teammates that rely on an early Stealth Rock are usually the best partners. Swords Dance Lucario, Dragon Dance Dragonite, and Dragon Dance Gyarados all make appropriate partners, giving the team a fast tempo and using Stealth Rock to turn some 2HKOs into definite OHKOs. Particularly, sinceSince the lead set's objective is to prioritizepriority is to lay down Stealth Rock, Ghost-type teammates, such as the Rotom appliancesRotom-A, can come in handy due to negatingas they can negate Rapid Spin and hittinghit Starmie, a common carrier of Rapid Spin, for super effective damage.</p>
<p>For offensive support in the case of the Life Orb and SubRoost Aerodactyl sets, one should consider general hard hitters. Tyranitar's major selling point is inducing eternal Sandstormsandstorm to boost Aerodactyl's Special Defense and to stall out threats that are not immune to Sandstorm it. In addition to providing the auxiliary weather advantage, Tyranitar provides deadly offensive support through Choice Band, Choice Scarf and bait sets. Though Life Orb Starmie may seem redundant with Life Orb Aerodactyl, Starmie can nullify Aerodactyl's Stealth Rock weakness with Rapid Spin and construct an effective sweeping duo with him. Common Steel-type revenge killers, such as choicedChoice Jirachi and Scizor, will hinder Aerodactyl's ability to sweep and stay alive. Since Jirachi and Scizor will most likely be eager to ridattack Aerodactyl or its Substitutes, an offensive version of Magnezone or Magneton (what, really?) is encouraged due to trapping both Pokemon on their Steel-type move and removing them from play. Heatran can also immediately counter the aforementioned Steel-types, though it must beware of Superpower from Scizor.<p>
<p>Again, Swords Dance Lucario is a dangerous late-game sweeper who complements Aerodactyl both offensively and defensively. Unsurprisingly, Choice Band Scizor is another teammate to consider due to his ability to scout with U-turn, revenge kill threats to Aerodactyl, and provide convenient resistances to common attacks. A Pokemon with a powerful Grass-type attack such as Shaymin, Infernape (I’m not sure this is relevant here, as you are unlikely to want to switch Infernape into Swampert or Hippowdon…), and or Life Orb Sceptile, can eliminate Swampert and Hippowdon, who wall Aerodactyl all day, though it should be noted that they can’t do much back except for using Earthquake on the occasional Roost (What about Swampert’s Hydro Pump/Surf?).</p>
<p>Teammates revolving around SubRoost Aerodactyl should be able to set up multiple entry hazards along with controlling the momentum of the game. Skarmory can control physical threats that prevent Aerodactyl from using Substitute and set up Stealth Rock and Spikes. Forretress, though missing some key immunities and resistances, can set up allany entry hazards hazard and employ Rapid Spin. As always sandstorm is appreciated and almost required to give Aerodactyl more of a fighting chance against weak special threats.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Generally, Aerodactyl, despite having a decent movepool for a Rock-type, does not have that much to improve on its sets. The listed options above do Aerodactyl's job effectively. On the Life Orb set, the highlighted offensive replacements, Fire Blast and Crunch, are the only viable options and are already explained in the analysis.</p>
<p>A Choice Band set consisting of Stone Edge, Earthquake, and filler moves can be used. However, unlike Choice item users such as Jolteon, Starmie, and Scizor, Aerodactyl's primary moves have too little utility. While this Choice Band set employs the EdgeQuake combo, Aerodactyl will find itself switching repeatedly due to the many Pokemon who resist Earthquake and Stone Edge, opening him to Pursuit and Bullet Punch from the common Scizor. Despite this, Aerodactyl's blistering Speed, powerful attacks, and more than decent Attack open up a possible Choice Band set.</p>
<p>Additionally, a set focused on Curse and White Herb could have some success, especially in sandstorm where both of Aerodactyl's defenses would be raised. Unfortunately Kingdra and Gyarados can both use Dragon Dance to be stronger and faster than Aerodactyl, and while Aerodactyl would have increased bulk from Curse, Aerodactyl's weakness to Steel-, Ice-, and Water-type attacks severely hinder him.</p>
<p>As for the placement of EVs, Aerodactyl should only focus on Speed and Attack, either to make sure Stealth Rock is on the field, or for quickly hitting significant opponents. Aerodactyl using SubRoost is the only exception; he must capitalize on his defensive abilities along with keeping a steady amount of Speed. With max Speed, Aerodactyl speed ties with Jolteon and Crobat and hits both for super effective damage, and also outpaces both Adamant Dragon Dance Gyarados and Dragonite after one Dragon Dance. Some Speed EVs can be relocated towards HP to outspeed certain threats and sustain Aerodactyl's ability to take special attacks in sandstorm. If so, an offensive spread of 108 HP / 252 Atk / 150 Speshould let Aerodactyl outspeed the common Choice Scarf Tyranitar. Though investing EVs in Special Attack may seem tempting to spice up Fire Blast on the Life Orb set, it is discouraged due to Fire Blast already destroying its specific targets.</p>
[Counters]
<p>In the case of all of Aerodactyl's sets, Aerodactyl's top counters include Pokemon who can attack before Aerodactyl despite his blazing Speed. Unsurprisingly, Scizor, Metagross, and Jirachi are the most notable opponents that all Aerodactyl users should be prepared for. Scizor and Metagross obviously can redress Aerodactyl's speed and eliminate him using a simple Bullet Punch or, should Aerodactyl have taken some prior damage, a smart Pursuit. Jirachi can play mind games with Aerodactyl using its choice of Iron Head and Thunder Wave, or can utilize its Choice Scarf sets to simply smash the prehistoric bird (not to be pedantic but Pterosaurs aren’t birds). Other Pokemon using priority moves, such as Mamoswine and Weavile, are also great checks, since Aerodactyl is weak to Ice Shard common forms of priority. As far as Lead Aerodactyl goes, against other Aerodactyl he should abandon prediction and simply use Taunt to at least have a chance of preventing set up and use Stealth Rock the following turn.<p>
<p>Aerodactyl can also be countered using defensively-oriented Pokemon. Swampert and Breloom make great counters, since they take so little from Aerodactyl's attacks. Breloom in particular resists Aerodactyl's main options, only fearing Life Orb Fire Blast, and can play mind games using Spore, Focus Punch, and Seed Bomb. Forretress and Bronzong can both use Gyro Ball to eliminate Aerodactyl, but the former has to be wary of Fire Blast. Pokemon with Choice Scarf can revenge kill Aerodactyl. It should be noted that with Sandstormsandstorm support and Roost, Aerodactyl can actually outlast Scarf users such as Heatran and the Rotom Appliances, so one should be wary. Choice Scarf Flygon, like Breloom, resists Aerodactyl's main options and can either use U-Turn to scout the switch-in or use Outrage.</p>
