[COMPLETED] Aerodactyl

[Colonel M]

<p>Coming “Back in Black”, Aerodactyl makes it onto the scene once again in OU competitive play while attempting to get away from its major problem within the last two generations – attempting to break away from niche roles in OU. Thanks to the revelation of Mega Evolution, Aerodactyl has increased its potential of becoming a menacing threat in OU. For starters, 150 base Speed is hard to beat. A neutral nature outspeeds even Timid Mega Gengar, and Jolly just prevents Mega Alakazam and Mega Manecrtic while always being faster than Gyarados and Mega Tyranitar; even after a Dragon Dance. With the major Speed boost also came the boosts to Attack – a solid 135 base Attack – and an ability in Tough Claws to help boost its contact moves.</p>

[Pros]

<ul>
<li>150 base Speed makes it a difficult Pokemon to outspeed.</li>
<li>A diverse movepool to take advantage of base 135 Attack and Tough Claws.</li>
<li>Taunt and Roost make Aerodactyl an annoying Pokemon to face off against.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>Aerodactyl's attacks have either low BP or questionable accuracy.</li>
<li>Tough Claws does not work any of Aerodactyl's STAB Rock-type moves.</li>
<li>Weakness to Stealth Rock and priority attacks such as Aqua Jet and Bullet Punch.</li>
</ul>


name: Offensive
move 1: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Fire Fang / Ice Fang
move 4: Taunt / Roost
ability: Rock Head
item: Aerodactylite
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly


[SET COMMENTS]

<p>Thanks to Aerodactylite, Aerodactyl is capable of Mega Evolving into a very fast and powerful sweeper. After a Mega Evolution, Aerodactyl with an Adamant nature has 405 Attack and 399 Speed. 399 Speed is enough to outspeed threats such as Jolly +1 Mega Tyranitar and Timid Jolteon. Stone Edge is Aerodactyl's best STAB thanks to its high base power and increased chance of a critical hit. Rock Slide, though weaker than Stone Edge, offers 10% extra accuracy and a 30% chance to make the opponent flinch. Earthquake compliments Rock Slide or Stone Edge and is Aerodactyl's best move to hit Tyranitar, Aegislash, and Metagross. Fire Fang scorches Scizor and Ferrothorn whereas Ice Fang freezes Gliscor and Garchomp from walling or switching into Aerodactyl. Taunt is recommended for shutting down Pokemon that rely on non-damaging moves such as Skarmory and Gliscor while Roost allows Aerodactyl to recover from residual damage. Aerodactyl can opt to use both Fire Fang and Ice Fang instead of Taunt or Roost to cover extra threats. Aerodactyl can also run Taunt and Roost to become a wallbreaker while being able to recover from damage taken over time. Aerial Ace is another STAB option that Aerodactyl has access to that prevents Fighting-types from switching in. Protect is a viable move as Adamant Mega Aerodactyl is prone to being slower than Timid Starmie. Protect can help Aerodactyl scout attacks from the opponent while offering a safe Mega Evolution. Thunder Fang is also an option to inflict heavier damage on Azumarill and Slowbro.</p>

<p>Aerodactyl can opt to use a Jolly nature instead of Adamant if you want to take full advantage of Aerodactyl's base 150 Speed. A Jolly nature can allow Aerodactyl to re-allocate its Speed EVs into HP for extra durability. Aerodactyl can reach 400 Speed after a Mega Evolution, a Jolly nature, and 112 Speed EVs. This allows Aerodactyl to outspeed Timid Gengar before Mega Evolution and Adamant Mega Aerodactyl after Mega Evolution. Aerodactyl can use 136 Speed EVs to guarantee being faster than Timid Starmie before Mega Evolution. You can also run 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature to guarantee tying Mega Alakazam while also outspeeding threats such as Mega Manectric and +1 Jolly Gyarados.</p>

<p>Aerodactyl likes Stealth Rock support. Tyranitar is a great Pokemon to pair with Aerodactyl; Sandstream helps boost Aerodactyl's Special Defense to take special attacks in dire emergencies while wearing down opponents not resistant to sand. Tyranitar is capable of taking on threats such as Jolteon while being able to withstand some attacks from Starmie and Rotom-W. Fire Blast or Ice Beam can be used to catch Ferrothorn or Gliscor off-guard, but Pursuit is also a great option to help chase fleeing threats such as Metagross or Gengar. Aerodactyl has an easier time bypassing threats such as Gliscor and Skarmory with Taunt and Rock Slide. Alternatively, Ferrothorn can take on threats such as Starmie, Gyarados, and Choice Band Azumarill to an extent. Ferrothorn can cripple threats with Thunder Wave or drain health through Leech Seed. Magnezone is a great partner for Aerodactyl as it can trap many of its Steel-type problems to make Aerodactyl's job of sweeping or wallbreaking easier. Magnezone, meanwhile, appreciates the fact that Aerodactyl can combat threats such as Blissey, Talonflame, and Volcarona to some extent. Thanks to Rotom-W's good bulk and dual STABs, Rotom-W is a huge threat to Aerodactyl. Trevenant and Gourgeist resist both of Rotom-W's STABs while having STAB Horn Leech or Seed Bomb to wear down Rotom-W; as an added bonus, both Trevenant and Gourgeist make very good spin blockers, although both must also beware of Will-O-Wisp. As an added bonus, both Trevenant and Gourgeist make very good spin blockers. Aegislash and Gengar also work as spin blockers if Aerodactyl's team needs more offense. For spinners, Starmie or Excadrill works well. Starmie handles Hippowdon and Gliscor while Excadrill handles Rotom-W to some extent. Both of these Pokemon appreciate Aerodactyl picking off Pokemon that threaten them such as Ferrothorn threatening Starmie and Gliscor threatening Excadrill. Defog is a fine alternative to spinning, though the options are much smaller. Mandibuzz is the best option, though beware, as it shares many weaknesses with Aerodactyl.</p>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Hippowdon is a major threat to Aerodactyl if Hippowdon carries Rock Slide or Ice Fang. If Aerodactyl carries Taunt and Ice Fang it can beat Hippowdon one-on-one thanks to denying Hippowdon access to Slack Off and possibly leaving it with Earthquake as its only attacking move. Rotom-W can be a major issue because it has the bulk to withstand some of Aerodactyl's abuse while threatening Aerodactyl with STAB Volt Switch, Thunderbolt, Discharge, or Hydro Pump. Rotom-W can also cripple Aerodactyl with Will-O-Wisp or Thunder Wave. Bulky Water-types such as Gastrodon, Vaporeon, and Slowbro have little trouble taking on Aerodactyl. Gastrodon resists Rock Slide and Stone Edge whereas Slowbro has access to Regenerator to heal off damage after it switches out. Many bulky Water-types also carry STAB Scald which has a 30% chance to burn Aerodactyl. Whenever Aerodactyl forgets to pack heat in the form of Fire Fang, Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Scizor become harder to beat. Ferrothorn has a plethora of ways to hamper Aerodactyl and Scizor can bypass Aerodactyl's Speed with STAB Bullet Punch. Garchomp can be an issue as it resists STAB Rock Slide and Stone Edge and, without Ice Fang, Aerodactyl only has Earthquake to really attempt to take on Garchomp. Without Roost, Aerodactyl is worn out by Stealth Rock should it stay on the field. Priority attacks such as Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet, and Ice Shard also ruin Aerodactyl's fun. Status effects really shut down Aerodactyl as it does not enjoy any status effect at all. Paralysis, sleep, and burn really cripple Aerodactyl while Toxic limits Aerodactyl's potential of killing threats such as Gliscor and Skarmory.</p>

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[Pros]

<ul>
<li>150 base Speed makes it a difficult Pokemon to outspeed.</li>
<li>Wide coverage movepool with a solid 135 base Attack.</li>
<li>Has access to Taunt to cripple switch-ins and Roost to help boost Aerodactyl’s survival.</li>
<li>Tough Claws helps boost its low base power attacks.</li>
</ul>

[Cons]

<ul>
<li>Moves in general have very low base power or having questionable accuracy.</li>
<li>Tough Claws doesn't work on any Rock-type moves Aerodactyl has nor does it work on Earthquake.</li>
<li>No access to Aqua Tail at the moment really blows.</li>
<li>Stealth Rock weakness is always nasty to have.</li>
</ul>

[Mega Evolution Recommendations and Play]

<p>While the debate on who is stronger between Aerodactyl and Mega Aerodactyl, one can't deny some of the advantages Aerodactyl obtains through Mega Evolution. On top of the Attack boost and lack of Life Orb recoil, you also obtain Tough Claws as an ability and 150 base Speed to have your opponents wondering how to revenge this thing without a priority attack. If you're planing to use Mega Aerodactyl, it is highly recommended to Mega evolve as quickly as possible. Adamant is also the preferred choice over Jolly</p>



<p>Aerodactyl @ Aerodactylite<br />
Ability: Tough Claws<br />
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe <br />
Adamant Nature / Jolly<br />
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide<br />
- Earthquake<br />
- Fire Fang / Ice Fang<br />
- Taunt / Roost</p>

<ul>
<li>With the mega evolution, Aerodactyl becomes a very difficult opponent to outspeed and, thus, is a great Pokemon to clean up messes that are leftover.</li>
<li>Stone Edge and Earthquake are mandatory for obvious reasons.</li>
<li>Rock Slide is suitable for revenge kill purposes or for more reliable accuracy.</li>
<li>Fire Fang does have a respectable amount of power with the Tough Claws boost. It even makes some Pokemon that originally gave Aerodactyl trouble something to cry about.</li>
<ul>
<li>252+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl (Fire Fang) vs. 224 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 122-144 (37.3 - 44.03%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock.</li>
<li>252+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl (Move 3) vs. 224 HP / 32 Def Skarmory: 156-184 (47.7 - 56.26%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock</li>
<li>252+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl (Move 3) vs. 252 HP / 48+ Def Ferrothorn: 292-348 (82.95 - 98.86%) -- 31.25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock.</li>
</ul>
<li>Ice Fang is mainly for Gliscor and Garchomp.</li>
<li>Taunt helps wear down tanks such as Skarmory and Hippowdon while also offering added protection from crippling moves such as Thunder Wave, Spore, or even Stealth Rock.</li>
<li>Roost can be used to help Mega Aerodactyl take Stealth Rock abuse.</li>
<li>Roost and Taunt can be dropped for another elemental fang or another attack in general. Mega Aerodactyl functions well as a revenge killer and appreciates having its complete repertoire of attacks.</li>
<li>Aerial Ace is limited extra coverage, but it is STAB Flying and gets the boost with Tough Claws.</li>
<li>Protect is a decent option if you're deathly afraid of being outsped by Base 115s before Mega Evolving.
<li>Jolly is also good if you want to be faster than +1 Jolly Gyarados and Mega Alakazam. 248 HP / 124 Atk / 32 Def / 96 Spe allows Aerodactyl to still outspeed Mega Gengar after Mega evolving while still being to dish some damage. HP and Def EVs make Aerodactly a perfect check to Talonflame, taking even +2 Sharp Beak Brave Bird after SR and OHKOing back. Speed to outrun positive 130s. Under sand it also becomes an impressive tank with amazing Speed and good power.</li>
</ul>

[Checks and Counters]

<p>Hippowdon still stands against Aerodactyl and makes it cry. Without Aqua Tail, Hippowdon is walling Aerodactyl all day long.</p>
<p>Skarmory does have the perk of stopping any Aerodactyl that lacks Fire Fang. On the flip side for Aerodactyl, the most Skarmory can do is either stall it out with constant Roost or phaze Aero out. Taunt still forces Skarmory to lose, though, so watch out for Taunt as well as Fire Fang. Or even worse - both!</p>
<p>Any set lacking a Fire-type attack gets walled by Ferrothorn and Bronzong all day. Aerodactyl's Earthquakes are far from intimidating and both have STAB Gyro Ball to send it back to Dinosaur Land. Ferrothorn has the added benefit of paralyzing Aerodactyl.</p>
<p>Speaking of paralysis, it is probably one of the best ways to cripple and take advantage of Aerodactyl. Without its Speed, it really is not a menacing threat.</p>
<p>Bulkier Pokemon such as Rotom-W and even bulkier variants of Tyranitar can give Aerodactyl hell. They can be reasonable checks against Aerodactyl.</p>
<p>Aerodactyl is weak to three priority attacks - Bullet Punch, Aqua Jet, and Ice Shard. It also doesn't enjoy taking repeated Sucker Punches nor Mach Punches, so remember to beware of priority moves often.</p>
<p>Fighting-types still do well against Aerodactyl if Aerodactyl lacks Aerial Ace. Conkeldurr can Bulk Up + Drain Punch against Aerodactyl all day, while Machamp can simply abuse STAB Dynamicpunch to have Aerodactyl accidentally hit itself in its confusion... assuming Aerodactyl can even withstand the Dynamicpunch in the first place.</p>

name: Mega-Pterrordactyl
move 1: Stone Edge / Rock Slide
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Fire Fang / Ice Fang
move 4: Taunt / Roost
ability: Rock Head
item: Aerodactylite
evs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
nature: Adamant / Jolly

[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Thanks to the power of Mega Evolution, Aerodactyl Mega Evolves into its prehistoric power figure of the past. Stone Edge and Rock Slide are the main STABs of choice for this set. Stone Edge offers more power as well as an increased chance of a critical hit. Meanwhile, Rock Slide fulfills the possible role of Mega Aerodactyl being a revenge killer by sacrificing power for more accuracy. Furthermore, the potential flinch chance can also be annoying against opponents. Earthquake helps with adding additional coverage with Mega Aerodactyl's STAB attacks while preventing intimidating threats such as Aegislash and Metagross from switching in. With the change of its ability being Tough Claws, both Fire Fang and Ice Fang lead off the third set. Fire Fang gets the benefit of making Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Skarmory think twice about switching into Mega Aerodactyl. On the other hand, Ice Fang is a cool option to use if Gliscor, Garchomp, and Breloom become major pains in the neck. It is also Mega Aerodactyl's best option to try to take on Hippowdon and other bulky Ground-types as well. The final slot is a choice between Taunt and Roost. Taunt has huge benefits of shutting down walls such as Skarmory and preventing Ferrothorn and Forretress from setting up entry hazards. Furthermore, Taunt can also halt moves such as Thunder Wave, Spore, and Will-O-Wisp as well. If your team lacks slots for a spinner or you want Mega Aerodactyl to sacrifice wall-breaking for recovery, then Roost is a fine option to use. You can also forego Taunt and Roost for both elemental fangs. This allows Mega Aerodactyl to really shine as a revenge killer, though the flaws of lacking recovery and stopping recovery can be annoying. Other attacking options also include Aerial Ace for a STAB Flying-type attack that helps take on threats such as Conkeldurr and Breloom a lot easier, Dragon Claw for hitting Haxorus harder than Ice Fang while still hitting threats such as Garchomp and Flygon, and a utility option with Protect also exists in the event of needing to prevent losing in Speed to Pokemon such as Timid Starmie during Mega Evolution.</p>

<p>Adamant is the preferred nature with Mega Aerodactyl. For starters, Mega Aerodactyl's base 150 Speed is pretty fast - it is so fast that Mega Aerodactyl still outspeeds Timid Jolteon and, ultimately, Timid Mega Gengar. This also allows Mega Aerodactyl to hit much harder with its attacks. Still, the fear of being slower than threats such as Mega Manectric, Jolly Gyarados after a Dragon Dance, and tying another Mega Aerodactyl at worst, then Jolly is a fine option. Bear in mind that the loss of power is significant and will hurt Mega Aerodactyl as a wallbreaker.</p>

<p>Mega Aerodactyl does appreciate a lot of team support to help it function successfully. For starters, Stealth Rock is an absolute must. Mega Aerodactyl appreciates passive damage such as entry hazards and Sandstorm. Tyranitar is an excellent partner with Mega Aerodactyl. It can summon a sandstorm just by entering the battlefield, throw down Stealth Rock, and wear out a lot of Pokemon with its awesome dual STABs. Rapid Spin is also a huge help for Mega Aerodactyl that lack Roost. For this reason, Excadrill and Starmie are two awesome spinners. Excadrill has the benefit of possibly running Sand Rush with sandstorm teams for another annoying fast Pokemon or using Mold Breaker to crush potential switch-ins such as Gengar with Earthquake. It also scares off Aegislash thanks to Earthquake not activating King's Shield while potentially beating Trevenant with a boosted Earthquake. Excadrill really appreciates Mega Aerodactyl being able to clear away Skarmory or Gliscor to pull off a potential late-game sweep if Mega Aerodactyl is down or unable to take some of the threats. Starmie is the replacement for options such as Mega Blastoise since only one Mega Pokemon can be used. Starmie doesn't fear Gliscor nor Hippowdon and can potentially electrify Skarmory if Starmie carries Thunderbolt. Furthermore, Fire Fang Mega Aerodactyl helps clear away Ferrothorn to help Starmie add extra havoc on the field. Another huge benefit is adding Spikes to help secure KOes on Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and possibly a weakened Hippowdon. Skarmory is an excellent choice - it takes most of the Steel-type threats such as Metagross and Scizor and shrugs them off with Roost while setting up Spikes. Whirlwind is also awesome to have since it shuffles around the opponent's Pokemon and wears them out even more. Alternatively, Ferrothorn and Forretress are good partners. Ferrothorn has an added benefit of being able to soak up quite a few Water-types such as Starmie while Forretress has the added benefit of being able to spin away entry hazards. If you're using Spikes and Stealth Rock or using Toxic Spikes in tandem with Mega Aerodactyl, carrying a spin blocker is also a must. Trevenant completely shuts down most Rotom-W and can fend off quite a few Water-types thanks to STAB Horn Leech. It can also cripple Pokemon via Will-O-Wisp to add more passive damage into the mix. Gengar and Aegislash also make fine spinkblockers. Gengar has the added benefit of being more offensive and faster than Trevenant while Aegislash is a more defensive Pokemon with offensive capabilities. Finally, if you're only relying on Stealth Rock for entry hazards, Defog works as an easy way to clear entry hazards without the fear of Ghost-types. Both Mandibuzz and Crobat are good users of Defog thanks to their decent typing, bulk, and access to Roost. Sadly, Defog users are prone to the same weaknesses Mega Aerodactyl carries, so make sure to carry Pokemon that can resist Rock-, Ice-, and Electric-type attacks. One could use Magnezone for example, which has the added benefit of being able to trap threats such as Metagross, Ferrothorn, and Scizor.</p>


[Checks and Counters]
<p>With the lack of Aqua Tail, Hippowdon is Mega Aerodactyl's number one path to extinction. Since it will commonly carry Rock Slide to stop Talonflame, Mega Aerodactyl is going to not enjoy taking repeated Rock Slides. Hippowdon can easily recover with Slack Off and, if Mega Aerodactyl carries Roost, can severely dent Mega Aerodactyl with STAB Earthquake. The rest of its counters rely specifically on what Mega Aerodactyl carries for its moveset. Without Aerial Ace, Fighting-types are major problems for Mega Aerodactyl. Conkeldurr and Machamp can switch into Mega Aerodactyl with little impunity and shut it down in more ways than one. If Mega Aerodactyl lacks Taunt, Conkeldurr could take the opportunity to set up Bulk Up while healing with STAB Drain Punch. Without Fire Fang Ferrothorn becomes, literally, a major thorn in Mega Aerodactyl's side. With various ways of torturing Mega Aerodactyl with STAB Gyro Ball, STAB Power Whip, crippling it with Thunder Wave, or even leeching health off with Leech Seed, Ferrothorn can be a major threat if Mega Aerodactyl lacks Fire Fang. Scizor also becomes more menacing since Mega Aerodactyl only has STAB Stone Edge or Rock Slide to threaten Scizor on the switch. Meanwhile, Scizor bypasses Mega Aerodactyl's Speed with STAB Bullet Punch and can shrug off the damage with Roost. Without Ice Fang, Gliscor becomes a bigger pain in the neck to deal with. Much like Skarmory, Gliscor can likely do little to harm Mega Aerodactyl back so long as Mega Aerodactyl carries Taunt. Though, unlike Skarmory, Gliscor has boosted healing thanks to Poison Heal, doesn't have to run Shed Shell in fear of Magnezone like Skarmory often does, and can sometimes carry Ice Fang or Stone Edge for rare instances.</p>

<p>In general, bulkier Pokemon such as Rotom-W and Aegislash really need to be weakened in order for Mega Aerodactyl to succeed. It is highly recommended that Pokemon with priority attacks such as Azumarill, Mamoswine, Lucario, aforementioned Scizor, and even Conkeldurr are shut down before attempting a sweep with Mega Aerodactyl.</p>

 

[Colonel M]

To clarify, Aerodactyl is missing the following moves from its repertoire:

- Defog
- Stealth Rock
- Aqua Tail
- Double-Edge

Other moves that were left out but viable include:

- Dragon Claw
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Iron Head

Not sure on Pursuit, but Iron Head definitely is decent.

Finally, I left this out only because when alexwolf originally wrote it this was back in the Looking Ahead thread seen here: http://www.smogon.com/forums/thread...ee-posts-818-858.3487182/page-40#post-4877636. I have no qualms adding an EV spread like that and putting it in. Also credits to him for providing the damage calcs for Fire Fang and I'm sure he'll help me improve this even more.

I didn't list an ability because, honestly, all three really suck for him. Rock Head has nothing to take advantage of (lolTake Down), Pressure is mediocre-at-best, and Unnerve only works in niche situations (Yache Garchomp if using Ice Fang).

Aside from that, this is done and awaiting QC / etc.

 

[BKC]

looks fine, approved 1/3

 

[alexwolf]

Here is a proposal for a more defensive set:

Aerodactyl @ Mega Stone
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 248 HP / 124 Atk / 32 Def / 96 Spe
- Roost
- Taunt / coverage moves
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- coverage moves

HP and Def EVs make Aerodactly a perfect check to Talonflame, taking even +2 Sharp Beak Brave Bird after SR and OHKOing back. Speed to outrun positive 130s. Under sand it also becomes an impressive tank with amazing Speed and good power. Check the link that Colonol M posted for more details. From there, you can either go Roost + Taunt + 2 attacks or take advantage of Tough Claws with your coverage moves and use Roost + 3 attacks. Haven't tested the set yet so i am not sure about it, but it seems decent in theory, and sturdy Talonflame checks are hard to come by.

 

[Colonel M]

Bump OP.

 

[AccidentalGreed]

In the last slot of Mega Aerodactyl's set, I would advise considering adding Protect, since it allows Aerodactyl a free turn of Mega Evolving, thus giving it the Speed boost. This is really important, considering that the Adamant nature would be the preferred nature on Mega Aerodctyl, and thus in its normal form, it's bound to be outrun by threats such as Jolteon and Mega Gengar. Protect also allows Mega Aerodactyl to predict around priority users such as Choice-locked Scizor, and either stay in or Fire Fang it or Escape the field depending on what Scizor/typical priority users do.

 

[alexwolf]

Definitely use an Adamant nature on Mega Aerodactyl. You still outspeed base 130s which is all you need. Put the rest of the EVs into HP unless they matter before MEvolving.

 

[Colonel M]

Well 359 is max before MEvo... so...

- Base 100s sit at 328.
- Garchomp sits at 333.
- Base 105s sit at 339.
- Base 108s sit at 346.
- Base 110s sit at 350.
- MLucario sits at 355.
- Base 115s sit at 361.

If you're willing to carry Ice Fang you should really aim to be faster than Garchomp at the least. Looks like Galvantula sits in 108. 110 obviously holds roost to Gengar and Espeon. Pyroar is at 106 but I doubt it'll be used. 105 does have quite the potential list though:

- Meinshao
- Mega-Pinsir
- Zoroark
- Manectric

I would say base 105s would be the absolute minimum you should use, or 340. But honestly... what are the HP EVs helping you survive is another question.

I'm okay with slashing Protect in. I think it's not necessarily the most powerful option, but works decently. I'll also make Adamant the main slash. Honestly I don't see Mega Alakazam and Mega Manectric really hitting the stage, and most random scarfers don't approach MAerodactyl's Speed or surpass it.

EDIT - further evaluation, 399 is MAero's max and MGengar's max is 394. Is there a reason to sacrifice the few EVs for HP?

 

[Ckarasu]

Has the OP been updated to include the information that Tough Claws grants a 33% boost and thus makes this a straight upgrade from the base form? The "cons" section states that it is not that much more powerful than LO Aero. Also, it apparently has Iron Head as a level up move, which you stated it did not. Also, you stated it has 110 Attack, when it is in fact 105. Just a small nitpick.

Also, a few pros:

Mega form can survive a Mach Punch from Conkeldurr with max attack and Choice Band with no investment in bulk. Not only that, but it has a decent chance of not being 2HKOd. It also has a chance to survive an Aqua Jet from CB Azumarill, which certainly means something. So it loses its weakness to priority to an extent.

A couple calculations:
252+ Atk Choice Band Conkeldurr Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 130-154 (43.18 - 51.16%) -- 4.69% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 272-324 (90.36 - 107.64%) -- 43.75% chance to OHKO

Also, that power upgrade was confirmed in the research thread as a 1.33 boost as mentioned before. Has better options for coverage due to the boost, as well as not suffering recoil.
A few examples:

As for the moves we know that it gets that make contact:

Crunch (106-ish BP after boost)
Iron Head (106-ish BP after boost)
Aerial Ace (80 BP after boost)
Ice/Fire/Thunder Fangs (86-ish BP after boost)
Dragon Claw (106-ish BP after Boost)

Apologies if calculations are off. Did not factor in STAB for Aerial Ace, in which case reaches around 120 BP.


I feel a few adjustments to the original post may be in order. Apologies if posting in this topic is against the rules or something. Kinda new to the analyses area.

 

[Colonel M]

- Removed the mentions of LO Aero being stronger than Mega Aero. I find this questionable since Jolly is a decent option, but I digress.
- Also put Iron Head back into viable moves not mentioned.
- Someone on IRC told me about the 1.33x boost instead of it being x1.2 -- I will need to re-do the calcs anyway since MAero also receives a power boost with Adamant.
- Put Protect in AA and put Taunt in its place.
- Will mention surviving priority attacks when writing the analysis.

Anything else besides the calcs for damage? Removal of LO Aero seems inevitable. I am willing to nuke it.

 

[Colonel M]

Aero has been updated some more:

- Revamped calcs.
- Removed LO set, and conclusively, Aerodactyl's sets in general. Until this thing learns Stealth Rock it's not something to really use.
- Changed the slashes and added Rock Slide to the set. Rock Slide is decent if only for purposes of treating Mega Aerodactyl as a revenge killer before a sweeper.

 

[dragonuser]

I'd add some mention of its weakness to nearly every priority move in Cons, as this severely hampers its sweeping potential and is very annoying for a glass cannon like Aero. Otherwise this looks good

QC APPROVED 2/3

edit: Also add some mention of teammates in here, preferably talking about defog/rapid spin and reliable answers to walls like Hippowdon.

 

[Ckarasu]

I'd add some mention of its weakness to nearly every priority move in Cons, as this severely hampers its sweeping potential and is very annoying for a glass cannon like Aero. Otherwise this looks good

Errrr, it takes an Adamant CB Azumarill to stand a chance of OHKOing it with that bulk. Not that huge of a weakness, there.

 

[Magcargo]

I'm not QC, but I think that Rock Slide should be dropped off the offensive set for Wing Attack. Wing Attack has greater power and Accuracy for RK purposes, still amazing neutral coverage with Earthquake and hits Bulky Fighting-types who would normally wall Aerodactyl for super effective damage. I wouldn't make it the main option because it leaves Aerodactyl walled by Rotom-W, but it at least deserves a slash with Stone Edge due to these merits.

Colonel M

 

[Ckarasu]

I'm not QC, but I think that Rock Slide should be dropped off the offensive set for Wing Attack. Wing Attack has greater power and Accuracy for RK purposes, still amazing neutral coverage with Earthquake and hits Bulky Fighting-types who would normally wall Aerodactyl for super effective damage. I wouldn't make it the main option because it leaves Aerodactyl walled by Rotom-W, but it at least deserves a slash with Stone Edge due to these merits.

Colonel M

No point in using Wing Attack when Aerial Ace is available......

 

[Magcargo]

No point in using Wing Attack when Aerial Ace is available......

Wing Attack has more PP, which is better than Aerial Ace's perfect accuracy because Evasion increasing moves are banned and nobody uses Accuracy reducing moves anyways.

 

[Colonel M]

No on Wing Attack.

Aerial Ace never misses. And who cares about losing PP when AAce has like 32 anyway!?!

 

[Colonel M]

It's just an update.

Will continue on this Friday. I have teammates on hand too.

 

[Bughouse]

I personally would recommend Ice Fang be the primary slash over Fire Fang as having a physical attacker that screws over Gliscor is more valuable than beating Ferrothorn, imo, since few physical attackers can beat Gliscor. Though I know that recommendation is subjective.

 

[Colonel M]

I personally would recommend Ice Fang be the primary slash over Fire Fang as having a physical attacker that screws over Gliscor is more valuable than beating Ferrothorn, imo, since few physical attackers can beat Gliscor. Though I know that recommendation is subjective.

Both really depend on the player's choice on which is more threatening. I see it as a 50/50 with Fire Fang having a couple of extra benefits (such as a reliable way to beat Skarmory without gambling Stone Edge). To be fair the same can be said via Gliscor, but it's likely not doing shit back (Taunt neuters Protect / Toxic / Roost / Substitute, leaving Earthquake... Which it is immune to).

I'll run some calcs when I get home, but since Aqua Tail does not exist it has some merit for a second glance. But I want to see Rock Slide / Stone calcs on Gliscor first.

 

[alexwolf]

It's a matter of preference really, both are equally viable options in my eyes. Fire Fang deals with Ferrothorn, Scizor, Forretress, and Skarmory, while Ice Fang deals with Hippowdon, Garchomp, Zygarde, and Gliscor. The OHKO-2HKOes on Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Forretress are greatly appreciated because they could otherwise OHKO you, but the same is true for Hippowdon, Garchomp, and Zygarde, which can all do a great deal of damage back if you don't quickly dispose of them (Hippowdon can't get SR for now so it always carries Rock Slide). At this point, it's up to the writer's judgment but a very trivial thing anyway.

 

[Alice in Pyroland]

Well 359 is max before MEvo... so...EDIT - further evaluation, 399 is MAero's max and MGengar's max is 394. Is there a reason to sacrifice the few EVs for HP?

252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 272-324 (90.06 - 107.28%) -- 43.75% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 20 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 272-324 (88.88 - 105.88%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 20 Def Aerodactyl: 270-318 (89.7 - 105.64%) -- 31.25% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Technician Mega-Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 276-326 (91.39 - 107.94%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Technician Mega-Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 20 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 276-326 (90.19 - 106.53%) -- 43.75% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Technician Mega-Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 20 Def Aerodactyl: 270-318 (89.7 - 105.64%) -- 31.25% chance to OHKO

Sadly all it does is make certain OHKOs or 2HKOs less certain I've yet to find anything that actually changes 100% from an OHKO to a 2HKO or a 2HKO to a 3HKO. Choice Band Crawdaunt will still always one-shot you with Aqua Jet, Choice Band Scizor will still always one-shot you with Bullet Punch, meanwhile things like Mega Lucario's Bullet Punch won't one-shot you even if you're 0/0, that small amount of health really doesn't make any difference.

Admittedly all I've looked at is notable sources of priority attacks, you could go through every notable match-up, but unless a match-up was already really close it's unlikely to change anything. Heck let's use that Conkeldurr example Ckarasu provided;

252+ Atk Choice Band Conkeldurr Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 130-154 (43.18 - 51.16%) -- 4.69% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Conkeldurr Mach Punch vs. 20 HP / 0 Def Aerodactyl: 130-154 (42.48 - 50.32%) -- 0.39% chance to 2HKO

In other words unless you can think of a Pokemon that only has roughly a 0-4% chance of getting an OHKO or 2HKO on Aero that you want to negate, the small difference is bulk seems basically meaningless. Although that being said, outside of the Aero mirror match, I can't think of anything that actually falls into the 395-399 speed bracket that you're likely to see anyway, besides Modest Mega Alakazam. So whether that ever so slight speed loss is worth an equally slight reduction in the chance of certain attacks getting KOs seems pretty subjective.

 

[Colonel M]

I will test alexwolf 's set whenever I get a chance (I'm really hoping Wednesday). Until then, this is ready for a 3rd QC check.

ATTN: GP - DO NOT GP THIS UNTIL I GIVE THE GO FLAG!

I was not really checking Grammar errors and the like during write-up - mainly to please QC for the third stamp for the moment.

 

[AccidentalGreed]

ALEX WHY APPROVED 3/3

Make a space between [Set comments], [Checks and Counters], and their respective paragraphs for easier reading.

 

[Fuzznip]

Colonel M, you have 3 QC checks. Get this to GP please.