Status: I think the analysis is pretty much done, just needs some final proofreads.
[SET]
name: Anti-Lead
move 1: Meteor Mash / Iron Head
move 2: Earthquake
move 3: Bullet Punch
move 4: Explosion
item: Lum Berry / Occa Berry
ability: Clear Body
nature: Adamant
evs: 236 HP / 228 Atk / 20 Def / 24 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This Metagross set, unlike the rather similar Lead set, utilizes four attacking moves, meaning it can make the most of beating other common leads. Using Meteor Mash, Earthquake, and Bullet Punch all in the same set grants Metagross the ability to cover many other leads at once, while Explosion may be used once Metagross has outlived its usefulness.</p>
<p>The combination of Meteor Mash and Bullet Punch lets Metagross beat most frail leads one-on-one, such as standard lead Azelf and Ninjask, while Earthquake and Bullet Punch beats Infernape leads, provided you have Occa Berry as your item. Earthquake also hits Steel- and Fire-types such as Metagross, Jirachi, and Heatran; Heatran is only beaten if it uses Stealth Rock on the first turn, due to the commonly used Shuca Berry. Explosion deals with bulkier leads such as Swampert and 252 HP / 168 Def Impish Hippowdon, meaning they won't be able to set up Stealth Rock, while others like Gliscor and Machamp won't be able to execute their usual strategy. If you choose Occa Berry to beat Infernape leads, you lose the ability to beat Roserade, Gengar, and Smeargle leads. If you are not happy with Meteor Mash's 85% hit rate, Iron Head is an alternate( alternative just sounds odd when used with option) option, beating the same leads even after the Base Power drop, although it will slightly hurt Metagross' ability to handle threats later in the game.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs offer Metagross a great amount of bulk, giving it the ability to take numerous hits when used as a lead and to stop boosting threats with Explosion when used later in the game. The spread of 236 HP / 228 Atk / 20 Def / 24 Spe grants Metagross the ability to outspeed most other Metagross, Tyranitar, and Empoleon, as well as beating Jolly Lead Mamoswine one-on-one, among others. This spread gives you the highest chance of surviving an Adamant Mamoswine's Earthquake followed by Ice Shard, giving Metagross the ability to strike back with its super effective STAB attack. The 228 Attack EVs offer Metagross the offensive power it needs to achieve the OHKOs and 2HKOs it manages against other leads. If you prefer to outspeed more threats, an alternative spread of 12 HP / 252 Atk / 244 Speed offers a more offensive approach to the usual lead Metagross, sacrificing bulk for Speed. The 244 Speed EVs put Metagross at 237 Speed, outpacing neutral base 100 Speed Pokemon who don't invest in Speed, such as Celebi and Tentacruel. This also allows Metagross to outspeed Adamant Scizor, as well as Pokemon who aim for 231 Speed such as Magnezone and Mixed Tyranitar. The 252 Attack EVs are once again used to power up Metagross' attacks, while the remaining EVs are dumped into HP to give Metagross some added bulk. If you choose to run Lum Berry, placing 140 EVs in HP guarantees Metagross' survival against a Fire Blast from standard lead Azelf, while the remaining 116 Speed EVs are enough to outpace 8 Speed Rotom-A, as well as most defensive Suicune.</p>
<p>Since this Metagross is an anti-lead without the ability to use Stealth Rock, another teammate who is able to set up Stealth Rock is an asset. Swampert is a good choice and also pairs well with Lum Berry Metagross, taking on Infernape and Heatran leads with impunity, excluding the likely Explosion on the latter. Speaking of Infernape and Heatran, Latias is another stellar partner to take the two on. If Metagross lacks Lum Berry, its best bet is to Bullet Punch against sleep-inducing leads, breaking their Focus Sash and taking the sleep, after which the best course of action is to switch to a faster Pokemon that is able to revenge kill all three, such as offensive Starmie or Choice Scarf Jirachi.</p>
<p>Since Metagross carries Explosion, and thus is most likely to take down an opposing bulky lead like Swampert, Hippowdon, or Gliscor along with it, using Pokemon who can effectively take advantage of them being gone is advised. Tyranitar is a good bet, benefiting from the fact that Swampert and Hippowdon — its best counters — are out of play. Lucario also benefits from their absence, as it will have a much easier time sweeping a team clean once its main counters are gone. Dragon Dance Salamence, as well as Heatran and Magnezone, can also take advantage of the lack of Swampert.</p>
bold means add or change
