Summary

Metagross is one of the most frightening Pokemon in the entire ADV OU format, never mind the ADV Draft format, with incredible stats, a formidable typing, and a deep pool of options highlighted by multiple very strong sets. Its versatility and overall strength keep it in the upper echelons of both cost and drafts, almost always going within the first five picks. It is considered by many to be the best Pokemon in the entire format, with only a few others able to form an argument against it.

Metagross' Steel / Psychic typing allows it to turn its individual typing's weaknesses of Bug, Ghost, Fighting and Dark to neutral hits, while the first three bounce off of it thanks to its monstrous 130 Defense and decent HP stat of 80. Its Attack stat of 135 is its main weapon, with access to strong physical attacks being its main feature -- however, it is no slouch on the special side either with a Special Attack of 95 which allows it to slot coverage in very easily in the known matchups the draft format provides. Its ability, Clear Body, prevents its stats from being lowered, meaning it is not scared of Intimidate from Gyarados and Salamence like other physical attackers are.

The physical spread Metagross has access to is truly frightening, lead by its access to Explosion which is an effective 500 base power move thanks to its defense-halving effect. This move can OHKO the bulkiest of Pokemon with a Choice Band equipped, including Skarmory, swinging momentum in the Metagross' player's favor. If you don't want to blow up, Metagross has access to Meteor Mash: a powerful (albeit inaccurate) Steel-type move that has a chance to boost Metagross' already wacky attack. With other coverage options such as Earthquake, Rock Slide, Sludge Bomb, Shadow Ball, and Hidden Power (often slotted to Bug for Celebi), it can hit a wide array of targets. All of this can be further boosted by Choice Band, providing truly menacing amounts of damage. Metagross also loves receiving Agility from either Baton Pass via the way of Jolteon or similar or by clicking the move itself to patch up its lowest stat of 70 Speed.

Metagross can also leverage its 130 Defense to take on the role of a tank thanks to its immunity to Toxic and sand (versus Tyranitar teams). With Leftovers equipped, it can become a potent bulky attacker or use Protect to scout sets. Metagross itself can use Toxic to surprise opponents and Psych Up to combat Curse users while staying on the field, eating moves that would normally doom it such as a boosted Snorlax's Earthquake. Metagross can also run a Lum Berry to surprise those trying to status it such as Gengar or Jolteon and flip the script with a well-timed Shadow Ball or Earthquake, at the expense of some power.

Its special coverage includes Ice and Thunder Punch, Hidden Power, and the aforementioned Psychic -- giving it an unresisted attack combination (Ice + Electric) or moves that can be tooled to the matchup at hand, such as Hidden Power Fire for Forretress or Scizor.

Metagross' main adversary is Swampert, who resists Meteor Mash, can use Protect to deter Metagross from exploding, and can hit it back with STAB Earthquake. As a grounded Pokemon, Metagross is also worn down by Spikes (particularly if it doesn't have Leftovers) and if it gets low enough it can be trapped and killed by the popular Dugtrio or the less popular Magneton. Its special side is much weaker than its physical side, making it vulnerable to fire types such as Charizard, Moltres, and Arcanine -- however, Fire-type Pokemon have to be careful of its dangerous Rock Slides as well.

Summary written by Scraf

Go back to main page