Overused Pokemon Showcase (Week 10)

[Reignited'Light]

[[: OU SHOWCASE WITH DESTRUCTIVE SKITTY :]]

Pokemon of the week is...

----------->

Gyarados and Mega Gyarados

Viability in OU:

A+ Rank- Gyarados is a amazing pokemon in OU. It can deal with Keldeo if it does not Mega Evolve right away, it has plenty of opportunities to set up, and it can play mind games whether or not you're going to Mega Evolve if you choose to run the Gyaradosite. However, having very limited recovery, one must be careful when given the opportunity to set up. It's a powerhouse when used effectively though, so do your best to build a nice team with Gyarados!

Recommended Movesets

Gyarados @ Leftovers

Ability: Intimidate

EVs: 88 HP / 192 Atk / 4 Def / 224 Spe

Adamant Nature

- Substitute

- Dragon Dance

- Waterfall

- Bounce

Gyarados uses its great typing, fairly decent bulk, and ability Intimidate to set up multiple Dragon Dances to sweep. Substitute helps by preventing status from hampering Gyarados, blocking weak attacks to set up Dragon Dances easier, and gaining extra recovery from Leftovers. Waterfall is Gyarados's Water type STAB move, and Bounce is the best option for a secondary attack. Bounce allows Gyarados to take out some of its biggest checks and counters such as Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss.

Gyarados @ Gyaradosite

Ability: Intimidate

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

Adamant Nature

- Dragon Dance

- Waterfall

- Earthquake

- Crunch / Ice Fang

Mega Gyarados's goal is to sweep opposing teams late game. Waterfall is Gyarados's STAB move, coming with great power, 100% accuracy, and a nice and strong 20% flinch rate. Earthquake complements Waterfall as it too has perfect accuracy and great power, hitting many of the targets that resist Waterfall. The last slot can be used for another STAB move hitting bulky offensive Psychic pokemon like Cresselia and Mega Latias, or you can run Ice Fang to hit annoying Dragon pokemon like Dragonite and Garchomp. Thanks to Mold Breaker, Levitate users are not safe from Gyarados's Earthquake.

Making plays

First set- Slowly set up on something like a Choice locked Keldeo and prepare to sweep. Try to keep your substitute up at all times, as you do not want to be revenge killed so easily, wasting all the time and effort put into sweeping.

Second set- After Mega Gyarados has its checks and counters removed, prepare sweeping by using Dragon Dance. One does not need to Mega Evolve right away, as retaining your Flying typing is wonderful, setting up against Keldeo and Conkeldurr.

Team Synergy

Great partners for both Gyarados are powerful wallbreakers. Kyurem Black and Latios are excellent choices as both are able to threaten Mega Venusaur and Amoonguss, which is something Gyarados shouldn't have to deal with. Serperior and Talonflame are also wonderful late game sweepers that form a nice Fire, Grass, and Water core. Having a Defog or Rapid Spin user is also recommended as Gyarados does not appreciate taking Stealth Rock damage and Spikes damage when it is a Mega.