Final #40 (R 2507)by HANABI

Team Concept

Before the M-3 rules were announced, an acquaintance told me that 'Iron Defense + Body Press Mega Metagross is strong,' so I adopted it and found it had a strong advantage as a sweep-type in enemy territory, making it my starting point for team building. I adopted Focus Sash Garchomp and H-B specialized Sylveon as support roles, and added Leftovers Archaludon to counter stall teams and Baton Pass + Pixie-type Pokémon. I also adopted Mega Dragonite, which is strong against Fire-type Mega Pokémon and can buy Archaludon turns with paralysis moves. The last slot, after giving up Swampert (weakened by the abolition of Hidden Power + lack of firepower, 200 rating loss), was changed to a Choice Scarf Basculegion (male) to lure in prey, and my rating increased by 300 in 24 hours. The concept is 'forcing unpredictable victory routes, winning everything through operation.'

Key Pokémon Points

Mega Metagross was EV h32 a6 b2 d1 s25. It was adjusted to definitively defeat H-invested Garchomp, H1B1 Mimikyu, and H32 Archaludon (mirror) with Stealth Rock, an attacking move, and +2 Body Press. Its S (Speed) was adjusted to outspeed neutral-nature Garchomp. Originally, it was a pick that cycled with its bulk, but in this team, it was operated as a pure sweep-type in enemy territory, handling many physical Pokémon. It remained a core pick from the first day of the season until the end.

Focus Sash Garchomp, despite maximum S investment, never gained a speed advantage in over 20 Choice Scarf Garchomp mirror matches encountered throughout the season.

Leftovers Sylveon, with H-B investment, functioned as a virtually unbreakable pick, sometimes defeating three of the opponent's Pokémon in one match or creating a 20-minute draw. Like Archaludon, it was actually an offensive type, but opponents mistook it for a defensive type, saving Mimikyu as a front line and trying to break through slowly, only to be caught off guard.

Mega Dragonite was EV h31 c15 bd1 s18 (C is a multiple of 11 when Mega Evolved, S outspeeds neutral-nature Mega Archaludon). The usage rate of its targets, Charizard and Delphox, decreased towards the end and became even less visible after Basculegion was introduced. With the surge of Galarian Slowking, it often appeared with Hippowdon as a set, making it a regrettable pick that wasn't used well.