[SET]
name: Poison Heal
move 1: Will-O-Wisp / Psycho Shift / Dark Void
move 2: Foul Play
move 3: King's Shield
move 4: Recover
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
in-battle alt: Mega
[SET COMMENTS]
Mega Gyarados's good bulk and convenient typing, which allow it to take a hit from most Shell Smash sweepers after a boost, give it a solid niche as Poison Heal support. Will-O-Wisp deters physical attackers that threaten Gyarados, like Mega Mewtwo X, while also annoying Prankster Giratina, Wonder Guard users forgoing reliable recovery, and Imposter users. Psycho Shift bypasses Magic Bounce and doesn't miss, though Gyarados then cannot annoy Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill. Dark Void functions similarly to Will-O-Wisp, with the greater immediate reward of disabling a switch-in, though sleep turns are variable, and this leaves Gyarados without an option to chip down opposing Wonder Guard users. STAB Foul Play allows Gyarados to proactively threaten boosted sweepers, OHKOing Primal Groudon and Mega Rayquaza after a Shell Smash use, while chipping away at Giratina and threatening immediate damage on offensive checks like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Diancie. King's Shield in tandem with Will-O-Wisp protects Mega Gyarados from powerful physical threats like Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X and Choice Band Mega Rayquaza while also letting it stall for Poison Heal recovery. Recover increases Gyarados's longevity, allowing it to stomach boosted hits with less consequence and absorb passive damage from entry hazards and Curse Giratina more freely. Poison Heal in tandem with Toxic Orb allows Gyarados to reliably switch into most Mold Breaker sweepers when healthy thanks to the sleep immunity, while the passive recovery from Poison Heal is useful when accruing hazard chip damage and absorbing Giratina's Curse. The given EVs and nature allow Gyarados to survive Primal Groudon's Shell Smash-boosted Thousand Arrows while maximizing its special bulk.
Poison Heal Mega Gyarados finds itself on bulky offensive teams that use its role as a blanket check to most Mold Breaker sweepers to free up team slots for powerful wallbreakers and sweepers. Wonder Guard Shell Smash users like Xerneas and Mega Lucario are often used with Poison Heal Gyarados, since they simultaneously check revenge killers like -ate users and pose an offensive threat. Prankster Giratina is an excellent partner due to soft-checking most Mold Breaker users in tandem with Gyarados, which cannot reliably deter sweepers that survive Foul Play after a boost, such as Quiver Dance Mega Rayquaza. Additionally, Giratina can annoy Substitute + Baton Pass Magic Bounce users with Curse and soft-check Huge Power users, which threaten Gyarados. Primal Groudon is a good partner to Will-O-Wisp variants, as it switches into Mega Gyarados's checks like Wonder Guard Xerneas and Pixilate Mega Diancie, and Shadow Tag variants of Primal Groudon can trap Mega Diancie and Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill while threatening Imposter Chansey transformed into Gyarados if it can be safely PP stalled. A revenge killer with priority moves, like Huge Power Slaking or Pixilate Mega Diancie, is useful to alleviate Gyarados's role as a setup sweeper deterrent and set entry hazards for Gyarados and its teammates to take advantage of; crucially, they threaten most Mold Breaker sweepers that OHKO Gyarados after a boost, like Xerneas and Mega Latios. Using two Wonder Guard users not weak to Sheer Cold is essential, as No Guard users with Gastro Acid and Huge Power foes are otherwise problematic. Wonder Guard Blissey in particular can assist against special Mold Breaker users, like Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza and Xerneas, though it is fodder against Substitute Mega Rayquaza without disruption moves like Chatter.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Iron Head and Poison Jab allow Huge Power Mega Gyarados to threaten Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former. Stealth Rock and Spikes capitalize on Mega Gyarados's ability to force in Wonder Guard users. Parting Shot and Baton Pass retain momentum when the foe switches, though an incorrect prediction against a sweeper can prove disastrous. Beat Up over Knock Off lets Huge Power Mega Gyarados OHKO Pokemon like Giratina and Aegislash behind a Substitute. Coverage moves like Fusion Bolt, Sacred Fire, Close Combat, and Thousand Arrows immediately threaten certain Wonder Guard users not weak to Dark or Water. Shed Shell allows Gyarados to escape Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas. Leftovers increases Mega Gyarados's longevity, but since the item reveals itself, it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to sleep from setup sweepers and status from Prankster Giratina. An alternative EV spread of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe outspeeds Baton Pass Cresselia and most Aegislash, and a spread of 180 HP / 252 Atk / 76 Spe outspeeds Magic Bounce Giratina, allowing Mega Gyarados to better check them. However, this affects rolls from sweepers like boosted Primal Groudon and Shell Smash Mega Rayquaza.
Poison Heal Mega Gyarados can run Spore over Dark Void for increased accuracy, though this leaves Gyarados walled by Safety Goggles switch-ins, the most common one being Prankster Giratina. Spikes over King's Shield grants Gyarados an additional avenue to make progress, though that leaves it completely vulnerable to Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X. Aromatherapy in either the first or third moveslot is an option for role compression, though this hinders Gyarados's overall effectiveness. Gyarados can opt for an alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 SpD with a Calm nature to survive Choice Band Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X's Low Kick after burn or an Attack drop from King's Shield, though this makes it a shakier check to neutral special Mold Breaker users like Dialga and most Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza variants.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Wonder Guard Xerneas**: Wonder Guard Xerneas, especially Substitute + Baton Pass variants, can come in on Mega Gyarados lacking rare Steel- or Poison-type coverage and threaten it with Moonblast. However, Xerneas must be wary of switching into Will-O-Wisp or Psycho Shift from Poison Heal Mega Gyarados.
**Priority Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers with priority moves like Huge Power Regigigas and Slaking, Shadow Tag Regigigas, and Pixilate Mega Diancie can avoid Huge Power Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch or Water Shuriken by moving first. However, most revenge killers are unable to switch in safely, need team support to get in against Huge Power Gyarados, and may be neutered by Poison Heal Gyarados's King's Shield.
**Status Users**: Paralysis and burn prevent Huge Power Mega Gyarados from revenge killing its targets, although Lum Berry is often used to circumvent the issue. Poison Heal variants are unaffected by status after being poisoned by Toxic Orb.
**Shadow Tag Users**: Pokemon like Mega Mewtwo X can run defensive investment to stomach Huge Power Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch if it isn't Dread Plate-boosted and OHKO it with Drain Punch or Low Kick. King's Shield protects Poison Heal Mega Gyarados from physical Shadow Tag users, but it can still be KOed if it has low HP or the opposing Pokemon uses moves like Storm Throw.
**Prankster + Destiny Bond Users**: Prankster + Destiny Bond users, most notably Giratina, can remove Huge Power Mega Gyarados if KOed the same turn, making it easier for an offensive teammate such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios to set up and sweep.
**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can transform into Huge Power Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. Poison Heal variants Imposter-proof themselves without issue.
**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Offensive Wonder Guard users not weak to Mega Gyarados's STAB moves, such as Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, cannot be revenge killed by Huge Power Mega Gyarados, cannot be hit by Poison Heal Mega Gyarados' Foul Play, and can switch into both sets without much difficulty. However, they must still be wary of Gastro Acid or Trick-or-Treat. Physical and mixed attackers also fear Poison Heal Mega Gyarados's Will-O-Wisp.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ntothen.569731/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rl.554093/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/
name: Poison Heal
move 1: Will-O-Wisp / Psycho Shift / Dark Void
move 2: Foul Play
move 3: King's Shield
move 4: Recover
item: Toxic Orb
ability: Poison Heal
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk
in-battle alt: Mega
[SET COMMENTS]
Mega Gyarados's good bulk and convenient typing, which allow it to take a hit from most Shell Smash sweepers after a boost, give it a solid niche as Poison Heal support. Will-O-Wisp deters physical attackers that threaten Gyarados, like Mega Mewtwo X, while also annoying Prankster Giratina, Wonder Guard users forgoing reliable recovery, and Imposter users. Psycho Shift bypasses Magic Bounce and doesn't miss, though Gyarados then cannot annoy Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill. Dark Void functions similarly to Will-O-Wisp, with the greater immediate reward of disabling a switch-in, though sleep turns are variable, and this leaves Gyarados without an option to chip down opposing Wonder Guard users. STAB Foul Play allows Gyarados to proactively threaten boosted sweepers, OHKOing Primal Groudon and Mega Rayquaza after a Shell Smash use, while chipping away at Giratina and threatening immediate damage on offensive checks like Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Diancie. King's Shield in tandem with Will-O-Wisp protects Mega Gyarados from powerful physical threats like Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X and Choice Band Mega Rayquaza while also letting it stall for Poison Heal recovery. Recover increases Gyarados's longevity, allowing it to stomach boosted hits with less consequence and absorb passive damage from entry hazards and Curse Giratina more freely. Poison Heal in tandem with Toxic Orb allows Gyarados to reliably switch into most Mold Breaker sweepers when healthy thanks to the sleep immunity, while the passive recovery from Poison Heal is useful when accruing hazard chip damage and absorbing Giratina's Curse. The given EVs and nature allow Gyarados to survive Primal Groudon's Shell Smash-boosted Thousand Arrows while maximizing its special bulk.
Poison Heal Mega Gyarados finds itself on bulky offensive teams that use its role as a blanket check to most Mold Breaker sweepers to free up team slots for powerful wallbreakers and sweepers. Wonder Guard Shell Smash users like Xerneas and Mega Lucario are often used with Poison Heal Gyarados, since they simultaneously check revenge killers like -ate users and pose an offensive threat. Prankster Giratina is an excellent partner due to soft-checking most Mold Breaker users in tandem with Gyarados, which cannot reliably deter sweepers that survive Foul Play after a boost, such as Quiver Dance Mega Rayquaza. Additionally, Giratina can annoy Substitute + Baton Pass Magic Bounce users with Curse and soft-check Huge Power users, which threaten Gyarados. Primal Groudon is a good partner to Will-O-Wisp variants, as it switches into Mega Gyarados's checks like Wonder Guard Xerneas and Pixilate Mega Diancie, and Shadow Tag variants of Primal Groudon can trap Mega Diancie and Wonder Guard Mega Beedrill while threatening Imposter Chansey transformed into Gyarados if it can be safely PP stalled. A revenge killer with priority moves, like Huge Power Slaking or Pixilate Mega Diancie, is useful to alleviate Gyarados's role as a setup sweeper deterrent and set entry hazards for Gyarados and its teammates to take advantage of; crucially, they threaten most Mold Breaker sweepers that OHKO Gyarados after a boost, like Xerneas and Mega Latios. Using two Wonder Guard users not weak to Sheer Cold is essential, as No Guard users with Gastro Acid and Huge Power foes are otherwise problematic. Wonder Guard Blissey in particular can assist against special Mold Breaker users, like Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza and Xerneas, though it is fodder against Substitute Mega Rayquaza without disruption moves like Chatter.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Iron Head and Poison Jab allow Huge Power Mega Gyarados to threaten Wonder Guard Xerneas and Mega Audino, OHKOing the former. Stealth Rock and Spikes capitalize on Mega Gyarados's ability to force in Wonder Guard users. Parting Shot and Baton Pass retain momentum when the foe switches, though an incorrect prediction against a sweeper can prove disastrous. Beat Up over Knock Off lets Huge Power Mega Gyarados OHKO Pokemon like Giratina and Aegislash behind a Substitute. Coverage moves like Fusion Bolt, Sacred Fire, Close Combat, and Thousand Arrows immediately threaten certain Wonder Guard users not weak to Dark or Water. Shed Shell allows Gyarados to escape Shadow Tag Slaking and Regigigas. Leftovers increases Mega Gyarados's longevity, but since the item reveals itself, it leaves Mega Gyarados prone to sleep from setup sweepers and status from Prankster Giratina. An alternative EV spread of 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe outspeeds Baton Pass Cresselia and most Aegislash, and a spread of 180 HP / 252 Atk / 76 Spe outspeeds Magic Bounce Giratina, allowing Mega Gyarados to better check them. However, this affects rolls from sweepers like boosted Primal Groudon and Shell Smash Mega Rayquaza.
Poison Heal Mega Gyarados can run Spore over Dark Void for increased accuracy, though this leaves Gyarados walled by Safety Goggles switch-ins, the most common one being Prankster Giratina. Spikes over King's Shield grants Gyarados an additional avenue to make progress, though that leaves it completely vulnerable to Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X. Aromatherapy in either the first or third moveslot is an option for role compression, though this hinders Gyarados's overall effectiveness. Gyarados can opt for an alternative EV spread of 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 SpD with a Calm nature to survive Choice Band Shadow Tag Mega Mewtwo X's Low Kick after burn or an Attack drop from King's Shield, though this makes it a shakier check to neutral special Mold Breaker users like Dialga and most Oblivion Wing Mega Rayquaza variants.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Wonder Guard Xerneas**: Wonder Guard Xerneas, especially Substitute + Baton Pass variants, can come in on Mega Gyarados lacking rare Steel- or Poison-type coverage and threaten it with Moonblast. However, Xerneas must be wary of switching into Will-O-Wisp or Psycho Shift from Poison Heal Mega Gyarados.
**Priority Revenge Killers**: Revenge killers with priority moves like Huge Power Regigigas and Slaking, Shadow Tag Regigigas, and Pixilate Mega Diancie can avoid Huge Power Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch or Water Shuriken by moving first. However, most revenge killers are unable to switch in safely, need team support to get in against Huge Power Gyarados, and may be neutered by Poison Heal Gyarados's King's Shield.
**Status Users**: Paralysis and burn prevent Huge Power Mega Gyarados from revenge killing its targets, although Lum Berry is often used to circumvent the issue. Poison Heal variants are unaffected by status after being poisoned by Toxic Orb.
**Shadow Tag Users**: Pokemon like Mega Mewtwo X can run defensive investment to stomach Huge Power Mega Gyarados's Sucker Punch if it isn't Dread Plate-boosted and OHKO it with Drain Punch or Low Kick. King's Shield protects Poison Heal Mega Gyarados from physical Shadow Tag users, but it can still be KOed if it has low HP or the opposing Pokemon uses moves like Storm Throw.
**Prankster + Destiny Bond Users**: Prankster + Destiny Bond users, most notably Giratina, can remove Huge Power Mega Gyarados if KOed the same turn, making it easier for an offensive teammate such as Dark Void Primal Groudon, Mega Gengar, or Mold Breaker Mega Latios to set up and sweep.
**Imposter Chansey**: Imposter Chansey can transform into Huge Power Mega Gyarados several times throughout a game and repeatedly chip it with Pursuit. Poison Heal variants Imposter-proof themselves without issue.
**Wonder Guard Shell Smash Sweepers**: Offensive Wonder Guard users not weak to Mega Gyarados's STAB moves, such as Xerneas, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Lucario, cannot be revenge killed by Huge Power Mega Gyarados, cannot be hit by Poison Heal Mega Gyarados' Foul Play, and can switch into both sets without much difficulty. However, they must still be wary of Gastro Acid or Trick-or-Treat. Physical and mixed attackers also fear Poison Heal Mega Gyarados's Will-O-Wisp.
[credits]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/aerobee.515077/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/ntothen.569731/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rl.554093/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/zinnias.569291/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/solarbeam.470115/
Last edited:
