[OVERVIEW]
Beneath Ampharos's majestic exterior beats the heart of a defensive tycoon capable of shielding its team from stallbreaking threats such as Manaphy, Tornadus-T, and Togekiss, as well as several offensive Electric- and Fire-type threats. Even without offensive investment, Ampharos manages to severely dent, or even OHKO the aforementioned Pokemon with its STAB--a testament to its natural power. That said, Ampharos can optimize its offensive potential with Agility, but with a shallow movepool and disappointingly low Speed (even after a boost), Ampharos's role is best relegated to a defensive one. Facing competition from other defensive choices, such as Zapdos and Mega Latias, it's imperative that Ampharos is played carefully, and most importantly, for its strengths.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge / Volt Switch
move 4: Dragon Pulse / Heal Bell
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite
evs: 248 HP / 56 Def / 180 SpD / 20 Spe
nature: Calm
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rest and Sleep talk are Ampharos's best means of remaining resilient without turning itself into fodder for offensive teams. The choice of Ampharos's Electric STAB boils down to how its team is structured. In most cases, Discharge is the superior option, allowing Ampharos to play around Roost, and prevent Pokemon such as Volcarona and Altaria from nonchalantly setting up a boost. Volt Switch is recommended for more offensive builds, such as bulky offense, as it turns Ampharos into a a very useful pivot around otherwise extremely threatening powerhouses. Ampharos's secondary STAB attack, Dragon Pulse, dents many of the Pokemon capable of stomaching its Electric STAB; however, if the coverage doesn't quite suit the team, Ampharos can also run Heal Bell. Heal Bell adds a different flair of utility to Ampharos's palette, making it more important in the long run. It's important to note that without Dragon Pulse, most bulky Ground-, Grass-, and Dragon-types will be able to fodderize Ampharos, so it's generally more efficient to run dual STAB.
Set Details
========
The given spread gives Ampharos the bulk needed to avoid being 2HKOed by Modest Charizard-Y's Fire Blast after switching into Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. While this seems to be an odd defensive benchmark, comfortably tanking one of the strongest Special attacks in the game also covers bombardments from OU's slew of strong Special attackers. The 20 Speed EVs allow Ampharos to outspeed minimum Speed Hippowdon, which can come in handy if Ampharos knocks Hippowdon into Dragon Pulse KO range. Ampharos has the typing to take advantage of a physically defensive spread as well. A Calm nature with the spread of 248 HP / 188 Def / 72 SpD prevents Ampharos from being 2HKOed by Choice Band Victini's V-Create. This EV spread also grants Ampharos the bulk neededto consistently tank hits from Bisharp, Jolly Crawdaunt, Mega Pinsir, Timid Charizard-Y, and Thundurus; however keep in mind that Heatran, Choice Specs Volcanion, and Manaphy will have a much easier time keeping the pressure on.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Evolve as soon as possible, as without its Dragon typing and additional bulk, Ampharos is mediocre defensively. The only instance in which Ampharos should remain in its non-Mega forme is when Static can become a makeshift landmine for fast U-turners; even then Static's utility is very limited, and it's undoubtedly much more beneificial to Mega Evolve immediately. It's also important to keep Ampharos as healthy as possible to tank the strong hits that can melt defensive teams in an instant. Try to play conservatively around status and chip damage to prevent Ampharos from using Rest often, as once asleep, Ampharos can be used as set-up fodder for numerous offensive threats. Lastly, liberal use of Dragon Pulse to catch potential Electric resists switching into Ampharos can be very rewarding given Mega Ampharos's power.
Team Options
========
Despite Ampharos's numerous defensive feats, it's still in need of specific support. It's important to pair Ampharos with Pokemon capable of circumventing the many offensive assaults directed at it. Physical walls such as Suicune, Cresselia, Slowbro, and Tangrowth can stave off high-power physical attacks coming from offensive Ground-types; these Pokemon also appreciate Ampharos's many vital resists, effectively forming a synergistic defensive duo with it. Fairies that manage to get in on Ampharos's Dragon Pulse, Rest, or an untimely Sleep Talk roll can also be problematic, therefore making Fairy resists, particularly Amoonguss and Skarmory, also make for good defensive complements to Ampharos. Stallbreaker Talonflame is another possible choice here for its ability to check some offensive Fairies, remove some defensive pressure from Ampharos by checking offensive Fire-types, and serve as a potential win condition for Ampharos's team through use of Bulk Up. Clefable and Chansey are also able to both remove defensive pressure from Ampharos, while also supporting it via Wish and / or Heal Bell. With high-HP Wishes, Regenerator, and pure Water typing, Alomomola earns a special mention as a partner for Ampharos by virtue of being a reliable pivot.
Without access to reliable healing, or even passive healing from Leftovers, Ampharos can be worn down quickly from repeated switch-ins to hazards. As a result, reliable hazard control is highly recommended. Skarmory and Empoleon synergize with Ampharos fairly well, and can provide Defog support without over-exposing themselves to offensive pressure. Tentacruel checks Clefable well, can get rid of hazards without baiting in Bisharp, and can even run Toxic Spikes to cripple many of the special sponges that hope switch into Ampharos safely. Multiple laters of hazards are not absolutely necessary, but highly recommended as support for Ampharos, especially if Volt Switch is being used. As already stated, Skarmory and Tentacruel are good defensive complements for Ampharos, and have access to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, respectively. Chesnaught can Spike on bulky Grounds that give Ampharos trouble, and appreciates having a teammate that can check Flying threats consistently. Klefki has an easier time setting up Spikes, and is recommended if a more proactive team build is being used, but doubles on the Ground weakness.
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Dragon Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Timid / Modest
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt and Dragon Pulse have excellent offensive synergy, hitting most targets for at least neutral damage. Steel-types, namely Excadrill, Ferrothorn, and Heatran get blown back by Focus Blast, rounding off Ampharos's coverage pretty well. Hidden Power Ice is a nifty alternative to Dragon Pulse, hitting Gliscor and Mega Altaria for heavy damage while also retaining some coverage, but it huge power loss usually isn't worth the slot.
Set Details
========
Timid is the nature of choice here, allowing Ampharos to outspeed everything up to, and including Jolly Lopunny after an Agility boost. Modest is certainly viable for the extra power, but the Speed tier Ampharos hits with Timid is far too important to give up. The EVs are straightforward to maximize Ampharos's offfensive potential. While it may seem tempting to optimize Ampharos's EVs by moving some of its Speed investment to HP, the defensive boost is negligible, so don't bother.
Usage Tips
========
This should go without saying, but: Mega Evolve immediately. There are limited cases in which Ampharos, in its non-Mega forme, can use its Speed tier to help start a sweep, but to get the best out of this set, Mega Evolve Ampharos right after it switches in.
Ampharos isn't going to be toppling skycrapers with only an Agility boost, so it's ideal to play Ampharos as if it were a dual booster. If Ampharos gets the chance to switch in early- to mid-game, use it as a means of weakening the opposition, or even potential checks. Ampharos can use Flying-, Fire-, and Electric-types for a free chance to switch in and possibly set up an Agility. Zapdos, Magnezone, Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, Volcanion, and, to a much lesser extent, Mega Charizard, are example of Pokemon Ampharos can use as a stepping stone to becoming a win condition for its team.
Team Options
========
This set lacks the longevity of a more defensive set, and has somewhat limited damage output, so multiple hazards are imperative to its success. Clefable, Klefki, and Ferrothorn have decent synergy with Ampharos, and can even provide paralysis support to help it speed past potential revenge killers. Chesnaught and Skarmory scare away Ground-types and quickly stack up layers of Spikes. Landorus-T, Jirachi, and Mamoswine can help with sand, Fairies, and wallbreaking, respectively; the latter two also have access to a fairly slow U-turn to get Ampharos in safely. A way to ward off opposing hazards isn't absolutely necessary, but can help Ampharos tremendously. Rapid Spinners such as Tentacruel and Excadrill are the most ideal choices to keep your own hazards intact, but this can degrade your team's offensive status, and lessen the chance of Ampharos pulling off a sweep.
As far as offensive partners are concerned, Hex Gengar stands out as a Pokemon capable of dancing with many of this set's cold stops, particularly bulky Ground- and Grass-type Pokemon, as well as slow, bulky teams in general. Dragon Dance + Taunt Gyarados can also work well alongside this set, checking the aforementioned types of Pokemon while also putting on a good amount of offensive pressure itself. Bulk Up Talonflame works similarly to Gyarados, but is more inclined toward checking offensive Fairies than Ground-types. Lastly, Suicune can be a very helpful asset against defensive teams overall, handles Ground-types well, outstalls most Grass-types, and greatly appreciates having a conduit for assaults from Electrics.
Celebi and Alomomola, despite their moderately low utility in OU, can tango with many of the cold stops to this set. Celebi can Baton Pass a Calm Mind or Nasty Plot boost to Ampharos, or simply use a dry Baton Pass to get Ampharos in safely. Alomomola can, thanks to Wish and Regenerate, can help Ampharos switch in safely, as well as remain healthy throughout the match. Drizzle teams can incorporate this Ampharos to success. The constant rain allows Ampharos to truly maximize its offensive potential with Thunder, and in return, Ampharos provides Drizzle teams with a fairly bulky Electric and Grass resist. It is important to note, however, that this Ampharos best fits on Balance and Bulky Offense builds, rather than Drizzle offense.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ampharos can run a tank-oriented set, serving as a middle ground between the two above builds. To pull off such a set, it's ideal to have Ampharos maximize its HP and invest at least 20 EVs into Speed to outdo Hippowdon with minimal investment. Volt Switch, Dragon Pulse, and Focus Blast are irreplaceable move choices if one is to get the most out of this Ampharos; other options include Heal Bell, Thunderbolt, and Rest, but those depend on how your team is structured.
In contrast to being the Light Pokemon, what remains of Ampharos's movepool is pretty dull. Hidden Power Fire can be used to hit Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Mega Scizor for high damage, but Focus Blast already hits the former two, and with maximum investment, Thunderbolt can 2HKO Mega Scizor that don't invest heavily into Special Defense. Toxic can cripple would-be full counters to Ampharos and give it the edge against Chansey when running Rest. Signal Beam hits the rare Celebi, but that's about it. Save for Agility, Ampharos doesn't possess any threatening boosting moves such as Tail Glow or Calm Mind, and is instead left with Cotton Guard. If it wasn't obvious already, Cotton Guard has extremely limited practical use, and should be ignored at any point it may seem to be a relevant choice.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**:
Gliscor and Hippowdon in particular can completely wall Ampharos without full investment into Special Defense. Do keep in mind, however, that most Ground-types in OU can also tank a Dragon Pulse fairly well, and return fire with a STAB Earthquake.
**Mega Altaria**:
Mega Altara can very consistently switch into Ampharos and either use Ampharos as a chance to use Dragon Dance, or fire off its powerful Fairy STAB. Altaria only fears paralysis from Discharge, but its specially based sets generally don't care for the loss of Speed, and Altaria can even cure itself with Refresh or Heal Bell.
**Grass-types** :
Most Grass-types can sponge every hit Ampharos can toss out, but generally lack the firepower needed to KO back; Assault Vest Tangrowth with Earthquake stands out as the only Grass-type capable of countering Ampharos via outdamaging it. However, this does not mean Ampharos cannot be forced out by defensive Grass-types, as passive moves such as Spikes, Spore, Sleep Powder, Leech Seed, and Toxic can become troublesome to Ampharos's longevity, as well as its team.
**Chansey**:
If this wasn't already a given, Ampharos cannot hope to even tickle the hide of the blob, only truly threatening it with paralysis from Discharge.
**Fairies**:
Clefable and Klefki individualize themselves as immediate threats to Ampharos. Klefki can switch into Ampharos almost effortlessly and set up Spikes, or even threaten Ampharos's lifespan with Toxic. Clefable takes a large chunk of damage from a fully invested Thunderbolt, but is more than able of switching in and setting up multible Calm Mind boosts. Mega Gardevoir isn't exactly the bulkiest threat, but functions as a consistent check nonetheless by resisting most of Ampharos's offensive options, and laying down the pain with its powerful Hyper Voice.
**Ice-types**:
While most Ice-types must watch out for Discharge's paralysis chance, or switching into a Dragon Pulse, they can check Ampharos pretty well, usually by preying on its weaker Defense stat. Mamoswine in particular can tank a Dragon Pulse and immediately force Ampharos out with the threat of an Icicle Crash or Earthquake. Kyurem-B can attempt to switch into a predicted Discharge, Thunderbolt, or Rest and use that as a chance to gain some leverage with its destructive offensive potential.
**Faster attackers**:
Unsurprisingly, base 45 Speed won't get Ampharos too far. Moderately strong Pokemon shouldn't have much trouble keeping the pressure on Ampharos. Even with an Agility boost in consideration, Ampharos is susceptible to being revenged by faster attackers, such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Sceptile, and Sand Rush Excadrill.
Beneath Ampharos's majestic exterior beats the heart of a defensive tycoon capable of shielding its team from stallbreaking threats such as Manaphy, Tornadus-T, and Togekiss, as well as several offensive Electric- and Fire-type threats. Even without offensive investment, Ampharos manages to severely dent, or even OHKO the aforementioned Pokemon with its STAB--a testament to its natural power. That said, Ampharos can optimize its offensive potential with Agility, but with a shallow movepool and disappointingly low Speed (even after a boost), Ampharos's role is best relegated to a defensive one. Facing competition from other defensive choices, such as Zapdos and Mega Latias, it's imperative that Ampharos is played carefully, and most importantly, for its strengths.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Rest
move 2: Sleep Talk
move 3: Discharge / Volt Switch
move 4: Dragon Pulse / Heal Bell
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite
evs: 248 HP / 56 Def / 180 SpD / 20 Spe
nature: Calm
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Rest and Sleep talk are Ampharos's best means of remaining resilient without turning itself into fodder for offensive teams. The choice of Ampharos's Electric STAB boils down to how its team is structured. In most cases, Discharge is the superior option, allowing Ampharos to play around Roost, and prevent Pokemon such as Volcarona and Altaria from nonchalantly setting up a boost. Volt Switch is recommended for more offensive builds, such as bulky offense, as it turns Ampharos into a a very useful pivot around otherwise extremely threatening powerhouses. Ampharos's secondary STAB attack, Dragon Pulse, dents many of the Pokemon capable of stomaching its Electric STAB; however, if the coverage doesn't quite suit the team, Ampharos can also run Heal Bell. Heal Bell adds a different flair of utility to Ampharos's palette, making it more important in the long run. It's important to note that without Dragon Pulse, most bulky Ground-, Grass-, and Dragon-types will be able to fodderize Ampharos, so it's generally more efficient to run dual STAB.
Set Details
========
The given spread gives Ampharos the bulk needed to avoid being 2HKOed by Modest Charizard-Y's Fire Blast after switching into Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. While this seems to be an odd defensive benchmark, comfortably tanking one of the strongest Special attacks in the game also covers bombardments from OU's slew of strong Special attackers. The 20 Speed EVs allow Ampharos to outspeed minimum Speed Hippowdon, which can come in handy if Ampharos knocks Hippowdon into Dragon Pulse KO range. Ampharos has the typing to take advantage of a physically defensive spread as well. A Calm nature with the spread of 248 HP / 188 Def / 72 SpD prevents Ampharos from being 2HKOed by Choice Band Victini's V-Create. This EV spread also grants Ampharos the bulk neededto consistently tank hits from Bisharp, Jolly Crawdaunt, Mega Pinsir, Timid Charizard-Y, and Thundurus; however keep in mind that Heatran, Choice Specs Volcanion, and Manaphy will have a much easier time keeping the pressure on.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Evolve as soon as possible, as without its Dragon typing and additional bulk, Ampharos is mediocre defensively. The only instance in which Ampharos should remain in its non-Mega forme is when Static can become a makeshift landmine for fast U-turners; even then Static's utility is very limited, and it's undoubtedly much more beneificial to Mega Evolve immediately. It's also important to keep Ampharos as healthy as possible to tank the strong hits that can melt defensive teams in an instant. Try to play conservatively around status and chip damage to prevent Ampharos from using Rest often, as once asleep, Ampharos can be used as set-up fodder for numerous offensive threats. Lastly, liberal use of Dragon Pulse to catch potential Electric resists switching into Ampharos can be very rewarding given Mega Ampharos's power.
Team Options
========
Despite Ampharos's numerous defensive feats, it's still in need of specific support. It's important to pair Ampharos with Pokemon capable of circumventing the many offensive assaults directed at it. Physical walls such as Suicune, Cresselia, Slowbro, and Tangrowth can stave off high-power physical attacks coming from offensive Ground-types; these Pokemon also appreciate Ampharos's many vital resists, effectively forming a synergistic defensive duo with it. Fairies that manage to get in on Ampharos's Dragon Pulse, Rest, or an untimely Sleep Talk roll can also be problematic, therefore making Fairy resists, particularly Amoonguss and Skarmory, also make for good defensive complements to Ampharos. Stallbreaker Talonflame is another possible choice here for its ability to check some offensive Fairies, remove some defensive pressure from Ampharos by checking offensive Fire-types, and serve as a potential win condition for Ampharos's team through use of Bulk Up. Clefable and Chansey are also able to both remove defensive pressure from Ampharos, while also supporting it via Wish and / or Heal Bell. With high-HP Wishes, Regenerator, and pure Water typing, Alomomola earns a special mention as a partner for Ampharos by virtue of being a reliable pivot.
Without access to reliable healing, or even passive healing from Leftovers, Ampharos can be worn down quickly from repeated switch-ins to hazards. As a result, reliable hazard control is highly recommended. Skarmory and Empoleon synergize with Ampharos fairly well, and can provide Defog support without over-exposing themselves to offensive pressure. Tentacruel checks Clefable well, can get rid of hazards without baiting in Bisharp, and can even run Toxic Spikes to cripple many of the special sponges that hope switch into Ampharos safely. Multiple laters of hazards are not absolutely necessary, but highly recommended as support for Ampharos, especially if Volt Switch is being used. As already stated, Skarmory and Tentacruel are good defensive complements for Ampharos, and have access to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, respectively. Chesnaught can Spike on bulky Grounds that give Ampharos trouble, and appreciates having a teammate that can check Flying threats consistently. Klefki has an easier time setting up Spikes, and is recommended if a more proactive team build is being used, but doubles on the Ground weakness.
[SET]
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Dragon Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite
evs: 252 SpA / 4 Def / 252 Spe
nature: Timid / Modest
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Thunderbolt and Dragon Pulse have excellent offensive synergy, hitting most targets for at least neutral damage. Steel-types, namely Excadrill, Ferrothorn, and Heatran get blown back by Focus Blast, rounding off Ampharos's coverage pretty well. Hidden Power Ice is a nifty alternative to Dragon Pulse, hitting Gliscor and Mega Altaria for heavy damage while also retaining some coverage, but it huge power loss usually isn't worth the slot.
Set Details
========
Timid is the nature of choice here, allowing Ampharos to outspeed everything up to, and including Jolly Lopunny after an Agility boost. Modest is certainly viable for the extra power, but the Speed tier Ampharos hits with Timid is far too important to give up. The EVs are straightforward to maximize Ampharos's offfensive potential. While it may seem tempting to optimize Ampharos's EVs by moving some of its Speed investment to HP, the defensive boost is negligible, so don't bother.
Usage Tips
========
This should go without saying, but: Mega Evolve immediately. There are limited cases in which Ampharos, in its non-Mega forme, can use its Speed tier to help start a sweep, but to get the best out of this set, Mega Evolve Ampharos right after it switches in.
Ampharos isn't going to be toppling skycrapers with only an Agility boost, so it's ideal to play Ampharos as if it were a dual booster. If Ampharos gets the chance to switch in early- to mid-game, use it as a means of weakening the opposition, or even potential checks. Ampharos can use Flying-, Fire-, and Electric-types for a free chance to switch in and possibly set up an Agility. Zapdos, Magnezone, Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, Volcanion, and, to a much lesser extent, Mega Charizard, are example of Pokemon Ampharos can use as a stepping stone to becoming a win condition for its team.
Team Options
========
This set lacks the longevity of a more defensive set, and has somewhat limited damage output, so multiple hazards are imperative to its success. Clefable, Klefki, and Ferrothorn have decent synergy with Ampharos, and can even provide paralysis support to help it speed past potential revenge killers. Chesnaught and Skarmory scare away Ground-types and quickly stack up layers of Spikes. Landorus-T, Jirachi, and Mamoswine can help with sand, Fairies, and wallbreaking, respectively; the latter two also have access to a fairly slow U-turn to get Ampharos in safely. A way to ward off opposing hazards isn't absolutely necessary, but can help Ampharos tremendously. Rapid Spinners such as Tentacruel and Excadrill are the most ideal choices to keep your own hazards intact, but this can degrade your team's offensive status, and lessen the chance of Ampharos pulling off a sweep.
As far as offensive partners are concerned, Hex Gengar stands out as a Pokemon capable of dancing with many of this set's cold stops, particularly bulky Ground- and Grass-type Pokemon, as well as slow, bulky teams in general. Dragon Dance + Taunt Gyarados can also work well alongside this set, checking the aforementioned types of Pokemon while also putting on a good amount of offensive pressure itself. Bulk Up Talonflame works similarly to Gyarados, but is more inclined toward checking offensive Fairies than Ground-types. Lastly, Suicune can be a very helpful asset against defensive teams overall, handles Ground-types well, outstalls most Grass-types, and greatly appreciates having a conduit for assaults from Electrics.
Celebi and Alomomola, despite their moderately low utility in OU, can tango with many of the cold stops to this set. Celebi can Baton Pass a Calm Mind or Nasty Plot boost to Ampharos, or simply use a dry Baton Pass to get Ampharos in safely. Alomomola can, thanks to Wish and Regenerate, can help Ampharos switch in safely, as well as remain healthy throughout the match. Drizzle teams can incorporate this Ampharos to success. The constant rain allows Ampharos to truly maximize its offensive potential with Thunder, and in return, Ampharos provides Drizzle teams with a fairly bulky Electric and Grass resist. It is important to note, however, that this Ampharos best fits on Balance and Bulky Offense builds, rather than Drizzle offense.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Ampharos can run a tank-oriented set, serving as a middle ground between the two above builds. To pull off such a set, it's ideal to have Ampharos maximize its HP and invest at least 20 EVs into Speed to outdo Hippowdon with minimal investment. Volt Switch, Dragon Pulse, and Focus Blast are irreplaceable move choices if one is to get the most out of this Ampharos; other options include Heal Bell, Thunderbolt, and Rest, but those depend on how your team is structured.
In contrast to being the Light Pokemon, what remains of Ampharos's movepool is pretty dull. Hidden Power Fire can be used to hit Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Mega Scizor for high damage, but Focus Blast already hits the former two, and with maximum investment, Thunderbolt can 2HKO Mega Scizor that don't invest heavily into Special Defense. Toxic can cripple would-be full counters to Ampharos and give it the edge against Chansey when running Rest. Signal Beam hits the rare Celebi, but that's about it. Save for Agility, Ampharos doesn't possess any threatening boosting moves such as Tail Glow or Calm Mind, and is instead left with Cotton Guard. If it wasn't obvious already, Cotton Guard has extremely limited practical use, and should be ignored at any point it may seem to be a relevant choice.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Ground-types**:
Gliscor and Hippowdon in particular can completely wall Ampharos without full investment into Special Defense. Do keep in mind, however, that most Ground-types in OU can also tank a Dragon Pulse fairly well, and return fire with a STAB Earthquake.
**Mega Altaria**:
Mega Altara can very consistently switch into Ampharos and either use Ampharos as a chance to use Dragon Dance, or fire off its powerful Fairy STAB. Altaria only fears paralysis from Discharge, but its specially based sets generally don't care for the loss of Speed, and Altaria can even cure itself with Refresh or Heal Bell.
**Grass-types** :
Most Grass-types can sponge every hit Ampharos can toss out, but generally lack the firepower needed to KO back; Assault Vest Tangrowth with Earthquake stands out as the only Grass-type capable of countering Ampharos via outdamaging it. However, this does not mean Ampharos cannot be forced out by defensive Grass-types, as passive moves such as Spikes, Spore, Sleep Powder, Leech Seed, and Toxic can become troublesome to Ampharos's longevity, as well as its team.
**Chansey**:
If this wasn't already a given, Ampharos cannot hope to even tickle the hide of the blob, only truly threatening it with paralysis from Discharge.
**Fairies**:
Clefable and Klefki individualize themselves as immediate threats to Ampharos. Klefki can switch into Ampharos almost effortlessly and set up Spikes, or even threaten Ampharos's lifespan with Toxic. Clefable takes a large chunk of damage from a fully invested Thunderbolt, but is more than able of switching in and setting up multible Calm Mind boosts. Mega Gardevoir isn't exactly the bulkiest threat, but functions as a consistent check nonetheless by resisting most of Ampharos's offensive options, and laying down the pain with its powerful Hyper Voice.
**Ice-types**:
While most Ice-types must watch out for Discharge's paralysis chance, or switching into a Dragon Pulse, they can check Ampharos pretty well, usually by preying on its weaker Defense stat. Mamoswine in particular can tank a Dragon Pulse and immediately force Ampharos out with the threat of an Icicle Crash or Earthquake. Kyurem-B can attempt to switch into a predicted Discharge, Thunderbolt, or Rest and use that as a chance to gain some leverage with its destructive offensive potential.
**Faster attackers**:
Unsurprisingly, base 45 Speed won't get Ampharos too far. Moderately strong Pokemon shouldn't have much trouble keeping the pressure on Ampharos. Even with an Agility boost in consideration, Ampharos is susceptible to being revenged by faster attackers, such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Mega Sceptile, and Sand Rush Excadrill.
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