[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Flash Cannon
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
item: Eviolite
ability: Analytic
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Due to the fact that Magneton has more resistances than any other Pokemon in the game, as well as being able to utilize Eviolite, it has the ability to run a very sturdy tank set. Essentially sporting defenses of 304 / 339 / 393, it makes an excellent check to hail teams, being able to comfortably wall Pokemon such as Rotom-F due to its resistance to BoltBeam, and it's one of the very few Pokemon that isn't 2HKOed by a Choice Specs Glaceon's Blizzard. Magneton's specially defensive capabilities are so impressive that it's not OHKOed by a Life Orb Moltres's Flamethrower even after Stealth Rock, and Magneton easily OHKOes with Thunderbolt in return.</p>
<p>Thunderbolt is Magneton's most powerful and reliable attack and is a staple on this set, as it excels at taking down bulky Water-types. Flash Cannon is a secondary STAB move that has good coverage in conjunction with Thunderbolt, only missing out on Steelix, Ferroseed, and opposing Electric-types. It's also crucial as it gives Magneton a way to OHKO Glaceon and Jynx and 2HKO Rotom-F. RestTalk, while normally an unreliable strategy, is Magneton's only method of recovery, but due to great bulk and its massive slew of resistances, Magneton pulls it off remarkably well. Analytic is the ability of choice on this set, as without Special Attack investment, Magneton doesn't hit particularly hard. However, with Analytic, Magneton has the equivalent of 360 Special Attack, higher than even Timid Moltres, if it moves second that is.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs are rather straightforward, maximizing Magneton's specially defensive capabilities. This set absolutely thrives on proper team support. Alomomola is an excellent partner, being able to easily take on powerful physical attackers, such as Entei and Emboar, while also being able to pass Magneton massive Wishes, especially since Magneton sports resistances to the Grass- and Electric-type moves often aimed at it. This also means that Magneton doesn't need to be as reliant on Rest and Sleep Talk. Uxie is another phenomenal partner, easily tanking the Ground- and Fighting-type moves aimed at Magneton. Furthermore, it can provide Magneton with Heal Bell support should Magneton have already used Rest. Misdreavus is in the same boat as Uxie, and can also provide Will-O-Wisp support so that Magneton will face weaker physical attacks.</p>
<p>Magnet Pull is still a useful ability on Magneton, but generally speaking, this set needs the additional damage output provided by Analytic in order to defeat the threats it's supposed to be dealing with. That said, should your team have massive issues with Escavalier, Ferroseed, or Klinklang, Magneton can feasibly run Magnet Pull together with Hidden Power Fire over Flash Cannon in order to safely eliminate them. Hidden Power Fire also maintains super effective coverage on the Ice-types found on hail teams. Volt Switch is an appealing move on a defensive pivot such as Magneton, but you don't want to accidentally reset your sleep timer, and it's only really an option if you pack a solid cleric. Finally, Magneton can run a Sassy nature with 0 Speed IVs should you want to be able to hit a wider range of Pokemon harder with Analytic boosted attacks, but Magneton has above average Speed for a tank and it would be a shame to waste it, and the reduced Speed means that Magneton would miss out on Poliwrath, Tangrowth, and some Rhydon variants.</p>
Huh it was fun writing up an analysis again~