[OVERVIEW]
Mega Manectric's high Speed, decent Special Attack, and access to Fire-type coverage make it very threatening to offensive builds. Mega Manectric can also use Volt Switch effectively to produce momentum, rack up entry hazard damage, and let wallbreaking teammates switch in freely. With Intimidate, Mega Manectric comfortably revenge kills two of the most dangerous Mega Evolutions in the tier, Mega Mawile and Mega Pinsir.
However, even with its access to Fire-type coverage, Mega Manectric still faces competition with Tapu Koko, which not only has a more powerful Thunderbolt but also has access to U-turn to gain momentum more reliably, as it does not have to worry about Ground-types. Tapu Koko even has access to Taunt to pressure bulkier playstyles itself rather than relying on teammates, has the ability to run an item, and does not take up the Mega slot. Mega Manectric itself is checked by common defensive threats in the metagame such as Zygarde and Assault Vest Tangrowth. Couple this with the fact that it can be trapped by Dugtrio and Tyranitar, and Mega Manectric is, in practice, not the threat it can be. Furthermore, Mega Manectric's nature of coming in repetitively makes it vulnerable to entry hazards, as the consistent chip damage prevents it from performing and places it in range to be KOed by various priority attacks.
[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Overheat / Flamethrower
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Manectite
ability: Lightning Rod
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Due to the threat of Manectric's Electric / Fire / Ice coverage, Volt Switch is great to generate momentum and let teammates switch in freely. It also chips away at Manectric's initial switch-ins such as Mew and Tyranitar, which is especially nice if entry hazards are up. Thunderbolt is used if Manectric needs a more powerful alternative that doesn't force it out. The primary reason to use Mega Manectric over Tapu Koko is its access to Fire-type coverage to nail Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Overheat is the preferred Fire-type move, as it does massive damage to, if not outright OHKOes, Pokemon such as Mega Mawile, Tapu Bulu, Shift Gear Magearna, Magnezone, Mega Heracross, and Excadrill. It also hits Assault Vest Tangrowth and Amoonguss much harder than Flamethrower. Flamethrower is still an option to avoid the Special Attack drop, but the difference in power is noticeable. Hidden Power Ice is used to take out offensive Zygarde, Garchomp, and Landorus-T with little prior damage as well as prevent Latios from comfortably switching in.
Set Details
========
Lightning Rod is the preferred ability for Manectric before Mega Evolving so it can gain a Special Attack boost from a predicted Electric-type attack. Static can be used, however, to avoid mind games with Trace Gardevoir before it Mega Evolves. Maximum Speed EVs and a Timid nature are mandatory to outpace Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko and speed tie Mega Lopunny. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to hit as hard as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Manectric should spam Volt Switch early- and mid-game to rack up entry hazard damage and pressure its initial switch-ins. Depending on the matchup, Mega Manectric may be a natural threat, so use its fantastic coverage to pressure the opposing team. Mega Manectric should limit the number of times it comes in on entry hazards so it can survive priority attacks later in the game. Use Mega Manectric to check Pokemon such as Mega Pinsir and Mega Scizor, as it can do this well because of its access to Intimidate. Mega Manectric produces a lot of momentum, but Manectric itself cannot come in freely due to its poor bulk. Because of this, use double switches to bring it in because Manectric will have to be be played aggressively if it wants to control the pace of the game. Try not to mindlessly spam Volt Switch if there is an opposing Alolan Marowak or Ground-type that walls Mega Manectric, such as Mega Swampert or Gastrodon, as a lot of momentum will be lost if Volt Switch fails.
Team Options
========
Mega Manectric fits well on bulky offense because it can fall back on defensive teammates or a wallbreaker depending on its initial switch-in. Landorus-T completes a double Intimidate core and can set up Stealth Rock to make it easier for Manectric to wear down the opposing team. Landorus-T can function as a wallbreaker too using Swords Dance and a Z-Crystal. Most of Mega Manectric's checks and counters are grounded, so Toxapex is a phenomenal teammate due to it excellent defensive capabilities and access to Toxic Spikes. Since Manectric will need as many turns on the field as possible to function and this is cut off by entry hazards, Manectric teams can use some sort of hazard removal in case Manectric will need its health later in the match. Mew, Latios, Tapu Fini, Excadrill, and Mantine are prime options.
Wallbreaking is the best way to utilize the momentum Manectric provides; Weavile and Tyranitar are great due to their threatening STAB moves and ability to remove some of Manectric's checks, such as Latios and defensive Heatran, with Pursuit. Tapu Bulu is another great teammate because it sets up Grassy Terrain to give Manectric health while appreciating the free switches due to Manectric's wallbreaking abilities. Lastly, both Greninja formes are strong attackers that can assist Manectric by setting up Spikes. The combinations are endless: Zygarde, Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, Gengar, Volcarona, and Magearna are all other wallbreaking options, each with their own perks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Manectric's poor movepool means it does not have any other viable options. Toxic seems nice, but losing out on Thunderbolt or Volt Switch makes Mega Manectric much less of a threat. Thunder is appealing for rain teams, but Manectric itself does not provide much to the archetype, and rain weakens Manectric's Fire-type coverage, the main reason to use Manectric over Tapu Koko.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Chansey, Assault Vest Magearna, Clefable, Mew, Heatran, Tyranitar, and Alolan Muk are some of many specially defensive Pokemon that wall Mega Manectric. The latter two even trap it with Pursuit. While Mega Manectric cannot touch them, be wary of repeatedly switching them in, as Volt Switch and entry hazards can put them in range to be KOed by Mega Manectric later in the game.
**Grass-types**: They take quite a bit of damage from Overheat, but Assault Vest Tangrowth, Mega Venusaur, and Amoonguss are solid checks to Mega Manectric. Tapu Bulu can check Flamethrower sets and KO Mega Manectric back with Horn Leech.
**Ground-types**: Landorus-T and Garchomp can usually tank a hit and KO Mega Manectric back if they are at full health. Specially defensive Zygarde takes a Hidden Power Ice with ease and can pick Mega Manectric off with Thousand Arrows. Although more niche picks, Hippowdon, Mega Swampert, and Gastrodon will wall Mega Manectric throughout the match by virtue of typing, making for easy reads because the Mega Manectric user cannot afford to use Volt Switch. Finally, Dugtrio traps and removes Mega Manectric from play.
**Alolan Marowak**: Alolan Marowak walls Mega Manectric completely because of its ability Lightning Rod and can KO it with Shadow Bone.
**Dragon-types**: Latios, Kyurem-B, and Mega Charizard X are good checks to Manectric, but they have to be wary of being worn down by Volt Switch and entry hazards. Choice Scarf Garchomp can come in on a predicted Volt Switch and revenge kill Manectric with Earthquake.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users in Keldeo, Garchomp, and Latios can revenge kill Manectric because of its poor bulk. Mega Alakazam outpaces it and does massive damage with Psychic.
Mega Manectric's high Speed, decent Special Attack, and access to Fire-type coverage make it very threatening to offensive builds. Mega Manectric can also use Volt Switch effectively to produce momentum, rack up entry hazard damage, and let wallbreaking teammates switch in freely. With Intimidate, Mega Manectric comfortably revenge kills two of the most dangerous Mega Evolutions in the tier, Mega Mawile and Mega Pinsir.
However, even with its access to Fire-type coverage, Mega Manectric still faces competition with Tapu Koko, which not only has a more powerful Thunderbolt but also has access to U-turn to gain momentum more reliably, as it does not have to worry about Ground-types. Tapu Koko even has access to Taunt to pressure bulkier playstyles itself rather than relying on teammates, has the ability to run an item, and does not take up the Mega slot. Mega Manectric itself is checked by common defensive threats in the metagame such as Zygarde and Assault Vest Tangrowth. Couple this with the fact that it can be trapped by Dugtrio and Tyranitar, and Mega Manectric is, in practice, not the threat it can be. Furthermore, Mega Manectric's nature of coming in repetitively makes it vulnerable to entry hazards, as the consistent chip damage prevents it from performing and places it in range to be KOed by various priority attacks.
[SET]
name: Offensive Pivot
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Overheat / Flamethrower
move 4: Hidden Power Ice
item: Manectite
ability: Lightning Rod
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Due to the threat of Manectric's Electric / Fire / Ice coverage, Volt Switch is great to generate momentum and let teammates switch in freely. It also chips away at Manectric's initial switch-ins such as Mew and Tyranitar, which is especially nice if entry hazards are up. Thunderbolt is used if Manectric needs a more powerful alternative that doesn't force it out. The primary reason to use Mega Manectric over Tapu Koko is its access to Fire-type coverage to nail Pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Overheat is the preferred Fire-type move, as it does massive damage to, if not outright OHKOes, Pokemon such as Mega Mawile, Tapu Bulu, Shift Gear Magearna, Magnezone, Mega Heracross, and Excadrill. It also hits Assault Vest Tangrowth and Amoonguss much harder than Flamethrower. Flamethrower is still an option to avoid the Special Attack drop, but the difference in power is noticeable. Hidden Power Ice is used to take out offensive Zygarde, Garchomp, and Landorus-T with little prior damage as well as prevent Latios from comfortably switching in.
Set Details
========
Lightning Rod is the preferred ability for Manectric before Mega Evolving so it can gain a Special Attack boost from a predicted Electric-type attack. Static can be used, however, to avoid mind games with Trace Gardevoir before it Mega Evolves. Maximum Speed EVs and a Timid nature are mandatory to outpace Ash-Greninja and Tapu Koko and speed tie Mega Lopunny. Maximum Special Attack investment is used to hit as hard as possible.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Manectric should spam Volt Switch early- and mid-game to rack up entry hazard damage and pressure its initial switch-ins. Depending on the matchup, Mega Manectric may be a natural threat, so use its fantastic coverage to pressure the opposing team. Mega Manectric should limit the number of times it comes in on entry hazards so it can survive priority attacks later in the game. Use Mega Manectric to check Pokemon such as Mega Pinsir and Mega Scizor, as it can do this well because of its access to Intimidate. Mega Manectric produces a lot of momentum, but Manectric itself cannot come in freely due to its poor bulk. Because of this, use double switches to bring it in because Manectric will have to be be played aggressively if it wants to control the pace of the game. Try not to mindlessly spam Volt Switch if there is an opposing Alolan Marowak or Ground-type that walls Mega Manectric, such as Mega Swampert or Gastrodon, as a lot of momentum will be lost if Volt Switch fails.
Team Options
========
Mega Manectric fits well on bulky offense because it can fall back on defensive teammates or a wallbreaker depending on its initial switch-in. Landorus-T completes a double Intimidate core and can set up Stealth Rock to make it easier for Manectric to wear down the opposing team. Landorus-T can function as a wallbreaker too using Swords Dance and a Z-Crystal. Most of Mega Manectric's checks and counters are grounded, so Toxapex is a phenomenal teammate due to it excellent defensive capabilities and access to Toxic Spikes. Since Manectric will need as many turns on the field as possible to function and this is cut off by entry hazards, Manectric teams can use some sort of hazard removal in case Manectric will need its health later in the match. Mew, Latios, Tapu Fini, Excadrill, and Mantine are prime options.
Wallbreaking is the best way to utilize the momentum Manectric provides; Weavile and Tyranitar are great due to their threatening STAB moves and ability to remove some of Manectric's checks, such as Latios and defensive Heatran, with Pursuit. Tapu Bulu is another great teammate because it sets up Grassy Terrain to give Manectric health while appreciating the free switches due to Manectric's wallbreaking abilities. Lastly, both Greninja formes are strong attackers that can assist Manectric by setting up Spikes. The combinations are endless: Zygarde, Tapu Lele, Kyurem-B, Gengar, Volcarona, and Magearna are all other wallbreaking options, each with their own perks.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Manectric's poor movepool means it does not have any other viable options. Toxic seems nice, but losing out on Thunderbolt or Volt Switch makes Mega Manectric much less of a threat. Thunder is appealing for rain teams, but Manectric itself does not provide much to the archetype, and rain weakens Manectric's Fire-type coverage, the main reason to use Manectric over Tapu Koko.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Chansey, Assault Vest Magearna, Clefable, Mew, Heatran, Tyranitar, and Alolan Muk are some of many specially defensive Pokemon that wall Mega Manectric. The latter two even trap it with Pursuit. While Mega Manectric cannot touch them, be wary of repeatedly switching them in, as Volt Switch and entry hazards can put them in range to be KOed by Mega Manectric later in the game.
**Grass-types**: They take quite a bit of damage from Overheat, but Assault Vest Tangrowth, Mega Venusaur, and Amoonguss are solid checks to Mega Manectric. Tapu Bulu can check Flamethrower sets and KO Mega Manectric back with Horn Leech.
**Ground-types**: Landorus-T and Garchomp can usually tank a hit and KO Mega Manectric back if they are at full health. Specially defensive Zygarde takes a Hidden Power Ice with ease and can pick Mega Manectric off with Thousand Arrows. Although more niche picks, Hippowdon, Mega Swampert, and Gastrodon will wall Mega Manectric throughout the match by virtue of typing, making for easy reads because the Mega Manectric user cannot afford to use Volt Switch. Finally, Dugtrio traps and removes Mega Manectric from play.
**Alolan Marowak**: Alolan Marowak walls Mega Manectric completely because of its ability Lightning Rod and can KO it with Shadow Bone.
**Dragon-types**: Latios, Kyurem-B, and Mega Charizard X are good checks to Manectric, but they have to be wary of being worn down by Volt Switch and entry hazards. Choice Scarf Garchomp can come in on a predicted Volt Switch and revenge kill Manectric with Earthquake.
**Faster Pokemon**: Choice Scarf users in Keldeo, Garchomp, and Latios can revenge kill Manectric because of its poor bulk. Mega Alakazam outpaces it and does massive damage with Psychic.
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