[AG] Rayquaza

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Overview

Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding base 180 offensive stats and its great speed. It has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-create, Extreme Speed, and Earthquake coupled with great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near-perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task. Mega Rayquaza does not need to hold a Mega Stone to Mega Evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as a Dragon Dance sweeper, a mixed attacking wallbreaker, and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increased flexibility. Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Excadrill if they revealed to not have Dragon- or Ice-type attacks, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams.

However, even after Mega Evolving, Mega Rayquaza still gets outsped by quite a few offensive Pokemon such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Marshadow if Mega Rayquaza doesn't have any Dragon Dance boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus, as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.

Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake / V-create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Dance is a great setup move that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed stats, turning it into a deadly sweeper. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom and can also hit Primal Groudon for more damage. V-create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that deal with Earthquake such as Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Bronzong and also is able to OHKO Arceus-Steel. However, the Speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance. Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, Sucker Punch Yveltal, and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed if Mega Rayquaza gets a boost.

Set Details

Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows Mega Rayquaza to 2HKO bulky walls such as Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy more consistently. Lum Berry can be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by curing conditions such as burn, poison, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep and gives it a much easier time setting up. EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza. 4 EVs have been placed in Defense in order to give Genesect a Special Attack boost from Download.

Usage Tips

Mega Rayquaza could set up Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively when Stealth Rock is set up and when walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. On the other hand, it could dent teams early on, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late-game. Try not to set up against Pokemon that tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water, Lugia, and Primal Groudon, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping, especially if it is not running a Lum Berry. However, if Mega Rayquaza is holding a Lum Berry, then it can get the chance to set up against the aforementioned threats without risking being statused for one turn, although it still must OHKO these threats after a boost to avoid the status. Mega Rayquaza should also be wary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened , as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first. If opposing revenge killers are still active, try not using Dragon Ascent too liberally as well, since the Defense drops can give revenge killers such as Extreme Speed Arceus the opportunity to KO it more easily.

Team Options

Specially defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burn and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also set up Stealth Rock and can switch in against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza out such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas and threaten them out. Hazard removal from Pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy is also beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often. Entry hazard setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rock allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be a nice asset, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent such as Arceus-Water, Lunala, and defensive Xerneas. Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Marshadow, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas are great teammates as well, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team. They also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia. Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel and Magearna are also valuable teammates due to their ability to switch into Fairy-, Ice-, and Dragon-type moves.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves

Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and physically defensive Yveltal after Stealth Rock damage upon luring them in. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types, which are immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh and is more spammable compared to Draco Meteor due to it not lowering any of Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats after it is used. However, it is worth noting that Draco Meteor still does more damage compared to Dragon Ascent versus targets such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Water. V-create is a hard-hitting coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Skarmory, which resist both of its STAB attacks. Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill.

Set Details

Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, helping it secure OHKOs on specific threats. A Naughty nature is used to give Mega Rayquaza more physical power while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well. It also drops its Special Defense over its Defense in order to ensure Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus. A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats while still letting it outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Rayquaza. The EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.

Usage Tips

Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early-game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switch in can drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switch-in. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to remain as healthy throughout the match, meaning switching it in more liberally is encouraged. Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's Speed, this leaves it easily revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and maximum Speed Arceus-Fairy, so be wary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these Pokemon. Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and physically defensive Yveltal that would wall the purely physical sets, and is able to OHKO them with Draco Meteor after Stealth Rock. Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, it's advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.

Team Options

Primal Groudon is a useful partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance set, which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes greatly with Mega Rayquaza, as it can deal with both Fairy- and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel , which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking. Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure to the opposing team, which is very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well. Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel and Magearna can also be great partners to have, since they can switch into Fairy-, Dragon-, and Ice-type moves that would threaten out Mega Rayquaza. Hazard removal from Pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match. Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KOs on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They help Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Outrage / Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move and deals a large amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Yveltal, and Deoxys-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill. V-create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to KO Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these Pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves. Outrage is a secondary STAB move that helps with beating Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Rock-types such as Arceus-Rock and Tyranitar. It also functions as a move to late-game sweep with if Mega Rayquaza can't afford Defense drops, though you should look out for Fairy-types, such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy. Waterfall is a usefulmove to revenge kill Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to survive any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise. However, the opponent will likely know that it is Choice Band Mega Rayquaza after seeing it be used.

Set Details

Choice Band Mega Rayquaza is used to deal massive damage initially without needing to setup. Maximizing the EVs in Attack allows Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band. Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed. The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard and KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas after Stealth Rock chip damage. A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Rayquaza while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats. 4 EVs are also invested in Special Defense in order to prevent Choice Scarf Genesect from revenge killing Mega Rayquaza as easily due to it gaining the Special Attack boost from Download.

Usage Tips

Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much such as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Arceus-Water can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards. Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed. Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Arceus can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to set up themselves. Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.

Team Options

Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. They also can weaken checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy. Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza, as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza. Mega Rayquaza benefits from entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Arceus-Rock checks such as Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are also beneficial due to it being one of the more consistent Choice Band Mega Rayquaza answers for defensive teams. Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel, and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable. Primal Groudon is exceptionally useful, as it can absorb status conditions such as paralysis and burns, which would otherwise cripple Mega Rayquaza. Cleric support from teammates such as Clefable and Chansey helps Mega Rayquaza if it receives a status condition, which hampers its use by a lot.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Outrage
- Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move and allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. V-create complements Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows Mega Rayquaza to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela. Outrage acts as Mega Rayquaza's secondary STAB move, allowing it to target foes that resist its Flying-type attacks such as Arceus-Rock and can also hit Dragon-type walls super effectively such as Arceus-Dragon, Giratina, and Zygarde-C. Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.

Set Details

With a Choice Scarf equipped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally. EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible while also letting it outspeed as many Pokemon as it can. A Jolly nature was chosen to ensure it outspeeds most Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and Deoxys-S.

Usage Tips

Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous. This set can be best utilized late-game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Arceus-Water are weakened, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill bar priority with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf. The opponent can capitalize on Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Outrage, as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas or Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up. Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza also excels at luring in weakened setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas after they have setup, since in most instances, the opponent will not expect it. With Stealth Rock up, Choice Scarf Rayquaza can usually sweep Psychic Terrain-based teams easily. Thus, ensure it isn't sent in prior to Stealth Rock being set up against these type of teams.

Team Options

Primal Groudon is a decent partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy- and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing. Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return. Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners, as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazards to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy. Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switching in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options

A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / Earthquake with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. However, it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set and Extreme Speed Arceus due to the former's ability to boost its Speed and the latter's more powerful priority being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams, although it still works great in tandem with Sticky Web. Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many threats such as defensive Yveltal, Giratina, and Arceus, although the mixed Life Orb set is more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility. However, all Mega Rayquaza sets must carry Dragon Ascent, wasting a moveslot for this set. A bulkier Dragon Dance set with 240 Atk / 104 Def / 164 Spe and an Adamant nature can be used, which trades speed for bulk, helping Mega Rayquaza set(add space)up versus more offensive threats. Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flyinium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up your team's Mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside one other Mega Evolution such as Mega Gengar or Mega Lucario. (AP) Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza can also hold a Chilan Berry, which allows it to avoid being revenge killed by Extreme Speed Arceus.

Checks and Counters

Fairy-types: Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attacks hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively and are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switch in on sets such as mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza more comfortably and force it out. Choice Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non-Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, but they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent.

Lugia: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza even when it's boosted and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia. Also, Choice Band Mega Rayquaza can always defeat Lugia with multiple uses of Dragon Ascent.

Bulky Dragon-types: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all survive Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

Arceus-Rock: Arceus-Rock resists Dragon Ascent and V-create and can dent it with Judgment or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. It can be especially troublesome for Mega Rayquaza when it is paired with bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Celesteela, since it forces Mega Rayquaza to predict with its coverage options. Nonetheless, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake and Waterfall.

Lunala: With its Shadow Shield intact, Lunala is able to survive any unboosted hit from Mega Rayquaza and can threaten to hit it hard with either Ice Beam or Moonblast, especially if Mega Rayquaza used Dragon Ascent. However, if Lunala is not at full health or is not fully invested in its Defense and Mega Rayquaza acquired a Dragon Dance boost, then it can become much more difficult to check it.

Faster Pokemon: Faster Pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Marshadow, Deoxys-A, and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be wary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the former's faster Extreme Speed and the latter's immunity to Normal-type attacks. However, Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza can outspeed and threaten out all of the aforementioned threats.
 
Last edited:

MZ

And now for something completely different
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Top Team Rater Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Do not mass tag auth for checks. I'm pretty sure we've gone over this one before. Also set order's gonna be changed just waiting to confirm w/other members and I'll let you know (it won't involve more writing just copy pasting)
Overview
  • Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding 180 offensive stats and its great speed.
  • It also has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-Create, Extreme Speed and Earthquake coupled with two great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. specifically say somth about how it has perfect or near perfect coverage at all times, the fact that only 3 mons resist its main moves on DD is just amazing
  • Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive types such as Ground, Fire, Fighting, and Water-type moves, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams. instead of types, give mons like pdon. this is a little misleading since u dont switch into 1/2 of the viable fires or the only viable fighting type that well. also stress this a little more, for an offensive powerhouse this has so much defensive utility it's crazy, and that is a large part of what makes it so incredibly splashable
  • It does not need to hold a mega stone to mega evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets due to this increase flexibility. i agree something about variety of sets is needed, but rather than making it about not holding a stone (basic info) I'd say something like "a number of sets including DD, scarfer, etc" to give a quick overview of the roles ray can perform
  • Even after mega evolving, Mega Rayquaza still does get outspeed by quite a few offensive pokemons such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Scarf Xerneas without any setup boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.
Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake
- Extreme Speed / V-Create

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Dance is a great setup moves that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, turning it into a deadly sweeper.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom.
  • Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, and Pheromosa. as well as KOing weakened ekiller without taking the hit
  • V-Create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that resist Ground-type moves such as Skarmory, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn. However, the speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance. ferro dies to +1 ascent, this move really is only for ground immune steels. can mention zonger, also I would note that the lack of priority is pretty annoying
Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it 2HKO bulky walls such as Giratina and Arceus-Fairy more consistently.
  • Lum Berry can also be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep.
  • EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza should setup Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively if walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. i dont think it's exclusively late-game, u can put on a lot of pressure early or specifically go to weaken some of those targets
  • Try not to setup against pokemon who tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Klefki give more relevant mon like waterceus or somth and Primal Groudon respectively, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping especially if it is not running a Lum Berry for the former example.
  • Mega Rayquaza should also be weary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first.
  • Try not using Dragon Ascent to liberally as well, since the defense drops can give revenge killers such as Arceus and Mega Gengar the opportunity to KO it more easily. Examples include when Mega Rayquaza is facing a weakened Xerneas or Arceus-Ground, it can KO these mons with coverage moves such as Earthquake instead to prevent the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. i dont think the example is needed rly, it's sorta obvious what u mean
point about how u can use ray as a check to things like pdon or double switch into it on a lot of slower wallbreakers

Team Options

  • Specially Defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also setup Stealth Rocks and can switchin against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Xerneas and threaten them out. stealth rock. not rocks. is an trigger
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can also be beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often.
  • Entry setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rocks allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up.
  • Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas can also be great teammates, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team and can also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers.
mons that like pdon checks like gearna like ray keeping it pressured, ghostceus is useful to switch into the espeeds, and id also mention spikers since it only takes like 2 layers to make things like support groundceus EV'd to live a +1 DA no longer relevant

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that deals a significant amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Pheromosa, and Deoxya-A. Making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill. why 2 sentences lol
  • V-Create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to dent Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves.
  • Waterfall is a great move to lure in and KO Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent. it also is the only thing to hit groundceus

Set Details
  • Maximizing the EVs in Attack allow Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band.
  • Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed.
  • The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas.
  • A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza, Yveltal, and Lunala. u already beat yveltal and lunala, max ada ray > max timid yvel. it's mostly just for beating other ray more reliably + u still 2hko most things
Usage Tips
  • Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Quagsire can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards.
  • Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed.
  • Using less powerful moves such as Extreme Speed and Waterfall can also be troublesome, as threats such as Xerneas and Primal Kyogre can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and take advantage of this by starting to setup themselves. "can be troublesome" is a bit vague, just say try to avoid locking urself into these if possible
mention it can be useful to preserve as a check to setup sweepers, since CB espeed is a strong last resort vs things like geoxern or dual dance pdon

Team Options

  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza. They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy respectively.
  • Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza.
  • Mega Rayquaza also benefits from entry hazard setters, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable.
this sounds the same as dd when it should stress a little more that u want offensive mons that abuse the wallbreaking not mons to wallbreak for ray

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature / naughty
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake / Surf / Fire Blast the third slash should be just v-create, nothing else, especially not fire blast or surf lol
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and likely KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Dragon.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
  • Earthquake is great coverage alongside Mega Rayquaza's STAB options, allowing it to hit targets such as Arceus-Steel, Solgaleo, Arceus-Rock, and Primal Groudon for more damage. remove, u drop the best way to hit rockceus but that's about it and this set is intended to remove other checks (like the ones from the first bullet)
  • Surf can also be used to be an effective lure to Primal Groudon, as it can OHKO it if Mega Rayquaza has set up the Delta Stream. remove
  • Fire Blast is another useful coverage move that lets Mega Rayquaza hit Steel-types that are not hit super effectively from Ground-type attacks such as Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela. lol when v-create exists and remove
  • Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Deoxys-A and Pheromosa, making it harder to revenge kill. stop giving the same exact examples, there are other things

Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats.
  • A Naive nature is chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while still letting it outspeed threats such as Yveltal and Lunala. you beat those anyway again. make naughty first slash and put naive second, specifically for beating other ray
  • The specific EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to OHKO Primal Groudon with Surf and 2HKO Arceus with Draco Meteor. if they're bog standard evs then dont make up a reason, just say they increase ur attack
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switchin can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switchin. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to be relied on as a win condition to be conserved late game.
  • Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's speed, this leaves it to be revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and max speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these pokemon.
  • Since this set can hit opponents though both offensive spectrums, Mega Rayquaza can bluff physical walls such as Giratina, Lugia, and Zygarde-C thinking that Mega Rayquaza is purely physical with the use of Draco Meteor. this is just phrased weird altho i get the overall point. id just make it clearer since luring those is the main point of the set
  • The opponent may take advantage from the special attack and defense drops from Draco Meteor and Dragon Ascent respectively, since they can bring in setup sweepers such as Xerneas, Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Lunala, so careful pivoting is vital to counteract this. zygarde is a bad example of a setup sweeper and it's not like geoxern doesnt die to LO DA+Espeed. the drops just make u easier to revenge by random arc formes which u mentioned earlier, so not sure this is needed
  • Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance sweeping set which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes great with Mega Rayquaza as it can deal with both Fairy and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking.
  • Other setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Klefki, and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They overall also help Mega Rayuaza's wallbreaking capabilities.
  • If Mega Rayquaza chooses to not run Fire-type coverage, pokemon that can break through Steel-types such as Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon can also be useful teammates. dont need this anymore
definitely need things that can beat rockceus

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Earthquake / Extreme Speed no espeed lol
- Draco Meteor

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • V-Create compliments Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela.
  • Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, Magearna, and Arceus-Rock for more damage. rockceus is the most important target, it should at least go first here
  • Extreme Speed can also be useful on this set, as Mega Rayquaza can now out prioritize threats such as Arceus and Deoxys-A with a Choice Scarf. no
  • Draco Metoer is another great STAB option for Mega Rayquaza, as it allows it to dent physically defensive walls such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Yveltal.

Set Details
  • With a Chioce Scarf equpped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally.
  • EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, while also letting it outspeed as many pokemon as it can.
  • 4 EVs are invested in Special Attack to ensure that Mega Rayquaza 2HKOes Primal Groudon and Giratina with Draco Meteor. if it would without those 4 EVs then it doesnt count. u dont need to mention the 4 throwaway evs unless it's a very rare case that they do something specific like golem in PU
  • A Naive nature was chosen to not cripple Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while letting it have the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds Scarf Xerneas and Deoxys-A.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous.
  • This set can be best utilized late game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf.
  • The opponent can capitalize against Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Draco Meteor and Extreme Speed not this, as they can bring in a Fairy or Steel-type respectably such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost and proceed to start setting up.
  • Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is not as strong compared to its other sets, meaning that certain pokemon such as Lunala and Arceus-Fairy can sustain a hit and begin to setup. it's not like they're boosting as u spam ascent, i dont quite get this point

Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing.
  • Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazard to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy.
hazard removers?

Strategy Comments
Other Options

  • A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / V-Create with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set, due to the Speed boost being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams.
  • Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many physically defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Arceus-Dragon with this set, although the Mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility.
  • Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flynium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside other mega evolution such as Mega Gengar, Mega Lucario, and Mega Kangaskhan. there are a lot of good megas, idk why you'd list mega kanga
needs: bulky DD, chilan berry DD

Checks and Counters

[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy and Magearna can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attack hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switchin on sets such as Mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayuaza more comfortably and force it out. however they all take a buttload from dragon ascent. also scarf xern and fairyceus are both faster and can solidly revenge kill u

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia.

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type attacks in return. the first 2 dont always run dragon stab, they can just status it or phaze it or deal some damage or w/e just change this slightly

[Yveltal]: A bulky Yveltal set can live any of Mega Rayquaza's unboosted attacks, and deal a significant amount of damage back with Foul Play. However, if Mega Rayquaza gets a single setup boost, then Yvetal has a much harder time taking a hit.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks, and can wither dent it with Judgement or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. However, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake and Surf. not surffff. also this ought to be higher than yveltal, it's a much better check

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Deoxys-A and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, they all must be weary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza bar Arceus and Mega Gengar, due to the formers faster Extreme Speed and the ladders immunity to Normal-type attacks. *latter. also saying "they all must" and immediately taking it back is weirder than just saying "mewtwo and deoxys must"
Lots of stuff but that's mostly because it's so long, good job on this one. 1/3 Funbot28
qcstamp.gif
 

Funbot28

Banned deucer.


Ready for QC

Plan to complete before the weekend, busy schedule rn

Overview
  • Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding 180 offensive stats and its great speed.
  • It also has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-Create, Extreme Speed and Earthquake coupled with two great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task.
  • Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Rock, and Primal Kyogre, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams.
  • It does not need to hold a mega stone to mega evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as being a Dragon Dance sweeper, Mixed attacking wallbreaker and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increase flexibility
  • Even after mega evolving, Mega Rayquaza still does get outspeed by quite a few offensive pokemons such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Scarf Xerneas without any setup boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.
Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake
- Extreme Speed / V-Create

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Dance is a great setup moves that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, turning it into a deadly sweeper.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom.
  • Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, and Pheromosa, and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed.
  • V-Create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that resist Ground-type moves such as Skarmory, Celesteela, and Bronzong. However, the speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance. Also, the lack of priority by foregoing Extreme Speed can be detrimental as this leaves Mega Rayquaza subjected to revenge killing much more easily.
Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it 2HKO bulky walls such as Giratina and Arceus-Fairy more consistently.
  • Lum Berry can also be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep.
  • EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza could setup Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively if walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. Although it could also dent teams early on as well, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late game.
  • Try not to setup against pokemon who tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water and Primal Groudon respectively, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping especially if it is not running a Lum Berry for the former example.
  • Mega Rayquaza should also be weary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first.
  • Try not using Dragon Ascent to liberally as well, since the defense drops can give revenge killers such as Arceus and Mega Gengar the opportunity to KO it more easily.
Team Options
  • Specially Defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also setup Stealth Rock and can switchin against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy, Magearna, and Xerneas and threaten them out.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can also be beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often.
  • Entry setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rocks allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be beneficial, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent.
  • Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Arceus-Ghost, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas can also be great teammates, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team and can also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that deals a significant amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Pheromosa, and Deoxya-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill.
  • V-Create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to dent Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves.
  • Waterfall is a great move to lure in and KO Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent, and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise.

Set Details
  • Maximizing the EVs in Attack allow Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band.
  • Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed.
  • The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas.
  • A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza, while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Quagsire can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards.
  • Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed.
  • Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Primal Kyogre can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to setup themselves.
  • Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.
Team Options
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy respectively.
  • Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza.
  • Mega Rayquaza also benefits from entry hazard setters, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and likely KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Dragon.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
  • V-Create is a powerful coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Solgaleo, and Skarmory who otherwise resist both it's STAB attacks.
  • Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill.

Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats.
  • A Naughty nature is used as it gives Mega Rayquaza the ability to hit the hardest it can on the physically attacking spectrum, while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well.
  • A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while still letting it outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza.
  • The specific EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switchin can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switchin. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to be relied on as a win condition to be conserved late game.
  • Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's speed, this leaves it to be revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and max speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these pokemon.
  • Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon that would otherwise wall the purely physical sets, and is able to OHKO them with Draco Meteor.
  • Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance sweeping set which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes great with Mega Rayquaza as it can deal with both Fairy and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking.
  • Other setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Klefki, and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They overall also help Mega Rayuaza's wallbreaking capabilities.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Earthquake
- Draco Meteor

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • V-Create compliments Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela.
  • Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.
  • Draco Metoer is another great STAB option for Mega Rayquaza, as it allows it to dent physically defensive walls such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Yveltal.

Set Details
  • With a Choce Scarf equpped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally.
  • EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, while also letting it outspeed as many pokemon as it can.
  • A Naive nature was chosen to not cripple Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while letting it have the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds Scarf Xerneas and Deoxys-A.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous.
  • This set can be best utilized late game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf.
  • The opponent can capitalize against Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Draco Meteor as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing.
  • Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazard to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switchin in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options

  • A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / V-Create with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set, due to the Speed boost being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams.
  • Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many physically defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Arceus-Dragon with this set, although the Mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility.
  • Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flynium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside other mega evolution such as Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario
Checks and Counters
[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy and Magearna can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attack hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switchin on sets such as Mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayuaza more comfortably and force it out. Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, however they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent.

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia.

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks, and can wither dent it with Judgement or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. However, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake.


[Yveltal]: A bulky Yveltal set can live any of Mega Rayquaza's unboosted attacks, and deal a significant amount of damage back with Foul Play. However, if Mega Rayquaza gets a single setup boost, then Yvetal has a much harder time taking a hit.

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Deoxys-A and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be weary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the formers faster Extreme Speed and the latters immunity to Normal-type attacks.
Ok first check implemented, awaiting others
 
AM QC check coming through, comments in bold.


Ready for QC

QC Stamps: [ Megazard / / ]
GP Stamps: None

Overview
  • Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding 180 offensive stats and its great speed.
  • It also has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-Create, Extreme Speed and Earthquake coupled with two great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task.
  • Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Rock, and Primal Kyogre, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams. It cant switch in on arceus rock, or really kyogre unless LO+; even that cant come in on ice beam after rocks. Something like Arceus-Ground, solgaleo, or even sorta zygarde would be better here, but really just stress pdon because that's the big one.
  • It does not need to hold a mega stone to mega evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as being a Dragon Dance sweeper, Mixed attacking wallbreaker and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increase flexibility
  • Even after mega evolving, Mega Rayquaza still does get outspeed by quite a few offensive pokemons such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Scarf Xerneas without any setup boosts Specify that its mray that doesn't have setup boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.
Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake
- Extreme Speed / V-Create I'm kinda iffy on dd ray with no espeed, ntm how I dislike eq+vc; up to you, but I'd advise slashing eq with v-create instead.

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Dance is a great setup moves that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, turning it into a deadly sweeper.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom.
  • Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, and Pheromosa, Phero is borderline unviable, maybe sucker punch ygod instead and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed only when boosted, because arc is faster.
  • V-Create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that resist Ground-type moves such as Skarmory, Celesteela, and Bronzong. However, the speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance. Also, the lack of priority by foregoing Extreme Speed can be detrimental as this leaves Mega Rayquaza subjected to revenge killing much more easily. Also OHKOes Steelceus which is a big draw
Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it 2HKO bulky walls such as Giratina and Arceus-Fairy more consistently. 252 Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Giratina: 208-246 (41.3 - 48.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery pick a diff example, maybe Yveltal since w/o LO its a roll
  • Lum Berry can also be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep. Mention letting it set up easier, esp Pdon lava plume
  • EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza.
  • 4 Spd evs to avoid ice beam boosts on gene? Basically irrelevant, but that's the reason SPD is better so up to you.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza could setup Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively if walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. Although it could also dent teams early on as well, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late game.
  • Try not to setup against pokemon who tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water and Primal Groudon respectively, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping especially if it is not running a Lum Berry for the former example.
  • Give an example of what you can set up on if you are lum (ie pdon)
  • Mega Rayquaza should also be weary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first.
  • Try not using Dragon Ascent to liberally as well, since the defense drops can give revenge killers such as Arceus and Mega Gengar the opportunity to KO it more easily. but the power is very handy and a major draw factor; possibly specify only versus things that eq can ko (+1 or otherwise) but up to you.
Team Options
  • Specially Defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also setup Stealth Rock and can switchin against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy, Magearna, and Xerneas and threaten them out. Magearna doesn't threaten ray even if you arent boosted 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 354-419 (97.2 - 115.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can also be beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often.
  • Entry setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rocks allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be beneficial, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent. examples?
  • Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Arceus-Ghost, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas can also be great teammates, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team and can also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers such as?.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that deals a significant amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Pheromosa, Phero is bad try something else please; weakened Geoxern/wearing down geoxern and Ygod come to mind and Deoxya-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill.
  • V-Create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to dent I wouldn't rlly call it denting mray just flat out annihilates them Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves.
  • Waterfall is a great move to lure in not lure in as if pdon comes in the sun will be up; it lets mray pick off pdon and KO Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent, and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise.

Set Details
  • Maximizing the EVs in Attack allow Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band.
  • Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed.
  • The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas.
  • A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza, while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats. Is that the only threat (no, stuff like Luke, ntm that if it's jolly they won't be "other adamant mega rayquaza"
  • again, consider the 4 spd evs here because they actually do something
Usage Tips
  • Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Quagsire can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards. Quagsire OHKOs with counter and always lives a hit, try arceus water maybe?
  • Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed.
  • Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Primal Kyogre can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to setup themselves. Primal Kyogre isn't realistically going to set up while mray is alive, maybe ekiller
  • Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.
Team Options
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy respectively.
  • Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza.
  • Mega Rayquaza also benefits from entry hazard setters, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable.
  • Status absorbers
  • Rockceus answers because its the primary bandray answer esp on stall.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and likely KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Dragon.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
  • V-Create is a powerful coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Solgaleo, and Skarmory who otherwise resist both it's STAB attacks.
  • Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill.

Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats.
  • A Naughty nature is used as it gives Mega Rayquaza the ability to hit the hardest it can on the physically attacking spectrum, while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well. Mention this dropping spd instead of Defense
  • A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while still letting it outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza.
  • The specific EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switchin can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switchin. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to be relied on as a win condition to be conserved late game. Does not need to be relyed upon? You don't need to rely on even DDance. Just say it isn't one so there's not as much point in keeping it healthy or smth.
  • Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's speed, this leaves it to be revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and max speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these pokemon.
  • Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon that would otherwise wall the purely physical sets, and is able to OHKO them with Draco Meteor.
  • Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance sweeping set which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes great with Mega Rayquaza as it can deal with both Fairy and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking.
  • Other setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well. This isn't a setup sweeper, so it isn't other setup sweepers here.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Klefki, and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They overall also help Mega Rayuaza's wallbreaking capabilities.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Earthquake
- Draco Meteor

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • V-Create compliments Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela.
  • Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.
  • Draco Meteor is another great STAB option for Mega Rayquaza, as it allows it to dent physically defensive walls such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Yveltal.

Set Details
  • With a Choce Scarf equpped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally.
  • EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, while also letting it outspeed as many pokemon as it can.
  • A Naive nature was chosen to not cripple Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while letting it have the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds Scarf Xerneas and Deoxys-A. and dropping spd over def; also it outspeed both of those with +atk so either swap nature's or focus on it beating out Deo-S / +2 Geoxern
Usage Tips
  • Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous.
  • This set can be best utilized late game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf. Not exactly espeed is a thing
  • The opponent can capitalize against Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Draco Meteor as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing.
  • Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazard to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switchin in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options

  • A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / V-Create with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set, due to the Speed boost being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams. Mention ekiller as why the lack of speed is important, maybe some other too
  • Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many physically defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Arceus-Dragon with this set, although the Mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility.
  • Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flynium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside other mega evolution such as Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario
  • Chilan berry has a solid niche, but if you don't want to include its up to QC.
Checks and Counters

[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy and Magearna can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attack hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switchin on sets such as Mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayuaza more comfortably and force it out. Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, however they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent. Magearna isn't an issue at all, like at worst you cant set up on them.

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia. Also CB ray just sorta destroys this

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks, and can wither dent it with Judgement or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. However, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake or waterfall.

[Yveltal]: A bulky Yveltal set can live any of Mega Rayquaza's unboosted attacks, and deal a significant amount of damage back with Foul Play. However, if Mega Rayquaza gets a single setup boost, then Yvetal has a much harder time taking a hit.

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Deoxys-A and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be weary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the formers faster Extreme Speed and the latters immunity to Normal-type attacks.
 
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Ready for QC

AM QC Stamps: [ Quantum Tesseract ]
QC Stamps: [ Megazard / / ]
GP Stamps: None

Overview
  • Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding 180 offensive stats and its great speed.
  • It also has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-Create, Extreme Speed and Earthquake coupled with two great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task.
  • Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams.
  • It does not need to hold a mega stone to mega evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as being a Dragon Dance sweeper, Mixed attacking wallbreaker and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increase flexibility
  • Even after mega evolving, Mega Rayquaza still does get outspeed by quite a few offensive pokemons such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Scarf Xerneas without Mega Rayquaza having any setup boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.
Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake / V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Dance is a great setup moves that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, turning it into a deadly sweeper.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom.
  • V-Create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that resist Ground-type moves such as Skarmory, Celesteela, and Bronzong, and also is able to OHKO Arceus-Steel. However, the speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance.
  • Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, Sucker Punch Yveltal, and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed if Mega Rayquaza gets a boost.
Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it 2HKO bulky walls such as Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy more consistently.
  • Lum Berry can also be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep and gives a much more easier time setting up.
  • EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza could setup Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively if walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. Although it could also dent teams early on as well, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late game.
  • Try not to setup against pokemon who tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water and Primal Groudon respectively, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping especially if it is not running a Lum Berry for the former example.
  • If Mega Rayquaza is holding a Lum Berry, then it can get the chance to setup on certain threats such as Primal Groudon, Lugia, and Arceus-Water without risking to be statused for one turn.
  • Mega Rayquaza should also be weary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first.
  • Try not using Dragon Ascent to liberally as well, since the defense drops can give revenge killers such as Arceus and Mega Gengar the opportunity to KO it more easily.
Team Options
  • Specially Defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also setup Stealth Rock and can switchin against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy, and Xerneas and threaten them out.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can also be beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often.
  • Entry setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rocks allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be beneficial, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent such as Arceus-Water, Lunala, and defensive Xerneas.
  • Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Arceus-Ghost, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas can also be great teammates, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team and can also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that deals a significant amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Yveltal, and Deoxys-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill.
  • V-Create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to KO Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves.
  • Waterfall is a great move to revenge kill Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent, and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise.

Set Details
  • Maximizing the EVs in Attack allow Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band.
  • Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed.
  • The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas.
  • A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Rayquaza and Mega Lucario, while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Arceus-Water can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards.
  • Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed.
  • Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Arceus can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to setup themselves.
  • Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.
Team Options
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy respectively.
  • Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza.
  • Mega Rayquaza also benefits from entry hazard setters, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Arceus-Rock checks such as Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are also beneficial due to it being one of the more consistent Choice Band Mega Rayquaza answers for defensive teams.
  • Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable. Primal Groudon is exceptionally useful as it can absorb status condition such as paralysis and burns which would otherwise cripple Mega Rayquaza.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and likely KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Dragon.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
  • V-Create is a powerful coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Solgaleo, and Skarmory who otherwise resist both it's STAB attacks.
  • Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill.

Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats.
  • A Naughty nature is used as it gives Mega Rayquaza the ability to hit the hardest it can on the physically attacking spectrum, while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well. It also drops its Special Defense over its Defense in order to ensure Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus.
  • A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while still letting it outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza.
  • The specific EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switchin can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switchin. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to remain as healthy throughout the match, meaning swithcing it in more liberally is encouraged.
  • Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's speed, this leaves it to be revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and max speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these pokemon.
  • Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon that would otherwise wall the purely physical sets, and is able to OHKO them with Draco Meteor.
  • Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance sweeping set which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes great with Mega Rayquaza as it can deal with both Fairy and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking.
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Klefki, and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They overall also help Mega Rayuaza's wallbreaking capabilities.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Earthquake
- Draco Meteor

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • V-Create compliments Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela.
  • Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.
  • Draco Meteor is another great STAB option for Mega Rayquaza, as it allows it to dent physically defensive walls such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Yveltal.

Set Details
  • With a Choce Scarf equipped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally.
  • EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, while also letting it outspeed as many pokemon as it can.
  • A Naive nature was chosen to not cripple Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while letting it have the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds Geomancy Xerneas and Deoxys-S. The nature also lowers its Special Defense over Defense to ensure that Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous.
  • This set can be best utilized late game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill bar priority with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf.
  • The opponent can capitalize against Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Draco Meteor as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing.
  • Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazard to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switchin in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options

  • A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / V-Create with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set and Extreme Speed Arceus, due to the formers ability to boost its speed and the ladders more powerful priority being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams.
  • Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many physically defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Arceus-Dragon with this set, although the Mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility.
  • Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flynium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside other mega evolution such as Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario
  • Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza can also hold a Chillian Berry, which allows it to avoid being revenge killed by Extreme Speed Arceus.
Checks and Counters

[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attack hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switchin on sets such as Mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayuaza more comfortably and force it out. Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, however they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent.

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia. Also Chocie Band Mega Rayquaza can always 2HKO Lugia with Dragon Ascent regardless of Multiscale being intact.

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks, and can wither dent it with Judgement or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. However, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake or Waterfall.

[Yveltal]: A bulky Yveltal set can live any of Mega Rayquaza's unboosted attacks, and deal a significant amount of damage back with Foul Play. However, if Mega Rayquaza gets a single setup boost, then Yvetal has a much harder time taking a hit.

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Deoxys-A and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be weary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the formers faster Extreme Speed and the latters immunity to Normal-type attacks.
Ok implemented Quantum Tesseract suggestions, ready for second check.
Btw, is Genesect really relevant enough to mention the 4 Evs in Sp.Def over Def?

Edit: oh also just need to add bulky DD and switch sets around. Will notify when updated.
 
Last edited:

dhelmise

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Ok implemented Quantum Tesseract suggestions, ready for second check.
Btw, is Genesect really relevant enough to mention the 4 Evs in Sp.Def over Def?

Edit: oh also just need to add bulky DD and switch sets around. Will notify when updated.
Yes because the download boost going into attack instead of special attack is crucial
 

Adeleine

after committing a dangerous crime
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AM QC, comments in bold


Ready for QC

AM QC Stamps: [ Quantum Tesseract ]
QC Stamps: [ Megazard / / ]
GP Stamps: None

Overview
  • Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding 180 offensive stats and its great speed.
  • It also has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-Create, Extreme Speed and Earthquake coupled with two great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task.
  • Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams. this feels too optimistic, all three of these have tools to nail you (Edge/Dtail, Ice Beam, TArrows). Should be second last bullet point imo, have specified explicitly that you can only switch in after mega evolving, and be worded less generously
  • It does not need to hold a mega stone to mega evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as being a Dragon Dance sweeper, Mixed attacking wallbreaker and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increase flexibility
  • Even after mega evolving, Mega Rayquaza still does get outspeed by quite a few offensive pokemons such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Scarf Xerneas something more relevant, maybe Scarf Lunala? without Mega Rayquaza having any setup Dragon Dance boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.
Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake / V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Dance is a great setup moves that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed, turning it into a deadly sweeper.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom. and get Pdon super effectively
  • V-Create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that resist Ground-type moves such as Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Bronzong, and also is able to OHKO Arceus-Steel. However, the speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance.
  • Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, Sucker Punch Yveltal, and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed if Mega Rayquaza gets a boost.
Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it 2HKO bulky walls such as Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy more consistently.
  • Lum Berry can also be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep and gives a much more easier time setting up.
  • EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza could setup Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively if Rocks are Active if walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. Although it could also dent teams early on as well, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late game.
  • Try not to setup against pokemon who tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water and Primal Groudon respectively, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping especially if it is not running a Lum Berry for the former example.
  • If Mega Rayquaza is holding a Lum Berry, then it can get the chance to setup on certain threats such as Primal Groudon, Lugia, and Arceus-Water without risking to be statused for one turn., although be careful if you cant OHKO after a boost
  • Mega Rayquaza should also be weary wary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first.
  • If capable revenge killers exist (important bc Ascent is usually your most spammable move) Try not using Dragon Ascent to liberally as well, since the defense drops can give revenge killers such as Extreme Speed Arceus and Mega Gengar its irrelevant after a DD the opportunity to KO it more easily.
Team Options
  • Specially Defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also setup Stealth Rock and can switchin against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy, and Xerneas and threaten them out.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can also be beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often.
  • Entry setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rocks allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be beneficial, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent such as Arceus-Water, Lunala, and defensive Xerneas.
  • Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Arceus-Ghost, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas can also be great teammates, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team and can also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and likely KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Arceus-Dragon physically defensive Yveltal after Rocks.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor and is more spammable (doesnt drop defense, no immunities, doesnt lower special attack, 100% accuracy). It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh.
  • V-Create is a powerful coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Solgaleo Celesteela, and Skarmory who otherwise resist both it's STAB attacks.
  • Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill.

Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats.
  • A Naughty nature is used as it gives Mega Rayquaza the ability to hit the hardest it can on the physically attacking spectrum, while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well. It also drops its Special Defense over its Defense in order to ensure Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus.
  • A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while still letting it outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza.
  • The specific EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switchin can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switchin. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to remain as healthy throughout the match, meaning swithcing it in more liberally is encouraged.
  • Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's speed, this leaves it to be revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and max speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these pokemon.
  • Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon physdef Yveltal that would otherwise wall the purely physical sets, and is able to OHKO if including yveltal change this so not false advertising them with Draco Meteor.
  • Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance sweeping set which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes great with Mega Rayquaza as it can deal with both Fairy and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking.
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Klefki, and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They overall also help Mega Rayuaza's wallbreaking capabilities.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that deals a significant a more intense word amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Yveltal, and Deoxys-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill.
  • V-Create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to KO Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves.
  • Waterfall is a great move to revenge kill Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent eh being locked into Waterfall isnt great, especially since if youre using waterfall opp will likely know that it's band, and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise.

Set Details
  • choice band is used to deal massive damage right off the bat w/out setup
  • Maximizing the EVs in Attack allow Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band.
  • Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed.
  • The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas.
  • A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Rayquaza and Mega Lucario, while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Arceus-Water can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards.
  • Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed.
  • Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Arceus can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to setup themselves.
  • Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.
Team Options
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy respectively.
  • Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza.
  • Mega Rayquaza also benefits from entry hazard setters, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Arceus-Rock checks such as Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are also beneficial due to it being one of the more consistent Choice Band Mega Rayquaza answers for defensive teams.
  • Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable. Primal Groudon is exceptionally useful as it can absorb status condition such as paralysis and burns which would otherwise cripple Mega Rayquaza.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Earthquake
- Draco Meteor

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • V-Create compliments Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela.
  • Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.
  • Draco Meteor is another great STAB option for Mega Rayquaza, as it allows it to dent physically defensive walls such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Yveltal.

Set Details
  • With a Choce Scarf equipped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally.
  • EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, while also letting it outspeed as many pokemon as it can.
  • A Naive nature was chosen to not cripple Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while letting it have the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds Geomancy Xerneas and Deoxys-S. The nature also lowers its Special Defense over Defense to ensure that Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous.
  • This set can be best utilized late game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill bar priority with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf.
  • The opponent can capitalize against Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Draco Meteor as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing.
  • Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazard to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switchin in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options

  • A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / V-Create with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set and Extreme Speed Arceus, due to the formers ability to boost its speed and the ladders more powerful priority being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams.
  • Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many physically defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Arceus-Dragon with this set, although the Mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility. specifically mention that all mray sets must carry (the physical) Dragon Ascent
  • Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flynium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside other mega evolution such as Mega Gengar and Mega Lucario
  • Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza can also hold a Chillian Berry, which allows it to avoid being revenge killed by Extreme Speed Arceus.
Checks and Counters

[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attack hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switchin on sets such as Mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayuaza more comfortably and force it out. Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, however they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent.

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia. Also Chocie Band Mega Rayquaza can always 2HKO Lugia with Dragon Ascent regardless of Multiscale being intact.

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks, and can wither dent it with Judgement or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. However, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake or Waterfall although it notably resists V-create.

[Yveltal]: A bulky Yveltal set can live any of Mega Rayquaza's unboosted attacks, and deal a significant amount of damage back with Foul Play. However, if Mega Rayquaza gets a single setup boost, then Yvetal has a much harder time taking a hit.

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Deoxys-A and Mega Gengar and scarfers if no DD boost can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be weary wary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the formers faster Extreme Speed and the latters immunity to Normal-type attacks.

Lunala has Shadow Shield to take a single hit, can outspeed unboosted sets with Scarf, threatens with MG Beam/Moonblast
 
Remove the shiny Rayquaza its unviable ;x

Ready for QC

AM QC Stamps: [ Quantum Tesseract / Tiksi ]
QC Stamps: [ Megazard / / ]
GP Stamps: None

Overview
  • Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding 180 offensive stats and its great speed.
  • It also has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-Create, Extreme Speed and Earthquake coupled with two great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task.
  • It does not need to hold a mega stone to mega evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as being a Dragon Dance sweeper, Mixed attacking wallbreaker and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increase flexibility
  • Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudo, Arceus-Ground and Excadrill You shouldn't switch in on Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-Complete with Mega Rayquaza, as most of the time they are Ice Beam and Zygarde pretty much cripples Rayquaza with Glare, it's bulk or Thousand Arrows, and since only Life Orb Mega Rayquaza can deal with Zygarde 1 on 1, taking any chip simply isn't worth it. if they have revealed to not have Dragon- or Ice-type attacks after mega evolving, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams.
  • Even after mega evolving, Mega Rayquaza still does gets outsped by quite a few offensive pokemon such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Choice Scarf Lunala if Mega Rayquaza isn't having any Dragon Dance boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.
Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake / V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Dance is a great setup move that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed stats, turning it into a deadly sweeper.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom. You also hit Primal Groudon for more damage with it.
  • V-Create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that deal with Earthquake such as Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Bronzong, and also is able to OHKO Arceus-Steel. However, the speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance.
  • Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, Sucker Punch Yveltal, and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed if Mega Rayquaza gets a boost.
Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it 2HKO bulky walls such as Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy more consistently.
  • Lum Berry can also be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep and gives a much more easier time setting up.
  • EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza could setup Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively when Stealth Rock is set up and when walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. Although it could also dent teams early on as well, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late game.
  • Try not to setup against pokemon who tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water and Primal Groudon respectively, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping especially if it is not running a Lum Berry for the former example.
  • If Mega Rayquaza is holding a Lum Berry, then it can get the chance to setup on certain threats such as Primal Groudon, Lugia, and Arceus-Water without risking to be statused for one turn, although it still must OHKO these threats after a boost to avoid the status.This is very similar to the bulletpoint above this, I'd suggest merging it in some way.
  • Mega Rayquaza should also be wary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first.
  • If opposing revenge killers are still active, try not using Dragon Ascent too liberally as well, since the Defense drops can give revenge killers such as Extreme Speed Arceus the opportunity to KO it more easily.
Team Options
  • Specially Defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also setup Stealth Rock and can switch in against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza out, such as Arceus-Fairy, and Xerneas and threaten them out.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy is beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often.
  • Entry hazard setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rock allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be a nice asset, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent such as Arceus-Water, Lunala, and defensive Xerneas.
  • Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Arceus-Ghost, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas are great teammates as well, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team. They also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves
  • Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and likely KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and physically defensive Yveltal after Stealth Rocks.
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh and is more spammable compared to Draco Meteor due to it not lowering any of Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats after it is used.
  • V-Create is a powerful coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Skarmory who otherwise resist both it's STAB attacks.
  • Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill.

Set Details
  • Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats.
  • A Naughty nature is used as it gives Mega Rayquaza the ability to hit the hardest it can on the physically attacking spectrum, while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well. It also drops its Special Defense over its Defense in order to ensure Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus.
  • A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while still letting it outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza.
  • The specific EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.
Usage Tips
  • Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switchin can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switchin. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to remain as healthy throughout the match, meaning swithcing it in more liberally is encouraged.
  • Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's speed, this leaves it to be revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and max speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these pokemon.
  • Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and physically defensive Yveltal that would otherwise wall the purely physical sets, and is able to OHKO them with Draco Meteor after Stealth Rocks.
  • Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance sweeping set which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes great with Mega Rayquaza as it can deal with both Fairy and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking.
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well.
  • Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Klefki, and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They overall also help Mega Rayuaza's wallbreaking capabilities.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Outrage / Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that deals a large amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Yveltal, and Deoxys-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill.
  • V-Create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to KO Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves.
  • Outrage is a secondary STAB that helps with beating Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Rock types. It also functions as a move to late game sweep with if you can't afford Defense drops, though you should look out for Fairy types, such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Waterfall is a great move to revenge kill Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent, and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise. Although the opponent will likely know that it is Choice Band Mega Rayquaza after seeing it be used.

Set Details
  • Choice Band Mega Rayquaza is used to deal massive damage initially without needing to setup.
  • Maximizing the EVs in Attack allow Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band.
  • Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed.
  • The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to KO threats such as uninvested Arceus after Stealth Rock damage and Geomancy Xerneas .
  • A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Rayquaza and Mega Lucario, while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Arceus-Water can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards.
  • Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed.
  • Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Arceus can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to setup themselves.
  • Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.
Team Options
  • Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy respectively.
  • Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza.
  • Mega Rayquaza also benefits from entry hazard setters, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Arceus-Rock checks such as Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are also beneficial due to it being one of the more consistent Choice Band Mega Rayquaza answers for defensive teams.
  • Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable. Primal Groudon is exceptionally useful as it can absorb status condition such as paralysis and burns which would otherwise cripple Mega Rayquaza.
  • Heal Bell and Aromatherpy help Mega Rayquaza if it receives a status condition, which hampers its use by a lot.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-Create V-Create is put above Outrage here as it is more important on the set.
- Outrage
- Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves
  • Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to mega evolve.
  • Outrage acts as Mega Rayquaza's secondary STAB move, allowing it to target foes that resist its Flying-type attacks such as Arceus-Rock and can also hit Dragon-type walls super effectively such as Arceus-Dragon, Giratina, and Zygarde-Complete.
  • V-Create compliments Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela.
  • Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.
Set Details
  • With a Choice Scarf equipped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally.
  • EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, while also letting it outspeed as many pokemon as it can.
  • A Jolly nature was chosen to not cripple Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while letting so it has the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds most Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and Deoxys-S. The nature also lowers its Special Defense over Defense to ensure that Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus.
Usage Tips
  • Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous.
  • This set can be best utilized late game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill bar priority with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf.
  • The opponent can capitalize against Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Outrage as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up.
  • The set excels at revenge killing a +2 Xerneas that's been weakened a little, as most people won't expect it.
Team Options
  • Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing.
  • Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return.
  • Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazard to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy.
  • Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switchin in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options

  • A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / Earthquake with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set and Extreme Speed Arceus, due to the formers ability to boost its speed and the ladders more powerful priority being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams. This particular set excels on Sticky Web teams.
  • Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many physically defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Arceus-Dragon with this set, although the Mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility. Although all Mega Rayquaza sets must carry Dragon Ascent, wasting a moveslot for this set.
  • A bulkier Dragon Dance set with 240 Atk / 104 Def / 164 Spe and an Adamant nature can be used, which trades speed for bulk, helping Mega Rayquaza setup versus more offensive threats.
  • Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flynium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside other mega evolution such as Mega Gengar or Mega Lucario
  • Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza can also hold a Chilan Berry, which allows it to avoid being revenge killed by Extreme Speed Arceus.
Checks and Counters

[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attack hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switchin on sets such as Mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayuaza more comfortably and force it out. Choice Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, however they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent.

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia. Choice Band Mega Rayquaza can always defeat Lugia with multiple uses of Dragon Ascent regardless of Multiscale being intact.

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks and V-Create, and can wither dent it with Judgement or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. However, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake or Waterfall.

[Yveltal]: A bulky Yveltal set can live any of Mega Rayquaza's unboosted attacks, and deal a significant amount of damage back with Foul Play. However, if Mega Rayquaza gets a single setup boost, then Yvetal has a much harder time taking a hit.Defensive Yveltal takes around 47-53 from an itemless unboosted Dragon Ascent, which means pretty much any set with an Attack boosting item defeats this if Yveltal switches in.

[Lunala]: With its Shadow Shield intact, Lunala is able to live any unboosted hit from Mega Rayquaza and can threaten to status it with Will-O-Wisp or hit it hard with either Ice Beam and Moonblast, especially if Mega Rayquaza used Dragon Ascent. However, if either Lunala is not at full health and Mega Rayquaza acquired a Dragon Dance boost, then it can become much more difficult to check it.

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Choice Scarf Lunala, Deoxys-A and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be wary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the formers faster Extreme Speed and the latters immunity to Normal-type attacks. Mega Rayquaza's Choice Scarf set deals with these pokemon much easier
Couple things regarding this:

- You exaggerate Primal Groudon's function as a teammate, however it still is good as one, it isn't as good as you described for every set.
- I chose to put the 4 EVs on the Dragon Dance, Choice Band and Choice Scarf sets back in Defense. If you are either at +1, or Choice Scarfed, you want to take the least amount of damage from an Extreme Speed Genesect. If Genesect came in when it is faster, you still want it to get a Special Attack boost; since you are not going to stay in anyways, a +1 Ice Beam is much easier to switch in to than a +1 Iron Head or U-turn.
- Request from other qc councilmembers (Chloe. Megazard Quantum Tesseract) to make Mega Rayquaza's set order: Dragon Dance, Choice Band, Mixed Life Orb, Choice Scarf.

QC 2/3
 

Chloe

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NUPL Champion
qc in quote here u go


Ready for QC

AM QC Stamps: [ Quantum Tesseract / Tiksi ]
QC Stamps: [ Megazard / Thimo / ]
GP Stamps: None

Overview

Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding 180 offensive stats and its great speed. It has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-Create, Extreme Speed and Earthquake coupled with great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task. Mega Rayquaza does not need to hold a mega stone to mega evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as being a Dragon Dance sweeper, Mixed attacking wallbreaker and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increase flexibility Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Excadrill if they revealed to not have Dragon- or Ice-type attacks, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams.

Although, even after mega evolving, Mega Rayquaza still gets outsped by quite a few offensive pokemon such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Choice Scarf Lunala if Mega Rayquaza isn't having any Dragon Dance boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.

Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake / V-Create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Dance is a great setup move that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed stats, turning it into a deadly sweeper. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to mega evolve. Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom and can also hit Primal Groudon for more damage. V-Create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that deal with Earthquake such as Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Bronzong, and also is able to OHKO Arceus-Steel. However, the speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance. Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, Sucker Punch Yveltal, and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed if Mega Rayquaza gets a boost.

Set Details

Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it 2HKO bulky walls such as Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy more consistently. Lum Berry can be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep and gives a much more easier time setting up. EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza. 4 EVs have been placed in Defense in order to give Genesect a Special Attack boost from Download.

Usage Tips

Mega Rayquaza could setup Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively when Stealth Rock are set up and when walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. Although it could also dent teams early on as well, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late game. Try not to setup against pokemon who tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water, Lugia and Primal Groudon, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping especially if it is not running a Lum Berry. Although if Mega Rayquaza is holding a Lum Berry, then it can get the chance to setup against the aforementioned threats without risking to be statused for one turn, although it still must OHKO these threats after a boost to avoid the status. Mega Rayquaza should also be wary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first. If opposing revenge killers are still active, try not using Dragon Ascent too liberally as well, since the Defense drops can give revenge killers such as Extreme Speed Arceus the opportunity to KO it more easily.

Team Options

Specially Defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also setup Stealth Rock and can switchi n against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza out such as Arceus-Fairy, and Xerneas and threaten them out. Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy is also be beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often. Entry hazard setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rock allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be a nice asset, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent such as Arceus-Water, Lunala, and defensive Xerneas. Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Arceus-Ghost, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas are great teammates as well, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team. They also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia. //Steel-types such as Steel Arceus and Magearna are also great teammates due to their ability to switch into Fairy-, Ice- and Dragon-type moves.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves

Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and physically defensive Yveltal after Stealth Rocks. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh and is more spammable compared to Draco Meteor due to it not lowering any of Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats after it is used. V-Create is a powerful coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Skarmory who otherwise resist both it's STAB attacks. Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill. //Mention somewhere in here that Draco Meteor does more damage to Primal Groudon than Dragon Ascent does.

Set Details

Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats. A Naughty nature is used as it gives Mega Rayquaza the ability to hit the hardest it can on the physically attacking spectrum, while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well. It also drops its Special Defense over its Defense in order to ensure Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus. A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, while still letting it outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza. The EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.

Usage Tips

Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switchin can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switchin. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to remain as healthy throughout the match, meaning switching it in more liberally is encouraged. Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's speed, this leaves it to be revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and max speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these pokemon. Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and physically defensive Yveltal that would otherwise wall the purely physical sets, and is able to OHKO them with Draco Meteor after Stealth Rocks. Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.

Team Options

Primal Groudon is a useful partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance set which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes great with Mega Rayquaza as it can deal with both Fairy and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking. Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well. Hazard removal from pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match. Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They help Mega Rayuaza's wallbreaking capabilities. //The above point about Steel-types is probably more important here, and should be included in both sections.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Outrage / Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that deals a large amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to mega evolve. Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Yveltal, and Deoxys-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill. V-Create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to KO Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves. Outrage is a secondary STAB move that helps with beating Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Rock-types such as Arceus-Rock and Tyranitar. It also functions as a move to late game sweep with if you can't afford Defense drops, though you should look out for Fairy types, such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy. Waterfall is a great move to revenge kill Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent, and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise. Although the opponent will likely know that it is Choice Band Mega Rayquaza after seeing it be used.

Set Details

Choice Band Mega Rayquaza is used to deal massive damage initially without needing to setup. Maximizing the EVs in Attack allow Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band. Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed. The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas after Stealth Rock chip damage. A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Rayquaza, while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats. 4 EVs are also invested in Special Defense in order to prevent Choice Scarf Genesect from revenge killing Mega Rayquaza as easily due to it gaining the Special Attack boost from Download.

Usage Tips

Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Arceus-Water can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards. Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed. Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Arceus can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to setup themselves. Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.

Team Options

Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy. Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza. Mega Rayquaza benefits from entry hazard setters, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy. Arceus-Rock checks such as Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are also beneficial due to it being one of the more consistent Choice Band Mega Rayquaza answers for defensive teams. Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable. Primal Groudon is exceptionally useful as it can absorb status condition such as paralysis and burns which would otherwise cripple Mega Rayquaza. Cleric support from teammates such as Clefable and Chansey helps Mega Rayquaza if it receives a status condition, which hampers its use by a lot.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-Create
- Outrage
- Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to mega evolve. V-Create compliments Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela. Outrage acts as Mega Rayquaza's secondary STAB move, allowing it to target foes that resist its Flying-type attacks such as Arceus-Rock and can also hit Dragon-type walls super effectively such as Arceus-Dragon, Giratina, and Zygarde-Complete. Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.

Set Details

With a Choice Scarf equipped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally. EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, while also letting it outspeed as many pokemon as it can. A Jolly nature was chosen so it has the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds most Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and Deoxys-S.

Usage Tips

Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous. This set can be best utilized late game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill bar priority with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf. The opponent can capitalize against Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Outrage as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up. Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza also excels at luring in weakened setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas after they have setup, since in most instances the opponent will not expect it. //With Stealth Rock up, Choice Scarf Rayquaza can usually sweep Psychic Terrain-based teams easily. So ensure it isn't sent in prior to Stealth Rock setup against these teams.

Team Options

Primal Groudon is a decent partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing. Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return. Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazard to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy. Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switchin in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options


A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / Earthquake with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set and Extreme Speed Arceus, due to the formers ability to boost its speed and the ladders more powerful priority being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams and works great in tandem with Sticky Web. Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many physically defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Primal Groudon, and Arceus-Dragon with this set /*ohkos defensive yveltal, extreme killer arceus, giratina-a which actually gives it a niche opposed to those three mentioned which can all be ohkod by other ray sets*/, although the Mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility. Although all Mega Rayquaza sets must carry Dragon Ascent, wasting a moveslot for this set. A bulkier Dragon Dance set with 240 Atk / 104 Def / 164 Spe and an Adamant nature can be used, which trades speed for bulk, helping Mega Rayquaza setup versus more offensive threats, Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flynium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside other mega evolution such as Mega Gengar or Mega Lucario Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza can also hold a Chilian Berry, which allows it to avoid being revenge killed by Extreme Speed Arceus.

Checks and Counters

[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attack hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switchin on sets such as Mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayuaza more comfortably and force it out. Choice Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, however they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent.

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia. Also Choice Band Mega Rayquaza can always defeat Lugia with multiple uses of Dragon Ascent.

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks and V-Create, and can wither dent it with Judgement or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. However, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake or Waterfall. //add that in tandem with bulky steels like celesteela and skarmory it increases the success of checking it, or something along those lines.

[Lunala]: With its Shadow Shield intact, Lunala is able to live any unboosted hit from Mega Rayquaza and can threaten to hit it hard with either Ice Beam or Moonblast, especially if Mega Rayquaza used Dragon Ascent. However, if Lunala is not at full health and Mega Rayquaza acquired a Dragon Dance boost, then it can become much more difficult to check it. //Defensive Lunala takes under 50% from some Mega Rayquaza sets without Multiscale in tact.

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Choice Scarf Lunala, Deoxys-A and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be wary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the formers faster Extreme Speed and the latters immunity to Normal-type attacks. However, Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza can outspeed and threaten out all of the aforementioned threats.
everything else has been covered qc 3/3 nice work!
 

lotiasite

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Overview

Mega Rayquaza is one of the most fearsome wallbreakers and setup sweepers in the metagame thanks to its outstanding base 180 offensive stats and its great speed. It has access to a plethora of powerful offensive moves such as Dragon Ascent, Draco Meteor, V-create, Extreme Speed, (AC) and Earthquake coupled with great setup moves in Dragon Dance and Swords Dance. Its attacking moves allow it to have near-(AH)perfect coverage at all times, meaning that finding checks to it can be quite the task. Mega Rayquaza does not need to hold a Mega Stone to Mega Evolve, meaning that it can run a variety of more optimal sets such as being a Dragon Dance sweeper, a mixed attacking wallbreaker, (AC) and a Choice Scarf revenge killer due to this increased flexibility. (AP) Its Dragon / Flying typing coupled with Delta Stream allows it to switch in on quite a few offensive threats such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Ground, and Excadrill if they revealed to not have Dragon- or Ice-type attacks, meaning it provides good defensive synergy on more offensive teams.

Although, However, even after Mega Evolving, Mega Rayquaza still gets outsped by quite a few offensive Pokemon such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, and Marshadow if Mega Rayquaza isn't having any doesn't have any Dragon Dance boosts. This often means that Mega Rayquaza has to rely on priority moves such as Extreme Speed to revenge kill faster targets, which is especially troublesome versus Arceus, (AC) as it can act first with its own Extreme Speed.

Dragon Dance
Rayquaza @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent
- Earthquake / V-create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Dance is a great setup move that boosts both Mega Rayquaza's Attack and Speed stats, turning it into a deadly sweeper. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB option that allows it to deal heavy damage against targets that do not resist it. It also enables Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. Earthquake is a great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit targets that resist Flying-type moves such as Arceus-Rock, Solgaleo, and Zekrom and can also hit Primal Groudon for more damage. V-create is another coverage option that hits Steel-types that deal with Earthquake such as Skarmory, Celesteela, Ferrothorn, and Bronzong, (RC) and also is able to OHKO Arceus-Steel. However, the Speed drop is somewhat unfortunate when trying to boost with Dragon Dance. Extreme Speed is a great move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Mewtwo, Deoxys-A, Sucker Punch Yveltal, and weakened Arceus to avoid taking its Extreme Speed if Mega Rayquaza gets a boost.

Set Details

Life Orb is equipped to amplify the damage output from Mega Rayquaza's attacks, as it allows it Mega Rayquaza to 2HKO bulky walls such as Yveltal and Arceus-Fairy more consistently. Lum Berry can be used to prevent Mega Rayquaza from being statused for one use by crippling curing conditions such as burns, poisons, and paralysis, which can otherwise hamper its ability to sweep and gives it a much more easier time setting up. EVs are invested in Attack and Speed with an Adamant nature to maximize the sweeping capabilities of Mega Rayquaza. 4 EVs have been placed in Defense in order to give Genesect a Special Attack boost from Download.

Usage Tips

Mega Rayquaza could set(add space)up Dragon Dances near the end of the match, as it can sweep more effectively when Stealth Rock are is set up and when walls such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia are weakened first. Although On the other hand, it could also dent teams early on as well, allowing other potential setup sweepers on your team such as Xerneas and Arceus-Ghost to clean up late-(AH)game. Try not to set(add space)up against Pokemon who that tend to run status moves or phazing moves such as Arceus-Water, Lugia, (AC) and Primal Groudon, as they can prevent Mega Rayquaza from sweeping, (AC) especially if it is not running a Lum Berry. Although However, if Mega Rayquaza is holding a Lum Berry, then it can get the chance to set(add space)up against the aforementioned threats without risking to being statused for one turn, although it still must OHKO these threats after a boost to avoid the status. Mega Rayquaza should also be wary of setting up if the opposing team carries faster priority users such as Arceus, as Arceus can revenge kill Mega Rayquaza if it is weakened down, as Mega Rayquaza can often not deal enough damage with its own Extreme Speed to KO the Arceus first. If opposing revenge killers are still active, try not using Dragon Ascent too liberally as well, since the Defense drops can give revenge killers such as Extreme Speed Arceus the opportunity to KO it more easily.

Team Options

Specially defensive Primal Groudon is a great partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can soak up status conditions such as burns and paralysis thanks to its typing. Primal Groudon can also set(add space)up Stealth Rock and can switchi n switch in against Fairy-types that threaten Mega Rayquaza out such as Arceus-Fairy, (RC) and Xerneas and threaten them out. Hazard removal from Pokemon such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy is also be beneficial to Mega Rayquaza, as it can be worn down rather quickly if it switches into Stealth Rock too often. Entry hazard setters are also recommended, as Stealth Rock allows Mega Rayquaza to KO foes such as Arceus and Multiscale Lugia more reliably due to the chip damage. It also allows Mega Rayquaza to revenge kill offensive threats such as Focus Sash Deoxys-A with Extreme Speed if Psychic Terrain is not up. Spikes users such as Ferrothorn can also be a nice asset, as after two layers, Mega Rayquaza can easily OHKO many targets with a +1 Dragon Ascent such as Arceus-Water, Lunala, and defensive Xerneas. Other wallbreakers such as Yveltal, Arceus-Ghost, Ho-Oh, and Xerneas are great teammates as well, as they can apply even more offensive pressure to the opposing team. They also break through Mega Rayquaza's common answers such as Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Lugia. Steel-(AH)types such as Arceus-Steel and Magearna are also valuable teammates due to their ability to switch into Fairy-, Ice-, and Dragon-type moves.

Mixed Life Orb Attacker
Rayquaza @ Life Orb
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty / Naive Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Extreme Speed

Set Comments

Moves

Draco Meteor is a powerful special STAB move that allows Mega Rayquaza to lure and KO physically defensive targets such as Giratina, Zygarde-C, and physically defensive Yveltal after Stealth Rocks damage upon luring them in. Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's other powerful STAB move that hits Fairy-types, (AC) which are otherwise immune to Draco Meteor. It can also be used to hit specially defensive walls such as Primal Kyogre and Ho-Oh and is more spammable compared to Draco Meteor due to it not lowering any of Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats after it is used. However, it is worth noting that Draco Meteor still does more damage compared to Dragon Ascent versus targets such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Water. V-create is a powerful (a lot of 'powerful'; consider changing this to something else) coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit defensive Steel-types such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Skarmory, which who otherwise resist both it's of its STAB attacks. Extreme Speed allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster targets such as Choice Scarf Xerneas and Mewtwo, making it harder to revenge kill.

Set Details

Life Orb is equipped to maximize Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities, and helping it secure useful OHKOs on specific threats. A Naughty nature is used as it gives to give Mega Rayquaza more physical power the ability to hit the hardest it can on the physically attacking spectrum, (no 'spectrum'; stats don't have sides) while not hindering its Special Attack stat as well. It also drops its Special Defense over its Defense in order to ensure Mega Rayquaza takes the least amount of damage from Extreme Speed Arceus. A Naive nature can also be chosen to not hinder Mega Rayquaza's offensive stats, (RC) while still letting it outspeed threats such as other Adamant Mega Rayquaza. The EVs allow Mega Rayquaza to increase its Attack and Speed, making it a fearsome wallbreaker.

Usage Tips

Mega Rayquaza is best utilized as an early-(AH)game wallbreaker, as giving it a free turn to switch(add space)in can give drain so much momentum from the opposing team as they struggle to find a switch-(AH)in. Also, since this Mega Rayquaza set does not carry any boosting moves, it does not need to remain as healthy throughout the match, meaning swithcing switching it in more liberally is encouraged. Because this set cannot boost Mega Rayquaza's Speed, this leaves it to be easily revenged killed by quite a few offensive threats such as Extreme Killer Arceus, Choice Scarf Lunala, Mega Gengar, and maximum Speed Arceus-Fairy, so be weary on leaving in Mega Rayquaza against these Pokemon. Mega Rayquaza can lure in defensive walls such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and physically defensive Yveltal that would otherwise wall the purely physical sets, (RC) and is able to OHKO them with Draco Meteor after Stealth Rocks. Since Mega Rayquaza gains an abundance of stat drops from the use of its two main STAB moves, its it's advised to use this set to wallbreak instead of sweep.

Team Options

Primal Groudon is a useful partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it can run a Rock Polish + Swords Dance set, (AC) which appreciates the wallbreaking capabilities of Mega Rayquaza upon breaking down many common answers to Primal Groudon such as Giratina, Arceus-Water, and Quagsire. Primal Groudon synergizes greatly with Mega Rayquaza, (AC) as it can deal with both Fairy-(AH) and Steel-types such as Xerneas and Arceus-Steel respectably, which can otherwise disable Mega Rayquaza from wallbreaking. Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas, Calm Mind Lunala, and Swords Dance Arceus-Ground can help Mega Rayquaza break down checks to it such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, Arceus-Rock, and Arceus-Fairy. They also help apply more offensive pressure on to the opposing team, which is also very beneficial when facing more defensive teams as well. Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel and Magearna can also be a great partners to have, since the aforementioned threats they can switch into Fairy-, Dragon-, and Ice-type moves that would otherwise threaten out Mega Rayquaza. Hazard removal from Pokemon such as Arceus-Fairy and Giratina can be a great asset for Mega Rayquaza, as entry hazard chip damage + Life Orb recoil can really limit the sustainability of Mega Rayquaza throughout the course of the match. Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy can help Mega Rayquaza secure crucial KO's KOs on specific targets such as Multiscale Lugia, Yveltal, and Ho-Oh. They help Mega Rayquaza's wallbreaking capabilities.

Choice Band
Rayquaza @ Choice Band
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Extreme Speed
- V-create
- Outrage / Waterfall

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that and deals a large amount of damage with the Choice Band equipped. It is also required to allow Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. Extreme Speed is a great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit faster threats such as Mewtwo, Yveltal, and Deoxys-A, making Mega Rayquaza much harder to revenge kill. V-create is another great coverage option that allows Mega Rayquaza to KO Steel-types such as Arceus-Steel, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela, as these Pokemon resist Mega Rayquaza's main STAB moves. Outrage is a secondary STAB move that helps with beating Giratina, Zygarde-C, and Rock-types such as Arceus-Rock and Tyranitar. It also functions as a move to late-(AH)game sweep with if you Mega Rayquaza can't afford Defense drops, though you should look out for Fairy-(AH)types, such as Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy. Waterfall is a great move (you've been saying 'great move' a lot. change to something else) to revenge kill Primal Groudon if Delta Stream is up due to it being able to live survive any of Mega Rayquaza's other moves at full health. It also can be used to hit other Fire-types such as Ho-Oh as well to avoid the negative effects of Dragon Ascent, (RC) and defensive Arceus-Rock, as it can avoid the 2HKO from Dragon Ascent otherwise. Although However, the opponent will likely know that it is Choice Band Mega Rayquaza after seeing it be used.

Set Details

Choice Band Mega Rayquaza is used to deal massive damage initially without needing to set(add space)up. Maximizing the EVs in Attack allows Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, being able to break through many walls with the Choice Band. Speed is also fully invested to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed as many threats as it can to avoid the use of Extreme Speed. The Adamant nature allows Mega Rayquaza to hit devastatingly hard, and allows it to and KO threats such as uninvested Arceus and Geomancy Xerneas after Stealth Rock chip damage. A Jolly nature can also be utilized to allow Mega Rayquaza to outspeed threats such as Adamant Mega Rayquaza, (RC) while still making it able to 2HKO most defensive threats. 4 EVs are also invested in Special Defense in order to prevent Choice Scarf Genesect from revenge killing Mega Rayquaza as easily due to it gaining the Special Attack boost from Download.

Usage Tips

Choice Band Mega Rayquaza thrives on breaking through more defensive teams, so safely bringing it in versus walls that cannot damage it too much such as Lugia, Ferrothorn, and Arceus-Water can be a nightmare for your opponent to deal with afterwards. Knowing the exact Arceus formes that the opposing team is carrying can be beneficial, as formes such as Arceus-Steel and Arceus-Rock can capitalize on the defense drops from Dragon Ascent. Arceus-Ghost can also use Mega Rayquaza as setup fodder if it is locked into Extreme Speed. Try to avoid locking Mega Rayquaza into Extreme Speed and Waterfall too often, as threats such as Xerneas and Arceus can take advantage of Mega Rayquaza being locked into these moves and might begin starting to set(add space)up themselves. Mega Rayquaza can also be preserved as a check to setup sweepers, as Choice Band Extreme Speed usually deals quite a bit of damage versus targets such as Geomancy Xerneas and Dual Dance Primal Groudon.

Team Options

Setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneas and Calm Mind Arceus-Steel appreciate the wallbreaking capabilities of Choice Band Mega Rayquaza, since it can be a great way to dent defensive teams that would otherwise be able to cope with the aforementioned setup sweepers. (remove extra space)They also can weaken down checks to Mega Rayquaza such as Zygarde-C and Arceus-Fairy. Entry hazard removal can be a great asset to Mega Rayquaza, (AC) as it does not appreciate receiving chip damage from Stealth Rocks that much. Arceus-Fairy, Giratina, and Arceus-Water are all great hazard removers that pair well with Mega Rayquaza. Mega Rayquaza benefits from entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy, as the chip damage on the opposing team can help break Mega Rayquaza secure the OHKO or 2HKO on walls that it would otherwise not be able to such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, and Zygarde-C. Great examples include Primal Groudon and Arceus-Fairy. Arceus-Rock checks such as Primal Kyogre, Arceus-Ground, and Zygarde-C are also beneficial due to it being one of the more consistent Choice Band Mega Rayquaza answers for defensive teams. Pokemon that can check Fairy-types such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Steel, (AC) and Solgaleo can all be great partners as well, as Mega Rayquaza has a hard time dealing with threats such as Choice Scarf Xerneas, Arceus-Fairy, and Clefable. Primal Groudon is exceptionally useful, (AC) as it can absorb status conditions such as paralysis and burns, (AC) which would otherwise cripple Mega Rayquaza. Cleric support from teammates such as Clefable and Chansey helps Mega Rayquaza if it receives a status condition, which hampers its use by a lot.

Choice Scarf
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Outrage
- Earthquake

Set Comments

Moves

Dragon Ascent is Mega Rayquaza's main STAB move that and allows it to deal significant damage versus targets such as Clefable, Yveltal, and Arceus. It is also necessary for Rayquaza to Mega Evolve. V-create compliments complements Mega Rayquaza's STAB moves well, as it allows it Mega Rayquaza to targets Steel-types such as Skamory, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela. Outrage acts as Mega Rayquaza's secondary STAB move, allowing it to target foes that resist its Flying-type attacks such as Arceus-Rock and can also hit Dragon-type walls super effectively such as Arceus-Dragon, Giratina, and Zygarde-Complete. Earthquake is another great coverage move that allows Mega Rayquaza to hit threats such as Arceus-Rock, Primal Groudon, Solgaleo, and Magearna for more damage.

Set Details

With a Choice Scarf equipped, Mega Rayquaza becomes one of the fastest pokemon in the metagame, outspeeding threats such as Arceus, Mega Gengar, Mewtwo, and Deoxys-A, which it is not able to normally. EVs are maximized in Attack and Speed to enable Mega Rayquaza to hit as hard as possible, (RC) while also letting it outspeed as many Pokemon as it can. A Jolly nature was chosen so it has the maximum obtainable Speed stat to ensure it outspeeds most Geomancy Xerneas at +2 and Deoxys-S.

Usage Tips

Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza is a great lure against offensive threats that would normally outspeed it like Mega Gengar, Deoxys-A, (AC) and Arceus, so being able to bluff this can be extremely advantageous. This set can be best utilized late-(AH)game after bulky walls such as Lugia, Arceus-Fairy, (AC) and Arceus-Water are weakened down, due to Mega Rayquaza being incredibly difficult to revenge kill bar priority with its unrivaled Speed stat with a Choice Scarf. The opponent can capitalize against on Mega Rayquaza being locked into moves such as Outrage, (AC) as they can bring in a Fairy-type such as Xerneas and or Arceus-Fairy and proceed to start setting up. Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza also excels at luring in weakened setup sweepers such as Geomancy Xerneasd after they have setup, since in most instances, (AC) the opponent will not expect it. With Stealth Rock up, Choice Scarf Rayquaza can usually sweep Psychic Terrain-based teams easily. So Thus, ensure it isn't sent in prior to Stealth Rock setup being set up against these type of teams.

Team Options

Primal Groudon is a decent partner for Mega Rayquaza, as it is able to deal with Fairy-(AH) and Steel-types that can handle Mega Rayquaza such as Arceus-Fairy and Solgaleo. Primal Groudon can also act as a sponge against status moves such as Will-O-Wisp and Thunder Wave thanks to its typing. Setup sweepers such as Arceus, Geomancy Xerneas, and Calm Mins Mind Arceus-Steel are all great teammates as well, as they appreciate Mega Rayquaza's capability against dealing with fast offensive threats, while these setup boosters can break though Mega Rayquaza's answers in return. Entry hazard setters such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Fairy, and Excadrill can be great partners, (AC) as Mega Rayquaza appreciates the chip damage from entry hazards to break through specific walls such as Lugia, Ho-Oh, and Arceus-Fairy. Hazard removers such as Arceus-Water and Giratina can also be useful, since Mega Rayquaza does not appreciate repeatedly switching in on Stealth Rock.

Strategy Comments
Other Options


A Swords Dance set with Swords Dance / Dragon Ascent / Extreme Speed / Earthquake with a Life Orb is great at breaking down defensive teams much quicker. Although However, it does get somewhat outclassed by the Dragon Dance set and Extreme Speed Arceus, (RC) due to the former's ability to boost its Speed and the ladders latter's more powerful priority being beneficial at sweeping more offensive teams and works great in tandem with Sticky Web. (what do you mean by this last part? you mean sd ray works well with sticky web?) Choice Specs Mega Rayquaza is also an option, as it can comfortably OHKO many threats such as defensive Yveltal, Giratina, and Arceus with this set, although the mixed Life Orb set is generally more beneficial most of the time due to its increased flexibility. Although However, all Mega Rayquaza sets must carry Dragon Ascent, wasting a moveslot for this set. A bulkier Dragon Dance set with 240 Atk / 104 Def / 164 Spe and an Adamant nature can be used, which trades speed for bulk, helping Mega Rayquaza set(add space)up versus more offensive threats. (AP) Regular Rayquaza with Dragon Dance + Flyinium Z can also be surprisingly useful, as Supersonic Skystrike can OHKO many walls such as Lugia, Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy with one boost after Stealth Rock chip damage. It also has the added niche of not using up you teams mega slot your team's Mega slot, meaning Rayquaza can wallbreak alongside one other Mega Evolution such as Mega Gengar or Mega Lucario. (AP) Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza can also hold a Chilian Chilan Berry, which allows it to avoid being revenge killed by Extreme Speed Arceus.

Checks and Counters (remove all the brackets around these)

[Fairy-types]:
Bulky Fairy-types such as Xerneas, (AC) Clefable, and Arceus-Fairy can all be a huge issue for Mega Rayquaza, as their STAB attacks hit Mega Rayquaza super effectively as they and are not affected by Delta Stream. They are also immune to Dragon-type attacks, meaning that they can switch(add space)in on sets such as mixed Life Orb and Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza more comfortably and force it out. Choice Scarf Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy can also both outspeed a non-(AH)Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza, however but they both get dented extremely hard by Dragon Ascent.

[Lugia]: Lugia with its Multiscale intact can sustain any hit from Mega Rayquaza even when it's boosted (even boosted ones) and threaten to phaze Mega Rayquaza out with Whirlwhind or cripple it with Toxic. However, if Multiscale is broken, then Mega Rayquaza has a much easier time breaking through Lugia. Also, (AC) Choice Band Mega Rayquaza can always defeat Lugia with multiple uses of Dragon Ascent.

[Bulky Dragon-types]: Bulky Dragon-types such as Zygarde-C, Giratina, and Arceus-Dragon can all live survive Mega Rayquaza's attacks if it does not choose to run Dragon-type coverage, (RC) and can deal a significant amount of damage with their own STAB Dragon-type or status moves in return.

[Arceus-Rock]: Arceus-Rock resists Mega Rayquaza's Flying STAB attacks and V-Create, Dragon Ascent and V-create and can wither dent it with Judgement Judgment or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. It can be especially troublesome for Mega Rayquaza when it is paired with bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Celesteela, since it forces Mega Rayquaza to predict with its coverage options. Nonetheless, it must be careful when dealing with Mega Rayquaza's coverage options in Earthquake or and Waterfall.

[Lunala]: With its Shadow Shield intact, Lunala is able to live survive any unboosted hit from Mega Rayquaza and can threaten to hit it hard with either Ice Beam or Moonblast, especially if Mega Rayquaza used Dragon Ascent. However, if Lunala is not at full health or is not fully invested in its Defense and Mega Rayquaza acquired a Dragon Dance boost, then it can become much more difficult to check it.

[Faster Pokemon]: Faster Pokemon such as Arceus, Mewtwo, Choice Scarf Lunala, Deoxys-A, (AC) and Mega Gengar can all threaten Mega Rayquaza out with their powerful attacks. However, Mewtwo and Deoxys-A must be wary of Extreme Speed from Mega Rayquaza. Arceus and Mega Gengar are alleviated from this issue due to the former's faster Extreme Speed and the latter's immunity to Normal-type attacks. However, Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza can outspeed and threaten out all of the aforementioned threats.


only took me forever! most important analysis time to go up
 

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