uploaded -zard
[OVERVIEW]
Aggron solidifies itself as one of the best wallbreakers in PU thanks to its great offensive typing, decent Attack stat, and access to the coveted combination of Rock Head and Head Smash. Rock Head negating the recoil from Head Smash gives Aggron a spammable STAB move that, when coupled with Choice Band, can break through most physical walls in PU, such as Weezing and Mesprit. Due to its weight, Aggron also boasts a high-Base Power Heavy Slam against most Pokemon, hitting Fighting-types like Gurdurr, which resist its primary STAB move. Aggron also has access to several coverage moves such as Earthquake, Fire Punch, and Superpower that allow it to break through Pokemon that would normally wall it like Ferroseed and Silvally-Steel. However, Aggron struggles against more offensive teams due to a middling Speed stat and an offensive typing that gives it 4x weaknesses to Ground- and Fighting-type attacks, both of which are common coverage options. Even though Aggron can use its Rock / Steel typing effectively offensively, it's a poor typing defensively; this, coupled with a low Special Defense stat, makes it difficult for Aggron to directly switch in or take attacks from faster foes, even against resisted special attacks. Along with being a wallbreaker, Aggron can also function as an offensive Stealth Rock setter, as it's one of the few setters with access to Taunt; however, even though Aggron is a decent offensive Stealth Rock setter, it faces stiff competition from Golem and Golurk, both of which act as better Normal-resistant or -immune Pokemon, with Golem having priority and doubling as a Flying-resistant Pokemon and Golurk acting as a spinblocker and faring better versus Fighting-types.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Heavy Slam
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Head Smash is Aggron's most spammable move, capable of breaking physically defensive walls like Weezing and Gourgeist-XL. Heavy Slam hits Fighting-types that resist Aggron's main STAB move for strong neutral damage, such as Gurdurr and Passimian, and is also 100% accurate. Earthquake is primarily used for hitting Steel-types such as Probopass super effectively and also providing neutral damage against foes like Poliwrath. Fire Punch hits Pokemon such as Bronzor and Ferroseed that otherwise take minimal damage from Aggron's other moves.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs, coupled with a Choice Band and an Adamant nature, allow Aggron to maximize its damage output and outspeed most slower walls, like Weezing and Ferroseed. A Jolly nature may be used to outspeed offensive Golem and Assault Vest Lanturn and Hitmonchan. Rock Head allows Aggron to use Head Smash without taking recoil damage.
Usage Tips
========
Aggron is primarily used as an early-game wallbreaker to soften foes up for its teammates with its strong STAB Head Smash, breaking through defensive walls like Carracosta and Musharna. Aggron should be brought in on weaker physical attackers, such as Skuntank and Togedemaru, or more passive Pokemon like Clefairy and Miltank; alternatively, a teammate's slow U-turn or Volt Switch is also a reliable way for getting Aggron in without it taking unneeded damage. Against certain teams, Aggron should avoid spamming Head Smash, as bulky Rock-resistant Pokemon, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, can switch in freely against it and force it out. This also means that Aggron is forced into mind games when picking between STAB or coverage moves versus foes such as Ferroseed and Probopass, as the opponent could either stay in or switch to a Pokemon that resists the appropriate coverage move. Along with being careful against teams with bulky Pokemon that resist its STAB attacks, Aggron should also be wary of locking itself into a move, especially a weaker coverage move, as it can then be used as setup bait. Aggron should also not be played as a Normal- or Flying-resistant Pokemon, as it loses to coverage moves that foes like Archeops and Kangaskhan commonly carry.
Team Options
========
Aggron fits well on balance and bulky offense teams, which provide frequent switch safe switch-ins and appreciate the pressure Aggron puts on opposing walls. Aggron can 2HKO defensive Mesprit and Weezing, allowing physical sweepers such as Primeape and Lycanroc to clean late-game. Aggron is worn down quickly and has several common weaknesses; thus, it appreciates slow VoltTurn support to safely switch in. Eelektross can provide a slow Volt Switch and threaten Pokemon that commonly wall Aggron, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, with either Giga Drain or Thunderbolt. Mesprit offers Stealth Rock support,a slow U-turn, a resistance to Fighting-type attacks, and an immunity to Ground-type moves, with Aggron being able to deal with special walls like Type: Null as well as physical Skuntank, which can Pursuit trap Mesprit. Specially bulky Pokemon such as Clefairy and Type: Null support Aggron by pivoting into strong special attackers like Magmortar and Abomasnow, with the former also providing Stealth Rock support. Aggron complements both Clefairy and Type: Null by breaking common checks such as Weezing, Ferroseed, and Togedemaru.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Heavy Slam
move 4: Taunt
item: Shuca Berry / Lum Berry
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock deals damage to the opponent's Pokemon when they switch in, limiting the number of times they can come in. Head Smash allows Aggron to exert offensive pressure and potentially force a switch against more passive foes like Audino and defensive Mesprit, giving Aggron a free turn to set up Stealth Rock. Heavy Slam provides Aggron with a way of hitting Fighting-types that resist its Rock-type STAB move. Taunt gives Aggron a way to shut down slower Pokemon that can usually cripple it, such as Weezing and Ferroseed.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs alongside an Adamant nature allow Aggron to adequately function as an offensive Stealth Rock setter, outspeeding slower foes, such as Weezing, and either forcing them out or shutting them down with Taunt. Aggron can also run a Jolly nature to outspeed Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Lanturn; however, the decrease in damage is noticeable. Rock Head means Aggron can use Head Smash without taking recoil damage. Shuca Berry helps Aggron fare better versus faster threats wielding Earthquake, such as Kangaskhan and Archeops, while a Lum Berry allows Aggron to significantly damage Will-O-Wisp users such as Sableye.
Usage Tips
========
Aggron often functions as a lead versus more offensive teams where its role will be limited to setting up Stealth Rock, as it has trouble doing much outside of that against them. Against more balance-oriented teams, Aggron can still find ample opportunity to wallbreak once it has set up Stealth Rock, and Taunt shuts down stall teams. Aggron can also freely switch into weaker physical attackers, such as Skuntank and Type: Null, and more passive Pokemon, such as Miltank and Gourgeist-XL, to either set up Stealth Rock or force them out with a combination of Taunt plus its STAB moves. Even though Aggron can use its extremely powerful Head Smash to break down teams, it shouldn't be prioritized over setting Stealth Rock; its primary focus is to set Stealth Rock early-game.
Team Options
========
Oricorio-G and Haunter pair well with Aggron, as they offer immunities to Ground- and Fighting-type attacks and appreciate the offensive pressure Aggron offers, with both Oricorio-G and Haunter benefiting from its ability to wallbreak. Aggron also checks physical Skuntank, which immensely threatens both Oricorio-G and Haunter with a combination of Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Primeape appreciate Aggron breaking Mesprit and Weezing, enabling them to either sweep or clean late-game. Eelektross provides a slow Volt Switch on top of threatening Pokemon that commonly wall Aggron, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, with either Giga Drain or Thunderbolt. In return, Aggron breaks through specially defensive walls such as Munchlax and Audino. Magmortar and Aggron are able to form a strong wallbreaking core, dealing with one another's checks and counters.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aggron has alternative coverage moves that allow it to hit specific Pokemon, such as Ice Punch, which hits Torterra and Alolan Exeggutor; however, the listed coverage moves allow Aggron to function more effectively. A lure set with Substitute, Focus Punch, and Magnet Rise can be used to beat Aggron's usual checks, such as Probopass, and also Pokemon that rely on Earthquake to revenge kill it, such as Archeops and Kangaskhan; however, this set is too inconsistent to consider using on most teams. Aggron can use alternative items like Life Orb and Stone Plate, but both lack the power that Choice Band offers. Aggron's access to Rock Polish can allow it to function as a late-game sweeper; however, its 4x weakness to priority Mach Punch and mediocre Speed, even at +2, prevents it from sweeping effectively.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Poliwrath and Gastrodon can both switch into Aggron freely and threaten it with their STAB moves. Gastrodon also having reliable recovery means it can repeatedly switch into Aggron. Offensive Water-types such as special Floatzel cannot switch in but are able to revenge kill Aggron instead.
**Ground-types**: Mudsdale is not 2HKOed by Aggron's Choice Band Head Smash after Leftovers recovery, and it can OHKO Aggron in return with Earthquake. Golurk can tank any attack from the Choice Band set and is able to outspeed Adamant Aggron. Defensive Torterra is able to easily take both of Aggron's STAB moves and either recover its HP with Synthesis or retaliate with Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: While Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr cannot freely switch into a Choice Band Heavy Slam, all three OHKO Aggron with their STAB moves.
**Faster Attackers**: Aggron's exploitable weaknesses, relatively low Special Defense, and lack of reliable recovery make it susceptible to faster attackers. Swanna, Magmortar, and Alolan Raichu can all outspeed and potentially OHKO Aggron.
**Steel-types**: Although the Choice Band set has Fire Punch and Earthquake, Aggron can still struggle against Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Probopass. Ferroseed takes minimal damage from all of Aggron's moves bar Fire Punch, so if Aggron locks itself into any other move, Ferroseed can proceed to set up entry hazards. Probopass traps Choice Band Aggron not locked into Earthquake, along with trapping the offensive Stealth Rock set, and OHKOes it with Earth Power. Bronzor tanks both Head Smash and Heavy Slam but must be wary of Fire Punch.
[OVERVIEW]
Aggron solidifies itself as one of the best wallbreakers in PU thanks to its great offensive typing, decent Attack stat, and access to the coveted combination of Rock Head and Head Smash. Rock Head negating the recoil from Head Smash gives Aggron a spammable STAB move that, when coupled with Choice Band, can break through most physical walls in PU, such as Weezing and Mesprit. Due to its weight, Aggron also boasts a high-Base Power Heavy Slam against most Pokemon, hitting Fighting-types like Gurdurr, which resist its primary STAB move. Aggron also has access to several coverage moves such as Earthquake, Fire Punch, and Superpower that allow it to break through Pokemon that would normally wall it like Ferroseed and Silvally-Steel. However, Aggron struggles against more offensive teams due to a middling Speed stat and an offensive typing that gives it 4x weaknesses to Ground- and Fighting-type attacks, both of which are common coverage options. Even though Aggron can use its Rock / Steel typing effectively offensively, it's a poor typing defensively; this, coupled with a low Special Defense stat, makes it difficult for Aggron to directly switch in or take attacks from faster foes, even against resisted special attacks. Along with being a wallbreaker, Aggron can also function as an offensive Stealth Rock setter, as it's one of the few setters with access to Taunt; however, even though Aggron is a decent offensive Stealth Rock setter, it faces stiff competition from Golem and Golurk, both of which act as better Normal-resistant or -immune Pokemon, with Golem having priority and doubling as a Flying-resistant Pokemon and Golurk acting as a spinblocker and faring better versus Fighting-types.
[SET]
name: Choice Band
move 1: Head Smash
move 2: Heavy Slam
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Fire Punch
item: Choice Band
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Head Smash is Aggron's most spammable move, capable of breaking physically defensive walls like Weezing and Gourgeist-XL. Heavy Slam hits Fighting-types that resist Aggron's main STAB move for strong neutral damage, such as Gurdurr and Passimian, and is also 100% accurate. Earthquake is primarily used for hitting Steel-types such as Probopass super effectively and also providing neutral damage against foes like Poliwrath. Fire Punch hits Pokemon such as Bronzor and Ferroseed that otherwise take minimal damage from Aggron's other moves.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs, coupled with a Choice Band and an Adamant nature, allow Aggron to maximize its damage output and outspeed most slower walls, like Weezing and Ferroseed. A Jolly nature may be used to outspeed offensive Golem and Assault Vest Lanturn and Hitmonchan. Rock Head allows Aggron to use Head Smash without taking recoil damage.
Usage Tips
========
Aggron is primarily used as an early-game wallbreaker to soften foes up for its teammates with its strong STAB Head Smash, breaking through defensive walls like Carracosta and Musharna. Aggron should be brought in on weaker physical attackers, such as Skuntank and Togedemaru, or more passive Pokemon like Clefairy and Miltank; alternatively, a teammate's slow U-turn or Volt Switch is also a reliable way for getting Aggron in without it taking unneeded damage. Against certain teams, Aggron should avoid spamming Head Smash, as bulky Rock-resistant Pokemon, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, can switch in freely against it and force it out. This also means that Aggron is forced into mind games when picking between STAB or coverage moves versus foes such as Ferroseed and Probopass, as the opponent could either stay in or switch to a Pokemon that resists the appropriate coverage move. Along with being careful against teams with bulky Pokemon that resist its STAB attacks, Aggron should also be wary of locking itself into a move, especially a weaker coverage move, as it can then be used as setup bait. Aggron should also not be played as a Normal- or Flying-resistant Pokemon, as it loses to coverage moves that foes like Archeops and Kangaskhan commonly carry.
Team Options
========
Aggron fits well on balance and bulky offense teams, which provide frequent switch safe switch-ins and appreciate the pressure Aggron puts on opposing walls. Aggron can 2HKO defensive Mesprit and Weezing, allowing physical sweepers such as Primeape and Lycanroc to clean late-game. Aggron is worn down quickly and has several common weaknesses; thus, it appreciates slow VoltTurn support to safely switch in. Eelektross can provide a slow Volt Switch and threaten Pokemon that commonly wall Aggron, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, with either Giga Drain or Thunderbolt. Mesprit offers Stealth Rock support,a slow U-turn, a resistance to Fighting-type attacks, and an immunity to Ground-type moves, with Aggron being able to deal with special walls like Type: Null as well as physical Skuntank, which can Pursuit trap Mesprit. Specially bulky Pokemon such as Clefairy and Type: Null support Aggron by pivoting into strong special attackers like Magmortar and Abomasnow, with the former also providing Stealth Rock support. Aggron complements both Clefairy and Type: Null by breaking common checks such as Weezing, Ferroseed, and Togedemaru.
[SET]
name: Offensive Stealth Rock
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Head Smash
move 3: Heavy Slam
move 4: Taunt
item: Shuca Berry / Lum Berry
ability: Rock Head
nature: Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Stealth Rock deals damage to the opponent's Pokemon when they switch in, limiting the number of times they can come in. Head Smash allows Aggron to exert offensive pressure and potentially force a switch against more passive foes like Audino and defensive Mesprit, giving Aggron a free turn to set up Stealth Rock. Heavy Slam provides Aggron with a way of hitting Fighting-types that resist its Rock-type STAB move. Taunt gives Aggron a way to shut down slower Pokemon that can usually cripple it, such as Weezing and Ferroseed.
Set Details
========
Maximum Attack and Speed EVs alongside an Adamant nature allow Aggron to adequately function as an offensive Stealth Rock setter, outspeeding slower foes, such as Weezing, and either forcing them out or shutting them down with Taunt. Aggron can also run a Jolly nature to outspeed Pokemon such as Assault Vest Hitmonchan and Lanturn; however, the decrease in damage is noticeable. Rock Head means Aggron can use Head Smash without taking recoil damage. Shuca Berry helps Aggron fare better versus faster threats wielding Earthquake, such as Kangaskhan and Archeops, while a Lum Berry allows Aggron to significantly damage Will-O-Wisp users such as Sableye.
Usage Tips
========
Aggron often functions as a lead versus more offensive teams where its role will be limited to setting up Stealth Rock, as it has trouble doing much outside of that against them. Against more balance-oriented teams, Aggron can still find ample opportunity to wallbreak once it has set up Stealth Rock, and Taunt shuts down stall teams. Aggron can also freely switch into weaker physical attackers, such as Skuntank and Type: Null, and more passive Pokemon, such as Miltank and Gourgeist-XL, to either set up Stealth Rock or force them out with a combination of Taunt plus its STAB moves. Even though Aggron can use its extremely powerful Head Smash to break down teams, it shouldn't be prioritized over setting Stealth Rock; its primary focus is to set Stealth Rock early-game.
Team Options
========
Oricorio-G and Haunter pair well with Aggron, as they offer immunities to Ground- and Fighting-type attacks and appreciate the offensive pressure Aggron offers, with both Oricorio-G and Haunter benefiting from its ability to wallbreak. Aggron also checks physical Skuntank, which immensely threatens both Oricorio-G and Haunter with a combination of Sucker Punch and Pursuit. Fighting-types like Gurdurr and Primeape appreciate Aggron breaking Mesprit and Weezing, enabling them to either sweep or clean late-game. Eelektross provides a slow Volt Switch on top of threatening Pokemon that commonly wall Aggron, such as Gastrodon and Poliwrath, with either Giga Drain or Thunderbolt. In return, Aggron breaks through specially defensive walls such as Munchlax and Audino. Magmortar and Aggron are able to form a strong wallbreaking core, dealing with one another's checks and counters.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Aggron has alternative coverage moves that allow it to hit specific Pokemon, such as Ice Punch, which hits Torterra and Alolan Exeggutor; however, the listed coverage moves allow Aggron to function more effectively. A lure set with Substitute, Focus Punch, and Magnet Rise can be used to beat Aggron's usual checks, such as Probopass, and also Pokemon that rely on Earthquake to revenge kill it, such as Archeops and Kangaskhan; however, this set is too inconsistent to consider using on most teams. Aggron can use alternative items like Life Orb and Stone Plate, but both lack the power that Choice Band offers. Aggron's access to Rock Polish can allow it to function as a late-game sweeper; however, its 4x weakness to priority Mach Punch and mediocre Speed, even at +2, prevents it from sweeping effectively.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Water-types**: Poliwrath and Gastrodon can both switch into Aggron freely and threaten it with their STAB moves. Gastrodon also having reliable recovery means it can repeatedly switch into Aggron. Offensive Water-types such as special Floatzel cannot switch in but are able to revenge kill Aggron instead.
**Ground-types**: Mudsdale is not 2HKOed by Aggron's Choice Band Head Smash after Leftovers recovery, and it can OHKO Aggron in return with Earthquake. Golurk can tank any attack from the Choice Band set and is able to outspeed Adamant Aggron. Defensive Torterra is able to easily take both of Aggron's STAB moves and either recover its HP with Synthesis or retaliate with Earthquake.
**Fighting-types**: While Fighting-types such as Hitmonchan, Primeape, and Gurdurr cannot freely switch into a Choice Band Heavy Slam, all three OHKO Aggron with their STAB moves.
**Faster Attackers**: Aggron's exploitable weaknesses, relatively low Special Defense, and lack of reliable recovery make it susceptible to faster attackers. Swanna, Magmortar, and Alolan Raichu can all outspeed and potentially OHKO Aggron.
**Steel-types**: Although the Choice Band set has Fire Punch and Earthquake, Aggron can still struggle against Steel-types such as Ferroseed and Probopass. Ferroseed takes minimal damage from all of Aggron's moves bar Fire Punch, so if Aggron locks itself into any other move, Ferroseed can proceed to set up entry hazards. Probopass traps Choice Band Aggron not locked into Earthquake, along with trapping the offensive Stealth Rock set, and OHKOes it with Earth Power. Bronzor tanks both Head Smash and Heavy Slam but must be wary of Fire Punch.
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