Ubers Mewtwo

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus

QC:
Nayrz / Minority / CKW
GP: P Squared / marthaa

[OVERVIEW]

* Mewtwo's access to two Mega Evolutions makes it extremely versatile.
* Its high offensive stats allow it to effectively wallbreak early- and mid-game as well as clean up late-game.
* An excellent Speed tier means Mewtwo outspeeds many offensive threats in the metagame, including Marshadow, Ultra Necrozma, Naganadel, and anything slower.
* Mewtwo has an exceptional movepool that consists of powerful coverage, utility, and setup moves such as Ice Beam, Taunt, and Calm Mind.
* Mewtwo can beat a wide array of Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Zygarde-C, Magearna, Tyranitar, support Arceus formes, and most defensive Steel-types depending on what coverage moves it opts to go for.
* Mewtwo also has amazing potential with Psychic Terrain support; it augments Mewtwo's sweeping potential by increasing the power of Psystrike and making Mewtwo immune to strong priority moves like Marshadow's Shadow Sneak.
* Though it has decent bulk for an offensive Pokemon, Mewtwo offers no defensive synergy because its typing lacks useful resistances.
* Mewtwo unfortunately cannot run all of the coverage moves it wants to. This leaves it checked by more Pokemon depending on the coverage it forgoes.
* Mewtwo also faces competition from Deoxys-A and Ultra Necrozma as a fast Psychic-type wallbreaker. Deoxys-A is faster, whereas Ultra Necrozma has multiple sets and thus similar versatility, and both don't take up a Mega slot. However, Fire Blast helps Mewtwo differentiate itself from said Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psystrike
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast / Calm Mind / Taunt
item: Mewtwonite Y
ability: Unnerve
nature: Timid
evs: 8 HP / 80 Def / 228 SpA / 192 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* STAB Psystrike severely dents Pokemon that don't resist it while hitting dedicated special walls like Blissey on their physical defense. It also chips away at some of Mewtwo's switch-ins like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon.
* Ice Beam offers much-needed coverage, OHKOing Mega Salamence and Rayquaza and hitting Yveltal, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and both Giratina formes hard.
* Fire Blast is very important for hitting Necrozma-DM and certain other Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Aegislash harder than Focus Blast can.
* Focus Blast allows Mewtwo to hit Steel-types like Dialga and Dark-types like Tyranitar, Darkrai, and Arceus-Dark.
* Calm Mind gives Mewtwo the ability to set up and potentially sweep; it can OHKO or 2HKO most Pokemon after a boost. However, using Calm Mind forces Mewtwo to forgo one of its coverage options, making it walled by more Pokemon depending on the move it won't be using.
* Taunt can improve Mewtwo's matchup against more defensive teams as well as bulkier Geomancy Xerneas sets, but note that Mewtwo values dishing out as much damage as possible with its expansive movepool.
* Shadow Ball OHKOes Lunala when its Shadow Shield is down and gives Mewtwo a reliable way of hitting Necrozma-DM, Necrozma-DW, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ghost, Aegislash, Gothitelle, and all other bulky Psychic-types in one moveslot.

Set Details
========

* 8 HP EVs and 80 Defense EVs allow Mega Mewtwo Y to avoid the OHKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Shadow Sneak.
* The given Speed investment along with a Timid nature allows Mewtwo to outspeed Marshadow, Modest Deoxys-A, Ultra Necrozma, Naganadel, Mega Gengar, and anything slower.
* The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack to increase Mewtwo's power.
* Using Unnerve as the pre-Mega ability allows Mewtwo to hit Chople Berry Extreme Killer Arceus and Tyranitar harder prior to Mega Evolving.
* Mewtwonite Y enables Mewtwo to Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo Y, giving it Insomnia and crucial Speed benchmarks.
* A Life Orb increases Mewtwo's overall damage output; Mewtwo does more damage than Mega Mewtwo Y. However, Life Orb recoil wears Mewtwo down, and the extra Speed Mega Mewtwo Y possesses enables it to outspeed the aforementioned key threats.

Usage Tips
========

* Mewtwo works best as a mid- or late-game cleaner when its checks have been weakened enough, but it can also be used early- and mid-game to punch holes in the opposing team, and it can weaken some of its checks.
* Try to get Mewtwo in safely through a double switch or the use of a pivot because it isn't bulky enough to take powerful attacks.
* If Mewtwo is running Taunt, it should be used liberally to shut down support Pokemon.
* It is best to use the appropriate coverage move to wallbreak more effectively, especially on a predicted switch.
* When running Calm Mind, it is very important to only set up when all of Mewtwo's checks are gone and all faster Pokemon and priority users have been eliminated.
* When trying to sweep with Calm Mind, set up on a predicted switch or on defensive Pokemon that either can't do much damage back or are weak to Mewtwo's moves, such as Toxapex, Blissey, and some support Arceus formes.
* Due to Mewtwo not being able to run all the coverage it wants to, appropriate foes must be eliminated before sweeping, especially when using Calm Mind or Taunt. If not using Fire Blast, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Aegislash must be weakened before sweeping. If not using Focus Blast, Dark-types like Tyranitar and Darkrai should similarly be weakened.
* Note that if Mewtwo has to stay in against Life Orb Marshadow after taking Stealth Rock damage, it should not Mega Evolve; not Mega Evolving allows it to survive Shadow Sneak and then OHKO Marshadow with Psystrike.

Team Options
========

* Mewtwo really appreciates entry hazard support from Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Deoxys-S, and Dialga.
* Mewtwo values Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, Marshadow, and Ho-Oh for checking Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Aegislash, especially if Mewtwo lacks Fire Blast.
* Tapu Lele provides Mewtwo with Psychic Terrain support, increasing the power of Psystrike and negating any priority like Marshadow's Shadow Sneak that might stop Mewtwo.
* Dark-types such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Darkrai deal with the Ghost-types that trouble Mewtwo, particularly Marshadow, Necrozma-DW, Lunala, and Aegislash.
* Fairy-types like Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy check Dark-types, and Arceus-Fairy is also able to deal with Marshadow defensively. Mewtwo can check Poison- and Steel-types in return.
* Setup sweepers such as Necrozma-DM, offensive Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Ultra Necrozma, and Extreme Killer Arceus appreciate Mewtwo's ability to weaken Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Toxapex for a sweep.
* Bulky walls such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Water, Arceus-Fairy, Zygarde-C, defensive Primal Kyogre, and defensive Yveltal can sponge attacks aimed at Mewtwo.
* Yveltal, Magearna, and Mega Scizor (if using regular Mewtwo) grant Mewtwo free and safe switches.

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Low Kick
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Ice Beam / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
item: Mewtwonite X
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Low Kick is a reliable and consistent STAB move that deals good damage to most targets due to how common heavy Pokemon are in the tier, 2HKOing Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Ground, and offensive Yveltal.
* Taunt shuts down support Arceus formes and other defensive Pokemon that may try to status Mewtwo, possibly forcing a switch.
* Ice Beam always OHKOes Mega Salamence and 2HKOes Zygarde-C while hitting Yveltal, Ultra Necrozma, and both Giratina formes hard.
* Stone Edge OHKOes Ho-Oh and does more damage to Yveltal than any of Mewtwo's other moves.
* Ice Beam + Stone Edge enables Mewtwo to break past all Ho-Oh, Zygarde-C, and Mega Salamence sets.
* Rock Slide can be used as an alternative to Stone Edge to still OHKO most Ho-Oh variants while having greater accuracy.
* STAB Zen Headbutt OHKOes Mega Gengar and Marshadow and hits Xerneas, but using it requires Mewtwo to forgo either Ice Beam or Stone Edge.
* Earthquake OHKOes Mega Gengar and dents Primal Groudon and Aegislash, but it is inferior to Zen Headbutt.
* Poison Jab or Iron Tail can be run to hit Fairy-types like Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy, but they are ineffective options outside of this.
* Recover along with a bulkier EV spread improves Mewtwo's longevity.

Set Details
========

* Full Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Mega Mewtwo X as fast and powerful as possible.
* 252 Speed EVs specifically allow it to outspeed Marshadow, Ultra Necrozma, and Naganadel.
* 252 Attack EVs notably give Mega Mewtwo X the ability to 2HKO defensive Primal Kyogre with Low Kick.
* An alternative EV spread of 176 Def / 80 SpD / 252 Spe with a Jolly nature gives Mega Mewtwo X significantly increased bulk that allows it to check threats like Mega Lucario and Extreme Killer Arceus, surviving Mega Lucario's Meteor Mash followed by boosted Bullet Punch after Meteor Mash's Attack raise and Life Orb Extreme Killer Arceus's +2 Extreme Speed. The 80 Special Defense EVs let Mega Mewtwo X avoid the OHKO from Mega Gengar's Shadow Ball after it has been trapped and take two neutral Judgments from support Arceus formes even after Stealth Rock damage. Note that Mega Mewtwo X will have a very noticeable power drop.
* Mewtwonite X is used to become Mega Mewtwo X, granting Mewtwo a secondary Fighting typing, higher Attack, and increased bulk.
* Mewtwo gains Steadfast upon Mega Evolution, which is situationally useful against Choice Scarf variants of Shaymin-S and Genesect.

Usage Tips
========

* Mega Mewtwo X works best as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker that weakens checks for another Pokemon on your team to sweep.
* Because it is very fast, it can also be used to revenge kill slower threats with Low Kick or sweep on its own if the opposition is weakened enough.
* Mewtwo should be brought in safely by double switching or using a pivot, since it isn't bulky enough to switch into a powerful attack.
* Low Kick dents almost all Pokemon hit by it; Mewtwo should use this move as much as possible when wallbreaking.
* Taunt should be used liberally on defensive Pokemon to prevent them from using recovery, status, and utility moves.
* If Mega Mewtwo X has Ice Beam, it can stay in on Mega Salamence and Rayquaza and OHKO them. Similarly, Mewtwo can stay in on Ho-Oh and OHKO it if running Stone Edge.
* When using a set that is walled by Toxapex, it is often better to risk being burned and go for Taunt to prevent Toxic Spikes from being set up, followed by switching to a counter.
* One can opt to bluff a special attacking Mewtwo set in order to get a surprise KO. For example, sending Mewtwo in against a physical wall might entice the opponent to switch into a special wall like Alolan Muk, in which case Mega Evolving Mewtwo to hit them with a powerful Low Kick can lead to a quicker KO.
* Mega Mewtwo X can OHKO some boosted threats that Mega Mewtwo Y cannot, such as Calm Mind-boosted Arceus-Dark; therefore, if they stay in thinking Mewtwo cannot KO them, Mega Evolving Mewtwo will surprise them and stop a potential sweep.

Team Options
========

* Entry hazards help Mega Mewtwo X pressure the opposing team more. Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Cloyster, and Dialga all have access to hazards.
* Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Ho-Oh check Xerneas. Mewtwo beats Zygarde-C for them in return as well as checking Arceus-Rock and Tyranitar for Ho-Oh.
* Dark-types such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Darkrai deal with the Ghost-types that trouble Mewtwo, particularly Lunala, Necrozma-DW, Arceus-Ghost, and Marshadow, as well as Necrozma-DM.
* Fairy-types like Xerneas are great partners for Mewtwo because they check Dark-types, while Mewtwo can check the Steel-types that trouble them in return.
* Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C are able to check Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C can also beat Ho-Oh and Extreme Killer Arceus.
* Celesteela and Ferrothorn are able to check Xerneas and Extreme Killer Arceus; Celesteela also checks Mega Salamence, and Ferrothorn is able to deal with Primal Kyogre as well as set up entry hazards.
* Defog support Arceus formes such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can remove entry hazards, particularly Toxic Spikes. Arceus-Fairy also deals with Marshadow.
* Yveltal and Magearna give Mewtwo safe switches thanks to their pivoting moves.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Mewtwo has an expansive movepool consisting of many options it can utilize depending on what set it opts for.
* Thunder on Mega Mewtwo Y hits Arceus-Water, Lugia, and physically defensive Primal Kyogre for more damage. However, it is inaccurate and offers inferior coverage compared to Mewtwo's other moves.
* Future Sight is a powerful wallbreaking tool that pressures the opponent to switch, giving you the advantage and allowing you to make the appropriate play against the predicted switch-in, but Future Sight is hard to fit when Mewtwo needs as much coverage as possible.
* Aura Sphere is a perfectly accurate alternative to Focus Blast, but it is extremely weak, having only less than a 50% chance to OHKO Darkrai.
* Will-O-Wisp cripples physically offensive switch-ins like Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Ghost, and Alolan Muk, but it doesn't affect Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh.
* Psychium Z is plausible instead of Life Orb when using regular Mewtwo. Mewtwo's Calm Mind-boosted attacks make up for the loss of Life Orb, and +1 Shattered Psyche OHKOes many Arceus formes. Unfortunately, Deoxys-A fulfills the role of Psychium Z Mewtwo in a much more effective manner.
* Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, and Power-Up Punch on Mega Mewtwo X are all options to hit specific threats, but Mewtwo's other moves offer superior coverage that hits most of the tier.
* Brutal Swing OHKOes Lunala when Shadow Shield is down and 2HKOes Necrozma-DW.
* Bulk Up + Drain Punch enables Mega Mewtwo X to set up while increasing its longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================

Note that Mewtwo's checks and counters will vary slightly depending on if it is Mega Mewtwo Y or Mega Mewtwo X. Not all of the below Pokemon check both Mewtwo formes.

**Lunala and Necrozma-DW**: Lunala and Necrozma-DW hard check any Mega Mewtwo Y set without Shadow Ball and can OHKO it with Moongeist Beam. Lunala and Necrozma-DW have high Special Defense and resist Psystrike, so they can come in on Mega Mewtwo Y rather easily. Both are also immune to Mega Mewtwo X's Low Kick and aren't 2HKOed by any of its coverage moves even when Shadow Shield is down, while they can threaten Mewtwo with Moongeist Beam. However, Lunala and Necrozma-DW get outsped by Mewtwo, and if Mewtwo is carrying Shadow Ball or Brutal Swing, Lunala is OHKOed without its Shadow Shield, and Necrozma-DW is hit hard.

**Ghost-types**: The rest of the Ghost-types within the tier all pose as threats to Mewtwo, as they are immune to Low Kick and can hit Mewtwo with super effective STAB moves. Arceus-Ghost can use Mega Mewtwo X as setup fodder and hit it with a super effective STAB attack. However, Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO Arceus-Ghost with Psystrike. Giratina and Giratina-O are not 2HKOed by Mega Mewtwo X's Ice Beam and can wall variants without it, but Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO them with Ice Beam. Aegislash threatens Mega Mewtwo Y with STAB moves and resists its main attacks, and if Mega Mewtwo Y isn't carrying Fire Blast or Shadow Ball, Aegislash completely walls it. Mega Mewtwo X can 2HKO Aegislash with Earthquake, though. Mega Sableye is immune to Psystrike and Zen Headbutt, is not 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo X's coverage moves, can 2HKO Mewtwo with Foul Play, and can status it. Marshadow can revenge kill Mewtwo with Shadow Sneak if it has taken any chip damage, but it cannot switch into Mega Mewtwo Y.

**Yveltal**: Yveltal struggles to switch into Ice Beam, but it is immune to Psystrike, and once in safely, it can threaten Mewtwo with a powerful STAB move. Defensive Yveltal is not 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo X's moves other than Stone Edge and can 2HKO it with Foul Play, but Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO defensive Yveltal with Ice Beam.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types such as defensive Necrozma-DM, Lugia, and defensive Solgaleo resist Psystrike, can take most of Mewtwo's coverage moves well, and can status Mewtwo in return or, in Necrozma-DM's case, hit it with a powerful Sunsteel Strike. Lugia also resists Low Kick. However, all of them are hit decently hard by Shadow Ball, Lugia is dented by Mega Mewtwo X's Stone Edge and Mega Mewtwo Y's Ice Beam, and Necrozma-DM and Solgaleo are hit super effectively by Earthquake and Fire Blast. Also, all of these bulky Psychic-types are stopped by Taunt for the most part.

**Bulky Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types like Arceus-Fairy, Xerneas, and Klefki take very little damage from Low Kick and threaten Mega Mewtwo X with super effective STAB attacks. Mega Mewtwo X cannot 2HKO Arceus-Fairy, which can OHKO back. Xerneas can beat Mega Mewtwo X if it doesn't run Iron Tail or Poison Jab. Klefki can come in on most of Mega Mewtwo X's attacks and cripple it with Thunder Wave, but it will be OHKOed by Earthquake. Most of these Fairy-types are also bulky enough to take on Mega Mewtwo Y and retaliate. Bulkier Xerneas sets can use Mega Mewtwo Y as setup fodder if it is not running Taunt, and Klefki can cripple it with Thunder Wave. However, they are still dented by Psystrike, and Klefki is nailed by Fire Blast.

**Alolan Muk**: Alolan Muk cannot be 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo Y's attacks even at +1, and it can Pursuit trap Mewtwo or potentially poison it. However, Alolan Muk isn't a threat for Mega Mewtwo X due to Low Kick.

**Primal Groudon**: None of Mega Mewtwo Y's attacks can 2HKO specially defensive Primal Groudon, which can hit back hard with Precipice Blades. However, Primal Groudon can be worn down by repeated attacks from Mewtwo. It isn't a reliable check to Mega Mewtwo X, however, as it risks being 2HKOed by Earthquake.

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can come in on all of Mega Mewtwo X's attacks bar Stone Edge and OHKO it in return with Brave Bird or burn it with Sacred Fire. However, Stone Edge will OHKO Ho-Oh, and Mega Mewtwo Y can hurt it with Psystrike.

**Faster Threats and Priority**: Faster Pokemon and revenge killers such as Pheromosa and Deoxys-A as well as Choice Scarf Yveltal, Xerneas, and Genesect can outspeed Mewtwo and do heavy damage to or KO it. Mega Mewtwo Y has the ability to outspeed Mega Gengar and Modest Deoxys-A, however. Furthermore, priority users such as Marshadow, Mega Scizor, and Extreme Killer Arceus can deter a potential Mewtwo sweep.

**Status**: In general, Mewtwo dislikes being inflicted with status. Paralysis severely hinders Mewtwo by lowering its Speed, thus leaving it vulnerable to attacks. Burns cripple Mega Mewtwo X by significantly lowering its power.
 
Last edited:
This is a few hours away from its deadline but I see work on it has started. This is generally why taking 3 at the same time can be risky with 3 days to have them all ready - the rule for 3+ is typically used for those who put something into the QC stage and come back to reserve more. Still, 24 hours on this.
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Alright, this is ready for QC. Deadline inconveniences won't happen again.

Also sorry if c&c is a bit long but I have to explain most of them for both MM2Y and MM2X
 
Swap moves 3 + 4 to this:

move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast / Calm Mind / Taunt

With Dusk around, Fire Blast is rather forced on Mewtwo sets. Fire Blast also helps to seperate Mewtwo from Deoxys-A, which lacks in good Fire-type coverage and Ultra Necrozma, where Heat Wave is an option but isn't always used on special sets, especially those with Dawn Wings as the base.
* Darkrai+ Mewtwo form a fast and formidable wallbreaking core that offers perfect coverage.
I probably wouldn't encourage this duo specifically - they are both niche mons.

QC 1/3
 

Fireflame

Silksong when
is a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Swap moves 3 + 4 to this:

move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast / Calm Mind / Taunt

With Dusk around, Fire Blast is rather forced on Mewtwo sets. Fire Blast also helps to seperate Mewtwo from Deoxys-A, which lacks in good Fire-type coverage and Ultra Necrozma, where Heat Wave is an option but isn't always used on special sets, especially those with Dawn Wings as the base.

I probably wouldn't encourage this duo specifically - they are both niche mons.

QC 1/3
Implemented, added that point in the overview.
 

Minority

Numquam Vincar
is a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Tutor Alumnusis a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Team Rater Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Analysis wide when you list examples of threats, etc. please try to list them in order of relevance i.e. Magearna before Aegislash.

* U-turn from Genesect and defensive Yveltal grants Mewtwo free and safe switches.
It's near impossible to make a good Genesect team in USM, let alone one paired with Mewtwo. Even if some genius builder out there managed to craft such a build that works, this suggestion is not something we should be suggesting to novice builders. Turners such as Scarf Yveltal, Magearna, and Mega Scizor (LO Mewtwo) are far more relevant if you're going that angle. Same applies to MM2X team options.

In C&C I wouldn't set Arceus-Ghost apart - just merge it with "Ghost-types". This would be okay if there was a world of difference between Arceus-Ghost check effectiveness + viability, but there is not. If you wanted to set apart another Ghost besides Luna then Mega Sableye would probably be the best candidate as it's immune to all STABs.

Make these changes and it's:


QC: 2/3
 

ckw

Tired
is a Top Tutor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
After a fair bit of playing around with this Pokemon, here's the last check (hopefully):

* Earthquake 2HKOes Alolan Muk.
AloMuk is unviable; its pretty much gonna be unranked in the next updated so remove this mention!

MMX:
Mention in Usage Tips that when using a set walled by Toxapex; it's often better to risk the burn and go for Taunt to prevent Toxic Spikes from being set up followed by switching to a counter.

Well written overall.
QC 3/3
 

P Squared

a great unrecorded history
is a Site Content Manageris a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
GP 1/2
add remove comment

[OVERVIEW]

* Mewtwo's access to two Mega Evolutions makes it extremely versatile.
* Its high offensive stats allow it to effectively wallbreak early- and mid-game as well as clean up late-game.
* An excellent Speed tier means Mewtwo outspeeds many offensive threats in the metagame, including Marshadow, Ultra Necrozma, Naganadel, and anything slower.
* Mewtwo has an exceptional movepool that consists of powerful coverage, utility, and setup moves.
* Mewtwo can beat a wide array of Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Zygarde-C, Magearna, Tyranitar, support Arceus formes, and most defensive Steel-types depending on what coverage moves it opts to go for.
* Mewtwo also has amazing potential with Psychic Terrain support; it augments Mewtwo's sweeping potential by increasing the power of Psystrike and making Mewtwo immune to strong priority like Marshadow's Shadow Sneak.
* Though it has decent bulk for an offensive Pokemon, Mewtwo offers no defensive synergy because its typing lacks useful resistances.
* Mewtwo unfortunately cannot run all of the coverage moves it wants to. This leaves it checked by more Pokemon depending on the coverage it Mewtwo forgoes.
* Mewtwo also faces competition from Deoxys-A and Ultra Necrozma as a fast Psychic-type wallbreakers. Deoxys-A is faster, whereas Ultra Necrozma has multiple sets and thus similar versatility, and both don't take up a Mega slot. However, Fire Blast helps Mewtwo differentiate itself from said Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psystrike
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast / Calm Mind / Taunt
item: Mewtwonite Y
ability: Unnerve
nature: Timid
evs: 8 HP / 80 Def / 228 SpA / 192 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
(do any of the Mewtwo mentions here need to be Mega Mewtwo Y?)
* STAB Psystrike severely dents at Pokemon that don't resist it while hitting dedicated special walls like Blissey on their physical defense side. It also chips away at some of Mewtwo's switch-ins like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon.
* Ice Beam offers much-needed coverage, OHKOing Mega Salamence and Rayquaza and hitting Yveltal, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and both Giratina formes hard.
* Fire Blast is very important for hitting Necrozma-DM and also hits certain other Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Aegislash harder than Focus Blast can.
* Focus Blast allows Mewtwo to hit Steel-types like Dialga and Dark-types like Tyranitar, Darkrai, and Arceus-Dark.
* Calm Mind gives Mewtwo the ability to set up and potentially sweep; it can OHKO or 2HKO most Pokemon after a boost. However, using Calm Mind forces Mewtwo to forgo one of its coverage options, making it walled by more Pokemon depending on the move it won't be using.
* Taunt can improve Mewtwo's matchup against more defensive teams as well as bulkier Geomancy Xerneas sets, but note that Mewtwo values dishing out as much damage as possible with its expansive movepool.
* Shadow Ball OHKOes Lunala when its Shadow Shield is down and gives Mewtwo a reliable way of hitting Necrozma-DM, Necrozma-DW, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ghost, Aegislash, Gothitelle, and all other bulky Psychic-types in one moveslot.

Set Details
========

* 8 HP EVs and 80 Defense EVs allow Mega Mewtwo Y to avoid the OHKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Shadow Sneak.
* The given Speed investment along with a Timid nature makes Mewtwo outspeed Marshadow, Modest Deoxys-A, Ultra Necrozma, Naganadel, Mega Gengar, and anything slower.
* The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack to increase Mewtwo's power.
* Using Unnerve as the pre-Mega ability allows Mewtwo to hit Chople Berry Extreme Killer Arceus and Tyranitar ("harder" or something) prior to Mega Evolving.
* Mewtwonite Y enables Mewtwo to Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo Y, giving it Insomnia and crucial Speed benchmarks.
* Life Orb increases Mewtwo's overall damage output; Mewtwo does more damage than Mega Mewtwo Y. However, Life Orb recoil wears Mewtwo down, and the extra Speed Mega Mewtwo Y possesses enables it to outspeed the aforementioned key threats.

Usage Tips
========

* Mewtwo works best as a mid- or late-game cleaner when its checks have been weakened enough, but it can also be used early- and mid-game to punch holes in the opposing team, and it can weaken some of its checks.
* Try to get Mewtwo in safely through a double switch or the use of a pivot because it isn't bulky enough to take powerful attacks.
* If running Taunt, it should be used liberally to shut down support Pokemon.
* It is best to use the appropriate coverage move to wallbreak more effectively, especially on a predicted switch.
* When running Calm Mind, it is very important to only set up when all of Mewtwo's checks are gone and all faster Pokemon and priority users have been eliminated.
* When trying to sweep with Calm Mind, set up on a predicted switch or on defensive Pokemon that either can't do much damage back or are weak to Mewtwo's moves, such as Toxapex, Blissey, and some support Arceus formes.
* Due to Mewtwo not being able to run all the coverage it wants to, appropriate foes must be eliminated before sweeping, especially when using Calm Mind or Taunt. If not using Fire Blast, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Aegislash must be weakened before sweeping. If not using Focus Blast, Dark-types like Tyranitar and Darkrai should similarly be weakened.
* Note that if Mewtwo has to stay in against Life Orb Marshadow after taking Stealth Rock damage, it should not Mega Evolve; not Mega Evolving allows it to survive Shadow Sneak and then OHKO Marshadow with Psystrike.

Team Options
========

* Mewtwo really appreciates entry hazard support from Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Deoxys-S, and Dialga.
* Mewtwo values Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, Marshadow, and Ho-Oh for checking Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Aegislash, especially if Mewtwo lacks Fire Blast.
* Tapu Lele provides Mewtwo with Psychic Terrain support, increasing the power of Psystrike and negating any priority that might stop Mewtwo like Marshadow's Shadow Sneak.
* Dark-types such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Darkrai deal with the Ghost-types that trouble Mewtwo, particularly Marshadow, Necrozma-DW, Lunala, and Aegislash.
* Fairy-types like Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy check Dark-types, and Arceus-Fairy is also able to deal with Marshadow defensively. Mewtwo can check Poison- and Steel-types in return.
* Setup sweepers such as Necrozma-DM, offensive Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Ultra Necrozma, and Extreme Killer Arceus appreciate Mewtwo's ability to weaken Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Toxapex for a sweep.
* Bulky walls such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Water, Arceus-Fairy, Zygarde-C, defensive Primal Kyogre, and defensive Yveltal can sponge attacks aimed at Mewtwo.
* Yveltal, Magearna, and Mega Scizor (if using regular Mewtwo) grant Mewtwo free and safe switches.

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Low Kick
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Ice Beam / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
item: Mewtwonite X
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Low Kick is a reliable and consistent STAB move that deals good damage to most targets due to how common heavy Pokemon are in the tier, 2HKOing Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Ground, and offensive Yveltal.
* Taunt shuts down support Arceus formes and other defensive Pokemon that may try to status Mewtwo, possibly forcing a switch.
* Ice Beam always OHKOes Mega Salamence and 2HKOes Zygarde-C while hitting Yveltal, Ultra Necrozma, and both Giratina formes hard.
* Stone Edge OHKOes Ho-Oh and does more damage to Yveltal than any of Mewtwo's other moves.
* Ice Beam + Stone Edge enables Mewtwo to break past all Ho-Oh, Zygarde-C, and Mega Salamence sets.
* Rock Slide can be used as an alternative to Stone Edge to still OHKO most Ho-Oh variants while having greater accuracy.
* STAB Zen Headbutt OHKOes Mega Gengar and Marshadow and hits Xerneas, but using it requires Mewtwo to forgo either Ice Beam or Stone Edge.
* Earthquake OHKOes Mega Gengar and dents Primal Groudon and Aegislash, but it is inferior to Zen Headbutt.
* Poison Jab or Iron Tail can be run to hit Fairy-types like Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy, but they are ineffective options outside of this.
* Recover along with a bulkier EV spread improves Mewtwo's longevity.

Set Details
========

* Full Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Mega Mewtwo X as fast and powerful as possible.
* 252 Speed EVs specifically allow it to outspeed Marshadow, Ultra Necrozma, and Naganadel.
* 252 Attack EVs notably give Mega Mewtwo X the ability to 2HKO defensive Primal Kyogre with Low Kick.
* An alternative EV spread of 176 Def / 80 SpD / 252 Spe gives Mega Mewtwo X significantly increased bulk that allows it to check threats like Mega Lucario and Extreme Killer Arceus, surviving Mega Lucario's Iron Tail followed by boosted Bullet Punch after Meteor Mash's Attack raise (Mega Luke runs THREE Steel moves? man) and Life Orb Extreme Killer Arceus's +2 Extreme Speed. The 80 Special Defense EVs let Mega Mewtwo X avoid the OHKO from Mega Gengar's Shadow Ball after it has been trapped and take two neutral Judgments from support Arceus formes even after Stealth Rock damage. Note that Mega Mewtwo X will have a very noticeable power drop.
* Mewtwonite X is used to become Mega Mewtwo X, granting Mewtwo a secondary Fighting typing, higher Attack, and increased bulk.
* Mewtwo gains Steadfast upon Mega Evolution, which is situationally useful against Choice Scarf variants of Shaymin-S and Genesect.

Usage Tips
========

* Mega Mewtwo X works best as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker that weakens checks for another Pokemon on your team to sweep.
* Because it is very fast, it can also be used to revenge kill slower threats with Low Kick or sweep on its own if the opposition is weakened enough.
* Mewtwo should be brought in safely by double switching or using a pivot, since it isn't bulky enough to switch into a powerful attack.
* Low Kick dents almost all Pokemon hit by it; Mewtwo should use this move as much as possible when wallbreaking.
* Taunt should be used liberally on defensive Pokemon to prevent them from using recovery, status, and utility moves.
* If Mega Mewtwo X has Ice Beam, it can stay in on Mega Salamence and Rayquaza and OHKO them. Similarly, Mewtwo can stay in on Ho-Oh and OHKO it if running Stone Edge.
* When using a set that is walled by Toxapex, it is often better to risk being burned and go for Taunt to prevent Toxic Spikes from being set up, followed by switching to a counter.
* One can opt to bluff a special attacking Mewtwo set in order to get a surprise KO. For example, sending Mewtwo in against a physical wall might entice the opponent to switch into a special wall like Alolan Muk, in which case Mega Evolving Mewtwo to hit them with a powerful Low Kick can lead to a quicker KO.
* Mega Mewtwo X can OHKO some boosted threats that Mega Mewtwo Y cannot, such as Calm Mind-boosted Arceus-Dark; therefore, if they stay in thinking Mewtwo cannot KO them, Mega Evolving Mewtwo will surprise them and stop a potential sweep.

Team Options
========

* Entry hazards help Mega Mewtwo X pressure the opposing team more. Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Cloyster, and Dialga all have access to hazards.
* Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Ho-Oh check Xerneas. Mewtwo beats Zygarde-C for them in return as well as checking Arceus-Rock and Tyranitar for Ho-Oh.
* Dark-types such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Darkrai deal with the Ghost-types that trouble Mewtwo, particularly Lunala, Necrozma-DW, Arceus-Ghost, and Marshadow, as well as Necrozma-DM.
* Fairy-types like Xerneas are great partners for Mewtwo because they check Dark-types, while Mewtwo can check the Steel-types that trouble them in return.
* Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C are able to check Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C can also beat Ho-Oh and Extreme Killer Arceus.
* Celesteela and Ferrothorn are able to check Xerneas and Extreme Killer Arceus; Celesteela also checks Mega Salamence, and Ferrothorn is able to deal with Primal Kyogre as well as set up entry hazards.
* Defog support Arceus formes such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can remove entry hazards, particularly Toxic Spikes. Arceus-Fairy also deals with Marshadow.
* Yveltal and Magearna give Mewtwo safe switches.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Mewtwo has an expansive movepool consisting of many options it can utilize depending on what set it opts for.
* Thunder on Mega Mewtwo Y hits Arceus-Water, Lugia, and physically defensive Primal Kyogre for more damage. However, it is inaccurate and offers inferior coverage compared to Mewtwo's other moves.
* Future Sight is a powerful wallbreaking tool that pressures the opponent to switch, giving you the advantage and allowing you to make the appropriate play against the predicted switch-in, but Future Sight is hard to fit when Mewtwo needs as much coverage as possible.
* Aura Sphere is a perfectly accurate alternative to Focus Blast, but it is extremely weak, having only less than a 50% chance to OHKO Darkrai.
* Will-O-Wisp cripples physically offensive switch-ins like Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Ghost, and Alolan Muk, but it doesn't affect Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh.
* Psychium Z is plausible instead of Life Orb when using regular Mewtwo. Mewtwo's Calm Mind-boosted attacks make up for the loss of Life Orb, and +1 Shattered Psyche OHKOes many Arceus formes. Unfortunately, Deoxys-A fulfills the role of Psychium Z Mewtwo in a much more effective manner.
* Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, and Power-Up Punch on Mega Mewtwo X are all options to hit specific threats, but Mewtwo's other moves offer superior coverage that hits most of the tier.
* Brutal Swing OHKOes Lunala when Shadow Shield is down and 2HKOes Necrozma-DW.
* Bulk Up + Drain Punch enables Mega Mewtwo X to set up while increasing its longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================

Note that Mewtwo's checks and counters will vary slightly depending on if it is Mega Mewtwo Y or Mega Mewtwo X. Not all of the below Pokemon check both Mewtwo formes.

**Lunala and Necrozma-DW**: Lunala and Necrozma-DW hard check any Mega Mewtwo Y set without Shadow Ball and can OHKO it with Moongeist Beam. Lunala and Necrozma-DW have high Special Defense and resist Psystrike, so they can come in on Mega Mewtwo Y rather easily. Both are also immune to Mega Mewtwo X's Low Kick and aren't 2HKOed by any of its coverage moves even when Shadow Shield is down, while they can threaten Mewtwo with Moongeist Beam. However, Lunala and Necrozma-DW gets get outsped by Mewtwo, and if Mewtwo is carrying Shadow Ball or Brutal Swing, Lunala is OHKOed without its Shadow Shield, and Necrozma-DW is hit hard.

**Ghost-types**: The rest of the Ghost-types within the tier all pose as threats to Mewtwo, as they are immune to Low Kick and can hit Mewtwo with super effective STAB moves. Arceus-Ghost can use Mega Mewtwo X as setup fodder and hit Mewtwo with a super effective STAB attack. However, Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO Arceus-Ghost with Psystrike. Giratina and Giratina-O are not 2HKOed by Mega Mewtwo X's Ice Beam and can wall variants without it, but Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO them with Ice Beam. Aegislash threatens Mega Mewtwo Y with STAB moves and resists its main attacks, and if Mega Mewtwo Y isn't carrying Fire Blast or Shadow Ball, Aegislash completely walls it. Mega Mewtwo X can 2HKO Aegislash with Earthquake, though. Mega Sableye is immune to Psystrike and Zen Headbutt, is not 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo X's coverage moves, can 2HKO Mewtwo with Foul Play, and can status it. Marshadow can revenge kill Mewtwo with Shadow Sneak if it has taken any chip damage, but it cannot switch into Mega Mewtwo Y.

**Yveltal**: Yveltal struggles to switch into Ice Beam, but it is immune to Psystrike, and once in safely, it can threaten Mewtwo with a powerful STAB move. Defensive Yveltal is not 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo X's moves other than Stone Edge and can 2HKO it with Foul Play, but Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO defensive Yveltal with Ice Beam.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types such as defensive Necrozma-DM, Lugia, and defensive Solgaleo resist Psystrike, can take most of Mewtwo's coverage moves well, and can status Mewtwo in return or, in Necrozma-DM's case, hit it with a powerful Sunsteel Strike. Lugia also resists Low Kick. However, all of them are hit decently hard by Shadow Ball, Lugia is dented by Mega Mewtwo X's Stone Edge and Mega Mewtwo Y's Ice Beam, and Necrozma-DM and Solgaleo are hit super effectively by Earthquake and Fire Blast. Also, all of these bulky Psychic-types are stopped by Taunt for the most part.

**Bulky Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types like Arceus-Fairy, Xerneas, and Klefki take very little damage from Low Kick and threaten Mega Mewtwo X with super effective STAB attacks. Mega Mewtwo X cannot 2HKO Arceus-Fairy, which can OHKO back. Xerneas can beat Mega Mewtwo X if it doesn't run Iron Tail or Poison Jab. Klefki can come in on most of Mega Mewtwo X's attacks and cripple it with Thunder Wave, but it will be OHKOed by Earthquake. Most of these Fairy-types are also bulky enough to take on Mega Mewtwo Y and retaliate. Bulkier Xerneas sets can use Mega Mewtwo Y as setup fodder if it is not running Taunt, and Klefki can cripple it with Thunder Wave. However, they are still dented by Psystrike, and Klefki is nailed by Fire Blast.

**Alolan Muk**: Alolan Muk cannot be 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo Y's attacks even at +1, and it can Pursuit trap Mewtwo or potentially poison it. However, Alolan Muk isn't a threat for Mega Mewtwo X due to Low Kick.

**Primal Groudon**: None of Mega Mewtwo Y's attacks can 2HKO specially defensive Primal Groudon, which can hit back hard with Precipice Blades. However, Primal Groudon can be worn down by repeated attacks from Mewtwo. It isn't a reliable check to Mega Mewtwo X, however, as it risks being 2HKOed by Earthquake.

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can come in on all of Mega Mewtwo X's attacks bar Stone Edge and OHKO it in return with Brave Bird or burn it with Sacred Fire. However, Stone Edge will OHKO Ho-Oh, and Mega Mewtwo Y can hurt it with Psystrike.

**Faster Threats and Priority**: Faster Pokemon and revenge killers such as Pheromosa and Deoxys-A as well as Choice Scarf Yveltal, Xerneas, and Genesect can outspeed Mewtwo and do heavy damage to or KO it. Mega Mewtwo Y has the ability to outspeed Mega Gengar and Modest Deoxys-A, however. Furthermore, priority users such as Marshadow, Mega Scizor, and Extreme Killer Arceus can deter a potential Mewtwo sweep.

**Status**: In general, Mewtwo dislikes being inflicted with status. Paralysis severely hinders Mewtwo by lowering its Speed, thus leaving it vulnerable to attacks. Burns cripple Mega Mewtwo X by significantly lowering its power.
 
Last edited:

autumn

only i will remain
is a Site Content Manageris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
C&C Leader
GP 2/2
[OVERVIEW]

* Mewtwo's access to two Mega Evolutions makes it extremely versatile.
* Its high offensive stats allow it to effectively wallbreak early- and mid-game as well as clean up late-game.
* An excellent Speed tier means Mewtwo outspeeds many offensive threats in the metagame, including Marshadow, Ultra Necrozma, Naganadel, and anything slower.
* Mewtwo has an exceptional movepool that consists of powerful coverage, utility, and setup moves. (mention at least one of each imo)
* Mewtwo can beat a wide array of Pokemon such as Mega Salamence, Zygarde-C, Magearna, Tyranitar, support Arceus formes, and most defensive Steel-types depending on what coverage moves it opts to go for.
* Mewtwo also has amazing potential with Psychic Terrain support; it augments Mewtwo's sweeping potential by increasing the power of Psystrike and making Mewtwo immune to strong priority moves like Marshadow's Shadow Sneak.
* Though it has decent bulk for an offensive Pokemon, Mewtwo offers no defensive synergy because its typing lacks useful resistances.
* Mewtwo unfortunately cannot run all of the coverage moves it wants to. This leaves it checked by more Pokemon depending on the coverage it forgoes.
* Mewtwo also faces competition from Deoxys-A and Ultra Necrozma as a fast Psychic-type wallbreaker. Deoxys-A is faster, whereas Ultra Necrozma has multiple sets and thus similar versatility, and both don't take up a Mega slot. However, Fire Blast helps Mewtwo differentiate itself from said Pokemon.

[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Psystrike
move 2: Ice Beam
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: Focus Blast / Calm Mind / Taunt
item: Mewtwonite Y
ability: Unnerve
nature: Timid
evs: 8 HP / 80 Def / 228 SpA / 192 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* STAB Psystrike severely dents Pokemon that don't resist it while hitting dedicated special walls like Blissey on their physical defense. It also chips away at some of Mewtwo's switch-ins like Ho-Oh and Primal Groudon.
* Ice Beam offers much-needed coverage, OHKOing Mega Salamence and Rayquaza and hitting Yveltal, Arceus-Ground, Zygarde-C, Ultra Necrozma, and both Giratina formes hard.
* Fire Blast is very important for hitting Necrozma-DM and also hits certain other Steel-types like Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Celesteela, Magearna, and Aegislash harder than Focus Blast can.
* Focus Blast allows Mewtwo to hit Steel-types like Dialga and Dark-types like Tyranitar, Darkrai, and Arceus-Dark.
* Calm Mind gives Mewtwo the ability to set up and potentially sweep; it can OHKO or 2HKO most Pokemon after a boost. However, using Calm Mind forces Mewtwo to forgo one of its coverage options, making it walled by more Pokemon depending on the move it won't be using.
* Taunt can improve Mewtwo's matchup against more defensive teams as well as bulkier Geomancy Xerneas sets, but note that Mewtwo values dishing out as much damage as possible with its expansive movepool.
* Shadow Ball OHKOes Lunala when its Shadow Shield is down and gives Mewtwo a reliable way of hitting Necrozma-DM, Necrozma-DW, Mega Sableye, Arceus-Ghost, Aegislash, Gothitelle, and all other bulky Psychic-types in one moveslot.

Set Details
========

* 8 HP EVs and 80 Defense EVs allow Mega Mewtwo Y to avoid the OHKO from Life Orb Marshadow's Shadow Sneak.
* The given Speed investment along with a Timid nature makes allows Mewtwo to outspeed Marshadow, Modest Deoxys-A, Ultra Necrozma, Naganadel, Mega Gengar, and anything slower.
* The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack to increase Mewtwo's power.
* Using Unnerve as the pre-Mega ability allows Mewtwo to hit Chople Berry Extreme Killer Arceus and Tyranitar harder prior to Mega Evolving.
* Mewtwonite Y enables Mewtwo to Mega Evolve into Mega Mewtwo Y, giving it Insomnia and crucial Speed benchmarks.
* A Life Orb increases Mewtwo's overall damage output; Mewtwo does more damage than Mega Mewtwo Y. However, Life Orb recoil wears Mewtwo down, and the extra Speed Mega Mewtwo Y possesses enables it to outspeed the aforementioned key threats.

Usage Tips
========

* Mewtwo works best as a mid- or late-game cleaner when its checks have been weakened enough, but it can also be used early- and mid-game to punch holes in the opposing team, and it can weaken some of its checks.
* Try to get Mewtwo in safely through a double switch or the use of a pivot because it isn't bulky enough to take powerful attacks.
* If Mewtwo is running Taunt, it should be used liberally to shut down support Pokemon.
* It is best to use the appropriate coverage move to wallbreak more effectively, especially on a predicted switch.
* When running Calm Mind, it is very important to only set up when all of Mewtwo's checks are gone and all faster Pokemon and priority users have been eliminated.
* When trying to sweep with Calm Mind, set up on a predicted switch or on defensive Pokemon that either can't do much damage back or are weak to Mewtwo's moves, such as Toxapex, Blissey, and some support Arceus formes.
* Due to Mewtwo not being able to run all the coverage it wants to, appropriate foes must be eliminated before sweeping, especially when using Calm Mind or Taunt. If not using Fire Blast, Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Mega Scizor, Celesteela, and Aegislash must be weakened before sweeping. If not using Focus Blast, Dark-types like Tyranitar and Darkrai should similarly be weakened.
* Note that if Mewtwo has to stay in against Life Orb Marshadow after taking Stealth Rock damage, it should not Mega Evolve; not Mega Evolving allows it to survive Shadow Sneak and then OHKO Marshadow with Psystrike.

Team Options
========

* Mewtwo really appreciates entry hazard support from Pokemon like Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Deoxys-S, and Dialga.
* Mewtwo values Primal Groudon, Zygarde-C, Marshadow, and Ho-Oh for checking Steel-types like Necrozma-DM, Magearna, and Aegislash, especially if Mewtwo lacks Fire Blast.
* Tapu Lele provides Mewtwo with Psychic Terrain support, increasing the power of Psystrike and negating any priority that might stop Mewtwo like Marshadow's Shadow Sneak that might stop Mewtwo.
* Dark-types such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Darkrai deal with the Ghost-types that trouble Mewtwo, particularly Marshadow, Necrozma-DW, Lunala, and Aegislash.
* Fairy-types like Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy check Dark-types, and Arceus-Fairy is also able to deal with Marshadow defensively. Mewtwo can check Poison- and Steel-types in return.
* Setup sweepers such as Necrozma-DM, offensive Primal Groudon, Swords Dance Ultra Necrozma, and Extreme Killer Arceus appreciate Mewtwo's ability to weaken Pokemon such as Zygarde-C and Toxapex for a sweep.
* Bulky walls such as Primal Groudon, Arceus-Water, Arceus-Fairy, Zygarde-C, defensive Primal Kyogre, and defensive Yveltal can sponge attacks aimed at Mewtwo.
* Yveltal, Magearna, and Mega Scizor (if using regular Mewtwo) grant Mewtwo free and safe switches.

[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Low Kick
move 2: Taunt
move 3: Ice Beam / Zen Headbutt
move 4: Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
item: Mewtwonite X
ability: Pressure
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

* Low Kick is a reliable and consistent STAB move that deals good damage to most targets due to how common heavy Pokemon are in the tier, 2HKOing Pokemon like Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Ground, and offensive Yveltal.
* Taunt shuts down support Arceus formes and other defensive Pokemon that may try to status Mewtwo, possibly forcing a switch.
* Ice Beam always OHKOes Mega Salamence and 2HKOes Zygarde-C while hitting Yveltal, Ultra Necrozma, and both Giratina formes hard.
* Stone Edge OHKOes Ho-Oh and does more damage to Yveltal than any of Mewtwo's other moves.
* Ice Beam + Stone Edge enables Mewtwo to break past all Ho-Oh, Zygarde-C, and Mega Salamence sets.
* Rock Slide can be used as an alternative to Stone Edge to still OHKO most Ho-Oh variants while having greater accuracy.
* STAB Zen Headbutt OHKOes Mega Gengar and Marshadow and hits Xerneas, but using it requires Mewtwo to forgo either Ice Beam or Stone Edge.
* Earthquake OHKOes Mega Gengar and dents Primal Groudon and Aegislash, but it is inferior to Zen Headbutt.
* Poison Jab or Iron Tail can be run to hit Fairy-types like Xerneas and Arceus-Fairy, but they are ineffective options outside of this.
* Recover along with a bulkier EV spread improves Mewtwo's longevity.

Set Details
========

* Full Attack and Speed investment with a Jolly nature makes Mega Mewtwo X as fast and powerful as possible.
* 252 Speed EVs specifically allow it to outspeed Marshadow, Ultra Necrozma, and Naganadel.
* 252 Attack EVs notably give Mega Mewtwo X the ability to 2HKO defensive Primal Kyogre with Low Kick.
* An alternative EV spread of 176 Def / 80 SpD / 252 Spe (with a jolly nature?) gives Mega Mewtwo X significantly increased bulk that allows it to check threats like Mega Lucario and Extreme Killer Arceus, surviving Mega Lucario's Meteor Mash followed by boosted Bullet Punch after Meteor Mash's Attack raise and Life Orb Extreme Killer Arceus's +2 Extreme Speed. The 80 Special Defense EVs let Mega Mewtwo X avoid the OHKO from Mega Gengar's Shadow Ball after it has been trapped and take two neutral Judgments from support Arceus formes even after Stealth Rock damage. Note that Mega Mewtwo X will have a very noticeable power drop.
* Mewtwonite X is used to become Mega Mewtwo X, granting Mewtwo a secondary Fighting typing, higher Attack, and increased bulk.
* Mewtwo gains Steadfast upon Mega Evolution, which is situationally useful against Choice Scarf variants of Shaymin-S and Genesect.

Usage Tips
========

* Mega Mewtwo X works best as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker that weakens checks for another Pokemon on your team to sweep.
* Because it is very fast, it can also be used to revenge kill slower threats with Low Kick or sweep on its own if the opposition is weakened enough.
* Mewtwo should be brought in safely by double switching or using a pivot, since it isn't bulky enough to switch into a powerful attack.
* Low Kick dents almost all Pokemon hit by it; Mewtwo should use this move as much as possible when wallbreaking.
* Taunt should be used liberally on defensive Pokemon to prevent them from using recovery, status, and utility moves.
* If Mega Mewtwo X has Ice Beam, it can stay in on Mega Salamence and Rayquaza and OHKO them. Similarly, Mewtwo can stay in on Ho-Oh and OHKO it if running Stone Edge.
* When using a set that is walled by Toxapex, it is often better to risk being burned and go for Taunt to prevent Toxic Spikes from being set up, followed by switching to a counter.
* One can opt to bluff a special attacking Mewtwo set in order to get a surprise KO. For example, sending Mewtwo in against a physical wall might entice the opponent to switch into a special wall like Alolan Muk, in which case Mega Evolving Mewtwo to hit them with a powerful Low Kick can lead to a quicker KO.
* Mega Mewtwo X can OHKO some boosted threats that Mega Mewtwo Y cannot, such as Calm Mind-boosted Arceus-Dark; therefore, if they stay in thinking Mewtwo cannot KO them, Mega Evolving Mewtwo will surprise them and stop a potential sweep.

Team Options
========

* Entry hazards help Mega Mewtwo X pressure the opposing team more. Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, Cloyster, and Dialga all have access to hazards.
* Primal Groudon, Necrozma-DM, and Ho-Oh check Xerneas. Mewtwo beats Zygarde-C for them in return as well as checking Arceus-Rock and Tyranitar for Ho-Oh.
* Dark-types such as Yveltal, Arceus-Dark, and Darkrai deal with the Ghost-types that trouble Mewtwo, particularly Lunala, Necrozma-DW, Arceus-Ghost, and Marshadow, as well as Necrozma-DM.
* Fairy-types like Xerneas are great partners for Mewtwo because they check Dark-types, while Mewtwo can check the Steel-types that trouble them in return.
* Arceus-Ground and Zygarde-C are able to check Primal Groudon and Mega Salamence, and Zygarde-C can also beat Ho-Oh and Extreme Killer Arceus.
* Celesteela and Ferrothorn are able to check Xerneas and Extreme Killer Arceus; Celesteela also checks Mega Salamence, and Ferrothorn is able to deal with Primal Kyogre as well as set up entry hazards.
* Defog support Arceus formes such as Arceus-Water and Arceus-Fairy can remove entry hazards, particularly Toxic Spikes. Arceus-Fairy also deals with Marshadow.
* Yveltal and Magearna give Mewtwo safe switches. (specify pivot moves because I had to read that twice to see your point)

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

* Mewtwo has an expansive movepool consisting of many options it can utilize depending on what set it opts for.
* Thunder on Mega Mewtwo Y hits Arceus-Water, Lugia, and physically defensive Primal Kyogre for more damage. However, it is inaccurate and offers inferior coverage compared to Mewtwo's other moves.
* Future Sight is a powerful wallbreaking tool that pressures the opponent to switch, giving you the advantage and allowing you to make the appropriate play against the predicted switch-in, but Future Sight is hard to fit when Mewtwo needs as much coverage as possible.
* Aura Sphere is a perfectly accurate alternative to Focus Blast, but it is extremely weak, having only less than a 50% chance to OHKO Darkrai.
* Will-O-Wisp cripples physically offensive switch-ins like Necrozma-DM, Arceus-Ghost, and Alolan Muk, but it doesn't affect Primal Groudon and Ho-Oh.
* Psychium Z is plausible instead of Life Orb when using regular Mewtwo. Mewtwo's Calm Mind-boosted attacks make up for the loss of Life Orb, and +1 Shattered Psyche OHKOes many Arceus formes. Unfortunately, Deoxys-A fulfills the role of Psychium Z Mewtwo in a much more effective manner.
* Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, and Power-Up Punch on Mega Mewtwo X are all options to hit specific threats, but Mewtwo's other moves offer superior coverage that hits most of the tier.
* Brutal Swing OHKOes Lunala when Shadow Shield is down and 2HKOes Necrozma-DW.
* Bulk Up + Drain Punch enables Mega Mewtwo X to set up while increasing its longevity.

Checks and Counters
===================

Note that Mewtwo's checks and counters will vary slightly depending on if it is Mega Mewtwo Y or Mega Mewtwo X. Not all of the below Pokemon check both Mewtwo formes.

**Lunala and Necrozma-DW**: Lunala and Necrozma-DW hard check any Mega Mewtwo Y set without Shadow Ball and can OHKO it with Moongeist Beam. Lunala and Necrozma-DW have high Special Defense and resist Psystrike, so they can come in on Mega Mewtwo Y rather easily. Both are also immune to Mega Mewtwo X's Low Kick and aren't 2HKOed by any of its coverage moves even when Shadow Shield is down, while they can threaten Mewtwo with Moongeist Beam. However, Lunala and Necrozma-DW get outsped by Mewtwo, and if Mewtwo is carrying Shadow Ball or Brutal Swing, Lunala is OHKOed without its Shadow Shield, and Necrozma-DW is hit hard.

**Ghost-types**: The rest of the Ghost-types within the tier all pose as threats to Mewtwo, as they are immune to Low Kick and can hit Mewtwo with super effective STAB moves. Arceus-Ghost can use Mega Mewtwo X as setup fodder and hit Mewtwo it with a super effective STAB attack. However, Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO Arceus-Ghost with Psystrike. Giratina and Giratina-O are not 2HKOed by Mega Mewtwo X's Ice Beam and can wall variants without it, but Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO them with Ice Beam. Aegislash threatens Mega Mewtwo Y with STAB moves and resists its main attacks, and if Mega Mewtwo Y isn't carrying Fire Blast or Shadow Ball, Aegislash completely walls it. Mega Mewtwo X can 2HKO Aegislash with Earthquake, though. Mega Sableye is immune to Psystrike and Zen Headbutt, is not 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo X's coverage moves, can 2HKO Mewtwo with Foul Play, and can status it. Marshadow can revenge kill Mewtwo with Shadow Sneak if it has taken any chip damage, but it cannot switch into Mega Mewtwo Y.

**Yveltal**: Yveltal struggles to switch into Ice Beam, but it is immune to Psystrike, and once in safely, it can threaten Mewtwo with a powerful STAB move. Defensive Yveltal is not 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo X's moves other than Stone Edge and can 2HKO it with Foul Play, but Mega Mewtwo Y can 2HKO defensive Yveltal with Ice Beam.

**Bulky Psychic-types**: Bulky Psychic-types such as defensive Necrozma-DM, Lugia, and defensive Solgaleo resist Psystrike, can take most of Mewtwo's coverage moves well, and can status Mewtwo in return or, in Necrozma-DM's case, hit it with a powerful Sunsteel Strike. Lugia also resists Low Kick. However, all of them are hit decently hard by Shadow Ball, Lugia is dented by Mega Mewtwo X's Stone Edge and Mega Mewtwo Y's Ice Beam, and Necrozma-DM and Solgaleo are hit super effectively by Earthquake and Fire Blast. Also, all of these bulky Psychic-types are stopped by Taunt for the most part.

**Bulky Fairy-types**: Bulky Fairy-types like Arceus-Fairy, Xerneas, and Klefki take very little damage from Low Kick and threaten Mega Mewtwo X with super effective STAB attacks. Mega Mewtwo X cannot 2HKO Arceus-Fairy, which can OHKO back. Xerneas can beat Mega Mewtwo X if it doesn't run Iron Tail or Poison Jab. Klefki can come in on most of Mega Mewtwo X's attacks and cripple it with Thunder Wave, but it will be OHKOed by Earthquake. Most of these Fairy-types are also bulky enough to take on Mega Mewtwo Y and retaliate. Bulkier Xerneas sets can use Mega Mewtwo Y as setup fodder if it is not running Taunt, and Klefki can cripple it with Thunder Wave. However, they are still dented by Psystrike, and Klefki is nailed by Fire Blast.

**Alolan Muk**: Alolan Muk cannot be 2HKOed by any of Mega Mewtwo Y's attacks even at +1, and it can Pursuit trap Mewtwo or potentially poison it. However, Alolan Muk isn't a threat for Mega Mewtwo X due to Low Kick.

**Primal Groudon**: None of Mega Mewtwo Y's attacks can 2HKO specially defensive Primal Groudon, which can hit back hard with Precipice Blades. However, Primal Groudon can be worn down by repeated attacks from Mewtwo. It isn't a reliable check to Mega Mewtwo X, however, as it risks being 2HKOed by Earthquake.

**Ho-Oh**: Ho-Oh can come in on all of Mega Mewtwo X's attacks bar Stone Edge and OHKO it in return with Brave Bird or burn it with Sacred Fire. However, Stone Edge will OHKO Ho-Oh, and Mega Mewtwo Y can hurt it with Psystrike.

**Faster Threats and Priority**: Faster Pokemon and revenge killers such as Pheromosa and Deoxys-A as well as Choice Scarf Yveltal, Xerneas, and Genesect can outspeed Mewtwo and do heavy damage to or KO it. Mega Mewtwo Y has the ability to outspeed Mega Gengar and Modest Deoxys-A, however. Furthermore, priority users such as Marshadow, Mega Scizor, and Extreme Killer Arceus can deter a potential Mewtwo sweep.

**Status**: In general, Mewtwo dislikes being inflicted with status. Paralysis severely hinders Mewtwo by lowering its Speed, thus leaving it vulnerable to attacks. Burns cripple Mega Mewtwo X by significantly lowering its power.
 

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top