OU Ampharos

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[10:02:17 AM] flcl: its hory xD
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Overview
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Ampharos never shined in the higher tiers in the past generations, but with the introduction of Generation 6 IV / Six (uh basically numbers <10 should be written out in full), Ampharos gained a new Mega Evolution. This mega-evolution brought it many new things, most notably a huge raise to its Special Attack. Better yet, it got a boost to its overall bulk and now has a typing of Electric-Dragon an Electric / Dragon typing, allowing it to switch into threats such as Rotom-Wash and Talonflame. It is now one of the best counters to Electric-types in OU, and is especially a good counter to Pokemon such as Thundurus and Mega Charizard Y. Mega Ampharos is also not weak to Pursuit, which is great, as most Mega Charizard Y counters are weak to pursuit. After Mega Evolving, Ampharos gains the ability Mold Breaker, which is helpful for breaking bypassing Skarmory's Sturdy, negating Dragonite's Multiscale, and being able to hit hitting Thundurus-T with Thunderbolt. However, it is not without its flaws. After Mega Evolving, it's weak to common attacking types such as Dragon and Ground, and drops down in base speed to 45 its base Speed drops down to 45. Despite it being a Dragon-type, it doesn't get Draco Meteor, limiting its Dragon STAB move to Dragon Pulse. However, if Mega Ampharos's great Special Attack and defensive stats are used correctly, it can be a huge threat on teams.
Specially Defensive
########
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite

evs: 248 HP / 28 SAtk SpA / 232 SDef SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Volt Switch is a decently powerful STAB
attack, but more importantly, it keeps up momentum, which is good,(AC) as Mega Ampharos is usually outslows slower, and allows you to switch into a more favorable matchup. Dragon Pulse is the most powerful move on the set, and is Mega Ampharos's main Dragon STAB attack. With Volt Switch and Dragon Pulse, you are given it gets great neutral coverage, only notably resisted by Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Magnezone. Rest and Sleep Talk form the RestTalk combo, and allows Mega Ampharos to recover health as well as shrug off status, which is why it is a good counter to Rotom-Wash. Focus Blast can be used instead of Sleep Talk if there is a cleric on the team, but Sleep Talk is generally better.
Set Details
=======

248 HP EVs helps max out HP and take hits much better, but it is more importantly a Stealth Rock number, as it allows allowing Mega Ampharos to switch into Stealth Rock as many times as possible. The Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature allow Mega Ampharos to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Thundurus, Modest Zard Y Mega Charizard Y,(AC) and Life Orb Aegislash (should probably clarify what moves). The rest of the EVs are put into Special Attack to give a small boost to Mega Ampharos's Special Attack attacks.
Usage Tips
=======

Ampharos should be
Mega Evolved as soon as possible, as it is considerably less bulky before it Mega Evolves, taking away its niche as a good tank. This set should neither be played as a wall or a completely offensive Pokemon; it is supposed to switch into certain Pokemon and hit hard back while gaining momentum. (period) RestTalk allows it to not get keeps it from being worn down and allows Mega Ampharos to consistently wall Pokemon such as Talonflame or and Thundurus. Volt Switch is Mega Ampharos's most spammable move, as it will at the worst least get switch initiative on every Pokemon that isn't a Ground -type. Thundurus is not a threat in blocking the cannot absorb Volt Switch as Mold Breaker negates Volt Absorb.
Team Options
========

Landorus-T can form a great VoltTurn core with Mega Ampharos, as it has access to U-Turn (redundant, saying it forms a voltturn core implies it has uturn since amph has vswitch), deals with most Ground-types and physical Dragon-types, and can deal with Mega Mawile. It also lures Pokemon such as Skarmory, making Mega Ampharos a good switch-in. Skarmory is also a good teammate, as it can form a defensive core with Mega Ampharos, because it can switch into Dragon-type and Ground-type moves that threaten Mega Ampharos, while Mega Ampharos in return can switch into Electric-type and Fire-type moves that threaten Skarmory. Mega Ampharos is threatened by Landorus-I's Earth Power, which makes Assault Vest Tornadus-T a good teammate as it counters Landorus-I overall nicely. Stealth Rock setters are also helpful as Mega Ampharos can force Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Thundurus out to take Stealth Rock damage when they switch back in.
Agility
########
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 3: Dragon Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Agility is Mega Ampharos's speed boosting move boosts Mega Ampharos's Speed, allowing it to sweep everything up to Timid Greninja after being used. Thunderbolt is Mega Ampharos's main STAB move, while Dragon Pulse is the secondary and weaker STAB move. Focus Blast is in the last slot as a filler that provides super-effective coverage against Steel-, Rock-, Dark-, and Normal-types. If being used on a rain team, Thunderbolt can be replaced with Thunder.
Set Details
========

4 HP EVs makes gives Mega Ampharos's HP stat a Stealth Rock number, allowing Mega Ampharos it to switch into Stealth Rock more times. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature max out Mega Ampharos's Special Attack, allowing Mega Ampharos to hit as hard as possible. 252 Speed EVs max out Mega Ampharos's Speed for a neutral nature, allowing it outspeed everything up to Timid Greninja after an Agility boost. Timid can also be used instead of Modest to outspeed more Pokemon, but the power drop from Mega Ampharos's Special Attack doesn't make it very worth it makes it inferior.
Usage Tips
========

Usually When Mega Ampharos is on the field, generally the first thing to do is set up Agility. This is best executed when threats such as ScarfChomp are taken off of the field, as they outspeed after an Agility boost and can potentially OHKO. Another good time to set up is when you can force switches against Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Rotom-Wash, as Mega Ampharos can set up on their switch. Lastly, after setting up an Agility with all potential threats gone, Mega Ampharos only needs to worry about attacking.
Team Options
=========

Clerics are very helpful, as this set lacks a way to regain health back and is easily crippled by poison or a burn. This set also can make use of teammates that can beat special walls, as this set struggles to take them down and is easily stalled out. Any physical attacker, such as Scizor or Terrakion,(AC) make great partners. Pokemon such as Keldeo, Landorus, and Bisharp make great partners as they can resist Mega Ampharos's weaknesses together, and each hit Mega Ampharos's threats hard before as they can switch in. If Mega Ampharos is running Thunder, Politoed can be a good rain setter inducer to fully maximize its accuracy. To help Mega Ampharos set up by taking less damage, dual screen users setters and Memento Latios can boost Mega Ampharos's defenses or force switches. Lastly, entry hazard setters such as Landorus-T can be helpful to wear down special walls, giving Mega Ampharos an easier time.
Other Options
########

Discharge is a great move on Mega Ampharos, especially on a defensive set, as it provides the small chance a greater chance of paralysis and can stop Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Tyranitar from sweeping. Mega Ampharos can run a specially defensive set; as much as although it does sacrifices power, it can tanks hits from Pokemon such as Landorus-I much better. Thunder is slashed on the agility set because it can be used on a rain team, but is still inconsistent due to lack of consistent rain, making it a risky option no matter what (already mentioned in 'moves', no need). Another Other attacking options Mega Ampharos can use are lesser looked at oft-forgotten moves such as Power Gem and Signal Beam, but each have only has a small niche and wastes a moveslot that can be used for something better. Lastly, Mega Ampharos can run a fully defensive set with Toxic or Thunder Wave and Cotton Guard, but Mega Ampharos it has better things to be doing,(AC) as well as it being and it is rather gimmicky.
Checks & Counters
########

**Special Walls**: Special walls such as Blissey or and Sylveon can easily stall it out, although it ends up in a stall war with the RestTalk set, but Mega Ampharos can get the advantage with its pivot out with Volt Switch. Tyranitar and Ferrothorn counter the RestTalk set, although they should be cautious of taking a Focus Blast from the Agility set. <- full stop

**Status**: Status problems conditions such as a burn or poison put a timer on Mega Ampharos's time on the field, as it can only get rid of these by risking a moveslot for Rest or Heal Bell. <- full stop

**Scarfers Revenge Killers**: Most relevant scarfers Choice Scarf users can outspeed and KO with EQ Earthquake, unless Mega Ampharos boosts twice with Agility. <- full stop

*Specially Defensive Hippowdon* Hippowdons invested in Special Defense are usually the best counter to Mega Ampharos, refusing to be 2HKOed by anything in its arsenal, while it can 2HKO with Earthquake it back for a 2hko. It also blocks Mega Ampharos's Volt Switch. <- full stop


GP 1/2
 
Last edited:

Ender

pelagic
is a Contributor Alumnus
GP 2/2

Overview
########

Ampharos never shined in the higher tiers in the past generations, but with the advent of XY Generation Six, Ampharos gained a Mega Evolution. This brought with it many new things, most notably a huge raise in to its Special Attack. Better yet, it got a boost to its overall bulk and now has an Electric / Dragon typing, allowing it to switch into threats such as Rotom-W and Talonflame. It is now one of the best counters to Electric-types in OU, and it is an especially a good counter to Pokemon such as Thundurus and Mega Charizard Y. Mega Ampharos is also not weak to Pursuit, which is great, as most Mega Charizard Y counters are. After Mega Evolving, Ampharos gains the ability Mold Breaker, which is helpful for bypassing Skarmory's Sturdy, negating Dragonite's Multiscale, and hitting Thundurus-T with Thunderbolt. However, it is not without its flaws. after Mega Evolving, it's weak to common attacking types such as Dragon and Ground, and its base Speed drops down to 45. Despite it being a Dragon-type, it doesn't get Draco Meteor, limiting its Dragon STAB move to Dragon Pulse. However, if Mega Ampharos's great Special Attack and defensive stats are used correctly, it can be a huge threat.
[space]
Specially Defensive
########
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Volt Switch
move 2: Dragon Pulse
move 3: Rest
move 4: Sleep Talk
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite
evs: 248 HP / 28 SpA / 232 SpD
nature: Calm

Moves
========

Volt Switch is a decently powerful STAB attack, but more importantly, it keeps up momentum, which is good,(AC) as Mega Ampharos is usually slower, and which allows you to switch into a more favorable matchup. Dragon Pulse is the most powerful move on the set [removed ,] and is Mega Ampharos's main Dragon-type STAB attack. With Volt Switch and Dragon Pulse, it gets great neutral coverage, only resisted by Ferrothorn, Excadrill, and Magnezone. Rest and Sleep Talk form the RestTalk combo, allowing and allows Mega Ampharos to recover health as well as shrug off status, which is why it is a good counter to Rotom-W. Focus Blast can be used instead of Sleep Talk if there is a cleric on the team, but Sleep Talk is generally better.

Set Details
=======

248 HP EVs helps max out HP and take hits much better, but it is more importantly a Stealth Rock number, allowing Mega Ampharos to switch into Stealth Rock as many times as possible. The Special Defense EVs with a Calm nature allow Mega Ampharos to avoid the 2HKO from Life Orb Thundurus, Modest Mega Charizard Y, and Life Orb Aegislash that threaten with Shadow Ball. The rest of the EVs are put in Special Attack to give a small boost to Mega Ampharos's attacks.

Usage Tips
=======

Ampharos should be Mega Evolved as soon as possible, as it is considerably less bulky before it Mega Evolves, taking away its niche as a good tank. This set should neither be played as a wall nor as a completely offensive Pokemon; it is supposed to switch into certain Pokemon and hit hard back while gaining momentum. RestTalk keeps it from being worn down and allows Mega Ampharos to consistently wall Pokemon such as Talonflame and Thundurus. Volt Switch is Mega Ampharos's most spammable move, as it will at least get switch initiative on every Pokemon that isn't a Ground-type. Thundurus cannot absorb Volt Switch, [comma] as Mold Breaker negates Volt Absorb.

Team Options
========

Landorus-T can form a great VoltTurn core with Mega Ampharos, and deals with most Ground-types and physical Dragon-types, and can deal with Mega Mawile. It also lures Pokemon such as Skarmory, making Mega Ampharos a good switch-in. Skarmory is also a good teammate, as it can form a defensive core with Mega Ampharos [removed ,] because it can switch into Dragon- and Ground-type moves that threaten Mega Ampharos, while Mega Ampharos in return can switch into Electric-type and Fire-type moves that threaten Skarmory in return. Mega Ampharos is threatened by Landorus-I's Earth Power, which makes Assault Vest Tornadus-T a good teammate, [comma] as it counters Landorus-I nicely. Stealth Rock setters are also helpful, [comma] as Mega Ampharos can force Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Thundurus out to take Stealth Rock damage when they switch back in.

Agility
########
name: Agility
move 1: Agility
move 2: Thunderbolt / Thunder
move 3: Dragon Pulse
move 4: Focus Blast
ability: Static
item: Ampharosite
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
nature: Modest

Moves
========

Agility boosts Mega Ampharos's Speed, allowing it to sweep everything up to Timid Greninja after being used. Thunderbolt is Mega Ampharos's main STAB move, while Dragon Pulse is the secondary and weaker STAB move. Focus Blast is in the last slot as a filler that provides super effective coverage against Steel-, Rock-, Dark-, and Normal-types. If being used on a rain team, Thunderbolt can be replaced with Thunder.

Set Details
========

4 HP EVs gives Mega Ampharos's HP a Stealth Rock number, allowing it to switch into Stealth Rock more times. 252 Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature max out Mega Ampharos's Special Attack, allowing Mega Ampharos to hit as hard as possible. 252 Speed EVs max out Mega Ampharos's Speed for a neutral nature, allowing it outspeed everything up to Timid Greninja after an Agility boost. Timid can also be used instead of Modest to outspeed more Pokemon, but the power drop from Mega Ampharos's Special Attack makes it inferior.
[space]
Usage Tips
========

When Mega Ampharos is on the field, generally the first thing to do is set up Agility. This is best executed when threats such as ScarfChomp are eliminated taken off of the field, as they outspeed after an Agility boost and can potentially OHKO. Another good time to set up is when you can force switches against Pokemon such as Mega Charizard Y and Rotom-Wash, as Mega Ampharos can set up on their switch. Lastly, after setting up an Agility with all potential threats gone, Mega Ampharos only needs to worry about attacking.

Team Options
=========

Clerics are very helpful, as this set lacks a way to regain health and is easily crippled by poison or a burn. This set can also can make use of teammates that can beat special walls, as this set struggles to take them down and is easily stalled out. Any physical attackers, such as Scizor or Terrakion,(AC) make great partners. Pokemon such as Keldeo, Landorus, and Bisharp also make great partners, [comma] as they can resist Mega Ampharos's weaknesses together, and they each hit Mega Ampharos's threats hard as they switch in. If Mega Ampharos is running Thunder, Politoed can be a good rain inducer to fully maximize its accuracy. To help Mega Ampharos set up by taking less damage, dual screen users and Memento Latios can boost Mega Ampharos's defenses or force switches. Lastly, entry hazard setters such as Landorus-T can be helpful to wear down special walls, giving Mega Ampharos an easier time.

Other Options
########

Discharge is a great move on Mega Ampharos, especially on a defensive set, as it provides a greater chance of paralysis and can stop Pokemon such as Dragon Dance Tyranitar from sweeping. Mega Ampharos can run a specially defensive set; although it sacrifices power, it can tank hits from Pokemon such as Landorus-I much more easily better. Other attacking options Mega Ampharos can use are oft-forgotten moves such as Power Gem and Signal Beam, but each only has a small niche and wastes a moveslot that can be used for something better. Lastly, Mega Ampharos can run a fully defensive set with Toxic or Thunder Wave and Cotton Guard, but it's gimmicky and Mega Ampharos has better things to be doing, and it is rather gimmicky.

Checks & Counters
########

**Special Walls**: Special walls such as Blissey and Sylveon can easily stall it out, although they end it ends up in a stall war with the RestTalk set, but while Mega Ampharos can pivot out with Volt Switch. Tyranitar and Ferrothorn counter the RestTalk set, although they should be cautious of taking a Focus Blast from the Agility set.

**Status**: Status conditions such as burn or poison put a timer on Mega Ampharos's life, as it can only get rid of these by risking using a moveslot for Rest or Heal Bell.

**Revenge Killers**: Most relevant Choice Scarf users can outspeed and KO with Earthquake, unless Mega Ampharos boosts twice with Agility.

*Specially Defensive Hippowdon* Hippowdon invested in Special Defense is are usually the best counter to Mega Ampharos, refusing to be 2HKOed by anything in its arsenal, while it can 2HKO back with Earthquake. It also blocks Mega Ampharos's Volt Switch.
 
Last edited:
Ik this is considered completed, but shouldn't you put Chansey instead of Blissey as a counter to Ampharos in the "Special Walls" section?
 

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