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Thanks to its great utility options and defensive profile, Charizard can offer teams valuable support while also checking prominent threats such as Ribombee and Choice Specs Whimsicott. With Toxic, it can more easily wear down common switch-ins in Gigalith, Regirock, and Lanturn. Mystical Fire can be used as a STAB option over Flamethrower to help Charizard take on Stored Power users, notably Mesprit, Uxie, and Claydol. The move also allows Charizard to beat Scald Jellicent alongside Toxic. Good teammates for Charizard would be Pokemon such as Perrserker and Trevenant, as they help further break down Rock- and Water-types such as Regirock and Jellicent, respectively. Pokemon like Sandaconda and Weezing also pair well with Charizard, setting entry hazards to help weaken its checks and absorbing Knock Off for it. Finally, teammates such as Quiver Dance Ribombee and Nasty Plot Mesprit appreciate Charizard crippling Gigalith with Toxic, as they have a hard time breaking through it even after a boost.

Charizard's impressive Speed and coverage allows it to outspeed common Choice Scarf users like Togedemaru and Mesprit as well as threaten its would-be switch-ins such as Gigalith after a Dragon Dance. Roost allows Charizard to switch into threats like Ribombee and Whimsicott as well as set up more easily, while Thunder Punch is Charizard's best option to hit Jellicent, having a solid chance of 2HKOing it; it also hits Archeops and opposing Charizard. Charizard's middling Attack means it can't sweep unless the opposing team is very weakened; this makes wallbreakers like Vikavolt and Trevenant very appreciated. They can both take on defensive behemoths such as Jellicent and Regirock that Charizard struggles against. Choice Scarf Togedemaru can check Lycanroc; similarly, Froslass can wear down its shared checks with Charizard, like Gigalith, particularly with Spikes.

Charizard makes for a great wallbreaker and offensive check to Pokemon like Ribombee, Gourgeist-S, and Gallade. Toxic cripples switch-ins such as Lanturn and Gigalith; it also allows Charizard to pressure Jellicent and Aromatisse more effectively. Defog allows Charizard to clear all entry hazards as it forces out entry hazard setters like Weezing. Fighting-types like Gallade and Sawk appreciate Charizard pressuring their switch-ins such as Ribombee. In exchange, they can take on Charizard's answers like Gigalith and Lanturn. Pokemon like Sandaconda and Jellicent make for good partners thanks to their ability to take on attackers that force Charizard out like Lycanroc and Basculin, respectively. On sun teams, Solar Power is an option, as it makes Charizard significantly harder to switch into. On such teams, it should forego Hurricane for Solar Beam and run Weather Ball in the fourth moveslot, and Choice Specs is an option over Heavy-Duty Boots. Charizard should also be paired with other Pokemon that take advantage of sun such as Shiftry.

Charizard isn't a great option, as it is outclassed by special attackers like Volcarona, Blacephalon, and Heatran. However, thanks to its great Speed, high Special Attack, and Solar Power with sun support, Charizard makes a below-average Choice Scarf user. It's able to outspeed threats such as Choice Scarf Excadrill and Dragapult and threaten them with its powerful attacks. Furthermore, Charizard's great Speed combined with its access to Dragon Pulse notably separates it from other Fire-types, as it helps tremendously with the Dragon matchup. However, Charizard faces competition with Blacephalon as a Choice Scarf user. Its Flying typing is beneficial because it grants immunity to Ground-type attacks, but most Ground-types tend to run Rock coverage anyway and it leaves Charizard even more vulnerable to Stealth Rock. Flamethrower is used in situations where Charizard can't afford missing such as against Choice Scarf Excadrill, which can sweep Fire pretty easily without Charizard to revenge kill it. Fire Blast is the more powerful option, best suited when Charizard wants to deal as much damage as possible against bulky Pokemon like Galarian Slowking, Toxapex, and Tapu Fini. Dragon Pulse is what separates Charizard from other Fire-types, as it muscles past Dragon-types such as Dragapult, Dragonite, and Dragalge. Focus Blast hits bulky Pokemon that resist its Fire STAB moves such as Hydreigon, Heatran, and Rhyperior. Solar Beam is an option to hit Water- and Ground-types like Gastrodon and Slowbro, but the types these Pokemon are on have weather in rain and sand, respectively, which can make Solar Beam unreliable. Due to how powerful its Fire attacks are under sun, it should either break holes in the opposing team early so its teammates can clean up or be preserved for a late-game sweep. Charizard is also great at revenge killing threats such as Dracozolt and Hydreigon. Torkoal is an amazing teammate because it sets up sun for Charizard with Drought, can remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin, and can set its own Stealth Rock to chip Pokemon like Dragapult to support Charizard's wallbreaking. Cinderace revenge kills faster Choice Scarf users like Dragapult and Latias with Sucker Punch and also checks special walls like Tyranitar, Snorlax, and Dragalge. Gunk Shot Cinderace, Sludge Bomb Volcanion, and Flash Cannon Heatran are great to check Fairy-types Charizard is threatened by like Azumarill and Tapu Fini. Volcanion absorbs Water-type attacks from Pokemon like Toxapex, Slowbro, and Araquanid and checks Ground- and Rock-types like Hippowdon, Rhyperior, and Stakataka with Steam Eruption. Incineroar, Volcarona, and Heatran check Psychic-types like Tapu Lele, Latios, and Galarian Slowking. Incineroar provides momentum with Parting Shot or U-turn and is also a great check for Ghost-types like Spectrier and Dragapult thanks to its Dark typing. Furthermore, Knock Off hinders recovery on Pokemon running Leftovers and Black Sludge like Tapu Fini and Dragalge, respectively, for Charizard. Rotom-H and Victini are nice checks to Water-types like Toxapex and Mantine with their respective Electric coverage.

Mega Charizard Y is a ferocious wallbreaker in National Dex because of its sky high Special Attack stat, great ability in Drought, and passable Speed tier that lets it threaten much of the metagame. Drought sets Mega Charizard Y apart by boosting its Fire-type moves, weakening Water-type moves, ands also letting it use Solar Beam effectively, which makes it a Fire-type that is able to threaten out bulky Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Slowking. Mega Charizard Y's typing and access to Roost let it check Pokemon like Rillaboom and Mega Scizor reliably throughout a game . Flamethrower has perfect accuracy and high PP, but Fire Blast has explosive power, easily OHKOing Landorus-T and possibly Zapdos as well as 2HKOing offensive Garchomp. Solar Beam complements Mega Charizard Y's STAB move well, severely denting bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Slowbro that may try to switch in on Flamethrower or Fire Blast. Scorching Sands rounds off its coverage by OHKOing offensive Heatran while also 2HKOing physically defensive Toxapex after Stealth Rock, and its burn chance can ruin Tyranitar. Focus Blast is an option to replace Scorching Sands, notably hitting Tyranitar extremely hard while retaining the ability to smack Heatran. However, it has terrible accuracy and it also leaves Mega Charizard Y completely helpless against Toxapex without Future Sight support, so it is generally not advised. Roost lets Mega Charizard Y heal off residual damage and check Pokemon like Rillaboom throughout the game. A Timid nature is chosen to outspeed Pokemon like non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Hydreigon, and Tapu Lele. Mega Charizard Y absolutely hates Stealth Rock, as its health is halved by it, so good Defoggers like Corviknight, Zapdos, and Synthesis Kartana are absolutely mandatory partners for it. Blissey and Chansey are also huge thorns in Mega Charizard Y's side, as it cannot 2HKO them due to their massive special bulk, so Pokemon like Swords Dance Gliscor and Kartana that can take advantage of them are good partners. Heatran is also a good choice to trap and remove them. Pursuit trappers like Tyranitar, Weavile, and Aegislash can greatly pressure Mega Latias, which can potentially use Mega Charizard Y as setup fodder, and also force damage onto Blissey. Mega Charizard Y struggles with Toxapex, especially if running Focus Blast, so Slowbro and Slowking can pressure it with Future Sight and Pokemon like Tapu Koko and Heatran can beat it directly. Due to Mega Charizard Y's only passable Speed tier, it is prone to getting revenge killed by faster threats like Tapu Koko and Mega Lopunny, so pivots like the aforementioned Slowbro and Blissey can both switch in on these Pokemon and give it free switches via slow pivoting. Similarly, faster pivots like Tapu Koko can lure in bulky Grass-types like Ferrothorn that give Mega Charizard Y free turns while also helping wear down their shared checks, like Blissey. Due to how prolific Mega Charizard Y is as a wallbreaker, late-game cleaners Kartana make good partners for it, as it can break through their checks like Corviknight and Ferrothorn. Entry hazard support from the likes of Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Garchomp helps force damage onto Mega Charizard Y's checks, mainly Toxapex, as it can 2HKO it with Scorching Sands after Stealth Rock.

Mega Charizard X is a dangerous wallbreaker and setup sweeper thanks to its near-unresisted STAB combination that is further boosted by Tough Claws and Dragon Dance. At +1, Mega Charizard X outspeeds Choice Scarf users below base 100 Speed such as Landorus-T and Tapu Lele. Its typing lets it switch in on and force out common Steel- and Grass-types such as Corviknight, Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, and Rillaboom, granting it setup opportunities. Flare Blitz deals serious damage to common Ground-types such as Gliscor and Landorus-T. Dragon Claw is preferable in the second moveslot to not be walled by other Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Mega Latias. However, this leaves it walled by Heatran and more easily checked by Mega Diancie and Tyranitar. Earthquake provides a way to hit Toxapex, and Steel-types weak to it such as Excadrill and Magnezone without taking recoil from Flare Blitz, while also OHKOing Heatran and Mega Diancie after a Dragon Dance and 2HKOing Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock. Thunder Punch could be used to hit bulky Water-types such as Slowbro, Tapu Fini, and Pelipper more effectively, but it gives worse neutral coverage. Roost recovers HP lost from Flare Blitz recoil and residual damage, letting Mega Charizard X check Grass-types like Rillaboom more easily. A Jolly nature is better to outspeed Pokemon below base 100 Speed like Landorus-T, Tapu Lele, Hydreigon and Kyurem. Mega Charizard X functions as a early- or mid-game wallbreaker that can take advantage of Steel- and Grass-types such as Corviknight, Mega Scizor, Tangrowth, Amoonguss, and Ferrothorn, which benefits Pokemon like Rillaboom, Tapu Lele, Kartana, and Tapu Koko. In return, they can pressure some of its checks like Slowbro, Tapu Fini, Toxapex, Tyranitar, and Mega Diancie. Due to Charizard's 4x weakness to Stealth Rock prior to Mega Evolving, entry hazard removers such as Zapdos, Corviknight, and Tapu Fini are mandatory partners. Tapu Fini can also protect Mega Charizard X from status through Misty Terrain, giving it more opportunities to setup Dragon Dance. Stealth Rock setters like Garchomp, Clefable, and Gliscor chip some of boosted Mega Charizard X's answers; offensive Landorus-T turns from a decent check to a likely OHKO, Toxapex becomes a likely 2HKO, and Tapu Fini becomes a guaranteed 2HKO. Garchomp can also break through Landorus-T and Gliscor with its Z-Move to help Mega Charizard X sweep. Due to its Ground weakness after Mega Evolving, checks to Ground-types like Rillaboom, Tangrowth, and Corviknight make good teammates, with the latter also providing Defog support and Rillaboom pressuring common checks like Tapu Fini, Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Slowbro. It's important to note that Rillaboom's and Tapu Fini's terrains make Earthquake and Dragon Claw too weak to use, respectively.

Mega Charizard X is a great asset for Fire teams because Dragon Dance makes it a fearsome setup sweeper that threatens types such as Water and Dragon, that Fire naturally struggles against. It can outspeed Mega Aerodactyl and Choice Scarf Hydreigon after one Dragon Dance and Mega Charizard X can outpace Sand Rush Excadrill in sand and Regieleki after two. Outrage can be used to hit other Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Kyurem and Fire-resistant foes like Slowbro and Swampert; however, being locked into it and confused can be taken advantage of by Pokemon such as Azumarill. Dragon Claw is Mega Charizard X's more reliable but less powerful Dragon-type STAB move. Roost can be used to give Mega Charizard X longevity throughout the game and heal off Flare Blitz recoil, whereas Earthquake hits Heatran, Tyranitar, and Toxapex. 252 EVs in Speed alongside a Jolly nature allow Mega Charizard X to outspeed common threats like Excadrill and Hydreigon. Torkoal can set up Stealth Rock and remove entry hazards from Mega Charizard X's side thanks to Rapid Spin while fueling its Flare Blitz by setting up sun. Rotom-H can set up Light Screen and Reflect so Mega Charizard X can set up safely. Rotom-H can also remove Stealth Rock with Defog and bring Mega Charizard X in safely with Volt Switch. Cinderace as a teammate can wallbreak through diverse walls Mega Charizard X struggles against, such as Tyranitar and Toxapex, by virtue of its coverage moves in High Jump Kick and Zen Headbutt. Blacephalon can help Mega Charizard X by breaking through physical walls such as Hippowdon and Porygon2 with its Choice Specs set. Infernape's Fighting typing allows it to threaten the likes of Tyranitar, Heatran, and Porygon2, with the former two being hard for Mega Charizard X to beat without Earthquake. Choice Scarf Infernape and Choice Scarf Blacephalon can be used against huge threats like Choice Scarf Nihilego. Volcanion can be used to check Rock- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Rhyperior, and Water Absorb lets it beat Tapu Fini and Azumarill with Sludge Wave. Volcarona can form a sweeping core with Mega Charizard X by removing some of its checks like Mega Slowbro and Gastrodon. In return, Mega Charizard X can take out Pokemon like Mantine and Blissey for Volcarona.

Mega Charizard Y is a phenomenal wallbreaker thanks to its massive Special Attack stat and its ability Drought, which let it deal heavy damage to Fire-resistant foes like Garchomp and Hydreigon and cleanly 2HKO defensive Pokemon such as Mega Sableye, Zapdos, and Mew. It also has a decent movepool consisting of moves like Solar Beam and Focus Blast, which lets it take on some of the Pokemon that can take Fire-type attacks. Mega Charizard Y's presence on Flying-type teams also improves the matchups against types like Steel, Ice, and Ground. Fire Blast hits super hard thanks to the boost from Drought and deals with pesky Steel-type Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Skarmory. Solar Beam deals with Water- and Ground-type Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Swampert, and Hippowdon. Focus Blast helps Mega Charizard Y beat problematic Pokemon for it like Heatran and Tyranitar that can reliably stomach other moves . Roost allows it to keep itself healthy and threaten balance cores more such as those of Water and Psychic teams. Maximum Special Attack and Speed investment with a Timid nature allows Mega Charizard Y to hit as hard as possible and outspeed Pokemon like Choice Specs Tapu Lele and Speed tie with other base 100 Speed Pokemon such as Mew and Galarian Zapdos. Blaze is the preferred ability before Mega Evolving so Charizard does not take any unnecessary damage from opposing sun. Charizardite Y is used as an item to Mega Evolve Charizard. Defoggers like Mantine, Skarmory, Mandibuzz, and Zapdos can reliably clear Stealth Rock for Mega Charizard Y while also providing it with other utility support. Mantine also covers Water-type attacks for it from Pokemon like Urshifu-R and Barraskewda. Since Mega Charizard Y struggles to get past dedicated special walls like Toxapex, Blissey, and Araquanid, teammates like Landorus-T and Dragonite are good, as they can break apart such Pokemon. Landorus-T also provides Mega Charizard Y with an immunity from Electric-type attacks and wallbreak with its Swords Dance set or check threats like Tapu Koko with its Choice Scarf set. Dragonite, on the other hand, loves Mega Charizard Y dealing with Steel-type Pokemon for it; in return, it can muscle past Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Toxapex with its Choice Band set and revenge kill faster threats like Alolan Raichu with Extreme Speed. As Mega Charizard Y is threatened by faster Pokemon such as Nihilego, Terrakion, and Garchomp, teammates like Corviknight, Celesteela, and Skarmory help to have, and they provide a Rock-type neutrality. They all also provide various utility support like Defog, Toxic + Leech Seed, and Stealth Rock to keep Mega Charizard Y safer and to help wear down teams. Other special attackers such as Landorus, Tornadus-T, and Thundurus-T are also decent teammates, as they all can weaken shared checks like Blissey, Heatran, Toxapex, and Tyranitar. Focus Sash Aerodactyl is a good teammate on hyper offensive Flying-type teams to provide it with Stealth Rock and Tailwind support. Gliscor can help stallbreak defensive Pokemon like Blissey and Toxapex for Mega Charizard Y while also providing it with an Electric-type immunity and taking on Pokemon like Zeraora.

Moves Dragon Dance turns Mega Charizard X into a devastating wallbreaker and a late-game cleaner. Tough Claws-boosted Flare Blitz hits neutral targets like Gliscor and Landorus-T hard, and it bowls over Grass- and Steel-types like Serperior, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Celesteela. Earthquake complements Flare Blitz, threatens Heatran, Mega Diancie, and Toxapex, and finishes off Mega Tyranitar after prior chip damage. Dragon Claw tears through fellow Dragon-types like Kyurem-B, Dragonite, Kommo-o, and opposing Mega Charizard X and hits Water-types like Rotom-Wash, Gastrodon, and Seismitoad hard. Finally, Roost allows Mega Charizard X to heal from the recoil damage taken from Flare Blitz at the cost of making it less potent against its fellow Dragon-types. Set Details The given Speed investment allows Mega Charizard X to Speed tie with Mega Medicham and opposing Mega Charizard formes. If Mega Charizard X's teammates have these Pokemon accounted for, it can afford to drop its Speed EVs to 216 to outspeed Kyurem-B and Tapu Lele. Usage Tips Mega Charizard X fills the role of a wallbreaker and late-game cleaner. Depending on the matchup, determine whether Mega Charizard X should be saved to sweep or sacrificially wallbreak for its teammates to clean up later in the game, and act accordingly. If Mega Charizard X's goal isn't to sweep, it can soften checks like Landorus-T and Tapu Fini by attacking immediately for its teammates to clean up. It is very important that entry hazards are removed from the battlefield, as this will prevent Mega Charizard X from setting up. The best methods of bringing Charizard in are aggressive switches, pivot support from Volt Switch and U-turn, and letting it come in after a teammate has fainted. Mega Charizard X often finds setup opportunities against Grass- and Steel-types like non-Thunder Wave Ferrothorn, Kartana, and Mega Scizor and passive Pokemon like non-Thunder Wave Clefable, as its typing and good bulk let it switch in against them and nab a free boost. Charizard can also delay Mega Evolving to set up on Ground-type Pokemon, such as Gliscor and certain variants of Landorus-T, thanks to its Ground immunity, letting it potentially force mind games against them. After it Mega Evolves, it will gain a crucial Electric resistance and neutrality to Water-type moves, letting it more easily handle Zapdos and Rotom-Wash at the cost of being vulnerable to Ground-type moves. Mega Charizard X must avoid setting up if priority users like Ash-Greninja and bulky Water-types like Slowbro are still active and wait until they are removed or weakened before attempting to set up. Mega Charizard X must avoid paralysis at all costs, as it will ruin its chance to wallbreak or sweep, so it is a good idea to scout for Pokemon that can potentially spread paralysis like Clefable and Ferrothorn. If Mega Charizard X has Roost, it can more easily set up against passive Pokemon like non-Thunder Wave Clefable and Rotom-Wash and non-Toxic Toxapex, and it takes advantage of forced switches from Pokemon like Mega Scizor to use the opportunity to heal itself if its HP runs low. However, Mega Charizard X must be careful around Rotom-Wash variants that pack Waterium Z. Mega Charizard X must also be wary of Pokemon that can inflict chip damage or have abilities that can afflict it with paralysis, such as Garchomp and Rocky Helmet users like Zapdos, as it will be easier to deal with, especially since Mega Charizard X has to rely on its contact moves to deal with them. Team Options Dragon Dance Mega Charizard X fits like a glove on offense, bulky offense, and hyper offense teams, which value its role as a physical Fire-type sweeper and its ability to threaten common balance teams. Entry hazard removal is a top priority, so it appreciates pairing with a Defogger like Tapu Fini and Serperior. Tapu Fini checks Ash-Greninja, pressures bulkier teams with Taunt + Nature's Madness, and summons Misty Terrrain, allowing Mega Charizard X to safely set up without being bothered by attempted status ailments from the likes of Toxapex and Clefable. Serperior takes on bulky Water- and Ground-types like Slowbro, Gastrodon, Seismitoad, and defensive Landorus-T and provides paralysis support from Glare, crippling faster targets like Mega Alakazam, and on hyper offense teams, it can use Taunt to stop hazards from being set up, paving the way for Mega Charizard X to clean up later in the game. Ash-Greninja greatly appreciates Mega Charizard X removing Grass-types like Tapu Bulu and Ferrothorn, and they can overwhelm shared checks like Tapu Fini with repeated attacks, especially with Spikes support. Other Grass-types like Kartana and Tapu Bulu are also solid partners; Choice Scarf Kartana provides a solid cleaning option that greatly benefits from Mega Charizard X threatening Zapdos and Steel-types like Skarmory, Celesteela, and Mega Scizor, while Swords Dance and Choice Band variants put heavy pressure on Slowbro and Landorus-T. Tapu Bulu handles Ash-Greninja and summons Grassy Terrain, providing Mega Charizard X with extra longevity, complementing Roost, and decreasing the damage it takes from Earthquake after Mega Evolving. On hyper offense teams, a dedicated lead such as Taunt Mew, Excadrill, and Imprison Landorus-T is greatly beneficial, as it can prevent hazards from being set up while setting up its own. Fellow Dragon Dance sweepers like Gyarados and Dragonite complement Mega Charizard X very well, as they can overwhelm shared checks like Toxapex for the other to clean up later in the game. Magearna provides a solid answer to the likes of Ash-Greninja, Mega Alakazam, and Slowbro, and in return, Mega Charizard X removes Magearna checks like Heatran, Victini, Chansey, and Mega Scizor. Mega Charizard X also enjoys partnering with Volcarona, combining their firepower to break holes through bulkier teams and allowing the other to clean up late-game. Kommonium Z Kommo-o is another solid teammate, as it can pressure Haze Toxapex with Taunt, forcing chip damage against it, and Kommo-o greatly appreciates the removal of Fairy-types like Clefable and Tapu Lele to clean up later in the game. Cresselia is a safe switch-in against Ground-type attacks aimed at Mega Charizard X and provides crucial support with Thunder Wave to cripple the likes of Mega Alakazam and Lunar Dance to restore Mega Charizard X back in top condition and grant another chance to sweep. Tapu Lele softens opposing teams for Mega Charizard X to clean up late-game, greatly benefits from the removal of Steel-types, and denies priority moves, such as Fake Out from Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny.

Moves Swords Dance allows Mega Charizard X to zero in on its wallbreaking potential, trading the Speed boost from Dragon Dance to make it even more of a menace to defensive teams. Some examples of its wallbreaking power after a Swords Dance are OHKOing Seismitoad, Chansey after Stealth Rock, and defensive Landorus-T after Intimidate and Stealth Rock. Additionally, it 2HKOes Slowbro, Tapu Fini, and physically defensive Toxapex. The outrageous power of Tough Claws-boosted Flare Blitz is a huge part of this set, as, despite the recoil perhaps being antithetical to a bulky set, other potential options like Fire Punch are too much of a drop in power. Dragon Claw lets Mega Charizard X slice through Mega Latias and Kommo-o and, most importantly, hit many Fire-resistant Pokemon like Rotom-Wash, Toxapex, and Slowbro neutrally. Dragon Claw is also useful to minimize the amount of recoil damage Charizard has to take, as it can be used instead of Flare Blitz in cases where both are effective. Roost lets Charizard heal the recoil damage from Flare Blitz and entry hazards and set up on the likes of Rotom-Wash and Assault Vest Magearna. Earthquake could also be used over Dragon Claw to hit Heatran and Toxapex and beat Tapu Fini without Flare Blitz recoil damage, though it hurts Charizard's matchup against opposing Dragon- and Water-types like Mega Latias, Rotom-Wash, and Slowbro. Set Details The given EV spread is preferred to give Charizard maximum firepower and Speed tie with Mega Medicham, opposing Mega Charizard formes, and Volcarona. Alternatively, a spread of 248 HP / 76 Def / 12 SpD / 172 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used to improve Charizard's bulk: the Defense investment allows it to survive Earthquake from offensive Landorus-T and High Jump Kick from Mega Medicham; the Special Defense investment allows it to survive Supersonic Skystrike from offensive Tornadus-T; and the Speed investment allows it to outspeed Timid Heatran. However, this spread reduces Charizard's power and Speed, weakening its matchup against Gliscor and preventing it from revenge killing Hoopa-U, Tapu Lele, and Kyurem-B. This means the spread should only be used alongside other teammates capable of revenge killing the listed foes. Usage Tips Mega Charizard X has great bulk, but it's better to save it for trading hits with the likes of Tapu Fini and Slowbro and bring it in safely against passive defensive Pokemon like Jirachi and Clefable, via pivot moves, or when a teammate gets KOed. It's similarly important to keep entry hazards clear from the field, as they severely hinder Charizard's ability to set up, especially since it isn't boosting its Speed, meaning a wider amount of Pokemon can potentially revenge kill it. Charizard can use the Ground immunity its non-Mega forme possesses to set up safely against defensive Landorus-T and Gliscor, so it's better to wait until the power, typing, or extra bulk of its Mega forme is needed to Mega Evolve. Mega Charizard X's good bulk allows it to switch into certain offensive threats like Volcarona, Choice Scarf Kartana, and Choice Band Victini while Stealth Rock isn't up, especially if it's running the secondary defensive EV spread. A good setup opportunity is often good enough to earn a KO against defensive teams, so watch for typical setup fodder like Mega Sableye, defensive Magearna, and Choice-locked Kartana. Team Options Swords Dance Mega Charizard X is commonly used on balance teams that appreciate its great matchup against opposing balance teams. Entry hazard removal is a top priority, with Defoggers like Tornadus-T, Gliscor, and Kartana clearing the field and allowing Charizard to make the most of its bulk by setting up. Cleric support from the likes of Chansey, Clefable, and Magearna is also something to consider; it takes a lot of the guesswork away from Charizard's matchups against the likes of Ferrothorn and Rotom-Wash, which can potentially carry Thunder Wave, and allows Charizard to safely KO Serperior, with the paralysis from Glare being removed later. It also helps against Pokemon like Seismitoad and Gliscor that may use Toxic to hinder a non-Mega Charizard's setup, as well as Pokemon Mega Charizard X can't outright OHKO like Slowbro and Toxapex. A Wish user like Chansey or Jirachi can ease Charizard's time getting onto the field, nullifying an attack as it switches in and helping out when hazards are up. When using the aforementioned defensive EV spread, pair Charizard with a solid revenge killer, like Weavile, Kartana, or Ditto, as due to the lower Speed, it can't revenge kill threats like Tapu Lele and Kyurem-B. A solid Heatran answer like Seismitoad or Gliscor makes for a good teammate, as without Earthquake, Heatran can wall and threaten Charizard. Toxic Spikes from Toxapex can hinder Tapu Fini and Slowbro and put opposing revenge killers like Garchomp and Ditto on a timer. Fast offensive Pokemon like Weavile and Tapu Koko appreciate Mega Charizard X's wallbreaking ability, which leaves a ruined opposing team for them to clean up.

Moves Flamethrower, boosted by sun, allows Mega Charizard Y to deal significant damage to Pokemon neutral to Fire such as Gliscor, Clefable, and Zapdos. Moreover, the high amount of PP with the odds to inflict burn makes it the most consistent option during longer matchups against Pokemon such as Toxapex, Chansey, and Mega Latias. However, the higher Base Power of Fire Blast can be vital, since it allows Mega Charizard Y to reach better rolls and OHKO the likes of Tapu Lele, Zapdos, and defensive Landorus-T. Focus Blast lets Mega Charizard Y OHKO Mega Tyranitar and 2HKO specially defensive Heatran. Hidden Power Ground, on teams where Mega Charizard Y doesn't need to hit Tyranitar hard, keeps the 2HKO on Heatran and has more PP and perfect accuracy. Solar Beam complements Drought superbly, giving Mega Charizard Y an option to hit Water-types such as Gastrodon, Tapu Fini, and Rotom-Wash. Roost greatly improves Mega Charizard Y's longevity, allowing it to better handle the likes of Mega Mawile and Mega Swampert and to heal off damage from Stealth Rock. Set Details Blaze is preferred over Solar Power to avoid taking damage from opposing sun setters before Mega Evolving. A Timid nature with maximum Speed investment is preferred to outpace Kyurem-B and Tapu Lele and ensure it Speed ties with other base 100 Speed Pokemon like Mega Medicham and Manaphy. Usage Tips A fundamental aspect with Mega Charizard Y is to understand Drought is the main enabler that allows its teammates to thrive. To allow this dynamic, the field must be free of Stealth Rock, letting Mega Charizard Y access the field without issue. Against offensive teams, Mega Charizard Y should be brought safely onto the field as many times as possible via the support of U-turn and Volt Switch as well as taking advantage of Mega Charizard Y's typing to make aggressive switches on specific situations such as Kartana using its STAB moves and more passive Pokemon like Ferrothorn and defensive Landorus-T setting up entry hazards. Its ability to wallbreak and the lack of real checks to it in those matchups mean Mega Charizard Y will often claim a KO, quickly disassembling those structures and giving opportunities to its teammates to clean up. However, during long-drawn matches, Mega Charizard Y has to be used more carefully, using its immunity to Spikes and Toxic Spikes, Roost, Flamethrower, and other teammates to slowly drain PP from its checks' recovery moves until it can finally break through. When facing opposing weather teams, Mega Charizard Y is essential with its ability to turn the weather into sun and shut down the main threats in those teams such as Mega Swampert and Excadrill. Team Options Mega Charizard Y fits best on balance and bulky offense, since they are the main playstyles able to provide the necessary support. When it comes to Mega Charizard Y, having two ways of removing entry hazards is generally necessary. The best candidates for that role are Kartana, Gliscor, and Tapu Fini, with Choice Scarf Landorus-T and Excadrill able to act as secondary hazard removal. Kartana can also remove items from the likes of Toxapex and Chansey with Knock Off, and it appreciates Mega Charizard Y clearing other weathers, boosting the amount of HP recovered by Synthesis. Landorus-T, Gliscor, and Excadrill provide an essential immunity to Electric, with Excadrill able to set up Stealth Rock and Landorus-T and Gliscor able to bring Mega Charizard Y onto the field more easily thanks to U-turn. Although it's not intuitive, Tapu Fini is not always dependant of the power of its Water-type moves to function, so its ability to act as a check for the likes of Ash-Greninja and Heatran is still valid in the context of sun. Moreover, a trapper set, with Nature's Madness, Whirlpool, and Taunt, makes for a good partner with Mega Charizard Y, since it can remove the likes of Toxapex and Chansey for it. Pursuit support from the likes of Weavile and Tyranitar, although not mandatory, is appreciated to deal with the likes of Mega Latias and Chansey more effectively. Weavile is helpful to threaten Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Kommo-o and remove Toxapex and Chansey's items with Knock Off, with Mega Charizard Y able to pressure Mega Scizor and Fairy-types for Weavile. The ability of Tyranitar to chip down Mega Charizard Y's counters such as Chansey and Toxapex with sand is a nice addition, especially if Excadrill is used in the mix, as sand allows Excadrill to provide additional speed control thanks to Sand Rush. Since Mega Charizard Y brings sun on the field, users of recovery moves dependant on weather such as Cresselia, Necrozma, and Serperior are all good partners. Cresselia can act as a late-game wincon thanks to Calm Mind or support Mega Charizard Y with Future Sight for Toxapex and Thunder Wave to slow down faster threats such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Pinsir, while Mega Charizard Y can pressure Steel-types for Cresselia. Necrozma can set up Stealth Rock and is able to threaten out Toxapex with Photon Geyser and Heatran with Earth Power. Serperior can harass Mega Charizard Y's counters with Glare, Knock Off, and Taunt. In the same logic, Fire-types, having the power of their STAB moves boosted thanks to Drought, form a deadly core with Mega Charizard Y, able to overwhelm shared checks. The best examples of this are Heatran and Victini. Heatran provides a useful Fire-type immunity, sets up Stealth Rock, and can trap Toxapex and Chansey with Magma Storm and Taunt for Mega Charizard Y. Victini can not only act as a nuclear warhead under sun with V-create but also lure the likes of Toxapex and Mega Latias to KO them with Final Gambit, greatly helping Mega Charizard Y. Certain offensive Dragon-types make for decent partners with Mega Charizard Y; Garchomp is a Ground-type that can set up Stealth Rock and potentially lure Mega Latias to KO it with Devastating Drake. Kyurem pressures Toxapex with Earth Power and Mega Latias with Ice Beam, and it can also drain Chansey's PP with a combination of Pressure, Substitute, and Roost, helping Mega Charizard Y break through it long-term.

Moves Blast Burn is Mega Charizard Y's most powerful move, as well as one of the most powerful moves in the metagame, able to neutralize almost any Pokemon it can hit super effectively, such as Magearna, Mega Metagross, Aegislash, and Celesteela, as well as frailer Pokemon that resist Fire-type damage, such as Naganadel. Beware of its recharge after usage, Blast Burn's biggest downside. Solar Beam is Mega Charizard Y's best coverage option, allowing it to hit several Water-type Pokemon, such as Guardian of Alola Tapu Fini, Calm Mind Mega Slowbro, and Mega Swampert. Flame Charge is a utility option that gives Mega Charizard Y a way to beat the common sleep inducer Jumpluff, alongside giving an extra bit of chip damage against faster threats such as Greninja, Mega Gardevoir, Substitute Mega Metagross, and Naganadel. Air Slash is Mega Charizard Y's secondary STAB option, used primarily to get a Pokemon in range of Blast Burn or break a Substitute from an opposing Pokemon that resists Solar Beam, such as Mega Venusaur and specially offensive Mega Altaria. It also has a noticeable 30% chance to make an opposing Pokemon flinch, which can be useful as a last-ditch effort against Pokemon such as Mega Aggron, Magnezone, specially defensive Tapu Lele, and Kommo-o. However, this is by no means a reliable strategy and should only be used if there is no other option in order to win. Will-O-Wisp can also be used to cut the Attack of bulky Mega Gyarados, removing its immediate offensive presence, alongside beating certain Sturdy Pokemon like non-Rockium Z or Choice Band Avalugg and FEAR Aron. You can also choose to run Hidden Power Electric, which, along with Solar Beam, always 2HKOes offensive Mega Gyarados and forces a mind game with bulky Mega Gyarados; this only has use against Mega Gyarados, however. Substitute can be used to lure in Head Smash Donphan and Aggron, two Sturdy users that can OHKO Mega Charizard Y if they can land their attack, OHKOing with Blast Burn after recoil damage. Rock Tomb can be run in order to beat opposing non-Rock Tomb Mega Charizard Y. Set Details 116 HP and 8 Special Defense EVs allow Mega Charizard Y to tank attacks like Choice Specs Hydro Cannon from Greninja, Choice Specs Draco Meteor from Naganadel, as well as take a burned Avalugg's Stone Edge. Mega Charizard Y also runs 216 Speed EVs with a Timid nature in order to outspeed base 95 Speed Pokemon such as Tapu Lele as well as slower Pokemon such as non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T, non-Choice Scarf Z Porygon-Z, and Vivillon. The rest goes into Special Attack, in order to improve Mega Charizard Y's matchups against bulkier Pokemon such as Mega Sableye and Mega Slowbro. If you're running Will-O-Wisp, Mega Charizard Y can potentially run a bulky offense spread of 124 HP / 68 Def / 108 SpA / 208 Spe and a Modest nature in order to outspeed and beat every variant of Mega Gyarados, not just bulky Mega Gyarados. If Hidden Power Electric is being used, 8 HP / 148 Def / 144 SpA / 208 Spe and a Modest nature can be run, which simply outspeeds Mega Gyarados and tanks any of its attacks boosted by a Dragon Dance. Mega Charizard Y can also run 208 HP / 116 SpD / 184 Spe and a Timid nature in order to survive a Modest Hyper Beam from Choice Scarf Porygon-Z, allowing it to beat all sets, as well as outspeeding non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Usage Tips Blast Burn does nominally more damage than its coverage options against Pokemon that it hits neutrally with Blast Burn, such as Krookodile. However, if the coverage moves can still knock the Pokemon out, they should be used, in order to avoid missing your move and losing the game. Choice Specs Greninja can try to change its type with Protean to avoid fatal damage from Solar Beam, and thus using Flame Charge turn one, followed up by either Solar Beam or Blast Burn, will allow Mega Charizard Y to react to every play an opposing Greninja can make and avoid any mind games. For specially offensive Mega Altaria, spam Air Slash. Air Slash's absurd 30% flinch chance, combined with Mega Charizard Y's excellent Special Attack, and Mega Charizard Y's resistance to Mega Altaria's Fairy-type will ensure that Mega Charizard Y will waste the recovery option and get them into range of Blast Burn through flinches. If you are running the anti-Mega Gyarados Will-O-Wisp spread, use Will-O-Wisp turn one, followed by a Solar Beam turn two, and Blast Burn turn three in order to have the best chances to beat bulky Mega Gyarados. If you're running Hidden Power Electric, be aware that Hidden Power Electric into a Solar Beam against a bulky Mega Gyarados can sometimes fail to KO, if they Mega Evolve turn one. Therefore, predicting if they will choose to Mega Evolve or stay in base form can aid you, although the odds of winning against bulky Mega Gyarados if you predict incorrectly turn one is still very much in your favor. Team Options Mega Charizard Y is naturally weak to several Rock-, Electric-, and Dragon-type Pokemon, such as Mega Tyranitar, Magnezone, and Zygarde, alongside Mega Gyarados; this makes it fit extraordinarily well with a standard Fire / Water / Grass core, which can fill in its deficits using Pokemon such as Tapu Fini, Mega Gyarados, Mega Venusaur, and Jumpluff. In return, these Pokemon appreciate Mega Charizard Y's positive matchup against all other Grass-type Pokemon as well as common Steel-type Pokemon such as Magearna and Genesect. Mega Charizard Y also works well with Ground- and Dragon-type Pokemon that can beat back the aforementioned Rock- and Electric-type Pokemon, as well as opposing Fire-type Pokemon like Heatran, Victini, and Incineroar. Pokemon such as Zygarde, bulky Donphan, Kommo-o, and Dragonite can beat all of these threats. In return, Mega Charizard Y threatens Ice-type Pokemon or Pokemon wielding Ice-type moves, such as Greninja, Genesect, Kyurem, Avalugg, and Alolan Ninetales, and bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Mega Blastoise. Mega Charizard Y also has issues against specially defensive stall Pokemon, such as Amnesia Mega Slowbro, Stored Power Necrozma, Porygon2, and Chansey. Because of this, stallbreakers such as Taunt + Crunch Mega Gyarados, Mega Heracross, and Vivillon all make excellent partners to Mega Charizard Y, which can, in return, beat threatening Pokemon to them such as Mega Metagross and Mega Gardevoir.

Moves Flame Charge serves the dual purpose of not only boosting Mega Charizard X's Speed in order to outspeed Pokemon like Naganadel, Mega Lopunny, and Greninja, as well as breaking Substitute from Flail Mega Lopunny and Mega Pinsir, Reversal Mega Lucario, and from stall Pokemon like Jumpluff. Dragon Dance can also be used to boost one Speed while also gaining Attack, which can be useful for playing mindgames against the powerful Dragonite and Mega Gyarados. Outrage lets Mega Charizard X hit Pokemon that resist Fire-type attacks, such as bulky Dragonite, Mega Charizard Y, and Kommo-o. Flare Blitz works well with Outrage in providing excellent coverage against the metagame, hitting Pokemon such as Magearna, Mega Metagross, and Ferrothorn. However, Flare Blitz's recoil damage can be particularly damaging against heavy-hitting Pokemon such as a burned Mega Aggron and Substitute Volcarona. Will-O-Wisp makes up for Mega Charizard X's relative lack of bulk and offensive presence by not only halving the opposing Pokemon's Attack but also chipping away at its health at the same time, helping against bulky Multiscale Dragonite. Belly Drum can also be run, maximizing its Attack in order to lure and beat back Mega Slowbro and Type: Null. Set Details The given HP and Special Defense EVs let Mega Charizard X tank hits from Modest Choice Specs Greninja. These EVs also let Mega Charizard X lure in and beat special attackers such as special Dragonite, Choice Specs Naganadel, and bulky Meloetta. The HP EVs also give Mega Charizard X sufficient physical bulk to beat bulky physical Dragonite, Mega Pinsir, and Mega Lucario. 96 Speed EVs let Mega Charizard X outspeed a Dragonite lacking a speedy nature, letting it use Will-O-Wisp before an attack. The rest of the EVs should go into Attack, as Mega Charizard X doesn't need much Attack investment to secure KOs. You can also choose to use a speedier spread of 248 HP / 60 Atk / 144 SpD / 56 Spe EV spread with a Jolly nature, which sacrifices reliability against Modest Greninja and Modest Naganadel but lets Mega Charizard X beat Jolly Mega Lopunny, as well as Smeargle. As Mega Lopunny and Greninja are often paired together, you may want to consider this as a catch-all option. A faster build can also be utilized, running 24 HP / 76 Atk / 156 Def / 252 Spe EVs and a Jolly nature, which can be used to beat all Haxorus variants, if you know what item it is running, while maintaining a positive Mega Lopunny matchup, and speed tying other base 100 Speed Pokemon like Mega Medicham and opposing offensive Mega Charizard X. Lastly, if you intend to run Belly Drum, you can run a 128 HP / 24 Atk / 124 Def / 232 Spe EV spread with an Impish nature, letting Mega Charizard X beat Zygarde, while maintaining enough speed for Haxorus and Mega Lopunny. Usage Tips This set beats special attackers such as Greninja, Meloetta, Kommo-o, and Mega Blastoise. Against faster special attackers like Greninja and Naganadel, always use Dragon Dance or Flame Charge on turn one, and attack on turn two. This is the safest way to go about this matchup, as it accounts for Protean type changes and the occasional Choice Scarf Naganadel, which outspeeds Charizard at +1, but discernable based on Draco Meteor damage. Make sure to not Mega Evolve against Naganadel in order to avoid super effective damage. For slower bulky special attackers such as bulky Meloetta, Mega Blastoise, and Volcanion, attack immediately, as Mega Charizard X is faster anyway and tanks any hit they throw out. Against a Pokemon like bulky non-Dragon Dance Dragonite, Mega Charizard X should use Will-O-Wisp without Mega Evolving, then Mega Evolve and attack with Outrage once burn damage has negated Dragonite's Multiscale. If Dragonite is running Dragon Dance, you'll have to play mind games about whether or not they will Dragon Dance or attack. If you are running the Belly Drum EVs, use Belly Drum against Zygarde in your base form, then Mega Evolve turn two to avoid being KOed by Extreme Speed. If you aren't running the anti-Zygarde EVs, you can still win against Zygarde if you have Will-O-Wisp and Dragon Dance, and if the opposing Zygarde user missplays, using Coil to match your Dragon Dances. This will get it in range of an Outrage, and avoid activating Power Construct. Team Options Powerful, bulky Psychic-type Pokemon such as Z-Reflect Tapu Lele and Will-O-Wisp Mega Gardevoir all have tools at their disposal that allow them to tank attacks from and overpower hyper offense and stall Pokemon such as Breakneck Blitz Porygon-Z, Mega Venusaur, Tapu Fini, Golem, Donphan, and Mega Altaria, which all can be a problem for Mega Charizard X. As Mega Charizard X is a Fire-type Pokemon, it can work in a standard Fire / Water / Grass core. Pokemon such as Primarina and Greninja can provide answers to Pokemon such as Donphan, Golem, Landorus-T, opposing Mega Charizard X, and Heatran, and Pokemon like Mega Venusaur and Kartana cover up Mega Charizard X's vulnerability to Tapu Fini and Primarina. A Dragon / Steel / Fairy team core can also work with Mega Charizard X; Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini beat threats like Donphan, Golem, and opposing Mega Charizard X, and Pokemon like Magearna and Aegislash can take on Tapu Lele, Tapu Fini, Primarina, Mega Altaria, and Togekiss.

Heat Wave is Mega Charizard Y's powerful spread attack, while Solar Beam has no charge up turn under the sunlight, letting Mega Charizard Y slam Water-types like Rotom-Wash and Milotic. Overheat is insanely powerful, OHKOing threats such as Tapu Lele and fast Assault Vest Landorus-T, though at the cost of halving Special Attack. Flamethrower can be used if Mega Charizard Y just needs to OHKO regular Landorus-T. Hidden Power Ground is Mega Charizard Y's best way around Heatran, 2HKOing bulky varients at worst, and OHKOing fast offensive Heatran. Modest gives Mega Charizard Y the most power, but Timid can be used to outspeed Jolly Landorus-T and Timid Tapu Lele. If Politoed, Pelipper, Tyranitar, or Alolan Ninetales are seen in team preview, consider holding off on Mega Evolving right away, since if these switch in at the right time, Mega Charizard Y becomes much easier to check, especially if Pelipper or Politoed bring the rain. Rock Slide is a serious problem for Mega Charizard Y. Consider Intimidate support to help it take weaker ones at least once. Wide Guard support can work well too, letting Mega Charizard Y stay in the field in the face of Rock Slide. Mega Charizard Y also hates Electric-type Pokemon such as Tapu Koko and Thundurus. While Lightning Rod support can be helpful, it doesn't stop Discharge. Consider bringing Electric-type resistances to switch into. Mega Charizard Y does great with Pokemon that use Earthquake thanks to its Ground-type immunity, and it also helps out against Water-types thanks to Drought and Solar Beam.

Set Description Fire Blast is the move Mega Charizard Y aims to be using as much as possible, dealing massive damage to almost every Pokemon in the metagame. Air Slash provides coverage for Poliwrath and deals heavy damage to most Water- and Dragon-types that could otherwise switch in. Flamethrower is more reliable than Fire Blast when the latter's power is not needed, such as when picking off weakened targets. Earthquake is great for beating Pokemon that can otherwise check Mega Charizard Y, as it 2HKOes Chansey and is guaranteed to OHKO Alolan Muk after Fire Blast. Substitute allows Mega Charizard Y to avoid being statused and makes it harder to pressure, but it must be used carefully, as its HP cost adds up quickly with Stealth Rock damage. Roost is absolutely vital, as Mega Charizard Y's Stealth Rock weakness otherwise prevents it from being able to switch in repeatedly. A Timid nature forces a Speed tie with Mew and Zapdos, giving Mega Charizard Y the potential to 2HKO them without being hit if they switch into it. A Naive nature is preferred if using Earthquake in order to reliably KO Alolan Muk after a Fire Blast. Usage Tips Leading with Mega Charizard Y in matchups where you expect a lead that it can heavily threaten is a great plan, as it lets Mega Charizard Y exert pressure without having to switch into Stealth Rock. Your opponent is far more likely to expect Mega Charizard X when they see Charizard at Team Preview. As a result, they may make plays you can exploit; for example, they may try to take on Charizard one-on-one with Mew instead of Zapdos. Keeping Charizard from Mega Evolving for as long as possible allows you to make the most of this bluff. You should only switch Mega Charizard Y in on foes it forces out or can safely use Roost against. Bringing it in via pivoting or after a KO is generally preferred to avoid adding to Stealth Rock damage. In the rare scenario that Stealth Rock isn't set, Mega Charizard Y can be used much more liberally as a switch-in to resisted attacks. If you are in a position where Mega Charizard Y can pick up a KO and still have half its health left so that it can switch in later, attacking is generally the best option; otherwise, consider using Roost. Many teams lack good switch-ins to Mega Charizard Y. Keep this in mind to force the opponent to give up key team members, creating opportunities for Mega Charizard Y's offensive teammates. Team Options Stealth Rock support is heavily appreciated by Mega Charizard Y, guaranteeing a 2HKO on Alolan Muk and punishing its popular revenge killing options like Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Beedrill. Alolan Dugtrio, Rhydon, and Nidoqueen are especially good choices to set Stealth Rock due to their positive matchups against Zapdos and respectable offensive presences to maintain pressure. Poliwrath is an extremely valuable teammate due to Mega Charizard Y's weak matchup against Mega Gyarados and issues with healthy Rock-types. Melmetal provides a sturdy answer to Mega Aerodactyl and Mega Beedrill while not sacrificing offensive momentum. Using Electrode as a lead usually prevents the opponent from starting the game with Stealth Rock, allowing Mega Charizard Y an opening to deal massive damage before it is set. However, Electrode must usually sacrifice itself to do this. Offensive cleaners that can soften the opposing team for Mega Charizard Y or exploit the holes it breaks, such as Starmie, Gengar, and the aforementioned Alolan Dugtrio, make for great partners. Alolan Muk and Snorlax check most Mew variants well, reducing the need to risk Speed ties against it. They also check Starmie, Gengar, and Mega Alakazam, which outspeed and threaten Mega Charizard Y.

Moves Fire Blast OHKOes Melmetal while dealing considerable damage to threats like Alolan Muk, Mega Venusaur, and Mew. Dragon Pulse is another STAB move that threatens unboosted Dragonite, as well as dealing more damage to Pokemon that resist Fire Blast, such as Rhydon, Mega Gyarados, Poliwrath, and Starmie on the switch. Will-O-Wisp threatens to cripple physically offensive threats such as Rhydon, Poliwrath, and Mega Aerodactyl. Roost gives Mega Charizard X a form of recovery, keeping it healthy so it can continue spreading burns with Will-O-Wisp. A Timid nature allows Mega Charizard X to be as fast as possible and Speed tie with Mew and Zapdos. Usage Tips Mega Charizard X should aim to Mega Evolve as soon as possible, especially before Stealth Rock is set. It can accomplish this by forcing switches against Pokemon like Melmetal, Mega Venusaur, and Alolan Exeggutor. From there, it can go for an offensive move or use Roost to heal itself from Stealth Rock damage. If predicting the opponent to bring in Rhydon, Mega Aerodactyl, or Alolan Muk expecting Mega Charizard X to go for an offensive move, it would be a good idea to go for Will-O-Wisp to burn it. While it is by no means a frail Pokemon, Mega Charizard X should ideally be brought in with the help of a pivot like Zapdos or Mew, after a teammate has fainted, or with an aggressive double switch. It can also come in on moves it is immune to or weak, resisted attacks, such as Mew's Will-O-Wisp, Eevee-S's Sizzly Slide, and Zapdos's Thunderbolt. It also should never be afflicted with status conditions; Toxic from Pokemon like Alolan Muk, Rhydon, Poliwrath, Zapdos, and Snorlax puts it on a timer and wears it down further along with Stealth Rock damage, while paralysis from Pokemon like Starmie and Mega Gyarados can cut its Speed and potentially leave it unable to do anything for a turn. Team Options Despite Mega Charizard X's decent Speed tier, it is still outpaced by prominent threats such as Mega Alakazam and Starmie. Bold Starmie can spread paralysis with Thunder Wave, and Eevee-S can run Buzzy Buzz to help circumvent this issue as well as Sparkly Swirl in the case that Mega Charizard X is afflicted with a status condition. Other Pokemon like Alolan Muk and Snorlax can check these revenge killers too. Mega Charizard X absolutely needs an answer to Rock- and Ground-type Pokemon if it is to sweep late-game. Starmie, Poliwrath, and Alolan Exeggutor are good teammates to consider for this role. Physically offensive Pokemon like Melmetal, Rhydon, and Poliwrath can easily punch holes in special walls like Snorlax and Alolan Muk. These Pokemon also benefit from Mega Charizard X's immunity to Will-O-Wisp. Having a teammate that can pivot, such as Zapdos or Mew, would be a good idea, since Mega Charizard X needs to safely come into battle. Zapdos can also directly switch into Earthquake for Mega Charizard X. Pokemon like Dragonite, Snorlax, and Clefable appreciate Mega Charizard X's ability to threaten Melmetal so they can spam their STAB moves more freely.

Moves Fire Blast is Mega Charizard Y's primary STAB attack and is boosted by Drought. Flamethrower is a more accurate option, but it cannot 2HKO Latios after Stealth Rock. Solar Beam allows Mega Charizard Y to hit Ground- and Water-types such as Swampert and Gastrodon. Focus Blast allows Mega Charizard Y to KO Heatran and Tyranitar, which would otherwise wall it. Roost is used to increase Mega Charizard Y's longevity. Set Details Maximum Speed investment along with a Timid nature ensures that Mega Charizard Y is a fast as possible, outspeeding threats such as Kyurem-B and Excadrill. Maximum Special Attack investment allows Mega Charizard Y to hit as hard as possible. Blaze is chosen over Solar Power so that Charizard doesn't take any unnecessary damage. Charizardite Y allows Charizard to become Mega Charizard Y, granting it Drought. Drought allows Mega Charizard Y to use Solar Beam in a single turn while halving the damage of Water-type attacks and boosting the power of Fire-type attacks. Usage Tips It is usually best to remove entry hazards before sending Mega Charizard Y in so that it doesn't lose half of its HP. Use pivots such as U-turn Victini and Volt Switch Rotom-Heat to bring in Mega Charizard Y safely. Mega Charizard Y should aim to wallbreak early-game, while late-game it can sweep because of its respectable Speed stat. Be careful when using Solar Beam, especially against another weather summoner such as Tyranitar or Pelipper because using it in other weather traps Mega Charizard Y for two turns and halves the power of Solar Beam. Mega Charizard Y should avoid paralysis, as without its Speed stat, it is easily revenge killed by physical attackers such as Kyurem-B and Excadrill. Try to switch Mega Charizard Y in on a predicted double switch so that it doesn't have to take unnecessary damage. Preserve Mega Charizard Y's HP because it needs to be at full HP to take most powerful special attacks. Since Mega Charizard Y has a high Special Attack stat along with Drought, it is usually a great idea to spam Fire Blast. However, Fire Blast has low PP, so it is usually a better to use Solar Beam to KO a weakened target to preserve Fire Blast's PP. Mega Charizard Y should use Drought to easily switch in on weak Water-type attacks such as Scald Slowbro and Lanturn. Since Mega Charizard Y has a decent Special Defense stat, it can easily be switched in on weak special attacks such as Scald from Jellicent and Alomomola. Team Options Mega Charizard Y is a great choice for most Fire teams because of Drought boosting its teammates' Fire-type attacks while also reducing the damage taken from Water-type attacks. Torkoal can set up Stealth Rock and remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. It also can take powerful physical attacks for Mega Charizard Y. Victini can use U-turn to bring Mega Charizard Y in safely, while Mega Charizard Y can eliminate physical walls such as Swampert and Landorus-T. Rotom-Heat can use Volt Switch to bring Mega Charizard Y in safely and is a solid switch-in to Electric-type attacks. Volcanion can take Water-type attacks targeted at Mega Charizard Y and is a reliable check to Belly Drum Azumarill. Infernape can KO Heatran and Tyranitar so that Mega Charizard Y doesn't need to rely on the shaky accuracy of Focus Blast. Volcarona can eliminate bulky Psychic-types such as Mew and Latios for Mega Charizard Y with Bug Buzz. Alolan Marowak is an excellent switch-in to common Electric-type attacks that target Mega Charizard Y and is a superb physical wallbreaker.

Moves Dragon Dance allows Mega Charizard X to simultaneously boost its Attack and Speed. Flare Blitz is a powerful Fire-type attack that allows Mega Charizard X to hit Steel-, Grass-, and Ice-types such as Skarmory, Mega Venusaur, and Weavile at the cost of some of its HP. Outrage is a powerful Dragon-type attack that forces Mega Charizard X to use it for two or three turns without switching out. Dragon Claw is a weaker and safer option, but without Outrage, Mega Charizard X cannot break Toxapex. Roost can be used to increase Mega Charizard X's longevity, giving it more opportunities to sweep. Earthquake can be used to hit Heatran and Toxapex, but it comes at the cost of recovery. Set Details Maximum Speed investment along with a Jolly nature ensures that Mega Charizard X is as fast as possible, allowing it to outspeed Choice Scarf Kyurem-B and Choice Scarf Excadrill after a Dragon Dance. Maximum Attack investment ensures that Mega Charizard X hits as hard as possible. Blaze is preferred over Solar Power so that Charizard doesn't take any unnecessary damage under sun. Charizardite X allows Charizard to become Mega Charizard X, changing its ability to Tough Claws. Tough Claws slightly boosts the power of Mega Charizard X's contact moves. Usage Tips If Charizard is going to be targeted by a Ground-type attack, it is usually best to not Mega Evolve so that it doesn't take unnecessary damage. Along with this, it is best to try to bluff Mega Charizard Y so that Mega Charizard X can take weak Water- and Electric-type attacks to easily set up a Dragon Dance. Avoid status ailments, specifically paralysis and poison, because they hinder Mega Charizard X's ability to sweep. Use Dragon Dance early-game to wallbreak or late-game to sweep. Use pivots such as Volt Switch Rotom-Heat and U-turn Victini to give Mega Charizard X more opportunities to set up a Dragon Dance. Stealth Rock should be removed before sending Mega Charizard X in so that it doesn't have to take unnecessary damage. Preserve Mega Charizard X's HP because it needs to be healthy to successfully set up a Dragon Dance. Be careful when locking Mega Charizard X into Outrage, as Fairy-types such as Azumarill and Togekiss can then utilize it as setup bait. Only use Flare Blitz when it is absolutely necessary, because the recoil damage can be devastating. Mega Charizard X should try to set up Dragon Dance once its checks and counters such as Roar Swampert, Unaware Quagsire, and Tyranitar are eliminated. Team Options Torkoal can set up Stealth Rock and remove entry hazards with Rapid Spin. It can also set up sun with Drought, boosting Mega Charizard X's Fire-type attacks. Rotom-Heat can set up Light Screen and Reflect, making it much easier for Mega Charizard X to set up a Dragon Dance, while also acting as a decent pivot with Volt Switch. Volcarona can eliminate some of Mega Charizard X's checks such as Slowbro and Swampert, while Mega Charizard X can eliminate Chansey and Dragonite for Volcarona. Victini and Rotom-Heat can use U-turn and Volt Switch to bring Mega Charizard X in safely. Volcanion can eliminate Rock- and Fairy-types such as Tyranitar and Azumarill, while Mega Charizard X can eliminate Dragon-types such as Dragonite for Volcanion. Infernape can KO troublesome Rock-types such as Tyranitar and Nihilego for Mega Charizard X. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock and eliminate Fairy- and Rock-types with its Steel-type attacks.

Moves Fire Blast is Charizard's most powerful STAB attack. When boosted by Drought, it becomes extremely difficult to switch into and can 2HKO even Pokemon that resist it, such as Latios. Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for its perfect accuracy; however, its lower Base Power means that Charizard will lose out on 2HKOs on bulkier Pokemon like Garchomp and Latios. Solar Beam allows Charizard to deal super effective damage to Water- and Rock-types like Azumarill, Manaphy, and Alolan Golem, which resist its Fire-type STAB attacks. Focus Blast is used to deal heavy damage to Tyranitar and Heatran, which otherwise wall this set. Roost allows Charizard to recover off Stealth Rock and chip damage. Roost also allows Charizard to use its good special bulk to reliably switch into special Ice-type attacks. Set Details Blaze is used as Charizard's pre-Mega ability rather than Solar Power to avoid taking damage from opposing sun. 252 Special Attack EVs maximize Charizard's damage output, allowing it to effectively wallbreak. 252 Speed EVs are used with a Timid nature to allow Charizard to outspeed Pokemon such as Kyurem-B and Mimikyu as well as Speed tie with opposing base 100s. Charizardite Y is required for Charizard to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y. Usage Tips If possible, remove Stealth Rock before bringing in Mega Charizard Y to prevent it from being easily revenge killed. Use Mega Charizard Y to wallbreak in the early-game to open up opportunities for Charizard's teammates to sweep late-game. Be careful not to waste Fire Blast's PP, as it is very limited. Use Solar Beam to pick off weakened Pokemon for both PP preservation and perfect accuracy. Use U-turn or Volt Switch from teammates like Landorus-T and Zapdos to bring in Charizard safely, allowing it to pressure the opposing team. Double switches also work in allowing Charizard to apply pressure, though they have more inherent risk. Charizard can also be brought in directly against some special attacks, providing a switch-in to Nidoking's Ice Beam as well as some users of BoltBeam coverage, such as Porygon2. After switching into an attack, it's usually a good idea to use Roost to restore Charizard's longevity. The exception to this would be if getting damage on the opponent's defensive answer to Charizard could secure victory for a teammate—carefully evaluate these scenarios on a case-by-case basis. Mega Charizard Y is reliant on sun for wallbreaking; as such, choose moves carefully when facing opposing weather setters—if Mega Charizard Y uses Solar Beam as an opposing weather setter comes in, it will be unable to switch and can be KOed. Tyranitar, Hippowdon, and Pelipper can remove sun and lock Charizard into a weakened two-turn Solar Beam, using the opportunity to strike Charizard with super effective moves. Team Options Skarmory and Mantine are good supportive partners, able to reliably Defog entry hazards away. Skarmory also has a great matchup against sand teams, while Mantine beats most rain teams, assisting Charizard against opposing weather. Zapdos provides a neutrality to Electric-type attacks and can additionally support Charizard with Defog. Zapdos also offers an answer to some Pokemon that wall Mega Charizard Y, such as Mantine and Toxapex, and can use these Pokemon to set up a Substitute or throw off a Toxic. Alternatively, Zapdos can use a Volt Switch set to bring Mega Charizard Y in safely to wallbreak. Celesteela can handle most Dragon-types for Mega Charizard Y and also has the ability to wear down Chansey with Leech Seed. Togekiss provides additional support against Dragon-types and can cripple Chansey with Trick to assist Charizard. Choice Scarf Togekiss also helps Charizard's matchup against more offensively inclined teams and appreciates Charizard's wallbreaking in cleaning up late-game. Thundurus breaks through Toxapex and Mantine, supports Charizard with Thunder Wave, and can also lure Chansey with mixed sets. Landorus-T provides an immunity to Electric-type attacks, can set up Stealth Rock to weaken Mega Charizard Y's checks, and can also bring in Charizard safely via U-turn. Gliscor is another solid Stealth Rock setter that is additionally able to stallbreak using Taunt. Aerodactyl can be used on hyper offensive teams to set up Stealth Rock and provide support against opposing offensive teams thanks to its high Speed. Landorus makes a good partner, as it pairs with Charizard to apply heavy pressure to defensive teams and can additionally use Stealth Rock. Choice Band Dragonite breaks Mega Charizard Y's best defensive answers and can be difficult for foes to switch into. Dragonite can also use Extreme Speed to sweep weakened teams late-game. Gyarados is a solid Dragon Dance user, able to sweep weakened teams late-game. Salamence is another good Dragon Dance user that benefits from Z-Moves to begin a sweep with Moxie. Mega Charizard Y's wallbreaking can allow Salamence to save its Z-Move to obliterate a check in the middle of a sweep rather than to begin one.

Moves Heat Wave is Mega Charizard Y's main attack, being a sun-boosted STAB spread move sure to heavily dent both opposing Pokemon. Solar Beam provides valuable coverage, hitting Water- and Rock-types that resist Heat Wave such as Tapu Fini and Diancie for super effective damage. Overheat allows Mega Charizard Y to deal a large amount of damage to one foe, even OHKOing many Pokemon that do not resist Fire, at the cost of lowering its Special Attack. Rather than Overheat, Charizard can instead use Tailwind, providing a reliable form of speed control to help itself and teammates. Tailwind can also be used over Solar Beam instead, but losing the coverage to hit Pokemon that resist Fire like Tapu Fini and Diancie can hurt Charizard offensively. Lastly, Protect shields Mega Charizard Y from attacks and allows it to stall out opposing field conditions. Set Details A simple EV spread with maximum Special Attack and Speed investment maximizes Charizard's offensive capabilities. The remaining EVs are put into either defense stat, but not HP, so Charizard has an odd HP stat and can switch into Stealth Rock twice. A Timid nature allows Mega Charizard Y to move first as often as possible, ensuring it will move before any non-Choice Scarf Genesect, Tapu Lele, and Kyurem-B. Alternatively, Charizard can use a Modest nature with a bulkier spread of 232 HP / 104 Def / 4 SpA / 60 SpD / 108 Spe. This allows it to take any one attack from -1 Kyurem-B, survive a Thunderbolt from non-Life Orb Tapu Koko, and outspeed base 130 Speed Pokemon such as Tapu Koko at -1 Speed. However, the lower Speed makes Charizard even more reliant on speed control to work well. Usage Tips Mega Charizard Y often makes a good lead due to its ability to put pressure on the opponent right away and force switches. Against rain teams in particular, being able to Mega Evolve and nullify rain once they have led or switched in their Drizzle Pokemon gains vital early momentum. The biggest problem when leading Mega Charizard Y is opposing Incineroar, which is a very popular lead, so Charizard's fellow lead should be able to deal with it. Mega Charizard Y should be safely sent onto the field from free switches or pivot moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch and switch only into weaker and resisted hits, if needed. This helps preserve Charizard's health for surviving a strong attack from the likes of Mega Metagross and KOing it in return. Mega Charizard Y should aim to be out alongside other offensive Pokemon such as Tapu Koko, Kartana, and Kommo-o to crank up the offensive pressure on the opponent and force pins or KOs. This lets Charizard weaken foes for its partner to finish off or force defensive plays that can be taken advantage of with moves like Tailwind and Clangorous Soulblaze. In weather wars, it's important to keep Mega Charizard Y alive so it can come in and override the opposing weather. However, be wary that Charizard cannot safely switch into attacks from the likes of Kingdra and Tyranitar. Particularly against rain teams, this type of positional play can be crucial in maintaining momentum and winning the match. If using a teammate with Defog, note that targeting your teammate will not remove Stealth Rock from the opposing side of the field. Otherwise, using Defog to lower the opposing Pokemon's evasion will ensure any of Charizard's attacks will connect with it. Team Options Tapu Koko is an excellent offensive partner to Mega Charizard Y, being able to effectively deal with the Water- and Dragon-types that resist Charizard's Fire-type attacks. Landorus-T is another superb partner, offering Intimidate to soften physical attacks for Charizard's subpar Defense and helping deal with Incineroar quite well. Charizard's Flying typing also makes it easier for Landorus-T to use physical sets that take advantage of its higher Attack stat. Fake Out users such as Incineroar, Scrafty, and Mew are also great partners for Mega Charizard Y that can allow more defensive plays, such as letting Charizard safely switch in or set Tailwind, and more offensive plays, for example protecting it from threats such as Mega Metagross and Landorus-T so Charizard can safely knock them out. Mega Charizard Y greatly benefits from speed control, so Pokemon with Tailwind such as Kartana and Mew as well as Pokemon with Icy Wind or Electroweb such as Kyurem-B and Porygon2 work extremely well with it. Using a slower, bulkier set, Mega Charizard Y can also function under Trick Room from setters such as Cresselia and Diancie, on teams with multiple forms of speed control. On dedicated Trick Room teams, however, it is outclassed by Mega Camerupt. Zygarde and Kommo-o are two Dragon-types that can each form a sturdy offensive backbone with Mega Charizard Y. Zygarde can hit Fire- and Rock-type foes with its Ground-type STAB attacks, while Charizard can deal with Grass-types in return. For Kommo-o, Mega Charizard Y can threaten Steel- and Fairy-types, especially Mega Metagross, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Bulu, which resist its Dragon-type STAB attacks. This aids Kommo-o’s ability to set up using its Z-Move, and in return Kommo-o can use Close Combat or Flash Cannon to hit Tyranitar or Diancie, both of which Charizard struggles against. Stealth Rock can be a valuable asset to Mega Charizard Y to prevent Fire-types from switching as easily into its attacks. Common users such as Landorus-T and Mew both synergize well with Mega Charizard Y. On the other hand, Charizard is especially weak to opposing Stealth Rock, so having Defog on a teammate such as Tapu Fini or Tapu Koko is exceptionally useful when facing it.

This Mega Charizard X surprises foes with its good bulk and utility with Will-O-Wisp. It acts as a good check to threats such as Mimikyu, Kartana, and Tapu Bulu. Earthquake ensures Nihilego and Heatran can't switch in for free, but Flame Charge lets Mega Charizard X outspeed threats such as Garchomp. The EVs and nature allow Mega Charizard X to outspeed Jolly Mimikyu and take less damage from Stealth Rock. Use Will-O-Wisp as much as possible to catch Mega Charizard X's checks off guard, such as Hippowdon, Landorus-T, and Azumarill. Consider carrying Pokemon that have an easier time with Pokemon that Mega Charizard X lures and burns. You'll also want Pokemon that can deal with bulky setup Pokemon that don't care about status moves such as Suicune and Tapu Fini.

This is the standard Dragon Dance set, letting Mega Charizard X outspeed most threats in the metagame. Its STAB moves are very powerful, with the last move being chosen depending on what threats you want to cover or, in the case of Roost, set up on. Earthquake hits Heatran, Dragon Claw gives it a Dragon-type STAB move that doesn't lock it in, and Thunder Punch deals massive damage to Azumarill and Tapu Fini. Jolly lets Charizard outspeed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele after a Dragon Dance. Save this Pokemon for late-game, since Fairy-types and Fire-resistant foes are a big barrier to it sweeping. Outrage in particular should be saved for late-game due to Fairy-types. Consider Pokemon that help deal with Garchomp, Suicune, Tapu Fini, and Mega Slowbro.

Mega Charizard Y is a powerful wallbreaker thanks to Drought. Choose between reliability and power with Flamethrower and Fire Blast, and take advantage of the sun with Solar Beam to slam Water-types. The rest of the moves are coverage that depends on what your team needs. Timid ensures Charizard outspeeds Tapu Lele, but Modest brings plenty of power to the table. Mega Charizard Y works best early-game, especially if you see bulky Stealth Rock Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Swampert in Team Preview, so it can defeat them and avoid getting hit by Stealth Rock. Bring checks to popular Electric-types such as Tapu Koko, Thundurus, and Rotom-Heat. Also consider a Pokemon to defeat specially defensive Alolan Marowak.

Swords Dance and Flame Charge make Mega Charizard X into a more effective wall breaker, with its STAB attacks 2HKOing even resistant foes. Adamant maximizes Mega Charizard X's power, but Jolly ensures it outspeeds Timid Tapu Lele. Its STAB moves are fairly risky, so you can replace Flare Blitz with Earthquake to reliably handle Heatran and Tapu Koko. As with most sweepers, it's best to save Mega Charizard X for late-game, especially since it relies on Outrage and Flare Blitz. You will often choose to set up Flame Charge or Swords Dance depending on the makeup of your opponent's team. Flame Charge works best against offensive teams, while Swords Dance works best against slower, bulkier teams. Stealth Rock is a good idea to ensure Mega Charizard X blasts through walls. You'll also need a Garchomp and Mega Salamence check so you won't be forced to use Outrage often. Finally, consider Pokemon that can restore Charizard's health, such as users of Lunar Dance, Healing Wish, Z-Parting Shot, or Z-Memento.

Moves In the sun provided by Mega Charizard Y's Drought, Flamethrower is a very reliable, strong, and spammable STAB move with perfect accuracy. Fire Blast can be used instead for more power at the cost of accuracy and consistency. Solar Beam doesn't require an extra turn to charge thanks to the sun, and it hits Water-types such as Azumarill, Suicune, Slowking, Slowbro, and Manaphy for great damage. Focus Blast rounds off Mega Charizard Y's coverage, targeting Tyranitar and Heatran. Roost keeps Mega Charizard Y healthy and somewhat mitigates Stealth Rock damage. Alternative options include Overheat to deal a massive burst of damage, Hidden Power Ice to hit Dragon-types such as Garchomp and Dragonite, and Defog to provide entry hazard removal support for the team. Set Details Maximum Special Attack investment is used to hit as hard as possible. A Timid nature allows Mega Charizard Y to Speed tie with other positive-natured base 100 Speed Pokemon, namely Manaphy, as well as Jolly Excadrill outside of sand and maximum Speed Kyurem-B. If outspeeding these Pokemon is not required, a Modest nature can be used for a significant increase in Mega Charizard Y's wallbreaking potential. If using a Modest nature, a spread of 40 HP / 252 SpA / 216 Spe provides some bulk while still outspeeding neutral-natured maximum Speed Kyurem-B. Note that Fire Blast is best used with a Timid nature and Flamethrower is best used with a Modest nature, as the high power of Fire Blast makes up for the decrease in power by not using a Special Attack-boosting nature; conversely, when using a Modest nature, Mega Charizard Y can afford to use a slightly weaker move. Usage Tips Mega Charizard Y is best played as an early- and mid-game wallbreaker, utilizing its high-powered STAB moves along with its near-perfect complementary coverage movepool. The best way for Charizard to get in safely is through a double switch, a Volt Switch, or U-turn user. However, more aggressive plays such as switching into Ferrothorn's Stealth Rock or Clefable's Moonblast can be useful depending on the given situation. Note that the risk of such plays can result in Mega Charizard Y being crippled by a potential Leech Seed or Thunder Wave. Keeping Stealth Rock off the field is important to maximize Mega Charizard Y's wallbreaking, as if Mega Charizard Y takes Stealth Rock damage, it is forced to use Roost more often and thus waste turns that could have been used to attack. Take advantage of the switches Mega Charizard Y tends to force into the likes of Latias, Latios, and Chansey in order to pressure them with a double switch into the appropriate teammate. Team Options Entry hazard removal is one of the most important aspects to cover with Mega Charizard Y's teammates, so the likes of Excadrill, Latios, and Latias make for good partners. In addition to providing Rapid Spin support, Excadrill has good offensive synergy with Mega Charizard Y, as it can break past some of the specially bulky Pokemon that Mega Charizard struggles with while in return Mega Charizard Y can plow through physically bulky Pokemon such as Rotom-W and defensive Landorus-T. Latios and Latias provide useful resistances to Water- and Electric-type attacks, and the latter provides Healing Wish support so that Mega Charizard Y can be played more recklessly at times. Mew is another option for Defog support, as it can reliably beat Chansey one-on-one with the use of Taunt and Knock Off. Pursuit support from the likes of Tyranitar, Weavile, and Assault Vest Metagross is essential to remove Latios and Latias, both of which are some of Mega Charizard Y's most common offensive checks. In addition, these Pokemon can either cripple Chansey, in the case of Weavile and Bisharp, or heavily dent it with their STAB moves. Other Pokemon to deal with Chansey, including Fighting-types such as Terrakion and Keldeo, make for good teammates too.

Moves Dragon Dance simultaneously boosts Mega Charizard X's Attack and Speed, allowing it to sweep weakened teams. Flare Blitz in tandem with Tough Claws provides ridiculous damage output, capable of OHKOing many foes unboosted and severely denting almost everything in the metagame at +1. To give a measure of its power, Mega Charizard X's unboosted Flare Blitz matches the power of +2 Adamant Garchomp's Dragon Claw. Dragon Claw completes the feared Dragon / Fire coverage and is a safe option to use against Water-types as well as when the player wishes to avoid recoil. Roost keeps Mega Charizard X healthy and helps mitigate Flare Blitz recoil as well as avoid Sucker Punch mind games. Earthquake is an option that allows Mega Charizard X to beat Heatran and bulky variants of Tyranitar, but the extra longevity provided by Roost is generally more useful. Fire Punch is an option over Flare Blitz if recoil tends to be a problem, but it is seriously discouraged due to its significantly lower damage output. Set Details Maximum Attack investment is used to hit as hard as possible, and a Jolly nature is used to outspeed Jolly Choice Scarf Landorus-T, Jolly Choice Scarf Excadrill, Choice Scarf Kyurem-B, and Modest Choice Scarf Keldeo. This spread also allows Mega Charizard X to outspeed neutral-natured base 100 Pokemon such as Mega Gardevoir and Mega Medicham as well as most Kyurem-B before a Dragon Dance. Alternatively, a slightly bulkier spread of 104 HP / 220 Atk / 184 Spe can be used to have a good chance to survive two Hydro Pumps from Rotom-W while still outspeeding Choice Scarf Landorus-T after a boost and OHKOing uninvested Landorus-T after Stealth Rock damage. If outspeeding the previously mentioned Choice Scarf users after a boost is not a concern, a spread of 96 HP / 252 Atk / 160 Spe with an Adamant nature can be used to outspeed Adamant Excadrill, Jolly Mega Scizor, and Mega Heracross while providing a noticeable boost in power. Running an Adamant nature specifically allows Mega Charizard X to 2HKO Azumarill after Stealth Rock damage and grants a high chance at 2HKOing mixed defensive Hippowdon after Stealth Rock damage. Blaze is the chosen ability before Mega Evolving despite being very situational, as Solar Power would accomplish nothing other than reducing HP at times. Usage Tips It's best to set up Dragon Dance towards the end of the game, when Mega Charizard X's checks and counters are out of play or have been weakened enough to be picked off after a boost. Mega Charizard X should set up on Pokemon that it forces out, such as Mega Scizor and Celebi, or against Electric-types such as Mega Manectric and Raikou. If running HP investment, Rotom-W is an easy target to set up on, as it can't 2HKO Mega Charizard X with Hydro Pump and is stalled out with Roost. Take note of Charizard's typing change upon Mega Evolving; for example, not Mega Evolving against Latios after it uses Draco Meteor allows Mega Charizard X to safely set up Dragon Dance on it, whereas Mega Charizard X sets up on non-Thunder Wave Thundurus with ease thanks to its neutrality to Hidden Power Ice and resistance to Thunderbolt. Team Options Entry hazard removal is an absolute must, as having Charizard lose half its health makes a huge difference in the game. Excadrill is the best option for this, as it can remove hazards with Rapid Spin while preserving your own and has good synergy in general with Mega Charizard X. In addition, Swords Dance Excadrill can severely weaken physically bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Slowbro to assist Mega Charizard X's sweep. The two of them also pair very well on sand teams, as Mega Charizard X can set up on or deal immense amounts of damage to the likes of Rotom-W, Celebi, and Mega Venusaur, which are bothersome to common Pokemon on these archetypes. Latios can nuke the opposition while using support options such as Tailwind and Memento to prepare for a sweep, in addition to clearing entry hazards for Mega Charizard X with Defog. Mew can support Mega Charizard X with Defog, while Mega Charizard X can absorb Knock Off for it. Powerful physical attackers such as Garchomp, Talonflame, and Terrakion can weaken or overwhelm Mega Charizard X's checks and counters. Grass-types such as Celebi and Serperior put immense amounts of pressure on the bulky Water-, Rock-, and Ground-types that are used to check Mega Charizard X. In addition, Celebi can take further advantage of these Pokemon by setting up a Substitute and passing it to Mega Charizard X for safety during setup. Chesnaught and Tangrowth work as well to combat sand teams, which are problematic for Mega Charizard X. Jirachi is a very notable teammate, as it can provide Healing Wish support, check Mega Altaria and Mega Diancie, and lure in bulky Water- and Ground-types and KO them with Grass Knot. Water-types such as Manaphy and Azumarill also pressure Rock- and Ground-types that bother Mega Charizard X, and the former can break down defensive cores for Charizard to clean up late-game.

Moves Swords Dance doubles Mega Charizard X's Attack, allowing it to plow through defensive cores. Roost is an alternative to provide Mega Charizard X with recovery, allowing it to heal off recoil and entry hazard damage. Flare Blitz is boosted by Tough Claws and deals massive damage to anything that does not resist it, even heavily denting some less bulky Pokemon that do resist it. Dragon Claw is a reliable secondary STAB move that hits most Pokemon that resist Fire for solid damage and has the benefit of not making Mega Charizard X suffer recoil damage, unlike Flare Blitz. Outrage is significantly more powerful than Dragon Claw, most notably 2HKOing Quagsire and having a high chance to OHKO Slowbro at +2, but it has the cost of locking Mega Charizard X into the move. Finally, Flame Charge can be used over Flare Blitz as a way to boost Mega Charizard X's Speed, making it a double dance set. Set Details Maximum Attack investment with an Adamant nature is used to hit as hard as possible, and 216 Speed EVs allow Mega Charizard X to outspeed maximum Speed neutral-natured Kyurem-B and below. A Jolly nature can be used to Speed tie with opposing positive-natured base 100 Speed Pokemon and outspeed neutral-natured base 100 Speed Pokemon as well as Jolly Excadrill outside of sand, but without an Adamant nature, Mega Charizard X loses out on quite a bit of wallbreaking power, most notably losing the ability to OHKO Azumarill after Stealth Rock with a +2 Flare Blitz. Usage Tips With this set, it is important to assess the given matchup to determine how Mega Charizard X should be played throughout the game. Versus more offensive teams, it is generally best to just outright attack when Mega Charizard X forces a switch early- or mid-game and, if possible. Against balanced and defensive builds, set up a Swords Dance when Mega Charizard X forces a switch on the likes of Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and defensive Starmie. Don't set up if your opponent has a Quagsire; using Outrage on a forced switch is more beneficial. If possible, eliminate Unaware and Prankster Pokemon before attempting to set up in order to give Mega Charizard X much more breathing room. While Mega Charizard X can break through Quagsire with two Outrages and Clefable is cleanly 2HKOed by Flare Blitz, eliminating Quagsire means that Charizard doesn't have to lock itself into Outrage (or can forgo it for Dragon Claw), and eliminating Clefable is helpful because it can stall Mega Charizard X out between Wish and Protect. In most other scenarios, using Outrage generally has more risk than reward, so be wary of locking Mega Charizard X into the move. Team Options Entry hazard removal is very important, so teammates such as Excadrill, Latios, and Starmie fit well. Sand Rush Excadrill greatly appreciates Mega Charizard X's wallbreaking ability so it can clean up late-game versus offensive teams. Excadrill also appreciates Mega Charizard X's ability to set up on and eliminate Rotom-W and remove Slowbro if it is running Outrage. Azelf and Klefki can provide dual screens support, and the former provides Stealth Rock to wear down Mega Charizard X's checks and Explosion to get it in safely. Grass-types such as Celebi and Serperior have good offensive synergy with Mega Charizard X, most notably being able to pressure or eliminate Quagsire, which is a major nuisance to Mega Charizard X because it ignores its boosts with Unaware. Swords Dance Mega Charizard X struggles versus offensive teams, so fast Pokemon that perform well against those such as Weavile and Choice Scarf Jirachi pair well with it; the latter also provides Healing Wish support to give Mega Charizard X another chance at sweeping.

Moves Will-O-Wisp cripples physical attackers and spreads residual damage, deterring the likes of Landorus-T, Azumarill, and Tyranitar from switching in. Even with minimal Attack investment, Flare Blitz hits very hard against neutral targets. Flare Blitz is also important to deal substantial damage to Clefable. Roost heals half of Mega Charizard's HP, extending its longevity. Earthquake targets Heatran, which gives Mega Charizard X problems, as it can absorb Will-O-Wisps and Flare Blitzes due to Flash Fire. Dragon Claw is an alternative option that doubles as a reliable STAB move; it is especially useful to hit opposing Dragon-types that don't mind being burned by Will-O-Wisp such as Latios, Latias, and Hydreigon, which otherwise could gain offensive momentum by pivoting into an Earthquake or a Flare Blitz given they are healthy. Dragon Claw also hits Mega Charizard Y, which this set can check in a pinch. Dragon Tail can be used to phaze setup sweepers such as Manaphy and Reuniclus and is useful to rack up entry hazard damage. However, it is not fully accurate and is significantly weaker than Dragon Claw. Set Details 248 HP EVs are used to minimize the damage taken from Stealth Rock. 160 Speed EVs allow Mega Charizard X to outspeed Adamant Excadrill, Jolly Mega Scizor, and Jolly Bisharp. The rest of the EVs are placed into Defense alongside an Impish nature, which subsequently allows Mega Charizard X to avoid the 2HKO from Mega Metagross's Zen Headbutt and Life Orb Weavile's Icicle Crash from full HP. A specially defensive spread of 248 HP / 200 SpD / 60 Spe with a Jolly nature can be used to better handle the likes of Nasty Plot Thundurus and Mega Charizard Y. Usage Tips Pivot into Pokemon that Mega Charizard X checks, such as Mega Scizor, Weavile, and Volcarona. Early-game, throw out Will-O-Wisps in order to cripple Mega Charizard X's typical switch-ins and spread residual damage on the opposing team. Choosing the time to Mega Evolve can be very important at times when one set of resistances is more important than the other, such as when spamming Roost on Latios's Draco Meteor before Mega Evolving. Be sure to keep entry hazards off the field and preserve Charizard throughout the match if your opponent has a threat that Mega Charizard X checks. Team Options Entry hazard removal is very important for Mega Charizard X due to its crippling weakness to Stealth Rock. Due to how this set fits best on more balanced or defensive teams, the likes of Skarmory and Mew make for very good teammates to fulfill the role of entry hazard remover. Skarmory has excellent type synergy with Mega Charizard X, as it covers Ground- and Dragon-types to some degree while Mega Charizard X checks Fire- and Electric-types, which bother Skarmory. Mew appreciates having a bulky Mega Evolution to fall back on to absorb Knock Offs, as without Leftovers, it is pressured to use a recovery move more frequently. Regenerator Pokemon such as Tornadus-T, Slowbro, Slowking, and Amoonguss pair well with Mega Charizard X, as they fit on the balanced builds that this set is typically used on and appreciate Mega Charizard X's pivot support. Physical sweepers such as Swords Dance Garchomp appreciate the likes of Landorus-T and Slowbro being whittled down by Will-O-Wisp.

Moves Dragon Claw and Flare Blitz receive a boost from Tough Claws after Mega Evolving and are Charizard's main STAB moves. Dragon Dance is a given on a Dragon Dance set, allowing Charizard to outspeed and OHKO Pokemon such as Garchomp and Mega Manectric, which would normally give Mega Charizard Y trouble. Protect rounds out the set, allowing Charizard to avoid dangerous Dragon-type moves upon Mega Evolving or Rock-type moves before doing so. Set Details Defensively, the EVs listed allow Charizard to survive a Choice Band-boosted Talonflame's Brave Bird as Mega Charizard X and an unboosted Hydreigon's Draco Meteor as regular Charizard. Offensively, after a boost, Charizard outspeeds common Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Rotom-A and Mamoswine as well as naturally fast Pokemon such as Mega Manectric and Garchomp, while packing enough punch to OHKO the format's bulkier Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Manectric even after an Intimidate. Before a boost, Charizard has enough Speed to outspeed Timid Tyranitar and Smeargle and enough power to OHKO opposing Dragons with Dragon Claw. An Adamant nature is used for more power because Speed isn't much of an issue when using Dragon Dance. The only notable Pokemon Jolly Charizard would outspeed after a boost is Modest Choice Scarf Salamence, which is next to impossible to reliably scout. The fact that you would at best Speed tie with Timid Salamence and other base 100 Speed Pokemon such as other Charizard and Mega Kangaskhan before a boost also makes the extra Speed useless. Usage Tips Mega Charizard X stands out from other boosting Pokemon such as Swords Dance Garchomp and Dragon Dance Gyarados/Mega Gyarados because of its immunity to Will-O-Wisp. It also has a leg up from being able to masquerade as a special attacker due to Mega Charizard Y's popularity. It might be a good idea to let the opponent guess at Charizard's forme by not Mega Evolving when using Protect and only revealing its true colors when on the offensive. Because Charizard changes its typing, it might be a good idea to remain unevolved when setting up to better tank Dazzling Gleam or Dragon-type moves should your opponent figure out what Mega Evolution you're using, which tends to happen in best of three sets. Again, Charizard can survive different attacks with the given EV spread depending on whether or not it Mega Evolves, so make sure you've assessed the situation before clicking the Mega Evolve button. Despite the temptation to always boost before attacking, it really isn't necessary to do so in many common situations. Garchomp as well as some Salamence will most likely try to use Rock Slide if it doesn't have any reason to think Charizard isn't Mega Charizard Y, so Mega Charizard X's Dragon Claw will often pick up an OHKO provided Rock Slide doesn't score a flinch. Flare Blitz will OHKO Amoonguss and Aegislash, provided the latter doesn't use King's Shield, and so on. The real goal to keep in mind when using Dragon Dance is to outspeed faster, more frail Pokemon such as Mega Manectric and Aerodactyl, and OHKO bulkier Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Venusaur. If Charizard can achieve the necessary KOs without boosting, don't bother trying to boost. Don't get greedy with Dragon Dance. Know when you have enough Speed and Attack to deal with your enemies. Team Options Mienshao, Scrafty, and Aerodactyl make good teammates for Charizard focusing on creating free turns for Charizard to boost. Mienshao and Scrafty both have access to Fake Out and can scare Tyranitar into using Protect; they also have access to Taunt or Feint to prevent Protects and disruptive moves such as Trick Room and King's Shield so Charizard can freely attack. Aerodactyl offers a fast Sky Drop that can act like a Fake Out, but you have to be careful about trying to pick up Pokemon that are over Sky Drop's weight limit of 200 kg, such as Tyranitar. It might be worth checking with your Pokédex before trying to do any heavy lifting. While Amoonguss doesn't help Mega Charizard X that try to mask themselves as Mega Charizard Y, it's a rather consistent option to consider if you don't care about trying to play pretend. Rage Powder redirects dangerous Dragon Claws and Draco Meteors, and Spore can create free turns. Rotom-W, Gyarados, and Ludicolo are some more Pokemon that do a good job at taking care of various Ground-types such as Mamoswine, forming a decent offensive core, and supporting Charizard. Ludicolo provides Fake Out pressure, while Gyarados and Rotom-W can weaken physical attacks with Intimidate or Will-O-Wisp.

Moves Heat Wave is a great STAB Fire-type move that Charizard can throw around without worrying as much about it getting blocked by Protect, and as such it's the main move it will be using. Solar Beam is equally important to make sure Charizard can threaten the opponent's weather changing Pokemon when Drought is activated, mainly Tyranitar and Politoed, as well as Rotom-W and various Rock- or Ground-types. The third slot is usually reserved for a more powerful single-target option such as Overheat to OHKO bulkier Pokemon that may give Charizard trouble such as Scrafty. To give an example of Overheat's power, with a Modest nature, Charizard is capable of OHKOing 252 HP Mega Kangaskhan. Overheat can be replaced by Fire Blast or Flamethrower to avoid the Special Attack drop, though you should double check to make sure you're not missing out on any important KOs that your team may depend on. Ancient Power is an interesting third slot option if you don't see any need for a second Fire move. With the added Rock-type coverage, Charizard is free to OHKO Talonflame and other Mega Charizard Y, as well as enabling it to deal decent damage to Rotom-H or nab a free +1 in every stat once in a blue moon. Finally, Protect is rather non-negotiable because of Charizard's crippling weakness to Rock Slide. Protect buys time for allied Chlorophyll Pokemon to use Sleep Powder or OHKO any threatening Rock Slide users. Set Details Solar Power is the preferred ability in the event of a mirror match, where Charizard can actually outdamage Mega Charizard Y with Overheat to pick up an unexpected KO. It's especially important when using Ancient Power because it allows Charizard to OHKO opposing Charizard in every scenario, bar bulkier variants and Mega Charizard X. If you're not concerned with any of this or plan to Mega Evolve right off the bat, Blaze is the superior option to conserve bulk in the mirror match. A Modest nature is preferred in order to attain important OHKOs such as on 252 HP Rotom-W and 4 HP Tyranitar with Solar Beam and the aforementioned 252 HP Mega Kangaskhan with Overheat. However, if you don't plan on trying to OHKO any of these Pokemon, it may be worth using a Timid nature to outspeed neutral-nature base 100 Speed Pokemon such as non-Choice Scarf Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan, which could save Charizard from powerful physical attacks or even a Rock-type move. The EV spread is rather simple, with 12 Special Defense EVs used to ensure Charizard isn't OHKOed by 252 Special Attack Rotom-A's Thunderbolt at full HP. Bulkier EV spreads are also viable, such as 220 HP / 108 Def / 12 SpA / 4 SpD / 164 Spe, which aims to outspeed Smeargle and survive Garchomp's Rock Slide, although the drop in power can sometimes be noticeable. Usage Tips Because Charizard maintains its Speed tier, it can afford to be conservative with Mega Evolving. For example, Drought's sunlight only lasts for 5 turns, so it's unwise to Mega Evolve on a turn when Charizard should Protect, unless a partner Chlorophyll user needs the sun to gain the Speed advantage. Additionally, Mega Evolving on the first turn can allow Tyranitar to come in and weaken Charizard, so it may be worth holding off on Mega Evolving if you see an opposing weather changer in Team Preview. Counting the turns of sunlight is also important because of Charizard's dependence on its weather, and is imperative if you plan on switching out relatively early after Mega Evolving to avoid a potential faster Rock Slide or to reinstate sunlight later in the game. Be sure to count the turns of sunlight and make sure you're not wasting them. It may be tempting to use Overheat, but unlike Draco Meteor, which has outstanding neutral coverage, Overheat is more easily punished by Rock- or Water-types. Be cautious of clicking Overheat if your opponent has a bulky Pokemon that resists Fire-type moves. If this seems a little too complicated, you can use Fire Blast or Flamethrower, but they may not OHKO certain threats that are important to your team. Team Options Charizard and Venusaur make an incredibly effective sun core. With the Speed boost Chlorophyll provides, Venusaur can put dangerous Pokemon such as Garchomp and Kangaskhan to sleep before they can move and deal chunk damage, allowing Charizard to finish them off with Heat Wave. It also deals with Politoed and Tyranitar nicely, although Tyranitar may carry Ice Beam or Fire Blast, and can help you keep the upper hand in those matchups. Garchomp and Mamoswine can form a solid core with Charizard that spams Heat Wave and Earthquake instead of Discharge and Earthquake. Garchomp is the better pick to use Rock Slide on other Charizard and reliably finish off Kangaskhan, while Mamoswine can pick off Garchomp without risking a Speed tie or trading Dragon Claws. Both do a great job at forming a fast, hard-hitting lead with Charizard, so choose the one that better caters to your team. Aerodactyl, Mienshao, and Scrafty can either stop Rock Slides or weaken them to the point where non-STAB Rock Slide will fail to OHKO Charizard. Aerodactyl and Mienshao both have Wide Guard and can also smack common Rock Slide users such as Garchomp and Tyranitar for super effective damage with Ice Fang and High Jump Kick, respectively. Scrafty can both Fake Out and Intimidate Rock Slide users, as well as do reasonable damage with Ice Punch and Drain Punch, although it will rarely OHKO its target without a boosting item or prior Fake Out damage.

Moves Fire Blast is Mega Charizard Y's main attack and gets boosted by sun, which allows it to OHKO or at least 2HKO almost every Pokemon in the metagame. Flamethrower can be used as a more accurate but severely weaker alternative STAB attack; using this over Fire Blast loses out on a lot of KOs such as 2HKOing opposing Charizard and Latios as well as losing the chance to OHKO Mega Gardevoir. Solar Beam is another move that takes advantage of the sun, as it becomes a one-turn move that is super effective against all of Mega Charizard Y's threats such as Slowbro, Hippowdon, and Gastrodon. Focus Blast 2HKOes even the most specially defensive Tyranitar or Heatran, which would generally pose a problem for Mega Charizard Y. Defog is mostly used on teams that lack hazard control to to clear away entry hazards that can create problems for Mega Charizard Y and its teammates. Roost can be used as an alternative to Defog to improve Mega Charizard Y's longevity and allow it to be used more freely. However, this should only be used if there is an alternative form of hazard control. Set Details Maximum Special Attack investment lets Mega Charizard Y hit as hard as possible. A Timid nature with maximum Speed EVs is used to make it as fast as it can possibly be as well as to Speed tie with other base 100 Speed Pokemon. Blaze is chosen because Solar Power needlessly chips away at Charizard's health if it switches in while sun is set by the opponent and because it is not compatible with Defog. Charizard's HP stat should always be an odd number after investment so that it can come in on Stealth Rock twice. Usage Tips As Mega Charizard Y is a wallbreaker, it should be sent out as soon as the opportunity arises to set up sun as well as to break opposing walls that could trouble its teammates. Because Charizard's Speed and bulk aren't particularly good, it should try to Mega Evolve primarily against slower Pokemon that either don't threaten it or can be taken out immediately. As it is 4x weak to it, Mega Charizard Y should not be sent out while Stealth Rock is still in the field. Keeping the hazard off the user's side also helps it switch in and out more. It can be sent out against Stealth Rock setters right away if it is running Defog so that it does not have to take the extra damage from Stealth Rock. Mega Charizard Y should avoid getting hit with any type of status, as that can severely reduce its wallbreaking capabilities. It must make full use of the sun turns that Drought provides, because once sun ends, Mega Charizard Y's damage output is cut significantly, allowing Pokemon such as Latios to use Roost to recover damage and stall out the remaining turns. It can use Roost to be able to switch into attacks freely and to recover off Stealth Rock damage if it is forced to switch into it. Mega Charizard Y can be sent out against Water-types, as it can take most special Water-type moves because of sun halving their damage and its decent Special Defense stat. Mega Charizard Y also can defeat most Water-type Pokemon one-on-one thanks to its access to Solar Beam; however, it must be careful when using Solar Beam if it is up against an opposing weather setter, which can lock Mega Charizard Y into the charge turn. Against Hippowdon, there isn't much of a worry because it can't really do anything back, but Politoed and Tyranitar will OHKO Mega Charizard Y with Scald and Stone Edge, respectively. Drought can also be used to remove weather effects such as sand and rain to stop potential Sand Rush or Swift Swim sweepers. However, Charizard must be already be Mega Evolved in order to do so, as the Swift Swim or Sand Rush user's Speed is calculated before sun is set. Team Options Most Fire-type Pokemon appreciate Mega Charizard Y's ability to set up sun to boost their Fire-type moves. Some form of entry hazard control is absolutely crucial while using Mega Charizard Y. Torkoal in particular is a great partner, as it can not only clear away opposing Stealth Rock but also set up its own to help Mega Charizard Y break walls. Mega Charizard Y and Darmanitan work amazingly as an offensive core due to both having ridiculous offensive stats and Mega Charizard Y's sun boosting both of their STAB attacks. Darmanitan also clears out specially defensive walls such as Chansey for Mega Charizard Y to clean later in the match. Darmanitan can also pivot through U-turn to safely bring in Mega Charizard Y. Infernape has Fighting-type STAB to beat Normal-type Pokemon like Chansey, which would normally wall Mega Charizard Y. Like Darmanitan, Infernape can also pivot through U-turn and find good opportunities to bring in Mega Charizard Y safely. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock or use Toxic on the foe to deal chip damage throughout the game and make it easier for Mega Charizard Y to break the opposing team. It can also be used as a check to Mega Diancie through the Choice Scarf set. Entei can be used together with Mega Charizard Y because it can burn foes through Sacred Fire to weaken Pokemon for Mega Charizard Y to clean. Victini is another great partner, as it can sweep late-game if sun is up. Mega Charizard Y and Victini also can heavily pressure Water-type Pokemon with Solar Beam and Bolt Strike, respectively. Victini can also run utility-oriented moves, such as Glaciate, to hit foes such as Landorus-T and Garchomp, or U-turn, to pivot out to Mega Charizard Y. Volcanion is also an option, as it is immune to Water-type attacks, which Mega Charizard Y can be worn down by. Volcanion can also burn opposing pokemon through Steam Eruption, which cripples them to the point where Mega Charizard Y can clean up. Rotom-H's ability to switch into Electric-type attacks is very nice, along with its ability to set up Reflect and Light Screen, which enable Mega Charizard Y to survive attacks from faster foes that it otherwise couldn't, such as from Thundurus and even Choice Scarf Excadrill. Rotom-H can also pivot through Volt Switch and find opportunities to bring in Mega Charizard Y safely.

Moves Fire Blast is Mega Charizard Y's best Fire-type STAB move, especially in sun, when it can OHKO or severely weaken anything that doesn't resist it. Flamethrower can be used over Fire Blast for better accuracy, but Fire Blast is generally better, as it guarantees an OHKO on Mega Gallade while also being able to 2HKO Latios, OHKO Mega Gardevoir, and OHKO fast Zapdos after Stealth Rock damage. Thanks to Drought, Solar Beam hits in one turn and deals massive damage to bulky Water-types such as Swampert, Slowbro, and Azumarill. Focus Blast is great coverage for Pokemon like Tyranitar, Heatran, Hydreigon, and Mega Houndoom. Roost mitigates Stealth Rock damage and increases Mega Charizard Y's longevity. Set Details 252 Special Attack EVs are used to increase Mega Charizard Y's total damage output. 252 Speed EVs and Timid nature are used to maximize its Speed, allowing it to outspeed threats such as non-Choice Scarf Kyurem-B and Hydreigon and dent them with Fire Blast and Focus Blast, respectively. It also allows Mega Charizard Y to crucially Speed tie with opposing base 100 Speed Pokemon, such as -1 Choice Scarf Victini, Mega Gardevoir, and Entei. Usage Tips Avoid switching Mega Charizard Y in when Stealth Rock is on the field, since it loses half of its health; therefore, a Defogger is necessary to maximize Mega Charizard Y's wallbreaking potential and to make it easier for it to switch in. Taking advantage of the Pokemon that Mega Charizard Y forces to switch in, such as Chansey and Latias, allows you to keep up offensive momentum by double switching into an appropriate teammate, such as Landorus-T. Mega Charizard Y has decent special bulk and can take some hits, allowing it to Roost to keep healthy and act as a better wallbreaker. Thanks to Mega Charizard Y's Ice neutrality, Choice Scarf Kyurem-B cannot 2HKO it, while it can retaliate with Fire Blast. Mega Charizard Y is better off coming in and out early-game to try to take out the opposing walls, letting its teammates act more freely. Team Options Defoggers such as Zapdos and Skarmory help Mega Charizard Y by removing Stealth Rock, allowing it to perform better as a wallbreaker and not lose half of its health. Zapdos has a slow Volt Switch that can help Mega Charizard Y come in safely; it also has Toxic to wear down walls that Mega Charizard Y cannot, such as Mega Latias and Assault Vest users such as Meloetta, Sap Sipper Azumarill, and Goodra. It also serves as a great specially defensive wall that can switch into Electric-type attacks safely. Skarmory is a great physically defensive wall and can switch into Rock-type attacks that are aimed at Mega Charizard Y. It's also very good for checking Mega Diancie that lack Hidden Power Fire, as it freely switches in and threatens it with Iron Head. Entry hazard setters such as Skarmory, Landorus-T, and Aerodactyl can give Mega Charizard Y an easier time wallbreaking. Choice Scarf Landorus-T is a good revenge killer that can help take on faster threats for Mega Charizard Y. Landorus-T can also set up Stealth Rock and is a nice check to physical attackers in general thanks to Intimidate. Dragonite is a good wallbreaker that pairs well with Mega Charizard Y. Together, they put a lot of pressure on opposing walls. Mega Charizard Y is weak to Electric, so having Landorus-T, Thundurus-T, or Gliscor as a partner is good, since they are immune to the type. Gliscor is a fantastic stallbreaker, assisting Mega Charizard Y in beating defensive cores. It's also helpful to have Rock-resistant Pokemon such as Skarmory, Gliscor, and Landorus-T to help versus fast Rock-type Pokemon that threaten Mega Charizard Y, such as Mega Diancie and Terrakion. Choice Scarf Togekiss is another revenge killer that really appreciates Mega Charizard Y breaking the special walls that it cannot defeat easily. Thundurus has access to Prankster Thunder Wave support and Nasty Plot, which benefits greatly from Mega Charizard Y's wallbreaking potential.

Moves Flare Blitz is Mega Charizard X's strongest attack and can OHKO most of the metagame after one boost. Dragon Claw is a safe move to use if your opponent's team is already weakened, and unlike Flare Blitz, it doesn't have recoil, allowing Mega Charizard X to stick around longer. Dragon Dance boosts Mega Charizard X's Attack and Speed, making it very threatening. Protect allows Mega Charizard X to scout for moves, block Fake Out and status inflictions, and stall out opposing field conditions. Set Details Mega Charizard X has maximum Attack investment in order to help it to hit as hard as possible. The Speed investment allows it to outspeed all Deoxys-A at +1, and Hydreigon at +0. An Adamant nature is used over a Jolly one, as Dragon Dance makes up for the initial loss in Speed. Usage Tips The key to using Mega Charizard X is to find a free turn to set up a Dragon Dance before proceeding to break apart the opposing team. Free turns can be found against Electric-types and certain Water-types; for example, both Swampert and Keldeo can deal massive damage to Mega Charizard X, but Suicune struggles to dish out relevant damage to it. A useful thing to remember is that most people assume Charizard will be holding Charizardite Y, so use that to your advantage, such as by setting up on Wide Guard users. Generally speaking, it is best to keep Mega Charizard X in the back until its checks and counters have been weakened or KOed and it is able to set up and clean the rest of the opposing team. Saving it for later also maintains the mind game as to whether it's Mega Charizard Y or Mega Charizard X. Team Options Clefairy and Amoonguss are viable users of Follow Me or Rage Powder and can drastically ease Mega Charizard X's setup; Clefairy can bolster Charizard's Defense thanks to Friend Guard, and Amoonguss can help it set up Dragon Dance with Spore support as well. Aegislash is an excellent partner for Mega Charizard X, as it is an excellent check to Rock-types (namely Diancie), works well against Trick Room and all other methods of speed control, and also has access to Wide Guard, which helps Charizard out against Diancie and Rock Slide users. Scrafty is a good partner due to its access to Intimidate, which helps versus physical attackers, as well as its ability to work effectively against Rock-types besides Diancie. Terrakion is also a good partner, as it can break past the likes of Heatran, Kangaskhan, and Tyranitar with ease. Both Rhydon and Rhyperior make for good partners for Mega Charizard X, as they both have access to Lightning Rod to redirect Thunder Wave away from Charizard and are able to beat common Charizard checks, such as Diancie, with ease. Cresselia is a good option due to its bulk and access to Icy Wind and Thunder Wave, both of which alleviate Mega Charizard X's issues against fast Pokemon. Landorus-T can support Mega Charizard X thanks to its ability to beat threatening Rock-types and its access to both a fast pivoting move and Intimidate, though it has to be careful about using Earthquake, as Mega Charizard X is not immune to Ground-type attacks. Charizard appreciates Wide Guard support, with the most noteworthy user being Aegislash. Defiant and Competitive users such as Bisharp and Milotic can make for good partners for Mega Charizard X by discouraging opponents from bringing in Intimidate users. Bisharp also works well against common Trick Room setters and can put opposing Pokemon that survive a +1 Flare Blitz into KO range thanks to its powerful Sucker Punch. Milotic does a good job at breaking past bulkier Rock-types thanks to its Water typing, and it also beats Heatran, which otherwise walls Mega Charizard X with ease. Water-types such as Keldeo and Azumarill also help to beat Heatran as well; Keldeo can also use Quick Guard to spare Charizard from Prankster Thunder Wave from Thundurus-I.

Moves Heat Wave provides Mega Charizard Y with a reliable STAB attack, and because it is a spread move boosted under the sun, it allows Mega Charizard Y to deal massive amounts of combined damage against the opposing team. Solar Beam hits the Water- and Rock-type Pokemon that resist Heat Wave for super effective damage. Overheat provides Charizard with a "nuke" option, as it is able to deal huge damage against even Pokemon that resist it. Hidden Power Ground can be used to beat opposing Heatran, which otherwise wall it. Lastly, Protect allows Charizard to scout for moves, block Fake Out and status inflictions, and stall out opposing field conditions. Set Details 248 HP EVs and 64 Def EVs allow Mega Charizard Y to always survive a Return from Adamant Mega Kangaskhan. 108 Speed EVs ensure that Charizard always outruns maximum Speed Breloom, as well as other positive-natured base 70 Speed Pokemon, which allows it to KO Breloom before being hit by Spore. The remaining EVs are dumped placed into Special Attack to hit as hard as possible. 248 HP EVs are the most EVs possible that still allow Charizard to switch in on Stealth Rock twice, though Stealth Rock is incredibly rare in Doubles OU. Alternative spreads include the traditional 252 SpA / 252 Spe with a Timid or Modest nature, though that spread is not very effective in the current metagame, and another spread of 248 HP / 144 Def / 8 SpA / 108 Spe, which allows Charizard to always survive a Rock Slide from an Adamant Landorus-T and have a 50% chance to OHKO back with Overheat. Usage Tips Mega Charizard Y is an incredibly simple Pokemon to use; generally, the hardest part of using it is finding the right time to get it onto the field. However, once Mega Charizard Y is in, the goal is to spam Heat Wave until something on the opposing side forces Charizard out, as a sun-boosted Heat Wave takes large chunks of HP out of both opposing Pokemon, assuming that neither foe resists it. Coverage options are used when needed, though you should be careful when using Solar Beam if the opposing team has a sand or rain setter, as Solar Beam takes two turns to charge instead of one without sun. Overheat should only be used when you desperately need something KOed or if you are okay with switching Charizard out immediately afterwards. Use Protect when needed, such as to scout for an opposing weather setter to switch in before you Mega Evolve Charizard. During weather wars, it is a generally good idea to keep Charizard in the back to switch in once the opposing team has already set their weather, as Charizard can then come in to negate it. Team Options Venusaur is an excellent partner for Mega Charizard Y due to Chlorophyll doubling Venusaur's Speed under sun, and they cover each other's weaknesses well. Venusaur can switch in on most common Electric-type attacks easily, and under the sun it can outspeed and deal heavy damage to a lot of common Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type Pokemon. It also has access to Sleep Powder, so it can act as a buffer against Trick Room teams, which give Mega Charizard Y trouble. Heatran enjoys using sun-boosted Heat Waves and, together with Charizard Y, creates a devastating offensive force under the sun. Aegislash is an excellent partner for Mega Charizard Y, as it is an excellent check to Rock-types (namely Diancie), works well against Trick Room and all other manners of speed control, and also has access to Wide Guard, which helps Charizard against Diancie and Rock Slide users. Scrafty is a good partner due to its access to Intimidate, which helps versus physical attackers, as well as being able to work effectively against Rock-types apart from Diancie. Terrakion is also a good partner, as it can break past the likes of Heatran, Kangaskhan, and Tyranitar with ease, and its own Water-type weakness is mitigated by Drought. Both Rhydon and Rhyperior make for good partners for Mega Charizard Y, as they both have access to Lightning Rod to redirect Electric-type moves from Charizard and are able to beat common Charizard checks, particularly Diancie, with ease. Cresselia is a good option due to its bulk and access to Icy Wind and Thunder Wave, both of which alleviate Mega Charizard Y's issues against fast Pokemon. Calm Mind Cresselia also enjoys Drought, as Moonlight recovers more HP in the sun. Latios also pairs well with Mega Charizard Y and can support it with Tailwind. Landorus-T can support Mega Charizard Y thanks to its ability to beat threatening Rock-types, access to a fast pivoting move and Intimidate, and immunity to Electric-type attacks. Charizard appreciates Wide Guard, with the most noteworthy user being Aegislash. Lastly, Quash / Will-O-Wisp Sableye is a fun partner for Charizard, as Quash allows Charizard to move ahead of Pokemon that can otherwise beat it and OHKO them with Overheat, and Will-O-Wisp can severely cripple physical attackers, which affords Charizard more room to operate, as it then does not have to worry as much about physical attacks.

Moves Heat Wave is Mega Charizard Y's spread STAB move that is extremely powerful when boosted by sun. Solar Beam provides coverage for Water-types that resist Mega Charizard Y's Fire-type STAB options. Overheat, despite the Special Attack drops, is Mega Charizard Y's strongest STAB move and lets it OHKO Pokemon that its other moves normally would not, such as maximum HP Mega Kangaskhan. Other Fire-type moves, such as Fire Blast and Flamethrower, are viable options, but the power loss is very noticeable. Alternatively, Hidden Power Ground allows Mega Charizard Y to hit Heatran, one of its biggest counters, for super effective damage. Protect lets Charizard scout for foes' moves and avoid double targeting, and lets its partner take out a threat while it stays safe. Set Details Maximum Speed EVs allow Mega Charizard Y to outspeed or Speed tie with everything up to neutral-natured base 100s and maximum Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature maximize Mega Charizard Y's damage output. A Timid nature can be used so that Mega Charizard Y can Speed tie with other positive-natured base 100s, such as Mega Kangaskhan. Tweaking Mega Charizard Y's bulk to fit your team is useful, as most of its power is due to sun and its astounding base 159 Special Attack stat. A spread of 252 HP / 4 Def / 20 SpA / 44 SpD / 188 Spe gives Mega Charizard Y a reasonable chance to tank a Thunderbolt from a Life Orb Thundurus. If taking investment out of Speed, running 188 EVs with a neutral nature is the lowest recommended, as that's the slowest Mega Charizard Y can get while still outrunning Adamant Landorus-T. Mega Charizard Y beats most Rotom-W one-on-one by outspeeding and OHKOing them with Solar Beam, but for extra insurance, 12 Special Defense EVs let Mega Charizard Y survive maximum Special Attack Rotom-W's Thunderbolt. Mega Charizard Y can't live through most Rock Slides without huge investments. For example, the minimum investment to live through Jolly Garchomp's Rock Slide is 60 HP / 124 Def, Adamant Landorus-T will require 156 HP / 220 Def, and Terrakion will still always OHKO Mega Charizard Y. Therefore, instead of investing heavily into Defense, running an Intimidate user is recommended, as Mega Charizard Y can stomach Landorus-T and Garchomp's Rock Slide with no investment while they're at -1 attack. Usage Tips With its powerful Heat Waves, Mega Charizard Y can punch massive holes in teams early-game or close the match out once Pokemon it struggles with have been removed late-game. Keep Mega Charizard Y safe with the rest of your team through Wide Guard, Fake Out, and sleep support. Mega Charizard Y draws in a lot of Pokemon that are resist or are immune to Fire, such as Rotom-H and Heatran, so it is best to have a partner ready to read a switch into something that can tank a Heat Wave. Despite the temptation, it is sometimes best to postpone Charizard's Mega Evolution if your opponent has a Pokemon that can change the weather, such as Tyranitar or Politoed. Overheat should be used in extreme cases where you have to OHKO a big threat such as Mega Kangaskhan and should not be spammed. Team Options One of the first partners that come to mind for Mega Charizard Y is Venusaur. Mega Charizard Y's Drought will benefit Venusaur greatly, as it doubles Venusaur's Speed due to Chlorophyll. Venusaur can check bulky Water-types that can take Mega Charizard Y's Solar Beam while also being able to support Mega Charizard Y by putting opposing Pokemon to sleep with Sleep Powder. Mega Charizard Y, in turn, checks Steel-types such as Ferrothorn and Aegislash which wall Venusaur. Generally, Pokemon that carry Earthquake are good partners for Mega Charizard Y. One example is Choice Scarf Landorus-T, as it can use Earthquake freely without worrying about damaging its partner. It can also check Heatran, a big counter to Mega Charizard Y, with Earthquake as well as soft-check Rotom-H with Rock Slide. Mega Charizard Y, in turn, checks Ferrothorn, which Landorus-T generally has trouble breaking through, and Rotom-W. Between Earthquake and Heat Wave, the opponent doesn't have many options that can switch into those powerful spread moves. Mamoswine is another good partner. While it lacks the Speed that Choice Scarf Landorus-T possesses, it can check most of the Pokemon that Landorus-T can, besides Rotom-H, while also being able to snipe opposing Landorus-T and Garchomp with Ice Shard. It also has amazing synergy with Mega Charizard Y, as Mamoswine can easily switch into Rock- and Electric-type moves aimed at Mega Charizard Y while Mega Charizard Y can switch into Fighting- and Steel-type moves aimed at Mamoswine. Garchomp is another great partner as, again, it can use Earthquake freely without worrying about hitting its partner. Garchomp can also hit Dragon-types that resist Mega Charizard Y's attacks, such as Hydreigon. Terrakion has access to Close Combat and Rock Slide, which allows it to check Heatran and Rotom-H respectively, while Mega Charizard Y is able to check Aegislash, which Terrakion has trouble against. Mega Charizard Y also greatly benefits from Pokemon that carry Wide Guard. Hitmontop offers Intimidate support, which can weaken opposing Rock Slides, allowing Mega Charizard Y to tank one. It also checks opposing Tyranitar, a common Mega Charizard Y switch-in, and Heatran. Mega Charizard Y, in return, checks Aegislash, which Hitmontop has trouble hitting. Aegislash is another great partner, as it can offer Wide Guard support for Rock Slides while also being able to switch into Rock-type moves aimed at Mega Charizard Y with no problem at all. Mega Charizard Y can check opposing Aegislash and Bisharp, which generally give Aegislash problems. Keep in mind, however, that this pair will be walled pretty hard by Heatran. Swampert is a great teammate, not only for Wide Guard support but also for checking Heatran and Rotom-H, two of Mega Charizard Y's biggest switch-ins. Swampert can also check common Pokemon that carry Rock-type moves, such as Garchomp and Landorus-T, with Ice Beam. Mega Charizard Y, in turn, checks Grass-types that threaten Swampert. Mega Charizard Y greatly benefits from speed control as well, as that will allow it to invest more into bulk. If running Tailwind, Suicune is a good partner, as even with the sun weakening its Water-type attacks it can deal with Heatran, Landorus-T, and Garchomp. Cresselia's Icy Wind and Helping Hand help Mega Charizard Y immensely. It also pairs well with the Earthquake users Mega Charizard Y tends to see used alongside it.

Moves Will-O-Wisp is what makes this set so effective, crippling many of Mega Charizard X's physical switch-ins. Roost is the other key to this set, allowing Mega Charizard X to stick around for a long time. Dragon Claw doesn't have high Base Power, but STAB and Tough Claws makes it a reliable attack. Flame Charge is a bit weak, but the Speed boost it provides is invaluable for allowing Mega Charizard X to burn or attack faster threats such as Garchomp and Mega Kangaskhan. If you're more worried about Heatran, Earthquake is an acceptable secondary attack. Set Details Running a Jolly nature and 220 Speed EVs gives Mega Charizard X the ability to outspeed Adamant Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan. The HP EVs give Charizard an odd HP number to take less damage against Stealth Rock, and 116 Defense EVs maximize its physical bulk. If you prefer to be a bit quicker, you can run maximum Speed EVs to at least Speed tie with Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan, but note that these two often opt for Adamant over Jolly anyway. If you're interested in a bulkier spread, 172 HP / 132 Def / 204 Spe with an Impish nature gives Mega Charizard X better bulk, at the cost of only being able to outspeed base 80 Speed Pokemon. Usage Tips Usually, it's best to Mega Evolve Charizard as soon as you can to get a better defensive typing and stats. Staying in as Charizard only helps with switching into Ground-type attacks and keeping the opponent in the dark as to what Mega Stone you're running if you double switch. Mega Evolving early also lessens Stealth Rock's damage, to the point where leading with Charizard is encouraged as long as you think you can get a favorable lead matchup. Staying in against faster Dragons such as Garchomp is ill advised. Throw out Will-O-Wisp as much as possible. Many of Mega Charizard X's checks are physical Ground-types in addition to Azumarill, making this Mega Charizard X set a great lure. You'll want to use a combination of Dragon Claw and Roost to whittle down these foes' health. Will-O-Wisp is even useful against bulky special attackers such as Porygon2 and Cresselia, as Will-O-Wisp can wear them down into the KO range of powerful sweepers. If you're carrying Flame Charge, using this attack early is useful so Mega Charizard X can burn faster threats such as Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Garchomp and Mega Salamence are also hit hard by Dragon Claw after a Speed boost, but note that they won't be OHKOed without previous damage. You can burn them, but note that they can still do heavy damage, with Salamence in particular being able to use Draco Meteor, while some Garchomp run Lum Berry. Team Options Mega Charizard X is a great lure against physical attackers such as Azumarill and Garchomp thanks to Will-O-Wisp, so packing in Pokemon to take advantage of burned foes is a good idea. Azumarill is a fantastic option, being able to easily set up Belly Drum on burned Pokemon. Calm Mind Sylveon does better when its foes are burned, and it happens to deal with defensive Pokemon well too. Weakness Policy Aegislash can take advantage of weaker super effective attacks to set up, while burned Pokemon have a difficult time preventing a Dragonite from setting up. Mega Charizard X can also be an invaluable lure for sand-based Excadrill teams for its ability to lure and cripple Landorus-T as well as deal with defensive Rotom-W and Ferrothorn. Just note that since this means you're also running either Hippowdon or Tyranitar, this core has severe problems with Suicune and offers no resistances to powerful Water-type attacks in general. This Mega Charizard X set has trouble against bulky Pokemon that don't care about status, such as Suicune and Mega Sableye. Raikou sets up Calm Minds on Suicune with ease, and Serperior also works well with Leaf Storm. Both of these Pokemon also love Mega Charizard X's ability to deal with Ferrothorn and burn physical attackers. Zapdos is a good teammate against Suicune as well, while Sylveon and Azumarill can hit Mega Sableye hard. Thundurus and Thundurus-T can surprise Mega Sableye with Nasty Plot and also jolt through Suicune.

Moves With a Dragon Dance in tow, Mega Charizard X becomes a powerful sweeper that outspeeds every relevant non-Choice Scarf Pokemon in Battle Spot Singles. Outrage is Mega Charizard X's cleaning tool of choice, OHKOing most offensive Pokemon after a boost. Flare Blitz is just as powerful as Outrage but doesn't lock Mega Charizard X in, making it a good move to throw out before setting up despite the recoil. The last move is a bit trickier to choose and depends on the makeup of your team. Earthquake allows Mega Charizard X to OHKO Heatran and pick off weakened Aegislash without risking a King's Shield hit. Roost allows Mega Charizard X to recover from Stealth Rock damage against nonthreatening Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, and it allows Mega Charizard X to set up multiple Dragon Dances against certain defensive threats such as Suicune that lack Roar. Dragon Claw is a weaker but safer Dragon-type STAB move than Outrage, perfect for smashing through Dragon-types without risking a Steel- or Fairy-type switching in. Finally, Thunder Punch allows Mega Charizard X to OHKO Azumarill after a boost, to 2HKO Suicune without locking itself into Outrage, and to get past bulky Gyarados more easily. Set Details Mega Charizard X will want to maximize its Attack and Speed EVs to ensure it can sweep as easily as possible. The rest goes into Defense rather than HP, as this means less damage is taken from Stealth Rock. Make sure to carry Charizardite X so you don't use the wrong Mega Evolution! Adamant is usually the best nature for Mega Charizard X, giving it plenty of power while still outspeeding non-Choice Scarf Pokemon after a Dragon Dance. However, a Jolly nature is still valuable for allowing Mega Charizard X to outspeed Kangaskhan and Lucario before they Mega Evolve and to outspeed the rare Jolly Choice Scarf Landorus-T. Note that the loss of power will be noticeable, losing out some KOs such as no longer guaranteeing a 2HKO on maximum HP Leftovers Heatran with a boosted Outrage. Usage Tips The key to sweeping with Mega Charizard X is knowing when to use Dragon Dance. Early in the game, if your opponent could potentially send out big problems such as Choice Scarf Garchomp, Hippowdon, bulky Landorus-T, Thundurus (which can use Prankster Thunder Wave to ruin a sweep), and walls that can paralyze Mega Charizard X such as Porygon2 and Cresselia, you're better off attacking instead of setting up. Only set up Dragon Dance later in the game, when these checks have been weakened enough. Note that if running Lunar Dance Cresselia, you can use Mega Charizard X early in the game to deal plenty of damage, or use it more recklessly against Pokemon with status moves, since Lunar Dance will restore it back to perfect health! Since Mega Charizard X often finds itself using the recoil-causing Flare Blitz, it's also best to set up on Pokemon that won't harm Mega Charizard X too much. Defensive Rotom formes, Volcarona, Ferrothorn, Raikou, and Mega Charizard Y are good examples of Pokemon Mega Charizard X will usually scare out. Note that defensive Rotom formes and Ferrothorn occasionally carry Thunder Wave, which can be an issue if they predict setup. If Charizard has Roost, you can even set up on Suicune that lack Roar! Mega Charizard X's setup potential is especially boosted if given support in the form of Yawn. While it might be tempting to always use Mega Charizard X as a sweeper, sometimes it's best to just attack switch-ins right away, especially if the opponent's Mega Charizard X answers tend to be more offensive Pokemon. Mega Charizard X's STAB moves have plenty of power before a boost, enough so that against a slower, weakened team, Dragon Dance might not even be needed. If Stealth Rock isn't set up, you have the option of keeping Charizard unevolved for some time. This is great for double switches and scouting what your opponent's response to Charizard will be, potentially throwing them off guard if they choose the wrong check for Mega Charizard X. Also, Charizard has a useful Ground immunity, which can help it set up against Choice-locked Ground-type attacks or some offensive Heatran variants before Mega Evolving. Team Options Garchomp is Mega Charizard X's biggest problem, naturally outspeeding it and even being able to run a Choice Scarf or a Focus Sash to defeat it after a Dragon Dance. Bulky Ground-types such as Hippowdon and defensive Landorus-T and Focus Sash or Choice Scarf Mamoswine and Excadrill are also serious problems. Azumarill defeats Mega Charizard X without Thunder Punch, while faster Dragon-types such as Latios, Mega Salamence, and Hydreigon will OHKO Mega Charizard X before it can set up Dragon Dance. Finally, Thundurus and Cresselia, while not being able to directly defeat Mega Charizard X, can stop its sweep with Thunder Wave. Because of these issues, Rotom-W makes a great teammate. It handles bulky Ground-types and Mamoswine fairly well with Hydro Pump, can burn Garchomp, handles Belly Drum Azumarill, and can even cripple Cresselia with Trick if running an offensive set! In return, Mega Charizard X sets up on Ferrothorn for Rotom-W. A Hippowdon of your own also makes an excellent teammate, being able to use Stealth Rock to help Mega Charizard X grab more KOs; it also has access to Yawn to help Mega Charizard X set up and is able to deal with Garchomp and Mega Kangaskhan. Defensive Zapdos does a good job against Azumarill and Mega Salamence, while Suicune can defeat Mega Salamence, Ground-types, and set up Calm Mind on Cresselia. On the more offensive side of things, Serperior checks Azumarill and Ground-types, while Mamoswine aids Mega Charizard X by defeating Focus Sash Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Thundurus with Icicle Spear, as well as setting up Stealth Rock. Azumarill does a great job of taking on specially attacking Dragons, is immune to Outrage, smashes Hippowdon, and can revenge kill weakened Excadrill, Mamoswine, and Landorus-T. While Greninja offers no defensive synergy with Mega Charizard X, its ability Protean and its movepool allow it to revenge kill most of Mega Charizard X's threats, and it does a great job softening up threats to make way for a Mega Charizard X sweep. Cresselia deserves special mention as a teammate, as Lunar Dance makes Mega Charizard X far more versatile in the earlier parts of the game thanks to the full recovery. Cresselia also deals with Garchomp and Landorus-T, and it supports Mega Charizard X by paralyzing faster foes with Thunder Wave.

Moves With the sun shining, Flamethrower is an extremely powerful attack, 2HKOing most Pokemon that don't resist it. Fire Blast is even more absurdly powerful, 2HKOing Pokemon that resist it such as Mega Salamence, Garchomp, Hydreigon, and opposing Mega Charizard Y. However, because of Mega Charizard Y's physical frailness, missing with Fire Blast can be deadly. Solar Beam complements the Fire STAB type perfectly, smashing Water-types such as Azumarill, Rotom-W, Suicune, and Swampert. It's also useful for revenge killing weakened Tyranitar in the sun. Focus Blast's accuracy can be a bit shaky, but it allows Mega Charizard Y to 2HKO Heatran and seriously damage Tyranitar switch-ins. Overheat is an extremely powerful attack, dealing over 50% to most possible switch-ins. However, it greatly reduces Mega Charizard Y's power, often forcing it to switch, which is especially costly when your opponent has set up Stealth Rock. Hidden Power Ice OHKOes incoming Garchomp and Mega Salamence, potentially opening up a sweep for Mega Charizard Y, but note that Fire Blast does more to Pokemon that are only 2x weak to Hidden Power Ice. Roost allows Mega Charizard Y to recover from Stealth Rock damage and stay alive longer. Mega Charizard Y's good Special Defense stat means it is capable of using Roost against walls such as Porygon2, Cresselia, and Suicune and against Pokemon it scares out such as Aegislash, Ferrothorn, and Scizor. Flame Charge might seem a bit strange because it's a physical attack, but its Speed-boosting effect is great for allowing Mega Charizard Y to defeat faster threats such as Greninja and Choice Scarf Landorus-T, letting Mega Charizard Y defeat faster Focus Sash Pokemon after hitting them on the switch, and even potentially sweep weakened teams. Set Details Maximum HP and Speed are needed for full wallbreaking power. The leftover EVs should go in Defense so that Mega Charizard Y can switch into Stealth Rock twice. If you are using Hidden Power Ice, put the remaining EVs in Special Defense instead so you don't waste any EVs. Blaze is the simplest nature to use, since it has no harmful effects, and Trace Pokemon can't make any use of it. However, Solar Power has the bonus of making Charizard more powerful than Mega Charizard Y under the sun, which can be useful if your opponent is also running Mega Charizard Y. Make sure to hold a Charizardite Y so Charizard will Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard Y. A Timid nature makes the most sense for Mega Charizard Y, since it already has plenty of power under the sun, and it can then Speed tie with Salamence and outspeed Lucario and Kangaskhan before they Mega Evolve. However, if you want more power, Modest allows Mega Charizard Y to 2HKO Garchomp, Mega Salamence, and Hydreigon with Flamethrower. Usage Tips Stealth Rock is a huge problem for Mega Charizard Y, chopping off almost half its health per switch in. Try to prevent Stealth Rock from being set up any way you can. If your opponent's Stealth Rock user looks like a more defensive, bulky user such as Hippowdon or Swampert, consider leading with Mega Charizard Y to avoid one switch into Stealth Rock and for the ability to slam them with Solar Beam. However, Mega Charizard Y won't be able to stop fast users of it such as Garchomp. If the opponent's team looks like it will put too much pressure on Mega Charizard Y due to Stealth Rock and a high number of offensive Pokemon, consider benching Charizard. Usually, you'll want to Mega Evolve Charizard as soon as possible, as there are almost no direct benefits otherwise. The only reasons to not Mega Evolve are to grab a KO so you don't waste a turn of Drought, to predict a Tyranitar or Politoed switch-in, or if you want to double switch and keep your Charizard's Mega Evolution unrevealed. Mega Charizard Y works great early- or mid-game, where it can deal massive damage to incoming Pokemon, softening them up for a sweep from its teammates late on. However, Mega Charizard Y is so powerful that cleaning up isn't out of the question late-game, especially if it is carrying Flame Charge. Also, try to target slower Pokemon with Mega Charizard Y, as fast offensive threats such as Garchomp and Mega Salamence deal massive damage to it. Team Options Stealth Rock is Mega Charizard Y's biggest fear, so if you can't stop it, at least check the threats that set it up. Additionally, Pokemon that carry Rock-type moves such as Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Excadrill often carry Focus Sash or Choice Scarf to revenge kill Mega Charizard Y. Talonflame is problematic because it resists all of Mega Charizard Y's attacks and can OHKO it with Choice Band-boosted Brave Bird. Rotom-H is also a problem due to its resistance to Fire- and Grass-type moves and its super effective Electric STAB type. While Thundurus and Raikou are hit hard by the Fire-type attacks, they can also outspeed and zap Mega Charizard Y. Finally, Politoed can flip the weather on Mega Charizard Y with its Drizzle ability. Hippowdon makes an excellent teammate for Mega Charizard Y. It can hit Garchomp and offensive Landorus-T hard with Ice Fang, deal with Excadrill, and use Yawn to put Politoed switch-ins to sleep. They also have good typing synergy, with Hippowdon taking Rock-type attacks and Mega Charizard Y dealing with Grass-type attacks and certain special attacks. A unique aspect of Hippowdon is that it has Sand Stream, which allows Mega Charizard Y to reset the sun at any time. Tyranitar is also great for resetting the weather, and it does a good job of handling Talonflame, Latias, Latios, and Thundurus that lack Focus Blast. Mamoswine is a great option to consider, taking care of Focus Sash Garchomp, Landorus-T, and Thundurus, and if you are especially desperate to keep Stealth Rock off the field, it can even use a Choice Scarf to defeat Garchomp before Garchomp can move. Serperior cuts through Mamoswine and Politoed with Leaf Storm, can Taunt most Stealth Rock users before they move, and can Glare through Ground-types such as Garchomp. Ferrothorn handles Politoed and has a Rock-type resistance, the ability to handle Raikou and Thundurus, and the utility of Thunder Wave to support Mega Charizard Y. Conkeldurr takes Rock-type attacks fairly well and can hit Choice Scarf Excadrill and Mamoswine with Drain Punch. Bulky Landorus-T takes on most Ground-types fairly well, defeats offensive Talonflame, and can use U-turn to get Mega Charizard Y in, while Thundurus-T absorbs Electric-type attacks and fries Politoed and Talonflame with Thunderbolt. Thundurus can use its Prankster Thunder Wave to aid Mega Charizard Y against faster threats, and it can use a bulky EV spread to handle Talonflame and Mega Salamence.

Moves Swords Dance boosts Mega Charizard X's Attack to frightening new levels, allowing it to become a powerful wallbreaker. Flame Charge boosts Mega Charizard X's Speed. While it has low Base Power, Tough Claws and STAB boost it enough to make it a good tool for maintaining pressure against offensive teams and defeating faster Focus Sash switch-ins. Outrage is Mega Charizard X's main STAB move, being so powerful that even Heatran is 2HKOed after a Swords Dance! Flare Blitz complements Outrage perfectly, allowing Mega Charizard X to slam walls without locking itself into Outrage and to hit Fairy-types hard. In fact, after a Swords Dance, Flare Blitz has a 75% chance to OHKO Azumarill after Stealth Rock damage! However, if you're more worried about hitting Heatran before a boost, Earthquake is an acceptable alternative. Set Details Maximum Attack and Speed investment is needed for Mega Charizard X to be a competent wallbreaker. 4 Defense EVs are better than HP EVs, as this means Charizard will take less damage from Stealth Rock. Make sure to carry Charizardite X to Mega Evolve into Mega Charizard X. An Adamant nature fits this set the best, as it maximizes Mega Charizard X's wallbreaking power. However, a Jolly nature allows Mega Charizard X to Speed tie with Salamence and outspeed Kangaskhan and Lucario before they Mega Evolve. This comes at the cost of power, however, losing the chance to OHKO Azumarill and Cresselia after a Swords Dance and Stealth Rock. Usage Tips Don't be reckless when switching Mega Charizard X in, as its reliance on boosted Outrage and Flare Blitz tends to make it the shortest-lived Mega Charizard X set. Usually, you'll want to switch Mega Charizard X in on something it can set up on without taking damage, after a KO, or via a slow U-turn or Volt Switch. Good Pokemon to set up on include defensive Rotom formes, Volcarona, Raikou, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Mega Charizard Y. Also, note that if you are using Mega Charizard X with Cresselia, being more reckless against opponents becomes a much more viable tactic thanks to Lunar Dance. While Mega Charizard X is nearly unstoppable once it sets up both Swords Dance and Flame Charge, setting up both is a difficult task, so oftentimes it's best to choose which move to set up with. When more defensive Pokemon are left, Swords Dance is the best move to set up with to break through walls, paving the way for other sweepers to clean up. If more frail, offensive Pokemon are left, then it's best to use Flame Charge to either set up a clean sweep or take out an important, fast Pokemon. Just note that this can be unsafe if Choice Scarf or Focus Sash Garchomp is around, so make sure to scout its item. Generally, Mega Charizard X is faster than the targets it wants to defeat with Swords Dance-boosted attacks, while the faster threats are OHKOed without a boost and only need to be outsped via Flame Charge. A common way to defeat Mega Charizard X is to goad it into using Outrage so that Fairy-types like Azumarill and Mega Mawile can hit it hard, so only use Outrage if you absolutely need a threat down if you see Fairy-types in Team Preview. Steel-types are used for a similar purpose, but note that after a Swords Dance, most such as Heatran will be 2HKOed by Outrage. Team Options Stealth Rock support is highly recommended for this Mega Charizard X, as it gives it the chance to get some major KOs against defensive threats after a Swords Dance, such as a guaranteed OHKO on Suicune, a 62.5% chance to OHKO Cresselia, and a 75% chance to OHKO Azumarill. Hippowdon is an excellent choice, as it deals with Garchomp, one of Mega Charizard X's archnemeses; can use Yawn to help Mega Charizard X set up; and has Sand Stream to take care of Focus Sash. In a similar matter, Swampert can use Yawn and set up Stealth Rock, and as a bonus, its Water typing allows it to hit Mamoswine, Excadrill, and Landorus-T hard. Mamoswine is also a good user of Stealth Rock, and it is able to defeat Thundurus and Focus Sash Garchomp. A Focus Sash Garchomp of your own does a good job of setting up Stealth Rock, while Landorus-T can set up Stealth Rock and soften up foes with Intimidate. All of these Pokemon appreciate Mega Charizard X's wallbreaking power and can also help against Heatran if Mega Charizard X lacks Earthquake. One of this Mega Charizard X's biggest problems is faster Dragon-types. Garchomp is the biggest issue, since it naturally outspeeds Mega Charizard X, and it can even run a Choice Scarf to always outspeed. Mega Salamence and Choice Scarf Hydreigon always outspeed it before a boost. Azumarill is also a big problem if Stealth Rock isn't set up. Defensive Zapdos is a good choice for a partner, as it can help with Mega Salamence and Azumarill. While not as bulky as Zapdos, Thundurus can use Prankster Thunder Wave to deal with faster Dragons. Cresselia does a great job against Garchomp and Mega Salamence, and it can support Mega Charizard X with Thunder Wave and Lunar Dance. Suicune also does well against Garchomp and Mega Salamence and can aid further against Battle Spot Singles's walls with Calm Mind. If you're especially worried about Azumarill, Serperior can work well against it; it also forms a good defensive core with Mega Charizard X and Suicune and can paralyze faster threats with Glare. While frail, Breloom can be a great teammate, dealing with Azumarill, slowing down foes with Rock Tomb, and even putting foes to sleep with Spore so Mega Charizard X can set up. Greninja can soften up or outright KO many of Mega Charizard X's threats despite its frailness. Finally, Mega Kangaskhan makes a good backup Mega Pokemon, as it deals with offensive teams better, while Mega Charizard X can handle more defensive teams. As a special mention, seriously consider Cresselia as a teammate, as Lunar Dance gives Mega Charizard X a second chance to sweep. Cresselia also defeats Garchomp, Mega Salamence, and Landorus-T and can provide Mega Charizard X with Thunder Wave support so it can use Swords Dance more often.

This set revolves around setting up sun and capitalizing on the subsequent Special Attack boost, granted by Solar Power, to turn Charizard into a fearsome wallbreaker. When sun is up, in fact, its Fire Blast OHKOes literally everything bar the bulkiest Pokemon that resist it, with just a bit of entry hazard support. SolarBeam is its best choice for the third slot in order to beat Water-types, as it easily 2HKOes defensive variants of Slowking and Lanturn. Actually, given the insane damage output of a sun-boosted Fire Blast, SolarBeam is the only coverage move you will need in most situations. This is also the reason why Charizard can forgo a damaging move in the fourth slot, thus favoring Roost over Air Slash. Roost gives it the ability to heal off Solar Power damage, especially against Pokemon with a below-average offensive presence, possibly allowing Charizard to set up sun more than once during the match. On the other hand, Air Slash certainly is a good coverage option for those situations in which Charizard can't set up sun (without this move, in neutral weather this basically is a mono-attacking set); however, when the sun is up, Fire Blast is almost always the best choice, as there's nothing significant that Air Slash accomplishes and Fire Blast doesn't. The EV spread is the classic for special sweepers, and dropping Speed EVs for bulk doesn't accomplish anything worthy of note. A Timid nature is the only one you should choose, in order to make the best use of Charizard's solid Speed. As far as items go, Leftovers enhances Charizard's durability, but Flame Plate gives a little boost to its most important move, which is greatly needed the achieve some crucial OHKOs, especially on Fire-types, such as Entei and Emboar, and against bulky Pokemon like Clefable and Uxie. Life Orb is an option to secure the OHKOs on Lanturn and Slowking (the latter only after Stealth Rock), while generally increasing the damage output of its other moves, but it severely limits Charizard's staying power; equipping Charizard with a Grass Gem, on the other hand, makes it even more efficient in eliminating bulky Water-types, but with the obvious downside of having a one-use item which doesn't boost its most powerful move. An interesting support move for the fourth slot is Tailwind, which can be useful when Charizard just needs a Speed boost to clean a weakened team, and gives Charizard another decent way to support its teammates. This Charizard set obviously needs Rapid Spin support, which can be provided by Kabutops or Cryogonal, and benefits from having teammates that deal with its weaknesses; Ground-types are a good fit for this role. In addition, Chlorophyll users are valuable partners on more offensively oriented teams, as they resist the Water- and Electric-type moves that trouble Charizard and become fast revenge killers in the sun, using the remaining turns for a late-game sweep; Heat Rock can be the item of choice in this case. Lilligant and Sawsbuck are ideal because of their ability to function even outside of sun, unlike other sun sweepers such as Shiftry and Victreebel.

Despite its low base Attack stat, Charizard can pull off an effective Swords Dance set. Charizard is threatening enough to force switches and this grants it plenty of opportunities to grab a boost; once it is at +2, the Pokemon that would wall special sets, such as Slowking and Druddigon, are easily OHKOed by a Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics. Earthquake is Charizard's best move alongside Acrobatics, as it hits most of the Pokemon that resist Flying for a hefty amount of damage, leaving just a few threats uncovered. A Fire-type STAB move in the fourth slot rounds out the coverage and hits Steelix, Ferroseed, and Rotom harder; Fire Punch is slashed before Flare Blitz due to the absence of recoil. Roost is a viable alternative if you don't feel the need for the added coverage; in this case, though, its ability, Blaze, goes from being situational to being almost completely useless. The nature can be changed from Jolly to Naive if you opt for Fire Blast in the fourth slot. Despite this being a physical set, this move is still its safest option to take out Steelix, Ferroseed and Tangrowth, as it can be done even without boosts and without consuming its vital Flying Gem. Rapid Spin users, the best being Kabutops and Cryogonal, are obvious choices as teammates. Charizard also has decent synergy with them, seeing that it can take on Grass-types for Kabutops and Fighting-types for Cryogonal. Choice Scarf users and priority users must be eliminated beforehand for Charizard to have a chance to actually sweep. On more defensive teams, you may need a partner to deal with Charizard's weaknesses; Ground-types, especially Torterra and Seismitoad, who are also neutral and immune to Water-type attacks, respectively, can cover Rock- and Electric-type attacks, and in particular deter the opponent from spamming fast Volt Switches against Charizard. Defensive variants of Torterra and Cryogonal, when paired together, can counter most of the revenge killers that threaten Charizard, while at the same time offering the invaluable Rapid Spin support. Rock-types are natural counters to this set, as they can switch into most of its attacks and proceed to threaten it with their STAB moves. As a result, Water-types are also excellent partners; Slowking and Seismitoad are the only two that are not only capable of switching into their attacks and pressuring them, but also continue to offer good offensive and defensive synergy with Charizard. More specifically, Aqua Jet users, such as Feraligatr, Kabutops, and Samurott, are immediately threatening to Rhydon and Regirock (especially Samurott with its mixed set), but they can't switch more than once into powerful Rock-type attacks, making them shakier checks to Aerodactyl and Archeops. In addition, these Pokemon greatly appreciate Charizard's ability to wear down certain physical walls, such as Alomomola and Tangrowth. Lastly, Pokemon that benefit from the elimination of Pokemon that resist Fire-type attacks, such as Entei, are also good partners.

With this set, Charizard aims to defeat its bulky Water-type counters. Again, Moltres largely outclasses Charizard in such a role, but Charizard's higher Speed and rare ability in Blaze help it compete for a team spot. After using Sunny Day, Charizard's Fire-type STAB attacks are powered up to ridiculous levels. In the sun, Solar Beam does not require its charging turn, allowing Charizard to 2HKO Milotic and Slowking, its two biggest counters. The last slot depends on how offensively you want Charizard to operate. Roost allows Charizard to recover from Stealth Rock and Life Orb recoil, while Air Slash gives Charizard maximum coverage. Finally, Charizard's item choice depends on the type of team it is in. If Charizard is part of a Sunny Day team, Heat Rock should be considered so Charizard can support the team as well as itself. Life Orb is preferred in most other cases due to the higher damage output it provides. Like all Charizard sets, Rapid Spin support is essential, especially if it's not running Roost. Hitmontop and Blastoise are both bulky spinners that synergize well with Charizard and have reliable ways of dealing with spinblockers. Donphan is viable as well, as it can usually deal with spinblockers with its powerful attacks. Chansey makes a fairly decent counter to Sunny Day Charizard, although it risks getting 2HKOed by sun-boosted Fire Blasts if Blaze is activated. If Charizard is not running Air Slash, Flash Fire Pokemon, such as Houndoom and Arcanine, absolutely wall Charizard. Dugtrio with Substitute can trap and remove Houndoom with some prediction, while Rhyperior is a decent switch-in to most Arcanine. Since SunnyBeam Charizard is good at luring and defeating bulky Water-types, Pokemon that can take advantage of their absence make fantastic teammates. Rock Polish Rhyperior, Dragon Dance Feraligatr, and Nasty Plot Houndoom are a few Pokemon that can sweep when opposing bulky Water-types (especially Milotic) are removed.

Charizard is the only Pokemon in the game, apart from Smeargle, to learn the combination of Dragon Dance, Swords Dance, and Belly Drum. BellyZard, once the epitome of an offensive powerhouse, is now possibly one of the highest-risk, relatively-lowest-reward sets in the 4th generation. Still, it is still quite potent when used unexpectedly. Utilizing BellyZard follows quite a strict format. The first step is to switch into a Pokemon that cannot hurt Charizard and scare it out, allowing for Charizard to set up Substitute. Proceed to use Belly Drum to max out Charizard's Attack stat while simultaneously activating Salac Berry and Blaze. From there, Charizard (hopefully) proceeds to sweep with 1068 Attack and 492 Speed. Fire Punch is Charizard's main STAB, which is boosted to acceptable levels with Blaze. Thunder Punch takes out bulky Water-types, while Earthquake takes out Rock-types. If you are more daring, Double-Edge can be used over Substitute. The idea behind it is to use Belly Drum first, possibly luring out a bulky Water-type, which are then KOed with Double-Edge, which allows Charizard to reach Salac Berry and Blaze activation range. The EVs are simple: let Charizard be as fast as possible so it is as difficult to revenge-kill as possible. 30 HP IVs are used so Charizard's HP is divisible by 4, allowing Salac Berry to activate after Substitute and Belly Drum. Earthquake or Thunder Punch can replace Substitute if the coverage is more important to Charizard than the Speed boost. While BellyZard looks horrifically scary on paper, it is very easy to stop in practice. Firstly, if Stealth Rock is up, Charizard will be unable to pull off a successful Belly Drum. Physically defensive Hariyama with Thick Fat can take a hit from Charizard and KO it in return. If Charizard lacks Thunder Punch, bulky Water-types can stop him, while if he lacks Earthquake, Rhyperior and Regirock are hard stops to it. Priority attacks also cut Charizard's sweep very short. These include Aqua Jet Azumarill, Extreme Speed Arcanine, and Sucker Punch Toxicroak. Sand Stream and Snow Warning make Charizard sad as well, since they force it to sweep on a timer. Before bringing Charizard out, scouting the opponent's team is extremely important. Rapid Spinners can clear away Stealth Rock for Charizard, while anti-leads, such as Taunt Ambipom, Electrode, and Choice Scarf Venusaur can prevent them from going up in the first place. Spiritomb, Mesprit, and Uxie are good switch-ins to Hariyama. Claydol is great for switching into Hariyama and also has the ability to use Rapid Spin to clear away Stealth Rock.

With usable Attack and Speed and a workable physical movepool, Dragon Dance Charizard can be very difficult to deal with late-game, especially if you're running an offensive team. With a single Dragon Dance under its belt, Charizard reaches 492 Speed, beating Choice Scarf Rotom and Hitmonlee, two of the fastest revenge killers commonly seen in UU. Flare Blitz is Charizard's main STAB move and is very powerful after a Dragon Dance. Even though Flare Blitz's recoil may be unappealing, Fire Punch is too weak at +1, and Charizard needs all the power it can get. Earthquake punishes Rock-types such as Rhyperior and Regirock, while Thunder Punch is Charizard's best answer to Water-types. Roost can used over Earthquake or Thunder Punch, but Charizard rarely finds opportunities to use both Roost and Dragon Dance. If you find Charizard's power a bit lacking, an Adamant nature can be used, provided your team has a reliable way of removing Choice Scarf Rotom, Choice Scarf Hitmonlee, and other revenge killers. Dragon Claw is an option for coverage if your team has trouble with Altaria. Slowbro is arguably the best counter to Dragon Dance Charizard thanks to its enormous physical Defense. Physically defensive Milotic also counters Charizard very well. Regirock and Rhyperior can take a +1 Earthquake and OHKO Charizard in return. Due to all of this, Charizard is better used in the late-game when every Pokemon on the opposing team has been significantly weakened or crippled, allowing it to clean up. The aforementioned Pokemon and Stealth Rock need to be cleared before Charizard attempts its sweep. Venusaur can easily switch into Slowbro and Milotic and threaten them with Sleep Powder or its STAB Grass-type attacks. Torterra can also switch into Slowbro and set up Rock Polish. Toxicroak does a similar job against Milotic, boosting its stats with Swords Dance or Nasty Plot, and can easily punch holes in the opponent's team. Rhyperior is an excellent switch-in to Regirock that can set up Rock Polish or Substitute to terrorize the opponent. Rapid Spinners are essential to run alongside Charizard, especially when it lacks Roost and its main STAB causes recoil. Hitmontop, Blastoise, and Donphan are all good Rapid Spinners to run alongside Charizard.

With Charizard's naturally high Speed, it can forego Dragon Dance to boost its attack even further with Swords Dance, allowing it to reach a very high 534 Attack after a boost. Again, Flare Blitz is Charizard's main STAB for its sheer power, but since Charizard is now at +2 after a boost instead of +1, Fire Punch is acceptable if you don't like the absurd amount of residual damage that Charizard would be taking from Flare Blitz. For Charizard's coverage options, Earthquake hits Rock-types and Thunder Punch hits Water-types for super effective damage. Like the Dragon Dance set, Roost can be used over Earthquake or Thunder Punch, though Charizard finds it hard to boost and heal at the same time. Similarly, if your team is having trouble with Altaria, Dragon Claw can be used. To demonstrate Charizard's power after a Swords Dance, here are some damage calculations: +2 Flare Blitz vs 252 HP / 252 Def Bold Uxie: 64.41% - 75.71% +2 Flare Blitz vs 252 HP / 0 Def Mesprit: 100% +2 Thunder Punch vs 252 HP / 200 Def Milotic: 77.66% - 91.37 +2 Thunder Punch vs 252 HP / 252 Def Bold Slowbro: 54.31% - 64.47% +2 Earthquake vs 252 HP / 0 Def Regirock: 62.64% - 74.18% +2 Earthquake vs 140 HP / 32 Def Rhyperior: 60.59% - 71.18% Without the Speed boost from Dragon Dance, Charizard is revenge killed a lot more easily. Due to this, it is best to scout opposing revenge killers before attempting to set up a sweep. Swords Dance Charizard is especially good at luring out bulky Water-types that expect Charizard to be a special attacking variant (such as Milotic and Slowking) and deal a lot of damage to them with a +2 Thunder Punch. Due to this, Pokemon that can take advantage of a weakened bulky Water-type make excellent partners to Swords Dance Charizard. Dragon Dance Feraligatr and Rock Polish Rhyperior are especially dangerous when opposing Milotic are weakened. Like all offensive Pokemon, Charizard appreciates entry hazard support to achieve some important KOs; for example, 252 HP / 200 Def Milotic is OHKOed by Thunder Punch after she switches into Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes. Omastar can set up both Stealth Rock and Spikes while luring Grass-, Ground-, and Fighting-type attacks for Charizard to switch into. Cloyster can set up Spikes while using Rapid Spin to clear away Stealth Rock. On the topic of Stealth Rock, Rapid Spin support is, again, essential for Charizard's effectiveness. Hitmontop, Blastoise, and Donphan are good Rapid Spinners to run alongside Charizard.

Charizard is most effective as a special attacker; although it seems outclassed by Moltres, which hits a lot harder, Charizard still has some useful perks over the fire bird. Firstly, Charizard's base 100 Speed allows it to outrun, and prevent itself from being revenge killed, by Pokemon that would outspeed Moltres, such as Rotom and Arcanine. Secondly, Charizard's ability, Blaze, gives its Fire-type attacks a significant boost when its health falls below 33%. Charizard's Fire-type STAB attack has excellent coverage alongside its secondary STAB move, Air Slash, while Hidden Power Grass hits Pokemon that resist both Fire- and Flying-type moves. Roost allows Charizard to recover health from Life Orb recoil and Stealth Rock damage. The choice between Fire Blast and Flamethrower boils down to whether you prefer power or accuracy; Fire Blast is preferred since Charizard's Special Attack is comparatively poor to Moltres, and because it needs all the power it can get. Life Orb gives Charizard a boost in its power without locking it into a move. Charizard's special movepool extends further than just the moves suggested; Dragon Pulse has perfect coverage alongside Fire Blast and allows Charizard to hit Altaria super effectively without using Hidden Power. Focus Blast is Charizard's most powerful move against Regirock and Clefable, if you can stand to rely on its terrible accuracy. When deciding which EVs to invest in with Charizard, take advantage of Charizard's decent Special Attack and Speed. As for its nature, Timid is almost always preferred, as using a Modest nature means that Charizard is completely outclassed by Timid Moltres, which sports higher Special Attack, superior Speed, and better bulk. Modest Charizard should only be used if you run Charizard alongside Moltres in a "double-Fire" combination, using Moltres to break apart walls for Charizard to clean up later. It should be noted that Charizard and Moltres both have a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock as well as sharing common weaknesses. Aside from the omnipresent Stealth Rock, Charizard is hindered by bulky Water-types such as Milotic and Slowking. Specially defensive Pokemon, such as Regirock, Altaria, and Chansey are fantastic checks to Charizard too. Good teammates for Charizard obviously need to provide Rapid Spin support to clear away Stealth Rock while also taking advantage of the aforementioned problematic Pokemon. Hitmontop and Blastoise are arguably the best Rapid Spinners to run alongside Charizard, since they both are relatively bulky and have good defensive synergy with Charizard. Hitmontop resists Rock-type attacks and Foresight allows him to hit Ghosts with Rapid Spin to clear away Stealth Rock. Hitmontop can also scare away Chansey with its powerful STAB Close Combat, but Hitmonlee and Hitmonchan are both viable alternatives if more attacking power is desired. Blastoise can do the same but it instead sports a resistance to Water-type attacks. Although it shares a weakness to Water-type attacks with Charizard, Donphan is a decent Rapid Spinner that can defeat common spinblockers with moves like Assurance, Head Smash, and Earthquake. Venusaur is a fantastic switch-in to bulky Water-types, such as Milotic and Slowking, causing havoc with its powerful STAB moves or Sleep Powder. Dugtrio is also a good partner to run alongside Charizard as it can trap and KO Chansey with Beat Up or Earthquake.

Charizard should be used exclusively as a late-game Pokemon, once Water-types like Starmie have been paralyzed or, ideally, KOed. Charizard's utmost priority is to set up Swords Dance, as it won't be able to KO much without it. Use Swords Dance when given an opportunity or use Fire Spin to pivot out of bad matchups, for example against a predicted Alakazam or Starmie switching in. +2 Hyper Beam KOes most Pokemon after an Earthquake or Slash, with notable exceptions being Snorlax, Exeggutor, and Slowbro. Earthquake threatens Jolteon and Rock-types, which threaten Charizard. Slash gives Charizard immediate power without the need for setup, ignoring Reflect and knocking most Pokemon into range for a +2 Hyper Beam. Fire Blast threatens Jynx, Exeggutor, and Victreebel while scaring Pokemon like Tauros and Snorlax with the risk of game-losing burns. However, it risks thawing frozen Pokemon and burning Pokemon that appreciate the resulting immunity to other status effects, such as Starmie. Counter can let Charizard lure Snorlax variants with only STAB moves and Earthquake into effectively KOing themselves, but if revealed without payoff, it becomes useless.