Reports

Published on February 25th, 2015 | by Guru Fernandez

31

No one is safe from the R.E.G.I.S MK-V! An Alpha Series Top Cut Report

Introduction

Hello everyone. My name is Eddie “Guru” Fernandez. I have been playing competitive Pokemon for quite a while now, but never played at a sanctioned event. I made my entrance into the VGC scene with the event I will be discussing today, an Alpha Series premier challenge that was held in Brooklyn, NY on January 11th, 2015. Whether it was beginners luck or just my practice paying off, I managed to go undefeated during the preliminary Swiss rounds (6-0) and made top cut. Alas, my victory train came to a screeching halt in the first round of the semifinals, landing me in 5th place. It was such a fun experience, and I hope you enjoy this report!

Team Building

The VGC ’15 format is quite unforgiving for newcomers. I had played VGC 2014 style matches in the past, but they were mostly for fun and the pool of pokemon to choose from was much narrower. Once the VGC 2015 format was announced and I had decided to start playing the real deal, I was a little lost on how I should develop my team. I decided to start off with something that I liked and that was relatively new, so I chose Mega-Metagross to be my main mega.

At a Glance

The Team

REGIS MK-V @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 156 HP / 156 Atk / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
-Iron Head
-Zen Headbutt
-Ice Punch
-Protect

“The REGIS MK-V is the ultimate fighting machine! Unstoppable! Merciless! Glorious! No one is safe from the REGIS…”

For those of you who are wondering, the Replicant Engineered for Galactic Infiltration and Sabotage Mark 5 (REGIS MK-5) was an alien spider-like robot from the cartoon “Megas XLR” that was known for its obnoxious, narcissistic rants about how great it was. Metagross is also a spider robot, so I couldn’t help using the nickname. Plus, it sounds boss.

As a Mega, Metagross has a lot of competition for the slot.  Steel types losing their resistance to both Dark and Ghost did not help it in the least, as it is now threatened by the ever present Bisharp, Hydreigon and Aegislash. Also, Psychic as an offensive type suffered with the introduction of fairy types scaring away the common fighting types of last generation. Despite all of these flaws, Mega-Metagross redeems itself by having superb bulk that is uncanny for something so powerful and fast, and steel is still the best defensive typing in the game.

Because of Tough Claws, Metagross’ decent movepool is chopped down to a few select moves that take advantage of the ability. For STAB, I went with Iron Head for its reliability and that game-changing 30% flinch chance. Zen Headbutt was really the only other STAB option, which I didn’t like due to the accuracy, but it did smack around most targets that resisted Steel while also possessing the flinch chance. The last slot is always a hard choice for Mega Metagross. I considered Hammer Arm, which threatens Kangashan and opposing steel types, but ultimately the side effect was considered too detrimental. Earthquake was also considered, despite not gaining the boost, in order to combat opposing steels and threaten Heatran. Ultimately, I felt Ice Punch was the best choice, allowing me to defeat Landorus and dragons, although this set leaves Metagross walled by virtually any Steel type.

In terms of EVs, I wanted to experiment a bit in order to take advantage of Metagross’ superb bulk. 196 Speed EVs with a Jolly nature surpasses the 102 speed benchmark, which I felt was a good place to settle in the speed department since it out-sped Garchomp and the plentiful 100 base speed tier. 156 HP EVs added to its overall bulk, surviving a max attack, life orb boosted Sucker Punch from Bisharp and a good chance to survive a full power Shadow Ball from Aegislash. Finally, 156 Attack EVs maintained Metagross’s offensive presence, being able to OHKO Scarfed Landorus even through Intimidate with Ice Punch and nabbing some nice 2HKOs on pokemon such as uninvested Kangaskhan.

Trigun @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 28 HP/36 Def/244 SpA/196 Spe
Modest Nature
-Dark Pulse
-Draco Meteor
-Fire Blast
-Earth Power

Hydreigon is named after the anime classic “Trigun.”

In terms of synergy, Hydreigon compliments Metagross perfectly thanks to its unique Dark/Dragon typing, resisting Fire, Ground, Dark, and Ghost. Hydreigon could also lay waste to the very Steel types that wall Metagross with fire and ground coverage, making Hydreigon’s spot on the team a sure thing. With these two, my team had its two main attackers, hitting hard on both ends of the spectrum.

The idea behind Hydreigon isn’t complicated: Blast things with choice boosted coverage moves. Dark Pulse and Draco Meteor served as potent STABs, with Dark Pulse being particularly important for opposing Metagross and to heavily damage Cresselia. Fire Blast and Earth Power were extremely important coverage moves to deal with the aforementioned Steel types that walled Metagross completely. Flash Cannon, strange as it sounds, was considered over Earth Power to deal heavy damage to Sylveon who would otherwise laugh at either coverage option. However, I felt Metagross was enough for that role and my team lacked any ground coverage, so Earth Power was chosen.

The EV spread was given to me by a friend, and it allows Hydreigon to survive an unboosted Dragon Claw from Garchomp while hitting as hard as possible, and maintaining some speed presence.

Murmaider @ Leftovers
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 236 HP/156 Def/100 SpA/12 SpD/4 Spe
Bold Nature
-Scald
-Icy Wind
-Safeguard
-Protect

Milotic is named after Dethklok’s song “Murmaider.” Basically it describes a brutal mermaid, so it’s my go to name for Gyarados and Milotic.

Milotic adds several good things to the team so far. In terms of synergy, another fire resistance is added to aid Metagross while also adding an ice resistance for Hydreigon, all while adding two weakness which are already covered. Perhaps the most important thing Milotic brings is the Competitive ability, punishing the Intimidates Metagross was sure to attract.

Scald is pretty standard for any supporting water type, adding in the game-changing Burn chance. Icy Wind was chosen over Ice Beam to serve as my team’s first line of speed control, although I would miss the power of Ice Beam for destroying Landorus.  Milotic’s movepool is rather shallow but it does have some pretty good options in the support department. In this case, I went with Safeguard, a move most wouldn’t expect from Milotic. I loved the move because it greatly reduced my risk of losing due to some random paralysis or confusion, and it also protected Metagross from burns. Overall, Milotic gave much-needed support to my two heavy hitters.

With 236 HP/156 DEF / 12 SpD investment, there was very little that could outright OHKO it, as it can survive a thunderbolt from Zapdos and Manetric, Mega-Khan’s Double Edge, and Hydreigon’s Specs Draco Meteor. While great in the bulk department, I wanted it to have a least some sting behind its attacks so I just allocated 100 SpA EVs.  The remaining 4 went into speed.

Voltolos @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 244 HP/140 Def/36 SpA/20 Speed
Bold Nature
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Ice
-Thunder Wave
-Taunt

The Japanese/German name for Thundurus sounds much better, so I went with Voltolos.

Sacrificing a little team synergy in return for great utility, I added Thundurus to the team. Thundurus was my answer to the terrifying power of Mega Salamence, a dangerous threat for those who are not prepared for it. Adding electric coverage, speed control, and the useful flying resistance, Thundurus secured a spot on my team.

Thunderbolt and HP Ice are standard moves that add nice coverage to the team. Prankster Thunder Wave and Taunt ensured excellent speed control and allowed me to stop annoying strategies like Dark Void Smeargle.

The EVs were crafted to survive the onslaught of Mega Salamence. With 244 HP / 140 Def+ and Sitrus Berry, Thundurus can survive 3 Double Edges from a max attack Mega Salamence while slapping it right back with Hidden Power Ice. 36 SpA was added to give it more of a sting while the 20 speed investment was meant to outspeed uninvested opposing Thundurus. In one of matches, I realized the special attack investment might have been too low, as an opponent’s Mega Sceptile was able to live a Hidden Power Ice.

Oxford @ Lum Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Hp/252 Atk/252 Speed
Jolly Nature
-Rock Slide
-Close Combat
-Quick Guard
-Protect

While it infringed on my team synergy a bit, Terrakion added several things I wanted to my team: Another speedy pokemon, a rock slide user with STAB, and a powerful fighting type to threaten Kangaskhan.

Rock Slide and Close Combat were just the moves my team needed, adding rock coverage to crush Charizard/Talonflame while also being an excellent spread move, and Close Combat destroyed Mega Kangaskan. As with any Terrakion, the third move slot is always a wild card. I could have gone with Substitute, Taunt, or Earthquake, but I ended up going with Quick Guard. I did not use it once during the tournament, showing it is rather situational.

Bulbasage @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll – Thick Fat
EVs: 180 HP/76 Def/60 SpA/132 SpD/60 Speed
Calm Nature
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb
-Sleep Powder
-Protect

Bulbasage is the name I gave to my first Bulbasaur back in Pokemon Red.

Lacking the useful resistances and benefits of a grass type, I was overjoyed when I realized that Venusaur fit nicely into the team. Bulbasaur was the first pokemon I chose all the back in Pokemon Red and it remained my favorite Kanto pokemon to date, so I was glad I’d be able to bring it to my first VGC event. Of course it brought much more than just nostalgia. I love Venusaur for its ability to stand up to Sun teams and utterly wall Rain teams, while kicking Sand around as well. Throw in the risky but game changing Sleep Powder and Venusaur was a perfect fit for my team.

I’m sure this set is pretty common, but it does the job. Sludge Bomb’s 30% change to poison came in quite handy from time to time, KOing Focus Sash Whimsicotts and adding more damage overall. Sleep Powder is risky, but it has won me a fair share of games that seemed hopeless at first, so I think it’s worth a moveslot.

The EVs are designed to make Venusaur more defensive than offensive, since I felt the team lacked a specially defensive pokemon. 180HP/76Def/132SpD gave Venusaur some nice rounded defense that survived both Mega-Khans double edge and Specs Hydreigon’s Draco Meteor. The remaining EV’s were dumped into SpA and speed to give it some offensive.

The Event Preliminaries: 6 Rounds of Swiss

After a long train ride, I arrived at the event, unsure what to expect since it was my first time. Registration was simple, though I felt a little silly having to write down my Pokemon nicknames on the registration sheet. Either way, it was very quick and I got to talk to some people before the event started. Good to know I wasn’t the only one a little stifled by the competition, which eased the tension a bit. The match pairings went up, and I was excited to see that both Jeudy Azzarreli and Aaron “Cybertron” Zheng were contestants.

Match 1: Vs Veno

Watch: EJSW-WWWW-WWWV-RXR4

VS

My first match in the competition was a mirror match with Metagross. He led Zapdos and Machamp while I led with Thundurus and Milotic, which was pretty much a battle of bulk. Both of my leads demonstrated their excellent bulk, with Milotic eating both a Dynamic Punch and a Thunderbolt from Zapdos while Thundurus survived a critical Stone Edge from the Machamp. The first turn safeguard proved useful as I blocked Zapdos’s Thunder Wave and nullified confusion from Dynamic Punch. Eventually I got an advantageous switch and gained the upper hand by OHKOing his Mega-Metagross with Hydreigon. I was very tense since it the first match, felt very relieved after getting my first win.

Match 2: VS Tomoko

Watch: GK2G-WWWW-WWWV-RXTJ

VS

I certainly did not expect to see Tangela in this competition, but boy did this guy use it well. It had Rage Powder, Leaf Storm, and Power Swap, which made quite an annoying combo by passing that -2 on to my pokemon. I led with Thundurus and Terrakion while he led with Tangela and Conkeldurr. It was a very close match, but it ended once we were down to Hydreigon and Tangela. My opponent saw it was hopeless and forfeited. With two wins under my belt, I felt optimistic.

Match 3: VS Morgan

Watch: WQHG-WWWW-WWWV-R2WH

VS

Overall I felt my team was well equipped to deal with his team thanks to Terrakion and Thunderus. He led with Sceptile and Gyarados and I led with Thundurus and Milotic. Both Milotic and Metagross’s bulk are shown here as the former takes Mega Sceptile’s Energy Ball while the latter eats Rotoms Overheat. Overall a straightforward match that I ended up winning.

Match 4: VS Kazi “Berserker” Rahman

Watch: 56ZG-WWWW-WWWV-R22U

VS

He led with Aegislash and Sylveon while I led with Metagross and Milotic. As soon as I saw Sylveon I wanted it gone, but I knew the Aegislash would be a hassle as well. I didn’t mega evolve Metagross for fear of the Landorus in the back, but it did its job. I narrowly won the match when it came down to my +2 Milotic vs his Landorus, who nearly KOed me with Earthquake. Despite the loss, Berserker went on to top cut and got 2nd place.

Match 5: VS Tommy “Tman” Cooleen

Watch: 5QEW-WWWW-WWWV-R239

VS

Team preview showed I was going to have a tough time. My opponent was carrying the TerraCott combo, and Mega Charizard (assumed Y). Seeing this, I thought it would be a good time to bring out my Mega Venusuar. I led with Venusaur and Terrakion while he led with Terrakion and Whimsicott. This paid off greatly, KOing his sashed Whimsicott (with Sludge Bomb + lucky poison) on the first turn and shutting down his later confirmed Charizard Y with Sleep Powder. I’m not going to lie that the RNG was strongly in my favor in this match, with the first turn poison and the several key misses later in the match. Despite the loss, Tman went on to Top Cut and placed 6th. This match was streamed so it might be on Youtube.

Match 6: VS Aaron “Cybertron” Zheng

Watch: YBWG-WWWW-WWWV-R28D

VS

I didn’t think I would get a chance to face him but here it is. At this point, we were both 5-0 and our place in top cut was secured, so this was a bit more of an exhibition match. Team preview showed he had three things that Metagross absolutely hated (Gengar, Bisharp, and Hydreigon) but I brought it anyway since Mega-Venusaur didn’t have much to do here. He led with Bisharp and Hydreigon while I led with Milotic and Terrakion, which was and great match up for me. Unfortunately, I made the mother of all mess-ups by protecting on the first turn with Terrakion, and using Icy Wind with Milotic…..with a Bisharp on the field. To be honest I don’t remember what I was thinking at the time. Brutal irony saved me however, as he decided to double target Milotic and KO it on the first turn, saving me from my own mess up. From there Terrakion was able to save the day, nabbing the KO on his entire team with a combination of Rock Slide and Close Combat. We shook hands and were off to the semi-finals. Cybertron ended up winning the competition at 1st place.

Top Cut: Best 2 out of 3

We all sat at a table and went through hack checks. No surprise to see Cybertron and Jeudy Azzarreli there, along with my two previous opponents Tman and Berserker. Once the checks were done, we were all paired up. I was hoping to get a match with Azzarreli but I was placed with Vincent “Vinny” Speciale.

VS: Vinny

VS

*No battle video for this match but I remember 5 of Pokemon. The last one was never used. I can recall the match pretty well.

I can pretty much tell you I got my backside handed to me in this match. In all of my team testing, I didn’t realize that I had a problem with Steel types. Metagross and Venusaur are completely walled by Steels, Milotic and Thundurus don’t do much to them, which leaves Terrakion and Hydreigon to handle all the Steels of the metagame.

He led with Ferrothorn and Clefable, and I had brought Venusaur, Milotic, Thundurus and Hydreigon. My fate was sealed as he went for a follow me-substitute combo on the first turn. Substitute Ferrothorn was something I was completely unprepared for. I tried to use Hydreigon to defeat it but with Clefable’s Follow Me support, I wasn’t touching it any time soon. I subsequently lost Hydreigon to Clefable’s Moon Blast, and from there nothing I had brought could defeat Ferrothorn.

At that point I felt pretty demoralized but I tried better on the second match, bringing Metagross, Hydreigon, Terrakion and Milotic while he brought Entei, Clefable, Salamence-Mega and I believe Ferrothorn. This time was a little less one sided but my opponent was able to read me like a book, and I subsequently lost 0-2. I was a bit disappointed but I couldn’t deny the skill of my opponent and that I had a lot to learn. I had come in 5th place, while I later learned Vinny placed 4th.

Closing Thoughts

After I lost, I wanted to stick around to watch the finals but the tournament took way longer than I had expected (it started at 12 and it was already 4:30, which at this time of year in NYC is dusk.) I had a long ride ahead of me so I decided to leave.

Mega-Metagross served its purpose as a fast, bulky battering ram, which seems to be its niche as it doesn’t get awesome super effective coverage compared to other Megas. As I’ve learned, a team centered on Mega-Metagross needs to have efficient counter-Steel capabilities, as Tough Claws doesn’t provide it with any particularly good ways of dealing with them. Since the competition, I’ve made a few changes to the team:

for 

Zapdos was originally considered over Thundurus before the tournament since it did fill the same roles +tailwind and heat wave. I went with Thundurus because it was hard to argue against Prankster Thunder Wave and Taunt. Realizing Heat Wave would offer an excellent spread move and help me out against Steels, Zapdos has since replaced Thundurus and I have not been missing it.

Quick Guard was replaced with Taunt to make up for the loss of Thundurus, but honestly taunt on something like Terrakion is very risky.

The only change so far was switching Zen Headbutt for Earthquake, which honestly is more useful for spread damage and to KO Heatran while dealing with Steels.

I had a bunch of fun meeting new players and finally competing in an actual VGC event. Personally I thought I was going to be garbage and not even reach top cut, but I ended up doing fairly well. Of course, I still have a lot to learn. I hope you had a good read, and all you who want to give Mega-Metagross a try, learn from my mistakes!

About the Author

Guru Fernandez Eddie "Guru" Fernandez is a Chemistry major at Queens College who shares a passion for both research and Pokemon battling. After playing competitive Pokemon on the sidelines since Black and White, I decided to step out of the shadows and debut into the official competitive scene with VGC'15. I'm looking forward to attending many events and meeting all sorts of battlers.

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