Monotype Diancie (Rock)

[OVERVIEW]



Rock
========

Mega Diancie stands out as the best Mega Evolution and mixed attacker for Rock teams thanks to its fantastic Attack and Special Attack stats and great movepool. These traits are accompanied by an impressive 110 Speed stat, allowing Mega Diancie to outspeed threats such as Keldeo and Terrakion. Mega Diancie takes great advantage of its Attack stat with Diamond Storm, a powerful and reliable Rock-type STAB move with a 50% chance to increase its Defense by 2 stages. This can be very helpful against threatening physical attackers like Breloom and defensive Mega Scizor, since it survives an unboosted Bullet Punch when at +2 Defense. With Magic Bounce, Mega Diancie provides fantastic utility, bouncing back entry hazards such as Galvantula's Sticky Web as well as status moves like Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp. Its part-Fairy typing along with a strong Fairy-type STAB move in Moonblast allows it to beat threats to Rock teams such as Mega Sableye. Its great movepool also allows it to provide a plethora of helpful coverage. Unfortunately, Mega Diancie's terrible bulk and defensive typing make it largely vulnerable to common priority moves such as Aqua Jet and Bullet Punch. Even with Mega Diancie's fantastic Speed, it's still susceptible to revenge killers like Excadrill in sand, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Jirachi. Mega Diancie also has difficulty fitting all of its beneficial coverage options onto a single set.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker (Rock)
move 1: Diamond Storm
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Diancite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Naive
evs: 16 HP / 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Diamond Storm is Mega Diancie's best Rock-type STAB move, being able to increase its Defense by 2 while also allowing it to beat specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine. This allows Mega Diancie to function as a mixed wallbreaker rather than a primarily special one. Moonblast is used to hit Fighting-, Dragon-, and Dark-types like Keldeo, Garchomp, and Mega Sableye. Psychic is a solid option alongside Diamond Storm, allowing Mega Diancie to effectively dismantle Poison's defensive core of Mega Venusaur, Toxapex, and Alolan Muk, specifically being able to 2HKO Mega Venusaur, which typically poses a threat to Rock teams. Hidden Power Fire allows Mega Diancie to hit Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn, as well as hitting Mega Scizor on the switch. Earth Power is a good alternative, allowing Mega Diancie to KO Steel-types that aren't beaten by Hidden Power Fire, such as Heatran and Magnezone.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed with a Naive nature allows Mega Diancie to outspeed Pokemon such as Landorus and Infernape. A Naive nature is chosen over Hasty because the former will allow Mega Diancie to always survive Mega Lopunny's High Jump Kick from full health. 16 EVs in HP are used to always survive Skarmory's Iron Head before Mega Evolving while 2HKOing it with Hidden Power Fire. However, if Earth Power is opted for, these EVs are unneeded. Before Mega Evolving, Mega Diancie will have the ability Clear Body, which makes it immune to stat decreases, which is especially helpful when coming in on Sticky Web. Upon Mega Evolving, it gains Magic Bounce, which allows it to bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave and entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Sticky Web.

Usage Tips
========

In most situations it's a good idea to lead with Diancie and Mega Evolve against entry hazard setters in order to bounce the hazards back, which is especially helpful against Galvantula's Sticky Web, since Rock teams don't use any hazard removers. If possible, always take the opportunity to revenge kill something with Diamond Storm, since Mega Diancie largely benefits from the +2 Defense increase. Since Mega Diancie's bulk isn't very good, try bringing it in after another Pokemon on your team has fainted. In matchups like Dark and Dragon, try to make smart doubles into Mega Diancie in order to shift more momentum on your side. In matchups like Fighting, Grass, and Poison where you need Mega Diancie to be as healthy as possible, don't let it take unnecessary damage before it encounters an important threat like Breloom or Mega Venusaur. Sometimes it's better to hold off on Mega Evolving to take advantage of regular Diancie's superior bulk to allow it to survive a Hidden Power Steel from Latios, as well as being unaffected by Sticky Web and Intimidate thanks to Clear Body. Avoid switching into powerful neutral or resisted attacks, especially after Mega Evolving. Try switching into passive Pokemon such as Klefki in order to bounce back status conditions and hazards.

Team Options
========

Shuckle can set up Sticky Web for Mega Diancie to allow it to outspeed Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion and Heracross while also being able to halt setup sweepers like Mega Scizor and Azumarill with Encore. This frees a moveslot for Mega Diancie, since it won't have to rely on Rock Polish to outspeed most threats. In return, Mega Diancie can bounce back Stealth Rock to make sure Shuckle doesn't lose a quarter of its health upon switching in. Terrakion can break past defensive checks like Chansey and Porygon2 that would beat Mega Diancie otherwise while also being a solid revenge killer with a Choice Scarf, revenge killing threats like Hydreigon and +1 Mega Sharpedo. Tyranitar is a powerful physical wallbreaker that can set up sand for Mega Diancie, which boosts its Special Defense. It's also capable of trapping Latios and Gengar with Pursuit. Rhyperior and Alolan Golem are both capable of checking Mega Scizor for Mega Diancie. Rhyperior can serve as an effective physical blanket check against threats like Excadrill and Landorus-T, while Alolan Golem can trap and remove problematic Steel-types like Celesteela and Ferrothorn. Cradily can come in on Water-type attacks for Mega Diancie while also being able to beat Ground-types like Hippowdon, Seismitoad, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T. In return, Mega Diancie can check Fighting-types like Terrakion and Heracross while also bouncing back threatening status moves like Toxic. Omastar appreciates Mega Diancie keeping entry hazards away in order to be as healthy as possible while setting up with Shell Smash. It can also beat Ground-types like Hippowdon and Mamoswine with its Water-type STAB moves. Nihilego is a good secondary special wallbreaker that can beat Fairy- and Grass-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Celebi with its Poison-type STAB move. It can also use its helpful coverage to remove Water-types like Swampert and Mega Slowbro with Grass Knot and Thunderbolt respectively, as well as Ground-types like Landorus and Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice.


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

Rock
--------
Rock Polish can be used to give Mega Diancie a chance to sweep offensive teams. However, this is usually unnecessary with the speed control offered by Shuckle’s Sticky Web. Calm Mind can be used in order to increase Mega Diancie's wallbreaking potential, always OHKOing Tapu Bulu at +1 with Moonblast. Power Gem can also synergize with this, doing much more significant damage against Mega Venusaur than Diamond Storm would. Outside of this, though, Mega Diancie finds more use from the extra coverage provided by Hidden Power Fire and Psychic, and Diamond Storm is the preferred Rock-type STAB move in order to KO specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine more easily as well as obtain a helpful Defense boost. Hidden Power Ice can be used as a means of KOing Landorus and Gliscor. However, this would come at the cost of Hidden Power Fire, making Mega Diancie unable to 2HKO Skarmory and Ferrothorn.

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

Rock
--------
**Gastrodon**: Gastrodon is one of the most consistent defensive answers to Mega Diancie, not fearing any of its attacks and being able to use Recover to heal any lost damage while wearing Mega Diancie down with Scald and Earthquake.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Chansey and Porygon2 are never 2HKOed by any of Mega Diancie's attacks and can use their recovery to wear down Mega Diancie while keeping themselves healthy. However, with Calm Mind, Mega Diancie is able to beat Porygon2.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Choice Scarf Jirachi can beat Mega Diancie with their respective STAB moves.

**Water-types**: Water-types like Kingdra, Mega Swampert, and Greninja are able to outspeed and KO Mega Diancie. However, none of these Pokemon will appreciate switching into a Moonblast.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and Rotom-C can outspeed and KO Mega Diancie with their Grass-type STAB moves. Tapu Bulu KOes even after Mega Diancie has a Defense increase, and Rotom-C is unaffected by Shuckle's Sticky Web.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Excadrill and Dugtrio can outspeed Mega Diancie and remove it with their STAB attacks. Dugtrio in particular can make sure Mega Diancie is unable to switch out thanks to Arena Trap.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf Keldeo and Tapu Koko are capable of outspeeding and KOing Mega Diancie, despite not being able to come in on a Moonblast.
 
Last edited:

iLlama

Nothing personal, I protect my people
[OVERVIEW]



Rock
========

* Mega Diancie stands out as the best Mega Evolution for Rock teams thanks to its fantastic stats and great movepool.
* Its great Attack and Special Attack stats alongside its solid coverage make it a threatening mixed attacker. Can probably combine this with the first point and clarify that it is Rock's best mixed attacker.
* These traits are accompanied by an impressive 110 Speed stat, allowing Mega Diancie to outspeed threats such as Keldeo and Terrakion.
* Mega Diancie takes great advantage of its Attack stat with Diamond Storm, a powerful and reliable form of Rock STAB with a 50% chance to increase Defense by 2 stages, which can be very helpful against threatening physical attackers like Breloom and Heracross. Rather than only discussing Fighting-types when some of these Pokemon won't show up often, use examples like at +2 Defense Mega Diancie can survive a Bullet Punch from Defensive Mega Scizor.
* With Magic Bounce, Mega Diancie provides fantastic utility, bouncing back hazards such as Galvantula's Sticky Web, as well as Will-O-Wisp from Mega Sableye. Change the second example to either 'as well as Taunt and Status moves from stallbreakers like Mew' or 'to block Toxic Spikes from Toxapex.' Make sure it flows well too.
* Its part Fairy typing along with strong Fairy STAB in Moonblast allows it to beat threats to Rock teams such as Mega Sableye, Keldeo, and Terrakion. Just have Mega Sableye, and make sure to change up examples much more often.
* It can also OHKO Pokémon like Magnezone and Heatran with Earth Power, which is especially important since they are capable of KOing Mega Diancie with Flash Cannon. Heatran doesn't run Flash Cannon and Magnezone is Choice Scarf half, if not most of the time. This info belongs in Set Comments anyways.
* Unfortunately, Mega Diancie's only average bulk makes it largely reliant on Diamond Storm Defense increases and Tyranitar's sand to survive powerful hits. Mega Diancie's bulk is pretty bad, since its spread is 50/100/100. The bit about relying on Defense increases and Ttar sand for survivability doesn't feel important enough to be in the Overview. Ttar's sand can be noted in Team Options and you already mentioned Diamond Storm boosts being helpful.
* It's typing leaves it vulnerable to common priority moves such as Aqua Jet and Bullet Punch. Combine this point with the previous, before the cut portion.
* Even with Mega Diancie's fantastic Speed, it's still susceptible to revenge killers like Excadrill in sand, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Jirachi.
* Something about its wide movepool allowing any coverage holes in your team be accounted for.
* A negative point concerning its movepool as well because it has 4MSS.


[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker (Rock)
move 1: Diamond Storm
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Diancite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Naive
evs: 16 HP / 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

* Diamond Storm is Mega Diancie’s best Rock STAB move, being able to increase its Defense by 2 while also allowing it to beat specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine. Mention this is why Mega Diancie is a mixed wallbreaker and not a special wallbreaker.
* Moonblast is used to hit Fighting- and Dark-types like Keldeo and Mega Sableye. Add in Dragon-types as well and mention Garchomp.
* Earth Power is solid coverage, allowing Mega Diancie to beat Poison-types like Nidoking and Toxapex and always KO Fire-types that can survive Diamond Storm like Heatran. Earth Power's only benefit over Psychic is hitting Heatran, which is already 2HKOed by Diamond Storm. Heatran can maybe annoying if it comes in on Mega Diancie safely, but when Rock has Band Terrakion in the back, I don't think it cares that much about it. This is pretty much why it isn't slashed. Also, Rock really doesn't care about Fire-types.
* Hidden Power Fire allows Mega Diancie to hit Steel-types that don’t fear Earth Power such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn. Or Mega Scizor on switch-in.
* Psychic is a decent alternative in order to reliably beat Poison teams. Since this is the new main set option, change this to explain how it, combined with Diamond Storm, completely dismantles Poison's defensive core in Toxapex and Alolan Muk, and can 2HKO Mega Venusaur which can be a huge pain for Rock.

Reorder following the main set with EP listed last.

Set Details
========

* Maximum investment in Special Attack and Speed are used to make Mega Diancie as fast and as strong as possible. Only discuss Speed here and give some examples of what it outpaces and speed ties with, new examples would be great.
* A point explaining why 16 EVs in HP are used, i.e. to live Skarmory's Iron Head pre-Mega evo while still being able to 2HKO with HP Fire.
* A point on the remaining 240 EVs going into Special Attack to maximize its power.

* A Naive nature is used to allow Mega Diancie to outspeed Terrakion and Keldeo while not hindering its Attack stat.
* Before Mega Evolving, Mega Diancie will have the ability Clear Body, which makes it immune to stat decreases, which is especially helpful when coming in on Sticky Web. Or when faced with Intimidate such as by Landorus-T.
* Upon Mega Evolving it will have the ability Magic Bounce, which can allow it to bounce back status moves such as Toxic or Thunder Wave and entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Sticky Web, making it a formidable threat against passive Pokemon that carry these moves like Porygon2 and Shuckle. Cut this down and get to the point, way too many details for explaining Magic Bounce.
* The Diancite is needed in order for Diancie to Mega Evolve. Not needed.

Usage Tips
========

* In most situations it's a good idea to lead with Mega Diancie against entry hazard setters in order to bounce them back. Clarify that you're leading with Diancie and Mega evolving.
* When is the previous point most crucial; you hinted at this in the Overview.

* When facing Pokemon such as Choice Scarf Heracross, it's better to stay in regular form to survive a hit before proceeding to KO. You already survive a hit even when mega evolving.
* If possible, always take the opportunity to revenge kill something with Diamond Storm, since Mega Diancie largely benefits from the +2 Defense increase.
* Since Mega Diancie's bulk isn't very good, try bringing it in after something else has gone down. Clarify that this would be bringing it safely after a friendly Pokemon has fainted.
* In matchups like Dark and Dragon, try to make smart doubles into Mega Diancie in order to shift more momentum on your side.
* In matchups like Fighting, Grass, and Poison where you need Mega Diancie to be as healthy as possible, don't let it take unnecessary damage before it encounters an important threat like Breloom or Mega Venusaur.
* A point about knowing when to not mega evolve in order to survive hits or not be affected by stat drops, thanks to Clear Body.
* Avoid switching into powerful neutral, and even resisted attacks, especially if Mega Diancie has already mega evolved.



Team Options
========

* Shuckle can set up Sticky Web for Mega Diancie to allow it to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon such as Terrakion and Heracross, while also being able to halt setup sweepers like Mega Scizor and Azumarill with Encore. In return, Mega Diancie can bounce back Stealth Rock to make sure Shuckle doesn't lose a quarter of its health upon switching. Sticky Web also frees up a moveslot for Mega Diancie so that it doesn't have to rely on Rock Polish to outpace fast threats.
* Terrakion can break past defensive checks like Chansey and Porygon2 that would beat Mega Diancie otherwise, while also being able to revenge kill Choice Scarf threats like Hydreigon and Tapu Bulu. Tapu Bulu has a 75% chance of surviving Stone Edge after Stealth Rock and Hydreigon can dish out a ton of damage with Draco before fainting. Better examples would be nice, try Landorus with a small amount of chip damage.
* Tyranitar is a powerful physical wallbreaker that can set up sand for Mega Diancie, letting it take special hits much better. It's also capable of trapping Latios and Gengar with Pursuit.
* Rhyperior and Alolan Golem are both capable of checking Mega Scizor for Mega Diancie. Rhyperior can serve as an effective physical blanket check against threats like Excadrill and Landorus-Therian, while Alolan Golem can trap and remove problematic Steel-types like Celesteela and Ferrothorn.
* Cradily can come in on Water-type attacks for Mega Diancie, while also being able to beat Ground-types like Hippowdon, Seismitoad, and Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian. In return, Mega Diancie can check Fighting-types like Terrakion and Heracross while also bouncing back threatening status moves like Toxic.
* Omastar appreciates Mega Diancie keeping entry hazards away in order to be as healthy as possible while setting up with Shell Smash. It can also beat Ground-types like Hippowdon and Mamoswine with its Water STAB.
* Nihilego is a good secondary special wallbreaker that can beat Fairy- and Grass-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Celebi with its Poison STAB. It can also use its helpful coverage to remove Water-types like Swampert and Mega Slowbro with Grass Knot and Thunderbolt respectively, as well as Ground-types like Landorus and Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice.


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

Rock
--------
* Rock Polish can be used to give Mega Diancie a chance to sweep offensive teams. However, this is usually unnecessary with the speed control offered by Shuckle’s Sticky Web.
* Calm Mind can be used in order to increase Mega Diancie's wallbreaking potential, always KOing Tapu Bulu at +1 with Moonblast. Power Gem can also synergize with this, doing much more significant damage against Mega Venusaur than Diamond Storm would. But outside of this, Mega Diancie finds more use from the extra coverage provided by Hidden Power Fire and Psychic, and Diamond Storm is the preferred Rock STAB in order to KO specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine easier, as well as offer a helpful Defense boost.
* HP Ice for Lando and Gliscor.

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

Rock
--------
(5) **Grass-Types**: Grass-types like Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and Rotom-M can outspeed and KO Mega Diancie with their Grass STAB moves. Tapu Bulu KOs even after a Defense increase, and Rotom-M is unaffected by Shuckle's Sticky Web.

(6) **Ground-Types**: Ground-types like Excadrill and Dugtrio can outspeed and remove Mega Diancie with their STAB attacks. Dugtrio in particular can make sure Mega Diancie is unable to switch out thanks to Arena Trap.

(4) **Water-Types**: Water-types like Kingdra, Mega Swampert, and Greninja are able to outspeed and KO Mega Diancie. However, none of these Pokemon will appreciate switching into a Moonblast

(3) **Steel-Types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Choice Scarf Jirachi can beat Mega Diancie with Bullet Punch and Iron Head respectively.

(2) **Defensive Pokemon**: Chansey and Porygon2 are never 2HKOed by any of Mega Diancie's attacks and can use their recovery to wear down Mega Diancie while keeping themselves healthy. However, with Calm Mind, Mega Diancie is able to beat Porygon2.

(7) **Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf Keldeo and Tapu Koko are capable of outspeeding and KOing Mega Diancie, despite not being able to come in on a Moonblast.

(1) **Gastrodon**:

Reorder as follows (1-7)
Quite a bit of changes so make sure you don't overlook anything.

QC 1/3

oie_rounded_corners (1).gif
 
Implemented the changes and clarified that Terrakion needs to be Choice Scarfed to manage Hydreigon. Also replaced the Tapu Bulu example with +1 Mega Sharpedo, since it may not have been as apparent that Scarf Terrakion would be carrying Poison Jab.

Anyway, ready for 2nd check
 

Moosical

big yikes
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
Overview
* Mega Diancie takes great advantage of its Attack stat with Diamond Storm, a powerful and reliable form of Rock STAB with a 50% chance to increase Defense by 2 stages, which can be very helpful against threatening physical attackers like Breloom and defensive Mega Scizor, since it survives an unboosted Bullet Punch when at +2 Defense.
- On top of the bold, break this up into 2 sentences, it's very long (thought that's more GP than QC)
* With Magic Bounce, Mega Diancie provides fantastic utility, bouncing back hazards such as Galvantula's Sticky Web, as well as Taunt from stallbreakers like Mew and Gliscor.
- Change the second example (taunt) to status such as Twave/Willowisp/toxic - there isn't much on rock worth taunting, so I don't think that's a very relevant example. The fact that you can bounce back status however, is huge. (I know you mention it in set details, but it's important enough for overview as well). I know iLlama said to include it, but I don't think taunt is very relevant vs rock.
* Its great movepool allows many coverage holes on Rock teams to be accounted for.
- I know what you're saying but this sentence is extremely awkward and not intuitive, rewrite it imo.

Moves
- Make sure the order of these match the order in the set

Set Details
- Talk about why you're using naive nature and not Hasty - one of the most common things on Pokemon is ensuring you don't enable download boosters by having lower SpD, however this is the opposite case, so I think you should explain it.

Usage Tips
* In most situations it's a good idea to lead with Diancie and Mega Evolve against entry hazard setters in order to bounce them back, which is especially helpful against Galvantula's Sticky Web.
- Talk about why bouncing hazards is especially important on rock (not running hazard removal)
* Sometimes it's better to stay in regular form to take advantage of regular Diancie's superior bulk, as well as being unaffected by Sticky Web or Intimidate thanks to Clear Body.
- Give an example (not iron head skarmory) where staying non-mega is helpful
- Add in switching into non-threatening pokemon, to bounce back hazards or status such as klefki.

Team Options
* Tyranitar is a powerful physical wallbreaker that can set up sand for Mega Diancie, letting it take special hits much better which boosts Mega Diancie's Special Defense. It's also capable of trapping Latios and Gengar with Pursuit.

Rest looks fine. QC 2/3
 
Moves

Hidden Power Fire allows Mega Diancie to hit Steel-types that don’t fear Earth Power such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn, as well as Mega Scizor on the switch-in.
- This doesn't make much sense considering Earth Power is mentioned after it, just remove the 'that don't fear Earth Power' bit.

Set Details

16 EVs in HP are used to always survive Skarmory's Iron Head before Mega Evolving while 2HKOing it with Hidden Power Fire.
- Considering Earth Power is mentioned in Moves, you should add that these EVs are unnecessary if Earth Power is opted for.

QC 3/3
 

autumn

only i will remain
is a Site Content Manageris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Top Smogon Media Contributor Alumnusis an Administrator Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
C&C Leader
GP 1/2
add remove comments
[OVERVIEW]
Rock
========

Mega Diancie stands out as the best Mega Evolution and mixed attacker (space) for Rock teams thanks to its fantastic Attack and Special Attack stats and great movepool. These traits are accompanied by an impressive 110 Speed stat, allowing Mega Diancie to outspeed threats such as Keldeo and Terrakion. Mega Diancie takes great advantage of its Attack stat with Diamond Storm, a powerful and reliable form of Rock-type STAB move with a 50% chance to increase Mega Diancie's Defense by 2 stages. This can be very helpful against threatening physical attackers like Breloom and defensive Mega Scizor, since it survives an unboosted Bullet Punch when at +2 Defense. With Magic Bounce, Mega Diancie provides fantastic utility, bouncing back hazards such as Galvantula's Sticky Web, as well as status moves like Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp. Its part-(AH)Fairy typing along with strong a Fairy-type STAB move in Moonblast allows it to beat threats to Rock teams such as Mega Sableye. Its great movepool also allows it to provide a plethora of helpful coverage for Rock teams. (repeated) Unfortunately, Mega Diancie's terrible bulk and defensive typing makes it largely vulnerable to common priority moves such as Aqua Jet and Bullet Punch. Even with Mega Diancie's fantastic Speed, it's still susceptible to revenge killers like Excadrill in sand, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Jirachi. Mega Diancie also has difficulty fitting all of its beneficial coverage options onto into a single set.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker (Rock)
move 1: Diamond Storm
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Diancite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Naive
evs: 16 HP / 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Diamond Storm is Mega Diancie’s best Rock-type STAB move, being able to increase its Defense by 2 while also allowing it to beat specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine. This allows Mega Diancie to function as a mixed wallbreaker rather than a primarily special one. Moonblast is used to hit Fighting-, Dragon-, and Dark-types like Keldeo, Garchomp, and Mega Sableye. Psychic is a solid option alongside Diamond Storm, allowing Mega Diancie to effectively dismantle Poison's defensive core (what's that core? clarify this), (RC) as well as 2HKOing Mega Venusaur, which typically poses a threat to Rock teams. Hidden Power Fire allows Mega Diancie to hit Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn, as well as Mega Scizor on the switch-in. Earth Power is a good alternative, allowing Mega Diancie to KO Steel-types that aren't beaten by Hidden Power Fire, such as Heatran and Magnezone.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed with a Naive nature allows Mega Diancie to outspeed Pokemon such as Landorus (therian or no? i don't have enough tier knowledge to judge) and Infernape. A Naive nature is chosen over Hasty because a Naive nature the former will allow Mega Diancie to always survive Mega Lopunny's High Jump Kick from full health. 16 EVs in HP are used to always survive Skarmory's Iron Head before Mega Evolving while 2HKOing it with Hidden Power Fire. However, if Earth Power is opted for, these EVs are unneeded. Before Mega Evolving, Mega Diancie will have the ability Clear Body, which makes it immune to stat decreases, which is especially helpful when coming in on Sticky Web. Upon Mega Evolving, (AC) it will have the ability Magic Bounce, which can allows it to bounce back status moves such as Toxic or and Thunder Wave and entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Sticky Web.

Usage Tips
========

In most situations it's a good idea to lead with Diancie and Mega Evolve against entry hazard setters in order to bounce them the hazards back, which is especially helpful against Galvantula's Sticky Web, since Rock teams don't use any hazard removers. If possible, always take the opportunity to revenge kill something with Diamond Storm, since Mega Diancie largely benefits from the +2 Defense increase. Since Mega Diancie's bulk isn't very good, try bringing it in after another Pokemon on your team has fainted. In matchups like Dark and Dragon, try to make smart doubles into Mega Diancie in order to shift more momentum on your side. In matchups like Fighting, Grass, and Poison where you need Mega Diancie to be as healthy as possible, don't let it take unnecessary damage before it encounters an important threat like Breloom or Mega Venusaur. Sometimes it's better to stay in regular form to take advantage of regular Diancie's superior bulk to allow it to survive a Hidden Power Steel from Latios, as well as being unaffected by Sticky Web or and Intimidate thanks to Clear Body. Avoid switching into powerful neutral or resisted attacks, especially after Mega Evolving. Try switching into passive Pokemon such as Klefki in order to bounce back status conditions or and hazards.

Team Options
========

Shuckle can set up Sticky Web for Mega Diancie to allow it to outspeed Choice Scarf Pokemon users such as Terrakion and Heracross, (RC) while also being able to halt setup sweepers like Mega Scizor and Azumarill with Encore. This frees a moveslot for Mega Diancie, since it won't have to rely on Rock Polish to outspeed most threats. In return, Mega Diancie can bounce back Stealth Rock to make sure Shuckle doesn't lose a quarter of its health upon switching in. Terrakion can break past defensive checks like Chansey and Porygon2 that would beat Mega Diancie otherwise, (RC) while also being a solid revenge killer with a Choice Scarf, revenge killing Choice Scarf threats like Hydreigon and +1 Mega Sharpedo. Tyranitar is a powerful physical wallbreaker that can set up sand for Mega Diancie, which boosts its Special Defense. It's also capable of trapping Latios and Gengar with Pursuit. Rhyperior and Alolan Golem are both capable of checking Mega Scizor for Mega Diancie. Rhyperior can serve as an effective physical blanket check against threats like Excadrill and Landorus-Therian, while Alolan Golem can trap and remove problematic Steel-types like Celesteela and Ferrothorn. Cradily can come in on Water-type attacks for Mega Diancie, (RC) while also being able to beat Ground-types like Hippowdon, Seismitoad, and Choice Scarf Landorus-Therian. In return, Mega Diancie can check Fighting-types like Terrakion and Heracross while also bouncing back threatening status moves like Toxic. Omastar appreciates Mega Diancie keeping entry hazards away in order to be as healthy as possible while setting up with Shell Smash. It can also beat Ground-types like Hippowdon and Mamoswine with its Water-type STAB moves. Nihilego is a good secondary special wallbreaker that can beat Fairy- and Grass-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Celebi with its Poison-type STAB move. It can also use its helpful coverage to remove Water-types like Swampert and Mega Slowbro with Grass Knot and Thunderbolt respectively, as well as Ground-types like Landorus and Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice.


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

Rock
--------
Rock Polish can be used to give Mega Diancie a chance to sweep offensive teams. However, this is usually unnecessary with the Speed control offered by Shuckle’s Sticky Web. Calm Mind can be used in order to increase Mega Diancie's wallbreaking potential, always OH(?)KOing Tapu Bulu at +1 with Moonblast. Power Gem can also synergize with this, doing much more significant damage against Mega Venusaur than Diamond Storm would. But outside of this, Mega Diancie finds more use from the extra coverage provided by Hidden Power Fire and Psychic, and Diamond Storm is the preferred Rock-type STAB move in order to KO specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine easier more easily, (RC) as well as offer a helpful Defense boost. Hidden Power Ice can be used as a means of KOing Landorus and Gliscor. However, this would come at the cost of Hidden Power Fire, making it unable to 2HKO Skarmory and Ferrothorn.

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

Rock
--------
**Gastrodon**: Gastrodon is one of the most consistent defensive answers to Mega Diancie, not fearing any of its attacks and being able to use Recover to heal any lost damage while wearing Mega Diancie down with Scald and Earthquake.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Chansey and Porygon2 are never 2HKOed by any of Mega Diancie's attacks and can use their recovery to wear down Mega Diancie while keeping themselves healthy. However, with Calm Mind, Mega Diancie is able to beat Porygon2.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Choice Scarf Jirachi can beat Mega Diancie with Bullet Punch and Iron Head respectively.

**Water-types**: Water-types like Kingdra, Mega Swampert, and Greninja are able to outspeed and KO Mega Diancie. However, none of these Pokemon will appreciate switching into a Moonblast.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and Rotom-C M can outspeed and KO Mega Diancie with their Grass-type STAB moves. Tapu Bulu KOes even after Mega Diancie has a Defense increase, and Rotom-C M is unaffected by Shuckle's Sticky Web.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Excadrill and Dugtrio can outspeed and remove Mega Diancie with their STAB attacks. Dugtrio in particular can make sure Mega Diancie is unable to switch out thanks to Arena Trap.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf Keldeo and Tapu Koko are capable of outspeeding and KOing Mega Diancie, despite not being able to come in on a Moonblast.

sorry for the delay, got sidetracked
 

Lumari

empty spaces
is a Site Content Manageris a Top Social Media Contributoris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Top Contributoris a Top Smogon Media Contributoris an Administrator Alumnus
TFP Leader


remove
add / fix (comments); (AC=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 2/2
Rock
========

Mega Diancie stands out as the best Mega Evolution and mixed attacker for Rock teams thanks to its fantastic Attack and Special Attack stats and great movepool. These traits are accompanied by an impressive 110 Speed stat, allowing Mega Diancie to outspeed threats such as Keldeo and Terrakion. Mega Diancie takes great advantage of its Attack stat with Diamond Storm, a powerful and reliable Rock-type STAB move with a 50% chance to increase Mega Diancie's its Defense by 2 stages. This can be very helpful against threatening physical attackers like Breloom and defensive Mega Scizor, since it survives an unboosted Bullet Punch when at +2 Defense. With Magic Bounce, Mega Diancie provides fantastic utility, bouncing back entry hazards such as Galvantula's Sticky Web (RC) as well as status moves like Thunder Wave and Will-O-Wisp. Its part-Fairy typing along with strong a (deformat this too) Fairy-type STAB move in Moonblast allows it to beat threats to Rock teams such as Mega Sableye. Its great movepool also allows it to provide a plethora of helpful coverage. Unfortunately, Mega Diancie's terrible bulk and defensive typing make it largely vulnerable to common priority moves such as Aqua Jet and Bullet Punch. Even with Mega Diancie's fantastic Speed, it's still susceptible to revenge killers like Excadrill in sand, Tapu Koko, and Choice Scarf Jirachi. Mega Diancie also has difficulty fitting all of its beneficial coverage options onto a single set.

[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker (Rock)
move 1: Diamond Storm
move 2: Moonblast
move 3: Psychic
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Diancite
ability: Clear Body
nature: Naive
evs: 16 HP / 240 SpA / 252 Spe

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

Diamond Storm is Mega Diancie’s Diancie's best Rock-type STAB move, being able to increase its Defense by 2 while also allowing it to beat specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine. This allows Mega Diancie to function as a mixed wallbreaker rather than a primarily special one. Moonblast is used to hit Fighting-, Dragon-, and Dark-types like Keldeo, Garchomp, and Mega Sableye. Psychic is a solid option alongside Diamond Storm, allowing Mega Diancie to effectively dismantle Poison's defensive core of Mega Venusaur, Toxapex, and Alolan Muk, specifically being able to 2HKO Mega Venusaur, which typically poses a threat to Rock teams. Hidden Power Fire allows Mega Diancie to hit Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn, as well as hitting Mega Scizor on the switch-in. Earth Power is a good alternative, allowing Mega Diancie to KO Steel-types that aren't beaten by Hidden Power Fire, such as Heatran and Magnezone.

Set Details
========

Maximum investment in Speed with a Naive nature allows Mega Diancie to outspeed Pokemon such as Landorus and Infernape. A Naive nature is chosen over Hasty because the former will allow Mega Diancie to always survive Mega Lopunny's High Jump Kick from full health. 16 EVs in HP are used to always survive Skarmory's Iron Head before Mega Evolving while 2HKOing it with Hidden Power Fire. However, if Earth Power is opted for, these EVs are unneeded. Before Mega Evolving, Mega Diancie will have the ability Clear Body, which makes it immune to stat decreases, which is especially helpful when coming in on Sticky Web. Upon Mega Evolving, it will have the ability gains Magic Bounce, which allows it to bounce back status moves such as Toxic and Thunder Wave and entry hazards such as Stealth Rock and Sticky Web.

Usage Tips
========

In most situations it's a good idea to lead with Diancie and Mega Evolve against entry hazard setters in order to bounce the hazards back, which is especially helpful against Galvantula's Sticky Web, since Rock teams don't use any hazard removers. If possible, always take the opportunity to revenge kill something with Diamond Storm, since Mega Diancie largely benefits from the +2 Defense increase. Since Mega Diancie's bulk isn't very good, try bringing it in after another Pokemon on your team has fainted. In matchups like Dark and Dragon, try to make smart doubles into Mega Diancie in order to shift more momentum on your side. In matchups like Fighting, Grass, and Poison where you need Mega Diancie to be as healthy as possible, don't let it take unnecessary damage before it encounters an important threat like Breloom or Mega Venusaur. Sometimes it's better to stay in regular form hold off on Mega Evolving to take advantage of regular Diancie's superior bulk to allow it to survive a Hidden Power Steel from Latios, as well as being unaffected by Sticky Web and Intimidate thanks to Clear Body. Avoid switching into powerful neutral or resisted attacks, especially after Mega Evolving. Try switching into passive Pokemon such as Klefki in order to bounce back status conditions and hazards.

Team Options
========

Shuckle can set up Sticky Web for Mega Diancie to allow it to outspeed Choice Scarf users such as Terrakion and Heracross while also being able to halt setup sweepers like Mega Scizor and Azumarill with Encore. This frees a moveslot for Mega Diancie, since it won't have to rely on Rock Polish to outspeed most threats. (seems like an overstatement when there's no mention of this outside of OO) In return, Mega Diancie can bounce back Stealth Rock to make sure Shuckle doesn't lose a quarter of its health upon switching in. Terrakion can break past defensive checks like Chansey and Porygon2 that would beat Mega Diancie otherwise while also being a solid revenge killer with a Choice Scarf, revenge killing threats like Hydreigon and +1 Mega Sharpedo. Tyranitar is a powerful physical wallbreaker that can set up sand for Mega Diancie, which boosts its Special Defense. It's also capable of trapping Latios and Gengar with Pursuit. Rhyperior and Alolan Golem are both capable of checking Mega Scizor for Mega Diancie. Rhyperior can serve as an effective physical blanket check against threats like Excadrill and Landorus-T, while Alolan Golem can trap and remove problematic Steel-types like Celesteela and Ferrothorn. Cradily can come in on Water-type attacks for Mega Diancie while also being able to beat Ground-types like Hippowdon, Seismitoad, and Choice Scarf Landorus-T. In return, Mega Diancie can check Fighting-types like Terrakion and Heracross while also bouncing back threatening status moves like Toxic. Omastar appreciates Mega Diancie keeping entry hazards away in order to be as healthy as possible while setting up with Shell Smash. It can also beat Ground-types like Hippowdon and Mamoswine with its Water-type STAB moves. Nihilego is a good secondary special wallbreaker that can beat Fairy- and Grass-types like Clefable, Tapu Bulu, and Celebi with its Poison-type STAB move. It can also use its helpful coverage to remove Water-types like Swampert and Mega Slowbro with Grass Knot and Thunderbolt respectively, as well as Ground-types like Landorus and Gliscor with Hidden Power Ice.


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

Rock
--------
Rock Polish can be used to give Mega Diancie a chance to sweep offensive teams. However, this is usually unnecessary with the Speed speed control offered by Shuckle’s Sticky Web. Calm Mind can be used in order to increase Mega Diancie's wallbreaking potential, always OHKOing Tapu Bulu at +1 with Moonblast. Power Gem can also synergize with this, doing much more significant damage against Mega Venusaur than Diamond Storm would. But Outside of this, though, Mega Diancie finds more use from the extra coverage provided by Hidden Power Fire and Psychic, and Diamond Storm is the preferred Rock-type STAB move in order to KO specially defensive Pokemon like Zapdos and Mantine more easily as well as offer obtain a helpful Defense boost. Hidden Power Ice can be used as a means of KOing Landorus and Gliscor. However, this would come at the cost of Hidden Power Fire, making it Mega Diancie unable to 2HKO Skarmory and Ferrothorn.

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

Rock
--------
**Gastrodon**: Gastrodon is one of the most consistent defensive answers to Mega Diancie, not fearing any of its attacks and being able to use Recover to heal any lost damage while wearing Mega Diancie down with Scald and Earthquake.

**Defensive Pokemon**: Chansey and Porygon2 are never 2HKOed by any of Mega Diancie's attacks and can use their recovery to wear down Mega Diancie while keeping themselves healthy. However, with Calm Mind, Mega Diancie is able to beat Porygon2.

**Steel-types**: Steel-types like Mega Scizor and Choice Scarf Jirachi can beat Mega Diancie with Bullet Punch and Iron Head respectively their respective STAB moves.

**Water-types**: Water-types like Kingdra, Mega Swampert, and Greninja are able to outspeed and KO Mega Diancie. However, none of these Pokemon will appreciate switching into a Moonblast.

**Grass-types**: Grass-types like Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and Rotom-C can outspeed and KO Mega Diancie with their Grass-type STAB moves. Tapu Bulu KOes even after Mega Diancie has a Defense increase, and Rotom-C is unaffected by Shuckle's Sticky Web.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Excadrill and Dugtrio can outspeed Mega Diancie and remove Mega Diancie it with their STAB attacks. Dugtrio in particular can make sure Mega Diancie is unable to switch out thanks to Arena Trap.

**Revenge Killers**: Choice Scarf Keldeo and Tapu Koko are capable of outspeeding and KOing Mega Diancie, despite not being able to come in on a Moonblast.
 
Last edited:

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

Top