Pokedex Number - 130
Type - Water/Flying (ME: Water/Dark)
Base Stats - 95 HP / 125 Atk / 79 Def / 60 SpAtk / 100 SpDef / 81 Spe
Base Stats (ME) - 95 HP / 155 Atk / 109 Def / 70 SpAtk / 130 SpDef / 81 Spe
Ability - Intimidate [Lowers the foe's Attack stat]
Ability - Moxie [Boosts the Attack stat after knocking out any Pokémon]
Ability (ME) - Mold Breaker [Moves can be used on the target regardless of its Abilities]
Notable Moves:
Taunt
Dragon Dance
Waterfall
Bounce
Crunch
Stone Edge
Earthquake
Ice Fang
Dragon Tail
Overview
Gyarados just gets better and better with every new metagame. It was usable in Generation III, but not great; it had a good defensive and offensive typing that gave it just a couple of weaknesses, but lacked good STABs to take advantage of its massive 125 attack stat and Dragon Dance. The Special/Physical split of the DPP era was incredible for it, finally giving it a high-powered STAB in Waterfall as well as new toys in Taunt, Stone Edge, and Bounce. In Generation VI, it was one of a number of Pokemon who gained access to a Mega Evolution. At the beginning of XY, the strength of Gyarados and its Mega were heavily debated due to being overshadowed by Megas with much more obvious (and potentially overhyped) benefits, but it emerged as one of the best Dragon Dancers in the tier, thanks to its bulk in both forms (its normal formed backed by typing and Intimidate, the Mega having immense natural defenses) easing its ability to set up and go for a sweep.
ORAS OU has gifted Gyarados with a single move that has catapulted its Mega form into a top-tier threat: Crunch. Now with incredible coverage with just its two STABs, Mega Gyarados can crash through teams. Though its place among the top Megas was initially questioned, it is now regarded an incredible threat and something for which every viable team must be prepared. Gyarados hasn't lost its step, and remains one of the best Pokemon in OU.
Mega Gyarados (Offensive Dragon Dance)
Gyarados @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate (Mold Breaker)
IVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly/Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Crunch
- Earthquake / Substitute / Taunt
Gyarados's bread-and-butter set. The two keys to using this set properly are not setting up too early until its checks and counters are out of the way or weakened (such as Keldeo, Azumarill, and Chesnaught), and not Mega Evolving as soon as it enters battle. Its original Water/Flying typing is arguably better than its Mega's, and having the power to choose when to Mega Evolve can potentially dodge some stronger threats. Also, keeping Intimidate can allow you to check offensive threats. Its STABs are mandatory, as well as Dragon Dance. Earthquake is for extra coverage, Substitute is for possible setup opportunities, and Mold Breaker Taunt allows it to beat slower threats such as Mega Sableye and Skarmory that threaten to slow or stop its sweep. Adamant boosts its power noticeably, but a Jolly nature allows it to outspeed up to base 145s after a single Dragon Dance.
Bulky Dragon Dance
Gyarados @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate / Moxie (Mold Breaker)
IVs: 88 HP / 220 Atk / 4 Def / 196 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Substitute
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Bounce
A slower, slightly less powerful version of Gyarados, but no less threatening. A Gyarados behind a Sub and with one DD under its scales was one of the most terrifying threats to face in Generation V, and this generation has changed little. Bounce is a great STAB; while two-turn attacks are normally frowned upon, this more defensive variant appreciates the extra turn of Leftovers recovery to regain the health lost from Substitute, adds a good chance to paralyze the opponent, and forces switches against one of the best STABs in the game.
Final Thoughts:
There are few Pokemon where both the original form and the Mega are viable and strong options in OU; currently, both forms sit comfortably in the A-ranks, with normal Gyarados in A- and Mega Gyarados in A+. It's a shame I don't see the Mega form more often, because it faces competition from so many other 'mons for the Mega slot. However, Gyarados is one of the most reliable Pokemon in OU due to its great bulk and typing for a set-up sweeper. When both forms can be as powerful as they are, it's a good idea to keep Gyarados in mind, as it is flexible enough to fit on a myriad of teams.
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