[OVERVIEW]
Mega Abomasnow's great Attack and Special Attack stats and powerful STAB attacks in Blizzard and Wood Hammer alongside coverage moves like Focus Blast and Earthquake make it an effective wallbreaker. Mega Abomasnow also enjoys switching into common walls in the tier like certain variants of Xatu, Vaporeon, and Seismitoad. Soundproof prior to Mega Evolution also helps the matchup against the likes of Heliolisk and Vikavolt by giving an immunity to what would otherwise be highly damaging STAB moves. However, a poor Speed stat and a vulnerability to entry hazard damage make it rather easy to wear down and revenge kill. Even Xatu and the Water-types it can supposedly switch into threaten it in one way or another, be it Toxic from Xatu or Vaporeon or Fire-type coverage from Slowbro. Lastly, it faces competition with other breakers like Alolan Exeggutor and Mega Glalie that are overall faster and more powerful.
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast / Earthquake
move 4: Ice Shard
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Mild
evs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Blizzard is Mega Abomasnow's go-to choice for an attacking move, as it has plenty of power and perfect accuracy under hail. Giga Drain is the preferred option for mixed sets, as it gives Mega Abomasnow some valuable longevity, which is important, since Mega Abomasnow is susceptible to residual damage from entry hazards and status conditions. Focus Blast has great coverage alongside Blizzard and hits the likes of Incineroar, Silvally-Steel, and Cryogonal for great damage. Earthquake can be used instead for a harder hit on Delphox and Togedemaru, but it does a lot less damage to the three aforementioned Focus Blast targets. Lastly, Ice Shard mitigates Mega Abomasnow's measly Speed and can be helpful to pick off the likes of weakened Braviary and Heliolisk.
Set Details
========
Soundproof is the preferred ability before Mega Evolution, as it lets Abomasnow switch into Heliolisk and Vikavolt. It also means Mega Abomasnow gets to summon hail instead of its regular counterpart, which gives more hail turns and also means teammates won't take unnecessary hail damage. Maximum Special Attack investment with a boosting nature is preferred to boost the power of its STAB moves. 176 Speed EVs let Mega Abomasnow outrun Modest Diancie prior to Mega Evolution and uninvested Vileplume after. The remaining of EVs are placed into HP to increase bulk and longevity. A Mild nature should be picked over Rash, as Mega Abomasnow is much more likely to be tanking special hits, such as Heliolisk's Thunderbolt and Slowbro or Vaporeon's Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Abomasnow should come into walls it doesn't mind, such as Xatu, Vaporeon, and Slowbro; however, it should scout for Toxic from all three of them as well as Fire Blast from Slowbro. Xatu and Vaporeon also often pack Protect, which mandates being careful with PP and is yet another reason Toxic should be feared. Blizzard is generally low risk and should be used frequently early-game, as most of Mega Abomasnow's checks lack reliable recovery. Incineroar and Delphox are also vulnerable to entry hazards, so they can't afford to switch into Blizzard too often when hazards are up. Checks like Incineroar, Delphox, and Silvally-Steel are likely to switch in, so if your team struggles to get up hazards against your opponent's or they have some sort of Wish support, it might be worthwhile to predict their switch-ins and go for Mega Abomasnow's coverage moves. Make sure to pressure hazard setters with Mega Abomasnow and attempt to keep it healthy via Giga Drain, as hazards harm Mega Abomasnow's ability to switch in. Finally, a point important to keep in mind is whether or not to Mega Evolve; for example, if your opponent has a Heliolisk or a Vikavolt, it might be smart to keep Abomasnow at its regular forme to handle those, and the same applies to the likes of Dhelmise, which Abomasnow will only outspeed prior to Mega Evolution.
Team Options
========
Xatu prevents entry hazards from going up and provides U-turn support for Mega Abomasnow. Likewise, Defoggers like Rotom and Silvally-Steel are plausible picks as well. They also can bring Mega Abomasnow in safely via Volt Switch and Parting Shot, respectively. Faster teammates that appreciate Mega Abomasnow's wallbreaking efforts such as Heliolisk and Choice Scarf Passimian are great allies, and they also make up for Mega Abomasnow's lackluster Speed and provide VoltTurn support. Cleaners like Comfey are also notable for similar reasons. Hazard setters are also important teammates, especially those that can get hazards up against a plenitude of Defoggers and Xatu, such as Rhydon, Curse Steelix, and Diancie. Lastly, Vaporeon is a very valuable teammate, as it provides Wish and Heal Bell support while covering many foes that threaten Mega Abomasnow, such as Passimian and Fire-types. Delphox and Slowbro also help in a similar vein, as both check the aforementioned Passimian and Fire-types, whereas the former can also provide Wish support.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Wood Hammer
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance gives Mega Abomasnow a very useful power boost, making Wood Hammer remarkably hard to switch into. Wood Hammer is the preferred Grass-type STAB attack, as it hits the hardest out of any Grass-type STAB moves Mega Abomasnow has in its arsenal. Ice Shard also becomes a lot more useful after a Swords Dance boost, letting it pick off weakened offensive teams, prevent frail Pokemon such as Heliolisk and Accelgor from revenge killing Mega Abomasnow, and hit the likes of Sceptile and Braviary hard courtesy of their weakness to Ice. Lastly, Earthquake is Mega Abomasnow's best bet against Incineroar, Delphox, and Silvally-Steel.
Set Details
========
Soundproof helps Mega Abomasnow handle Heliolisk and Vikavolt before Mega Evolution, whereas Snow Warning is Mega Abomasnow's only ability after Mega Evolution and can spread chip damage. Maximum Attack and Speed investment amplifies Mega Abomasnow's firepower and quickness. A Jolly nature is ideal to outrun Vaporeon; however, Adamant can be used for extra power, which is especially important to pick up the OHKO on Heliolisk with +2 Ice Shard after Stealth Rock and always 2HKO offensive Incineroar with Earthquake at -1.
Usage Tips
========
This set can either break through bulkier teams or pick off weakened offensive ones, so make sure to identify what role it should play. Pokemon packing Protect like Vaporeon and Xatu will often use the move in front of Mega Abomasnow, so if you know they have the move and they don't know what Mega Abomasnow set you are, it could be really helpful to Swords Dance while they use Protect. There's also not too much room to punish this move even if they don't, as both the aforementioned Pokemon are forced out. Try catching the likes of Delphox, Silvally-Steel, and Incineroar with an Earthquake, as they'll likely switch into Mega Abomasnow. You can also lure and take out Hariyama, as it switches into mixed sets just fine but gets throttled by a +2 Wood Hammer. Switching into Water-types like Vaporeon and Slowbro may seem like a good plan, but be very mindful of a potential Scald burn, as well as Fire-type coverage from the latter. Make sure to Mega Evolve when the time is right, as if your opponent has a Heliolisk or a Vikavolt, it can be helpful to preserve regular Abomasnow's Soundproof ability. Likewise, outspeeding the likes of Golbat and Garbodor could be helpful prior to Mega Evolution, so keep that in mind.
Team Options
========
Xatu provides essential entry hazard control, but Defoggers like Rotom and Silvally-Steel are just as reasonable. Note that all three can also bring Mega Abomasnow in via their respective pivoting moves. Fast teammates like Heliolisk and Choice Scarf Passimian make up for Mega Abomasnow's lack of speed and appreciate it punching holes in the opposing team for them to clean up late-game. Vaporeon is a great teammate, as it handles most Pokemon that switch into Mega Abomasnow and can pass Wishes to it and provide cleric support. Teammates such as Swords Dance Samurott, Swords Dance Absol, and Accelgor can weaken Passimian to get it in range of a boosted Ice Shard. Lastly, reliable Stealth Rock setters, such as Rhydon, Druddigon, and Diancie, prevent the likes of Incineroar and Delphox from reliably checking Abomasnow. Druddigon also provides speed control with Glare.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Wood Hammer is an option over Giga Drain on the mixed attacker set for a better matchup against Assault Vest Slowbro and Slowing. However, the power difference isn't that big, and Giga Drain gives Mega Abomasnow some extra longevity, while Wood Hammer does quite the opposite.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Incineroar, Delphox, and Magmortar can eat Mega Abomasnow's STAB combination for breakfast, though the former doesn't appreciate a Focus Blast, and the latter two don't tank Earthquake well enough. Houndoom doesn't appreciate stomaching a Blizzard or two, but it can still switch in and revenge KO Mega Abomasnow if need be.
**Steel-types**: Silvally-Steel, Alolan Sandslash, and Togedemaru can tank Mega Abomasnow's STAB combination very well, though coverage moves can be an issue for them. Klinklang plays more of an offensive role, but it forces Mega Abomasnow out and can use that as an opportunity to set up.
**Residual Damage**: Stealth Rock and pretty much any entry hazard really hurts Mega Abomasnow. Toxic can also be deadly, especially when most Pokemon that use it, such as Vaporeon and Xatu, often pack Protect alongside it. Lastly, Scald burns from Slowbro and Vaporeon can be frustrating even for mixed variants.
**Faster Attackers**: Mega Abomasnow's bulk, although good, isn't anything extraordinary and still plagued by a plethora of weaknesses. That means countless faster Pokemon like Incineroar, Passimian, Braviary, and Medicham pose a massive threat to Mega Abomasnow. With correct pivoting, it isn't too hard for them to come in either.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Locri, 303291]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [quziel, 297859]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Mega Abomasnow's great Attack and Special Attack stats and powerful STAB attacks in Blizzard and Wood Hammer alongside coverage moves like Focus Blast and Earthquake make it an effective wallbreaker. Mega Abomasnow also enjoys switching into common walls in the tier like certain variants of Xatu, Vaporeon, and Seismitoad. Soundproof prior to Mega Evolution also helps the matchup against the likes of Heliolisk and Vikavolt by giving an immunity to what would otherwise be highly damaging STAB moves. However, a poor Speed stat and a vulnerability to entry hazard damage make it rather easy to wear down and revenge kill. Even Xatu and the Water-types it can supposedly switch into threaten it in one way or another, be it Toxic from Xatu or Vaporeon or Fire-type coverage from Slowbro. Lastly, it faces competition with other breakers like Alolan Exeggutor and Mega Glalie that are overall faster and more powerful.
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Giga Drain
move 3: Focus Blast / Earthquake
move 4: Ice Shard
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Mild
evs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 176 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Blizzard is Mega Abomasnow's go-to choice for an attacking move, as it has plenty of power and perfect accuracy under hail. Giga Drain is the preferred option for mixed sets, as it gives Mega Abomasnow some valuable longevity, which is important, since Mega Abomasnow is susceptible to residual damage from entry hazards and status conditions. Focus Blast has great coverage alongside Blizzard and hits the likes of Incineroar, Silvally-Steel, and Cryogonal for great damage. Earthquake can be used instead for a harder hit on Delphox and Togedemaru, but it does a lot less damage to the three aforementioned Focus Blast targets. Lastly, Ice Shard mitigates Mega Abomasnow's measly Speed and can be helpful to pick off the likes of weakened Braviary and Heliolisk.
Set Details
========
Soundproof is the preferred ability before Mega Evolution, as it lets Abomasnow switch into Heliolisk and Vikavolt. It also means Mega Abomasnow gets to summon hail instead of its regular counterpart, which gives more hail turns and also means teammates won't take unnecessary hail damage. Maximum Special Attack investment with a boosting nature is preferred to boost the power of its STAB moves. 176 Speed EVs let Mega Abomasnow outrun Modest Diancie prior to Mega Evolution and uninvested Vileplume after. The remaining of EVs are placed into HP to increase bulk and longevity. A Mild nature should be picked over Rash, as Mega Abomasnow is much more likely to be tanking special hits, such as Heliolisk's Thunderbolt and Slowbro or Vaporeon's Scald.
Usage Tips
========
Mega Abomasnow should come into walls it doesn't mind, such as Xatu, Vaporeon, and Slowbro; however, it should scout for Toxic from all three of them as well as Fire Blast from Slowbro. Xatu and Vaporeon also often pack Protect, which mandates being careful with PP and is yet another reason Toxic should be feared. Blizzard is generally low risk and should be used frequently early-game, as most of Mega Abomasnow's checks lack reliable recovery. Incineroar and Delphox are also vulnerable to entry hazards, so they can't afford to switch into Blizzard too often when hazards are up. Checks like Incineroar, Delphox, and Silvally-Steel are likely to switch in, so if your team struggles to get up hazards against your opponent's or they have some sort of Wish support, it might be worthwhile to predict their switch-ins and go for Mega Abomasnow's coverage moves. Make sure to pressure hazard setters with Mega Abomasnow and attempt to keep it healthy via Giga Drain, as hazards harm Mega Abomasnow's ability to switch in. Finally, a point important to keep in mind is whether or not to Mega Evolve; for example, if your opponent has a Heliolisk or a Vikavolt, it might be smart to keep Abomasnow at its regular forme to handle those, and the same applies to the likes of Dhelmise, which Abomasnow will only outspeed prior to Mega Evolution.
Team Options
========
Xatu prevents entry hazards from going up and provides U-turn support for Mega Abomasnow. Likewise, Defoggers like Rotom and Silvally-Steel are plausible picks as well. They also can bring Mega Abomasnow in safely via Volt Switch and Parting Shot, respectively. Faster teammates that appreciate Mega Abomasnow's wallbreaking efforts such as Heliolisk and Choice Scarf Passimian are great allies, and they also make up for Mega Abomasnow's lackluster Speed and provide VoltTurn support. Cleaners like Comfey are also notable for similar reasons. Hazard setters are also important teammates, especially those that can get hazards up against a plenitude of Defoggers and Xatu, such as Rhydon, Curse Steelix, and Diancie. Lastly, Vaporeon is a very valuable teammate, as it provides Wish and Heal Bell support while covering many foes that threaten Mega Abomasnow, such as Passimian and Fire-types. Delphox and Slowbro also help in a similar vein, as both check the aforementioned Passimian and Fire-types, whereas the former can also provide Wish support.
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Swords Dance
move 2: Wood Hammer
move 3: Ice Shard
move 4: Earthquake
item: Abomasite
ability: Soundproof
nature: Jolly / Adamant
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Swords Dance gives Mega Abomasnow a very useful power boost, making Wood Hammer remarkably hard to switch into. Wood Hammer is the preferred Grass-type STAB attack, as it hits the hardest out of any Grass-type STAB moves Mega Abomasnow has in its arsenal. Ice Shard also becomes a lot more useful after a Swords Dance boost, letting it pick off weakened offensive teams, prevent frail Pokemon such as Heliolisk and Accelgor from revenge killing Mega Abomasnow, and hit the likes of Sceptile and Braviary hard courtesy of their weakness to Ice. Lastly, Earthquake is Mega Abomasnow's best bet against Incineroar, Delphox, and Silvally-Steel.
Set Details
========
Soundproof helps Mega Abomasnow handle Heliolisk and Vikavolt before Mega Evolution, whereas Snow Warning is Mega Abomasnow's only ability after Mega Evolution and can spread chip damage. Maximum Attack and Speed investment amplifies Mega Abomasnow's firepower and quickness. A Jolly nature is ideal to outrun Vaporeon; however, Adamant can be used for extra power, which is especially important to pick up the OHKO on Heliolisk with +2 Ice Shard after Stealth Rock and always 2HKO offensive Incineroar with Earthquake at -1.
Usage Tips
========
This set can either break through bulkier teams or pick off weakened offensive ones, so make sure to identify what role it should play. Pokemon packing Protect like Vaporeon and Xatu will often use the move in front of Mega Abomasnow, so if you know they have the move and they don't know what Mega Abomasnow set you are, it could be really helpful to Swords Dance while they use Protect. There's also not too much room to punish this move even if they don't, as both the aforementioned Pokemon are forced out. Try catching the likes of Delphox, Silvally-Steel, and Incineroar with an Earthquake, as they'll likely switch into Mega Abomasnow. You can also lure and take out Hariyama, as it switches into mixed sets just fine but gets throttled by a +2 Wood Hammer. Switching into Water-types like Vaporeon and Slowbro may seem like a good plan, but be very mindful of a potential Scald burn, as well as Fire-type coverage from the latter. Make sure to Mega Evolve when the time is right, as if your opponent has a Heliolisk or a Vikavolt, it can be helpful to preserve regular Abomasnow's Soundproof ability. Likewise, outspeeding the likes of Golbat and Garbodor could be helpful prior to Mega Evolution, so keep that in mind.
Team Options
========
Xatu provides essential entry hazard control, but Defoggers like Rotom and Silvally-Steel are just as reasonable. Note that all three can also bring Mega Abomasnow in via their respective pivoting moves. Fast teammates like Heliolisk and Choice Scarf Passimian make up for Mega Abomasnow's lack of speed and appreciate it punching holes in the opposing team for them to clean up late-game. Vaporeon is a great teammate, as it handles most Pokemon that switch into Mega Abomasnow and can pass Wishes to it and provide cleric support. Teammates such as Swords Dance Samurott, Swords Dance Absol, and Accelgor can weaken Passimian to get it in range of a boosted Ice Shard. Lastly, reliable Stealth Rock setters, such as Rhydon, Druddigon, and Diancie, prevent the likes of Incineroar and Delphox from reliably checking Abomasnow. Druddigon also provides speed control with Glare.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Wood Hammer is an option over Giga Drain on the mixed attacker set for a better matchup against Assault Vest Slowbro and Slowing. However, the power difference isn't that big, and Giga Drain gives Mega Abomasnow some extra longevity, while Wood Hammer does quite the opposite.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Incineroar, Delphox, and Magmortar can eat Mega Abomasnow's STAB combination for breakfast, though the former doesn't appreciate a Focus Blast, and the latter two don't tank Earthquake well enough. Houndoom doesn't appreciate stomaching a Blizzard or two, but it can still switch in and revenge KO Mega Abomasnow if need be.
**Steel-types**: Silvally-Steel, Alolan Sandslash, and Togedemaru can tank Mega Abomasnow's STAB combination very well, though coverage moves can be an issue for them. Klinklang plays more of an offensive role, but it forces Mega Abomasnow out and can use that as an opportunity to set up.
**Residual Damage**: Stealth Rock and pretty much any entry hazard really hurts Mega Abomasnow. Toxic can also be deadly, especially when most Pokemon that use it, such as Vaporeon and Xatu, often pack Protect alongside it. Lastly, Scald burns from Slowbro and Vaporeon can be frustrating even for mixed variants.
**Faster Attackers**: Mega Abomasnow's bulk, although good, isn't anything extraordinary and still plagued by a plethora of weaknesses. That means countless faster Pokemon like Incineroar, Passimian, Braviary, and Medicham pose a massive threat to Mega Abomasnow. With correct pivoting, it isn't too hard for them to come in either.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[Locri, 303291]]
- Quality checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [quziel, 297859]]
- Grammar checked by: [[The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216], [Rabia, 336073]]
Last edited: