Community POTW #75

[Yellow de Viridian Grove]

In OU, the scarf set lacks power... Badly... I have used both sets now in OU and the only one really viable is the Band. U-Turn and STAB EQ/Outrages actually hurt and there are better Terrakion checks than ScarfGon...

[sbktdreed]

Ah I see, thanks for clearing that up and I mean the moves are bad, You will never see a Chandelure set with Clear Smog since it is always attacking with full powerful moves, and fly is still hit by Hurricane as well gives your opponent a free turn to set up. Faint attack is weak though U-turn has potential to hit then switch.

I already removed Fly, Chandelure, and Faint Attack from the post. I forgot about Hurricane, but a Sunny Day setup will weaken it espically if Flygon knows Flamethrower or Fire Blast. As a note, Chandelure can be a partner against Ice-types, espically if it knows Inferno or Flamethrower against a Ice Fang/Avalanche/Icicle Clash/Ice Punch-users like Mamoswine, Vanilluxe, or Beartic.

[ScarySalamence]

Expert at being awesome
Jolly@Expert belt
252 Att/252 Spd
-dragon claw
-earthquake
-fire punch
-rock smash/crunch/steel wing

Dragon claw and earthquake are obvious for STAB. Fire punch slaughters ice/grass/bug etc. but mainly ice. Rock smash is all you've got to hit water/ice types with, however it is weak, and the defense drop is the only thing that made me mention it. Crunch gets an extra boost against ghost and psychic types, and hits Froslass harder than fire punch (defense drop is nice). Steel wing gets coverage relative to earthquake while possibly raising defense; iron tail is an option if you want power over accuracy. Works okay in UU, though completely relies on super-effective hits, because without LO/CB, that base 100 Att just isn't high enough. However, defense drops really benefit this set, as hone claws is its only boosting move. Roost can be for recovery, though it doesn't fit in this set due to coverage issues. Roost works best on LO or stall sets better anyways...

[FantasyLegend]

Ah, Flygon. My favorite Pokemon, and the best Dragon, imo. Why is it UU? Due to the power creep of B/W, 100/80/100 offenses in this generation don't cut it. Players choose other dragons like Latios and Haxorus due to higher offenses. It seems Flygon is overshadowed in everything it does. However, a near immunity to entry hazards thanks to Levitate and Ground typing and U-Turn give it an edge over other dragons. Just don't treat Flygon like a Salamence.

Fashion Dragon

Item: Choice Band/Choice Scarf
EVs: 252 Atk, 252 Spe, 4 HP
Nature: Jolly/Adamant
Moves:
Outrage
Earthquake
U-Turn
Fire Blast/Fire Punch/Stone Edge

The most common set on Flygon. This is no surprise, either, as a Choice item will raise Flygon's Attack or Speed to more respectable levels. Outrage is Flygon's most powerful attack, used for STAB alongside Earthquake. U-Turn is used best with Choice Scarf equipped, getting Flygon out of a bad situation. The "scouting" part of it was made redundant with Team Preview, so keep that in mind. Of the two Fire moves in the last slot, Fire Blast is preferred; Fire Punch, however, comes off Flygon's better Attack stat. However, apart from dealing heavy damage to Steel-types like Skarmory or Ferrothorn, both moves are easily set up on. Stone Edge can 2HKO Volcarona and attain perfect coverage with EdgeQuake.

It's a hard pick with the natures; I'd recommend Jolly with Choice Band. With Scarf, however, it's an even more difficult pick. Adamant with Scarf lets Flygon get that power boost it desperately needs; however, more Speed lets it outpace more opponents, such as Scarf Terrakion.

Lothar (Mixed Flygon)

Item: Life Orb
EVs: 212 SpAtk, 252 Spe, 40 Atk
Nature: Rash/Naive
Moves:
Draco Meteor
Earthquake
Fire Blast
U-Turn/Roost/Outrage

This set is aiming to destroy the physical walls that get in your way. Want Lucario to sweep but that Skarmory won't die? Send in Flygon. Your opponent sends in Skarmory expecting Earthquake or something, only to meet their doom by Fire Blast. Then Gliscor comes in, expecting you to be locked into Fire Blast, again to be met by a Draco Meteor. U-Turn for the same reason as the physical set. Roost for healing, although it may be tough to find the right timing to heal. Outrage if it's lategame and you can sweep.

Checks and Counters
Pokemon that Flygon doesn't hit for super effective damage are counters. Bulky Water-types do a good job of this, such as Suicune, Vaporeon, and Jellicent. Blissey is also a good check if it carries Ice Beam. Pokemon with priority are also good counters, like Scizor and Weavile. All in all, Flygon is not very powerful, so anything that can take a hit from it is a good counter.

Opinion: MY FAVORITE POKEMON. Even though it's not very strong, it's still a good Pokemon.

Prediction for next week: Mightyena

[zerofield]

It is capable of a lot despite being outclassed by Garchomp

Lol, if we're trying to be relevant to the OU metagame, mentioning chomp is kind of random...

Anyway, if not chompy, there is something sitting in OU that solidly outclasses Flygon pretty solidly in most of its roles. I'm talking about Landorus. With better bulk and that oh-so important fighting resist, along with Sand Force and just plain more power behind it, Lando is generally superior. The only thing Flygon really has over it is an SR resist. The water neutrality and other small factors are negated by Flygon's lack of bulk. Fire moves would give it an edge if Lando didn't already 2hko Scizor(while fearing BP less) and put a huge chunk in Ferrothorn.

So, if we want to have a successful POTW for Flygon, we should be focusing on the roles it can fill that lando can't. I haven't played with Flygon extensively, but for those of you who have used Flygon over Landorus, putting forth the roles you've used Flygon to fill would be helpful. We already know about ScarfGon and BandGon, and imo the only reason to run those in OU is "originality" (if you consider purposefully using weaker mons for cool points originality). Interesting Flygon sets that have proven themselves in battle by filling interesting roles are we need here.

[Blue Harvest]

It is capable of a lot despite being outclassed by Garchomp

And Landorus, Hydreigon, Terrakion, Latios, Haxrorus, Jirachi, and Salamence. Unless you mean a set other than Choice Scarf in which case Flygon is extra terrible.

Flygon is solid in UU though.

[Takeo]

I think he meant Ground/Dragon...but seeing there's only 2 fully evolved mon in that range, its still means nothing

[Soperman]

And Landorus, Hydreigon, Terrakion, Latios, Haxorus, Jirachi, and Salamence. Unless you mean a set other than Choice Scarf in which case Flygon is extra terrible.
Flygon is solid in UU though.

Maybe so, but it's excellent there. Being the only Dragon besides Kingdra is pretty handy. It isn't that bad tho.
Terrakion and Jirachi don't have access to any of his (Flygon's) most used attacks (except Jirachi has Fire Punch). Hydreigon is mostly Special, Landorus has a different move-pool, and Latios is also special. Haxorus doesn't have Fire Punch or U-Turn. Except for Salamence, every single one of these pokemon have different attacks and specialties. Comparing them to Flygon is like saying Gyarados and Milotic are the same, because they have the same general typing and move pools. All together, yes, they make Flygon useless and redundant. But separately, Salamence is the only one with the potential to over-shadow him, but he usually has a different set of moves as well.

So, if we want to have a successful POTW for Flygon, we should be focusing on the roles it can fill that lando can't. I haven't played with Flygon extensively, but for those of you who have used Flygon over Landorus, putting forth the roles you've used Flygon to fill would be helpful. We already know about ScarfGon and BandGon, and imo the only reason to run those in OU is "originality" (if you consider purposefully using weaker mons for cool points originality). Interesting Flygon sets that have proven themselves in battle by filling interesting roles are we need here.

Actually, I take back the thing I said about Landorus; however, it still doesn't have Dragon type Attacks or a good Choice Band set (compared to its usual one anyway)
Like BH said before, Flygon is in UU, not OU. There's a reason for that. Flygon just doesn't have the strength to keep up in OU. In UU, however, its move-pool makes it completely usable. The reason Scarf and Band are the main ones posted is because there aren't really any other sets that work for him. His stats require the use those items, and his move-pool is limited to four moves. There is no other creative way to use him successfully, except maybe a Dragon Tail/scouting set, but he's too frail for that, and Blastoise fills that role much better. His Attack is already average, and his Special Attack is barely even mediocre.

[HRRlion]

Aah Flygon, one of my favourites. He hasn't got the bulk to survive multiple hits so needs to hit hard and fast. Despite this, he can hit hard wit great Stabs and all round good coverage.

All out Attack
Flygon@Choice Band
+Speed -SpAtt

-Earthquake
-Dragon Claw/Outrage
-Stone Edge/Rock Slide
-U-Turn

Earthquake hits hard with Stab and hits Steels and Fires. Dragon Claw is decent as well and is all round reliable, although if your up against another dragon you may need to switch. Outrage is much more powerful and works well with Choice Band to hit hard before being switched out. Stone Edge is great but the low accuracy and PP may be problematic. For that reason, you can substitute it for rock slide which has less base power but more accuracy, chance to flinch and PP. U-turn is good for scouting and getting Flygon out of trouble and breaks sturdy and Focus Sashes.

[Kraleck]

Quick question - Does Dig + Flying Type or Levitate still make you immune to Earthquake or did they fix that in 5th Gen?

If so, Flygon could potentially use a Toxic + Substitute + Dig Stalling set as a gimmick...

[tomjames1966]

Quick question - Does Dig + Flying Type or Levitate still make you immune to Earthquake or did they fix that in 5th Gen?

If so, Flygon could potentially use a Toxic + Substitute + Dig Stalling set as a gimmick...

Yes, flying types and pokemon with the abiltiy levitate can neutralize all ground type attacks ( exept sand attack ) and the fact that you are digging doesn't change that!

[Locormus]

Yes, flying types and pokemon with the abiltiy levitate can neutralize all ground type attacks ( exept sand attack ) and the fact that you are digging doesn't change that!

Then we have a gimmick set to add:

Gimmigon
Item@Leftovers:
Nature: Jolly
Ev's: Speed, Attack, and whatever gets you good Substitutes in HP.
- Toxic
- Substitute
- Dig
- Protect

[Blue Harvest]

Flygon in OU is hopeless. This POTW is probably going to be focused on UU so if any of you know much about UU... now is the time to speak your mind.

[tomjames1966]

WHich would have more defence? Evolite Vibrava or Flygon?

[SneaselFTW]

WHich would have more defence? Evolite Vibrava or Flygon?

I think it's actually Flygon, but I'm not sure.


Overview

Flygon is a cool Pokémon, to say the least. Just a pity it's outclassed by Garchomp. It's got a reasonably good movepool. (not the best but it gets the job done.) With the massive power creep of Generation 5, Flygon actually went down a tier, where it can perform to it's fullest as a top threat in UU. With a solid 100/80/100 offences, it performs quite well as a choice abuser, while 80/80/80 defences isn't the worst out there.

Abilities

Levitate: is Flygon's only ability, and is what gives Flygon an niche over Garchomp. This ability gives you an immunity to the ever-present Ground type type attacks, as well as Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Overal, a cool ability.


Choicegon.
Nature: Adamant
Item: Choice Scarf/Choice Band
EVs: 4HP/252Atk/252Spd
Earthquake
Outrage
U-turn
Fire Punch

Standard Physical Flygon. Unresisted sans Air Balloon Heatran. Outrage is powerful, just beware the confusion and inability to switch ( and change attack, but that doesn't matter because of your Choice item.) Earthquake is Earthquake : strong, reliable, and a brilliant STAB attack. U-turn is for scouting. Fire Punch gets rid of Ices that are without Ice Shard.

Nice glasses, these!
Nature: Modest/ Timid
Item: Choice Specs
EVs: 4 HP/252 Sp.Atk/252 Spd
Earth Power
Draco Meteor
Fire Blast/ Flamethrower
Hidden Power [Rock]/ Giga Drain

Another Standard Choice, this set works like the previous set, just off Flygon's Sp.Atk instead. Draco Meteor is your Dragon STAB, just don't use it if you want to keep in for a long time. Earth Power is your secondary STAB, and hits many Pokémon for SE damage. Fire Blast is to dispose of Ice Types, while Flamethrower is there if you don't like Fire Blasts accuracy. Hidden Power [Rock] gives Pseudo EdgeQuake coverage, Giga Drain is there for recovery while still doing damage.
Mixgon

Nature: Naive/Hasty
Item Life Orb
EVs 128 Atk/ 128 Sp.Atk/ 252 Spe
Earthquake
Draco Meteor
Fire Blast
Rock Slide/Stone Edge

A Mixed one this time. This set runs similarly to the others just being able to counter some of its previous counters. Earthquake is the best attack in the game. Draco Meteor is incredibly powerful. Fire Blast is powerful and gets rid of Ice types trying to kill you. Stone Edge gives you EdgeQuake coverage, while Rock Slide is there if you don't like the accuracy.

Other Options
- Dragon Claw can be used if you don't like Outrage's confusion.
- Hone Claws can be used on a boosting set with Stone Edge on it but Flygon isn't bulky enough to take hits so it is quite risky.
- Quick Attack could be used as it's Flygon's only priority move but it doesn't do much damage without Choice Band and Hone Claws.
-Solarbeam can be used on Sunny Day Team

Partners
Ninetales can used if your in OU as he can boost Fire Blast's power and gives you 1 turn SolarBeam. A smash Passer can come in handy on any set.

Checks and Counters
Weavile and Mamoswine work exceptionally well. They also have Ice Shard to out speed the common Choice Scarf set. Bulky Waters can take a hit and strike back with Ice Beam. Speaking of ice type moves, any ice type attack will most likely OHKO him. If you want to KO a Flygon, use an Ice type move. Air Balloon Heatran isn't hurt much by anything you throw at it, just watch out if your Air Balloon popped. It can also strike back with a strong Hidden Power Ice.

Opinion

Flygon is a cool Pokémon. Again, pity it's outclassed by Garchomp.

Prediction for next week

Weavile.

[DrSalsafish]

WHich would have more defence? Evolite Vibrava or Flygon?

Vibrava with Evolite has 75/75 base in defenses, where as Flygon has 80/80 base in defenses. So to answer your question, Flygon does have higher defenses than Evolite Vibrava

[Blue Harvest]

Vibrava with Evolite has 75/75 base in defenses, where as Flygon has 80/80 base in defenses. So to answer your question, Flygon does have higher defenses than Evolite Vibrava

No Vibrava has 84/84 base defenses with Eviolite. Base stats multiply differently. Flygon probably takes hits better overall due to HP though and Vibrava's offenses are terrible.

[Montresor]

No Vibrava has 84/84 base defenses with Eviolite. Base stats multiply differently. Flygon probably takes hits better overall due to HP though and Vibrava's offenses are terrible.

this, and you also lose the ability to use an item for 4 base defense and special defense

[Cosmic Potato]

special flygon is horrible guys...
one set.
Flygon @ Choice Scarf/Choice Band/Life Orb
4 HP, 252 Atk, 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
-Outrage
-Earthquake
-U-Turn/Roost
-Fire Punch
Only for use in UU, in OU it is way too weak, frail, and outclassed in general. Outrage is main STAB, while earthquake makes for near flawless coverage in UU. U-Turn can scpout but roost could be used on a life orb set to recover HP. Fire punch hits bronzong and escavalier harder than any other moves. It also can help with ferroseed.

[Serpentine]

Pretty Good Staller
Jolly
252 HP/4 Atk/252 Spd
Leftovers

Toxic
Dig
Fly
Protect/Double Team

Toxic is always good but now we get why Flygon can make a decent starter. Both Dig and Fly buy some time for Toxic to do its work. Plus you can't get hurt by EQ while using Dig because of Levitate. As for Fly you can get hit by Twister and Gust which are never used competitively. Thunder is common but blocked by your ground typing. Hurricane's somewhat common, yet still. Protect is there for more stalling power. Double Team however can't be used in almost all competitive situations but if it's like some random thing then by all means stall as mucha s possible.