What is a good moveset for Metagross?

Question

If you have a good competitive moveset for Metagross, post an answer below and upvote the best ones. Movesets for any of its pre-evolutions can also be shared on this thread.

Be sure to include full set details in your post, e.g. items, abilities, natures and EVs. Some detail, including the intended game mode for your set, is also appreciated. Access the full list of guidelines here.

Metagross Pokédex and learnset for reference.

Comments

Ik this isn't about a moveset but... why does none of the metagross line get iron fist as an ability? I mean they actually have iron fists... unlike ledian.. who gets iron fist instead of metagross.

Answer 1

Role: Tank

Metagross @ Leftovers
Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch / Bullet Punch

• Meteor Mash ( STAB )
• Earthquake ( Coverage )
• Zen Headbutt ( STAB )
• Ice Punch / Bullet Punch ( Further Coverage or Priority )

Comments

I know this is an Old Answer but that's the same Set I Have but the Item I use is the Metagrossite Mega Stone.

Answer 2

Gen 8 Doubles OU

Metagross @ Shuca Berry / Occa Berry / Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Ice Punch
- Steel Roller
- Bullet Punch
- Stealth Rock / Toxic

This is a little gimmicky, but this set makes Metagross a terrain remover. Ice Punch is for coverage. Steel Roller is STAB and works when a terrain is up and ends the terrain, removing the active terrain from Pokemon like Rillaboom and Tapu Fini, two of the Pokemon who dominate the current meta. Bullet Punch is priority STAB. Stealth Rock is for an entry hazard. Toxic can be used instead to punish Pokemon switching in.

Comments

Gimmicky,but could be really annoying and awesome.+1

Answer 3

Gen 8 Doubles OU

Metagross @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 172 Atk / 40 Def / 48 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Steel Roller
- Ice Punch
- Stomping Tantrum
- Meteor Mash

Terrain support is needed for this set. Steel Roller is an incredibly strong STAB that has the side effect of removing the terrain on the field. This move only works when a terrain is active. Fortunately, Rillaboom and Tapu Fini are both very common and really good in this meta, and can easily be paired with Metagross, activating terrain and allowing Metagross to use Steel Roller and deal a huge amount of damage (Rillaboom and/or Tapu Fini can just switch back in later to activate terrain again). Ice Punch and Stomping Tantrum are coverage. The former deletes both Landorus forms and does a ton of damage to Zygarde, while the latter decimates Heatran and dents Incineroar. Meteor Mash is a secondary steel STAB move that can be used outside of terrain. (Metagross can't fit Protect into it's moveset sadly)

Clear Body makes Metagross immune to the ever-present Intimidate and prevents it's speed from getting dropped by moves like Icy Wind (unless it's coming from Kyurem-B). Shuca Berry helps Metagross survive ground moves such as Zygarde's Thousand Arrows/Waves and Landorus-I's Earth Power. 172 attack EVs and an Adamant nature allows Metagross to always OHKO bulky Kyurem-B with Steel Roller. With 48 speed EVs and Tailwind support, it outspeeds Naganadel, the best Tailwind setter for offensive teams. The rest of the EVs are in HP and defence.

Some good partners:

The two best terrain setters in the meta. Rillaboom's Grassy terrain gives Metagross passive recovery and also further weakens Earthquakes, while Tapu Fini's Misty Terrain blocks status such as Amoonguss' Spore. If either of these terrains are active, Metagross can use Steel Roller to deal a lot of damage. These 'mons can be swapped back in later to set their terrain back up and allowing Metagross to use Steel Roller again. (Indeedee-F and Tapu Lele can also work, but aren't as good)

A great Tailwind setter for bulkier teams. Metagross really appreciates the Tailwind support, since it can outspeed 'mons like Naganadel, Heatran, and Landorus-I with Tailwind up. Zapdos can safely bring Metagross is with Volt Switch after setting Tailwind. Metagross also deals with Kyurem-B and Diancie, two 'mons Zapdos struggles against.

Answer 4

Mixed Metagross with Grass Knot
Gen 8 RU

Metagross @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 76 HP / 252 Atk / 88 SpA / 92 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Earthquake
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Grass Knot

A Mixed Metagross set with Grass Knot so you can lure in and surprise Seismitoad and Gastrodon. Earthquake deals with fire types trying to switch in. Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt are STAB moves. Grass Knot is to surprise Gastrodon and Seismitoad upon them switching in, being able to 2HKO them after Stealth Rock, assuming the Seismitoad is a defensive set. If an offensive Seismitoad switches into a Grass Knot, it gets OHKOed. 252 Attack EVs is to maximize power of your physical attacks. 92 Speed EVs allow you to outspeed defensive Seismitoad, which runs 56 Speed EVs, putting it at a speed of 198, meaning you outspeed it by 1 point. 88 Special Attack EVs ensures the 2HKOing of Gastrodon and Seismitoad upon them switching in and with Stealth Rock on their side. The leftover EVs are dumped into HP.

Answer 5

Metang @ Eviolite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Hone Claws
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch

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Hone Claws boosts the rather average Attack stat. Meteor Mash is STAB. Earthquake is coverage over other Steel types and Fire types. Ice Punch covers Ground types and Dragon types.

Comments

I like it, but replace ice-punch with zen headbutt and hone claws with agility. Also, change the item, Evolite doesn't work on Metagross.

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Rather average attack stat????? Metagross is a physical sweeper! + A pseudo legendary ! And if you look at them , most of them are physical sweepers. ( Excluding hydreigon because of wider sp. movepool ) replace hone claws with agility - that , is kinda rather average , and replace ice punch with bullet punch. It can sometimes save Metagross from pinches.

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He is talking about metang

Answer 6

CHOICE BAND METAGROSS!

Metagross @ Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Meteor Mash / Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch

What with his attack topping off at 405 I find it incredibly hard to believe that no one here has posted a Choice Band set for this monster. Bullet Punch is STAB, and great for revenge killing weakened opponents, while your choice of Meteor Mash or Iron Head is primary STAB. Zen Headbutt is secondary STAB, and Ice Punch is coverage.

Comments

Band ain't that good because he'll get revenge killed pretty easily.

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Any slow pokemon with a band can be revenged

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Right :P Which is your case.

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Hence the EV investment in HP

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Set up with Ninjask @ Focus Sash using Baton Pass to give Metagross its Speed Boost. This will give Metagross +3 Spe (as well as +2 Atk).

1. Ninjask - Swords Dance
2. Ninjask - Protect
3. Ninjask - Baton Pass
4. Metagross - SWEEP

If you want to play it safer, then skip the Swords Dance step and give Metagross the Focus Sash instead. This will still result in +2 Spe.

Either way, you should make sure to have an answer to Taunt on your team.

Answer 7

Metagross has to be one of the best Pokemon ever created. Here's my Metagross:

Metagross @ Never-Melt Ice
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Zen Headbutt

Meteor Mash: STAB,good power, decent accuracy and a chance to raise Attack.
Earthquake: Good power, good accuracy, deals with Fire weakness.
Ice Punch: Almost as strong as Earthquake due to Never-Melt Ice, deals with Ground weakness and type coverage.
Zen Headbutt: STAB, decent power, good accuracy and chance to make the foe flinch.

Alternatives:
Agility is also a good choice is you want to get Metagross fast.
Or teach Hammer Arm to a Brave Natured one to use in a Trick Room team.

Comments

I like it , unusual movesets with potential.But just adding to your alternatives , bullet punch. We need priority once in a while right?

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People don't keep more than one ground type usually, to OHKO it reliably i recommend replacing nevermeltice with icium -z

Answer 8

Gen. V - Mixed Metagross

Metagross @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 70 Atk / 188 Def
Bold Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Meteor Mash
- Psychic
- Calm Mind

Physically Defensive Metagross who quickly develops into a Mixed Wall after 2 Calm Minds or more. Bullet Punch takes down faster foes, while Meteor Mash is primary STAB with a chance to raise Attack. As stated before, Calm Mind raises his SDef to transform him into a Mixed Wall, and its other effect of raising its SAtk. strengthens its STAB Psychic Attack, hitting Pokemon weak in the SDef. area. This set is quite classic, using Dual STAB Attacks and boost that increase his bulk. Leftovers grant him SOME form of recovery, while the Bold Nature grants him monstrous Def.

Comments

I like how you call the Metagross "her" and "him" in the same sentence, where in reality Metagross doesn't even have a gender.

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1.) Doesn't matter, what I call it is so trivial that the fact that you noticed it means you failed to grasp the point.

2.) You can call an inanimate object a him or her, like a vehicle. Big deal.

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inanimate object :o metagross has feelings too you know

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Obviously it did matter if you changed it :P

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Why is this bold metagross running physical attacks?

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+Dudeicolo

Bold lowers sp. Atk. So maybe you mean " Why is this bold Metagross running sp.atk s "

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Skyttymew, actually, bold nature lower physical attack instead of lowering Special attack.

Answer 9

Metagross @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 HP
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt

Niche: So basically, with his lackluster Speed, it's going to be outsped by everything. By giving it Max Speed EVs and a Choice Scarf, it allows it to outspeed more Pokemon, i.e. It outspeeds any unboosted Pokemon up to base speed of 130.

Answer 10

Metagross @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt
- Meteor Mash
- Ice Punch

You should switch in a scarf Flygon because neither Fire Punch not Earthquake will do too much damage. If you don't trust me, try it, and Metagross should live 1 Earthquake and wreck.

Answer 11

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Earthquake
- Bullet Punch

• Meteor Mash: Strong STAB
• Zen Headbutt: Strong STAB
• Earthquake: Strong coverage
• Bullet Punch: STAB, always nice to have priority

Comments

Man just slap jolly nature and rather add ice punch

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You can't just "slap" anything on a serious competitive set; you have to look at it's Pro's and Con's and other things.
I believe that Adamant is there for more firepower, and I guess there was no move slot left for Ice Punch?

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I made this as a noob, and I think Jolly might be a good idea

Answer 12

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Earthquake
- Hammer Arm

This set is similar to my other set, but the EV spread is different and there's Hammer Arm. This Metagross is meant to be a tanky behemoth. Meteor Mash is very strong STAB and can lead to Metagross sweeping teams with the 20% chance of getting +1 attack. Zen Headbutt is great Psychic STAB and can flinch, but with Metagross's low speed with the EV spread that doesn't really matter. Do I really have to explain why Earthquake is here? Hammer Arm is a nuke against Dark types that are immune to Zen Headbutt and can hit it hard with Dark moves.

Comments

I would probably do Adamant over Brave as a definitive nature.  It can use the the extra Speed to outspeed some things before the Speed drop.

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Thanks for the advice. I updated it

Answer 13

Metagross @ Choice Specs
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flash Cannon
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Trick

Flash Cannon is STAB. Psychic is also STAB. Shadow Ball is for Ghost Types. Trick is to be an annoyance to wall Pokémon.

Comments

Why both psyshock and psychic? Use trick, it can learn it

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Edited. I forgot that it could learn Trick.

Answer 14

Metagross @ Choice Specs
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
- Flash Cannon / Steel Beam
- Psychic
- Grass Knot
- Sludge Bomb / Shadow Ball

Weird special Metagross set. 95 SpA isn't bad. STAB and coverage.

Salamence @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Draco Meteor
- Heat Wave
- Bulldoze

Metagross @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Agility
- Rock Slide

Salamence uses Bulldoze first turn, activate Metagross's Weakness Policy, while Metagross uses Agility. Then, mega evolve Salamence and go crazy with Metagross' boosted attacks. Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt are STABs while Rock Slide is disgusting spread damage that buries the common Fire types in the metagame.

Answer 15

Demon Metagross Set
Gen 8 RU

Metagross @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 160 Spe
Impish Nature
- Cosmic Power
- Meteor Mash
- Body Press
- Rest

This Demon Metagross set is the RU equivalent to Cosmic Power Stored Power Xatu and Mew. Cosmic Power is used to boost both your defense and special defense. Meteor Mash is used for steel STAB. Body Press is for coverage and gets more powerful the more you use Cosmic Power. Rest allows you to recover HP and is useful after you get off a few Cosmic Power boosts.

The ability is Clear Body so you can prevent stat drops. Leftovers is used for some HP recovery. 252 HP EVs help out with bulk. 160 Speed EVs allow to outspeed max speed Adamant Pangoro. This set's EV spread is pretty flexible. You can make the set run 176 Speed EVs to outspeed max speed Adamant Grimmsnarl, or have less speed EVs such as using 56 Speed EVs to outspeed no speed Nidoqueen. The leftover EVs can be invested in defense or special defense. The Nature can be either Impish or Careful nature, depending on which stat you invest the leftover EVs in.

Answer 16

Another mega moveset
--->
Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch / Fire Punch / Thunder Punch

Alright lemme explain.
Meteor Mash is common STAB and good base power at 90 and a 20% chance of raising attack and covers Rock, Ice and Fairy. Zen Headbutt is a good STAB move and a decent 205 chance to flinch while covering Poison and Fighting. Earthquake because............ well its Earthquake and covers Fire-types. The last slot is depending on the rest of your team.

Hope this set brings victory to many! :D

Answer 17

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe or 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
Jolly / Careful Nature
- Hone Claws / Agility
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Bullet Punch / Earthquake / Ice Punch / Thunder Punch /Stealth Rock

Note: Only run Careful if you're running the Specially Defensive spread.
You can take two takes with this Metagross set. If you decide to run the all out offensive set, then it's more focused around setting a Hone Claws up if possible right from the get-go to start sweeping. However. the specially defensive spread makes it easier to set up lots of Hone Claws as well as making Metagross's already good bulk better. There's also the option of Agility for Speed.
Hone Claws makes you hit hard and gives you an accurate STAB Meteor Mash and Zen Headbutt. The last moveslot is depending on the type of coverage you want. Bullet Punch is priority, Earthquake is for Heatran, you could use something like Ice Punch for Salamence, or Stealth Rock for a lead Metagross.

Answer 18

I'm planning on running this:

Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 176 Def / 80 SpA
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt
- Ice Punch

Thanks to Assault Vest, you get about the same amount of Special Defense as you have in Defense, which makes you even more bulky while you're still dealing tons of damage.

Answer 19

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Agililty
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Earthquake

-Agility (After mega evolving even uninvested your have over 500 base speed)
-Meteor Mash (High power stab with 20% chance to raise your attack)
-Zen Headbutt (Decent power stab with 20% chance to flinch opponent which is great with your high speed stat)
-Earthquake (Great Power Coverage)

I see mega metagross sets with agility AND speed investment and face palm SO HARD. HE DOESN'T NEED IT! Base 110 uninvested gives you 256 speed at level 100 after agility THATS 512 SPEED! AHHHHHHH! (Deep Breaths) With this EV spread after and agility your have AMAZING Hp, Atk, Def, Sp Def, and Spd. and if you get the attack boost from meteor mash once or twice it's GG.

Answer 20

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Zen Headbutt
- Bullet Punch
- Meteor Mash
- Hammer Arm

• Zen Headbutt: good strong stab move
• Bullet Punch: for the priority
• Meteor Mash: strong stab with chance to raise attack
• Hammer Arm: strong move for coverage