Gen 9 National Dex Substitute SD Breaker
Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Tera Type: Bug
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Substitute
- Return
- Close Combat
Mega Pinsir is often overlooked outside of non-hyper offense teams due to its weakness-laden typing and lack of defensive utility. However, Flying is a deceptively strong offensive STAB in the metagame, with few defensive Pokemon resisting both Flying and the complementary typing of Fighting. Additionally, the rise of bulkier playstyles such as balance and bulky offense feature Pokemon such as Alomomola, Slowking-Galar, and Gliscor, all of which would attempt to neuter Mega Pinsir with the use of status, pivoting, or both. This is where Substitute comes in, allowing Mega Pinsir to punish the opposing Pokemon's attempted usage of status. If they haven't pivoted out, this would be a beautiful time to use Swords Dance to elevate Mega PInsir's threat level, especially since the Flip Turns and U-turns flying around are unable to break the Substitute. From there, feel free to demolish whatever switches in, or at least do a sizable chunk of damage. Close Combat smacks the Melmetal, Ferrothorn, and Kyurem that think they can eat a boosted Earthquake, although this does give up coverage for Gholdengo. 224 Speed EVs allow Mega Pinsir to outspeed defensive Landorus-T, which often EVs to outspeed maxspeed Great Tusk. 252 Attack EVs and Adamant nature allow Mega Pinsir to maximize its damage output, taking advantage of the few opportunities it has to dish out damage.
Using Mega Pinsir obviously necessitates hazard removal. Iron Treads is a great partner for not only removing hazards but also being a fast Pokemon in general, gaining a greater speed boost if facing Tapu Koko, one of the few Pokemon Mega Pinsir fails to hit neutrally with the moves on the set. Iron Treads also has the added benefit of threatening Gholdengo. Its use of Rapid Spin for hazard control instead of Defog also allows Mega Pinsir's teammates to set up their own hazards, aiding Mega Pinsir in breaking down the opposing team. Slow pivot options are needed to bring Mega Pinsir safely; examples include Alomomola, Slowking-Galar, and Zapdos. The former provides healing via Wish, while the latter two can potentially paralyze opposing Pokemon to make up for Mega Pinsir's lackluster speed. Mega Pinsir does require a turn to set up before becoming threatening, so Pokemon that can wallbreak immediately are appreciated as teammates for when setting up is not an option. Examples include Choice Band Zamazenta and Choice Specs Tapu Lele, both of which can lure and threaten Gholdengo with Crunch and Hidden Power Fire, respectively. In return, Swords Dance boosted Mega Pinsir can obliterate bulkier Pokemon that the aforementioned teammates may struggle against, such as Alomomola, Moltres, and Melmetal. Zamazenta has the added benefit of outspeeding every common unboosted Pokemon, allowing it to threaten the faster Pokemon that Mega Pinsir may struggle against.
