Pokemon Focus: #154 - Meganium

Introduction

Here, we begin our special HeartGold/SoulSilver coverage before the game comes out in America. The focus of these next several Pokemon Focus columns will be the 2nd-gen starters, and then the key legendaries of the generation.

We begin with the three starters. HGSS offers one of the harder choices of starters this time around. Before, these starters were considered the weakest of the starters, and even now, they aren't the best of the bunch. However, all of them have gotten major improvements in the generation shift. Meganium got better Grass-type attacks, Typhlosion got all sorts of new explosive toys for it to play with, and Feraligatr got physical Water attacks to use his superior Attack stat for. Perhaps an evaluation of all three is in order to help with that choice.

First up is Meganium. Being the Herb Pokemon, it makes sense that its special power revolves around aromatherapy... and indeed, its main use will be in Aromatherapy. The move cures the entire party of status conditions and is especially useful in-game on long stretches when a quick status-heal is needed, but is also really useful in the heat of battle. All things considered, Meganium functions best as a defensive team supporting Pokemon, and works well to that regard. However, given that it has Overgrow and Swords Dance, it might not be a slouch in the offensive department, either...

Capture/Training

Well, what's to say about Chikorita. It's one of THE starters for HG/SS. Pick it, or pick another one, but if you don't choose it from the get-go, you'll have to trade for it. Simple as that. Soft-reset for a good nature or for a female one if you wish.

Chikorita normally evolves at Level 16 into Bayleef and consequently at Level 32 into Meganium. This is one possible case, though, in which delaying evolution for a *long* time, while making things generally more difficult, might be worthwhile in the end, if only for gaining access to the invaluable Aromatherapy move earlier, at Level 42. (In contrast, Bayleef learns it at Level 50, and Meganium at Level 60.) Normally, delaying evolution for 26 levels just to learn a move eight levels earlier is not recommended, but having an Aromatherapist in the party is extremely valuable in general travel and so the earlier it can be learned, the better.

Statistics

80 HP, 82 Atk, 100 Def, 83 Sp. Atk, 100 Sp. Def, 80 Spd

Those stats look familiar, don't they? Turns out, they're exactly like Venusaur's base stats, only with Defense and Special Attack switched. The result is that Meganium is a very defensive Pokemon, good for support roles. Stat distribution will likely lean towards a defensive build, though an offensively-built physical Meganium is an option due to Swords Dance.

Abilities

Overgrow is once again the standard. That said, Meganium's defensive build means it won't really be using the strategy much as it will be more likely to heal itself than try to take advantage of the boost. There is one set that uses it, though.

Moves

There's not much to say regarding Meganium's Grass moves. On the Special side, you have Energy Ball, which is pretty much going to be its best bet as a defensive support Pokemon best wants a consistent move with no drawbacks. Other than that, there's the full set. Leaf Storm is there for pure power, though on a Pokemon that might want to stick around for a while, it's not exactly the best choice. Solarbeam is good with sun support. Grass Knot is good if Meganium expects to go up against heavier foes. Giga Drain could potentially work on Meganium, restoring some of its health as it holds up against foes, though the lack of power and PP isn't the best. Meganium does have a nice physical option, though: Seed Bomb. The move works best if combined with Swords Dance. If you're getting frustrated with in-game dodgy foes, Magical Leaf is there for your accu-strikes.

Meganium's special secondary moveset consists of... not much. Ancientpower isn't bad; it hits a number of Meganium's weaknesses for decent damage and if the stat boost kicks in, it will really help Meganium out. Other than that, it really just has Hidden Power to work with. Meganium has a couple more physical options to work with. Earthquake is always a good move, and fits well on a physical set. Of course, Return works pretty well, too. Meganium also has access to Body Slam, which trades in Return's raw power for some possible paralysis support. Flail is an odd move, but can quickly become extremely powerful under the right circumstances.

For a more specialized attack, there is Counter. Nature Power can conjure up assorted attacks like Tri Attack that have varying utility, depending on the environment.

Meganium has a massive support moveset, but special attention must be brought to its specialty move, Aromatherapy. This move heals all the status conditions on the team, and makes Meganium an invaluable team supporter. Team support is also available in the way of the screens, as Meganium can throw up both Reflect and Light Screen. (Meganium can use Safeguard too, although Aromatherapy is usually good enough to counter status.)

Meganium provides its own healing with Synthesis. As a defensive Pokemon, it can easily hold out against opponents with the move. On that note, providing Sunny Day support is optional, but usually best left to others on the team. Leech Seed is an alternate way of healing that also saps health from an opponent. Ingrain is interesting, but it does keep Meganium from switching out, which isn't good if it's running a support role. On a Swords Dance set, though, it adds a barrier against being phazed out.

Toxic is an alternate way to disrupt a foe, and Meganium could potentially just try to hold out against it in the process. Worry Seed could potentially mess up a Pokemon reliant on its ability. GrassWhistle is Meganium's only other disruptive option. 55% isn't particularly appealing, but it is still a 55% chance of shutting down a Pokemon.

Meganium can protect itself with Protect. It's also good at making Substitutes. If you think your opponent will try to disrupt you, throw up a Magic Coat.

Finally, Meganium has one way of making itself an offensive threat, and that is Swords Dance.

Moveset 1: Support
- Aromatherapy
- Light Screen/Reflect
- (primary Grass attack)
- Leech Seed/Synthesis/Body Slam/Toxic

To provide support to teammates, throw up a Screen, or use the extremely useful Aromatherapy. Energy Ball is recommended as a reliable way to hurt opponents while you're supporting the team. Other support moves are options in that last slot.

Moveset 2: SubFlail
- Substitute
- Seed Bomb
- Flail
- Swords Dance

A potentially deadly combination, best used with a Salac Berry. Swords Dance, Sub to activate the Berry, then start sweeping. Flail becomes ridiculously powerful, while Seed Bomb, combined with Overgrow, ends up becoming more powerful than Leafeon's Swords Danced Leaf Blades. Something truly to fear...

Moveset 3: Swords Dance
- Swords Dance
- Seed Bomb
- Earthquake
- (secondary physical attack)/Synthesis/(support move)

Not too much to say here. No real general movesets exist, as they will all be variations of the above three movesets.

Items

Leftovers is a great choice for the defensively-built Meganium, while the SubFlail set should use a Salac Berry to outspeed foes.