Moves
Meteor Mash enables Metang to check Pokemon such as Choice Specs Exeggutor and Granbull effectively. Thunder Punch is the preferred coverage move because it allows Metang to OHKO any Swanna set and also helps against other Water-types such as Simipour and Silvally-Water. However, Earthquake can be used to hit Pokemon such as Muk, Mawile, Rapidash, and Pawniard for super effective damage. Toxic is the preferred option in the fourth moveslot because it allows Metang to cripple entry hazard removers such as Sandslash, Silvally-Water, and Rotom-S and wear down bulky Pokemon such as Pyukumuku and Gourgeist-XL. Bullet Punch can be used over Toxic to pick off weakened threats such as Kadabra and Golem that would otherwise threaten Metang.
Set Details
252 HP EVs maximize Metang's natural bulk and allow it to switch into Pokemon such as Silvally and Swanna more comfortably. Clear Body is useful against Intimidate users such as Mawile and Choice Band Granbull and also allows Metang to block Parting Shot from Pokemon such as Silvally-Water, which gives Metang a free turn to set Stealth Rock.
Usage Tips
Metang should not lead against opposing entry hazard setters such as Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor, as they can force it out and prevent it from setting Stealth Rock or heavily damage it and hinder its ability to check threats such as Swanna and defensive Granbull. Similarly, Metang should be wary of entry hazard removers such as Sandslash, Silvally-Dark, and Silvally-Water, as they can freely switch into any of its moves outside of Toxic. Be aware that Silvally-Dark can also Pursuit trap Metang to shave off almost half its health. As a result, Metang should predict incoming switch-ins and cripple them with Toxic. If Bullet Punch is used over Toxic, Metang can play more aggressively, because without the ability to cripple its switch-ins, Metang often needs to double switch to a teammate. Moreover, Bullet Punch enables Metang to revenge kill weakened foes such as Kadabra and Mr. Mime rather than trade damage or be forced out by Trick. Metang should be extremely wary of Knock Off from Pokemon such as Pawniard, Kecleon, and Komala because it needs Eviolite to check opposing attackers. Moreover, Metang is prone to being worn down and, as a result, should watch out for coverage moves from attackers such as Chatot and Mr. Mime. Furthermore, Metang's lack of reliable recovery exacerbates this issue, so it is crucial that Metang conserve its health to check select attackers.
Team Options
Knock Off switch-ins are essential to use with Metang, so Pokemon such as Silvally-Fighting, Silvally-Dark, and Shiinotic pair well. Silvally formes also protect Metang from Trick and Switcheroo users such as Mr. Mime and Floatzel. Pokemon such as Leafeon and Swanna pair well with Metang because of their ability to check Ground- and Fire-type Pokemon such as Golem and Combusken. Pokemon such as Sandslash, Silvally-Water, and Komala complement Metang's Stealth Rock support by providing entry hazard removal. In addition, they are able to check Golem, Crustle, and Bronzor. Wallbreakers such as Choice Band Floatzel, Leafeon, and Swords Dance Silvally-Fighting appreciate Metang's ability to set Stealth Rock and get rid of Swanna, and they also help check Fire-, Ground-, and Dark-types for it. Similarly, setup sweepers such as Z-Celebrate Leafeon and Dragon Dance Hakamo-o appreciate Metang's ability to check defensive Granbull and Kadabra.