Analysis
Yanmega, is a very powerful special attacker in the 35 Pokes metagame. Boasting a high Special Attack stat, decent Speed, and strong abilities, it thrives in this environment. Thanks to its excellent ability Speed Boost, as well as Protect, a move it often incorporates in its moveset both for the free speed boost but also due to the threat Lokix poses with its first impression, Yanmega can easily become one of the fastest mons in the meta, outspeeding otherwise faster Pokémon like Zoroark, Jolteon, and Choice Scarf Pokemon like Chandelure, and even Chlorophyll Scovillian after two rounds of Speed Boost!
Yanmega’s most common item of choice is Throat Spray, which gives +1 Special Attack after a use of a sound-related move, and seeing as Yanmega's main STAB option, Bug Buzz, activates Throat Spray it is quite solid. Air Slash is its secondary STAB option, which notably hits the mirror matchup very hard, making it one of the few offensive threats that can OHKO it even at full. Its last move is usually Giga Drain, which hits Pupitar and Milotic for supereffecive damage, although Toxic can be used to ruin Cryogonal/Milotics trying to switch into you. Psychic Noise is also usable, which is a great way to break down bulky teams and gives you another way to proc your Throat Spray.
Although Throat Spray + Speed Boost is the best option, Choice Specs Tinted Lens is amazing for being a deadly wallbreaker. Choice Specs Bug Buzz can OHKO offensive Perrserker, and Air Slash can OHKO Mawile, two Pokemon that otherwise wall it. Giga Drain threatens a 3HKO on Primarina and Milotic, and it heals up Yanmega as well.
Despite Yanmega's amazing offensive traits, it has some huge flaws. Throat Spray is a one time use item, meaning you have to fully commit to the sweep once you go it. Throat Spray also notably lacks any coverage to hit Steel types, although they get hit very hard. Yanmega also takes a whopping 50% from Stealth Rock meaning that its very hard to switch a Yanmega in safely and its non spectacular bulk only exacerbates it.
Written by Oceanicgamer
Quality Checked by Typhon & Beps