Pokémon - Aerodactyl (2025)

Ability - Rock Head [Protects the Pokémon from recoil damage]
Ability - Pressure [The Pokémon raises the foe's PP usage]
Ability (DW) - Unnerve [Makes the foe nervous and unable to eat Berries]
Ability (ME) - Tough Claws [Powers up moves that make direct contact]

Notable Moves:
Stone Edge
Wing Attack
Earthquake
Iron Head
Ice Fang
Fire Fang
Thunder Fang
Dragon Claw
Roost

Overview
Aerodactyl has undergone a very strange transformation this generation, mostly due to its shiny new Mega Evolution and its accompanying ability, Tough Claws. Unfortunately, this may not be much for the better. Game Freak did something quite trolly here: neither of its primary attacks that make up the coveted EdgeQuake combo are boosted by Tough Claws, making Life Orb Aerodactyl and Mega Evolved Aerodactyl roughly equivalent in terms of power output (in fact, Life Orb actually outdamages the Mega Evolution by a tiny amount). Even in its boosted coverage moves such as Wing Attack and the elemental Fangs, the amount by which Tough Claws and Mega Evolution outdamages Life Orb is almost insignificant.

So then, what can the Mega Evolution of the prehistoric pteradon possibly offer over its traditional counterpart that could allow it thrive in this metagame? The answer lies in its insane 150 speed. While this seems like overkill, being able to outspeed and OHKO major threats like the Mega Evolutions of Gengar, Alakazam, and Mewtwo-Y (holy crap) gives it a interesting niche. This unfortunately means that Aerodactyl MUST Mega Evolve before they do; however, the prospect of doing so may give it a valuable niche on your team.

Mega Aerodactyl (Mega Counter)
Aerodactyl @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Pressure (Tough Claws)
IVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Speed
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake / Crunch
- Aerial Ace
- Crunch / Roost / filler (elemental Fang)

Probably the only set you'll see Mega Aerodactyl running, seeing how the only real advantage it has over Life Orb Aerodactyl is lack of recoil and speed (the defenses, while much improved, aren't catered to Mega Aerodactyl's tanking ability). With a Jolly nature, Crunch is a clean OHKO on Mega Alakazam, and has a very high chance of OHKOing Mega Gengar and Mega Mewtwo-Y unless they are HEAVILY invested. In fact, residual damage in the form of sand or Stealth Rock ensures that both of these threats are OHKOed; this puts the user at the unfortunate decision to either Mega Evolve Aerodactyl first, or get up Rocks and the heavily nerfed Sand at the risk of letting the opponent's Mega get up first. An Adamant nature actually helps immensely in the power department at the risk of being outsped by said threats. There is another solution, though...

Mega Aerodactyl (Hone Claws)
Aerodactyl @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Pressure (Tough Claws)
IVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Speed
Nature: Jolly / Adamant
- Hone Claws
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake / Crunch / Aerial Ace
- Earthquake / Crunch / Aerial Ace

Using an almost guaranteed boost to its defenses because of its blistering 130 speed, this trades Mega Aerodactyl's ability to switch in and out of battle freely as a Scarf-less revenge killer for the ability to smash things with a perfectly accurate +1 Stone Edge. Essentially, Hone Claws + Mega Evolve gives Aerodactyl boosts to all its relevant stats to the point that nothing would really want to switch in. Unfortunately, it's easily revenge killed by Bullet Punch (Lucario and Scizor say hi) even if set up.

Final Thoughts:
Aerodactyl, unfortunately, will struggle to stay afloat this generation, even with its Mega Evolution. 150 speed is fantastic, but sadly Tough Claws doesn't boost its strongest attacks and the boost in attack power doesn't do much for it even factoring in improved defenses and lack of recoil from Life Orb. It also competes for the Mega Evolution slot on teams, and is mostly outclassed by other Pokemon that received Mega Evolutions. Though it's still a young new game, things don't look too great for Aerodactyl, unless research reveals new toys with which it can play. But please discuss — I'm only one mind, and maybe I'm missing something that could put this Pokemon into contention as a strong OU Pokemon.