Thinking of Adding a Tank to Your Emerald Team? Let’s Talk Aron and Aggron
So, you wander through Granite Cave in Pokémon Emerald. Zubats and Geodudes lurk. Suddenly, you spot a steel-plated critter – Aron. Don’t overlook it. This Pokémon evolves into Aggron, a formidable beast. Let’s explore why Aron and Aggron are great for your journey.
Unlocking the Beast Within: Aron’s Evolution
First, know about Aron’s evolution. Nobody desires a forever-tiny terror. Fortunately, evolving Aron is easy. You won’t need any special stones or trades.
- Aron: This sturdy Rock/Steel type starts your adventure.
- Lairon: Level Aron up to level 32, and BAM! You have Lairon.
- Aggron: Battle with Lairon until it reaches level 42. Aggron, the Iron Armor Pokémon, emerges!
Simple, right? Just some classic level grinding to reveal the line’s potential.
Aron: More Than Meets the Eye (or Steel Plating)
Don’t let Aron’s looks mislead you. This tank’s toughness impresses. The Pokédex states:
Aron has a body of steel. It can demolish a heavy dump truck with one charge.
Dump trucks! Serious power for something that seems harmless. Aron has high Defense and solid early-game Attack stats. Plus, it can learn Head Smash. Use this with the Rock Head ability for massive STAB damage without recoil. Ouch!
Granite Cave: Aron’s Not-So-Secret Hideout
Want to catch Aron? Go straight to Granite Cave. Check the second and third floors. Rumor has it Aron’s encounter rate is better here. Pro-tip:
Bring a Surskit and teach it Sweet Scent. This move can trigger horde encounters in Emerald, boosting your chances of finding Aron. Everyone loves options!
Nature vs. Nurture: Picking the Right Aron Nature
Nature matters in Pokémon, and Aron has some good choices. For speed, try a Jolly nature. This allows Aron to outspeed some middling Speed Choice Scarf users. Think Chinchou. However, if you prefer raw power (which you should with Head Smash), go with Adamant. You’ll still outrun unboosted Pokémon while hitting like a dump truck!
Aggron: The Ironclad Fortress of Your Team
You’ve trained your Aron into a mighty Aggron. Now you have a walking fortress. Let’s analyze Aggron’s strengths.
Typing Troubles and Triumphs
Aggron has a strong Steel/Rock dual-typing. This results in solid resistances, but also some significant weaknesses. First, the bad news:
- Weaknesses: Fire, Fighting, Ground, and Water. Watch out for these types.
Aggron has vulnerabilities. Earthquake? Fighting-type attacks? Scald? All can hurt Aggron’s impressive armor. However, Aggron’s typing also grants resilience.
Aggron’s Fortified Strengths
Despite weaknesses, Aggron shines in key areas. Aggron is protective. The Pokédex notes:
If its mountain is ravaged by a landslide, this Pokémon restores its territory by planting trees.
In battle, this means impressive bulk. With HP investment, Aggron becomes a resilient tank. It can set up a Substitute against many Pokémon. Don’t forget that powerful Head Smash attack. With base power 150, it forces opponents to switch. They’ll think twice before facing that kind of force.
Aggron vs. Steelix: A Metallic Showdown
You might ask, “Isn’t Steelix similar?” Sort of. Both are Steel-types, but there are differences. Mega Steelix is Ground/Steel, adding a Water weakness. Mega Aggron stays pure Steel-type (Emerald Aggron is Steel/Rock). Mega Aggron can also have Filter, reducing damage from super-effective moves like Fighting. Both are Steel-types but have unique strengths.
Competitive Corner: Aggron in Emerald Battles
Can Aggron thrive in the competitive scene of Pokémon Emerald? For sure, but it has limitations. Aggron excels in Defense, but its HP and Special Defense could use improvement. This may hinder its effectiveness as a tank. Additionally, Aggron lacks strong recovery moves. No Recover or Slack Off means it can wear down easily over time. Still, with smart strategy and team support, Aggron can be strong, especially with that Head Smash threat.
Aggron in the Grand Scheme: Comparisons and Counters
Aggron vs. Golem: Rock and Hard Place?
Let’s examine matchups. Aggron and Golem might appear similar. However, Golem holds an advantage. Why? Ground-type moves. Golem’s Earthquake obliterates Aggron due to its 4x weakness to Ground. Aggron may counter some Steel-types, but against Golem, switching out is best.
Who Counters the Ironclad?
Who causes Aggron headaches? Think of its weaknesses: Fire, Fighting, Ground, and Water. Pokémon with these moves trouble Aggron. In Pokémon GO, top Aggron counters include powerful Pokémon like Mega Lucario, Primal Groudon, Shadow Groudon, and Mega Garchomp. In Emerald, these threats remain: strong Pokémon exploiting Aggron’s weaknesses.
Emerald’s Ecosystem: Team Building and the Challenge Ahead
Emerald: The Spicy Flavor of Gen 3
If you’re playing Emerald, you know it’s tough. Many trainers see Emerald as the hardest of the Gen 3 trio (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald). Gym Leaders have upgraded teams, making battles intense. Strategic team building is crucial.
The Forces of Nature (and Naughtiness): Team Magma and Team Aqua
Emerald features two villainous teams: Team Magma and Team Aqua. These groups seek to change the world. Team Magma expands land (fiery ambitions), while Team Aqua floods the world (soggy plans). You’ll encounter both teams throughout Emerald, increasing the challenge.
Wallace Takes the Crown: Farewell Steven?
Forget Ruby and Sapphire! In Emerald, the Champion isn’t Steven Stone. It’s Wallace. Yep, the Sootopolis Gym Leader takes the Champion title. Prepare for Wallace and his Water-types at the Pokémon League. Expect a fresh challenge with Wallace versus Steven’s Steel team.
Building Your Emerald Dream Team
How does Aggron fit into this? A balanced Emerald team needs type diversity and synergy. A strong team could include:
- Swampert: Your Water/Ground starter for type coverage.
- Crobat: Fast and deadly Poison/Flying.
- Coverage is key against Grass and Fighting types.
- Hariyama: A strong Fighting-type with bulk that takes hits and gives them well.
- Gardevoir: Psychic/Fairy in later generations, or pure Psychic in Gen 3, offers special attack and coverage.
- Fire-type (like Exploud or Aggron): Essential for fire coverage. Aggron also provides Steel-typing and power.
- Sixth Slot: Flexible! You can choose a Grass-type, Electric-type, or another Pokémon that helps balance your team.
Aggron fits the Fire-type role or even the sixth spot, depending on what you need.
Emerald All-Stars: Other Pokémon to Consider
Looking past Aggron? Emerald features other great Pokémon:
- Sableye: A Dark/Ghost-type. No weaknesses in Gen 3! It has three immunities (Normal, Fighting, Psychic). A great pivot option.
- Hariyama: Do not underestimate it. It is bulky and powerful. As one trainer noted, “I beat Pokémon Emerald and used a Hariyama. It’s good and viable because of its bulk. Use it!”
- Makuhita: The pre-evolution of Hariyama. Somewhat slower and frailer but can still hit hard with support.
Building a winning team in Pokémon Emerald involves balance and strategy. Aron and Aggron are solid picks with power, bulk, and metal skills. Just remember to beware Ground-type moves!
