Mega Charizard Y is the defining sun setter of Reg M-A. The moment you select Mega Evolve, harsh sunlight fills the field — no setup turn required. Every Fire-type move from every Pokémon on your side gets a 50% damage boost, and opposing Water-type moves are cut in half.
Why it dominates
Sun teams in Champions orbit Mega Charizard Y’s entry. One switch-in can completely change the board state: rain teams lose their Swift SwimSwift SwimabilityAn ability that doubles the Pokémon's Speed stat while rain is active on the field.Click to read more → speed, sun sweepers like Volcarona and Venusaur go online, and opposing water threats are suddenly much less threatening.
Charizard itself hits incredibly hard under its own sun. With a Special Attack stat boosted by Mega EvolutionMega EvolutionmechanicOnce per battle, a Pokémon holding the right Mega Stone transforms into a stronger form with new stats, type, and ability.Click to read more → and fire moves powered by DroughtDroughtabilityAn ability that instantly sets permanent sun when the Pokémon enters the field.Click to read more →, it two-shots or one-shots most of the meta.
Playing around the Mega slot
You only get one Mega Evolution per battle. Timing matters: Mega Evolve too early and you burn the slot before Charizard is safely in position; too late and you miss the sun boost on key turns.
Most sun teams lead with speed control (Tornadus for TailwindTailwindmoveDoubles the Speed of every Pokémon on your side for 4 turns. Often paired with Prankster for instant priority setup.Click to read more →, WhimsicottWhimsicottpokemonPrankster utility lead. Priority Tailwind, Encore, and Sunny Day let it dictate tempo against teams that thought they had it.Click to read more → for priority) and bring Charizard in when the field is cleared enough to let it Mega Evolve safely.
Counters and answers
- Rock-type moves — Charizard’s Fire/Flying typing means a 4× weakness to Rock. Stone Edge in rain can KO outright.
- Rain teams — Pelipper’s DrizzleDrizzleabilityAn ability that instantly summons permanent rain when the Pokémon enters the field — no move required.Click to read more → overrides Drought when it switches in, shutting off the sun.
- Speed control — Faster Pokémon can pressure Charizard before it can move. Tailwind answers this, but it costs a teammate’s turn.