When it comes to single battles, Aerodactyl shines as a terrific Physical Sweeper. It is meant to overwhelm foes with destructive physical attacks. Life Orb boosts the power of Aerodactyl's damaging moves by 1.3x but it then loses 1/10 its max HP immediately after the attack. With Unnerve, while Aerodactyl is active it prevents opposing pokemon from using their berries. Aerodactyl is one of the select few sweepers that can make efficient use of Hone Claws, and with its ability to force out many threats thanks to the threat of its blistering Speed, it's not difficult to pull off one boost. Additionally, Aerodactyl doesn't have to function with a Hone Claws boost; in any situation, it can simply fire off its already-strong attacks to revenge kill or clean up anything in its way. Taking one Hone Claws boost, Life Orb, and STAB in account, Stone Edge becomes an even mightier and accurate attack than it already is, which allows Aerodactyl to 2HKO even physically defensive Skarmory after Stealth Rock damage. Aqua Tail is the preferred secondary attacking option, which, after the boost, 2HKOes all variants of Gliscor and Hippowdon and OHKOes any defensive Tyranitar with prior damage. Additionally, both Aqua Tail and Stone Edge already provide decent coverage with each other, so Roost is an option in the last slot to heal off any damage previously taken. However, Fire Fang might be appealing for invaluable coverage against Ferrothorn (and to an extent, Scizor), who walls the aforementioned attack combination.

In single battles, Aerodactyl's Physical Tank role is a remarkable. It's goal is to absorb physical damage and return fire with decent force. Leftovers are always a great recovery option to ensure Aerodactyl last longer regaining it's healthiness every turn. With Pressure, if Aerodactyl is the target of a foe's move that move loses one additional pp.