Know Your Niche - Round 19 (see: page 12, post 279)

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david0895

Mercy Main Btw


Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Power Whip
- Spikes
- Leech Seed
- Protect

Guaranteed counter vs Manaphy, Kingdra, Mega Sharpedo and Mega Gyarados

+3 252 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 156-184 (44.3 - 52.2%) -- 17.6% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Strong Jaw Sharpedo-Mega Crunch vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn: 153-181 (43.4 - 51.4%) -- 8.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Mold Breaker Gyarados-Mega Crunch vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn: 151-178 (42.8 - 50.5%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn in Rain: 135-160 (38.3 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 107-126 (30.3 - 35.7%) -- 0.5% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

All of them are at least 2HKOed with Power Whip (Kindgra needs of rocks)


Not guaranteed counter vs Ash-Greninja and Gyarados

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 169-199 (48 - 56.5%) -- 88.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 169-199 (48 - 56.5%) -- 32.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Gyarados Supersonic Skystrike (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn: 255-301 (72.4 - 85.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn in Rain: 96-113 (27.2 - 32.1%) -- 43.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Ash Greninja have a 30% chance to land a 2HKO w/out rocks, the same of Scald to get the burn.
Gyarados can be countered only if you get the Protect on the Z-Bounce


Does not counter Keldeo and Primarina

252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn: 186-222 (52.8 - 63%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Primarina Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 324-384 (92 - 109%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO
 
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Tapu Bulu @ Assault Vest
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 248 HP / 232 Atk / 28 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Horn Leech
- Wood Hammer
- Stone Edge
- Superpower

Av Bulu is probably my favourite bulu set since SUMO. Fightium z and SDs are nice but I found this set to the most bulky and effective. It also served as a great glue and partner to teammates such as gross (giving it reduced damage from eqs). AV has always been a difficult item to stick onto mons, only finding great success on torn and tangrowth imo, but with the insane recoveries from horn leech and grassy terrain, AV is certainly viable on bulu. The Evs are to ensure maximum bulk and offensive presence (wood hammer hits hard af) and the speed is just enough to outspeed adamant marowak.

Strong against:
Xurxitree
+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 158-186 (46 - 54.2%) -- 5.9% chance to 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 282-334 (82.2 - 97.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
232+ Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Xurkitree in Grassy Terrain: 262-310 (85.3 - 100.9%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
(262, 267, 270, 273, 276, 279, 282, 285, 288, 291, 294, 297, 300, 303, 306, 310)

Ash-Gre (without icebeam)
252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 105-125 (30.6 - 36.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Dark Pulse vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 77-91 (22.4 - 26.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 232-274 (67.6 - 79.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

Garchomp (without pjab)
232+ Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Garchomp in Grassy Terrain: 210-247 (58.6 - 68.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Garchomp Fire Fang vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 126-150 (36.7 - 43.7%) -- 99.4% chance to 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
(126, 128, 130, 132, 132, 134, 136, 138, 138, 140, 142, 144, 144, 146, 148, 150)

Tapu Koko(without bravebird)
252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu in Electric Terrain: 75-88 (21.8 - 25.6%) -- 1.3% chance to 4HKO
(75, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 81, 82, 84, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88)
hp ice does the same damage, and if bulu switches the terrain koko can't do anything.

Tapu Fini
0 SpA Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 69-82 (20.1 - 23.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
232+ Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 248 HP / 248+ Def Tapu Fini in Grassy Terrain: 266-314 (77.5 - 91.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery and Grassy Terrain recovery

Keldeo
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 93-110 (27.1 - 32%) -- 48% chance to 4HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
have to watch out for scald burns, of course

Manaphy
+3 252 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 284-336 (82.7 - 97.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
^insane...
232+ Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Manaphy in Grassy Terrain: 398-470 (116.3 - 137.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
(398, 404, 408, 414, 416, 422, 426, 432, 438, 440, 446, 450, 456, 458, 464, 470)

(Also checks Tapu Lele to some extent, of course, terrain has to be in your favour)
252+ SpA Twisted Spoon Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 153-181 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
(153, 156, 157, 159, 160, 162, 165, 166, 168, 169, 171, 174, 175, 177, 178, 181)
252+ SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tapu Bulu: 169-199 (49.2 - 58%) -- 62.9% chance to 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
Bulu has to wood hammer if psychic terrain is up to OHKO lele, but it can still survive psychic attacks
 

6ft Torbjorn

formerly JoycapJoshST
Yaawn... Oh, pardon - what was the list?

Week 7: Find a consistent defensive answer to Water-types.
The Pokemon must be able to consistently switch into three or more of the following Water-type Pokemon:
  • Ash Greninja
  • Keldeo
  • Manaphy
  • Gyarados
  • Mega Gyarados
  • Mega Sharpedo
  • Kingdra
  • Primarina
Oh I'm sorry, do these not have coverage?

Anyway, I have a unique answer to Keldeo; Manaphy and specially based Kingdra.

jellicent.gif


Jellicent (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 4 SpA / 236 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Hex
- Toxic
- Recover

Thanks to Water Absorb and a decent 100 HP / 105 Sp.Def, Jellicent has far from a hard time switching into these mons. It's also able to scare out those that I've selected with Toxic and Hex, and can keep itself at a sensible range with Recover + Leftovers.

Scald means that Switchins may end up burned, and if that's a physical attacker (see Mega Gyarados etc. and others on the list that are Physical attackers) it's basically crippled... oh wait that's THEM switching in, not the other way around... moving on.

Calcs and situations:
  • Keldeo:
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hidden Power Electric vs. 252 HP / 236+ SpD Jellicent: 138-164 (34.1 - 40.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

It's probably for the best Hazards are removed, but with Leftovers it's safe for Jellicent to switch in for the most part. Keldeo has no other options besides this as well, as you're immune of Keldeos' STAB, and it has no other coverage besides that. Keep yourself topped up with Recover, and find an oppurtunity to Toxic after that. If they switch out during / after Recover, you MAY be able to catch a switch with a Scald burn or Toxic.
  • Manaphy:
+3 252 SpA Manaphy Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 236+ SpD Jellicent: 288-340 (71.2 - 84.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

While this may not seem that impressive, taking ANYTHING at +3 and still living is pretty impressive in my book. It's also worth noting how Manaphys' 4MSS on the Waterium Z set (inc. dual status) can be exploited, and it's other options do precious little to Sp.Def Jellicent (+3 252 SpA Manaphy Psychic vs. 252 HP / 236+ SpD Jellicent: 144-170 (35.6 - 42%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery). Forcing it to set up rain through Toxic and reviewing the ranges of supports will help a lot here.
  • Kingdra:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 236+ SpD Jellicent: 198-234 (49 - 57.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Due to the Sp.Atk drop, Jellicent can switch into Kingdra safely and Recover with no controllable punish. Similar to Keldeo, Kingdra has no notable coverage to work with, so play these matchups as you would the other two, and you're good to go.

This is ultimately as far as play with Jellicent goes - Keep yourself high with Recover + Lefties and make sure appropriate teammates (example Tangrowth / Dragonite etc.) are healthy in order to get you out of sticky situations.

That's all folks! If you need me, I'll be reviewing sets from 2GG Civil War.
Later!



(Energy Ball Primarina is a gimmick. Don't @ me).
 

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
is a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Doing this 'cause we probably won't get another chance for a Phero week:

Week 8:
Provide a Pokemon that can remove Quiver Dance Pheromosa's stops to allow for a sweep.
The Pokemon must be able to consistently eliminate one or more of the following Pokemon:
  • Toxapex
  • Alolan Marowak
  • Tapu Fini / Primarina
  • Mega Pinsir
  • Zygarde
  • Mega Metagross
 

david0895

Mercy Main Btw


Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

Tapu Lele is one the best supporter for Pheromosa, because it can guarantee at least a 2HKO (except on Tapu Fini that needs of rocks to get it) on every pokèmon that can stop Pheromosa from sweeping AND give a terrain that neutralize the opposing priority that checks it (especially the Quick Attack of Mega Pinsir, that is its premier check)
 
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daunt vs

Of Course You Won't
is a Tiering Contributor

Dugtrio @ Focus Sash
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pursuit
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Sucker Punch
Toxapex
If rocks are up you 2HKO,But if not you have a decent change to 2HKO.(Also remeber scald burn change)
252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Toxapex: 150-176 (49.3 - 57.8%) -- 52% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Toxapex: 150-176 (49.3 - 57.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
Alola Marowak with pursuit you put in 2HKO range of ice beam.(with rocks)
252 Atk Dugtrio Pursuit vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 136-160 (41.9 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+1 224+ SpA Pheromosa Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Marowak-Alola: 99-116 (30.5 - 35.8%) -- 44.4% chance to 3HKO
Primarina
You always 2HKO without rocks
252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 172 HP / 0 Def Primarina: 175-207 (50.8 - 60.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Tapu fini with 2 earhquake you put in 2HKO of bug buzz
252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 192 Def Tapu Fini in Misty Terrain: 102-121 (29.7 - 35.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 224+ SpA Pheromosa Bug Buzz vs. 248 HP / 16+ SpD Tapu Fini: 89-105 (25.9 - 30.6%) -- 2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Mega pinsir you OKHO
252 Atk Dugtrio Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 316-372 (116.6 - 137.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Zygarde You can't do a lot but if Phermosa have the sash intact you OHKO with ice beam
Mega Metagross Earthquake with sucker you usally kill and you always kill with rocks up
252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 192-228 (63.7 - 75.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Dugtrio Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 90-108 (29.9 - 35.8%) -- 31.9% chance to 3HKO
 

Leo

after hours
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Smogon Media Contributor Alumnus
MPL Champion
Doing this 'cause we probably won't get another chance for a Phero week:
Week 8: Provide a Pokemon that can remove Quiver Dance Pheromosa's stops to allow for a sweep.
The Pokemon must be able to consistently eliminate one or more of the following Pokemon:
  • Toxapex
  • Alolan Marowak
  • Tapu Fini / Primarina
  • Mega Pinsir
  • Zygarde
  • Mega Metagross
Apologies for posting it here, but isn't this week too similar to this week's Matchmaking Project subject? Most of its good partners from the other project can also be aplied here and vice versa
 

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
is a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Apologies for posting it here, but isn't this week too similar to this week's Matchmaking Project subject? Most of its good partners from the other project can also be aplied here and vice versa
It is, yes, but that is deliberate for a few reasons which I am not inclined to mention in full here, ranging from organisation of the week (analysis writeups starting led to me forgetting to do this) to the timing making it more appropriate. They will diverge again next week.
 
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Aragorn the King

Literally a duck
is a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnus

Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Gunk Shot
- Hydro Pump / Extrasensory
- Hidden Power Fire / Hydro Pump / Dark Pulse

To be a candidate for this a Pokemon only has to be able to remove one Pokemon on the list; for Greninja it has a shot against all eight.

Against Toxapex, Extrasensory is a guaranteed 2HKO, while Scald does very little back.

Against Alolan Marowak, Hydro Pump and Dark Pulse are both guaranteed OHKOs. Thanks to its typing, Greninja can also switch into a Fire Punch/Shadow Bone in a pinch, but this isn't recommended due to its awful bulk.

Against Tapu Fini, Gunk Shot is a guaranteed 2HKO, while against Primarina it's an OHKO.

Against Mega Pinsir, Ice Beam is a guaranteed OHKO. However, Pinsir's +2 QA has a 25% chance to kill Greninja from full, so Gren's a better check to +0 Pinsir.

Ice Beam always kills Zygarde, so against +0 Speed Zygarde Gren always wins as long as it has enough HP to take an Extreme Speed. At +1 Speed, however, it depends on Zygarde's spread. 160+ Atk Zygarde actually has a 0% chance to kill Gren with Thousand Arrows from full, so Gren theoretically wins there. But if it packs more attack/there are entry hazards this isn't reliable.

Dark Pulse does 89% minimum to Mega Metagross, so adding prior damage from entry hazards it should be a reliable kill. Hidden Power Fire does 67% minimum, while Hydro Pump does 61% minimum, so more prior damage is needed.
 
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Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Roost
- Heat Wave
- Defog

The defensive set for Zapdos can be slightly modified to be more offensive to guarantee 2HKOs on the water types that threaten Pheromosa, namely Toxapex, Tapu Fini, and Primarina. Defog also keeps hazards off the field, which is important for Pheromosa if it is running Focus Sash. It may be unconventional, but it gets the job done here.

Calcs:
0+ SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 24 SpD Toxapex: 186-222 (61.1 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
0+ SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 16+ SpD Tapu Fini: 186-218 (54.2 - 63.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0+ SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Primarina: 228-270 (66.2 - 78.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Primarina Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 316-373 (82.5 - 97.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (Note that Specs Primarina can't OHKO Zapdos and Zapdos outspeeds, getting the KO before Primarina)
 
Reserving Landorus-T

Landorus-Therian @ Rockium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Swords Dance
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock

252+ Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Toxapex: 212-252 (69.7 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252+ Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 360-426 (137.9 - 163.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 172 HP / 0 Def Primarina: 249-294 (72.3 - 85.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO but it is OHKOed in return
252+ Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 192 Def Tapu Fini in Misty Terrain: 147-174 (42.8 - 50.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery but you outspeed Tapu Fini
252+ Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 444-524 (163.8 - 193.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def (Ice Punchless) Metagross: 308-366 (102.3 - 121.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Zygarde has the upper hand, though, even factoring Intimidate


Landorus-T has plenty opportunities to set a SD to ensure that random burn is not a problem (aside from the 6% HP lost every turn), such as Grass Terrain.
It is still useful upon entering to weaken most of the physical attackers (bar Bisharp) thanks to Intimidate, which offers some team support to stomach physical hits better.

Landorus can also provide SR support to deal chip damage to switchins, so making easier to clean the opponent's team with Pheromosa.
Still, Landorus-T can at the very least soften Pheromosa's hard checks with relative ease.
 
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6ft Torbjorn

formerly JoycapJoshST
Doing this 'cause we probably won't get another chance for a Phero week:
Week 8: Provide a Pokemon that can remove Quiver Dance Pheromosa's stops to allow for a sweep.
The Pokemon must be able to consistently eliminate one or more of the following Pokemon:
  • Toxapex
  • Alolan Marowak
  • Tapu Fini / Primarina
  • Mega Pinsir
  • Zygarde
  • Mega Metagross
Got your wallbreaker right here:

volcanion.gif

Volcanion @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Steam Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Electric]

I know Volcanion has kinda fallen from grace since ORAS, but looking at the list of QD Mosa's would be 'counters', it seems to do quite well. It should also be noted that on a general level how Pheromosa is able to throttle HO; while Volcanion can give balance headaches very easily and even chunk off Stall (those bloody pink blobs not withstanding...).

The 5 main Pokemon on the list that Specs Volcanion does well vs is Toxapex; Marowak-A; Primarina / Tapu Fini, and Mega Metagross

In-depth scenarios and Calcs:

Toxapex:

Thanks to Water Absorb, Pex is actually able to do sod all to you (outside of Toxic), all the while being 2HKOed by Specs Earth Power:
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Volcanion Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Toxapex: 182-216 (59.8 - 71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
All that is needed is to work around Regenerator in some way (e.g pulling a double) and you're all set.

Alolan Marowak:

In regards to Alolawak, things get slightly more interesting. Whilst you can't really switch directly into it due to threat of Bonemerang / EQ:
  • · 252+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Bonemerang (2 hits) vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Volcanion: 296-352 (84.3 - 100.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
Once Volcanion is in - you eat this thing for lunch with a side of caviar... I'm not kidding:
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Volcanion Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Marowak-Alola: 270-318 (83.3 - 98.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Marowak-Alola: 492-582 (151.8 - 179.6%) -- can I get a Nairo 'desrtuc-' in the chat please?
Back on topic: In the event that the Alolawak is Adamant with max speed, 56 Speed EVs allows you to outspeed it by one point. It's also worth noting how both Volcanion and Alolan Marowak get worn down fairly easily by hazards and such, so general outplays should nab you the win here.

Mega Metagross:

Similar to Alolawak, Volcanion has to be careful trying to switch in despite it's good natural physical defense, due to EQ and Thunder Punch coverage:
  • 252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Volcanion: 204-240 (58.1 - 68.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(Tpunch does slightly less btw)

If Volcanion was allowed in safely at any point, it's probably curtains for MegaGross unless it can find a safe switch. Observe:
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Volcanion Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross-Mega: 298-352 (99 - 116.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock (Fire Blast obviously kills)
A sufficient switchin for a checked MegaGross will also have to be wary of Steam Eruption burns, which could give Pheromosa a form of setup fodder if need be.

Primarina & Tapu Fini:

This one is a little more touch and go, and the two water fairies do have very different roles (thus, two different scenarios). Tapu Fini fails to break you due to Moonblast being resisted and Water Absorb, though can scam you out of a potential 2HKO with the off Moonblast Sp.Atk drop:
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Volcanion Hidden Power Electric vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Tapu Fini: 156-184 (45.3 - 53.4%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
  • -1 252+ SpA Choice Specs Volcanion Hidden Power Electric vs. 248 HP / 16+ SpD Tapu Fini: 104-124 (30.3 - 36.1%) -- 43.5% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
PRIMARINA on the other hand is much more easily 2HKOed by HP Electric - but due to being an extremely potent wallbreaker (Specs in the same spirit as Volcanion itself), it's able to deny Volcanion safe entry as Moonblast 2HKOs you after rocks... for some reason.
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Volcanion Hidden Power Electric vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Primarina: 192-226 (55.8 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Primarina Moonblast vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Volcanion: 136-161 (38.7 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
For these two - it's worth noting that Sludge Bomb > HP Electric IS an option... but HP Electric gives you far greater general coverage, so things ultimately boil down to team setup and the situations the individual most finds themselves in.


Well that's that for now, lads
Adios!
 

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Earthquake
- Thunder Punch / Ice Punch

Mega Metagross is a decent partner for Pheromosa because it can force out some of its checks such as Toxapex, Mega Pinsir and Tapu Koko. Earthquake gives Mega Metagross the ability to hit Alolan Marowak and opposing Mega Metagross. The choice of Thunder Punch and Ice Punch depends on whether you want to hit Celesteela or Zygarde harder. Also, keep in mind that you can aggressively pull a double-switch for Pheromosa against a predicted Ferrothorn or Rotom-W switch-in.
 
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Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
is a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Week 9: Find a partner for Mega Medicham which can help it deal with some of its headaches.
Prior note: slashed Pokemon count as one Pokemon when accounted for together.

The Pokemon you chose must acheive one or more of the following goals:
  • Lure and/or defeat two or more or more of the following defensive answers:
    • Mega Sableye
    • Clefable
    • Alolan Marowak
    • Reuniclus / Cresselia / Mew
    • Cofagrigus
  • Deal with two or more of the following revenge killers:
    • Mega Metagross
    • Greninja
    • Ash Greninja
    • Garchomp
    • Latios
    • Keldeo
    • Tapu Koko / Thundurus / Thundurus-T
    • Choice Scarf Tapu Lele
    • Mega Pinsir
    • Gengar / Mimikyu
    • Alakazam / Mega Alakazam
    • Dugtrio
Yes, that is a catagory with twelve options. I've deliberately left this super open so go nuts!
 
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Tapu Koko @ Magnet
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- U-turn
- Taunt/Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Other items are also viable, such as Specs to secure a lot of KO's or Scarf to check other Scarfers. I just chose the standard Magnet set.

Mega Sableye: 2hko'd by Magnet and Specs, also boosts up Medicham's ThunderPunch to 2hko.

Clefable: 2hko'd by Thunderbolt, also boosts up Medicham's ThunderPunch to 2hko.

Alolan Marowak: Run Zen Headbutt on Medicham to break this or cry.

Fat Psychics: Thunderbolt 2hko's Mew and Reuniclus from Magnet and Specs and boosts up Medicham's ThunderPunch to threaten a 2hko both. (If 1v1, Taunt is preferable to stop Reuniclus from boosting up).

Cresselia avoids the 2hko from non-Specs, and also loses to Taunt from the Magnet set. Medicham obviously is not touching it.

Cofagrigus: 2hko'd by Thunderbolt from all sets, but Medicham still cannot touch it.

Tapu Koko isn't killed by any of these, excepting Marowak.



-Assuming in a 1v1 Situation, as Koko doesn't switch into any of these well.

Metagross: You outspeed it but don't OHKO without Specs (do about ~70%).

Greninja: Checks every variant.

Ash Greninja: Post-transformation you die to Hydro Pump if not Scarf, while you obviously check it pre-transformation.

Garchomp: Scarf destroys non-Scarf Koko if locked into EQ; it is only OHKO by Specs (otherwise does ~82%)

Latios: Koko can...sort of check this, but does not 2hko with Hidden Power Ice without Specs or SR (does with U-Turn though), and takes a large amount of damage back.

Keldeo: Scarf outspeeds and OHKO's, other two sets live a hit from Scarf Keldeo and OHKO.

Tapu Koko: Mirror match, nothing to be said. (Faster one wins).

Thundurus: Specs OHKO's with Thunderbolt, non-Specs doesn't really take much back and does ~76%

Thundurus-Therian: Specs 2hko's with Hidden Power Ice. non-Specs needs rocks to do so. This can actually set up on Koko, so not the greatest of checks.

Lele: Non-Scarf Koko dies to STAB, Scarf Koko can 2hko while avoiding a OHKO if Electric Terrain is up.

Pinsir: Koko checks this with every set.

Gengar: The faster one wins as both OHKO the other. (Scarf Koko > Scarf Gengar > Koko > Gengar)

Mimikyu: Specs can technically win 1v1, although it needs to be at full health (Play Rough + Shadow Sneak from LO is a roll to kill, while Z-Shadow Claw + Shadow Sneak kills). Neither Magnet or Scarf OHKO's and both die similarly to Specs. Regardless, not very effective.

Alakazam: Sash can't OHKO Koko (and you can U-Turn to break it, although if it predicts the U-Turn something dies to Counter).

Mega Alakazam: Scarf 2hko's while barely avoiding an OHKO. Specs and Magnet both die.

Dugtrio: Magnet U-Turns out of Sash, Specs and Scarf die if locked into anything other than U-Turn. Scarf Dugtrio traps all of them if it comes in safely.



Handy Tables I made:



I spent too much time on this
 
Last edited:

david0895

Mercy Main Btw
Reserving ash greninja.
Before starting, can i use double item like in this example?
Example @ item 1 / item 2



Greninja-Ash (M) @ Choice Specs / Expert Belt
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- U-turn

Ash Greninja is an excellent teammate for Mega Medicham: thanks to its high special attack it can break through the walls that stop the Medicham sweep.
Bulky Psychic and Ghost types that can enter on High Jump Kick, are shredded from a Choice Specs boosted Dark Pulse, other walls, like Mega Sableye or Clefable, take tons of damage from Hydro Pump.
Its high speed force the opponent to use a fast choice scarf to revenge kill it.
This means that pokemon like Mega Metagross, Latios or Gengar can't do much to it.
In the end, Expert Belt can bluff the Choice Specs, baiting weakened pokemon like Mega Pinsir, Tapu Koko or Mega Alakazam and then finishing them with Water Shuriken.
With this tactic you can even eliminate Sash Dugtrio.
Even Choice Scarf Tapu Lele has some problem with Greninja, since it can enter on a locked Psychic / Psyshock
 
Last edited:

6ft Torbjorn

formerly JoycapJoshST
Sheesh Martin, didn't expect you to double barrel the task like that...

Let's try something...
Reserving Firium Z Volcarona

Week 9: Find a partner for Mega Medicham which can help it deal with some of its headaches.
Prior note: slashed Pokemon count as one Pokemon when accounted for together.

The Pokemon you chose must acheive one or more of the following goals:
  • Lure and/or defeat two or more or more of the following defensive answers:
    • Mega Sableye
    • Clefable
    • Alolan Marowak
    • Reuniclus / Cresselia / Mew
    • Cofagrigus
  • Deal with two or more of the following revenge killers:
    • Mega Metagross
    • Greninja
    • Ash Greninja
    • Garchomp
    • Latios
    • Keldeo
    • Tapu Koko / Thundurus / Thundurus-T
    • Choice Scarf Tapu Lele
    • Mega Pinsir
    • Gengar / Mimikyu
    • Alakazam / Mega Alakazam
    • Dugtrio
Yes, that is a catagory with twelve options. I've deliberately left this super open so go nuts!
volcarona.gif

Volcarona @ Firium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic

At this point, Volcarona needs little to no introduction. Let's get to things:

Situations/calcs (You guys know the drill lol):

For all, I'm going to presume Volc is at +1. I'm aware Giga Drain / HP Ground are staples, but as an escort for MMedi, it shouldn't really matter.

Cofragigus / Mega Sab:

  • +1 252 SpA Volcarona Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Cofagrigus: 324-382 (101.2 - 119.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 252 SpA Volcarona Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Sableye-Mega: 306-360 (100.6 - 118.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
As you can plainly see, both of these bulky ghosts fail to switch into +1 IO at max bulk. Even if these were to survive (somehow), Sab does sod all to you; although Cofagrigus may be able to haze away your boosts.

Reuniclus / Cresselia / Mew:

OK, this one's a given...
  • +1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Reuniclus: 518-612 (122.1 - 144.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Cresselia: 360-426 (81.2 - 96.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • +1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mew: 452-534 (111.8 - 132.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Being primarily Special Attackers, I doubt they would be able to kill you back at +1... in fact, scratch that - they WON'T be able to kill you back.

As for revenge killers, Volc is more then happy to scare out and/or beat:
  • Mega Metagross (unless Zen Headbutt / Rock Slide)
  • Latios
  • Tapu Lele (locked into Moonblast / HP Fire)
  • Alakazam (choiced, preferably)
Metagross obviously dies to your fire STAB, and the rest don't appreciate your good Sp.Def, giving you the ability to setup and hole punch as you do. Not much to it tbh.

Sorry if this edit was a bit slapdash... the Overwatch Uprising event is on, and I don't want to miss it.
Bye!
 
Last edited:
Tapu Lele





Tapu Lele @ Shed Shell
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Psyshock
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power Fire
- Calm Mind

Tapu Lele is a great offensive partner for Mega Medichamp due to it being able to break down pokemon Medichamp struggles to break through, such as Mega Sableye, Reuniclus, and Clefable, and soft checking a few revenge killers like Latios and Keldeo whilst escaping from Dugtrio. Psychic Terrain also drastically increases the power of Zen Headbutt, allowing Medichamp to cleanly OHKO Rotom Wash, Clefable, and Offensive Landorus-Therian, while protecting Mega Medichamp from Mega Mawiles Fatal Sucker Punch. All of Medicham's called counters are history against this.

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 144+ SpD Sableye-Mega: 242-288 (79.6 - 94.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola in Psychic Terrain: 199-235 (76.2 - 90%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Cofagrigus: 163-193 (50.9 - 60.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Reuniclus: 195-231 (45.9 - 54.4%) -- 6.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
Last edited:

Leo

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Those revenge killers are meant to be scarves right? Because they could revenge Medi even without the Scarf so idk if I should assume they are
 

Martin

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Those revenge killers are meant to be scarves right? Because they could revenge Medi even without the Scarf so idk if I should assume they are
If they outpace naturally assume they can be either scarfed or un-scarfed.

You an RK without holding a scarf.
 
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Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Poison Jab

So Weavile is a good partner for Mega Medicham considering it's able to beat or weaken almost every defensive answer there is to Mega Medicham. Clefable has a low, yet decent roll to be 2HKOed by Poison Jab, Mega Sableye is a sturdier check but Icicle Crash has a tendency to bs on the switch-in and flinch things to death, and Marowak + the bulky Psychics get ravaged for obvious reasons.

As for Medicham's offensive answers Weavile handily beats Garchomp, Latios, Metagross (Bullet Punch dropping off is a +), Thundurus(T), Gengar, base Alakazam, Dugtrio, and pressure unboosted Mega Pinsir.
 
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