Resource Monotype Victim of the Week (INDEX THREAD)

[Namranan]

index and rules

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Volcarona @ Psychium Z / Firium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Psychic / Giga Drain / Bug Buzz
- Hidden Power [Ground] / Hidden Power [Electric]

Yet another bug-type that can be a huge threat to any team that is not prepared for it. This pokemon is one of the reasons why Heatran on steel tends to use Stone Edge, and it rightfully has to fear it. Volcarona's access to quiver dance allows it to become a fearsome pokemon that can sweep many teams, and with the introduction of Z-moves, it can break walls as well. Psychium Z and Firium Z allow Volcarona to break many walls, and Volcarona's movepool allows it to have a lot of options to sweep with. Giga drain, Hidden Power Ground, Psychic, Fire Blast, Bug Buzz; there are so many moves it can use, but it is limited to four moveslots. If you don't account for Volcarona, your team could end up being easily swept away by this fire-moth's burning presence. Help the monotype community by finding ways to deal with this behemoth.

Refer to the index thread posted at the top of this post for more information on how this works.

Example post:

example provided by Gnralao from a previous week

Psychic Stakataka Check

Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Def
- Counter
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

Alakazam checks Stakataka in a pretty simple way: once Alakazam gets in front of Stakataka via U-turn or after a teammate's been KOed, Stakataka cannot OHKO it (even with Hazards up due to Magic Guard) while, in return, Alakazam can OHKO it back with either Focus Blast (which will hurt the opposing switch-in if the opponent does switch Stakataka out) or Counter (preferable to use if you don't trust FB's shaky accuracy or if you know your opponent won't switch Stakataka out).

Calcs

Calcs would go here

Types not allowed:

 

[GnralLao]

Tyranitar as a counter for Dark teams

Tyranitar @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy / Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Fire Blast / Toxic
- Thunder Wave / Protect

Volcarona has a lot of problems dealing with Tyranitar due to its typing and massive special bulk. In fact, even at +1, Volcarona will only deal around 58% of damage while Tyranitar cleanly OHKOes. What's more is that Tyranitar can set up SR against both Bug and Fire quite easily and its teammates can make sure they stay up, since M-Sableye prevents the opposing team from using Rapid Spin and Mandibuzz can easily tank oncoming Fighting-type moves from Heracross or Infernape, making Tyranitar a very hard mon to take out for those types. However, Tyranitar is actually OHKOed by the rare Buginium Z Volcarona variant, so be careful with it.

Calcs

Psychium Z + HP Electric variants
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 45-53 (11.1 - 13.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 66-78 (16.3 - 19.3%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

Giga Drain + HP Ground variants
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 82-98 (20.2 - 24.2%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 122-144 (30.1 - 35.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Firium Z + Bug Buzz variants
252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 146-174 (36.1 - 43%) -- 95.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 218-258 (53.9 - 63.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Buginium Z variants
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Savage Spin-Out (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 422-500 (104.4 - 123.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 592-700 (190.3 - 225%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[smub]

Ice Check

Piloswine @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 244 HP / 12 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic

From full health, Piloswine can live a +1 Inferno Overdrive from Volcarona and can OHKO back with Rock Slide 100% of the time.

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 244 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Thick Fat Piloswine: 306-362 (76.1 - 90%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
12 Atk Piloswine Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 312-368 (100.3 - 118.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Tapo Collino]

Water Counter (most of the time)

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 16 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Defog
- Haze
- Roost

Mantine can easily switch into anything this Volcarona can do as it resists its powerful STAB and easily takes Psychic and Giga Drain. It then can Haze Volcarona if it chose to Quiver Dance while healing back any damage it takes with Roost. It can then slowly kill it with a few Scalds. It does need to watch out for the rare Hidden Power Electric though.

Calcs

Fire Blast (z): +1 252 SpA Volcarona Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 156-184 (41.7 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Psychic (z): +1 252 SpA Volcarona Shattered Psyche (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 197-232 (52.6 - 62%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Giga Drain: +1 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 85-100 (22.7 - 26.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
Bug Buzz: +1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 76-90 (20.3 - 24%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

Notable Weakness:
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Electric vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 272-324 (72.7 - 86.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Normal Counter

Chansey @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Soft-Boiled
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic

Chansey is an immense special wall, able to survive even a +4 Inferno Overdrive from Volcarona (albeit barely). Chansey can take any of Volcarona's attacks and whittle it down with Seismic Toss or Toxic. Even if Chansey comes in on a Quiver Dance, Volcarona will not be able to get past +4 to KO Chansey as it dies to 4 Seismic Tosses.

Calcs

+4 252 SpA Volcarona Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Chansey: 595-702 (84.5 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Chansey Seismic Toss vs. 0 HP Volcarona: 100-100 (32.1 - 32.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

 

[Guwahavel]

Heatran as a Check on Steel teams

Heatran @ Air Balloon
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 24 Atk / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Stone Edge
- Earth Power
- Magma Storm

Heatran walls Volcarona's STABs and can KO it with it's Air Baloon intact, or even without if it isn't running Hidden Power Ground, with Stone Edge. However Hidden Power Ground being common and Volcarona having teammates with Pursuit like Heracross can make it unreliable.

24- Atk Heatran Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Volcarona: 344-408 (110.6 - 131.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 30-35 (9.2 - 10.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Electric vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 96-114 (29.7 - 35.2%) -- 21.3% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 54-63 (16.7 - 19.5%) -- guaranteed 6HKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Psychic vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 72-85 (22.2 - 26.3%) -- 11.7% chance to 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Shattered Psyche (175 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 139-164 (43 - 50.7%) -- 3.9% chance to 2HKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 384-456 (118.8 - 141.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Ieki]

Poison Checks

Nihilego @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Power Gem
- Sludge Wave
- Hidden Power Ice
- Thunderbolt

Nihilego outspeeds and removes Volcarona with Power Gem. Its amazing special defense allows it to stomach any attack from a +0 Volc and isn't even a guaranteed KO at +1. Only HP Ground has a chance to kill, meaning that webs doesn't deter Nihilego from exterminating Volc.

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Def
Bold Nature
- Haze
- Recover
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes

Defensive check. You Haze the stat boosts and live hits from non-Shattered Psyche variants. Even without Special Defense investment HP Ground doesn't do enough to threaten Toxapex since it can restore health with Recover after clicking Haze and, if absolutely needed, switch into another team member like Nihilego or Muk on a Quiver Dance to activate Regenerator.

calcs

252 SpA Nihilego Power Gem vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 336-396 (108 - 127.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nihilego: 320-380 (89.1 - 105.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 102-120 (32.7 - 38.5%) -- 97.1% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 100-118 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 4.8% chance to 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 148-176 (48.6 - 57.8%) -- 52.3% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

 

[Shokkking]

Crawdaunt as a Check in Water mono

Crawdaunt @ Choice Band/Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off
- Crunch
- Crabhammer

Crawdaunt isn't a mon that is used in many teams, but it fits well in certain builds and can hit really hard with his Ability + Life Orb/Choice Band. It can't outspeed Volcarona due to his low speed stat, but it has access to a nice water priority move, being able to OHKO Volcarona.

Calcs

252+ Atk Life Orb Adaptability Crawdaunt Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 338-400 (108.6 - 128.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Adaptability Crawdaunt Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 384-456 (123.4 - 146.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Greninja Scarf as a Check in Dark/Water teams

Greninja @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Rock Slide
- Gunk Shot
- U-turn
- Hydro Pump

With this set, Greninja can outspeed Volcarona at +1 and kill it with a STAB Rock Slide thanks to Protean, avoiding a possible sweep.

Calcs

4 Atk Protean Greninja Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 444-528 (142.7 - 169.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Namranan]

index and rules

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Ferrothorn @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 184 SpD
Careful Nature
- Power Whip / Gyro Ball
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Spikes / Stealth Rock

A premier wall ever since its introduction in Gen 5, Ferrothorn countinues to be an extreme effective defensive Pokemon in Monotype. With its Steel-Grass typing it only has two type weaknesses in Fighting and Fire, while still having resistances in Dragon, Electric, Fairy, Grass, Normal, Psychic, Rock, Steel, Water and being immune to Poison. With that absurdly good defensive typing along with great defensive stats to back it up, it looks like Ferrothorn would be very hard to deal with for certain teams. Its ability in Iron Bards doesn't help either, as well as having access to Leech Seed and powerful attacks in Gyro Ball and Power Whip to deal damage back to opposing Pokemon. When paired with an item like Leftovers or Rocky Helmet, this Pokemon seems almost impossible to reliably stop. Help the monotype community find ways to deal with this Barbed threat.

Refer to the index thread posted at the top of this post for more information on how this works.

Example post:

example provided by Gnralao from a previous week

Psychic Stakataka Check

Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Def
- Counter
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

Alakazam checks Stakataka in a pretty simple way: once Alakazam gets in front of Stakataka via U-turn or after a teammate's been KOed, Stakataka cannot OHKO it (even with Hazards up due to Magic Guard) while, in return, Alakazam can OHKO it back with either Focus Blast (which will hurt the opposing switch-in if the opponent does switch Stakataka out) or Counter (preferable to use if you don't trust FB's shaky accuracy or if you know your opponent won't switch Stakataka out).

Calcs

Calcs would go here

Types not allowed:

Quick URGENT annuoncement!!!!:
As of the 30th cycle of this Resource, these posts will be held in the Index Thread. This will be done for the sake of simplicity as well as making things far more easier to access, so please keep that in mind for future weeks.​

 

[Namranan]

Thank you all who participated! Tagging Eien to merge this with index thread.

 

[Guwahavel]

Mega Venusaur as a Counter on Grass and Poison teams

Mega Venusaur blocks Leech Seed healing and threatens Ferrothorn with Hidden Power Fire.

0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Venusaur: 25-30 (6.8 - 8.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (125 BP) vs. 248 HP / 244+ Def Venusaur: 105-124 (28.9 - 34.1%) -- 2.5% chance to 3HKO
0 SpA Venusaur Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 120-144 (34 - 40.9%) -- 49.2% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[mushamu]

Mega Sableye as a counter on Dark and Ghost

set

Sableye-Mega @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 SpD
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Protect
- Recover
- Will-O-Wisp

Mega Sableye switches into Ferrothorn easily as none of Ferrothorn's attacks do enough damage to threaten Mega Sableye, while Mega Sableye bounces back Ferrothorn's hazards with ease. Mega Sableye in return can burn Ferrothorn with Will-O-Wisp or Knock Off its Leftovers and therefore cripple Ferrothorn greatly if it chooses to stay in.

0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 112 Def Sableye-Mega: 93-109 (30.5 - 35.8%) -- 40.2% chance to 3HKO

0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (47 BP) vs. 252 HP / 112 Def Sableye-Mega: 37-45 (12.1 - 14.8%) -- possible 7HKO

 

[smub]

Rock Check

Terrakion @ Choice Band
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Poison Jab / Quick Attack

Terrakion can outright OHKO Ferrothorn with a Choice Band boosted Close Combat from full health, but it can't directly come in on a Power Whip or Gyro Ball

252 Atk Choice Band Terrakion Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 438-516 (124.4 - 146.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (113 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Terrakion: 254-300 (78.3 - 92.5%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes(kills with Iron Barbs chip)

Rock Check

Golem-Alola @ Choice Band
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 20 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Wild Charge
- Fire Punch
- Earthquake
- Brick Break

Alolan Golem is able to almost always OHKO Ferrothorn from full health with a Choice Band boosted Fire Punch, and with Magnet Pull, Ferrothorn won't be able to switch out. It can't easily switch into Power Whip, though.

252 Atk Choice Band Golem-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 348-412 (98.8 - 117%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 20 HP / 0 Def Golem-Alola: 198-234 (64.7 - 76.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Rock Check

Rhyperior @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Roar / Rock Slide
- Earthquake
- Fire Punch
- Ice Punch

Rhyperior is able to survive any hit from Ferrothorn from full health, and since both of its attacks activate Weakness Policy, Rhyperior will be able to immediately OHKO it with Fire Punch. Unboosted Fire Punch will also 2HKO.

4 Atk Rhyperior Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 220-260 (62.5 - 73.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 4 Atk Rhyperior Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 432-512 (122.7 - 145.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Solid Rock Rhyperior: 225-264 (51.8 - 60.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Rock Check

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch

Tyranitar is able to always OHKO Ferrothorn from full health with a Choice Band boosted Fire Punch. However, it can't come in on Gyro Ball or Power Whip.

252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 412-488 (117 - 138.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 228-270 (66.8 - 79.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Ice Check

Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Fusion Bolt
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power Fire

Kyurem-Black is able to 2HKO Ferrothorn with a boosted Hidden Power Fire, while Ferrothorn cannot OHKO Kyurem-Black from full health with Gyro Ball, even after Stealth Rock.

252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 224-265 (63.6 - 75.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (104 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kyurem-Black: 212-252 (54.2 - 64.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Vodoom]

Magnezone as a check on Steel and a counter on Electric.

Steel Set

Hide

Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Scarf Magnezone on Steel can almost 2hko with Hp fire, but it can't switch into leech seed because it can lose the 1v1.

Calc:
252 SpA Magnezone Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 180-216 (51.1 - 61.3%) -- 92.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

A replay of Magnezone losing 1v1 to Ferrothorn when switching into leech seed.
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7customgame-834766292

Electric Set

Hide

Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Specs Magnezone on Electric destroys Ferrothron with a small chance to 0hko from full hp.

Calc:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Magnezone Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 296-352 (84 - 100%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Shokkking]

Victini as a Counter on Psychic teams

Victini @ Normalium Z
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Searing Shot
- Stored Power
- Celebrate
- Thunderbolt

Victini can easily set up in front of Ferrothorn, the only problem is the leech seed stall, but anyway, it OHKOes even without the Z-Boost.

Calcs

252 SpA Victini Searing Shot vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 372-444 (105.6 - 126.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

As you see, you don't need to use the Z-move to kill Ferrothorn, but since you set up in front of it, you can kill him and probably his entire teammates.


Keldeo as a Check on Water teams

Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Timid Nature
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Hidden Power Electric
- Icy Wind

A Grass/Steel poke is a really good counter for water teams and can wall a lot of mons. This is where Keldeo comes in, it has a few chance to OHKO it with Secret Sword, but if it doesn't, no problem, Ferrothorn can't do too much against Keldeo (If it does not take Stealth Rock damage).

Calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 68 Def Ferrothorn: 312-368 (88.6 - 104.5%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 84-99 (26 - 30.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Keldeo: 270-318 (83.5 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Heatran as a Counter on Steel teams

Heatran @ Air Balloon
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Earth Power

Heatran typing resists to both Ferrothorn attack moves, making it a good wall for steel teams, being able to OHKO with a powerful fire-type STAB move. Heatran can use taunt too, preventing Ferrothorn for using support moves such as spikes/stealth rock and leech seed.

Calcs

0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Heatran: 29-34 (8.9 - 10.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (91 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Heatran: 22-26 (6.8 - 8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 448-532 (127.2 - 151.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Marowak-Alola as a Counter on Ghost teams

Marowak-Alola @ Thick Club
Ability: Lightining Rod / Rock Head
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Fire Punch / Flare Blitz
- Shadow Bone
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock

Marowak-Alola resists to Gyro Ball/Power Whip and thanks to it high def stat, it can take few damage from Ferrothorn. Marowak-Alola can OHKo it using Fire Punch or Flare Blitz without recoil damage tganks to Rock Head.

Calcs

252+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 580-688 (164.7 - 195.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Ferrothorn: 928-1096 (263.6 - 311.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (45 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 21-26 (6.5 - 8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 57-67 (17.6 - 20.7%) -- possible 5HKO

Blacephalon as a Check on Ghost teams

Blacephalon @ Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Psychic
- Trick

Blacephalon can OHKO Ferrothorn with Fire Blast, but due to its poor defensive stats, it can't switch in safe more than one time, making it a Check instead of a Counter.

Calcs

252 SpA Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 552-652 (156.8 - 185.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 102-120 (41.2 - 48.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 127-150 (51.4 - 60.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[GnralLao]

Nidoking as a check on Ground and Poison teams

Nidoking @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Earth Power
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam

Nidoking is a potent threat against Steel teams thanks to its numerous coverage options and immediate firepower. In this case, Nidoking outspeeds and easily OHKOes Ferrothorn with Flamethrower. However, Nidoking is pretty frail, so it can't always recklessly switch into Ferrothorn.

Calcs

0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Nidoking: 153-180 (50.4 - 59.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Nidoking: 190-225 (62.7 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Ferrothorn: 343-406 (97.4 - 115.3%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery (guaranteed OHKO after SR damage)

 

[Namranan]

Thank you all for participating! Tagging Eien to merge this with index thread.

Also if you can't find this weeks victim, look in the index thread!

 

[Namranan]

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Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 80 SpD / 176 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Substitute
- Roost
- Discharge


Zapdos is a fantastic Pokemon that has always been really good. In monotype, this is normally shown in its ability to work as a specially defensive tank. However, Zapdos can run a set that allows it to take advantage of passive pokemon, and spread Toxic to the enemy team. This subToxic set can be extremely scary for ever high level players if it is not prepared for or thought about. It also doesn't help that its typing, bulk, and speed creep allow it to beat out a large amount of walls 1v1 and some offensive pokemon can't afford to lose all their PP to Pressure. Help the monotype community by finding ways to get around this troublesome set.

Example post:

example provided by Gnralao from a previous week

Psychic Stakataka Check

Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Def
- Counter
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

Alakazam checks Stakataka in a pretty simple way: once Alakazam gets in front of Stakataka via U-turn or after a teammate's been KOed, Stakataka cannot OHKO it (even with Hazards up due to Magic Guard) while, in return, Alakazam can OHKO it back with either Focus Blast (which will hurt the opposing switch-in if the opponent does switch Stakataka out) or Counter (preferable to use if you don't trust FB's shaky accuracy or if you know your opponent won't switch Stakataka out).

Types not allowed:

​

 

[Ieki]

Gliscor as a Flying counter.

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 112 Spe / 152 SpD
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Taunt/Toxic
- Roost

Zapdos can't even touch this and gets taunted.
If it roosts:
0 Atk Gliscor Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 236-282 (61.4 - 73.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[GnralLao]

Landorus as a check on Ground teams

Landorus @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Earth Power
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Gravity

Landorus is an amazing weapon for Ground when facing Flying teams thanks to Gravity, which enables it (and all its teammates) to hit Flying types with Ground STAB moves. In this specific case, Landorus, while hating Toxic, sets up Gravity and outspeeds Zapdos before KOing it with Earth Power.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Landorus Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 176+ SpD Zapdos: 377-447 (98.1 - 116.4%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[neomon]

Seismitoad (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 212 HP / 44 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Toxic
- Rest

this is pretty cool on fat water teams so you dont autolose to subtox zapdos, pretty self explanatory, rest just helps with not getting pp stalled and in turn pp stalling it

 

[mushamu]

Nidoking as a Poison counter

set

Nidoking (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power

Nidoking gets a free switch-in on SubToxic Zapdos and can threaten it using Ice Beam while it can't do anything back as Nidoking is immune to Toxic and Discharge.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 80+ SpD Zapdos: 229-270 (59.6 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Shokkking]

Excadrill as a Counter on Ground teams

Excadrill @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Rapid Spin

This is the standard sandstorm ground Excadrill set and thanks to its typing it is immune to Toxic and Discharge, meaning that it will always get a free switch-in. The only difference is that this set will need a Jolly nature to outspeed Zapdos. Excadrill can 2HKO Zapdos with Rock Slide + Choice Band. OHKO with rocks + one leftovers recovery.

Calcs

252+ Atk Choice Band Excadrill Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 316-374 (82.2 - 97.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Excadrill Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 316-374 (82.2 - 97.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Heracross-Mega as a Check on Bug

Heracross-Mega @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Blast
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Pin Missile

Mega-Heracross isn't a very common Pokémon in bug teams, but if you want to use it, it can OHKo SubToxic Zapdos using Rock Blast even with subs up.

Calcs

252+ Atk Heracross-Mega Rock Blast (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 450-540 (117.1 - 140.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Heracross-Mega Rock Blast (4 hits) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 360-432 (93.7 - 112.5%) -- approx. 93.8% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Heracross-Mega: 102-120 (33.7 - 39.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Altaria-Mega as a Counter on Dragon teams

Altaria-Mega @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Refresh
- Dragon Dance
- Return
- Roost

Mega Altaria resists Discharge and can avoid Toxic damage using Refresh+Roost. After Mega Altaria switches in on Zapdos, the only thing you have to do is set up how many Dragon Dance you want and kill Zapdos. But keep in mind that Return only OHKO at +2.

Calcs

+2 252 Atk Pixilate Altaria-Mega Return vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 406-478 (105.7 - 124.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Altaria-Mega: 50-59 (17.1 - 20.2%) -- possible 5HKO

Latias-Mega as a Counter on Dragon

Latias-Mega @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Stored Power
- Refresh

Such as Altaria-Mega, Latias-Mega resists Discharge and can get rid of toxic using refresh and heal itself using Recover. So, just set up Calm Mind and kill Zapdos.

Calcs

+2 0 SpA Latias-Mega Stored Power (100 BP) vs. 252 HP / 80 SpD Zapdos: 288-339 (75 - 88.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (Two Calm Minds)

(Later I add more if no one add)

 

[Tapo Collino]

Fighting (soft?) Check

Terrakion @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
While Terrakion takes an uncomfortable amount from Discharge and hates getting Paralyzed, it can KO Zapdos most of the time. As long as it is not already behind Substitute, Terrakion can come in and usually force it out. Just don't get full para'd 12 times.

Calcs

252 Atk Terrakion Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 372-440 (96.8 - 114.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion: 114-135 (35.1 - 41.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Ground Counter

Steelix-Mega @ Steelixite
Ability: Sand Force
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Atk / 228 SpD
Careful Nature
- Curse
- Stealth Rock
- Heavy Slam
- Roar
An interesting staple on sandless ground teams, Mega Steelix can absorb anything subtox Zapdos tries to throw at it thanks to its

/

typing. It is then given a free turn to set up Stealth Rock, or even Curse up.

Unnecessary Calcs

Zapdos Discharge vs. Steelix-Mega: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time
0+ Atk Steelix-Mega Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 98-116 (25.5 - 30.2%) -- 0.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery (oh hey it breaks a sub)

Not the format but I'm a deviant

Stuff Worth Mentioning Maybe

Take these if you feel that they really beat Zapdos (e.g. if nidoqueen runs ice beam)

Clefable
Ability: Magic Guard

Nidoqueen
Type:

/

 

[Guwahavel]

Chansey as a Check on Normal

Chansey @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic
- Soft-Boiled

Chansey can switch into Discharge easily, and doesn't care about Toxic too much thanks to Natural Cure. In return it sets up Stealth Rock easily, can break Substitute with Seismic Toss, and threaten to Toxic Zapdos if it goes for Roost without a Substitute.

0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Eviolite Chansey: 67-79 (9.5 - 11.2%) -- possible 9HKO
Chansey Seismic Toss vs. 252 HP Zapdos: 100 (26%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Leftovers recovery


Mega Diancie as a Check on Fairy

a
Diancie-Mega @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Diamond Storm
- Moonblast
- Earth Power / Psychic

Mega Diancie bounces Toxic back at Zapdos and can break it's Substitutes with Moonblast to conserve Diamond Storm PP. Discharge paralysis is devastating however.

0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Diancie-Mega: 108-127 (44.8 - 52.6%) -- 24.6% chance to 2HKO

252 SpA Diancie-Mega Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 120 SpD Zapdos: 174-205 (45.3 - 53.3%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 Atk Diancie-Mega Diamond Storm vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 372-440 (96.8 - 114.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery


Alolan Muk as a Counter on Dark and Poison

Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Poison Touch
EVs: 248 HP / 100 Atk / 12 Def / 144 SpD / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Poison Jab
- Knock Off
- Pursuit
- Fire Punch
--OR--
Muk-Alola @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 240 SpD / 4 Spe
Careful Nature
- Recycle
- Curse
- Poison Jab
- Knock Off

Alolan Muk is immune to Toxic and takes barely anything from Discharge, and paralysis is actually partially beneficial to it to shield it from Scald burns from Mantine. Muk can avoid being PP stalled thanks to Poison Jab having 32 uses and it being able to consistently break Substitute, and can threaten to status and remove Leftovers from Zapdos. Curse variants in particular are far less susceptible to being chipped and can use Zapdos as setup fodder.

0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 248 HP / 144 SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 61-73 (14.7 - 17.6%) -- possible 6HKO
0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 252 HP / 240+ SpD Muk-Alola: 76-91 (18.3 - 21.9%) -- possible 5HKO

100+ Atk Muk-Alola Poison Jab vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 126-148 (32.8 - 38.5%) -- 4.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
100+ Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 151-178 (39.3 - 46.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Muk-Alola Poison Jab vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 103-123 (26.8 - 32%) -- 35.9% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 126-148 (32.8 - 38.5%) -- 99.3% chance to 3HKO

 

[Namranan]

Reserving Chansey, Alolan-Muk, and Mega Diancie

"7. You may reserve only one check or counter, but you must post before the cycle is over or else it won't be counted."