Resource Monotype Victim of the Week (INDEX THREAD)

[Namranan]

Guwahavel please finish your submission(s)

I will give you extra time to finish them up while the next victim is active.

Thank you to everyone else that participated though!

 

[Namranan]

(Banner By Ticken)

Trapper (Araquanid) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rest
- Spider Web
- Soak
- Toxic

or

Specially Defensive (Araquanid) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 52 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Scald
- Leech Life
- Mirror Coat


Araquanid is a rising star of the monotype metagame thanks to its recently found versatility thanks to a trapper set and its specially defensive set. While the specially defensive set is not as used anymore it can still be a good revenge killer for opposing fire types and helps bug out a ton in general. The trapper set however is the main threat to so many teams. The ability to effectively get rid of a defensive pokemon that cannot 2HKO araqunaid can be game changing, and allows bug to use its offensive mons to pick apart the rest of the opposing team. It is beacuse of these sets that araquanid has become a dangerous threat in the metagame, and is also why it is featured as this week's victim.

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:

​

 

[GnralLao]

Pivot Tapu Koko as a counter/check for Fairy teams

Tapu Koko @ Magnet
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt
- U-turn

Against Trapper Araquanid
Araquanid already has a very limited amount of Fairy-types it can trap (pretty much summed up to Klefki), but the presence of pivot Tapu Koko really hinders it and the rest of its team. Firstly, Taunt completely shuts it down, and secondly, Thunderbolt deals a huge amount of damage.

Against AV Araquanid
This Araquanid variant has much more potential against Tapu Koko, as Liquidation actually does more to Tapu Koko than Tapu Koko's Thunderbolt does to AV Araquanid. It also has Mirror Coat to OHKO Tapu Koko on a predicted Thunderbolt, but otherwise, Tapu Koko OHKOes it after enough chip damage.

Calcs

Against Trapper Araquanid
252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Araquanid in Electric Terrain: 254-300 (74.7 - 88.2%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Against AV Araquanid
252+ Atk Water Bubble Araquanid Liquidation vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 234-276 (83.2 - 98.2%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Araquanid in Electric Terrain: 228-270 (69.7 - 82.5%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Guwahavel]

Azumarill @ Normalium Z
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Knock Off
- Play Rough

Azumarill @ Leftovers
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Whirlpool
- Perish Song
- Protect
- Rest

Azumarill with Belly Drum can eat 2 Liquidations after Stealth Rock and 2HKO in return with Play Rough without using Z-Belly Drum. PerishPool Azumarill is the only reliable switch-in for the Trapper Araquanid on Water, being able to trap it in return with Whirpool and Rest off Toxic.

 

[Shokkking]

Jellicent as a Counter in Ghost teams

Jellicent @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 244 HP / 252 SpD / 12 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Recover

First of all, Jellicent is faster than Araquanid, so it can easily use Taunt against it. After that, the only options for Araquanid is to use a Water- or Bug-type move depending of the set. The first doesn't matter cause Jellicent has Water Absorb, and thanks to its Ghost typing, it resists Bug-type attacks. Jellicent can always act as a counter, but it has to be wary of switching into Toxic. Also Jellicent can't directly defeat Araquanid, but can use Toxic and stall him until death.

Relevant Calcs

Really have relevant calcs?
252+ Atk Araquanid Leech Life vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Jellicent: 64-76 (15.9 - 18.9%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

(Later I add more)

 

[Namranan]

Thank you to all who participated! These will be added to the OP at a later date

 

[Namranan]

(Banner By Ticken)

Stall Breaker (Keldeo) @ Waterium Z / Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump / Scald
- Taunt
- Calm Mind

or

Choiced (Keldeo) @ Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Scald / Hidden Power [Electric]
- Icy Wind
- Secret Sword

Keldeo has always been a relevant threat in the monotype metagame ever since its debut in gen5. Despite having a rather limited movepool, its ability to effectively hit both sides of the defensive spectrum as well as a good offensive typing and great stats allow it to be a great pokemon in monotype. Recently, calm mind sets have been getting traction again in order to take advantage of passive pokemon like last week's victim and use calm mind to boost its sweeping potential. It can also use a choiced set that allows it to either hit certain walls really hard immediately, or outspeed certain checks to its normal sets. Due to this wide array of viable options for keldeo, it can be hard for some types to deal with. Help the monotype community find ways to consistently handle this powerful pokemon.

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:

​

 

[Tapo Collino]

Normal Check

Pidgeot-Mega @ Pidgeotite
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Roost
- U-turn
This beautiful thing can outspeed non-scarfed Keldeos and OHKO them with Hurricane without fear of misses thanks to No Guard. While it is awesome, it's not always a perfect answer to Keldeo (see Calcs).

Calcs

Perfection:
252 SpA Pidgeot-Mega Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 404-476 (125 - 147.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Things to watch out for:
1. Scarf Keldeo: 252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Pidgeot-Mega: 214-253 (69.7 - 82.4%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
2. Boosted Keldeo: 252 SpA Pidgeot-Mega Hurricane vs. +1 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 270-318 (83.5 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Ghost Counter

Jellicent @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpD / 12 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic
- Scald
- Taunt
- Recover
Immune to both of Stall Breaker Keldeo's attacking moves, Jellicent can just scald it to death. Scarfed Keldeo barely does anything with Hidden Power Electric, leaving it to get a free Toxic/Scald on whatever comes in. Although Specs Keldeo can do a decent amount with max rolls, it still isn't enough to prevent Jellicent from Toxicing it and spamming Recover until it dies.

Calcs

252 SpA Keldeo Hidden Power Electric vs. 240 HP / 252+ SpD Jellicent: 92-110 (22.9 - 27.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hidden Power Electric vs. 240 HP / 252+ SpD Jellicent: 136-162 (33.9 - 40.3%) -- 37.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[mushamu]

Ghost check

Mimikyu @ Mimikium Z
Ability: Disguise
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Claw
- Shadow Sneak
- Play Rough

Mimikyu lives any of Keldeo's attacks using Disguise and KOs with Lets Snuggle Forever.

252 Atk Mimikyu Let's Snuggle Forever vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Keldeo: 528-624 (163.4 - 193.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Shokkking]

Latios as a Counter on Dragon teams

Latios (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Draco Meteor
- Trick
- Defog

First of all, Latios resists both Keldeo STAB and unfortunately Icy Wind can't OHKO it. With Choice Scarf, Latios can outspace even Scarf Keldeo due to his higher Speed Base stat. With his Psychic STAB, Latios can most of the time OHKO Keldeo (guaranteed after Stealth Rock chip damage). Also, Waterium Z Keldeo can boost its SpD with Calm Mind, a big problem for Psychic, but fortunately this set doesn't run any Ice-type attack.

Calcs

We have 3 sets, so:
Choice Specs
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 124-147 (41.1 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 123-145 (40.8 - 48.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Icy Wind vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 166-196 (55.1 - 65.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Choice Scarf
252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 82-97 (27.2 - 32.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 84-99 (27.9 - 32.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Keldeo Icy Wind vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 112-132 (37.2 - 43.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Waterium Z
Same calcs as Choice Scarf set

Latios
252 SpA Latios Psychic vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 320-380 (99 - 117.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

Gastrodon as a Counter on Ground

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Recover
- Toxic
- Earthquake
- Scald

Gastrodon is a wall, so Icy Wind and Secret Sword don't do much damage. Thanks to its typing and ability, it is immune to Hidden Power Electric and Hydro Pump, respectively. Gastrodon can stall Keldeo with Toxic + Recover and with Earthquake it can break Keldeo Substitute, which isn't here but still a set.
Just a reminder: Gastrodon can't counter Choice Specs Keldeo, but can check at full life.

Calcs

Choice Specs
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 190-225 (44.6 - 52.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Choice Scarf / Waterium Z
252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 127-150 (29.8 - 35.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

(Later I add more)

 

[Meta]

Poison Counter- M Venusaur

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 28 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sludge Bomb
- Synthesis

M Venu, already being a tank, resists both of Keldeo's stab which makes it a good switchin to it. M Venu also has giga drain which hits keldeo hard but also helps versus taunt cm keldeo.

Calcs:
252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Venusaur: 87-102 (23.9 - 28%) -- 92.7% chance to 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Venusaur: 130-153 (35.7 - 42%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Venusaur Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 176-210 (54.4 - 65%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Venusaur Giga Drain vs. +1 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 116-140 (35.9 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+1 252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Venusaur: 219-258 (60.1 - 70.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

As you can see with these calcs, even if keldeo is boosting with cm Venusaur can still hit for a good chunk and get restore some hp and is also able to tank a +1 though you do have to be wary of the z move. Nonetheless M Venu is still an amazing counter to Keldeo.

 

[Namranan]

(Banner By Ticken)

Revenge Killer (Tapu Bulu) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Stone Edge / Zen Headbutt
- Superpower

Wallbreaker (Tapu Bulu) @ Rockium Z / Fightinium Z / Life Orb
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Stone Edge / Superpower / Zen Headbutt
- Substitute

This isn't the first time Tapu Bulu has been put in the spotlight of Victim of the Week. In the past this pokemon was a scary wallbreaker with its Choice Band set, now with new metagame shifts it has become a user of a Choice Scarf and Substitute set. The Choice Scarf set allows it to act as decent speed control that can hit relatively hard thanks to Grassy Terrain, its typing allows it to take on quite a few attackers offensively as well. It's movepool also allows it to cover its bases when it comes to revenge killing threats in the metagame. However because of how common this set was, a new set was able to emerge and take the metagame over as well. The Substitute + Swords Dance wallbreaker set, allows Bulu to hit some of its old checks and take down walls that once completely stopped it. It is thanks to these sets that Tapu Bulu has become yet again a very scary and relevant pokemon that must be thought about when teambuilding. Help the monotype community find ways to deal with either of these sets or even both.

Remember to specify which set you are checking / countering in your post.

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:

​

 

[Shokkking]

Mega Venusaur as a Counter on Grass

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis

Mega Venusaur has an incredible Defense stat and can wall all Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu moves, killing it in return with Sludge Bomb. It can wall the wallbreaker set too, but Mega Venusaur doesn't like to switch in Zen Headbutt after Swords Dance boost.

Calcs

252 Atk Tapu Bulu Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Venusaur-Mega: 69-82 (18.9 - 22.5%) -- possible 6HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Venusaur-Mega in Grassy Terrain: 46-55 (12.6 - 15.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Life Orb Tapu Bulu Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Venusaur-Mega: 146-172 (40.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

Choice Scarf Victini as a Check on Psychic

Victini @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- U-turn
- Bolt Strike
- Trick

Victini is faster than Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu with its own Choice Scarf and can revenge kill with V-create.

Calcs

It is really necessary?
252 Atk Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 434-512 (154.4 - 182.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Choice Scarf Gengar as a Check on Ghost

Gengar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Trick
- Focus Blast

Gengar is faster than Tapu Bulu and Sludge Wave OHKO it.

Calcs

252 SpA Gengar Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Bulu: 648-768 (230.6 - 273.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Skarmory as a Counter on Flying

Skarmory @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 224 HP / 252 Def / 32 SpD
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Spikes
- Roost
- Whirlwind

Thanks to its typing and great phyically bulk, Skarmory can wall all Tapu Bulu moves and can kill it in two Brave Birds. Tapu Bulu can't even touch Skarmory, forcing a switch.

Calcs

0 Atk Skarmory Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 192-228 (68.3 - 81.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Tapu Bulu Superpower vs. 224 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 96-114 (29.3 - 34.8%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

(If no one add more, I will do it latter)

 

[Tapo Collino]

Normal Check

Pidgeot-Mega @ Pidgeotite
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Roost
- U-turn

Mega Pidgeot outspeeds Wallbreaker Tapu Bulu and OHKOs it with Hurricane. It can also serve as a check to the Revenge Killer (Choice Scarf) set if Tapu Bulu is not locked into Stone Edge, though it can take a Stone Edge from full most of the time if ever required.

Calcs

252 SpA Pidgeot-Mega Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Bulu: 386-456 (137.3 - 162.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pidgeot-Mega in Grassy Terrain: 177-209 (57.6 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Superpower vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pidgeot-Mega: 158-186 (51.4 - 60.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pidgeot-Mega: 106-125 (34.5 - 40.7%) -- 50% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pidgeot-Mega: 262-310 (85.3 - 100.9%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

Water Counter-ish (Choice Scarf)

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic Spikes / Toxic
- Scald
- Baneful Bunker
- Recover

Between Black Sludge and Grassy Terrain, Toxapex can come in and recover stall Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu. However, it does need Baneful Bunker to stall it to death if Tapu Bulu goes for Wood Hammer as it does have a decent chance to 2HKO. Using Baneful Bunker allows Toxapex to get that extra 12.5% HP every other turn to be able to stall Tapu Bulu to death from recoil (if you die to crit just complain hax). If it goes for Horn Leech instead, you can easily stall out Grassy Terrain and either Toxic stall it to death or cripple it with a burn from Scald.

Calcs

252 Atk Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex in Grassy Terrain: 157-186 (51.6 - 61.1%) -- 52% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery and Grassy Terrain recovery (18.3 - 21.7% recoil damage)
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex in Grassy Terrain: 100-118 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 93.2% chance to 4HKO after Black Sludge recovery and Grassy Terrain recovery

Water Check

Greninja @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Gunk Shot
- Dark Pulse
- U-turn

Greninja can come in after a teammate dies and revenge kill Tapu Bulu as long as it is not behind a substitute. With a Coice Scarf, Greninja outspeeds even Choice Scarf Tapu Bulu and OHKOs Tapu Bulu with Gunk Shot. Ice Beam can also be used for the guaranteed accuracy after just a little chip.

Calcs

4 Atk Protean Greninja Gunk Shot vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 444-528 (157.4 - 187.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Protean Greninja Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Bulu: 264-312 (93.6 - 110.6%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Grassy Terrain recovery (guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Grassy Terrain recovery)

Bug Check

Scizor @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Knock Off

Priority super effective Choice Band Bullet Punch boosted by Technician.
252+ Atk Choice Band Technician Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 288-338 (102.1 - 119.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

More Calc

It can come in on it but not multiple times:
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Superpower vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 131-155 (46.4 - 54.9%) -- 11.7% chance to 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Tapu Bulu All-Out Pummeling (190 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Scizor: 207-244 (73.4 - 86.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Grassy Terrain recovery

Bug Check

Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 124 HP / 252 Atk / 132 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Bullet Punch
- Roost

Mega Scizor can eat any hit besides a +2 Z move from Tapu Bulu and cleanly 2HKO it with Bullet Punch. Roost allows Mega Scizor to remain healthy to come in on Tapu Bulu.

Calcs

252+ Atk Technician Scizor-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 212-252 (75.1 - 89.3%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and Grassy Terrain recovery

+2 Calcs - Taking a +2 hit = Taking 2 unboosted hits
+2 252 Atk Life Orb Tapu Bulu Superpower vs. 124 HP / 0 Def Scizor-Mega: 255-300 (81.7 - 96.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
+2 252 Atk Life Orb Tapu Bulu Stone Edge vs. 124 HP / 0 Def Scizor-Mega: 212-250 (67.9 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
Pain Train
+2 252 Atk Tapu Bulu Continental Crush (180 BP) vs. 124 HP / 0 Def Scizor-Mega: 293-345 (93.9 - 110.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Grassy Terrain recovery
+2 252 Atk Tapu Bulu All-Out Pummeling (190 BP) vs. 124 HP / 0 Def Scizor-Mega: 309-364 (99 - 116.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and Grassy Terrain recovery

 

[Guwahavel]

Electric Check

Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Static / Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 148 Def / 108 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Discharge
- Heat Wave
- Roost
- Toxic / Defog

Zapdos switches into the Choice Scarf set fairly comfortably, avoiding a 2HKO from Wood Hammer even after Stealth Rock. Stone Edge can threaten it with prediction however. For the Swords Dance sets, Zapdos really only cares about sets with Rockium Z, as all other are unable to reliably KO it while it breaks their Subsitutes with Heat Wave easily. Static is also worth mentioning on non-Defog sets, as it can punish Bulu long-term for brainlessly spamming Wood Hammer or Horn Leech with paralysis.

252 Atk Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Zapdos in Grassy Terrain: 130-153 (33.8 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Zapdos in Grassy Terrain: 81-96 (21 - 25%) -- 29.6% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Zapdos: 192-228 (50 - 59.3%) -- 79.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Zapdos in Grassy Terrain: 231-273 (60.1 - 71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Tapu Bulu Continental Crush (180 BP) vs. 252 HP / 148+ Def Zapdos: 382-450 (99.4 - 117.1%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Zapdos Heat Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tapu Bulu: 172-204 (61.2 - 72.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

 

[Meta]

Ground Check- Mega Steelix

Steelix-Mega @ Steelixite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Impish Nature
- Curse
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Heavy Slam

M Steelix is probably ground's best answer to Tapu Bulu. It's steel typing leaves it neutral to grass and it has a whooping 230 base defense which let's it avoid a 2hko from bulu. M Steelix also has the ability to ohko bulu with heavy slam.

Calcs
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 4+ Def Steelix-Mega in Grassy Terrain: 129-153 (36.4 - 43.2%) -- 97.1% chance to 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
+2 252 Atk Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 252 HP / 4+ Def Steelix-Mega in Grassy Terrain: 255-301 (72 - 85%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
0 Atk Steelix-Mega Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 278-330 (98.5 - 117%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

 

[Hookah Doncic]

Poison Jab Mega Sharpedo [Check]
(Water)

Small change to an set can make a huge change. It helps with fairy a TON. You can threaten koko+bulu and keep screens off since keys dont have foul play. Now you wont get 6-0 by grass knot+sub koko or SD+sub Bulu if you play it right. Forgive my flex on the bulu play.

Sharpedo-Mega @ Sharpedonite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Protect
- Psychic Fangs
- Crunch
- ~~>Poison Jab<~~

Here’s a replay supporting reasoning: http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7monotype-841764299​

 

[Namranan]

(Banner By Ticken)

Curse Muk (Muk-Alola) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
EVs: 248 HP / 12 Def / 248 SpD
Careful Nature
- Curse
- Knock Off
- Poison Jab
- Recycle

or

Tank (Muk-Alola) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Poison Touch
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 12 Def / 248 SpD
Careful Nature
- Poison Jab
- Knock Off
- Pursuit
- Fire Blast

Alolan-Muk was one of the new Alolan forms that took the metagame by surprise. Once introduced in USUM, Alolan-Muk was shown to be really great as a tank, but during USUM a new set was found that utilized Curse and Recycle to allow muk to be able to become a very hard to stop setup sweeper. This set is so effective, that it actually gave dark a good chance against fairy, and forces some Pokemon to use Knock off on Muk in order to stop its recovery. Not only that, but yet another set has recently surfaced and allows Muk to have consistent recovery while still being a useful tank. Needless to say, this pokemon's effect on the metagame is more than noticeable. Help the Monotype community find ways to deal with this metagame threat.

Remember to specify which set you are checking / countering in your post.

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:

​

 

[Meta]

Flying Check- Gliscor

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

This mon literally has all the tools it needs to shut down muk. It has taunt so muk cannot curse on it, it has knock off so muk cannot use it's berry to heal, it hits muk hard with eq, and can heal off damage with roost. Just make sure to have your gliscor poisoned before muk uses knock off and you are pretty much set.

Calcs
0 Atk Gliscor Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 258-306 (62.4 - 74%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Gliscor: 91-108 (25.8 - 30.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Poison Heal

 

[mushamu]

Normal check

set

Diggersby @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Fire Punch
or
Diggersby @ Normalium Z
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Earthquake
- Quick Attack

Choice Band Diggersby eliminates Diggersby with either of its STABs. Swords Dance Diggersby also works if you want to be able to setup + sweep.

choice band calcs
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Diggersby Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 792-932 (191.7 - 225.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Diggersby Return vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 403-475 (97.5 - 115%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
unboosted swords dance calcs
252 Atk Huge Power Diggersby Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 480-566 (116.2 - 137%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Huge Power Diggersby Breakneck Blitz (160 BP) vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 384-453 (92.9 - 109.6%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

0 Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diggersby: 135-160 (43.4 - 51.4%) -- 6.6% chance to 2HKO

 

[smub]

Ice Check

Mamoswine @ Choice Band
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Superpower

Mamoswine can simply remove Alolan Muk with a Choice Band Earthquake even after it uses Curse. However, it will take a lot from a boosted Knock Off:

252 Atk Choice Band Mamoswine Earthquake vs. +1 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 408-482 (98.7 - 116.7%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
+1 0 Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mamoswine: 195-231 (54 - 63.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Guwahavel]

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Haze
- Recover
- Toxic Spikes

Toxapex as a Counter on Water and Poison

Toxapex just sits there spamming Haze and threatening a Scald burn. It can't be poisoned by Poison Jab and doesn't mind losing its Black Sludge to Knock Off too much due to Regenerator.

+2 0 Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 117-138 (38.4 - 45.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Tapo Collino]

Flying Check: Landorus Therian

Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Stone Edge

Landorus-T always outspeeds and OHKOs unboosted Muk-A. If it is boosted, Lando-T can still deal with up to +2 Muk-A. Just make sure you don't need it's Choice Scarf for anything important.

Calc

252 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 440-522 (106.5 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Psychic Assault Vest Check: Earthquake Mega Latios

Latios @ Latiosite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Psychic
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power Fire
- Recover

While the whole point of Assault Vest Muk-A is to Pursuit trap Psychic types like Latios, Mega Latios is a different story. With a good 130 base attack, even an (almost) uninvested Earthquake 2HKOs Muk-A. What makes this even better is that you can even bluff a Choice Scarf pre-mega to lure Muk-A in and surprise your opponent with an Earthquake. However, it needs to watch out for Curse sets as the recovery from the Berry gives Muk-A the chance to curse up and eventually beat this Mega-Latios set

Calcs

4 Atk Latios-Mega Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 226-268 (54.7 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios-Mega: 146-174 (48.5 - 57.8%) -- 93.4% chance to 2HKO

Water Check: Keldeo

Keldeo @ Choice Specs / Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Scald / Hidden Power Electric

Keldeo @ Waterium Z / Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Calm Mind
- Taunt

Secret Sword allows Keldeo to take advantage of Assault Vest variants' underwhelming physical bulk to 3HKO or 2HKO with Choice Specs.
However, Taunt Keldeo is the only one that can reliably beat Recycle variants as it can prevent it from Recycling to get its source of recovery back or Cursing up to lower Secret Sword's damage. After Taunting, Keldeo can then safely 3HKO Muk-A with Secret Sword.

Calcs

252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 172-204 (41.6 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 259-306 (62.7 - 74%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Muk-Alola Poison Jab vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Keldeo: 99-117 (30.6 - 36.2%) -- 46.9% chance to 3HKO

My brain goofed with keldeo lol

 

[NylaTheWolf]

Reserving Mega Pinsir on Bug Teams

Bug Check:

Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Close Combat/Earthquake

This is a pretty average set for Mega Pinsir, except for the last move, but I will explain later.

Swords Dance is used to boost its attack and making it easier and faster to knock him out. It can also negate any Fire Blast burns. Return is for an Aerialite+STAB move that is probably the best move to use against Muk, and it doesn't lower both defenses like CC. Although, Close Combat is also nice to use against Dark Teams, especially Tyranitar. However, Earthquake is also a good option, as it hits Alolan Muk super effectively. It depends on what you want.

I mean, look at these calcs:

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 283-334 (68.5 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 567-667 (137.2 - 161.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. +1 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 379-447 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. +2 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 283-334 (68.5 - 80.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Yeah, Muk isnt standing a chance!

 

[DemonBldz]

Steel Check: Excadrill


Excadrill @ Choice Scarf
Jolly Nature
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Rapid Spin

Excadrill can easily OHKO Muk-Alola and outspeed it, even when Muk-Alola is at +1 it would still be a 2HKO.

252 Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 422-498 (102.1 - 120.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. +1 248 HP / 12 Def Muk-Alola: 282-332 (68.2 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO