STATUS: COMPLETE AND READY FOR UPLOAD
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http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/victreebel
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[Overview]
<p>Although Venusaur's popularity as a Swords Dancer may cast a shadow over Victreebel, it does have a few defining differences. It has a higher base Attack stat than Venusaur. Victreebel's access to Leaf Blade's high critical hit ratio may make the difference when hitting Pokémon like Swellow or Blaziken on the switch. Victreebel also has Chlorophyll, which makes it a better fit in Sunny Day teams then Venusaur. Sucker Punch also provides Victreebel with a priority move, something that Venusaur lacks. While Victreebel is very frail, it can switch in on a predicted Leech Seed or Toxic unscathed. Victreebel is an underrated sweeper that few teams prepare for.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Sleep Powder / Encore
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With an Attack stat of 339 and an amazing STAB move in Leaf Blade, Victreebel has the ability to be a very potent physical sweeper in UU.</p>
<p>Leaf Blade is the standard STAB move on Victreebel. Sucker Punch helps take out threatening Pokémon who out speed Victreebel. Sleep Powder and Encore are both present on the set in hopes of letting Victreebel get in a free Swords Dance. Sleep Powder is the more preferable of the two. Encore requires a bit more prediction, but it can be useful when you switch in on a Leech Seed or Toxic.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Some may point to Cacturne as a more effective user of this set due to Cacturne's STAB Sucker Punch and higher Attack stat. Victreebel has some advantages over its Grass/Dark-type cousin. Its base Speed is 15 points higher, allowing Victreebel to rely on Sucker Punch less to do damage. Victreebel's typing is defensively more reliable. It lacks the Fighting-, Bug-, and Poison-type weaknesses that Cacturne carries while lacking the Psychic-type immunity and sharing the Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-type weaknesses. Leaf Blade also has a higher Base Power than Seed Bomb.</p>
<p>This set is perfect for taking out bulky Water- and Ground-types, allowing your own Water- and Ground-types to take on the opposing team. It's also an awesome wall breaker. It's especially good at taking out Chansey and Clefable, who could give your special sweepers trouble later in the match. It's best to make sure the opponent doesn't have a Steel-type waiting in the wings to come in and ruin your set up. Also, it's best to ensure you have an answer to Steel-types to clear the road so Victreebel can sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSalac
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sucker Punch / Return
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Substitute
item: Salac Berry
nature: Adamant / Jolly
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 244 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Like the previous set, the intent here is to allow Victreebel to sweep the opponent with a boosted Leaf Blade. However, instead of relying on boosting its Attack alone, this set aims to also boost Victreebel's below average Speed. Victreebel's best chance at making this set works is to switch it in on a Pokémon threatened by it and set up a Substitute. At this point, Victreebel can use Swords Dance behind the protection of the Substitute.</p>
<p>Due to Victreebel's below average defenses, its Substitute will be easily broken. This can be used to Victreebel's advantage. By continually using Substitute, Victreebel eventually reaches 25% health, which will activate the Salac Berry. With an Adamant nature and 244 EVs in Speed, Victreebel has a Speed stat of 237. After Salac Berry activates, Victreebel reaches 355 Speed, which outspeeds all base 110 Pokémon and ties with Jolly Purugly. If Victreebel is running a Jolly nature, it reaches 260 Speed. When Salac Berry activates, Victreebel reaches 390 Speed, outpacing all base 125 Pokémon. This is vital as you then outpace Swellow, who is a major threat to Victreebel.</p>
<p>The choice between Sucker Punch and Return relies on whether you're confident you can safely activate the Salac Berry. Return doesn't rely on the opponent attacking to work and does more damage overall. Ghost-types aren't a problem as Leaf Blade handles all of them in UU, even Haunter. Sucker Punch is helpful before the Salac boost, as it lets you take on faster opponents without boosting Victreebel's Speed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order for this SubSalac set to work, it's best to make sure the opponent's priority user is out of the picture, especially Ice Shard users. And if one appears, make sure you have an answer. Steel-types are good partners with any Victreebel set, absorbing most super effective attacks thrown at Victreebel. Fire-types also pair well with Victreebel, absorbing the Ice- and Fire-type attacks thrown at it.</p>
[SET]
name: Sunny Day Sweeper
move 1: SolarBeam
move 2: Weather Ball / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Sleep Powder / Sunny Day
item: Life Orb
nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Victreebel is usually too fragile to set up Sunny Day on its own, so it's best to have a sturdier team member use it and then switch Victreebel in for the sweep. The set is pretty straightforward. SolarBeam is a one-turn move in the sun and it will be Victreebel's main form of attacking on this set. In sunlight, Weather Ball is a Fire-type attack. This allows you to manhandle Steel-types switching in to Victreebel. It also hits Grass/Poison-types harder than Sludge Bomb would. However, Sludge Bomb hits Fire- and Flying-types more harshly, who will switch in to absorb SolarBeam as well. The last slot is personal preference. Sleep Powder will incapacitate an incoming counter. Sunny Day can be used if your initial Sunny Day user is out of the picture and you need some backup to be safe. You could also run Hidden Power Ice in the one of the last slots to hit Altaria for more damage.</p>
<p>The EVs allow you to outspeed max Speed base 95 Pokémon with a Choice Scarf when Sunny Day is active.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order for the Sunny Day sweeper to successfully function, one needs to make sure opposing weather changers are out of the picture. Luckily, Victreebel has the tools to take on all weather changers. All Rain Dance users are taken out by either Sleep Powder or SolarBeam. Snover is taken out in one hit by Hidden Power Fire. Hippopotas is mauled by a combination of Sunny Day and SolarBeam. A Fire-type can pair well with Victreebel to absorb attacks thrown at Victreebel by Pokémon looking to take advantage of Sunny Day. A Steel-type isn't as necessary to be paired with this Victreebel as they are usually hindered by Sunny Day. A way of taking out both Chansey and Clefable, such as Hariyama or Blaziken, is also necessary with this set as they wall it completely.</p>
[SET]
name: Growthbel
move 1: Energy Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Weather Ball / Sleep Powder
move 4: Growth
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While the boosts aren't as dramatic as with Swords Dance and you're working with the lower of Victreebel's attacking stats, this set's potential cannot be denied. Due to the lighter weight of Pokémon in UU, Energy Ball is preferred over Grass Knot on this set. If Victreebel has Sunny Day support, SolarBeam is also an option. Sludge Bomb will wreck any Grass-types that switch in. Hidden Power Fire is useful for Steel-types that will try to switch in to absorb Energy Ball and Sludge Bomb. Sleep Powder can also be used in this slot to allow Victreebel to use Growth without impediment. Stun Spore is also an option if you already have a sleep inducer on your team.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order for Growthbel to sweep successfully, Chansey needs to be out of the picture. It is best to have a strong physical sweeper to pair with Victreebel; a strong Fighting-move to overwhelm Chansey is preferable. Again, like all Victreebel sets, a Steel-type is necessary to absorb super effective attacks thrown at, especially if one chooses to go Hidden Power Ice to hit Altaria with over Hidden Power Fire.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Weather Ball
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Sleep Powder / Stun Spore
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Victreebel's fragility sometimes makes it too difficult for it to set up. This is remedied by slapping Choice Specs on it, which allows Victreebel to hit hard right away. Unlike the other special sets, Leaf Storm is the prime choice here—Victreebel will be switching in and out so the Special Attack drop isn't as much of a hindrance. Leaf Storm guarantees an OHKO on 252 HP/252 SpD Milotic while Energy Ball only manages a 2HKO. Hidden Power Fire will again hammer any Steel- and Grass/Poison-type switching in to absorb Leaf Storm. If Victreebel has Sunny Day support, Weather Ball is an option as it has a higher Base Power than Hidden Power in the sunlight. And if a sandstorm is brewing, Weather Ball OHKOes 4 HP/0 SpD Altaria 100% of the time with Stealth Rock down. Sludge Bomb will slam any Grass-type that switches in. Sleep Powder is here because Victreebel's special movepool is lacking and it gives general support overall. Stun Spore is also an option as paralysis will help Victreebel or another slow Pokémon sweep later in the game.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf is also a viable item choice, but Victreebel likes the power boost from Choice Specs.</p>
<p>As with the Sunny Day and Growthbel sets, Chansey is one of this set's biggest threats. Clefable is also another threat that needs to be handled by Victreebel's teammates. Pairing Victreebel with Magneton is helpful as you don't have to rely on Hidden Power Fire to take out opposing Steel-types and focus on using your STAB moves. Like all Choice sets, this set requires prediction. It's essential to have teammates take out threats who could turn the tides of the battle by using one of your mispredictions.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Victreebel has the ability to hit very hard. However, it's incredibly frail and has several common weaknesses. If it lacks Hidden Power Fire and Sludge Bomb on its set, Victreebel will struggle against most Steel- and Grass-types. This is remedied by including Pokémon who are capable of taking on these types.</p>
<p>First and foremost, it's vital to include a Steel-trapper on any team that includes Victreebel. In UU, the only viable Pokémon with Magnet Pull are Magneton and Probopass. Magneton is preferable due to its higher base Speed and Special Attack, which allows it to 2HKO all UU Steel-types with a combination of Thunderbolt/Hidden Power Fire/Magnet Rise. Magneton is also able to take on the Flying-types that resist Victreebel's main STAB move. Victreebel is also capable of eliminating the Ground-types that wall Magneton, so the two work very well together. However, Victreebel and Magneton both struggle with Fire-types, so a bulky Ground- or Water-type is usually needed as well. Milotic, Quagsire and Nidoqueen perform well in this department. Victreebel and Magneton meanwhile handle any bulky Water-type that may stand in their way. Lastly, a fast Flying- or Fire-type who can take on bulky Grass-types is also important for Victreebel's survival. Blaziken, Moltres and Swellow perform well in this department. All three can take on Pokémon like Venusaur and Sceptile with Fire Blast and Brave Bird respectively. Stealth Rock is also important to Victreebel's success. Pinsir serves this role well, as it can also take on the Grass-types who trouble Victreebel.</p>
<p>Victreebel also likes Sunny Day support, as each set would like the Speed boost provided by Sunny Day. Uxie, Mesprit, and Ambipom are all decent Sunny Day users in UU. Arcanine can be used as well due to its moderate bulk and its immunity to Fire-type attacks, which couples well with Victreebel's weaknesses.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>A Choice Band set (Leaf Blade/Return/Sucker Punch/Sleep Powder) is viable, but it is usually outclassed by the Swords Dance and SubSalac sets. Victreebel has several support options available. Teeter Dance works alongside Stun Spore to leave the opponent with a small chance of attacking. Knock Off is an unique move that robs the opponent of its item. Reflect gives more team support. Gastro Acid and Worry Seed can mess with Pokémon who rely on their ability. Synthesis provides healing, but Victreebel is rather fragile so it doesn't make great use of it. If you use Synthesis, it's best used in a Sunny Day team. Victreebel can also run a Mixed set with Leaf Blade/Sucker Punch/Hidden Power Fire or Weather Ball/Sleep Powder. This set prefers Sunny Day support. On the SubSalac set, Liechi Berry is a viable option. You would also use Sucker Punch over Return as you are losing the Speed boost.</p>
<p>For most sets, it's easiest to just max out the attacking stat Victreebel is using for that set and max out its Speed. On the SubSalac set, 12 HP EVs bring Victreebel to 304 HP, which is divisible by four and allows Salac Berry to activate after using Substitute three times.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Steel-types resist everything Victreebel throws out bar the occasional Hidden Power Fire. Registeel in particular gives Victreebel trouble. It can switch in with impunity on the physical-based sets and incapacitate Victreebel with Thunder Wave. Steelix can switch in on the SubSalac set and Roar away its boosts. Magneton also switches in easily and KOeswith Hidden Power Ice or Hidden Power Fire. Chansey manhandles any special-based set. Venusaur and Tangrowth can switch in on a Leaf Blade and KO Victreebel with Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Fire respectively. Essentially, any fast Fire- or Flying-type that can survive Sucker Punch that switches in safely will force Victreebel out. The frailer ones have to watch when switching in on Leaf Blade with its high critical hit rate, as it can easily KO Pokémon like Blaziken and Swellow in one hit.</p>
__________________
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/victreebel
__________________
[Overview]
<p>Although Venusaur's popularity as a Swords Dancer may cast a shadow over Victreebel, it does have a few defining differences. It has a higher base Attack stat than Venusaur. Victreebel's access to Leaf Blade's high critical hit ratio may make the difference when hitting Pokémon like Swellow or Blaziken on the switch. Victreebel also has Chlorophyll, which makes it a better fit in Sunny Day teams then Venusaur. Sucker Punch also provides Victreebel with a priority move, something that Venusaur lacks. While Victreebel is very frail, it can switch in on a predicted Leech Seed or Toxic unscathed. Victreebel is an underrated sweeper that few teams prepare for.</p>
[SET]
name: Swords Dance
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sucker Punch
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Sleep Powder / Encore
item: Life Orb
nature: Adamant
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With an Attack stat of 339 and an amazing STAB move in Leaf Blade, Victreebel has the ability to be a very potent physical sweeper in UU.</p>
<p>Leaf Blade is the standard STAB move on Victreebel. Sucker Punch helps take out threatening Pokémon who out speed Victreebel. Sleep Powder and Encore are both present on the set in hopes of letting Victreebel get in a free Swords Dance. Sleep Powder is the more preferable of the two. Encore requires a bit more prediction, but it can be useful when you switch in on a Leech Seed or Toxic.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Some may point to Cacturne as a more effective user of this set due to Cacturne's STAB Sucker Punch and higher Attack stat. Victreebel has some advantages over its Grass/Dark-type cousin. Its base Speed is 15 points higher, allowing Victreebel to rely on Sucker Punch less to do damage. Victreebel's typing is defensively more reliable. It lacks the Fighting-, Bug-, and Poison-type weaknesses that Cacturne carries while lacking the Psychic-type immunity and sharing the Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-type weaknesses. Leaf Blade also has a higher Base Power than Seed Bomb.</p>
<p>This set is perfect for taking out bulky Water- and Ground-types, allowing your own Water- and Ground-types to take on the opposing team. It's also an awesome wall breaker. It's especially good at taking out Chansey and Clefable, who could give your special sweepers trouble later in the match. It's best to make sure the opponent doesn't have a Steel-type waiting in the wings to come in and ruin your set up. Also, it's best to ensure you have an answer to Steel-types to clear the road so Victreebel can sweep.</p>
[SET]
name: SubSalac
move 1: Leaf Blade
move 2: Sucker Punch / Return
move 3: Swords Dance
move 4: Substitute
item: Salac Berry
nature: Adamant / Jolly
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 244 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Like the previous set, the intent here is to allow Victreebel to sweep the opponent with a boosted Leaf Blade. However, instead of relying on boosting its Attack alone, this set aims to also boost Victreebel's below average Speed. Victreebel's best chance at making this set works is to switch it in on a Pokémon threatened by it and set up a Substitute. At this point, Victreebel can use Swords Dance behind the protection of the Substitute.</p>
<p>Due to Victreebel's below average defenses, its Substitute will be easily broken. This can be used to Victreebel's advantage. By continually using Substitute, Victreebel eventually reaches 25% health, which will activate the Salac Berry. With an Adamant nature and 244 EVs in Speed, Victreebel has a Speed stat of 237. After Salac Berry activates, Victreebel reaches 355 Speed, which outspeeds all base 110 Pokémon and ties with Jolly Purugly. If Victreebel is running a Jolly nature, it reaches 260 Speed. When Salac Berry activates, Victreebel reaches 390 Speed, outpacing all base 125 Pokémon. This is vital as you then outpace Swellow, who is a major threat to Victreebel.</p>
<p>The choice between Sucker Punch and Return relies on whether you're confident you can safely activate the Salac Berry. Return doesn't rely on the opponent attacking to work and does more damage overall. Ghost-types aren't a problem as Leaf Blade handles all of them in UU, even Haunter. Sucker Punch is helpful before the Salac boost, as it lets you take on faster opponents without boosting Victreebel's Speed.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order for this SubSalac set to work, it's best to make sure the opponent's priority user is out of the picture, especially Ice Shard users. And if one appears, make sure you have an answer. Steel-types are good partners with any Victreebel set, absorbing most super effective attacks thrown at Victreebel. Fire-types also pair well with Victreebel, absorbing the Ice- and Fire-type attacks thrown at it.</p>
[SET]
name: Sunny Day Sweeper
move 1: SolarBeam
move 2: Weather Ball / Hidden Power Ice
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Sleep Powder / Sunny Day
item: Life Orb
nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Victreebel is usually too fragile to set up Sunny Day on its own, so it's best to have a sturdier team member use it and then switch Victreebel in for the sweep. The set is pretty straightforward. SolarBeam is a one-turn move in the sun and it will be Victreebel's main form of attacking on this set. In sunlight, Weather Ball is a Fire-type attack. This allows you to manhandle Steel-types switching in to Victreebel. It also hits Grass/Poison-types harder than Sludge Bomb would. However, Sludge Bomb hits Fire- and Flying-types more harshly, who will switch in to absorb SolarBeam as well. The last slot is personal preference. Sleep Powder will incapacitate an incoming counter. Sunny Day can be used if your initial Sunny Day user is out of the picture and you need some backup to be safe. You could also run Hidden Power Ice in the one of the last slots to hit Altaria for more damage.</p>
<p>The EVs allow you to outspeed max Speed base 95 Pokémon with a Choice Scarf when Sunny Day is active.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order for the Sunny Day sweeper to successfully function, one needs to make sure opposing weather changers are out of the picture. Luckily, Victreebel has the tools to take on all weather changers. All Rain Dance users are taken out by either Sleep Powder or SolarBeam. Snover is taken out in one hit by Hidden Power Fire. Hippopotas is mauled by a combination of Sunny Day and SolarBeam. A Fire-type can pair well with Victreebel to absorb attacks thrown at Victreebel by Pokémon looking to take advantage of Sunny Day. A Steel-type isn't as necessary to be paired with this Victreebel as they are usually hindered by Sunny Day. A way of taking out both Chansey and Clefable, such as Hariyama or Blaziken, is also necessary with this set as they wall it completely.</p>
[SET]
name: Growthbel
move 1: Energy Ball
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Weather Ball / Sleep Powder
move 4: Growth
item: Leftovers
nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>While the boosts aren't as dramatic as with Swords Dance and you're working with the lower of Victreebel's attacking stats, this set's potential cannot be denied. Due to the lighter weight of Pokémon in UU, Energy Ball is preferred over Grass Knot on this set. If Victreebel has Sunny Day support, SolarBeam is also an option. Sludge Bomb will wreck any Grass-types that switch in. Hidden Power Fire is useful for Steel-types that will try to switch in to absorb Energy Ball and Sludge Bomb. Sleep Powder can also be used in this slot to allow Victreebel to use Growth without impediment. Stun Spore is also an option if you already have a sleep inducer on your team.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>In order for Growthbel to sweep successfully, Chansey needs to be out of the picture. It is best to have a strong physical sweeper to pair with Victreebel; a strong Fighting-move to overwhelm Chansey is preferable. Again, like all Victreebel sets, a Steel-type is necessary to absorb super effective attacks thrown at, especially if one chooses to go Hidden Power Ice to hit Altaria with over Hidden Power Fire.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Hidden Power Fire / Weather Ball
move 3: Sludge Bomb
move 4: Sleep Powder / Stun Spore
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Victreebel's fragility sometimes makes it too difficult for it to set up. This is remedied by slapping Choice Specs on it, which allows Victreebel to hit hard right away. Unlike the other special sets, Leaf Storm is the prime choice here—Victreebel will be switching in and out so the Special Attack drop isn't as much of a hindrance. Leaf Storm guarantees an OHKO on 252 HP/252 SpD Milotic while Energy Ball only manages a 2HKO. Hidden Power Fire will again hammer any Steel- and Grass/Poison-type switching in to absorb Leaf Storm. If Victreebel has Sunny Day support, Weather Ball is an option as it has a higher Base Power than Hidden Power in the sunlight. And if a sandstorm is brewing, Weather Ball OHKOes 4 HP/0 SpD Altaria 100% of the time with Stealth Rock down. Sludge Bomb will slam any Grass-type that switches in. Sleep Powder is here because Victreebel's special movepool is lacking and it gives general support overall. Stun Spore is also an option as paralysis will help Victreebel or another slow Pokémon sweep later in the game.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Choice Scarf is also a viable item choice, but Victreebel likes the power boost from Choice Specs.</p>
<p>As with the Sunny Day and Growthbel sets, Chansey is one of this set's biggest threats. Clefable is also another threat that needs to be handled by Victreebel's teammates. Pairing Victreebel with Magneton is helpful as you don't have to rely on Hidden Power Fire to take out opposing Steel-types and focus on using your STAB moves. Like all Choice sets, this set requires prediction. It's essential to have teammates take out threats who could turn the tides of the battle by using one of your mispredictions.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>Victreebel has the ability to hit very hard. However, it's incredibly frail and has several common weaknesses. If it lacks Hidden Power Fire and Sludge Bomb on its set, Victreebel will struggle against most Steel- and Grass-types. This is remedied by including Pokémon who are capable of taking on these types.</p>
<p>First and foremost, it's vital to include a Steel-trapper on any team that includes Victreebel. In UU, the only viable Pokémon with Magnet Pull are Magneton and Probopass. Magneton is preferable due to its higher base Speed and Special Attack, which allows it to 2HKO all UU Steel-types with a combination of Thunderbolt/Hidden Power Fire/Magnet Rise. Magneton is also able to take on the Flying-types that resist Victreebel's main STAB move. Victreebel is also capable of eliminating the Ground-types that wall Magneton, so the two work very well together. However, Victreebel and Magneton both struggle with Fire-types, so a bulky Ground- or Water-type is usually needed as well. Milotic, Quagsire and Nidoqueen perform well in this department. Victreebel and Magneton meanwhile handle any bulky Water-type that may stand in their way. Lastly, a fast Flying- or Fire-type who can take on bulky Grass-types is also important for Victreebel's survival. Blaziken, Moltres and Swellow perform well in this department. All three can take on Pokémon like Venusaur and Sceptile with Fire Blast and Brave Bird respectively. Stealth Rock is also important to Victreebel's success. Pinsir serves this role well, as it can also take on the Grass-types who trouble Victreebel.</p>
<p>Victreebel also likes Sunny Day support, as each set would like the Speed boost provided by Sunny Day. Uxie, Mesprit, and Ambipom are all decent Sunny Day users in UU. Arcanine can be used as well due to its moderate bulk and its immunity to Fire-type attacks, which couples well with Victreebel's weaknesses.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>A Choice Band set (Leaf Blade/Return/Sucker Punch/Sleep Powder) is viable, but it is usually outclassed by the Swords Dance and SubSalac sets. Victreebel has several support options available. Teeter Dance works alongside Stun Spore to leave the opponent with a small chance of attacking. Knock Off is an unique move that robs the opponent of its item. Reflect gives more team support. Gastro Acid and Worry Seed can mess with Pokémon who rely on their ability. Synthesis provides healing, but Victreebel is rather fragile so it doesn't make great use of it. If you use Synthesis, it's best used in a Sunny Day team. Victreebel can also run a Mixed set with Leaf Blade/Sucker Punch/Hidden Power Fire or Weather Ball/Sleep Powder. This set prefers Sunny Day support. On the SubSalac set, Liechi Berry is a viable option. You would also use Sucker Punch over Return as you are losing the Speed boost.</p>
<p>For most sets, it's easiest to just max out the attacking stat Victreebel is using for that set and max out its Speed. On the SubSalac set, 12 HP EVs bring Victreebel to 304 HP, which is divisible by four and allows Salac Berry to activate after using Substitute three times.</p>
[Counters]
<p>Steel-types resist everything Victreebel throws out bar the occasional Hidden Power Fire. Registeel in particular gives Victreebel trouble. It can switch in with impunity on the physical-based sets and incapacitate Victreebel with Thunder Wave. Steelix can switch in on the SubSalac set and Roar away its boosts. Magneton also switches in easily and KOeswith Hidden Power Ice or Hidden Power Fire. Chansey manhandles any special-based set. Venusaur and Tangrowth can switch in on a Leaf Blade and KO Victreebel with Sludge Bomb and Hidden Power Fire respectively. Essentially, any fast Fire- or Flying-type that can survive Sucker Punch that switches in safely will force Victreebel out. The frailer ones have to watch when switching in on Leaf Blade with its high critical hit rate, as it can easily KO Pokémon like Blaziken and Swellow in one hit.</p>
