Project Victim of the Week

[Aragorn the King]

Week 4:
Wow! 7 checks and 7 counters! Thanks so much for all of the contributions! The only bad part of this is having to eliminate eight solid entries. So, as always, feel free to PM me if you're wondering why your/a entry wasn't chosen. No one's ever done that, so I'm guess I'm doing a good job at choosing them. Either that or I'm unapproachable... let's go with the first one. Anyway, by recommendation of Lil YoshiXD, and with support from three other members who frequent this thread, the next three victims will be based on Pokemon whose effectiveness in OU is limited by Aegislash. The first of these Pokemon is Mega Medicham!

Medicham @ Medichamite
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- Fire Punch
- Ice Punch

 

[D-Ssain]

Counter

Slowbro @ Rocky Helmet/Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
Evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Psychic
- Slack Off
- Thunder Wave/Toxic

Slowbro resists High Jump Kick, Zen Headbutt and Fire Punch. Rocky Helmet helps as the indirect damage hurts Medicham a lot since it also loses life because of the Sub and has no way of getting health back unless it runs the terrible Drain Punch.

Calcs (To prove how good Slowbro is).
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 119-141 (30.2 - 35.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 119-141 (30.2 - 35.7%) -- 36.3% chance to 3HKO (This would be for Rocky Helmet)
4 SpA Slowbro Psychic vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 111-132 (42.5 - 50.5%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO.

 

[sparktrain]

Counter

Cresselia (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 208 Def / 52 SpA
Bold Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Moonlight / Psyshock

Sets up all over Mega Medicham, and can counter it regardless of Medicham's coverage moves, unlike some other Calm Minders (mainly looking at Latias).

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Fire Punch vs. 248 HP / 208+ Def Cresselia: 90-106 (20.3 - 23.9%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 248 HP / 208+ Def Cresselia: 116-137 (26.1 - 30.9%) -- 7.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 52 SpA Cresselia Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 262-310 (100.3 - 118.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Medicham struggles to break Cresselia's sub (unless it stays in and spams HJK but seriously who would do that lol), while Cresselia can easily get up a Calm Mind or two. The EV spread allows Cress to OHKO Medicham at +2 while maintaining maximum physical bulk.

 

[D-Ssain]

Counter

Cresselia (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Moonblast

I like it but you are missing Moonlight. A counter needs to replenish its health over and over. I would suggest Moonlight over Substitute.

 

[Mowtom]

Check

Landorus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
Timid / Naive Nature
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Earth Power
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Sludge Wave / Knock Off / Stealth Rock

A full health Landorus can switch into any of Mega Medicham's move barring Ice Punch, which this one doesn't carry, and outspeed and OHKO with Earth Power.

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Landorus: 237-280 (74.2 - 87.7%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Landorus: 192-226 (60.1 - 70.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Landorus Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 261-308 (100 - 118%) -- guaranteed OHKO

If Medicham Substitutes, Landorus breaks the sub, takes a hit and finishes it with Earth Power. This is a check rather than a counter because it wins 1v1, but cannot switch in consistently (no recovery) or on every move (hello Ice Punch). It also cannot switch in on the (incredibly rare and suboptimal) Medicham that uses Bullet Punch, as that will KO after Landorus switches in on the wrong attack. However, it is a good way of dealing with Medicham if at full health, and if it isn't, it can always revenge kill.

 

[sparktrain]

I like it but you are missing Moonlight. A counter needs to replenish its health over and over. I would suggest Moonlight over Substitute.

was in the process of editing, but thank you

 

[Sun King]

Counter

Cofagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 248 HP/252 Def/ 8 SpA
Bold Nature
-Shadow Ball
-Will O Wisp
-Pain Split
-Knock Off

Mummy gets rid of Pure Power, and then Cofagrigus threatens with burn. It can 2HKO with Shadow Ball. Pain Split as pseudo recovery, should you run into the Blob. Knock Off is there purely for team support.

4 SpA Cofagrigus Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 188-224 (72 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Zebstrika]

Sableye @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Recover
- Will-O-Wisp
- Foul Play
- Taunt

Sableye is immune to both stabs, and not weak to any coverage it could run. In addition, its presence deters High Jump Kick or mega medicham will lose half its health. Sableye can then priority-burn Mega Medicham to effectively take away its Huge Power boost, and Foul Play breaks subs if necessary (keep in mind that Foul Play doesn't factor in Medicham's Huge Power, so it won't do quite as much damage as you would think). Knock Off also usually breaks the subs, it's guaranteed with 12 Atk EVs.

Try to switch in on Medicham's STABs if you can, you'll punish it a lot if you switch into High Jump Kick, and its elemental punches can actually sting before it's burned (but still won't 2HKO).

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sableye: 119-140 (39.1 - 46%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Sidnv]

Since Landorus can't stand Ice Punch, I've switched my nomination to a shaky Bulk Up Talonflame check that works only if Rocks aren't up.

Check

Talonflame @ Leftovers
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def/ 252 SpDef
Careful Nature
-Bulk Up
-Brave Bird
-Roost
-Will-O-Wisp

Talonflame, in the absence of Stealth Rocks, survives the OHKO from any move of Medicham's and OHKO's with priority Brave Bird. It also has Roost to maintain it's health and check Medicham multiple times if necessary. However, it's not the safest of checks because, as mentioned, Rocks kill it and it does not like Zen Headbutt. A defensive version of Talonflame might check Medicham better but it's much worse overall.

 

[InvisibleWater]

Counter:

Wobbuffet @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD
Bold Nature
- Counter
- Mirror Coat
- Encore
- Destiny Bond

Wobbuffet's massive base HP stat allows it to score a guaranteed 1HKO with Counter, regardless of what Medicham throws at it, and can lock it into Substitute or a move resisted by teammates with Encore.

The given EV investments allow Wobbuffet to switch into all of Medicham's moves except the extremely rare and gimmicky Reversal.

Calcs

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Wobbuffet: 177-208 (33.9 - 39.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Fire Punch vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Wobbuffet: 136-161 (26 - 30.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Zen Headbutt vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Wobbuffet: 109-129 (20.8 - 24.7%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Wobbuffet: 136-161 (26 - 30.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

 

[Aragorn the King]

Check:

Wobbuffet @ Leftovers
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Counter
- Mirror Coat
- Encore
- Destiny Bond

Wobbuffet's massive base HP stat allows it to score a guaranteed 1HKO with Counter, regardless of what Medicham throws at it, and can lock it into Substitute or a move resisted by teammates with Encore.

Wobbuffet is only a check because it can't switch into High Jump Kick. Even if it survives long enough to Counter it, it will most likely leave Wobbuffet with just enough HP to be finished off by something else.

Calcs

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Wobbuffet: 272-321 (46.5 - 54.9%) -- 10.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Wobbuffet: 168-198 (28.7 - 33.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Wobbuffet: 210-248 (35.9 - 42.4%) -- 94.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

Just one note: the generally recommended Wobbuffet set uses 252 Defense EVs, 252 Special Defense EVs, a Sitrus Berry, and a Bold Nature, thus becoming basically the perfect counter to it, as it only takes 35% from a High Jump Kick. You could change or keep what you wrote; I'm just saying... :)

 

[Parker.]

CHECK

Noivern @ Life Orb
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spd
Timid/Modest Nature
- Air Slash
- Boomburst
- Draco Meteor / Dragon Pulse
- Flamethrower

Noivern is a nice check to Mega Medicham. Without Stealth Rock, and assuming Jolly, Noivern avoids the OHKO from all of Medicham's moves on the set (it lives with, at worst, 1 HP from Zen Headbutt). Air Slash OHKOs in return. What sets Noivern apart from other attacking checks is one thing: Infiltrator. If Medicham subs on the switch, Noivern can attack regardless and get a free switch-in.

Calcs:
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noivern: 262-310 (84.2 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noivern: 213-251 (68.4 - 80.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Noivern Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 299-354 (114.5 - 135.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Lil YoshiXD]

Aragorn the King I feel Ice punch should probably be listed as a move as it has
55.113% usage and is on most sets. Most of the time its pretty unrealistic to be switching things like lando-T into mega-medicham

BTW thanks for doing this

 

[Aragorn the King]

Aragorn the King I feel Ice punch should probably be listed as a move as it has
55.113% usage and is on most sets. Most of the time its pretty unrealistic to be switching things like lando-T into mega-medicham

BTW thanks for doing this

np :)

And regarding Ice Punch, I generally like to use Smogon sets to emulate what would happen in high level play. And as we all know, the ladder doesn't do this well. Fake Out is Medicham's 2nd most used move, and Drain Punch, Psycho Cut, and Bullet Punch are all used more than Fire Punch and Substitute, which happen to be the only ways Medicham handles Aegislash. If I get as many entries as we did last week, and all are sound, I'll be biased against Pokemon weak to its other common coverage moves, but idk about changing it. The current moveset is its recommended moveset to avoid Sucker Punches and to avoid losing to Aegislash. However, Ice Punch is common, and would greatly change its counters. I don't know what to do. I'll wait to see what the response would be to changing Substitute to Ice Punch. Again, it's not the ideal set, and it does restrict the amount of counters, while also increasing the amount of check and staying more accurate to the ladder.

Keep posting checks/counters as normal, but keep in mind the possible moveset change. I'll decide by tomorrow, so no need to extend the deadline or anything. Plus, this usually dies by the week's respective Thursday.

 

[Durant]

Counter:

Doublade @ Eviolite
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Shadow Sneak
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

It isn't Aegislash so it counts lol. Anyway Resttalk Doublade can switch into any move Medicham has, even Fire Punch and hits back hard with Shadow Claw which is a 2 hit KO without attack investment.

252+ Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Fire Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Doublade: 108-128 (33.5 - 39.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

4 Atk Doublade Shadow Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Medicham: 188-224 (72 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

4 Atk Doublade Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Medicham: 108-128 (41.3 - 49%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Doublade switches in, takes a Fire Punch and can kill with a combination of Shadow Claw and Shadow Sneak. Doublade can act as a counter as it isn't worn down over time and can switch in on Medicham and defeat it 1 on 1.

 

[linkinparkrules]

With the Substitute set, i think Mega Gardevoir is a check (so beautiful <3)

Gardevoir @ Gardevoirnite
Ability: Trace -> Pixilate
EVs: 252 Spatk / 252 Spe / 4 SpD
Timid Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Taunt
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast

Mega Gardevoir resist both of Mega Medicham's STAB and can strike back and KO Cham with super effective STAB Hyper Voice. Since HV is a sound move so it will pass through Sub. Timid nature in order to gain speed tie with max speed jolly medicham. Although Resist both of Cham's STAB, Gardevoir has a very wet-paper defence so it can't even take hit well from Cham's Attack, especially when in low health so this babe is a Check only. Some Cal:

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 125-148 (44.9 - 53.2%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO
even psycho cut got the 2HKO:
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Psycho Cut vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 135-159 (48.5 - 57.1%) -- 94.1% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Ice Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 193-228 (69.4 - 82%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Fire Punch vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Gardevoir: 193-228 (69.4 - 82%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Jaroda]

Problem is if you didn't Megavolve Gardevoir yet, Megacham will always outspeed you the first turn, and you'd be easily 2HKO. Whereas if you go Bold 252/252 Garcevoir can't be 2HKO by anything and still more than easily OHKO with Hyper Voice through a Sub.

Gardevoir@Gardevoirite
Pixilate
Bold 252 HP / 252 Df / 4 SpA
~ Hyper Voice
~ Will - O - Wisp
~ Substitute/Calm Mind
~ Wish

Now you are a full stop to Megacham and can harass the rest of the team with WoW and help your own team with Wish.

 

[Thunderorange]

I believe that this mega medicham set needs to be changed because almost no one uses it. Mega med without prioity? Also Ice punch is a staple on mega medicham sets and fire punch is rare.

 

[Aragorn the King]

I believe that this mega medicham set needs to be changed because almost no one uses it. Mega med without prioity? Also Ice punch is a staple on mega medicham sets and fire punch is rare.

You're right; it's unrealistic to counter Medicham with something weak to Ice. I'm going to replace Substitute with Ice Punch. Removing Fire Punch and replacing it with a (bad) priority more wouldn't affect anything, so this set (should be final). Sorry Sidnv; to make the set more realistic, your check now doesn't work. Feel free to change it to something that can take advantage or there not being Substitute :)

 

[Lil YoshiXD]

Surprised no one has done this yet.

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Soft-Boiled
- Psychic/Psyshock/Knock Off
- Taunt/Defog/Knock Off/Aura Sphere/Flamethrower/U-turn


Mew is probably mega medichams best counter.
The given evs lets you always survive 2HJK after stealth rock.
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mew: 128-151 (31.6 - 37.3%) -- 86.3% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

16 spe to out-speed neutral 252spe base 70s (bisharp, breloom)

Bold nature as the extra physical bulk is so helpful tanking things like Talonflame Brave Birds and Terrakion Stone Edges. Timid could be used as an alternative to out-speed more things.
252+ Atk Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mew: 171-202 (42.3 - 50%) -- 34.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Terrakion Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mew: 178-210 (44 - 51.9%) -- 72.7% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

The necessary moves are Soft-Boiled as it provides healing. The other necessary move is Will-O-Wisp as it cripples most physical attackers. This lets Mew beat some of its common switch ins like Bisharp, Tyranitar, and Scizor and they can't Pursuit trap Mew.
252 Atk Choice Band burned Tyranitar Crunch vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Mew: 145-172 (35.8 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock, sandstorm damage, and Leftovers recovery

The last two move slots there is much more options.
Psychic or Psyshock can be used as stab and main attack option. Great for hitting Mega Venu, among other things. Knock off is a great utility move. Taunt lets Mew be a great stall breaker, Defog if your team needs it. Aura Sphere and flamethrower both give decent coverage. U-turn for utility.

Other options for people to consider for beating Mega Medicham: Mega Pinsir, Gengar, Victini.

 

[Sun King]

Mega Medicham isn't getting past Cofagrigus, like, ever. Counter.

This mummy has the rare ability to not only sponge any hits Medicham throws its way, but also rob it of its greatest asset: Cofagrigus negates Medicham's Pure Power and turns it into Mummy upon taking a hit. Cofagrigus is usually looked over in favor of Sableye for a team's annoying WoW wall slot (Sableye gets the coveted Recover), but Cofag's got a few things over the prankster imp: Trick Room, better mixed defenses for abusing Pain Split, Shadow Ball coming off a usable 95 SpAtk, and enough versatility to run an offensive Nasty Room set.

Virtually any max HP Cofag can come in on Medicham, but to be completely safe we'll go with max defense Bold:

Cofagrigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Pain Split
- Trick Room / Haze / Knock Off

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Psycho Cut vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 106-126 (33.1 - 39.3%) -- 11.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Mega Medicham Psycho Cut vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 54-64 (16.8 - 20%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery { w/ Mummy }

0 SpA Cofagrigus Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Medicham: 188-224 (72 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Incidentally Cofag also threatens to burn Mega Heracross, who only has a 1.1% chance to 3HKO unboosted.

I think the only thing you added to this was a picture.

 

[Flygoner818]

CHECK

Victini @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-Create
- U-Turn
- Final Gambit
- Trick

252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Victini: 177-208 (51.9 - 60.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Medicham: 280-331 (107.2 - 126.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Victini is a soft-counter/check to Mega Medicham. It can just take an neutral-natured HJK and is guaranteed a OHKO in return with V-Create. Thanks to Choice Scarf, Victini doesn't have to worry about messy speed ties. As an added bonus, it can use Final Gambit for a surprise kill. It also gets a ton of utility with U-Turn and Trick.

 

[Sidnv]

Victini isn't a counter and is actually a really shaky check. It can basically only switch into Medicham once since it has no recovery. After that it can only revenge kill and that is actually the purpose it serves here.

 

[dinotrek27]

I believe that this mega medicham set needs to be changed because almost no one uses it. Mega med without prioity? Also Ice punch is a staple on mega medicham sets and fire punch is rare.

I cried reading this... Fire punch is used to hit Aegislash and it's priority is super weak and barely worth using

 

[Sidnv]

There is the point that if Aegislash goes, then Fire Punch will be sub-optimal (Sub will probably replace it) and this is somewhat a consideration of Medicham counters in the absence of Aegislash. Although Doublade is pretty much the only Pokemon mentioned that Medicham would use Fire Punch against so it doesn't really affect the discussion.