Project ORAS RU Victim of the Week (NEW THREAD: http://spo.ink/votw)

[mauritsfb]

Carbink as a Check

Carbink @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind

Carbink is an excellent counter to (mega) Houndoom. It resists both of his Houndooms stabs due his Rock/Fairy typing and after it switches in, it can freely go for rest to heal up back to full. After it does that, use Sleep Talk to boost your special defense and attack, or dish out a some neutral damage with moonblast.

Time for some calcs:

Life Orb Houndoom:

252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Carbink: 73-86 (24 - 28.2%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Carbink: 53-62 (17.4 - 20.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Hidden Power Grass vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Carbink: 107-127 (35.1 - 41.7%) -- 79.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 Life Orb Houndoom:

+2 252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Carbink: 146-172 (48 - 56.5%) -- 32.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Carbink: 105-125 (34.5 - 41.1%) -- 63.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Hidden Power Grass vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Carbink: 213-252 (70 - 82.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

I see Carbink as a check instead of a counter because of the following:

- It gets destroyed by HP Grass after a calm mind.
- It can't really put out a lot of damage with moonblast, even with a calm mind
- Carbink can't really be used for too much else, it is no coincidence it is in NU.

4 SpA Carbink Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Houndoom: 72-85 (24.7 - 29.2%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
+1 4 SpA Carbink Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Houndoom: 108-127 (37.1 - 43.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Every Houndoom that doesn't carry HP Grass, will always be useless against a Carbink. For that, it makes it an excellent check to Houndoom, but it can't really be used for too much else.

- Maurits

 

[FullLifeGames]

Check:

Houndoom @ Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Dark Pulse
- Hidden Power [Ground]

The choice of HP Ground might seem a bit odd at first, but it allows Houndoom to check Houndoom and prevent switches to other Houndooms, Combusken and Emboar.
You can come in on a Fire Blast, Flame Charge and Hidden Power Grass without risking a speed tie because you 2HKO with HP Ground.
If you come in on any other move, it's always a speed tie, but you always have a 50/50 chance to come out on top.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Houndoom: 185-218 (63.5 - 74.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 90-107 (30.9 - 36.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 181-213 (62.1 - 73.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Edit: Changed HP Fighting to HP Ground, since there is no IV drop. Thanks dwarfstar for pointing that out!

 

[dwarfstar]

FullLifeGames Minor correction: your Houndoom set is always outsped by the one it's supposed to be checking because Hidden Power Fighting forces an even Speed IV (and thus your maximum is 30), whereas HP-Grass works with 31. Still works as a check, but there is no Speed tie.

 

[aVocado]

bumping to see if anyone else wants to post anything!!

people who submitted a pokemon can submit another one if they don't, i'll get a new victim tomorrow (christmas hype)

 

[lrode]

COUNTER

Politoed @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 76 SpA / 180 SpD, alternatively 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Surf/Scald
- Ice Beam
- Encore
- Toxic

spd politoed counters this thing p well. it can take dark pulses 4 days, and with this spread it switches into whatever and 1hkos it with surf after 2 life orb recoils even if that fuckboy gets a flinch (scald would usually be the preferred option but surf allows you to compromise less of dat bulk) , or if you have a rock setter and feel pretty confident you don't even need to run the extra spatk or surf as politoed kills houndoom off after all of that residual damage anyway. the other 3 moves are defensive politoed essentials.

CALCS: (remember to consider life orb recoil!)

76 SpA Politoed Surf vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 234-276 (80.4 - 94.8%)
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 180+ SpD Politoed: 117-138 (30.4 - 35.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 SpA Politoed Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 192-228 (65.9 - 78.3%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Politoed: 109-130 (28.3 - 33.8%) -- 96% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

CONS:

the only problem with this set is if he nasty plots on the switch then you are p much fucked. if you have rocks on the field however then this is not a problem.

 

[lighthouses]

Gligar as a check.

Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 30 Spe
- Roost
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Defog

It's surprising how spdef gligar is actually useful, it can be a emergency switch in for dragalge(takes 70~80 and can roost/eq), switch into mega scept and pivot around with u-turn or maybe even acrobatics if your team needs a emergency check to it, and it also checks houndoom quite well.

252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Gligar: 133-156 (39.9 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Gligar: 261-308 (78.3 - 92.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
while:
0 Atk Gligar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Houndoom: 294-348 (101 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

So yeah, not much to talk about, switch it in, threaten it with eq or pivot with uturn, if your main houndoom check is gone you might wanna keep gligar healthy tho n_n

 

[GOthee]

COUNTER

Politoed @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 76 SpA / 180 SpD, alternatively 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Surf/Scald
- Ice Beam
- Encore
- Toxic

spd politoed counters this thing p well. it can take dark pulses 4 days, and with this spread it switches into whatever and 1hkos it with surf after 2 life orb recoils even if that fuckboy gets a flinch (scald would usually be the preferred option but surf allows you to compromise less of dat bulk) , or if you have a rock setter and feel pretty confident you don't even need to run the extra spatk or surf as politoed kills houndoom off after all of that residual damage anyway. the other 3 moves are defensive politoed essentials.

CALCS: (remember to consider life orb recoil!)

76 SpA Politoed Surf vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 234-276 (80.4 - 94.8%)
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 180+ SpD Politoed: 117-138 (30.4 - 35.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 SpA Politoed Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 192-228 (65.9 - 78.3%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Politoed: 109-130 (28.3 - 33.8%) -- 96% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

CONS:

the only problem with this set is if he nasty plots on the switch then you are p much fucked. if you have rocks on the field however then this is not a problem.

Well since you are pretty much fucked if he Nasty plots i dont think hes a Counter, just a Check.
Though I recognize Politoad Special defenses are very good. Maybe with Assault vest he can be a true counter.

 

[g]

COUNTER

Politoed @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 76 SpA / 180 SpD, alternatively 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Surf/Scald
- Ice Beam
- Encore
- Toxic

spd politoed counters this thing p well. it can take dark pulses 4 days, and with this spread it switches into whatever and 1hkos it with surf after 2 life orb recoils even if that fuckboy gets a flinch (scald would usually be the preferred option but surf allows you to compromise less of dat bulk) , or if you have a rock setter and feel pretty confident you don't even need to run the extra spatk or surf as politoed kills houndoom off after all of that residual damage anyway. the other 3 moves are defensive politoed essentials.

CALCS: (remember to consider life orb recoil!)

76 SpA Politoed Surf vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 234-276 (80.4 - 94.8%)
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 180+ SpD Politoed: 117-138 (30.4 - 35.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 SpA Politoed Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Houndoom: 192-228 (65.9 - 78.3%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Politoed: 109-130 (28.3 - 33.8%) -- 96% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

CONS:

the only problem with this set is if he nasty plots on the switch then you are p much fucked. if you have rocks on the field however then this is not a problem.

Taking idea from this "nomination"
COUNTER

Poliwrath @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Circle Throw
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Even with no Special Defense investment Poliwrath takes any kind of hit coming from Houndoom thanks to its natural bulk. It is not prone to be set up on thanks to Circle Throw and has a semi reliable recovery option in Rest+Sleep Talk that also gets it around being crippled by WIll. This only fits on full stall really but countering Houndoom as well as other threats such as Mega Glalie and Doublade as well as checking Pangoro makes it worth using n_n

calc

252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Poliwrath: 113-133 (29.4 - 34.6%)
252 SpA Life Orb Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Poliwrath: 82-97 (21.3 - 25.2%)

 

[termi]

Why the hell would you use this when Poliwrath has the same moves, better stats, and resists Dark Pulse?

shut your mouth

 

[aVocado]

The week's over, I hope ya'all had a good christmas :]

Checks: Dugtrio (me again) | Sharpedo (Kevun) | Emboar (Ranger Mike)
Counters: Combusken (galbia) | Zweilous (Hot N Cold) | Poliwrath (galbia again)

this thing seriously lacks hard solid counters when Zweilous and Poliwrath are seriously considered lol

anyway, for this week's victim, it's our favourite seahorse (besides Kingdra)!

Dragalge @ Choice Specs
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 192 HP / 252 SpA / 64 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Fire] / Focus Blast
- Dragon Pulse / Focus Blast

go nuts, be creative!

 

[g]

CHECK

Gligar @ Eviolite
Ability: Immunity
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Roost

Specially Defensive Gligar switches into every move on the set without getting 2HKO (or OHKOd by Draco) and easily outspeeds Roosts up to avoid the 2HKO from Draco Meteor (that is why it works better with a Fairy-type of some sort to deter Draco Meteor spam) . After Gligar gets to Knock Off Dragalge it takes 55% Maximum from Draco Meteor becoming completely fullproof. The immunity Stealth Rock variant cannot be Poisoned by Sludge Bomb/Wave and is generally an awesome Stealth Rock setter to defeat Bronzong. This set is also an awesome switch in for Choice Scarf Moltres and can also check Pidgeot in a pinch and counter pretty much any Electric-type while still being able to check Fighting-types quite handily.

calcs

252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Gligar: 240-284 (72 - 85.2%) OUCH
252+ SpA Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Gligar: 160-190 (48 - 57%)
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Sludge Bomb vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Gligar: 84-99 (25.2 - 29.7%)

 

[aVocado]

Update: to avoid confusion, everyone has to post damage calcs when they're submitting their check/counter. This makes it easier for everyone to see how effective the Pokemon in question is as a check/counter.



dugtrio as a check

Dugtrio @ Choice Band / Life Orb
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Sucker Punch
- Memento / Aerial Ace

Easily revenge kills and traps, not much needs to be said.

252 Atk Life Orb Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Dragalge: 335-398 (100.2 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Focus Sash Dugtrio can even directly switch in if no hazards are in Dugtrio's field, although it needs some prior damage to ensure an OHKO with Earthquake:

252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 192 HP / 4 Def Dragalge: 258-306 (80.8 - 95.9%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Mega-Swampert]

Bronzong as a Check

Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Heatproof
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Toxic
- Gyro Ball
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock

This is probably a sub-optimal set/spread. Anyway, bronzong tanks hp fire/Focus blast well, even better with heatproof, but some teams may want the ground immunity. Earthquake 2hkos dragalge after rocks. Gyro ball is STAB, rocks are rocks, and toxic helps do damage(to other mons). You can run rest, but you don't have to.

Calcs

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 114-135 (33.7 - 39.9%) -- 90.7% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 114-136 (33.7 - 40.2%) -- 91.2% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Heatproof Bronzong: 58-70 (17.1 - 20.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 93-109 (27.5 - 32.2%) -- 99.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 192 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 144-170 (45.1 - 53.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[lrode]

welcome back wolf pack, introducing: Metang as a Counter (i'm so sorry)

very niche (Metang) @ Eviolite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 180 HP / 56 Atk / 252 SpD / 20 Spe
Careful Nature
- Zen Headbutt
- Meteor Mash
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

what's special about this steel-plated nigga is its ability to switch into dragalge's 2 most spammed moves with ease, sludge bomb for obvious reasons, and draco meteor for 2 reasons. 1: it only takes about 26% from it, which is miniscule when taking into account dragalge's power, and 2: it can abuse the spatk drop that follows by doing 2 things: resting up or going straight for an attack. let's go over the EVs now: 56 in attack is to always 2hko with zen headbutt, 20 speed is to speed creep the spread posted here so it can switch into an HP fire and beat dragalge 1v1 , and the rest are invested in bulk to maximize this guys ability to take a draco like it's nothing.

CALCS

56 Atk Metang Zen Headbutt vs. 192 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 162-192 (50.7 - 60.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 180 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Metang: 79-93 (25.8 - 30.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Hidden Power Fire vs. 180 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Metang: 100-118 (32.6 - 38.5%) -- 98.3% chance to 3HKO

 

[pokemonisfun]

Question: What is hax? Is there a certain threshhold we need to follow? Like is a Draco Meteor missing (10% given no modifiers) hax? Whats the probability for hax? Asking because Sludge Bomb poisons can make or break Cresselia sometimes, as well as full Paralysis.

Counter

Cresselia@Leftovers (Floating)

Calm: 252 HP 252 SpD 4 Spe
~Thunder Wave
~Psychic
~Moonlight
~Moonblast

252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Cresselia: 228-270 (51.3 - 60.8%) -- 92.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
-2 252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Cresselia: 114-136 (25.6 - 30.6%) -- 2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Cresselia: 158-188 (35.5 - 42.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Cresselia Psychic vs. 192 HP / 0 SpD Dragalge: 128-152 (39.8 - 47.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

The only way Dragale is winning (not factoring in crits) is a first turn Sludge Bomb Poison followed by consistently rolling max. Not likely!

You switch in (you outspeed) and eat a Draco Metoer. You are at (60.8+12.5) about 33% health now after Leftovers and hazards and a max roll. You can Paralyze to cripple and get chances of full Para or attack or heal, in any case the next Metero won't ko you and you are safely on your way to killing Dragale (Psyshock would be better but Psychic fits the metagame better I feel)

You switch in (you outspeed) and eat a Sludge Bomb. You are at (42.3+12.5+12.5) 38% because you got unlucky and got a max roll and Poison. Each turn you can heal 56% from Leftovers and Moonlight but you take in about 55% from Sludge Bomb max and normal Poison. You lose this scenario because low PP and the increasing amounts of chances to get critted.

You switch in and eat a Sludge Bomb. You are at (42.3+12.5) 50% from a max and Leftovers and SR. You can live the next hit no matter what and you can heal or attack or Paralyze.

Its hard to make a bigger tree of possibilities with their probabilities but you get the point, only in the worst possible hax will you lose.

 

[Grey Waves]

Escavalier as a check

Escavalier @ Assault Vest
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 174 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Megahorn
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Drill Run

Assault Vest Escavalier is a very good check to Dragalge due to it resisting Draco Meteor/Dragon Pulse and being immune to Sludge Bomb. With the given spread, Escavalier can switch into any move, bar HP Fire, and 2HKO Dragalge with Drill Run.

Calcs:


252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 174 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Escavalier: 91-108 (28 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Focus Blast vs. 174 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Escavalier: 113-133 (34.8 - 41%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth
Rock
Dragalge Sludge Bomb vs. Escavalier: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time
252+ Atk Escavalier Drill Run vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 216-256 (67.2 - 79.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[boltsandbombers]

Registeel as a Counter

Registeel @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Curse
- Iron Head

With a massive Special Defense stat and the fact that it resists or is immune to both of Dragalae's STAB moves, Registeel is a solid answer. Registeel only has to fear a Focus Blast on the switch (and lets be real that is not hitting twice), while HP Fire cannot come close to being able to 2HKO. Registeel can then rest off the damage or start setting up Curse boosts. Pretty simple imo.

Calcs:

252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 103-122 (28.2 - 33.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 96-114 (26.3 - 31.3%) -- 85.7% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 192-226 (52.7 - 62%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Not really necessary, but:

0 Atk Registeel Iron Head vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 75-88 (23.3 - 27.4%) -- 64.3% chance to 4HKO

 

[Ajna]

Probopass as a check

Probopass @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Volt Switch
- Stealth Rock
- Flash Cannon/Power Gem
- Toxic/Pain Split

Probo switches into everything bar focus blast and hydro pump then continues to gain momentum for your team. It also spreads toxics as well as it can sometimes heal itself with pain split.

252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Probopass: 103-122 (31.7 - 37.6%) -- 0.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Probopass: 174-206 (53.7 - 63.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Probopass: 48-57 (14.8 - 17.5%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[aVocado]

Golbat as a... check or counter tbh I'm not sure. but i'm leaning towards counter.

Golbat @ Eviolite
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Super Fang
- Roost
- Toxic / Defog

252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Golbat: 220-260 (62.3 - 73.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-2 252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Golbat: 112-132 (31.7 - 37.3%) -- 84.1% chance to 3HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Dragon Pulse vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Golbat: 146-172 (41.3 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

It's really tight but Golbat can switch into Draco Meteor even with Stealth Rock up, survive, Roost up, and survive the second one. Dragon Pulse is is a pain because it can keep spamming it but with Golbat always outspeeding, it should win assuming SR is out of the field and dragalge doesn't get a crit. I don't recommend Defog because Golbat really hates SR when checking Dragalge but if you really need it, then it's usable. Super Fang is a must as you need that + a bit of prior damage (more than 12% from SR) to kill Dragalge after a Super Fang:

0 Atk Golbat Brave Bird vs. 176 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 118-139 (37.4 - 44.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO



also hilarious I would not count crits when factoring in checks/counters, but 30% poison/burn from like sludge bomb or scald should be counted.

 

[gorex]

Slowking as Counter

Slowking @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 76 SpA / 4 SpD / 180 Spe
Calm Nature
-Scald
-Psyshock
-Fire Blast
-Dragon Tail

With that EVs, Slowking can enter into anything attack of Dragalge, outspeed and give him 2HKO with Psyshock. Focus Blast and HP Fire aren't the problem.

Hide

76 SpA Slowking Psyshock vs. 192 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 204-242 (63.9 - 75.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 4+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 49-58 (12.4 - 14.7%) -- possible 7HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Dragalge Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 4+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 25-29 (6.3 - 7.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Draco Meteor could be a problem because it makes Slowking:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 4+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 214-252 (54.4 - 64.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
But Slowking can resist another hit because of the drop and kill him the next turn: -2 252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 4+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 108-128 (27.4 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

vs Sludge Bomb the damages ares similar, Slowking resists 2 hits and kills in 2 turns outspeeding dragalge: 252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Sludge Bomb vs. 248 HP / 4+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 148-176 (37.6 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

The fact that it takes over 50% from the initial Draco makes it more of a check than a counter, since the definition of a counter is being able to switch in to any moves comfortably and a counter should be able to beat all sets that the mon has. 252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 234-276 (59.5 - 70.2%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and 3 layers of Spikes, renders Slowking as more of a check and not a counter as you said. The reason why I posted the calc with SR and Spikes is because Dragalge is a suitable wallbreaker for HO SpikesStack since it can hit really hard with Adaptability+Choice Specs. The fact that Dragalge has a 30% chance to get a poison on Slowking if it switches in on Sludge Bomb, actually makes it able to get OHKO'ed by Draco Meteor upon switch-in, depending on the roles that it gets.

Another reason why your post is wrong is because Slowking should be running a spread of 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD with a Modest Nature instead of the one you posted is because running speed to outspeed Dragalge is pretty much irrelevant since you need the SpA investment to be able to handle other threats and tailoring the spread just for Dragalge is not needed in my opinion, mainly because if you do not run into a Dragalge, the spread pretty much does not work as well as the standard spread does. The maximum amount of speed I would run is 8, to creep standard AV Escavalier and OHKO it with Fire Blast after Rocks. Here is the calc: 252+ SpA Slowking Fire Blast vs. 174 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Escavalier: 284-336 (87.6 - 103.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock. I strongly believe that customising the spread just to speed creep Dragalge hinders the overall viability of Slowking as a special tank. So I suggest editing your post to make it a check and change the EV spread.

 

[Luispeikou]

The fact that it takes over 50% from the initial Draco makes it more of a check than a counter, since the definition of a counter is being able to switch in to any moves comfortably and a counter should be able to beat all sets that the mon has. 252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 234-276 (59.5 - 70.2%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and 3 layers of Spikes, renders Slowking as more of a check and not a counter as you said. The reason why I posted the calc with SR and Spikes is because Dragalge is a suitable wallbreaker for HO SpikesStack since it can hit really hard with Adaptability+Choice Specs. The fact that Dragalge has a 30% chance to get a poison on Slowking if it switches in on Sludge Bomb, actually makes it able to get OHKO'ed by Draco Meteor upon switch-in, depending on the roles that it gets.

Another reason why your post is wrong is because Slowking should be running a spread of 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD with a Modest Nature instead of the one you posted is because running speed to outspeed Dragalge is pretty much irrelevant since you need the SpA investment to be able to handle other threats and tailoring the spread just for Dragalge is not needed in my opinion, mainly because if you do not run into a Dragalge, the spread pretty much does not work as well as the standard spread does. The maximum amount of speed I would run is 8, to creep standard AV Escavalier and OHKO it with Fire Blast after Rocks. Here is the calc: 252+ SpA Slowking Fire Blast vs. 174 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Escavalier: 284-336 (87.6 - 103.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock. I strongly believe that customising the spread just to speed creep Dragalge hinders the overall viability of Slowking as a special tank. So I suggest editing your post to make it a check and change the EV spread.

Hmm, I think I'll delete the pokemon because Slowking is KO'ed for Draco Meteor and Sludge Bomb and Slowking can't kill him if SR aren't setted. Thx for the post bro :)

 

[aVocado]

the week is up!

my picks:

checks: Dugtrio (me) | Gligar (galbia) | Bronzong (Mega-Swampert)
counters: Registeel (boltsandbombers) | Cresselia (hilarious) | Golbat (me)

I swear I'm not rigging these there are so few submissions that I end up choosing my own a lot of the time sorry guys :[

in the meantime, Bummer made a sick banner that I put in the OP so check it out!

as for this week's victim:

Sceptile @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute / Leaf Storm
- Giga Drain / Hidden Power Fire
- Focus Blast
- Dragon Pulse

(note: use hp fire with leaf storm, giga drain with substitute)

go nuts, be creative!

 

[boltsandbombers]

reserving whimsicott no worries galbia

Escavalier as a Check

En Garde (Escavalier) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Megahorn
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Drill Run / Pursuit

Escavalier is a solid check to Mega Sceptile as it resists both of Mega Sceptile's STAB moves and only has to fear Hidden Power Fire. Escavalier also only takes ~30% from Focus Blast. In the case that the opposing Sceptile has HP Fire, Escavalier can easily tank one after switching into a Giga Drain / Dragon Pulse / Leaf Storm, and will always OHKO with Megahorn (provided it hits).

Calcs:

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Dragon Pulse vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Escavalier: 48-57 (14.8 - 17.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Escavalier: 91-108 (28.1 - 33.4%) -- 96.4% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Hidden Power Fire vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Escavalier: 184-220 (56.9 - 68.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252+ Atk Escavalier Megahorn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Sceptile: 560-662 (199.2 - 235.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO (2 ded lizards)

 

[g]

Check

Whimsicott @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 160 HP / 96 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- U-turn
- Moonblast
- Encore
- Giga Drain

or...

Whimsicott @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Encore
- Moonblast
- Giga Drain
- Stun Spore / Hidden Power [Fire] / Hidden Power [Rock]

This cute fluffball is one of the most reliable answers to Mega Sceptile you can fit in your offensive teams. Thanks to its fantastic typing it has it freely switches in on Focus Blast, Dragon Pulse, and Giga Drain taking only around 30% maximum and then it can either Encore it in a weak move or into Substitute (OR SWORDS DANCE), gain momentum with U-turn, or just do very heavy damage with Moonblast (offensive variants OHKO it). Needless to say Leaf Storm and Hidden Power Fire variants can be quite annoying if they predict the switch in but you won't get anything better on offensive teams and you can take one anyway not to mention they are rarer than Substitute + 3 Attacks.

calc

252 SpA Mega Sceptile Giga Drain vs. 160 HP / 0 SpD Whimsicott: 84-99 (27.9 - 32.8%)

 

[Anty]

Counter

Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock / Protect
Bronzong is a solid counter as it can come in and take several focus blasts and hp fires (they do the same amount). It also doesnt fear switching in and taking tons of possible hazard damage is it resists rocks and is immune to spikes. A specially defensive spread obviously does this the best, as it can tank hits then either gyro ball to deal heavy damage/break sub or set up stealth rocks on it:

calcs

252 SpA Sceptile Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 74-88 (21.8 - 26%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 73-87 (21.5 - 25.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Sceptile Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 59-70 (17.4 - 20.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Bronzong Gyro Ball (147 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Sceptile: 204-241 (72.5 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

It can also switch in multiple times as it gets at least two sets of lefties from switching in then staying in a turn, it can also use protect when low on health.