Project Victim of the Week

[Teeny Victory]

Reserving Mega Diancie
Hard Check

Diancie @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Earth Power
- Rock Polish / Protect / Calm Mind / HP Fire (filler slot)

Diancie is a pretty hard check to Volcarona. When M-Evolved, it can come in on all of Volcs attacks, except for quiver dance, and easily OHKO back with diamond storm. However, if it isn't M-Evolved, it can come in easily as Volc quivers up and still proceed to OHKO Back. So Diancie wins in both situations depending on weather it is M-Evolved or not, as if it is mega'd it can come in as volc attacks and if it isn't mega'd it can come in as Volc sets up. It is important to remember NOT to mega evolve if you come in on a quiver dance, as normal Diancie can tank a +1 Giga drain, while mega diancie can't thanks to its lower bulk. A Hasty nature is chosen to take a +1 Giga Drain while not Mega evolved, as naive has a chance of being OHKO'd after stealth rocks.

Calcs:
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Diancie: 178-210 (73.8 - 87.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Tanks any +1 hit while not mega'd
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Diancie: 156-184 (64.7 - 76.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Lives any unboosted hit on the switch-in while mega'd, and then outspeeds and OHKO's back
4 Atk Diancie Diamond Storm vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 612-724 (186 - 220%) -- guaranteed OHKO
OHKO's wether or not you are mega'd

So to sum it up:
M-Diancie/Diancie wins if it:
a) comes in on a quiver dance while not mega evolved
or b) comes in on any attack other than quiver dance while already mega-evolved
it then OHKO's back in both situations

 

[hipoNucleus]

COUNTER

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 8 def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Haze
- Rest
- Sleep Talk/defog

i use defog instead of sleeptalk with clef for heal bell support but meh. volc cant really do much to it bar setting up and mantine gets haze so lol! Mantine might seem weird to some but can actually function quite well in the meta, say hi manaphy and keldeo. i dont really need to explain much so here are the calcs

252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mantine: 43-51 (12.9 - 15.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mantine: 86-102 (25.8 - 30.6%) -- 2.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mantine: 52-62 (15.6 - 18.6%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mantine: 105-123 (31.5 - 36.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mantine: 48-57 (14.4 - 17.1%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mantine: 96-113 (28.8 - 33.9%) -- 99.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. Mantine: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time

4 SpA Mantine Scald vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Passho Berry Volcarona: 69-82 (20.9 - 24.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
4 SpA Mantine Scald vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 138-164 (41.9 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

so yyeah good game.

 

[DarkNostalgia]

Only post sets viable in OU. Niche Pokemon such as regular Heracross and Gourgeist-XL are totally acceptable, but bottom-of-the-barrel stuff like Pyroar and Shedinja aren't. The viability ranking thread is your best friend, so if something isn't ranked there, 95% of the time it's not worth posting here.

Mantine isn't viable in OU.

 

[Laurel]

Only post sets viable in OU. Niche Pokemon such as regular Heracross and Gourgeist-XL are totally acceptable, but bottom-of-the-barrel stuff like Pyroar and Shedinja aren't. The viability ranking thread is your best friend, so if something isn't ranked there, 95% of the time it's not worth posting here.

Mantine isn't viable in OU.

Mantine floats, defogs and checks Keldeo. It is definitely /viable/ in OU. The only other hazard removing keld check is Starmie, but Starmie can be Pursuit trapped and doesnt have a ground immunity

 

[G-Von]

Check
Blissey@Leftovers
EV's: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SpD
Trait: Natural Cure
Bold Nature
-Softboiled
-Thunder Wave
-Seismic Toss
-Stealth Rock

The ultimate special wall before Eviolite and Assault Vest were introduced the past two gens, Blissey is here to put a stop to Volcarona. I really wanted to make this a counter, but if Volcarona can break through paralysis and FB misses, than it can come out on top. however, if one FB misses or gets fully paralyzed, Volcarona will go down. Here's the best case scenario for Volc:
Blissey switches in; Volc QD's
Volc QD's; Blissey uses T-wave
Blissey uses ST; Volc QD's
Blissey uses ST; Volc uses FB and does 50 - 58.8% and Blissey recovers 6.25% HP
Blissey uses ST; Volc uses FB and does 50 - 58.8% and Blissey dies 3/4 of the time and if not, Blissey wins

Also, I have to take into account the burn chance of Flame Body since Seismic Toss is a contact move. So in the worst scenario for Blissey, it will lose 74.2% of the time without factoring in hax. Blissey is also good for setting up SR if Volc chooses to attack first and switches out, so the next time it comes in, it will probably be as death fodder.

 

[FullLifeGames]

Check

Entei @ Choice Band
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sacred Fire
- Extreme Speed
- Stone Edge
- Bulldoze

Entei is a good Check to Volcarona, since it resists Volcarona's Fire Blast and Giga Drain.
If the coverage move is Hidden Power Ground it can still come in on it and revenge Volcarona with an Extreme Speed after Stealth Rocks.
If we don't factor in Stealth Rocks, Entei can loose though, because Volcarona has a 47.7% chance to 2HKO with a Hidden Power Ground.
When Volcarona Quiver Dance's, Entei is most times save because it can either Extreme Speed if Stealth Rocks are up or Sacred Fire, if they aren't, because you have a 50/50 chance to live a Hidden Power Ground.

Calcs

Entei

252+ Atk Choice Band Entei Sacred Fire vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 349-412 (106 - 125.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Entei Extreme Speed vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 187-221 (56.8 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Volcarona unboosted

252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 117-138 (31.5 - 37.1%) -- 86.1% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 53-63 (14.2 - 16.9%) -- possible 6HKO
252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 170-202 (45.8 - 54.4%) -- 47.7% chance to 2HKO

Volcarona unboosted with Stealth Rocks

252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 117-138 (31.5 - 37.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 53-63 (14.2 - 16.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 170-202 (45.8 - 54.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Volcarona boosted with Stealth Rocks

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 175-207 (47.1 - 55.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 80-94 (21.5 - 25.3%) -- 0.5% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 256-302 (69 - 81.4%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Random Passerby]

Reserving Dragonite


Name : Dragonite
Status: Counter

Dragonite @ Leftovers
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 216 HP / 64 Atk / 228 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Roost
- Dragon Claw
- Extreme Speed
- Fire Punch

Dragonite doesn't care about anything Volcarona does and can 2HKO it with Dragon Claw + Extremespeed (barring Flame Body hax). Roost allows Dragonite to heal itself and does its jobs more consistently. Extremespeed can used to pick off weakened foes while Fire Punch allows you to land hits on Scizor, Ferrothorn and Skarmory.

Calculations:
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 216 HP / 228 SpD Multiscale Dragonite: 37-44 (9.8 - 11.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
64+ Atk Dragonite Dragon Claw vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 183-216 (55.6 - 65.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
64+ Atk Dragonite Extreme Speed vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 122-144 (37 - 43.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Imperator Romanum]

Check

Entei @ Choice Band
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sacred Fire
- Extreme Speed
- Stone Edge
- Bulldoze

Entei is a good Check to Volcarona, since it resists Volcarona's Fire Blast and Giga Drain.
If the coverage move is Hidden Power Ground it can still come in on it and revenge Volcarona with an Extreme Speed after Stealth Rocks.
If we don't factor in Stealth Rocks, Entei can loose though, because Volcarona has a 47.7% chance to 2HKO with a Hidden Power Ground.
When Volcarona Quiver Dance's, Entei is most times save because it can either Extreme Speed if Stealth Rocks are up or Sacred Fire, if they aren't, because you have a 50/50 chance to live a Hidden Power Ground.

Calcs

Entei

252+ Atk Choice Band Entei Sacred Fire vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 349-412 (106 - 125.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Entei Extreme Speed vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 187-221 (56.8 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Volcarona unboosted

252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 117-138 (31.5 - 37.1%) -- 86.1% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 53-63 (14.2 - 16.9%) -- possible 6HKO
252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 170-202 (45.8 - 54.4%) -- 47.7% chance to 2HKO

Volcarona unboosted with Stealth Rocks

252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 117-138 (31.5 - 37.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 53-63 (14.2 - 16.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 170-202 (45.8 - 54.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Volcarona boosted with Stealth Rocks

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 175-207 (47.1 - 55.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 80-94 (21.5 - 25.3%) -- 0.5% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 256-302 (69 - 81.4%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

You can run assault vest to make Entei a Counter, as it can come in and survive a +1 HP Ground and OHKO back with Stone edge

 

[ThePack]

You can run assault vest to make Entei a Counter, as it can come in and survive a +1 HP Ground and OHKO back with Stone edge

4. Only post sets viable in OU. Niche Pokemon such as regular Heracross and Gourgeist-XL are totally acceptable, but bottom-of-the-barrel stuff like Pyroar and Shedinja aren't. The viability ranking thread is your best friend, so if something isn't ranked there, 95% of the time it's not worth posting here.

 

[Imperator Romanum]

4. Only post sets viable in OU. Niche Pokemon such as regular Heracross and Gourgeist-XL are totally acceptable, but bottom-of-the-barrel stuff like Pyroar and Shedinja aren't. The viability ranking thread is your best friend, so if something isn't ranked there, 95% of the time it's not worth posting here.

How on earth is Entei not viable in OU?

 

[DarkNostalgia]

He meant Assault Vest on Entei lol

 

[ThePack]

How on earth is Entei not viable in OU?

Entei is completely viable in OU, however its niche is its CB Set, which allows it to hit extremely hard. Assault Vest Entei isn't really viable in OU, as its utility is severely limited through the absence of the additional power that CB provides.

 

[GnralLao]

Kingdra as a Check

Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 64 HP / 252 SpA / 192 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Surf
- Ice Beam

With a Passho Berry and Giga Drain, Volcarona has the tools it needs to deal with mons regularly found in rain teams. Still, Kingdra stands as being an effective Volcarona check in the rain. In fact, Kingdra only takes substantial damage to Bug Buzz, which isn't that common on Volcarona (but still in the set, so I included it). After tanking one of Volcarona's damaging moves, Kingdra can outspeed the moth and OHKO with Hydro Pump.

Non-boosted calcs

252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Kingdra: 88-104 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 0.5% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Kingdra: 159-187 (51.7 - 60.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Hydro Pump vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Passho Berry Volcarona in Rain: 343-405 (104.2 - 123.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

The worst case scenario would be that Kingdra switches in on a Quiver Dance. If that happens, Kingdra still outspeeds Volcarona and 2HKOes with Surf but takes a hefty amount of damage from a +1 Bug Buzz (if it doesn't have it, Kingdra loses half of its HP at most from +1 Giga Drain).

Boosted calcs

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Kingdra: 132-156 (42.9 - 50.8%) -- 3.1% chance to 2HKO

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 64 HP / 0 SpD Kingdra: 237-279 (77.1 - 90.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Surf vs. +1 72 HP / 0 SpD Passho Berry Volcarona in Rain: 187-222 (56.8 - 67.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

If Volcarona has a Lum Berry instead, Kingdra can then outspeed and OHKO with Surf even if it has switched in on a Quiver Dance.

Non-Passho Berry calcs

252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Surf vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona in Rain: 560-660 (170.2 - 200.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Surf vs. +1 72 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona in Rain: 374-444 (113.6 - 134.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Random Passerby]

Kingdra as a Check

Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 64 HP / 252 SpA / 192 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Surf
- Ice Beam

Really shaky since if Rain isn't up, Kingdra loses because Volca can outspeed and 2HKO it with Bug Buzz (or 1 Bug Buzz + 1 Giga Drain) or OHKO it with +1 Bug Buzz after Stealth Rock.

 

[GnralLao]

Really shaky since if Rain isn't up, Kingdra loses because Volca can outspeed and 2HKO it with Bug Buzz (or 1 Bug Buzz + 1 Giga Drain) or OHKO it with +1 Bug Buzz after Stealth Rock.

That's why I added "in the rain". Also, Kingdra should always be used in the rain, so I thought that was a given circumstance/requirement.

 

[Random Passerby]

That's why I added "in the rain". Also, Kingdra should always be used in the rain, so I thought that was a given circumstance/requirement.

CritDra is sort of viable, just saying. As for Swift Swim (which is your set), it does check Volcarona but only under rain conditions (I'm not attacking the set, just pointing it out)

 

[Random Passerby]

Sorry for double posting, just wondering if anybody is willing to do Mega Latias as a check? Shaky, I know, since if Volca has Bug Buzz, you 100% lose but if it doesn't have it, then Volca can't touch you at all, allowing you to use it as a set-up bait. Normally, I would do it myself but I'm not too familiar with it's EVs

 

[zbr]

No one actually nominated SpDef Talonflame? Same mons with different roles are allowed am I right Aragorn the King.

Btw guys just clarifying something: If -Clone- does Scarf LandT and ZANBAKUResh does defensive LandT, that's totally acceptable.

Anyway reserving SpDef Talonflame.

Talonflame @ Leftovers
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Taunt

This set is just plain and simple. Come in, Taunt and just smash his face in. Who cares about rocks??

From Talon's View

0 Atk Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 308-366 (93.6 - 111.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

From Moth's View

252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 124-146 (34.5 - 40.6%) -- 47.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 38-45 (10.5 - 12.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 84-99 (23.3 - 27.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[OverlordDerp]

252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 124-146 (34.5 - 40.6%) -- 47.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

You what now? Did you click Gravity tab on calc by accident?

 

[boltsandbombers]

You what now? Did you click Gravity tab on calc by accident?

Roost.

 

[OverlordDerp]

Roost.

How do I keep forgetting that's a thing?

Also, has there been any precedent for Volc using HP Rock? I personally think it's too niche to be viable, outside of maybe some damage on the Dragonite or Gyara switch-in, but I haven't used Volc too much.

 

[tigers jaw]

You're right about HP Rock being too niche, as its only really use is hitting Talon on a predicted switch (+1 Fire Blast in Sun does an absolute shitload to ZardY). HP Ice and Ground (which is actually pretty bad imo, I'd much rather use a good Heatran lure and not forgo valuable coverage on Volc) are way better options as far as HP goes.

 

[Celio]

last resort check:

Dugtrio @ Focus Sash
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Reversal
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock

This comes in, takes an attack if the sash is still intact and kills.
If volc dances (+1 speed), you'll be at full hp and kill after taking the hit, or viceversa, if it doesn't, you take a hit switching in, outspeed, and kill.
And it kills 100% of the times, unlike the other Sash abusers that could check volcarona: this checks.. once and for all.
A quick calc to prove that Dugtrio needs a focus sash, and can't check otherwise
252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dugtrio: 298-352 (148.2 - 175.1%)

Offensive calc:
252 Atk Dugtrio Rock Slide vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 340-400 (103.3 - 121.5%)

Aware of the fireblast burn xD

 

[Psicodelico]

CHECK

Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Bomb
- Dragon Tail

It can easily enter on an unboosted Volcarona attack, is inmune to giga drain with sap sipper and can get volcarona out with dragon tail before it starts boosting with quiver dance. Also can hit pretty hard unboosted volcarona with draco and has that nice poison chance with sludge bomb.

calcs

Volcarona on Goodra
252+ SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 48-57 (12.5 - 14.9%) -- possible 7HKO
252+ SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 35-42 (9.1 - 11%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 78-93 (20.4 - 24.4%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
+1 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 118-139 (30.9 - 36.4%) -- 60.9% chance to 3HKO
+1 252+ SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 72-84 (18.8 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

Goodra on Volcarona
252+ SpA Goodra Draco Meteor vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 199-235 (59.4 - 70.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Goodra Fire Blast vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 113-133 (33.7 - 39.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Goodra Sludge Bomb vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 92-109 (27.4 - 32.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0- Atk Goodra Dragon Tail vs. 96 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 84-99 (25 - 29.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ SpA Goodra Draco Meteor vs. +1 96 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 133-157 (39.7 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

The only problem is getting burn because of dragon tail activating flame body but in any case stops volcaronas rampage

 

[Aragorn the King]

Week 47

Thanks for the Volcarona checks and counters!

This week we'll do Mega Manectric!

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat
- Hidden Power [Ice]