Volbeat C&C VGC 12-13 Strategy
[Overview]
<p>Volbeat, since its introduction in Gen 3 has always been deemed a filler bug type Pokemon. But in Generation 5 it gained one of
the best abilities in the game in Prankster. Volbeat can abuse a lot with Prankster such as Thunder Wave and Encore but sadly this is
where it ends for our favorite lightning bug. Its subpar stats and typing may make it seem outclassed by other Prankster Pokemon
such as Sableye and Whimsicott. All in all, Volbeat is still a viable Pokemon and a good team player.</p>
[SET]
name: Weather Support
move 1: Rain Dance / Sunny Day
move 2: Thunder Wave
move 3: Helping Hand / Encore
move 4: Protect / Moonlight
item: Leftovers / Damp Rock / Heat Rock
ability: Prankster
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set takes full advantage of Volbeat's Prankster ability. The first slot is self-explanatory as it allows you to set up your
weather, if your inducer is dead or unable to safely enter the battle. Thunder Wave is a very useful move for crippling Pokemon that could
threaten your team and with Prankster can do it before they get a chance to attack. The third slot is optional while your partner could
enjoy a power boost from helping hand they could also enjoy the opponent being trapped into a status move. Encore is also useful for
forcing switches which can help you either cripple something else with Thunder Wave or set up your weather. The fourth slot should
only be Protect unless you choose to run Sunny Day over Rain Dance, giving Moonlight some more recovery.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The given EVs and Nature are used for increased longetivity of Volbeat. Most of the time Volbeat will be taking Rock Slides and
this will give it the best possible chances of surviving. Its item that you use is sheerly up to you whether you want increased
survivability or longer weather effects is a matter of opinion. The ability choice is self-explanatory because its other two abilities are
useless. Volbeat works well with Gastrodon and Swampert as they resist Heat Wave and Rock Slide while the latter can provide Wide
Guard support.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Volbeat really does not have much else it can use to good effect. Volbeat could use Toxic over Thunderwave if your team has
problems with bulky Pokemon such as Cressilia but generally this is not something you should consider. Though Tail Glow sweeping
may sound appealing it is not viable due to the fact Volbeat is not fast enough to do this effectively. Baton Passing Tail Glow may also
sound fun but with two Pokemon on the field this is not as effective as one would think though this can work if you can, with
confidence, predict your opponents moves. You can opt to use Substitute in the last slot but this is only really effective if you have
Leftovers recovery.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Taunt absolutely destroys Volbeat. Volbeat can not actually learn Taunt so it is the most extreme version of Taunt Bait. Volbeat
also due to its poor defenses can not take a hit to terribly well so if you it super-effectively it will not have much of a chance. </p>
