Volcarona

[PokéMontage]

^You had to do calcs to realize that Volcorona dies quickly if it switches in on Stealth Rock?

[V1ral]

This thing also gets Morning Sun. Holy Crap. In the sun, this guy is almost impossible to beat. Butterfly Dance -> Morning Sun -> Repeat

[Katakiri]

Volcarona's one of the reasons I love Sub/Shadow Ball/Clear Smog/Destiny Bond Gengar. Volca can't even dream of switching in & setting up without getting D-Bonded. It & every other Butterfly/Dragon Dancer.

Destiny Bond when they boost their stats.
Sub if they're still too slow or Clear Smog if they're faster while still having D-Bond active.

Rinse & Repeat

[Dr. Alex]

Anyone try a chesto rest set?

Chestomoth@chesto Berry
timid
252 Spe 56 Def 196 HP

Quiver Dance
Fiery Dance
Bug Buzz
Rest

You want to be fast, so Max speed is essential. Then I since you want to survive a long time to set up, add physical bulk, because he needs all he can get. Set up a Butterly Dance or two then rest and rape :)

As with any set with Urugomoth, Rapid spin support is neccessary

[alphatron]

^If the entire point of chesto rest volcorona is to gain multiple boosts, then why are you running a timid nature? People have been using chesto rest for a while by the way.

Hey kata, does clear smog hit through substitute? If it does, then I may actually consider using that gengar, as I am getting sick and tired of boosters in general. Volcorona would normally laugh when it sees an enemy gengar, but it's not doing a dang thing to that set without getting killed in the process, unless your opponent has great prediction.

[Jirachi]

According to Bulbapedia, Clear does not work if the foe has a sub or on steel pokemon.

Anyway I've been using Choice Specsed Volcarona a bit on a sun team to see if it could work, and it's damn effective (it fails badly without Rapid Spin though). Maybe Volcarona is best used in a set-up sweeper, but the surprise effect is deadly and nothing likes a choice specsed Fire Blast in sun. This thing is pretty damn good. Here's the set I used :

Volcarona @ Choice Specs
Nature : Modest
EVs : 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
-Fire Blast
-Bug Buzz
-Hidden Power Electric
-Solarbeam

The point is to spam Fire Blasts at the foe. Everything else is pretty filler.

[TheFonz]

Originally Posted by Fat PokéMontage

^You had to do calcs to realize that Volcorona dies quickly if it switches in on Stealth Rock?

i think it's pretty clear what i meant by that

[Saiva]

Originally Posted by Fat Steeli

According to Bulbapedia, Clear does not work if the foe has a sub or on steel pokemon.

Anyway I've been using Choice Specsed Volcarona a bit on a sun team to see if it could work, and it's damn effective (it fails badly without Rapid Spin though). Maybe Volcarona is best used in a set-up sweeper, but the surprise effect is deadly and nothing likes a choice specsed Fire Blast in sun. This thing is pretty damn good. Here's the set I used :

Volcarona @ Choice Specs
Nature : Modest
EVs : 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
-Fire Blast
-Bug Buzz
-Hidden Power Electric
-Solarbeam

The point is to spam Fire Blasts at the foe. Everything else is pretty filler.

Isn't Timid a better option over modest?. I would prefer to at least speed tie with the base 100 and outspeed everything bellow. unless you miss some ko's with the lack of power

[alphatron]

Timid is the worst possible nature for Volcorona, as it won't help you outspeed your deadliest threats anyway (terrakion, landorus, formerly garchomp, sand rush excadrill).

There is little reason to speed tie with the other base 100s, and correct me if I'm wrong but the most popular base 90 speed pokemon aren't anything you have to worry about either. Lucario for example has literally no reason to stay in on you.

Choiced pokemon are pokemon who like to switch in and out an awful lot. Since you may not always get the chance to sin away hazards, I'd rather not use Volcorona as a specs user. The power behind it is definitely something that demands respect though.

[Genon]

Originally Posted by Fat alphatron

Timid is the worst possible nature for Volcorona, as it won't help you outspeed your deadliest threats anyway (terrakion, landorus, formerly garchomp, sand rush excadrill).

There is little reason to speed tie with the other base 100s, and correct me if I'm wrong but the most popular base 90 speed pokemon aren't anything you have to worry about either. Lucario for example has literally no reason to stay in on you.

Choiced pokemon are pokemon who like to switch in and out an awful lot. Since you may not always get the chance to sin away hazards, I'd rather not use Volcorona as a specs user. The power behind it is definitely something that demands respect though.

Actually, i don't agree with you, with timid nature and some EV's volcarona can outspeed excaldrill at +2 quiver dances, and if you are weather non-sandstorm team, you are always faster than him.

Timid nature is useful if you want to spend less EV's on speed, and keeping your speed stat pretty high, and have a better focus on HP and defenses.

[alphatron]

Originally Posted by Fat Genon

Actually, i don't agree with you, with timid nature and some EV's volcarona can outspeed excaldrill at +2 quiver dances, and if you are weather non-sandstorm team, you are always faster than him.

Timid nature is useful if you want to spend less EV's on speed, and keeping your speed stat pretty high, and have a better focus on HP and defenses.

No sandstorm team is going to allow Volcorona to get two quiver dances up. You'll get one and they'll switch in Excadrill or another answer to you as you QD in order to force you out.

[Tobes]

Originally Posted by Fat alphatron

No sandstorm team is going to allow Volcorona to get two quiver dances up. You'll get one and they'll switch in Excadrill or another answer to you as you QD in order to force you out.

Not necessarily. If Tyranitar lacks Stone Edge, then assuming sun is up and Tyranitar is switching in, then Volcarona gets 2 Quiver Dances off; one when Tyranitar switches in and the second when Excadrill switches in. This is of course assuming the opponent uses Mixtar or something, but it's still a possibility.

[Genon]

Originally Posted by Fat Tobes

Not necessarily. If Tyranitar lacks Stone Edge, then assuming sun is up and Tyranitar is switching in, then Volcarona gets 2 Quiver Dances off; one when Tyranitar switches in and the second when Excadrill switches in. This is of course assuming the opponent uses Mixtar or something, but it's still a possibility.

Exactly, in my experience on battles A LOT of teams with tyranitar or a bulky supporter (like ferrothorn) easily let me set up 2 quiver dances, or sometimes they switch directly into excaldrill, but those pesky moles get a fiery dance on their faces.... XD

[alphatron]

Originally Posted by Fat Tobes

Not necessarily. If Tyranitar lacks Stone Edge, then assuming sun is up and Tyranitar is switching in, then Volcarona gets 2 Quiver Dances off; one when Tyranitar switches in and the second when Excadrill switches in. This is of course assuming the opponent uses Mixtar or something, but it's still a possibility.

Considering that mixtar is the most popular set, yes this is what usually happens. Or they'll switch to jellicient, in which case, you can point and laugh unless it's one of those toxic/taunt sets.

Exactly, in my experience on the battles A LOT of teams with tyranitar or a bulky supporter (like ferrothorn) easily let me set up 2 quiver dances, or sometimes they switch directly into excaldrill, but those pesky moles get a fiery dance on their faces.... XD

I diliberately avoided mentioning the possibility of nabbing excadrill on the switch simply because in my experience, fire blast and him are good friends. It always misses when I attempt to catch him, no matter who's using it.

I know, I know. I could use fire dance...

[Genon]

Originally Posted by Fat alphatron

Considering that mixtar is the most popular set, yes this is what usually happens. Or they'll switch to jellicient, in which case, you can point and laugh unless it's one of those toxic/taunt sets.

That's why you should bring toxic spikes when you use volcarona, it makes jellicent a set up bait if that thing doesn't carry taunt, toxic can with healed with chestorest. However with a taunt jellicent you can still ''seudo set up'' by just attacking with fiery dance.

Originally Posted by Fat alphatron

I diliberately avoided mentioning the possibility of nabbing excadrill on the switch simply because in my experience, fire blast are good friends. It always misses when I attempt to catch him, no matter who's using it.

I know, I know. I could use fire dance...

Trust me, fiery dance is a lot better, yes fire blast give volcarona a lot of initial power, however in the long run fiery dance helps you getting Sp. Atk boosts when you can't QD, and the best of all it never misses XD.

[Epix FX]

i used this guy in game , it OHKO's so much it ridiculous

[StallMandibuzz]

Originally Posted by Fat Epix FX

i used this guy in game , it OHKO's so much it ridiculous

But that's because it's IN GAME. Even though I must agree with you that Volcarona kicked ass in game, that was because none of the AIs EV trained their Pokemon, and Volcarona came at level 70 in the Ancient Castle. Even if you evolved it, it was still a powerhouse. You have to know how to use it in a metagame filled with Rock-typed moves and the ever-present Stealth Rock that shaves a good 50% of health each and every time you toss it out unless you Rapid Spin them away, so if you want to use the moth effectively, make sure you have spinner support, a Magic Bounce Pokemon, or just make sure your opponent never lay rocks down in the first place. Easier said then done at times, but even with rocks up, this Pokemon can still be a monster with QD and excellent STAB moves.

[New World Order]

In my opinion, the Bulky Dance Volcoronas should to be EVd at Bold/ 232 Hp/ 252 Def/ 24 Spe, not the spread shown in the analysis. Why? Since you wont be using a Hidden Power. This spread not only minimizes Stealth Rocks damage, but you also outspeed max speed Starmie after one Quiver Dance and OHKO with Bug Buzz.

[Matthew]

I don't know about the analysis, but everyone I've ever talked to always runs 24 Speed EVs on bulkyRona.

I'm also still amazed how few people carry checks / counters for Volcarona, at the end of the day what they usually are running is Excadrill's Rock Slide to beat it. Maybe the occasional Scarftar or CB SpDef Tar can take it, but that's only if it's running Stone Edge (which some people forgo). I also love running Conkel + Volcarona -- Conkel taking the rock-type attacks aimed at Volc and slamming back with STAB SE Drain Punch or Mach Punch is awesome. More people need to run Volc with Conkel (or terrakoin I guess)

[Molk]

Originally Posted by Fat Gen. Empoleon

I don't know about the analysis, but everyone I've ever talked to always runs 24 Speed EVs on bulkyRona.

I'm also still amazed how few people carry checks / counters for Volcarona, at the end of the day what they usually are running is Excadrill's Rock Slide to beat it. Maybe the occasional Scarftar or CB SpDef Tar can take it, but that's only if it's running Stone Edge (which some people forgo). I also love running Conkel + Volcarona -- Conkel taking the rock-type attacks aimed at Volc and slamming back with STAB SE Drain Punch or Mach Punch is awesome. More people need to run Volc with Conkel (or terrakoin I guess)

I am also amazed, I always keep volcarona in mind when building a team (barring themed teams) I usually take it down using SR+priority. or i use a utility trick roomer. that is a smart combo i guess, never tested it. I'll try it out.

[tehy]

Originally Posted by Fat alphatron

Considering that mixtar is the most popular set, yes this is what usually happens. Or they'll switch to jellicient, in which case, you can point and laugh unless it's one of those toxic/taunt sets.



I diliberately avoided mentioning the possibility of nabbing excadrill on the switch simply because in my experience, fire blast are good friends. It always misses when I attempt to catch him, no matter who's using it.

I know, I know. I could use fire dance...

This is why people need to start running night shade jellicent. Seriously, i run it specifically for volcarona, otherwise how are you supposed to counter it?

[NoahChron20]

at the end of the day what they usually are running is Excadrill's Rock Slide to beat it.

You do know that it can Earthquake and Rock Slide your whole team dead while also being barely as tall as a Scraggy?


-------------------------------------------------
TeamRocket vacation condo!

[rolrctermaniac]

Originally Posted by Fat Gen. Empoleon

I don't know about the analysis, but everyone I've ever talked to always runs 24 Speed EVs on bulkyRona.

I'm also still amazed how few people carry checks / counters for Volcarona, at the end of the day what they usually are running is Excadrill's Rock Slide to beat it. Maybe the occasional Scarftar or CB SpDef Tar can take it, but that's only if it's running Stone Edge (which some people forgo). I also love running Conkel + Volcarona -- Conkel taking the rock-type attacks aimed at Volc and slamming back with STAB SE Drain Punch or Mach Punch is awesome. More people need to run Volc with Conkel (or terrakoin I guess)

I feel Hitmontop would have even better synergy with access to rapid spin and can hit TTar had with close combats and take insignificant damage from a -1 stone edge.

[Ms. Denbo]

Originally Posted by Fat Gen. Empoleon

I don't know about the analysis, but everyone I've ever talked to always runs 24 Speed EVs on bulkyRona.

I'm also still amazed how few people carry checks / counters for Volcarona, at the end of the day what they usually are running is Excadrill's Rock Slide to beat it. Maybe the occasional Scarftar or CB SpDef Tar can take it, but that's only if it's running Stone Edge (which some people forgo). I also love running Conkel + Volcarona -- Conkel taking the rock-type attacks aimed at Volc and slamming back with STAB SE Drain Punch or Mach Punch is awesome. More people need to run Volc with Conkel (or terrakoin I guess)

I simply don't find it threatening to be completely honest (and don't see it as much as I used to for some reason).

I nearly always have Stealth Rocks, which really hampers Volcarona's ability to team up (i.e. with Conkelderp). You switch out to Conkel, and Volcarona's already half dead and not coming back in unless you got the chance to use Morning Sun or something. And it's very difficult to come in on an attack, when you lose half your health first.

Basically, Volcarona comes out, gets wrecked by SR, and is pretty much stuck in. Bring out a Pokémon with a Rock-type move and it's more or less dead.

Volcarona requires pretty specific conditions to be effective. I've seen it sweep an entirely unprepared team, but having to come in at half health or less and leave with more than half makes Volcarona tough to use effectively, because even a bulky Volcarona faces trouble from a good deal of Pokémon that aren't even necessarily considered "counters" to it.

[NDenizen]

I'm still taken aback by how little people prepare for a Volcarona sweep. Just because SR exists doesn't mean it can't get on a roll despite that, and Chesto Rest against special attackers means it won't even care about that particular hazard.

I personally run
Quiver Dance
Fiery Dance
Hurricane
Rest

I always liked the Fiery Dance - Bug Buzz - HP Rock mixture the best, but chesto rest compromises flexibility somewhat, so I settled for Hurricane as the other coverage. It's not too bad, being an unblocked typing, high power, and the chance for confusion can throw spanners in the opponent's works. With enough Quiver Dances, it hits neutrally quite nicely, and works wonders in the Rain when people expect Volcarona to suffer - in the sun, Volcarona is happy with Fiery Dance anyway. Works great against Fighting types that come in expecting to get away with Stone Edge. The flaws are obvious but it's impressed me so far.