[Gen7] Victim of the Week CAP S/M (Week 12: Life Orb Syclant)

LucarioOfLegends

Master Procraster
is a CAP Contributor
Don't worry about it cbrevan, I come prepared!

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
-Scald
-Roost
-Air Slash
-Haze

While not as effective offensively as the sets above, Mantine can use its sheer special bulk to counter just about anything Waterium Z Manaphy can throw at it. As soon as Manaphy uses Z-Rain Dance, Mantine can come in and Haze that speed boost and any Tail Glow boosts away, rendering the item useless. It also has access to very reliable recovery in the form of Roost and Leftovers, meaning that it can beat Manaphy using Air Slash.

252 SpA Manaphy Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Mantine: 47-56 (12.5 - 14.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+3 252 SpA Manaphy Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Mantine: 128-151 (34.2 - 40.3%) -- 42.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+6 252 SpA Manaphy Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Mantine: 204-240 (54.5 - 64.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
Dhelmise @ Lagging Tail
Ability: Steelworker
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Switcheroo
- Power Whip
- Earthquake
Use it as a verry offensive ferrothorn basically and if u want u can use switcheroo to affect strong sweepers on switch ins and hit them hard with a switch-in. Also the calcs for standard colossoil against a power whip = 252+ Atk Dhelmise Power Whip vs. 0 HP / 80 Def Colossoil: 512-606 (125.7 - 148.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
A recommendation is that don't focus your check / counter towards other threats, but rather focus it on how well it is proven to go against Manaphy, with enough Calcs to prove how Manaphy's STAB move as well as Psychic can do a certain amount of damage towards Dhelmise, and how Dhelmise can threaten it back with its physical moves.

Edit: I know that you were briefly talking about how Dhelmise is a counter/check to Manaphy, just don't include how it can check for other threats.
 

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader
Don't forget about the options that Waternium Z Manaphy has assuming you switch in on its first turn out:

Here are a just few:

Surf -> Hydro Vortex
Tail Glow -> Hydro Vortex
Rain Dance -> Hydro Vortex
Z Rain Dance -> Surf (at +1 Speed!)

Keep these in mind as you designate your Pokemon as a check or a counter, as counters need to be able to work around most of the possible situations.
 
Wait, I may be curious to know snake_rattler about how to calculate the effects of Hydro Vortex. Whenever I use the Damage Calculator, it just calcs it saying "possibly the worst move ever". How can I be able to troubleshoot this problem?

Edit: Also Tail Glow is not even a Water-type move...
 

DarkSlay

Guess who's back? Na na na! *breakdances*
is a CAP Contributor Alumnus

Whimsicott
@ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Giga Drain
- Moonblast
- Encore
- Leech Seed

A rather fascinating option for a counter, Prankster + Encore completely shuts down any instance where Manaphy tries to set up a Tail Glow or Rain Dance(-Z). Whimsicott also resists Water, so a non-boosted Surf or Hydro Vortex won't do much, and any damage sustained will be recovered through Leftovers + Leech Seed + Giga Drain. Leech Seed is a nice option to punish switch-ins that aren't Grass-types, so retreating on Manaphy's part isn't free. Giga Drain is a guaranteed 3HKO (while recovering damage at the same time), while unboosted Psychic is always a 5HKO (not counting Giga Drain / Leech Seed healing). Whimsicott takes a different approach at countering Manaphy by shutting down any and all boosting options, so there's no need for any +3 SpA or Rain-boosted calcs.
OFFENSIVE CALCS
4 SpA Whimsicott Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Manaphy: 132-156 (38.7 - 45.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4 SpA Whimsicott Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Manaphy: 84-99 (24.6 - 29%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO

DEFENSIVE CALCS
252 SpA Manaphy Surf vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Whimsicott: 53-63 (16.3 - 19.4%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Manaphy Hydro Vortex vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Whimsicott: 103-122 (31.7 - 37.6%) -- 0.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery (NOTE: Can only use once. Gets rid of Rain Dance-Z.)
252 SpA Manaphy Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Whimsicott: 71-84 (21.9 - 25.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
Last edited:



Goodra sez git out!

Counter (Goodra) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Bomb
- Thunderbolt

Goodra needs some love!

First of all I'll talk about the item, the Assault Vest it boosts goodra's already really high SpD allowing it to wall most Special Attackers very easly/

On to the stats! I haven't changed much form the original ;) Gotcha!

The moves:
Draco Meteor provides some powerful Dragon type STAB OHKOing the likes of latias and latios. Those silly drakonz :/

Fire Blast is for those pesky Steel Types who try to be edgy and think they're cool, but guess what! Goodra sez "git uff mah lawn!"

Sludge Bomb is great for killing one of the most effective of dragon killers Fairy Types it can 2HKO Clefable!

Thunderbolt is for those stupid rain teams and most bulky Water Types including Manaphy! Goodra sez "u can't even playy pokeman"


I have some juicy calcs for y'all!

Defending Without Rain Active: +3 252 SpA Manaphy Hydro Vortex vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 138-163 (36 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

+3 252 SpA Manaphy Surf vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 72-84 (18.7 - 21.9%) -- possible 5HKO

Defending With Rain Active: +3 252 SpA Manaphy Hydro Vortex vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 207-245 (54 - 63.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+3 252 SpA Manaphy Surf vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 107-126 (27.9 - 32.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

Attacking: 252+ SpA Goodra Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Pelipper: 380-448 (117.2 - 138.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO Goodra sez "smogon turd."
252+ SpA Goodra Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko: 244-288 (86.8 - 102.4%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO Goodra sez "Tapu Broko!"
252+ SpA Goodra Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Kingdra: 482-570 (166.7 - 197.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO Goodra sez "Not my king!"

Defending: 252+ SpA Pelipper Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 75-88 (19.5 - 22.9%) -- possible 5HKO Goodra sez "Hp invest is better imo ;/"
252+ SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 143-172 (37.3 - 44.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO Goodra sez "Still Tapu Broko..."
252+ SpA Choice Specs Kingdra Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Goodra: 264-312 (68.9 - 81.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO Goodra sez "That hurt.........a little."

Countered imo.
 
Last edited:


Slowking @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Psychic
- Dragon Tail
- Fire Blast

Slowking acts as a great counter to a plethora of special attackers, including this Manaphy set. It's insane special bulk with an Assault Vest lets it switch in on all of the situations that snake_rattler mentioned above, in addition to many more. Slowking is able to 3HKO Manaphy with Psychic and it also has the ability to phase Manaphy with Dragon Tail to remove its boosts if it tries to set up. Slowking's Regenerator lets it check Manaphy multiple times in a match, even if it phases Manaphy out before it uses its Z-move. Some moves don't even deal enough damage to compensate for Regenerator healing, such as +3 Surf and +0 Hydro Vortex in the rain. Manaphy's only move that can OHKO Slowking is +6 Hydro Vortex in the rain, which, to be fair, can OHKO almost anything. Anything else that Manaphy throws at it, Slowking can handle, even in rain. Slowking is also not dead weight against teams without Manaphy as it is able to switch in on special attacks and spread burns, rack up hazard damage by phasing and dent the opposing team with its good coverage.

Surf -> Hydro Vortex:
252 SpA Manaphy Surf vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 38-45 (9.6 - 11.4%) -- possible 9HKO
252 SpA Manaphy Hydro Vortex vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 73-87 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

Tail Glow -> Hydro Vortex:
+3 252 SpA Manaphy Hydro Vortex vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Slowking: 182-215 (46.1 - 54.5%) -- 59% chance to 2HKO

Rain Dance -> Hydro Vortex:
252 SpA Manaphy Hydro Vortex vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Slowking in rain: 110-130 (27.9 - 32.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252+ SpA Slowking Psychic vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy: 135-160 (39.5 - 46.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
 

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader
Week 2 is now drawing to a close. The winners are:

Checks:
Most Effective: GreenGogoatttt's Ferrothorn
Most Effective: Sundar's Defog Latios

Counters:
Most Effective: Drapionswing's AV Tangrowth
Most Effective: Kyubics's AV Slowking
Most Creative: cbrevan's "I-Have-A-Niche-Now!" Malaconda

Next up, a defensive threat!

Week 3: Specially Defensive Mollux
Mollux @ Leftovers
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 248 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Sludge Bomb
- Rapid Spin
- Recover

If you've spent any time playing the CAP Metagame, you know that Mollux can switch in to top threats like Tapu Koko, Genesect, and Greninja-Ash pretty easily due to its nifty set of resistances (much like Marowak-A), can spin away hazards and absorb Toxic Spikes, and can spread burns and cripple switch-ins such as Landorus-T throughout the match. It can even wall weakened balance teams, wearing them down poison from Sludge Bomb and healing off damage with Recover (Pokemon like Cyclohm eventually lose).

Since it'd be easy to just post a Ground-type and say "hope it doesn't burn, EQ, lol Mollux is easy to check" when I pick the best checks and counters, I will be considering each one's match up against some of Mollux's common partners. Mollux's partners are usually Ground-type killers like Tapu Bulu and Landorus-T, but obviously, this isn't a conclusive list. It doesn't have to check all of Mollux's partners (that's unreasonable and near impossible), but make sure you mention which ones it can take on, and provide a few calcs if necessary.

Remember to bold either "check" or "counter." I'd prefer it under the importable and before the description. Post your checks and counters to this Victim of the Week!
 
Last edited:

Dugtrio @ Focus Sash
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 20 HP
- Earthquake
- Screech
- Reversal
- Memento

Dugtrio traps and removes Mollux with EQ. While there are many Pokemon that can switch into Mollux easily and force it out, nothing can match Dugtrio's capabilities, as its mere presence on a team more or less invalidates Mollux's defensive presence throughout the match. Pair it with your favorite VoltTurner (GeneDug, PheroDug, whatever really) and go to town. Even though Dugtrio can technically switch into Mollux, I wouldn't recommend it because Focus Sash gets broken and it risks getting burned by Lava Plume. Gonna call this a check because that's how it's played.

Completely necessary calc: 252 Atk Dugtrio Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 640-756 (162.8 - 192.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

edit: Oh, and Dugtrio definitely isn't useless outside of trapping Mollux. It removes or heavily weakens other fat things like Chansey, Heatran, Cyclohm, Ferrothorn, etc. Screech+Reversal help with some of these. I'd say Screech is pretty much mandatory tbh because who doesn't enjoy making stall teams cry?

Matchup vs bulu or lando is irrelevant in this case, as mollux can't switch out of duggy, and you don't use duggy to beat bulu or lando.
 
Last edited:

emma

is a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Past SPL Championis a Past SCL Champion
DPL Champion

Latios @ Life Orb / Soul Dew
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Defog
- Recover

You switch into both Lava Plume and Sludge Bomb easily and recover any damage you take, and can OHKO with Psyshock in return.

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 398-471 (101 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

4 SpA Mollux Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 114-135 (38.1 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4 SpA Mollux Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Latios: 51-60 (17 - 20%) -- possible 5HKO

Check since Sludge Bomb is still a 3HKO + Potential Poison and you get bopped by Scarf Lando and Tapu Bulu walls pretty much.
 
Last edited:

Drapionswing

Eating it up, YUMMY!
is a CAP Contributor Alumnus
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock

You're immune to both stabs and can rock on it's potential spin. Lava plume does a bit more damage because of dry skin and you can always run earth power.

Countered.
 
Last edited:

Nihilego @ Choice Specs
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Power Gem
- Sludge Wave
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Thunderbolt

Counter
Nihilego's Poison/Rock typing alongside its decent special defence lets it switch into either of Mollux's moves with ease; it doesn't even fear a burn as it is a special attacker. While Nihilego's Rock-Type STAB can't OHKO Mollux from full health, it has a sizeable chance to do so after Stealth Rock damage. Even without hazards up, Mollux can't touch Nihilego and it will soon die even if it spams Recover.
Another of Nihilego's selling point as a counter is its ability to break through many common partners of Mollux with its STAB moves and good coverage. The two examples that snake_rattler mentioned, Landorus-T and Tapu Bulu, are both outsped (barring scarf Lando) and 2HKO'd by Choice Specs Power Gem, and Tapu Bulu is OHKO'd and offensive Lando is nearly always 2HKO'd (after SR) by Sludge Wave. Lots of other teammates of Mollux are also defeated by Nihilego, such as: (calcs in Hide below)

M-Scizor - A common partner to Mollux due to how Mollux can switch into the Fire-, Water-, and Steel-Types that check it. Although Scizor can revenge kill Nihilego with Bullet Punch, it can't switch in to a Hidden Power Fire, which solidly OHKOs all variants after SR. This is the reason that I didn't run HP Ice to OHKO Lando-T - Nihilego struggles to defeat Scizor otherwise.

Celesteela - This can take on Ground- and Psychic-Type attacks for Mollux, while in return it is proved with a switch in to Fire-Types such as Volkraken and Electric-Types such as Tapu Koko which threaten it. Nihilego can 2HKO max SpD variants with Thunderbolt after SR and Leftovers recovery.

Tapu Koko - A more offensive partner, this a staple on VoltTurn teams that Mollux can find itself on. Nihilego can take any attack it commonly carries once and OHKOs back with Sludge Wave all of the time and with Power Gem after SR.

Tomohawk - Another Pokémon that can switch into the Ground-Type attacks that Mollux hates, defensive Tomohawk can also deal with some of the physical attacks that can break through Mollux. Nihilego can always 2HKO with Sludge Wave and has a chance to OHKO with Thunderbolt after SR. It must be noted that although Power Gem can 2HKO, Tomohawk can use its priority Roost to heal most of the damage and turn its neutrality to Rock into a resistance.
Nihilego can OKHO offensive Tomohawk with Thunderbolt after SR all of the time.

Any other partners that people have noticed let me know and I'll happily comment on them :)

The main reason that Nihilego is such a good counter to Mollux and the type of team that it is commonly found on, in my opinion, is its ability, Beast Boost. This lets it turn 2HKOs into OHKOs and, after sometimes just one boost, allows it to run through balance teams which have no way to revenge kill it. For example, the opponent cannot sac their Mollux for a free switch in to Lando-T or Tapu Bulu because Nihilego can outspeed (except scarf variants) and OHKO both of these with Power Gem at +1.

Overall, though this set requires some prediction and careful planning, it can effectively deal with both Mollux and some if its common partners.

In order of when they were mentioned in the description.

4 SpA Mollux Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nihilego: 24-28 (6.6 - 7.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
4 SpA Mollux Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nihilego: 43-51 (11.9 - 14.2%) -- possible 8HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mollux: 270-318 (68.7 - 80.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Mollux: 270-318 (68.7 - 80.9%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Landorus-Therian: 229-271 (60.1 - 71.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 232-274 (72.7 - 85.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 138-162 (43.2 - 50.7%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Bulu: 202-238 (58.7 - 69.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Bulu: 952-1128 (276.7 - 327.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Scizor-Mega: 384-456 (136.6 - 162.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 200 SpD Scizor-Mega: 320-380 (93.2 - 110.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 206-244 (51.7 - 61.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Thunderbolt in Electric Terrain vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nihilego: 185-218 (51.5 - 60.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko: 578-684 (205.6 - 243.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko: 246-289 (87.5 - 102.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Tomohawk: 344-406 (83.2 - 98.3%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Sludge Wave vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Tomohawk: 273-322 (66.1 - 77.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tomohawk: 348-410 (99.1 - 116.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Landorus-Therian: 345-406 (90.5 - 106.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 348-409 (109 - 128.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Nihilego Power Gem vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Bulu: 301-355 (87.5 - 103.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
 
Last edited:

Colossoil Set:

Colossoil @ Assault Vest / Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 36 Def / 220 SpD or EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant or Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Sucker Punch / Pursuit
- U-turn

Colossoil is shown to be a check towards Mollux. It is manageable to resist the Poison STAB-move of Mollux as well as be able to tank against Mollux's Fire STAB-move (which is only able to 4HKO Colossoil). Even though as snake_rattler said that it is easy to check for Mollux just for OHKO'ing it with Earthquake, there are many other ways that Colossoil can check for Mollux without the need of Earthquake. Even though Colossoil's Dark STAB-moves have a chance of 2HKO'ing or 3HKO'ing Mollux, if Colossoil gets burned by Lava Plume or poisoned by Sludge Bomb if you are running the Assault Vest set, or is burned during the current turn at which it was sent into battle through the use of Flame Orb, then it gives both of it's Dark STAB-moves more power due to the increase in Attack stat due to Guts. With this boosted attack due to the burn or poison, it can give Colossoil a chance in order to check Mollux either with its Ground STAB-move (Earthquake), or with its Dark STAB-move (Knock Off). In the case of Sucker Punch with the burn or poison, Colo is able to check for Mollux with a 2HKO. If you prefer Pursuit over Sucker Punch, without the burn or poison, Pursuit can 5HKO Mollux, whereas with the burn on Colossoil, it can 3HKO Mollux.

In terms of Defense:
252 SpA Mollux Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 176 SpD Assault Vest Colossoil: 52-62 (12.7 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
252 SpA Mollux Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 176 SpD Assault Vest Colossoil: 93-111 (22.8 - 27.2%) -- 52% chance to 4HKO
0- Atk Mollux Rapid Spin vs. 0 HP / 80 Def Colossoil: 9-11 (2.2 - 2.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever


In terms of Offense:
252+ Atk Colossoil Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 804-948 (242.9 - 286.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Colossoil Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 195-231 (58.9 - 69.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252+ Atk Colossoil Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 141-166 (42.5 - 50.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252+ Atk Colossoil Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 81-96 (24.4 - 29%) -- possible 5HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252+ Atk Colossoil U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 23-27 (6.9 - 8.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever


After the burn (or poison as an alternative option):
252+ Atk Guts Colossoil Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 1200-1416 (362.5 - 427.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Guts Colossoil Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 291-343 (87.9 - 103.6%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Guts Colossoil Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 120-142 (36.2 - 42.9%) -- 97.1% chance to 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252+ Atk Guts Colossoil Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 211-249 (63.7 - 75.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252+ Atk Guts Colossoil U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 35-41 (10.5 - 12.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever


Edit: After looking in the details that snake has given about how Mollux is defended by Ground-type killers, in which they are able to get away in KO'ing Colossoil, Colo has some use in dealing some damages against a variety of Ground threats which defend Mollux, including but not limited to: Skarmory, Kartana, Celesteela, Clefable (can 2HKO or 3HKO), Gliscor, Landorus-T, and so on. There are some pokemon in which Colossoil's STAB moves won't have a literal effect on them and they can land very critical super-effective moves that potentially can OHKO it. Some examples of those pokemon include: Tapu Bulu, Tomohawk, Bewear, Buzzwole, and some more commonly used mons I haven't noticed in the CAP Metagame as of Gen 7.
 
Last edited:

LucarioOfLegends

Master Procraster
is a CAP Contributor

Reuniclus @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Recover

Most certainly a check, as Mollux can still 4HKO after Leftovers with Sludge Wave, but Reuniclus has the ability to take on almost any attack that Mollux throws at it, and can easily take it down, even when not boosted. Unlike the checks shown before, Reuniclus does not care for any sort of unfortunate status that may occur, has a reliable recovery option at its disposal.

In addition, most Fighting types are checked by this set, as they usually cannot do very much against it other then a possible Knock Off. Any set that takes even neutral damage from Psyshock can even be checked by it, as it is extremely powerful, especially so when boosted. Additionally, Reuniclus laughs at a multitude of Mollux teammates, such as , Ferrothorn, Arghonaut and Chansey.

Unfortunately, it is beaten by Colossoil in nearly every way imaginable, as it can barely survive a Knock Off on the AV set, can't on the offensive set, and cannot be KO'd by Focus Blast until at least two Calm Minds. It is also beaten by Tapu Bulu's Megahorn, as it has a fair chance to OHKO, and Reuniclus cannot kill with Psyshock under +4.

4 SpA Mollux Lava Plume vs. 252 HP / 56 SpD Reuniclus: 118-139 (27.8 - 32.7%) -- 77.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 SpA Mollux Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 56 SpD Reuniclus: 132-156 (31.1 - 36.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Reuniclus Psyshock vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 246-290 (62.5 - 73.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Reuniclus Psyshock vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Arghonaut: 218-260 (54.3 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery


+1 0 SpA Reuniclus Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 238-282 (67.6 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 0 SpA Reuniclus Psyshock vs. 244 HP / 8 Def Gliscor: 129-153 (36.6 - 43.4%) -- 6.2% chance to 3HKO after Poison Heal


 
Last edited:

reachzero

the pastor of disaster
is a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Top CAP Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Moderator Alumnus
Zygarde @ Leftovers
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Coil
- Thousand Arrows
-Toxic
- Substitute

Zygarde is a hard check, coming in on a U-Turn from MScizor or Genesect and setting up all over Mollux. It could switch directly in, but it's usually not worth risking a secondary effect or Toxic. Often crushes the sort of balance and stall on which Mollux thrives.
 
Garchomp @ Life Orb
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Fire Fang
- Dragon Claw
- Swords Dance

I don't really think I need to do any calcs here, but I'll do it anyways. Garchomp all-around hard counters Mollux. It can try and burn him back, but deals not much damage, while Garchomp OHKOs. Burns don't really do anything, as Garchomp almost always OHKOs regardless. Lum Berry, an option over LO, keeps Mollux from getting chip damage with Poison or Burn.

0 SpA Mollux Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 70-83 (19.6 - 23.2%) -- possible 5HKO

252 Atk burned Garchomp Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 384-452 (97.7 - 115%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO

Guaranteed with LO.


Additionally, Garchomp can power through Celesteela with SD Fire Fang, tear apart Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor with SD Fire Fang, tear apart Mantine pretty fast, and mostly only struggles against Landorus-T and Gliscor. The coverage helps Garchomp out a lot.
 
Last edited:
Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Curse
- Earthquake
- Scald
- Recover

This is definitely a counter. There is nothing that mollux can do to gastrodon besides burning it or poisoning it which isn't that bad. This also allows gastrodon to set up. Ground killers such as bulu and Lando-t can't switch in without risking the burn. Ferrothorn isn't too terrible to handle as gastrodons are usually paired with grass killers such as fire types like heatran, mollux, etc. Gastrodons are also commonly paired with magnetrons and magnezones to trap the ferrothorn.

Calc:
-4 SpA Mollux Lava Plume vs. 252 HP / 144+ SpD Gastrodon: 50-59 (11.7 - 13.8%) - possibly the worst move ever
-4 SpA Mollux Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 144+ SpD Gastrodon: 56-66 (13.1 - 15.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever
- (after burn)-2 0 Atk Gastrodon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mollux: 220-264 (66.4 - 79.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
 
Last edited:

snake

is a Community Leaderis a Top CAP Contributoris a Contributor to Smogon
CAP Co-Leader
Week 3 is now over! Here are this week's winners:

Checks:
Most Effective: sparktrain's Focus Sash Dugtrio
Most Effective: GreenGogoatttt's Defog Latios
Most Creative: reachzero's SubCoil Zygarde

Counters:
Most Effective: @Kyubic's Choice Specs Nihilego
Most Effective: Blackdrakon30's Life Orb Sword Dance Garchomp
Most Creative: Heaven Jay's Curse Gastrodon

But wait, call now and receive another victim!

Week 4: Offensive Tomohawk
Tomohawk @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
- Hurricane
- Earth Power
- Nature Power
- Roost

Running offensive hawk can surprise people expecting the ubiquitous defensive hazehawk. Hurricane and Earth Power cover most of the metagame almost perfectly, missing only on a few targets. Roost mitigates Life Orb recoil and has priority. Remember Nature Power becomes a powerful priority attack with Prankster, and now that terrains are more common, this move can change more easily.

No terrain -> Tri Attack (with a fun chance to give random status)
Electric Terrain -> Thunderbolt
Grassy Terrain -> Energy Ball
Misty Terrain -> Moonblast
Psychic Terrain -> Psychic (except the terrain blocks Nature Power against grounded targets due to Tomohawk's Prankster. However, Flying- and Ground-type coverage hits most of the targets Psychic would hit anyways.)

While these terrains have the potential to give Tomohawk colorful coverage options, they shouldn't be a large factor to its checks and counters due to team match-up and teammates. They also aren't boosted by the Terrain due to Tomohawk's Flying-type. Mention if your check or counter has trouble with one of these at the very least.

(Oh, call 1-800-notascam.com/hawk)

Remember to bold either "check" or "counter." I'd prefer it under the importable and before the description. Also, your set can have slashes, but don't post two sets that function extremely differently (ex. Rockium Z Sandstorm Garchomp and SD LO Garchomp) Post your checks and counters to this Victim of the Week!
 
Last edited:

emma

is a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Smogon Discord Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnusis a Dedicated Tournament Host Alumnusis a Past SPL Championis a Past SCL Champion
DPL Champion

Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split

252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Rotom-Wash: 81-95 (26.6 - 31.2%) -- 16% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Tomohawk Earth Power vs. Levitate Rotom-Wash: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time
252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Nature Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Rotom-Wash: 79-94 (25.9 - 30.9%) -- 3.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Rotom-Wash Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tomohawk: 148-175 (42.1 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Rotom-Wash Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tomohawk: 188-224 (53.5 - 63.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Counter.
 
Last edited:


Aerodactyl-Mega @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aerial Ace
- Aqua Tail
- Stone Edge
- Roost

Check

252 Atk Tough Claws Aerodactyl-Mega Aerial Ace vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tomohawk: 288-338 (82 - 96.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Aerodactyl-Mega: 74-88 (24.5 - 29.2%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO


Aerodactyl pretty much all-around beats up Tomohawk. It can outstall it when using Roost, as long as they don't predict and use Earth Power, and easily tear apart Tomo with Aerial Ace. Even further beat the common partner of Colossoil with ease using Aqua Tail, and also can counter or check many other common Pokemon in the CAP Metagame such as Mollux and Pyroak. I called it a check though, because if you were idiotic enough to send it out against Tomohawk in Electric Terrain, it deals a large portion of damage with Thunderbolt.
 
Last edited:

MinMeteor (Minior) @ White Herb
Ability: Shields Down
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- Acrobatics
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake

Minior is one of the checks beacuse all moves from tomohawk are usles he only can hit with hurricane and hurricane is 3hko and nature power is 2hko with nature power on electric terrain also the boost with acrobatics kill easy offensive tomohawk
 

DarkSlay

Guess who's back? Na na na! *breakdances*
is a CAP Contributor Alumnus

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature / Sassy Nature
- Air Slash
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Flamethrower / Heavy Slam

This beast (okay, pun intended) is a great choice for a counter against Offensive Tomohawk, resisting its STAB Hurricane + standard Nature Power and being immune to Earth Power. In return, even with extremely minimal investment, it 2HKO's Tomohawk with Air Slash. If it needed to, it can use Leech Seed to regain health over time or on Roost turns, essentially negating any damage done to it. It also resists 3/4 of the possible Terrain-affected Nature Powers, which is nice. It has to be "careful" of Electric Terrain Tomohawk's TBolt, but hey, at least it's only an 8% chance at a 2HKO. Choose the correct nature with the correct last coverage move.
OFFENSIVE CALCULATIONS
4 SpA Celesteela Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tomohawk: 206-246 (58.6 - 70%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tomohawk: 142-168 (40.4 - 47.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

DEFENSIVE CALCULATIONS
252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 83-99 (20.8 - 24.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
Tomohawk Earth Power vs. Celesteela: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time
252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Nature Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 40-48 (10 - 12%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 22-27 (5.5 - 6.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 48-57 (12 - 14.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 45-55 (11.3 - 13.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ SpA Life Orb Tomohawk Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 185-218 (46.4 - 54.7%) -- 8.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
Last edited:

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 0)

Top