Here's an interesting one:
Chesnaught (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Bulletproof
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Synthesis
- Leech Seed
- Spiky Shield
- Hammer Arm / Wood Hammer
Chesnaught is normally seen exploiting its useful resists to Rock, Ground, Dark etc as a physical wall. However, it also sports useful resistances to Water and Electric, with investment it can become surprisingly sturdy on the special side while maintaining its natural physical bulk, giving it more opportunities to switch in and be annoying with Leech Seed and Spiky Shield.
An interesting project I've had with Chesnaught is to forgo the use of Spiky Shield in exchange for Substitute. What I've found is that when Chesnaught typically finds a Pokemon it can counter, it is a hard counter to it. Most players who know Chesnaught's strengths will switch out to their Chesnaught counter after seeing it come out. The amazing part for me is that Chesnaught can harm some of the big ones a great deal.
My typical set ends up being:
Chesnaught @ Leftovers
Trait: Bulletproof
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Leech Seed
- Hammer Arm
- Stone Edge
- Substitute
Basically, you come in on something it will KO (like Excadrill) and you'll pull Substitute instead of going for the KO. The free move can either be exchanged for nothing on an 18.5% HP loss (25-6.5% as you'll get a Leftovers recovery likely). If they stay out, you'll lose the Sub against most things sans Excadrill and continue on as normal. If they switch, you can smack them with your Fighting/Rock combination or launch Leech Seeds as they break your Sub. With some of the counters, this is really dangerous to eat. It's a nasty surprise given the rarity of Stone Edge on Chesnaught (4% at 1500).
The biggest counters to come in on it as of last statistics count, and damage from a Stone Edge, are:
- Togekiss. Your damage is (42.3 - 50.4%) against the typical special wall. I wouldn't try beating it. You can probably get one attack on it but I'd watch out for possible Nasty Plot sweepers. Leech Seed is great to pressure it a bit.
- Sigilyph. Your damage is (52.8 - 62.6%) against the typical burn set (if it has 252 HP/0 Def). This is another Pokemon you'll just switch out on. Your Sub will break to anything but Stored Power but I suspect its first move will likely be Cosmic Power and you'll be in trouble then since you deal less than 50% per hit. If you stay in and it attacks, it'll likely go for Psycho Shift next so bring out a standard counter to it.
- Volcarona. Your damage is (77.6 - 91.6%) on the bulky set (Bold 240 HP, 252 Def), and inside of OHKO range on other sets. You'll probably land a surprise KO here, especially if Stealth Rocks are up (though who sends out a 50% HP Volcarona?). If not, Volcarona is in serious trouble as it either Roosted SR Damage off/Quiver Danced and is down to bare HP and a Chesnaught with a Sub up or at bare HP and you can bring out a counter with an unboosted Volcarona.
- Alakazam. Your damage is (42.8 - 50.7%) on standard Mega Alakazam and (56.3 - 66.6%) on Alakazam. Few carry recover so I think you've dealt a pretty serious blow to Alakazam already. Hurt it, then bring out your counter.
- Pinsir. Your damage is (77.8 - 92.2%) on the bulkiest common Mega Pinsir (252 HP, 0 Def), and inside of OHKO range on less bulky versions. On non-Mega Evolved Pinsirs, you deal (45.5 - 53.8%) on the bulkiest common Pinsir and are inside of 2HKO range on the standard Pinsir. Either way I'd take the shot. If it's stays un-Mega Evolved on its turn and attacks, you'll have unbroken Subs (its best attack is Return for a maximum of 21.3%). If it is Mega Evolved, it will be likely in OHKO range. If it survives, it'll have no Swords Dance up yet so it'll be less of a threat. My favourite is watching it then Quick Attack or Return/Frusteration on a Rockey Helmet Skarmory for a KO.
- Clefable. You deal (17.2 - 20.3%). Nothing you can do here.
- Espeon. You deal (34.1 - 40.4%) to Screen setter Espeon, likely (17 - 20%) because it'll go for Reflect first. I would be tempted to switch out instead of attacking.
- Charizard. This is where things get fun. Even if you don't know which one it is, your Sub will give you time to figure that out:
-- On Charizard X, you will deal (47.1 - 55.8%) to the standard Dragon Dance set. You can probably hit it once, watch it break your Sub, then get a free switch in as it Roosts.
-- On Charizard Y, you will deal (125.2 - 148.1%) to the standard sweeper. OHKO in exchange for a Sub is a pretty nice deal IMO.
- Reuniclus. You deal less than 25% to all versions of it. Might as well switch out.
- Hawlucha. You deal (32.1 - 38.1%) to the standard. I've legitimately never seen this come up and can't comment on it much but it'll likely use Hi Jump Kick in an attempt to conserve its Power Herb.
- Landorus. You deal (26 - 30.7%) to my hated enemy. Pull Leech Seed on it and let it bash itself against another Pokemon.
This struggles greatly with Hyper Voice users, Sylveon and Mega Gardevoir...but I think you'd probably see that coming a mile away.
Also of note, it OHKOs Talonflame from behind a Sub. I think you'll see a lot of them come out since it is naturally intuitive for people to bring out Fire and Flying attackers on Chesnaught.
Be aware that this is not a counter to any of the above...it's just that Stone Edge provides some amazing damage and threatens some of its counters if it lands. And, of course, you can always throw out Leech Seed instead.
