UU Victim of the Week V2 (Week Five: Nasty Plot Infernape)

[Saria]

Old Thread (OP stolen from here)

Victim of the Week

​

Every generation is different and the metagame is constantly changing. However there's always been and always will be one constant: Threats.

Whether it be a defensive threat or an offensive threats, any competent competitive Pokemon player should have some knowledge on how to handle common, top-tier threats.

That's where you guys as a community come in. This project aims to gather some of the common top-tier threats in the current metagame and find Pokemon that can either check or counter the respective 'mon.

Rules

• Every round, I will nominate a Pokemon (moveset specifically) for discussion. Within one week's time, you guys will have the ability to discuss and nominate various Pokemon that you think can either check or counter the victim of the week.

• After the deadline, I will choose the top three checks and the top three counters. Should there be a lot of nominations, I will discuss my choices with other skilled players to ensure the selections are not biased and that all nominations have been considered thoroughly.

• The results will be archived and the process will continue.

• When nominating your check/counter please follow the provided format:
  - Name of the Pokemon
  - Check or Counter
  - Short Description as to why you chose this particular Pokemon
  - Set(s) that work well against the victim of the week

• Minimum of 3 sentences for each set

• Reserving Pokemon is allowed, however, reservation posts must be updated within 12 hours, or anyone is free to claim the Pokemon for themselves

General Information

To be considered a counter, a Pokemon must be able to risklessly switch into any of the opponent's moves under normal battle conditions, including taking damage from Stealth Rock, and reliably KO the opponent before the counter is KOed itself.

To be considered a check, a Pokemon must be able to switch at least once into most of opponent's moves under normal battle conditions at least including taking damage from Stealth Rock, and reliably KO the opponent before the counter is KOed itself.

Winners will be decided using the following criteria:

- Viability of the Pokemon: The point of this thread if finding viable counters to important threats. Overly specific gimmicks generally don't work in practice.

- Effectiveness of the Pokemon: This is pretty self explanatory. The better a check / counter is at dealing with the the "victim", the more effective it is. Example: Blissey is more effective than Umbreon at walling Nidoqueen, because it takes significant less damage from all its moves.

Archive

Mega Aerodactyl
Counters: Suicune (LiberalLucario) / Porygon2 (Abraite) / Alomomola (gobosox)
Checks: Mega Steelix (dingbat) / Slowking (IronBullet93) / Gastrodon (Majore D' Mawile)

Tyrantrum
Counters: Rhyperior (Abraite) / Mega Steelix (dingbat) Mega Aggron (Darkerones)
Checks: Hippowdon / (Serperior for Uber) / Doublade (Lord of Bays) / Chestnaught (Darvin)

Feraligatr
Counters: Rhyperior (kokoloko) / Mega Abomasnow (Darvin) / Poliwrath (warzoid)
Checks:Alomomola (GnralLao) / Kyurem (Kreme) / Heliolisk (Lord of Bays)

Infernape
Counters: Slowking (dodmen) /Gligar (newfren) / Moltres (Darvin)
Checks: Tentacruel (Hogg) / Chandelure (Kreme) / Shaymin (YABO)

Current Victim​

Infernape @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Focus Blast / Vacuum Wave
- Fire Blast
- Grass Knot / Hidden Power [Ice] / Hidden Power [Dark]

 

[Peef Rimgar]

Listing Quagsire as a counter

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Recover

Pretty self explanatory, Unaware ignores its Hone Claws Boosts, and the highest damage situation is a Aerial Ace 3HKO, while Scald 2HKOes and has the burn chance. Recover off damage when appropriate and it functions quite well.

 

[gobosox]

Pokemon: Alomomola

Why I thought of it: Water beats rock and it's regen allows it to switch into Maero every time

Alomomola @ Leftovers/Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 40 HP / 216 Def / 252 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Wish
- Protect
- Healing Wish/toxic/knock off

Alo can just scald and wish protect on the hone claws setups and 3hko in return, scald burns from mola are always a good possibility

244+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 40 HP / 216+ Def Alomomola: 159-187 (33 - 38.8%) -- 6.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Alomomola Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 90-108 (29.9 - 35.8%) -- 23.4% chance to 3HKO

 

[Christo]

- Name of the Pokemon: Doublade
- Check or Counter:Counter
- Short Description as to why you chose this particular Pokemon: Doublade is IMO the most viable counter to Mega Aero. Most Aerodactyl run Stone Edge,AA, and Aqua tail, roost/hone claws which Doublade can switch in to with ease and proceed to 1HKO in the process. If Aero runs EQ, Doublade only takes 33-40%. Due to Aero most likely not predicting the Doublade on every switch in and using EQ, Doublade and Switch in 2-3 times on Aero,
- Set(s) that work well against the victim of the week: Any adamant set with Iron head/Gyro Ball
252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Earthquake vs. 212 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Doublade: 106-126 (33.9 - 40.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Doublade Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 44 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 278-330 (92.3 - 109.6%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

 

[boltsandbombers]

Cresselia as a Counter (not too unreasonable to call it a check bc taunt exists)

Cresselia (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Moonlight
- Thunder Wave / Toxic
- Psychic
- Ice Beam

With its insane bulk, cresselia easily shrugs off all of Aerodactyl's attacks. It can then proceed to cripple it with a status condition and then 3HKOes with Ice beam. Thunder Wave is useful to cripple Aerodactyl's Speed for other slower teammates to get off an attack, but Toxic is a faster way of wearing it down. All down to personal preference. Moonblast can be used over Ice Beam or Psyshic, but in this scenario having a super effective attack is important.

Calcs:

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cresselia: 85-102 (19.1 - 22.9%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cresselia: 108-127 (24.3 - 28.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cresselia: 160-189 (36 - 42.5%) -- 94.2% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Cresselia Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 108-128 (35.8 - 42.5%)

 

[slated]

reserving suicune

 

[KaiseraAeros]

Rhyperior as a Check

Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 20 Atk / 240 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge/Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Dragon Tail/Roar/Ice Punch/Toxic

Standart Rhyperior with a very slight modification.Basically it can Switch into every Move Mega Aerodactly has bar Aqua Tail,thanks to his Excelent Physical Bulk+Solid Rock and proceed to threaten him out with EdgeQuake STABs.it can still beat Aqua Tail Variants 1v1 Assuming it didn't take too much Prior Dmg.Pretty Simple really

Offensive Calcs:
20+ Atk Rhyperior Rock Blast (3 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 276-330 (91.6 - 109.6%) -- approx. 62.5% chance to OHKO
20+ Atk Rhyperior Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 368-434 (122.2 - 144.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
20+ Atk Rhyperior Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 184-217 (61.1 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO(Roost)
20+ Atk Rhyperior Rock Blast (3 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 138-165 (45.8 - 54.8%) -- approx. 57.8% chance to 2HKO(Roost)
20+ Atk Rhyperior Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 368-434 (122.2 - 144.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
(Roost)

Defensive Calcs:
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 54-63 (12.4 - 14.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 67-79 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Rhyperior: 135-159 (31.1 - 36.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aqua Tail vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Rhyperior: 321-381 (74.1 - 87.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Serperior for Uber]

Name of the pokemon: Foretress
Counter:

Foretress can easily take any attack Mega-aerodcatyl has to offer with stone edge 3HKOing at best. Meanwhile, a Foretress Gyro ball can OHKO Mega-Aerodactlyl. Additionally, Foretress can pivot with volt switch when Aerodactyl is forced to switch.
However, if Aerodactyl is packing the uncommon fire fang Foretress is relegated to a check as Fire Fang 2hkos Foretress. Thankfully, Fire fang is very uncommon and moves like Ice fang and others are preferred

Foretress Set

Forretress @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock/Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Volt Switch
- Gyro Ball

0 Atk Forretress Gyro Ball (131 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 296-350 (98.3 - 116.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Forretress: 105-124 (29.7 - 35.1%) -- 18% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Fire Fang vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Forretress: 244-288 (69.1 - 81.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

 

[slated]

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Suicune as counter
Suicune is by and large one of the best counters to Mega Aerodactyl in the current metagame. With its immense physical bulk and neutrality to all of Mega Aero's attacks, as well as having pressure to limit Mega Aero to just 4 Stone Edges, the best Aerodactyl can do to Suicune is very meager damage with its two primary STABs. In addition, Suicune has one of the stronger scalds among defensive pokemon allowing it to do great damage and possibly score a burn with scald, rendering Mega Aerodactyl useless. Suicune can even come in on a Hone Claws, not get 2HKO'd by +1 Stone Edge, and 2HKO with scald.

Calcs:
252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 109-130 (26.9 - 32.1%) -- 51.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 88-105 (21.7 - 25.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 165-195 (40.8 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 168-198 (55.8 - 65.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Christo]

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Suicune as counter
Suicune is by and large one of the best counters to Mega Aerodactyl in the current metagame. With its immense physical bulk and neutrality to all of Mega Aero's attacks, as well as having pressure to limit Mega Aero to just 4 Stone Edges, the best Aerodactyl can do to Suicune is very meager damage with its two primary STABs. In addition, Suicune has one of the stronger scalds among defensive pokemon allowing it to do great damage and possibly score a burn with scald, rendering Mega Aerodactyl useless. Suicune can even come in on a Hone Claws, not get 2HKO'd by +1 Stone Edge, and 2HKO with scald.

Calcs:
252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 109-130 (26.9 - 32.1%) -- 51.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 88-105 (21.7 - 25.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 165-195 (40.8 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 168-198 (55.8 - 65.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+1 252+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 181-214 (44.8 - 52.9%) -- 85.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
Just Saying that if an adamant Aero uses hone Claws on Cune switch in, it can 2 hit KO

 

[Serperior for Uber]

↑

Just Saying that if an adamant Aero uses hone Claws on Cune switch in, it can 2 hit KO

I don't beleieve Aerodactyl runs adamant anyway, that would allow it to get outsped by mega-beedril and Mega-Sceptile. Morever, I don't think the anyone would run the risk of a scald burn while attempting to 2hko

 

[slated]

+1 252+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Suicune: 181-214 (44.8 - 52.9%) -- 85.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
Just Saying that if an adamant Aero uses hone Claws on Cune switch in, it can 2 hit KO

The set given is jolly, and I highly doubt a maero player would choose to stay in on cune and risk a burn unless it was the very end of the game.

 

[BenzMafia]

But, these are 1v1 situations where you ignore the hax. Otherwise anything slower than Jirachi wouldn't consider as a check nor counter since there is a chance for them to not move ever. Suicune fails to score an OHKO on Aero which makes it shaky but as you said the set is given jolly and not slashed with adamant so it is still a legit counter.


Also "With 36% total usage, and an incredible 83% win rate in the SPL, this Pokemon has been by far the most effective UU Pokemon of the tour. Many top players consider it currently the best Pokemon in the tier, and some people consider it broken in the current metagame."

They are just salty because they lost to it lol.

 

[Sleepless]

reserving pert

 

[IronBullet]

Slowking as a Check

Slowking @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Scald
- Psyshock
- Slack Off

Aero never 2HKOs with Stone Edge even after SR, so Slowking can heal up and then either paralyze it or comfortably 2HKO it with Scald. However if Aero boosts up while Slowking switches in, Stone Edge becomes a 2HKO and a paralyzed Aero still outspeeds Slowking so Slowking loses in this scenario unless a burn/full para/stone edge miss occurs. Generally speaking though Slowking is a pretty solid check as Regenerator + Slack Off allows it to consistently switch into Aero throughout the match.

Calcs:

252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Slowking: 141-166 (35.8 - 42.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Slowking: 112-133 (28.4 - 33.8%) -- 1.4% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Slowking: 210-247 (53.4 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

8 SpA Slowking Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 182-216 (60.4 - 71.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[SANJAY]

Porygon2 as a CHECK

Porygon2 @ Eviolite
Ability: Download
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Bold Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Recover
- Thunder Wave
- Ice Beam

Yeah, this thing is annoying af 2 aero especially since it has eviolite the minmum aero can do to this thing is 4HKO it :o. This thing can 2HKO it with ice beam it or thunderbolt, this can be annoying to kill as well since it gets access to recover and t-wave to slow it down and paralyze it also look at these cool calcs. :]


252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 91-108 (24.3 - 28.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aqua Tail vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 73-86 (19.5 - 22.9%) -- 8.8% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 73-87 (19.5 - 23.2%) -- 13.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock

252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 61-72 (16.3 - 19.2%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock

+1 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Eviolite Porygon2: 136-162 (36.3 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

And some of porygon2's reking this :D

0 SpA Porygon2 Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 142-168 (47.1 - 55.8%) -- 75% chance to 2HKO

0 SpA Porygon2 Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 142-168 (47.1 - 55.8%) -- 75% chance to 2HKO

 

[slated]

But, these are 1v1 situations where you ignore the hax. Otherwise anything slower than Jirachi wouldn't consider as a check nor counter since there is a chance for them to not move ever. Suicune fails to score an OHKO on Aero which makes it shaky but as you said the set is given jolly and not slashed with adamant so it is still a legit counter.


Also "With 36% total usage, and an incredible 83% win rate in the SPL, this Pokemon has been by far the most effective UU Pokemon of the tour. Many top players consider it currently the best Pokemon in the tier, and some people consider it broken in the current metagame."

They are just salty because they lost to it lol.

Agreed. Adamant Aero is meant to power through defensive pokemon in the first place, so stuff like Suicune and Vaporeon becomes really shaky. The statement I made about scald burns is supposed to signify that a good Aerodactyl player probably wouldn't stay in on a healthy Suicune that just switched into a Hone Claws because of risk of a scald burn.

 

[Christo]

The set given is jolly, and I highly doubt a maero player would choose to stay in on cune and risk a burn unless it was the very end of the game.

Ah I didn't realize it said strictly jolly, my fault.(I run Adamant that is why i responded) But, based off the calcs, I still believe Cune is a Check, and not a Counter, but hey, i might be wrong.

 

[dingbat]

Reserving (Mega) Steelix as check

Steelix @ Steelixite
Ability: Sturdy --> Sand Force
252 HP, 4 Atk, 252 SpD
Careful Nature
-Heavy Slam
-Earthquake
-Stealth Rock
-Roar

I don't even know the spread that is utilised in UU, but whatever. Although Mega Steelix is outperformed by Mega Aggron in many aspects, having a Ground-typing definitely has its advantages, and this EV spread allows it to take advantage of its superior SpD stat, compared to Mega Aggron.

Even with Adamant Nature, Mega Aero fails to 2hko Mega Steelix without a boost, and if Mega Steelix has even a small amount of defense investment, then it will fail to 2hko, even if the base form switches into Aqua Tail.

Defensive calcs

252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aqua Tail vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Steelix: 142-168 (40.1 - 47.4%)
252+ Atk Mega Aerodactyl Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Steelix: 118-140 (33.3 - 39.5%)
+1 252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aqua Tail vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mega Steelix: 212-250 (59.8 - 70.6%)

Regular Steelix calcs:

252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aqua Tail vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Steelix: 160-190 (45.1 - 53.6%)

Offensive calcs:

4 Atk Mega Steelix Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 360-426 (119.6 - 141.5%)
4 Atk Mega Steelix Stealth Rock vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: FREE HAZARDS

 

[Pokemoon]

nice to see this is back!
Reserving Umbreon.

 

[Kreme]

Hippowdon as a CHECK

Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Slack Off

Hippowdon is able to check many threats in the UU metagame, and Mega Aero is one of them. Hippowdon is able to come in on any move Aerodactyl can throw at it bar Aqua Tail as it is 3HKOd by Jolly variants and has a small chance of being 2HKOd by Adamant variants. It can recover off damage taken by Aerodactyl using Slack Off and can 2HKO with Rock Slide. It also has a chance of OHKOing Aerodactyl if it attempts to Roost off damage.

Defensive calcs:

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aqua Tail vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 174-206 (41.5 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aqua Tail vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 190-224 (45.3 - 53.4%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Offensive calcs:

8 Atk Hippowdon Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 138-164 (45.8 - 54.4%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO

(When roosting): 8 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Aerodactyl: 272-324 (90.3 - 107.6%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO

 

[Ray Majore]

*This is my first legit post outside of the RMT Forums.*

For my selection, I've looked at some underrated threats in the UU tier. I came up with this offensive check:

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 216 HP / 252 Def / 40 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam
- Recover




COUNTER/CHECK DETAILS
Even if this guy is not really used a lot in UU, it still works as a unique, underrated threat to Mega Aerodactyl. Packing up a good defense layout (arranged in terms of: HP/Defense/Special Defense) of 111/68/82, it is capable of tanking many of Aerodactyl's hits while being able to retaliate it with the moves that it has to pack. Unlike common counters/checks such as Swampert and Suicune, it has an ability that can legitimately take advantage of Aerodactyl. If a predicted Aqua Tail shows up, Storm Drain can go crazy and can 2HKO (w/o Stealth Rock) or OHKO (with Stealth Rock) Aerodactyl back with a +1 Scald.

DAMAGE CALCULATIONS:
The following calculations will show and prove the effectiveness of this check. Both Gastrodon and Mega Aerodactyl will be tested:

MEGA AERODACTYL vs. GASTRODON:


Mega Aerodactyl without the +1 boost from Hone Claws and with Stealth Rock:
​

• 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 216 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 77-91 (18.4 - 21.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Earthquake vs. 216 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 103-122 (24.7 - 29.2%) -- 4.8% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 216 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 124-147 (29.7 - 35.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Mega Aerodactyl with the +1 boost from Hone Claws and with Stealth Rock:​

• +1 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Stone Edge vs. 216 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 115-136 (27.5 - 32.6%) -- 99.8% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• +1 252 Atk Mega Aerodactyl Earthquake vs. 216 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 154-182 (36.9 - 43.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
• +1 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Aerodactyl Aerial Ace vs. 216 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 186-219 (44.6 - 52.5%) -- 19.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Gastrodon without any Storm Drain boost and with Stealth Rock:​

• 0 SpA Gastrodon Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 168-200 (55.8 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
• 0 SpA Gastrodon Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 126-150 (41.8 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Gastrodon with a +1 Storm Drain boost and with Stealth Rock:​

• +1 0 SpA Gastrodon Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 252-296 (83.7 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
• +1 0 SpA Gastrodon Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Aerodactyl: 188-222 (62.4 - 73.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

CONCLUSION:
With the proven calculations, respectable bulk and effectiveness, Gastrodon proves to be an effective counter to Mega Aerodactyl.​

 

[Saria]

First week is over. Winners are:

Counters:
Suicune (LiberalLucario)
Porygon2 (Abraite)
Alomomola (gobosox)

Checks:
Mega Steelix (dingbat)
Slowking (IronBullet93)
Gastrodon (Majore D' Mawile)

===

Next Victim is an RU Pokemon that recently got a massive boost and has gained some popularity in the current UnderUsed metagame:

Tyrantrum @ Choice Band
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Crunch

Not expecting to see many counters this week!

 

[Kreme]

Reserving Cobalion as a check

 

[Schpoonman]

Nominating Doublade as a hard check, soft counter.

Doublade @ Eviolite
Ability: No Guard
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Atk / 16 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Swords Dance
- Gyro Ball
- Sacred Sword
- Shadow Sneak

Earthquake is the only move Tyrantrum has that can 2HKO Doublade. Crunch fails to 2HKO after Rocks, so you can even switch in on it, Gyro Ball on the second Crunch, and then Shadow Sneak for the KO. Meanwhile, if it goes for Head Smash or Outrage, you can use that as an opportunity to set up.

252 Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Earthquake vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Doublade: 146-174 (45.7 - 54.5%) -- 53.5% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Crunch vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Doublade: 118-140 (36.9 - 43.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Doublade Gyro Ball (98 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tyrantrum: 270-320 (88.5 - 104.9%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Doublade Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tyrantrum: 55-66 (18 - 21.6%) -- possible 5HKO

Trust me, I know how hard it is to counter Tyrantrum and how often this stupid piece of shit cockblocks me.