OU Venusaur

[pancake]

forgot to implement cryo's check
opposite of bop

qc 3/3: dk, pk, subject18
gp 2/2: eyan, cryogyro


[OVERVIEW]

Mega Venusaur's very good bulk allows it to check a plethora of prominent threats in the OU metagame, including Tapu Koko, Keldeo, Battle Bond Greninja pre-transformation, Protean Greninja without Extrasensory, and Tapu Bulu. Its Thick Fat ability and decent defensive typing leave it with only two weaknesses, Psychic and Flying, while giving it resistances to many common types, such as Water and Fairy. Mega Venusaur is surprisingly not very passive, as it possesses a solid Special Attack stat of base 122. Its ability to run either an offensive or defensive set lets it fit on a variety of team archetypes. However, Mega Venusaur faces massive competition from Tangrowth and Amoonguss, both of which perform similar roles and don't need to run Synthesis because they have Regenerator. Also, it takes up a Mega slot, preventing the player from using generally better Mega Evolutions such as Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, and Mega Scizor. Mega Venusaur is easily worn down by Spikes, Scald burns, and even just powerful attacks, so it finds itself using Synthesis a lot as opposed to attacking, which results in momentum loss and passivity. Finally, it gives a free switch in to certain common Pokemon, such as Autotomize Celesteela, Gengar, and Mega Medicham to an extent, which can spam their powerful STAB moves or set up on Mega Venusaur.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off / Leech Seed
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 156 SpD / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain is a STAB move that allows Mega Venusaur to check the Water-types that it is supposed to and recovers HP. Sludge Bomb is a more powerful STAB move that can threaten typical Grass-type checks, such as Mega Charizard X, and can be used to attempt to poison bulkier threats, such as Mega Sableye and Zapdos. Although Synthesis suffers from low PP, it is reliable recovery, which allows Mega Venusaur to check opposing Pokemon throughout the match. Hidden Power Fire pressures Mega Scizor, Mega Mawile, and Magearna, preventing them from setting up on Mega Venusaur, and keeps Ferrothorn from freely setting Spikes up. Knock Off cripples potential switch-ins to Venusaur and Pokemon dependent on their items such as Chansey, Alolan Marowak, Substitute + Coil Zygarde, and Celesteela. Leech Seed is another option to annoy bulkier Pokemon, such as Celesteela and Toxapex, while allowing Venusaur to further recover HP.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread and a Calm nature allow Mega Venusaur to take hits from Protean Greninja, Ash-Greninja, and Tapu Koko while also outspeeding Adamant Mega Mawile. It avoids the 2HKO from pre-transformation Battle Bond Greninja's Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse after damage from Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes while also avoiding the 2HKO from Choice Specs-boosted Extrasensory with no entry hazards up. An EV spread with more Defense and a Bold nature can be used to check Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Terrakion more effectively, but only if Ash-Greninja is not an issue for the team. Although neither of Venusaur's initial abilities are very useful, Chlorophyll is preferred in order to allow Venusaur to gain an advantage against teams with Mega Charizard Y.

Usage Tips
========

Pivot Mega Venusaur into Pokemon that it checks, such as Keldeo and Tapu Bulu, so it can threaten them with its STAB moves or recover its HP using Synthesis. Prioritize safely Mega Evolving with Venusaur so it can better pivot into Pokemon with its improved bulk and Thick Fat. While Mega Venusaur can switch into Greninja most of the time, it has a hard time taking Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulses from Ash-Greninja or Extrasensory from Protean Greninja. If the opponent has a Greninja, play conservatively with Mega Venusaur by scouting for Extrasensory and by using Synthesis.

Team Options
========

This Venusaur set fits better on balanced or defensive teams. Because Mega Venusaur does not have the ability to run Leftovers and does not have Regenerator, entry hazards can force it to use Synthesis more than attacking. As a result, hazard removers such as Zapdos, Tapu Fini, Mew, and Skarmory make good partners. Steel-types such as Jirachi, Celesteela, and Magearna, which can take on the Flying- and Psychic-types that Mega Venusaur does not like to face, make for nice teammates. Additionally, Pokemon that can take on the Fire-types that Mega Venusaur generally likes to avoid, like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde, make for good partners. Heatran is a particularly good partner because it takes the Psychic-, Fire-, and Flying-type attacks that Mega Venusaur hates, while Mega Venusaur takes Water-type attacks for it. Fire- and Water-types such as Volcarona and Tapu Fini form a core with Mega Venusaur that has good defensive synergy. Mega Venusaur gives free switches to Gengar and Alolan Marowak, so Pokemon that can take hits from these Ghost-types, such as Tyranitar, make decent partners.

[SET]
name: Offensive Tank
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Modest
evs: 232 HP / 92 SpA / 80 SpD / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb are Mega Venusaur's main STAB moves; Giga Drain helps recover Venusaur's HP and hits Water- and Ground-types super effectively, while Sludge Bomb can hit the plethora of Fairy-types present in the tier. Synthesis is mandatory for Venusaur so it can recover HP and switch into foes such as Greninja multiple times. Hidden Power Fire rounds out Venusaur's coverage by letting it hit Steel-types, which it would be walled by otherwise; specifically, it is used to pressure Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread is used to outspeed maximum-Speed Jolly Mega Mawile and Adamant Tyranitar while avoiding the 2HKO from pre-transformation Battle Bond Greninja's Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse after Stealth Rock damage. 92 Special Attack EVs enable Mega Venusaur's Hidden Power Fire to 2HKO Ferrothron without any prior damage. Chlorophyll is preferred over Overgrow to give Venusaur an advantage against teams with Mega Charizard Y.

Usage Tips
========

When using this set, Mega Venusaur intends to pivot into attacks while hitting back with its powerful STAB moves. Specifically, pivot Mega Venusaur into Pokemon that it checks, such as Keldeo and Tapu Koko, so it can retaliate with Giga Drain or Sludge Bomb or recover its HP with Synthesis. Try to get Venusaur in for free so it can Mega Evolve safely, as it's fairly weak and lacking in bulk pre-Mega Evolution. Due to this set's lower bulk, it is easier to wear it down with entry hazards and repeated attacks, so use Giga Drain and Synthesis to help Venusaur tank more hits throughout the match. Use Hidden Power Fire to pressure the Steel-types that switch into Mega Venusaur; many of them are not prepared to take a Hidden Power Fire from offensive sets. Use Sludge Bomb to pressure bulkier threats, such as Zapdos, by attempting to poison them.

Team Options
========

This set can be one of the best checks to Ash-Greninja for offensive and bulky offensive teams. It can also fit well on balanced teams, acting as a solid check to Water- and Fairy-types. Mega Venusaur appreciates entry hazards being removed from its side of the field, so hazard removers such as Tapu Fini, Mew, and Zapdos make for decent partners. However, it also appreciates Stealth Rock up on the opposing side of the field to cripple switch-ins such as Mega Charizard Y and Alolan Marowak. As a result, Stealth Rock users such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Heatran make for good partners. Heatran also has the ability to take Flying-, Psychic-, and Fire-type attacks for Mega Venusaur. Fire- and Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Alolan Marowak form a core with good defensive and offensive synergy when partnered with Mega Venusaur. Finally, Pokemon that appreciate Mega Venusaur's ability to pressure opposing Water-, Grass-, and Fairy-types, such as Ash-Greninja, Keldeo, and Zygarde, make for decent teammates.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sleep Powder can cripple switch-ins to Mega Venusaur and create opportunities for partners to switch in and use a powerful attack or sweep, but generally, the ability to hit Steel-types or remove items is more useful. Earthquake can surprise Heatran and Alolan Marowak, and Hidden Power Ice prevents Zygarde and Flyinium Z Landorus-T from setting up on it but does not hit Steel-types. Life Orb Venusaur is one of the best sweepers on sun teams due to its Chlorophyll ability, but sun is generally a bad team archetype.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Despite Mega Venusaur's ability, Alolan Marowak, Heatran, and Mega Charizard Y can overpower Venusaur with their STAB moves while switching into its attacks easily.

**Flying-types**: Tornadus-T, Mega Pinsir, and Flyinium Z Landorus-T can threaten to OHKO Mega Venusaur with their powerful STAB moves. However, the former two and many others do not like switching into Sludge Bomb, while the third takes a good chunk of damage from Giga Drain.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Mega Medicham, and Tapu Lele can OHKO Mega Venusaur with their STAB moves, but many of them do not want to switch into it.

**Chansey**: Mega Venusaur's attacks barely do any damage to Chansey. However, Chansey is crippled by Knock Off and cannot do much back.

**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Since Mega Venusaur only has Synthesis for recovery, it is easily pressured by coverage moves such as Extrasensory from either Greninja and Tapu Bulu's Zen Headbutt.

 

[dk]

I'm a lazy wiener

Comments

QC Check

qc 0/3:
gp 0/2:


[OVERVIEW]

• Mega Venusaur's very good bulk allows it to check a plethora of prominent threats in the OU metagame, such as Tapu Koko, Mega Mawile, Keldeo, and Tapu Bulu. It is also one of the only Pokemon that can switch into both many Protean Greninja sets and Ash-Greninja. This is a bit weird. Koko, Keldeo, and Ash-Gren are fine to mention, but it's not exactly the world's best Mawile check because of it lacking a resistance to Sucker. Tapu Bulu often carries Zen and Gren often runs Esens (moreso for Keldeo and Toxapex), so it's fine to mention those—just explain that it only checks those two if they lack Psychic coverage. So, basically, mention it keeps Koko, Keldeo, Ash-Gren pre-transformation, and Bulu + Protean Gren lacking Psychic coverage in check.
• It's ability, Thick Fat, and decent defensive typing only leaves it with two weaknesses, Psychic and Flying, while giving it many common resistances, such as Water and Fairy.
• Mega Venusaur is not passive at all, as it possesses a solid Special Attack stat of 122. Eh, I'd rephrase it as being "surprisingly not that passive" or something like that. "Not passive at all" sounds like a wallbreaker.
• Its ability to run both offensive and defensive sets lets it fit on a variety of team archetypes.
• However, Mega Venusaur faces massive competition from Tangrowth, Toxapex, and Amoonguss, all of which perform similar roles and don't need to run Synthesis. Just mention Tangrowth and Amoonguss and mention how Regen generally makes them more favorable
• It takes up a Mega slot, preventing the player from using generally better Mega Pokemon, such as Mega Metagross, Mega Scizor, Mega Medicham and Mega Mawile. I'd order these in terms of relative VR ranking. I know Medi isn't ranked rn, but I'd go with Metagross, then Mawile, then Medicham, then Scizor
• Despite Mega Venusaurs access to reliable recovery in Synthesis, it finds itself using Synthesis a lot in order to sustain itself as opposed over attacking. Say this leads to passivity and momentum draining
• Finally, it lets in certain common Pokemon for free, such as Mega Metagross, Autotomize Celesteela, and Gengar, all of which can spam their powerful STAB moves or set up on Mega Venusaur. Somewhere in the overview mention its susceptibility to Spikes, Scald burns, and generally being worn down. This all leads to it being really dependent on Synthesis for recovery which sucks compared to the two Regen Grass-types

Use this spread over the current one—it avoids the 2HKO from Specs pre-transformation Ash-Greninja Dark Pulse with SR + Spikes and also lives 2 Specs E-senses with no SR up. Your original slashes are fine.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off / Leech Seed
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 156 SpD / 16 Spe

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off / Leech Seed
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Bold
evs: 232 HP / 180 Def / 80 SpD / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Giga Drain is STAB that allows Venusaur to actually check the Water-types that it is supposed to check. Also good for some recovery
• Sludge Bomb is a more powerful STAB move which can threaten typical Grass-type checks, such as Mega Charizard X, and can be used to attempt to poison bulkier threats, such as Mega Sableye and Zapdos.
• Synthesis is reliable recovery that allows Mega Venusaur to check opposing Pokemon throughout the match. Suffers from low PP
• Hidden Power Fire pressures Mega Scizor, Mega Mawile, Mega Metagross, and Magearna, preventing them from being able to set up on Mega Venusaur. Also prevents Ferrothorn from freely spiking on Venu
• Knock Off cripples potential switch-ins to Venusaur or Pokemon dependent on their items such as Chansey, Alolan Marowak, SubCoil Zygarde, and Celesteela.
• Leech Seed can be used to annoy bulkier Pokemon, such as Celesteela and Toxapex, while allowing Venusaur to further recover HP.

Set Details
========

• The given EV spread and a Bold nature allows Mega Venusaur to take hits from Protean Greninja, Ash-Greninja, and Tapu Koko, while also outspeeding Adamant Mega Mawile. Other EV spreads, such as 232 HP / 32 Def / 140 SpD / 104 Spe with a Bold nature, or a spread with more Special Defense investment and a Calm nature, can be used. The former outspeeds Jolly Mega Mawile while the latter can help further with Ash-Greninja and Rain teams. Talk about the merits of the spread I posted above (248 HP / 88 Def / 156 SpD / 16 Spe)—feel free to talk about more physically defensive spreads if Ash-Gren is less of a concern
• Although neither of Venusaur's initial abilities are very useful, Chlorophyll is preferred in order to allow Venusaur to gain an advantage against teams with Mega Charizard Y.
• Venusaurite is mandatory in order to allow Venusaur to evolve into Mega Venusaur.

Usage Tips
========

• Pivot Mega Venusaur into Pokemon that it checks, such as Keldeo and Tapu Bulu, so it can threaten the opposing Pokemon with its STAB moves or recover its HP using Synthesis.
• Mega Venusaur's bulk is vastly improved after Mega Evolution, and it gains the ability Thick Fat, allowing it to take Fire- and Ice-type coverage moves a lot more easily. As a result, find a way to switch Mega Venusaur in safely so it can Mega Evolve. You could just say "prioritize safely Mega Evolving Mega Venusaur so it can adequately pivot into things"
• Against bulkier threats such as Zapdos, Assault Vest Tornadus-T, and Bulky Quiver Dance Volcarona, it is sometimes beneficial to repeatedly use Sludge Bomb to fish for poisons, especially when Mega Venusaur is not necessary to check an opposing Pokemon. uhhhh not really. i'd just omit this entire bullet
• While Mega Venusaur can switch into both Greninja formes most of the time, it has a hard time taking Choice Specs Dark Pulse from Ash-Greninja after it has transformed or Extrasensory from Protean Greninja. If the opponent has a Greninja, play conservatively with Mega Venusaur by scouting if it has Extrasensory and using Synthesis.

Team Options
========

• This Venusaur set fits better on balanced or defensive teams.
• Because Mega Venusaur does not have the ability to run Leftovers and does not have Regenerator, hazards can force it to use Synthesis more than attacking. As a result, hazard removers such as Zapdos, Tapu Fini, and Skarmory make good partners.
• Steel-types which can take on the Flying- and Psychic-types that Mega Venusaur does not like to face, such as Jirachi, Celesteela, and Magearna make nice teammates.
• Additionally, Pokemon that can take on the Fire-types that Mega Venusaur generally likes to avoid, such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde make good partners.
• Mega Venusaur baits in Heatran and Chansey, which Dugtrio can trap, making it a good teammate. Dugtrio doesn't really open up sweeps for Venusaur, because Venu is just a fat thing that sits there. Replace this with a bullet on VenuTran and Fire / Water / Grass cores.
• It also gives free switches to Gengar and Alolan Marowak, so Pokemon that can take hits from these Ghost-types, such as Tyranitar, make decent partners.

Use this spread instead: 232 HP / 92 SpA / 80 SpD / 104 Spe
Avoids 2HKO from Specs Battle Bond Gren's Dark Pulse with SR up pre-transformation and hits 222 Speed.

[SET]
name: Offensive Tank
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Modest
evs: 160 HP / 4 Def / 160 SpA / 80 SpD / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

• Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb are Mega Venusaur's main STAB moves; Giga Drain helps with recovering Venusaur's HP and hits Water- and Ground-types, while Sludge Bomb can be used to fish for poison against bulkier Pokemon while hitting opposing Grass- and Fairy-types. Just say Sludge Bomb hits the myriad of Fairy-types present in the tier.
• Synthesis is mandatory for Venusaur so it can recover HP and switch into opponents such as Greninja multiple times.
• Hidden Power Fire rounds out Venusaur's coverage by letting it hit Steel-types, which it would be walled by otherwise. Specifically mention Ferrothorn and Scizor

Set Details
========

• The given EV spread is used to outspeed maximum Speed Jolly Mega Mawile and Adamant Tyranitar while making both Protean Greninja's Life Orb Gunk Shot and Battle Bond Greninja's Choice Specs Dark Pulse before it transforms nearly a 3HKO. Additionally, the Special Attack EVs hit a jump point, which along with a Modest nature, give Venusaur the power it needs to wallbreak. Talk about the spread I suggested and its benefits
• 16 Speed EVs should be run minimum in order to outspeed Adamant Mega Mawile; the rest of the EVs are customizable if the player needs Mega Venusaur to take more hits from Greninja or hit harder.
• Chlorophyll is preferred over Leaf Guard to give Venusaur an advantage over teams with Mega Charizard Y.
  
• Venusaurite allows Venusaur to evolve into Mega Venusaur.

Usage Tips
========

• When using this set, Mega Venusaur intends to wallbreak by taking hits and retaliating back with its powerful STAB moves. Uh, not really, no. Offensive Venusaur is just supposed to be a less passive pivot that fits more on more offensive bulky offense. It is far from a wallbreaker categorically.
• Mega Venusaur is fairly weak and cannot rank hits, especially with less bulk investment than the Defensive set, before it has Mega Evolved. As a result, try to get Mega Venusaur in for free so it can Mega Evolve.
• Due to this set's lower bulk, it is easier to wear it down with hazards and repeated attacks. Use Giga Drain and Synthesis to help Venusaur tank more hits throughout the match.
• Use Hidden Power Fire to pressure Steel-types that switch into Mega Venusaur; many of them are not prepared to take a Hidden Power Fire from offensive sets. Meanwhile, use Sludge Bomb to pressure bulkier threats, such as Zapdos, by attempting to poison them. Add a bullet about pivoting Venu into Keld/Koko/etc

Team Options
========

• This set can be one of the best checks to Ash-Greninja for offensive or bulky offensive teams. It can also fit well on balanced teams, acting as a solid check to Water- and Fairy-types.
• Dugtrio can eliminate common checks to Mega Venusaur, such as Heatran and Chansey. Again, just remove this. It's pretty out of place.
• Mega Venusaur appreciates hazards being removed from its side of the field, so hazard removers such as Tapu Fini and Zapdos make decent partners. However, it also appreciates Stealth Rock up on the opposing side of the field, to cripple switch-ins such as Mega Charizard Y and Alolan Marowak. As a result, Stealth Rock users such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Heatran make good partners.
• Finally, Pokemon that appreciate its ability to pressure opposing Water-, Grass- and Fairy-types, such as Ash-Greninja, Keldeo, and Zygarde, make decent teammates. Give VenuTran its own bullet and mention Fire / Water / Grass cores

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

• Sleep Powder can cripple switch-ins to Venusaur and create opportunities for partners to switch in and use a powerful attack or sweep, but generally the ability to hit Steel-types or the utility of Knock Off is more useful.
• Earthquake can surprise Heatran and Alolan Marowak; Outrage can also be used on this set to prevent Salamence from setting up on Venusaur.
• Hidden Power Ice prevents Flyinium Z Landorus-T and Zygarde from setting up on Mega Venusaur, but does not hit Steel-types.
• Life Orb Venusaur is one of the best sweepers on Sun teams due to its ability, Chlorophyll, but Sun is generally a bad archetype.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Despite Mega Venusaur's ability, Alolan Marowak, Heatran, and Mega Charizard Y can all overpower Venusaur with their STAB moves while switching into its attacks easily.

**Flying-types**: Tornadus-T, Mega Pinsir, Flyinium Z Landorus-T, and all switch into Giga Drain with no problem and can threaten Mega Venusaur with their powerful STAB. However, the former two and many others do not like switching into Sludge Bomb while the third takes a good chunk from Giga Drain.

**Psychic-types**: Mega Metagross, Mega Alakazam, Mega Medicham, and Tapu Lele can all OHKO Mega Venusaur with their STAB moves, but many of them want to switch into it.

**Chansey**: Mega Venusaur's attacks barely do any damage to Chansey. However, Chansey is crippled by Knock Off and cannot do much back.

Talk about coverage like Extrasensory on Greninja and how it can overpower Venusaur

1/3

 

[JuanchoTacorta]

• "The given EV spread and a Bold Calm nature allows Mega Venusaur to take hits from Protean Greninja, Ash-Greninja, and Tapu Koko, while also outspeeding Adamant Mega Mawile."

 

[PK Gaming]

2/3

 

[Subject 18]

Add Mew as a good defog partner and a good partner for checking Medicham. Looks good otherwise.

QC 3/3

 

[Eyan]

GP 1/2
add/corrections remove comments

Hide

[OVERVIEW]

Mega Venusaur's very good bulk allows it to check a plethora of prominent threats in the OU metagame, such as Tapu Koko, Keldeo, Ash-Greninja Battle Bond Greninja pre-transformation (Ash-Greninja pre-transformation doesn't make sense when Ash-Greninja refers to the transformed forme), and Tapu Bulu and Protean Greninja without Psychic-type coverage (this part is honestly a little confusing, so not sure what exactly you're trying to say), (ac) and Tapu Bulu. It's Its ability, (rc) Thick Fat, (rc) and decent defensive typing only leaves it with two weaknesses, Psychic and Flying, while giving it many common resistances to many common types, such as Water and Fairy. Mega Venusaur is surprisingly not very passive, as it possesses a solid Special Attack stat of 122. Its ability to run both offensive and defensive sets lets it fit on a variety of team archetypes. However, Mega Venusaur faces massive competition from Tangrowth and Amoonguss, both of which perform similar roles and don't need to run Synthesis because they have Regenerator. Also, it takes up a Mega slot, preventing the player from using generally better Mega Evolutions Pokemon, such as Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, (ac) and Mega Scizor. Mega Venusaur is easily worn down by Spikes, Scald burns, and even just powerful attacks. (rp) Because of this, despite its access to reliable recovery in Synthesis, so it finds itself using Synthesis a lot in order to sustain itself as opposed over to attacking, which results in momentum loss and passivity. Finally, it lets in certain common Pokemon for free, such as Autotomize Celesteela, Gengar, and Mega Medicham to an extent, all of which can spam their powerful STAB moves or set up on Mega Venusaur.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off / Leech Seed
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 156 SpD / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain is a STAB move that allows Mega Venusaur to actually check the Water-types that it is supposed to check, (rc) and helps it recovers HP. Sludge Bomb is a more powerful STAB move which that can threaten typical Grass-type checks, such as Mega Charizard X, and can be used to attempt to poison bulkier threats, such as Mega Sableye and Zapdos. Although it Synthesis suffers from low PP, Synthesis it is reliable recovery, (ac) which that allows Mega Venusaur to check opposing Pokemon throughout the match. Hidden Power Fire pressures Mega Scizor, Mega Mawile, (ac) and Magearna, preventing them from being able to setting up on Mega Venusaur., (period->comma) It also pressures as well as Ferrothorn so it cannot freely set Spikes against Mega Venusaur. Knock Off cripples potential switch-ins to Venusaur or Pokemon dependent on their items such as Chansey, Alolan Marowak, SubCoil Substitute + Coil Zygarde, and Celesteela. Leech Seed can be used is an option to annoy bulkier Pokemon, such as Celesteela and Toxapex, while allowing Venusaur to further recover HP.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread and a Calm nature allows Mega Venusaur to take hits from Protean Greninja, Ash-Greninja, and Tapu Koko, (rc) while also outspeeding Adamant Mega Mawile. It avoids the 2HKO from pre-transformation Battle Bond Ash-Greninja's Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse with Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes up, (rc) while also avoiding the 2HKO from Choice Specs-boosted Extrasensory with no entry hazards up. An EV spread with more Defense and a Bold nature can be used to check Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Terrakion more effectively, (rc) but should only be used if Ash-Greninja is not an issue for the team. Although neither of Venusaur's initial abilities are very useful, Chlorophyll is preferred in order to allow Venusaur to gain an advantage against teams with Mega Charizard Y. Venusaurite is mandatory in order to allow Venusaur to Mega Evolve into Mega Venusaur. (this last line isn't that necessary, though)

Usage Tips
========

Pivot Mega Venusaur into Pokemon that it checks, such as Keldeo and Tapu Bulu, so it can threaten them opposing Pokemon with its STAB moves or recover its HP using Synthesis. Prioritize safely Mega Evolving with Venusaur so it can safely better pivot into Pokemon with its improved bulk and Thick Fat. While Mega Venusaur can switch into both Greninja formes most of the time, it has a hard time taking Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulses from Ash-Greninja after it has transformed or Extrasensory from Protean Greninja. If the opponent has a Greninja, play conservatively with Mega Venusaur by scouting if it Greninja has Extrasensory and using Synthesis.

Team Options
========

This Venusaur set fits better on balanced or defensive teams. Because Mega Venusaur does not have the ability to run Leftovers and does not have Regenerator, entry hazards can force it to use Synthesis more than attacking. As a result, hazard removers such as Zapdos, Tapu Fini, Mew, (ac) and Skarmory make good partners. Steel-types such as Jirachi, Celesteela, and Magearna, (ac) which can take on the Flying- and Psychic-types that Mega Venusaur does not like to face, such as Jirachi, Celesteela, and Magearna make for nice teammates. Additionally, Pokemon like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde (shifting examples for clarity) that can take on the Fire-types that Mega Venusaur generally likes to avoid, (rc) such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde make for good partners. Heatran is a particularly good partner for it because it takes the Psychic-, Fire-, and Flying-type attacks that Mega Venusaur hates, while Mega Venusaur takes Water-type attacks for it. Other Fire-types, along with Water-types, such as Volcarona and Tapu Fini, form a core with Mega Venusaur with good defensive synergy. It Mega Venusaur also gives free switches to Gengar and Alolan Marowak, so Pokemon that can take hits from these Ghost-types, such as Tyranitar, make decent partners.

[SET]
name: Offensive Tank
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Modest
evs: 232 HP / 92 SpA / 80 SpD / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb are Mega Venusaur's main STAB moves; Giga Drain helps with recovering Venusaur's HP and hits Water- and Ground-types super effectively, while Sludge Bomb can hit the plethora of Fairy-types present in the tier. Synthesis is mandatory for Venusaur so it can recover HP and switch into opponents foes such as Greninja multiple times. Hidden Power Fire rounds out Venusaur's coverage by letting it hit Steel-types, which it would be walled by otherwise; specifically, it is used to pressure Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.
(add line of space)
Set Details
========

The given EV spread is used to outspeed maximum Speed Jolly Mega Mawile and Adamant Tyranitar while avoiding the 2HKO from pre-transformation Battle Bond Ash-Greninja's Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse after Stealth Rock damage. Chlorophyll is preferred over Leaf Guard to give Venusaur an advantage over teams with Mega Charizard Y. Venusaurite allows Venusaur to Mega Evolve into Mega Venusaur. (same as first set)
(add line of space)
Usage Tips
========

When using this set, Mega Venusaur intends to pivot into attacks while hitting back with its powerful STAB moves; (remove semicolon) it is far less passive than the Defensive set (not necessary. be careful with references to other sets btw; you can acknowledge their existence, just don't make the readers have to look at the other sets). Specifically, pivot Mega Venusaur into Pokemon that it checks, such as Keldeo and Tapu Koko, so it can retaliate with either Giga Drain or Sludge Bomb or recover its HP with Synthesis. Mega Venusaur (same logic as saying Ash-Greninja pre-transformation; Mega Venusaur implies already Mega Evolving) is fairly weak and cannot rank tank hits, (rc) especially with less bulk investment than the Defensive set, (rc) before it has Mega Evolved. As a result, try to get Mega Venusaur in for free so it can Mega Evolve. Due to this set's lower bulk, it is easier to wear it down with entry hazards and repeated attacks., (period->comma) so use Giga Drain and Synthesis to help Venusaur tank more hits throughout the match. Use Hidden Power Fire to pressure the Steel-types that switch into Mega Venusaur; many of them are not prepared to take a Hidden Power Fire from offensive sets. Meanwhile, use Sludge Bomb to pressure bulkier threats, such as Zapdos, by attempting to poison them.

Team Options
========

This set can be one of the best checks to Ash-Greninja for offensive or bulky offensive teams. It can also fit well on balanced teams, acting as a solid check to Water- and Fairy-types. Mega Venusaur appreciates entry hazards being removed from its side of the field, so hazard removers such as Tapu Fini, Mew, (ac) and Zapdos make for decent partners. However, it also appreciates Stealth Rock up on the opposing side of the field, (rc) to cripple switch-ins such as Mega Charizard Y and Alolan Marowak. As a result, Stealth Rock users such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Heatran make for good partners. Heatran is a good partner for Mega Venusaur due to its also has the ability to take Flying-, Psychic-, and Fire-type attacks for it Mega Venusaur. Other Fire-types, along with Water-types, such as Tapu Fini and Alolan Marowak, form a core with good defensive and offensive synergy when paired partnered with Mega Venusaur. Finally, Pokemon that appreciate its ability to pressure opposing Water-, Grass-, (ac) and Fairy-types, such as Ash-Greninja, Keldeo, and Zygarde, make for decent teammates.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sleep Powder can cripple switch-ins to Mega Venusaur and create opportunities for partners to switch in and use a powerful attack or sweep, but generally, (ac) the ability to hit Steel-types or the utility of Knock Off is more useful. Earthquake can surprise Heatran and Alolan Marowak;, (semicolon->comma) Outrage can also be used on this set to prevent Salamence from setting up on Venusaur., (period->comma) and Hidden Power Ice prevents Flyinium Z Landorus-T and Zygarde from setting up on Mega Venusaur it, (rc) but does not hit Steel-types (any other examples for what Outrage does, since wouldn't HP Ice be effective in preventing Salamence from setting up as well?). Life Orb Venusaur is one of the best sweepers on sun teams due to its ability, (rc) Chlorophyll, but sun is generally a bad team archetype.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Despite Mega Venusaur's ability, Alolan Marowak, Heatran, and Mega Charizard Y can all overpower Venusaur with their STAB moves while switching into its attacks easily.

**Flying-types**: Tornadus-T, Mega Pinsir, Flyinium Z Landorus-T, and (missing example? Otherwise, use "Tornadus-T, Mega Pinsir, and Flyinium Z Landorus-T all...") all switch into Giga Drain with no problem and can threaten Mega Venusaur with their powerful STAB moves. However, the former two and many others do not like switching into Sludge Bomb, (ac) while the third takes a good chunk from Giga Drain (would this really count as "switch into Giga Drain with no problem" as said by the first sentence then?).

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Mega Medicham, and Tapu Lele can all OHKO Mega Venusaur with their STAB moves, but many of them (added the bit in front so "many of them" makes sense. if you want to talk about the category generally, make sure to include a general term like that before going into specific Pokemon. Just the title doesn't suffice) want to switch into it (doesn't make sense. Do you mean "don't want to directly switch into it"?).

**Chansey**: Mega Venusaur's attacks barely do any damage to Chansey. However, Chansey is crippled by Knock Off and cannot do much back.

**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Due to the fact that Mega Venusaur only has Synthesis for recovery, it is easily pressured by coverage moves such as both Protean and Battle Bond Ash-Greninja's Extrasensory and Tapu Bulu's Zen Headbutt.

 

[OldAmberPlays]

name: Offensive Tank
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Modest
evs: 232 HP / 92 SpA / 80 SpD / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb are Mega Venusaur's main STAB moves; Giga Drain helps with recovering Venusaur's HP and hits Water- and Ground-types, while Sludge Bomb can hit the plethora of Fairy-types present in the tier. Synthesis is mandatory for Venusaur so it can recover HP and switch into opponents such as Greninja multiple times. Hidden Power Fire rounds out Venusaur's coverage by letting it hit Steel-types, which it would be walled by otherwise; specifically, it is used to pressure Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.
Set Details
========

The given EV spread is used to outspeed maximum Speed Jolly Mega Mawile and Adamant Tyranitar while avoiding the 2HKO from pre-transformation Ash-Greninja's Choice Specs Dark Pulse after Stealth Rock damage. Chlorophyll is preferred over Leaf Guard to give Venusaur an advantage over teams with Mega Charizard Y. Venusaurite allows Venusaur to evolve into Mega Venusaur.
.

I'm not QC nor GP, but Venusaur doesn't have Leaf Guard, only Chlorophyll and Overgrow. I think that it should be corrected.
Also, explain that 92 Sp.Atk EV garante the 2HKO with HP Fire vs. Ferrothorn, even without Stealth Rock.

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 2/2
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[OVERVIEW]

Mega Venusaur's very good bulk allows it to check a plethora of prominent threats in the OU metagame, such as including Tapu Koko, Keldeo, Battle Bond Greninja pre-transformation, Protean Greninja without Psychic-type coverage Extrasensory, and Tapu Bulu. Its ability Thick Fat ability and decent defensive typing only leaves it with only two weaknesses, Psychic and Flying, while giving it resistances to many common types, such as Water and Fairy. Mega Venusaur is surprisingly not very passive, as it possesses a solid Special Attack stat of base 122. Its ability to run both offensive and defensive sets either an offensive or defensive set lets it fit on a variety of team archetypes. However, Mega Venusaur faces massive competition from Tangrowth and Amoonguss, both of which perform similar roles and don't need to run Synthesis because they have Regenerator. Also, it takes up a Mega slot, preventing the player from using generally better Mega Evolutions, (comma) such as Mega Mawile, Mega Medicham, and Mega Scizor. Mega Venusaur is easily worn down by Spikes, Scald burns, and even just powerful attacks, so it finds itself using Synthesis a lot as opposed to attacking, which results in momentum loss and passivity. Finally, it lets gives a free switch in to certain common Pokemon for free, such as Autotomize Celesteela, Gengar, and Mega Medicham to an extent, all of which can spam their powerful STAB moves or set up on Mega Venusaur.

[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Knock Off / Leech Seed
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Calm
evs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 156 SpD / 16 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain is a STAB move that allows Mega Venusaur to actually check the Water-types that it is supposed to and recovers HP. Sludge Bomb is a more powerful STAB move that can threaten typical Grass-type checks, such as Mega Charizard X, and can be used to attempt to poison bulkier threats, such as Mega Sableye and Zapdos. Although Synthesis suffers from low PP, it is reliable recovery, which allows Mega Venusaur to check opposing Pokemon throughout the match. Hidden Power Fire pressures Mega Scizor, Mega Mawile, (ac) (left over from previous check) and Magearna, preventing them from setting up on Mega Venusaur, as well as Ferrothorn so it cannot freely set Spikes against Mega Venusaur and keeps Ferrothorn from freely setting Spikes up. Knock Off cripples potential switch-ins to Venusaur or and Pokemon dependent on their items such as Chansey, Alolan Marowak, Substitute + Coil Zygarde, and Celesteela. Leech Seed is another option to annoy bulkier Pokemon, such as Celesteela and Toxapex, while allowing Venusaur to further recover HP.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread and a Calm nature allow Mega Venusaur to take hits from Protean Greninja, Ash-Greninja, and Tapu Koko while also outspeeding Adamant Mega Mawile. It avoids the 2HKO from pre-transformation Battle Bond Greninja's Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse with after damage from Stealth Rock and one layer of Spikes up while also avoiding the 2HKO from Choice Specs-boosted Extrasensory with no entry hazards up. An EV spread with more Defense and a Bold nature can be used to check Pokemon such as Tapu Bulu and Terrakion more effectively, (comma) but only if Ash-Greninja is not an issue for the team. Although neither of Venusaur's initial abilities are very useful, Chlorophyll is preferred in order to allow Venusaur to gain an advantage against teams with Mega Charizard Y.

Usage Tips
========

Pivot Mega Venusaur into Pokemon that it checks, such as Keldeo and Tapu Bulu, so it can threaten them with its STAB moves or recover its HP using Synthesis. Prioritize safely Mega Evolving with Venusaur so it can better pivot into Pokemon with its improved bulk and Thick Fat. While Mega Venusaur can switch into Greninja most of the time, it has a hard time taking Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulses from Ash-Greninja or Extrasensory from Protean Greninja. If the opponent has a Greninja, play conservatively with Mega Venusaur by scouting if Greninja has for Extrasensory and by using Synthesis.

Team Options
========

This Venusaur set fits better on balanced or defensive teams. Because Mega Venusaur does not have the ability to run Leftovers and does not have Regenerator, entry hazards can force it to use Synthesis more than attacking. As a result, hazard removers such as Zapdos, Tapu Fini, Mew, and Skarmory make good partners. Steel-types such as Jirachi, Celesteela, and Magearna, which can take on the Flying- and Psychic-types that Mega Venusaur does not like to face, make for nice teammates. Additionally, Pokemon like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde that can take on the Fire-types that Mega Venusaur generally likes to avoid, (comma) like Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Zygarde, make for good partners. Heatran is a particularly good partner because it takes the Psychic-, Fire-, and Flying-type attacks that Mega Venusaur hates, while Mega Venusaur takes Water-type attacks for it. Other Fire-types, along with Water-types, Fire- and Water-types such as Volcarona and Tapu Fini, (comma) form a core with Mega Venusaur with that has good defensive synergy. Mega Venusaur also gives free switches to Gengar and Alolan Marowak, so Pokemon that can take hits from these Ghost-types, such as Tyranitar, make decent partners.

[SET]
name: Offensive Tank
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Modest
evs: 232 HP / 92 SpA / 80 SpD / 104 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb are Mega Venusaur's main STAB moves; Giga Drain helps recover Venusaur's HP and hits Water- and Ground-types super effectively, while Sludge Bomb can hit the plethora of Fairy-types present in the tier. Synthesis is mandatory for Venusaur so it can recover HP and switch into foes such as Greninja multiple times. Hidden Power Fire rounds out Venusaur's coverage by letting it hit Steel-types, which it would be walled by otherwise; specifically, it is used to pressure Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor.

Set Details
========

The given EV spread is used to outspeed maximum-(hyphen)Speed Jolly Mega Mawile and Adamant Tyranitar while avoiding the 2HKO from pre-transformation Battle Bond Greninja's Choice Specs-boosted Dark Pulse after Stealth Rock damage. 92 Special Attack EVs enable Mega Venusaur's Hidden Power Fire to 2HKO Ferrothron without any prior damage. (adding what YanVictor said) Chlorophyll is preferred over Overgrow to give Venusaur an advantage over against teams with Mega Charizard Y.

Usage Tips
========

When using this set, Mega Venusaur intends to pivot into attacks while hitting back with its powerful STAB moves. Specifically, pivot Mega Venusaur into Pokemon that it checks, such as Keldeo and Tapu Koko, so it can retaliate with either Giga Drain or Sludge Bomb or recover its HP with Synthesis. Venusaur is fairly weak and cannot tank hits before it has Mega Evolved. As a result, Try to get Venusaur in for free so it can Mega Evolve safely, as it's fairly weak and lacking in bulk pre-Mega Evolution. Due to this set's lower bulk, it is easier to wear it down with entry hazards and repeated attacks, so use Giga Drain and Synthesis to help Venusaur tank more hits throughout the match. Use Hidden Power Fire to pressure the Steel-types that switch into Mega Venusaur; many of them are not prepared to take a Hidden Power Fire from offensive sets. Meanwhile, Use Sludge Bomb to pressure bulkier threats, such as Zapdos, by attempting to poison them.

Team Options
========

This set can be one of the best checks to Ash-Greninja for offensive or and bulky offensive teams. It can also fit well on balanced teams, acting as a solid check to Water- and Fairy-types. Mega Venusaur appreciates entry hazards being removed from its side of the field, so hazard removers such as Tapu Fini, Mew, and Zapdos make for decent partners. However, it also appreciates Stealth Rock up on the opposing side of the field to cripple switch-ins such as Mega Charizard Y and Alolan Marowak. As a result, Stealth Rock users such as Landorus-T, Garchomp, and Heatran make for good partners. Heatran also has the ability to take Flying-, Psychic-, and Fire-type attacks for Mega Venusaur. Other Fire-types, along with Water-types, Fire- and Water-types such as Tapu Fini and Alolan Marowak, (comma) form a core with good defensive and offensive synergy when partnered with Mega Venusaur. Finally, Pokemon that appreciate its Mega Venusaur's ability to pressure opposing Water-, Grass-, and Fairy-types, such as Ash-Greninja, Keldeo, and Zygarde, make for decent teammates.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Sleep Powder can cripple switch-ins to Mega Venusaur and create opportunities for partners to switch in and use a powerful attack or sweep, but generally, the ability to hit Steel-types or the utility of Knock Off remove items is more useful. Earthquake can surprise Heatran and Alolan Marowak, and Hidden Power Ice prevents Zygarde and Flyinium Z Landorus-T and Zygarde from setting up on it but does not hit Steel-types. Life Orb Venusaur is one of the best sweepers on sun teams due to its ability Chlorophyll ability, but sun is generally a bad team archetype.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Fire-types**: Despite Mega Venusaur's ability, Alolan Marowak, Heatran, and Mega Charizard Y can all overpower Venusaur with their STAB moves while switching into its attacks easily.

**Flying-types**: Tornadus-T, Mega Pinsir, and Flyinium Z Landorus-T can threaten to OHKO Mega Venusaur with their powerful STAB moves. However, the former two and many others do not like switching into Sludge Bomb, while the third takes a good chunk of damage from Giga Drain.

**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types like Mega Alakazam, Mega Medicham, and Tapu Lele can all OHKO Mega Venusaur with their STAB moves, but many of them do not want to switch into it. (period)

**Chansey**: Mega Venusaur's attacks barely do any damage to Chansey. However, Chansey is crippled by Knock Off and cannot do much back.

**Super Effective Coverage Moves**: Due to the fact that Since Mega Venusaur only has Synthesis for recovery, it is easily pressured by coverage moves such as both Protean and Battle Bond Greninja's Extrasensory from either Greninja and Tapu Bulu's Zen Headbutt.

 

[PK Gaming]

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