Project Victim of the Week

[michaeloche]

Thundurus (M) @ Leftovers / Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Hidden Power [Flying]

Role: Check

Thundurus flexes his stallbreaker muscles here. Like the Serperior set mentioned previously by Recreant, Taunt puts the brakes on this particular Suicune set. Since Suicune is relatively weak unboosted, Thundurus can even come in on Scald in a pinch. He can then set up his own Nasty Plot, overwhelming Calm Mind, without fear of Roar, and do heavy damage back. If running Life Orb, Thunderbolt even has a chance to OHKO with hazard support.

Calcs

252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Suicune: 254-302 (62.8 - 74.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Suicune: 330-393 (81.6 - 97.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Thundurus: 96-114 (32.1 - 38.1%) -- 94.6% chance to 3HKO

 

[Celio]

taking amoonguss

Amoonguss (M) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SDef / 8 SAtk
Calm Nature
- Spore
- Clear Smog
- Grass Knot
- Foul Play

the shroom actually... is the best counter to crocune out there, obviously barring waterabsorbers people are gonna pick (but this actually does work also against other things those waterabsorbers aren't useful at.. like sporing, coming into keldeo, faires, altaria..) It comes in suicune everytime it wants to, and can clear smog to cancel all the boosts, stalling out calmminds and only fearing a burn from scald, or roar, which doesn't really matter thanks to Regenerator that is gonna help you come into suicune throughout all the match so.... just as example i'm gonna put some calcs

+6 0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Amoonguss: 131-154 (30.3 - 35.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Black Sludge recovery
[this is seriously to show that you can come in, clear smog, and switch out everytime you want. Obviously you won't let it +6 but whatever]

0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Amoonguss: 33-39 (7.6 - 9%) -- possibly the worst move ever

8 SpA Amoonguss Grass Knot (100 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Suicune: 168-200 (41.5 - 49.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

escarlata you had a point. Well giga drain was not really needed so, grassknot goes, so we have the ability to switch out for healing burn damage (and wasting no pp in the process) on the necessary sleep turn we can induce, come back and keep on ''countering'' and also if we're the last mons, we beat cune 1v1 easily

 

[escarlata]

To be fair Amoonguss doesn't actually counter Suicune, in that it doesn't actually beat Suicune, only wall it without actually getting rid of it, especially if Amoonguss is down to lastmon standing. Sure it has the bulk to take hits, and Clear Smog stuff away; Giga Drain for some level of recovery, but the moment it gets burned by Scald, Suicune can subsequently proceed to PP stall Amoonguss with Rest and Pressure. Burn forces at least 1 Giga Drain every few turns. Giga Drain might have a tiny chance to 3HKO, but relying on a 1 in a thousand chance when you can only Giga Drain 12 times isn't what you can reliably call a 'counter'. Run out of Giga Drain and there really isn't any way which Amoonguss can take on Suicune anymore when it is losing HP every turn. In the case Amoonguss winds up being a lastmon, it would subsequently lose due to burn damage.

EDIT: Even GK does not warrant it being a 'counter' imo. Losing Giga Drain means that if Amoonguss is burned, Suicune actually still as a decent chance to beat Amoonguss as long as it uses CM everytime it is at +0. However terminologically, I still believe Amoonguss is more of a check because it can still be played around, and I don't think a counter should be able to be played around. However, Spore still does make it a good answer, but even that is reliant on number of sleep turns, and sleep clause.

 

[DoABarrelRoll]

(hard check)

Haxorus @ Lum Berry
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature

- Taunt
- Swords Dance
- Outrage
- Earthquake / Poison Jab

Haxorus can come easily into anything but Roar, Taunt it, and set up with SD. +2 Outrage will 2HKO Suicune. Haxorus loathes burns though, especially if scald burns twice in a row, but even then it can boost up to +4 and 2HKO Suicune.

0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Haxorus: 53-63 (18 - 21.4%) -- possible 5HKO
+2 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Haxorus Outrage vs. 252 HP / 236+ Def Suicune: 312-367 (77.2 - 90.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+4 252+ Atk Mold Breaker burned Haxorus Outrage vs. 252 HP / 236+ Def Suicune: 233-275 (57.6 - 68%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Gros orteil]

Magnezone as a check

Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull / Analytic
EVs: 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Fire
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt

Even though Specs Magnezone is not played as much as in previous gens, it still inflicts serious damage with its most spammable move : Volt Switch.
The question Magnet Pull / Analytic depends of your team so I'm going to make two parts for this one :
With Magnet Pull: Magnezone OHKOs Suicune with Thunderbolt and 2HKOs after one or two Calm Minds.
With Analytic: Both Volt Switch and Thunderbolt OHKO neutral suicune, Thunderbolt may still ohko after a Calm Mind (~56%) and surely 2HKO Suicune boosted up to 3 Calm Minds.

Damage taken by Scald :
0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 87-103 (26.8 - 31.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+1 0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 129-153 (39.8 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 172-204 (53 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Aragorn the King]

Week 74: LO Latios

Also, congrats to bludz for making it into the Hall of Fame! :)

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock / Psychic
- HP Fire / Earthquake / Surf
- Defog / Roost

 

[heritage]

(very) Hard Check

Dayshell (Tyranitar) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Superpower
- Crunch

Thanks to Tyranitar's typing and bulk, it switches freely into Psyshock and doesn't take too much from Draco Meteor. Or any other move for that matter lol. From there, Tyranitar proceeds to Pursuit-trap it as it tries to switch out, resulting in a KO, or it can Crunch if Latios attempts to stay in to get more damage off, and thanks to the Choice Scarf, it outspeeds. The only way Tyranitar could possibly lose in this situation is if Latios has the rare Surf, and uses it as Tyranitar switches in. From there Tyranitar would have to mispredict with Pursuit and have the Latios stay in. Either way, if it gets a free switch it will always KO the Latios.

What Latios does

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 185-218 (54.2 - 63.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 172-203 (50.4 - 59.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

0- Atk Life Orb Latios Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 252+ Def Tyranitar: 104-125 (30.4 - 36.6%) -- 60.8% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

What Tyranitar does back

252 Atk Tyranitar Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 320-380 (107 - 127%) -- guaranteed OHKO

(if Latios switches Pursuit does the same damage as Crunch, but if it doesn't switch...)
252 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 162-192 (54.1 - 64.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage

 

[bludz]

Counter

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 184 Def / 72 SpD
Calm Nature
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Calm Mind / Thunder Wave / Stealth Rock
- Flamethrower / Ice Beam / Encore / Knock Off

All Clefable really needs is Soft-Boiled and Moonblast to beat standard LO Latios. This spread is a little off from the standard one because that one allows Latios a 2% chance to 2HKO on high rolls, while this one always wins unless it is crit or Latios gets a spdef drop from Psychic. All of Latios' other moves do less damage than Psyshock/Psychic so Clefable can easily heal off the damage. Heal Block and Calm Mind variants of Latios are the only ones that can truly beat MG Clefable.

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 184 Def Clefable: 175-208 (44.4 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psychic vs. 252 HP / 72+ SpD Clefable: 175-208 (44.4 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Clefable Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 182-216 (60.8 - 72.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[p2]

Weavile as a check

Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Pursuit / Low Kick

Can't switch in at all because it has awful bulk, but can easily OHKO Latios with Knock Off or Icicle Crash while being able to Pursuit trap it too

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 468-554 (155.4 - 184%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 413-486 (137.2 - 161.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[JTD783]

Mega Scizor as a Hard Check

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP/ 44 Atk/ 16 Def/ 200 SpD
Impish Nature
-Swords Dance
-Roost
-Bullet Punch
-Superpower

Mega Scizor easily switches into any of Latios' moves bar HP Fire (Non-HP Fire variants are hard-countered) and Roost off the damage. From there it can use Latios as set-up fodder and boost easily. This standard spread allows Mega Scizor to avoid the 2HKO from LO Draco + -2 HP Fire, so in many situations even a HP Fire variant will still lose. A very effective Lati check in this meta.

 

[Dr Ciel]

Reserving Togekiss.

Togekiss is a soft counter

Togekiss @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Air Slash
- Heal Bell
- Roost

Togekiss is a pretty solid (soft) counter to LO Latios. Thanks to its solid all-around bulk, it can switch into HP Fire and Surf with relative ease while being immune to Draco Meteor and Earthquake. In return, Air Slash does a considerable amount of damage & between LO and Air Slash damage, Latios will go down quickly. If Roost, Togekiss can use solid prediction and use Nasty Plot, which is able to 2HKO Latios at that point.

Relevant Damage Calculations

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Togekiss: 129-152 (34.4 - 40.6%) -- 46.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Togekiss: 172-203 (45.9 - 54.2%) -- 3.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 SpA Togekiss Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 87-103 (29 - 34.4%) -- 4.7% chance to 3HKO

+2 4 SpA Togekiss Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 174-205 (58.1 - 68.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[MrAldo]

Reserving Mega Gardevoir

Mega Gardevoir as a check

Gardevoir @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace
EVs: 16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast

Thanks to its typing Mega Gardevoir is immune to Latios strongest move on its arsenal and easily KOing back with hyper voice. Only a check cause either Earthquake or psyshock are almost guaranteed 2hko after SR damage so given that you shouldnt switch gardevoir into latios so recklessly but it force latios to be really careful of using draco meteor so it works pretty well in the end.

Latios vs mega gardevoir:

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 16 HP / 8 Def Mega Gardevoir: 120-140 (42.7 - 49.8%) -- 93.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

0 Atk Life Orb Latios Earthquake vs. 16 HP / 8 Def Mega Gardevoir: 121-143 (43 - 50.8%) -- 96.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Mega Gardevoir vs Latios:

Dude, it is dead. No need for a calc unless roseli berry latios is a thing.

 

[Random Passerby]

Name : Jirachi
Status: Counter

Jirachi @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SpD / 32 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Toxic
- Wish
- Protect

Jirachi is not 2HKOed by any move Latios carries and can restore it's health with Wish. It can also whittle down Latios with Toxic or Iron Head because as stated previously, Latios only 3HKOes it at best.

Calculations

0- Atk Life Orb Latios Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Jirachi: 153-182 (37.8 - 45%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Jirachi: 127-151 (31.4 - 37.3%) -- 15.4% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Jirachi: 101-120 (25 - 29.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Jirachi: 42-49 (10.3 - 12.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Jirachi: 95-112 (23.5 - 27.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Jirachi Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 103-123 (34.2 - 40.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[michaeloche]

Bisharp @ Black Glasses
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 52 SpD / 204 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head

Role: Soft Counter

Bisharp can come in on Psyshock or Defog for free, or one of its other moves but take some hefty damage in the process. All three Dark STAB moves (including Pursuit if Latios switches) can then OHKO it back.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 52 SpD Bisharp: 172-203 (63.4 - 74.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 52 SpD Bisharp: 213-252 (78.5 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0- Atk Life Orb Latios Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Bisharp: 156-185 (57.5 - 68.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 0 HP / 52 SpD Bisharp: 160-188 (59 - 69.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Black Glasses Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 492-582 (164.5 - 194.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Black Glasses Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 404-476 (135.1 - 159.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
(Pursuit does the same at 80 BP)

 

[GnralLao]

Mew as a Counter

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SpD / 32 Spe
Careful Nature
- Taunt
- Soft-Boiled
- Will-O-Wisp
- Knock Off

Mew isn't 3HKO'ed by anything Latios can throw at it and, in return, it can burn Latios with Will-O-Wisp, get rid of his Life Orb with Knock Off (it does decent damage too) and recover off the damage with Soft-Boiled. If it has enough health, Mew can even find the time to Taunt Latios, restricting him from using Defog/Roost, which is quite a benefit for its teammates and itself.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Mew: 64-75 (15.8 - 18.5%) -- possible 7HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psychic vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Mew: 70-83 (17.3 - 20.5%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Life Orb Latios Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 78-92 (19.3 - 22.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 86-101 (21.2 - 25%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Mew: 95-112 (23.5 - 27.7%) -- 5.1% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Mew: 204-242 (50.4 - 59.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Mew Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 170-200 (56.4 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Mew Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 112-134 (37.2 - 44.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (LO-less Latios is almost always 2HKOed by Knock Off after burn damage, which means Mew can PP-stall Latios out of Roosts (if it doesn't have Defog instead) before KOing it)

 

[Albacore]

Soft counter

Slowking @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 184 Def / 76 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Psychic
- Toxic
- Slack Off

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 76+ SpD Slowking: 216-255 (54.8 - 64.7%)
-2 252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 76+ SpD Slowking: 109-129 (27.6 - 32.7%)

Slowking is very unlikely to be 2HKOed by Draco Meteor after Stealth Rocks, and cannot be 2HKOed by any of Latios's other moves bar the uncommon Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball and Energy Ball, and can proceed to Toxic stall Latios.

 

[Fredrick1]

as a Counter
Chansey @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 SpD
Bold Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Soft-Boiled
- Seismic Toss
- Heal Bell

Standard Chansey, not 2HKO'ed by any coverage moves, in return can Thunder Wave it and slowly kill it with Seismic Toss + some parahax, which is a 3HKO.

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 4 HP / 252 SpD Eviolite Chansey: 142-168 (22.1 - 26.1%) -- 5.4% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 4 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 226-266 (35.2 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Chansey Seismic Toss vs. 0 HP Latios: 100-100 (33.4 - 33.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Gros orteil]

Sylveon as a counter :

Sylveon @ Leftovers
Ability: Pixilate
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 36 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Wish
- Protect
- Heal Bell/Toxic

A classic Wish/Protect set, thanks to its fairy type, Sylveon is immune to Latios's main stab and avoids a 2HKO from any other move, making Sylveon able to switch-in at any moment, even with stealth set up. Sylveon recovers life with safe Wishes, whose success is ensured by protect.
If Sylveon is already weakened a bit or if some spikes are laid on the field, it can still use Protect after switching-in to recover enough life to do a safe Wish.

On top of that, Sylveon's Hyper Voice, which is boosted by STAB and Pixilate, is super effective on Latios and almost OHKO it.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Sylveon: 165-196 (41.8 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psychic vs. 252 HP / 36 SpD Sylveon: 148-175 (37.5 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Life Orb Latios Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Sylveon: 83-99 (21 - 25.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 252-296 (83.7 - 98.3%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[InvisibleWater]

Check

Mandibuzz @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 108 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Taunt / Toxic
- Defog / Toxic / Knock Off

Mandibuzz is immune to Psychic-type moves and takes little damage from Latios' coverage moves, allowing it to come in, remove its Life Orb with Knock Off or 2HKO it with Foul Play.

Roost heals off any damage that Latios has inflicted, but it's somewhat risky, since Draco Meteor is a 2HKO if rocks are up or the damage rolls are in Latios' favor.

Calcs

Offensive:
0- Atk Mandibuzz Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 204-240 (68.2 - 80.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0- Atk Mandibuzz Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 158-188 (52.8 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0- Atk Mandibuzz Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 108-128 (36.1 - 42.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Defensive:

If Life Orb hasn't been removed

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 257-304 (60.7 - 71.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
-2 252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 130-153 (30.7 - 36.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 120-142 (28.3 - 33.5%) -- 94.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
-2 252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 60-71 (14.1 - 16.7%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 81-95 (19.1 - 22.4%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
-2 252 SpA Life Orb Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 40-48 (9.4 - 11.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever

If Life Orb has been removed

252 SpA Latios Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 198-234 (46.8 - 55.3%) -- 14.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
-2 252 SpA Latios Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 100-118 (23.6 - 27.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Latios Surf vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 92-109 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
-2 252 SpA Latios Surf vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 46-55 (10.8 - 13%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 62-73 (14.6 - 17.2%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
-2 252 SpA Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 108 SpD Mandibuzz: 31-37 (7.3 - 8.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

 

[-Lone]

as a Check
Skarmory @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Roost
- Spikes
- Whirlwind

SpDef Skarmory is a great check to Latios since it resists both stab and draco Meteor isnt even a 3hko. Once on the field Skarmory can roost up, setup layers of spikes or phaze out. Hidden Power Is actually a 2hko after rocks so Skarmory cant be considered a real counter but a check, while is a hard counter to every other set.

 

[Random Passerby]

Name: Tyranitar
Status: Check (Counter if Latios doesn't run Surf)

Tyranitar @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Ice Punch
- Thunder Punch

Tyranitar-M laughs off any attacks Latios can throw at it except Surf, which 2HKOes it. In return, it can set up a Dragon Dance or OHKO back with a Super Effective Crunch.

Calculations

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Tyranitar in Sand: 146-174 (42.8 - 51%) -- 96.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Tyranitar in Sand: 157-187 (46 - 54.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
0- Atk Life Orb Latios Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Tyranitar: 109-130 (31.9 - 38.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 374-444 (124.2 - 147.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[GnralLao]

Bronzong as a Hard Check / Soft Counter

Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 Def / 1 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Hidden Power Ice / Protect / Toxic

Due to its typing and immunity to Ground-type moves, Bronzong can easily switch into anything from LO Latios bar HP Fire, which is still not a guaranteed 3HKO after SR. In return, Bronzong 2HKOes him with Gyro Ball (use 0 Speed IVs if you prefer running Protect or Toxic in the fourth moveslot).

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 31-36 (9.1 - 10.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Bronzong: 38-44 (11.2 - 13%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Surf vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 83-99 (24.5 - 29.2%) -- 3.9% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 90-105 (26.6 - 31%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Bronzong: 112-133 (33.1 - 39.3%) -- 7.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery (66.9% chance to 3HKO after SR and Leftovers recovery)

4 Atk Bronzong Gyro Ball (136 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Latios: 160-189 (53.1 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Porygon2 as a Counter

Porygon2 @ Eviolite
Ability: Trace
EVs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Recover
- Toxic / Thunder Wave

Being one of the bulkiest walls of OU, it is to no surprise this little ducky is able to perfectly counter LO Latios. His strongest move, Draco Meteor, is only a 3HKO after SR. In return, P2 can simply Toxic-stall Latios, paralyze him or even OHKO/2HKO him with Ice Beam (depending on the number of LO recoils Latios went through). Moreover, it has reliable recovery in the form of Recover to gain its health back throughout its matchup.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Psychic vs. 248 HP / 56+ SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 114-136 (30.5 - 36.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and 1 layer of Spikes
252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 248 HP / 56+ SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 165-195 (44.2 - 52.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

0 SpA Porygon2 Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 124-148 (41.1 - 49.1%) -- 80.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock (guaranteed OHKO after SR and one LO recoil or after two LO recoils)

 

[Aragorn the King]

Week 75: Work Up Mega Pidgeot
Also, congrats to Dr Ciel for making it into the Hall of Fame!

Pidgeot @ Pidgeotite
Ability: Keen Eye
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hurricane
- Refresh
- Roost
- Work Up

 

[heritage]

Counter

Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 64 Def / 180 SpD / 16 Spe
Calm Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Roost
- Heat Wave / Hidden Power Ice
- Defog

Even though specially defensive Zapdos (or Zapdos in general, really) isn't as relevant in the metagame anymore, it still exists, and it eats up Pidgeot's Hurricanes for days thanks to its good bulk and typing, while also Roosting up when it needs to. Even at +1 with Rocks up, Pidgeot can't 2HKO Zapdos, and it OHKOs it back at any time with Thunderbolt. Pidgeot can be up to +3 (although it generally shouldn't be able to get this many boosts), and Zapdos still reliably beats it 1 on 1. Confusion is really annoying and is bound to happen though.

What Pidgeot does

252 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 180+ SpD Zapdos: 76-90 (19.8 - 23.4%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 151-178 (39.4 - 46.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 180+ SpD Zapdos: 152-179 (39.6 - 46.7%) -- 94.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

+3 252 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 180+ SpD Zapdos: 189-223 (49.3 - 58.2%) -- 68% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+4 252 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 180+ SpD Zapdos: 228-268 (59.5 - 69.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

What Zapdos does back

0 SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Pidgeot: 284-336 (92.5 - 109.4%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

 

[Dr Ciel]

Jirachi.

Jirachi is a counter

Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Ice Punch
- Healing Wish

Thanks to Jirachi's natural bulk, it can be considered a solid counter to Work Up Mega Pidgeot. Hurricane does minimal damage and it can't use Work Up because Jirachi is faster, and even if it gets the chance, a +1 Hurricane does minimal damage. Meanwhile, Jirachi easily 2HKOs with Ice Punch.

Damage Calculations

0 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Jirachi: 76-90 (22.2 - 26.3%) -- 18.2% chance to 4HKO

+1 0 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Jirachi: 114-135 (33.4 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 Atk Jirachi Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Pidgeot: 166-196 (54 - 63.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO