Project Victim of the Week

[GnralLao]

Mega Venusaur as a Counter (finally something that isn't 4x weak to SR)

Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 232 HP / 252 SpA / 20 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power Fire
- Synthesis

Due to its typing and great all around bulk, M-Venu easily withstands every single move Tangrowth can throw at it while our favorite jungle dinosaur 2HKOes in return. Furthermore, M-Venu has access to Synthesis to regain half of its HP back and isn't scared of having its item Knocked Off by Tangrowth since it's a Mega. One last thing: M-Venu's Thick Fat helps it tank Tangrowth's Hippen Power coverage, be it Fire- or Ice-type, even better. Even though Tangrowth can simply switch out to avoid facing M-Venu and gain some of its health back (like against every other bad matchups), it won't be able to do anything productive as long as M-Venu is on the opposing team.

Calcs

0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 232 HP / 0 Def Mega Venusaur: 61-72 (16.9 - 20%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 232 HP / 0 Def Mega Venusaur: 61-72 (16.9 - 20%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock and 3 layers of Spikes

252+ SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 222-264 (54.9 - 65.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Infernal]

Togekiss @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 76 Def / 184 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Air Slash
- Heal Bell
- Roost

Togekiss :*

This is a counter and comfortably switches into any move Tangrowth can use. Togekiss holds one particular advantage over other SR weak Pokemon like Talon and Charizard-Y, and that's taking negligible damage from Rock Slide (27.8 - 33.2%). This is worth mentioning because Tang occasionally uses rock coverage to catch them and other Pokemon by surprise. Moreover, Togekiss can easily take advantage of Tang's presence by boosting up with NP. From there, Togekiss can flinch away with Air Slash and proceed to threaten the balance builds Tang is often seen on. Although Togekiss dislikes having Leftovers removed by Knock Off, Roost helps to counteract this by keeping it healthy. This lets Togekiss stick around through the course of a match to consistently keep Tang in check, making it a great and fun overall answer to use.

 

[psVoltage]

Counter

TALONBIRD

Talonflame
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Acrobatics
- Roost
- Bulk Up
- Will-O-Wisp

Talonflame comes in, takes hilariously low damage from all Tangrowth's attacks, and can choose to set up or 3HKO with Acrobatics. Earthquake will normally hit hard when Talonflame uses Roost, but in this case Talon can either burn or Bulk Up and reduce damage. If Talonflame switches in on SR + Knock Off, just Bulk Up and Roost to ensure survival.

0 Atk Tangrowth Knock Off vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 62-74 (17.2 - 20.6%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 192-226 (53.4 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk burned Tangrowth Knock Off vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 31-37 (8.6 - 10.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk burned Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 96-113 (26.7 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

0 Atk Talonflame Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 110-130 (27.2 - 32.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

0 Atk Tangrowth Rock Slide vs. 120 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 288-340 (88 - 103.9%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
0 Atk burned Tangrowth Rock Slide vs. 120 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 144-170 (44 - 51.9%) -- 11.7% chance to 2HKO

 

[p2]

DDD Alt as a Counter

Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 96 SpD / 28 Spe
Impish Nature
- Return
- Dragon Dance
- Roost
- Heal Bell

Worst scenario with Alt switching into HP Ice while non mega, but you can roost of the damage easily if you mevo the following turn and you shrug off everything tangrowth can do and setup on it for free.
0 SpA Tangrowth Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 96 SpD Altaria: 164-196 (46.4 - 55.5%) -- 66.8% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Pixilate Mega Altaria Return vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 129-153 (31.9 - 37.8%) -- 91.1% chance to 3HKO
+1 0 Atk Pixilate Mega Altaria Return vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 193-228 (47.7 - 56.4%) -- 84.4% chance to 2HKO

 

[Sun]

Tornadus-Therian @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 96 HP / 160 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- U-turn
- Knock Off

Tornadus-t is a great counter for tang ;)

relevant calcs

- 0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tornadus-T: 55-66 (17 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO

- 0 Atk Tangrowth Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 96 HP / 0- Def Tornadus-T: 94-111 (29.1 - 34.3%) -- 3.6% chance to 3HKO

- 0 SpA Tangrowth Hidden Power Ice vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Tornadus-T: 68-82 (21 - 25.3%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO

 

[Twix]

Heracross-Mega @ Heracronite
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Pin Missile
- Rock Blast
- Substitute / Swords Dance

Heracross is a soft counter / hard check to Tangrowth takes little to no damage from any of Tangrowth's attacks and can either set up Swords Dance / Substitute, or take it out with Pin Missile.

Calcs

252 Atk Mega Heracross Pin Missile (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 450-540 (111.3 - 133.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Heracross: 72-86 (23.9 - 28.5%) -- 97.3% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Tangrowth Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Heracross: 90-108 (29.9 - 35.8%) -- 31.9% chance to 3HKO

 

[MANNAT]

0 Atk Tangrowth Rock Slide vs. 120 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 288-340 (88 - 103.9%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
0 Atk burned Tangrowth Rock Slide vs. 120 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 144-170 (44 - 51.9%) -- 11.7% chance to 2HKO

but it's not running rock slide...

 

[michaeloche]

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Roost

Role: Hard Check

Aside from Earthquake, which has about a 1 in 6 chance to 2HKO, none of Tangrowth's moves are even remotely threatening to Mega Charizard X, including Leaf Storm being a 4x resist. In return, Flare Blitz, even unboosted, is an OHKO regardless of Charizard's nature.

calcs

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard X: 43-51 (14.4 - 17.1%) -- possible 6HKO (Knock Off does the exact same amount)
0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 132-156 (44.4 - 52.5%) -- 17.2% chance to 2HKO (guaranteed 2HKO after rocks, not that it's a major issue)
0 SpA Tangrowth Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard X: 54-64 (18.1 - 21.5%) -- possible 5HKO
(not gonna post Giga Drain or HP Fire, they do pretty much nothing)

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 420-494 (103.9 - 122.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Jolly)
252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 458-542 (113.3 - 134.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Adamant)

 

[Sablenite]

but it's not running rock slide...

It could though, which turns a lot more of supposed counters as just a check. Aragorn, could you edit in rockslide slashable with EQ?

Keep in mind that this is relatively easy to check or wall, the problem like every other bulky 'mon is KOing it.

I guess I'll reserve sableye as a check.

 

[psVoltage]

but it's not running rock slide...

Its an option on av. A damn good one at that.

 

[MANNAT]

I know that, but I thought the point of the thread was to counter only the set listed, otherwise none of these bar venu would be switch ins because of sleep powder.

 

[Sablenite]

I know that, but I thought the point of the thread was to counter only the set listed, otherwise none of these bar venu would be switch ins because of sleep powder.

Yes the listed set would be, rock slide should've probably been slashed somewhere really, but the main goal is to destroy the AV set, no matter what coverage.

Which brings me to my counter:

Sableye (F) @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpD
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Foul Play

Sableye comes in and walls every possible move Tangrowth throws at it and Knocks off Its Assault Vest / Burns it. Making it easier to kill for the other members of your team, and if it stays in you just stall it out easily. Anyhow the reason I brought this one up is so you can also punish the switches, something not all of the noms can do.

 

[Random Passerby]

Name: Latias
Status:Counter

Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Roost
- Substitute
- Stored Power

Mega Latias can use Tangrowth as set-up fodder because none of the latter's attacks can break it's Substitute. Roost allows Mega Latias to heal up if needed while Stored Power is used for STAB.

Calculations

0 SpA Tangrowth Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Mega Latias: 68-80 (18.7 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Tangrowth Knock Off vs. 248 HP / 84+ Def Mega Latias: 68-82 (18.7 - 22.5%) -- possible 5HKO
+3 0 SpA Mega Latias Stored Power (140 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 364-429 (90 - 106.1%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

 

[CharizardIsMeh]

(I know it's contradictory to my name but idc)
Mega Charizard X as a Counter

Mega Charizard X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 248 HP / 212 Def / 48 Spe
Impish Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake
Ok so this is the standard Bulky WoW set, I only changed Dragon Claw into Flare Blitz and the EVs to hit Tangrowth and to only be 4HKOed by EQ if not burned.
Charizard X x4 resists Tangrowth's STAB and HP Fire, don't take much damage from Knock Off because it's a mega, and is neutral to HP Ice (=it takes nothing from it).
But he's hit by Earthquake. That's not a problem, don't worry, because you can burn it before it does anything. And a burned Tangrowth is just a death fodder for MegaZard X :



0 Atk burned Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 212+ Def Mega Charizard X: 50-59 (13.9 - 16.4%) -- possible 7HKO
And MegaZard can also be a soft check :
0 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 348-410 (86.1 - 101.4%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO

 

[FroTW]

Dragalge @ Choice Specs / Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe
Modest Nature
-Draco Meteor
-Sludge Wave
-Hidden Power Fire
-Scald

Counter
Dragalge is one of those mons that I just don't see enough of. With access to Adaptability (my favorite ability), decent defensive stats, a killer Special Attack, and dual typing that lets it handle everything but bulky grounds and top tier dragons I just can't see why he isn't used more often. Well that's a lie, it's cause he has abysmal speed but at least here he can outspeed Tangrowth.

On the switch in, Dragalge can face tank an EQ:
0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 158-186 (49.2 - 57.9%) -- 94.9% chance to 2HKO

Then follow it up with a OHKO:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 404-476 (100 - 117.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

If you don't want to be locked into a single move then you could use Life Orb but you will (most likely) need rocks up to OHKO Tanny:
252+ SpA Life Orb Adaptability Dragalge Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 354-416 (87.6 - 102.9%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

 

[GnralLao]

Dragalge @ Choice Specs / Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 56 Spe
-Draco Meteor
-Sludge Wave
-Hidden Power Fire
-Scald

Counter
Dragalge is one of those mons that I just don't see enough of. With access to Adaptability (my favorite ability), decent defensive stats, a killer Special Attack, and dual typing that lets it handle everything but bulky grounds and top tier dragons I just can't see why he isn't used more often. Well that's a lie, it's cause he has abysmal speed but at least here he can outspeed Tangrowth.

On the switch in, Dragalge can face tank an EQ:
0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 200 HP / 0 Def Dragalge: 158-186 (49.2 - 57.9%) -- 94.9% chance to 2HKO

Then follow it up with a OHKO:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Dragalge Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 404-476 (100 - 117.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

If you don't want to be locked into a single move then you could use Life Orb but you will (most likely) need rocks up to OHKO Tanny:
252+ SpA Life Orb Adaptability Dragalge Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 354-416 (87.6 - 102.9%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

Firstly, this is a minor nitpick, but you forgot to write its nature (seeing those calcs, I supposed it's Modest).

Secondly, I wouldn't count Dragalge as a counter, but as a check. A counter, in my books, would be able to constantly hard-switch into most of Tangrowth's moves and coverage options (if not all) after, at least, SR without being hampered/damaged too much. Seeing as Dragalge outspeeds and OHKOes Tangrowth everytime but loses half of its HP when it switches into Earthquake, I would certainly call it check for sure, but not a counter.

Anyway, it's your decision to keep it as a counter or change it into a check; I just wanted to share my opinion on your nomination. Afterall, the definitions of the terms "check" and "counter" differ from one person to another.

 

[skies]

Conkeldurr @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Ice Punch
- Poison Jab

252+ Atk Conkeldurr Drain Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 118-139 (29.2 - 34.4%) -- 5.4% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Conkeldurr Poison Jab vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 168-198 (41.5 - 49%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Conkeldurr: 160-189 (45.5 - 53.8%) -- 41.8% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 236 SpD Assault Vest Conkeldurr: 106-126 (30.1 - 35.8%) -- 36.2% chance to 3HKO

All the good ones are taken! I'll do something unconventional I guess. Drain Punch recovers a lot since Tangrowth has high HP, and Poison Jab will overwhelm Tangrowth and may even Poison for that matter! Conkeldurr actually outspeeds Tangrowth, so that's pretty nice as well.

 

[FroTW]

Firstly, this is a minor nitpick, but you forgot to write its nature (seeing those calcs, I supposed it's Modest).

Secondly, I wouldn't count Dragalge as a counter, but as a check. A counter, in my books, would be able to constantly hard-switch into most of Tangrowth's moves and coverage options (if not all) after, at least, SR without being hampered/damaged too much. Seeing as Dragalge outspeeds and OHKOes Tangrowth everytime but loses half of its HP when it switches into Earthquake, I would certainly call it check for sure, but not a counter.

Anyway, it's your decision to keep it as a counter or change it into a check; I just wanted to share my opinion on your nomination. Afterall, the definitions of the terms "check" and "counter" differ from one person to another.

I was under the impression that to be a counter the mon just had to win every single time no matter what it's switching into and that a check can only switch into certain moves or in certain conditions and still win. Since Dragalge can go into any attack with or without hazards and KO the opponent I put him as a counter. If Tangrowth out sped Dragalge then it would be a check to me since you can switch into anything save EQ but I see what you're saying. True, chances are Dragalge will faint in the next turn but not before Tangrowth falls.

Edit: Going purely off the example in the smog article in the OP, Dragalge would be a counter

 

[heritage]

Check

Victini @ Choice Band
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- V-create
- Bolt Strike
- Zen Headbutt
- U-turn

Without Stealth Rock damage, Victini is actually able to live any two hits from Tangrowth and fire off a V-create, easily OHKOing Tangrowth. It doesn't like having its Choice Band removed or taking Earthquakes, however. Even with no item, V-create still OHKOs.

Hide

0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Victini: 144-170 (42.2 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Tangrowth Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Victini: 140-166 (41 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Hide

252+ Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 662-782 (163.8 - 193.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Victini V-create vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 440-522 (108.9 - 129.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Bice]

Whaddya know, Tangrowth is the star of both this week's Lure that Threat and Victim of the Week.

Name: Weavile
Status: Check

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

While Weavile doesn't like taking a Leaf Storm or a Rock Slide to the face, it can still live both of those moves, and 2HKO Tangrowth with Icicle Crash. It is highly recommended that you have a Defogger with you though, because 'Vile is weak to Stealth Rock.

0 SpA Tangrowth Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Weavile: 174-205 (61.9 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Tangrowth Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Weavile: 154-182 (54.8 - 64.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 283-335 (70 - 82.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Ramses]

All the good ones are gone

Roserade @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sludge Bomb
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Spikes

Roserade can switch-in pretty impeccably and proceed to 2HKO it with Sludge Bomb, with or without a Life Orb.

252 SpA Roserade Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 206-246 (50.9 - 60.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
I assume you'll be able to deduce one with Life Orb yes?

 

[Aragorn the King]

Voting:

Checks: Mega Pinsir (littlelucario) | Volcarona (Tressed) | Roserade (-Magic-)
Counters: Mega Venusaur (GnralLao) | DDD Mega Altaria (p2) | Mega Heracross (Twix)​

1 check and 1 counter; don't vote for yourself :)

 

[p2]

Victini

Mega Heracross

 

[astroboy]

volcarona

ddd alt

 

[AM]

Volcarona

Mega Venusaur

Granted idk how Mega Pinsir is under checks when Rock coverage on Tangrowth is pretty rare and implies you somehow catch it on a switch in even if it did have it. Then have to somehow not be obliterated by aerialate coverage afterwards. Those are my two votes and two cents.