Project Victim of the Week [Week 72: Specs Mesprit]

[Silver Aurum]

Pinsir @ Lum Berry
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- X-Scissor
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance

Pinsir is a check. Doesn't switch in on Psychic too well but out speeds and OHKO's with X-Scissor, not much else to say.
(Chose SD as the set but it honestly doesn't matter as long as you run X-Scissor)

252+ SpA Grumpig Psychic vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir: 169-199 (62.3 - 73.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Pinsir X-Scissor vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Grumpig: 362-428 (120.2 - 142.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[kay]

Xatu @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psyshock
- Signal Beam
- Heat Wave
- Roost

So offensive LO Xatu is a set I've really been liking and it works well vs Grumpig as it can come in and take any hits from Grumpig and in turn 2HKO it back with its own Signal Beam.

Calcs

252+ SpA Grumpig Signal Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Xatu: 93-110 (34.3 - 40.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Grumpig Psychic vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Xatu: 84-99 (30.9 - 36.5%) -- 60.1% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Signal Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Grumpig: 161-190 (53.4 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[AJB]

Skuntank @ Lum Berry
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 232 Atk / 132 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
- Poison Jab
- Taunt

Skunk is a hard check to CM Grumpig. Psychic obviously does 0 and Signal Beam is a 4HKO, while Focus Blast can 3HKO Skunk but that's assuming you hit all three. Skunk also Pursuit traps Grumpig with ease, and even if the Grumpig user stays in Poison Jab easily 2HKO's Grumpig. Taunt also means you can stop Grumpig from Calm Minding, and proceed to do huge damage with Sucker Punch.

Calcs

252+ SpA Grumpig Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 132 SpD Skuntank: 138-163 (39.7 - 46.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Grumpig Signal Beam vs. 0 HP / 132 SpD Skuntank: 86-102 (24.7 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO
232+ Atk Skuntank Poison Jab vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Grumpig: 160-189 (53.1 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
232+ Atk Skuntank Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Colbur Berry Grumpig: 160-189 (53.1 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[boltsandbombers]

Counters: Metang (Dundies) / Scyther (Punchshroom)
Checks: Pinsir (Silver Aurum) / Skuntank (Aurosis) / Xatu (Sir Kay)

Week 57:

Charizard @ Choice Specs
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Air Slash
- Overheat
- Focus Blast

 

[Cheryl.]

Grumpig @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SpA / 96 Spe
Modest Nature
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Thunder Wave / Shadow Ball
- Taunt

Grumpig is a great Counter to Choice Specs Charizard. With Thick Fat it resists the Fire-type moves, only getting 4HKOed by Fire Blast and 3HKOed by Overheat. Air Slash is only a 3HKO as well, while Grumpig can wear down Charizard with Psychics or cripple him with Thunder Wave.

Calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Air Slash vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Grumpig: 150-177 (41.2 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Thick Fat Grumpig: 109-130 (29.9 - 35.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Overheat vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Thick Fat Grumpig: 130-154 (35.7 - 42.3%) -- 91.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

160+ SpA Grumpig Psychic vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Charizard: 133-157 (44.7 - 52.8%) -- 23.8% chance to 2HKO

 

[Dundies]

Sliggoo @ Eviolite
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 HP / 168 Def / 88 SpD
Careful Nature
- Curse
- Outrage
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Sliggoo takes little damage from Charizard's attacks and can set up Curses, use Rest, Sleep Talk, and eventually KO Charizard with Outrage, making it a counter.

calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Air Slash vs. 248 HP / 76+ SpD Eviolite Sliggoo: 84-99 (24.7 - 29.2%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 76+ SpD Eviolite Sliggoo: 89-105 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

0 Atk Sliggoo Outrage vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Charizard: 126-148 (42.4 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Silver Aurum]

Lanturn @ Assault Vest
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 248 SpA / 96 SpD / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Ice Beam
- Hydro Pump

Assault Vest Lanturn is a solid check to Specs Charizard. Can switch into two Focus Blasts even with rocks up and OHKO in return with Hydro Pump. You also resist Charizard's dual STAB which forces it to predict if it really wants to break you.

calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Lanturn: 129-152 (32.9 - 38.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Lanturn: 60-72 (15.3 - 18.4%) -- possible 6HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Lanturn: 89-105 (22.7 - 26.8%) -- 32.4% chance to 4HKO
-------
248+ SpA Lanturn Hydro Pump vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Charizard: 318-374 (107 - 125.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[skies]

st. tropez (Magmortar) (F) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Earthquake
- Thunderbolt
- Fire Blast

Magmortar is a check. Can switch in on Fire-type attacks easily, has to be wary if Stealth Rock is up. Otherwise, Charizard is unable to 2HKO, so entry hazard removal is needed with this. Meanwhile, Thunderbolt does ~90% so Charizard goes down pretty quick to this.

252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Air Slash vs. 104 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Magmortar: 114-135 (35.9 - 42.5%) -- 87.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Focus Blast vs. 104 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Magmortar: 121-143 (38.1 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Overheat vs. 104 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Magmortar: 98-116 (30.9 - 36.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Raseri]

Altaria @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Dragon Pulse
- Roost
- Heal Bell
- Toxic


252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Air Slash vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Altaria: 114-135 (32.2 - 38.2%) -- 3.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

kind of a shaky check, but if you want instant recovery and status, this does handle Charizard fairly well.

It is only a check though because Air Slash Flinch = gg

 

[tmacbalanced]

Samurott @ Wave Incense
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Megahorn/ Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Waterfall

Samuortt as a check
252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott: 231-272 (69.7 - 82.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Wave Incense Samurott Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Charizard: 354-416 (119.1 - 140%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Focus Blast is the most damaging move that Charizard can use on Samurott but, Samurott does not want to come in on any of Charizard's moves as even a fire blast is a 2HKO so that's why I say that this is check at best. If Charizard comes in on rocks though then, aqua jet cleanly knocks it out. And if Charizard has a 1/3 of it's health gone then, aqua jet has a gone chance of knocking out.
252+ Atk Wave Incense Samurott Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Charizard: 176-210 (59.2 - 70.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
And if you know that opposing player is going to switch out, you can set up a swords dance and proceed to punch holes in the opposing player's team. But, if ya guess wrong well, an aqua jet at +2 is definitely going to knock out Charizard.
+2 252+ Atk Wave Incense Samurott Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Charizard: 354-416 (119.1 - 140%) -- guaranteed OHKO
You can come in on rocks to check this behomoth but any prior damage or spikes will result in a chance to be knocked out. The only move Samurott will have a chance to come in on would be overheat.
252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott: 187-221 (56.4 - 66.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
A focus blast and an air slash have a chance to knock it out afterwards though if this gets a max roll or if you come in on stealth rocks.
-2 252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott: 115-136 (34.7 - 41%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
-2 252 SpA Choice Specs Charizard Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Samurott: 109-129 (32.9 - 38.9%) -- 99.2% chance to 3HKO

 

[Shadestep]

scarf Barbaracle as a check

Barbaracle @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Razor Shell
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake / X-Scissor
- Switcheroo

not exactly a counter, but it can switch in on all moves apart from Focus Blast, which isn't 100% accurate. it beats it in a 1v1 situation (in theory), as both Razor Shell and Stone Edge OHKO it. Shaky check, but it gets the job done.

 

[boltsandbombers]

Counters: Sliggoo (Dundies) / Lanturn (Silver Aurum) / Altaria (Raseri)
Checks: Barbaracle (Shadestep) / Grumpig (BrandonBeast) / Magmortar (unfixable)

Week 58:

Piloswine @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 220 HP / 252 Atk / 36 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard

 

[AJB]

Prinplup @ Eviolite
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Defog
- Signal Beam / Toxic

Prinplup as a hard check. Basically Prinplup dodges a 4HKO from Earthquake and can threaten Pilo out with Scald. Prinplup has a niche over other Piloswine checks as not only does it chew multiple hits from Pilo, but can also Defog away the Rocks Pilo tries to set up.

Calcs

252+ Atk Piloswine Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Prinplup: 93-109 (28 - 32.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 SpA Prinplup Scald vs. 220 HP / 4 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 146-174 (36.8 - 43.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Twix]

Counter

Weezing @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 148 Def / 108 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Sludge Bomb / Flamethrower
- Taunt
- Pain Split

Although it can't really hit Piloswine that well, even with Flamethrower, Weezing can outpace Piloswine, Taunt it to prevent Rocks, burn it with Will-O-Wisp, or even Pain Split to recover health if it has low HP. Piloswine has a very low chance to 4HKO without rocks, and a 100% chance to 4HKO with Rocks, although that's without factoring in a burn or Pain Split.

 

[Winter's Howl]

Counter

Audino @ Audinite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 208 Def / 48 SpA
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Dazzling Gleam
- Wish
- Protect

Took this set straight off the Smog Dex because every other M Audino I had in teambuilder was a custom spread :| Anyway, Adamant Piloswine only manages a 62.7% chance to 4HKO with EQ. In return, M Audino uses Wish Protect with CM to set up on it. I'll throw some calcs below.

Calcs

252+ Atk Piloswine Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 208+ Def Mega Audino: 94-112 (22.9 - 27.3%) -- 62.7% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Piloswine Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 208+ Def Mega Audino: 81-96 (19.7 - 23.4%) -- possible 5HKO

+3 48 SpA Mega Audino Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 192-226 (47.5 - 55.9%) -- 78.5% chance to 2HKO

+4 48 SpA Mega Audino Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 229-271 (56.6 - 67%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Silver Aurum]

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

Ah yes, our old derpy blue friend Quagsire makes a solid counter to Piloswine. Piloswine's Earthquake is only a guaranteed 4hko, allowing Quagsire many opportunities to set up Curses or just click Scald. Reliable recovery in the form of Recover pretty much makes Quagsire as reliable a counter as you can find.

calcs

252+ Atk Piloswine Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 120-142 (30.4 - 36%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Quagsire Scald vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 122-146 (30.1 - 36.1%) -- 52.4% chance to 3HKO (That sad moment when SE Scald does less than Earthquake....)

 

[erisia]

Misdreavus @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Taunt
- Hex

There's no way Piloswine is getting past Misdreavus thanks to Will-O-Wisp crippling it, Taunt preventing it from setting up Stealth Rocks before it leaves, and Hex doing a decent chunk of damage after Piloswine is burned if it stays in for some reason. Misdreavus can even heal against switchins using Pain Split.

252+ Atk Piloswine Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Eviolite Misdreavus: 84-100 (25.9 - 30.8%)
0 SpA Misdreavus Hex (130 BP) vs. 220 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 124-147 (31.3 - 37.1%)

 

[Swagata]

Samurott as a check.

Samurott @ Life Orb
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Aqua Jet
- Megahorn

Samurott is a check as it takes heavy damage from eq but can switch vs any other move and is able to OHKO with Hydro Pump if no luck is involved.

252+ SpA Life Orb Samurott Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 455-538 (112.6 - 133.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[etern]

Pelipper @ Leftovers
Ability: Keen Eye
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Scald
- Hurricane

Pelipper is a very reliable counter to Piloswine, taking minimal damage from anything it can use, whilst being able to roost of the damage. Pelipper also has scald to net a comfortable 3HKO with a chance to burn, as well as being able to defog away the rocks Piloswine tries to set up.

 

[boltsandbombers]

Counters: Pelipper (~Eternally) / Mega Audino (Winter's Howl) / Weezing (Twix)
Checks: Samurott (Mentalist Swag)

Week 59:

Xatu @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic / Psyshock
- Grass Knot
- Heat Wave
- Roost

 

[Winter's Howl]

Musharna @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Moonlight
- Signal Beam

The counter. You saw this one coming. Anyway, Musharna uses Xatu as setup fodder. Heat Wave/Grass Knot just can't do enough to stop Musharna, so you just click buttons and win.

252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Heat Wave vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Musharna: 112-133 (25.8 - 30.7%) -- 1.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Grass Knot (80 BP) vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Musharna: 95-112 (21.9 - 25.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Psychic vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Musharna: 78-94 (18 - 21.7%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[etern]

Malamar @ Leftovers
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 HP / 244 SpD / 12 Spe
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Malamar is a pretty safe switch into this Xatu set, taking very little from any of its attacks, and having the choice to either use Xatu as setup-fodder or just KO it with Knock Off immediately.

Xatu Calcs:
252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 244+ SpD Malamar: 95-113 (25.2 - 30%) -- 0.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Grass Knot (60 BP) vs. 252 HP / 244+ SpD Malamar: 60-71 (15.9 - 18.8%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

Malamar Calcs:
0 Atk Malamar Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Xatu: 260-308 (95.9 - 113.6%) -- 75% chance to OHKO

 

[PrinceLucian]

Scraggy @ Eviolite
Ability: Shed Skin
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off
- Rest

Scraggy coming through! Ive been making a list of pu/nfe/lc usable mons for my future balanced teams, and while some may not agree about Scraggy being the best pokemon around,its actually quite cool and fun pokemon to use.It provides psychic immunity and also has very useful typing, knock off could hurt it tho so always have secondary knock off switchin , also with Sawk/Gurdurr gone i think it can be a lot more usable.
Now,this basically counters this Xatu set, takes no damage from its coverage moves, can easily set up on it, and if its gets wore down it can rest up vs it,while also its Shed Skin ability gives it 33% chance to heal its status which is pretty cool.

252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Grass Knot (40 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Scraggy: 29-34 (9.5 - 11.1%) -- possible 9HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Scraggy: 66-78 (21.7 - 25.6%) -- 0.8% chance to 4HKO

0 Atk Scraggy Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Xatu: 222-264 (81.9 - 97.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Shadestep]

Lanturn as a counter

Lanturn @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 104 HP / 232 Def / 172 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Thunder Wave

any Lanturn set works pretty much here, this is just a set i've been using lately.
Xatu can do next to nothing to this set, not even 3HKOing it with Psychic most of the time. Heat Wave and Grass Knot (only 40 BP) obviously do nothing either, and both Scald and Volt Switch do a significant amount, threatening it out and getting momentum with Volt Switch.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Psychic vs. 40 HP / 204+ SpD Lanturn: 140-165 (34.9 - 41.1%) -- 64.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Grass Knot (40 BP) vs. 40 HP / 204+ SpD Lanturn: 86-101 (21.4 - 25.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Xatu Heat Wave vs. 40 HP / 204+ SpD Lanturn: 49-58 (12.2 - 14.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 SpA Lanturn Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Xatu: 93-109 (34.3 - 40.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Lanturn Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Xatu: 162-192 (59.7 - 70.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[boltsandbombers]

Counters: Musharna (Winter's Howl) / Malamar (~Eternally) / Lanturn (Shadestep)

Please keep the submissions to viable Pokemon. Anyways, sorry for the delay, here's the next victim.

Week 60:

Floatzel @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Taunt / Hidden Power Electric