Project Victim of the Week

[Deleted User 241617]

Check

Thundurus (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Focus Blast

Thundurus can switch in on Staraptors Brave Bird (without Stealth Rocks), Close Combat, and U-Turn if Staraptor is the last pokemon in the opposing team. Then Thundurus outspeeds and OHKO Staraptor with Thunderbolt. There is nothing special about this set as it is just the regular Prankster attacker. Some opptional changes are, Nasty Plot over Thunder Wave, Taunt over almost anything really, or Psychic over Focus Blast, and lastly Hidden Power [Flying] can be used as a secondary STAB.

I don't think calcs are necesary for Thundurs, but if you really want some just let me know.

 

[Clone]

Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 212 HP / 44 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rock Blast
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch

This is the standard Rhyperior set with a slight nature change. Hes able to live 2 Close Combats from Staraptor, which counts as a one time Counter. Otherwise hes just a hard check. Rock Blast is a clean OHKO after both Defense drops and has better utility with higher accuracy and the ability to break subs, unlike Stone Miss. Also sets Rocks.

252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 212 HP / 252+ Def Solid Rock Rhyperior: 183-216 (43.1 - 50.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

44 Atk Rhyperior Rock Blast (2 hits) vs. -2 0 HP / 4 Def Staraptor: 408-480 (131.1 - 154.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

'Nuff said

 

[blinkie]

Magnezone-Check

Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
-Volt Switch
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power [Fire]
-Flash Cannon

With decent natural physical bulk, and a 4x resist to the main move Staraptor spams, Magnezone works well as a Staraptor check, although its weakness to Close Combat prevents it from being a counter. While holding a Scarf, Magnezone makes sure it can outspeed Staraptor, and OHKO easily with Volt Switch or Thunderbolt. Volt Switch allows you to gain momentum if you predict a switch. Other moves are also kind of typical on Scarf Magnezone, HP Fire nukes Scizor/Ferro, and Flash Cannon is mandatory STAB which can still do a load to Staraptor.
Calcs:

Hide

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 80-95 (28.4 - 33.8%) -- 0.9% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 161-190 (57.2 - 67.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 360-424 (128.1 - 150.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Can't switch in >.<)
252 SpA Magnezone Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Staraptor: 348-410 (111.8 - 131.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Reserving Sableye as Check

 

[looiiyut]

Reserving mega manectric

Mega Manectric - Check

Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Hidden Power Ice

Thanks to his type and ability I can switch into all moves except double edge. Mega Man is a great check for fly spam.

-1 252 Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 24 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 133-157 (46.3 - 54.7%) -- 62.1% chance to 2HKO
-1 252 Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 24 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 148-175 (51.5 - 60.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
-1 252 Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 24 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 267-315 (93 - 109.7%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Mega Manectric Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Staraptor: 356-422 (114.4 - 135.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Stallmory]

Zapdos - Check

Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
-Thunderbolt
-Roost
-Heat Wave
-Toxic / Substitute / Hidden Power Ice

Zapdos is well-known for being the only competitive Kanto Legendary Trio member in OU, and also for being a great defensive mon overall. It has more offensive-oriented stats, but its typing and its access to reliable recovery in Roost makes it a great wall, particularly against Birdspam. Against Adamant Reckless Choice Band Staraptor it has a rougher time than against the other more common Birdspam members (Mega Pinsir, Talonflame) because of Staraptor's sheer power; while Zapdos can take fairly well Brave Birds, Close Combats and U-turns, thanks to its typing, in this case Double Edge hits it that hard that it OHKOs after Stealth Rock damage.

In an SR scenario, Zapdos has trouble checking Staraptor. For this, it's almost compulsory to have your side of the field clean of hazards (only SR in this case), so in this case is better to leave Rapid Spin/Defog support to another mon of the team.

The details of this set are simple: Max physical bulk to take hits better, Thunderbolt to OHKO (and Zapdos's best attacking move in general thanks to STAB), Heat Wave as a secondary attack option, as it OHKOs x4 weak Pokes against Fire (The typical Scizor and Ferrothorn) and to hit common Ground-Type mons like Excadrill hard, Roost to heal back damage and improve its defensive capability throughout the match, and then diverse options with Toxic, Substitute, or Hidden Power Ice (depends on your style and your team's needs/coverage). Another use of Roost is to keep spamming it on Raptor's resisted moves (Brave Bird and CC), as thanks to the recoil and Pressure, you can make your opponent kill itself (bar crits) and stall your foe's PPs, respectively.


And then the calcs:

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zapdos: 292-345 (76 - 89.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zapdos: 146-172 (38 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zapdos: 81-96 (21 - 25%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

(Don't try to guess the pitiful amount of damage U-turn deals lol)


And for Zapdos:

0 SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Staraptor: 356-420 (114.4 - 135%) -- guaranteed OHKO

As you can see, Zapdos only problem with Emoraptor Staraptor is Double-Edge, as Zapdos really gets wrekt by it, thus making it a check.


EDIT: Reserving Jirachi as a counter :P

 

[Zebstrika]

Check (one time counter, but I don't think we count that?)

Aerodactyl @ Aerodactylite
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 144 Def / 60 SpD / 56 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Roost
- Ice Fang / Aqua Tail
- Wing Attack / Taunt

Defensive Mega Aerodactyl resists both stabs, and is neutral to close combat. As long as it switches in on one of those 3 moves, Rock Slide will finish off Staraptor (it does minimum 90% damage, and has a 44% chance to straight up ohko). Roost keeps it healthy if it forces a switch, but it can't Roost on Close Combat or it becomes weak to it.

Other uses for defensive Mega Aerodactyl, if you aren't familiar with the set, are switching into the rest of birdspam, basically being the biggest f*you to birdspam available in ou. It can also switch into Landorus and Charizard Y, and provided you can find time to Roost, counters them. Wing Attack lets it revenge Mega Heracross and Mega Medicham who may a pain for your stall team, while Taunt lets it slowly whittle through bulkier walls like Chansey and Hippowdon. Meanwhile high speed and varied coverage can let it clean up a few weakened offensive teams.

Offensive Mega Aerodactyl is also a one-time counter if Stealth Rock isn't up, and can forever revenge kill Staraptor as well as the defensive set.

 

[bb skarm]

Physically Defensive Landorus-T: Check

Landorus @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Impish
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-Turn / Knock Off

I'm sure everyone considers a good answer to Staraptor any Electric-type, but I actually find Landorus-T to be one of the best checks out there, due to Intimidate and its really good physical bulk. Landorus-T's blessing of a defensive typing also stops Staraptor from scoring any super effective attacks. Staraptor 3HKOs Landorus-T with any one of its STABs, and Landorus-T can easily use Stone Edge to bring it down to 15% health, where Staraptor should've already been fainted due to the recoil. Even if Landorus-T faints, it still has that Intimidate drop, making it extremely hard to make Staraptor as dangerous. Most of the time, unless a critical hit happens, Landorus-T can easily dispatch Staraptor.

Now, why would you use this check over something like Zapdos or Mega Manectric, who both resist Brave Bird and the latter has Intimidate? Well, the former is OHKOed by Double-Edge after Stealth Rock, while the latter can't switch in because it is OHKOed by Double-Edge as well. Landorus-T actually can take hits and reliably OHKO back or set up Stealth Rock.

Calculations for proof:

-1 252 Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Landorus-T: 172-204 (45 - 53.4%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Zapdos: 288-340 (75 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

-1 252 Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Manectric: 267-315 (95 - 112%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[FullLifeGames]

Name: Gengar
Status: Check

Gengar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 28 HP / 148 SpA / 80 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Disable

Gengar is a Check because it's immune to Double-Edge and Close Combat and 4 times resists U-turn:
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor U-turn vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 45-53 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery

The thing you have to worry about is, if Staraptor uses Brave Bird:
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 552-651 (205.9 - 242.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

This means, that using Gengar as a Check requires a bit of knowledge of what your opponent would do, but if you get it right and you get a free turn, it can turn some games around!

 

[Salemance]

DAMN IT! someone took Aerodactyl! and I don't know if my Meggron will make it in cause Rhyperior was aready sent........

Oh well. That's all I can think of atm.

Reserving Mega Aggron as a Counter.

MEGA AGGRON HAS ARRIVED!!!

Aggron @ Aggronite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake

Standard Meggron Tank set. Not a lot needed invested in defense as minimal with a boosting nature secures this as not even close to a 2hko.

252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 132-156 (38.3 - 45.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

In Return:

0 Atk Mega Aggron Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Staraptor: 192-228 (61.7 - 73.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Mega Aggron Rock Slide vs. -1 0 HP / 4 Def Staraptor: 288-340 (92.6 - 109.3%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

As Staraptor being staraptor its gonna be taking some kind of damage, as if you go in and they BB or DE:

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Mega Aggron: 78-93 (22.6 - 27%) -- 40.4% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Mega Aggron: 78-93 (22.6 - 27%) -- 40.4% chance to 4HKO

I mean he isn't getting past you if at all, and you can comfortably assault back and or regen your health back if you are deiding to cut it close. Rock Slide and EQ are for pure coverage means as you can wall both Staraptor and every other part of Birdspam while also serving as an easy way to deal with Magnezone as it attempts to trap you if it feels lucky (the standard scarf set in these bird teams deals 47% max). Really a fun bugger as always but up to you to use if you want.[/IMG]

 

[Stallmory]

DAMN IT! someone took Aerodactyl! and I don't know if my Meggron will make it in cause Rhyperior was aready sent........

Oh well. That's all I can think of atm.

Reserving Mega Aggron as a Counter.

MEGA AGGRON HAS ARRIVED!!!

Aggron @ Aggronite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Def / 240 SpD
Impish Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Ice Punch
- Earthquake

Standard Meggron Tank set. Not a lot needed invested in defense as minimal with a boosting nature secures this as not even close to a 2hko.

252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Filter Mega Aggron: 132-156 (38.3 - 45.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

In Return:

0 Atk Mega Aggron Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Staraptor: 192-228 (61.7 - 73.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Mega Aggron Rock Slide vs. -1 0 HP / 4 Def Staraptor: 288-340 (92.6 - 109.3%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

As Staraptor being staraptor its gonna be taking some kind of damage, as if you go in and they BB or DE:

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Mega Aggron: 78-93 (22.6 - 27%) -- 40.4% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Mega Aggron: 78-93 (22.6 - 27%) -- 40.4% chance to 4HKO

I mean he isn't getting past you if at all, and you can omfortably assault back and or regen your health back if you are deiding to cut it close. Rock Slide and EQ are for pure coverage means as you can wall both Staraptor and every other part of Birdspam while also serving as an easy way to deal with Magnezone as it attempts to trap you if it feels lucky (the standard scarf set in these bird teams deals 47% max). Really a fun bugger as always but up to you to use if you want.[/IMG]

:P (little error marked in bold)

Both Rock Slide and Ice Punch do the same damage (75 BP), but Ice Punch has better accuracy and secondary effect.

 

[Salemance]

:P (little error marked in bold)

Both Rock Slide and Ice Punch do the same damage (75 BP), but Ice Punch has better accuracy and secondary effect.

Yah Ik but ice punch is neutral v talon and rock slide gets x4 on the secondary half of bird teams is why I have it listed. Andi was debating between those two moves the entire post (some people have different preferences) but eh I kept it my usual Aggron set.

 

[G-Von]

Wait, Staraptor has counters?

 

[Aragorn the King]

Wait, Staraptor has counters?

 

[boltsandbombers]

Wait, Staraptor has counters?

If a pokemon didn't have counters, it would be banned (most likely)
I hope you were joking :P

 

[G-Von]

View attachment 27565

To be fair, I was making a sarcastic post but I still don't find Doublade or Diancie (the next best suggestion) all that viable in OU. Doublade's typing is god-tier and it has a solid Attack and Defense, but aside from those traits, I feel like it's very difficult to fit on a team and has many problems like that super low SpDef, unlike its older brethren.

If a pokemon didn't have counters, it would be banned (most likely)
I hope you were joking :P

The word "counter" was not in BW2 Hydreigon's vocabulary and it had no discussion of any type of suspect test. Staraptor kind of reminds me of it actually: little to no viable counters but quite a large number of checks.

 

[Lil YoshiXD]

To be fair, I was making a sarcastic post but I still don't find Doublade or Diancie (the next best suggestion) all that viable in OU. Doublade's typing is god-tier and it has a solid Attack and Defense, but aside from those traits, I feel like it's very difficult to fit on a team and has many problems like that super SpDef, unlike its older brethren.

The word "counter" was not in BW2 Hydreigon's vocabulary and it had no discussion of any type of suspect test. Staraptor kind of reminds me of it actually: little to no viable counters but quite a large number of checks.

whats wrong with skarm?

 

[hey yal]

View attachment 27565

STARAPTOR LEARNS THIEF. STEALS YOUR F KING EVIOLITE. GG WURLD.

Will post something later.

 

[G-Von]

whats wrong with skarm?

Skarmory either kills itself from BB recoil, doesn't get the OHKO after 2 Close Combats with BB and dies, or Counter doesn't get the job done before it gets 3HKO'd.

BTW, my bad for derailing shit; I'll post a check in a few minutes.

EDIT: the gif below is tripping me the fuck out

Rotom@Choice Scarf
EV's: 252 HP/248 Spe/8 Def
Trait: Levitate
Modest Nature
-Thunderbolt
-Volt Switch
-Shadow Ball
-Trick

Not a very viable poke but it does have it's interesting advantages. Staraptor's four moves are resisted by Rotom, who takes a pittance from 3 of them, while living the 4th move and OHKO'ing with either Volt Switch after recoil damage or Thunderbolt in any circumstance. Of course this isn't the only thing Rotom can do. It has a higher speed than its appliance buddies so a Scarf Set does make perfect sense, Volt Switch keeps momentum, and Trick can really fuck a wall over. Here are the calcs:

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 8 Def Rotom: 225-264 (74 - 86.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

0+ SpA Rotom Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Staraptor: 240-284 (77.1 - 91.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Rotom Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Staraptor: 308-366 (99 - 117.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

Yea the EV's probably will never be seen on a serious team but I guess I wouldn't really think too lowly of someone for using it with a typical max speed and SpA spread instead.

 

[Clone]

Skarmory either kills itself from BB recoil, doesn't get the OHKO after 2 Close Combats with BB and dies, or Counter doesn't get the job done before it gets 3HKO'd.

BTW, my bad for derailing shit; I'll post a check in a few minutes.

EDIT: the gif below is tripping me the fuck out

Rotom@Choice Scarf
EV's: 252 HP/248 Spe/8 Def
Trait: Levitate
Modest Nature
-Thunderbolt
-Volt Switch
-Shadow Ball
-Trick

Not a very viable poke but it does have it's interesting advantages. Staraptor's four moves are resisted by Rotom, who takes a pittance from 3 of them, while living the 4th move and OHKO'ing with either Volt Switch after recoil damage or Thunderbolt in any circumstance. Of course this isn't the only thing Rotom can do. It has a higher speed than its appliance buddies so a Scarf Set does make perfect sense, Volt Switch keeps momentum, and Trick can really fuck a wall over. Here are the calcs:

252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 8 Def Rotom: 225-264 (74 - 86.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

0+ SpA Rotom Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Staraptor: 240-284 (77.1 - 91.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0+ SpA Rotom Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Staraptor: 308-366 (99 - 117.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

Yea the EV's probably will never be seen on a serious team but I guess I wouldn't really think too lowly of someone for using it with a typical max speed and SpA spread instead.

please change that gif its giving me seizures

 

[Lil YoshiXD]

Skarmory either kills itself from BB recoil, doesn't get the OHKO after 2 Close Combats with BB and dies, or Counter doesn't get the job done before it gets 3HKO'd.

Roost off damage...

 

[Salemance]

Reserving Rotom-W

How is Rotom-W a check? It is OHKO'd 86% of the time by CB Double Edge last I thought (after SR)

 

[boltsandbombers]

How is Rotom-W a check? It is OHKO'd 86% of the time by CB Double Edge last I thought (after SR)

ya...
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless Staraptor Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 212+ Def Rotom-W: 259-306 (85.1 - 100.6%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Random Passerby]

Name: Sableye
Status: Check

Sableye Leftovers
EV's: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SpD
Bold Nature
Ability: Prankster
Moves:
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Foul Play
- Taunt

Sableye can come in on any move not named Brave Bird and threaten it with a burn from priority Will-O-Wisp. A burned Staraptor will deal around 51.9 - 61.1% so you can spam Recover to stall it out or use Foul Play which will KO Staraptor, especially after it had been worn down by either recoils or Stealth Rock.

Relevant calculations:
252+ Atk Choice Band Staraptor U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sableye: 103-122 (33.8 - 40.1%) -- 33.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Reckless burned Staraptor Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Sableye: 158-186 (51.9 - 61.1%) -- 96.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Sableye Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Staraptor: 214-253 (68.8 - 81.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Aragorn the King]

Something important to consider is that Staraptor has a Choice Band instead of a Life Orb. Therefore, the definition of a check is a lot less rigid. Rhyperior, for example, can be 2hkod. However, CC isn't raptor's "spam move," so it's still a pretty safe way to beat it. Sableye can't switch in on a Brave Bird, but it can switch in on the rest. I feel like this week may border on revenge killers, but that's just the nature of Raptor.

Anyway, I'm still not really sure about Rotom-W. Double Edge has a 81.3% chance to OHKO, Close Combat has a 100% chance to 2hko, brave bird has a 36.3% chance to 2HKO, and U-turn has a 100% chance for raptor to gain momentum.

 

[zbr]

Something important to consider is that Staraptor has a Choice Band instead of a Life Orb. Therefore, the definition of a check is a lot less rigid. Rhyperior, for example, can be 2hkod. However, CC isn't raptor's "spam move," so it's still a pretty safe way to beat it. Sableye can't switch in on a Brave Bird, but it can switch in on the rest. I feel like this week may border on revenge killers, but that's just the nature of Raptor.

Anyway, I'm still not really sure about Rotom-W. Double Edge has a 81.3% chance to OHKO, Close Combat has a 100% chance to 2hko, brave bird has a 36.3% chance to 2HKO, and U-turn has a 100% chance for raptor to gain momentum.

I've made relevant edits in my first post. I was a bit distracted when I was crafting my reservations earlier.