Sobi
Banned deucer.
taken over from HibikiVGC
qc: Jio / Carbonific
gp: Fireflame479
[OVERVIEW]
* Vikavolt is unique in the metagame thanks to the combination of its typing, its ability Levitate, and its access to Electroweb.
* It has an incredibly efficient base stat spread, boasting a base 145 Special Attack stat and respectable 77 / 90 / 75 bulk.
* Vikavolt can fill a variety of roles thanks to its diverse movepool. It can disrupt, act as a pivot with Volt Switch, control speed with Electroweb and String Shot, and fire off high damage attacks.
* Thanks to Levitate, it's one of the few Pokemon making the Discharge + Earthquake combination possible.
* However, Vikavolt sits at a bit of an awkward base 43 Speed stat, and other Electric-types such as Tapu Koko and Magnezone are better alternatives if speed control or Levitate is not required.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Bug Buzz
move 3: Discharge / Volt Switch / Electroweb
move 4: Electroweb / Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
item: Assault Vest
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 28 SpA / 180 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Thunderbolt and Bug Buzz are the standard STAB moves for strong and reliable damage.
* Discharge can be used when paired with a Ground-type such as Garchomp or Krookodile.
* Volt Switch lets Vikavolt punish switches, switching in and out of battle while dealing respectable amounts of damage.
* Electroweb is an excellent speed control option that works with Assault Vest.
* Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire or Hidden Power Ice can be used if you need more answers to Kartana or Garchomp on your team, respectively. Both can be omitted for triple Electric moves, as you still deal respectable damage to either Pokemon with Bug Buzz.
Set Details
========
* Levitate gives Vikavolt an immunity to Ground-type moves.
* The defensive EV spread in combination with Assault Vest allows Vikavolt to survive a wide range of attacks, such as Gyarados's Hydro Vortex and Arcanine's Inferno Overdrive. It also ensures that Porygon2 will receive an Attack boost from Download.
* Special Attack investment is barely necessary because of Vikavolt's high Special Attack combined with a Modest nature.
Usage Tips
========
* Vikavolt is an excellent defensive pivot that is able to switch in on many Pokemon, such as Garchomp, Kartana, and Tapu Koko.
* When using Volt Switch, Vikavolt can lure in counters like Arcanine and punish the opponent's switching.
* Hidden Power Fire can catch unsuspecting Kartana off-guard, knocking out even bulky Assault Vest variants.
* Keep in mind that once the opponent realizes that Assault Vest is the item used on Vikavolt, they might start to focus more on Vikavolt because of the lack of Protect.
Team Options
========
* Garchomp is the best partner available. Vikavolt can threaten many of Garchomp's checks and counters such as Tapu Fini and Kartana, while Garchomp can use Earthquake freely because of Vikavolt's Levitate.
* In the same vein, Krookodile is an excellent partner. Although slower, it can benefit from the speed control Electroweb provides, while Intimidate enhances Vikavolt's defensive capabilities even further.
* Vikavolt wants to have team members that can handle key threats such as Arcanine and Gigalith. Ground-types do a fine job with that, but having a Water-type such as Politoed, Pelipper, Tapu Fini, or Gyarados is recommended.
* Vikavolt often struggles against the Tapu group, making Alolan Muk a good partner.
* Steel-types like Metagross and Kartana also handle the Tapu group, and they can take care of Rock-types as well.
[SET]
name: String Shot Support
move 1: Thunderbolt / Volt Switch
move 2: Bug Buzz
move 3: String Shot
move 4: Protect
item: Iapapa Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 28 SpA / 156 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Thunderbolt and Bug Buzz are STAB moves that provide strong and reliable damage.
* Volt Switch is an option over Thunderbolt to take advantage of the forced switches caused by Bug Buzz's stat drops, and it helps you maintain momentum.
* String Shot lowers the Speed stat of both opposing Pokemon by two stages, forcing switches.
* Protect scouts for moves, stalls field conditions, allows Vikavolt to shield itself while an ally attacks, and punishes double targets.
Set Details
========
* Levitate gives Vikavolt an immunity to Ground-type moves.
* The EV spread allows Vikavolt to OHKO Kartana with Bug Buzz, as well as survive Arcanine and Choice Specs Salamance's Flamethrower.
* Special Attack investment is barely necessary because of its high Special Attack combined with a Modest nature.
* Iapapa Berry or Sitrus Berry heals Vikavolt, which will oftentimes survive strong attacks with low HP thanks to its great defenses.
Usage Tips
========
* String Shot heavily reduces the opposing team's Speed, allowing Vikavolt to outspeed Pokemon such as Tapu Fini, Celesteela, Pelipper, and Tapu Bulu.
* Volt Switch allows Vikavolt to take advantage of the switches that String Shot forces.
* Not only does Vikavolt provide valuable speed control, it also checks many strong Pokemon such as Kartana and Garchomp.
* Iapapa Berry's healing can punish the opponent heavily for missing the one-hit knock out, forcing them to play around it.
Team Options
========
* Ground- and Water-types such as Garchomp and Tapu Fini are recommended partners to help check or counter threats to Vikavolt such as Arcanine and Gigalith.
* String Shot encourages the use of Pokemon sitting in the middle of the Speed tier, such as the aforementioned Tapu Fini, and gives the speed advantage to bulkier builds of fast Pokemon, such as Arcanine.
* Steel-types like Metagross and Kartana handle the Tapu group, and they can take care of Rock-types as well.
* Pokemon that appreciate the foe being slowed down, such as Metagross, Arcanine, Gyarados, and Tapu Lele, pair well with Vikavolt thanks to String Shot.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Energy Ball targets Gastrodon, but it hits little Pokemon outside of that.
* Mud Shot can be used for the Speed decrease,(AC) but it doesn't gain STAB, unlike Electroweb, making the latter a more favorable choice.
* Sky Drop removes foes from the field, which is quite useful, but due to Vikavolt's low Speed, it rarely gets to use the move without being attacked first.
* Flash Cannon is super effective against Alolan Ninetales and hits Vanilluxe and Gigalith harder, but it hits nothing that resists Vikavolt's STAB moves.
* Vikavolt can run a more aggressive set using damage boosting items such as Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it is generally not recommended, as these sets don't capitalize on Vikavolt's amazing defensive capabilities.
* Minimum Speed with a Quiet nature is an option for Trick Room teams, although Vikavolt's niche is with Electroweb and String Shot, and this is slightly conflicting with a Trick Room set.
* A Z-Crystal could be used for the String Shot set, giving access to Gigavolt Havoc or Savage Spin-Out.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Torkoal and Arcanine threaten Vikavolt, as they can KO Vikavolt with their powerful STAB moves. Arcanine, can knock out Vikavolt easily in one hit with Flare Blitz or a Z-Move, unless it is afflicted with Intimidate or if rain is on the field. Despite this, Vikavolt still hits it hard with Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, so Arcanine needs to secure the knock out to be an effective check.
**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Nihilego and Gigalith pose problems for Vikavolt. It can't really touch Gigalith, especially when sand is up, and Vikavolt can get knocked out easily by Stone Edge or a Z-Move. The best thing Vikavolt can do when up against Gigalith is use Volt Switch to bring in a check or counter. Nihilego forces Vikavolt out with Power Gem, and Vikavolt can't deal any significant damage because of Nihilego's high Special Defense stat.
**Tapu Lele**: Tapu Lele checks Vikavolt, as it can outspeed and knock it out with a Shattered Psyche while Psychic Terrain is up, even when Vikavolt is using the Assault Vest set.
**Porygon2**: Although it takes a while due to Vikavolt's impressive bulk, Porygon2 can beat Vikavolt one-on-one thanks to its access to Recover.
**Lightning Rod**: With Electroweb being Vikavolt's niche, it finds itself struggling against Pokemon with Lightning Rod, such as Togedemaru and Alolan Marowak, which can exploit its Electric-type STAB moves by gaining a Special Attack boost.
qc: Jio / Carbonific
gp: Fireflame479
[OVERVIEW]
* Vikavolt is unique in the metagame thanks to the combination of its typing, its ability Levitate, and its access to Electroweb.
* It has an incredibly efficient base stat spread, boasting a base 145 Special Attack stat and respectable 77 / 90 / 75 bulk.
* Vikavolt can fill a variety of roles thanks to its diverse movepool. It can disrupt, act as a pivot with Volt Switch, control speed with Electroweb and String Shot, and fire off high damage attacks.
* Thanks to Levitate, it's one of the few Pokemon making the Discharge + Earthquake combination possible.
* However, Vikavolt sits at a bit of an awkward base 43 Speed stat, and other Electric-types such as Tapu Koko and Magnezone are better alternatives if speed control or Levitate is not required.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Thunderbolt
move 2: Bug Buzz
move 3: Discharge / Volt Switch / Electroweb
move 4: Electroweb / Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
item: Assault Vest
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 28 SpA / 180 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Thunderbolt and Bug Buzz are the standard STAB moves for strong and reliable damage.
* Discharge can be used when paired with a Ground-type such as Garchomp or Krookodile.
* Volt Switch lets Vikavolt punish switches, switching in and out of battle while dealing respectable amounts of damage.
* Electroweb is an excellent speed control option that works with Assault Vest.
* Alternatively, Hidden Power Fire or Hidden Power Ice can be used if you need more answers to Kartana or Garchomp on your team, respectively. Both can be omitted for triple Electric moves, as you still deal respectable damage to either Pokemon with Bug Buzz.
Set Details
========
* Levitate gives Vikavolt an immunity to Ground-type moves.
* The defensive EV spread in combination with Assault Vest allows Vikavolt to survive a wide range of attacks, such as Gyarados's Hydro Vortex and Arcanine's Inferno Overdrive. It also ensures that Porygon2 will receive an Attack boost from Download.
* Special Attack investment is barely necessary because of Vikavolt's high Special Attack combined with a Modest nature.
Usage Tips
========
* Vikavolt is an excellent defensive pivot that is able to switch in on many Pokemon, such as Garchomp, Kartana, and Tapu Koko.
* When using Volt Switch, Vikavolt can lure in counters like Arcanine and punish the opponent's switching.
* Hidden Power Fire can catch unsuspecting Kartana off-guard, knocking out even bulky Assault Vest variants.
* Keep in mind that once the opponent realizes that Assault Vest is the item used on Vikavolt, they might start to focus more on Vikavolt because of the lack of Protect.
Team Options
========
* Garchomp is the best partner available. Vikavolt can threaten many of Garchomp's checks and counters such as Tapu Fini and Kartana, while Garchomp can use Earthquake freely because of Vikavolt's Levitate.
* In the same vein, Krookodile is an excellent partner. Although slower, it can benefit from the speed control Electroweb provides, while Intimidate enhances Vikavolt's defensive capabilities even further.
* Vikavolt wants to have team members that can handle key threats such as Arcanine and Gigalith. Ground-types do a fine job with that, but having a Water-type such as Politoed, Pelipper, Tapu Fini, or Gyarados is recommended.
* Vikavolt often struggles against the Tapu group, making Alolan Muk a good partner.
* Steel-types like Metagross and Kartana also handle the Tapu group, and they can take care of Rock-types as well.
[SET]
name: String Shot Support
move 1: Thunderbolt / Volt Switch
move 2: Bug Buzz
move 3: String Shot
move 4: Protect
item: Iapapa Berry / Sitrus Berry
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 28 SpA / 156 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Thunderbolt and Bug Buzz are STAB moves that provide strong and reliable damage.
* Volt Switch is an option over Thunderbolt to take advantage of the forced switches caused by Bug Buzz's stat drops, and it helps you maintain momentum.
* String Shot lowers the Speed stat of both opposing Pokemon by two stages, forcing switches.
* Protect scouts for moves, stalls field conditions, allows Vikavolt to shield itself while an ally attacks, and punishes double targets.
Set Details
========
* Levitate gives Vikavolt an immunity to Ground-type moves.
* The EV spread allows Vikavolt to OHKO Kartana with Bug Buzz, as well as survive Arcanine and Choice Specs Salamance's Flamethrower.
* Special Attack investment is barely necessary because of its high Special Attack combined with a Modest nature.
* Iapapa Berry or Sitrus Berry heals Vikavolt, which will oftentimes survive strong attacks with low HP thanks to its great defenses.
Usage Tips
========
* String Shot heavily reduces the opposing team's Speed, allowing Vikavolt to outspeed Pokemon such as Tapu Fini, Celesteela, Pelipper, and Tapu Bulu.
* Volt Switch allows Vikavolt to take advantage of the switches that String Shot forces.
* Not only does Vikavolt provide valuable speed control, it also checks many strong Pokemon such as Kartana and Garchomp.
* Iapapa Berry's healing can punish the opponent heavily for missing the one-hit knock out, forcing them to play around it.
Team Options
========
* Ground- and Water-types such as Garchomp and Tapu Fini are recommended partners to help check or counter threats to Vikavolt such as Arcanine and Gigalith.
* String Shot encourages the use of Pokemon sitting in the middle of the Speed tier, such as the aforementioned Tapu Fini, and gives the speed advantage to bulkier builds of fast Pokemon, such as Arcanine.
* Steel-types like Metagross and Kartana handle the Tapu group, and they can take care of Rock-types as well.
* Pokemon that appreciate the foe being slowed down, such as Metagross, Arcanine, Gyarados, and Tapu Lele, pair well with Vikavolt thanks to String Shot.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
* Energy Ball targets Gastrodon, but it hits little Pokemon outside of that.
* Mud Shot can be used for the Speed decrease,(AC) but it doesn't gain STAB, unlike Electroweb, making the latter a more favorable choice.
* Sky Drop removes foes from the field, which is quite useful, but due to Vikavolt's low Speed, it rarely gets to use the move without being attacked first.
* Flash Cannon is super effective against Alolan Ninetales and hits Vanilluxe and Gigalith harder, but it hits nothing that resists Vikavolt's STAB moves.
* Vikavolt can run a more aggressive set using damage boosting items such as Life Orb or Choice Specs, but it is generally not recommended, as these sets don't capitalize on Vikavolt's amazing defensive capabilities.
* Minimum Speed with a Quiet nature is an option for Trick Room teams, although Vikavolt's niche is with Electroweb and String Shot, and this is slightly conflicting with a Trick Room set.
* A Z-Crystal could be used for the String Shot set, giving access to Gigavolt Havoc or Savage Spin-Out.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-types**: Fire-types such as Torkoal and Arcanine threaten Vikavolt, as they can KO Vikavolt with their powerful STAB moves. Arcanine, can knock out Vikavolt easily in one hit with Flare Blitz or a Z-Move, unless it is afflicted with Intimidate or if rain is on the field. Despite this, Vikavolt still hits it hard with Thunderbolt and Volt Switch, so Arcanine needs to secure the knock out to be an effective check.
**Rock-types**: Rock-types such as Nihilego and Gigalith pose problems for Vikavolt. It can't really touch Gigalith, especially when sand is up, and Vikavolt can get knocked out easily by Stone Edge or a Z-Move. The best thing Vikavolt can do when up against Gigalith is use Volt Switch to bring in a check or counter. Nihilego forces Vikavolt out with Power Gem, and Vikavolt can't deal any significant damage because of Nihilego's high Special Defense stat.
**Tapu Lele**: Tapu Lele checks Vikavolt, as it can outspeed and knock it out with a Shattered Psyche while Psychic Terrain is up, even when Vikavolt is using the Assault Vest set.
**Porygon2**: Although it takes a while due to Vikavolt's impressive bulk, Porygon2 can beat Vikavolt one-on-one thanks to its access to Recover.
**Lightning Rod**: With Electroweb being Vikavolt's niche, it finds itself struggling against Pokemon with Lightning Rod, such as Togedemaru and Alolan Marowak, which can exploit its Electric-type STAB moves by gaining a Special Attack boost.
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