[OVERVIEW]
Volcanion is a powerful wallbreaker in the metagame thanks to its rare and potent Fire / Water typing, high-base 130 Special Attack, and access to the potent Steam Eruption. Its typing gives it valuable resistances to Fairy, Fire, Ice, and Bug, while Water Absorb allows it to check threats like Keldeo, Slowbro, and opposing Volcanion. With powerful dual STAB moves in Steam Eruption and Flamethrower, Volcanion is capable of pressuring bulky cores and punishing switch-ins with burns, and its solid natural bulk lets it pivot into weaker attackers. It can also take a more supportive role with moves like Toxic and Roar. Furthermore, coverage options like Earth Power and Sludge Wave let it hit common answers such as opposing Volcanion, Mega Altaria, and Clefable. However, Volcanion's low Speed leaves it vulnerable to faster offensive threats, and its weakness to Stealth Rock severely limits its ability to switch in repeatedly. It also struggles to break past special walls like Chansey and has no reliable recovery outside of Leftovers or Water Absorb, making long-term survivability an issue without strong team support.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Steam Eruption boasts 110 Base Power, solid accuracy, and a 30% burn chance. Common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Rotom-W, and Dragonite do not appreciate a burn and will be reluctant to switch in. Flamethrower is a consistentmove that punishes Steel- and Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Serperior. Earth Power provides good neutral coverage and also hits opposing Volcanion. Sludge Bomb targets Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill, and Mega Altaria, giving Volcanion a surprise factor against typical switch-ins, while also providing a possible 30% chance to poison; Hidden Power Grass, Overheat, and Sludge Wave are all good alternatives. Overheat and Sludge Wave over Flamethrower and Sludge Bomb, respectively, provide Volcanion with more immediate damage, while Hidden Power Grass over Sludge Bomb allows Volcanion to nail Water-types such as Gastrodon, Rotom-W, and Slowbro with a super effective hit.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf transforms Volcanion from a relatively slow wallbreaker into an unexpected revenge killer, allowing it to outspeed key offensive threats such as Serperior, Mega Metagross, and Thundurus. A Timid nature allows Volcanion to make the most of its role as a fast pivot and cleaner. Full investment in Special Attack maximizes its power to punch through offensive threats. Water Absorb offers utility by letting Volcanion switch into Water-type attacks from Pokemon like Keldeo and Rotom-W, potentially healing off passive damage such as Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volcanion as a revenge killer and a surprise fast pivot against threats that normally outspeed it, such as Mega Diancie, Thundurus, and Mega Medicham. Take advantage of its bulk and Water Absorb to switch into predicted Scalds or Hydro Pumps, gaining free momentum and healing chip damage. Use Steam Eruption or Sludge Bomb early to fish for status, which can allow Volcanion to break its checks quicker. Be cautious about locking into the wrong move, however, as Volcanion's coverage is strong but not perfect, since aggressive opponents can exploit it being Choice-lock and its predictability. Be mindful of Stealth Rock and look for opportunities to bring it in safely using VoltTurn support or after a KO. Be sure to note that Volcanion is not faster than Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, and Mega Alakazam. Be especially careful versus Mega Alakazam, as it can use Trace to gain an immunity to Steam Eruption to safely switch in.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Volcanion fits well on offensive or bulky offensive teams that need speed control and a Water-immune Pokemon. Entry hazard removal is crucial, so partners such as Zapdos, Excadrill, and Latios are greatly appreciated to clear Stealth Rock, which otherwise limits Volcanion's switch in opportunities. VoltTurn support from Mega Scizor, Landorus-T, or Rotom-W helps bring Volcanion in safely and keep up offensive pressure. Wallbreakers like Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny take advantage of Volcanion spreading burns and weakening common switch-ins like Slowbro and Clefable.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Toxic / Protect
move 4: Roar / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Steam Eruption offers a high Base Power and a 30% burn chance. Flamethrower serves as a reliable Fire-type STAB attack to handle Grass-types such as Ferrothorn, Serperior, and Amoonguss. Toxic allows Volcanion to cripple bulky switch-ins such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Latias. Roar prevents setup sweepers like Clefable and Suicune from becoming problematic while phazing threats and racking up passive damage alongside Toxic and Stealth Rock. Protect is a viable alternative to scout Choice-locked attackers, rack up Leftovers recovery, and gain extra Toxic or burn chip damage.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Volcanion to survive powerful physical hits such as Mega Medicham's High Jump Kick after Spikes, +2 Life Orb Bisharp's Knock Off from full HP, and two hits from Mega Lopunny's High Jump Kick. The Speed EVs enable it to outrun uninvested base 70s like Skarmory and Assault Vest Bisharp. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense to provide a buffer against special attackers such as Serperior, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y. Water Absorb gives Volcanion a valuable immunity and healing option against Water-types like Keldeo and Rotom-W, making it an effective pivot. Leftovers provides essential passive recovery to offset Volcanion's lack of reliable healing and chip damage from entry hazards.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Volcanion into physical attackers such as Mega Scizor, Mega Metagross, and Talonflame. Use Toxic early to wear down common switch-ins, particularly bulky Water- and Dragon-types like Gastrodon and Latios. Roar can prevent setup sweepers like Clefable and Suicune from becoming late-game threats. Be conservative when clicking Steam Eruption, as its burn chance can interfere with Toxic's effectiveness. If Volcanion has Protect, use it to scout Choice item attackers like Keldeo and Scarf Landorus-T, but be aware not to overuse it so much that it becomes a liability. Avoid switching into Knock Off users if possible, as Volcanion relies on Leftovers for longevity.
Team Options
========
Volcanion fits best on bulky offense and balance teams that appreciate a Water-immune teammate with status-spreading potential. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Excadrill, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T is crucial to maximize Roar's utility and pressure on opposing teams. Defoggers and spinners like Excadrill, Zapdos, and Latios are valuable teammates to remove Stealth Rock, which limits Volcanion's ability to switch in consistently. Pokemon that appreciate Volcanion's ability to cripple bulky Water-types, such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Metagross, make for strong partners. Finally, teammates that can deal with special wallbreakers like Thundurus, Latios, and Mega Diancie such as Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Cresselia help cover Volcanion's weaker special side and secure its defensive role throughout the match.
[SET]
name: Bulky Offensive
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Substitute / Sludge Bomb
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Toxic
item: Leftovers / Custap Berry / Mystic Water / Shuca Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Alongside Flamethrower, Steam Eruption provides great coverage, hitting almost everything except Water- and Dragon-type Pokemon. Hidden Power Grass is crucial for letting Volcanion lure and remove bulky Water-types like Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Rotom-W, which would otherwise wall it. Substitute capitalizes on Volcanion's solid bulk and ability to force switches, letting it block status and create free turns for Leftovers recovery or repeated attacks. This is especially useful against the bulky Water-type Pokemon that usually wall Volcanion, such as Slowbro and Alomomola, which struggle to break its Substitute. Alternatively, Sludge Bomb gives Volcanion strong coverage against Fairy-types like Clefable, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill while spreading poison for extra chip damage. Finally, Toxic can be used with Substitute and over Hidden Power Grass, allowing Volcanion to cripple both Water- and Dragon-type Pokemon but at a slower pace.
Set Details
========
The EV spread maximizes bulk and power, and the Modest nature lets Volcanion hit as hard as possible. 8 Speed EVs allow Volcanion to outpace base 70 Pokemon with no investment, such as Skarmory and Assault Vest Bisharp. Water Absorb grants key utility by punishing Scald and other Water-type moves while recovering health. The item choice is flexible: Leftovers provides steady recovery and is preferred with Substitute. All the other possible items are preferred without Substitute with Sludge Bomb or a different move instead. Custap Berry can enable a surprise revenge kill when Volcanion is weakened and is preferred on high-paced teams. Mystic Water boosts Steam Eruption's damage for a more offensive role and allows damage similar to Timid Choice Specs Volcanion. Shuca Berry can catch Ground-types like Landorus-T or Garchomp off guard, buying an extra turn in key matchups.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volcanion's strong dual STAB moves and great natural bulk to whittle down bulky cores and force favorable trades. Use Substitute to take advantage of switches and force progress without fearing status from the likes of Chansey, Slowbro, and Clefable. Hidden Power Grass is a great tool for punishing typical Water-type switch-ins like Gastrodon, Keldeo, and Rotom-W. If Volcanion is running Sludge Bomb, use it to wear down Fairy-types that would otherwise be safe. If it's using Custap Berry, preserve Volcanion near 25% HP to potentially trade favorably against faster threats or revenge kill a weakened foe. If it's using Shuca Berry, position Volcanion to lure Ground-types in a way that isn't too obvious.
Team Options
========
Bulky offensive Volcanion fits well on balance and bulky offense teams looking for a strong wallbreaker with decent defensive utility. Teammates that appreciate Volcanion removing or weakening bulky Water-types, like Mega Metagross and Weavile, benefit greatly. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Excadrill, Garchomp, or Landorus-T is important for breaking defensive cores. VoltTurn support from Mega Scizor or Rotom-W helps bring Volcanion in safely. Finally, bulky Ground-types that punish Volt Switch users such as Thundurus, Zapdos, and Rotom-W are greatly appreciated, as they can break Volcanion's Substitute and limit its wallbreaking ability.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Assault Vest
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 248 HP / 56 SpA / 144 SpD / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Steam Eruption can burn physical threats that come in to take advantage of Volcanion's weaker Defense while still providing damage without too much investment in Special Attack. Flamethrower complements it by reliably hitting Steel- and Grass-types such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Serperior. Earth Power is an essential good neutral coverage move and hits Water-types such as Volcanion and Keldeo. Sludge Bomb gives important coverage against Fairy-types such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill, as well as potentially spreading poison status.
Set Details
========
This set allows Volcanion to be a strong tank thanks to its naturally high Defense, good typing, and Assault Vest. The given EV spread allows Volcanion to tank two Psychics from Mega Alakazam after Stealth Rock damage, as well as allowing Volcanion to outspeed most defensive Heatran, Mega Scizor, and uninvested base 70s such as Skarmory. 56 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature guarantee decent damage output, including a high chance to 2HKO physically defensive Clefable with Sludge Bomb. Water Absorb grants
a valuable immunity to Water-type moves, letting Volcanion freely pivot into Scald and Hydro Pump from Pokemon like Keldeo and Rotom-W.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volcanion as a sturdy pivot against special attackers and Water-types. Thanks to Assault Vest and Water Absorb, it is an excellent answer to threats like Manaphy, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Alakazam. Predict the switch-ins and use your coverage options accordingly; use Sludge Bomb for Fairy-types and bulky Water-types, Earth Power as a midground, and Flamethrower for Grass- and Steel-types. Even though it lacks recovery without having Leftovers, play conservatively to preserve its bulk for key switches and be mindful of Stealth Rock chip damage over time.
Team Options
========
Volcanion fits best on balance and bulky offense teams that need a reliable switch-in to special attackers and Water-types. Entry hazard control is essential; pairing Volcanion with Excadrill, Zapdos, or Latias helps remove Stealth Rock, which otherwise wears it down quickly. Wish, Healing Wish, and Lunar Dance support from Chansey, Clefable, Latias, and Cresselia, respectively, are all fantastic with the bulky Volcanion set. Teammates like Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor provide great synergy by handling physical attackers Volcanion may struggle against. Ground-types such as Excadrill and Hippowdon that can cover Volcanion's weakness to Volt Switch are greatly appreciated.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Specs is a decent option on Volcanion, although it is a bit slow to take full advantage of it. A Timid nature is preferred with Choice Specs. Fire Blast can be used especially on teams that require more immediate damage than Flamethrower, but Flamethrower is ultimately more consistent. Brick Break is a niche option that can be used if the team is weak to dual screens.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Special Attacking Dragon-types**: Bulky special attacking Dragon-types that resist both Steam Eruption and Flamethrower are the best, especially if they do not mind a burn. Pokemon such as Latios, Latias, and Kyurem are all fantastic Pokemon to check Volcanion, as they can safely switch into Volcanion and also have access to Roost. They also threaten Volcanion out with powerful special attacks. Other more niche options include Hydreigon as well.
**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Gastrodon are great at absorbing both Steam Eruption and Flamethrower—the two moves that are always present on every Volcanion set. They also have built-in recovery and do not mind being statused too much. However, they do have to watch out for Hidden Power Grass variants.
**Faster Threats**: Pokemon such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Lopunny both outspeed Choice Scarf Volcanion and can potentially threaten a KO if Volcanion is weakened. Mega Alakazam in particular can copy Volcanion's Water Absorb with Trace and recover with Steam Eruption. Thundurus is also notable, as it always threatens to OHKO or 2HKO Volcanion while also having the ability to use Prankster Thunder Wave on Choice Scarf sets to cripple it.
**Special Walls**: Pokemon such as Chansey and Tornadus-T are good pivots versus Volcanion, but they take a considerable amount of chip damage with Stealth Rock and a potential burn, so they are not the greatest options.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Volcanion is a powerful wallbreaker in the metagame thanks to its rare and potent Fire / Water typing, high-base 130 Special Attack, and access to the potent Steam Eruption. Its typing gives it valuable resistances to Fairy, Fire, Ice, and Bug, while Water Absorb allows it to check threats like Keldeo, Slowbro, and opposing Volcanion. With powerful dual STAB moves in Steam Eruption and Flamethrower, Volcanion is capable of pressuring bulky cores and punishing switch-ins with burns, and its solid natural bulk lets it pivot into weaker attackers. It can also take a more supportive role with moves like Toxic and Roar. Furthermore, coverage options like Earth Power and Sludge Wave let it hit common answers such as opposing Volcanion, Mega Altaria, and Clefable. However, Volcanion's low Speed leaves it vulnerable to faster offensive threats, and its weakness to Stealth Rock severely limits its ability to switch in repeatedly. It also struggles to break past special walls like Chansey and has no reliable recovery outside of Leftovers or Water Absorb, making long-term survivability an issue without strong team support.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Timid
evs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Steam Eruption boasts 110 Base Power, solid accuracy, and a 30% burn chance. Common switch-ins such as Slowbro, Rotom-W, and Dragonite do not appreciate a burn and will be reluctant to switch in. Flamethrower is a consistentmove that punishes Steel- and Grass-types like Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Serperior. Earth Power provides good neutral coverage and also hits opposing Volcanion. Sludge Bomb targets Fairy-types like Clefable, Azumarill, and Mega Altaria, giving Volcanion a surprise factor against typical switch-ins, while also providing a possible 30% chance to poison; Hidden Power Grass, Overheat, and Sludge Wave are all good alternatives. Overheat and Sludge Wave over Flamethrower and Sludge Bomb, respectively, provide Volcanion with more immediate damage, while Hidden Power Grass over Sludge Bomb allows Volcanion to nail Water-types such as Gastrodon, Rotom-W, and Slowbro with a super effective hit.
Set Details
========
Choice Scarf transforms Volcanion from a relatively slow wallbreaker into an unexpected revenge killer, allowing it to outspeed key offensive threats such as Serperior, Mega Metagross, and Thundurus. A Timid nature allows Volcanion to make the most of its role as a fast pivot and cleaner. Full investment in Special Attack maximizes its power to punch through offensive threats. Water Absorb offers utility by letting Volcanion switch into Water-type attacks from Pokemon like Keldeo and Rotom-W, potentially healing off passive damage such as Stealth Rock damage.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volcanion as a revenge killer and a surprise fast pivot against threats that normally outspeed it, such as Mega Diancie, Thundurus, and Mega Medicham. Take advantage of its bulk and Water Absorb to switch into predicted Scalds or Hydro Pumps, gaining free momentum and healing chip damage. Use Steam Eruption or Sludge Bomb early to fish for status, which can allow Volcanion to break its checks quicker. Be cautious about locking into the wrong move, however, as Volcanion's coverage is strong but not perfect, since aggressive opponents can exploit it being Choice-lock and its predictability. Be mindful of Stealth Rock and look for opportunities to bring it in safely using VoltTurn support or after a KO. Be sure to note that Volcanion is not faster than Mega Lopunny, Mega Manectric, and Mega Alakazam. Be especially careful versus Mega Alakazam, as it can use Trace to gain an immunity to Steam Eruption to safely switch in.
Team Options
========
Choice Scarf Volcanion fits well on offensive or bulky offensive teams that need speed control and a Water-immune Pokemon. Entry hazard removal is crucial, so partners such as Zapdos, Excadrill, and Latios are greatly appreciated to clear Stealth Rock, which otherwise limits Volcanion's switch in opportunities. VoltTurn support from Mega Scizor, Landorus-T, or Rotom-W helps bring Volcanion in safely and keep up offensive pressure. Wallbreakers like Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny take advantage of Volcanion spreading burns and weakening common switch-ins like Slowbro and Clefable.
[SET]
name: Physically Defensive
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Toxic / Protect
move 4: Roar / Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Bold
evs: 248 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD / 4 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Steam Eruption offers a high Base Power and a 30% burn chance. Flamethrower serves as a reliable Fire-type STAB attack to handle Grass-types such as Ferrothorn, Serperior, and Amoonguss. Toxic allows Volcanion to cripple bulky switch-ins such as Rotom-W, Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Latias. Roar prevents setup sweepers like Clefable and Suicune from becoming problematic while phazing threats and racking up passive damage alongside Toxic and Stealth Rock. Protect is a viable alternative to scout Choice-locked attackers, rack up Leftovers recovery, and gain extra Toxic or burn chip damage.
Set Details
========
The given EV spread allows Volcanion to survive powerful physical hits such as Mega Medicham's High Jump Kick after Spikes, +2 Life Orb Bisharp's Knock Off from full HP, and two hits from Mega Lopunny's High Jump Kick. The Speed EVs enable it to outrun uninvested base 70s like Skarmory and Assault Vest Bisharp. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Special Defense to provide a buffer against special attackers such as Serperior, Volcarona, and Mega Charizard Y. Water Absorb gives Volcanion a valuable immunity and healing option against Water-types like Keldeo and Rotom-W, making it an effective pivot. Leftovers provides essential passive recovery to offset Volcanion's lack of reliable healing and chip damage from entry hazards.
Usage Tips
========
Switch Volcanion into physical attackers such as Mega Scizor, Mega Metagross, and Talonflame. Use Toxic early to wear down common switch-ins, particularly bulky Water- and Dragon-types like Gastrodon and Latios. Roar can prevent setup sweepers like Clefable and Suicune from becoming late-game threats. Be conservative when clicking Steam Eruption, as its burn chance can interfere with Toxic's effectiveness. If Volcanion has Protect, use it to scout Choice item attackers like Keldeo and Scarf Landorus-T, but be aware not to overuse it so much that it becomes a liability. Avoid switching into Knock Off users if possible, as Volcanion relies on Leftovers for longevity.
Team Options
========
Volcanion fits best on bulky offense and balance teams that appreciate a Water-immune teammate with status-spreading potential. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Excadrill, Hippowdon, and Landorus-T is crucial to maximize Roar's utility and pressure on opposing teams. Defoggers and spinners like Excadrill, Zapdos, and Latios are valuable teammates to remove Stealth Rock, which limits Volcanion's ability to switch in consistently. Pokemon that appreciate Volcanion's ability to cripple bulky Water-types, such as Mega Lopunny and Mega Metagross, make for strong partners. Finally, teammates that can deal with special wallbreakers like Thundurus, Latios, and Mega Diancie such as Ferrothorn, Amoonguss, and Cresselia help cover Volcanion's weaker special side and secure its defensive role throughout the match.
[SET]
name: Bulky Offensive
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Substitute / Sludge Bomb
move 4: Hidden Power Grass / Toxic
item: Leftovers / Custap Berry / Mystic Water / Shuca Berry
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Alongside Flamethrower, Steam Eruption provides great coverage, hitting almost everything except Water- and Dragon-type Pokemon. Hidden Power Grass is crucial for letting Volcanion lure and remove bulky Water-types like Gastrodon, Slowbro, and Rotom-W, which would otherwise wall it. Substitute capitalizes on Volcanion's solid bulk and ability to force switches, letting it block status and create free turns for Leftovers recovery or repeated attacks. This is especially useful against the bulky Water-type Pokemon that usually wall Volcanion, such as Slowbro and Alomomola, which struggle to break its Substitute. Alternatively, Sludge Bomb gives Volcanion strong coverage against Fairy-types like Clefable, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill while spreading poison for extra chip damage. Finally, Toxic can be used with Substitute and over Hidden Power Grass, allowing Volcanion to cripple both Water- and Dragon-type Pokemon but at a slower pace.
Set Details
========
The EV spread maximizes bulk and power, and the Modest nature lets Volcanion hit as hard as possible. 8 Speed EVs allow Volcanion to outpace base 70 Pokemon with no investment, such as Skarmory and Assault Vest Bisharp. Water Absorb grants key utility by punishing Scald and other Water-type moves while recovering health. The item choice is flexible: Leftovers provides steady recovery and is preferred with Substitute. All the other possible items are preferred without Substitute with Sludge Bomb or a different move instead. Custap Berry can enable a surprise revenge kill when Volcanion is weakened and is preferred on high-paced teams. Mystic Water boosts Steam Eruption's damage for a more offensive role and allows damage similar to Timid Choice Specs Volcanion. Shuca Berry can catch Ground-types like Landorus-T or Garchomp off guard, buying an extra turn in key matchups.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volcanion's strong dual STAB moves and great natural bulk to whittle down bulky cores and force favorable trades. Use Substitute to take advantage of switches and force progress without fearing status from the likes of Chansey, Slowbro, and Clefable. Hidden Power Grass is a great tool for punishing typical Water-type switch-ins like Gastrodon, Keldeo, and Rotom-W. If Volcanion is running Sludge Bomb, use it to wear down Fairy-types that would otherwise be safe. If it's using Custap Berry, preserve Volcanion near 25% HP to potentially trade favorably against faster threats or revenge kill a weakened foe. If it's using Shuca Berry, position Volcanion to lure Ground-types in a way that isn't too obvious.
Team Options
========
Bulky offensive Volcanion fits well on balance and bulky offense teams looking for a strong wallbreaker with decent defensive utility. Teammates that appreciate Volcanion removing or weakening bulky Water-types, like Mega Metagross and Weavile, benefit greatly. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon such as Excadrill, Garchomp, or Landorus-T is important for breaking defensive cores. VoltTurn support from Mega Scizor or Rotom-W helps bring Volcanion in safely. Finally, bulky Ground-types that punish Volt Switch users such as Thundurus, Zapdos, and Rotom-W are greatly appreciated, as they can break Volcanion's Substitute and limit its wallbreaking ability.
[SET]
name: Assault Vest
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Flamethrower
move 3: Earth Power
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Assault Vest
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 248 HP / 56 SpA / 144 SpD / 60 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
=========
Steam Eruption can burn physical threats that come in to take advantage of Volcanion's weaker Defense while still providing damage without too much investment in Special Attack. Flamethrower complements it by reliably hitting Steel- and Grass-types such as Ferrothorn, Mega Scizor, and Serperior. Earth Power is an essential good neutral coverage move and hits Water-types such as Volcanion and Keldeo. Sludge Bomb gives important coverage against Fairy-types such as Clefable, Mega Altaria, and Azumarill, as well as potentially spreading poison status.
Set Details
========
This set allows Volcanion to be a strong tank thanks to its naturally high Defense, good typing, and Assault Vest. The given EV spread allows Volcanion to tank two Psychics from Mega Alakazam after Stealth Rock damage, as well as allowing Volcanion to outspeed most defensive Heatran, Mega Scizor, and uninvested base 70s such as Skarmory. 56 Special Attack EVs with a Modest nature guarantee decent damage output, including a high chance to 2HKO physically defensive Clefable with Sludge Bomb. Water Absorb grants
a valuable immunity to Water-type moves, letting Volcanion freely pivot into Scald and Hydro Pump from Pokemon like Keldeo and Rotom-W.
Usage Tips
========
Use Volcanion as a sturdy pivot against special attackers and Water-types. Thanks to Assault Vest and Water Absorb, it is an excellent answer to threats like Manaphy, Mega Gardevoir, and Mega Alakazam. Predict the switch-ins and use your coverage options accordingly; use Sludge Bomb for Fairy-types and bulky Water-types, Earth Power as a midground, and Flamethrower for Grass- and Steel-types. Even though it lacks recovery without having Leftovers, play conservatively to preserve its bulk for key switches and be mindful of Stealth Rock chip damage over time.
Team Options
========
Volcanion fits best on balance and bulky offense teams that need a reliable switch-in to special attackers and Water-types. Entry hazard control is essential; pairing Volcanion with Excadrill, Zapdos, or Latias helps remove Stealth Rock, which otherwise wears it down quickly. Wish, Healing Wish, and Lunar Dance support from Chansey, Clefable, Latias, and Cresselia, respectively, are all fantastic with the bulky Volcanion set. Teammates like Landorus-T, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor provide great synergy by handling physical attackers Volcanion may struggle against. Ground-types such as Excadrill and Hippowdon that can cover Volcanion's weakness to Volt Switch are greatly appreciated.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Choice Specs is a decent option on Volcanion, although it is a bit slow to take full advantage of it. A Timid nature is preferred with Choice Specs. Fire Blast can be used especially on teams that require more immediate damage than Flamethrower, but Flamethrower is ultimately more consistent. Brick Break is a niche option that can be used if the team is weak to dual screens.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Special Attacking Dragon-types**: Bulky special attacking Dragon-types that resist both Steam Eruption and Flamethrower are the best, especially if they do not mind a burn. Pokemon such as Latios, Latias, and Kyurem are all fantastic Pokemon to check Volcanion, as they can safely switch into Volcanion and also have access to Roost. They also threaten Volcanion out with powerful special attacks. Other more niche options include Hydreigon as well.
**Bulky Water-types**: Pokemon such as Rotom-W, Slowbro, and Gastrodon are great at absorbing both Steam Eruption and Flamethrower—the two moves that are always present on every Volcanion set. They also have built-in recovery and do not mind being statused too much. However, they do have to watch out for Hidden Power Grass variants.
**Faster Threats**: Pokemon such as Mega Alakazam and Mega Lopunny both outspeed Choice Scarf Volcanion and can potentially threaten a KO if Volcanion is weakened. Mega Alakazam in particular can copy Volcanion's Water Absorb with Trace and recover with Steam Eruption. Thundurus is also notable, as it always threatens to OHKO or 2HKO Volcanion while also having the ability to use Prankster Thunder Wave on Choice Scarf sets to cripple it.
**Special Walls**: Pokemon such as Chansey and Tornadus-T are good pivots versus Volcanion, but they take a considerable amount of chip damage with Stealth Rock and a potential burn, so they are not the greatest options.
[CREDITS]
Written by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/rufflespro.193716/
Quality checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/paprikaflow.591583
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/mixnite.663475/
Grammar checked by:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/a-blue-banana.649096/
https://www.smogon.com/forums/members/adorluigi.528364/
Last edited:
