Mega Sab for sure, feels like a pretty foolproof answer that can even take advantage of things if the Greninja user messes up
-
Welcome to Smogon! Take a moment to read the Introduction to Smogon for a run-down on everything Smogon, and make sure you take some time to read the global rules.
Project USUM OU Victim of the Week [Week 49: Dragon Dance Gyarados]
- Thread starter Random Passerby
- Start date
- Status
Thanks for the super long time. Was waiting for USUM to settle down a bit before proceeding. Anyway, I will count the votes this weekend. Our victim this week is Blacephalon.
Blacephalon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Shadow Ball
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Trick
- Flamethrower / Overheat
Blacephalon boasts an amazing 151 SpA and good STAB moves in Fire and Ghost, which makes it difficult for Balanced teams to handle it. It also comes equipped with Trick to cripple Chansey that tries to be funny. Unfortunately, Blacephalon resides in an awkward Speed tier of 107, which makes it outsped by the likes of Keldeo, Latios and Tapu Koko. It also despises Tyranitar, who can Pursuit trap it while resisting its STAB moves.
Blacephalon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Shadow Ball
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Trick
- Flamethrower / Overheat
Blacephalon boasts an amazing 151 SpA and good STAB moves in Fire and Ghost, which makes it difficult for Balanced teams to handle it. It also comes equipped with Trick to cripple Chansey that tries to be funny. Unfortunately, Blacephalon resides in an awkward Speed tier of 107, which makes it outsped by the likes of Keldeo, Latios and Tapu Koko. It also despises Tyranitar, who can Pursuit trap it while resisting its STAB moves.
Tyranitar as a counter
Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake
Even if it's crippled from Trick, Tyranitar can easily enter on Blacephalon to tank its STABs and trap it with Pursuit.
Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake
Even if it's crippled from Trick, Tyranitar can easily enter on Blacephalon to tank its STABs and trap it with Pursuit.
Option 1: Blacephalon don't use Trick
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 118-139 (34.6 - 40.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 366-432 (148.1 - 174.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Option 2: Blacephalon use Trick
252 SpA Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 79-93 (23.1 - 27.2%) -- 66.5% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 246-290 (99.5 - 117.4%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO (100% with the sand damage)
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 118-139 (34.6 - 40.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 366-432 (148.1 - 174.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Option 2: Blacephalon use Trick
252 SpA Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 79-93 (23.1 - 27.2%) -- 66.5% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 246-290 (99.5 - 117.4%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO (100% with the sand damage)
Last edited:
http://www.smogon.com/dex/media/sprites/xy/heatran.gif
Heatran @ Groundium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
This is the standard z-move + trapper set, replace moves and items as needed for your team. The only move blace can use against you is shadow ball, which is a 2hko on a healthy Tran. Attempting a trick against him is also a good way to die, and unless you revealed that you were z-crystal, they might attempt that. Earth power is an 80% ohko and guaranteed with any nearly any prior damage. And if blace ever loses it's specs, shadow ball becomes a 3hko or possible 2hko.
252 SpA Heatran Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 238-282 (96.3 - 114.1%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 208-246 (64.3 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 139-165 (43 - 51%) -- 3.1% chance to 2HKO
Last edited:
Keldeo as a Hard Check
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Scald
- Icy Wind
Keldeo resists Fire moves, doesn't care about Trick, can live 1 Shadow Ball even with hazards in play, outruns and OHKOes with Hydro Pump or Scald. I posted as a Hard Check as Keldeo still takes massive damage:
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 238-282 (73.6 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 238-282 (73.6 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after 1 layer of Spikes
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Blacephalon: 474-558 (191.9 - 225.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Scald
- Icy Wind
Keldeo resists Fire moves, doesn't care about Trick, can live 1 Shadow Ball even with hazards in play, outruns and OHKOes with Hydro Pump or Scald. I posted as a Hard Check as Keldeo still takes massive damage:
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 238-282 (73.6 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Keldeo: 238-282 (73.6 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after 1 layer of Spikes
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Blacephalon: 474-558 (191.9 - 225.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Mantine as a counter
Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 52 Def / 208 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Roost
- Defog / Toxic
- Haze / Toxic
This spread is of my own, It comes in handy to counter the clown. With this spread you ensures that its Choice Specs Shadow Ball is a 3HKO with rocks up, while Mantine can 2HKO with Scald, and if rocks are up, is a good chance to OHKO the clown. With that in mind, Mantine makes up for a good counter for fat balance builds that Blacephalon tends to eat up alive.
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 208+ SpD Mantine: 127-151 (34 - 40.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Mantine Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 174-206 (70.4 - 83.4%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
You need to ve wary of Trick, but if It tricks you its Choice Specs, you're done with this
0 SpA Choice Specs Mantine Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 260-308 (105.2 - 124.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 52 Def / 208 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Roost
- Defog / Toxic
- Haze / Toxic
This spread is of my own, It comes in handy to counter the clown. With this spread you ensures that its Choice Specs Shadow Ball is a 3HKO with rocks up, while Mantine can 2HKO with Scald, and if rocks are up, is a good chance to OHKO the clown. With that in mind, Mantine makes up for a good counter for fat balance builds that Blacephalon tends to eat up alive.
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 208+ SpD Mantine: 127-151 (34 - 40.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Mantine Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 174-206 (70.4 - 83.4%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
You need to ve wary of Trick, but if It tricks you its Choice Specs, you're done with this
0 SpA Choice Specs Mantine Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 260-308 (105.2 - 124.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Last edited:
SR + Pursuit M-Ttar as a Counter
Tyranitar @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Fire Punch / Earthquake
This M-Ttar variant counters Blacephalon in a similar way as CB Ttar does (they both take very little damage from its STAB moves and OHKO back with Pursuit), but it takes even less damage from Blacephalon's moves, isn't stuck on Pursuit after KOing it and is completely immune to Trick. As a bonus, M-Ttar can also lay those infamous SR on the field, further discouraging the opposing Blacephalon from ever coming onto the field.
Tyranitar @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Fire Punch / Earthquake
This M-Ttar variant counters Blacephalon in a similar way as CB Ttar does (they both take very little damage from its STAB moves and OHKO back with Pursuit), but it takes even less damage from Blacephalon's moves, isn't stuck on Pursuit after KOing it and is completely immune to Trick. As a bonus, M-Ttar can also lay those infamous SR on the field, further discouraging the opposing Blacephalon from ever coming onto the field.
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar-Mega in Sand: 63-74 (16.4 - 19.3%) -- possible 6HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar-Mega in Sand: 86-102 (22.4 - 26.6%) -- 19.7% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar-Mega in Sand: 102-120 (26.6 - 31.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Tyranitar-Mega Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Blacephalon: 284-336 (114.9 - 136%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar-Mega in Sand: 86-102 (22.4 - 26.6%) -- 19.7% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 168 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar-Mega in Sand: 102-120 (26.6 - 31.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Tyranitar-Mega Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Blacephalon: 284-336 (114.9 - 136%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Last edited:
Check: Mega Camerupt
Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock
Can take one hit and 1HKO in return.
Calcs:
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Mind Blown vs. 128 HP / 0 SpD Camerupt-Mega: 196-231 (62.6 - 73.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 128 HP / 0 SpD Camerupt-Mega: 211-249 (67.4 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 554-654 (224.2 - 264.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Rock Slide
- Stealth Rock
Can take one hit and 1HKO in return.
Calcs:
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Mind Blown vs. 128 HP / 0 SpD Camerupt-Mega: 196-231 (62.6 - 73.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 128 HP / 0 SpD Camerupt-Mega: 211-249 (67.4 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 554-654 (224.2 - 264.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Last edited:
Mega Lopunny as a check
Lopunny @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Return
- High Jump Kick
- Power-Up Punch/Ice Punch
- Fake Out/Ice Punch
This mon performs two roles: Scout and killer.
Immune to shadow ball, the consistent go-to stab of Blace, and can come in on the switch and PUP
Kills in 2!!! fake outs (helps deal with scarf Blace, another very real threat)
Can scout with fake out, if they switch they are probably Specs, if they stay in they are probably scarf.
Obviously will kill with either STAB Return or HJK
Lopunny @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Return
- High Jump Kick
- Power-Up Punch/Ice Punch
- Fake Out/Ice Punch
This mon performs two roles: Scout and killer.
Immune to shadow ball, the consistent go-to stab of Blace, and can come in on the switch and PUP
Kills in 2!!! fake outs (helps deal with scarf Blace, another very real threat)
Can scout with fake out, if they switch they are probably Specs, if they stay in they are probably scarf.
Obviously will kill with either STAB Return or HJK
Scarf Latios as a check
http://www.smogon.com/dex/media/sprites/xy/Latios.gif
Latios (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Trick / Thunder Wave
- Defog / Memento
Outspeeds even if Blace is scarfed and OHKO's. Dies to shadow ball, but can take any other move.
Calcs:
252 SpA Latios Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Blacephalon: 258-304 (104.4 - 123%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Latios Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 217-256 (87.8 - 103.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 113-133 (37.5 - 44.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 163-192 (54.1 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Mind Blown vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 188-222 (62.4 - 73.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
http://www.smogon.com/dex/media/sprites/xy/Latios.gif
Latios (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Trick / Thunder Wave
- Defog / Memento
Outspeeds even if Blace is scarfed and OHKO's. Dies to shadow ball, but can take any other move.
Calcs:
252 SpA Latios Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Blacephalon: 258-304 (104.4 - 123%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Latios Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 217-256 (87.8 - 103.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 113-133 (37.5 - 44.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 163-192 (54.1 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Mind Blown vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 188-222 (62.4 - 73.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Last edited:
Greninja (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- Hydro Pump
- Spikes
Greninja is naturally faster than Blacephalon and can OHKO it with either STAB to net the transformation safely. Greninja also resists both of Blacephalon’s STABs, so it is able to switch into it if the situation calls for it, although the general rule of thumb is to avoid doing this whenever possible.
Last edited:
Gyarados @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Waterfall / Ice Fang
- Earthquake / Taunt
Thanks to Mega-Gyarados's nice bulk and good typing, allowing it to resist both of Blacephalon's STABs, it can switch-in, taking at best 2 hits from Blacephalon and back OHKO with its STABs.
252 Atk Mold Breaker Gyarados-Mega Crunch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 494-584 (200 - 236.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Mold Breaker Gyarados-Mega Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 494-584 (200 - 236.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gyarados-Mega: 87-102 (26.2 - 30.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gyarados-Mega: 119-141 (35.9 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gyarados-Mega: 141-166 (42.5 - 50.1%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Mold Breaker Gyarados-Mega Waterfall vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 494-584 (200 - 236.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gyarados-Mega: 87-102 (26.2 - 30.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gyarados-Mega: 119-141 (35.9 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Overheat vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gyarados-Mega: 141-166 (42.5 - 50.1%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
Alakazam-Mega and Hydreigon as check and counter or check
Alakazam-Mega outspeeds Blacephalon and easily OHKOs with Shadow Ball, also has the additional benefit of Tracing Beast Boost to gain +1 and begin a potential sweep with its high speed and special attack. It cannot come in on any of Blacephalon's moves except Trick
Hydreigon resists both STABs of Blacephalon and can take it somewhat comfortably, Dark Pulse OHKOs and if it is scarf it can switch in as well. If Specs can switch in on anything bar Fire Blast and proceed to KO
252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 266-314 (107.6 - 127.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 464-548 (187.8 - 221.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 308-366 (124.6 - 148.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 119-141 (36.6 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 134-158 (41.2 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 163-192 (50.1 - 59%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 464-548 (187.8 - 221.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 308-366 (124.6 - 148.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 119-141 (36.6 - 43.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 134-158 (41.2 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 163-192 (50.1 - 59%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Time for posting is over. It is now time to vote. You may Vote for 2 checks and 2 Counters.
Checks
Heatran
Keldeo
Weavile
Mega Camerupt
Mega Lopunny
Scarf Latios
Ash Ninja
Mega Alakazam
Counters
Tyraniter
Mantine
Mega Tyraniter
Mega Gyarados
Hydreigon
Voting ends in 2 days. Goodluck and thanks for the awesome posts this week :)
Checks
Heatran
Keldeo
Weavile
Mega Camerupt
Mega Lopunny
Scarf Latios
Ash Ninja
Mega Alakazam
Counters
Tyraniter
Mantine
Mega Tyraniter
Mega Gyarados
Hydreigon
Voting ends in 2 days. Goodluck and thanks for the awesome posts this week :)
Ninja Weav
Tar MTar
Tar MTar
Checks: Ash ninja and Mega Lopunny
Counters: Tyranitar and Mantine
Counters: Tyranitar and Mantine
- Status