Project AG Victim of the Week! Week 9: Arceus (Sub)

[snow]

Approved by Megazard
​

Welcome to the AG iteration of Victim of the Week. Hopefully this project will help gather information and spread knowledge of checks and counters to popular Pokemon in the tier.

How it works
Each week I will nominate a Pokemon as VotW. You guys will need to nominate a Pokemon to either check or counter the VotW (make sure to state which in post).
The submission phase will last 5 days and the voting phase will last 2 days each cycle.
The "Hall of Fame" will be a ladder system with the winner getting 3 points each week, 2nd place getting 2, and 3rd place getting 1. Plus your sets will be archived.

Rules
1. Follow the definitions for checks and counters in The Smog issue #32.
2. Please make sure to explain the set. Doesn't need to be long just make sure people know why its a check / counter. Preferably with calcs
3. Reservations only last 12 hours, don't john.
4. Different sets of the same Pokemon can be nominated.
5. Don't be toxic, if someone posts a 'bad' set help them out instead of flaming.
6. Make sure Pokemon is on the VR or a viable niche
7. Do not vote for yourself​

 

[snow]

Hall of Fame

VotW:

// Winners: ice-master-523 - Arushi

- Tic-Tac-Toe Guru
VotW:

// Winners: Arushi

- GarbodorIsHot

- Velvet Blood

VotW:

// Winners: ice-master-523

- AnythingGoesLegend

- Levanos

VotW:

// Winners: Drakus04

- ice-master-523

- Zenithial

VotW:

// Winners: Zenithial

- AnythingGoesLegend

- ice-master-523

VotW:

// Winners: FamousVGC

- Zenithial

- pichus

- ice-master-523

Leaderboard

ice-master-523 - 11
Arushi - 6
Zenithial - 6
AnythingGoesLegend - 4
FamousVGC - 3
Drakus04 - 3
GarbodorIsHot - 2
Tic-Tac-Toe Guru - 2
Velvet Blood - 2
Levanos - 1

 

[snow]

The First AG Victim is...

Rayquaza-Mega @ Life Orb
Ability: Delta Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- Dragon Dance
- V-create
- Extreme Speed

AG's most viable Pokemon and all around tier bully needs to be stopped!
Tell me some ways to Check or Counter this Pokemon!

[Submission phase ends Saturday 22nd June]​

 

[Tic-Tac-Toe Guru]

Arceus-Rock @ Stone Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Judgment
- Recover
- Perish Song

This guy here can do a pretty decent job i'd say. Its rock typing resists all of this Ray's attacking moves, outspeeds it unboosted with a 330 speed stat, and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp, threaten it out with Perish Song, and deal moderate chip with Judgment (43 - 50.7% damage).

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 160 Def Arceus-Rock: 200-237 (45 - 53.3%) -- 32.4% chance to 2HKO

Even when Ray dragon dances on the switch-in, our boy Arceus-Rock can still tank a Dragon Ascent very easily and fire off a Will-O-Wisp afterward and not have to worry.

Edit: It's a check, ig; idt you can say anything counters mray

 

[snow]

Arceus-Rock @ Stone Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Judgment
- Recover
- Perish Song

This guy here can do a pretty decent job i'd say. Its rock typing resists all of this Ray's attacking moves, outspeeds it unboosted with a 330 speed stat, and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp, threaten it out with Perish Song, and deal moderate chip with Judgment (43 - 50.7% damage).

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 160 Def Arceus-Rock: 200-237 (45 - 53.3%) -- 32.4% chance to 2HKO

Even when Ray dragon dances on the switch-in, our boy Arceus-Rock can still tank a Dragon Ascent very easily and fire off a Will-O-Wisp afterward and not have to worry.

Just to help you out and future people that post, please make sure to mention that it's either a check or counter

 

[Icemaster]

Tyranitar @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Pursuit
- Foul Play
- Rest
- Stealth Rock/Toxic

Tyranitar is a great check for standing in front of DD Ray (not d-meteor sets/band sometimes), threatening it hugely by potentially OHKOing it with Foul Play after a defence drop or after it uses Dragon Dance. Pursuit punishes DD Ray for 31.6-37.6% damage - going up to 47.8-56.4% after a defence drop which with Life Orb and Stealth rocks if present racks up around 85% damage - enough to pretty much make MRay useless for the rest of the match/gone to SRs. Rest isn't great recovery but it's all Tyranitar has to keep it a healthy check to MRay throughout the match. Last slot is just used for general support to the team, a second rocker is sometimes useful. Shuca Berry is used so the set can still check the more common variant of DD Ray - Earthquake. It can also switch into MRay often, although EQ sets kill it this way if they predict the switch correctly and EQ unless they get the lowest rolls possible, and other sets like DMeteor blow it to pieces.

Calcs

0 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 111-132 (31.6 - 37.6%) -- 87.8% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 168-198 (47.8 - 56.4%) -- 84.8% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Tyranitar Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 219-258 (62.3 - 73.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Tyranitar Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 327-385 (93.1 - 109.6%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO (at 504 +1 attack for MRay - 756 ATK)
0 Atk Tyranitar Foul Play vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 328-387 (93.4 - 110.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO - after Life Orb recoil this is an OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tyranitar: 121-143 (29.9 - 35.3%) -- 23.3% chance to 3HKO

(I know the set above doesn't have EQ but this is just to show that TTar functions well as a general DDRay check)
252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shuca Berry Tyranitar: 134-159 (33.1 - 39.3%)

 

[MZ]

Since I know people are gonna want to post Magnemite every time- you can’t assume hazards are off the field as per the regular definition of checks and counters. This disqualifies it from checking or countering pretty much anything.

 

[Lana]

reserving defensive zygarde

Zygarde @ Leftovers
Ability: Power Construct
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Dragon Tail / Thousand Arrows
- Haze
- Rest
- Glare​

This tanks a +1 ascent and can safely switch into unboosted life orb ascent even after rocks damage. It gets access to Glare, Haze and Dragon Tail so u can click pretty much any of these moves depending on the situation, although youd probably want to Haze vs a +1 ray since it doesnt have any drawbacks and also helps if the ray tries to Ddance again vs Zygarde (glare doesnt help here as +2 ascent ohkos you and +2 speed outspeeds you even after para) andd if you haze vs the +1 ray, you tank the next ascent and youre free to glare/rest/whatever. Everyone already uses zygarde and I think its a pretty decent dd ray check + this also checks pretty much every other physical attacker in AG so thats cool as well.

calcs

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 339-399 (80.7 - 95%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 339-399 (53.3 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Zygarde Dragon Tail vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 194-230 (55.2 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Bread Sandwich]

Zekrom @ Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Bolt Strike
- Dragon Tail
- Toxic
- Roost

Megazard is lame and won't let me pick magnemite so I have to go with defensive zekrom

This particular mray set doesn't have eq so zekrom works beautify as a check

Zekrom can easily switch in on a dragon Ascent

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zekrom: 113-134 (27.9 - 33.1%) -- 87.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Zekrom can then dragon Tail mray out or heal up with roost and can easily deal with it if it sets up

 

[Catalystic]

Fight fire with fire, fight Mega Rayquaza with ... Mega Rayquaza?

Presenting Mega Rayquaza as a check to Mega Rayquaza!
It definitely doesn't counter but nothing really counters Mega Rayquaza lol so why even bother trying

Rayquaza-Mega @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Delta Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Draco Meteor
- Surf

Alternative Set

Rayquaza-Mega @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Delta Stream
EVs: 64 HP / 252 Atk / 24 Def / 168 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Draco Meteor
- Surf

​

This Mega Rayquaza set checks Mega Rayquaza! While Life Orb Dragon Ascent is pretty absurdly powerful:

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 359-422 (102.2 - 120.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Life Orb Extreme Speed is pretty weak even at +1 Scarf Mega Rayquaza can outspeed and revenge kill no problem!

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 239-282 (68 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

More Details

If you want Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza to live Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock, you can use the alternative set above that still outspeeds Adamant Necrozma-DM after a rock polish but can now always lives +1 Extreme Speed:

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Extreme Speed vs. 64 HP / 24 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 233-274 (63.4 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Depending on if Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza has used Dragon Ascent or not, either Draco Meteor or Dragon Ascent from Scarf Mega Rayquaza can be clicked.

252 Atk Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 376-444 (107.1 - 126.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 SpA Rayquaza-Mega Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega: 468-552 (133.3 - 157.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Unicorns]

Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spikes
- Whirlwind
- Toxic
- Roost

Probably one of the best checks in the game, Helmet Skarm notably counters by far the most common variant of Mega Ray, DD LO with EQ + espeed. However, Skarm should be considered a check, seeing as it loses to Ray's carrying V-create (rare DD variants, Mixed LO, Scarf, Band).

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 152-179 (45.5 - 53.5%) -- 44.5% chance to 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 203-239 (60.7 - 71.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 253-299 (75.7 - 89.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Each of these hits comes with 26.7% recoil to Ray due to LO and Helmet

The bonus about this check is that Skarm also (mostly) counters Marshadow, every EKiller, every SD Arc-Ground, every Necrozma-DM, and checks SD Ultra Necro. Spikes is fairly rare utility hazard that allows for significant chip, also allowing for multiple layers. Against neutral targets with Rocks and a single layer of Spikes up, opponents are taking 25% just for switching in. Helmet Skarm forces Ray to take very nice chip even with V-create, thanks to 16.7% recoil associated with Helmet, thus leaving it open to being revenge killed easier. It should also be noted that every form of Ray with V-create, either at -1 or neutral speed, are outsped by, trapped by Mega Gengar or Tar, and then removed from the game, meaning you managed to limit Ray to one kill (aka an absolute win). Skarm only really belongs on Balance, SemiStall, and Stall, seeing as it is a somewhat passive Pokemon and it needs to have bulky teammates to handle most of the special attackers in the format. I'm really stupid and can't read.

 

[pulsar512b]

I PRESENT
THE BEST POKEMON IN EXISTENCE:
THE HOLY STAKATAKA!!!!

Stakataka @ Air Balloon
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Lonely Nature
IVs: 15 Def / 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Trick Room
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
This is a check. It sets up tr as mray hits it with v-create, then goes for gyro and starts putting out damage. In fact, with this particular set, it can come in on dragon ascent or espeed safely since it doesn't carry eq.

 

[Skarpherim]

Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Occa Berry
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Def
Adamant Nature
- Sunsteel Strike
- Morning Sun
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake

Most viable mons have been taken so I decided to go for something unorthodox. Occa Berry Necro DM checks this Mray set and can possibly switch in on DD and just about always on DA. Though Occa Berry is way worse of an item than Solganium Z when it comes to Dusk Mane, it still is a viable option; mainly due to the rise of V-Create Mray and Fire Blast Naganadel which this set nicely checks. I thought about making this set 220 speed in order to outspeed Neutral Mray at -1, but this would make me put too many EVs in speed and hinder this sets viability (also worth noting that V-Create Mray is usually ran with +speed on the mixed set or scarfed sets).

252+ Atk Necrozma-Dusk-Mane Sunsteel Strike vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 310-366 (88.3 - 104.2%) Almost Certainly kills after LO damage

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega V-create vs. 200 HP / 56 Def Occa Berry Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 209-246 (54.2 - 63.8%)
252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 200 HP / 56 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 139-164 (36.1 - 42.5%) Very unlikely for DA + VC to kill, would need 2 high rolls, I estimate about 80% of the time it lives

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega V-create vs. 200 HP / 56 Def Occa Berry Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 313-369 (81.2 - 95.8%)

Side Note: +2 VC Mray would OHKO this set, but lbr no human dd's again when threats like dragon pulse ultra, outrage ultra, and solganium z exist

 

[snow]

Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spikes
- Whirlwind
- Toxic
- Roost

Probably one of the best checks in the game, Helmet Skarm notably counters by far the most common variant of Mega Ray, DD LO with EQ + espeed. However, Skarm should be considered a check, seeing as it loses to Ray's carrying V-create (rare DD variants, Mixed LO, Scarf, Band).

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 152-179 (45.5 - 53.5%) -- 44.5% chance to 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 203-239 (60.7 - 71.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 253-299 (75.7 - 89.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Each of these hits comes with 26.7% recoil to Ray due to LO and Helmet

The bonus about this check is that Skarm also (mostly) counters Marshadow, every EKiller, every SD Arc-Ground, every Necrozma-DM, and checks SD Ultra Necro. Spikes is fairly rare utility hazard that allows for significant chip, also allowing for multiple layers. Against neutral targets with Rocks and a single layer of Spikes up, opponents are taking 25% just for switching in. Helmet Skarm forces Ray to take very nice chip even with V-create, thanks to 16.7% recoil associated with Helmet, thus leaving it open to being revenge killed easier. It should also be noted that every form of Ray with V-create, either at -1 or neutral speed, are outsped by, trapped by Mega Gengar or Tar, and then removed from the game, meaning you managed to limit Ray to one kill (aka an absolute win). Skarm only really belongs on Balance, SemiStall, and Stall, seeing as it is a somewhat passive Pokemon and it needs to have bulky teammates to handle most of the special attackers in the format.

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega V-create vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 408-481 (122.5 - 144.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

It can't be a check because it does lose to V-Create and that it on the set

 

[Unicorns]

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega V-create vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 408-481 (122.5 - 144.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

It can't be a check because it does lose to V-Create and that it on the set

I'm sorry, but the main Ray set on the damage calc (aka LO V-create, EQ, Ascent, espeed) is not a set anybody has ever used. That set doesn't even appear on the analysis page. That set would maybe pick up one kill ever. By far the most common Ray is DD:

Rayquaza-Mega @ Life Orb
Ability: Delta Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake / V-create
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent

V-create is much rarer than EQ on standard DD, hence why Helmet Skarm is a check. V-create leaves Ray open to getting trapped by MGar and Tar and being revenge killed by fast Arc forms and phys def Proudon, all of which was addressed in my post. The provided Ray set severely limits it's potential as a breaker, revenge killer, or even a sweeper, to the point of potentially being inviable.

Besides, that limitation of Ray set (without DD) would mean that most of Arushi's and half of Cata's posts wouldn't make sense and AGL's set wouldn't be a check (phys def Zekrom takes ~91-107% from LO Ascent into LO EQ). I'm really stupid and can't read.

 

[snow]

I'm sorry, but the main Ray set on the damage calc (aka LO V-create, EQ, Ascent, espeed) is not a set anybody has ever used. That set doesn't even appear on the analysis page. That set would maybe pick up one kill ever. By far the most common Ray is DD:

Rayquaza-Mega @ Life Orb
Ability: Delta Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake / V-create
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Ascent

V-create is much rarer than EQ on standard DD, hence why Helmet Skarm is a check. V-create leaves Ray open to getting trapped by MGar and Tar and being revenge killed by fast Arc forms and phys def Proudon, all of which was addressed in my post. The provided Ray set severely limits it's potential as a breaker, revenge killer, or even a sweeper, to the point of potentially being inviable.

Besides, that limitation of Ray set (without DD) would mean that most of Arushi's and half of Cata's posts wouldn't make sense and AGL's set wouldn't be a check (phys def Zekrom takes ~91-107% from LO Ascent into LO EQ).

The set on this thread is DD, the submissions are meant to match the VotW not the other way around. From what I see from both Cata and Arushii is that they have explained why it checks the set being used.

Edit: for you and for everyone else. These sets get approved by AG staff, do not think I'm doing random stuff and do not try to get the sets changed in the future! Thank you!

 

[Levanos]

Lugia @ Leftovers
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute / Ice Beam
- Toxic
- Roost
- Whirlwind

Well I'm going with a pretty standard set of Lugia's.
It's really the best Mega Ray check imo which has the capability to counter any Mega Ray set except band. But band can be countered too, ngl, if one has Ice Beam. All you have to do is lower it's defense by roosting to full HP or near to it and then Ice Beam it.

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Multiscale Lugia: 161-190 (38.7 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Multiscale Lugia: 214-252 (51.4 - 60.5%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

We also have whirlwind so that it doesn't get a boost of +3 and break through the wall.

4 SpA Lugia Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega in Strong Winds: 120-142 (34.1 - 40.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4 SpA Lugia Ice Beam vs. -1 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega in Strong Winds: 178-210 (50.7 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 SpA Lugia Ice Beam vs. -2 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega in Strong Winds: 238-282 (67.8 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Also Life Orb eventually kills it so all you gotta do is keep up with the Multiscale and use Substitute or Ice Beam whenever you find it necessary.

It is also a decent check to Ekillers, Physical Groundceus, Band Ho-Oh etc. and can ruin the boosts of a GeoXern if it's at full HP.
Also one must use it in a stall or semi-stall mostly. If rocks are up, then it'll be no good to you so run double or triple defoggers in your team if possible while running Lugia.

 

[Zenithial]

Diancie @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 40 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Moonblast
- Trick Room/Toxic
- Heal Bell

This should be reasonably self explanatory, Diancie's rock typing walls the coverage that has been selected on this Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza, and Moonblast stops it from setting up, as it is able to 2HKO Mega Rayquaza or OHKO after 1 spdef drop from Dragon Ascent or V-Create. This is a counter as it is able to switch in comfortably to this M Ray set, however I will note that in an actual game of mons Diancie will find it difficult to counter this Mega Rayquaza due to having no form of recovery. Stealth Rock is obviously a nice utility move, and what distinguishes itself from Arceus-Rock is the fact that Diancie has access to Heal Bell.

Calcs:
40 SpA Diancie Moonblast vs. -1 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega: 320-378 (91.1 - 107.6%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO (OHKO's after Life Orb chip).
40 SpA Diancie Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega: 212-252 (60.3 - 71.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Diancie: 99-117 (32.5 - 38.4%) -- 1.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Diancie: 148-174 (48.6 - 57.2%) -- 43.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Diancie: 196-231 (64.4 - 75.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[snow]

Tic-Tac-Toe Guru

Arceus-Rock @ Stone Plate
Ability: Multitype
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Judgment
- Recover
- Perish Song

This guy here can do a pretty decent job i'd say. Its rock typing resists all of this Ray's attacking moves, outspeeds it unboosted with a 330 speed stat, and can cripple it with Will-O-Wisp, threaten it out with Perish Song, and deal moderate chip with Judgment (43 - 50.7% damage).

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 160 Def Arceus-Rock: 200-237 (45 - 53.3%) -- 32.4% chance to 2HKO

Even when Ray dragon dances on the switch-in, our boy Arceus-Rock can still tank a Dragon Ascent very easily and fire off a Will-O-Wisp afterward and not have to worry.

Edit: It's a check, ig; idt you can say anything counters mray

ice-master-523

Tyranitar @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Pursuit
- Foul Play
- Rest
- Stealth Rock/Toxic

Tyranitar is a great check for standing in front of DD Ray (not d-meteor sets/band sometimes), threatening it hugely by potentially OHKOing it with Foul Play after a defence drop or after it uses Dragon Dance. Pursuit punishes DD Ray for 31.6-37.6% damage - going up to 47.8-56.4% after a defence drop which with Life Orb and Stealth rocks if present racks up around 85% damage - enough to pretty much make MRay useless for the rest of the match/gone to SRs. Rest isn't great recovery but it's all Tyranitar has to keep it a healthy check to MRay throughout the match. Last slot is just used for general support to the team, a second rocker is sometimes useful. Shuca Berry is used so the set can still check the more common variant of DD Ray - Earthquake. It can also switch into MRay often, although EQ sets kill it this way if they predict the switch correctly and EQ unless they get the lowest rolls possible, and other sets like DMeteor blow it to pieces.

Calcs

0 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 111-132 (31.6 - 37.6%) -- 87.8% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 168-198 (47.8 - 56.4%) -- 84.8% chance to 2HKO

0 Atk Tyranitar Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 219-258 (62.3 - 73.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Tyranitar Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 327-385 (93.1 - 109.6%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO (at 504 +1 attack for MRay - 756 ATK)
0 Atk Tyranitar Foul Play vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 328-387 (93.4 - 110.2%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO - after Life Orb recoil this is an OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tyranitar: 121-143 (29.9 - 35.3%) -- 23.3% chance to 3HKO

(I know the set above doesn't have EQ but this is just to show that TTar functions well as a general DDRay check)
252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shuca Berry Tyranitar: 134-159 (33.1 - 39.3%)

Arushi

reserving defensive zygarde

Zygarde @ Leftovers
Ability: Power Construct
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Dragon Tail / Thousand Arrows
- Haze
- Rest
- Glare​

This tanks a +1 ascent and can safely switch into unboosted life orb ascent even after rocks damage. It gets access to Glare, Haze and Dragon Tail so u can click pretty much any of these moves depending on the situation, although youd probably want to Haze vs a +1 ray since it doesnt have any drawbacks and also helps if the ray tries to Ddance again vs Zygarde (glare doesnt help here as +2 ascent ohkos you and +2 speed outspeeds you even after para) andd if you haze vs the +1 ray, you tank the next ascent and youre free to glare/rest/whatever. Everyone already uses zygarde and I think its a pretty decent dd ray check + this also checks pretty much every other physical attacker in AG so thats cool as well.

calcs

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde: 339-399 (80.7 - 95%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zygarde-Complete: 339-399 (53.3 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Zygarde Dragon Tail vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 194-230 (55.2 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

AnythingGoesLegend

Zekrom @ Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Bolt Strike
- Dragon Tail
- Toxic
- Roost

Megazard is lame and won't let me pick magnemite so I have to go with defensive zekrom

This particular mray set doesn't have eq so zekrom works beautify as a check

Zekrom can easily switch in on a dragon Ascent

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Zekrom: 113-134 (27.9 - 33.1%) -- 87.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

Zekrom can then dragon Tail mray out or heal up with roost and can easily deal with it if it sets up

Catalystic

Fight fire with fire, fight Mega Rayquaza with ... Mega Rayquaza?

Presenting Mega Rayquaza as a check to Mega Rayquaza!
It definitely doesn't counter but nothing really counters Mega Rayquaza lol so why even bother trying

Rayquaza-Mega @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Delta Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Draco Meteor
- Surf

Alternative Set

Rayquaza-Mega @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Delta Stream
EVs: 64 HP / 252 Atk / 24 Def / 168 Spe
Naive Nature
- Dragon Ascent
- V-create
- Draco Meteor
- Surf

​

This Mega Rayquaza set checks Mega Rayquaza! While Life Orb Dragon Ascent is pretty absurdly powerful:

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 359-422 (102.2 - 120.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Life Orb Extreme Speed is pretty weak even at +1 Scarf Mega Rayquaza can outspeed and revenge kill no problem!

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 239-282 (68 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

More Details

If you want Choice Scarf Mega Rayquaza to live Extreme Speed after Stealth Rock, you can use the alternative set above that still outspeeds Adamant Necrozma-DM after a rock polish but can now always lives +1 Extreme Speed:

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Extreme Speed vs. 64 HP / 24 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 233-274 (63.4 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Depending on if Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza has used Dragon Ascent or not, either Draco Meteor or Dragon Ascent from Scarf Mega Rayquaza can be clicked.

252 Atk Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 376-444 (107.1 - 126.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 SpA Rayquaza-Mega Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega: 468-552 (133.3 - 157.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

pulsar512b

I PRESENT
THE BEST POKEMON IN EXISTENCE:
THE HOLY STAKATAKA!!!!

Stakataka @ Air Balloon
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Lonely Nature
IVs: 15 Def / 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Trick Room
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
This is a check. It sets up tr as mray hits it with v-create, then goes for gyro and starts putting out damage. In fact, with this particular set, it can come in on dragon ascent or espeed safely since it doesn't carry eq.

GarbodorIsHot

Necrozma-Dusk-Mane @ Occa Berry
Ability: Prism Armor
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Def
Adamant Nature
- Sunsteel Strike
- Morning Sun
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake

Most viable mons have been taken so I decided to go for something unorthodox. Occa Berry Necro DM checks this Mray set and can possibly switch in on DD and just about always on DA. Though Occa Berry is way worse of an item than Solganium Z when it comes to Dusk Mane, it still is a viable option; mainly due to the rise of V-Create Mray and Fire Blast Naganadel which this set nicely checks. I thought about making this set 220 speed in order to outspeed Neutral Mray at -1, but this would make me put too many EVs in speed and hinder this sets viability (also worth noting that V-Create Mray is usually ran with +speed on the mixed set or scarfed sets).

252+ Atk Necrozma-Dusk-Mane Sunsteel Strike vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Rayquaza-Mega: 310-366 (88.3 - 104.2%) Almost Certainly kills after LO damage

252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega V-create vs. 200 HP / 56 Def Occa Berry Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 209-246 (54.2 - 63.8%)
252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 200 HP / 56 Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 139-164 (36.1 - 42.5%) Very unlikely for DA + VC to kill, would need 2 high rolls, I estimate about 80% of the time it lives

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega V-create vs. 200 HP / 56 Def Occa Berry Prism Armor Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 313-369 (81.2 - 95.8%)

Side Note: +2 VC Mray would OHKO this set, but lbr no human dd's again when threats like dragon pulse ultra, outrage ultra, and solganium z exist

Levanos

Lugia @ Leftovers
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute / Ice Beam
- Toxic
- Roost
- Whirlwind

Well I'm going with a pretty standard set of Lugia's.
It's really the best Mega Ray check imo which has the capability to counter any Mega Ray set except band. But band can be countered too, ngl, if one has Ice Beam. All you have to do is lower it's defense by roosting to full HP or near to it and then Ice Beam it.

+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Multiscale Lugia: 161-190 (38.7 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Multiscale Lugia: 214-252 (51.4 - 60.5%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

We also have whirlwind so that it doesn't get a boost of +3 and break through the wall.

4 SpA Lugia Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega in Strong Winds: 120-142 (34.1 - 40.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4 SpA Lugia Ice Beam vs. -1 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega in Strong Winds: 178-210 (50.7 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
4 SpA Lugia Ice Beam vs. -2 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega in Strong Winds: 238-282 (67.8 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Also Life Orb eventually kills it so all you gotta do is keep up with the Multiscale and use Substitute or Ice Beam whenever you find it necessary.

It is also a decent check to Ekillers, Physical Groundceus, Band Ho-Oh etc. and can ruin the boosts of a GeoXern if it's at full HP.
Also one must use it in a stall or semi-stall mostly. If rocks are up, then it'll be no good to you so run double or triple defoggers in your team if possible while running Lugia.

Zenithial

Diancie @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 40 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Moonblast
- Trick Room/Toxic
- Heal Bell

This should be reasonably self explanatory, Diancie's rock typing walls the coverage that has been selected on this Dragon Dance Mega Rayquaza, and Moonblast stops it from setting up, as it is able to 2HKO Mega Rayquaza or OHKO after 1 spdef drop from Dragon Ascent or V-Create. This is a counter as it is able to switch in comfortably to this M Ray set, however I will note that in an actual game of mons Diancie will find it difficult to counter this Mega Rayquaza due to having no form of recovery. Stealth Rock is obviously a nice utility move, and what distinguishes itself from Arceus-Rock is the fact that Diancie has access to Heal Bell.

Calcs:
40 SpA Diancie Moonblast vs. -1 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega: 320-378 (91.1 - 107.6%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO (OHKO's after Life Orb chip).
40 SpA Diancie Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Rayquaza-Mega: 212-252 (60.3 - 71.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Diancie: 99-117 (32.5 - 38.4%) -- 1.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Diancie: 148-174 (48.6 - 57.2%) -- 43.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Rayquaza-Mega Dragon Ascent vs. 252 HP / 220+ Def Diancie: 196-231 (64.4 - 75.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Voting Rules!
Your vote should include 3 different sets ranking from 1 (best) and 3 (worst).
I will demonstrate by voting myself.
1. pulsar512b
2. anythinggoeslegend
3. tic tac toe guru

Voting ends June 25th
[If I have missed anyone or made any mistakes please let me know]

 

[Icemaster]

1. Arushii
2. Tic-Tac-Toe Guru
3. Catalystic

 

[Dockiva~~]

1. Icemaster
2. Catalystic
3. Tic-Tac-Toe Guru

 

[Tic-Tac-Toe Guru]

1 icemaster
2 arushi
3 catalystic

 

[Unicorns]

Voting because I'm really stupid and can't read.

1. Icemaster (tar is the reason you don't use vc)
2. Arushi (bc she's really smart and told me how stupid I was)
3. Zen (regular diancie is godly)

 

[Zenithial]

1. icemaster
2. tic tac toe guru
3. agl

 

[velvet]

1. Tic tac toe guru
2. Icemaster
3. Zen