[OVERVIEW]
With an excellent defensive typing and two decent forms of recovery, Mega Venusaur is an amazing defensive stop to many offensive and defensive foes alike, ranging from Celesteela to Greninja to Tapu Koko. Thick Fat is a wonderful ability for Mega Venusaur, as it halves the damage taken from Fire- and Ice-type moves and makes it a better wall as a result. Mega Venusaur's secondary Grass typing is essential for Poison teams, as it can reliably check problematic Ground-types such as Dugtrio, Hippowdon, and Mega Swampert through Giga Drain. However, like many defensive tanks, Mega Venusaur is rather slow and susceptible to faster offensive threats in Dragonite and stallbreaker Hydreigon. Also, lthough Mega Venusaur is meant to tank many hits, it can be worn down by chip damage from entry hazards and moves upon switching in. This is because its main recovery in Synthesis only has 8 PP, while its other option in Leech Seed only heals a small amount of health each turn and has a chance to miss the foe.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Leech Seed
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Giga Drain allows Mega Venusaur to immediately restore health upon use and also hits Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Dugtrio. Sludge Bomb is primarily used to hit Grass- and Fairy-types such as Breloom and Tapu Koko for super effective damage, though its high chance to poison is also beneficial to chip away at other defensive tanks such as Mantine, Mega Sableye, and Porygon2. Synthesis is Mega Venusaur's main form of recovery. Hidden Power Fire hits bulky Steel-types in Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Scizor for solid damage, effectively preventing further entry hazard stacking or setup. Leech Seed is another option that allows Mega Venusaur to gain passive recovery by sapping away at the foe's health and is very useful against its defensive checks such as Chansey and Celesteela.
Set Details
========
16 Speed EVs are used to Speed creep Adamant Azumarill. The remaining EVs are placed into HP and Defense and coupled with a Bold nature to maximize Mega Venusaur's physical bulk while also giving it a chance to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Victini's V-create. Venusaurite is the required item in order to use Mega Venusaur. Thick Fat is Mega Venusaur's only ability, halving damage from Fire- and Ice-type moves.
Usage Tips
========
It's ideal to Mega Evolve Venusaur immediately, as it gains the defensive capabilities of Thick Fat, which allows Mega Venusaur to take on many Fire- and Ice-type attacks. Use Sludge Bomb and Leech Seed whenever possible, as they both gradually chip away at the foe. Leech Seed has the additional benefit of giving weakened teammates extra health, so they can be brought in on defensive options from foes, such as their recovery moves. Though Mega Venusaur is very bulky, it's susceptible to being worn down from entry hazards such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, which is especially noteworthy considering the low PP of Synthesis. If possible, Defog hazards away before sending Mega Venusaur in. Mega Venusaur is Poison's best check against Ground teams and its best way to defeat them, so do not send it out carelessly against every incoming Ground-type attack. Mega Venusaur must take caution when using Synthesis in different weather conditions, as its recovery is reduced in hail, rain, and sandstorm. Against setup sweepers such as Mega Charizard X, it's ideal to switch to a teammate that can check them, such as Haze Toxapex or Choice Scarf Nihilego. Both of these teammates assist Mega Venusaur by preemptively stopping them and can force a switch as a result. Utilize Mega Venusaur to come in and block common Trick users like Gengar that look to swap items with teammates like Crobat and Toxapex, as it would inhibit their utility roles. Be cautious of Taunt users such as Aerodactyl and Hydreigon, as they will restrict Mega Venusaur's ability to recover its health. It is ideal to have Mega Venusaur as healthy as possible in order for it to tank hits.
Team Options
========
Toxapex is a premier partner for Mega Venusaur, as its various forms of recovery and better resistance to Fire- and Ice-type moves ease the pressure on Mega Venusaur to handle Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Kyurem-B. Toxapex's ability to spread various forms of status through Scald burns, Toxic Spikes, and Baneful Bunker punishes physical attackers constantly. Baneful Bunker also allows Toxapex to scout options from common Choice-locked foes such as Tapu Koko and Latios and make the appropriate switch to a teammate. In return, Mega Venusaur offers an Electric resistance and a Ground neutrality for Toxapex. Alolan Muk also complements Mega Venusaur defensively, as its Dark typing and access to Knock Off and Pursuit make it a very potent presence against Psychic-types such as Latios and Dual Dance Mew that otherwise become very threatening to Poison teams. In return, Mega Venusaur can pivot into Ground-types and physical attackers for Alolan Muk. Choice Scarf Nihilego is a solid revenge killer against Flying- and Fire-types that threaten Mega Venusaur, such as Mega Charizard Y, Tornadus-T, and Volcarona. Nidoking can support Mega Venusaur as an offensive Stealth Rock user and wallbreaker, as its sheer power and vast coverage options can 2HKO defensive walls such as Mega Sableye and Celesteela. In return, Mega Venusaur can come in on Water- and Ice-type attacks that threaten Nidoking. Crobat assists Mega Venusaur by providing a Ground immunity and acting as a utility teammate, with options such as Defog and Taunt to prevent hazard stacking and U-turn to pivot out to teammates. Crobat can also check Mega Pinsir, one of Mega Venusaur's biggest offensive checks, through Brave Bird and use Taunt to prevent hazard stacking and recovery from Ferrothorn and Chansey. Gengar acts as a check to problematic Psychic-types such as Mega Gallade and Victini while also being able to spinblock foes such as Torkoal and Armaldo, which is very important for taking on Fire and Bug teams, as these Pokemon are their primary form of hazard control. Scolipede acts a setup sweeper that can check common revenge killers such as Latios and Excadrill after a couple of Speed boosts as well as act as a potent cleaner against Psychic teams, since it can threaten common checks to it after multiple Speed boosts, such as Choice Scarf Victini, Choice Scarf Latios, and Mega Latias. SubToxic Salazzle is a niche teammate that uses its unique ability, Corrosion, to poison and stall out Poison- and Steel-types such as Toxapex, Mega Venusaur, Heatran, and Celesteela.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Poison
--------
Earthquake can be utilized over Hidden Power Fire to beat one of Mega Venusaur's biggest stops in Heatran. Outside of this purpose, however, there isn't much of a reason to use it, since Mega Venusaur would have to utilize its subpar Attack stat. Additionally, teammates such as Nidoking and Scolipede carry Ground-type coverage for Heatran and have greater power behind their attacks.
Checks and Counters
===================
Poison
--------
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types overall threaten Mega Venusaur, as offensive foes like Mega Gallade and Latios threaten Mega Venusaur through their Psychic-type STAB attacks, while defensive foes such as Jirachi and stallbreaker Mew can status and gradually chip away at Mega Venusaur with few repercussions.
**Offensive Flying-types**: Offensive Flying-types such as Mega Pinsir and Tornadus-T threaten Mega Venusaur with their STAB attacks.
**Wallbreakers**: Naturally powerful wallbreakers such as Kyurem-B, Dragonite, Diggersby, Landorus, and Mega Charizard Y can easily wear down Mega Venusaur, as its meager recovery means that it cannot take consecutive hits from these foes despite having very solid bulk all-around.
**Stallbreakers**: Common stallbreakers such as Mew, Heatran, Gliscor, and Crobat can prevent Mega Venusaur from recovering through Taunt, rendering its role as a tank useless for a short period of time.
**Setup Sweepers**: Calm Mind Mega Latias, Z-Conversion Porygon-Z, and Supersonic Skystrike Gyarados are a few of the setup sweepers that can take advantage of and overpower Mega Venusaur after one boost, as its lackluster offensive coverage invites these foes in.
With an excellent defensive typing and two decent forms of recovery, Mega Venusaur is an amazing defensive stop to many offensive and defensive foes alike, ranging from Celesteela to Greninja to Tapu Koko. Thick Fat is a wonderful ability for Mega Venusaur, as it halves the damage taken from Fire- and Ice-type moves and makes it a better wall as a result. Mega Venusaur's secondary Grass typing is essential for Poison teams, as it can reliably check problematic Ground-types such as Dugtrio, Hippowdon, and Mega Swampert through Giga Drain. However, like many defensive tanks, Mega Venusaur is rather slow and susceptible to faster offensive threats in Dragonite and stallbreaker Hydreigon. Also, lthough Mega Venusaur is meant to tank many hits, it can be worn down by chip damage from entry hazards and moves upon switching in. This is because its main recovery in Synthesis only has 8 PP, while its other option in Leech Seed only heals a small amount of health each turn and has a chance to miss the foe.
[SET]
name: Defensive
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Leech Seed
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Giga Drain allows Mega Venusaur to immediately restore health upon use and also hits Ground-types such as Hippowdon and Dugtrio. Sludge Bomb is primarily used to hit Grass- and Fairy-types such as Breloom and Tapu Koko for super effective damage, though its high chance to poison is also beneficial to chip away at other defensive tanks such as Mantine, Mega Sableye, and Porygon2. Synthesis is Mega Venusaur's main form of recovery. Hidden Power Fire hits bulky Steel-types in Ferrothorn, Skarmory, and Mega Scizor for solid damage, effectively preventing further entry hazard stacking or setup. Leech Seed is another option that allows Mega Venusaur to gain passive recovery by sapping away at the foe's health and is very useful against its defensive checks such as Chansey and Celesteela.
Set Details
========
16 Speed EVs are used to Speed creep Adamant Azumarill. The remaining EVs are placed into HP and Defense and coupled with a Bold nature to maximize Mega Venusaur's physical bulk while also giving it a chance to avoid the 2HKO from Choice Scarf Victini's V-create. Venusaurite is the required item in order to use Mega Venusaur. Thick Fat is Mega Venusaur's only ability, halving damage from Fire- and Ice-type moves.
Usage Tips
========
It's ideal to Mega Evolve Venusaur immediately, as it gains the defensive capabilities of Thick Fat, which allows Mega Venusaur to take on many Fire- and Ice-type attacks. Use Sludge Bomb and Leech Seed whenever possible, as they both gradually chip away at the foe. Leech Seed has the additional benefit of giving weakened teammates extra health, so they can be brought in on defensive options from foes, such as their recovery moves. Though Mega Venusaur is very bulky, it's susceptible to being worn down from entry hazards such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, which is especially noteworthy considering the low PP of Synthesis. If possible, Defog hazards away before sending Mega Venusaur in. Mega Venusaur is Poison's best check against Ground teams and its best way to defeat them, so do not send it out carelessly against every incoming Ground-type attack. Mega Venusaur must take caution when using Synthesis in different weather conditions, as its recovery is reduced in hail, rain, and sandstorm. Against setup sweepers such as Mega Charizard X, it's ideal to switch to a teammate that can check them, such as Haze Toxapex or Choice Scarf Nihilego. Both of these teammates assist Mega Venusaur by preemptively stopping them and can force a switch as a result. Utilize Mega Venusaur to come in and block common Trick users like Gengar that look to swap items with teammates like Crobat and Toxapex, as it would inhibit their utility roles. Be cautious of Taunt users such as Aerodactyl and Hydreigon, as they will restrict Mega Venusaur's ability to recover its health. It is ideal to have Mega Venusaur as healthy as possible in order for it to tank hits.
Team Options
========
Toxapex is a premier partner for Mega Venusaur, as its various forms of recovery and better resistance to Fire- and Ice-type moves ease the pressure on Mega Venusaur to handle Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y and Kyurem-B. Toxapex's ability to spread various forms of status through Scald burns, Toxic Spikes, and Baneful Bunker punishes physical attackers constantly. Baneful Bunker also allows Toxapex to scout options from common Choice-locked foes such as Tapu Koko and Latios and make the appropriate switch to a teammate. In return, Mega Venusaur offers an Electric resistance and a Ground neutrality for Toxapex. Alolan Muk also complements Mega Venusaur defensively, as its Dark typing and access to Knock Off and Pursuit make it a very potent presence against Psychic-types such as Latios and Dual Dance Mew that otherwise become very threatening to Poison teams. In return, Mega Venusaur can pivot into Ground-types and physical attackers for Alolan Muk. Choice Scarf Nihilego is a solid revenge killer against Flying- and Fire-types that threaten Mega Venusaur, such as Mega Charizard Y, Tornadus-T, and Volcarona. Nidoking can support Mega Venusaur as an offensive Stealth Rock user and wallbreaker, as its sheer power and vast coverage options can 2HKO defensive walls such as Mega Sableye and Celesteela. In return, Mega Venusaur can come in on Water- and Ice-type attacks that threaten Nidoking. Crobat assists Mega Venusaur by providing a Ground immunity and acting as a utility teammate, with options such as Defog and Taunt to prevent hazard stacking and U-turn to pivot out to teammates. Crobat can also check Mega Pinsir, one of Mega Venusaur's biggest offensive checks, through Brave Bird and use Taunt to prevent hazard stacking and recovery from Ferrothorn and Chansey. Gengar acts as a check to problematic Psychic-types such as Mega Gallade and Victini while also being able to spinblock foes such as Torkoal and Armaldo, which is very important for taking on Fire and Bug teams, as these Pokemon are their primary form of hazard control. Scolipede acts a setup sweeper that can check common revenge killers such as Latios and Excadrill after a couple of Speed boosts as well as act as a potent cleaner against Psychic teams, since it can threaten common checks to it after multiple Speed boosts, such as Choice Scarf Victini, Choice Scarf Latios, and Mega Latias. SubToxic Salazzle is a niche teammate that uses its unique ability, Corrosion, to poison and stall out Poison- and Steel-types such as Toxapex, Mega Venusaur, Heatran, and Celesteela.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Poison
--------
Earthquake can be utilized over Hidden Power Fire to beat one of Mega Venusaur's biggest stops in Heatran. Outside of this purpose, however, there isn't much of a reason to use it, since Mega Venusaur would have to utilize its subpar Attack stat. Additionally, teammates such as Nidoking and Scolipede carry Ground-type coverage for Heatran and have greater power behind their attacks.
Checks and Counters
===================
Poison
--------
**Psychic-types**: Psychic-types overall threaten Mega Venusaur, as offensive foes like Mega Gallade and Latios threaten Mega Venusaur through their Psychic-type STAB attacks, while defensive foes such as Jirachi and stallbreaker Mew can status and gradually chip away at Mega Venusaur with few repercussions.
**Offensive Flying-types**: Offensive Flying-types such as Mega Pinsir and Tornadus-T threaten Mega Venusaur with their STAB attacks.
**Wallbreakers**: Naturally powerful wallbreakers such as Kyurem-B, Dragonite, Diggersby, Landorus, and Mega Charizard Y can easily wear down Mega Venusaur, as its meager recovery means that it cannot take consecutive hits from these foes despite having very solid bulk all-around.
**Stallbreakers**: Common stallbreakers such as Mew, Heatran, Gliscor, and Crobat can prevent Mega Venusaur from recovering through Taunt, rendering its role as a tank useless for a short period of time.
**Setup Sweepers**: Calm Mind Mega Latias, Z-Conversion Porygon-Z, and Supersonic Skystrike Gyarados are a few of the setup sweepers that can take advantage of and overpower Mega Venusaur after one boost, as its lackluster offensive coverage invites these foes in.
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