Resource Monotype Victim of the Week (INDEX THREAD)

[GnralLao]

Taking Magnezone (Steel) and Zapdos (Flying)

Scarf Magnezone as a check on Steel teams

Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch

Magnezone traps Celesteela thanks to Magnet Pull and 2HKOes it with Thunderbolt. Magnezone can't switch into Celesteela's Flamethrower (or the rare Earthquake) and it doesn't like Leech Seed at all, so do be careful when trapping Celesteela.

Calcs

0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 150-178 (53.3 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Magnezone Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Celesteela: 266-314 (66.8 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Zapdos as a hard check on Flying teams.

Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 SpD / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Discharge
- Roost
- Toxic

Zapdos hates Celesteela's status moves (especially Toxic), but at the moment Zapdos is behind a Substitute, Celesteela simply cannot touch it, as its damaging moves don't break Zapdos's subs. Plus, Discharge deals decet damage to Celesteela, 2HKOing it at best (it'ill probably 3HKO though).

Calcs

0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 120 SpD Zapdos: 66-78 (17.1 - 20.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 75-88 (19.5 - 22.9%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Celesteela: 188-224 (47.2 - 56.2%) -- 32% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[scape skiddo]

Mega Slowbro is a counter on stall/balanced Water teams

Moves

Slowbro @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Rest
- Scald
- Psyshock

This works particularly well for Calm Mind setup if you haven't revealed Rest, but can be dangerous if the opposing team still has special wall-breakers or heavy hitters with Swords Dance like Bisharp and Mega Scizor.
Might also be good on Psychic teams... Let me know if it is!

Edit: Replay for basic boy Ridley
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7anythinggoes-823077472

 

[Ridley]

Mega Slowbro is a counter on stall/balanced Water teams

Moves

Slowbro @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Rest
- Scald
- Psyshock

This works particularly well for Calm Mind setup if you haven't revealed Rest, but can be dangerous if the opposing team still has special wall-breakers or heavy hitters with Swords Dance like Bisharp and Mega Scizor.
Might also be good on Psychic teams... Let me know if it is!

I've also ran this set with iron defense over psyshock to some success. I think that you either need iron defense or sleep talk over psyshock though imo

 

[mushamu]

Thunderbolt Tapu Koko as a check on Fairy teams

Although Celesteela is a menace to Fairy teams with its powerful Heavy Slam, Tapu Koko can threaten Celesteela with a powerful Thunderbolt. Tapu Koko is a very flexible Pokemon so any Tapu Koko carrying Thunderbolt will be able to place immense pressure on Celesteela. If you aren't planning on going for Choice Specs, non choice locked sets such as Expert Belt and Magnet are definitely fine if you want to play around Celesteela's Protect and be able to hit its teammates on Flying that switch into Thunderbolt such as Landorus and Gliscor with HP Ice as you now have the ability to switch between attacks. However, Tapu Koko hates switching into Celesteela as Leech Seed and Toxic saps away its health slowly and puts it on a timer while Heavy Slam does a chunk of damage in return.

set

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 30 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Volt Switch
- Grass Knot

calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Celesteela in Electric Terrain: 480-566 (120.6 - 142.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 148-175 (52.6 - 62.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Substitute + Calm Mind Suicune as a check on Water teams

Suicune is able to beat Celesteela by setting up a Substitute and using Calm Mind behind it. Celesteela cannot break Suicune's Substitute with Heavy Slam or Flamethrower, so it has to switch to a teammate to handle Suicune. However, Suicune cannot switch directly into Celesteela safetly as Celesteela is able to use Leech Seed and Toxic to both wear Suicune down and cancel out its only form of recovery, Leftovers.

set

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Scald

calcs

0 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 252 HP / 96 SpD Celesteela: 72-85 (18 - 21.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Suicune: 58-69 (14.3 - 17%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Suicune: 27-32 (6.6 - 7.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Stallbreaker Mew as a check on Psychic teams

Mew is able to break down Celesteela (and many other defensive pokemon) with the combination of Taunt, Knock Off, and Will-O-Wisp. Despite being a great check to Celesteela, Mew can't switch into Leech Seed or Toxic as the former gives Celesteela recovery, making it much harder to take down, and the latter puts Mew on a timer which it despises and is forced to switch out often in order to prevent getting worn down. Knock Off not doing a lot of damage isn't an issue since Knock Off is mainly used to remove Celesteela's Leftovers while breaking it down with Taunt and Will-O-Wisp.

set

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost

calcs

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 130-154 (32.1 - 38.1%) -- 0.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 148+ SpD Mew: 55-65 (13.6 - 16%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 Atk burned Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mew: 65-77 (16 - 19%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Mew Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 160+ Def Celesteela: 54-64 (13.5 - 16%) -- possible 7HKO

 

[Namranan]

Thank you to all who participated. Tagging Eien to merge this with index thread

 

[Namranan]

index and rules

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Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic Spikes / Toxic
- Scald
- Haze / Baneful Bunker
- Recover

Similar to last week's victim, Toxapex is one of SM's most notable walls. Boasting high defensive stats and a relatively good defensive typing along with regenerator, this Pokemon can be very hard to break. Its movepool only makes matters worse as Scald and Toxic can hinder most offensive pokemon and paired with Recover and Haze, it can wall Setup sweepers as well. Baneful Bunker can also be annoying for choice locked opponents who want to try and break Toxa as fast as possible. Being immune to toxic and already being slow makes status nearly useless on toxapex, which causes it to be harder to take down. This mon must always be accounted for when building a team, otherwise you might end up getting swept by a wall of all things. This is where you guys step in.

Refer to the index thread posted at the top of this post for more information on how this works.

Example post:

example provided by Gnralao from a previous week

Psychic Stakataka Check

Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Def
- Counter
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

Alakazam checks Stakataka in a pretty simple way: once Alakazam gets in front of Stakataka via U-turn or after a teammate's been KOed, Stakataka cannot OHKO it (even with Hazards up due to Magic Guard) while, in return, Alakazam can OHKO it back with either Focus Blast (which will hurt the opposing switch-in if the opponent does switch Stakataka out) or Counter (preferable to use if you don't trust FB's shaky accuracy or if you know your opponent won't switch Stakataka out).

Calcs

Calcs would go here

Types not allowed:

​

 

[smub]

Ice Check

Lapras @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Freeze-Dry
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Surf

With no Toxic Spikes on the field, Lapras can come in on Scald and easily 2HKO Toxapex with Choice Specs Freeze-Dry. However, if it gets poisoned by Toxic Spikes or Toxic, Toxapex can spam Recover to beat it

252+ SpA Choice Specs Lapras Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 206-246 (67.7 - 80.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

Ice Check

Mamoswine @ Choice Band
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Superpower

After Stealth Rock, Mamoswine has an extremely high chance to outright OHKO Toxapex with a Choice Band Earthquake. But it can't come in on Scald for fear of a burn.

252 Atk Choice Band Mamoswine Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 264-312 (86.8 - 102.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery

Ice Check

Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Earth Power
- Roost

Kyurem-Black is capable of 2HKOing Toxapex with both Earth Power and Fusion Bolt. Scald burns can be dealt with through Roost, but it can't come in directly on a Toxic due to Toxapex being able to Recover spam.

4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 161-190 (52.9 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 177-211 (58.2 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery

Rock Check

Diancie-Mega @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Diamond Storm
- Moonblast
- Earth Power
- Calm Mind

Assuming Toxic Spikes are not on the field, Mega Diancie can avoid a Toxic and can set up Calm Mind to take Scalds easier. After the first Calm Mind, Toxapex has a very small chance to even 3HKO, giving it an easier chance to 2HKO with Earth Power

+1 252 SpA Diancie-Mega Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 252-298 (82.8 - 98%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. +1 0 HP / 0- SpD Diancie-Mega: 72-86 (29.8 - 35.6%) -- 25.1% chance to 3HKO

Rock Counter

Nihilego @ Life Orb
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Wave
- Grass Knot
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]

From full health, Nihilego can avoid a 3HKO(sometimes even avoid a 4HKO) from Toxapex's Scald, and can effectively 2HKO it with a Life Orb Thunderbolt.

252 SpA Life Orb Nihilego Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 187-221 (61.5 - 72.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nihilego: 84-98 (23.3 - 27.2%) -- 55.2% chance to 4HKO

I'll add more later

 

[GnralLao]

Yet another victim where picking Electric is banned

Kommo-o as a check on Dragon and Fighting teams

Kommo-o @ Kommonium Z
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Clanging Scales
- Close Combat / Drain Punch
- Flamethrower
- Taunt

Kommo-o hates switching into Toxic (Spikes) and Scald burns, but once it's on the field (and not poisoned, preferably), Kommo-o simply Taunts Toxapex to prevent it from using Baneful Bunker, Toxic (Spikes), Haze, and Recover before getting that juicy omniboost with Clangorous Soulblaze and 2HKOing it with the following Clanging Scales (oh and Kommo-o nicely resists Toxapex's Scalds).

Calcs

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 28-33 (9.6 - 11.3%) -- possible 9HKO
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. +1 0 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 18-22 (6.1 - 7.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 SpA Kommo-o Clangorous Soulblaze vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 186-219 (61.1 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+1 252 SpA Kommo-o Clanging Scales vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 165-195 (54.2 - 64.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

M-Gallade as a check on Fighting teams

Gallade-Mega @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat / Drain Punch
- Zen Headbutt / Psycho Cut
- Shadow Sneak / Knock Off

Again, M-Gallade hates switching into Toxic (Spikes) and Scald Burns, but after a Swords Dance, M-Gallade straight up OHKOes Toxapex with Zen Headbutt (Psycho Cut can be used to prevent it from being poisoned by Toxapex's Baneful Bunker).

Calcs

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Gallade-Mega: 46-55 (16.6 - 19.8%) -- possible 6HKO

252 Atk Gallade-Mega Psycho Cut vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 146-174 (48 - 57.2%) -- 34% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery (guaranteed 2HKO after SR damage)
+2 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Psycho Cut vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 290-344 (95.3 - 113.1%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Black Sludge recovery (guaranteed OHKO after SR damage)

252 Atk Gallade-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 168-200 (55.2 - 65.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+2 252 Atk Gallade-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 336-396 (110.5 - 130.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Zapdos as a hard check on Flying teams (copy pasted from my last victim post and changed Celesteela to Toxapex)

Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 SpD / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Discharge
- Roost
- Toxic

Zapdos hates Toxapex's Toxic, but at the moment Zapdos is behind a Substitute, Toxapex simply cannot touch it, as Scald doesn't break Zapdos's subs. Plus, Discharge deals decent damage to Toxapex, 2HKOing it in the process.

Calcs

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 252 HP / 120 SpD Zapdos: 51-60 (13.2 - 15.6%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 152-182 (50 - 59.8%) -- 81.3% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery (guaranteed 2HKO after SR damage)

Stallbreaking Hydreigon as a hard check on Dark teams

Hydreigon @ Dragonium
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Dark Pulse
- Taunt
- Roost

Like Zapdos earlier, Hydreigon hates switching into Toxic, but doesn't care much about Toxapex's other moves since it's a special attacker and immune to Toxic Spikes. This specific Hydreigon can prevent Toxapex from using anything but Scald with Taunt, before wearing it down and eventually KOing it with its STAB moves while Roosting off the damage in the process.

Calcs

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 28-33 (8.6 - 10.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

252 SpA Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 94-112 (30.9 - 36.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252 SpA Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 153-180 (50.3 - 59.2%) -- 75.4% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
252 SpA Hydreigon Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 229-270 (75.3 - 88.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

 

[Guwahavel]

Jirachi as a Check on Steel teamsSt==

Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 120 SpA / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Psychic / Psyshock
- Thunderbolt

Jirachi is only midly annoyed by Scald burns, and proceed to set up a Subsitute and break past Toxapex with Calm Mind-boosted Psychic.

+1 120 SpA Jirachi Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 240-284 (78.9 - 93.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+1 120 SpA Jirachi Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 156-186 (51.3 - 61.1%) -- 89.5% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+1 120 SpA Jirachi Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 160-190 (52.6 - 62.5%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Jirachi: 52-63 (12.8 - 15.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever


Tapu Koko as a Check on Fairy teams

Tapu Koko @ Zap Plate
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch / U-Turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt / Grass Knot / Roost

If it can avoid getting Poisoned, Tapu Koko can easily blast through Toxapex with it's Thunderbolt. The fourth move option all helps against Toxapex in some way, with Taunt preventing Toxic Spikes, Roost making it harder to wear down, and Grass Knot hits a common defensive teammate in Swampert.

252 SpA Zap Plate Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex in Electric Terrain: 314-372 (103.2 - 122.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko: 67-79 (23.8 - 28.1%) -- 91.2% chance to 4HKO


Substitute Tapu Bulu as a Check on Fairy teams

Tapu Bulu @ Life Orb
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Substitute
- Horn Leech
- Superpower / Zen Headbutt

If Tapu Bulu gets a safe switchin it can easily set up a Substitute on Toxapex and break past it with boosted Horn Leech.

+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex in Grassy Terrain: 282-333 (92.7 - 109.5%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Black Sludge recovery and Grassy Terrain recovery

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tapu Bulu: 27-33 (9.6 - 11.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

 

[Shokkking]

Volcarona as a Check on Bug

Set

Volcarona @ Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Psychic
- Giga Drain
- Quiver Dance

With this set, Volcarona can easily breaks Toxapex with Shattered Psyche, or even set up Quiver Dance and Z-Move after, if you know that Toxapex will not use Haze. Also, Volcarona can heal the scald damage with Giga Drain later. If toxic spikes are up, Volcarona will have trouble, losing part of it sweeping potential.

Calcs

Doing Damage
252 SpA Volcarona Shattered Psyche (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 288-340 (94.7 - 111.8%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO after Black Sludge recovery

Taking Damage
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 102-120 (32.7 - 38.5%) -- 97.1% chance to 3HKO

Shattered Psyche will not kill Toxapex in some cases, but Volcarona can kill it with psychic after recover recovery.


Jellicent as a Check on Ghost

Set

Jellicent @ Leftovers
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Recover
- Toxic
- Scald

This set can't kill Toxapex, but makes it useless. The strategy consists in use taunt to block status moves, forcing Toxapex to use scald, that will be disabled by Cursed Body, forcing it to struggle to death or just switch. The only threat for this set is Toxic Spikes.

Calcs

Don't need calcs, since the strategy doesn't rely on damage, but:
0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Jellicent: 25-30 (6.1 - 7.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Araquanid as a Counter in Bug

Set

Araquanid @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Rest
- Soak
- Toxic
- Spider Web

This set is basically a trapper one. Araquanid can switch in all Toxapex's moves and then use spider web to trap it. Once trapped, Toxapex can only use scald (Check Calcs to see the damage) or toxic, that will be healed by Rest (The last moves don't do damage, so I will not talk about). With Soak, Araquanid can change the Toxapex's type to pure Water, making it a target for Toxic, so just stall it until KO.

Calcs

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Araquanid: 15-18 (4.4 - 5.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
This is the only relevant calc.

 

[S. Court]

Gliscor as a hard check for Flying

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 20 Def / 124 SpD / 120 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Defog
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Taunt

Once Toxic Orb has been activated, Gliscor can keep in check Toxapex properly, being inmune to Scald burns, and due to Toxapex's pitiful Special Attack, it won't be even 3HKOed by this move. Gliscor can deny Toxapex recovery with Taunt, recover all damage it receives with Roost and 3HKO it with Earthquake. It needs to be careful before Toxic Orb is activated thought.

0 Atk Gliscor Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 110-132 (36.1 - 43.4%) -- 96% chance to 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 244 HP / 124 SpD Gliscor: 114-134 (32.3 - 38%) -- 76.5% chance to 4HKO after Poison Heal

 

[Tapo Collino]

Fire Check

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw / Outrage

Zard X is able to switch in on scald without fearing burns and set up in front of Toxapex if it does not carry Haze. While it does not appreciate a Toxic, this does not stop it from straight up beating pex. Earthquake allows it to always 3hko pex, and a +1 Earthquake into a +0 (after haze) can ko it if pex chooses to recover spam.

Calcs

252 Atk Charizard-Mega-X Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 118-140 (38.8 - 46%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+1 252 Atk Charizard-Mega-X Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 176-208 (57.8 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery


0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Charizard-Mega-X: 60-72 (20.2 - 24.2%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

Flying Check

Thundurus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Sludge Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Really any Thundurus-Therian beats Toxapex so the opponent will probably switch out but it's there. It doesn't generally like switching into scalds multiple times though.

Calc

252 SpA Thundurus-Therian Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 236-278 (77.6 - 91.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
what did you expect

Grass Counter

Celebi @ Groundium Z
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Psychic
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Earth Power

A raw Psychic from Celebi does big damage to Toxapex. A +2 Psychic (from Nasty Plot) blows pex away. Scald from pex barely does anything and Natural Cure allows Celebi to shrug off burns and Toxic, making Celebi a great switch-in to Toxapex.

Calcs

252 SpA Celebi Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 182-216 (59.8 - 71%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+2 252 SpA Celebi Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 360-426 (118.4 - 140.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Celebi: 26-31 (7.6 - 9%) -- possibly the worst move ever

 

[Namranan]

Reserving Gliscor (Flying)

Don't forget to finish this by monday please

 

[S. Court]

Don't forget to finish this by monday please

Thanks for the reminder, this is done now

 

[Namranan]

Thank you to all who participated!

Tagging Eien to move this to the index thread!

 

[Namranan]

index and rules

(Banner By Ticken)

Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Aerilate
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Frustration
- Close Combat / Earthquake
- Quick Attack

Mega-Pinsir is arguably the best Mega Pokemon Bug teams have at their disposal. With webs down it becomes a force to be reckoned with with its high Attack Stat and access the Swords Dance. Aerilate allows Pinsir to have a great hard-hitting STAB move in Frustration and a good priority move in Quick Attack. This Pokemon is most dangerous when webs are on the field, but even when they are not it can still wallbreak quite a few Pokemon like Mega-Venusaur and Ferrothorn. While it may not have the best coverage, what it lacks in that it makes up for in raw power, which is why it is a huge threat to the metagame, as many walls may fall to its brute force. Is there a way to stop this super scary bug? That is where you guys come in.

Refer to the index thread posted at the top of this post for more information on how this works.

Example post:

example provided by Gnralao from a previous week

Psychic Stakataka Check

Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Def
- Counter
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

Alakazam checks Stakataka in a pretty simple way: once Alakazam gets in front of Stakataka via U-turn or after a teammate's been KOed, Stakataka cannot OHKO it (even with Hazards up due to Magic Guard) while, in return, Alakazam can OHKO it back with either Focus Blast (which will hurt the opposing switch-in if the opponent does switch Stakataka out) or Counter (preferable to use if you don't trust FB's shaky accuracy or if you know your opponent won't switch Stakataka out).

Calcs

Calcs would go here

Types not allowed:

​

 

[GnralLao]

Taking Skarmory (Steel), Ditto (Normal), and maybe M-Diancie (Fairy).

Skarmory as a counter for Steel teams

Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
- Stealth Rock
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- Whirlwind

Even though Skarmory's popularity has drastically decreased over time, it's still finds a spot on certain Steel teams to counter strong physical hitters/sweepers like M-Pinsir, since it needs a couple of SD boosts to truly threaten Skarmory. Skarmory can set up SR against Bug teams as much as it wants thanks to its Rocky Helmet that'll eventually KO Armaldo and prevent it from getting rid of those SR. If M-Pinsir starts setting up, Skarmory can use Whirlind to phaze it out of the field which will take half of M-Pinsir's HP if SR are present on Bug's side of the field. Finally, Brave Bird 2HKOes M-Pinsir and actually OHKOes it after one Close Combat.

Calcs

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 64-76 (19.1 - 22.7%) -- possible 5HKO
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 129-152 (38.6 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 85-101 (25.4 - 30.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+2 252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 170-200 (50.8 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Skarmory Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 186-218 (68.6 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Skarmory Brave Bird vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 276-326 (101.8 - 120.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Ditto as a check for Normal teams

Ditto @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Imposter
Hapiness: 128
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SpA / 0 Spe
- Transform

As long as Ditto is around, it is extremely risky for M-Pinsir to set up or simply KO one of Ditto's teammates. In fact, when Ditto copies M-Pinsir (and possibly its stat boosts), Ditto has a good chance to counter sweep Bug with Frustration or Quick Attack. Even if Ditto is at -1 Def (after one of M-Pinsir's Close Combat), Ditto has a decent chance to survive M-Pinsir's unboosted Quick Attack after SR before KOing it with Frustration. If M-Pinsir is boosted however, then Ditto simply has to spam Quick Attack, since it'll always outspeed M-Pinsir and its teammates. Finally, because of Imposter's mechanic, Ditto won't mind opposing Sticky Webs as its Speed stat (and boosts) will copy M-Pinsir's and its teammates' instead of being lowered.

Calcs

(116 HP M-Pinsir and a 50BP Frustration are used to match Ditto's HP and Hapiness stats respectively)

M-Pinsir vs Ditto
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 116 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 152-182 (50.6 - 60.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. -1 116 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 230-272 (76.6 - 90.6%) -- 25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock (remember that Ditto takes neutral damage to SR)

Ditto vs M-Pinsir
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Frustration vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 288-342 (106.2 - 126.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. -1 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 230-272 (84.8 - 100.3%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 306-362 (112.9 - 133.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

M-Diancie as a check for Fairy teams

Diancie-Mega @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Psychic

Before going Mega, Diancie's Clear Body negates Sticky Webs' nasty Speed-lowering effect, and depending of if M-Pinsir has boosted or not, Diancie can either choose to Mega and outspeed M-Pinsir before OHKOing it with Diamond Storm, or not Mega, tank the hit and, again, OHKO it with Diamond Storm. M-Diancie can even lay out some SR to discourage Bug teams to switch in and out as it pleases. Once Diancie has Mega'd however, it must not let Bug set up those Sticky Webs, or it'll be much harder to check M-Pinsir.

Wall of calcs

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Frustration vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie: 80-94 (33.1 - 39%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie: 105-124 (43.5 - 51.4%) -- 8.2% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie: 176-208 (73 - 86.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Frustration vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie-Mega: 105-123 (43.5 - 51%) -- 5.5% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie-Mega: 138-163 (57.2 - 67.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie-Mega: 230-272 (95.4 - 112.8%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie-Mega: 82-97 (34 - 40.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Diancie-Mega: 275-324 (114.1 - 134.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

4 Atk Diancie Diamond Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 372-444 (137.2 - 163.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 Atk Diancie-Mega Diamond Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 556-660 (205.1 - 243.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Edit: @ the posts below, this thread is not a competition, it's a resource thread where people bring up checks and counters to a certain "victim". By reserving a couple mons at a time, I'm not being selfish or unfair, I'm just bringing up some checks/counters to said victim that come up to me. Now I don't mind if the reservation limit goes down to one mon per account, but if we procede that way, not all relevant mons (or the most important ones at least), even the shaky ones, might be mentioned. If you want me to stop reserving more than one mon at a time, then that's fine, but don't call me out for respecting the present rules.

 

[Chaitanya]

IMO this reservation thing is stupid, like taking 3/4 checks 10 minutes after the thread is posted and doing them later on in the week. I think it'd be better if you let whoever posts an analysis first take the mon. I don't do these and I don't look at them all so I don't know how it was for all the other earlier ones but it just seems unfair to people who see it later. Also saw a couple people complain about it in mono room a little earlier so I brought it up. Just my 2 cents

Edit: @ GnralLao's edit; I'm not calling you out or calling you selfish, I just brought up a concern that other people have had. Also, I'm not saying that there's a maximum of one mon you can write about, but I am saying don't reserve them all so if other people want to write about them, they can. If you write 4, cool that's great for the thread and community to read about and there won't be relevant mons missing, but there's a difference between reserving and writing about these checks. Just finish an analysis before starting another one so other people have a chance to post, and if they don't you can always come back and post about them when you have time.

 

[Guwahavel]

Tapu Koko as a Check on Fairy teams

Tapu Koko @ Zap Plate
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch

Tapu Koko resists Quick Attack and easily KOes with Volt Switch. The only major concern is switching into Earthquake.

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 129-153 (45.9 - 54.4%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO
+4 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 153-180 (54.4 - 64%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 85-100 (30.2 - 35.5%) -- 36.1% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Koko: 282-334 (100.3 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Zap Plate Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega in Electric Terrain: 468-552 (172.6 - 203.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Zap Plate Tapu Koko Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega in Electric Terrain: 366-432 (135 - 159.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Ridley]

Reservations are kinda standard fare on these types of projects. That being said usually it is restricted to one Pokemon, so that might be a good middle ground.

Reserving Tapu Koko (Fairy)

I think that is what Chait was saying, it's not really fair to be able to reserve every good check lmao

 

[Namranan]

Chaitanya I will update that in the index thread and make that a new rule. I fully agree with what you said and will implement it ASAP.

EDIT: I reviewed the rules and technically it was vaguely put that you could only reserve one check / counter per cycle. I have clarified it more so to prevent any further confusion.

 

[Shokkking]

Reserving Zapdos (Flying) Later I write other Mon, did't see that flying is banned.

 

[GnralLao]

Reserving Zapdos (Flying)

Flying's banned unfortunately. :(

 

[S. Court]

Alakazam for Psychic check

Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Def
- Counter
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball

Alakazam acts as a great blanket check for a lot of dangerous physical attackers in the game, and Mega Pinsir is no exception, thanks to Focus Sash and Counter, it can take one physical hit and beat Mega-Pinsir with Counter. Even without a boost, Mega Pinsir's Quick Attack will make Counter OHKO it

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Alakazam: 249-294 (99.2 - 117.1%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Alakazam: 496-585 (197.6 - 233%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Namranan]

Thank you to all who participated, tagging Eien to merge this with index thread