CHOICE BAND VICTINI
Victini @ Choice Band
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
-
V-create
- Bolt Strike
-
U-turn
-
Zen Headbutt/Trick
DESCRIPTION:
I’m surprised this set isn’t mainstream, but Choice Band Victini is a formidable wallbreaker that is capable of 2HKOing almost everything in the tier. The Choice Band set has an advantage over the typical Choice Scarf set because it denies any Pokémon to be able to switch in on Victini. Typical threats such as Garchomp, Tyranitar and bulky Water-types now cannot switch into twice without healing. The item is also beneficial as Victini boasts adequate coverage moves that can cover types that resist its Fire typing. Victini’s primary attack is its magnificent 180BP signature move, V-Create, where in combination with a Choice Band, is one of the hardest-hitting unboosted attacks in the tier. Bolt Strike works excellent in combination with V-Create, as it baits Water-type Pokémon to switch into a resisted Fire attack. For example, the dominant Defensive Water Pokémon, Tapu Fini, Toxapex and Slowbro will be 2HKO’ed by a Choice Banded Bolt Strike. Moreover, U-turn becomes a hard-hitting move that most offensive Pokémon do not appreciate switching in on either. U-turn has the potential to deal massive damage to most Pokémon that resist Fire, such as Tyranitar, and ultimately generating momentum for Victini’s teammates. Zen Headbutt is a safer STAB attack that does not come with Stat drops, which is a great choice for Victini if the Speed drop from V-Create puts it in a vulnerable position. On the other hand, Trick is an option to cripple physical walls and pressure the opponent to switch in walls such as Gastrodon, Rotom-Wash and Heatran. However, losing Victini’s Choice Band limits its ability to act as a brutal wallbreaker. One disadvantage that Choice Band Victini faces over the Choice Scarf set is that the V-Create Speed drop is detrimental, allowing Victini to be unlikely to outspeed the opponent again and will need to switch out. This puts Victini in a situation where Stealth Rocks can stop Victini from switching in and dealing immense damage constantly.
CALCULATIONS:
252 Atk Choice Band Victini Bolt Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tapu Fini: 232-274 (67.4 - 79.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Victini Bolt Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Toxapex: 190-224 (62.5 - 73.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Victini Bolt Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 238-282 (60.4 - 71.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Victini U-turn vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 176-208 (43.5 - 51.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 191-225 (53.5 - 63%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
52 Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gliscor: 226-267 (63.8 - 75.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Poison Heal
-1 252 Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Landorus-Therian: 189-223 (49.4 - 58.3%) -- 68.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery