Project SS RU Victim of the Week: Week 31 - NP Alolatales

[Oathkeeper]

Approved by EviGaro and phantom
OP adapted from PU VotW

Art by Kaiju Bunny

The idea of this project is to collect some of the most common top-tier threats in the SS RU metagame and discover Pokémon that can either check or counter them! To have fun with it, I will be turning this into a competition instead of endless posting with nothing to get out of it. With the winners of each victim, I will be awarding points (2 points for 1st placers, 1 point for 2nd placers). I will also be throwing in special point amounts at random (you'll be notified beforehand). I will then crown a Top Assassin at the end of every 10 weeks and then start it over again. So, let's have fun with it!

Procedure

Every week I will nominate a Pokémon. You will nominate a Pokémon to either check or counter the Victim.
Submissions will close and voting will open after 4 days (Sunday - Wednesday). You will vote for 2 checks and 2 counters over the remaining 3 days (Thursday - Saturday).
The results will be archived and the process will continue next week.

Rules

1. Follow the definitions for checks and counters in The Smog issue #32.

2. We require an explanation and set for the Pokemon that you posted. We're not asking for a thesis; a paragraph is sufficient. One sentence will NOT get the job done. You must also clarify whether your submission is a check or counter. If these criteria are not met, I will most likely have to ignore your submission!

3. We allow reservation of Pokemon in this thread. However, please write up your post within 24 hours of the reservation. This is to ensure that the project doesn't become a race of who gets to reserve the best check / counter first. After 24 hours has elapsed and you still have not typed it out, your reservation will be nullified.

4. Different sets of the same Pokemon can be nominated. For example, person a) can nominate Nasty Plot Salazzle as a check to something, while person b) can nominate SubToxTect Salazzle as a counter to the same thing in the same week.

5. You CANNOT vote for your own submission when the voting phase begins for each victim!

6. Help people out if you think they're wrong, but please be nice.

7. Post calcs if not obvious.

8. Have fun!

Blacklisted Items/Mons

Focus Sash

Table of Contents

Week 1
Nasty Plot

Start of Victim
Checks and Counters
Winners

Week 2
Scarf

Start of Victim
Checks and Counters
Winners

Week 3
Swords Dance

Start of Victim
Checks and Counters
Winners

Week 4
Scarf

Start of Victim
Checks and Counters
Winners

Week 5
Quiver Dance

Start of Victim
Checks and Counters
Winners

Week 6
Swords Dance

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 7
Life Orb

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 8
Specs

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 9
Scarf

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 10
Nasty Plot

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 11
Nasty Plot

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 12
Scarf

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 13
LO Sheer Force

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 14
Scarf

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 15
LO Swords Dance

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 16
Specs

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 17
Calm Mind

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 18
Band

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 19
Specs

Start of Victim
Checks and Counters
Winners

Week 20
Band
Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 21

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 22
NP
Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 23

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 24

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 25

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 26

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 27

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 28

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 29

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Week 30

Start of Victim
Checks & Counters
Winners

Current Victim
None for now​

 

[Oathkeeper]

Archives

Week 1

Checks:

Mantine by Oathkeepre,

Passimian by Coton,

Barraskewda by Zneon
Counters:

Jellicent by Mavis,

Snorlax by HiddenPower23

Week 2

Checks:

Scrafty by Coton,

Steelix by Katy
Counters:

Snorlax by xerovis,

Copperajah by Randomnick

Week 3

Checks:

Indeedee-M by xerovis,

Rotom by MrAldo,

Salazzle by Loom
Counters:

Sableye by Mavis,

Jellicent by Oathkeepre

Week 4

Checks:

Escavalier by Datsplashtho,

Bewear by aVocado
Counters:

Vileplume by Randomnick,

Weezing by Katy

Week 5

Checks:

Ninetales by Sensei Axew,

Steelix by Mavis,

Togedemaru by Katy
Counters:

Copperajah by gorex,

Snorlax by Expulso

Week 6

Checks:

Raichu-A by Expulso,

Sneasel by gorex
Counters:

Sableye by MrAldo,

Decidueye by cyanize,

Xatu by Katy

Week 7

Checks:

Virizion by Expulso,

Vileplume by Katy
Counters:

Steelix by SectoniaServant,

Avalugg by gorex

Week 8

Checks:

Virizion by Katy,

Passimian by Sensei Axew
Counters:

Copperajah by Mavis,

Ferroseed by gorex,

Snorlax by SectoniaServant,

Steelix by EggsAndPeanuts,

Stunfisk-G by Montage Hustle

Week 9

Checks:

Boltund by Oathkeepre,

Weezing by Expulso,

Rhydon by xerovis
Counters:

Avalugg by RahelGamer03,

Steelix by gorex

Week 10

Checks:

Drampa by Katy,

Charizard by Gatorboy
Counters:

Snorlax by gorex,

Coalossal by Datsplashtho

Week 11

Checks:

Salazzle by MJ2020,

Charizard by Oathkeepre
Counters:

Drampa by Mavis,

Vileplume by ForgottenOnes

Week 12

Checks:

Silvally-Fairy by Mac3,

Duraludon by SectoniaServant
Counters:

Bewear by Cheezy,

Gastrodon by Yaily

Week 13

Checks:

Jellicent by Cheezy,

Bewear by MJ2020
Counters:

Sableye by Aquarius Ghost ❤,

Mudsdale by Katy

Week 14

Checks:

Copperajah by The LpZ,

Drapion by Aquarius Ghost ❤
Counters:

Gigalith by GoldCat,

Porygon2 by ForgottenOnes,

Bronzong by twitch.tv/Bag_of_Trixx

Week 15

Checks:

Barraskewda by kakaks,

Passimian by Fusion Flare,

Thwackey by Expulso
Counters:

Gastrodon by Monky25,

Claydol by Eggs McGee,

Runerigus by HailFall

Week 16

Checks:

Gardevoir by Cheezy,

Copperajah by Katy,

Escavalier by Oathkeepre
Counters:

Bronzong by Aquarius Ghost ❤

Week 17

Checks:

Golurk by Cheezy,

Seismitoad by Expulso
Counters:

Gastrodon by gorex,

Milotic by Eggs McGee,

Scrafty by Jaytop31,

Quagsire by Aquarius Ghost ❤

Week 18

Checks:

Vileplume by Aquarius Ghost ❤,

Milotic by Oathkeepre,

Toxicroak by Flareblitzkreig,

Jellicent by Katy
Counters:

Tangela by Monky25

Week 19

Checks:

SpDef Gigalith by Eggs McGee,

Toxicroak by Jaytop31
Counters:

Bronzong by Aquarius Ghost ❤

Week 20

Checks:

Zarude by Cheezy,

Golisopod by Yaily,

Mimikyu by Fabi_ODST,

Glastrier by zizalith,

Suicune by Aquarius Ghost ❤
Counters:

Tangela by Mac3,

Cresselia by Oathkeepre

Week 21

Checks: Cobalion by Mac3, Mimikyu by zizalith, Mienshao by Monky25
Counters: Klefki by Flareblitzkreig, Diancie by gorex

Week 22

Checks: Zygarde-10% by Aquarius Ghost ❤, Raikou by Natan
Counters: Diancie by Jaytop31, Reuniclus by Flareblitzkreig

Week 23

Checks: Zygarde-10% by Raxelgrande, Obstagoon by Monky25, Sharpedo by Oathkeepre
Counters: Snorlax by Natan, Incineroar by gorex

Week 24

Checks: Toxtricity by Renju_V2, Salazzle by Flareblitzkreig
Counters: Doublade by gorex

Week 25

Checks: Talonflame by Jmash, Bewear by xoPure
Counters: Weezing-G by Monky25, Togekiss by Flareblitzkreig

Week 26

Checks: Golurk by Aquarius Ghost ❤, Dhelmise by xoPure, Marowak-A by Monky25
Counters: Milotic by Yourwelcomthank, Doublade by Oathkeepre

Week 27

Checks: Steelix by Aquarius Ghost ❤, Zarude by Flareblitzkreig, Dhelmise by xoPure
Counters: Snorlax by Oathkeepre, Porygon2 by Monky25

Week 28

Checks: Metagross by daniYSB, Raikou by Yourwelcomthank, Toxtricity by Oathkeepre
Counters: Stakataka by Aquarius Ghost ❤, Diancie by Monky25

Week 29

Checks: Flygon by Yourwelcomthank, Diancie by Microwave Raccoon
Counters: Milotic by gglrg, Snorlax by A Very Gay Girl

Week 30

Checks: Mimikyu by Jaytop31, Crobat by Heracross2.0
Counters: Weezing-G by Aquarius Ghost ❤

Extra Archive Space

None needed right now

Top Assassin Standings

Aquarius Ghost ❤ - 16
Jaytop31 - 8
Monky25 - 8
Flareblitzkreig - 7
Oathkeepre - 7
Yourwelcomthank - 6
gorex - 5
daniYSB - 4
xoPure - 4
Heracross2.0 - 3
Natan - 3
gglrg - 2
Jmash - 2
Mac3 - 2
Raxelgrande - 2
Renju_V2 - 2
A Very Gay Girl - 1
Microwave Raccoon - 1
zizalith - 1

Top Assassins!​

User​	Session​	Points​
gorex​	1​	11​
Aquarius Ghost ❤​	2​	15​
Aquarius Ghost ❤​	3​	16​

 

[Oathkeeper]

Starting a little early here but let's do this folks!

Week 1
The first victim to kill dead in this generation is...........

Salazzle @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Corrosion
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Wave
- Toxic

Friendly reminder to adhere to the rules in the origin post!

Voting will begin on Wednesday, March 18​

 

[asmirnov]

Indeedee (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic / Psyshock
- Hyper Voice / Energy Ball
- Mystical Fire
- Dazzling Gleam

Scarfed Indeedee outspeeds and threatens to OHKO Salazzle with a terrain boosted STAB. Hard switching into Salazzle isn't reliable, since Deedee gets 2HKO by it, and even if you predict NP it would just switch out. Instead you must treat Indeedee as a check, get it in for free, a force a 'guessgame' everytime it switches out. Psyshock tears a hole on Spdef walls (but if you have that covered already you might prefer psychic since it has higher BP), and dark types, the only real '50/50' gets covered by Gleam. The idea is to chip the entire opposite team by forcing mons like Salazzle out, and then in the late game it's possible for Indeedee to clean everything up just by clicking buttons.

 

[HiddenPower23]

Snorlax @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Curse
- Body Slam
- Darkest Lariat

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Snorlax: 187-222 (35.6 - 42.3%) -- 91.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Snorlax Body Slam vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 151-178 (54.5 - 64.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Nominated as a check

 

[Expulso]

Nominating Rhydon as a counter.


Rhydon @ Eviolite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 172 HP / 248 SpD / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock / Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Heat Crash / Megahorn

Rhydon resists both Poison and Fire attacks, and its Eviolite-boosted bulk allows it to comfortably come in on a +2 Sludge Wave or Fire Blast before retaliating with either of its STABs. While its lack of Leftovers recovery means that it does not love being Toxiced, its ability to immediately force Salazzle out and OHKO it if it stays in means that it does not need to take Toxic damage for more than 2 turns.

Rhydon can use the nearly free switch-in Salazzle offers to set up Stealth Rock, or it can cripple whatever switches into it with a strong physical attack.

This EV spread enables Rhydon to take Salazzle's attacks as well as possible. While a SpD-bosting nature and max HP would make it even bulkier, I believe an Adamant nature and some speed is necessary to give Rhydon sufficient offensive presence. An Adamant nature and the Speed EVs ensure that Rhydon can 2HKO Vileplume with Heat Crash and outspeed it.

If Rhydon runs a more offensive spread of 252 Attack and 252 Speed, which is generally more useful for offensive teams, it can still counter Salazzle - it can OHKO Salazzle while taking at most 67% from a +2 Fire Blast. However, this EV spread allows Rhydon to take damage from Salazzle's attacks or Toxic multiple times during a game while still being a reliable counter.

calcs:
0+ Atk Rhydon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 900-1060 (324.9 - 382.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO (lol)

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 200-236 (56.9 - 67.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 87-102 (24.7 - 29%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 172 HP / 248 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 135-159 (34.2 - 40.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 172 HP / 248 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 58-68 (14.7 - 17.2%) -- possible 6HKO

ty have a good 1 yall! stay safe <3

 

[Mavis]

Jellicent @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Hex
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Jellicent: 153-181 (37.8 - 44.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Jellicent: 132-156 (32.6 - 38.6%) -- 5.1% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Jellicent Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salazzle: 228-270 (82.3 - 97.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Jellicent can easily switch in on the Nasty Plot and then proceed to win without any special defense investment needed, retaining it's use as a physically defensive powerhouse. 200 points of special defense investment is required to not get 3HKO'd by any of Salazzle's +2 attacks, but since you're switching in as the Nasty Plot goes up anyways, you shouldn't be taking three Fire Blasts to the face.

Nominated as a counter

 

[gorex]

Nominated as a counter

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Toxic
- Recover

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gastrodon: 189-222 (44.3 - 52.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 44 SpD Gastrodon: 180-212 (42.2 - 49.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Gastrodon Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salazzle: 540-640 (194.9 - 231%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Even with the physically defensive spread, Gastrodon is able to easily switch in on Salazzle as it Nasty Plots or even +2 Salazzle as it is able to survive 2 hits from full, and OHKO with earth power.

Additionally, for extra insurance vs +2 Salazzle, you could even shift 40 EVs from Def to SpD (252 HP / 212 Def / 44 SpD) to ensure you don't ever get 2HKO'ed even with rocks up.

Therefore, Gastrodon is a good answer to NP Salazzle as it can retain its physically defensive prowess while still being able to adequately handle Salazzle.

 

[Katy]

reserving coalossal


Coalossal @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Flamethrower
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Will-O-Wisp

Coalossal is a good counter here because the only effective thing Salazzle can do is badly poisoning it with its statusmove in Toxic.
Coalossal can tank even a +4 Fire Blast and a Sludge Wave with ease and can heavily weaken it with its STAB Rock Blast and
even a +6 Fire Blast won't do too much. Thus Coalossal is a good counter because it still has some trouble with getting poisoned, but in overall, it tanks both of Salazzle STABs.

Calc:

Hide

252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Coalossal: 54-63 (12.7 - 14.8%) -- possible 7HKO
252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Coalossal: 31-36 (7.3 - 8.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Coalossal: 61-73 (14.3 - 17.2%) -- possible 6HKO
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Coalossal: 107-126 (25.2 - 29.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

+4 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Coalossal: 93-109 (21.9 - 25.7%) -- 2.1% chance to 4HKO
+4 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Coalossal: 161-189 (37.9 - 44.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 Atk Coalossal Rock Blast (3 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 204-252 (73.6 - 90.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[daunt vs]

Nominated as check
Xatu Spdef: (in bold what I recommend to use )

Xatu @ Leftovers/Colbur-Berry/Rocky-Helmet/Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 140 SpD / 60 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Roost
- Psychic
- Heat Wave
- Teleport/Calm Mind/Grass Knot/Protect/Toxic
Xatu has one key advantage compared to most Salazzle checks/counters, Salazzle can't poison Xatu. It also has reliable recovery, it's not passive thanks to Teleport + decent Spatk and good coverage and can KO salazzle 100% of the time. While most Xatus are Phy Defensive, Spdef also has a good niche thanks to being able to check growth plume and Indeedee better than Physical Xatu.It's only a check because any chip puts it on +2 sludge range but Xatu presence alone makes Salazzle think twice before using toxic which it's one of the main ways Salazzle worns down his checks
Xatu spread let's Xatu live +2 non-LO Sludge Wave from Salazzle, while still being faster than Jolly Bewear and avoiding the 2hko from any Steelix set outside head smash and defensive Mudsdale.
Calcs:
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 144+ SpD Xatu: 280-331 (83.8 - 99.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Xatu Psychic vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salazzle: 278-330 (100.3 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Ningildo]

Cramorant @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Calm Nature
Ability: Gulp Missile
EVs: 252 HP / 76 SpA / 180 SpD
- Surf
- Defog
- Roost
- Air Slash

Discount Mantine does pretty well at countering a boosted Salazzle:

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 180+ SpD Cramorant: 220-259 (63.9 - 75.2%)

Toxic can be quite obnoxious in the long run, but Boots plus Roost should keep you out of +2 Sludge Wave range for a while, at the cost of eating momentum due being forced to Roost.

The Special Attack invesment guarantees you OHKO Salazzle from full, instead of being a coinflip to OHKO:

76 SpA Cramorant Surf vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salazzle: 278-330 (100.3 - 119.1%)
0 SpA Cramorant Surf vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Salazzle: 254-302 (91.6 - 109%)

Feel free to max out Special Defense investment if you like risk on defensive mons (don't).

It also provides Defog as a bonus and can annoy with Gulp Missile (if the opponent doesn't have a Water immunity lol). Mantine is probably better all around (mainly due access to Toxic), but Cramorant's Gulp Missile can give an edge with front loaded passive damage.

 

[Loom]

Nomming Quagsire as a COUNTER

->

Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Toxic
- Earthquake
- Recover
Pretty self explanatory here, Quagsire is able to stomach any hit from Salazzle only minding toxic and is able to knock it out in one hit.


0 Atk

Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def

: 568-672 (205 - 242.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO


​

 

[AstraBlade]

Gallade (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Justified
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Zen Headbutt
- Knock Off
- Thunder Punch

Time to get a little creative with Assault Vest Gallade. This mon can live three fire blasts from a non boosted Salazzle and live one from a +2 Salazzle. This means that Gallade can switch into Salazzle on either an attack or a NP and threaten to KO back with Zen Headbutt (plus Drain Punch can keep it high on health through a game, giving it more opportunities to switch in).

Calcs:
252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Gallade: 94-112 (27.7 - 33%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Gallade: 189-223 (55.7 - 65.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Gallade Zen Headbutt vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 422-498 (152.3 - 179.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Nominating this as a Check

 

[Ghostmanz]

Allow me nominate Runerigus as a Check

Runerigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Wandering Spirit
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Shadow Claw
- Stealth Rock
- Will-O-Wisp
​

252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Runerigus: 112-133 (35 - 41.5%) -- 76% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Runerigus: 124-147 (38.7 - 45.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Runerigus: 223-264 (69.6 - 82.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

And of course, the overkill EQ damage calc..
0 Atk Runerigus Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 624-736 (225.2 - 265.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[xerovis]

Nominating as a Check, since it's down to slim pickins. This is a very niche spread for Qwil but will do the trick.

Qwilfish @ Lum Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Thunder Wave
- Spikes
- Taunt

Qwilfish resists both of Salazzle's stabs, and can kill with Liquidation off the hop even with a measly 4 atk EVs and Adamant nature. With no speed investment at all, Qwilfish is able to outspeed after a paralysis from Thunder Wave and kill with Liquidation. This has the added benefit of spreading paralysis to the team if Salazzle opts to switch out of harms way. Qwil could use the first turn to taunt if it's assumed that Salazzle will go in for a toxic or nasty plot. Lum berry will cure the resulting poison if toxic was the choice, and if it was NP it will force Salazzle to either switch out or fire off a move which Qwil resists.

4+ Atk Qwilfish Liquidation vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 290-344 (104.3 - 123.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Salazzle Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Qwilfish: 75-88 (22.4 - 26.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Qwilfish: 90-107 (26.9 - 32%) -- 62.3% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock

If coming in after something was killed by +2 Sal, Qwilfish is safest to go straight for liquidation as +2 Fireblast is in 2HKO range:

+2 252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252 SpD Qwilfish: 181-213 (54.1 - 63.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Coton]

Nominated as a check

Passimian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Close Combat
- Earthquake

252 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Passimian: 241-285 (70.6 - 83.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Passimian Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 624-736 (225.2 - 265.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

The standard Passimian set is a pretty good check : it is bulky enough to tank one Fire Blast and forces Salazzle to switch out. The momentum is still yours if you decide to use U-turn, and Knock Off threatens the longetivity of Vileplume and Mantine, it's two common counters (and strongest defensive pokemon right now).

 

[the pharoah]

Nominating as a check
Set:
Rapidash-Galar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pastel Veil
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Zen Headbutt
- High Horsepower
- Healing Wish

Description

Scarf Galarian Rapidash with Adamant so you actually do damage, high horsepower helps so you dont miss zen, healing wish in the last slot always welcome to give your wincon a second life.

Calc

252+ Atk Rapidash-Galar High Horsepower vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 520-616 (187.7 - 222.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Zneon]

Nominating Barraskewda as a check

Barraskewda @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Close Combat
- Psychic Fangs
- Aqua Jet

Pretty self-explanatory, with a free switch in Barraskewda is always able to outspeed and OHKO Salazzle with 3 choice of moves, and even in the worse case scenario that webs are on your side of the field, you can simply just kill it with Aqua Jet as it has an incredibly high chance to OHKO. However since Barraskewda is incredibly frail you aren't necessarily able to hard switch into Salazzle.

Calcs

252+ Atk Life Orb Barraskewda Liquidation vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 577-681 (208.3 - 245.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Barraskewda Psychic Fangs vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 385-455 (138.9 - 164.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Barraskewda Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 273-322 (98.5 - 116.2%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO

 

[Oathkeeper]

Mantine @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Air Slash / Toxic
- Roost
- Defog

Check. Cannot come in on Salazzle using NP since it will die 2 turns later via Sludge Wave:

+2 252 SpA

Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD

: 207-244 (55.3 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

But if Mantine comes in via slow pivot or safely, it can take down Salazzle with 2 Scalds:

0 SpA

Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD

: 216-254 (77.9 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


Checks​

User​	Pokemon​	Link to set​
asmirnov ​	​	Indeedee-M​
daunt vs ​	​	Xatu​
AstraBlade ​	​	Gallade​
Ghostmanz ​	​	Runerigus​
xerovis ​	​	Qwilfish​
Coton ​	​	Passimian​
the pharoah ​	​	Rapidash-G​
f is for frens ​	​	Barraskewda​
Oathkeepre ​	​	Mantine​

Counters​

User​	Pokemon​	Link to set​
HiddenPower23">HiddenPower23​		Snorlax​
Expulso ​	​	Rhydon​
bkdrew ​	​	Jellicent​
gorex ​	​	Gastrodon​
Katy ​	​	Coalossal​
Ningildo ​	​	Cramorant​
Loom ​	​	Quagsire​

Vote for 2 checks AND 2 counters. The voting phase will end Saturday night!

Checks: Barraskewda, Indeedee
Counters: Jellicent, Gastrodon, Snorlax (edit)​

 

[asmirnov]

lax, passimian
jelli, coalossal

Edit: mantine as an additional check vote

mantine, passimian
jelli, coalossal, snorlax

 

[sol]

checks: lax xatu
counters: jelli quag

 

[Fusion Flare]

checks: AV lade(super cool tech btw), lax
counters: quag rhydon

additional check: barra

 

[Katy]

checks: mantine, snorlax
counters: jellicent, gastrodon

additional check: runerigus

 

[AstraBlade]

Checks: Mantine, Passimian
Counters: Rhydon, Jellicent

 

[HiddenPower23]

Check: Xatu and Rapidash-G
Counter: Quagsire and Jellicent