Project RU Victim of the Week! Week 16: Arcanine (Sub)

1. Scizorphobic
2. Sickist
3. Katy

In terms of viability and reliability in checking zydoge, Slowbro comes out on top. While Tangela is a more reliable check than Virizion, when considering splashability Virizion is more easily fit onto teams and is in general a bigger threat. Srry for the long explanation but I felt like explaining my ordered list lol
 
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Congratulations to Katy for winning this weeks VotW with their Tangela submission. Scizorphobic and royesk came in second and third respectively for their sets this week. Hall of Fame entries and Leaderboards have been updated here.

Moving on to the next VotW we have...


Metagross @ Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Thunder Punch
- Bullet Punch

[Submission phase ends Monday 10th June]​
 

Katy

Banned deucer.
reserving seismitoad

537-Seismitoad.png

Seismitoad @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Toxic

Seismitoad can switch into any attack of Metagross pretty well and Seismitoad can - when switched into its Steel Stabs - pressure Metagross in a multitude of ways.
It can either Scald burn it or fire off a strong STAB Earthquake into Metagross' direction.
When Seismitoad switches into a Thunder-Punch, which Seismitoad is immune to due to its ground typing, it can easily use a Toxic to pressure Metagross' incoming teammate or set up Stealth Rocks.
In overall Seismitoad is an excellent check as it can come into anything and can pressure Metagross in multiple ways.

Calcs:
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 108-127 (26 - 30.6%) -- 67.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 159-188 (38.4 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 48-57 (11.5 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 SpA Seismitoad Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 84-99 (27.9 - 32.8%) -- 11.8% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 164-194 (54.4 - 64.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 
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avarice

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1559513107549.png
Ninetales @ Firium Z
Ability: Drought
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Hidden Power [Ice]

reliable check that bops with fire STAB, or can set up
 
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Salazzle @ Poisonium Z
Ability: Oblivious
EVs: 8 HP / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Wave
- Hidden Power Grass

Salazzle is a pretty good check to Band Metagross, as it outruns and OHKOes with Fire Blast and can switch into any move bar Earthquake.

248 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 350-414 (116.2 - 137.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 8 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 209-247 (74.9 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 8 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 188-222 (67.3 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
 
Reserving Quagsire.



Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Atk
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Curse

(The 4 Atk EVs enable Quagsire to secure the guaranteed OHKO with 1 fewer curse stacks)

A few important values:
-Leftovers recovery: 24 (394/16, rounded down)
-Maximum Metagross earthquake damage at 0 curse stacks: 174 ("252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire:
147-174...")
-Maximum Metagross earthquake damage at 1 curse stack: 117 ("252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def
Quagsire: 99-117...")
-Maximum Metagross earthquake damage at 2 curse stacks: 88 ("252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. +2 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire:
74-88")
-Recover recovery: 197 (394/2)

Quagsire is a consistent defensive counter to Choice Band Metagross. It can survive two earthquakes, after which its recover consistently out-heals Metagross's earthquake—even before gaining any curse stacks. Assuming optimal play and minimum damage rolls by Quagsire and maximum damage rolls by Metagross (locked into earthquake, which is Metagross's most damaging move in the match-up), this is the result:
Turn 1: Metagross uses earthquake as Quagsire switches in.
Quagsire health after turn 1: 394-174+24 = 244
Turn 2: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses recover.
Net health gain of Quagsire per turn: 197-174+24 = 47
To safely use curse, Quagsire must have at least 268 (174+117-24+1) health.
Quagsire reaches this amount of health after 1 use of recover ( (268-244)/47, rounded up).
Quagsire health after turn 2: 244+47 = 292
Turn 3: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses curse.
Quagsire health after turn 3: 292-174+24 = 142
Turn 4: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses recover.
Net health gain of Quagsire per turn: 197-117+24 = 104
To safely use curse, Quagsire must have at least 182 (117+88-24+1) health.
Quagsire reaches this amount of health after 1 use of recover ( (182-142)/104, rounded up).
Quagsire health after turn 4: 142+104 = 246
Turn 5: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses curse.
Quagsire health after turn 5: 246-117+24 = 153

At this point, Quagsire has a choice of either OHKOing Metagross or continuing to stack curse. For the sake of brevity, Quagsire is
assumed to take the OHKO as soon as possible.
Turn 6: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses earthquake.
Quagsire health before using earthquake: 153-88 = 65
Metagross is OHKOed ("+2 4 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 302-356 (100.3 - 118.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO").


TL;DR: Choice Band Metagross is setup fodder for Quagsire
 
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Mandi as a counter

->

Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 76 Def / 184 Spe
Impish Nature
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Roost
- Foul Play


Fast Mandibuzz can easily take on CB Metagross. The sheer bulk and utility of Mandibuzz is perfectly suited to take it on with Foul Play being able to almost OHKO Metagross and banded can barely kill with Thunder Punch, doing only about 56% on a max roll which can be easily Roosted off. Meteor Mash also only does about 40 ish~ percent on Mandibuzz, which again Mandibuzz can just Roost off with no issues.

252+ Atk
Thunder Punch vs. 248 HP / 76+ Def
: 226-266 (53.4 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery


0 Atk
178774
Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def
178773
: 282-332 (93.6 - 110.2%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO




 
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->

Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 76 Def / 184 Spe
Impish Nature
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Roost
- Foul Play


Fast Mandibuzz can easily take on CB Metagross. The sheer bulk and utility of Mandibuzz is perfectly suited to take it on with Foul Play being able to almost OHKO Metagross and banded can barely kill with Thunder Punch, doing only about 56% on a max roll which can be easily Roosted off. Meteor Mash also only does about 40 ish~ percent on Mandibuzz, which again Mandibuzz can just Roost off with no issues.

252+ Atk
Thunder Punch vs. 248 HP / 76+ Def
: 226-266 (53.4 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery


0 Atk View attachment 178774 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def View attachment 178773: 282-332 (93.6 - 110.2%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO




You’re supposed to explicitly state whether your submission is a check, or a counter.
 
reserving seismitoad

View attachment 178052

Seismitoad @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Toxic

Seismitoad can switch into any attack of Metagross pretty well and Seismitoad can - when switched into its Steel Stabs - pressure Metagross in a multitude of ways.
It can either Scald burn it or fire off a strong STAB Earthquake into Metagross' direction.
When Seismitoad switches into a Thunder-Punch, which Seismitoad is immune to due to its ground typing, it can easily use a Toxic to pressure Metagross' incoming teammate or set up Stealth Rocks.
In overall Seismitoad is an excellent counter as it can come into anything and can pressure Metagross in multiple ways.

Calcs:
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 108-127 (26 - 30.6%) -- 67.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 159-188 (38.4 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 48-57 (11.5 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 SpA Seismitoad Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 84-99 (27.9 - 32.8%) -- 11.8% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 164-194 (54.4 - 64.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Your Seismitoad is a check, not a counter. If Seismitoad switches into Earthquake, it loses the 1v1.
 
Voting has begun for Week 4's Victim: Metagross!

reserving seismitoad

View attachment 178052

Seismitoad @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Toxic

Seismitoad can switch into any attack of Metagross pretty well and Seismitoad can - when switched into its Steel Stabs - pressure Metagross in a multitude of ways.
It can either Scald burn it or fire off a strong STAB Earthquake into Metagross' direction.
When Seismitoad switches into a Thunder-Punch, which Seismitoad is immune to due to its ground typing, it can easily use a Toxic to pressure Metagross' incoming teammate or set up Stealth Rocks.
In overall Seismitoad is an excellent counter as it can come into anything and can pressure Metagross in multiple ways.

Calcs:
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 108-127 (26 - 30.6%) -- 67.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 159-188 (38.4 - 45.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Bullet Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 48-57 (11.5 - 13.7%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 SpA Seismitoad Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 84-99 (27.9 - 32.8%) -- 11.8% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 164-194 (54.4 - 64.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock


View attachment 178082
Ninetales @ Firium Z
Ability: Drought
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Hidden Power [Ice]

reliable check that bops with fire STAB, or can set up



Salazzle @ Poisonium Z
Ability: Oblivious
EVs: 8 HP / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Sludge Wave
- Hidden Power Grass

Salazzle is a pretty good check to Band Metagross, as it outruns and OHKOes with Fire Blast and can switch into any move bar Earthquake.

248 SpA Salazzle Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 350-414 (116.2 - 137.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Thunder Punch vs. 8 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 209-247 (74.9 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Meteor Mash vs. 8 HP / 0 Def Salazzle: 188-222 (67.3 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Reserving Quagsire.



Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Atk
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Curse

(The 4 Atk EVs enable Quagsire to secure the guaranteed OHKO with 1 fewer curse stacks)

A few important values:
-Leftovers recovery: 24 (394/16, rounded down)
-Maximum Metagross earthquake damage at 0 curse stacks: 174 ("252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire:
147-174...")
-Maximum Metagross earthquake damage at 1 curse stack: 117 ("252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. +1 252 HP / 252+ Def
Quagsire: 99-117...")
-Maximum Metagross earthquake damage at 2 curse stacks: 88 ("252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Earthquake vs. +2 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire:
74-88")
-Recover recovery: 197 (394/2)

Quagsire is a consistent defensive counter to Choice Band Metagross. It can survive two earthquakes, after which its recover consistently out-heals Metagross's earthquake—even before gaining any curse stacks. Assuming optimal play and minimum damage rolls by Quagsire and maximum damage rolls by Metagross (locked into earthquake, which is Metagross's most damaging move in the match-up), this is the result:
Turn 1: Metagross uses earthquake as Quagsire switches in.
Quagsire health after turn 1: 394-174+24 = 244
Turn 2: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses recover.
Net health gain of Quagsire per turn: 197-174+24 = 47
To safely use curse, Quagsire must have at least 268 (174+117-24+1) health.
Quagsire reaches this amount of health after 1 use of recover ( (268-244)/47, rounded up).
Quagsire health after turn 2: 244+47 = 292
Turn 3: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses curse.
Quagsire health after turn 3: 292-174+24 = 142
Turn 4: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses recover.
Net health gain of Quagsire per turn: 197-117+24 = 104
To safely use curse, Quagsire must have at least 182 (117+88-24+1) health.
Quagsire reaches this amount of health after 1 use of recover ( (182-142)/104, rounded up).
Quagsire health after turn 4: 142+104 = 246
Turn 5: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses curse.
Quagsire health after turn 5: 246-117+24 = 153

At this point, Quagsire has a choice of either OHKOing Metagross or continuing to stack curse. For the sake of brevity, Quagsire is
assumed to take the OHKO as soon as possible.
Turn 6: Metagross uses earthquake, then Quagsire uses earthquake.
Quagsire health before using earthquake: 153-88 = 65
Metagross is OHKOed ("+2 4 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 302-356 (100.3 - 118.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO").


TL;DR: Choice Band Metagross is setup fodder for Quagsire

Mandi as a counter

->

Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 76 Def / 184 Spe
Impish Nature
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Roost
- Foul Play


Fast Mandibuzz can easily take on CB Metagross. The sheer bulk and utility of Mandibuzz is perfectly suited to take it on with Foul Play being able to almost OHKO Metagross and banded can barely kill with Thunder Punch, doing only about 56% on a max roll which can be easily Roosted off. Meteor Mash also only does about 40 ish~ percent on Mandibuzz, which again Mandibuzz can just Roost off with no issues.

252+ Atk
Thunder Punch vs. 248 HP / 76+ Def
: 226-266 (53.4 - 62.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery


0 Atk View attachment 178774 Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def View attachment 178773: 282-332 (93.6 - 110.2%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO






Voting Rules!
Your vote should include 3 different sets ranking from 1 (best) and 3 (worst).
I will demonstrate by voting myself.
1. Applemoose
2. Loom
3. Scizorphobic

Voting ends June 13th
 
Congratulations to Applemoose for winning this weeks VotW with their Quagsire submission. Loom came in second and for the first time Scizorphobic and Katy third respectively for their sets this week. Hall of Fame entries and Leaderboards have been updated here.

Moving on to the next VotW we have...


Linoone @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Atk / 108 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Extreme Speed
- Stomping Tantrum
- Seed Bomb
Light Screen and Reflect are up!
[Submission phase ends Tuesday 18th June]​
 

Katy

Banned deucer.
tsrareena

8763-Mega-Tsareena.png
Tsareena @ Choice Band
Ability: Queenly Majesty

EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
- High Jump Kick
- U-turn

Tsareena offers itself as a great offensive check to Linoone as it is immune to its STAB in Extreme Speed due to its amazing ability in Queenly Majesty.
It also reists both coverage options from Linoone in Stomping Tantrum and Seed Bomb and Tsareena is naturally bulky enough
to even take a +6 Seed Bomb / Stomping Tantrum.
In return Tsareena has a chance to OHKO Linoone with a strong High Jump Kick even through a Reflect - and even when Tsareena misses out on the higher rolls to OHKO Linoone
another High Jump Kick afterwards is able to pick it finally off.

Calcs:
unboosted:
Linoone Extreme Speed vs. Queenly Majesty Tsareena: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time
252+ Atk Linoone Stomping Tantrum vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tsareena: 31-36 (10.8 - 12.6%) -- possible 8HKO
252+ Atk Linoone Seed Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tsareena: 32-38 (11.2 - 13.3%) -- possible 8HKO

boosted Linoone with Belly Drum:

Linoone Extreme Speed vs. Queenly Majesty Tsareena: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time

+6 252+ Atk Linoone Stomping Tantrum vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tsareena: 121-143 (42.4 - 50.1%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
+6 252+ Atk Linoone Seed Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tsareena: 129-152 (45.2 - 53.3%) -- 35.5% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Choice Band Tsareena High Jump Kick vs. 148 HP / 0 Def Linoone with an ally's Aurora Veil: 300-353 (89.8 - 105.6%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Tsareena Power Whip vs. 148 HP / 0 Def Linoone with an ally's Aurora Veil: 207-244 (61.9 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
 
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Kadabra @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Counter
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt

kadabra is a 100% stop to any linoone set as long as its sash is intact thanks to the combo of counter + magic guard. its not just a useless mon you slap on a ho just so ur not 6-0d by it, cause 120 spa + 105 spe is pretty good on any mon, and counter essentially makes it a blanket check to every physical attacker in the tier, kinda like mega banette but better lol (banette is also cool though). it also has a lot of wonky coverage so you can run whatever on those last 2 slots really. shoutout HonchTheConch lol
 
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Golbat @ Eviolite
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Taunt
- Roost
- Brave Bird
- Haze

Golbat is a hard check to Linoone if Stealth Rock is not up. 96 Speed + Jolly lets Golbat outspeed Linoone and Taunt it to prevent Belly Drum. With the HP and Def investment Golbat is able to live a +6 Extreme Speed and Haze Linoone if it manages to set up. With favourable roles Golbat can live +6 Extreme Speed as well as a neutral Extreme Speed allowing it to Counter it completely. However, because of its weakness to Stealth Rock and inability to always live +6 into neutral it can only be seen as a check.
 
Kadabra @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Counter
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt

kadabra is a 100% stop to any linoone set as long as its sash is intact thanks to the combo of counter + magic guard. its not just a useless mon you slap on a ho just so ur not 6-0d by it, cause 120 spa + 105 spe is pretty good on any mon, and counter essentially makes it a blanket check to every physical attacker in the tier, kinda like mega banette but better lol (banette is also cool though). it also has a lot of wonky coverage so you can run whatever on those last 2 slots really
only accepting this because its the most underrated S rank set of RU history
 

Umbreon @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Heal Bell / Toxic
- Foul Play

Pretty sure physdef Umbreon isn't a thing but desperate times call for desperate needs so I'm nomming it anyway. Umbreon is a counter in condition that Linoone is not at +6 already before switchin, otherwise it's a check. Umbreon can survive any single +6 move after rocks damage and proceed to KO through Reflect with STAB Foul Play.

+6 252+ Atk Linoone Extreme Speed vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Umbreon: 258-304 (65.4 - 77.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+6 252+ Atk Linoone Stomping Tantrum vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Umbreon: 161-190 (40.8 - 48.2%) -- 8.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+6 252+ Atk Linoone Seed Bomb vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Umbreon: 172-203 (43.6 - 51.5%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

0- Atk Umbreon Foul Play vs. 148 HP / +6 252+ Atk / 0 Def Linoone through Reflect: 338-398 (101.1 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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