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Project SS OU - Victim of the Week - Not hosted anymore
- Thread starter SetsuSetsuna
- Start date
- Status
Buzz, Molt
Eleki, Fini
Sorry for the wait, but the results are in! Congratulations to TURBODERP and Monky25 for winning with their submissions of Buzzwole and Moltres respectively!
Now onto our next target for the week!
The Spectral Steed, the Ghostly Galloper, the Hauntingly Horrifying Horse...its SPECTRIER!
Spectrier @ Choice Specs
Ability: Grim Neigh
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Hex
- Will-O-Wisp
- Mud Shot
In spite of the steed’s shallow set, it superbly spooks slower mons with its special strength! How will you hold back the horse of horror from getting harder and harder to halt?
Now onto our next target for the week!
The Spectral Steed, the Ghostly Galloper, the Hauntingly Horrifying Horse...its SPECTRIER!
Spectrier @ Choice Specs
Ability: Grim Neigh
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Hex
- Will-O-Wisp
- Mud Shot
In spite of the steed’s shallow set, it superbly spooks slower mons with its special strength! How will you hold back the horse of horror from getting harder and harder to halt?
Mandibuzz (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Impish Nature
- Toxic
- Roost
- Knock Off
- U-turn
Spectrier can do N O T H I N G to Mandibuzz, except Wisping, which is easily nulified by roost. Knock off is for item control and the main source of damage.
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Impish Nature
- Toxic
- Roost
- Knock Off
- U-turn
Spectrier can do N O T H I N G to Mandibuzz, except Wisping, which is easily nulified by roost. Knock off is for item control and the main source of damage.
Katy
Banned deucer.
Hydreigon @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Earth Power
- Roost
- Defog
is a great check to Specs-Spectrier as it can always force it out or threaten it with an OHKO after Stealth Rocks-damage. Furthermore Hydreigon has formidable recovery in Roost, which allows it to check Spectrier in the long term of the game. Hydreigon can also tank a +1 Choice Specs-boosted Shadow Ball from the Ghost-Horse and threaten it back with an OHKO via its STAB-move in Dark Pulse. However, Hydreigon has to be careful with switching directly into a +1 boosted Spectrier or when Hydreigon is statused beforehand as it hinders not only its longevity but also Hex gets powered up, but in overall Hydreigon is a formidable check to Spectrier and can heavily threaten it due to its great typing in dragon/dark and its ability in levitate, which allows Hydreigon to switch into Mud Shots without taking damage.
252 SpA Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Spectrier: 306-362 (89.7 - 106.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 115-136 (35.3 - 41.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 93-111 (28.6 - 34.1%) -- 1.8% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 173-204 (53.2 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 140-165 (43 - 50.7%) -- 52.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 115-136 (35.3 - 41.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 93-111 (28.6 - 34.1%) -- 1.8% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 173-204 (53.2 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Hydreigon: 140-165 (43 - 50.7%) -- 52.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
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HDB Incineroar as a counter
Incineroar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 212 SpD / 48 Spe
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Flare Blitz / Earthquake
- Parting Shot
- Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Incineroar: 127-150 (32.3 - 38.1%) -- 97.2% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Mud Shot vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Incineroar: 234-276 (59.5 - 70.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (130 BP) vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Incineroar: 207-243 (52.6 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after poison damage
0 Atk Incineroar Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 356-420 (104.3 - 123.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Incineroar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 123-145 (36 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Mud Shot vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Incineroar: 234-276 (59.5 - 70.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (130 BP) vs. 248 HP / 212+ SpD Incineroar: 207-243 (52.6 - 61.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after poison damage
0 Atk Incineroar Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 356-420 (104.3 - 123.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Incineroar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 123-145 (36 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
EVs and moves: 48 speed hits 168 speed, outspeed Melmetal so you can Parting Shot out safely, while also underspeeding Corviknight so it doesn't get momentum with U-Turn (Body Press doesn't 2HKO anyways). 248 HP in case the booties get removed, which isn't ideal.
Flare Blitz is strong but recoil+Helmet/Barbs/Rough Skin is an issue (recommend a WishPort partner and Grassy Terrain if possible), so Earthquake is viable IMO since it also hits Heatran, Tyranitar, and SpDef Pex pretty hard. Consider run Wisp if running EQ because being walled by Ferro as a Fire type sucks. Most relevant to the nomination, EQ also breaks the Sub of Spectrier which is important against SubDisable sets (especially with CM, which means Incineroar can't use Overheat/Flamethrower to break them consistently). Toxic vs Wisp in the last slot is up to user preference.
General set notes: Incineroar has some unique perks that make it a good counter to Spectrier and a decent pick on the right teams in OU. It's got solid bulk (95/90/90), its typing means it resists Dark Pulse and Shadow Ball/Hex while also being immune to Will-O-Wisp, and it's got good offensive stats and coverage, meaning even SubDisable Spectrier can't cheese past it single-handedly. In addition, Incineroar's got the great combination of Intimidate, Knock Off, and Parting Shot, making it an incredible pivot since it removes items and gains momentum while helping cushion the blow for whatever you switch in next via Parting Shot.
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Blissey @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Teleport
- Seismic Toss
- Soft-Boiled
- Thunder Wave / (Toxic / Shadow Ball)
Specs Spectrier is never KOing Blissey, ever. Blissey is basically free to click Teleport or a status move because Spectrier is going to be switching out 100% of the time. And even if Spectier does not choose to switch out, Blissey is getting 9HKOed at best, and can just switch back into Spectier whenever you desire. If Toxic / Shadow Ball is in the last slot, Blissey can also actively take down Spectier without relying solely on entry hazards.
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Obstagoon @ Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 40 SpD / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Facade
- Parting Shot
- Switcheroo / Close Combat
Obstagoon is an offensive counter to spectrier.
Obstagoon being on the playing field makes specs spectrier wary of just clicking buttons like it usually would.
Obstagoon is immune to not only it's ghost moves, but will-o-wisp as well, and can threaten it back with knock off, which will cripple any potential switchin, or parting shot, to allow obstagoon to keep up momentum.
Obstagoon forces Spectrier to force itself into using mud shot, which only 3hko's Obstagoon.
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Mud Shot vs. 0 HP / 40 SpD Obstagoon: 111-131 (33.9 - 40%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage
Speed is to outspeed max speed landorus-t.
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 40 SpD / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Facade
- Parting Shot
- Switcheroo / Close Combat
Obstagoon is an offensive counter to spectrier.
Obstagoon being on the playing field makes specs spectrier wary of just clicking buttons like it usually would.
Obstagoon is immune to not only it's ghost moves, but will-o-wisp as well, and can threaten it back with knock off, which will cripple any potential switchin, or parting shot, to allow obstagoon to keep up momentum.
Obstagoon forces Spectrier to force itself into using mud shot, which only 3hko's Obstagoon.
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Mud Shot vs. 0 HP / 40 SpD Obstagoon: 111-131 (33.9 - 40%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage
Speed is to outspeed max speed landorus-t.
Melmetal @ Assault Vest
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 140 HP / 116 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Double Iron Bash
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Thunder Punch
116 Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 350-414 (102.6 - 121.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
116 Atk Iron Fist burned Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 174-206 (51 - 60.4%) -- approx. 2HKO
116 Atk Iron Fist burned Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 174-206 (51 - 60.4%) -- approx. 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 135-159 (30.2 - 35.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 109-129 (24.4 - 28.9%) -- 99.1% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Mud Shot vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 124-146 (27.8 - 32.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 109-129 (24.4 - 28.9%) -- 99.1% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Mud Shot vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 124-146 (27.8 - 32.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Wouldn't Melmetal's attack be lowered from the burn?Nominating AV Melmetal as an offensive counter to Spectrier. Because of AV, it is able to switch into any of Spectrier's moves, sponge them up, and either OHKO or 2HKO depending on the move (if Spectrier uses WoW, you 2HKO it, and since it is locked into WoW because of its Choice Specs, it can't use Hex).
Melmetal @ Assault Vest
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 140 HP / 116 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Double Iron Bash
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Thunder Punch
116 Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 350-414 (102.6 - 121.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
116 Atk Iron Fist burned Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Spectrier: 174-206 (51 - 60.4%) -- approx. 2HKO252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Shadow Ball vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 135-159 (30.2 - 35.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after burn damage
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Hex (65 BP) vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 109-129 (24.4 - 28.9%) -- 99.1% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Spectrier Mud Shot vs. 140 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 124-146 (27.8 - 32.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
Check the offensive calcs, even if I switch into Spectrier using WoW, Melmetal 2HKOs it, and Spectrier is locked into WoW.
I just pulled EVs from Dex since I cleaned up builder that had ditto in it but let's call it an offensive check?
Ditto @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Imposter
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Transform
Unless they're running Blissey Spectrier is going to eventually kill something especially with the Specs set. Ditto can circumvent a potential sweep and make players hesitate before giving Ditto a Grim Neigh boosted Scarfer especially if the opposing team is short of Spectrier answers as well. Late game is also nice if this happens to be the set cause you'll pretty much beat it. When facing scarf it's a 50/50 but luck always favors the pink blobs historically speaking.
Ditto @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Imposter
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Transform
Unless they're running Blissey Spectrier is going to eventually kill something especially with the Specs set. Ditto can circumvent a potential sweep and make players hesitate before giving Ditto a Grim Neigh boosted Scarfer especially if the opposing team is short of Spectrier answers as well. Late game is also nice if this happens to be the set cause you'll pretty much beat it. When facing scarf it's a 50/50 but luck always favors the pink blobs historically speaking.
Dragapult @ Choice Specs
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 SpD
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Draco Meteor
- Flamethrower / Thunderbolt
- Hex / U-Turn
Forget it, Jake, it's Gen 8 OU - how better to offensively check fast Ghost spam than with faster Ghost spam? Any positive-natured Pult outspeeds Specs Trier and OHKOs back with Shadow Ball (or whichever other Ghost STAB you happen to be running).
Reserving Noctowl for a laugh
Noctowl @ Leftovers
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Agility
- Work Up
- Hurricane
- Roost
Takes literally nothing from Spectrier's STAB and Mud Shot, and 2HKO's back with a surprisingly powerful STAB hurricane:
252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Spectrier: 180-213 (52.7 - 62.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Noctowl @ Leftovers
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Agility
- Work Up
- Hurricane
- Roost
Takes literally nothing from Spectrier's STAB and Mud Shot, and 2HKO's back with a surprisingly powerful STAB hurricane:
252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Spectrier: 180-213 (52.7 - 62.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
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Unfortunately, even if it completely demolishes Spectrier, Noctowl is not ranked in the current metagame viability rankings, which is usually where the more consistent and conventional pokemon are.
Ah - I'm sorry, I missed that point in the first post. Sorry about that.
Alright folks, sorry for the wait, but the voting is here now! Vote for a check and counter each!
CHECKS:
COUNTERS:
CHECKS:
COUNTERS:
I vote Mandibuzz in counter and Dragapult in check at Spectrier
Incineroar as a counter
Ditto as a check,. as sad as it is, has something none of the other 'mons mentioned has. Ditto is the best deterrent on having the opponent spamming Spectrier throughout the match, no other 'mon put this type of psychological pressure on a Spectrier user, though sub can disrupt it, it usually comes in as a rkiller, so the priority should be to break the sub before dying.
Ditto as a check,. as sad as it is, has something none of the other 'mons mentioned has. Ditto is the best deterrent on having the opponent spamming Spectrier throughout the match, no other 'mon put this type of psychological pressure on a Spectrier user, though sub can disrupt it, it usually comes in as a rkiller, so the priority should be to break the sub before dying.
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