Project SS OU - Victim of the Week - Not hosted anymore

[Martin]

Check

Magearna @ Choice Specs
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 112 SpA / 12 SpD / 136 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fleur Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Aura Sphere
- Trick

A healthy Magearna can switch in as Alakazam uses Nasty Plot and survive a +2 Focus Blast while having a 20% chance to OHKO back with Fleur Cannon (assuming Zam has taken no prior damage). It has a habit of being chipped down by Spikes and doesn't appreciate Knock Off, but when you consider that Alakazam has to rely on a 70% accurate move to hit it for anything more than chip damage, it allows you to delay its attempts to boost up while also heavily pressuring a player who is now playing defence with the threat of Volt Switch momentum, Fleur Cannon nuking, and/or Trick crippling.

 

[powergo1]

Check

Rillaboom @ Choice Band/Life Orb/Grassy Seed/other
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant/Jolly Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Whatever
- Else
- Is Needed

Rillaboom, unlike other priority-based checks, doesn't have to worry about Psychic Terrain being up as Grassy Terrain boosted Grassy Glide can OHKO the given Alakazam set regardless of held item. Rillaboom can also swap in on a Life Orb boosted Psychic once and threaten it out.

252 Atk Rillaboom Grassy Glide vs. 0 HP / 28 Def Alakazam in Grassy Terrain: 256-303 (101.9 - 120.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
228 SpA Life Orb Alakazam Psychic vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rillaboom: 259-305 (75.9 - 89.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

 

[Fusion Flare]

Alright, stuff is in. Vote for a check.

by powergo1
Specs by Martin
AV by Katy
by Byakko
by Cheezy
by Tysonslayer
by sparkwings
by Spoopy
by ReadTheMango
by escarlata

 

[Katy]

Mimikyu

 

[King on crack]

mimikyu

 

[Spoopy]

AV Magearna

 

[ReadTheMango]

AV Mage

 

[voyage]

Scizor.

 

[Avery]

AV gear

 

[Fusion Flare]

The votes are in, and Assault Vest Magearna wins! Congrats to Katy!

Now for our next Pokemon!

Cinderace @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pyro Ball
- Gunk Shot
- U-turn
- Zen Headbutt

Cinderace has been decent in OU for a time, but with Libero, it went from ok to outstanding! How will you deal with Protean 2: Bunny Boogaloo?

 

[Tysonslayer]

Toxapex @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Recover
- Haze
- Baneful Bunker

Toxapex is an effective check against Cinderace only having to worry about Zen Headbutt in it's arsenal to do anything against Toxapex, that is why Baneful Bunker helps on wearing down Cinderace by poisoning it when it makes contact on Pex with either U-Turn switching out or Zen headbutt and poisoning it , as well as using Rocky Helmet to chip it down.

 

[Katy]

jellicent


Jellicent @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Night Shade
- Strength Sap
- Will-O-Wisp
- Taunt

counters cinderace as none of its attacks will do a good chunk of damage to it, cinderace pyro ball and also gunk shot won't hit it super effective, nor does u-turn hit jellicent for a super effective damage. cinderace only can fish for zen headbutt flinches or for a poison / burn to cripple jellicent, but even then jellicent can easily recover its health via strength sap and whittle cinderace down with night shade. furthermore jellicent can drop cinderaces attack stat when it uses strength sap, even tho jellicent is very niche in the ou vr it can certainly counter cinderace with its amazing defensive typing where no move is super effective on it.

calcs:

Hide

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 196+ Def Jellicent: 117-138 (28.9 - 34.1%) -- 2.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 196+ Def Jellicent: 51-60 (12.6 - 14.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 196+ Def Jellicent: 87-102 (21.5 - 25.2%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 196+ Def Jellicent: 87-102 (21.5 - 25.2%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

 

[robynxyamada]

Slowbro @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Slack Off
- Scald
- Teleport
- Thunder Wave/Toxic

Slowbro can pretty much come in on the Cinderace regardless of the move. Slack Off allows it to heal off pretty much anything Cinderace can throw at it, while Scald/Thunder Wave/Toxic allow it to potentially cripple it.

This is taking Libero into account
252+ Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 158-188 (40.1 - 47.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Slowbro: 158-188 (40.1 - 47.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Slowbro damage calc
0 SpA Slowbro Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 218-258 (72.4 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[escarlata]

Slowbro damage calc
0 SpA Slowbro Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 218-258 (72.4 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

This calc isn't really representative of the matchup because Cinderace is almost never going to be Fire type against Slowbro.
A neutral calc makes more sense here.
0 SpA Slowbro Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 109-129 (36.2 - 42.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Cheezy]

reserving quag



Quagsire @ Rocky Helmet
Relaxed Nature
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
- Scald
- Recover
- Toxic
- Earthquake
​

Quagsire is a counter/check (depends on what move Cinderace has) to Cinderace. Quagsire can always switch in on any of Cinderace's moves and stall Cinderace out by spamming Recover and Toxic and Rocky Helmet damage chipping it down. Earthquake will always 3HKO as well so it can be used to beat Cinderace over Toxic.

Calcs

252 Atk Libero Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 72-86 (18.2 - 21.8%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 97-115 (24.6 - 29.1%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 84-100 (21.3 - 25.3%) -- 0.2% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 157-186 (39.8 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Quagsire Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace: 76-91 (25.2 - 30.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 120-142 (39.8 - 47.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Rotten]

Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 44 Def / 172 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Swords Dance

• Rhyperior serves as a counter to Cinderace, thanks to its excellent bulk and typing which wall it frequently.
• It's also a good Stealth Rocker that can check the likes of Zeraora, Mandibuzz, and Corviknight.
• High Jump Kick can be a problem, but thankfully it's not very common.
• It can additionally pair well with Pokemon that deal with Water and Grass types, such as Cinderace + Zeraora.

Calcs

252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 72-85 (16.8 - 19.9%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 97-115 (22.7 - 26.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 84-100 (19.6 - 23.4%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 36-42 (8.4 - 9.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 84-100 (19.6 - 23.4%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Libero Cinderace High Jump Kick vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Solid Rock Rhyperior: 235-279 (55 - 65.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
152 Atk Life Orb Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 224 HP / 0 Def Rhyperior: 101-121 (23.6 - 28.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
Cinderace Electro Ball vs. Rhyperior: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- possibly the worst move ever

​

 

[GrantMJC]

Runerigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Wandering Spirit
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Will-O-Wisp
- Body Press
- Earthquake

Runerigus is a counter to Cinderace.
It is not 3HKOed by Pyro Ball
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Runerigus: 102-120 (31.8 - 37.5%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
and can potentially OHKO with Earthquake as long as Cinderace is weak to it
4 Atk Runerigus Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 264-312 (87.7 - 103.6%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
It can set up rocks and cripple incoming Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp, giving it great utility. If Cinderace opts to use a contact move such as Zen Headbutt or U-Turn, Runerigus will gain Libero and Cinderace will lose it. Of course Cinderace can just switch out, but an uncommon Pokemon in Runerigus that can now change its type could confuse the opponent and force them to spend their mental energy figuring out how to deal with Runerigus. The only thing Cinderace can do to Runerigus is chip it with Pyro Ball. Any other move in Cinderace's arsenal is completely ineffective. High Jump Kick does not not and causes Cinderace to lose 50% of its HP. Sucker Punch does not 2HKO, and will fail is Runerigus uses a status move.
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Runerigus: 116-140 (36.2 - 43.7%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Bulk Up Variants are vulnerable to Will-O-Wisp when boosting, and Earthquake when attacking. While it is possible for the Cinderace to break past Runerigus, it would require perfect prediction for several turns, with Runerigus gaining a ton of mileage if the Cinderace player messes up even one prediction, skewing the h2h drastically in Runerigus' favor even against the one set that could theoretically break through it.

 

[Martin]

Hippowdon @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 248 Def
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Whirlwind / Toxic

Helmet Hippo can take Pyro Ball very easily, resists Gunk Shot, and chips away at Cinderace as it uses U-turn. This is one of the two most consistent widely viable answers in the format at the moment given that the Regenerator users outside of Pex are weak to either U-turn or Pyro Ball and can't really afford to carry Helmet over another item.

 

[LpZ]

Torkoal @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Heat Rock
Ability: Drought
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Rapid Spin
- Rest
- Sleep Talk / Stealth Rock / Toxic​

Torkoal serves as a counter to Cinderace. When you`re using a Sun team it is important to have a great Cinderace switch-in, since it can enjoy your own weather and strike some Sun-boosted Pyro Balls, and Torkoal can get the job done taking those hits. However, you have to be aware of hazards since if it is not running Boots it is prone to be worn down quickly (even though it has Rest), so I would recommend you using a Defog/Magic Bounce user alongside it. And if Cinderace clicks Zen or Gunk it takes the risk of getting burned.

Calcs

252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal in Sun: 78-92 (22.6 - 26.7%) -- 28.6% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal: 69-82 (20 - 23.8%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal: 103-123 (29.9 - 35.7%) -- 31.5% chance to 3HKO

0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace in Sun: 72-85 (23.9 - 28.2%) -- 95.5% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace in Sun: 144-171 (47.8 - 56.8%) -- 88.3% chance to 2HKO (when Cinderace clicks Gunk/Zen)

 

[TURBODERP]

Torkoal @ Heavy-Duty Boots / Heat Rock
Ability: Drought
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Rapid Spin
- Rest
- Sleep Talk / Stealth Rock / Toxic​

Torkoal serves as a counter to Cinderace. When you`re using a Sun team it is important to have a great Cinderace switch-in, since it can enjoy your own weather and strike some Sun-boosted Pyro Balls, and Torkoal can get the job done taking those hits. However, you have to be aware of hazards since if it is not running Boots it is prone to be worn down quickly (even though it has Rest), so I would recommend you using a Defog/Magic Bounce user alongside it. And if Cinderace clicks Zen or Gunk it takes the risk of getting burned.

Calcs

252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal in Sun: 78-92 (22.7 - 26.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal: 69-82 (20.1 - 23.9%) -- 53.4% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Torkoal: 103-123 (30 - 35.8%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO

0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace in Sun: 72-85 (23.9 - 28.2%) -- 23.1% chance to 3HKO
0 SpA Torkoal Lava Plume vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Cinderace in Sun: 144-171 (47.8 - 56.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (when Cinderace clicks Gunk/Zen)

minor error but Gunk should be a 51% shot to 3HKO not 2HKO (30-35% can't ever 2HKO obviously)

 

[LpZ]

minor error but Gunk should be a 51% shot to 3HKO not 2HKO (30-35% can't ever 2HKO obviously)

oh i changed the HP % in the calc before that and I didn't see that, thanks for quoting that

 

[ReadTheMango]

Coalossal @ Power Herb
Ability: Steam Engine
EVs: 128 HP / 236 SpA / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Meteor Beam
- Flamethrower
- Scald
- Earth Power

The Coaly boi can serve as a fun check to Cinderace. Your use of the mon is pretty simple.

Come in on a Pyro Ball, get boosted up, hit the beam button (if they don't have a Chansey or Blissey), deal a truckload to whatever comes in and wallbreak / sweep. Even if you don't come in on a Pyro Ball, this boi resists 3 out of Cinderace's 4 moves.

Credit to Hoolin for the set from the heat thread.

defensive calcs

252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 38-45 (9.6 - 11.4%) -- possible 9HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 103-123 (26.2 - 31.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possible 8HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 91-108 (23.1 - 27.4%) -- 61.7% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 77-91 (19.5 - 23.1%) -- possible 5HKO

 

[Fusion Flare]

Runerigus @ Leftovers
Ability: Wandering Spirit
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Will-O-Wisp
- Body Press
- Earthquake

Runerigus is a counter to Cinderace.
It is not 3HKOed by Pyro Ball
252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Runerigus: 102-120 (31.8 - 37.5%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
and can potentially OHKO with Earthquake as long as Cinderace is weak to it
4 Atk Runerigus Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cinderace: 264-312 (87.7 - 103.6%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
It can set up rocks and cripple incoming Pokemon with Will-O-Wisp, giving it great utility. If Cinderace opts to use a contact move such as Zen Headbutt or U-Turn, Runerigus will gain Libero and Cinderace will lose it. Of course Cinderace can just switch out, but an uncommon Pokemon in Runerigus that can now change its type could confuse the opponent and force them to spend their mental energy figuring out how to deal with Runerigus. The only thing Cinderace can do to Runerigus is chip it with Pyro Ball. Any other move in Cinderace's arsenal is completely ineffective. High Jump Kick does not not and causes Cinderace to lose 50% of its HP. Sucker Punch does not 2HKO, and will fail is Runerigus uses a status move.
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Runerigus: 116-140 (36.2 - 43.7%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
Bulk Up Variants are vulnerable to Will-O-Wisp when boosting, and Earthquake when attacking. While it is possible for the Cinderace to break past Runerigus, it would require perfect prediction for several turns, with Runerigus gaining a ton of mileage if the Cinderace player messes up even one prediction, skewing the h2h drastically in Runerigus' favor even against the one set that could theoretically break through it.

Coalossal @ Power Herb
Ability: Steam Engine
EVs: 128 HP / 236 SpA / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Meteor Beam
- Flamethrower
- Scald
- Earth Power

The Coaly boi can serve as a fun check to Cinderace. Your use of the mon is pretty simple.

Come in on a Pyro Ball, get boosted up, hit the beam button (if they don't have a Chansey or Blissey), deal a truckload to whatever comes in and wallbreak / sweep. Even if you don't come in on a Pyro Ball, this boi resists 3 out of Cinderace's 4 moves.

Credit to Hoolin for the set from the heat thread.

defensive calcs

252 Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 38-45 (9.6 - 11.4%) -- possible 9HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Zen Headbutt vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 103-123 (26.2 - 31.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace U-turn vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possible 8HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Sucker Punch vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 91-108 (23.1 - 27.4%) -- 61.7% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Libero Cinderace Gunk Shot vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Coalossal: 77-91 (19.5 - 23.1%) -- possible 5HKO

Hey, thanks for coming in to submit checks to Cinderace! Unfortunately, both these pokemon are not ranked in the current metagame viability rankings, which is usually where the more consistent and conventional pokemon are, as seen in the 2nd rule i listed.

 

[ReadTheMango]

Hey, thanks for coming in to submit checks to Cinderace! Unfortunately, both these pokemon are not ranked in the current metagame viability rankings, which is usually where the more consistent and conventional pokemon are, as seen in the 2nd rule i listed.

Yeah no worries, forgot about the rule sorry.

 

[MANNAT]

Weezing-Galar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Neutralizing Gas
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
- Aromatherapy

With neutralizing gas and max bulk, weezing switches into ace, avoids the 2hko from pyro ball and blocks libero. As a result it deals with ace pretty handily and threatens it back with sludge bomb/can heal up throughout the game with pain split. A very underrated part of weezing's role as a cinderace check is that it takes absolutely nothing like uturn so ace can't just uturn once on it then 2hko the next time it comes in like it can against stuff like hippowdon and rhyperior.

252+ Atk Cinderace Pyro Ball vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Weezing-Galar: 127-150 (38 - 44.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery