Project SS PU Victim of the Week | Week 2 - Sneasel (Submissions)

gum

for the better
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
approved by the pu mod team
OP stolen from the nu version with some changes by myself
taken over from Oathkeepre


PU VotW.png

art by Kaiju Bunny
Metagames are dynamic, ever-changing, and constantly subject to change. However, there are always key Pokemon which must be prepared for and acknowledged during teambuilding. This project is a great way for the community to come together and find ways to tackle these threats and develop a greater understanding of the tier as a whole, and also serves as a resource for newer and experimented players alike.

  • Every round, I'll pick one Pokemon from the "SS PU Viability Rankings" to be discussed. The submission stage will last from Sunday to Thursday.
  • During the round, post a Pokemon of your choosing which is able to check / counter the current threat, with a Set, Description, and Calculations if necessary. (Note that they MUST be viable, no gimmicks like Frilish or Assault Vest Stonjourner.)
  • From Thursday to Sunday, you'll vote for one or two checks and counters, and, at the end of the round, results will be archived with a link to the posts so that eventually we'll have a bank of checks and counters for each viable threat in the tier with descriptions and sets to match.

Rules:
  • When nominating your check or counter, please take into consideration this definition from The Smog:
Pokémon A checks Pokémon B if, when Pokémon A is given a free switch into Pokémon B, Pokémon A can win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.

Pokémon A counters Pokémon B if Pokémon A can manually switch into Pokémon B and still win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.

There are some parts of those definitions that may be confusing to the unfamiliar, so now I'm going to make sure we're all on the same page. "Hax" does not mean cheats or codes used to win. "Hax" means, loosely, things that have a chance of happening but usually don't, for example, critical hits (under most circumstances), Ice Beam freezing, and Fire Blast missing. This means that we don't take into account these types of things when we analyze if one Pokémon checks or counters another. Despite this, it's unwise to declare that one Pokémon checks another when the victorious Pokémon relies on hitting Focus Blast three times in a row, or something like that. Basically, you're often okay ignoring hax unless something that doesn't have a high chance of happening must happen in order for a Pokémon to check or counter another.

There are some things, like flinching, which you would normally consider to be hax but aren't always so. For example, Jirachi has a 60% chance to flinch a slower opponent with Iron Head, so in this case, flinching is not hax because it happens over half the time. For things such as missing or secondary effects, such as a Scald burn or Special Defense drop from Seed Flare, that have a decently high chance of happening, you need to think about them when you analyze checks or counters. Even though they might fit the standard definition of hax, they happen often enough for you to expect to see them in real situations somewhat commonly. There's no official or best guideline, but in my opinion, if some form of "hax" has a 30% chance or higher of happening, you should keep it in the back of your mind because it's not a negligible occurrence.
  • Only post viable sets, or I will reject your submission. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to let me know on here, Pokémon Showdown!, or Discord.
  • Reservations are allowed, but if you do not edit your post in the 24 hours following your post, anyone is allowed to take your submission.
  • If you think someone else's submission is unviable, please let me know with a reasoning of why.
  • If your submission isn't clear enough, back it up with some calcs (you can use this website to calc.)
  • Please do not submit any Pokémon from the blacklist, I will reject your submission and most likely ask you to delete your post.


Current Victim
:ss/sneasel:
Sneasel @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Triple Axel
- Ice Shard
 
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gum

for the better
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Social Media Contributor Alumnusis a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Top Contributor Alumnus
Week 1

Checks:
Manectric by Oathkeepre,
Stonjourner by Squash17
Counters:
Mareanie by zS,
Klang by SergioRules

Week 2

Checks:
Stonjourner by Oathkeepre,
Raichu by Katy,
Glaceon by Rubicon,
Basculin by sexywooper
Counters:
Pincurchin by twitch.tv/Bag_of_Trixx,
Silvally-Electric by SergioRules

Week 3

Checks:
Fraxure by Sir Pin,
Glaceon by Squash17
Counters:
Sliggoo by Mirbro,
AV Ludicolo by Shing'n Streets

Week 4

Checks:
Vibrava by Shing'n Streets,
Gourgeist by uhuhuhu7
Counters:
Roselia by BulbaBrain,
Appletun by Oathkeepre

Week 5

Checks:
Crustle icon
Crustleby gum,
Silvally icon
Silvally-Rock by Katy
Counters:
Torracat icon
Torracat by Cheezy,
Togetic icon
Togetic by zS,
Klang icon
Klang by asa

Week 6

Checks: TBD
Counters: TBD
 
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Oathkeeper

"Wait!" he says, do I look like a waiter?
is a Tutoris a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
Alright, let's kick things off with the first victim

Week 1


COMMON SETS INCLUDE:
Noctowl @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Substitute
- Hurricane
- Roost

Noctowl @ Choice Specs
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Hyper Voice
- Air Slash

Since this is the first victim, more time is being allowed for submissions! I'll start the voting on Thursday, April 9. Enjoy SS PU guys!
 
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Nominating Choice Specs Glaceon as a counter.
:ss/glaceon:
Glaceon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Snow Cloak
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Ice Beam
- Hyper Voice
- Shadow Ball

Although Glaceon is out-sped 239 to 229 with Speed EVs, Noctowl's Hurricane fails to OHKO Glaceon even with Stealth Rocks.

252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Glaceon: 156-184 (57.5 - 67.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Glaceon: 156-184 (57.5 - 67.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock


In addition, Glaceon will always be able to KO Noctowl with a STAB Ice Beam without even worrying about the slight chance of it missing.

252+ SpA Choice Specs Glaceon Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 500-590 (146.6 - 173%) -- guaranteed OHKO


Even if you don't want the extra power and prefer more speed, a Choice Scarf Glaceon will be able to get the job done, outspeeding Noctowl and most likely still KOing it in the process.

252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Glaceon: 156-184 (46.7 - 55%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and 2 layers of Spikes
252+ SpA Glaceon Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 336-396 (98.5 - 116.1%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
 
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Nominating Choice Specs Raichu as a counter.
:ss/raichu:
Raichu @ Choice Specs
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Surf
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Focus Blast

Raichu outspeeds Noctowl by a long shot 350 to 239, and Noctowl's hurricane fails to OHKO even after Stealth Rock.

252+ SpA Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Raichu: 178-210 (68.1 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Raichu: 178-210 (68.1 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock


Additionally, Raichu will always OHKO with a Specs-Boosted STAB 100% Accurate Thunderbolt.

252 SpA Choice Specs Raichu Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 354-416 (103.8 - 121.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO


Raichu doesnt have that good of special attack, so it needs the specs to OHKO Noctowl.

I would also like to give an honorable mention to light ball pikachu.

252+ SpA Light Ball Pikachu Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 368-434 (107.9 - 127.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 

Bag of Trixx

I like to call it a passion
is a Pre-Contributor
Offensive Check

Silvally-Rock


Silvally-Rock @ Rock Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Multi-Attack
- U-turn / Flamethrower
- Surf / Flamethrower
***DISCLAIMER***
Noctowl is undoubtedly one of the most absurd Pokemon in the PU tier as of this moment because its' counters are extremely few and far between and even its' checks are heavily pressured to switch into a Specs Tinted Lens Hurricane or a +2 Tinted Lens Hurricane (Noctowl Suspect Test please???). I agree wholeheartedly with Akir in regards to his mentioning of some other listed Pokemon for this week of VOTW as incorrect counters to Noctowl. Therefore, I will suggest Silvally-Rock is a prime example of an Offensive Check.

Any Silvally form who can effectively OHKO Noctowl with any one move can essentially be considered an offensive check to Noctowl, however I went with Silvally-Rock based on its effectiveness in reliability with its powerful Rock Type Multi-Attack. Silvally is able to switch into a Choice Specs Hurricane even after Rocks and comfortably OHKO it back with Multi-Attack (Rock) and naturally outspeed Noctowl.

As for Nasty Plot, Silvally-Rock can survive a +2 Hurricane, but has a very slim chance of living as it is a high role in the OHKO favor, however Multi-Attack can be used to pressure before it gets to Nasty Plot in the first place. Not to mention Silvally-Rock should never be switched directly into the +2 Hurricane to begin with.

This is a check and not a counter because Silvally-Rock cannot effortlessly or continuously switch into Noctowl's Tinted Lens Hurricanes, since they delete most of its HP, provided they connect. However, because of its natural speed and the ability to offensively threaten Noctowl before it gets going with that devastating Multi-Attack (Rock), Silvally is able to apply pressure to the Noctowl player and keep that nuclear explosive owl at bay.


252+ SpA Choice Specs Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Silvally-Rock: 234-276 (70.6 - 83.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252+ SpA Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Silvally-Rock: 312-366 (94.2 - 110.5%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Silvally-Rock Multi-Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 548-648 (160.7 - 190%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 
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INSANE CARZY GUY

Banned deucer.
Vested Mr. Mine as a Check



I had a lot of fun trying to force mr. mine to work in a way I could really enjoy abusing, bulky Specs Mine speed creeping is a true counter to anything but agility, air slash. This speed creeps modest Glaceon(65), but is 2 hit Ko'ed only by ice beam

Mr. Mime @ Assault Vest
Ability: Filter
EVs: 248 HP / 204 SpA / 56 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Icy Wind
- Thunder
- Focus Blast
- Psychic


This set tank faces a lot of breakers and beats Your face in and gives You a 2 turn advantage with a dirty speed drop and super high base power moves

204+ SpA Mr. Mime Icy Wind vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 110-130 (32.2 - 38.1%) -- 94.4% chance to 3HKO
204+ SpA Mr. Mime Thunder vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 238-280 (69.7 - 82.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Mine just eats and wins most situations.
Nasty plot modest
+2 252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. +1 248 HP / 0 SpD Mr. Mime: 171-202 (60.4 - 71.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Timid Specs
+1 252 SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. +1 248 HP / 0 SpD Mr. Mime: 117-138 (41.3 - 48.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO


But this and air slash(which has better odds when You think about it) is why I can't say it's a true counter

+1 252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. +1 248 HP / 0 SpD Mr. Mime: 127-151 (44.8 - 53.3%) -- 31.3% chance to 2HKO


Just some other match-ups i've found use in as a lure
+1 252 SpA Manectric Thunderbolt vs. +1 248 HP / 0 SpD Mr. Mime: 109-129 (38.5 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

+2 252+ SpA Ivysaur Sludge Bomb vs. +1 248 HP / 0 SpD Filter Mr. Mime: 199-235 (70.3 - 83%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

late game this thing slaps teams around with it's coverage and eats sun enough to revenge kill


Ton of fun playing around with it, surprising breaker
 
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Raahel

MANO TENGO FE
is a Tiering Contributor
Choice Specs Manectric


Manectric @ Choice Specs
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Switcheroo
- Overheat

Manectric is a great Noctowl Check since it can enter by outspeedting and OHKO with TBolt in addition to being able to enter and look for momentum with the volt switch and therefore it is difficult to predict attacks.

252 SpA Choice Specs Manectric Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 390-462 (114.3 - 135.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Manectric Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 306-360 (89.7 - 105.5%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Manectric: 204-240 (72.5 - 85.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Tinted Lens Noctowl Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Manectric: 138-164 (49.1 - 58.3%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Noctowl Hyper Voice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Manectric: 168-198 (59.7 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Manectric Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 390-462 (114.3 - 135.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Manectric Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 306-360 (89.7 - 105.5%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Manectric: 224-264 (79.7 - 93.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
 
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SergioRules

||blimp||
is a Community Contributor
As a check:

Silvally-Electric @ Electric Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe OR 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Multi-Attack
- Ice Beam
- U-turn
- Swords Dance / Defog

No secret that Silvally is the top dog of PU, but any Silvally form that resists Noctowl can fairly easily switch into even Choice Specs Hurricane and immediately threaten it back. Silvally-Electric does this job quite well and also has the niche of being the only physical Electric type in the tier (not counting Pincurchin which is more support oriented, and Pikachu which mostly uses Normal-type moves). Running a Hasty nature means you can switch into Specs Hurricane with rocks up, and even an uninvested Multi Attack always KOs Noctowl, so you can invest fully in Special Attack to hit other Pokemon harder with Ice Beam which is why the second EV spread is given. Silvally also outspeeds Noctowl, so it doesn't have to worry about Nasty Plot if it switches in directly, and a neutral Hurricane from one with Agility doesn't threaten it.

252+ SpA Choice Specs Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Silvally-Electric: 234-276 (70.6 - 83.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
4 Atk Silvally-Electric Multi-Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 432-510 (126.6 - 149.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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The Check: Type Null
1586378059766.png

Type: Null @ Eviolite
Ability: Battle Armor
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Crush Claw
- Swords Dance
- Toxic/Iron Defense/Sleep Talk
- Rest​
What does Type: Null do? What Type: Null does is it has the amazing ability to swap into most special attackers in the tier and then threaten them with the ability to make them take damage with Crush Claw or cripple them with Toxic. Type: Null has one of the best special walling capabilities in the tier thanks to its normal typing and the fact it has 95 base hp and 95 base special attack and paired with eviolite it increases your special defense to 475. Enough talking about how great of a special wall Null is how does it fair up against the menacing night owl Noctowl. Noctowl is a very hard mon to wall because of the fact it has a base 86 special attack stat with hurricane/hyper voice that alone would make it bearable but it also has tinted lens. Null has the ability to swap in and then threaten it almost immediately with either Toxic/Crush Claw.

252+ SpA Choice Specs Noctowl Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Type: Null: 111-132 (28.1 - 33.5%) -- 0.1% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Noctowl Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Type: Null: 93-109 (23.6 - 27.6%) -- 77.7% chance to 4HKO

4 Atk Type: Null Crush Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 135-160 (39.5 - 46.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Here you can see Type: Null has the ability to swap in and then either Toxic it and then Rest if it gets too low or Crush Claw and get the 3 Hit KO or potentially a 2HKO if you get a defense drop which has a 50% chance of happening when using Crush Claw. When you get to the Nasty Plot set Type: Null becomes a lot riskier as a check because of Noctowls ability to Nasty Plot boost its way past the special defense if it is able to get you within Rest range

+2 252 SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Type: Null: 135-160 (34.2 - 40.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Noctowl Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Type: Null: 111-132 (28.1 - 33.5%) -- 0.1% chance to 3HKO
 
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zS

this is all a moo point
is a Top Tiering Contributor
NUPL Champion
Specially Defensive Carkol
1586358657930.png

Carkol @ Eviolite
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 232 HP / 24 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Blast
- Spikes / Will-O-Wisp​
Nominating Carkol as a Check to Noctowl. Carkol can take a Hurricane from Choice Specs Noctowl really decently and get a free turn to setup rocks spikes or just hit it with rock blast.
That being said Hurricane has less than 50% chance to kill Carkol after rocks which actually really nice and in addition to that Hurricane's accuaracy is everything but stellar so Carkol can deal with Noctowl pretty decently.
For the Sub Np set, we have rock blast that kills with the small attack investment (with 4 hits) after Noctowl sets up a substitute.
24 Atk Carkol Rock Blast (4 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 264-320 (77.4 - 93.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 232 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Carkol: 122-144 (33.9 - 40.1%) -- 42.6% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 232 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Carkol: 122-144 (33.9 - 40.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Edit : S/o Lambovino
 
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Squash

UTA Overlord
Reserving scarf stonjourner

Choice Scarf Stonjourner
:ss/stonjourner:

Stonjourner @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Power Spot
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Rock Blast
- Heat Crash
- Earthquake​

Nominating scarf stonjourner as a check to Noctowl. Stonjourner can’t switch on hurricane from Noctowl but it can revenge kill with rock blast/stone edge, depending if Noctowl is under a substitute or not.

Calcs :

252 Atk Stonjourner Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 552-650 (161.8 - 190.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Stonjourner Rock Blast (3 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 414-492 (121.4 - 144.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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Katy

Banned deucer.
Lapras as a check


:ss/Lapras:
Lapras @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Freeze-Dry

- Thunderbolt
- Surf


:lapras: is a check to both variants of Noctowl because the Specs-Set has no reliable recover therefore Lapras can break through it with its STAB in Ice Beam and it is also able to check the Nasty Plot-Variant as Lapras can come in hard on this Noctowl-Set and can deal a lot of damage to Noctowl with its STAB Ice Beam.

Calcs:
4 SpA Lapras Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 176-210 (51.6 - 61.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
4 SpA Lapras Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 138-164 (40.4 - 48%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
4 SpA Lapras Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 118-140 (34.6 - 41%) -- 59% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
4 SpA Lapras Surf vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noctowl: 88-105 (25.8 - 30.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock


252+ SpA Choice Specs Noctowl Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Lapras: 168-198 (36.2 - 42.6%) -- 19.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Noctowl Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Lapras: 96-114 (20.6 - 24.5%) -- 8.7% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Noctowl Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Lapras: 136-162 (29.3 - 34.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Noctowl Air Slash vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Lapras: 114-135 (24.5 - 29%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Lapras: 111-132 (23.9 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Lapras: 222-262 (47.8 - 56.4%) -- 32% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery


 
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Akir

A true villain!
is a Community Contributoris a Tiering Contributoris a Community Leader Alumnusis a Battle Simulator Staff Alumnus
Munchlax is a counter:

:ss/munchlax:
Munchlax @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 248 HP / 76 Atk / 184 SpD
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Body Slam
- Toxic

Munchlax switches in on Hurricane and gets 4HKOd while Munchlax 2HKOs with Body Slam after rocks if it is Specs. Even Noctowl at +2 can't 2HKO with boots, so this is a reliable switchin...or as close to that as Noctowl can actually have.

252+ SpA Choice Specs Noctowl Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 184+ SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 127-151 (26.8 - 31.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+2 252+ SpA Noctowl Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 184+ SpD Eviolite Munchlax: 169-201 (35.7 - 42.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
76 Atk Munchlax Body Slam vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 153-180 (37.9 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Looking over this thread, I feel the need to critique a few things. I have already spoken to Oath about this, but basically I feel like our usage of the term "counter" is a bit loose in this thread. A counter can reliably and consistently switch in on the victim multiple times, whereas a check either can only sometimes switch in once if it can at all. With this in mind: Glaceon, Raichu, and Elevally are checks, but Type: Null is a counter. Going into the future for this thread, a good rule of thumb is asking yourself if your counter can switch in twice. Also try to keep in mind that we aren't checking these mons in a vacuum. To be fair though, Noctowl is crazy hard to counter like wtf broken

This thread is as much of a resource as it is a fun side project, so remember that we are recommending these to lurkers!
 

Oathkeeper

"Wait!" he says, do I look like a waiter?
is a Tutoris a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Dedicated Tournament Hostis a Social Media Contributor Alumnus

Klang @ Eviolite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Careful Nature
- Shift Gear
- Gear Grind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Check. You'd think it would be a counter right? However, it cannot take 3 Hurricanes from Modest Specs Noctowl, even with the RestTalk:

252+ SpA Choice Specs Tinted Lens Noctowl Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Klang: 120-142 (37 - 43.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

But it can 2HKO Noctowl with some Stealth Rock help here:

0 Atk Klang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Noctowl: 156-186 (45.7 - 54.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Checks
UserPokemonSet
zS
Katy
Klang

I'd like to apologize to Mega Ampharos and iLiekMudkipz_ for their submissions. While they do check Noctowl, they definitely do not counter it. They may be able to switch in once and take a Hurricane, but it's not something they can do all battle long, just once. Therefore, it's a check. If you guys have any questions, look at Akir's submission, he provided an explanantion!

Also, congrats to Akir and ctproonie217 for their submissions as the only legitimate counters to our heavy-hitting Owl. They are automatically awarded 2 points each and a link to their respective submissions can be found directly below:

ctproonie's Type:Null

Akir's Munchlax

So, with all that in mind, you guys only need to vote for 2 checks! Voting will end late Sunday!

Checks: Raichu, Electricvally
 

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