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Project SV RU Victim of the Week: Week 13! Jirachi!
- Thread starter Ming549
- Start date
Thank you to everyone who voted! Congratulations to fluff!! and Elec-ant1234 for winning the week!
Winning Check
Support
Winning Counter
Rocky Helmet
For our next victim, we have a literal volcano, Volcanion!
Volcanion @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Ghost / Ground
EVs: 120 Def / 252 SpA / 136 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Body Press
Volcanion is a tank. Sporting a tremendous base 130 Sp Atk bolstered by an incredibly spammable move in Steam Eruption, Volcanion is one of the stronger Special Attackers in RU’s arsenal. Combined with a great secondary Fire STAB as well as access to useful coverage like Sludge Bomb to spread poisons and Body Press to to hit Cyclizar, Volcanion is an offensive juggernaut. Volcanion’s meta relevance is further bolstered by his great defenses, sporting an 80/120/90 defensive line, and typing / ability that provides a natural immunity to water and resists fairy. Can you avoid getting burned?
Submissions End on Friday June 7th
Winning Check
Support
Winning Counter
Rocky Helmet
For our next victim, we have a literal volcano, Volcanion!
Volcanion @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Ghost / Ground
EVs: 120 Def / 252 SpA / 136 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Steam Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Sludge Bomb
- Body Press
Volcanion is a tank. Sporting a tremendous base 130 Sp Atk bolstered by an incredibly spammable move in Steam Eruption, Volcanion is one of the stronger Special Attackers in RU’s arsenal. Combined with a great secondary Fire STAB as well as access to useful coverage like Sludge Bomb to spread poisons and Body Press to to hit Cyclizar, Volcanion is an offensive juggernaut. Volcanion’s meta relevance is further bolstered by his great defenses, sporting an 80/120/90 defensive line, and typing / ability that provides a natural immunity to water and resists fairy. Can you avoid getting burned?
Submissions End on Friday June 7th
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Check:
Dragalge @ Leftovers
Ability: Adaptability
Tera Type: Dragon
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
- Toxic Spikes
- Draco Meteor
- Sludge Bomb
- Flip Turn
Dragalge is a check to volcanion. With a massive special defense stat and a poison/dragon typing, dragalge is able to take on any hit that volcanion throws at it. Steam eruption is at best, a 5hit ko. The only way volcanion is doing meaningful damage to dragagle is if it uses earth power, which is then a 2hit ko. Regardless, dragagle has a 50% chance to OHKO volcanion with a draco meteor if it wants. While it's walling volcanion, dragagle can use toxic spikes to wear down switchins. Tera dragon can be used if you somehow switch in on e-power, making sure you still resist its stab moves too, while making sure draco is a clean OHKO.
Counter:
Vaporeon @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Wish
- Shadow Ball
- Scald
Vaporeon is a counter to volcanion. A set that I've been cooking up, with a great hp and special defense stat, vaporeon can take any hit volc throws at it. Steam eruption is even -25% damage due to water absorb, letting volc have a taste of its own medicine. Vaporeon can then calm mind up to ignore volc's subsequent moves even more. Wish gives vaporeon recovery that allows it to repeadetly beat volc. With shadow ball, vaporeon can always hit volc and if it decides to tera ghost (for some reason) then neutral shadow ball is a potential 2hit ko. Normal shadow ball is a 4hit ko. Scald is a good option to deal with other threats on the team, while tera poison can reduce damage from sludge bomb and body press, while making sure a nasty poison ruins your walling capabilities.
Dragalge @ Leftovers
Ability: Adaptability
Tera Type: Dragon
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
- Toxic Spikes
- Draco Meteor
- Sludge Bomb
- Flip Turn
Dragalge is a check to volcanion. With a massive special defense stat and a poison/dragon typing, dragalge is able to take on any hit that volcanion throws at it. Steam eruption is at best, a 5hit ko. The only way volcanion is doing meaningful damage to dragagle is if it uses earth power, which is then a 2hit ko. Regardless, dragagle has a 50% chance to OHKO volcanion with a draco meteor if it wants. While it's walling volcanion, dragagle can use toxic spikes to wear down switchins. Tera dragon can be used if you somehow switch in on e-power, making sure you still resist its stab moves too, while making sure draco is a clean OHKO.
Counter:
Vaporeon @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Wish
- Shadow Ball
- Scald
Vaporeon is a counter to volcanion. A set that I've been cooking up, with a great hp and special defense stat, vaporeon can take any hit volc throws at it. Steam eruption is even -25% damage due to water absorb, letting volc have a taste of its own medicine. Vaporeon can then calm mind up to ignore volc's subsequent moves even more. Wish gives vaporeon recovery that allows it to repeadetly beat volc. With shadow ball, vaporeon can always hit volc and if it decides to tera ghost (for some reason) then neutral shadow ball is a potential 2hit ko. Normal shadow ball is a 4hit ko. Scald is a good option to deal with other threats on the team, while tera poison can reduce damage from sludge bomb and body press, while making sure a nasty poison ruins your walling capabilities.
Check
Basculegion-F (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Adaptability
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Flip Turn
Basculegion resists both of Volcanion's STABs as well as Sludge Bomb AND is immune to Body Press AND doesn't care about Taunt, AND easily avoids 2HKOs even after Rocks and a turn of burn, making it a reliable switch-in against Volcanion. It threatens huge damage back with Specs Adaptability Shadow Ball.
252 SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Basculegion-F Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 238-280 (79 - 93%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
This is technically a counter if we follow the "official" definition, but the reason I submit it as a check is because Volcanion has teammates ; and that teammate is usually Cyclizar. The problem is, it makes you unable to really threaten Volcanion back since you can't click Flip Turn, and Ice Beam does a whopping 10% if you were to predict a Cyclizar switch but Volcanion stays in, making this situation a 50/50 which is not even a 50/50 because switching into Cyclizar is not really a risk since if Basc clicks Ice Beam, Cyc just U-turns to heal it off and now the opponent has all the momentum. Now, the teambuilding competition works in a vacuum, in 1v1 situations ; But this is relevant enough to downgrade Basc from a Counter to a Check in my eyes.
tl;dr Basc is fine if you want a switch-in against Volc in your Webs HO team, but not much else.
Counter
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Gooey
Tera Type: Steel
EVs: 160 HP / 252 SpA / 96 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Dragon Tail
Everything Volcanion clicks just bounces off of Goodra, doing a maximum of 29% with Body Press, which he definitely doesn't want to click to try and read a switch due to how shitty the move is against everything that isn't a Cyclizar. Even if Volcanion is lucky and poisons on the first Sludge Bomb (which he will need to read and click on a switch-in), Goodra takes so little that it can still act as an answer multiple times throughout the game. Goodra can then spread Knock Off on everything, or just click Draco Meteor for huge damage
252+ SpA Goodra Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 226-267 (75 - 88.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Goodra also doesnt't care about the common Taunt for obvious reasons, which is rare in the small pool of mons that can take on Volcanion.
Basculegion-F (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Adaptability
Tera Type: Water
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Flip Turn
Basculegion resists both of Volcanion's STABs as well as Sludge Bomb AND is immune to Body Press AND doesn't care about Taunt, AND easily avoids 2HKOs even after Rocks and a turn of burn, making it a reliable switch-in against Volcanion. It threatens huge damage back with Specs Adaptability Shadow Ball.
252 SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Basculegion-F Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 238-280 (79 - 93%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
This is technically a counter if we follow the "official" definition, but the reason I submit it as a check is because Volcanion has teammates ; and that teammate is usually Cyclizar. The problem is, it makes you unable to really threaten Volcanion back since you can't click Flip Turn, and Ice Beam does a whopping 10% if you were to predict a Cyclizar switch but Volcanion stays in, making this situation a 50/50 which is not even a 50/50 because switching into Cyclizar is not really a risk since if Basc clicks Ice Beam, Cyc just U-turns to heal it off and now the opponent has all the momentum. Now, the teambuilding competition works in a vacuum, in 1v1 situations ; But this is relevant enough to downgrade Basc from a Counter to a Check in my eyes.
tl;dr Basc is fine if you want a switch-in against Volc in your Webs HO team, but not much else.
Counter
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Gooey
Tera Type: Steel
EVs: 160 HP / 252 SpA / 96 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Dragon Tail
Everything Volcanion clicks just bounces off of Goodra, doing a maximum of 29% with Body Press, which he definitely doesn't want to click to try and read a switch due to how shitty the move is against everything that isn't a Cyclizar. Even if Volcanion is lucky and poisons on the first Sludge Bomb (which he will need to read and click on a switch-in), Goodra takes so little that it can still act as an answer multiple times throughout the game. Goodra can then spread Knock Off on everything, or just click Draco Meteor for huge damage
252+ SpA Goodra Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 226-267 (75 - 88.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Goodra also doesnt't care about the common Taunt for obvious reasons, which is rare in the small pool of mons that can take on Volcanion.
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as a check and 
as a counter
Noivern has attracted quite some attention as an alternative to 
. With a superb Speed stat of base 123 Noivern outspeeds a large portion of the metagame. Noivern also bolsters the dragon typing, which gives it valuable resistances to 
's STAB moves. It also resists the Body Press Volcanion uses to nail 
. While not being 2hkoed by Sludge Bomb.252+ SpA Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noivern: 118-139 (37.9 - 44.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Volcanion Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noivern: 97-114 (31.1 - 36.6%) -- 72.2% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Volcanion Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noivern: 130-153 (41.8 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
As u can see noivern can comfortably stomach (most) hits from Volcanion and prevents it's STABs from ripping through your team. Sludge Bomb can be threatening along with it's Nasty 30% poison rate.
252 SpA Noivern Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 189-223 (62.7 - 74%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Noivern Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcanion: 160-189 (53.1 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Both of Noiverns STABs comfortably 2hko Volcanion in return.
Gastrodon is a great COUNTER to thanks to it's great natural bulk, immunity to water thanks to Storm Drain and its Resistance to 's Flamethrower and Sludge Bomb. Aside from excelling v/s Volcanion Gastrodon also serves as a great answer to , , 
, 
among other things. Volcanion Steam Eruption vs. Storm Drain Gastrodon: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ SpA Volcanion Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 66-78 (15.4 - 18.3%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Volcanion Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 44-52 (10.3 - 12.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
120 Def Volcanion Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Gastrodon: 102-121 (23.9 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
Again Gastrodon serves it's purpose of answering volcanion.
120 Def Volcanion Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Gastrodon: 102-121 (23.9 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
Gastrodon also comfortably 2hkoes Volcanion in return.
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Counter:
Quagsire @ Covert Cloak
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 HP / 168 Def / 84 SpD / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Spikes
- Recover
Water Absorb Quag sits on any move Volcanion throws at it and can either hit back with EQ/Toxic or set up Spikes. Covert Cloak is generally a useful item and prevents stray poisons/burns. Since you're not running Boots, the bit of SpDef investment helps you from being 2HKOed by Earth Power variants of Volc if hazards are up on your side of the field. Tera Dark is for Basc-F and Slowbro.
252+ SpA Volcanion Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 84 SpD Quagsire: 102-120 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 120 Volcanion: 146-174 (48.5 - 57.8%) -- 93.4% chance to 2HKO
Quagsire @ Covert Cloak
Ability: Water Absorb
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 HP / 168 Def / 84 SpD / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Spikes
- Recover
Water Absorb Quag sits on any move Volcanion throws at it and can either hit back with EQ/Toxic or set up Spikes. Covert Cloak is generally a useful item and prevents stray poisons/burns. Since you're not running Boots, the bit of SpDef investment helps you from being 2HKOed by Earth Power variants of Volc if hazards are up on your side of the field. Tera Dark is for Basc-F and Slowbro.
252+ SpA Volcanion Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 84 SpD Quagsire: 102-120 (25.8 - 30.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 120 Volcanion: 146-174 (48.5 - 57.8%) -- 93.4% chance to 2HKO
Counter:
Slowbro @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Psyshock / Psychic Noise
- Calm Mind
- Slack Off
The NU icon Slowbro, who is also currently the most likely candidate of the next RU suspect test, is great at absorbing hits and forcing out a Tauntless Volc. With the help of Regenerator, its most popular set which is already incredibly viable can regularly safely switch in into Volcanion's heavy hitting stabs and Sludge Bomb, promptly shrug it off with a Slack Off and render Volcanion useless with a single Calm Mind. +1 Slowbro can then proceed to make great progress by chipping away at Volcanion's teammates with Scald burns and Psyshock for SpDef tanks. Tera Poison also allows it to dodge Sludge Bomb procs.
Slowbro @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
Tera Type: Poison
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Psyshock / Psychic Noise
- Calm Mind
- Slack Off
The NU icon Slowbro, who is also currently the most likely candidate of the next RU suspect test, is great at absorbing hits and forcing out a Tauntless Volc. With the help of Regenerator, its most popular set which is already incredibly viable can regularly safely switch in into Volcanion's heavy hitting stabs and Sludge Bomb, promptly shrug it off with a Slack Off and render Volcanion useless with a single Calm Mind. +1 Slowbro can then proceed to make great progress by chipping away at Volcanion's teammates with Scald burns and Psyshock for SpDef tanks. Tera Poison also allows it to dodge Sludge Bomb procs.
252+ SpA Volcanion Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Slowbro: 130-153 (32.9 - 38.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock, Leftovers recovery, and poison damage
+1 0 SpA Slowbro Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 120 Def Volcanion: 100-118 (33.2 - 39.2%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
+1 0 SpA Slowbro Psyshock vs. 0 HP / 120 Def Volcanion: 100-118 (33.2 - 39.2%) -- 99.8% chance to 3HKO
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Got caught slackin... voting up one day late, apologies on my part lots of things happening this weekend lol, and so will stay open for one day longer! Same rules as always, vote for one check and counter and you're not allowed to vote for your own entry if you submitted. Best of luck to all those involved and if you see this in time come join us for the RU Super Live Tour!
VOTING ENDS MONDAY JUNE 10th
VOTING ENDS MONDAY JUNE 10th
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Check: 
Counter:
Counter:
Thank you to everyone who voted! Congratulations to fluff!! for winning the week!
Winning Check
Specs
Winning Counter
AV
For our next victim, we have a long time RU icon, Slither Wing!
Slither Wing @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Protosynthesis
Tera Type: Bug
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- First Impression
- Close Combat
- U-turn
Slither Wing is one of the long time mascots for SV RU and has recently had a spike in popularity. With its combination of strong priority in the form of First Impression, strong pivoting with STAB U-turns, and a tremendous 135 Base Atk stat, Slither Wing has carved out a niche as one of the more consistent Revenge Killing options in the tier. Slither Wing’s performance is further boosted by its unique Bug Fighting typing giving it a host of useful resistances such as Dark, Ground, and Fighting. How do you plan on beating the bug?
Submissions End on Friday June 14th
Winning Check
Specs
Winning Counter
AV
For our next victim, we have a long time RU icon, Slither Wing!
Slither Wing @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Protosynthesis
Tera Type: Bug
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- First Impression
- Close Combat
- U-turn
Slither Wing is one of the long time mascots for SV RU and has recently had a spike in popularity. With its combination of strong priority in the form of First Impression, strong pivoting with STAB U-turns, and a tremendous 135 Base Atk stat, Slither Wing has carved out a niche as one of the more consistent Revenge Killing options in the tier. Slither Wing’s performance is further boosted by its unique Bug Fighting typing giving it a host of useful resistances such as Dark, Ground, and Fighting. How do you plan on beating the bug?
Submissions End on Friday June 14th
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Check:
Gengar @ Air Balloon
Ability: Cursed Body
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
Gengar is a check to slither wing. With a quad resistance to bug and an immunity to fighting, gengar can take any hit from slither wing quite well and respond with offensive pressure. Sludge wave is mostly guarenteed to 2hit ko, but slither wing can only tera bug first impression on the switch and then u-turn out to do good damage, which is still only doing 60% max. If slither decides to not tera, first impression is doing max 25%. If needed, gengar can tera ghost after a sludge wave to always ko slither wing with a shadow ball.
Counter:
:sv/moltres
Moltres @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
Bold Nature
- Flamethrower
- U-turn
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
Moltres is a counter to slither wing. Moltres punishes slither wing for even attempting to attack, as it can proc flame body with all of its moves beside wisp, which doesn't even do anything as moltres is a fire type. For reference, tera bug first impression is a possible 9hit ko, while cc is a 5hit ko. Moltres doesn't have to worry much, as it can roost off the damage. From here, it can try to wisp slither wing if it wants to or flamethrower it which is a guarenteed 2hit ko. Tera ghost is in case moltres gets low and you need to switch into cc, though that is rare.
Gengar @ Air Balloon
Ability: Cursed Body
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
Gengar is a check to slither wing. With a quad resistance to bug and an immunity to fighting, gengar can take any hit from slither wing quite well and respond with offensive pressure. Sludge wave is mostly guarenteed to 2hit ko, but slither wing can only tera bug first impression on the switch and then u-turn out to do good damage, which is still only doing 60% max. If slither decides to not tera, first impression is doing max 25%. If needed, gengar can tera ghost after a sludge wave to always ko slither wing with a shadow ball.
Counter:
:sv/moltres
Moltres @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
Tera Type: Ghost
EVs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
Bold Nature
- Flamethrower
- U-turn
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
Moltres is a counter to slither wing. Moltres punishes slither wing for even attempting to attack, as it can proc flame body with all of its moves beside wisp, which doesn't even do anything as moltres is a fire type. For reference, tera bug first impression is a possible 9hit ko, while cc is a 5hit ko. Moltres doesn't have to worry much, as it can roost off the damage. From here, it can try to wisp slither wing if it wants to or flamethrower it which is a guarenteed 2hit ko. Tera ghost is in case moltres gets low and you need to switch into cc, though that is rare.
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Counter: 
Baha Men @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Well-Baked Body
Tera Type: Fighting
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Wish
- Alluring Voice
- Body Press
What da dawg doing? Well clearly it’s acting as the greatest Slither Wing counter of all time. With a resistance to both of Slither Wing’s STABs, and not only an immunity, but a way to benefit from catching stray Will-O-Wisps with the defense boost gained from its ability of Well Baked Body, Dachsbun is a phenomenal way to fight back against Slither Wing. With a defense boost essentially turning it into a dog shaped Cobalion, Dachsbun can threaten switch-ins with Body Press, while also providing the niche of being a wish passer for a team. Alluring Voice can also screw over attempts to setup on Dachsbun, fishing for confusion procs with protect as well. Heavy-Duty Boots deny chip over time and ensures its longevity as a wish passer.
Baha Men @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Well-Baked Body
Tera Type: Fighting
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Protect
- Wish
- Alluring Voice
- Body Press
What da dawg doing? Well clearly it’s acting as the greatest Slither Wing counter of all time. With a resistance to both of Slither Wing’s STABs, and not only an immunity, but a way to benefit from catching stray Will-O-Wisps with the defense boost gained from its ability of Well Baked Body, Dachsbun is a phenomenal way to fight back against Slither Wing. With a defense boost essentially turning it into a dog shaped Cobalion, Dachsbun can threaten switch-ins with Body Press, while also providing the niche of being a wish passer for a team. Alluring Voice can also screw over attempts to setup on Dachsbun, fishing for confusion procs with protect as well. Heavy-Duty Boots deny chip over time and ensures its longevity as a wish passer.
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Check
Yanmega @ Throat Spray
Ability: Speed Boost
Tera Type: Rock
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Bug Buzz
- Air Slash
- Ancient Power
- Protect
Is this a check? A counter? Both at once? Do we go to heaven when we die? In any case, Yanmega boasts one of the two First Impression immunity in RU (the other one being Endure Armarouge [ew cringe]) thanks to Protect fitting naturally in its moveset, and naturally resists both Bug- and Fighting-type moves, making Slither Wing a perfect opportunity for Yanmega to get its Throat Spray off safely. I figured I'd show the non-Tera hog set made specifically to inflict mental pain to Moltres and Talonflame players, but it also hits Salamence and Noivern.
Counter
Drifblim @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flare Boost
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Strength Sap
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Memento
Slither Wing has approximately 14 viable hard counters available, so I wanted to showcase one that you most definitely shouldn't use. Drifblim boasts an immunity to Fighting as well as a double Bug resistance, meaning Slither Wing ain't breaking through that any time soon. If it wasn't enough, Drifblim can absorb Will-O-Wisp to get a permanent +1 boost to its Special Attack thanks to Flare Boost.
Yanmega @ Throat Spray
Ability: Speed Boost
Tera Type: Rock
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Bug Buzz
- Air Slash
- Ancient Power
- Protect
Is this a check? A counter? Both at once? Do we go to heaven when we die? In any case, Yanmega boasts one of the two First Impression immunity in RU (the other one being Endure Armarouge [ew cringe]) thanks to Protect fitting naturally in its moveset, and naturally resists both Bug- and Fighting-type moves, making Slither Wing a perfect opportunity for Yanmega to get its Throat Spray off safely. I figured I'd show the non-Tera hog set made specifically to inflict mental pain to Moltres and Talonflame players, but it also hits Salamence and Noivern.
Counter
Drifblim @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flare Boost
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Strength Sap
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Memento
Slither Wing has approximately 14 viable hard counters available, so I wanted to showcase one that you most definitely shouldn't use. Drifblim boasts an immunity to Fighting as well as a double Bug resistance, meaning Slither Wing ain't breaking through that any time soon. If it wasn't enough, Drifblim can absorb Will-O-Wisp to get a permanent +1 boost to its Special Attack thanks to Flare Boost.
Counter:
Fezandipiti @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Toxic Chain
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 HP / 56 Def / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Moonblast
- Dark Pulse
- Roost
Fez eats both of Slither’s STABs and isn't too concerned about Wisp, so it can set up Nasty Plot in its face and proceed to do big damage. NP could be replaced with CM in theory, but lately I tend to prefer the immediate power of NP. Tera Dark + Dark Pulse is good for Arma, Bro, CM Rachi, and other Psyshock users.
Fezandipiti @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Toxic Chain
Tera Type: Dark
EVs: 252 HP / 56 Def / 200 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Moonblast
- Dark Pulse
- Roost
Fez eats both of Slither’s STABs and isn't too concerned about Wisp, so it can set up Nasty Plot in its face and proceed to do big damage. NP could be replaced with CM in theory, but lately I tend to prefer the immediate power of NP. Tera Dark + Dark Pulse is good for Arma, Bro, CM Rachi, and other Psyshock users.
252 Atk Tera Bug Slither Wing First Impression vs. 252 HP / 56 Def Fezandipiti: 56-66 (14.7 - 17.3%) -- possible 6HKO
+2 0 SpA Fezandipiti Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Slither Wing: 290-344 (93.2 - 110.6%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
+2 0 SpA Fezandipiti Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Slither Wing: 290-344 (93.2 - 110.6%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
I have returned, and due to most of the good mons being taken, I shall propose what can certainly be called "an idea".
And I have complete faith in it. And will stand by what I say completely.
So better step that "14 viable hard counters" up to 15, because...
BEHOLD
A COUNTER
Farigiraf @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Armor Tail
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 112 HP / 252 SpA / 144 Spe
Rash Nature
- Psyshock
- Hyper Voice
- Low Kick
- Trick
(created by yours truly)
Now, please. Let me cook. You may look at this set, this mon, and say that this is completely horrible, that it's not even defensively good against Slither Wing, but please understand. Moltres's and Fezendipitis are fine and all, but there's more than one way to stomp a bug.
First up: with 144 speed EVs and a Choice Scarf Farigaraf outspeeds 252 Jolly Slither Wing by a single point (288 on Farig's end, and 287 on Slither Wing's end), and Psyshock lets you guaranteed OHKO Slither Wing, particularly this non-bulky set that we're building against. Tera Fairy allows you to survive if you think that they will Tera Bug, allowing you to survive either a U-Turn or CC, with Psyshock still being an 2HKO vs. Slither. Armor Tail allows you to switch in perfectly and always deny First Impression, and since no sane person will suspect a Choice Scarf Farigiraf, they'll most likely stay in to click U-Turn, allowing you to pull your very own mid-ladder Greninja and ruin their day. Hyper Voice is just there to be a STAB option that you can click against anything that ain't a Slither Wing.
It also doesn't care about Will-o-Wisp, but the chip damage does suck, as you'll find out later.
Low Kick here is the oddball, but it's there to ensure you can at least do something to Bisharp, with the added bonus that you'll outspeed all Bisharp variants, and are immune to Sucker Punch thanks to Armor Tail. It's a guarenteed 2HKO vs. non-bulky Bisharps, being a 49.5% to 2HKO at 172 HP EVs, and being a near 3HKO vs. 252 HP Bisharps. Stealth Rock improves your odds to a 93% chance to 2HKO a Bisharp with 172 HP EVs, and a 49.6% chance to 2HKO with Stealth Rocks.
It's funny to mention that, with no rocks damage on your Farigiraf, they have a 50% chance to OHKO from full w/ Throat Chop, so with rocks damage it's a roughly 46.5% chance that you'll defeat the Bisharp(win the 50% roll to survive the Throat Chop, and get the 93% chance to 2HKO, and since you outspeed you'll win) and 25% chance to win w/ no rocks damage on their Bisharp.
So TLDR, set rocks, and you have a coinflip's chance to beat a bisharp with this set :3
Trick is there simply to help Farigiraf be a bit of a wallbreaker, and disrupt Chanseys and such that wanna switch in.
Also remember that Farigiraf has some decent HP investment, so it's quite bulky, even with the Rash nature, so it "can" switch in to some moves and do some things against non-Slithers.
And due to Armor Tail, you also have insurance vs. a Slither Wing endgame, and can prevent yourself from being First Impressioned to death too (just make sure to Tera Fairy to avoid being U-Turn fodder) Although you can tank *1* U-Turn due to it only maxing out at 91% damage, so you aren't completely dead vs. a predicted U-Turn from Slither Wing.
To sum up:
To use in teams:
Once again, I am confident this can be called a Counter. It ain't just checkin' Slither switching in and annoying it or whatever, it's denying it's main button and slapping it three ways from sunday.
REPLAY ZONE:
I gotta make a team with this thing...
no guarantees that this even gets filled out, but trust me, the theory is solid.
(I'm also like going on another vacation to visit family so by the time I'm back the votin' period probably already be over)
And I have complete faith in it. And will stand by what I say completely.
So better step that "14 viable hard counters" up to 15, because...
BEHOLD
A COUNTER
Farigiraf @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Armor Tail
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 112 HP / 252 SpA / 144 Spe
Rash Nature
- Psyshock
- Hyper Voice
- Low Kick
- Trick
(created by yours truly)
Now, please. Let me cook. You may look at this set, this mon, and say that this is completely horrible, that it's not even defensively good against Slither Wing, but please understand. Moltres's and Fezendipitis are fine and all, but there's more than one way to stomp a bug.
First up: with 144 speed EVs and a Choice Scarf Farigaraf outspeeds 252 Jolly Slither Wing by a single point (288 on Farig's end, and 287 on Slither Wing's end), and Psyshock lets you guaranteed OHKO Slither Wing, particularly this non-bulky set that we're building against. Tera Fairy allows you to survive if you think that they will Tera Bug, allowing you to survive either a U-Turn or CC, with Psyshock still being an 2HKO vs. Slither. Armor Tail allows you to switch in perfectly and always deny First Impression, and since no sane person will suspect a Choice Scarf Farigiraf, they'll most likely stay in to click U-Turn, allowing you to pull your very own mid-ladder Greninja and ruin their day. Hyper Voice is just there to be a STAB option that you can click against anything that ain't a Slither Wing.
It also doesn't care about Will-o-Wisp, but the chip damage does suck, as you'll find out later.
Low Kick here is the oddball, but it's there to ensure you can at least do something to Bisharp, with the added bonus that you'll outspeed all Bisharp variants, and are immune to Sucker Punch thanks to Armor Tail. It's a guarenteed 2HKO vs. non-bulky Bisharps, being a 49.5% to 2HKO at 172 HP EVs, and being a near 3HKO vs. 252 HP Bisharps. Stealth Rock improves your odds to a 93% chance to 2HKO a Bisharp with 172 HP EVs, and a 49.6% chance to 2HKO with Stealth Rocks.
It's funny to mention that, with no rocks damage on your Farigiraf, they have a 50% chance to OHKO from full w/ Throat Chop, so with rocks damage it's a roughly 46.5% chance that you'll defeat the Bisharp(win the 50% roll to survive the Throat Chop, and get the 93% chance to 2HKO, and since you outspeed you'll win) and 25% chance to win w/ no rocks damage on their Bisharp.
So TLDR, set rocks, and you have a coinflip's chance to beat a bisharp with this set :3
Trick is there simply to help Farigiraf be a bit of a wallbreaker, and disrupt Chanseys and such that wanna switch in.
Also remember that Farigiraf has some decent HP investment, so it's quite bulky, even with the Rash nature, so it "can" switch in to some moves and do some things against non-Slithers.
And due to Armor Tail, you also have insurance vs. a Slither Wing endgame, and can prevent yourself from being First Impressioned to death too (just make sure to Tera Fairy to avoid being U-Turn fodder) Although you can tank *1* U-Turn due to it only maxing out at 91% damage, so you aren't completely dead vs. a predicted U-Turn from Slither Wing.
To sum up:
- Outspeeds and OHKO's Slither Wing and 2HKO's Tera Bug Slither Wing
- Immunity to First Impression
- Tera Fairy allows you to resist both Bug and Fighting STABS from Slither
- You aren't complete Bisharp food
- You have the surprise factor of the goddamn century and will leave your opponent very confused, very angry, and most likely tilted because unfortunate didn't even begin to describe their situation, and they got outplayed by Choice Scarf Farigiraf.
To use in teams:
- Strong Hazard Control and Removal is key
- Pairs well with Pokemon that benefit from not having to deal with Slither Wing (Krook comes to mind) and can kill Bisharp (Low Kick is a tech, not a guarantee.)
- Fits best onto Bulky Offense and Balance Teams
- Fits the role of "niche tech" and requires HEAVY team support
- Nah but actually it's a decently fast bulky attacker, so do what you will with those words
- Used best on alts so people don't know it's you using Choice Scarf Farigiraf, and you don't need to sacrifice your main acc's elo
- Realistically, it's really more "Team Support", as it's not the star of the show, but it's really there to patch up your teams's holes, and be something that can deal semi-consistent damage and support your team with said damage.
Once again, I am confident this can be called a Counter. It ain't just checkin' Slither switching in and annoying it or whatever, it's denying it's main button and slapping it three ways from sunday.
REPLAY ZONE:
I gotta make a team with this thing...
no guarantees that this even gets filled out, but trust me, the theory is solid.
(I'm also like going on another vacation to visit family so by the time I'm back the votin' period probably already be over)
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Counter:
Chandelure @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Pain Split
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
Submitting a forgotten option in the builder in Chandelure - a defensive utility version as well!
While Chandelure has notable disadvantages to other Ghost-types in the tier like Basculegion-F, Gengar, and Palossand, it still has tools to make it worth running on balance and bulky offense teams. Flame Body can trigger against Slither Wing and any other pivoting physical attackers, making it better than Flash Fire here.
Flamethrower and Shadow Ball are default STAB options, Pain Split helps with general longevity and can take advantage of the obvious Cyclizar switch-ins, and Will-O-Wisp is a generally good move to click at least once a game.
Notable calcs:
Chandelure @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
Tera Type: Fairy
EVs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower
- Pain Split
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
Submitting a forgotten option in the builder in Chandelure - a defensive utility version as well!
While Chandelure has notable disadvantages to other Ghost-types in the tier like Basculegion-F, Gengar, and Palossand, it still has tools to make it worth running on balance and bulky offense teams. Flame Body can trigger against Slither Wing and any other pivoting physical attackers, making it better than Flash Fire here.
Flamethrower and Shadow Ball are default STAB options, Pain Split helps with general longevity and can take advantage of the obvious Cyclizar switch-ins, and Will-O-Wisp is a generally good move to click at least once a game.
Notable calcs:
252 Atk Slither Wing U-turn vs. 76 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 32-38 (11.4 - 13.5%) -- possible 8HKO
252+ SpA Chandelure Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Slither Wing: 338-398 (108.6 - 127.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Slowbro: 372-440 (94.4 - 111.6%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noivern: 186-220 (59.8 - 70.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Chandelure Flamethrower vs. 104 HP / 152 SpD Assault Vest Cyclizar: 67-80 (21.8 - 26%) -- 4.3% chance to 4HKO (ok chip)
252+ SpA Chandelure Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Slither Wing: 338-398 (108.6 - 127.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Slowbro: 372-440 (94.4 - 111.6%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Chandelure Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Noivern: 186-220 (59.8 - 70.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Chandelure Flamethrower vs. 104 HP / 152 SpD Assault Vest Cyclizar: 67-80 (21.8 - 26%) -- 4.3% chance to 4HKO (ok chip)
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And we are back with another rousing iteration of Victim of the Week Voting! Reminder you are voting for 1 Check AND 1 Counter. Those who submitted may not vote for themselves. Best of luck to all those who submitted!
VOTING ENDS Sunday JUNE 16th
Phys Def 
from Heatranator
Phys Def from HoopsspooH
Phys Def :Driflblim: from fluff!!
NP
from Seed Sower
Scarf
from Elec-ant1234
HDB
from FlamingoPokeman
from HeatranatorPhys Def
from HoopsspooHPhys Def :Driflblim: from fluff!!
NP
from Seed SowerScarf
from Elec-ant1234HDB
from FlamingoPokemanVOTING ENDS Sunday JUNE 16th
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