Project USUM OU Victim of the Week [Week 49: Dragon Dance Gyarados]

[Sunchipps]

7. Different sets of the same Pokemon can be nominated. For example, person a) can nominate Flyinium-Z Landorus-T as a check to something, while person b) can nominate Rocky Helmet Landorus-T as a counter to the same thing in the same week.

Does this rule work like this?

Swagsire as Counter

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

Usually on Stall or some Bulky Offense, Quagsire can take on Mega Metagross, it has the potential to Scald Burn it, set up with Curse, and use Recover when it can against Metagross. Although it can lose to the rare Grass Knot Metagross, I believe it can be one of the recommended counters against it.

Calcs

Vs Quagsire
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 83-98 (21 - 24.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 148-175 (37.5 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 95-112 (24.1 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 123-145 (31.2 - 36.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 93-110 (23.6 - 27.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

If Burned via Scald
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 41-49 (10.4 - 12.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 74-87 (18.7 - 22%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk burned Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 47-56 (11.9 - 14.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 46-55 (11.6 - 13.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

If Quagsire uses Curse
Dont use Metagross against it

Vs Metagross
0 SpA Quagsire Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross-Mega: 57-67 (18.9 - 22.2%) -- 48.3% chance to 4HKO after burn damage
0 SpA Quagsire Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross-Mega: 57-67 (18.9 - 22.2%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 134-158 (44.5 - 52.4%) -- 17.2% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 134-158 (44.5 - 52.4%) -- 76.6% chance to 2HKO after burn damage

With Curse
+1 0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 200-236 (66.4 - 78.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage
+2 0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 264-312 (87.7 - 103.6%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

 

[Breezy]

surprisingly no1 mentionated ALOMOMOMOMOMOMOMOLA yet

also reserving it

 

[Empo]

Taking Alomomomomola

surprisingly no1 mentionated ALOMOMOMOMOMOMOMOLA yet

also reserving it

 

[Breezy]

my bad, I overlooked it.

 

[Futatsuiwa of Sado]

7. Different sets of the same Pokemon can be nominated. For example, person a) can nominate Flyinium-Z Landorus-T as a check to something, while person b) can nominate Rocky Helmet Landorus-T as a counter to the same thing in the same week.

Does this rule work like this?

Swagsire as Counter

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

Usually on Stall or some Bulky Offense, Quagsire can take on Mega Metagross, it has the potential to Scald Burn it, set up with Curse, and use Recover when it can against Metagross. Although it can lose to the rare Grass Knot Metagross, I believe it can be one of the recommended counters against it.

Calcs

Vs Quagsire
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 83-98 (21 - 24.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 148-175 (37.5 - 44.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers
252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 95-112 (24.1 - 28.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 123-145 (31.2 - 36.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 93-110 (23.6 - 27.9%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

If Burned via Scald
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 41-49 (10.4 - 12.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 74-87 (18.7 - 22%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk burned Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 47-56 (11.9 - 14.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 46-55 (11.6 - 13.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 Atk Tough Claws burned Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

If Quagsire uses Curse
Dont use Metagross against it

Vs Metagross
0 SpA Quagsire Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross-Mega: 57-67 (18.9 - 22.2%) -- 48.3% chance to 4HKO after burn damage
0 SpA Quagsire Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross-Mega: 57-67 (18.9 - 22.2%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 134-158 (44.5 - 52.4%) -- 17.2% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 134-158 (44.5 - 52.4%) -- 76.6% chance to 2HKO after burn damage

With Curse
+1 0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 200-236 (66.4 - 78.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage
+2 0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 264-312 (87.7 - 103.6%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

Pretty sure the sets have to be more different than just one move...

 

[Random Passerby]

7. Different sets of the same Pokemon can be nominated. For example, person a) can nominate Flyinium-Z Landorus-T as a check to something, while person b) can nominate Rocky Helmet Landorus-T as a counter to the same thing in the same week.

Does this rule work like this?

Swagsire as Counter

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

When the rule was set, it was to allows 2 different sets that check a Pokemon in different ways. Flyinium Lando aims to offensively check a Pokemon while Rocky Helmet set aims to whittle it down with hazards and Helmet. They also have different EV spreads and moves.

In your case, both Quags check Metagross in the same way and it is only different by 1 move so the variety isn't there.

 

[Jojobobo]

To suggest something outlandish, how about Firium-Z Talonflame as a check:

Talonflame @ Firium Z
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- Tailwind / Flame Charge / Roost
- Swords Dance / Roost

While Talonflame isn't near as great as it was last gen due to the Gale Wings nerf, it's easy to forget that it has a great speed tier and access to two meaty 120 BP STAB attacks - either of which can be powered up to an alarming level with a Z-stone. Gale Wings is still the chosen ability in case you manage to get Talon in at full health, SD makes Talonflame very potent with its speed tier and Tailwind and Flame Charge both allow it the means to outpace the unboosted meta. Jolly > Adamant if you want to outspeed Greninja, Scolipede, Serp, Dugtrio and Torn-T, though if they aren't concerning then Adamant still outspeeds base 110s like Metagross.

Volcarona has already demonstrated how damaging fast Fire spam can be to the tier, and for Talonflame it's no different. Inferno Overdrive doesn't have recoil like Flare Blitz, and unlike mons like Offensive Lando who can't always OHKO Metagross from full health, Talonflame always can - taking only a little damage from Bullet Punch if Metagross has it by virtue of its speed tier.

252 Atk Talonflame Inferno Overdrive (190 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 318-374 (105.6 - 124.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Talonflame: 60-72 (20.2 - 24.2%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

 

[playerW17]

Shedinja @ Focus Sash
Ability: Wonder Guard
EVs: 252 SpA
Mild Nature
IVs: 0 HP / 0 Atk / 0 Def / 0 SpD / 0 Spe
- Shadow Ball
- Baton Pass
- Protect
- Will-O-Wisp

Shedinja as either a hard check or a counter, depending on how you look at it. Sets not running Pursuit (like in the OP) are hard walled with no way of breaking through it, assuming Stealth Rock is not up. However, if Stealth Rock goes up Shedinja obviously dies (although the kinds of team Shedinja is on usually has extremely good removal). If it's running Pursuit, Shedinja can't be hit by Pursuit on the switch and thus can Baton Pass into Dugtrio / another team mate while sacrificing its sash.

 

[BM]

Reserving bronzong

Bronzong as hard check

Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power Ice
- Stealth Rock

Bronzong can switch into a large number of Mega Metagross' moves (notably its STAB moves, Earthquake and the elemental punches) and 3-4HKOes in return with Earthquake. Beware of Hammer Arm, though, as it 3HKOes Bronzong if Meteor Mash grants Metagross an Attack boost (4HKO otherwise), but then it opens Metagross to revenge killing).

Calcs

252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 67-80 (19.8 - 23.6%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 75-89 (22.1 - 26.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Hammer Arm vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Bronzong: 100-118 (29.5 - 34.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery (3HKO if Metagross is at +1, combined with Meteor Mash switch-in can potentially be a 2HKO)

0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross-Mega: 92-110 (30.5 - 36.5%) -- 55.3% chance to 3HKO (almost guaranteed with SR)

 

[I dont care]

Ops, sorry then.

 

[Random Passerby]

Ok, submission period is over. Thanks for the activity. Now, you can vote for 3 checks and 1 counter. As usual, the Top 2 in each category will be selected on Friday night.

Checks:
Alomomola
Bulky Volcarona
Bronzong
Ash-Greninja
Dugtrio
Rotom-W
Quagsire
Hippowdon
Mega Steelix
Talonflame
Shedinja

Counters:
Mega Scizor
Mega Slowbro
Counter Skarmory

 

[david0895]

Checks: Ash-Greninja, Dugtrio and Rotom-Wash
Counter: Skarmory

 

[Leo]

Checks: Mega-Steelix, Shedinja, Bulkyrona
Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[FMG]

Checks: rotom-wash, bulky volcarona, alomomola

Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[Natan]

Checks: Ash-Greninja, Bulky Volcarona and Rotom-Wash
Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[BeardyBennett]

Checks: Rotom-W, BulkyRona, M-Steelix
Counters: M-Bro

 

[Jucherz]

Checks: Ash-Greninja, Quagsire and Talonflame
Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[Futatsuiwa of Sado]

Checks: Hippowdon, Greninja-Ash, Bulky Rona

Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[I dont care]

Checks: Greninja-Ash, Bulky Volcarona, Mega Steelix

Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[GnralLao]

Checks: Rotom-W, Hippowdon and Ash-Greninja

Counter: M-Scizor

 

[Hostel]

Checks: Ash-Greninja, Bulky Volcarona, and Rotom-Wash
Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[Cheryl.]

Checks: Ash-Ninja, Alomomola and Bronzong
Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[nameless90]

Checks:
Bulky Volcarona
Bronzong
Shedinja

Counter:
Counter Skarmory

 

[Finchinator]

Checks: Alomomola, Hippowdon, Bronzong
Counter: Mega Scizor

 

[Random Passerby]

OK, voting is over. Thanks for the activity. Tallying votes now.

Checks: Ash-Greninja (volx757 ) / Bulky Volcarona(Eden. )
Counters: Mega Scizor (david0895 ) / Skarmory (Futatsuiwa of Sado )

Our victim for this week is Mega Mawile.

Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Hyper Cutter / Intimidate
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Thunder Punch / Knock Off
- Fire Fang / Swords Dance / Focus Punch

With Huge Power, Mega Mawile boasts one of the highest Attack stat in the game, making it one of the best Wallbreakers in OU. Play Rough is Mega Mawile's move of choice and can hit anything that doesn't resist it very hard. Access to Sucker Punch allows Mega Mawile to pick off faster threats and make revenge killing it harder. Mega Mawile also has Thunder Punch to hit Toxapex, Skarmory and Celesteela while Fire Fang gives Mega Mawile the option to OHKO Mega Scizor and Ferrothorn. Besides this, Mega Mawile can also double its Attack with Swords Dance and attempt a sweep.
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