[OVERVIEW]
Poison
========
* Mega Venusaur is excellent at absorbing both physical and special attacks, and access to reliable recovery in Synthesis means that it is one of Poison's best switch-ins to opposing offensive threats.
* A primary Grass typing makes Mega Venusaur neutral to Ground-type attacks and resistant to Water- and Electric-type attacks, making it among the best checks available against these types.
* Thick Fat eliminates Mega Venusaur's weaknesses to Fire- and Ice-type attacks and bolsters its tanking capabilities.
* Mega Venusaur also brings great utility to the team with support moves such as Sleep Powder and Leech Seed.
* Although Mega Venusaur has decent speed for a defensive tank, it is outsped by many offensive Pokemon such as Mega Scizor and Dragonite.
* Because Synthesis is affected by the weather Mega Venusaur will have a harder time staying healthy against teams that utilize rain, sand, or hail, especially with Synthesis's meager 8 PP.
* Despite a good Special Attack stat, Mega Venusaur doesn't pose much of an offensive threat and relies on attrition to wear down and eventually KO foes.
* As Mega Venusaur will be switching in to absorb various attacks, it is susceptible to being worn down by hazard and chip damage.
[SET]
name: Physical Tank (Poison)
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Sleep Powder
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 28 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Giga Drain hits both Water- and Ground-types such as Alomomola and Hippowdon for super effective damage while also acting as a source of recovery to keep Mega Venusaur healthy.
* Sludge Bomb is a strong STAB move that hits most Grass- and Fairy-types for heavy damage such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Serperior, and also comes with a 30% chance to poison. It also allows Mega Venusaur to hit Fire- and Flying-types such as Torkoal and Thundurus for neutral damage.
* Synthesis keeps Mega Venusaur healthy and is vital to Mega Venusaur's ability to continually tank hits. Although Synthesis's healing is reduced during rain, sand, and hail, it is boosted in sun which helps greatly against sun-based Fire teams.
* Hidden Power Fire allows Mega Venusaur to beat threats such as Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn who otherwise would boost or set hazards freely against Mega Venusaur.
* Sleep Powder immediately cripples a foe and is helpful for gaining momentum in the form of free switch-ins for Mega Venusaur's frailer teammates such as Nidoking.
* Leech Seed is another option in the fourth moveslot that provides more healing in addition to chip damage and allows Mega Venusaur to hold its own against threats that would force it out otherwise, such as Choice Specs Magearna and Chansey.
Set Details
========
* 16 speed EVs allow Mega Venusaur to outspeed maximum Speed Azumarill with a neutral nature which is important in countering Belly Drum variants. 28 Special Defense EVs guarantee that Mega Venusaur survives a Psychic from Timid Mega Alakazam and the rest of the EVs are allocated to HP and Defense along with a Bold nature in order to maximize physical bulk.
* Although Mega Venusaur should Mega Evolve as soon as it gets the chance, Chlorophyll is chosen as the ability as it gives Mega Venusaur the potential of doubling its speed against teams that utilize Sun.
* Venusaurite allows it to Mega Evolve and gain higher offensive and defensive stats along with the Thick Fat ability.
* Thick Fat allows Mega Venusaur to take neutral damage from Fire- and Ice-type attacks despite its Grass typing and come out on top against threats such as Choice Scarf Victini and Weavile, as they cannot deal super effective damage with their main STAB moves.
Usage Tips
========
* Venusaur should be used more cautiously before Mega Evolving as it will take super effective damage from Fire- and Ice-type attacks, therefore it should Mega Evolve as soon as possible to reap the defensive benefits.
* After Mega Evolution Venusaur should be switched in whenever a strong physical attack is predicted. Thanks to its Grass typing Mega Venusaur takes Ground-, Water- and Electric-type attacks with ease.
* Mega Venusaur's Mega Stone cannot be removed, making it one of the best switch-ins to Knock Off and Trick.
* Mega Venusaur is also able to switch into powder moves such as Spore and Sleep Powder, as its Grass typing makes it immune.
* Mega Venusaur should always use Leech Seed whenever possible, even on an already seeded threat. Leech Seed keeps Mega Venusaur healthy and able to tank attacks throughout the match.
* Synthesis, while very useful in keeping Mega Venusaur healthy, only has 8 PP and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
* As Mega Venusaur has many options for its fourth moveslot, try not to reveal it too early in the match if possible, as it is difficult to respond to Mega Venusaur without knowing its moveset due to its versatility.
* Mega Venusaur should be switched out immediately for a teammate such as Toxapex if faced with an opponent commonly carrying boosting moves such as Mega Charizard X or Dragonite.
Team Options
========
* Mega Venusaur is appreciated by all Poison-types as it can tank many Ground-type attacks that its teammates would struggle with otherwise.
* Toxapex provides excellent mixed defenses and can prevent foes from continually boosting their stats with Haze. It can also set Toxic Spikes, burn physical attackers with Scald, and take stronger Fire- and Ice-type attacks due to its Water typing and Regenerator ability, while Mega Venusaur provides a safe switch in for powerful Electric-type attacks.
* Alolan Muk provides great defensive synergy with Mega Venusaur, as it is immune to Psychic-type attacks and can trap and remove Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Latios while also utilizing Knock Off to remove critical items from the foe. Likewise, Alolan Muk appreciates Mega Venusaur's ability to switch into Ground-type moves, as well as most physical moves that Alolan Muk has trouble withstanding.
* Nihilego's Rock typing and great special bulk allow it to switch into special Fire- and Flying-type attacks for Mega Venusaur while applying offensive pressure to Fire- and Flying-type Pokemon that would otherwise plague Mega Venusaur, such as Mega Charizard Y, Pelipper, and Togekiss. Most notably, Nihilego's ability to utilize a Choice Scarf to outspeed +1 Mega Charizard X as well as Mega Pinsir is vital for Mega Venusaur's success.
* Crobat can help alleviate pressure from Mega Venusaur with its Ground immunity and can also remove hazards and pivot to Mega Venusaur using Defog and U-Turn. Crobat can also pressure threats such as Mega Pinsir with Brave Bird and can even use Taunt to help beat more defensive foes.
* Nidoking applies offensive pressure to many Flying-, Ground-, Grass-, and Steel-types using powerful moves boosted by Sheer Force and it can also set Stealth Rock to help rack up damage on the opponent.
* As Mega Venusaur causes many switches, it appreciates hazard-setting support from Nidoqueen, who can support Mega Venusaur defensively as an additional check to Electric- and Rock-type attacks.
* Scolipede and Gengar provide offensive support and can pressure many powerful Psychic-types with their primary STAB moves.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Poison
--------
* Earthquake is another option for the fourth moveslot as a more immediate response to foes such as Heatran; however, it utilizes Mega Venusaur's inferior Attack stat, and most opponents that Earthquake is meant to deal with are adequately handled by Mega Venusaur's other support moves and teammates such as Scolipede, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen all carry Ground-type coverage as well.
* Knock Off provides additional utility by removing items and providing decent coverage alongside Giga Drain, but it does not sufficiently threaten the most common threats to Mega Venusaur and is often inferior to the more common moveslot options. Alolan Muk is a better user of Knock Off so that Mega Venusaur's moveslot is freed up for other options like Sleep Powder and Leech Seed.
* Though it can be tempting to use a more offensive EV spread to capitalize on Mega Venusaur's good Special Attack stat, the investment in bulk provides more support for the team by tanking Ground-type attacks more reliably while relying on attrition to overcome foes instead of brute force. Mega Venusaur's offensive prowess is outclassed by many of its teammates, while its defensive potential is among the best in the game.
* A more specially defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 160 Def / 80 SpD / 16 Spe along with a Calm nature can be run to bolster Mega Venusaur's special bulk. Most notably, this will allow it to survive two Draco Meteors from Kingdra; however, Mega Venusaur's main role on the team is to switch into Ground-type attacks, and since most of these are physical, Mega Venusaur can support its team better with physical bulk.
Checks and Counters
===================
Poison
--------
**Fire-Types**: Despite its Thick Fat ability, Mega Venusaur can be overwhelmed by powerful Fire-types such as Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Heatran.
**Psychic-Types**: Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam, Alolan Raichu, and Latios can hit Mega Venusaur super effectively and will do more damage to Mega Venusaur than it is capable of healing.
**Wallbreakers**: Powerful wallbreakers can power through Mega Venusaur in one or two hits especially if they are able to boost while avoiding a KO. Landorus-I, Mega Garchomp, and Kyurem-B are all especially threatening and can easily break through Mega Venusaur. Additionally, physical attackers such as Terrakion, Scolipede, and Gyarados, who would otherwise be stalled out by Mega Venusaur, are capable of utilizing Z-Crystals for a one-time attack powerful enough to OHKO Mega Venusaur after a boost.
**Setup Sweepers**: Mega Venusaur is prone to being setup on without Sleep Powder. Dangerous foes that can set up without being OHKOed such as Porygon-Z, Mew, and Mega Pinsir all have the potential to overwhelm Mega Venusaur and its teammates with a free turn.
**Flying-Types**: Most Flying-types resist Giga Drain and can retaliate with super effective Flying-type attacks. Mega Venusaur must beware of both offensive threats such as Togekiss, and defensive threats such as Staraptor.
**Stallbreakers**: Pokemon such as Gliscor and Crobat are able to wear Mega Venusaur down or otherwise block its healing attempts with Taunt, forcing Mega Venusaur to switch out.
Poison
========
* Mega Venusaur is excellent at absorbing both physical and special attacks, and access to reliable recovery in Synthesis means that it is one of Poison's best switch-ins to opposing offensive threats.
* A primary Grass typing makes Mega Venusaur neutral to Ground-type attacks and resistant to Water- and Electric-type attacks, making it among the best checks available against these types.
* Thick Fat eliminates Mega Venusaur's weaknesses to Fire- and Ice-type attacks and bolsters its tanking capabilities.
* Mega Venusaur also brings great utility to the team with support moves such as Sleep Powder and Leech Seed.
* Although Mega Venusaur has decent speed for a defensive tank, it is outsped by many offensive Pokemon such as Mega Scizor and Dragonite.
* Because Synthesis is affected by the weather Mega Venusaur will have a harder time staying healthy against teams that utilize rain, sand, or hail, especially with Synthesis's meager 8 PP.
* Despite a good Special Attack stat, Mega Venusaur doesn't pose much of an offensive threat and relies on attrition to wear down and eventually KO foes.
* As Mega Venusaur will be switching in to absorb various attacks, it is susceptible to being worn down by hazard and chip damage.
[SET]
name: Physical Tank (Poison)
move 1: Giga Drain
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Synthesis
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Sleep Powder
item: Venusaurite
ability: Chlorophyll
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 28 SpD / 16 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
* Giga Drain hits both Water- and Ground-types such as Alomomola and Hippowdon for super effective damage while also acting as a source of recovery to keep Mega Venusaur healthy.
* Sludge Bomb is a strong STAB move that hits most Grass- and Fairy-types for heavy damage such as Tapu Koko, Tapu Bulu, and Serperior, and also comes with a 30% chance to poison. It also allows Mega Venusaur to hit Fire- and Flying-types such as Torkoal and Thundurus for neutral damage.
* Synthesis keeps Mega Venusaur healthy and is vital to Mega Venusaur's ability to continually tank hits. Although Synthesis's healing is reduced during rain, sand, and hail, it is boosted in sun which helps greatly against sun-based Fire teams.
* Hidden Power Fire allows Mega Venusaur to beat threats such as Mega Scizor, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn who otherwise would boost or set hazards freely against Mega Venusaur.
* Sleep Powder immediately cripples a foe and is helpful for gaining momentum in the form of free switch-ins for Mega Venusaur's frailer teammates such as Nidoking.
* Leech Seed is another option in the fourth moveslot that provides more healing in addition to chip damage and allows Mega Venusaur to hold its own against threats that would force it out otherwise, such as Choice Specs Magearna and Chansey.
Set Details
========
* 16 speed EVs allow Mega Venusaur to outspeed maximum Speed Azumarill with a neutral nature which is important in countering Belly Drum variants. 28 Special Defense EVs guarantee that Mega Venusaur survives a Psychic from Timid Mega Alakazam and the rest of the EVs are allocated to HP and Defense along with a Bold nature in order to maximize physical bulk.
* Although Mega Venusaur should Mega Evolve as soon as it gets the chance, Chlorophyll is chosen as the ability as it gives Mega Venusaur the potential of doubling its speed against teams that utilize Sun.
* Venusaurite allows it to Mega Evolve and gain higher offensive and defensive stats along with the Thick Fat ability.
* Thick Fat allows Mega Venusaur to take neutral damage from Fire- and Ice-type attacks despite its Grass typing and come out on top against threats such as Choice Scarf Victini and Weavile, as they cannot deal super effective damage with their main STAB moves.
Usage Tips
========
* Venusaur should be used more cautiously before Mega Evolving as it will take super effective damage from Fire- and Ice-type attacks, therefore it should Mega Evolve as soon as possible to reap the defensive benefits.
* After Mega Evolution Venusaur should be switched in whenever a strong physical attack is predicted. Thanks to its Grass typing Mega Venusaur takes Ground-, Water- and Electric-type attacks with ease.
* Mega Venusaur's Mega Stone cannot be removed, making it one of the best switch-ins to Knock Off and Trick.
* Mega Venusaur is also able to switch into powder moves such as Spore and Sleep Powder, as its Grass typing makes it immune.
* Mega Venusaur should always use Leech Seed whenever possible, even on an already seeded threat. Leech Seed keeps Mega Venusaur healthy and able to tank attacks throughout the match.
* Synthesis, while very useful in keeping Mega Venusaur healthy, only has 8 PP and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
* As Mega Venusaur has many options for its fourth moveslot, try not to reveal it too early in the match if possible, as it is difficult to respond to Mega Venusaur without knowing its moveset due to its versatility.
* Mega Venusaur should be switched out immediately for a teammate such as Toxapex if faced with an opponent commonly carrying boosting moves such as Mega Charizard X or Dragonite.
Team Options
========
* Mega Venusaur is appreciated by all Poison-types as it can tank many Ground-type attacks that its teammates would struggle with otherwise.
* Toxapex provides excellent mixed defenses and can prevent foes from continually boosting their stats with Haze. It can also set Toxic Spikes, burn physical attackers with Scald, and take stronger Fire- and Ice-type attacks due to its Water typing and Regenerator ability, while Mega Venusaur provides a safe switch in for powerful Electric-type attacks.
* Alolan Muk provides great defensive synergy with Mega Venusaur, as it is immune to Psychic-type attacks and can trap and remove Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam and Latios while also utilizing Knock Off to remove critical items from the foe. Likewise, Alolan Muk appreciates Mega Venusaur's ability to switch into Ground-type moves, as well as most physical moves that Alolan Muk has trouble withstanding.
* Nihilego's Rock typing and great special bulk allow it to switch into special Fire- and Flying-type attacks for Mega Venusaur while applying offensive pressure to Fire- and Flying-type Pokemon that would otherwise plague Mega Venusaur, such as Mega Charizard Y, Pelipper, and Togekiss. Most notably, Nihilego's ability to utilize a Choice Scarf to outspeed +1 Mega Charizard X as well as Mega Pinsir is vital for Mega Venusaur's success.
* Crobat can help alleviate pressure from Mega Venusaur with its Ground immunity and can also remove hazards and pivot to Mega Venusaur using Defog and U-Turn. Crobat can also pressure threats such as Mega Pinsir with Brave Bird and can even use Taunt to help beat more defensive foes.
* Nidoking applies offensive pressure to many Flying-, Ground-, Grass-, and Steel-types using powerful moves boosted by Sheer Force and it can also set Stealth Rock to help rack up damage on the opponent.
* As Mega Venusaur causes many switches, it appreciates hazard-setting support from Nidoqueen, who can support Mega Venusaur defensively as an additional check to Electric- and Rock-type attacks.
* Scolipede and Gengar provide offensive support and can pressure many powerful Psychic-types with their primary STAB moves.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Poison
--------
* Earthquake is another option for the fourth moveslot as a more immediate response to foes such as Heatran; however, it utilizes Mega Venusaur's inferior Attack stat, and most opponents that Earthquake is meant to deal with are adequately handled by Mega Venusaur's other support moves and teammates such as Scolipede, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen all carry Ground-type coverage as well.
* Knock Off provides additional utility by removing items and providing decent coverage alongside Giga Drain, but it does not sufficiently threaten the most common threats to Mega Venusaur and is often inferior to the more common moveslot options. Alolan Muk is a better user of Knock Off so that Mega Venusaur's moveslot is freed up for other options like Sleep Powder and Leech Seed.
* Though it can be tempting to use a more offensive EV spread to capitalize on Mega Venusaur's good Special Attack stat, the investment in bulk provides more support for the team by tanking Ground-type attacks more reliably while relying on attrition to overcome foes instead of brute force. Mega Venusaur's offensive prowess is outclassed by many of its teammates, while its defensive potential is among the best in the game.
* A more specially defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 160 Def / 80 SpD / 16 Spe along with a Calm nature can be run to bolster Mega Venusaur's special bulk. Most notably, this will allow it to survive two Draco Meteors from Kingdra; however, Mega Venusaur's main role on the team is to switch into Ground-type attacks, and since most of these are physical, Mega Venusaur can support its team better with physical bulk.
Checks and Counters
===================
Poison
--------
**Fire-Types**: Despite its Thick Fat ability, Mega Venusaur can be overwhelmed by powerful Fire-types such as Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Heatran.
**Psychic-Types**: Psychic-types such as Mega Alakazam, Alolan Raichu, and Latios can hit Mega Venusaur super effectively and will do more damage to Mega Venusaur than it is capable of healing.
**Wallbreakers**: Powerful wallbreakers can power through Mega Venusaur in one or two hits especially if they are able to boost while avoiding a KO. Landorus-I, Mega Garchomp, and Kyurem-B are all especially threatening and can easily break through Mega Venusaur. Additionally, physical attackers such as Terrakion, Scolipede, and Gyarados, who would otherwise be stalled out by Mega Venusaur, are capable of utilizing Z-Crystals for a one-time attack powerful enough to OHKO Mega Venusaur after a boost.
**Setup Sweepers**: Mega Venusaur is prone to being setup on without Sleep Powder. Dangerous foes that can set up without being OHKOed such as Porygon-Z, Mew, and Mega Pinsir all have the potential to overwhelm Mega Venusaur and its teammates with a free turn.
**Flying-Types**: Most Flying-types resist Giga Drain and can retaliate with super effective Flying-type attacks. Mega Venusaur must beware of both offensive threats such as Togekiss, and defensive threats such as Staraptor.
**Stallbreakers**: Pokemon such as Gliscor and Crobat are able to wear Mega Venusaur down or otherwise block its healing attempts with Taunt, forcing Mega Venusaur to switch out.
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