Current Status: Proofreading Stage
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/venusaur
[Overview]
<p>Venusaur is one of the most versatile Pokémon in the UU metagame, likely resulting in its high usage. Venusaur is one of the best bulky Water-type counters in the tier, and it also checks other large threats like Raikou and Mismagius quite effectively. Not only is Venusaur a good tank in general, due to its excellent typing and balanced stats, but it can also be a threatening sweeper. Venusaur can attack from both sides of the offensive spectrum, having access to both Leaf Storm and Power Whip, and can cripple its counters with Sleep Powder. Venusaur is a Pokémon which should be considered for any team: offensive, balanced, and stall alike.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Swords Dance / Synthesis
move 2: Sleep Powder
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Earthquake / Return
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur is perhaps one of the most underrated physical sweepers in the metagame, as many of the physical walls are either weak to Grass-type attacks or easily crippled by Sleep Powder. Swords Dance boosts Venusaur's "initially poor" Attack stat, while Synthesis is an alternative if you want Venusaur to last longer. Sleep Powder cripples switch-ins capable of threatening Venusaur, such as Arcanine and Moltres. Power Whip acts as the perfect physical attack to take advantage of possible Swords Dance boosts.</p>
<p>Both Earthquake and Return provide Venusaur with coverage against Pokémon that resist Power Whip. Earthquake is beneficial in hitting Steel-types, such as Registeel and Steelix, for super effective damage; in fact, both stand a chance of being 2HKOed after a Swords Dance boost. Meanwhile, Return is Venusaur's only physical attack capable of hitting Flying-types for neutral damage. As Flying-types are weakened by Stealth Rock, Earthquake is the preferred option out of the two.</p>
<p>Max Speed is a must, so that Venusaur, at worst, ties with other base 80s, most notably Blaziken. Leftovers is an option over Life Orb if you prefer increased durability.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Defensively, Venusaur pairs well with a Rock-type like Regirock, as it can easily switch into the various Fire- and Flying-types of the tier. Additionally, Regirock provides some much needed Stealth Rock support. Omastar is also a good partner because the entry hazards it lays down allow you to take advantage of the many switches Venusaur causes. Offensively, Kabutops can threaten both Fire- and Flying-types with Waterfall and Stone Edge, respectively. Fighting-types like Hitmonlee can threaten Steel-types which wall Venusaur opting for Return.</p>
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Sleep Powder
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Leftovers
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur's access to reliable recovery and plenty of notable resistances, such as to Electric-, Water-, and Grass-type attacks, makes it an extremely durable wall. Sleep Powder is a useful support move for crippling incoming counters or forcing a switch, while Synthesis more or less ensures you won't be going down without a fight. Power Whip is Venusaur's strongest STAB move apart from Leaf Storm, being able to 2HKO Nasty Plot Mismagius and deal no less than 40% to Raikou. Sludge Bomb, Venusaur's other STAB option, ensures that Grass- and Flying-types will think twice before switching in.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur has other attacking options to work with aside from those listed. Earthquake can go over Sludge Bomb if you desire to hit Steel-type switch-ins for super effective damage and to 2HKO Raikou. Leech Seed is a viable alternative over Synthesis should you wish to force more switches. Power Whip can also be replaced for either Leaf Storm or Energy Ball. However, Leaf Storm does come with the drawback of lowering your Special Attack by two stages, while Energy Ball simply doesn't cut it against Special attackers due to their generally higher Special Defense stat. On teams making use of entry hazards, Roar could prove useful to rack up more long-term damage.</p>
<p>The given EVs provide Venusaur with maximum durability on the Special end. For example, even a +2 Shadow Ball from Leftovers 252 Special Attack Mismagius won't 2HKO Venusaur. If you wish to use a Special-based Grass-type attack in lieu of Power Whip, you may use a Calm nature instead. Venusaur can also run a physically bulky EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with either a Bold or Relaxed nature. Venusaur's Poison-typing allows it to counter a majority of the Fighting-types in the metagame, something few other Pokemon can claim.</p>
<p>Venusaur functions best on balanced teams that can both take and dish out hits. As such, Milotic is one of its best partners for its ability to switch into the Fire- and Ice-type attacks usually aimed at Venusaur. Specifically, Milotic helps counter some of the metagame's other big threats, such as Arcanine, Blaziken, and Houndoom. Chansey can also be considered to tackle Special threats better. Omastar covers Venusaur's major weaknesses and lays down entry hazards to rack up damage from the switches Venusaur forces. In return, Venusaur also absorbs Toxic Spikes, which hamper Omastar's longevity.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Synthesis
move 4: Sleep Powder / Synthesis
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set attempts to inflict heavy damage to the physical walls that usually switch into Venusaur. Venusaur is also coupled with decent bulk and versatility, making this a difficult set to stop. Both Leaf Storm and Sludge Bomb deal an excellent amount of damage to everything but Poison- and Steel-types, which Hidden Power Ground makes up for. Sleep Powder cripples incoming counters, like Moltres, which can cause problems for Venusaur. Meanwhile, Synthesis makes up for recoil lost from Life Orb, and it also increases Venusaur's ability to repeatedly switch into (resisted) attacks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Entry hazards support allows Venusaur to tackle Chansey and Registeel with greater ease. Omastar is capable of laying down both Stealth Rock and Spikes, and also comes with the benefit of being able to switch into Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-type attacks aimed at Venusaur. When trying to beat Chansey, the general strategy should be to hit it with Sludge Bomb as switches in and put it to sleep so it cannot heal. As Chansey switches in later, it will take even more entry hazards damage and eventually be in Leaf Storm's KO range. A more offensive approach is simply to use Hitmonlee, which can switch into both Chansey and Registeel's Thunder Wave, thanks to Limber, and KO both with Close Combat.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Sleep Powder / Earthquake
move 4: Synthesis / Leech Seed
item: Life Orb
nature: Mild
evs: 64 HP / 164 Atk / 96 SpA / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur is an effective mixed sweeper that is frustratingly difficult to counter. Power Whip and Sludge Bomb take advantage of Venusaur's dual STAB, while both Sleep Powder and Earthquake deal with Pokémon that resist that combination. Sleep Powder immediately cripples counters, while Earthquake is mainly for hitting Steel-types and Raikou for super effective damage. Synthesis makes Life Orb recoil much less of an issue, while Leech Seed not only heals your health (albeit at a slower pace), but it also forces switches.</p>
<p>The given EV spread allows Venusaur to 2HKO Chansey and Slowbro with Power Whip, while maintaining clean OHKOs on Sceptile and 2HKOs to 3HKOs on other Grass-types with Sludge Bomb. An alternative spread is to transfer all of the given HP EVs and 4 Atttack EVs into Speed so that you, at worst, tie with other neutral base 80's such as Feraligatr, Blaziken, and opposing Venusaur.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Viable partners for this set are those who can sweep once Venusaur has lured out and KOed Pokémon such as Chansey and Registeel. Both the Offensive Booster Raikou and Nasty Plot Mismagius are fit for this role. Raikou can set up Calm Minds quite easily, taking into count its sole weakness, and can inflict heavy damage with boosted Thunderbolts. Meanwhile, Mismagius does the same, but with Shadow Ball. </p>
<p>Since Fire-types can give this set trouble, you may wish to consider running a bulky Water-type along this set. Milotic is a good choice, being able to switch into most Fire-types with ease and heal off any damage with Recover. Additionally, Milotic can also use Haze to deal with Pokémon who may try to set up on Venusaur, such as Dragon Dance Altaria. Azumarill is another viable choice, as it either can either make a good revenge killer with its Choice Band set or lure out and weaken defensive walls with its SubPunch set. Slowbro is particularly good at crippling opposing Pokémon with Thunder Wave. An Altaria of your own can also set up on Fire-type attacks with Dragon Dance or provide cleric support with Heal Bell.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sleep Powder
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped, Venusaur serves as an efficient revenge killer to many of the metagame's biggest threats, such as Adamant Rock Polish Torterra and Rhyperior. Venusaur gets a plethora of opportunities to switch in thanks to its many resistances. Leaf Storm and Sludge Bomb both take advantage of STAB, while Earthquake hits Steel-types for super effective damage. Meanwhile, Sleep Powder cripples Pokemon not immediately threatened by any of Venusaur's other attacks.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As far as moves and EV spreads go, Venusaur has other useful options. Power Whip is an alternative to Earthquake for 2HKOing Chansey if she switches into Stealth Rock; however, you risk Steel-types walling you indefinitely. An alternative EV spread of 56 HP / 72 Atk / 164 SpA / 216 Spe with a Modest nature provides Venusaur with more power while still maintaining the ability to outpace Pokémon with base 120 Speed, namely Alakazam, and below.</p>
<p>Defensively, Omastar is one of Venusaur's better partners for its ability to lay down Stealth Rock, which is necessary to guarantee some KOs (such as the aforementioned 2HKO on Chansey with Power Whip). Offensively, Choice Band Dugtrio can deal with Steel-types and Chansey preventing Venusaur's sweep by trapping them and 2HKOing, at worst, with Earthquake. Dugtrio also has the benefit of switching into any Thunder Waves directed at Venusaur.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Sleep Powder
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Specs equipped, Venusaur reaches a maximum Special Attack stat of either 492 or 448. Venusaur's true power, however, lies in being able to switch in repeatedly while remaining an offensive threat. Leaf Storm hits extremely hard after the Specs boost, while Sludge Bomb hurts opposing Venusaur, Moltres, and Altaria, all three of which pack a 4x resistance to Grass. Hidden Power Ground hits Steel-types, such as Registeel, for super effective damage, while Sleep Powder cripples all other threatening switch-ins.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>To illustrate the power of a Modest nature boosted Leaf Storm, here are some calculations:</p>
<ul class="damage_calculations">
<li>+1 Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 252 SpD Chansey - 34.17% - 40.25%</li>
<li>+1 Leaf Storm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Swellow - 100%</li>
<li>+1 Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing - 62.87% - 73.95%</li>
</ul>
<p>Venusaur appreciates paralysis support, so it can use Modest nature over Timid nature to hit as hard as possible. Registeel fits in with this particular set because it can provide paralysis support with Thunder Wave and set up Stealth Rock as well. However, if the large Fire-type weakness makes you nervous, Chansey is a good alternative for setting up Stealth Rock and proving paralysis support.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>On most sets, Venusaur has a tough time with faster Flying-types such as Moltres and Swellow. Defensively, both Regirock and Omastar are excellent partners, as both can lay down Stealth Rock while the latter can also lay down Spikes. Entry hazards, in general, make sweeping with the more offensive sets much easier. For specially-based sets, Venusaur will have trouble getting past Chansey and Registeel. Fighting-types, such as Hitmonlee, can easily OHKO both with Close Combat. In a similar vein, Choice Band Dugtrio can trap both and 2HKO with Earthquake.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Venusaur can run a more sweeper-oriented version of the Physical Attacker set with Swords Dance / Power Whip / Earthquake (Return) / Substitute with a Salac Berry. Not only would Salac Berry increase Venusaur's Speed, but Overgrow would also boost Power Whip's power. However, this set is completely shut down by priority and lacks sufficient coverage to be worth it in the long run. Venusaur can also run a Substitute + Leech Seed set, but Sceptile is usually a better candidate due to its higher Speed and lower HP stat.</p>
<p>Choices regarding EV spreads are entirely dependent on the role you want it to play (defensive annoyer, fast sleeper, Special tank, etc.) and whether it needs to sponge physical or special attacks.</p>
[Counters]
<p>For the most part, Venusaur’s counters depend on what set it is running. The physically inclined set counters depend on what Venusaur is using to complement Power Whip. If Venusaur lacks Earthquake, Registeel can counter Venusaur pretty well, especially if Sleep Clause is in effect. However, if Venusaur lacks Return, a defensive Moltres is the safest switch-in to Venusaur. Arcanine can also switch in fairly easily, thanks to Intimidate, and either KO Venusaur with Flare Blitz or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. For the specially inclined sets, Chansey and Registeel are the best checks to Venusaur, although the latter has to play around Hidden Power Ground. Altaria is usually a safe bet against both sets, especially if it carries Fire Blast or the rare Aerial Ace.</p>
http://www.smogon.com/dp/pokemon/venusaur
[Overview]
<p>Venusaur is one of the most versatile Pokémon in the UU metagame, likely resulting in its high usage. Venusaur is one of the best bulky Water-type counters in the tier, and it also checks other large threats like Raikou and Mismagius quite effectively. Not only is Venusaur a good tank in general, due to its excellent typing and balanced stats, but it can also be a threatening sweeper. Venusaur can attack from both sides of the offensive spectrum, having access to both Leaf Storm and Power Whip, and can cripple its counters with Sleep Powder. Venusaur is a Pokémon which should be considered for any team: offensive, balanced, and stall alike.</p>
[SET]
name: Physical Attacker
move 1: Swords Dance / Synthesis
move 2: Sleep Powder
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Earthquake / Return
item: Life Orb
nature: Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur is perhaps one of the most underrated physical sweepers in the metagame, as many of the physical walls are either weak to Grass-type attacks or easily crippled by Sleep Powder. Swords Dance boosts Venusaur's "initially poor" Attack stat, while Synthesis is an alternative if you want Venusaur to last longer. Sleep Powder cripples switch-ins capable of threatening Venusaur, such as Arcanine and Moltres. Power Whip acts as the perfect physical attack to take advantage of possible Swords Dance boosts.</p>
<p>Both Earthquake and Return provide Venusaur with coverage against Pokémon that resist Power Whip. Earthquake is beneficial in hitting Steel-types, such as Registeel and Steelix, for super effective damage; in fact, both stand a chance of being 2HKOed after a Swords Dance boost. Meanwhile, Return is Venusaur's only physical attack capable of hitting Flying-types for neutral damage. As Flying-types are weakened by Stealth Rock, Earthquake is the preferred option out of the two.</p>
<p>Max Speed is a must, so that Venusaur, at worst, ties with other base 80s, most notably Blaziken. Leftovers is an option over Life Orb if you prefer increased durability.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Defensively, Venusaur pairs well with a Rock-type like Regirock, as it can easily switch into the various Fire- and Flying-types of the tier. Additionally, Regirock provides some much needed Stealth Rock support. Omastar is also a good partner because the entry hazards it lays down allow you to take advantage of the many switches Venusaur causes. Offensively, Kabutops can threaten both Fire- and Flying-types with Waterfall and Stone Edge, respectively. Fighting-types like Hitmonlee can threaten Steel-types which wall Venusaur opting for Return.</p>
[SET]
name: Specially Defensive
move 1: Sleep Powder
move 2: Synthesis
move 3: Power Whip
move 4: Sludge Bomb
item: Leftovers
nature: Sassy
evs: 252 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Def
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur's access to reliable recovery and plenty of notable resistances, such as to Electric-, Water-, and Grass-type attacks, makes it an extremely durable wall. Sleep Powder is a useful support move for crippling incoming counters or forcing a switch, while Synthesis more or less ensures you won't be going down without a fight. Power Whip is Venusaur's strongest STAB move apart from Leaf Storm, being able to 2HKO Nasty Plot Mismagius and deal no less than 40% to Raikou. Sludge Bomb, Venusaur's other STAB option, ensures that Grass- and Flying-types will think twice before switching in.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur has other attacking options to work with aside from those listed. Earthquake can go over Sludge Bomb if you desire to hit Steel-type switch-ins for super effective damage and to 2HKO Raikou. Leech Seed is a viable alternative over Synthesis should you wish to force more switches. Power Whip can also be replaced for either Leaf Storm or Energy Ball. However, Leaf Storm does come with the drawback of lowering your Special Attack by two stages, while Energy Ball simply doesn't cut it against Special attackers due to their generally higher Special Defense stat. On teams making use of entry hazards, Roar could prove useful to rack up more long-term damage.</p>
<p>The given EVs provide Venusaur with maximum durability on the Special end. For example, even a +2 Shadow Ball from Leftovers 252 Special Attack Mismagius won't 2HKO Venusaur. If you wish to use a Special-based Grass-type attack in lieu of Power Whip, you may use a Calm nature instead. Venusaur can also run a physically bulky EV spread of 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD with either a Bold or Relaxed nature. Venusaur's Poison-typing allows it to counter a majority of the Fighting-types in the metagame, something few other Pokemon can claim.</p>
<p>Venusaur functions best on balanced teams that can both take and dish out hits. As such, Milotic is one of its best partners for its ability to switch into the Fire- and Ice-type attacks usually aimed at Venusaur. Specifically, Milotic helps counter some of the metagame's other big threats, such as Arcanine, Blaziken, and Houndoom. Chansey can also be considered to tackle Special threats better. Omastar covers Venusaur's major weaknesses and lays down entry hazards to rack up damage from the switches Venusaur forces. In return, Venusaur also absorbs Toxic Spikes, which hamper Omastar's longevity.</p>
[SET]
name: Special Attacker
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground / Synthesis
move 4: Sleep Powder / Synthesis
item: Life Orb
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>This set attempts to inflict heavy damage to the physical walls that usually switch into Venusaur. Venusaur is also coupled with decent bulk and versatility, making this a difficult set to stop. Both Leaf Storm and Sludge Bomb deal an excellent amount of damage to everything but Poison- and Steel-types, which Hidden Power Ground makes up for. Sleep Powder cripples incoming counters, like Moltres, which can cause problems for Venusaur. Meanwhile, Synthesis makes up for recoil lost from Life Orb, and it also increases Venusaur's ability to repeatedly switch into (resisted) attacks.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Entry hazards support allows Venusaur to tackle Chansey and Registeel with greater ease. Omastar is capable of laying down both Stealth Rock and Spikes, and also comes with the benefit of being able to switch into Fire-, Ice-, and Flying-type attacks aimed at Venusaur. When trying to beat Chansey, the general strategy should be to hit it with Sludge Bomb as switches in and put it to sleep so it cannot heal. As Chansey switches in later, it will take even more entry hazards damage and eventually be in Leaf Storm's KO range. A more offensive approach is simply to use Hitmonlee, which can switch into both Chansey and Registeel's Thunder Wave, thanks to Limber, and KO both with Close Combat.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Attacker
move 1: Power Whip
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Sleep Powder / Earthquake
move 4: Synthesis / Leech Seed
item: Life Orb
nature: Mild
evs: 64 HP / 164 Atk / 96 SpA / 184 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Venusaur is an effective mixed sweeper that is frustratingly difficult to counter. Power Whip and Sludge Bomb take advantage of Venusaur's dual STAB, while both Sleep Powder and Earthquake deal with Pokémon that resist that combination. Sleep Powder immediately cripples counters, while Earthquake is mainly for hitting Steel-types and Raikou for super effective damage. Synthesis makes Life Orb recoil much less of an issue, while Leech Seed not only heals your health (albeit at a slower pace), but it also forces switches.</p>
<p>The given EV spread allows Venusaur to 2HKO Chansey and Slowbro with Power Whip, while maintaining clean OHKOs on Sceptile and 2HKOs to 3HKOs on other Grass-types with Sludge Bomb. An alternative spread is to transfer all of the given HP EVs and 4 Atttack EVs into Speed so that you, at worst, tie with other neutral base 80's such as Feraligatr, Blaziken, and opposing Venusaur.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Viable partners for this set are those who can sweep once Venusaur has lured out and KOed Pokémon such as Chansey and Registeel. Both the Offensive Booster Raikou and Nasty Plot Mismagius are fit for this role. Raikou can set up Calm Minds quite easily, taking into count its sole weakness, and can inflict heavy damage with boosted Thunderbolts. Meanwhile, Mismagius does the same, but with Shadow Ball. </p>
<p>Since Fire-types can give this set trouble, you may wish to consider running a bulky Water-type along this set. Milotic is a good choice, being able to switch into most Fire-types with ease and heal off any damage with Recover. Additionally, Milotic can also use Haze to deal with Pokémon who may try to set up on Venusaur, such as Dragon Dance Altaria. Azumarill is another viable choice, as it either can either make a good revenge killer with its Choice Band set or lure out and weaken defensive walls with its SubPunch set. Slowbro is particularly good at crippling opposing Pokémon with Thunder Wave. An Altaria of your own can also set up on Fire-type attacks with Dragon Dance or provide cleric support with Heal Bell.</p>
[SET]
name: Mixed Choice Scarf
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Earthquake
move 4: Sleep Powder
item: Choice Scarf
nature: Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Scarf equipped, Venusaur serves as an efficient revenge killer to many of the metagame's biggest threats, such as Adamant Rock Polish Torterra and Rhyperior. Venusaur gets a plethora of opportunities to switch in thanks to its many resistances. Leaf Storm and Sludge Bomb both take advantage of STAB, while Earthquake hits Steel-types for super effective damage. Meanwhile, Sleep Powder cripples Pokemon not immediately threatened by any of Venusaur's other attacks.
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>As far as moves and EV spreads go, Venusaur has other useful options. Power Whip is an alternative to Earthquake for 2HKOing Chansey if she switches into Stealth Rock; however, you risk Steel-types walling you indefinitely. An alternative EV spread of 56 HP / 72 Atk / 164 SpA / 216 Spe with a Modest nature provides Venusaur with more power while still maintaining the ability to outpace Pokémon with base 120 Speed, namely Alakazam, and below.</p>
<p>Defensively, Omastar is one of Venusaur's better partners for its ability to lay down Stealth Rock, which is necessary to guarantee some KOs (such as the aforementioned 2HKO on Chansey with Power Whip). Offensively, Choice Band Dugtrio can deal with Steel-types and Chansey preventing Venusaur's sweep by trapping them and 2HKOing, at worst, with Earthquake. Dugtrio also has the benefit of switching into any Thunder Waves directed at Venusaur.</p>
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Leaf Storm
move 2: Sludge Bomb
move 3: Hidden Power Ground
move 4: Sleep Powder
item: Choice Specs
nature: Modest / Timid
evs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>With a Choice Specs equipped, Venusaur reaches a maximum Special Attack stat of either 492 or 448. Venusaur's true power, however, lies in being able to switch in repeatedly while remaining an offensive threat. Leaf Storm hits extremely hard after the Specs boost, while Sludge Bomb hurts opposing Venusaur, Moltres, and Altaria, all three of which pack a 4x resistance to Grass. Hidden Power Ground hits Steel-types, such as Registeel, for super effective damage, while Sleep Powder cripples all other threatening switch-ins.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>To illustrate the power of a Modest nature boosted Leaf Storm, here are some calculations:</p>
<ul class="damage_calculations">
<li>+1 Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 252 SpD Chansey - 34.17% - 40.25%</li>
<li>+1 Leaf Storm vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Swellow - 100%</li>
<li>+1 Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing - 62.87% - 73.95%</li>
</ul>
<p>Venusaur appreciates paralysis support, so it can use Modest nature over Timid nature to hit as hard as possible. Registeel fits in with this particular set because it can provide paralysis support with Thunder Wave and set up Stealth Rock as well. However, if the large Fire-type weakness makes you nervous, Chansey is a good alternative for setting up Stealth Rock and proving paralysis support.</p>
[Team Options]
<p>On most sets, Venusaur has a tough time with faster Flying-types such as Moltres and Swellow. Defensively, both Regirock and Omastar are excellent partners, as both can lay down Stealth Rock while the latter can also lay down Spikes. Entry hazards, in general, make sweeping with the more offensive sets much easier. For specially-based sets, Venusaur will have trouble getting past Chansey and Registeel. Fighting-types, such as Hitmonlee, can easily OHKO both with Close Combat. In a similar vein, Choice Band Dugtrio can trap both and 2HKO with Earthquake.</p>
[Optional Changes]
<p>Venusaur can run a more sweeper-oriented version of the Physical Attacker set with Swords Dance / Power Whip / Earthquake (Return) / Substitute with a Salac Berry. Not only would Salac Berry increase Venusaur's Speed, but Overgrow would also boost Power Whip's power. However, this set is completely shut down by priority and lacks sufficient coverage to be worth it in the long run. Venusaur can also run a Substitute + Leech Seed set, but Sceptile is usually a better candidate due to its higher Speed and lower HP stat.</p>
<p>Choices regarding EV spreads are entirely dependent on the role you want it to play (defensive annoyer, fast sleeper, Special tank, etc.) and whether it needs to sponge physical or special attacks.</p>
[Counters]
<p>For the most part, Venusaur’s counters depend on what set it is running. The physically inclined set counters depend on what Venusaur is using to complement Power Whip. If Venusaur lacks Earthquake, Registeel can counter Venusaur pretty well, especially if Sleep Clause is in effect. However, if Venusaur lacks Return, a defensive Moltres is the safest switch-in to Venusaur. Arcanine can also switch in fairly easily, thanks to Intimidate, and either KO Venusaur with Flare Blitz or cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. For the specially inclined sets, Chansey and Registeel are the best checks to Venusaur, although the latter has to play around Hidden Power Ground. Altaria is usually a safe bet against both sets, especially if it carries Fire Blast or the rare Aerial Ace.</p>
