Project Victim of the Week 2.0: ZU Edition

yeah the post is late, keep scrolling!
CHECKS​
USER​
POKEMON​
SET​
VOTES​
:Rotom:​
4​
:Morpeko:​
1​
:Qwilfish:​
3​

COUNTERS​
USER​
POKEMON​
SET​
VOTES​
:Persian-Alola:​
6​
:Malamar:​
0​
:Miltank:​
2​

congratulations to this week's winners: Marsheaux with :rotom: and Corthius with :persian-alola:! up next we have yet another highly contentious pokemon...

:ss/klinklang:
Klinklang @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 100 HP / 252 Atk / 156 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shift Gear
- Gear Grind
- Wild Charge
- Substitute
​
with the departure of alolan sandslash months prior, klinklang has had the opportunity to rise as the tier's premier steel-type. while it does not have much moveset diversity as its predecessor, the gears are still able to apply loads of pressure to unprepared teams, especially versus passive pokemon like miltank, tangela, articuno, uxie, and many more meta staples. its ability to get a +2 speed boost with gear grind to outspeed every mon in the tier, including our fastest scarf users, is one of the biggest reasons that many believe that klinklang should be suspected or even banned. the jury's still out on whether klinklang will see any action, but in the meantime, how are you handling these gears?

submissions will be accepted until friday april 22 at 11:59 pm gmt -5. good luck to all of our participants!
 
stunfisk.gif

Stunfisk @ Leftovers
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Earth Power
- Discharge / Foul Play​

Stunfisk is a counter to Shift Gear Klinklang - despite being geared more towards special bulk, Stunfisk's ability to resist both of the given set's attacks is sure to leave Klinklang floundering, while also flattening the momentum of any Volt Switch variants. Stunfisk's access to Static combined with the multi-hit status of Gear Grind means that the fish actually serves as a tailor-made trap for Klinklang, with the Steel-type constantly having to watch its step or risk paralysis - finally, Earth Power dismantles the cogs with a guaranteed 2HKO.

0 SpA Stunfisk Earth Power vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Klinklang: 186-222 (65 - 77.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Stunfisk: 128-152 (30.3 - 36%) -- approx. 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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:ss/dugtrio-alola:
Dugtrio-Alola @ Life Orb
Ability: Tangling Hair
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Stone Edge

Duggy outspeeds and always ohko's. Even though it's technically a counter I prefer describing it as a check as it can only safely come in once.

252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Dugtrio-Alola: 112-132 (53 - 62.5%)
+1 252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Dugtrio-Alola: 168-198 (79.6 - 93.8%)
252 Atk Life Orb Dugtrio-Alola Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Klinklang: 315-374 (120.6 - 143.2%)
 
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:ss/rapidash:
Rapidash @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- High Horsepower
- Toxic / Will-O-Wisp
- Morning Sun

Although it doesn't OHKO Klinklang, and although it takes about 60% from a +1 Wild Charge, Rapidash in practice is able to consistently counter Klinklang. With its Fire typing, burn chance with Flame Body, and faster Speed tier, Rapidash has several advantages in the Klinklang matchup. Klinklang can theoretically beat Rapidash if it has a Sub up, has undergone a Shift Gear, and doesn't get burned, but all 3 things can't happen in the one turn it takes for Rapidash to switch in. So logically speaking, Rapidash is able to switch into and beat Klinklang.

252+ Atk Klinklang Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Rapidash: 120-142 (35.9 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Rapidash Flare Blitz vs. 100 HP / 0 Def Klinklang: 230-272 (80.4 - 95.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery​
 
:ss/stunfisk-galar:
The Doppelganger (Stunfisk-Galar) @ Leftovers
Ability: Mimicry
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Foul Play

Galarian Stunfisk, like its cousin, is a counter to this Klinklang set. Earthquake is a 2HKO on Klinklang while Klinklang must get to +4 before being able to 2HKO Stunfisk-G.
 
:BW/Poliwrath:
Poliwrath @ Rocky Helmet / Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Scald
- Circle Throw
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
RestTalk Poliwrath is a nice CHECK to Klinklang, as the escalating damage from Rocky Helmet chip combined with its only good bulk it is prevents safe setup. Wild Charge prevents Poliwrath from being a reliable switch-in, as two consecutive Wild Charges can easily wear down Poliwrath, making it a one-time switch-in. However, against Toxic variants, Poliwrath can counter it, as it has RestTalk to easily heal up the damage done to it.
252+ Atk Klinklang Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Poliwrath: 136-160 (35.4 - 41.6%) -- 78.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Klinklang Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Poliwrath: 136-160 (35.4 - 41.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Poliwrath: 56-66 (14.5 - 17.1%) -- approx. possible 6HKO
+1 252+ Atk Klinklang Wild Charge vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Poliwrath: 204-240 (53.1 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Poliwrath: 84-100 (21.8 - 26%) -- approx. 1.4% chance to 4HKO
0 Atk Poliwrath Circle Throw vs. 100 HP / 0 Def Klinklang: 110-132 (38.4 - 46.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- SpA Poliwrath Scald vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Klinklang: 67-79 (23.4 - 27.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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:ss/coalossal:

Coalossal @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 HP / 96 Def / 160 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Blast
- Flamethrower

CHECK
flame body means klin has the same chance of being burnt as focus blast has of missing on every touch,and one gear grind = 2 touches. spread allows coal to never be 3 shot by unboosted,and never 2 shot by +1. flame means it cant setup on your face,since you comfortably 2 shot it.but its still a check coz rng yk
+1 252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 96 Def Coalossal: 176-210 (41.5 - 49.5%) -- approx. 3HKO
0 SpA Coalossal Flamethrower vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Klinklang: 186-218 (65 - 76.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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:ss/manectric:
Manectric @ Choice Scarf / Choice Specs
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Switcheroo
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Flamethrower​

offensive check to klinklang. youre immune to wild charge and resist gear grind, but the latter chunks you even without any boosts and has a chance to 2hko but only with rocks. the gears are obviously ev'ed to be faster at +2 than mane but volt will always break a sub, flame is a guaranteed 2hko, and tbolt has a favorable chance to 2hko. as long as you stay healthy throughout the match, which i know is hard, you can definitely beat it. since you outspeed before klinklang boosts, and are outsped regardless after it does, i could see specs mane working over scarf, guaranteeing an ohko with flamethrower.
252 SpA Manectric Thunderbolt vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Klinklang: 145-172 (50.6 - 60.1%) -- 89.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Manectric Volt Switch vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Klinklang: 114-135 (39.8 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Manectric Flamethrower vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Klinklang: 194-230 (67.8 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Manectric Flamethrower vs. 100 HP / 0 SpD Klinklang: 290-342 (101.3 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Manectric: 114-134 (40.5 - 47.6%) -- approx. 3HKO (approx. 57.8% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock)
+2 252+ Atk Klinklang Gear Grind (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Manectric: 226-266 (80.4 - 94.6%) -- approx. 2HKO (50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock) --> youre outsped but you will guaranteed live and get off a big hit before youre knocked out, then ideally you revenge with something like gurdurr, specs poliwrath, etc
technically a counter according to the definition and i talked to corth about this a couple weeks ago and i said that we should be evaluating these in a vacuum, but i agree with obb in that over the course of a match, our "technically a counter" mons can only come in once safely. so where does that leave us? idk yet!
 
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double posting but oh :wailord:!
checks​
USER​
POKEMON​
SET​
:ss/dugtrio-alola:​
:ss/coalossal:​
:ss/poliwrath:​
:ss/manectric:​

counters​
USER​
POKEMON​
SET​
:ss/stunfisk:​
hiss​
:ss/rapidash:​
:ss/gurdurr:​
:ss/stunfisk-galar:​

please choose 1 check and 1 counter this week! my votes are going to :poliwrath: and :gurdurr:, but honestly all of this week's submissions were great! voting will end tomorrow, sunday april 24 at 11:59 pm gmt -4 (we're in daylight savings!). thank you to all of our participants, and good luck!
 
checks​
USER​
POKEMON​
SET​
​
:ss/dugtrio-alola:​
2​
:ss/coalossal:​
2​
:ss/poliwrath:​
1​
:ss/manectric:​
1​

counters​
USER​
POKEMON​
SET​
​
:ss/stunfisk:​
1​
hiss​
:ss/rapidash:​
1​
:ss/gurdurr:​
3​
:ss/stunfisk-galar:​
1​
​
congratulations to obb and dr ya yeet with their winning checks, each with 2 votes, and to corthius for his winning counter with 3 votes! up next we have....
:ss/stunfisk:
Stunfisk @ Leftovers
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Earth Power
- Foul Play / Discharge
- Toxic​

spdef stunfisk has been a staple in the ss zu meta for quite some time now thanks to its defensive typing, punishing ability, and wonderful 109/84/99 bulk. most notably, running spdef with foul play allows it to act as a strong answer to multiple highly-ranked mons in the tier, including scarf and subnp rotom, shift gear klinklang, np skuntank, and manectric. however, its passivity and lack of reliable recovery means that it can be exploited quite easily. for our 17th week, how will you defeat our flat, floundering friend?

the submission phase will end friday april 29 at 11:59 pm gmt-4. have fun everyone!
 
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pablo
(thwackey for the noobs)
:ss/thwackey:
pablo (Thwackey) (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Wood Hammer
- U-turn
- Knock Off

Counter but dislikes Foul Play.
Pablo can easily switch into Stunfisk and OHKO it with Wood Hammer (even Grassy Glide does). Foul Play does around 45%.
 
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:ss/hattrem:
Hattrem (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 248 HP / 248 Def / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Giga Drain
- Rest / Nuzzle
- Sleep Talk / Healing Wish

Despite not being able to immediately threaten Stunfisk, the benefit of using Hattrem as a check is that it impedes all potential progress by Stunfisk. Other common answers do not prevent it from rocking and are still vulnerable to Toxic.

0- Atk Stunfisk Foul Play vs. 248 HP / 248+ Def Eviolite Hattrem: 40-48 (12.6 - 15.1%)
0 SpA Stunfisk Earth Power vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Hattrem: 70-84 (22 - 26.4%)
0 SpA Hattrem Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Stunfisk: 70-84 (16.5 - 19.9%)
 
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:BW/Clefairy:
Clefairy @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Soft-Boiled / Moonlight
- Moonblast / Seismic Toss / Teleport
- Knock Off / Seismic Toss / Teleport
- Stealth Rock / Toxic
Clefairy is a COUNTER - it takes pittance from any moves Stunfisk, even when accounting for Earth Power drops. It completely blanks Toxic and doesn’t mind paralysis much (since it is already quite slow in the first place), and even if Clef loses its Eviolite it can still pivot into Fisk relatively safely. Conversely, Stunfisk despises Toxic (Burns also limit Foul Play damage) and is very liable to getting worn down without Leftovers, cleric or wish support. Clefairy can also teleport to another offensive or defensive check to use Stunfisk as fodder, though Teleport alongside Soft-Boiled is illegal (which doesn’t hurt how it counters Stunfisk but hurts the splashability of such a set)
0 SpA Clefairy Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Stunfisk: 51-60 (12 - 14.2%) -- possible 8HKO
SpA Stunfisk Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Clefairy: 51-61 (14.8 - 17.7%) -- possible 6HKO
0 SpA Stunfisk Discharge vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Clefairy: 46-55 (13.3 - 15.9%) -- possible 7HKO
0 SpA Stunfisk Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Clefairy: 76-91 (22 - 26.4%) -- 15.6% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Stunfisk Discharge vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Clefairy: 69-82 (20 - 23.8%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
 
:silvally: :water memory:

Silvally-Flying @ sussy Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Multi-Attack
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- U-turn

CHECK coz ig it can run discharge even though i dont see that much,and also static is annoying
generic aoa,maybe you can sd over u turn if you wanna switch its role in the team,this still works really well tho
252 Atk Silvally-Flying Multi-Attack vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Stunfisk: 366-432 (86.7 - 102.3%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
0 SpA Stunfisk Discharge vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Silvally-Flying: 168-200 (50.7 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Stunfisk Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Silvally-Flying: 94-112 (28.3 - 33.8%) -- 0.9% chance to 3HKO
4 SpA Silvally-Flying Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Stunfisk: 90-108 (21.3 - 25.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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