Victim Of The Week [VoTW #27 - Zygarde / Zygarde-Complete]

[surgical_tubing]

Kangaskhan-Mega (F) @ Kangaskhanite
Ability: Parental Bond
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thunder Punch
- Double-Edge
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch

Thunder punch can 3HKO max defense Celesteela, and 2HKOs most other variants.

252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 76-92 (37.2 - 45%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 104-124 (50.9 - 60.7%) -- 94.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Most Celesteela can 3HKO in return, max attack Celesteela can 2HKO, but Kangaskhan will be faster.

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 69-82 (38.3 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 104-124 (50.9 - 60.7%) -- 94.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Obviously there are lots of Kangaskhan sets out there and the remaining 3 moves should be tailored for the rest of your team. I went with Jolly nature because Adamant didn't seem to tip the balance in this case, but Adamant is certainly workable as well.

 

[Charlotte]

Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 4 SpA / 4 SpD / 60 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Perish Song
- Sludge Bomb / Destiny Bond / Will-O-Wisp / Hypnosis (this slot does not matter for taking down Celest and is highly variable)
- Protect
- Substitute

Quite simply perish song, protect and then sub. At the end of the following turn Celest will go down.
The bulk lets it take some of the strongest hits from Celest and still have enough HP to sub.
252+ Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 188 Def Mega Gengar: 102-122 (61 - 73%)
252+ SpA Choice Specs Celesteela Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Gengar: 102-121 (61 - 72.4%)

 

[cant say]

memes (Rotom-C) @ Assault Vest / Choice Specs / Grassium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Leaf Storm
- Dark Pulse / Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Ice / Volt Switch / Hidden Power Fire

Rotom-H was taken, I could have done a real nomination and done Rotom-W but for no good reason other than a Leech Seed immunity I've gone with the way cooler lawnmower mon. It can live a freakin Inferno Overdrive and win 1v1. I put Dark Pulse there because I still see Marowak-A paired with Celesteela all the time but there are better moves to use.

calcs

252+ SpA Rotom-C Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Celesteela: 144-170 (70.5 - 83.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-C Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Celesteela: 216-254 (105.8 - 124.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Celesteela Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 128-152 (81.5 - 96.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Celesteela Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 78-92 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO

252+ SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 64-76 (40.7 - 48.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 46-56 (29.2 - 35.6%) -- 18.3% chance to 3HKO

BONUS:

252+ SpA Rotom-C Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Marowak-Alola: 104-124 (62.2 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-C Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Marowak-Alola: 156-184 (93.4 - 110.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

 

[Steel With It]

Marowak-Alola @ Thick Club
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 248 HP / 128 Atk / 132 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Bone
- Flare Blitz
- Bonemerang / Earthquake
- Will-O-Wisp / Stealth Rock

One of Celesteela's best partners is also one of her worst enemies - Marowak is here to kick ass and take names. The given spread outspeeds Careful Celesteela, but even Adamant Autotomise can't OHKO Wak without both LO and Rocks on the field; either way, Flare Blitz demolishes Steela in return.

252+ Atk Life Orb Celesteela Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 127-151 (76.5 - 90.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 70-84 (42.1 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 32-38 (19.2 - 22.8%) -- possible 5HKO
128+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Flare Blitz vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Celesteela: 278-330 (136.9 - 162.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

It should be noted that Fire Punch isn't a guaranteed OHKO on max HP Steela, so Blitz is necessary, but the recoil is usually worth removing this bulky bastard from the game anyway.

 

[dogknees]

Submissions are now closed! There are to be no edits of your own Pokemon, nor are there to be any new submissions. A few quick things to note;

• Voting will close on the 11/2 at 12:30pm GMT+11 (8:30pm EST 10/2), where the next Vitim Of The Week will also be announced
• You can't vote for your own submission
• You can only change your vote once, so think carefully before doing so
• You can vote even if you haven't made a submission

Holy crap 16 submissions, fantastic job everyone. Best of luck to all!

The Squash's Hypnosis Xurkitree

Xurkitree @ Psychium Z / Shuca Berry
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Tail Glow
- Hypnosis

Xurkitree functions as an amazing Celeseteela check thanks to its typing and sky high special attack, being able to 2HKO even specially defensive Celesteela without a boost.

252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 138-164 (67.6 - 80.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+3 252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 338-402 (165.6 - 197%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Z-Hypnosis lets Xurkitree freely set up or KO Celesteela, but needs to watch for Substitue, while a Shuca Berry lets it be able to stomach Earthquakes easier.

Xurkitree can also take on common Pokemon in the metagame including Tapu Fini and Gyarados

P3DS' Choice Specs Rotom-Heat

Nominating Rotom-H, the curious little toaster

Rotom-Heat @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 148 HP / 4 Def / 244 SpA / 4 SpD / 108 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Overheat
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Trick/Thunderbolt

This brave little toaster oven is pretty interesting. Overheat annihilates bulky Celesteela, and Volt Switch hits like a truck. HP ice can be used to catch a chomp on the switch if you call correctly, and if you know it isn't a specially offensive set, you can trick the glasses onto it, and ruin those stall sets. Tbolt is a slash so that you can wear down annoying sub stall sets without dropping SpA. It speed creeps the jolly steela, and hits as hard as possible on it. And what can steela do in return? not much tbh. Offensive ones haven't got a move for it. Resists STABs, EQ, Giga Drain, Flamethrower. Basically it is a resist on anything steela has to offer. So, who knew that the steela kryptonite would also double as a toaster?

244+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-H Overheat vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 224-266 (109.8 - 130.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+6 252+ Atk Choice Band Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 108 HP / 4 Def Rotom-H: 132-156 (94.9 - 112.2%) -- 75% chance to OHKO (Yeah... Ain't Koin' this freash toaster)

Holiano's Zapdos

Zapdos @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Static / Pressure
Level: 50
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Discharge
- Roost
- Heat Wave / Hidden Power [Ice]
- Toxic

the main reason why i'd choose Zapdos over others common electric type as a way to deal with Celesteela is his reliable recovery, allowing it to not being too weakened at the end of the 1v1 against sub seed Celesteela in the worst scenario or taking a shitton on an eventual predict from your opponent who click Heavy Slam/Earthquake on the switch. having the ability to run Toxic is also pretty good on an electric type that want to deal with Celesteela as it forces your opponent to think twice before sending the appropriate check if he does not want it to be worn down too quickly and being forced to sac his Celesteela later in the game if the 1v1 scenario is happening again

Average Fella's Fair Lady (Gothitelle)

Here she is, the beauty, the best mence partner since ttar/exca, the most stressful 50/50 you will ever find yourself in during team preview...

This isn't an explicit endorsement of Gothitelle, although honestly if all you want to do is trap Celes and Ferrothorn, Gothitelle is definitely your lady. She is terrible against any offensive team, she is so helpless after killing things that any trap kill is basically a 1 for 1, her speed tier is, while not terrible, nothing to write home about.

do you know what she DOES do though? lives ANY coverage celesteela has INCLUDING earthquake and flamethrower, can TRAP the steel demon, has a coverage move that hits pretty goshdarn hard vs celes(wearing it down sufficiently so that any mon that celes used to wall doesn't really wall it anymore!, and can (if youre cheeky enough to even try) trick it if you think it'll go for something stupid.

Gothitelle @ Choice Specs
Ability: Shadow Tag
Level: 50
EVs: 12 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 236 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Psychic
- Thunderbolt
- Trick

I used this specifically to aid physical m-mence as much as humanly possible, so the coverage and speed investment is tailored to that as much as I can possibly make it. Outspeeds max speed celesteela and things that creep it by 1 point, such as tapu fini. Its purpose is simple, its coverage is specific, and its offensive presence is actually pretty decent.

It's capable of lopping a decent chunk of celes's health off...

252 SpA Choice Specs Gothitelle Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 124-148 (60.7 - 72.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

While also having the capacity to go for Trick to permanently incapacitate it for the rest of the match. This is capable of switching into the beast and lop a chunk of its health...

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 12 HP / 4 Def Gothitelle: 72-85 (48.9 - 57.8%) -- 96.5% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 12 HP / 4 SpD Gothitelle: 34-40 (23.1 - 27.2%) -- 49.7% chance to 4HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 12 HP / 4 Def Gothitelle: 39-47 (26.5 - 31.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

Although it technically can come in on a heavy slam and do a chunk to it, I'd recommend it come on a protect or a coverage move. I've had a moderate success pairing it with celes maro instead of mence, just to win the celes ditto so much easier than celes maro can do alone. Generally, virtually anything with a weakness to one if its coverage moves can use it, such as m-scizor, tapu bulu, and excadrill, all things that wish celes to be done away with.

Goth isn't a fantastic mon in many many regards, but if the people don't want to vote for my favorite magnetic boy because it's too easy... the people will be satisfied.

Dogknees' Ludicolo

Everyone loves a good meme once in a while!

Ludicolo @ Waterium-Z / Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance

Let's face the facts, Flying-type STAB on Celesteela isn't anywhere near meta-defining enough for Ludicolo to worry. This overgrown lilypad of death actually walls Celesteela. Yes, that's right, it WALLS Celesteela. Don't believe me? Read the calcs and weep.

Eat your heart out Celesteela

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Ludicolo: 45-54 (29 - 34.8%) -- 6.6% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Ludicolo: 25-30 (16.1 - 19.3%) -- possible 6HKO
0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Ludicolo in Rain: 17-21 (10.9 - 13.5%) -- possible 8HKO

And to make matters even better, we have this beautiful calc.

DEATH TO ALL WHO OPPOSE

252+ SpA Ludicolo Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Celesteela in Rain: 202-238 (99 - 116.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Ludicolo Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Celesteela in Rain: 183-216 (89.7 - 105.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

Ludicolo also acts as an independent rain sweeper, able to set up rain and abuse Swift Swim all by itself. With a Timid nature, Ludicolo can also outspeed Choice Scarf Garchomp and +1 Mega-Salamence under Rain and proceed to OHKO with Ice Beam. No need to worry about bulky waters such as Tapu Fini when Giga Drain gives you the coverage (we don't talk about Suicune though pfft).

Thick Fat Azumarill's Fightinium-Z Thundurus-Therian

Sorry Koko, but this is my new best friend.

Thundurus-Therian @ Fightinium Z
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Focus Blast

Thundurus is a really nice mon in this new meta, and both of its formes are amazing. Thunderbolt is your super-effective STAB. HP Ice hits Ground and Grass type switch-ins (except Mega Venusaur). Focus Blast + Fightiniuim Z gives Thundurus a accurate (and big) hit on Ferrothorn, Porygon2 and Mega Kangaskhan. Nasty Plot helps getting past bulkier mons.
This mon is kinda frail, so it is worn down easily by Seeds + Flamethrower, but its ability to force a switch and risking to nuke the switch-in can put a lot of pressure on the opposing team.

Hide

252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 120-144 (58.8 - 70.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 236-282 (115.6 - 138.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Thundurus: 43-51 (27.9 - 33.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus: 45-54 (29.2 - 35%) -- 9.9% chance to 3HKO

Bobochan's Reuniclus

Reuniclus @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Psychic
- Focus Blast

CM Reuniclus is a counter to Celesteela. Magic Guard is the main selling point as being immune to Leech Seed makes it impossible for Celesteela to wear it down. There's no move from a Celesteela that can even come close to a 2HKO. Heavy Slam does around 30%. Other options: Shadow Ball over Focus Blast can be used if Dark-types is handled by teammates so that you can hit Aegi/BRO/Cress better while Leftovers is an option over LO if you want more passive recovery.

Gatecreeper's bulky Thundurus-Therian

Thundurus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers / Electrium Z
Ability: Volt Absorb
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 52 Def / 4 SpA / 92 SpD / 108 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Nasty Plot
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Substitute

Although it's already been nominated I'm taking a different spin on Thundy-T here. This Thundurus-T can sub on any Celesteela with no offensive investment as the above spread avoids prevents a sub breaking from anything the Seed Waifu has to throw at it. While it is already easy for Thundurus-T to get up a Nasty Plot on Celesteela, Leech Seed and Flamethrower both kinda wear it down, so I thought this set in particular would be nice to nominate to avoid that. Other coverage moves such as Sludge Wave, Grass Knot, and Focus Blast can be used on this set; just went with Hidden Power Ice since BoltBeam coverage is always nice. Some calcs:

Hide

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 52+ Def Thundurus-T: 39-46 (20.9 - 24.7%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 92 SpD Thundurus-T: 39-46 (20.9 - 24.7%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

+2 4 SpA Thundurus-T Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 204-240 (100 - 117.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 SpA Thundurus-T Gigavolt Havoc (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 198-234 (97 - 114.7%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
4 SpA Thundurus-T Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 102-122 (50 - 59.8%) -- 84.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Corrin's Choice Scarf Chandelure

Chandelure @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Infiltrator
Level: 50
EVs: 84 HP / 252 SpA / 172 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Overheat
- Energy Ball
- Shadow Ball
- Trick / Memento

Scarf really is a great item. Besides easily outspeeding and netting the KO on non-specially defensive Celesteela (252 SpA Chandelure Overheat vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Celesteela: 236-282 (115.6 - 138.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO), Chandelure—unlike most of Celesteela's checks & counters—isn't punished if Substitute is up, which is huge as the player gets some leeway if he/she chokes at some point and Chandelure will still either grab the KO or force Celesteela out 100% of the time as not even something as cute as Adamant Celesteela is knocking it down (252+ Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 84 HP / 0 Def Chandelure: 116-138 (79.4 - 94.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO). 172 Speed EVs + Scarf remedies Chandelure's mediocre speed and puts it exactly one point above Tapu Koko's speedtier, meaning that you can also plow a hole on the likes of Mega Gengar & Tapu-Lele (with 84HP EVs, Psychic only has an 18.8% of KO'ing if Lele is timid). Lastly, Trick or Memento for utility and disrupt your opponent's game-plan by either Scarfing bulky mons like Porygon2 or soaking up a hit with Memento so something can switch in safely, set-up and sweep.

I dont care's Mega-Charizard Y

Charizard @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Earthquake / Roost


PRAISE THE SUN!
Celesteela got many enemies after Pokébank, one of these is Charizard: Mega Charizard Y in my case.
I have not to tell you how strong is this guy.
Celesteela is a pretty annoying Pokémon but it can't do anything if its opponent can destroy it with a hit.
I don't know even how making this long, damage calcs say all:

252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela in Sun: 236-278 (115.6 - 136.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 156-186 (76.4 - 91.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

A theoretical max HP and SpDef Celesteela takes a ton of damage from Mega Charizard Y.
Other moves are for coverage against other things: Solar Beam for water-types, Focus Blast for Tyranitar, Hidden Power Ice for dragons like Garchomp or Salamence or Earthquake for Heatran. Well, they're not moves that have a good use against Celesteela, they are not important now.

Celesteela in return, what can it do?

0 SpA Celesteela Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Charizard-Mega-Y: 40-48 (26.1 - 31.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Charizard-Mega-Y in Sun: 24-28 (15.6 - 18.3%) -- possible 6HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 42-50 (27.4 - 32.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

In case of Roost: 0 Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 94-112 (61.4 - 73.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Be careful in this case.

Kietharr's Magnezone

Magnezone @ Air Balloon
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 220 HP / 252 SpA / 36 Spe
Modest Nature
-Thunderbolt
-Flash Cannon
-Substitute
-Hidden Power of your choice (ice/fire/ground/grass all have applications)

Magnezone is something which both pre and postbank can fairly reliably counter Celesteela. Magnezone x4 resists both of Celesteela's STABs, though physical Celesteela may carry EQ which threatens it, making Air Balloon a must if you want to guarantee a safe switch in. Losing Life Orb means that you lose OHKO on max hp/sdef variants but those are pretty rare. Since you trap and outspeed most variants, you often don't even mind losing it on a switch in. Thunderbolt is an OHKO on any 252hp/0sdef set. Special variants may carry flamethrower, which is a 2HKO but since you both trap and outspeed (unless it's a high speed special variant, which is pretty darn rare), in most situations you will gladly take that trade. If you're afraid of one of these sets you can always dump EVs into speed to your liking, but without a scarf Magnezone's not going to be outspeeding many things other than Celesteela.

For subseed variants, you want to avoid switching into a leech seed though in most cases, you will still actually win that war of attrition due to outspeeding Celesteela's sub while also threatening OHKO on most variants. If you get in on a substitute turn, you can put up your own sub and after that you're pretty much guaranteed to win against it while taking minimal damage. most subseed/protect variants seem to run heavy slam as the one damaging move. Some are starting to run flamethrower though. You'll still win against it, but it will usually cost a scouting sub plus a hit for 50-60% health.

Funnily enough the most gimmicky set is probably the most dangerous for Magnezone, the flame charge physical sweeper. After a flame charge, unless you run scarf it will always outspeed and threaten to KO with earthquake. Timid max speed scarf will deal with that set but you face the trade off there of being a little less good at dealing with subseed.

Solerme's Mega-Charizard X

darn, I wanted to post CharY too, but my italian buddy was faster than me.
Well i'll go with its twin i guess:

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 236 HP / 12 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Flare Blitz
- Roost

Bulky CharX. This set is designed to easily spell Dragon Dances and heal back the damage when facing a Celesteela.
It has enough bulk to not be 2HKO'ed by 4Atk Celesteela's Earthquake, while being able to boost, heal with Roost or just hit in return.
4 Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 70-84 (38.2 - 45.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

It outspeeds some of Celesteela's usual partners such as Jolly Mimikyu, and when at +1 it's faster than Scarf Hydreigon and Scarf Tapu Lele. It can also always OHKO opposing dragons like MMence, Garchomp when at +1, scenario that can be easily obtainable if it faces a Celesteela. It has 94% chances to survive to Scarf Chomp's Earthquake and will always survive a Double-Edge from Adamant MMence if needed.
252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 156-186 (85.2 - 101.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 144-171 (78.6 - 93.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
At +1 it easily OHKOs the bulkiest version of Celesteela.
+1 12 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 236-282 (115.6 - 138.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

It can also take an EQ from its Max Attack set, being able to OHKO in return with a +0 Flare Blitz or preferibily to use Dragon Dance.
252+ Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 98-116 (53.5 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
12 Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 218-258 (106.8 - 126.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

...It survives even to an Eq from a Choice Banded Celesteela:
252+ Atk Choice Band Celesteela Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 146-172 (79.7 - 93.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Or to its max attack Z-Fly:
252+ Atk Celesteela Supersonic Skystrike (175 BP) vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 127-150 (69.3 - 81.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

And in the remote scenario that Celesteela has a Z-Earthquake, if Charizard decides to not attack (since it would always OHKO its 252HP/4Def variant), it will even have some chances to survive to that too:
252+ Atk Celesteela Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. 236 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 172-204 (93.9 - 111.4%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

surgical_tubing's Mega-Kangaskhan

Kangaskhan @ Kangaskhanite
Ability: Parental Bond
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thunder Punch
- Double-Edge
- Power-Up Punch
- Sucker Punch

Thunder punch can 3HKO max defense Celesteela, and 2HKOs most other variants.
252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 76-92 (37.2 - 45%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 104-124 (50.9 - 60.7%) -- 94.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Most Celesteela can 3HKO in return, max attack Celesteela can 2HKO, but Kangaskhan will be faster.
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 69-82 (38.3 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela: 104-124 (50.9 - 60.7%) -- 94.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Obviously there are lots of Kangaskhan sets out there and the remaining 3 moves should be tailored for the rest of your team. I went with Jolly nature because Adamant didn't seem to tip the balance in this case, but Adamant is certainly workable as well.

Jhon's Perish Song Shadow Tag Mega-Gengar

Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 4 SpA / 4 SpD / 60 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Perish Song
- Sludge Wave / Sludge Bomb / Destiny Bond / Will-O-Wisp / Hypnosis (this slot does not matter for taking down Celest and is highly variable)
- Protect
- Substitute

Quite simply perish song, protect and then sub. At the end of the following turn Celest will go down.
The bulk lets it take some of the strongest hits from Celest and still have enough HP to sub.
252+ Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 188 Def Mega Gengar: 102-122 (61 - 73%)
252+ SpA Choice Specs Celesteela Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Gengar: 102-121 (61 - 72.4%)

cant say's Rotom-Mow

memes (Rotom-C) @ Assault Vest / Choice Specs / Grassium Z
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Leaf Storm
- Dark Pulse / Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Ice / Volt Switch / Hidden Power Fire

Rotom-H was taken, I could have done a real nomination and done Rotom-W but for no good reason other than a Leech Seed immunity I've gone with the way cooler lawnmower mon. It can live a freakin Inferno Overdrive and win 1v1. I put Dark Pulse there because I still see Marowak-A paired with Celesteela all the time but there are better moves to use.

calcs

252+ SpA Rotom-C Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Celesteela: 144-170 (70.5 - 83.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-C Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Celesteela: 216-254 (105.8 - 124.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Celesteela Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 128-152 (81.5 - 96.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Celesteela Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 78-92 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO

252+ SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 64-76 (40.7 - 48.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

0 SpA Celesteela Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Rotom-C: 46-56 (29.2 - 35.6%) -- 18.3% chance to 3HKO

BONUS:

252+ SpA Rotom-C Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Marowak-Alola: 104-124 (62.2 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Choice Specs Rotom-C Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Marowak-Alola: 156-184 (93.4 - 110.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

Steel With It's Alolan-Marowak

Marowak-Alola @ Thick Club
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 248 HP / 128 Atk / 132 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Bone
- Flare Blitz
- Bonemerang / Earthquake
- Will-O-Wisp / Stealth Rock

One of Celesteela's best partners is also one of her worst enemies - Marowak is here to kick ass and take names. The given spread outspeeds Careful Celesteela, but even Adamant Autotomise can't OHKO Wak without both LO and Rocks on the field; either way, Flare Blitz demolishes Steela in return.

252+ Atk Life Orb Celesteela Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 127-151 (76.5 - 90.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 70-84 (42.1 - 50.6%) -- 2% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Marowak-Alola: 32-38 (19.2 - 22.8%) -- possible 5HKO
128+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Flare Blitz vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Celesteela: 278-330 (136.9 - 162.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

It should be noted that Fire Punch isn't a guaranteed OHKO on max HP Steela, so Blitz is necessary, but the recoil is usually worth removing this bulky bastard from the game anyway.

 

[GateCreeper]

Holiano

Although it faces competition from a lot of other electrics for a spot on a team, Zapdos is a great defensive counter to Celesteela and having access to Roost means that it can switch in reliably more than once. Having good matchups against other pokes like Mega Salamence and Gyarados make it for a solid pick in this meta.

 

[I dont care]

ThickFatAzumarill

Thundurus-I is a really good Pokémon in this meta, and it's perfect against Celesteela since it can hit hard the ultra beast while this one have no chance to anything but Leech Seed.

 

[Louna]

I dont care

I like the way how zard y pressure common partner to celes with fire blast or coverage, while also having the possibility to run a reliable recovery allowing it to have a more or less safe switch in against the beast several time, although i'd definitly prefere flamethrower to do this job as protect can be annoying with only 8 pps

 

[dogknees]

I dont care

Celesteela can hardly touch Zard-Y outside of Leech Seed, which Zard-Y greatly appreciates as it keeps it healthy which is super important, especially if you don't run Roost. Using Zard-Y as a counter also forces the opponent to either sac Celesteela, or send in something to get dented by Fire Blast. Zard-Y also breaks a lot of common walls really well, and in general is a really tough Pokemon to fare against.

 

[average fella]

ThickFatAzumarill

as much as i dislike voting for a set that is at least vaguely standard, i really do think that that's actually a mon i'd legitimately consider on an actual team that i plan to use against actual humans. i relaly do not want to vote for heattom on every entry where heattom is conceivable because i love it so much

 

[Johta]

Voting for Bobochan's Reuniclus. Not being bothered by Leech Seed just closed the deal for me.

 

[Solerme]

cant say's Rotom-Mow

Obviously i do love both of the Charizard options, but this is too original to not vote for it. It can't be Leech seeded, flies over Eq, resists to Heavy Slam, can survive to Fire attacks and the best part is that Celesteela could even decide to stay in vs it, most likely losing the 1v1 match or taking good damage if Mow is not running the Z-move or Specs, whereas vs most of other mons we listed Celesteela would probably switch out.

 

[Thick Fat Azumarill]

Dogknees

That Ludicolo is too much for me, and I love it.

 

[P3DS]

I dont care

Charizard-y does similar to how I wanted Rotom-h to work, so definitely has my vote

 

[Fischgrat]

GateCreeper's bulky Thundurus-T
Very interesting and fun set that can wreck for days, you don't want to face a +2 and/or sub Thundy ever

 

[A]

Dogknees

meme prince.

 

[Kietharr]

P3DS

I think the best counter basically needs to resist heavy slam, flamethrower and earthquake while also threatening OHKO which narrows things down to Rotom-H and Zard-Y (and Ludicolo lmao, which has the benefit of being leech seed immune at the 'cost' of being weak to air slash, as if that really matters). Zard-Y takes a mega slot and Ludicolo needs a Z-move for the KO, plus may have to set up rain for himself which creates slightly more room for counterplay. From a team building perspective I think Rotom-H is the most effective, lowest investment way to deal with Celesteela.

 

[cant say]

P3DS

basically what Kietharr said. I would have nominated a Firium Z set myself but specs is still ok

there were a lot of good nominations this week which is interesting as it shows that Celesteela is vulnerable to a bunch of stuff yet it still manages to be really good and super annoying.

 

[The Squash]

I dont care

Zard-Y absolutely destroys Celesteela, roasting it with Fire Blast (or Flamethrower), while Celesteela can't do much to retaliate. Being able to OHKO a fully Special Defensive Celesteela is nothing to laugh at.

 

[dogknees]

Congratulations to I dont care for winning VoTW 2 (Celesteela) with your submission of Mega Charizard-Y! Your post will be logged into the Archive.

Victim Of The Week #3 - Mega Kangaskhan

Up next on VoTW is still one of our most hardest hitting physical attackers, Mega Kangaskhan! Despite the nerf on Parental Bond making the second hit only 25% of the usual damage, Mega Kangaskhan remains as a top tier wallbreaker and one of the prominent threats in the metagame. Usually running an all physical set, Mega Kangaskhan hits extremely hard most notably with powerful STAB options, primarily Double Edge and the occasional Return / Frustration, while hitting Steel-types including Aegislash and Heatran with Earthquake. Since the addition of Pokebank, Power Up Punch has become avaiable to Mega Kangaskhan, which greatly assists in wallbreaking / stallbreaking as it gives a +2 attack boost due to hitting twice via Parental Bond. Although Mega Kangaskhan strikes players as an all physical mon, coverage options including Fire Blast and Ice Beam can be patched up by some special attack investment to take out what would be some usually solid answer to Mega Kangaskhan. Sheer offensive power isn't all that this Soccor Mum Kangaroo has going for it either, also boasting some rather impressive bulk. So, how do you deal with Mega Kangaskhan?

Submissions are open and will close in four days from now. Best of luck everyone!​

 

[Thick Fat Azumarill]

Hippowdon @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Yawn
- Slack Off

Hippo returns in the new meta a very solid answer to the furious Mother and Child combo. Hippo's incredible physical bulk allows it to take hits from Mega Kang, while wearing her down with Rocky Helmet + Sand damage (Unless Kang is Mixed/Special or is using Secret Power, but these sets aren't as good as in gen 6). Stealth Rocks supports the team, and Yawn is great for forcing switches and putting the opponent to sleep, as long as Electric or Misty Terrains aren't up. Earthquake is your STAB and Slack Off provides reliable recovery.

Hide

252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 88-106 (40.9 - 49.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 76-92 (35.3 - 42.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
100 SpA Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Hippowdon: 86-104 (40 - 48.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 177-209 (82.3 - 97.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 150-178 (69.7 - 82.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Kangaskhan: 63-75 (34.8 - 41.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after sandstorm damage

 

[I dont care]

Celesteela @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 244 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower
______________________________​

Damn, Who said Kangaskhan is weak now? Its Double Edge destroy everything, if not, if the check switchs on Power-Up Punch, the boost will do the rest.
I tried something else, but they can't do a 100% OHKO or they risk a killed tie. I don't say the names, 'cause I don't wanna looks like trying to do bad publicity about other Pokémon.
I looked at PGL site, and fun fact, the threats that you normally think that can kill Kangaskhan are the top 10 Pokémon that are killed from Kangaskhan.
Well then, I went to sleep, and today I checked better about the situation, and I find out Rocky Helmet Celesteela.

Celesteela can take every hit from M-Kangaskhan without many troubles, and Parental Bond just makes Kanga's pain bigger with Rocky Helmet; losing 25% of the health for every turn is not the best.
Celesteela then can go for Leech Seed and stalling with Protect to beat down this big Mega Problem.
Also Heavy Slam does good damage.

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kangaskhan-Mega: 69-82 (38.3 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

While Kangaskhan can't do much.

252+ Atk Parental Bond Kangaskhan-Mega Double-Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 48-57 (23.6 - 28%) -- 88.4% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Parental Bond Kangaskhan-Mega Ice Punch vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 41-48 (20.1 - 23.6%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

After the boost from Power-Up Punch:
+2 252+ Atk Parental Bond Kangaskhan-Mega Double-Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 96-113 (47.2 - 55.6%) -- 79.7% chance to 2HKO
+2 252+ Atk Parental Bond Kangaskhan-Mega Ice Punch vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 81-96 (39.9 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

I understimated it, if Kangaskhan can do a Power-Up Punch (even when the check is switching in, unless a Ghost), then its hits can almost destroy everything; but not for Celesteela.
Plus, I did some battle to simulate the worst case possible, the boost, with every ways Kangaskhan can choice:
1st Battle http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7battlespotsingles-531802521
2nd Battle: http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7battlespotsingles-531802900
3rd Battle: http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7battlespotsingles-531803297

Well, the worst case is if M-Kangaskhan has Fire Blast or Thunder Punch, but damn, this thing is unstoppable.

 

[Mike81401]

Lucario-Mega @ Lucarionite
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Bullet Punch
- Iron Tail

M-Lucario is one of the best checks to physical M-Kang, for it outspeeds and OHKOes M-Kang with an unboosted Close Combat 100%of the time, but it's not a counter as it can't switch in. For one, Power-Up Punch can 2HKO at best (not taking into account Parental Bond, in where the 2HKO is guaranteed) and that's not even certain. However, Fire Blast is a guaranteed 2HKO, regardless of nature. Calcs to support this:

252 Atk Adaptability Lucario-Mega Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan-Mega: 292-348 (162.2 - 193.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Naive Kang)

252+ Atk Parental Bond Kangaskhan-Mega Power-Up Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Lucario-Mega: 70-82 (48.2 - 56.5%) -- 85.9% chance to 2HKO (Adamant Kang)

 

[Solerme]

@ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Scald
- Ice Beam / Shadow Ball / Hex
- Recover


With the combination of its great bulk, typing and having the access to WoW and Recover, Mr.Pringles can handle pretty well Mega Kangaskhan, being immune to its main STABs and easily stalling Sucker Punches.

The only real ways that Kangaskhan has to hit Jellicent are with Earthquake or Scrappy Double-Edge, 4HKOing with Earthquake and 3HKOing with Double-Edge if Will-O-Will misses. This, of course, before it gets Burned.

252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 69-82 (33.3 - 39.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
252+ Atk Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 82-97 (39.6 - 46.8%) -- 88.7% chance to 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
Burned: 252+ Atk Parental Bond burned Mega Kangaskhan Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 34-40 (16.4 - 19.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
Burned: 252+ Atk burned Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 41-48 (19.8 - 23.1%) -- possible 6HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

Even with the rare Crunch or Thunder Punch (before being burned) Kangaskhan has less then 1% chances to 2HKO Jellicent, with Crucnh (widely missing it when burned) , and will always miss the 2HKO with Thunder Punch.

252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 110-132 (53.1 - 63.7%) -- 0.6% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 104-124 (50.2 - 59.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
Burned: 252+ Atk Parental Bond burned Mega Kangaskhan Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 55-66 (26.5 - 31.8%) -- Miniscule chance to 4HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
Burned: 252+ Atk Parental Bond burned Mega Kangaskhan Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Jellicent: 52-62 (25.1 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

And all those calcs are made with Max Atk, Adamant nature. With a Jolly nature or less attack the match up will be even more ideal for Jellicent.
Things get even better if Cursed Body activates (and vs Parental Bond, this ability will have 51% chances to activate).
This is why, imo, Jellicent pretty much tanks Mega Kangaskhan, always checking it with Burns.

Bonus Calc: 252+ SpA Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Jellicent: 86-102 (41.5 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
I don't know if there are 252 SpA kanga out there, with a Modest nature, but you never know.
The only thing i would fear from a Mega Kangaskhan is Shadow Ball, still missing the 2HKO, but having 1/3 chances per round to lower Jellicent's Special Defense.

 

[Psychobuzz]

This is the first time I'm participating in this, so I hope I'm doing this correctly.
How about an Intimidate user? And who would be a better choice to intimidate an opponent than Landorus-T?

@ Fightinium-Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Hammer Arm

This is an all-out attacking set coming in on a free switch. It is 4x weak to Ice Punch, but not many Mega-Kangs run this anyway because they'd rather go for a Fighting-type move to add coverage on Steel-types. If Mega Kang runs an Adamant nature, it gets outsped and OHKOed by an All-Out Pummeling, or gets hit by U-turn and Ice-Punches an Ice-resist counter, losing momentum. If it's Jolly and happens to run Ice Punch, it's a 50-50 chance of Lando surviving. Here are some calcs.

252 Atk Landorus-Therian All-Out Pummeling (180 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega-Kangaskhan: 424-500 (120.7 - 142.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega-Kangaskhan Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Landorus-Therian: 290-345 (90.9 - 108.1%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
-1 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega-Kangaskhan Return vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Landorus-Therian: 147-176 (46 - 55.1%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO

Not to mention that Power-up Punch does very little to this Pokemon.