Project Victim Of The Week | Week 6: Blastoise

[Expulso]

Thievul @ Choice Specs
Ability: Stakeout
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- U-turn
- Psychic
- Dark Pulse
- Burning Jealousy


Foxy here can kill the Kangaroo before it can even cause chaos with its Stakeout boosted Dark Pulse. Unfortunately, its sucky bulk makes it so it gets OHKO'd by Kangaskhan's Double Edge. Its technically a Counter, but according to the definition of a counter, its actually a Check.

+2 252 SpA Choice Specs Thievul Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kangaskhan: 358-423 (101.9 - 120.5%) (+2 because of stakeout)
252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thievul: 322-381 (114.5 - 135.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

I feel like I should clarify that this isn't a check or counter since Jolly Kangaskhan outspeeds Modest Thievul and OHKOs it. Kangaskhan just can't switch directly into Thievul - however, if they are both on the battlefield in a 1v1, Kangaskhan wins, so Thievul isn't a check or counter.

 

[Realistic Waters]

me trying to build w/o clef
Clefairy @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Soft-Boiled
- Moonblast
- Stealth Rock
- Knock Off

Soft Check
Posting Clef because most of the the good things have been taken. Def Clef checks jolly Double-Edge avoiding a 2HKO so you can switch in and heal off damage. Beats adamant most of the time too.

252 Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Clefairy: 139-165 (40.4 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Clefairy: 153-181 (44.4 - 52.6%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO

 

[Raahel]

Persian-Alola @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Fur Coat
EVs: 120 HP / 172 Def / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Foul Play
- Knock Off
- Taunt
- Parting Shot

Persian-Alola is a good kangaskhan check since it can 2HKO it with Foul Play and the recoil damage that Double Edge gives in addition to being able to enter except hazards, it can pivot with Parting Shoot and help avoid hazards or status problems of others pokemon with taunt.

Calcs

252+ Atk Persian-Alola Foul Play vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan: 165-195 (47 - 55.5%) -- 72.7% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 120 HP / 172 Def Fur Coat Persian-Alola: 124-147 (41.1 - 48.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[skierdude101]

Weezing @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Taunt / Pain Split
- Toxic Spikes

Weezing is a check to Kangaskhan since Rocky Helmet deters Kanga from clicking Fake Out in fear of getting chipped. Weezing also avoids a Double Edge 2HKO, even with Stealth Rocks up (Adamant Kanga has a 36% chance to 2HKO with rocks). Weezing then can cripple the Kangashkan with a burn, set up Toxic Spikes, or get some Sludge Bomb damage going.

Calcs

252 Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Weezing: 120-142 (35.9 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Fake Out vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Weezing: 42-49 (12.5 - 14.6%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock

4 SpA Weezing Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kangaskhan: 102-121 (29 - 34.4%) -- 5.2% chance to 3HKO

~12% (Double Edge Recoil) + ~16.66% (Rocky Helmet) + ~31% (Sludge Bomb) = ~59.666%
This means Weezing wins the 1v1.

 

[AllTerrainVen0moth]

since my thievul post was disqualified, heres sumthing new

Garbodor @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Gunk Shot
- Stomping Tantrum
- Spikes
- Toxic

Garbodor is a Check to Kangaskhan, since like above, Rocky Helmet deters kanga from clicking Fake Out. Garbodor barely avoids a 2HKO from Double Edge, even more so with Rocks up. (.4% chance to 2hko without rocks, 92.6 percent with) Garbodor can then cripple Kangaskhan with a Toxic, set Spikes, and get some damage in with Gunk Shot.

Calcs

252 Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Garbodor: 154-183 (42.3 - 50.2%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Fake Out vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Garbodor: 52-63 (14.2 - 17.3%) -- possible 6HKO

0 Atk Garbodor Gunk Shot vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan: 148-175 (42.1 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
15 average % (double edge recoil) + 12% (rocky helmet recoil) + 46 average % (gunk shot) = 73%
Garbodor would win the 1v1 in this case.

 

[kakaks]

Hitmontop (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 140 HP / 252 Atk / 116 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Sucker Punch
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
counter i think, since it can switch into a fake out
Intimidate hitmontop can switch in a fake out and take some realtively low damage ( -1 252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Fake Out vs. 148 HP / 0 Def Hitmontop: 49-58 (17.6 - 20.8%) -- possible 5HKO ), and then ohko with an cc. the other moveslots are to have priority, a way to take care of hazards and to hit fairies​

 

[poh]

After dealing with several tier shifts we are back!!

Submissions

Avalugg @ Heavy-Duty Boots/Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Body Press
- Avalanche
- Rapid Spin
- Recover

Cofagrigus @ Leftovers / Colbur Berry
Ability: Mummy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp / Toxic
- Body Press
- Shadow Ball
- Rest

Sawk @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Poison Jab



Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
- Spikes
- Gyro Ball


Clefairy @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Soft-Boiled
- Moonblast
- Stealth Rock
- Knock Off



Persian-Alola @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Fur Coat
EVs: 120 HP / 172 Def / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Foul Play
- Knock Off
- Taunt
- Parting Shot


Weezing @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Taunt / Pain Split
- Toxic Spikes


Garbodor @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Gunk Shot
- Stomping Tantrum
- Spikes
- Toxic

Next up... Everyone's favorite bee, Ribombee!

Ribombee @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Sweet Veil
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Moonblast
- Psychic
- U-turn​

sprites

use this for high aesthetic sprites https://www.pkparaiso.com/espada_escudo/sprites_pokemon.php

 

[Katy]

escavalier


Escavalier @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Close Combat
- Protect

serves is a great counter to Ribombee, as it can come in at any given time, even after a quiver dance and can threaten ribombee with a super effective iron head as well as using protect to gain some recovery back due to leftovers. iron head is a clear OHKO on Ribombee. Even when Ribombee decides to run a powder-move, Escavalier isn't effected by it, due to Overcoat. Escavalier can threaten Ribombee even after a +4 due to quiver dance as the damage isn't enough to 2hko Escavalier.

calcs

+4 252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 248 HP / 216+ SpD Escavalier: 134-158 (39 - 46%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery +4 252 SpA Ribombee Psychic vs. 248 HP / 216+ SpD Escavalier: 85-100 (24.7 - 29.1%) -- 75.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Ribombee U-turn vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Escavalier: 21-24 (6.1 - 6.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Escavalier Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ribombee: 338-398 (129.5 - 152.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Corthius]

steelvally

Silvally-Steel @ Steel Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 252 HP / 108 SpD / 148 Spe
Careful Nature
- Multi-Attack
- Flamethrower
- Parting Shot
- Defog​

Check
Silvally-Steel is probably one of the more popular switchins to Ribombee. Its benefits over the other steel types is the immunity to Trick/Switcheroo which would cripple most of the checks/counters + the fact that it can pivot out on the incomming answer to Silvally-Steel. Its main drawback tho is its lack of recovery which means it can be chipped quite easily via hazards + Moonblast chip damage

 

[Pokeslice]

Alolan Sandslash

Sandslash-Alola @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Slush Rush
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Atk / 244 SpD
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Rapid Spin
- Spikes​

Alolan Sandslash is one of the premier bee counters in the tier. The spread I run, 252 hp/244 spdef+, is a 4HKO from specs moonblast, and from the QD set, is a 6HKO. The 12 attack ev's let it always OHKO bee with iron head, which has come in handy in my games more than once, and allows for slightly more damage on switch ins . At first, there might seem like there are better checks and counters, but what I love about Alolan Sandslash are the multitude of team supporting options you can take advantage of when in on Bee. Iron head gets off huge damage on mons people like to switch in to get off a hard hit on Slash, such as Gallade which is 2HKOed after rocks, not making it a safe switch in, or KOing bee. You can also throw out the best move in the game Knock Off to get rid of Lefties or Boots to help other teammates. On the more utility side of Alolanslash, getting a free Rapid Spin or Spike off can be game changing. Overall, I've found that for a more offensive, fun answer to Ribombee, there's nothing better. I have seen faster variants, to outspeed bee in hail or certain things after a rapid spin, but I've found the spdef more important imo.

PS. Look at that design, those claws are perfect for tearing through fairy's and it's super cute.

Calcs

Defensive:
252 SpA Choice Specs Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 244+ SpD Sandslash-Alola: 89-105 (25.1 - 29.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 244+ SpD Sandslash-Alola: 59-70 (16.6 - 19.7%) -- guaranteed 6HKO

Offensive:
12 Atk Sandslash-Alola Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Ribombee: 264-312 (101.1 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
12 Atk Sandslash-Alola Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Gallade: 124-147 (44.7 - 53%) -- 85.9% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Rubicon]

Oh, no, not the bees!
Holding on to Piloswine

Piloswine @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 240 HP / 132 Atk / 136 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Ice Shard​

252 HP/252 attack may be standard-issue, but a specially defensive build should definitely not be overlooked, especially when this kind of getup allows him a better chance to withstand the things Ribombee might want to do on that switch-in turn, therefore acting more of a better check.

This setup accounts for the absolute worst roll possibilities, netting a KO in all possibilities.

Defending calculations

252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 136+ SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 94-112 (23.4 - 27.9%) -- 87.7% chance to 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 136+ SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 142-168 (35.4 - 41.8%) - guaranteed 3HKO

Attacking calculations

132 Atk Piloswine Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ribombee: 186-220 (71.2 - 84.2%)
132 Atk Piloswine Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ribombee: 75-88 (28.7 - 33.7%)
186 + 75 = 261

Defending calculations comparison to 252HP/252atk

252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 127-150 (31.4 - 37.1%) -- 83.4% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Eviolite Piloswine: 189-223 (46.7 - 55.1%) -- 69.5% chance to 2HKO

 

[Oathkeeper]

Stunfisk-Galar @ Leftovers
Ability: Mimicry
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Yawn / Thunder Wave

Counter. A set that is still going strong and one that our beloved Bee cannot touch to save its life. Observe the following laughable calcs:

252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Stunfisk-Galar: 51-60 (12 - 14.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252 SpA Ribombee Psychic vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Stunfisk-Galar: 32-38 (7.5 - 9%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Stunfisk, however, will take the Bee down with a couple of well-placed Stone Edges!!

0 Atk Stunfisk-Galar Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ribombee: 182-216 (69.7 - 82.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
​

 

[roxie]

Flareon @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Toxic
- Flare Blitz
This fire fox defeats any possibly Ribombee set as Flare Blitz damages Defense in not worried about Specs/QD sets because of its amazing bulk. Wishing into other Pokemon as Ribombees generally wouldn't try to setup in front of this supports the entire team and provides both a cleric and ailment spreader which is very nice overtime throughout the match.​

 

[Expulso]

Rapidash as a check


Rapidash @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body / Flash Fire
EVs: 240 HP / 16 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Morning Sun
- Toxic
- High Horsepower / Wild Charge

Rapidash is able to avoid a 2HKO from any attack Ribombee can use.
252 SpA Choice Specs Ribombee Psychic vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Rapidash: 140-165 (42.2 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Ribombee Moonblast vs. 240 HP / 16 SpD Rapidash: 110-130 (33.2 - 39.2%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO

It can only lose if Ribombee gets a crit or the Psychic SpDef drop on the switch. It threatens Ribombee out with Flare Blitz, which OHKOs.

This is a check rather than a counter, however, because you are 3HKOed by Ribombee.
This means that if you switch into Moonblast and then they Moonblast again as you try to catch their Mudsdale on the switch with Toxic, they can just Moonblast a third time and KO you.
Even if you do predict the switch and Toxic the Mudsdale, you can't switch into Ribombee again because it 2HKOs you after you took that one hit.

However, it is still a good check! It also handles Ninetales, and this role compression (along with the utility of Flame Body, if you choose to run it) is very useful.

It appreciates teammates that can switch into Mudsdale, Water-types, and Silvally-Dragon.

 

[Rabia]

cash money set

Duraludon @ Leftovers
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Iron Defense
- Body Press
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt

THIS IS A GOOD SET I SWEAR. With maximum Special Defense, Duraludon no longer is OHKOed by Choice Specs Ribombee's Moonblast and thus is threatened even less by standard Heavy-Duty Boots sets, no longer being forced out by Ribombee. You easily OHKO in return or 2HKO if it uses Quiver Dance in your face with Flash Cannon.

 

[Parpar]

Clefairy @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Toxic
- Soft-Boiled
- Stealth Rock​

Clefairy as a hard check. Clefairy tanks hits from Ribombee and exchanges Toxic/Moonblasts in return. Moonblast from Clefairy always 3HKOs disregarding Sp Atk drops from the opposing Ribombee (You can drop Ribombees Sp Atk with your own which makes it more favorable). Listing as a check rather than counter due to Ribombee being able to u-turn on the Clefairy switch in into things that threaten Clefairy back out and win through the chip damage or Switcharoo from QD sets. Also with this set you're most likely taking damage in some way or another attempting to get up rocks or sponging another special attacker hits which gives a specs Ribombee or a QD one the chance to 2HKO if you're around 70-80%.

Calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Clefairy: 118-139 (34.3 - 40.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Clefairy: 79-94 (22.9 - 27.3%) -- 59.9% chance to 4HKO
+2 252 SpA Ribombee Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Clefairy: 157-186 (45.6 - 54%) -- 45.3% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Clefairy Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Ribombee: 91-108 (34.8 - 41.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[poh]

Thanks everyone for your submissions! Keep it up!

Submissions

Escavalier @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Close Combat
- Protect


Silvally-Steel @ Steel Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 252 HP / 108 SpD / 148 Spe
Careful Nature
- Multi-Attack
- Flamethrower
- Parting Shot
- Defog

Sandslash-Alola @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Slush Rush
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Atk / 244 SpD
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Rapid Spin
- Spikes

Piloswine @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 240 HP / 132 Atk / 136 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Ice Shard

Stunfisk-Galar @ Leftovers
Ability: Mimicry
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Yawn / Thunder Wave


Rapidash @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body / Flash Fire
EVs: 240 HP / 16 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Morning Sun
- Toxic
- High Horsepower / Wild Charge



Duraludon @ Leftovers
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Iron Defense
- Body Press
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt

Clefairy @ Eviolite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Toxic
- Soft-Boiled
- Stealth Rock

Next up... Everyones favorite inhaler, Duraludon!

Duraludon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Light Metal
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt
- Body Press​

sprites

use this for high aesthetic sprites https://www.pkparaiso.com/espada_escudo/sprites_pokemon.php

 

[Katy]

galar fisk


Stunfisk-Galar @ Leftovers
Ability: Mimicry
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Yawn
- Stone Edge

Stunfisk-Galar is a check to Duraludon. It can come in on Thunderbolt and Flash Cannon rather easily without any fear as it is immune to the former and resists the latter. Furthermore Draco Meteor won't do that much either.
Body Press has only a 0,9% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rocks damage and Leftis recovery, to add onto that, Stunfisk-Galar can use Yawn to threaten Duraludon with a Sleep, or straight up Earthquake Duraludon.

calcs:

Hide

252+ SpA Choice Specs Duraludon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Stunfisk-Galar: 132-156 (31.2 - 36.9%) -- 0.9% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Duraludon Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Stunfisk-Galar: 81-96 (19.1 - 22.7%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
4 Def Duraludon Body Press vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Stunfisk-Galar: 132-156 (31.2 - 36.9%) -- 0.5% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

4 Atk Stunfisk-Galar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Duraludon: 162-192 (57.6 - 68.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Corthius]

Escav

Escavalier @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 136 SpD / 124 Spe
Careful Nature
- Protect
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Toxic / Close Combat / Swords Dance
Escavalier is a check against Duraludon. It resists both of its STABs and ist weak against Body Press. Furthermore, Escavalier can threaten Duraludon and its teammates with broken Knock Off. Sadly, Escavalier needs to check a lot of things in the current meta and is chipped rather easily.

 

[Oathkeeper]

Ribombee @ Choice Specs
Ability: Shield Dust
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Moonblast
- Psychic
- U-turn
- Trick / Switcheroo

Check. Unless you're feeling bold enough to come in on a Draco from a heavy hitting Duraludon, I would suggest you bring this is in safely. Thanks to Duraludon's crappy SpDef stat (base 50) combined with the fact that Ribombee outspeeds the whole tier and their mother naturally, one little Moonblast from this bee and Duraludon is gone!

252 SpA Choice Specs Ribombee Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Duraludon: 325-384 (115.6 - 136.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO​

 

[wooper]

Whimsicott @ Choice Specs
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- U-turn
- Moonblast
- Giga Drain
- Psychic​

budget ribombee whimsicott is a nice offensive check to specs duraludon. echoing oatkeepre's sentiments, you'll need to bring this in safely, but if you do, moonblast is an easy ohko: 252 SpA Choice Specs Whimsicott Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Duraludon: 285-336 (101.4 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO.

 

[Rubicon]

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Recover
- Toxic​

If you're the kind of guy that relies on Focus Blast winning games, this would make for a nice counter. But since we all know that's not realistic, it's a solid defensive check. He eats thunderbolts and withstands flash cannon and body press well enough. But when it comes to Draco Meteors, that's where the fine line of counter vs check comes in. With only an approximate 70% chance to withstand two of them, not accounting for entry hazards, that's a hard thing to trust.

On the attack, Earth Power easily dispatches the lightweight, and Scald's there as a standard second attack, probably burning whatever comes in on the switch. Because if 30% can happen with a 2HKO, so can a burn.

Defending calculations

252+ SpA Choice Specs Duraludon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 270-318 (63.3 - 74.6%)
-2 252+ SpA Choice Specs Duraludon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 135-160 (31.6 - 37.5%)
252+ SpA Choice Specs Duraludon Draco Meteor over 2 turns vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 405-478 (95 - 112.2%) -- 68.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Duraludon Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Gastrodon: 83-98 (19.4 - 23%)
4 Def Duraludon Body Press vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Gastrodon: 89-105 (20.8 - 24.6%)

Attacking calculations

Fairly obvious how this is going to go, so here's something I always think of whenever I see Duraludon

 

[roxie]

reserving specs thievul

Thievul @ Choice Specs
Ability: Stakeout
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Psychic
- Burning Jealousy
- Parting Shot / Grass Knot

Thievul is a nice offensive check as Dark Pulse can KO Duraludon after a little chip. Even if Duraludon attempts to switch out, its ability, Stakeout does double the damage on the incoming Pokemon which is very pressuring for the other side. Here are some calcs below:

252 SpA Choice Specs Thievul Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Duraludon: 256-303 (91.1 - 107.8%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Thievul Dark Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Duraludon: 256-303 (91.1 - 107.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes)​

 

[Realistic Waters]

Silvally-Dragon @ Dragon Memory
Ability: RKS System
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Parting Shot

Consider this an emergency check. Tanks Flash Cannon surprisingly enough if you really want to switch in and can drop a draco for a ohko.

252 SpA Choice Specs Duraludon Flash Cannon vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Silvally-Dragon: 195-229 (58.9 - 69.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Silvally-Dragon Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Duraludon: 295-348 (104.9 - 123.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[poh]

Aaaaand we're back! After taking a break we're ready to present you some new threats to tackle.
Flygon has become a staple in NU with its excellent typing, movepool and variety of sets.
When submitting your check/counter, try to keep it to mons that are NU by usage (pokemon that have the NU label in the teambuilder on ps). PU mons are allowed but keep your submissions relevant to the NU metagame.

Flygon @ Lum Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Throat Chop

​

sprites

use this for high aesthetic sprites https://www.pkparaiso.com/espada_escudo/sprites_pokemon.php