Project Victim of the Week [Week 72: Specs Mesprit]

[Shadestep]

approved by Raseri
OP adapted from the OU version
taken over from xzern
in need of a banner

Every generation is different and the metagame is constantly changing. However there has always been and always will be threats. Whether they are defensive threats or offensive threats, every competent player should have a way to handle top-tier threats. That's where you guys come in! This project aims to gather some of the common top-tier threats in the metagame and find Pokémon that can either check or counter them.

1. Every round, I will nominate a Pokémon for discussion. Within one week's time, you guys will have the ability to discuss and nominate various Pokémon that you think can either check or counter the victim of the week.

2. After the deadline, I will choose the top three checks and the top three counters. Should there be a lot of nominations, I will discuss my choices with other skilled players to ensure the selections are not biased and that all nominations have been considered thoroughly.

3. The results will be archived and the process will continue week after week.

Rules:

1. When nominating your check/counter please take into consideration this defintion from The Smog:

Pokémon A checks Pokémon B if, when Pokémon A is given a free switch into Pokémon B, Pokémon A can win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.

Pokémon A counters Pokémon B if Pokémon A can manually switch into Pokémon B and still win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.

There are some parts of those definitions that may be confusing to the unfamiliar, so now I'm going to make sure we're all on the same page. "Hax" does not mean cheats or codes used to win. "Hax" means, loosely, things that have a chance of happening but usually don't, for example, critical hits (under most circumstances), Ice Beam freezing, and Fire Blast missing. This means that we don't take into account these types of things when we analyze if one Pokémon checks or counters another. Despite this, it's unwise to declare that one Pokémon checks another when the victorious Pokémon relies on hitting Focus Blast three times in a row, or something like that. Basically, you're often okay ignoring hax unless something that doesn't have a high chance of happening must happen in order for a Pokémon to check or counter another.

There are some things, like flinching, which you would normally consider to be hax but aren't always so. For example, Jirachi has a 60% chance to flinch a slower opponent with Iron Head, so in this case, flinching is not hax because it happens over half the time. For things such as missing or secondary effects, such as a Scald burn or Special Defense drop from Seed Flare, that have a decently high chance of happening, you need to think about them when you analyze checks or counters. Even though they might fit the standard definition of hax, they happen often enough for you to expect to see them in real situations somewhat commonly. There's no official or best guideline, but in my opinion, if some form of "hax" has a 30% chance or higher of happening, you should keep it in the back of your mind because it's not a negligible occurrence.

2. When giving checks, don't merely give revenge killers. Give Pokemon that can switch in on at least one move.

3. Only post sets viable in NU. Niche Pokemon such as Stunfisk or Vibrava are acceptable, but bottom-of-the-barrel stuff like Bastiodon and Regigigas aren't. The viability ranking thread is your best friend, so if something isn't ranked there, most of the time it's not worth posting here. You may not post Shedinja.

4. From Saturday - Tuesday, each person can only nominate one Pokemon. From Wednesday to Friday, you can nominate as many as you want.

5. Reservations are allowed, but please complete your post within 24 hours. If not, anyone else is free to take your reservation over.

6. Help people out if you think they're wrong, but please be nice.

7. Post calcs if not extremely obvious.

8. Have fun!​

Archive

Kabutops

Counters: Poliwrath / Ferroseed / Tangela
Checks: Gurdurr / Gourgeist / Torterra

Pyroar

Counters: Lampent / Regirock / Hariyama
Checks: Lanturn / Mantine / Cradily

Ludicolo

Counters: Ferroseed / Mantine / Ludicolo
Checks: Cradily / Cryogonal

Kangaskhan

Counters: Ferroseed (Quite Quiet) / Avalugg (iplaytennislol) / Rhydon (The Quasar)
Checks: Garbodor (unfixable) / Gurdurr (Hootie) / Archeops (Kiyo)

Haunter

Counters: Hariyama (Liarliarpantsonfire) / Lanturn (Quite Quiet) / Muk (Orphic)
Checks: Kadabra (metaphysical) / Magmortar (Realistic Waters)

Rhydon

Counters: Quagsire (Quite Quiet) / Torterra (Realistic Waters) / Poliwrath (noobcubed)
Checks: Prinplup (metaphysical) / Lilligant (scorpdestroyer)

Poliwrath

Counters: Frillish (Realistic Waters) / Mantine (komet3) / Pelipper (Tomahawk)
Checks: Roselia (Shaneghoul) / Swanna (Mistress Remilia) / Ludicolo (scorpdestroyer)

Klinklang

Counters: Quagsire (Hootie) / Torterra (metaphysical) / Poliwrath (Shaneghoul)
Checks: Vileplume (Pokedots) / Stunfisk (Realistic Waters)

Exeggutor

Counters: Zweilous (Realistic Waters) / Vullaby (Shuckleking87) / Sliggoo (Norden)
Checks: Xatu (Hootie) / Magmortar (SlickHippo99)

Carracosta

Counters: Ferroseed (Raseri) / Quagsire (SlickHippo99) / Tangela (Realistic Waters)
Checks: Sawk (Norden) / Lillligant (Rapture.) / Gurdurr (Mistress Remilia)

Jynx

Counters: Hypno (Raseri) / Metang (Quite Quiet) / Grumpig (Hootie)
Checks: Liepard (scorpdestroyer) / Hariyama (Realistic Waters) / Malamar (metaphysical)

Scyther

Counters: Rotom-S (metaphysical) / Rhydon (BrandonBeast) / Probopass (Quite Quiet)
Checks: Archeops (Realistic Waters) / Klinklang (Dundies) / Relicanth (Raseri)

Shiftry

Counters: Skuntank (metaphysical) / Avalugg (Quite Quiet) / Mawile (Brick Small.)
Checks: Weezing (PikachuCandyツ) / Mega Audino (Rapture.) / Combusken (Punchshroom)

Aurorus

Counters: Piloswine (Disjunction) / Grumpig (metaphysical) / Bronzor (Jariibo)
Checks: Magmortar (Rapture.) / Jynx (noobcubed) / Hariyama (SlickHippo99)

SD Samurott

Counters: Quagsire (metaphysical) / Frillish (Kiyo) / Poliwrath (Jariibo)
Checks: Vileplume (Kingler12345) / Gourgeist-XL (Punchshroom) / Ferroseed (Hootie)

CM Mega Audino

Counters: Flareon (metaphysical) / Probopass (noobcubed) / Muk (Alvis astley)
Checks: Xatu (DaRizzleMyShizzle) / Musharna (Punchshroom) / Duosion (Jariibo)

Choice Band Sawk

Counters: Granbull (metaphysical / Gourgeist-XL (Quite Quiet)
Checks: Mesprit (Shaneghoul) / Weezing (XenoTech N) / Vivillon (Realistic Waters)

Hex Rotom

Counters: Mega Audino (XenoTech N) / Magmortar (SlickHippo99) / Kangaskhan (metaphysical)
Checks: Skuntank (Ren-chon) / Gurdurr (Machineae) / Pyroar (Realistic Waters)

Shell Smash Barbaracle

Counters: Gourgeist (Brick Small.) / Quagsire (Dundies) / Cradily (iplaytennislol)
Checks: Gurdurr (Ren-chon) / Offensive Poliwrath (Shaneghoul) / Torterra (XenoTech N)

Nasty Plot Mismagius

Counters: Kangaskhan (Dundies) / Lickilicky (Brick Small.) / Kecleon (Ren-chon)
Checks: Hariyama (XenoTech N) / Pyroar (Shaneghoul) / Miltank (metaphysical)

Swords Dance Combusken

Counters: Quagsire (astroboy) / Pelipper (metaphysical) / Lampent (Jarii)
Checks: Samurott (XenoTech N) / Grumpig (-Grim) / Frillish (iplaytennislol)

Rock Polish Torterra

Counters: Weezing (Ren-chon) / Gourgeist (Jarii) / Tangela (metaphysical)
Checks: Musharna (Can-Eh-Dian) / Lilligant (XenoTech N) / Gogoat (rw)

Quiver Dance Vivillon

Counters: Probopass (Marikeinen) / Sliggoo (Kiyo) / Electabuzz (Ren-chon)
Checks: Magmortar (Jarii) / Electivire (XenoTech N) / Rotom (rw)

Hitmonchan

Counters: Mesprit (iplaytennislol) / Weezing (Ren-chon) / Clefairy (rw)
Checks: Gourgeist-XL (Rapture.) / Mismagius (Twix)

Nasty Plot Ninetales

Counters: Zweilous (Colbrushie)
Checks: Kangaskhan (SilverReaper21) / Grumpig (Pokedots) / Floatzel (XenoTech N)

Swords Dance Sandslash

Counters: Torterra (Jarii) / Quagsire (metaphysical) / Leafeon (XenoTech N)
Checks: Tangela (Shaneghoul) / Weezing (SilverReaper21) / Poliwrath (Hootie)

Articuno

Counters: Klinklang (Ren-chon) / Metang (Realistic Waters) / Regirock (Brawlfest)
Checks: Magmortar (XenoTech N) / Aurorus (metaphysical) / Rotom-F (erisia)

Magmortar

Counters: Vibrava (metaphysical) / Hariyama (littlelucario) / Grumpig (Twix)
Checks: Musharna (Can-Eh-Dian) / Electivire (tmacbalanced) / Quagsire (Holiano)

Tauros

Counters: Misdreavus (Kiyo) / Cradily (iplaytennislol) / Regirock (lolbro)
Checks: Poliwrath (erisia) / Rhydon (Hootie) / Musharna (XenoTech N)

Mixed Cacturne

Counters: Combusken (Dundies) / Mega Audino (iplaytennislol) / Cradily (erisia)
Checks: Hitmonchan (tmacbalanced) / Articuno (BrandonBeast)

Samurott

Counters: Poliwrath (XenoTech N) / Lanturn (rozes) / Ferroseed (astroboy)
Checks: Lapras (SilverReaper21) / Articuno (Holiano) / Mantine (iplaytennislol)

Sceptile

Counters: Roselia (SilverReaper21) Gogoat (Realistic Waters) Sliggoo (Machineae)
Checks: Weezing (BrandonBeast) Jynx (tmacbalanced) Scyther (erisia)

Mawile

Counters: Weezing (Silver Aurum) / Torkoal (Mambo)
Checks: Quagsire (erisia) / Rhydon (BrandonBeast) / Muk (Sir Kay)

Gorebyss

Counters: Lanturn (lolbro)
Checks: Lilligant (shadestep) / Rotom (BrandonBeast) / Regice (Aurosis)

Abomasnow

Checks: Articuno (TTFTW)
Counters: Avalugg (Jim E. Russler) / Mega Audino (Silver Aurum) / Larvesta (Aurosis)

Primeape

Counters: Vileplume (Silver Aurum) / Dusclops (Realistic Waters) / Musharna (Winter's Howl)
Checks: Scyther (Twix) / Mismagius (Disjunction) / Rotom (lolbro)

Swords Dance Pinsir

Counters: Mega Audino (Aurosis)
Checks: Gurdurr (Peli) / Vivillon (shadestep) / Gourgeist-XL (Rapture.)

Choice Specs Camerupt

Counters: Sliggoo (SlaySlenderDragon XD) / Altaria (~Eternally)
Checks: Hariyama (Oda) / Barbaracle (erisia) / Mantine (Aurosis)

Mixed Garbodor

Checks: Garbodor (Can-Eh-Dian) / Vibrava (Rapture.) / Sandslash (~Eternally)
Counters: Golurk (Silver Aurum) / Quagsire (Ren-chon) / Weezing (Aurosis)

Shell Smash Omastar

Counters: Lanturn (~Eternally) / Ludicolo (Punchshroom) / Cradily (Norden)
Checks: Jynx (Aurosis) / Hitmonchan (MaroGod) / Quagsire (Raseri)

Malamar

Counters: Quagsire (FeeltheBern16) / Weezing (Brick Small.)
Checks: Scyther (~Eternally) / Musharna (Raseri) / Pinsir (Norden)

CM Grumpig

Counters: Metang (Dundies) / Scyther (Punchshroom)
Checks: Pinsir (Silver Aurum) / Skuntank (Aurosis) / Xatu (Sir Kay)

Choice Specs Charizard

Counters: Sliggoo (Dundies) / Lanturn (Silver Aurum) / Altaria (Raseri)
Checks: Barbaracle (Shadestep) / Grumpig (BrandonBeast) / Magmortar (unfixable)

Piloswine

Counters: Pelipper (~Eternally) / Mega Audino (Winter's Howl) / Weezing (Twix)
Checks: Samurott (Mentalist Swag)

Life Orb Xatu

Counters: Musharna (Winter's Howl) / Malamar (~Eternally) / Lanturn (Shadestep)

Life Orb Floatzel

Counters: Lanturn (~Eternally) / Hariyama (Evan.)
Checks: Ludicolo (PrinceLucian) / Sliggoo (BrandonBeast) / Poliwrath (Silver Aurum)

Zangoose

Counters: Gourgeist-XL (Allstar)
Checks: Regirock (PrinceLucian) / Garbodor (Shadestep) / Mawile (Aurosis)

Special Combusken

Counters: Lanturn (erisia) / Sliggoo (Shadowtags) / Grumpig (PrinceLucian)
Checks: Hariyama (Shadestep)

Archeops

Counters: Stunfisk (Froggyboy) / Miltank (erisia)
Checks: Floatzel (MrAldo) / Piloswine (~Eternally) / Gastrodon (Cheryl.)

SD Sawsbuck

Counters: Mawile (Realistic Waters) / Gourgeist-Super (Ren-chon)
Checks: Haunter (Cheryl.) / Scyther (MrAldo) / Charizard (PrinceLucian)

Sub NP Jynx

Counters: Metang (Holiano) / Bronzor (Yogibears) / Hariyama (no Psyshock, Skelos) / Wartortle (no Lovely Kiss, ryan)
Checks: Grumpig (Earth) / Klinklang (PursuitOfHappiny) / Piloswine (PrinceLucian)

SD Pinsir

Counters: Gourgeist-XL (PrinceLucian)
Checks: Mega Audino (Earth) / Electivire (~Eternally) / Charizard (Skelos)

Aggron

Counters: Gastrodon (PursuitOfHappiny) / Poliwrath (Skelos) / Torterra (PrinceLucian)
Checks: Floatzel (tmacbalanced) / Gurdurr (Earth) / Claydol (Take Azelfie)

Sliggoo

Checks: Hariyama (PursuitOfHappiny) / Regice (erisia) / Malamar (~Eternally)
Counters: Ferroseed (Earth) / Mega Audino (Ov3r Ac3) / Throh (Skelos)

Offensive Garbodor

Checks: Skuntank (Ov3r Ac3) / Musharna (The Quasar) / Mesprit (Skelos)
Counters: Weezing (Earth) / Steelix (PrinceLucian)

CB Golurk

Checks: Shiftry (Ov3r Ac3) / Weezing (pancake) / Torterra (PursuitOfHappiny)
Counters: Tangela (~Eternally) / Mega Audino (Earth) / Pelipper (erisia)

CB Hariyama

Checks: Vileplume (Earth) / Scyther (Skelos) / Mesprit (erisia)
Counters: Gourgeist-Super (PursuitOfHappiny)

Specs Mesprit

Week 72:

Mesprit @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Ice Beam
- Signal Beam
- Hidden Power [Fire] / U-turn

 

[boltsandbombers]

reserved

 

[boltsandbombers]

you may now post :o
I changed up some of the formatting and rules just as per my preference, and I decided that from now on each week the Pokemon will have a specific set to make choosing checks and counters more linear. Also this will help extend the project as many pokemon have multiple sets, with each one often having different checks and counters from the other.

 

[kay]

Threat: LO Sneasel
Counter: CroBink

Carbink @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Moonblast


So Crobink is a very cool counter to sneasel, as it's one of the few mons in the tier that both sets up on it, chew any hit from it. Added to the fact that it has reliable recovery, and sets up on every normal type in the tier, you can really add it into most teams!


Calcs:
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Carbink: 79-95 (25.9 - 31.2%) -- 14.5% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery


4 SpA Carbink Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Sneasel: 152-180 (60.5 - 71.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[DaAwesomeDude1]

Threat: LO All-Out Attacker Sneasel
Counter: Defensive Mawile

Mawile @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 64 SpD / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Iron Head / Play Rough
- Super Fang
- Baton Pass / Pain Split

Intimidate lowers Sneasel's Attack on the switch-in. Mawile also resists both of Sneasel's STAB moves as well as tanking Low Kick like its nothing. Even without Leftovers, it has an access to a form of recovery in Pain Split. It's a guaranteed OHKO on Sneasel with either Iron Head/Play Rough after Sneasel takes LO damage.

On the switch in:
-1 252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 188+ Def Mawile: 47-56 (15.4 - 18.4%) -- possible 8HKO
-1 252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 188+ Def Mawile: 42-49 (13.8 - 16.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
-1 252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Low Kick (40 BP) vs. 252 HP / 188+ Def Mawile: 27-32 (8.8 - 10.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever
Against Sneasel:
0 Atk Mawile Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Sneasel: 242-288 (96.4 - 114.7%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO (which will be an OHKO after Sneasel takes LO damage)
0 Atk Mawile Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Sneasel: 272-324 (108.3 - 129%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Realistic Waters]

Poliwrath @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Circle Throw
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Poliwrath resists both Sneasels stabs and it's great bulk means it takes minimal damage from anything Sneasel tries to throw at it. Rest and Sleep Talk provide Poliwrath with some recovery and Circle throw will always 1HK0 Sneasel in return.

252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Low Kick (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Poliwrath: 69-82 (17.9 - 21.3%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Poliwrath: 62-74 (16.1 - 19.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Poliwrath: 55-65 (14.3 - 16.9%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Poliwrath Circle Throw vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 400-472 (159.3 - 188%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[bogoljubow]

Gurdurr @ Eviolite
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Mach Punch
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off

Gurdurr gains massive bulk with its Eviolite and resists Dark, therefore easily tanking a Knock Off or Icicle Crash while KOing back with Priority Mach Punch.

252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 62-74 (16.5 - 19.7%) -- possible 6HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 110-133 (29.4 - 35.5%) -- 17.9% chance to 3HKO

252+ Atk Gurdurr Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 400-472 (159.3 - 188%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[skies]

heart (Seismitoad) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Def / 56 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Knock Off

Listing Seismitoad as a very hard check. First, let me demonstrate calcs:

252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 200 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 144-172 (35.9 - 42.8%) -- 93.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 200 HP / 252+ Def Seismitoad: 126-149 (31.4 - 37.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Seismitoad Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 166-196 (66.1 - 78%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Seismitoad is going to 2HKO, and even OHKO after SR + LO damage, with Earthquake. However, the reason that Seismitoad isn't a counter is because Knock Off removes Leftovers, and afterwards Seismitoad is going to be weakened to the point of something else beating it. The highest roll that you can get on Seismitoad is going to do 79.9%, which will leave Seismitoad crippled beyond repair after entry hazard damage. However, most of the time, Seismitoad can deal heavy damage. Seismitoad can't switch in, because it'll be left incredibly weak, but it is able to threaten with Scald, KO with Earthquake, or remove the Life Orb with Knock Off. Needs support to heal it, but otherwise is a solid check if your team is desperately needing one!

Moved to RU. :[

 

[Karane]

Carracosta @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Rock Slide
- Toxic / Knock Off / Protect / Aqua Jet

Yo Sneasel is nothing in front of this prehistoric beast. This set eats up Sneasel's hits like turtle soup and can set up Stealth rocks which limits Sneasel's switchins later in the match. Its not one dimensional like Carbink and can check a lot of fast threats in Swellow, Pyroar, Tauros, Scyther, Liepard etc while having good offensive presence. Scald is broken as ever with its handy burn chance. Rock Slide means the defoggers and spinners don't get a free defog vs it. The last slot can be pretty much anything depending on your team. Some obligatory calcs because we all love maths;

252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Carracosta: 99-117 (28.1 - 33.2%) -- 83.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery [ Ha! Can't even 4HKO this biatch]
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Carracosta: 43-51 (12.2 - 14.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever [lulzz]
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Low Kick (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Solid Rock Carracosta: 82-97 (23.2 - 27.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery [ hard body baby ]

 

[boltsandbombers]

unfixable you can pick a different mon now :P

 

[Raseri]

grass (Ferroseed) @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Thunder Wave
- Leech Seed


252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 86-101 (29.5 - 34.7%) -- 5.4% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Ferroseed: 110-133 (37.8 - 45.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

only wins if it Knocks off on the switch + crit or flinch, Gyro Ball OHKOs LO sneasel. Not a 100% counter, but still requiring prediction + hax to win is pretty solid. Also the recoil sneasel takes is super high cause of LO and Iron Barbs. woo

0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 300-354 (119.5 - 141%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Liarliarpantsonfire]

Monferno @ Eviolite
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Mach Punch
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp
- Slack Off

4 Atk Iron Fist Monferno Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 268-324 (106.7 - 129%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Monferno: 140-165 (42.1 - 49.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Too easy. Sneasel can't even touch this monkey because it gets OHKO'd before it knows what happened. Also outstalls the rest of the metagame with Taunt + Wisp + Slack Off in the same fashion as stallbreaker Mew in OU.

(On a side note, somebody stole the second rule :[ )

 

[boltsandbombers]

Alright, sorry I didn't update this earlier, I was really busy today.
This week was really tough to choose the three best counters, and I just want to say that Mawile, Carbink, Carracosta, Gurdurr, and Poliwrath are all definitely counters, but I moved Carracosta and Carbink down to checks because the former is relatively passive and Carbink gets worn down very quickly due to the unreliability of resttalk.

Week 14
Counter This Threat!

Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Stone Edge
- Waterfall
- Rapid Spin


​

 

[boltsandbombers]

Counter: Defensive Granbull

Granbull @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
252 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe
Impish Nature
-Play Rough
-Earthquake
-Heal Bell
-Roar/Thunder Wave

-1 252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Granbull: 49-58 (12.7 - 15.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
-1 252 Atk Life Orb Sneasel Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Granbull: 87-103 (22.6 - 26.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

Defensive Granbull is a great counter to Sneasel on Balance or Stall teams. Being useful as a Knock Off switch-in, it can do just that to Sneasel, as the pesky little weasel can barely scratch Granbull. Its best move against it is Icicle Crash and hoping for hax. But hax aside, Granbull can bulldog it's way through Sneasel easily with a Play Rough.

0 Atk Granbull Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sneasel: 362-428 (144.2 - 170.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

(And the above Calc is with 4 Def Sneasel. Imagine it with 0 Def like the set the OP gives G_G)

Granbull is a pretty good answer to Kabutops, but Sneasel was last week :P

 

[Bostonl1]

Defensive Granbull

Granbull @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
252 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe
Impish Nature
-Play Rough
-Earthquake
-Heal Bell
-Roar/Thunder Wave

-1 252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Granbull: 114-136 (29.6 - 35.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
-1 252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Granbull: 91-109 (23.6 - 28.3%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

With the correct threat in mind, I'm sticking with Granbull. Granbull is a good overall switch-in to most physical attackers for balance and stall teams, and Kabutops is no exception to this. Granbull can take waterfalls and stone edges quite easily while providing speed control for offensive teammates via t-wave or giving cleric support thru Heal Bell. But what makes it a great counter to our spinning-armored-scyther-like friend is it's ability to bulldog (couldn't let the pun go) its way through Kabu with Earthquake, pulling off a 2HKO:

0 Atk Granbull Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kabutops: 162-192 (62 - 73.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Sorry for the confusion earlier :p

 

[kay]

So this little spike ball makes Kabutops life a nightmare. Walling the LO set while racking up LO and Iron Barbs, and the passive damage/ healing from Leech Seed lets it kill it in the most passive aggressive way imaginable.

Ferroseed also has the opportunity to set up hazards against it, making Kabutops more of a liability then a fearsome sweeper. This thing can stop it cold.

calcs

Normal calcs:

252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 39-47 (13.3 - 16%) -- possible 7HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 49-58 (16.7 - 19.8%) -- guaranteed 6HKO

and at +2:

+2 252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 99-117 (33.9 - 40%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 79-94 (27 - 32.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

Vs Kabutops:

0 Atk Ferroseed Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kabutops: 90-106 (34.4 - 40.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[Realistic Waters]

Gourgeist-Super @ Leftovers
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis
- Foul Play / Seed Bomb

What's great about Gourgeist is that not only does it wall Kabutops, but it also stops it from rapid spinning thanks to it's part ghost typing. Even a neutral hit from stone edge fails to do any major damage because of it's impressive physical bulk of 85/122. Gourgeist can always stay healthy thanks to synthesis and to pressure Kabutops it can directly OHKO with seed bomb or it can just spread burns or leech seeds which makes it an effective counter.

252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gourgeist-Super: 122-146 (32.6 - 39%) -- 8.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gourgeist-Super: 49-58 (13.1 - 15.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Gourgeist-Super Seed Bomb vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kabutops: 336-396 (128.7 - 151.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[noobcubed]

Gurdurr @ Eviloite
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Knock Off
- Bulk Up / Stone Edge

Takes two Waterfalls with relative comfort, and Drain Punch is 100% chance to OHKO after two rounds of Life Orb recoil. Also turns Kabutops into set-up bait as punishment for it greedily staying in and spinning.

 

[Liarliarpantsonfire]

Uxie @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Giga Drain

252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Uxie: 142-169 (40.1 - 47.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
4 SpA Uxie Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Kabutops: 228-272 (87.3 - 104.2%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

Easily tanks a hit, outspeeds and KO's back with Giga Drain, getting back all of its health. This set also punishes players for using Quagsire to stop setup sweepers.

 

[SlickHippo99]

Torterra @ Leftovers
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Seed Bomb
- Earthquake
- Synthesis
- Stealth Rock

This Torterra set takes max 39.2% from Life Orb Kabutops's Waterfall and can OHKO back with Seed Bomb. Torterra can easily use Leftovers and Synthesis to heal up whatever damage it takes later on. If the Kabutops user switches, you get to hit something with one of your moves, heal up, or set up rocks. The offensive banded Torterra set works as well, but you take way more damage from Waterfall and have a decent chance to kill yourself with Wood Hammer recoil after taking two Waterfalls I think.

 

[boltsandbombers]

View attachment 41775
Torterra @ Leftovers
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Seed Bomb
- Earthquake
- Synthesis
- Stealth Rock

This Torterra set takes max 39.2% from Life Orb Kabutops's Waterfall and can OHKO back with Seed Bomb. Torterra can easily use Leftovers and Synthesis to heal up whatever damage it takes later on. If the Kabutops user switches, you get to hit something with one of your moves, heal up, or set up rocks. The offensive banded Torterra set works as well, but you take way more damage from Waterfall and have a decent chance to kill yourself with Wood Hammer recoil after taking two Waterfalls I think.

I usually don't want to nitpick sets, but defensive torterra is, to be frank, just bad. Torterra is much better suited to an offensive role, whether it be the tank (rocks dual stab synthesis), choice band, rock polish, or even swords dance.
For the application of this scenario, you dont even need defense investment to chew up two waterfalls. The standard 252 HP / 252 Atk tank stealth rock set works perfectly fine here.
Calcs:
252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Torterra: 149-177 (37.8 - 44.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Set for reference:

Torterra @ Leftovers
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Synthesis
- Wood Hammer
- Earthquake

 

[Blast]

Defensive Torterra's not that bad (I mean like especially right now), spdef sets beat Magneton and phys def is just super bulky and eats up physical hits with Synthesis.

Plus in that particular scenario (vs Kabutops) there's a lot less pressure off of Torty since if it's switching in on Waterfall, it doesn't risk being flinched or having to constantly Synthesis to stay alive (or just get super weakened if you don't)

Just because it's not on the analysis doesn't mean it's bad New meta, new threats, so you find new ways to prepare for them.

 

[boltsandbombers]

Fair enough, I guess it's not /that/ bad. I just feel you're wasting its offensive potential by doing that, and I know its not on the analysis and that wasn't a reason as to why I thought it was bad.
Neither is Swords Dance, and I was murdered by SD Torterra a few weeks ago, and thats perfectly legit as well.
Also spdef sets don't really "beat" magneton, its a decent check since it can only switch in once and is 2HKOed afterwards, while yes max / max def is a full counter to Kabutops.

 

[Disjunction]

Poliwrath @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Lax Nature
- Circle Throw
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Honestly any version of Poli destroys Kabu, but this set clearly does the best job of it. Immune to one of Kabu's STAB's, resistant to the other, and able to brush off any coverage options, Poliwrath is one of the hardest counters to Kabutops in the tier. With Rest you can brush off any residual damage that may wrack up over time. Definitely a hard mon for Kabu to defeat.

 

[Sonzinho]

Tangela @ Eviolite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Giga Drain
- Sleep Powder
- Synthesis
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Tangela can switch in to Kabutops all day and in return can give it OHKO.

Some calcs:
252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Tangela: 87-103 (26 - 30.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Kabutops Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Tangela: 34-40 (10.1 - 11.9%) -- possible 9HKO

4 SpA Tangela Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kabutops: 436-516 (167 - 197.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO.