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Project Victim of the Week

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Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Cloud Nine
EVs: 252 HP / 164 SpA / 92 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Fire Blast
- Roost
- Earthquake

mega altaria is a counter to any serperior variant--not just subseed--thanks to its great defensive typing which resists its stab type and thanks to this defensive typing, it takes very little damage from leaf storm and also hidden power fire and serperior needs to be at +6 in order to 2hko altaria but it's most likely going to be fainted before it even manages to get that many boosts. the best thing about altaria really is its access to hyper voice which bypasses substitute, making it a great counter to subseed serperior in particular.

altaria's hyper voice versus serperior: (59.3 - 70.1%)
altaria's fire blast versus serperior: (74.7 - 88.5%)
serperior's leaf storm versus altaria: (18.9 - 22.3%)
serperior's hp fire versus altaria: (5.9 - 7%)
serperior's leaf storm versus altaria at +6: (75.4 - 88.9%)
 
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M-Venusaur as a Counter

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Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 248 HP / 96 Def / 144 SpD / 20 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power Fire
- Synthesis

Due to its typing, ability and natural bulk, M-Venusaur can, with this spread, easily sponge Serperior's damaging moves, so much that it can't 2HKO it at +6 after SR! What's more is that M-Venusaur has access to semi-reliable recovery in the form of Synthesis and, being a Grass-type mon, it's immune to Serprior's Leech Seed, making it one of the best (if not the best) switch-in to it. In return, M-Venusaur's Sludge Bomb can (and most of the time, will) KO Serperior after it has set up a Substitute (or simply 2HKO).
200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 144 SpD Mega Venusaur: 26-31 (7.1 - 8.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever
200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 144 SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 34-40 (9.3 - 11%) -- possible 8HKO after Stealth Rock
+6 200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 144 SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 130-154 (35.8 - 42.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

0 SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 240-284 (78.6 - 93.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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Counter
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Talonflame
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Acrobatics
- Roost
- Bulk Up
- Will-O-Wisp

Specially defensive Talonflame completely destroys Serperior, no questions asked. Even with Stealth Rock up and Serperior somehow at +6, it fails to do enough damage to OHKO from that amount of health. From there, Talonflame procees to set up on Serperior using Bulk Up and potentially sweep the opposing team, Roost away any damage taken from Leaf Storm or Leech Seed, or do a massive amount of damage back with Acrobatics or Brave Bird. Both Leftovers Brave Bird and item less Acrobatics achieve the same cause in countering Serperior.

+6 252 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 133-157 (37 - 43.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

0 Atk Talonflame Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 206-246 (70.7 - 84.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
EZ counter
Sap Sipper Defensive Azumarill
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Azumarill @ Leftovers
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Encore
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Serperior totally useless against this. Needs to run HP-electric (lol) to even touch it. Even glare sets just get rested on.

Don't be so quick to write off defensive Azu. If its offensive sets weren't so crazy, this thing would get a lot more use a defensive pokemon. Amazing defensive typing, with an ability that just lets it wall all kinds of stuff. Encore goofs over all those stupid defensive walls or anything arrogant enough to try to set up. Zard X, Gyara, scizor: nope, nope, nope.
 
Goodra as a counter
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Goodra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Sludge Wave
- Flamethrower
- Muddy Water

Goodra is a complete stop to this specific Serperior variant, as it it immune to both Leaf Storm and Leech Seed, while its only coverage option in this instance (HP Fire) doesn't do anything to Goodra:

200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 80 HP / 0 SpD Goodra: 15-18 (4.3 - 5.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Even if Serperior somehow got to +6:

+6 200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 80 HP / 0 SpD Goodra: 60-71 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- possible 5HKO

While Specs Goodra OHKO's back with Flamethrower/Sludge Wave so Serperior can't stall out Goodra in any way possible, making it one of the hardest counters to this specific Serperior set.
 
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Volcarona as a counter

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Volcarona @ Leftovers
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Roost

Thanks to its typing and its movepool, this pokemon easily counters that Serperior version. Roost and the item are there just for preserve Volcarona's health during the match but if your team needs someting else to deal with other threats, nothing changes. Well, why is it a counter?
It's a counter because Serperior can't threat or either stall this pokemon with its movepool, in fact HP Fire even in +2 does nothing, and if it subs Bug Buzz will hit without no problem at all, OHKOing it.

Some calcs:

252 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 56 HP / 4 SpD Serperior: 314-372 (102.9 - 121.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 33-39 (10 - 11.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever

200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 42-50 (12.7 - 15.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever

+2 200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 72 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 83-98 (25.2 - 29.7%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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Defensive Heatran as Counter

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Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 188 SpD / 68 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt / Roar
- Stealth Rock

Heatran can switch into any move and proceed to set up Stealth Rock, phaze it out with Roar, or wear Serperior down with Taunt + Toxic / Lava Plume. Heatran may have a tough time if he switches in on a Leech Seed
 
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Mega Charizard Y as a hard check
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Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Roost

Everyone's favorite Kanto starter. 4x resists Leaf Storm and HP Fire is even worse, despite the sun boost.

200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 31-36 (10.4 - 12.1%) -- possible 9HKO

+2 200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 61-73 (20.5 - 24.5%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y in Sun: 29-34 (9.7 - 11.4%) -- possible 9HKO

Even with SR support, this Serperior variant can't beat Charizard without resorting to Leech Seed, which is effortlessly shrugged off by Roost. Meanwhile, Fire Blast easily roasts Serperior, with or without sun.

252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Blast vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Serperior in Sun: 656-774 (215 - 253.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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Counter
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Miltank (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Body Slam / Fire Punch
- Milk Drink
- Thunder Wave
- Stealth Rock / Toxic

Due to Sap Sipper, Miltank is immune to and gets a boost off of Leaf Storm and Leech Seed. It takes jack all from an unboosted HP Fire and can beat it down between Body Slam/Fire Punch and Milk Drink. It can also hit it with T-Wave if it doesn't sub up. The listed EVs outpace adamant Bisharp to cripple it with a Thunder Wave or to Fire Punch before it uses Sucker Punch.
 
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Check

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Houndoom @ Houndoominite
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 40 HP / 8 Def / 208 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Dark Pulse
- Will-O-Wisp / Taunt

Houndoom resists both of Serperior's attacking moves (and is immune to one of them before Mega Evolving), allowing it to switch in on any of its moves, Mega Evolve, then OHKO it with Fire Blast.

However, since Houndoom is slower than Serperior before Mega Evolving, it will most likely be KOed if it switches in on a boosted Leaf Storm pre-mega.

Offensive:
208 SpA Mega Houndoom Fire Blast vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 386-456 (126.5 - 149.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
208 SpA Mega Houndoom Dark Pulse vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 141-166 (46.2 - 54.4%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Defensive:
200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 76-90 (25.2 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+2 200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 153-180 (50.8 - 59.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+4 200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 228-269 (75.7 - 89.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 305-359 (101.3 - 119.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 24-28 (7.9 - 9.3%) -- possibly the worst move ever
+2 200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 47-56 (15.6 - 18.6%) -- possible 6HKO
+4 200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 70-83 (23.2 - 27.5%) -- 77.4% chance to 4HKO
+6 200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 40 HP / 0 SpD Mega Houndoom: 94-111 (31.2 - 36.8%) -- 74.2% chance to 3HKO
 
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Crobat as a Counter
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Crobat @ Black Sludge
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 192 HP / 196 Atk / 120 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Roost
- Defog

Most of the other creative counters are reserved, but oh well...
Crobat has Infiltrator. This means that Substitute won't protect Serp from Crobat, which always outspeed and OHKO Serp, with Brave Bat from full. The best thing Serp can do is HP Fire for pitiful damage or Leech Seed, but Crobat can Recover the health back sooner or later anyway.
196 Atk Crobat Brave Bird vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 306-360 (100.3 - 118%) -- guaranteed OHKO

200 SpA Serperior Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Crobat: 52-62 (13.9 - 16.5%) -- possible 9HKO after Black Sludge recovery

200 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Crobat: 42-49 (11.2 - 13.1%) -- possibly the worst move ever
 
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Check: Mega Pidgeot

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Pidgeot @ Pidgeotite
Ability: Big Pecks
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hurricane
- Heat Wave
- Roost / Hyper Beam
- U-turn

Mega Pidgeot out speeds Serperior after it mega evolves. Then it can literally blow Serperior away with a Hurricane, and thanks to No Guard, you won't miss the hurricane. Mega Pidgeot can also tank a +2 Life Orb Leaf Storm from Serp if need be.

252 SpA Mega Pidgeot Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Serperior: 386-456 (132.6 - 156.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Pidgeot: 116-136 (37.7 - 44.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

+2 252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Pidgeot: 230-272 (74.9 - 88.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
 
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Rotom-H @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Overheat
- Volt Switch
- Thunder Wave
- Pain Split

Although it's very uncommon as of know, Rotom-H is a nice counter to Serperior. It sponges Leaf Storms relatively well and proceeds to threaten it out with a powerful Overheat. It also has access to Thunder Wave, which punishes more elaborate plays such as stalling out it's Overheats with Substitute.
 
-Magic- said:
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Rotom-H @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Overheat
- Volt Switch
- Thunder Wave
- Pain Split

Although it's very uncommon as of know, Rotom-H is a nice counter to Serperior. It sponges Leaf Storms relatively well and proceeds to threaten it out with a powerful Overheat. It also has access to Thunder Wave, which punishes more elaborate plays such as stalling out it's Overheats with Substitute.
Click to expand...

Hey, I'm not sure this is a true counter. Room needs to use overheat in order to break serperiors subs. If serperior leech seeds in the switch it can just stall out room. If it clicks sub room gets stalled. leafstorm at +2 can 2HKO, so you can't switch in really. Additionally, in a 1v1 serperior can sub twice to make overheat do only ~30%, which lets it get a free leech seed off, at which point it can stall.

Not really sure if twave or pain split work here, since serp is faster and can just sub to heavily punish their use...
 
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Ninjask @ Choice Band
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Aerial Ace
- X-Scissor
- Night Slash

Ninjask can switch into anything except hp fire and OHKO serp with x scissor. Hits through sub thx to infiltrator.

252 Atk Choice Band Ninjask X-Scissor vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 320-378 (104.9 - 123.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO


252 Atk Choice Band Ninjask U-turn vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 278-330 (91.1 - 108.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
 
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Hard check: Scarf Heatran

Heatran @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Timid Nature
- Lava Plume/Flamethrower
- Flash Cannon
- Earth Power
- Stone Edge

252 SpA Heatran Lava Plume vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Serperior: 272-324 (89.1 - 106.2%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
+6 200 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 28 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 172-203 (52.1 - 61.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+6 200 SpA Life Orb Serperior Dragon Pulse vs. 28 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 151-177 (45.7 - 53.6%) -- 41% chance to 2HKO (guaranteed after SR)

If Serperior hasn't got already +6 SpA, Heatran is an hard check thanks to the immunity to HP Fire and to the typing with a 4x resistance to Grass and 2x to Dragon moves.
The Choice Scarf allows this thing to outspeed the snake and (almost) KOing it with a Fire move. The choice between Lava Plume and Flamethrower/Fire Blast is the same that exists between Scald and Surf or, in other terms, you have to choose between utility and sheer power.
 
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togekiss as counter

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Togekiss @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Air Slash
- Thunder Wave
- Roost

togekiss's defensive typing and great bulk makes it a nice counter to serperior. it can switch into leaf storm as many times as it wants, as serperior needs to be at +6 to be able to 2HKO togekiss. togekiss, on the other hand, 2HKOes serperior with air slash even without any boosts. since serperior can't do much to togekiss, it should either cripple it with thunder wave if serp doesn't go for a sub, or nasty plot, predicting for a sub. here are some calcs:

togekiss's unboosted air slash - (64.9 - 76.7%)
at +2 - (128.5 - 152.1%)
​
serperior's unboosted leaf storm - (16.5 - 19.5%)
at +6 - (65.7 - 77.8%)​
unboosted hp fire - (10.4 - 12.2%)
at +6 - (40.9 - 48.1%)​
 
Checks:

V Mega Charizard Y
IV Mega Pidgeot
II ScarfTran

I Ninjask

Mega Houndoom


Counters:

VI Sap Sipper Azumarill
IV AV Tornadus-T
IV Amoonguss

III Mega Venusaur
III Goodra

Togekiss
Mega Latias
Unaware Clefable
Mega Charizard X
I Mega Altaria
II Talonflame
Volcarona
Defensive Heatran
I Crobat
Miltank
Rotom-H

You can vote for 1 check and 2 counters :)

My vote: Scarf Tran, Torn-T, Mega Venu​
 
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ScarfTran

Goodra, Amoonguss

I also want to bring something up which is nagging at me a little, but there are a number of mis-classifications on here on both sides. I'm going to start with counters which either only counter situationally or don't counter it at all:

Mega Charizard X - Loses if coverage is run over Roost (vulnerable to seeds, outpaced before DD, cannot outstall Subs and lacks a way to hit through Sub, meaning that Serp will always be behind a sub when it becomes able to outpace)
Defensive Heatran - Does not counter (gets cheesed if Sub/Seed is used on switch-in)
Rotom-H - Does not counter (gets cheesed if Sub/Seed is used on switch-in)

On the other hand, ScarfTran does counter the set by virtue of the fact that it outpaces Serp, meaning that even if it sets up a Sub as it comes in it cannot cheese it with Leech Seed like it can the defensive set combined with it not taking jack shit from Leaf Storm. Similarly, due to the fact that you aren't realistically going to be running anything other than Roost in the last slot on Zard Y's set (Dragon Pulse is utter ass), it is always going to counter Serperior due to the fact that it takes jack-all from both Leaf Storm and HP Fire and because it can outstall Serp's Subs with Roost.​
 
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