Project Victim Of The Week

[sanguine]

Thanks to Taptricity and faded love for the running the first iteration of this project. Approved by Sage . Amazing art by LifeisDANK !

​

Much like any other metagame, UnderUsed is constantly evolving with new threats rising while others go on a steep decline. New variables are always set in place as each tier shift goes by and UnderUsed adapts with it. With Sword and Shield, the DLC packs will throw a wrench into the metagame and shake things up as well. However, even the Pokemon that are on the top have answers that exploit their flaws, and this thread is dedicated to discovering all of them. Each week, I will post a set of a Pokemon and you participants will have a few days to submit a check or a counter. After all submissions are done, the voting phase will begin and voters will pick what they find to be the best check and counter to the set. But of course like any other project, we have to lay down some ground rules.

Rules:​

• Before submitting anything, you will have to keep in mind what a check and what a counter is by its definition. I will completely quote this from Smog Issue 32, "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." If I deem your submission to not be a counter, then I will move it over to checks and vice versa.
• Please only post Pokemon that are viable in the UnderUsed metagame. Check out the viability rankings if you want to see what’s usable in the metagame. I will make exceptions however if you provide evidence (multiple high ladder or tournament replays that show that this Pokemon is able to accomplish its job along with a few calcs and a brief description of what that Pokemon does in the metagame) to back up this Pokemon.
• Besides submitting Pokemon that are unranked in UnderUsed, I only need at least 3 sentences for an explanation on why this Pokemon checks or counters the set.
• I do not require calcs or replays for your submissions, but you can submit them if it gives me a better idea of how your submission functions.
• The submissions are sets of Pokemon so I will allow sets of the same Pokemon to be submitted from different participants (ie: Person A submits a Choice Band Pangoro and Person B submits a Swords Dance Pangoro).
• You may reserve a set however you will have 24 hours to post it. If you don’t post it by this deadline then the set is fair game and anyone can submit it.
• I am completely fine with experimentation, but if I think the set is far too specific in removing the victim while completely worsening your matchups against everything else, I will disqualify it.
• During the voting phase, I will determine if you can vote for one check and counter or two checks and counters which will be determined by the number of Pokémon submitted in the week. You cannot vote for yourself. If any submissions are at a tie vote, I will be the sole vote to break the tie.
• Certain pokemon were previously banned in the last iteration, with dexit some mons may be added back onto the list if they become a trend. The only banned pokemon currently are pyukumuku and umbreon.
• If you’re going to criticize someone else’s set please be nice and helpful about it instead of just slandering the participant.
  • Sets may be edited to be more viable by the hosts.
• Have some fun and enjoy this project!

 

[sanguine]

Victim	Check	Counter
Defensive Galarian Weezing	Offensive Galarian Weezing by A Cake Wearing A Hat	SubToxic Salazzle by Datsplashtho
Defensive Pivot Incineroar	Guts Machamp by Luirromen	Physically Defensive Milotic by Eve
Choice Specs Gardevoir	Defensive Togedemaru by Lilburr	N/A
Utility Noivern	Choice Scarf Gardevoir by Taptricity	Gigalith by DraconicLepus
Nasty Plot Rotom-Wash	N/A	Choice Specs Goodra by Corthius
Choice Specs Toxtricity	Rhyperior by Luirromen	Golurk by A Cake Wearing A Hat
Life Orb Reuniclus	TBD	TBD

 

[sanguine]

reserved

 

[sanguine]

The Inaugural Victim is:

Defensive Weezing-G!

TOXIC. (Weezing-Galar) (F) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Strange Steam
- Fire Blast
- Pain Split
- Defog / Toxic Spikes / Toxic

With an excellent Fairy / Poison typing and Levitate, Weezing-G has only two weaknesses, leaving it able to check a variety of threatening breakers like Sir-Fetch’d and Doublade while still having utility moves and semi-reliable recovery in Pain Split. How will you defeat such a defensive preeminence?

 

[Estarossa]

Espeon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Trick
- Grass Knot

Choice Specs Espeon is a hard check to Weezing, being able to bounce its Toxic Spikes, as well as take it out in a single hit, while being able to switch into Weezing's strange steam twice, and potentially cripple its common teammate Umbreon with Trick to prevent it constnatly healing Weezing.

0 SpA Weezing-Galar Strange Steam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Espeon: 88-105 (32.4 - 38.7%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO

 

[Luirromen]

Life Orb Reuniclus

Reuniclus can be considered as a counter to Defensive Weezing, it has acces to Stab Psychic, good Bulk to tank Weezing's moves, and an ability that makes it inmune to Toxic, also it has acces to Recover to heal up after a direct switch in, against Defensive Weezing, Reuniclus is able to win a 1v1, Reuniclus even can easy force G-Weezing to switch.

Set

Reuniclus @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Recover
- Focus Blast

Some Damage Calcs

252+ SpA Life Orb Reuniclus Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing-Galar: 549-647 (164.3 - 193.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 SpA Weezing-Galar Strange Steam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Reuniclus: 97-115 (22.8 - 27.1%) -- 49.9% chance to 4HKO
0 SpA Weezing-Galar Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Reuniclus: 79-94 (18.6 - 22.1%) -- possible 5HKO

 

[Katy]

reserving sigilyph



Sigilyph @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Air Slash
- Roost
- Defog

Sigilyph is a counter since it forces G-Weezing to switch out everytime it comes in and it doesnt mind Toxic from G-Weezing at all due to its ability Magic Guard. Furthermore it can use Roost to recover from the damage it took via Fire Blast / Strange Steam and can come in many times into G-Weezing. To add onto that when G-Weezing has T-Spikes up, Sigi can just Defog them away and Psychic is a clear OHKO.
With all these abilities combined, Sigilyph is a counter to G-Weezing.

Calcs:

Hide

0 SpA Weezing-Galar Strange Steam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Sigilyph: 102-121 (35.7 - 42.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Weezing-Galar Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Sigilyph: 83-98 (29.1 - 34.3%) -- 5.4% chance to 3HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Sigilyph Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing-Galar: 439-517 (131.4 - 154.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Fusion Flare]

Salazzle (F) @ Black Sludge
Ability: Corrosion
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Toxic
- Protect
- Flamethrower
- Substitute

Salazzle is a counter to Weezing-G due to its quad resistance to strange steam and reisstance to Fire Blast, ability to rid the field of Tspikes, poison it, and wear it down. Oh, and it's immune to Toxic itself.

0 SpA Weezing-Galar Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Salazzle: 52-62 (15.3 - 18.2%) -- possible 8HKO after Black Sludge recovery
0 SpA Weezing-Galar Strange Steam vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Salazzle: 31-37 (9.1 - 10.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0 SpA Salazzle Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing-Galar: 142-168 (42.5 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery

 

[Nocsu]

Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Heatproof
EVs: 252 HP / 48 SpA / 204 SpD
Sassy / Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Psychic
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Gyro Ball / Protect

Heatproof Bronzong is a counter to Weezing-G. It resists Strange Stream, is immune to Toxic and easily tanks Fire Blast. Thanks to the SpA investment Psychic 2HKO`s even after a Painsplit (It also helps you to 2HKO a 252 HP / 0 SpD Roserade after Blacksludge recovery). Heatproof might seem specific but it really isn`t since Bronzong also becomes a Noivern check with it.

 

[Eve]

Chandelure @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Overheat
- Fire Blast
- Trick

Specs Chandelure is a counter to Galarian Weezing. Thanks to its immunity to Fire Blast and its Fairy resistance, it's quite easy to switch in on Weezing and return fire with a Fire Blast or Overheat that's guaranteed to OHKO or force heavy damage on a switchin. While it's vulnerable to Toxic, the sheer amount of damage Chandelure can put out in a few turns makes this less crippling than it may otherwise be and it can still switch in on Weezing multiple times.

0 SpA Weezing-Galar Strange Steam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Chandelure: 46-54 (17.6 - 20.6%) -- possible 5HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Chandelure Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing-Galar: 391-462 (117 - 138.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

Xatu @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 208 SpD / 20 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Teleport
- Roost
- Thunder Wave / Heat Wave

Specially Defensive Pivot Xatu is a counter to defensive Galarian Weezing. It is capable of coming in on any of its moves, even bouncing back Toxic Spikes, multiple times thanks to its bulk investment and Roost. The Speed and Defense investment are to better handle Adamant and Jolly Sirfetch'd, respectively. Xatu can then either generate easy momentum with Teleport, paralyze a switch-in with Thunder Wave, or just slap the weez with Psychic. Pretty self-explanatory, it's just Espeon with recovery and Teleport.


Weezing-Galar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 212 HP / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Bomb
- Strange Steam
- Fire Blast
- Filler

Offensive Galarian Weezing is a check to defensive Galarian Weezing, ironically. Sludge Bomb almost 2HKOes defensive Galarian Weezing, and non-sludge bomb defensive Galarian Weezing can't do that much in return. It can't come in repeatedly or KO it quickly, and its lack of reliable recovery leaves it not really wanting to hard in on Fire Blast that often. Still, it's good in a pinch.

252+ SpA Weezing-Galar Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Weezing-Galar: 162-192 (48.5 - 57.4%) -- 50% chance to 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

0 SpA Weezing-Galar Fire Blast vs. 212 HP / 0 SpD Weezing-Galar: 93-110 (28.7 - 33.9%) -- 98.4% chance to 4HKO after Black Sludge recovery

 

[sanguine]

hey all,


I would like to credit LifeisDANK for using her awesome art skills on the new banner! Smogon artists are one of the most valuable yet underappreciated communities on the site, so if you can, give one you know some love whenever they post smth new or you see something you like.

yours,

faded

 

[avarice]

Voting time! Ends 3/8/20.

Checks:

Choice Specs Espeon by Estarossa

Offensive Galar Weezing by A Cake Wearing A Hat

Counters:

Life Orb Reuniclus by Luirromen

Choice Specs Chandelure by Eve

Life Orb Sigilyph by Katy

SubToxic Salazzle by Datsplashtho

Levitate Bronzong by Nocsu

Specially Defensive Pivot Xatu by A Cake Wearing A Hat

 

[Katy]

espeon
reuniclus

 

[Eve]

Voting time! Ends 3/8/20.

Checks:

Choice Specs Espeon by Estarossa

Offensive Galar Weezing by A Cake Wearing A Hat

Counters:

Life Orb Reuniclus by Luirromen

Life Orb Sigilyph by Katy

SubToxic Salazzle by Datsplashtho

Levitate Bronzong by Nocsu

Specially Defensive Pivot Xatu by A Cake Wearing A Hat

poor chandelure :'(

Offensive Weezing
Reuniclus

 

[Luirromen]

Offensive Gweez
Salazzle

 

[Lily]

Offensive Weezing
Sigilyph

 

[A Cake Wearing A Hat]

Espeon, salazzle

 

[DraconicLepus]

Weezing+salazzle

 

[sanguine]

...and with that, Weezing-G and Salazzle take home the inaugural victory! Congratulations to A Cake Wearing A Hat and Datsplashtho !

Our next victim is Incineroar!





THE MAN (Incineroar) (M) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 108 Def / 80 SpD / 72 Spe
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Parting Shot
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flare Blitz

A new addition to the tier, Incineroar has quickly solidified a place among the tier’s top threats. Access to solid bulk, Intimidate, Heavy Duty Boots, and solid utility options like Will o Wisp and Knock Off let it check a plethora of common attackers like Chandelure and Centiskorch whilst being also able to gain momentum off forced switches with Parting Shot. How will you grapple with such a intimidating force?

 

[Katy]

reserving vaporeon


Vaporeon @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Heal Bell
- Protect
- Wish

Vaporeon is a counter to Incineroar since it can come in on its Flare Blitzes and easily tanks the hits. Vaporeon also does not need to worry about getting worn down so quickly as it can profit from wish + protect - the latter of these can be used to scout, what move Incineroar might go for.
Vaporeon can also use heal bell to cure Will-O-Wisp burns for itself and its teammates, which is good in the long term of the game.
Scald also dishes out good damage at Incineroar. The only thing Incineroar can go for is knocking off Vaporeons Leftovers.
But all these above pointed out advantages makes Vaporeon a good counter to Incineroar with many weapons in its arsenal to help not only itself out but also its teammates.

Calcs:

Hide

0 Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 72-84 (15.5 - 18.1%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Incineroar Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Vaporeon: 117-138 (25.2 - 29.7%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 SpA Vaporeon Scald vs. 248 HP / 80+ SpD Incineroar: 170-204 (43.2 - 51.9%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO

 

[Luirromen]

Guts Machamp

Machamp @ Flame Orb
Adamant Nature
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 SpD
- Knock Off
- Close Combat
- Heavy Slam
- Bullet Punch
Machamp is a Check to Incineroar, as is able to outspeed, an also able to OHKO with a Guts Boosted CC even after intimidate, also it can absorb WoW on a Switch without problem, also forces Incineroar to switch on something else with ease. However lacks on a reliable recovery, and doesn't like to switch in on a Flare Blitz, or recieve a Knock Off before get the Flame Orb effect, also Incineroar can spam Patring Shot on a switch and make Machamp get extra chip damage (burn damage, hazards, sand, etc).

Some Damage Calcs

252+ Atk Guts Machamp Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 108 Def Incineroar: 626-740 (159.2 - 188.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252+ Atk Guts Machamp Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 108 Def Incineroar: 420-494 (106.8 - 125.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Machamp: 175-207 (54.5 - 64.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after burn damage

 

[mind gaming]

Reserving Incineroar

THE MAN (Incineroar) (M) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 108 Def / 80 SpD / 72 Spe
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Close Combat
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flare Blitz

I feel like a genius for replacing this move

 

[Eve]

Reserving Milotic


Milotic @ Leftovers
Ability: Marvel Scale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Toxic
- Recover

Milotic is a counter to Incineroar. It takes Incineroar's hits almost exactly as well as Vaporeon, but comes with the noteworthy advantage of actively benefitting from being burned due to Marvel Scale and therefore not having to waste time removing it (not that it can anyway). This results in the most Incineroar can really achieve being removing Milotic's Leftovers and pivoting out, meaning one of Incineroar's teammates fall victim to a Toxic, Scald Burn or just some damage which adds up in the long run. Unlike Vaporeon, Milotic also outspeeds Incineroar, meaning the cat will end up taking something to the face before it can Parting Shot to safety.

cacalacalations

0 Atk Incineroar Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Milotic: 99-117 (25.1 - 29.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 Atk Incineroar Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Milotic: 67-79 (17 - 20%) -- possible 5HKO
0 Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Milotic: 61-72 (15.4 - 18.2%) -- possible 6HKO
0 Atk Incineroar Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Marvel Scale Milotic: 45-54 (11.4 - 13.7%) -- possible 6HKO after burn damage
0 Atk Incineroar Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Marvel Scale Milotic: 41-48 (10.4 - 12.1%) -- possible 6HKO after burn damage

0 SpA Milotic Scald vs. 248 HP / 80+ SpD Incineroar: 158-188 (40.2 - 47.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

I was gonna post competitive milo to abuse parting shot and intim but faded said he'd delete it lol

 

[Twilight]

lyd makes the best emojis

Primarina @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Moonblast
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Counter, you just sit on it until it dies to Scald or Moonblast. Rest lets it act as a status absorber so there isn't much fear of having to take a Will-O-Wisp. The most Incineroar does is remove Primarina's Leftovers and always force it to Parting Shot.