Gen 5 Volcarona [GP 1/2]

[AquaVanilla]

[OVERVIEW]
Volcarona is one of BW OU's definitive sweepers. Its typing has problematic weaknesses but is an excellent offensive combination with credible defensive merit, resisting Grass, Steel, and most notably Fighting against Breloom and Scizor. Flame Body is a good defensive perk, making up for Volcarona's low natural physical bulk by potentially neutralizing dangerous attackers like Tyranitar and Scizor. Its solid coverage options include Psychic and Giga Drain, which blow away checks such as Tentacruel, Jellicent, Keldeo, Terrakion, and Gastrodon. In addition, its solid Speed tier lets it outspeed serious threats such as Landorus-T, Excadrill, Kyurem-B, and Modest Thundurus-T. Quiver Dance, not only fixing its power, increases its special bulk to take powerful hits like Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump outside of rain.

Despite these incredible boons, Volcarona can't just be slapped on any team. Despite its resistances and Flame Body, its physical fraility is a concern that can prevent it from outright sweeping, and its 4x Stealth Rock weakness mandates Rapid Spin support. Because of this, Volcarona fits best on offensive teams that can provide this support and easily beat whatever its coverage fails to hit. Though +1 Volcarona's Speed is impressive, it is still outpaced by notable Choice Scarf users like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo and is hit hard by Dragonite's Extreme Speed.

[SET]
name: Quiver Dance
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 3: Bug Buzz / Giga Drain
move 4: Psychic / Giga Drain / Hidden Power Ground
item: Bug Gem / Psychic Gem
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fire Blast hits important benchmarks such as OHKOing Thundurus-T, Gliscor, and most Landorus-T at +1, along with having favorable rolls against specially defensive Excadrill unboosted and opposing Volcarona at +1. However, if you are more confident that Volcarona will acquire multiple boosts and prefer reliability and PP over sheer power, Flamethrower is a suitable alternative. Bug Buzz with Bug Gem hits Pokemon resistant to Flamethrower such as Slowking, Garchomp, Latios, Tyranitar, Rotom-W, and Politoed. In addition, the boosted move decimates Latios and Latias as well as other Dragon- and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Kyurem-B. Psychic is mostly used to dish out huge damage to Tentacruel and OHKO Keldeo. Giga Drain is an option to easily OHKO Gastrodon and 2HKO Jellicent with a boost, provide longevity, and retain a strong—albeit not quite fatal—hit on Keldeo and Terrakion. Giga Drain can also be used over Bug Buzz and paired with another coverage move if Volcarona's team is extremely confident against Tyranitar. Finally, if your team can handle Water-types effectively, Hidden Power can be a devastating surprise to an otherwise solid check. Hidden Power Ground devastates Heatran-reliant teams even without a boost. It also preserves Volcarona's ability to hit Terrakion and Tentacruel to an extent. Alternatively, Hidden Power Ice is Volcarona's best weapon against Dragonite, Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Garchomp.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Volcarona's damage output and allows it to outspeed Landorus-T, and consequently outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T at +1. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Volcarona's HP, allowing it to survive key hits such as Fusion Bolt from Life Orb Kyurem-B and Low Sweep from Life Orb Breloom twice. Volcarona can run more or less Speed if desired. For example, 160 Speed EVs beat Excadrill, 216 catch Jolly Kyurem-B, and maximum Speed lets Volcarona ties with opposing Volcarona and other base 100s such as Mew. Flame Body potentially incapacitates revenge killers such as Dragonite, Scizor, and Kyurem-B. Bug Gem is the preferred item, as it turns +1 Bug Buzz into a powerful nuke capable of smashing through Slowking, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, OHKOing physically defensive Politoed after Stealth Rock, and having good odds to do the same to even the most specially defensive of Tyranitar. Psychic Gem makes +1 Psychic OHKO Tentacruel, eliminating one of Volcarona's best checks, assuming Protect is played around.

Usage Tips
========
In a game where it is likely to clean up at the end, Volcarona should switch in indirectly via pivots or double switches, and only once its checks have been severely weakened or removed. If a sweep is highly unlikely, Volcarona can still be useful to check Steel-types, and Flame Body should not be discounted as a last-ditch effort to burn an out-of-control sweeper like Dragonite. Volcarona should stay away from Stealth Rock at all costs; unless it runs Giga Drain, it loses half of its HP permanently and usually forfeits the ability to set up safely. Volcarona should set up primarily against Pokemon it forces out, such as Ferrothorn, offensive Excadrill, Breloom, Jirachi, unboosted Reuniclus, Keldeo locked into non-Water-type moves, Choice Scarf Latios locked into Dragon Pulse, and Celebi. However, Volcarona should also consider attacking them outright—many of them can have moves that hinder Volcarona while using Quiver Dance. Winning this mind game and eliminating a setup opportunity may make it more difficult for Volcarona to sweep regardless, but it can dispose of a crucial threat for a teammate such as Dragonite or Starmie to capitalize on.

Team Options
========
A Rapid Spin user is necessary. Starmie can form a wonderful offensive core with Volcarona, providing Rapid Spin while pressuring Terrakion, Keldeo, Dragonite, and Heatran. In return, Volcarona mauls most of the Pokemon that trouble Starmie, such as Latios, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Celebi, and they weaken Tyranitar and Tentacruel for one another. Despite its vulnerability to chip damage, Volcarona can find itself right at home on a sand team. It has excellent synergy with Excadrill, which provides extremely reliable Rapid Spin support and can stomach Stone Edge and Draco Meteor from Terrakion and Latios. Tyranitar checks and traps Volcarona checks such as Tornadus, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Latios, while Volcarona deals with the Steel-types, namely Jirachi and Skarmory, that plague Tyranitar. In addition, both Tyranitar and Excadrill appreciate Volcarona's ability to lure in and remove Politoed and Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. Chief among helpful Stealth Rock setters is Landorus-T, which can take on Terrakion, Garchomp, and Dragonite and provide general Intimidate support to help Volcarona set up against physical attackers. Landorus-T can also pivot Volcarona in with U-turn. Rotom-W can do the same while taking advantage of Jellicent and Heatran and luring in Ferrothorn. Sun from Ninetales is another way to support Volcarona, boosting Fire Blast's power to nuclear levels and weakening Water-type assailants.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Rock is a seemingly plausible option that has good odds to KO Dragonite and Gyarados after Quiver Dance and Stealth Rock. However, Psychic Gem Psychic already has a chance, if a lower one, to do the same. Hurricane is an option that destroys Keldeo and has solid neutral coverage. Lum Berry can be used for setting up on Toxic or Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Jellicent, Gliscor, and Jirachi. Passho Berry is another option, helping Volcarona more easily stomach hits from Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, and most importantly Keldeo. Volcarona can also utilize Rest and Chesto Berry with a more defensive spread. Although this forgoes a good deal of power, it increases Volcarona's longevity and allows it to resist status, giving it many more boosting opportunities.

Life Orb Volcarona is an enticing prospect due to its utterly ruthless strength after a boost, but there are a few key factors holding it back. For one, Life Orb instead of Bug or Psychic Gem sacrifices important damage rolls or KOs against Tyranitar, Politoed, and Tentacruel. It also forces Volcarona to take far more chip damage than it is comfortable with in many cases, especially in tandem with sand, potential Toxic, and Stealth Rock, which can prematurely end its sweep even when it's played carefully. If one chooses to run Life Orb Volcarona, sun support is paramount; +1 Life Orb Volcarona can then 2HKO even the bulkiest special walls with Fire Blast, in particular Chansey and Tentacruel.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Volcarona's biggest obstacle is Stealth Rock, which leaves it more vulnerable to physical attackers like Dragonite, Breloom, and Scizor.

**Chansey and Blissey**: With unmatched special bulk, Chansey and Blissey are solid long-term checks to Volcarona. Life Orb Volcaron can 2HKO them in sun, however.

**Heatran**: Heatran has the typing and bulk to handle most of Volcarona's coverage moves, although Volcarona can carry Hidden Power Ground to threaten it. However, Heatran can carry Air Balloon or Substitute, letting it land a crucial Toxic or Magma Storm.

**Rock-types**: Tyranitar and Terrakion are great answers to Volcarona that force it out to use Swords Dance or Stealth Rock. Volcarona commonly carries Bug Buzz and Psychic to threaten Tyranitar and Terrakion, though, leaving them significantly weakened or KOed.

**Water-types**: Choice Scarf Keldeo can outspeed +1 Volcarona and threaten to OHKO it with Hydro Pump, but only in rain. Gastrodon's typing and bulk allow it to deal with Volcarona and threaten it with Toxic. Tentacruel and Jellicent also fare well against most Volcarona, walling the majority of its moves and chipping it down with Scald and Toxic. However, Volcarona can bypass these answers with coverage moves such as Psychic and Giga Drain.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [AquaVanilla, 468826], [memesketch, 537558]]
- Quality checked by: [[Zokuru, 263906], [Ophion, 433215]]
- Grammar checked by: [[CryoGyro, 331519], [Finland, 517429]]

 

[Plague von Karma]

What's the current status on this? It's gone a month without any edits.

 

[AquaVanilla]

What's the current status on this? It's gone a month without any edits.

sorry abt that, i should have told somebody abt this, i was sick for like 2 weeks and faless is busy with life but we can work on it right now, should have told earlier, mb.

 

[memesketch]

am check for checks and counters section
add
remove
comment

mothman

[OVERVIEW]

Volcarona is one of BW OU'S best definitive sweepers in any given battle. Volcarona's unique Bug/Fire typing, despite its problematic weaknesses to Water and Flying and lethal vulnerability to Stealth Rock, is an excellent offensive combination with credible defensive merit, resisting Grass, Steel, and most notably Fighting. Flame Body is a major defensive perk, making up for Volcarona's low natural physical bulk by giving it the ability to potentially neutralize dangerous attackers like Terrakion and Scizor. Its hefty movepool gives it access to solid coverage options including Psychic and Giga Drain, which allow it to blow checks such as Tentacruel, Jellicent, and Gastrodon. In addition, its solid speed tier lets it outspeed serious threats such as Landorus-T, Excadrill, Kyurem-B, and Modest Thundurus-T. Still, on its own Volcarona is not quite powerful or fast enough to succeed as a sweeper. Because of this, Quiver Dance is Volcarona's ace in the hole, fixing these problems while also increasing its special bulk to take even powerful hits like Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump outside of rain.

Despite these incredible boons, Volcarona can't just be slapped on any team. Despite its resistances and Flame Body, its physical fraility is still a concern that can prevent it from outright sweeping. It struggles with longevity further due to Stealth Rock cutting its health in half upon switchin, mandating Rapid Spin support. Because of this, Volcarona fits best on offensive teams that can provide this support and easily beat whatever its coverage fails to hit. Furthermore, though Volcarona's speed at +1 is impressive, it is still outpaced by notable scarfers like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo and hit hard by Dragonite's Extreme Speed.

[SET]
name: SET NAME
move 1:
move 2:
move 3:
move 4:
item:
ability:
nature:
evs:

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Set Details
========

Usage Tips
========

Team Options
========

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

List some options for the Pokemon user that are plausible but not always recommended due to either being not consistent enough or too outclassed by other Pokemon in the metagame.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Volcarona's biggest check is Stealth Rock as it cuts Volcarona's HP down to half, leaving it more vulnerable to physical attackers like Dragonite, Mach Punch mach is implied Breloom, and Kyurem-Black.
not sure why stealth rock, heatran, and chans/bliss were together, they should be separated

**Chansey and Blissey**: With unmatched special bulk, Chansey, and to a lesser extent Blissey, are solid long-term checks to Volcarona. They can switch into it and tank the majority of its attacks with ease, all while crippling Volcarona with Toxic or Thunder Wave and wearing it down with Seismic Toss. Take caution, however, since depending on the weather Volcarona can overcome them; even chansey Chansey suffers a 2HKO from +1 Life Orb Fire Blast in the sun.

**Heatran**: Air Balloon mention air balloon AFTER bringing up hp ground Heatran is another a solid Volcarona check thanks to its typing and bulk that let it resist most of Volcarona coverage moves, although Volcarona can carry Hidden Power Ground and to threaten Heatran it, making it more dangerous <-- unnecessary. could put air balloon here, with something like "However, Heatran can carry Air Balloon or Substitute to avoid Hidden Power Ground from Volcarona once, letting it land a crucial Toxic or Magma Storm."

**Rock Types**: Tyranitar and Terrakion are both great answers to Volcarona as they and can potentially take the opportunity to setup with Swords Dance or setup and Stealth Rock, respectively, thanks to there their typing and bulk that let it them deal with Volcarona. Although, Volcarona tends to carry commonly carries Psychic and Bug Buzz with Bug Gem this isn't used that can to threaten Tyranitar and Terrakion, leaving them insignificant significantly weakened or KOed.

**Water Types**: Keldeo and Gastrodon are great answers to non Giga Drain Volcarona as they both resist its STAB and take the opportunity to threaten it with Hydro Pump or use Toxic, you already mention all of this later, it's better to do them separately. Scarf Keldeo can also outspeed +1 Volcarona and threaten to OHKO it with Hydro Pump under Rain. Gastrodon has the bulk to Gastrodon's typing and bulk allow it to deal with Volcarona thanks to its Typing and Bulk and threaten it with Toxic. mention tenta and jellicent here instead ("Tentacruel and Jellicent also fare well against most Volcarona, walling the majority of its moves and chipping it down with Scald and Toxic.") However, Volcarona can bypass these answers with its other coverage moves like such as Psychic and Giga Drain that also deals with Tentacruel and Jellicent,. (separate these two sentences) Scarf Keldeo that isn't under rain also fails to kill +1 Volcarona, and leaving it KOed by either Psychic or Giga Drain of the aforementioned moves.


[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[AquaVanilla]]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

 

[memesketch]

just finished writing the analysis, waiting for aqua to implement

 

[AquaVanilla]

ready for qc!

 

[Air2k]

[OVERVIEW]

Volcarona is one of BW OU's best definitive sweepers in any given battle. Volcarona's unique Bug/Fire typing, despite its problematic weaknesses to Water and Flying and lethal vulnerability to Stealth Rock, is an excellent offensive combination with credible defensive merit, resisting Grass, Steel, and most notably Fighting. Flame Body is a major defensive perk, making up for Volcarona's low natural physical bulk by giving it the ability to potentially neutralize dangerous attackers like Terrakion and Scizor. Its hefty movepool gives it access to solid coverage options including Psychic and Giga Drain, which allow it to blow away checks such as Tentacruel, Jellicent, and Gastrodon. In addition, its solid speed tier lets it outspeed serious threats such as Landorus-T, Excadrill, Kyurem-B, and Modest Thundurus-T. Still, on its own Volcarona is not quite powerful or fast enough to succeed as a sweeper. Because of this, Quiver Dance is Volcarona's ace in the hole, fixing these problems while also increasing its special bulk to take even powerful hits like Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump outside of rain.

Despite these incredible boons, Volcarona can't just be slapped on any team. Despite its resistances and Flame Body, its physical fraility is still a concern that can prevent it from outright sweeping. It struggles with longevity further due to Stealth Rock cutting its health in half upon switchin, mandating Rapid Spin support. Because of this, Volcarona fits best on offensive teams that can provide this support and easily beat whatever its coverage fails to hit. Furthermore, though Volcarona's speed at +1 is impressive, it is still outpaced by notable scarfers like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo and hit hard by Dragonite's Extreme Speed.

[SET]
name: Offensive Quiver Dance
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 3: Bug Buzz
move 4: Psychic / Giga Drain / Hidden Power Ground
item: Bug Gem / Psychic Gem
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volcarona's access to Quiver Dance turns it into an extremely imposing sweeper, boosting its already nuclear Special Attack and high Speed, all the while making it more resilient on the special side. Fire Blast is the primary STAB move of choice, powerful enough to achieve important benchmarks such as securing the OHKO on Thundurus-T, Gliscor, and most Landorus-T at +1, along with having favorable rolls against Specially Defensive Excadrill at neutral and opposing Volcarona at +1. However, if you are more confident in Volcarona's ability to acquire multiple boosts and prefer reliability and PP over sheer power, Flamethrower is a suitable alternative. Bug Buzz is Volcarona's secondary STAB move which, after a boost from Quiver Dance and Bug Gem, offers a very hard hit on important specially bulky targets such as Slowking, Tyranitar, Rotom-W, and Politoed. In addition, the move decimates Latios and Latias as well as other Dragon- and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Kyurem-B at +1 with an intact Bug Gem. Psychic is mostly used in order to dish out huge damage to Tentacruel, as well as to OHKO Keldeo and Terrakion at +1. Notably, paired with a Psychic Gem, Psychic is strong enough to OHKO Tentacruel with a single Quiver Dance boost, eliminating one of Volcarona's best checks provided the latter is able to successfully play around Protect. Alternatively, Giga Drain is an option to easily OHKO Gastrodon and 2HKO Jellicent with a boost, as well as retaining a strong – albeit not quite fatal – hit on Keldeo and Terrakion. Finally, if your team can handle Water-types effectively, Hidden Power Ground is a nasty surprise for any player relying on Heatran to check Volcarona, dealing enormous damage to it even without a boost. It also preserves Volcarona's ability to hit Terrakion and Tentacruel to an extent.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Volcarona's damage output and allows it to outspeed maximum speed Landorus-T, and consequently outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T at +1. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Volcarona's HP, giving it enough bulk to survive key hits such as a Life Orb Fusion Bolt from Kyurem-B or two Life Orb Low Sweeps from Breloom at full health. While it risks sacrificing some bulk or setup opportunities, Volcarona can run more or less Speed if desired. For example, assuming a Timid nature, 160 Speed EVs creeps Excadrill, 216 Speed catches Jolly Kyurem-B, and max Speed lets Volcarona tie at worst with opposing Volcarona and other base 100s such as Mew. Both of Volcarona's abilities are situationally useful, but Flame Body is by far the more helpful choice, letting Volcarona potentially render its revenge killers, such as Dragonite, Scizor, and Kyurem-B, near useless with a burn. Bug Gem is the preferred item, as it turns +1 Bug Buzz into a powerful nuke capable of smashing through Slowking, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, OHKOing physically defensive Politoed after Stealth Rock, and having good odds to do the same to even the most specially defensive of Tyranitar.

Usage Tips
========
In a game where it is likely to clean up at the end, Volcarona should generally not come in until it gets a safe opportunity to do so, be it from a double switch, a slow U-turn or Volt Switch from a teammate, or other similar means, and its checks have been severely weakened or removed. If a sweep is highly unlikely, Volcarona can still be useful for its ability to check Steel-types, and Flame Body should not be discounted as a last-ditch effort to trade Volcarona for a burn on an out-of-control sweeper like Dragonite. Volcarona should stay away from Stealth Rock at all costs; unless it runs Giga Drain, it will be forced to lose half of its HP permanently and usually forfeit the ability to set up safely. Volcarona should set up primarily against Pokemon it forces out, such as Ferrothorn, offensive Excadrill, Breloom, and Celebi. However, once it is in against these Pokemon, Volcarona should also consider attacking them outright – many of the Pokemon Volcarona checks carry methods of hindering its sweep that they might hope to employ on an expected Quiver Dance. Winning this mindgame may make it more difficult for Volcarona to sweep regardless, but it can dispose of a crucial threat for a teammate such as Latios or Starmie to capitalize on.

Team Options
========
Sun from the likes of Ninetales is one of the best ways to support Volcarona, boosting Fire Blast's power to nuclear levels and weakening Water-type assailants. A Rapid Spin user is necessary to pair with Volcarona, as without it Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes will consistently ruin Volcarona's day. Starmie can form a wonderful offensive core with Volcarona, providing it with Rapid Spin support while handling Terrakion, Keldeo, Dragonite, and Heatran for it. In return, Volcarona mutilates most of the Pokemon that trouble Starmie, such as Latios, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Celebi, and they also weaken Tyranitar and Tentacruel for one another. Tentacruel itself spins, absorbs Toxic Spikes, and defensively checks Keldeo and Heatran for Volcarona, and appreciates the latter taking down Ferrothorn and Breloom for it. Despite its vulnerability to chip damage, Volcarona can find itself right at home on a sand team. This is in no small part due to its excellent synergy with Excadrill, who provides extremely reliable Rapid Spin support for Volcarona and can stomach Stone Edges and Draco Meteors from Terrakion and Latios for it. Tyranitar checks and traps Pokemon such as Tornadus, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Latios that might put an end to a Volcarona sweep, while Volcarona deals with the Steel-types, namely Jirachi and Skarmory, that plague Tyranitar. In addition, both Tyranitar and Excadrill appreciate Volcarona's ability to lure and remove Politoed and Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. Volcarona appreciates Stealth Rock setters to chip its checks into range of its boosted attacks. Chief among these setters is Landorus-T, which can take on Terrakion, Garchomp, and Dragonite and provide general Intimidate support to help Volcarona set up against physical attackers. Landorus-T can also pivot Volcarona in with a U-turn on one of the many switches the former forces. Rotom-W can do the same while taking advantage of Jellicent and Heatran and luring in Ferrothorn.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Rock is a seemingly plausible option which, at +1, has good odds to KO Dragonite and Gyarados after Stealth Rock. However, Volcarona can do the same, albeit at a lower chance, with Psychic Gem-boosted Psychic, making Hidden Power Rock largely obsolete. Lum Berry can be used to great effect on Volcarona, easing its setup by allowing it to absorb a Toxic or Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Jellicent, Gliscor, and Jirachi. Passho Berry is another option, helping Volcarona more easily stomach hits from Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, and most importantly Keldeo.

Life Orb Volcarona is an enticing prospect due to its utterly ruthless strength after a boost, but there are a few key factors holding it back. For one, Life Orb causes Volcarona to miss out on important damage rolls or KOs against Tyranitar, Politoed, and Tentacruel with Gem-boosted Bug Buzz and Psychic, respectively. It also forces Volcarona to take far more chip damage than it is comfortable with in many cases, especially in tandem with sand, potential Toxic, and, in a worst-case scenario, Stealth Rock, meaning Life Orb Volcarona can prematurely end its own sweep even when played carefully. If one chooses to run Life Orb Volcarona, sun support is a necessity; at +1 in the sun, Life Orb Volcarona can swiftly 2HKO even the most bulky special walls with Fire Blast, in particular Chansey and Tentacruel.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Volcarona's biggest check is Stealth Rock as it cuts Volcarona's HP down to half, leaving it more vulnerable to physical attackers like Dragonite, Breloom, and Scizor.

**Chansey and Blissey**: With unmatched special bulk, Chansey, and to a lesser extent Blissey, are solid long-term checks to Volcarona. They can switch into it and tank the majority of its attacks with ease, all while crippling Volcarona with Toxic or Thunder Wave and wearing it down with Seismic Toss. Take caution, however, since depending on the weather Volcarona can overcome them; even Chansey suffers a 2HKO from +1 Life Orb Fire Blast in the sun.

**Heatran**: Heatran is a solid Volcarona check thanks to its typing and bulk that let it resist most of Volcarona coverage moves, although Volcarona can carry Hidden Power Ground to threaten it. However, Heatran can carry Air Balloon or Substitute to avoid Hidden Power Ground from Volcarona once, letting it land a crucial Toxic or Magma Storm.

**Rock Types**: Tyranitar and Terrakion are both great answers to Volcarona as they can potentially take the opportunity to setup Swords Dance and Stealth Rock, respectively, thanks to their typing and bulk that let them deal with Volcarona. Although, Volcarona commonly carries Psychic and Bug Buzz to threaten Tyranitar and Terrakion, leaving them significantly weakened or KO'd.

**Water Types**: Scarf Keldeo can outspeed +1 Volcarona and threaten to OHKO it with Hydro Pump under rain. Gastrodon's typing and bulk allow it to deal with Volcarona and threaten it with Toxic. Tentacruel and Jellicent also fare well against most Volcarona, walling the majority of its moves and chipping it down with Scald and Toxic. However, Volcarona can bypass these answers with coverage moves such as Psychic and Giga Drain. Scarf Keldeo that isn't under rain also fails to kill +1 Volcarona, leaving it KO'd by either of the aforementioned moves.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [memesketch, 537558], [AquaVanilla, 468826]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

Should there be a Volcarona set designed for Rain and another for Bulky Setup with Quiver Dance

 

[Ununhexium]

Should there be a Volcarona set designed for Rain and another for Bulky Setup with Quiver Dance

probably not

 

[Air2k]

probably not

Why? Aren't those sets Viable?

 

[Gamer1234556]

Why? Aren't those sets Viable?

They are supposedly viable but aren't really that common in the current meta. I wouldn't be opposed if they were included tho.

 

[Air2k]

They are supposedly viable but aren't really that common in the current meta. I wouldn't be opposed if they were included tho.

They Should be included in my Opinion

 

[Zokuru]

[OVERVIEW]

Volcarona is one of BW OU's best definitive sweepers in any given battle. Volcarona's unique Bug/Fire typing, despite its problematic weaknesses to Water and Flying and lethal vulnerability to Stealth Rock, is an excellent offensive combination with credible defensive merit, resisting Grass, Steel, and most notably Fighting. Flame Body is a major defensive perk, making up for Volcarona's low natural physical bulk by giving it the ability to potentially neutralize dangerous attackers like Terrakion and Scizor. Its hefty movepool gives it access to solid coverage options including Psychic and Giga Drain, which allow it to blow away checks such as Tentacruel, Jellicent, and Gastrodon. In addition, its solid speed tier lets it outspeed serious threats such as Landorus-T, Excadrill, Kyurem-B, and Modest Thundurus-T. Still, on its own Volcarona is not quite powerful or fast enough to succeed as a sweeper. Because of this, Quiver Dance is Volcarona's ace in the hole, fixing these problems while also increasing its special bulk to take even powerful hits like Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump outside of rain.

Despite these incredible boons, Volcarona can't just be slapped on any team. Despite its resistances and Flame Body, its physical fraility is still a concern that can prevent it from outright sweeping. It struggles with longevity further due to Stealth Rock cutting its health in half upon switchin, mandating Rapid Spin support. Because of this, Volcarona fits best on offensive teams that can provide this support and easily beat whatever its coverage fails to hit. Furthermore, though Volcarona's speed at +1 is impressive, it is still outpaced by notable scarfers like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo and hit hard by Dragonite's Extreme Speed.

[SET]
name: Offensive Quiver Dance
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 3: Bug Buzz
move 4: Psychic / Giga Drain / Hidden Power Ground
item: Bug Gem / Psychic Gem
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Volcarona's access to Quiver Dance turns it into an extremely imposing sweeper, boosting its already nuclear Special Attack and high Speed, all the while making it more resilient on the special side. Fire Blast is the primary STAB move of choice, powerful enough to achieve important benchmarks such as securing the OHKO on Thundurus-T, Gliscor, and most Landorus-T at +1, along with having favorable rolls against Specially Defensive Excadrill at neutral and opposing Volcarona at +1. However, if you are more confident in Volcarona's ability to acquire multiple boosts and prefer reliability and PP over sheer power, Flamethrower is a suitable alternative. Bug Buzz is Volcarona's secondary STAB move which, after a boost from Quiver Dance and Bug Gem, offers a very hard hit on important specially bulky targets such as Slowking, Tyranitar, Rotom-W, and Politoed. In addition, the move decimates Latios and Latias as well as other Dragon- and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Kyurem-B at +1 with an intact Bug Gem. Psychic is mostly used in order to dish out huge damage to Tentacruel, as well as to OHKO Keldeo and Terrakion at +1. Notably, paired with a Psychic Gem, Psychic is strong enough to OHKO Tentacruel with a single Quiver Dance boost, eliminating one of Volcarona's best checks provided the latter is able to successfully play around Protect. Alternatively, Giga Drain is an option to easily OHKO Gastrodon and 2HKO Jellicent with a boost, as well as retaining a strong – albeit not quite fatal – hit on Keldeo and Terrakion. Finally, if your team can handle Water-types effectively, Hidden Power Ground is a nasty surprise for any player relying on Heatran to check Volcarona, dealing enormous damage to it even without a boost. It also preserves Volcarona's ability to hit Terrakion and Tentacruel to an extent.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Volcarona's damage output and allows it to outspeed maximum speed Landorus-T, and consequently outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T at +1. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Volcarona's HP, giving it enough bulk to survive key hits such as a Life Orb Fusion Bolt from Kyurem-B or two Life Orb Low Sweeps from Breloom at full health. While it risks sacrificing some bulk or setup opportunities, Volcarona can run more or less Speed if desired. For example, assuming a Timid nature, 160 Speed EVs creeps Excadrill, 216 Speed catches Jolly Kyurem-B, and max Speed lets Volcarona tie at worst with opposing Volcarona and other base 100s such as Mew. Both of Volcarona's abilities are situationally useful, but Flame Body is by far the more helpful choice, letting Volcarona potentially render its revenge killers, such as Dragonite, Scizor, and Kyurem-B, near useless with a burn. Bug Gem is the preferred item, as it turns +1 Bug Buzz into a powerful nuke capable of smashing through Slowking, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, OHKOing physically defensive Politoed after Stealth Rock, and having good odds to do the same to even the most specially defensive of Tyranitar.

Usage Tips
========
In a game where it is likely to clean up at the end, Volcarona should generally not come in until it gets a safe opportunity to do so, be it from a double switch, a slow U-turn or Volt Switch from a teammate, or other similar means, and its checks have been severely weakened or removed. If a sweep is highly unlikely, Volcarona can still be useful for its ability to check Steel-types, and Flame Body should not be discounted as a last-ditch effort to trade Volcarona for a burn on an out-of-control sweeper like Dragonite. Volcarona should stay away from Stealth Rock at all costs; unless it runs Giga Drain, it will be forced to lose half of its HP permanently and usually forfeit the ability to set up safely. Volcarona should set up primarily against Pokemon it forces out, such as Ferrothorn, offensive Excadrill, Breloom, and Celebi. However, once it is in against these Pokemon, Volcarona should also consider attacking them outright – many of the Pokemon Volcarona checks carry methods of hindering its sweep that they might hope to employ on an expected Quiver Dance. Winning this mindgame may make it more difficult for Volcarona to sweep regardless, but it can dispose of a crucial threat for a teammate such as Latios or Starmie to capitalize on.

Team Options
========
Sun from the likes of Ninetales is one of the best ways to support Volcarona, boosting Fire Blast's power to nuclear levels and weakening Water-type assailants. A Rapid Spin user is necessary to pair with Volcarona, as without it Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes will consistently ruin Volcarona's day. Starmie can form a wonderful offensive core with Volcarona, providing it with Rapid Spin support while handling Terrakion, Keldeo, Dragonite, and Heatran for it. In return, Volcarona mutilates most of the Pokemon that trouble Starmie, such as Latios, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Celebi, and they also weaken Tyranitar and Tentacruel for one another. Tentacruel itself spins, absorbs Toxic Spikes, and defensively checks Keldeo and Heatran for Volcarona, and appreciates the latter taking down Ferrothorn and Breloom for it. Despite its vulnerability to chip damage, Volcarona can find itself right at home on a sand team. This is in no small part due to its excellent synergy with Excadrill, who provides extremely reliable Rapid Spin support for Volcarona and can stomach Stone Edges and Draco Meteors from Terrakion and Latios for it. Tyranitar checks and traps Pokemon such as Tornadus, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Latios that might put an end to a Volcarona sweep, while Volcarona deals with the Steel-types, namely Jirachi and Skarmory, that plague Tyranitar. In addition, both Tyranitar and Excadrill appreciate Volcarona's ability to lure and remove Politoed and Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. Volcarona appreciates Stealth Rock setters to chip its checks into range of its boosted attacks. Chief among these setters is Landorus-T, which can take on Terrakion, Garchomp, and Dragonite and provide general Intimidate support to help Volcarona set up against physical attackers. Landorus-T can also pivot Volcarona in with a U-turn on one of the many switches the former forces. Rotom-W can do the same while taking advantage of Jellicent and Heatran and luring in Ferrothorn.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Rock is a seemingly plausible option which, at +1, has good odds to KO Dragonite and Gyarados after Stealth Rock. However, Volcarona can do the same, albeit at a lower chance, with Psychic Gem-boosted Psychic, making Hidden Power Rock largely obsolete. Lum Berry can be used to great effect on Volcarona, easing its setup by allowing it to absorb a Toxic or Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Jellicent, Gliscor, and Jirachi. Passho Berry is another option, helping Volcarona more easily stomach hits from Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, and most importantly Keldeo.

Life Orb Volcarona is an enticing prospect due to its utterly ruthless strength after a boost, but there are a few key factors holding it back. For one, Life Orb causes Volcarona to miss out on important damage rolls or KOs against Tyranitar, Politoed, and Tentacruel with Gem-boosted Bug Buzz and Psychic, respectively. It also forces Volcarona to take far more chip damage than it is comfortable with in many cases, especially in tandem with sand, potential Toxic, and, in a worst-case scenario, Stealth Rock, meaning Life Orb Volcarona can prematurely end its own sweep even when played carefully. If one chooses to run Life Orb Volcarona, sun support is a necessity; at +1 in the sun, Life Orb Volcarona can swiftly 2HKO even the most bulky special walls with Fire Blast, in particular Chansey and Tentacruel.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Volcarona's biggest check is Stealth Rock as it cuts Volcarona's HP down to half, leaving it more vulnerable to physical attackers like Dragonite, Breloom, and Scizor.

**Chansey and Blissey**: With unmatched special bulk, Chansey, and to a lesser extent Blissey, are solid long-term checks to Volcarona. They can switch into it and tank the majority of its attacks with ease, all while crippling Volcarona with Toxic or Thunder Wave and wearing it down with Seismic Toss. Take caution, however, since depending on the weather Volcarona can overcome them; even Chansey suffers a 2HKO from +1 Life Orb Fire Blast in the sun.

**Heatran**: Heatran is a solid Volcarona check thanks to its typing and bulk that let it resist most of Volcarona coverage moves, although Volcarona can carry Hidden Power Ground to threaten it. However, Heatran can carry Air Balloon or Substitute to avoid Hidden Power Ground from Volcarona once, letting it land a crucial Toxic or Magma Storm.

**Rock Types**: Tyranitar and Terrakion are both great answers to Volcarona as they can potentially take the opportunity to setup Swords Dance and Stealth Rock, respectively, thanks to their typing and bulk that let them deal with Volcarona. Although, Volcarona commonly carries Psychic and Bug Buzz to threaten Tyranitar and Terrakion, leaving them significantly weakened or KO'd.

**Water Types**: Scarf Keldeo can outspeed +1 Volcarona and threaten to OHKO it with Hydro Pump under rain. Gastrodon's typing and bulk allow it to deal with Volcarona and threaten it with Toxic. Tentacruel and Jellicent also fare well against most Volcarona, walling the majority of its moves and chipping it down with Scald and Toxic. However, Volcarona can bypass these answers with coverage moves such as Psychic and Giga Drain. Scarf Keldeo that isn't under rain also fails to kill +1 Volcarona, leaving it KO'd by either of the aforementioned moves.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [memesketch, 537558], [AquaVanilla, 468826]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]

This is pretty good however I think it's a bit lacking, Volcarona is a pokemon with a lot of options, therefore here are some stuff you should add :

• A mention to Hidden Power Ice, as it makes Volcarona a real option against HO that uses Dragonite, it may not be the favored set right now but it's at least as good as, if not better than, Hidden Power Ground.
• Add a ChestoRest mention, the idea is to pack up a lot of boosts while not caring about statuts or damage, clicking Rest and win. It's trickier to play than standard Volcarona, and I don't have the exact spread on hand, anyway this should probably go to OO ?
• Sun should be put at the bottom of team options, Volcarona is much more of an HO Pokemon, or even a Rain one if you really want a weather.
• I'd like to fit the option of not using BugBuzz and instead use Giga Drain + another coverage with something that trades Tyranitar or a team structure that is very good vs Sand, I don't exactly now how we should do it but it's something Volcarona can do and has done.
• I'd like to add Hurricane as an OO, Volcarona rain didn't see a lot of play lately, but Hurricane is a pretty good neutral coverage that also covers Keldeo.

I'll review everything more closely once those stuff are implemented, keep up the good work, it's a pretty well written analysis !

 

[AquaVanilla]

This is pretty good however I think it's a bit lacking, Volcarona is a pokemon with a lot of options, therefore here are some stuff you should add :

• A mention to Hidden Power Ice, as it makes Volcarona a real option against HO that uses Dragonite, it may not be the favored set right now but it's at least as good as, if not better than, Hidden Power Ground.
• Add a ChestoRest mention, the idea is to pack up a lot of boosts while not caring about statuts or damage, clicking Rest and win. It's trickier to play than standard Volcarona, and I don't have the exact spread on hand, anyway this should probably go to OO ?
• Sun should be put at the bottom of team options, Volcarona is much more of an HO Pokemon, or even a Rain one if you really want a weather.
• I'd like to fit the option of not using BugBuzz and instead use Giga Drain + another coverage with something that trades Tyranitar or a team structure that is very good vs Sand, I don't exactly now how we should do it but it's something Volcarona can do and has done.
• I'd like to add Hurricane as an OO, Volcarona rain didn't see a lot of play lately, but Hurricane is a pretty good neutral coverage that also covers Keldeo.

I'll review everything more closely once those stuff are implemented, keep up the good work, it's a pretty well written analysis !

I’ll implement these! Also I already mentioned sun in the team options if you didn’t know but thank you!

 

[Zokuru]

I’ll implement these! Also I already mentioned sun in the team options if you didn’t know but thank you!

Yes, what I meant is that Sun isn't as good as be the first thing in team option that's why I would like you to move it to the bottom. Sorry if I wasn't clear enough.

 

[Zokuru]

AquaVanilla What's up with this ?

 

[AquaVanilla]

AquaVanilla What's up with this ?

Oh sorry abt that, school has been a bitch lately since my grades are ass and I don’t have time to implement it, I’ll try to implement this week

 

[Zokuru]

Sure np was just checking with you

 

[AquaVanilla]

Sure np was just checking with you

implemented!

 

[Deleted User [433215]]

Hey, apologies for the long wait. Me and Zokuru discussed over Discord and we realized he forgot to say QC 1/2 for this so my check will be the QC 2/2 and upon implementation will be good to go to GP.

resisting Grass, Steel, and most notably Fighting.

From what Pokemon? I ask this because Fighting coverage is common on non-Fighting Pokemon.

Flame Body is a major defensive perk, making up for Volcarona's low natural physical bulk by giving it the ability to potentially neutralize dangerous attackers like Terrakion and Scizor.

I don't feel Terrakion is a good mention since Stone Edge isn't contact. I think you're better off changing it to Tyranitar since EQ isn't super common so usually it's only hitting Volc with contact moves. Also, I think "major" is a bit overstating Flame Body's utility.

Its hefty movepool gives it access to solid coverage options including Psychic and Giga Drain, which allow it to blow away checks such as Tentacruel, Jellicent, and Gastrodon

Add Keldeo and Terrakion to this list.

Volcarona's access to Quiver Dance turns it into an extremely imposing sweeper, boosting its already nuclear Special Attack and high Speed, all the while making it more resilient on the special side.

This doesn't really tell us anything that the dex doesn't. Needless filler I'd remove it.

along with having favorable rolls against specially defensive Excadrill at neutral and opposing Volcarona at +1.

change "at neutral" to unboosted.

Notably, paired with a Psychic Gem, Psychic is strong enough to OHKO Tentacruel with a single Quiver Dance boost, eliminating one of Volcarona's best checks provided the latter is able to successfully play around Protect.

I'd move this down to the set details.

as well as to OHKO Keldeo and Terrakion at +1.

Terrakion in sand at full is a not in your favor roll so I'd specify that.

Alternatively, Hidden Power Ice is Volcarona's best weapon against Dragonite, enhancing its presence against the offensive teams that utilize the latter.

I'd mention how it also OHKOs Garchomp, Gliscor, and Landorus-T with no risk of accuracy.

160 Speed EVs creeps Excadrill

I'd change the word creep to just outspeed. You're not really creeping it at that point.

Volcarona should set up primarily against Pokemon it forces out, such as Ferrothorn, offensive Excadrill, Breloom, and Celebi.

I'd add that Volcarona can also set up on weaker attacks like Scarf Latios DPulse, Keldeo locked into a non-Water move. Also add Jirachi and unboosted Reuniclus to the list of Pokemon you already have.

Winning this mind game may make it more difficult for Volcarona to sweep regardless, but it can dispose of a crucial threat for a teammate such as Latios or Starmie to capitalize on.

Maybe change Latios to Scizor or Dragonite considering they're common Smurf partners that more often clean end-game but up to you.

A Rapid Spin user is necessary to pair with Volcarona, as without it Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes will consistently ruin Volcarona's day. Starmie can form a wonderful offensive core with Volcarona, providing it with Rapid Spin support while handling Terrakion, Keldeo, Dragonite, and Heatran for it.

Just say without entry hazards in general, it still takes Spikes. I'd change "handling" to pressuring / wearing them down.

Tentacruel itself spins, absorbs Toxic Spikes, and defensively checks Keldeo and Heatran for Volcarona, and appreciates the latter taking down Ferrothorn and Breloom for it.

Clarify this is only if Volcarona is on a rain team or move it down at that point. In general, organize it into like a weatherless, rain (if you want one, check my comments right below this section), sand, and sun order for teammates. Your current set of teammates are great, just organizing it to be more structured so Tenta isn't near HO stuff would be good.

However, it is unreliable outside of rain, and running Volcarona with rain support exacerbates its Water-type weakness and neutralizes its main STAB, meaning it can be suboptimal.

You had Tentacruel as a partner so I'm kind of conflicted on the wording here. Either make it softer or just remove pro-rain stuff in team options altogether.

Implement these for a 2/2, despite how much I seemed to write, it's cause I'm super nitpicky. You did an awesome job!

 

[Deleted User [433215]]

AquaVanilla when can you get to this?

 

[AquaVanilla]

AquaVanilla when can you get to this?

mb i was in vacation during all of my winter break, ill try to implement all of this in the weekend!

 

[Deleted User [433215]]

mb i was in vacation during all of my winter break, ill try to implement all of this in the weekend!

Any luck for this?

 

[AquaVanilla]

Any luck for this?

Finishing it up today dw

 

[AquaVanilla]

ready for gp! thanks ophion and zokuru for the amazing checks!

 

[CryoGyro]

GP 1/2

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[OVERVIEW]

Volcarona is one of BW OU's best definitive sweepers in any given battle. Volcarona's unique Bug/Fire typing, despite its problematic weaknesses to Water and Flying and lethal vulnerability to Stealth Rock, Its typing has problematic weaknesses but is an excellent offensive combination with credible defensive merit, resisting Grass, Steel, and most notably Fighting from Breloom and Scizor. Flame Body is a good defensive perk, making up for Volcarona's low natural physical bulk by giving it the ability to potentially neutralize neutralizing dangerous attackers like Tyranitar and Scizor. Its hefty movepool gives it access to solid coverage options including include Psychic and Giga Drain, which allow it to blow away checks such as Tentacruel, Jellicent, Keldeo, Terrakion, and Gastrodon. In addition, its solid Speed tier lets it outspeed serious threats such as Landorus-T, Excadrill, Kyurem-B, and Modest Thundurus-T. Still, on its own Volcarona is not quite powerful or fast enough to succeed as a sweeper. Because of this, Quiver Dance is Volcarona's ace in the hole, fixing these its power and longevity problems while also increasing its special bulk to take even powerful hits like Choice Scarf Keldeo's Hydro Pump outside of rain.

Despite these incredible boons, Volcarona can't just be slapped on any team. Despite its resistances and Flame Body, its physical fraility is still a concern that can prevent it from outright sweeping., (comma) and its 4x Stealth Rock weakness mandates It struggles with longevity further due to Stealth Rock cutting its health in half upon switchin, mandating Rapid Spin support. Because of this, Volcarona fits best on offensive teams that can provide this support and easily beat whatever its coverage fails to hit. Furthermore, Though +1 Volcarona's Speed at +1 is impressive, it is still outpaced by notable scarfers Choice Scarf users like Latios, Garchomp, and Keldeo and is hit hard by Dragonite's Extreme Speed.

[SET]
name: Offensive Quiver Dance
move 1: Quiver Dance
move 2: Fire Blast / Flamethrower
move 3: Bug Buzz / Giga Drain
move 4: Psychic / Giga Drain / Hidden Power Ground
item: Bug Gem / Psychic Gem
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid
evs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fire Blast is the primary STAB move of choice, powerful enough to achieve important benchmarks such as securing the OHKO on hits important benchmarks such as OHKOing Thundurus-T, Gliscor, and most Landorus-T at +1, along with having favorable rolls against specially defensive Excadrill unboosted and opposing Volcarona at +1. However, if you are more confident in Volcarona's ability to acquire multiple boosts and prefer reliability and PP over sheer power, Flamethrower is a suitable alternative. Bug Buzz is Volcarona's secondary STAB move which, after a boost from Quiver Dance and Bug Gem, offers a very hard hit on important with Bug Gem hits specially bulky targets such as Slowking, Tyranitar, Rotom-W, and Politoed. In addition, the boosted move decimates Latios and Latias as well as other Dragon- and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Hippowdon, and Kyurem-B at +1 with an intact Bug Gem. Psychic is mostly used in order to dish out huge damage to Tentacruel, (comma) as well as to and OHKO Keldeo. Giga Drain is an option to easily OHKO Gastrodon and 2HKO Jellicent with a boost, provide longevity, and retain a strong – albeit not quite fatal – hit on Keldeo and Terrakion. Giga Drain can also be used over Bug Buzz and paired with another coverage move of choice if Volcarona finds itself on a team that is extremely confident versus against Tyranitar. Finally, if your team can handle Water-types effectively, a Hidden Power of choice can be a devastating surprise to an otherwise solid check. Hidden Power Ground throws any player relying on Heatran to check Volcarona for a loop, dealing enormous damage to it devastates Heatran-reliant teams even without a boost. It also preserves Volcarona's ability to hit Terrakion and Tentacruel to an extent. Alternatively, Hidden Power Ice is Volcarona's best weapon against Dragonite, Gliscor, Landorus-T, and Garchomp enhancing its presence against the offensive teams that utilize the latter.

Set Details
========
The given EV spread maximizes Volcarona's damage output and allows it to outspeed maximum speed Landorus-T, and consequently outspeed Choice Scarf Landorus-T at +1. The rest of the EVs are dumped into Volcarona's HP, giving it enough bulk to survive key hits such as a Life Orb Fusion Bolt from Life Orb Kyurem-B or two Life Orb Low Sweeps from Breloom at full health and Low Sweep from Life Orb Breloom twice. While it risks sacrificing some bulk or setup opportunities, Volcarona can run more or less Speed if desired. For example, assuming a Timid nature, 160 Speed EVs outspeeds beat Excadrill, 216 Speed catches Jolly Kyurem-B, and maximum Speed lets Volcarona tie at worst ties with opposing Volcarona and other base 100s such as Mew. Both of Volcarona's abilities are situationally useful, but Flame Body is by far the more helpful choice, letting Volcarona potentially render its revenge killers, such as Dragonite, Scizor, and Kyurem-B, near useless with a burn Flame Body potentially incapacitates revenge killers such as Dragonite, Scizor, and Kyurem-B. Bug Gem is the preferred item, as it turns +1 Bug Buzz into a powerful nuke capable of smashing through Slowking, Garchomp, and Rotom-W, OHKOing physically defensive Politoed after Stealth Rock, and having good odds to do the same to even the most specially defensive of Tyranitar. Notably, paired with a Psychic Gem, Psychic is strong enough to OHKO Tentacruel with a single Quiver Dance boost, eliminating one of Volcarona's best checks provided the latter is able to successfully play around Protect Psychic Gem makes +1 Psychic OHKO Tentacruel, eliminating one of Volcarona's best checks assuming Protect is played around.

Usage Tips
========
In a game where it is likely to clean up at the end, Volcarona should generally not come in until it gets a safe opportunity to do so, be it from a double switch, a slow U-turn or Volt Switch from a teammate, or other similar means, and switch in indirectly and only once its checks have been severely weakened or removed. If a sweep is highly unlikely, Volcarona can still be useful for its ability to check Steel-types, and Flame Body should not be discounted as a last-ditch effort to trade Volcarona for a burn on an out-of-control sweeper like Dragonite. Volcarona should stay away from Stealth Rock at all costs; unless it runs Giga Drain, it will be forced to lose loses half of its HP permanently and usually forfeits the ability to set up safely. Volcarona should set up primarily against Pokemon it forces out, such as Ferrothorn, offensive Excadrill, Breloom, Jirachi, unboosted Reuniclus, Keldeo locked into a non water move non-Water-type moves, Choice Scarf Latios locked into Dragon Pulse, and Celebi. However, once it is in against these Pokemon, Volcarona should also consider attacking them outright – many of the Pokemon Volcarona checks carry methods of hindering its sweep that they might hope to employ on an expected Quiver Dance them can have moves that hinder Volcarona while using Quiver Dance. Winning this mind game may make it more difficult for Volcarona to sweep regardless, but it can dispose of a crucial threat for a teammate such as Dragonite or Starmie to capitalize on.

Team Options
========
A Rapid Spin user is necessary to pair with Volcarona, as without it entry hazards will consistently ruin Volcarona's day. Starmie can form a wonderful offensive core with Volcarona, providing it with Rapid Spin support while pressuring Terrakion, Keldeo, Dragonite, and Heatran for it. In return, Volcarona mutilates most of the Pokemon that trouble Starmie, such as Latios, Ferrothorn, Scizor, and Celebi, and they also weaken Tyranitar and Tentacruel for one another. Despite its vulnerability to chip damage, Volcarona can find itself right at home on a sand team. This is in no small part due to its It has excellent synergy with Excadrill, who which provides extremely reliable Rapid Spin support for Volcarona and can stomach Stone Edge and Draco Meteor from Terrakion and Latios for it. Tyranitar checks and traps Pokemon Volcarona checks such as Tornadus, Heatran, and Choice Scarf Latios that might put an end to a Volcarona sweep, while Volcarona deals with the Steel-types, namely Jirachi and Skarmory, that plague Tyranitar. In addition, both Tyranitar and Excadrill appreciate Volcarona's ability to lure and remove Politoed and Ground-types such as Garchomp and Landorus-T. Volcarona appreciates Stealth Rock setters to chip its checks into range of its boosted attacks. Chief among these helpful Stealth Rock setters is Landorus-T, which can take on Terrakion, Garchomp, and Dragonite and provide general Intimidate support to help Volcarona set up against physical attackers. Landorus-T can also pivot Volcarona in with a U-turn on one of the many switches the former forces. Rotom-W can do the same while taking advantage of Jellicent and Heatran and luring in Ferrothorn. Sun from the likes of Ninetales is also another way to support Volcarona, boosting Fire Blast's power to nuclear levels and weakening Water-type assailants.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Hidden Power Rock is a seemingly plausible option which, at +1, that has good odds to KO Dragonite and Gyarados after Quiver Dance and Stealth Rock. However, Volcarona can do the same, albeit at a lower chance, with Psychic Gem-boosted Psychic, making Hidden Power Rock largely obsolete Psychic Gem Psychic has an admittedly lower chance to do the same. Hurricane is an option that destroys Keldeo and has solid neutral coverage. Lum Berry can be used effectively on Volcarona, easing its setup by allowing it to absorb a for setting up on Toxic or Thunder Wave from Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, Jellicent, Gliscor, and Jirachi. Passho Berry is another option, helping Volcarona more easily stomach hits from Water-types such as Politoed, Rotom-W, and most importantly Keldeo. Volcarona can also utilize Rest and Chesto Berry with a more defensive spread. Although this forgoes a good deal of power, it increases Volcarona's longevity and allows it to resist status, giving it many more boosting opportunities.

Life Orb Volcarona is an enticing prospect due to its utterly ruthless strength after a boost, but there are a few key factors holding it back. For one, Life Orb instead of Bug or Psychic Gem causes Volcarona to miss out on important damage rolls or KOs against Tyranitar, Politoed, and or Tentacruel with Gem-boosted Bug Buzz and Psychic, respectively. It also forces Volcarona to take far more chip damage than it is comfortable with in many cases, especially in tandem with sand, potential Toxic, and, (comma) in a worst-case scenario, Stealth Rock, meaning Life Orb Volcarona can prematurely end its own sweep even when played carefully. If one chooses to run Life Orb Volcarona, sun support is paramount; at +1 in the sun, +1 Life Orb Volcarona can swiftly then 2HKO even the most bulky bulkiest special walls with Fire Blast, in particular Chansey and Tentacruel.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Stealth Rock**: Volcarona's biggest check is Stealth Rock as it cuts Volcarona's HP down to half, leaving it more vulnerable to physical attackers like Dragonite, Breloom, and Scizor.

**Chansey and Blissey**: With unmatched special bulk, Chansey, (comma) and to a lesser extent Blissey, (comma) are solid long-term checks to Volcarona. They can switch into it and tank the majority of its attacks with ease, all while crippling Volcarona with Toxic or Thunder Wave and wearing it down with Seismic Toss. Take caution, however, since depending on the weather Volcarona can overcome them; even Chansey suffers a 2HKO from +1 Life Orb Fire Blast in the sun Life Orb Volcaron can 2HKO them in sun, however.

**Heatran**: Heatran is a solid Volcarona check thanks to its typing and bulk that let it resist has the typing and bulk to handle most of Volcarona's coverage moves, although Volcarona can carry Hidden Power Ground to threaten it. However, Heatran can carry Air Balloon or Substitute to avoid Hidden Power Ground from Volcarona once, letting it land a crucial Toxic or Magma Storm.

**Rock-types**: Tyranitar and Terrakion are both great answers to Volcarona as they can potentially take the opportunity to setup Swords Dance and Stealth Rock, respectively, thanks to their typing and bulk that let them deal with Volcarona that use forced switches to use Swords Dance or Stealth Rock. Although, Volcarona commonly carries Psychic and Bug Buzz to threaten Tyranitar and Terrakion, though, leaving them significantly weakened or KOed.

**Water-types**: Choice Scarf Keldeo can outspeed +1 Volcarona and threaten to OHKO it with rain Hydro Pump under rain. Gastrodon's typing and bulk allow it to deal with Volcarona and threaten it with Toxic. Tentacruel and Jellicent also fare well against most Volcarona, walling the majority of its moves and chipping it down with Scald and Toxic. However, Volcarona can bypass these answers with coverage moves such as Psychic and Giga Drain. Scarf Keldeo that isn't under rain also fails to kill +1 Volcarona, leaving it KO'd by either of the aforementioned moves Outside of rain, Choice Scarf Keldeo cannot KO +1 Volcarona.

[CREDITS]
- Written by: [AquaVanilla, 468826] [,memesketch, 537558 ]
- Quality checked by: [[, ], [, ]]
- Grammar checked by: [[, ], [, ]]