[OVERVIEW]
Volcarona is an unique Pokemon that has a combination of a great STAB move and a great setup move. It has a decent coverage against Mega Salamence through Hidden Power Ice and Water-types through Giga Drain. It also has a nice speed of 100, making it be in the same speed tier as Kangaskhan-Mega and Charizard-Mega-Y. In addition, it can outspeed popular Scarfed Pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Landorus-Therian with a boost from Quiver Dance. However, Volcarona tends to have trouble against strong physical attackers such as Salamence-Mega and Landorus-T. It may also find itself in a risky situation when facing against Fire-types such as Charizard-Mega-Y and Heatran.
[SET]
name: Quiver Dance Sweeper
move 1: Heat Wave
move 2: Hidden Power Ice / Giga Drain
move 3: Quiver Dance
move 4: Protect
item: Firium Z / Life Orb
ability: Flame Body
nature: Timid / Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Heat Wave is Volcarona's primary STAB move, useful for taking on Steel-types such as Celesteela and Mega Metagross. Hidden Power Ice is a move that can be used once Volcarona sets up to deal a great deal of damage to Landorus-T and Mega Salamence. Giga Drain is an another coverage move that Volcarona may use to deal some damage onto Water-types such as Suicune and Milotic. Other moves to note is that Quiver Dance increases Volcarona's Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed by +1, making it stronger and faster. Lastly, Protect is available as an absolute necessity; Volcarona cannot tank an attack from common threats such as Landorus-T and Salamence-Mega.
Set Details
========
Flame Body is the only ability that Volcarona should use since Swarm is not worth the trouble. It also has a chance to burn any Pokemon that contacts Volcarona. This may deter physical attackers from using contact moves against it. Still, strong physical attackers such as Mega Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan may attempt to KO it as allowing Volcarona to set up can give rise to greater issues. Quiver Dance in Timid Nature gives Volcarona the capability to outspeed Jolly-natured Landorus-Therian and Deoxys-A. Firium Z is also the perfect item for Volcarona. It allows the user to use the move Inferno Overdrive with a base power of 175. It has a high chance to KO bulky Pokemon such as Mega Kangaskhan without the need of any boost. It also allows Volcarona to bypass Wide Guard on Pokemon such as Aegislash. However, it is an one-time use. To have a consistent but stronger damage output, Life Orb can be used as well.
Usage Tips
========
Due to the high usage of Landorus-Therian and Mega Salamence, Volcarona would work best with its own support, usually through Wide Guard or redirection. It should also be cautious of physical attackers. Also noteworthy of mention is that its item, Firium Z, can only be used once, so it should be saved until when it is truly needed. Examples of such times include the elimination of an opposing Wide Guard user and against a really bulky Pokemon. Volcarona can also be sent out once all its checks are eliminated. As an uncontested threat, it can easily set up and serve well as a late-game sweeper.
Team Options
========
Volcarona appreciates Wide Guard support from Pokemon such as Aegislash and Celesteela. If these Steel-types aren't present in battle, then they can act as pivots for Volcarona. Redirectors such as Jirachi and Fake Out users such as Kangaskhan-Mega also gives Volcarona the opportunity to use Quiver Dance. Pokemon with the ability Intimidate helps Volcarona survive Physical moves, too, most notably a Rock Slide from a Jolly-natured Landorus-T. Electric-types such as Tapu Koko and Rotom-W are useful in eliminating opposing Water-types for Volcarona. They can also deal with Dragon-types and Fire-types, respectively, both of which resists Volcarona's STAB move. Water-types such as Suicune and Milotic are also great for eliminating common threats such as Landorus-T and Salamence-Mega. Milotic also does a great job of deterring Intimidate users from switching in since doing so will activate Milotic's ability Competitive. Other teammates to consider are Kyurem-Black and Deoxys-Attack because they can also eliminate Landorus-T and Salamence-Mega with ease.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Fire Blast is Volcarona's strongest STAB move with inaccuracy as its only drawback. For better accuracy, Flamethrower may be used. Other Fire-type moves to consider is Fiery Dance, which gives the user an opportunity to gain a boost in Special Attack. Bug Buzz also can be used to cover the team's weakness to Psychic-types and Dark-types. Other options to consider is Volcarona’s role as a support. By utilizing Rage Powder, it can redirect Fairy-type, Grass-type, Ice-type, and Steel-type attacks. It can do so while providing the much needed Fire-type STAB. It also has access to Tailwind, which doubles the speed of Pokemon in its side of the field.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Fire-type Pokemon**: Fire-types can easily resist both of Volcarona's moves. This can allow opposing Fire-types to set up or simply eliminate Volcarona.
**Rock-type Pokemon**: Strong Rock-types such as Terrakion and Aerodactyl-Mega can easily eliminate Volcarona. Landorus-Therian, although not a Rock-type Pokemon, still uses Rock Slide and is also a threat to Volcarona.
**Water-type Pokemon**: Without a boost from Quiver Dance, Volcarona can face massive damage from Water-types. A Hydro Pump from Keldeo or a Steam Eruption from Volcanion is a guaranteed OHKO.
**Flying-type Pokemon**: Mega Salamence and Shaymin-Sky naturally outspeed Volcarona and can also threaten it with heavy damage.
**Dragon-type Pokemon**: Dragon-types such as Hydreigon and Latios can wall Volcarona and proceed to what they need to do.
**Tailwind, Paralysis, and Trick Room**: Due to Volcarona's frailty, opposing speed control can make Volcarona stop in its tracks and become an ineffective sweeper.
**Strong Physical Attacker**: Strong physical attackers such as Mega Kangaskhan and Hoopa-Unbound can easily OHKO Volcarona.
Last edited:
