[OVERVIEW]
Volkraken's powerful STAB combination and excellent Special Attack allow it to pressure nearly all teams. With Analytic, Volkraken can punish its switch-ins by turning 3HKOs into 2HKOs and near-OHKOs into OHKOs. These traits combined with U-turn help Volkraken become an excellent Choice item user. Volkraken can better pressure offensive teams with Choice Scarf and punch holes into bulky cores with Choice Specs. Its good natural bulk and defensive typing also allow it to switch into common defensive Pokemon like Jumbao and Celesteela without getting worn down too quickly.
However, common bulky Water- and Dragon-types like Arghonaut, Toxapex, Mega Latios, and Pajantom are able to wall Volkraken's Choice Scarf set, while faster offensive threats like Tapu Koko and Mega Crucibelle can force out the Choice Specs set. However, U-turn can be used to circumvent these answers. Furthermore, Stealth Rock's chip damage compromises Volkraken's otherwise respectable bulk and limits opportunities to switch in. Finally, Volkraken's reliance on Choice items makes it reliant on prediction, allowing common cores like Heatran + Jumbao to take advantage of it.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Flamethrower / Surf
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Analytic
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fire Blast OHKOes non-bulky Aurumoth at +1. Hydro Pump is used over Surf to have a chance to OHKO Mega Crucibelle, 2HKO Mega Tyranitar, and more reliably KO Heatran without even factoring in a potential boost from Analytic. U-turn allows Volkraken to pivot out of its few switch-ins like Toxapex, Arghonaut, Mega Latios, and Pajantom. Flamethrower is a more accurate STAB attack than Fire Blast, which allows it to clean up teams more reliably. It also improves Volkraken's matchup against Celesteela and Ferrothorn, which can quickly deplete Volkraken's Fire Blast PP with Protect. However, Surf is an alternative to Flamethrower, allowing Volkraken to clean up teams with Garchomp better. Toxic is an option that allows Volkraken to cripple Suicune, Gastrodon, and Arghonaut on the switch, but giving up one of Volkraken's other moves is very hard, and Volkraken can easily use U-turn on these switch-ins. Memento is an option if Volkraken is paired with Shell Smash Necturna, as Volkraken naturally draws in Pokemon like Arghonaut, Krilowatt, and Mega Latios that Necturna can set up easily against when they're at -2.
Set Details
========
Timid allows Volkraken to outspeed +1 Aurumoth, +2 Necturna, and Mega Alakazam. While Analytic may seem odd on a Choice Scarf Pokemon, it ensures that Volkraken OHKOes Mega Crucibelle on the switch with Hydro Pump and chips down offensive switch-ins like Krilowatt more effectively.
Usage Tips
========
Volkraken should primarily be used to revenge kill setup sweepers like Aurumoth, Necturna, and Magearna. Though Volkraken has excellent bulk for an offensive Pokemon, it's best to switch it into resisted attacks like Jumbao's Moonblast, Choice Band Weavile's Icicle Crash, and Heatran's Magma Storm, as it is easily worn down by entry hazards. However, do not be afraid to switch Volkraken into a neutral hit if it can clean up a weakened team. Early-game, Volkraken should use U-turn to scout the opponent's response to it, as well as chip it down with entry hazard damage. U-turn is also used best if the opponent has a healthy core like Heatran + Tangrowth that can punish Volkraken for locking itself into a move. If running Toxic, cripple Volkraken's switch-ins with it as soon as possible. Mid- to late-game, once its checks and counters are weakened or taken out, using the appropriate STAB move is best. Beware of locking into Hydro Pump if a Necturna is present on the opposing team, as it can set up easily against Volkraken in this scenario. Also, switching into Knock Off users like Tangrowth and Ferrothorn can be dangerous, as Volkraken's effectiveness severely diminishes without its Choice Scarf.
Team Options
========
Defog support from Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, or Tapu Fini is necessary to alleviate Volkraken's weakness to Stealth Rock. Pursuit trappers like Mega Tyranitar and Weavile trap a good portion of Volkraken's checks like Pajantom, Mega Latios, and Chansey. Mega Tyranitar's amazing bulk and access to Stealth Rock make it the most attractive option, but Weavile's high speed and access to priority make it a solid choice as well. Tapu Koko, Kartana, and Tapu Lele pressure bulky Water-types like Arghonaut and Toxapex, making it harder for them to check Volkraken. Stealth Rock allows Volkraken to pick up KOs more easily, making Mega Crucibelle, Mega Diancie, or Garchomp an indispensable partner. Similarly, Spikes setters like Arghonaut and Ferrothorn and Toxic Spikes setters like Toxapex are useful. Strong physical wallbreakers like Pajantom, Mega Medicham, and Mega Mawile can pivot in with Volkraken's U-turn and power through special tanks while appreciating Volkraken's ability to revenge kill naturally fast Pokemon. Shell Smash Necturna appreciates Volkraken's Memento support, as it draws in Pokemon that Necturna can set up against easily.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Specs
ability: Analytic
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flamethrower is Volkraken's most consistent STAB move, sporting perfect accuracy. Its high PP allows Volkraken to attack Celesteela and Ferrothorn without worrying about Protect stalling out Fire Blast's PP. Hydro Pump's explosive power can shred many Fire-resistant Pokemon, OHKOing Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock damage and 2HKOing Assault Vest Tyranitar. Fire Blast's extra Base Power allows Volkraken to OHKO even the bulkiest Assault Vest Tangrowth all the time, dent switch-ins more effectively than Flamethrower, and even 2HKO Chansey factoring in Stealth Rock, a boost from Analytic, and weather. U-turn allows Volkraken to pivot out of Pokemon like Arghonaut, Chansey, and Toxapex, which will otherwise be able to tank Volkraken's STAB moves without weather boosts.
Set Details
========
A Modest nature is chosen for maximizing power, but Timid can be run to outspeed unboosted Aurumoth and Z-Move Landorus-T. Analytic allows Volkraken to punish its switch-ins more effectively, turning 3HKOs into 2HKOs against some of the bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame.
Usage Tips
========
Getting Volkraken onto the field by using aggressive double switches or switching into a wall it outspeeds and forces out like Celesteela or Heatran is crucial, as Volkraken will be primed to rip a hole in the opposing team. Early-game, it's best to use U-turn while its sturdy counters like Toxapex and Chansey are healthy. Using Flamethrower is generally the safest option due to its perfect accuracy, but Hydro Pump's coverage or Fire Blast's extra power should be used against the appropriate predicted switch-in like Mega Tyranitar or Krilowatt. Using Hydro Pump against a team with a healthy Necturna can be dangerous, as that provides it with a free setup opportunity.
Team Options
========
Due to the ubiquity of Arghonaut and Toxapex on balance teams, weather support allows Choice Specs Volkraken to be most effective. Volkraken fits onto rain teams with Pelipper and Mega Swampert, OHKOing Ferrothorn and even annihilating Toxapex under rain. Volkraken also pairs well with Choice Scarf Jumbao, appreciating its solid Speed tier and Drought support, which also allows Volkraken to work past most of its counters. Defog support from Tornadus-T and Landorus-T allows Volkraken to switch in more easily. Pursuit users like Weavile, Colossoil, and Mega Tyranitar can trap Dragon-types like Pajantom and Mega Latios. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Landorus-T, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle is crucial, allowing Volkraken to use the safer Flamethrower even more often. Spikes support from Greninja and Ferrothorn is also appreciated, as well as Toxapex's Toxic Spikes support. Physical wallbreakers like Mega Mawile, Kartana, and Pajantom can tear through Volkraken's specially defensive checks, while Volkraken can tear through their physically defensive checks, including Landorus-T and Jumbao.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Scald can be used for its perfect accuracy and burn chance. However, the extra power of Hydro Pump or Surf is generally preferred.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Chansey**: The only way Volkraken can come close to 2HKOing Chansey is with a Choice Specs-, Analytic-, and weather-boosted STAB move. Volkraken can also U-turn against a Chansey switching in. Otherwise, Chansey is safe to stall out Volkraken, cripple it with Toxic, and set Stealth Rock.
**Bulky Water-types**: Toxapex can stomach anything that Volkraken throws at it, stalling it out with Recover and setting Toxic Spikes. Similarly, Arghonaut can reliably heal, set Spikes, and use Knock Off to remove Volkraken's item, though it has to watch out for Toxic. Gastrodon is a niche option that walls Volkraken as well and pressures it into not using Hydro Pump. Pokemon like Krilowatt and Rotom-W can tank a hit from Volkraken and retaliate, but they aren't consistent answers. Note that appropriate weather-, Analytic- and Choice Specs-boosted STAB moves can invalidate these checks, especially with Stealth Rock damage. Also, U-turn allows Volkraken to pivot out of any of these.
**Dragon-types**: Mega Latios can reliably check Choice Scarf Volkraken and recover the damage. While it can't switch into Choice Specs Volkraken multiple times, it can outspeed and 2HKO with Earthquake. Offensive Pajantom is in a similar situation, though it doesn't have recovery, which allows it to switch in only once safely. Specially defensive Pajantom, though, can potentially PP stall Volkraken, generating free turns to use Spirit Shackle. Cyclohm can switch into Choice Scarf variants and wall them and can stall Choice Specs Volkraken with Slack Off, but it cannot switch in directly. However, U-turn allows Volkraken to escape these threats.
**Punishing Choice Lock**: Pokemon that can punish Volkraken for choosing the wrong STAB move can effectively deal with it. Protect users like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Diancie can scout which move Volkraken chose to use and react accordingly. Mega Tyranitar and Assault Vest Tyranitar can switch into Fire Blast or Flamethrower and chip Volkraken with Pursuit. Assault Vest Tangrowth can switch into Hydro Pump, heal the damage with Regenerator, and shift momentum back into its team's favor. Necturna can set up against Volkraken locked into Hydro Pump and can potentially boost past Choice Scarf Volkraken's Speed tier by the time it has switched back in. However, these strategies are prediction heavy, so while they can be sufficient, they aren't perfectly reliable, as Volkraken can always choose the right move.
**Faster Pokemon**: Though Choice Scarf Volkraken outspeeds the unboosted metagame, other Choice Scarf users, including Jumbao, Kitsunoh, and Greninja, can outspeed and revenge kill it, though they need some prior damage to reliably KO. Choice Specs Volkraken is vulnerable to a good portion of the faster metagame, including Mega Crucibelle, Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Diancie. Tornadus-T can use Knock Off against Choice Scarf Volkraken and Supersonic Skystrike against Choice Specs variants.
**Powerful Priority**: While these moves require some chip damage, Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Flame Orb Colossoil as well as Caribolt's Quick Attack can take down Volkraken.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Previous versions by: [[G-Luke, 264912]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mx, 298148], [Jordy, 395754], [xavgb, 231402]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Volkraken's powerful STAB combination and excellent Special Attack allow it to pressure nearly all teams. With Analytic, Volkraken can punish its switch-ins by turning 3HKOs into 2HKOs and near-OHKOs into OHKOs. These traits combined with U-turn help Volkraken become an excellent Choice item user. Volkraken can better pressure offensive teams with Choice Scarf and punch holes into bulky cores with Choice Specs. Its good natural bulk and defensive typing also allow it to switch into common defensive Pokemon like Jumbao and Celesteela without getting worn down too quickly.
However, common bulky Water- and Dragon-types like Arghonaut, Toxapex, Mega Latios, and Pajantom are able to wall Volkraken's Choice Scarf set, while faster offensive threats like Tapu Koko and Mega Crucibelle can force out the Choice Specs set. However, U-turn can be used to circumvent these answers. Furthermore, Stealth Rock's chip damage compromises Volkraken's otherwise respectable bulk and limits opportunities to switch in. Finally, Volkraken's reliance on Choice items makes it reliant on prediction, allowing common cores like Heatran + Jumbao to take advantage of it.
[SET]
name: Choice Scarf
move 1: Fire Blast
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Flamethrower / Surf
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Scarf
ability: Analytic
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Fire Blast OHKOes non-bulky Aurumoth at +1. Hydro Pump is used over Surf to have a chance to OHKO Mega Crucibelle, 2HKO Mega Tyranitar, and more reliably KO Heatran without even factoring in a potential boost from Analytic. U-turn allows Volkraken to pivot out of its few switch-ins like Toxapex, Arghonaut, Mega Latios, and Pajantom. Flamethrower is a more accurate STAB attack than Fire Blast, which allows it to clean up teams more reliably. It also improves Volkraken's matchup against Celesteela and Ferrothorn, which can quickly deplete Volkraken's Fire Blast PP with Protect. However, Surf is an alternative to Flamethrower, allowing Volkraken to clean up teams with Garchomp better. Toxic is an option that allows Volkraken to cripple Suicune, Gastrodon, and Arghonaut on the switch, but giving up one of Volkraken's other moves is very hard, and Volkraken can easily use U-turn on these switch-ins. Memento is an option if Volkraken is paired with Shell Smash Necturna, as Volkraken naturally draws in Pokemon like Arghonaut, Krilowatt, and Mega Latios that Necturna can set up easily against when they're at -2.
Set Details
========
Timid allows Volkraken to outspeed +1 Aurumoth, +2 Necturna, and Mega Alakazam. While Analytic may seem odd on a Choice Scarf Pokemon, it ensures that Volkraken OHKOes Mega Crucibelle on the switch with Hydro Pump and chips down offensive switch-ins like Krilowatt more effectively.
Usage Tips
========
Volkraken should primarily be used to revenge kill setup sweepers like Aurumoth, Necturna, and Magearna. Though Volkraken has excellent bulk for an offensive Pokemon, it's best to switch it into resisted attacks like Jumbao's Moonblast, Choice Band Weavile's Icicle Crash, and Heatran's Magma Storm, as it is easily worn down by entry hazards. However, do not be afraid to switch Volkraken into a neutral hit if it can clean up a weakened team. Early-game, Volkraken should use U-turn to scout the opponent's response to it, as well as chip it down with entry hazard damage. U-turn is also used best if the opponent has a healthy core like Heatran + Tangrowth that can punish Volkraken for locking itself into a move. If running Toxic, cripple Volkraken's switch-ins with it as soon as possible. Mid- to late-game, once its checks and counters are weakened or taken out, using the appropriate STAB move is best. Beware of locking into Hydro Pump if a Necturna is present on the opposing team, as it can set up easily against Volkraken in this scenario. Also, switching into Knock Off users like Tangrowth and Ferrothorn can be dangerous, as Volkraken's effectiveness severely diminishes without its Choice Scarf.
Team Options
========
Defog support from Tornadus-T, Rotom-W, or Tapu Fini is necessary to alleviate Volkraken's weakness to Stealth Rock. Pursuit trappers like Mega Tyranitar and Weavile trap a good portion of Volkraken's checks like Pajantom, Mega Latios, and Chansey. Mega Tyranitar's amazing bulk and access to Stealth Rock make it the most attractive option, but Weavile's high speed and access to priority make it a solid choice as well. Tapu Koko, Kartana, and Tapu Lele pressure bulky Water-types like Arghonaut and Toxapex, making it harder for them to check Volkraken. Stealth Rock allows Volkraken to pick up KOs more easily, making Mega Crucibelle, Mega Diancie, or Garchomp an indispensable partner. Similarly, Spikes setters like Arghonaut and Ferrothorn and Toxic Spikes setters like Toxapex are useful. Strong physical wallbreakers like Pajantom, Mega Medicham, and Mega Mawile can pivot in with Volkraken's U-turn and power through special tanks while appreciating Volkraken's ability to revenge kill naturally fast Pokemon. Shell Smash Necturna appreciates Volkraken's Memento support, as it draws in Pokemon that Necturna can set up against easily.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Flamethrower
move 2: Hydro Pump
move 3: Fire Blast
move 4: U-turn
item: Choice Specs
ability: Analytic
nature: Modest
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Flamethrower is Volkraken's most consistent STAB move, sporting perfect accuracy. Its high PP allows Volkraken to attack Celesteela and Ferrothorn without worrying about Protect stalling out Fire Blast's PP. Hydro Pump's explosive power can shred many Fire-resistant Pokemon, OHKOing Mega Tyranitar after Stealth Rock damage and 2HKOing Assault Vest Tyranitar. Fire Blast's extra Base Power allows Volkraken to OHKO even the bulkiest Assault Vest Tangrowth all the time, dent switch-ins more effectively than Flamethrower, and even 2HKO Chansey factoring in Stealth Rock, a boost from Analytic, and weather. U-turn allows Volkraken to pivot out of Pokemon like Arghonaut, Chansey, and Toxapex, which will otherwise be able to tank Volkraken's STAB moves without weather boosts.
Set Details
========
A Modest nature is chosen for maximizing power, but Timid can be run to outspeed unboosted Aurumoth and Z-Move Landorus-T. Analytic allows Volkraken to punish its switch-ins more effectively, turning 3HKOs into 2HKOs against some of the bulkiest Pokemon in the metagame.
Usage Tips
========
Getting Volkraken onto the field by using aggressive double switches or switching into a wall it outspeeds and forces out like Celesteela or Heatran is crucial, as Volkraken will be primed to rip a hole in the opposing team. Early-game, it's best to use U-turn while its sturdy counters like Toxapex and Chansey are healthy. Using Flamethrower is generally the safest option due to its perfect accuracy, but Hydro Pump's coverage or Fire Blast's extra power should be used against the appropriate predicted switch-in like Mega Tyranitar or Krilowatt. Using Hydro Pump against a team with a healthy Necturna can be dangerous, as that provides it with a free setup opportunity.
Team Options
========
Due to the ubiquity of Arghonaut and Toxapex on balance teams, weather support allows Choice Specs Volkraken to be most effective. Volkraken fits onto rain teams with Pelipper and Mega Swampert, OHKOing Ferrothorn and even annihilating Toxapex under rain. Volkraken also pairs well with Choice Scarf Jumbao, appreciating its solid Speed tier and Drought support, which also allows Volkraken to work past most of its counters. Defog support from Tornadus-T and Landorus-T allows Volkraken to switch in more easily. Pursuit users like Weavile, Colossoil, and Mega Tyranitar can trap Dragon-types like Pajantom and Mega Latios. Stealth Rock support from Pokemon like Landorus-T, Mega Diancie, and Mega Crucibelle is crucial, allowing Volkraken to use the safer Flamethrower even more often. Spikes support from Greninja and Ferrothorn is also appreciated, as well as Toxapex's Toxic Spikes support. Physical wallbreakers like Mega Mawile, Kartana, and Pajantom can tear through Volkraken's specially defensive checks, while Volkraken can tear through their physically defensive checks, including Landorus-T and Jumbao.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Scald can be used for its perfect accuracy and burn chance. However, the extra power of Hydro Pump or Surf is generally preferred.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Chansey**: The only way Volkraken can come close to 2HKOing Chansey is with a Choice Specs-, Analytic-, and weather-boosted STAB move. Volkraken can also U-turn against a Chansey switching in. Otherwise, Chansey is safe to stall out Volkraken, cripple it with Toxic, and set Stealth Rock.
**Bulky Water-types**: Toxapex can stomach anything that Volkraken throws at it, stalling it out with Recover and setting Toxic Spikes. Similarly, Arghonaut can reliably heal, set Spikes, and use Knock Off to remove Volkraken's item, though it has to watch out for Toxic. Gastrodon is a niche option that walls Volkraken as well and pressures it into not using Hydro Pump. Pokemon like Krilowatt and Rotom-W can tank a hit from Volkraken and retaliate, but they aren't consistent answers. Note that appropriate weather-, Analytic- and Choice Specs-boosted STAB moves can invalidate these checks, especially with Stealth Rock damage. Also, U-turn allows Volkraken to pivot out of any of these.
**Dragon-types**: Mega Latios can reliably check Choice Scarf Volkraken and recover the damage. While it can't switch into Choice Specs Volkraken multiple times, it can outspeed and 2HKO with Earthquake. Offensive Pajantom is in a similar situation, though it doesn't have recovery, which allows it to switch in only once safely. Specially defensive Pajantom, though, can potentially PP stall Volkraken, generating free turns to use Spirit Shackle. Cyclohm can switch into Choice Scarf variants and wall them and can stall Choice Specs Volkraken with Slack Off, but it cannot switch in directly. However, U-turn allows Volkraken to escape these threats.
**Punishing Choice Lock**: Pokemon that can punish Volkraken for choosing the wrong STAB move can effectively deal with it. Protect users like Celesteela, Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Mega Diancie can scout which move Volkraken chose to use and react accordingly. Mega Tyranitar and Assault Vest Tyranitar can switch into Fire Blast or Flamethrower and chip Volkraken with Pursuit. Assault Vest Tangrowth can switch into Hydro Pump, heal the damage with Regenerator, and shift momentum back into its team's favor. Necturna can set up against Volkraken locked into Hydro Pump and can potentially boost past Choice Scarf Volkraken's Speed tier by the time it has switched back in. However, these strategies are prediction heavy, so while they can be sufficient, they aren't perfectly reliable, as Volkraken can always choose the right move.
**Faster Pokemon**: Though Choice Scarf Volkraken outspeeds the unboosted metagame, other Choice Scarf users, including Jumbao, Kitsunoh, and Greninja, can outspeed and revenge kill it, though they need some prior damage to reliably KO. Choice Specs Volkraken is vulnerable to a good portion of the faster metagame, including Mega Crucibelle, Tapu Koko, Ash-Greninja, and Mega Diancie. Tornadus-T can use Knock Off against Choice Scarf Volkraken and Supersonic Skystrike against Choice Specs variants.
**Powerful Priority**: While these moves require some chip damage, Sucker Punch from Mega Mawile and Flame Orb Colossoil as well as Caribolt's Quick Attack can take down Volkraken.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[snake_rattler, 227784]]
- Previous versions by: [[G-Luke, 264912]]
- Quality checked by: [[Mx, 298148], [Jordy, 395754], [xavgb, 231402]]
- Grammar checked by: [[Rabia, 336073], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited:
Ferrothorn and even annihilating Toxapex under Rain. Volkraken also pairs well with Choice Scarf Jumbao, appreciating its speed control and Drought support, allowing Volkraken to work past most of its counters. Defog support from Tornadus-T and Landorus-T allows Volkraken to switch in more easily. 
