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OU SS OU The Next Best Thing - Week 13: Volcarona
- Thread starter Slowpoke Fan
- Start date
An OU powerhouse ever since its introduction to the franchise in generation 4, Heatran has asserted its dominance and tacks on yet another spectacular generation to its CV as it builds its case for the greatest OU Pokemon of all time with its unparalleled ability to generate progress in the SwSh metagame. It notably can run all sorts of defensive sets in this generation, with Flame Body sets on physically defensive EV spreads gaining popularity as of late to complement its timeless specially defensive Flash Fire sets. And that is not even mentioning how difficult it can be to stave off when it goes on the offensive with Eruption or Solar Beam. How do you use the Sinnohian guardian of volcanoes? Please post your sets below!
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Taunt / Stealth Rock
- Stealth Rock / Toxic / Heavy Slam
Heatran @ Air Balloon
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Bold Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power / Protect
- Toxic / Will-O-Wisp / Taunt
- Stealth Rock
Heatran @ Air Balloon
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Timid / Modest Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Taunt
- Eruption / Toxic / Stealth Rock
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 236 SpD / 20 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Calm Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Taunt / Stealth Rock
- Stealth Rock / Toxic / Heavy Slam
Heatran @ Air Balloon
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 20 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Bold Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power / Protect
- Toxic / Will-O-Wisp / Taunt
- Stealth Rock
Heatran @ Air Balloon
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk
Timid / Modest Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Taunt
- Eruption / Toxic / Stealth Rock
You have until 11:59pm EST on Thursday, 11th April to submit your sets.
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Heatran @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 56 HP / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Flash Cannon / Dragon Pulse
No explanation, just calc
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Landorus-Therian: 336-396 (87.9 - 103.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Urshifu-Rapid-Strike: 303-357 (88.8 - 104.6%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 248+ SpD Hippowdon: 357-421 (85 - 100.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 148-174 (48.6 - 57.2%) -- 94.1% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Slowbro: 240-283 (61 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Step 1: Click Eruption vs Ground Type
Step 2: Go to Electric Type
Step 3: Profit
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 56 HP / 252 SpA / 200 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Eruption
- Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Flash Cannon / Dragon Pulse
No explanation, just calc
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Landorus-Therian: 336-396 (87.9 - 103.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Urshifu-Rapid-Strike: 303-357 (88.8 - 104.6%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 248+ SpD Hippowdon: 357-421 (85 - 100.2%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Toxapex: 148-174 (48.6 - 57.2%) -- 94.1% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Heatran Eruption (150 BP) vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Slowbro: 240-283 (61 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Step 1: Click Eruption vs Ground Type
Step 2: Go to Electric Type
Step 3: Profit
Choice Specs Heatran is fine. Heatran with a +1 SpA boost is pretty strong, that is true. But, what if you didn't need Choice Specs? What if there was a way to boost SpA without locking your Heatran into a move while reducing the stats of the foe? Well, let me introduce to you:
Throat Spray Heatran
A Very Angry Frog (Heatran) @ Throat Spray
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Metal Sound
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Dragon Pulse / Stealth Rock
Metal Sound counts as a sound move, meaning the turn you use it, Heatran gets +1 SpA and the foe gets -2 SpD. This is obviously a very powerful swing turn on a forced/predicted switch, so seek to use it in situations where Heatran forces something out. Then, feel free to fire off +1 attacks to your heart's content! I prefer Flamethrower, but Fire Blast is stronger and can help vs. Landorus-T in some scenarios. Stealth Rock can be run over Dragon Pulse if you absolutely have to, but that is a lot less fun.
Throat Spray Heatran
A Very Angry Frog (Heatran) @ Throat Spray
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Metal Sound
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Dragon Pulse / Stealth Rock
Metal Sound counts as a sound move, meaning the turn you use it, Heatran gets +1 SpA and the foe gets -2 SpD. This is obviously a very powerful swing turn on a forced/predicted switch, so seek to use it in situations where Heatran forces something out. Then, feel free to fire off +1 attacks to your heart's content! I prefer Flamethrower, but Fire Blast is stronger and can help vs. Landorus-T in some scenarios. Stealth Rock can be run over Dragon Pulse if you absolutely have to, but that is a lot less fun.
An OU mainstay ever since it acquired Multiscale in generation 5, Dragonite received another boost after struggling slightly in the aggressive shores of Alola with the introduction of Heavy-Duty Boots. Besides making its famed Dragon Dance sets even better, it has also given rise to utility sets taking advantage of its deep utility movepool now that it is immune to Stealth Rock as long as it is wearing Heavy-Duty Boots. How will you utilise the original psuedo-legendary Pokemon? Please post your sets below!
Dragonite @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 248 HP / 52 Atk / 56 Def / 152 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Wingbeat
- Earthquake / Heal Bell
- Roost
Dragonite @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Dual Wingbeat / Ice Punch
- Roost
Dragonite @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Heal Bell
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 248 HP / 52 Atk / 56 Def / 152 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Wingbeat
- Earthquake / Heal Bell
- Roost
Dragonite @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Dual Wingbeat / Ice Punch
- Roost
Dragonite @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Earthquake
- Roost
- Heal Bell
You have until 11:59pm EST on Thursday, 25th April to submit your sets.
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Wanna use Dragonite but hate all those pesky status inflicters? Wanna turn Ferrothorn into setup fodder? Well, here is the set for you!
Dragonite @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 220 HP / 84 Atk / 4 SpD / 200 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Wingbeat / Ice Punch
- Substitute
- Roost
Style on the opponent by easily getting to +6/+6 with Substitute Dnite! This set specifically punishes people that rely on Toxic users like Landorus-T or Scald users like Slowbro to deal with Dragonite. Substitute also punishes people that scout Dragonite with Corviknight! Substitute + Roost is particularly strong, as Multiscale does effect how much damage your Substitute takes, making it pretty difficult to break through at times. Obviously, this set has some weaknesses (Dragapult, Zapdos if no Ice Punch, Clefable) but overall can be a really awesome lure! Speed is for Nidoking/Rillaboom so you can revenge them if you really need to, but to be honest you could totally drop the Speed by quite a bit and the set would still function well.
Dragonite @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 220 HP / 84 Atk / 4 SpD / 200 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Wingbeat / Ice Punch
- Substitute
- Roost
Style on the opponent by easily getting to +6/+6 with Substitute Dnite! This set specifically punishes people that rely on Toxic users like Landorus-T or Scald users like Slowbro to deal with Dragonite. Substitute also punishes people that scout Dragonite with Corviknight! Substitute + Roost is particularly strong, as Multiscale does effect how much damage your Substitute takes, making it pretty difficult to break through at times. Obviously, this set has some weaknesses (Dragapult, Zapdos if no Ice Punch, Clefable) but overall can be a really awesome lure! Speed is for Nidoking/Rillaboom so you can revenge them if you really need to, but to be honest you could totally drop the Speed by quite a bit and the set would still function well.
Life Orb Dragonite
Dragonite @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Dual Wingbeat
- Extreme Speed
This set uses the extra oomph from life orb to grab more kos at +1, with jolly being used to outspeed timid pult at+1. Multiscale would definitely work as an ability but I chose Inner Focus to prevent lando from checking it as effectively since it lacks ice punch. The combination of EQ and DW let dnite hit as much as possible for at least neutral coverage with Espeed to round it out with it's +2 priority protecting dnite from weavile's ice shard.
Dragonite @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- Dual Wingbeat
- Extreme Speed
This set uses the extra oomph from life orb to grab more kos at +1, with jolly being used to outspeed timid pult at+1. Multiscale would definitely work as an ability but I chose Inner Focus to prevent lando from checking it as effectively since it lacks ice punch. The combination of EQ and DW let dnite hit as much as possible for at least neutral coverage with Espeed to round it out with it's +2 priority protecting dnite from weavile's ice shard.
Messi Drago
Dragonite @ Red Card
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Wingbeat / Ice Punch
- Earthquake
- Roost
The concept of this set is to reduce the difficulty that Dragonite has when breaking teams and ease the matchup dependence of Ice Punch and Dual Wingbeat. Particularly against Corviknight and Skarmory, who can otherwise wall or slow pivot and reduce the progress-making of Dragonite. When preserved in addition to Multiscale, Red Card can force out defensive checks such as Clefable; Multi-hit moves such as Dragon Darts, Scale Shot, Double Iron Bash, and Triple Axel no longer prevent Dragonite from setting up depending on what is forced in. Additionally, it can emergency check Vocarona, Kartana, Blaziken, and Hawlucha. Tapu Lele is a good partner for Dragonite, preventing Ice Shard from removing Dragonite once Multiscale is broken. Tapu Lele appreciates Dragonite threatening its shared checks and creating positions for it to safely revenge kill. You need to be cautious of Slowbro, Rotom-Wish, Ferrothorn, and situationally Buzzwole who can consistently answer Dragonite.
[EDIT]
https://pokepast.es/31992cb013860ca7
A team based around this concept, Dragonite does an exceptional job of drawing stray hits and preventing the opponent from cutting through the offensive core of the team.
Dragonite @ Red Card Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dual Wingbeat / Ice Punch
- Earthquake
- Roost
The concept of this set is to reduce the difficulty that Dragonite has when breaking teams and ease the matchup dependence of Ice Punch and Dual Wingbeat. Particularly against Corviknight and Skarmory, who can otherwise wall or slow pivot and reduce the progress-making of Dragonite. When preserved in addition to Multiscale, Red Card can force out defensive checks such as Clefable; Multi-hit moves such as Dragon Darts, Scale Shot, Double Iron Bash, and Triple Axel no longer prevent Dragonite from setting up depending on what is forced in. Additionally, it can emergency check Vocarona, Kartana, Blaziken, and Hawlucha. Tapu Lele is a good partner for Dragonite, preventing Ice Shard from removing Dragonite once Multiscale is broken. Tapu Lele appreciates Dragonite threatening its shared checks and creating positions for it to safely revenge kill. You need to be cautious of Slowbro, Rotom-Wish, Ferrothorn, and situationally Buzzwole who can consistently answer Dragonite.
[EDIT]
https://pokepast.es/31992cb013860ca7
A team based around this concept, Dragonite does an exceptional job of drawing stray hits and preventing the opponent from cutting through the offensive core of the team.
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Thank you for your submissions!
Entries this week are:
1.
Substitute Dragonite by dex
2. AoA Life Orb Dragonite by RedDiamond1024
3. Carton Rouge Dracolosse by Smashburn
Voting closes at 11:59pm EST (GMT -4) on Sunday, 28th April!
Entries this week are:
1.
Substitute Dragonite by dex2.
AoA Life Orb Dragonite by RedDiamond10243.
Carton Rouge Dracolosse by SmashburnVoting closes at 11:59pm EST (GMT -4) on Sunday, 28th April!
Smashburn
Dex
Arguably the greatest beneficiary of Heavy-Duty Boots, Volcarona strikes fear into every rational builder when they find out that their otherwise well-crafted team inevitably loses to some variant of the matchup moth. Even with the dominance of Heatran and the loss of Hidden Power, Volcarona is now taking advantage of how the former is using Flame Body more often with substitute sets that avoid being trapped by Magma Storm while it sets up. How do you cheese your way to wins with this Unovan deity? Please post your sets below!
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 248 HP / 156 Def / 16 SpA / 88 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Roost
- Flamethrower
- Psychic / Safeguard / Bug Buzz
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic / Giga Drain
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 248 HP / 156 Def / 16 SpA / 88 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Roost
- Flamethrower
- Psychic / Safeguard / Bug Buzz
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic / Giga Drain
You have until 11:59pm EST on Thursday, 9th May to submit your sets.
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3 Attacks Roost Volcarona
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fiery Dance
- Giga Drain
- Psychic
- Roost
A set playing to Volcarona's strengths as an offensive threat with Fiery, Giga, and Psychic granting it as much coverage as possible. Roost in the final slot let's Volc stay healthy over the course of the game and can help it not get completely ruined if it's boots get knocked off.
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fiery Dance
- Giga Drain
- Psychic
- Roost
A set playing to Volcarona's strengths as an offensive threat with Fiery, Giga, and Psychic granting it as much coverage as possible. Roost in the final slot let's Volc stay healthy over the course of the game and can help it not get completely ruined if it's boots get knocked off.
"The ol' bait and switch" Volcarona
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 248 HP / 124 Def / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fiery Dance
- Roost
- U-turn
I’ve found that ss Volcarona often finds itself faced with very cut and dry counterplay; your opponent sends out volc, you switch to your predetermined volc check, garchomp, heatran, blissey, unaware clef, etc. and either kill the moth or force it out. if this isn't an option, you try to get some form of status on it and improve your matchup from there. The notable thing about these options is that they often need to come out as soon as possible due to how quickly volc can snowball out of control if left unchecked, which is what this set aims to take advantage of.
With u-turn, you sacrifice coverage in favor of turning these otherwise “cut and dry” switchins into free chip and momentum, while a more defensive spread and roost give it the longevity to switch into attacks and maintain a looming threat throughout an entire match, while also allowing it to act as as a useful defensive pivot with flame body in the event of matchups where volc would otherwise be a dead slot. Fiery dance is chosen over a more powerful fire move to aid in beating down the bulky waters that this set forfeits the coverage to otherwise deal with. That being said team support is crucial to making this set work, pairing well with high-pressure offensive threats that abuse getting free switchins to common volc checks such as sd garchomp and urshifu.
Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 248 HP / 124 Def / 136 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fiery Dance
- Roost
- U-turn
I’ve found that ss Volcarona often finds itself faced with very cut and dry counterplay; your opponent sends out volc, you switch to your predetermined volc check, garchomp, heatran, blissey, unaware clef, etc. and either kill the moth or force it out. if this isn't an option, you try to get some form of status on it and improve your matchup from there. The notable thing about these options is that they often need to come out as soon as possible due to how quickly volc can snowball out of control if left unchecked, which is what this set aims to take advantage of.
With u-turn, you sacrifice coverage in favor of turning these otherwise “cut and dry” switchins into free chip and momentum, while a more defensive spread and roost give it the longevity to switch into attacks and maintain a looming threat throughout an entire match, while also allowing it to act as as a useful defensive pivot with flame body in the event of matchups where volc would otherwise be a dead slot. Fiery dance is chosen over a more powerful fire move to aid in beating down the bulky waters that this set forfeits the coverage to otherwise deal with. That being said team support is crucial to making this set work, pairing well with high-pressure offensive threats that abuse getting free switchins to common volc checks such as sd garchomp and urshifu.