Project SS AG Victim of the Week - Week 8: Zekrom

[pichus]

looks like they scammed us with the Eternatus Eternamax week >:(
moving on, our next victim is


Zekrom @ Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Bolt Strike
- Dragon Claw
- Substitute

The removal of Groudon-Primal and Arceus-Ground was a godsend for Zekrom. Zekrom is now a threatening set up sweeper which can set up on a lot of common pokemon. Find checks and counters to the big bad electric bird that can comfortably demolish the standard Necrozma-Yveltal-Eternatus builds!

 

[Frozoid]

reserving lunala

Set

Lunala @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Ice Beam
- Defog
- Roost

Lunala is a great check to Zekrom due to invaluable Shadow Shield. Heavy-Duty Boots ensure Lunala remains at full health while switching in. Ice Beam breaks Zekrom's substitute with ease while Will-O-Wisp threatens it with burn. Full HP and Defense investment with Bold Nature allow it to easily take Bolt Strike from +1 Zekrom while being able to cripple it with Will-O-Wisp or damage it with Ice Beam. Alternatively, a 56 HP / 252 Def / 200 Spe with Timid nature can be used to outspeed and creep unboosted Zekrom. However, remaining at full health is important.

Calculations

+1 252 Atk Zekrom Bolt Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 137-162 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 0.6% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Zekrom Bolt Strike vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 183-216 (38.2 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

+1 252 Atk Zekrom Max Lightning vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 148-174 (30.9 - 36.4%) -- 64.4% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Zekrom Max Wyrmwind vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Shadow Shield Lunala: 137-162 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 0.6% chance to 3HKO

0 SpA Lunala Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zekrom: 170-202 (49.8 - 59.2%) -- 74.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Pokemh]

Tangrowth @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Grass Knot
- Synthesis
- Earthquake
- Tickle

252 Atk Teravolt Zekrom Max Wyrmwind vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tangrowth: 145-172 (35.8 - 42.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Teravolt Zekrom Max Wyrmwind vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Dynamax Tangrowth: 219-258 (27.1 - 31.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 Atk Tangrowth Max Quake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Dynamax Zekrom: 160-190 (23.4 - 27.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

You aren’t doing much back to Zek but since you force a swap or dyna you win the 1v1 with synthesis unless roost and since we’re using it just for Zek toxic lets you easily win the 1v1 and infestation is also an option for a 100 acc move to slowly chip in the long run.

 

[NB402141]

reserving ditto

 

[assaultdestiny]

Reserving Groudon

Set

Groudon @ Lefovers
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Toxic

Groudon can act as a Zekrom check very well, because of it's great Physical bulk, and a splendid typing in pure Ground-, making it immune to Zekrom's strongest STAB move in Bolt Strike.
The main reason we're running a special set here is because of Max Wyrmwind. Max Wyrmwind lowers the Attack by one stage, and a non-invested -1 Precipice Blade's Max Quake does only about 40%, which is only a 3HKO.
The set is pretty simple; Max HP and Defense with a +Def Nature is so that a +1 / +2 Dragon Claw and Max Wyrmwind do as little damage as possible.
Earth Power is the preferred STAB move here, as it hits Zekrom for super effective damage, and breaks it's Substitute. Fire Blast hit's Necrozma-Dusk Mane harder than Earth Power is Sun. Additionally, Roar can be ran over Fire Blast to phaze non-Dynamaxed Zekrom's out, but usually is an inferior option as most of the time they click Dynamax and Max Wyrmwind after a +1.
However, try keeping the Groudon as healthy as possible, because if it's HP falls below 60%, it may fail to act as a check to +1 Zekrom's.

Calcs

Defensive Calcs

+1 252 Atk Teravolt Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def : 124-147 (30.6 - 36.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after recovery

+2 252 Atk Teravolt Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def : 165-195 (40.8 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after recovery

+1 252 Atk Teravolt Max Wyrmwind vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Dynamax : 201-237 (24.8 - 29.3%) -- possible 5HKO after recovery

+2 252 Atk Teravolt Max Wyrmwind vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Dynamax : 268-316 (33.1 - 39.1%) -- 11% chance to 3HKO after recovery

Offensive Calcs

0 SpA Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD : 194-230 (56.8 - 67.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after recovery

0 SpA Max Quake vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Dynamax :282-332 (41.3 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after recovery

(Wins in a 1v1 situation when both have Maxed)

 

[Mbouchon]

reserving steelix

 

[crystalizerix]

Set

Calyrex-Ice @ Weakness Policy
Ability: As One (Glastrier)
EVs: 220 HP / 36 Def / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Glacial Lance
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Trick Room

A very unusual choice that actually isnt too bad. Reasonably somewhat checks some of the more common mons like yvel while also being able to tank a +2 bolt strike from zek.

Calcs

+2 252 Atk Teravolt Zekrom Bolt Strike vs. 220 HP / 36 Def Calyrex-Ice: 322-381 (81.3 - 96.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 Atk Teravolt Zekrom Max Lightning vs. 220 HP / 36 Def Calyrex-Ice: 348-411 (87.8 - 103.7%) -- 25% chance to OHKO

0+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Glacial Lance vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Zekrom: 408-480 (119.6 - 140.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0+ Atk Calyrex-Ice Glacial Lance vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Dynamax Zekrom: 408-480 (59.8 - 70.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Frito]

reserving lando-t

Set

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Defog/Stealth Rocks

I'm really surprised no one has submitted this yet. Physically defensive Lando-T is an amazing Zekrom check. With its ground typing making it immune to Bolt Strike and Intimidate to lower Zekrom's attack on the switch, zekrom can barely touch it. In return, lando's stab earthquake almost OHKOs Zekrom even with no attack investment. Versus Lando-T, Zekrom is put in a really awkward spot. Since on switch in if Zekrom doesn't have a sub up, Lando's Intimidate cuts into its attack; and even if Zekrom subs, its still 2HKO'd by Lando's EQ (1 EQ to take out the sub, and 1 EQ to kill Zekrom). Anyways, Lando is never 2HKO'd by Dragon Claw after Leftovers, even at +1.

Calcs

+1 252 Atk Teravolt Zekrom Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Landorus-Therian: 169-199 (44.2 - 52%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Teravolt Zekrom Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Landorus-Therian: 112-133 (29.3 - 34.8%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
-1 252 Atk Teravolt Zekrom Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Landorus-Therian: 76-90 (19.8 - 23.5%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Zekrom: 254-300 (74.4 - 87.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[pichus]

Defensive Lunala

Lunala @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Shadow Shield
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Ice Beam
- Defog
- Roost

Tangrowth

Tangrowth @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Grass Knot
- Synthesis
- Earthquake
- Tickle

Defensive Special Attacker Groudon

Groudon @ Lefovers
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Toxic

Defensive Landorus-T

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Defog/Stealth Rocks

TR Calyrex-Ice

Calyrex-Ice @ Weakness Policy
Ability: As One (Glastrier)
EVs: 220 HP / 36 Def / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Glacial Lance
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Trick Room

five submissions this time, vote for 3 in this format:
1. First choice
2. Second choice
3. Third choice
do not vote for yourself!
hf!

 

[Frozoid]

1. Tangrowth
2. Landorus-T
3. Groudon

 

[NB402141]

1.Lunala
2.Tangrowth
3.Caly-ice

 

[Frito]

1. Lunala
2. Tangrowth
3. Calyrex-Ice

 

[assaultdestiny]

1. Lunala
2. Tangrowth
3. Lando-T

e: spelling correction rip me

 

[GRNBLN]

1. Lunala
2. Tangrowth
3. Lando-T

 

[Frozoid]

Lunala has won the previous week ! The Hall of Fame and Leaderboard will be updated shortly.
For this week we have the none other than Yveltal.

Yveltal @ Life Orb
Ability: Dark Aura
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Dual Wingbeat
- Sucker Punch
- Roost

Physical Life Orb Yveltal is a threatening presence due to its good Attack and Speed stat along with great STAB moves and priority move in Sucker Punch, allowing it to revenge kill other Pokemon. With Dynamax , Yveltal is capable of putting huge dents in teams making it difficult to deal with.

Post your checks and counters for this menacing Pokemon!

The deadline is 23rd June 6pm GMT.

 

[assaultdestiny]

Reserving Zac-C

Set

Zacian-Crowned @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
EVs: 184 HP / 252 Atk / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Behemoth Blade
- Wild Charge
- Close Combat
- Assurance

Because of Zacian-Crowned's splendid typing in Steel- / Fairy-, it resists both of Yveltal's STAB options. It also has a good bulk, which provides valuable defensive utility to any team, and these efficacious traits make it a magnificent Yveltal check.
Yveltal would barely be able to touch it without Dynamaxing, and even then Max Airstream (on the switch-in) + Max Darkness only has a 25% chance to OHKO it after Stealth Rock.
The EV Spread is to outspeed Adamant Marshadow, and the rest are put in HP to increase it's overall bulk. Max Attack with an Adamant Nature maximizes its damage output, making Behemoth Blade hit ridiculously hard, and Wild Charge getting the KO on non-Dynamaxed Yveltal. A simpler set of 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe could be ran, especially on Hyper Offense teams, which don't require the bulk usually, but that makes it more of a shaky check.
Keeping the Zac-C healthy would be good, but not completely necessary. Even though hazard removal isn't extremely important, Spikes should be preferably off the field, if you want to see a healthy Zac after you kill the Yveltal.

Calcs

Defensive Calcs

252+ Atk Dark Aura Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 184 HP / 0 Def : 135-160 (36.3 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Max Airstream vs. 184 HP / 0 Def : 135-160 (36.3 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Dark Aura Max Darkness vs. 184 HP / 0 Def : 166-196 (44.7 - 52.8%) -- 24.2% chance to 2HKO

Offensive Calcs

+1 252+ Atk Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def : 412-486 (104.8 - 123.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Behemoth Blade vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dynamax : 686-810 (87.2 - 103%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO

 

[Turtonator44]

Set

Magearna @ Leftovers
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Pain Split
- Fleur Cannon
- Heal Bell

Magearna is a great counter to yveltal thanks to its useful defensive typing that it shares with Zacian-Crowned. This lets it resist all of physical yveltal’s moves. Resisting stealth rock is also helpful in staying healthy. Thanks to pain split it doesn’t have to worry too much about losing its leftovers, nor does it have to rely on rest. Pain Split also synergizes well with Yveltal using its dynamax, as dynamax doubles Yveltal’s HP letting Magearna often stall out Yveltal’s dynamax turns. Volt Switch lets Magearna grab momentum off of Yveltal, which can be very useful in bringing in Magearna’s own powerful teammates. Heal Bell lets Magearna provide more utility for its team, potentially removing a crucial status condition. Fleur Cannon is guaranteed to kill Yveltal after Yveltal has taken life orb recoil once. The EVs are put into defense and hp to maximize its effectiveness as a check to Physical Yveltal.

Calcs

Defensive Calcs
252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Magearna: 100-118 (27.4 - 32.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Max Darkness vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Magearna: 122-144 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Max Darkness vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Dynamax Magearna: 122-144 (16.7 - 19.7%) -- guaranteed 6HKO

Offensive Calcs
0 SpA Magearna Fleur Cannon vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Yveltal: 356-420 (90.5 - 106.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
0 SpA Magearna Max Starfall vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Yveltal: 384-452 (97.7 - 115%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
0 SpA Magearna Max Starfall vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Yveltal: 384-452 (48.8 - 57.5%) -- 94.9% chance to 2HKO

 

[Mbouchon]

Set

Zamazenta-Crowned @ Rusted Shield
Ability: Dauntless Shield
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe
Impish Nature
- Wild Charge
- Close Combat
- Howl
- Rest

This is definitely the worst mon here but I wanted to find a use for it. As Rusted Sword can't be knocked off, it takes literally nothing from it; the same goes for Sucker Punch. While Dual Wingbeat can chip Zamazenta, it can set up with Howl in Yveltal's face, making it more difficult to deal with. While Max Airstream has a chance to 3HKO Zamazenta, it can simply Rest and stall the Dynamax out. 60 Speed EVs are used to outspeed base 90s, threatening the likes of non-scarf Kyogre and Zekrom.

Calcs

252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Knock Off vs. +1 252 HP / 196+ Def Zamazenta-Crowned: 39-47 (10 - 12.1%) -- possible 9HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Sucker Punch vs. +1 252 HP / 196+ Def Zamazenta-Crowned: 43-51 (11 - 13.1%) -- possible 8HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Max Darkness vs. +1 252 HP / 196+ Def Zamazenta-Crowned: 78-92 (20.1 - 23.7%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
(Knock Off)
252+ Atk Life Orb Yveltal Dual Wingbeat (2 hits) vs. +1 252 HP / 196+ Def Zamazenta-Crowned: 72-88 (18.5 - 22.6%) -- possible 5HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Yveltal Max Airstream vs. +1 252 HP / 196+ Def Zamazenta-Crowned: 118-140 (30.4 - 36%) -- 45.4% chance to 3HKO
(Dual Wingbeat)
252 SpA Kyogre Water Spout (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Zamazenta-Crowned in Rain: 222-262 (57.2 - 67.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

+2 0 Atk Zamazenta-Crowned Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Yveltal: 340-400 (86.5 - 101.7%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
+2 0 Atk Zamazenta-Crowned Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kyogre: 351-414 (102.9 - 121.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+6 0 Atk Zamazenta-Crowned Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Necrozma-Dusk-Mane: 393-463 (98.7 - 116.3%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO

 

[Swas]

Set

Tyranitar @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Foul Play
- Rest

Tyranitar is a very reliable check to any of Yveltal's set. Thanks to its great typing in Rock / Dark allowing it to resist both of Yveltal's STAB, it is able to tank hits pretty well while being able to 2HKO opposing Yveltal with Stone Edge. The EVs are put into Defense so to ensure that you don't get 2HKOed by Max Darkness after Stealth Rocks damage (SpD TTar gets 2HKOed after Rocks).
Rest is mandatory option here as Yveltal knocks off Tyranitar's passive recovery in Lefties, it can get chipped down pretty well. Stone Edge over Rock Tomb so that you can 2HKO Dynamax Yveltal with Max Rockfall.

Calcs

252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tyranitar: 103-121 (25.4 - 29.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Dark Aura Yveltal Max Darkness vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tyranitar: 126-149 (31.1 - 36.8%) -- 78.9% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Tyranitar Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Yveltal: 288-342 (73.2 - 87%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage
0 Atk Tyranitar Max Rockfall vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dynamax Yveltal: 374-444 (47.5 - 56.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage

 

[Pokemh]

Xerneas @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 168 Def / 252 SpA / 88 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Aromatherapy
- Moonblast
- Thunder Wave
- Defog


252+ SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Max Starfall vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dynamax Yveltal: 632-746 (80.4 - 94.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Yveltal Max Airstream vs. 0 HP / 168 Def Dynamax Xerneas: 269-317 (34.2 - 40.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ SpA Fairy Aura Xerneas Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Yveltal: 462-546 (117.5 - 138.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Yveltal Dual Wingbeat (2 hits) vs. 0 HP / 168 Def Xerneas: 166-198 (42.2 - 50.3%) -- approx. 0.4% chance to 2HKO

Physical LO Yveltal is an amazing wall breaker that hits most mons for neutral so going offensive is the best approach. And scarf Xern fits that being pretty bulky overall, easily killing a chipped Yveltal after dyna is gone or forcing Dynamax. Since it is physical you can't fish for drops but you're tanking a decent amount of hits when Dynamax is stalled out and being able to act as a cleric if you don't sack it after Yveltal is out of the picture.

 

[Frozoid]

Submission period is over! We have 5 sets.

Assault Destiny's Zacian-C

Zacian-Crowned @ Rusted Sword
Ability: Intrepid Sword
EVs: 184 HP / 252 Atk / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Behemoth Blade
- Wild Charge
- Close Combat
- Assurance

Tutonator44's Magearna

Magearna @ Leftovers
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Pain Split
- Fleur Cannon
- Heal Bell

Mbouchon's Zamazenta-C

Zamazenta-Crowned @ Rusted Shield
Ability: Dauntless Shield
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe
Impish Nature
- Wild Charge
- Close Combat
- Howl
- Rest

Swastik's Tyranitar

Tyranitar @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Foul Play
- Rest

Bro Darkrai's Xerneas

Xerneas @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Fairy Aura
EVs: 168 Def / 252 SpA / 88 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Aromatherapy
- Moonblast
- Thunder Wave
- Defog

Vote for your favorite THREE sets in this order
1. Set
2. Set
3. Set
Don't vote for yourself.
Deadline is 27th June 6pm GMT.

 

[Pokemh]

1. Zamazenta-C
2. Tyranitar
3. Zacian-C

 

[NB402141]

Assaulted
Swas
Darkrai

 

[Mbouchon]

1. Magearna
2. Xerneas
3. Tyranitar

 

[Swas]

1. Turtonator44's Magearna
2. Mbouchon's Zamazenta-C
3. Bro Darkrai's Xerneas