Project Threats to OU Cores v2: Round 72: Mega Charizard X + Ash-Greninja

[Mellow]

Reserving Firium Z Garchomp

Garchomp @ Firium Z
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Fire Fang
- Outrage / Dragon Claw / Stealth Rock

Earthquake scares out Toxapex (it doesn't kill unless +2 LOL), and +2 Z Fire Fang kills Celesteela, unless they protect, which you can predict and get another SD / get rocks up. Garchomp also poses a threat to the grass types commonly paired with CelePex so you don't lose to Koko, Mega Venusaur takes a lot from +2 Earthquakes / Outrage and the others take a lot / die to a +2 Fire Fang. You can also freely get up rocks on Toxapex if you want.

woah chomp actually does something?

+2 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Toxapex: 452-534 (149.1 - 176.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Inferno Overdrive (120 BP) vs. 248 HP / 104+ Def Celesteela: 420-496 (105.7 - 124.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Fire Fang vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 252-298 (73.4 - 86.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 252 HP / 96 Def Amoonguss: 462-544 (106.9 - 125.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 96 Def Amoonguss: 385-454 (89.1 - 105%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 248 HP / 88 Def Venusaur-Mega: 306-360 (84.2 - 99.1%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 88 Def Venusaur-Mega: 255-300 (70.2 - 82.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 Atk Garchomp Outrage vs. 252 HP / 28 Def Tangrowth: 316-373 (78.2 - 92.3%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[volx757]

Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb / Leftovers
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Roost / Substitute

Kyub eats this core with ease; both mixed celest and SpDef toxapex fall to 2 fusion bolts. Get electric terrain up and pex is OHKO while celest is a roll to OHKO. Sub/lefties slashed cause if you'd rather setup and block their scald/seeds that works too. The only thing to watch out for is fusion bolt has 8 pp and pex is gonna be a little bitch switching out and hitting recover over and over.

calcs

4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 248 HP / 104+ Def Celesteela: 239-283 (60.2 - 71.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-Black Fusion Bolt vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Toxapex: 205-244 (67.6 - 80.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery

 

[MaximizeSayian]

Hello, 1st time here on Smogon threads!!

Grape-kun (Latios-Mega) (M) @ Latiosite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Thunderbolt
- Psyshock/Psychic/ or Substitute/Draco Met.
- Ice Beam


The core is weak as hell to any special sweeper with electric moves and Latios can be a great check with/without a boost, though a boost will help make the process go faster!! Thunderbolt and Calm Mind are a must, though you could use Thunder with a Rain Team and Electric Terrain for max electric damage. The rest is up to you, as Psyshock/Psychic/Draco can ensure STAB damage while Ice Beam gives the ol'BoltBeam coverage. Substitute can used to avoid Toxic/Leech Seed and allow for boost with Calm Mind.

However, regular chip damage via Stealth Rocks and/or Toxic/Leech Seed will allow them both to wear down Latios. Make sure Lando is taken out early!!!

Total noob, so please roast me (gently) when offering feedback!!

Calcs

Pex
252 SpA Latios-Mega Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Toxapex: 130-154 (42.9 - 50.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery
+1 252 SpA Latios-Mega Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Toxapex: 192-228 (63.3 - 75.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery


Celesteela
252 SpA Latios-Mega Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 156 SpD Celesteela: 196-232 (49.3 - 58.4%) -- 65.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 SpA Latios-Mega Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 156 SpD Celesteela: 294-346 (74 - 87.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Altervisi]

Last Week Analysis

Highlights
Heatran - Heatran can not only effectively switch into both core members (possibly boosting its Magma Storm with Flash Fire), it can actually trap and remove both members, which forces your opponent to either switch or sack off a huge portion of their defensive backbone. Just an excellent choice for teams that struggle with Celepex Martin
Mega-Charizard X - Huge threat being able to muscle through both members of the core thanks to awesome attack and coverage. There is very little this core can do outside of Toxic+Leech Seed+Protect, but even then you can deal heavy damage as ZardX has limited switch ins and it is not hard to avoid this situation curiosity

Creative
Tapu Lele - While its not a new set Electrium Z Lele is certainly uncommon and creative, this works as a great lure to Celesteela and even Toxapex if you can bluff Scarf or Specs lock into Moonblast. wadusher
Garchomp - I love this mon and really want to see him work, this is certainly one niche Landorus can’t fill better and is in general an awesome set and again can lure Celesteela in, watch out for the Protect though. mellowyellowhd

Not Archived
Lycanroc-Dusk - At +2 this mon can really do work for sure, however its really frailty holds it back, of course its also not ranked on the VR.
Case and point: 0 SpA Toxapex Scald vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Lycanroc-Dusk: 150-176 (51.5 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO stuuful12

Week 5 Core - Mega-Pinsir + Magnezone

This core stands across generations thanks to just how threatening Mega-Pinsir is, as well as how effective Magnezone is at removing Steel types. Mega-Pinsir is a fantastic Pokémon, which functions as a scary wallbreaker, thanks to its high Base Power moves, great ability and high Attack stat. Not only this, but Pinsir can also function as a sweeper, as it has access to Swords Dance and the ability Aerilate grants it a near exclusive access to Flying-type priority, with only 100% HP Talonflame being able to match this with Gale Wings. Although Pinsir has Earthquake to deal with otherwise troubling Steel-types like Heatran or Jirachi, those with a dual typing like Mega-Scizor, Ferrothorn and Celesteela can hard stop Pinsir. Magnezone comes in to pick up the slack, eliminating these threats. We are going with SubElectrium Z as Pinsir can 2HKO Kartana with a combination of Frustration and Quick Attack.

Sets

Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Frustration
- Earthquake
- Quick Attack

Magnezone @ Electrium Z
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

As always, all postings are appreciated! But please, only post OU viable Pokémon and do not post sets specifically catered to this core, your threat should not be complete deadweight against teams that do not feature Pinsizone.

At the end of the week I will archive viable threats, post a new core and highlight threats that are particularly creative or effective! I'll also try and explain why I didn't include any threats in the archive, if applicable.​

 

[Finchinator]

Heatran @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Earth Power
- Flash Cannon
- Overheat / Fire Blast

Outruns and kills both while taking boosted Quick Attack as well thanks to the resistance. It is pretty straightforward, all things considered, but one of the noteworthy issues is that if it locks into Flash Cannon or like -4/6 Overheat, then Magnezone can actually trap it and you probably lose to Mega Pinsir afterwards given the nature of most Scarf Heatran teams. Basically, play it smart with a long-term mindset, preserve enough HP for boosted Quick Attack, and just fire on through both -- simple enough.

Tagging sedertz as I feel he may gain some unholy satisfaction in seeing me post this unset

 

[volx757]

Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Choice scarf magnezone outspeeds both threats, OHKOing pinsir with thunderbolt while taking very little from quick attack, and tying with sub zone for hidden power fire kills, but outspeeding and getting the 2hko first, as long as sub zone hasn't setup.

 

[MultiAmmiratore]

Reserving hawlucha

Hawlucha @ Electric Seed
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 152 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD / 96 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- High Jump Kick
- Roost
Hawlucha kills both mons with its stabs, only fears mpinsir quick attack after a lot of chips
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. +1 152 HP / 0 Def Hawlucha: 152-182 (45.3 - 54.3%) -- 48% chance to 2HKO

 

[wadusher]

Bulky Scarf Lando

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 Spe OR 248 hp / 64 def / 196 spe
Impish / Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn / Hidden Power Ice
- Rock Slide / Stone Edge
- Hidden Power Ice / Stealth rock / Defog / Explosion

Here's an interesting mashup of lando's two best sets that's been seeing a lot of usage lately. This set combines defensive lando's ease of switching in to various physical attackers like Mega Pinsir with the speed control to outrun said physical attackers. Neither EVs were made by me, with the first spread built by Eo and the second one built be LittleLucario. Either spread can move 68 evs from the 192/196 EV'd stat to attack to get the guaranteed OHKO on Pinsir, and still have enough speed at 128 EVs to outrun Mega Lopunny or more than enough bulk to tank return into quick attack, though Stone Edge is an option to reliably OHKO from full if you run 0 attack EVs and trust your luck more than your ability to chip Pinsir in the slightest.

calcs

252+ SpA Magnezone Flash Cannon vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-Therian: 174-205 (45.5 - 53.6%) -- 41% chance to 2HKO
Try not to switch directly into zone unless you know your opponent's going for an electric move - you need that remaining 50% for Pinsir.

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Landorus-Therian: 231-273 (60.4 - 71.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 252 HP / 64 Def Landorus-Therian: 93-109 (24.3 - 28.5%) -- 97.9% chance to 4HKO
This spread has to revenge kill if rocks are up since it'll have like 1 hp after this Pinsir encounter without them.

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 252 HP / 192+ Def Landorus-Therian: 186-219 (48.6 - 57.3%) -- 93.4% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 252 HP / 192+ Def Landorus-Therian: 73-87 (19.1 - 22.7%) -- possible 5HKO
This one has a lot more wiggle room than the speedier spread.

0 Atk Landorus-Therian Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 340-400 (125.4 - 147.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Landorus-Therian Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 256-304 (94.4 - 112.1%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
68 Atk Landorus-Therian Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 272-320 (100.3 - 118%) -- guaranteed OHKO
This of course depends on whether you really want those 68 evs elsewhere.

Here's what Eo and LL had to say about their respective sets.

eos words of wisdom

"I needed a Pinsir counter that also checked Zygarde, and this was the best solution I could come up with. The idea is that only a defensive Landorus can survive Pinsir's Mega + Return + Quick Attack, but only a Scarf Landorus can beat Mega + Swords Dance, so why not combine both? As it happened, nobody brought Pinsir or Zygarde versus me, but this set ended up pulling its weight anyway in both the games I used it."
"64 Spe outruns Gengar, and 64 Atk is optional to secure the 100% OHKO on Pinsir with Rock Slide. The EVs could probably be tweaked further, but there's not much point to excessive Speed investment. The set isn't meant to play like a traditional scarfer, but more like a defensive Landorus that can outrun and surprise certain Pokemon. For this reason, I used it on a stall team that didn't require a scarfer and on a team in conjunction with another scarfer (Dugtrio). There are several things that work in favor of its surprise factor: Defensive Landorus frequently doesn't carry Leftovers, and on the off-chance that it gets hit with both a contact move and an Ice move (and lives), there are still several other viable option that would probably come to mind over Scarf; Landorus is also played like a pivot due to Intimidate, so coming in on a physical threat that should outspeed and KO isn't necessarily a giveaway of its Scarf; and in a similar vein, it can afford to choice lock itself more so than other defensive Pokemon.

I wanted to fit U-turn on there somewhere, but I couldn't; that being said, it's a natural choice for a choiced Pokemon. Sludge Wave would also work to lure Bulu if played correctly."

littlelucarios words of wisdom

"This set hits 293 Speed, which ensures that Lando outspeeds Mega Alakazam at +1, and the rest of the EVs are just dumped into physical bulk. You can pump more EVs into defense compared to HP if you're paranoid about stuff like Pinsir and Zygarde, but I prefer the increased consistency overall. The third slot on this set is incredibly team dependent and shouldn't just be based on personal preference for the most part. Rock Slide is mainly used for Mega Pinsir, HP Ice for Zygarde, and Explosion as just a blanket move on more offensive teams to ensure that you don't lose momentum and still have ways of dealing with stuff like Pinsir."

 

[Felixx]

Diancie-Mega @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Diamond Storm
- Moonblast
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Fire]

The classic 4 attacks M-Diance set (that gets walled by Magearna which is why its bad rn). Diancie outspeeds both and Diamond Storm is able to OHKO M-Pinsir and Earth Power OHKO's Zone. Due to its typing it's also able to switch into a Return + QA from Pinsir even with a Hasty Nature.

Calcs

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Diancie-Mega: 117-138 (48.5 - 57.2%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Diancie-Mega: 46-54 (19 - 22.4%) -- possible 5HKO
(this is minus defense Diancie btw)

 

[curiosity]

Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Tapu Koko is an immense threat to this core. Even with Magnezone's resistance to Electric, it is still able to freely spam thunderbolt due to Magnezone's frailty and Pinsir's electric weakness. It is also one of the few offensive Pinsir checks in the game, being able to outspeed Pinsir whilst being able to stomach a +2 Quick Attack from Koko. Magnezone must not only take a sizable amount of damage, but must expend its Z Crystal if Pinsir had not yet set up.

 

[stuuful12]

Reserving Mamoswine

Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Stealth Rock

We all know what the mammoth does, so let's cut the chase. It survives a Pinsir-Mega Return and can ohko back with icicle crash. It then outspeeds the listed set for Magnezone and ohkoes that as well. It can also use Ice shard on Mega Pinsir if the situation occurs where that is useful.

Calcs

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mamoswine: 273-322 (75.6 - 89.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Icicle Crash vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 307-367 (113.2 - 135.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 749-889 (266.5 - 316.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Flame from Heaven]

Z Fly Lando

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Fly
- Stealth Rock
- Gravity
Landorus Therian can easily check Magnezone with Earthquake. It can also OHKO Pinsir with SSSS or set up rocks which are a big problem for Pinsir. You could run a defensive Z Fly set which is actually pretty decent for teams weak to Hawlucha, but this is pretty niche so I am using the standard one for this thread.

 

[Moldes]

Reserving Blacephalon

Blacephalon @ Choice Specs
Timid Nature
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
- Shadow Ball
- Fire Blast
- Overheat
- Hidden Power Ground <or> Grass

To be honest, I didn't think too much about this submission...and why would I? This one is pretty straightforward in the way it works against the duo, after all: It can revenge kill both members of the core without fail. Pinsir doesn't outspeeds and its priority doesn't OHKOs either, while Zone simply can't outspeed without its Scarf - what a price to pay for its newfound variety. Of course, Blace is not only good at taking care of those two, but is also a powerhouse that has little things to reliable stop it from shredding teams to pieces, but which breaker lacks its proper checks/counters anyway?

Edit: I forgot the calcs :P

Calcs

252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega: 660-776 (243.5 - 286.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 660-776 (234.8 - 276.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 150-177 (60.7 - 71.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO - I honestly expected this to kill

 

[Mellow]

Weavile with Fighting Coverage

Weavile @ Fightinium Z
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash / Ice Shard
- Focus Punch

or

Weavile @ Choice Band
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Knock Off
- Low Kick / Ice Shard
- Pursuit

Mega Pinsir is OHKOd by Banded Crash and dies after slight chip to unboosted Crash, and Magnezone falls over to fighting moves from either set; enough said.

calcs

252 Atk Choice Band Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 336-396 (123.9 - 146.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 224-266 (82.6 - 98.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Weavile: 127-151 (45.1 - 53.7%) -- 36.3% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Choice Band Weavile Low Kick (100 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 272-322 (96.7 - 114.5%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Weavile All-Out Pummeling (200 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 364-430 (129.5 - 153%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[MaximizeSayian]

RESERVING EXCADRILL

Excadrill @ Life Orb/Steelium Z
Jolly Nature
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
-Rapid Spin/Rock Slide
-Sword's Dance

Get some sand up and you're more than ready to go in taking out this core! Excadrill has an amazing ability, an excellent Attack stat that can be boosted to sky high levels, and access to stab E-Quake. E-Quake takes out 4x weak to ground Magnezone while the two rock moves Excadrill has (Rock slide and Rock Tomb) easily offer a OHKO against Mega Pinsir, leaving you to decide whether you want a base power 75 Rock Slide with 30% flinch or a more accurate 60 Rock Tomb that lowers speed.

attack calcs with life orb

252 Atk Life Orb Excadrill Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 780-920 (277.5 - 327.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Excadrill Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 374-442 (138 - 163%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Excadrill Rock Tomb vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 302-359 (111.4 - 132.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Now, Excadrill's typing allows it tank Pinsir's Quick Attack (5HKO) even when it's been boosted by Sword's Dance (3HKO), allowing you to set up with your own Swords Dance or smash the bug with some rocks. Though Magnezone can get a 2HKO with HP Fire, Excadrill can survive enough for revenge-kill with Earthquake.

Defend calcs +defend calc with assault vest

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Excadrill: 67-80 (18.5 - 22.1%) -- possible 5HKO
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Excadrill: 135-159 (37.3 - 44%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ SpA Magnezone Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 204-242 (56.5 - 67%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Lastly, no matter how good Excadrill is, it can be countered/checked by others. Getting rid of sand gets rid of Excadrill speed, and replacing it with rain can ensure that even Scald can take out Excadrill and lower the Attack with a burn. Running with a choice scarf is a possible counter at the risk of locking in on one move. A choice scarf can also force a speed tie against a Scarf- Excadrill or out speed a rival Excadrill. However, Lando-T lowers Attack, making killing M-Pinsir with rocks nearly a 2HKO, and can kill with STAB E-Quake. Also, banded priority or strong attackers with priority can take out Excadrill with Mach Punch!! You could run with a focus sash variant, to ensure a kill/clear hazards/ or set up your own Stealth Rocks.

Edit: thanks for mellowyellowhd for some great advice!

 

[Chessking345]

Thundurus-Therian @ Electrium Z
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice / Hidden Power Flying
- Nasty Plot

Thundurus-T checks Pinsir, taking a maximum of 83.9% to Frustration + Quick Attack (Unboosted), where TBolt is an easy OHKO (Even HP Flying KOs after minor chip in case TBolt is risky). Magnezone can't touch Thundurus-T because of Volt Absorb and gets OHKOed by Focus Blast if you can hit.
Thundurus-I checks Pinsir better because it outspeeds so it can switch in anytime but it struggles with zone because TBolt is a 2hko while Gigavolt Havoc is an OHKO so Therian is better (also because Thundurus-I needs Life Orb to secure ko zone from full with Focus Blast)

Calcs

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus-Therian: 153-180 (51.1 - 60.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Thundurus-Therian: 60-71 (20 - 23.7%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
252 SpA Thundurus-Therian Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega: 350-414 (129.1 - 152.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Thundurus-Therian Hidden Power Flying vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega: 234-276 (86.3 - 101.8%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Thundurus-Therian Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 310-366 (110.3 - 130.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Magnezone Flash Cannon vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Thundurus-Therian: 86-102 (28.7 - 34.1%) -- 1.3% chance to 3HKO (Same with HP Fire)
Magnezone Gigavolt Havoc vs. Volt Absorb Thundurus-Therian: 0-0 (0 - 0%) -- aim for the horn next time

 

[steki desu]

Camerupt @ Cameruptite
Ability: Magma Armor / Solid Rock
EVs: 128 HP / 252 SpA / 128 Spe
Modest / Quiet Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Nature Power / Rock Slide / Substitute
- Stealth Rock / Substitute

Camerupt survives M-Pinsir EQ and can OHK back with fire blast, rock slide or nature power (in electric terrain). Also, if you pair Camerupt with AV Bulu like most people do, Pinsir's EQ can't even two hit kill it in grassy terrain. As for Magnezone, Camerupt's fire blast or earth power destroys it.

Camerupt forces both mons to switch out, which is good, as it allows Camerupt to set up rocks. In addition, nothing in the tier can reliably switch into M-Camerupt (bar Chansey), and putting sub is especially good on Camerupt for this reason.

It's not the best counter to the core, as without grassy terrain M-Pinsir has a 43% to OHK it with EQ after rocks, but with proper defog support Camerupt can do well against this core (and any team with Camerupt should have proper defog support anyway.)

Calcs

252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Earthquake vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Camerupt-Mega: 248-294 (79.2 - 93.9%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Earthquake vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Camerupt-Mega in Grassy Terrain: 124-146 (39.6 - 46.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Camerupt-Mega: 228-268 (72.8 - 85.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

and for the redundant calcs-

252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega: 608-716 (224.3 - 264.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Nature Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega in Electric Terrain: 498-588 (183.7 - 216.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Pinsir-Mega: 284-336 (104.7 - 123.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 904-1068 (321.7 - 380%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 554-654 (197.1 - 232.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[LikeSyke]

Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 116 Atk / 140 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Roost
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake

Bit of a niche Zard-X spread, however the extra bulk helps sponge hits and allows Zard to set up a DD at an earlier point in the game.
Obvious, it eats a hit from Pinsir and Magnezone, and is able to OHKO both with a Flare Blitz. The presence of Roost on the set helps Zard stay at high percentages and thus take a hit from Pinsir.

Calcs

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 0 HP / 140 Def Charizard-Mega-X: 184-217 (61.9 - 73%)
252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 140 Def Charizard-Mega-X: 202-238 (68 - 80.1%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Rolls are in Charizard's favour, and if rocks stay off then it isn't an issue whatsoever
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 140 Def Charizard-Mega-X: 73-87 (24.5 - 29.2%)
Return into Quick Attack has a very low chance to kill w/o rocks, in case the opposing Mega Pinsir packs CC for some reason

An alternative spread is the old Tank Zard-X used extensively in ORAS but has recently fallen out of favour:
Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 248 HP / 100 Def / 160 Spe
Impish Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Flare Blitz
- Roost
- Earthquake

Can cripple Pinsir with a Wisp and OHKO it back with ease, Magnezone can't touch this spread either.

Calcs

252 Atk Pinsir-Mega Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 100 Def Charizard-Mega-X: 208-246 (57.9 - 68.5%)
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 248 HP / 100 Def Charizard-Mega-X: 76-90 (21.1 - 25%)
Unable to kill in combination with QA even after rocks

 

[Flame from Heaven]

This meme is still going

All of you goofballs will tremble in fear as our lord and saivor comes to defeat this core, making all the other submissions look like Caterpie.
Fear the one, the only, Talonflame!

Talonflame @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Swords Dance
- Roost
Don’t listen to Omari P, this is the real bird Jesus here. Priority Brave Bird will easily OHKO Pinsir if you are at full health. If not, simply use Flare Blitz to send it to the depths of hell it never should have left. Same deal with Magnezone.
Fear Talonflame.

 

[Steel With It]

Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure / Static
EVs: 248 HP / 240 Def / 20 Spe
Bold Nature
- Discharge
- Heat Wave
- Roost
- Defog / HP Ice / Toxic

Zapdos counters Pinsir without Stone Edge and doesn't care too much about Zone either; just play carefully around Gigavolt Havoc (by which I mean "Zapdos outspeeds, use Roost") and you're golden.

Calcs

252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 248 HP / 240+ Def Zapdos: 92-108 (24 - 28.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Return vs. 248 HP / 240+ Def Zapdos: 183-216 (47.7 - 56.3%) -- 34.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Zapdos Discharge vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Pinsir-Mega: 228-270 (84.1 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Magnezone Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 177-208 (46.2 - 54.3%) -- 6.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Magnezone Gigavolt Havoc (175 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 343-405 (89.5 - 105.7%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Magnezone Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Roosting Zapdos: 88-104 (22.9 - 27.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Magnezone Gigavolt Havoc (175 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Roosting Zapdos: 171-202 (44.6 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Zapdos Heat Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 180-214 (64 - 76.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Mega-Roserade]

Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake

Choice Scarf Tyranitar outspeeds and OHKOs both Mega Pinsir and Magnezone with Stone Edge and Earthquake, respectively. It can also switch in relatively well but has to watch out for Earthquake and Flash Cannon. It is particularly proficient in revenge killing Mega Pinsir as opposed to other Choice Scarf Pokemon, such as Greninja and Landorus-T, because it has to take significant damage to be KOed by even a +2 Quick Attack due to its bulk and resistance to Flying. It can also force mindgames with Mega Pinsir. Some may try to stay in thinking they are faster due to the rarity of Choice Scarf Tyranitar, and will find themselves OHKOed by Stone Edge. Or, if Tyranitar manages to use Pursuit as Mega Pinsir switches out, the Pursuit damage plus a little more chip will cause Mega Pinsir to faint the next time it switches in if Stealth Rock is on the field.

Calcs

252 Atk Tyranitar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 396-468 (140.9 - 166.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Magnezone Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 108-127 (31.6 - 37.2%) -- 83.8% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Frustration vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 105-123 (30.7 - 36%) -- 53% chance to 3HKO
+2 252 Atk Aerilate Pinsir-Mega Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tyranitar: 82-97 (24 - 28.4%) -- 97.2% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Tyranitar Pursuit (80 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Pinsir-Mega: 115-136 (42.4 - 50.1%) -- 34.4% chance to 2HKO after sandstorm damage

 

[Altervisi]

Last Week Analysis

Highlights
Zapdos - Does a great job at checking Pinsir and, avoiding the Z-Move, Magnezone as well, Heat Wave rounds off the coverage needed to threaten this core perfectly. Steel With It
Heatran - Heatran not only puts in fire work against this core (wink), it can actually even lure an unknowing Pinsir in expecting an EQ revenge kill. Finchinator
Creative
Weavile - Outspeeding is great as you can KO with faster priority after Rocks or take one Quick Attack to OHKO with Icicle Crash. Fighting coverage is great on Weavile for a number of reasons and is by no means too specific to this core. mellowyellowhd
Mega-Camerupt - Nothing too creative on the set, however Camerupt puts in good work offensively and defensively and frees up for creativity with the Nature Power, as well as being a cool niche pick in general. steki desu
Not Archived
(aka Meme of the Week)
Talonflame - Actually pretty interesting, especially as your opponent will be very keen to Defog as well. Talonflame however, is complete trash.
Flame from Heaven

Week 6 - Chansey + Mega-Sableye

Did your stomach churn a bit from seeing this core? Good, it should have. These two Pokemon define stall as an playstyle thanks to their amazing defensive synergy, in terms of typing Sableye is immune to Chansey’s one weakness, Fighting. However Sableye also provides stall players with a switch-in to Knock Off, which can be a hugely frustrating move otherwise, Sableye can also burn opponents with Will-O-Wisp, which patches up Chansey poor defense stat. It can also prevent Taunt and entry hazards thanks to Magic Bounce. Both Pokemon have reliable means of self recovery, as well as great defensive stats and utility, making them very difficult to break down.

Sets

Sableye @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Protect

Chansey @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 244 HP / 252 Def / 12 SpD
Bold Nature
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock
- Soft-Boiled

As always, all postings are appreciated! But please, only post OU viable Pokémon and do not post sets specifically catered to this core, your threat should not be complete deadweight against teams that do not feature “utter cancer”.

At the end of the week I will archive viable threats, post a new core and highlight threats that are particularly creative or effective! I'll also try and explain why I didn't include any threats in the archive, if applicable.​

 

[Flame from Heaven]

Mega Mawile

Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Thunder Punch
(Sorry about the Sprite flashing, couldn’t find the regular one.)
Pretty simple here. Mawile uses both of the mons as setup fodder and rips the entire team apart after Heatran takes some chip damage.

 

[Meliodafu7]

Taunt CM Waterium Z Keldeo

Keldeo @ Waterium Z
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Taunt

Keldeo is a great stallbreaker with this set. It can setup on M-Sableye predicting the Protect, and then setup further as you taunt Chansey evading the Toxic and being able to eat 4 Seismic Toss. At +2, Keldeo OHKOes Chansey with +2 Secret Sword, and OHKO M-Sableye with Hydro Vortex. If you decide to save the Z to their Unaware user, Unaware Clefable get a nifty 68.8% chance to be OHKOed by Hydro Vortex after rocks and Quagsire gets cleanly OHKOed by the Z move, while Toxapex and Skarmory are just a Taunt / Set up bait. Keldeo can't break stall variations with Amoonguss, but that are rare, because they usually run Toxapex.

Calcs

+1 252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Sableye-Mega: 295-348 (97.3 - 114.8%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Sableye-Mega: 393-463 (129.7 - 152.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 244 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Chansey: 732-864 (104.2 - 123%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Keldeo Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Unaware Clefable: 327-385 (82.9 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Finchinator]

Heracross-Mega (M) @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 152 HP / 212 Atk / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast

pretty simple tbh, it absolutely destroys both. msab especially due to the presence of substitute, which imo is the best 4th move on mhera rn btw. all things considered, mhera + hwish is pretty good vs these stallish builds and mhera is sorta underrated in the current metagame, but a lot of people try to force it as a sole stallbreaker and do not use or support it properly, so it is a bit under-explored in a proper sense and i think that if used well, it can work wonders, especially vs cores like these!