Monday, April 24, 2017

(VGC) Volcarona - Utility/Attack (Redirection/Quiver Dance/Scarf) 3 Options




Art by Tomycase



"Best Butterfly or Moth in the Game..."


(VGC) Volcarona - Utility/Attack (Redirection/Quiver Dance/Scarf) 3 Options

Occtober 21 2015

Type: Bug/Fire
Base Stats: 85 HP / 60 Attack / 65 Defense / 135 Special Attack / 105 Special Defense / 100 Speed
Weaknesses: Rock (x4), Water (x2), Flying (x2)
Resistances: Fighting (X0.5), Bug (X0.5), Ice (X0.5), Fairy (x0.5),  Steel (x0.5), Grass (x0.25)
Immunities: Burns
Flame Body Any enemy contact with the wielder has a 30% chance of a burn being inflicted to the foe.
Swarm (Hidden Ability) Boost the power of Bug-type attacks by 50% if its HP is around a third or less.

Overview


Since its introduction in Generation 5, Volcarona has be seen as one of the most powerful special attackers in the game with access to a strong special offensive stats of 135 SpA / 105 SpD / 100 Spe and a method to raise all three at once with Quiver Dance. Prior to the VGC 2015 format when Volcarona was allowed in 2013, it was among the most dominant Pokemon in the metagame being able to sweep entire teams with a +1 Heat Waves sometimes boosted with Fire Gem (or Bug Gem). The transition between Gen 5 to Gen 6 hasn't been too kind to Volcarona with the lose of the Gems and the power creep with things like Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Charizard Y existing. In fact, its because these two Pokemon, not Volcarona itself who gave rise to Rock Slide users like Terrakion and Landorus-T, who both can beat Volcarona in these situations as well. Despite the small drop in usage, Volcarona is still a dangerous Bug/Fire type Pokemon to contend against with access to other viable moves like Tailwind/Rage Powder, and being one of the few Pokemon who can handle Cresselia, Amoonguss and Aegislash. With its part Bug/Fire coverage, Volcarona inflicts super effective STAB damage against the likes of Mega Metagross, Mega Mawile, Gothitelle, Lati@s, Ferrothorn, Excadrill, Tyranitar (though not it + Sand Rush Excadrill!), Bisharp, and a host of other popular Pokemon.

What makes Volcarona a viable Pokemon is due to its flexibility how well it can run either a defensive support set like Rage Powder redirection, Tailwind for speed control, or a setup Quiver Dance set for an offensive role. Volcarona's special offensive stats 135 Special Attack, 105 Special Defense, and 100 Speed Volcarona is no laughing matter as it has the highest Special Attack for a part Bug-type and fast enough to potentially speed tie with Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Gardevoir, Mega Charizard Y, etc. The best part of an offensive Volcarona is it can further boost these three stats with a Quiver Dance boost making it a threatening special sweeper.  Flame Body still has its use as it has a 51% chance to burn Mega Kangakhan if it contacts with Volcarona, while a regular 30% chance for other single target contact hits. Once the main threats are gone, Volcarona can setup against the most special attackers like Sylveon and Aegislash for an end game sweep. Not everything is fine for Volcarona as Rock Slide and other Rock-/Water-/Flying- types can dispatch the fire moth quickly. Volcarona has a rather low Base 85 HP and 65 Defense stats making it vulnerable to powerful physical attackers from the likes of Mega Salamence or Charizard Y.
Despite these flaws, do not underestimate any Volcarona at all, for one free setup and it will rain its fiery scales against the foe.


Rage Powder + Tailwind Support

Volcarona @ Sitrus Berry / Rocky Helmet
Ability: Flame Body
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 236 Def / 12 SpA / 4 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
– Heat Wave / Flamethrower / Fiery Dance
– Bug Buzz
– Rage Powder
– Tailwind / Protect

Milestones
-This Volcarona set was used by Bennett Piercy, or Qertyk in his winning 1st Place US Seniors Nationals team.
-Survives max attack Jolly Mega Kangaskhan's Double Edge with Sitrus Berry recovery.
-Most Aerilate Hyper Voice from Mega Salamence is a 2HKO.
-Takes a Rock Slide from Adamant max attack Landorus-T and Garchomp (non-boosted)
-100 SpA Suicune has a 9.4% chance to 2HKO with STAB Scald with Sitrus Berry recovery.

This Volcarona set has seen a large spike in usage following Qertyk's 1st Place win in US Senior Nationals mostly because it shows how Volcarona isn't limited to a offensive Quiver Dance role. For coverage options, Heat Wave and Bug Buzz offer Volcarona vital STAB options considering most of its EVs aren't pumped into Special Attack or Speed Stats. Heat Wave gives Volcarona a solid spread damage against the opposing side and super effective on any Grass-, Bug-, Ice-, or Steel types. Bug Buzz is Volcarona's strongest attack in this set as it allows the moth to deal solid damage against the likes of Hydreigon, Tyranitar, Gothitelle, LAti@S and can even 2HKO most Cresselia sets. For this set, Qertyk opted to have both Rage Powder and Tailwind to give Volcarona a supportive role rather than its classic Quiver Dance offense. Rage Powder is essentially a redirection-based status move which all opposing targets (bar Grass-types and Safety Goggles users) attack Volcarona instead of its ally with their respective single target hits. Some might question the use of Volcarona as a redirection user, but paired with Flame Body, Volcarona can be used to redirect attacks away from vital partners while potentially snagging a burn 30% of the time. Fun Fact: Mega Kangaskhan if it attacks twice on a Flame Body Volcarona has a 51% chance to get burn so this is another way to deal with the strongest Mega in the format. Tailwind doubles the speed stats of Volcarona's entire team for 4 turns so essentially a pseudo +2 boost in speed. This can be useful to allow slower but bulkier Pokemon like Suicune, Mega Venusaur, AV Landorus-T, Nidoqueen, Sylveon, Mega Gardevoir, and a host of others to break the opposing teams.

As far as other options is concern, Volcarona can use a variety of special Fire type attacks not just Heat Wave which may get blocked by Wide Guard users. Flamethrower is Volcarona's most strongest and consistent Fire-type attack unlike Heat Wave/Overheat/Fire Blast in which it can  deal strong STAB damage without fear of missing any hits. Fiery Dance is Volcarona's signature attack that has a 50% chance to boost its Special Attack stat by one stage. Given the high probability of the boost occurring more often, Volcarona can get a a potential setup along with Tailwind to almost mimic its Quiver Dance setup so there's that idea. Lastly, Protect can be used over either Rage Powder or Tailwind in case Volcarona can scout out any rogue super effective attacks or allow itself to use either Rage Powder/Tailwind in the long run of the battle. Rocky Helmet is another potential item to run on Volcarona os it can inflict residual damage against the contact attacks from physical attackers mostly. Ending on an important note, Volcarona's speed investment in this set is one point below Bisharp's speed tier (Base 70 or 122 speed) so try to setup Tailwind with Volcarona against slower targets that either don't threat the fire moth, or fear a potential faster set.

Damage Calculations

Offensive- All calculations were done with a Modest 12 SpA.

[spoiler]

Heat Wave ( Modest 12 SpA )

  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Amoonguss: 138-164 (62.4 - 74.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 84-98 (50.2 - 58.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 108-128 (69.2 - 82%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Mawile: 120-144 (76.4 - 91.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 152-182 (107.8 - 129%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 58-69 (32 - 38.1%) -- 92.8% chance to 3HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 69-82 (41.8 - 49.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 162-192 (87 - 103.2%) -- 25% chance to OHKO

Bug Buzz ( Modest 12 SpA )

  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia: 102-120 (45.7 - 53.8%) -- 32% chance to 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Cresselia: 116-140 (51.1 - 61.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 73-87 (40.3 - 48%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 134-158 (86.4 - 101.9%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 98-116 (55.6 - 65.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Greninja: 192-228 (129.7 - 154%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 244+ SpD Gothitelle: 102-120 (57.6 - 67.7%) -- 41.4% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Latias: 102-122 (65.8 - 78.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 57-67 (39.5 - 46.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Flamethrower  ( Modest 12 SpA  )

  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 102-122 (61 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 134-162 (85.8 - 103.8%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Mega Mawile: 144-170 (91.7 - 108.2%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Sylveon: 58-70 (28.8 - 34.8%) -- 10.4% chance to 3HKO
  • 12+ SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 206-246 (110.7 - 132.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

[/spoiler]

Defensive - All Calculations were based on 252 HP / 236 Def / 4 SpD

[spoiler]

Physical Defense ( 252 HP / 236 Def )
  • 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 236 Def Volcarona: 157-187 (81.7 - 97.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252+ Atk Landorus-T Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 236 Def Volcarona: 156-188 (81.2 - 97.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 236 Def Volcarona: 152-182 (79.1 - 94.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 236 Def Volcarona: 136-160 (70.8 - 83.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 236 Def Volcarona: 121-142 (63 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Special Defense ( 252 HP / 4 SpD )
  • 252+ SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 150-176 (78.1 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 72-85 (37.5 - 44.2%) -- 23.6% chance to 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 100 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 90-108 (46.8 - 56.2%) -- 9.4% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252 SpA Politoed Scald vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona in Rain: 152-182 (79.1 - 94.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 52-62 (27 - 32.2%) -- 2% chance to 4HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252 SpA Mega Gardevoir Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 88-105 (45.8 - 54.6%) -- 10.9% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 44+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona in Sun: 99-117 (51.5 - 60.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 44+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona in Sun: 123-145 (64 - 75.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • +2 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 160-189 (83.3 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
[/spoiler]

Bulky Quiver Dance

Volcarona @ Rocky Helmet / Sitrus Berry / Lum Berry
Ability: Flame Body
Level: 50
EVs: 164 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA / 4 SpD / 84 Spe
Timid Nature
– Flamethrower / Fiery Dance / Heat Wave
– Bug Buzz / Giga Drain
– Quiver Dance
– Protect

Milestones
-This is Alexander Kuhn or Hibiki's Volcarona set used to get 4th in a Arena Cup Würzburg
-Outspeeds Adamant Landorus-T by one point.
-Jolly Mega Kangaskhan's Double Edge has a 6.6% to OHKO Volcarona.
-Adamant 252 Atk Landorus-T has a 18.8% chance to OHKO Volcarona.
-Modest 252 SpA Mega Salamence's Aerilate Hyper Voice can only 2HKO.
-Specs 252 SpA Modest Sylveon has a 2.5% chance to 3HKO.
-After one Quiver Dance Volcarona outspeeds Scarf Landorus-T, standard Suicune in Tailwind, and positive base 130 speed tier.

This is some of the many "bulky" Quiver Dance Volcarona sets utilized especially this one in particular used by Hibiki from Nugget Bridge to get 4th place in a Arena Cup Würzburg Regional Championship. What makes Quiver Dance Volcarona extremely threatening is the fact it boost its Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed all in one turn. Not only does Volcarona become a threatening setup user but most special hits won't inflict much damage with the SpD increase. Flamethrower is opted over Fiery Dance/Heat Wave for the higher damage output single targets and bypassing Wide Guard. Bug Buzz is Volcarona's secondary STAB option to handle common Psychic and Dark type Pokemon like Hydreigon and Cresselia. After a Quiver Dance boost, Volcarona is strong enough to KO most Amoonguss, Mega Metagross, Virizion (on a roll), Hydreigon, Tyranitar (without sand), and 2HKO most other targets. Now alternatively Volcarona can run Fiery Dance over Flamethrower to get another SpA boost to compensate for the lack of special attack investment on a bulkier build. Heat Wave is still a relatively strong Fire-type coverage that can damage both targets as well, though Volcarona will likely get walled by Aegislash with Wide Guard. Giga Drain is a coverage option specifically for bulky Water types like Rotom-W, Milotic, Swampert, Gastrodon, or Suicune since Volcarona can setup one Quiver Dance and recover HP while dealing super effective damage. Finally as usual to any setup Pokemon with stat boost, Protect is vital in case Volcarona can draw in double targets.

Item choices vary on most Volcarona sets, but this set uses Rocky Helmet in tandem with Flame Body to not only punish any contact moves targets on Volcarona, but get a 30% burn chance. Rocky Helmet + Flame Body is another way to deal with Mega Kangaskhan as the item deals about a third to Kangaskhan's HP while has a 51% chance of burn. Sitrus Berry can be used to regain 25% of Volcarona's HP so it can setup another Quiver Dance or attack in general. Lastly, Lum Berry ensures that Prankster Thunder Wave/Swagger, Spore, Poison, or any other random status ailment doesn't hinder Volcarona's sweeping potential.


Damage Calculations

Offensive - (All damage calculations were based on a Quiver Dance boost with just 4 SpA)

[spoiler]

+1 Flamethrower ( 4 SpA with Quiver Dance Boost )

  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 100-118 (55.2 - 65.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Virizion: 162-192 (97 - 114.9%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 186-218 (119.2 - 139.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 118-141 (71.5 - 85.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Amoonguss: 236-278 (106.7 - 125.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 140-168 (83.8 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 76-91 (52.7 - 63.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 92 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 79-94 (43.4 - 51.6%) -- 9.4% chance to 2HKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus: 93-111 (50.5 - 60.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 109-129 (55.3 - 65.4%) -- 16.8% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

+1 Bug Buzz ( 4 SpA with a Quiver Dance Boost )

  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia: 134-162 (60 - 72.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Hydreigon: 218-258 (129.7 - 153.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 244+ SpD Gothitelle: 134-162 (75.7 - 91.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 182-216 (117.4 - 139.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Ludicolo: 134-158 (71.6 - 84.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 148+ SpD Rotom-W: 75-88 (47.7 - 56%) -- 16.8% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 134-158 (76.1 - 89.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


+1 Giga Drain ( 4 SpA with a Quiver Dance Boost )


  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 148+ SpD Rotom-W: 84-100 (53.5 - 63.6%) -- 5.1% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Swampert: 204-240 (98.5 - 115.9%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 244 HP / 88 SpD Gastrodon: 236-280 (108.7 - 129%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Suicune: 94-112 (45.4 - 54.1%) -- 7.8% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Milotic: 92-110 (45.5 - 54.4%) -- 6.3% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion: 122-144 (73 - 86.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • +1 4 SpA Volcarona Giga Drain vs. 68 HP / 188 SpD Solid Rock Rhyperior: 204-240 (102.5 - 120.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
[/spoiler]

Defensive - Most defensive damage calculations were based on just HP 164 / 252 Def / 4 SpD

[spoiler]

Physical Defense
  • 252+ Atk Landorus-T Rock Slide vs. 164 HP / 252 Def Volcarona: 156-188 (86.1 - 103.8%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
  • 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 164 HP / 252 Def Volcarona: 155-186 (85.6 - 102.7%) -- 6.6% chance to OHKO
  • 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Rock Slide vs. 164 HP / 252 Def Volcarona: 152-180 (83.9 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 164 HP / 252 Def Volcarona: 152-180 (83.9 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 164 HP / 252 Def Volcarona: 136-160 (75.1 - 88.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ Atk Mega Blaziken Flare Blitz vs. 164 HP / 252 Def Volcarona: 136-162 (75.1 - 89.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Special Defense
  • 252+ SpA Choice Specs Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 52-62 (28.7 - 34.2%) -- 2.5% chance to 3HKO
  • 0 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 58-70 (32 - 38.6%) -- 98% chance to 3HKO
  • 252+ SpA Life Orb Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 105-125 (58 - 69%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 95-113 (52.4 - 62.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Mega Gardevoir Psychic vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 88-105 (48.6 - 58%) -- 95.7% chance to 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Politoed Scald vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona in Rain: 152-182 (83.9 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
  • 148+ SpA Ludicolo Scald vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona in Rain: 152-182 (83.9 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 150-176 (82.8 - 97.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 100 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona: 90-108 (49.7 - 59.6%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO
  • 252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona in Sun: 129-153 (71.2 - 84.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

[/spoiler]

Choice Scarf "Lure"

Volcarona @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flame Body
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpA / 244 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Fiery Dance
- Overheat
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Bug Buzz

Milestones:
-Scarf Volcarona was used by Genaro Vallejo (ReckonerX) to get 9th place at 2015 Worlds. (Though not sure if this is the same set.)
-Outspeed Modest Hydreigon with a Choice Scarf by one point.
-OHKOs Hydreigon with Bug Buzz 100% of the time.
-OHKOs 4 HP Mega Salamence and Landorus-T (up to 164 HP) with Hidden Power Ice 100% of the time.
-OHKOs 252 HP / 100 SpD Aegislash with Overheat 100% of the time.
-2HKOs 220 HP / 92 SpD Calm Cresselia with Bug Buzz.
-Has a 15/16th chance to KO 4 HP Tyranitar without sand.

Though it might sound counterproductive to use a Choice Scarf on a Volcarona when it has moves like Quiver Dance, Tailwind, and even String Shot outspeed its opponents, this has a ton of surprise potential value. Paired with 100 Base Speed, probably the only faster Choice Scarf users are the Lati twins (Latios/Latias or Lati@s as I like to call them) in the VGC format, however even they fear a powerful Bug-type like Volcarona. The goal of the Volcarona set is to act as a lure towards targets (maybe with some prior damage from teammates) like Scalrf Landorus-T, Mega Salamence, Aegislash, Cresselia, Hydreigon, etc and KO the with the proper move. Hidden Power Ice is a coverage option specific to lure and KO most non AV Landorus-T and 4 HP Mega Salamence 100% or with prior damage to avoid getting KOed by either a potential Rock Slide or Double Edge. With the Choice Scarf, Volcarona should be able to outspeed these two quad Ice-type weak Pokemon and net an immediate KO. Bug Buzz is Volcarona's main Bug-type STAB option reserved for Pokemon like Cresselia, Lati@s, Gothitelle, Mega Gardevoir, Tyranitar, and can even KO most Hydreigon sets 100% unless they invest heavily into their Special Defense. Regarding its Fire STAB, this Volcarona opts not just one, but two Fire-type attacks in both Fiery Dance and Overheat reserved for specific roles. The idea of using Fiery Dance with a Scarf Volcarona set is to gradually gain as much Special Attack boost as possible give the move has 50% chance to do so. This setup can allows Volcarona to become a dangerous late game sweeper as it can continuously spams Fiery Dance while receiving a +1 boost in Special Attack every so often. Overheat is intended to "overkill" most Aegislash sets as well as attempt to finish off any weaken targets with one of the strongest Fire-type attacks in the game.

Damage Calculations

Offensive - These Damage Calculations are based on 252 SpA Modest Special Attack investment (won't include Fiery Dance boosts)

[spoiler]

Fiery Dance (252 SpA Modest)

  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Amoonguss: 186-218 (84.1 - 98.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 60-72 (34.2 - 41.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 78-93 (43 - 51.3%) -- 5.5% chance to 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Sylveon: 61-73 (30.3 - 36.3%) -- 57% chance to 3HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus: 73-87 (39.6 - 47.2%) -- 89.6% chance to 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 110-132 (65.8 - 79%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross: 144-170 (92.3 - 108.9%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 66-78 (35.2 - 41.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Virizion: 126-150 (75.4 - 89.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Fiery Dance vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 93-111 (56.3 - 67.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Overheat ( 252 SpA Modest )

  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 97-115 (55.4 - 65.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 126-148 (69.6 - 81.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 252 HP / 104 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 168-198 (100.5 - 118.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 188 HP / 156+ SpD Amoonguss: 228-270 (107 - 126.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 92 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 102-120 (56 - 65.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 44 HP / 4 SpD Mega Metagross: 230-272 (142.8 - 168.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Overheat vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus: 118-141 (64.1 - 76.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

Hidden Power Ice ( 252 SpA Modest )

  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Garchomp: 180-212 (98.3 - 115.8%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 172-204 (100.5 - 119.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 188-224 (113.9 - 135.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Thundurus: 94-112 (60.6 - 72.2%) -- 94.9% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

Bug Buzz ( 252 SpA Modest )

  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 164 HP / 0 SpD Hydreigon: 188-224 (100 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 158-188 (101.9 - 121.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 244+ SpD Gothitelle: 116-140 (65.5 - 79%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia: 116-140 (52 - 62.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 116-140 (65.9 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar: 174-206 (98.8 - 117%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Ludicolo: 116-138 (62 - 73.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • 252+ SpA Volcarona Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Politoed: 87-103 (52.4 - 62%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

[/spoiler]

Defensive - This Volcarona is meant for an offensive Scarf role but there isn't too many notable achievements aside from taking 2 Specs Hyper Voice from Sylveon. Most super effective hits will either OHKO or 2HKO Volcarona at worse.

Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to;

  • Intimidate, Wide Guard, Fake Out: Since Volcarona is severely weak from the defensive side, Pokemon with Intimidate like Scrafty, Gyarados, Landorus-T, Krookodile, Hitmontop, Salamence, etc can lower the attack stats of both enemy Pokemon by one stage. Wide Guard users like Aegislash, Hitmontop, Swampert, Hariyama, Aerodactyl, Conkeldurr, Machamp, etc can protect Volcarona from any Rock Slides knock out and allow it to setup freely. Lastly, Fake Out is another way to allow Volcarona a turn to setup Tailwind, Quiver Dance, etc for the team. Common Fake Out users include Mega Kangaskhan, Scrafty, Hitmontop, Ludicolo, Lopunny, Raichu, Sableye, Weavile, etc
  • Steel types: With Volcarona having a disadvantage against both Flying- and Rock- type Pokemon, the best defensive typing to pair with the fire moth are Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Aegislash, Mega Metagross, Mega Mawile, Excadrill, Bisharp, etc.  Ferrothorn is an interesting partner as it resist all of Volcarona's main weaknesses while handling nearly every Water-, Rock- and some Flying- types with its walling capabilities. Aegislash is a unique partner to Volcarona as it help block most fatal Rock Slides by using Wide Guard so Volcarona can go for a potential setup. The rest of the other Steel types mentioned work best with utility Volcarona as they appreciate either any form of redirection and speed control.
  • Grass and Water types: These two types help Volcarona form a strong "elemental core" in each other's own weakness and apply support for the fire moth. Grass type Pokemon like Virizion, Ferrothorn, Breloom, Ludicolo, Mega Venusaur, etc are able to beat the majority of Water- and Rock-types while Volcarona in turn easily threatens every Bug-, Ice-, Steel-, and even opposing Grass types. Most bulky Water types like Milotic, Rotom-W, Swampert, Jellicent, Suicune, etc can stay in on the likes of Tyranitar/Terrakion and hopefully burn the target with a potential Scald/Will-O-Wisp burn so Volcarona can setup one Quiver Dance. In return, Volcarona can beat most Grass types Pokemon as well as redirect any strong Electric- or Grass-type hits with Rage Powder.
  • Offensive Partners:  This section is geared towards the utility based Volcarona since it needs offensiev partners to work with a Rage Powder/Tailwind set. Mega Evolutions like Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence, and Mega Gardevoir appreciate a support Volcarona set as it setups Tailwind to outspeed threats or redirect any Fighting-, Ice-, and Steel-types respectively. Frailer Pokemon like Weavile, Greninja, Breloom, Blaziken, Bisharp, Exacdrill, Terrakion, Thundurus, etc appreciate redirection support from Volcarona as it can buy time to take out a target or setup on as well. Slower Pokemon who appreciate Tailwind support like Sylveon, Suicune, Mega Venusaur, Conkeldurr, Tyraniter etc so they can outspeed and use their powerful STAB options.
  • Other Misc. Support: Speed control/disruption is extremely important to allow an offensive Volcarona to maintain its offensive pressure. Thundurus, Tornadus, Whimsicott, Meowstic-M, Sableye, and Liepard usually carry some form of speed control (Tailwind/Thunder Wave) while having a disruption moves like Encore, Taunt, Torment, Swagger, etc to stop opposing setup as well.

Threats

  • Rock types + Any Rock Moves: Since Volcarona has a severe quadruple weakness to Rock-type attacks like Stone Edge and Rock Slide Pokemon like Landorus-T, Aerodactyl, Tyranitar, Excadrill (in sand), Terrakion, Rhyperior, Aurorus, and others can dispatch the fire moth relatively easily. Any other Pokemon with physical Rock type coverage can beat most Volcarona sets with ease. Sand teams in particular which usually consist of Scarf Tyranitar + Excadrill as well as other Volcarona counters like Mega Salamence and Rotom-W usually fair well against the fire bug.
  • Flying and Water types: Basically Flying type Pokemon like Talonflame, Mega Salamence, Mega Charizard Y, Staraptor, Aerodactyl, Crobat, Braviery, etc resist Volcarona's Bug-type moves and KO it with super effective Flying type damage. Water-types Pokemon like Gyarados, Suicune, Rotom-W, Milotic, Gastrodon, Jellicent, Politoed, etc have moderately high special defense to take most of Volcarona's Fire-type attacks. Keep in mind, Volcarona can still beat most of these Water Pokemon if it has Giga Drain for coverage with Quiver Dance setup.
  • Powerful Physical Attacks and Priority: With Volcarona's rather low base 65 Defensive stat, pretty much most hits from physical attackers like Mega Kangaskhan, Talonflame Blaziken, Azumarill, Bisharp, Conkeldurr, Mega Mawile, Hariyama, etc can deal over 50% to Volcarona. Most of the Pokemon listed carry a form of priority or even Rock-type coverage as well to either outspeed the fire moth or squash it with pebbles.
  • Fire and Dragon Pokemon; Virtually most Fire types like Mega Charizrd Y, Heatran, Arcanine, Rotom-H, Entei, Mega Camerupt, Chandelure and others wall both Volcarona's Fire/Bug type STABs and hit it with neutral their own Fire-type attacks. Dragon Pokemon like Garchomp, Mega Salamence, Kingdra, Hydreigon (without Bug Buzz), Mega Altaria, and others can resist both of the fire moth's STABs and deal heavy damage with a coverage option or STAB options.


Other Notable Moves
Here are some other options that Volcarona can run not just the other moves mentioned:

  • Fire Blast/Overheat - Since Flamethrower, Heat Wave, and Fiery Dance are shown in the OP sets, its logical to give both Fire Blast and Overheat more credit. Both of these Fire-type attacks are among the strongest in the game with the Fire Blast being at 110 base power and Overheat at 130 power. These attacks don't come without their flaws as both can miss while Overheat drops the special attack stat by 2 stages following one use.
  • Hurricane - A base 110 Can be used by Volcarona for coverage against Fighting types with a 30% to confuse but with a 30% chance to miss as well. Some Volcarona sets do opt for Hurricane on rain teams to give this attack 100% accuracy.
  • Will-O-Wisp - A status ailment with an 85% chance to burn a target and deals 1/8th residual damage. Volcarona can use this attack to cripple physical attackers in like Mega Kangaskhan or Landorus-T.
  • Hidden Power Ground - A base 60 Ground coverage specifically used to hit Fire type Pokemon like Heatran for heavy damage instead of being walled completely.
  • Roost - One of Volcarona's recovery options which is seen often on bulkier Quiver Dance sets to replenish about 50% of its HP.
  • Struggle Bug- Ok... so I guess I should explain myself here. Basically this Bug-type attack has a base 50 power that reduces the special attack stat of both targets by one stage similar to how Snarl function.
  • String Shot - A hilarious form of speed control with drops the speed of both Pokemon by 2 stages though it has a 95% accuracy so this can miss.


Other Notable Items:

  • Coba Berry: Reduces the damage of super effective Flying-type attacks by 50%.
  • Passho Berry: Reduces the damage of super effective Water-type attacks by 50%.
  • Leftovers: Gradually replenishes the wielder's HP by 1/16th of its health every turn.
  • Charti Berry: Reduces the damage of super effective Rock-type attacks by 50%.
  • Lum Berry: Cures the user of any status ailments.  
  • Safety Goggles: Protects the user from both weather-based damage and powder moves.


For those who read the overview, thanks for getting this far into the analysis.
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