(VGC) or (Battle Spot Doubles) Sylveon - Attack (Special Attacker) 2 Options

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(VGC) or (Battle Spot Doubles) Sylveon - Attack (Special Attacker) 2 Options

Dec 21st 2015

Type: Fairy
Base Stats: 95 HP / 65 Attack / 65 Defense / 110 Special Attack / 130 Special Defense / 60 Speed
Weaknesses: Poison (x2) , Steel (x2)
Resistances: Dark (x0.5), Fighting (x0.5), Bug (x0.5)
Immunities: Dragon (x0)
Abilities:
Cute Charm: - If the target makes contact with the user, there's a 30% chance in which the user will become infatuated if the user is opposite gender that of the attacker.
Pixilate: - Changes all Normal-type moves into the Fairy type and receives an additional 1.3x boost before STAB.

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Overview

Since its introduction in Gen 6, Sylveon is a popular Fairy-type Pokemon used by many competitive players having access to the Pixilate ability to change any Normal-type attacks like Hyper Voice, Quick Attack, and Hyper Beam into Fairy-type. The reintroduction of Hyper Voice as a move tutor for XY/ORAS-born Sylveon resulted in a large usage in the VGC format / Battle Spot Doubles with players realizing how powerful Sylveon hits with Pixilate Hyper Voice even as a spread damage. With the VGC 15 season coming to a close, Sylveon has proven itself to be the most powerful non-Legendary/non-Mega Fairy-type in the format just because its duel move-ability combo in Pixilate Hyper Voice, however Sylveon is not limited to screaming at its opponents. Coverage-wise, Sylveon has access to a wide support options like Helping Hand, Light Screen, Reflect, Calm Mind, Toxic, etc as well as a good amount of coverage to anything not super effective against Pixilate Hyper Voice. Even from a defensive standpoint with 95 HP / 65 Def / 130 SpD overall, Sylveon is relatively bulky enough to take nearly all special hits (not super effective) as well as strong physical attacks like Double Edge or Iron Head with the proper EV spread. Though its base 60 speed isn't as high as one would hope, its slow enough to be a threatening Trick Room sweeper in case Sylveon in partnered with one.

All that aside, Sylveon is always at a constant battle against Steel-type and Poison-types who can take most of its attacks and can either KO or wall the fairy entirely. As mentioned before, Sylveon is a slow special attacker so any potential double target or super effective target can take out Sylveon before it can even strikes with it Pixilate Hyper Voice. Despite these flaws, Sylveon is still a low risk, high reward Pokemon give the power of Pixilate Hyper Voice. If the opponent doesn't have a clear answer for Sylveon, there's a strong likelihood this Fairy will scream its way to victory.

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Offensive Support

Sylveon @ Pixie Plate
Ability: Pixilate
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 180 Def / 80 SpA / 20 Spe
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 SpD
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Hidden Power [Ground]  / Shadow Ball
- Helping Hand / Reflect / Light Screen
- Protect / Detect

Milestones:
-Survives a Double Edge from Jolly 252 Atk Mega Kangaskhan 0.4% of the time and Mega Salamence's Double Edge 100% of the time
-Survives an Iron Plate / Metal Coat boosted Flash Cannon from Modest Aegislash 100% of the time.
-Survives a non-boosted Iron Head from Bisharp.
-Has a 81.3% chance OHKO 4 HP Jolly Mega Salamence (but can OHKO if Double Edge recoil is taken).
-2HKOees 252 HP Heatran with Hidden Power Ground.
-HP investment is optimized for Life Orb and sandstorm damage.
-Pixie Plate Pixilate boosted Hyper Voice can either 3HKO to 2HKO many neutral targets given spread damage.

Notice: If the IVs aren't "suitable" (for HP Ground), just run an EV spread as shown with the lowest possible attack and an ideal coverage move. The EV spread should be adjusted with a couple points to use afterward.

Given how powerful Pixilate Hyper Voice hits against both targets, this set will focus mostly on the other things Sylveon can do. As mentioned many times, Sylveon is one of the most powerful Fairy-type Pokemon in the game since Pixilate Hyper Voice is enough to often either 2HKO or 3HKO at least majority of the game bar resisted types like Steel-, Fire-, and Poison-type Pokemon. Pixie Plate is the intended item for this set given how there's a lack of Special Attack investment just to allocate enough effort values into HP and Defense. The new defensive investment allows Sylveon to take a Double Edge from both Mega Salamence and Mega Kangaskhan most of the time as well as a super effective Iron Head from Bisharp which is impressive. There's no need to invest too much into Special Defense since Sylveon already has a large base 130 SpD to take powerful strong special hits even from a Flash Cannon from Aegislash. As far as other coverage options goes, Hidden Power Ground is the best option given it hits both Fire-/Steel-types especially Heatran for a 2HKO. Shadow Ball is another option to run if Sylveon's team doesn't have great answers for Ghost-/Psychic-types like Mega Gardevoir, Aegislash, Gengar, etc for considerable damage. Generally speaking, Sylveon will far likely use its Pixilate Hyper Voice attack to inflict enough damage for either it or an allied partner can finish the weaken Pokemon.

Helping Hand is a great support option for Sylveon with its +7 priority to power up any partner with a 1.5x boost. This support coverage is useful in case a key target needs to be OHKOed and if Sylveon likely faints the following turn. Sylveon has access to both Light Screen and Reflect to reduce the damage of either physical or special attacks by a third. This can allow Sylveon and its partners to take either physical or special hits better than usual and can sway the battle in their favor. Lastly, Protect is an option for Sylveon to have given how easily its a common Pokemon that gets double targeted due to Pixilate Hyper Voice threaten the opposing side. Detect can be used since Sylveon gets shut down by Imprison Mega Gardevoir so at least it can protect itself from incoming attacks, however it cannot retaliate back if Mega Gardevoir knows Hyper Voice which they do most of the time.

Damage Calculations

Offensive - Most of the damage calculations will focus on Pixie Plate-boosted Pixilate Hyper Voice, Hidden Power Ground, and Shadow Ball assuming Sylveon has about 80 SpA EVs with an SpA IV of 30.

[spoiler]

Pixilate Hyper Voice with Pixie Plate (80 SpA EVs with an SpA IV of 30)

• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 76-91 (41.9 - 50.2%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence: 168-198 (98.2 - 115.7%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion: 168-198 (100.5 - 118.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 58-70 (40.2 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Aegislash-Blade: 65-77 (38.9 - 46.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 91-108 (55.1 - 65.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus: 72-85 (39.1 - 46.1%) -- 76.4% chance to 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia: 51-61 (22.8 - 27.3%) -- 58.4% chance to 4HKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 102-120 (72.3 - 85.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Scrafty: 180-216 (104.6 - 125.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Conkeldurr: 140-168 (66.3 - 79.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 80+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Zapdos: 84-99 (42.6 - 50.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

Hidden Power Ground (8 SpA EVs)

• 80+ SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 112-136 (56.5 - 68.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 80+ SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 48 SpD Arcanine: 68-80 (34.5 - 40.6%) -- 42.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 80+ SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Blade: 100-118 (59.8 - 70.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 8 SpA Porygon2 Hidden Power Ground vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 68-82 (36.5 - 44%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Note - Offensively you can tell that this Porygon2 build isn't meant to be an all out attacker, but rather get the 2HKOs it needs for the team. The Modest/Quiet variants with Download are the most preferred for an offensive Porygon2.

[/spoiler]

Defensive - With 228 HP / 180 Def Modest Nature and 30 IVs in Special Defense.

[spoiler]
Physically Defense

• 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 168-199 (84.4 - 100%) -- 0.4% chance to OHKO
• 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 160-190 (80.4 - 95.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Bisharp Iron Head vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 164-194 (82.4 - 97.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 84-100 (42.2 - 50.2%) -- 1.2% chance to 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Iron Head vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 170-204 (85.4 - 102.5%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
• 252 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 54-64 (27.1 - 32.1%) -- 59.9% chance to 3HKO after sandstorm damage
• 252+ Atk Mega Swampert Waterfall vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon in Rain: 141-166 (70.8 - 83.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Entei Sacred Fire vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 88-105 (44.2 - 52.7%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO
• 148 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (94 BP) vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 132-156 (66.3 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 228 HP / 180 Def Sylveon: 138-163 (69.3 - 81.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Specially Defensive

• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 88-105 (44.2 - 52.7%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO
• 44+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Sun: 81-96 (40.7 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 44+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Sun: 150-177 (75.3 - 88.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Iron Plate Aegislash-Blade Flash Cannon vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 162-192 (81.4 - 96.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 76 SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 104-126 (52.2 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 236+ SpA Ludicolo Scald vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Rain: 72-85 (36.1 - 42.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 252 SpA Mega Gengar Sludge Bomb vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 152-180 (76.3 - 90.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Heatran Flash Cannon vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 156-187 (78.3 - 93.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 212 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 55-66 (27.6 - 33.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
• 252 SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 72-85 (36.1 - 42.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 60-72 (30.1 - 36.1%) -- 43% chance to 3HKO
• 252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 78-94 (39.1 - 47.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
  
  Note: I mentioned earlier that Sylveon doesn't need too much Special Defense investment...because it doesn't need any more with its base 95 HP and 130 Special Defense. Let's be honest here, Sylveon is going to stay clear from Aegislash, Mega Venusaur, Gengar, Heatran most of the time and the fact they can't OKHO Sylveon means it can stay in if need be and retaliate with Pixilate Hyper Voice to deal damage against not just these targets, but their partners as well.
  

[/spoiler]

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Calm Mind

Sylveon @ Pixie Plate / Leftovers
Ability: Pixilate
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 100 Def / 160 SpA / 20 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 SpD
- Hyper Voice
- Calm Mind
- Hidden Power [Ground]  / Shadow Ball / Substitute
- Protect

Notice:  Sylveon must have 30 IVs in both special attack and special defense in order to have Hidden Power Ground.

Milestones
-Pixilate Hyper Voice with Pixie Plate strong enough to OHKO Mega Salamence, Terrakion, and AV Scrafty with relative ease.
-Can survive a Life Orb Aegislash Flash Cannon after Special Defense boost from Calm Mind.
-After Calm Mind boost can OHKO 108 HP Heatran with Hidden Power Ground.
-Survives up Jolly 252 Atk Mega Kangaskhan's Return all the time.

Calm Mind Sylveon has received a strong push in usage towards the end of the VGC 2015 / Battle Spot Doubles and with good reason. With arguably the strongest Fairy-type attack in the game, Sylveon can boost this attack along with both its highest stats (Sp. Atk and Sp. Def) into frightening levels thanks to Calm Mind. Now why would people use something like Calm Mind setup over something like an the immediate fire power of Specs or Life Orb. In some matchups where Sylveon is paired against low special attacking Pokemon like Rotom-W or Milotic, it can use this opportunity to setup as much Calm Mind boost. To top it off, Sylveon is already a decent special pivot and to boost its special defense even further while giving the player a clear win condition for a late game Hyper Voice sweep. Of course Sylveon won't be able to setup on the likes of a Amoonguss + Azumarrill, or a strong physical attacker, but once setup even the most bulkiest/resistant Pokemon will get hampered by the combination of Hyper Voice/HP Ground. The only notable move for this set are HP Ground and Shadow Ball as both allows Sylveon to bypass certain checks and counters. HP Ground lets Sylveon hit Fire-type Pokemon, notable Heatran for massive damage and with a Calm Mind boost or two, Sylveon can tank a resisted Flash Cannon from Heatran. Shadow Ball is in case the the player doesn't have access to an HP Ground Sylveon so Shadow Ball can be used to hit Aegislash and Mega Gardevoir for considerable damage. Remember the goal of this Sylveon set is to find a time where it up against targets it can threaten out or can't OHKO Sylveon, get as many Calm Mind boost (preferably two boost max unless you are greedy) necessary, and proceed with the end game sweep.

Now there are some alternatives for this set anyone can use for a Calm Mind Syleon. Substitute allows Sylveon to avoid status moves and with a couple of CM boost even some STAB special attacks won't break the Sub. Keep in mind that this takes too much setup and forfeits onf of Sylveon's coverage moves or Protect. Leftovers can be used in either Sub or non-Sub set given Sylveon can recover off residual damage and semi weak special attacks over time. While Sylveon loses out in attacking power from Pixie Plate (or Life Orb as some players use), Leftovers gives Sylveon a bit of sustainability over time to complement the Calm Mind boost.

Damage Calculations

Offensive - All the damage calculations were done with 160 SpA, Pixie Plate, and a +1 boost in special attack.

[spoiler]

Hyper Voice ( +160 SpA Modest)

• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan: 121-144 (66.8 - 79.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus: 115-136 (62.5 - 73.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 145-172 (87.8 - 104.2%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 162-192 (92 - 109%) -- 50% chance to OHKO
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 76-90 (39.7 - 47.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Milotic: 100-118 (49.5 - 58.4%) -- 68.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir: 94-112 (65.2 - 77.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 212 HP / 116+ SpD Politoed: 99-117 (51.5 - 60.9%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 76 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Ludicolo: 81-96 (49 - 58.1%) -- 96.5% chance to 2HKO
• +1 160+ SpA Pixie Plate Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 20 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 53-63 (28.6 - 34%) -- 1.1% chance to 3HKO

Hidden Power Ground (+160 Modest with CM boost)

• +1 160+ SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Ground vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Entei: 118-140 (61.7 - 73.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• +1 160+ SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Ground vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 180-212 (107.7 - 126.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
  
• +1 160+ SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield: 68-80 (40.7 - 47.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• +1 160+ SpA Sylveon Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Blade: 158-186 (94.6 - 111.3%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO

[/spoiler]

Defensive - With 228 HP / 100 Def / 8 SpD Modest Nature (Neutral) and 30 IVs in Special Defense (with CM Boosts)

[spoiler]


Specially Defensive with Calm Mind Boost

• 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Flash Cannon vs. +1 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 90-108 (45.2 - 54.2%) -- 36.7% chance to 2HKO
• 44+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. +1 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Sun: 54-64 (27.1 - 32.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
• 44+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. +1 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Sun: 100-118 (50.2 - 59.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Heatran Flash Cannon vs. +1 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 109-127 (54.7 - 63.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Flash Cannon vs. 244 HP / 8 SpD Eviolite Porygon2: 58-69 (30.3 - 36.1%) -- 38.3% chance to 3HKO
• 252 SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. +1 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 48-57 (24.1 - 28.6%) -- 95.1% chance to 4HKO
• 252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. +1 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 55-64 (27.6 - 32.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
• 20+ SpA Milotic Scald vs. +1 228 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon: 28-34 (14 - 17%) -- possible 6HKO

[/spoiler]

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Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to;

• Speed Control: Sylveon is an incredibly slow Pokemon in the VGC / Battle Spot Doubles format so it needs speed control from either Trick Room, Thunder Wave, Tailwind, Icy Wind, etc. Trick Room setters Pokemon like Cresselia, Gothitelle, Jellicent, and others can reverse the speed order so Sylveon can move faster than its usual checks and fire fast Hyper Voices. Thunder Wave support won't grant Sylveon an overall speed advantage like Trick Room, however once a key target like Mega Salamence or Terrakion is paralyzed, Sylveon can easily outspeed them and get a potential knock out with Hyper Voice. While Sylveon isn't known for its speed, by investing in about 116 Spe EVs, a Tailwind setter (Zapdos, Talonflame, Salamence, Suicune, etc just to name a few) can outspeed at most max speed Mega Salamence an get some surprise knockouts.
  
• Intimidate + Fake Out: Pokemon like Landorus-T, Gyarados, Mawile, Salamence, Scrafty, Arcanine, etc are examples of Pokemon who can  drop the physical attack of both targets to patch up Sylveon's rather low defense stat and increase its longevity. Fake Out users like Mega Kangaskhan, Scrafty, Hitmontop, Mega Lopunny, etc can provide one guarantee turn of flinch against a target so Sylveon can either setup with Calm Mind, or go straight for Hyper Voice.
  
• Fire-type Pokemon Given some of Sylveon's best counters (Aegislash, Mega Mawile, Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, Bisharp, etc) are Steel-type Pokemon, having a Fire-type like Mega Charizard Y, Volcarona, Entei, Heatran, Arcanine, Rotom-H, etc can help mitigate its weakness a bit. Sylveon can threaten out some Dragon-type Pokemon like Garchomp, Kingdra,  some variants of Mega Salamence, and even take a special Water-type hit for a for a Fire-type partner due to its fantastic special bulk. One last thing to mention is the combination of Fire-type STAB + Pixilate Hyper Voice means there are very few Pokemon how can switch into the battle aside from taking a strong neutral hit.

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Threats

• Steel-type Pokemon: Steel-type Pokemon like Mega Metagross, Mega Mawile, Bisharp, Scizor, Heatran, Aegislash, etc can all take an incoming Hyper Voice with ease and potentially OHKO it back with a super effective Steel STAB. Be weary that Sylveon can have another coverage option like HP Fire/Ground or have its partner deal with them.
  
• Poison-type Pokemon: There are only a handful of Poison-type Pokemon who can come into Sylveon's Pixilate Hyper Voice and can at least 2HKO it with their Poison STABs. Mega Venusaur, Crobat, Amoonguss, Gengar, Nidoking, Nidoqueen, etc are some of the few Pokemon who can either 2HKO Sylveon with their respective Poison-type STAB, take a Hyper Voice, or setup for its own teammate by spreading status conditions.
  
• Physical Attackers (In General): With a rather low base defense of 65, Sylveon will often faint due to the opponent using strong physical attackers like Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence, Mega Metagross, Landorus-T, Mega Mawile, etc. Literally the best way to deal with Sylveon if one doesn't have a way to at least neutralize it is to overwhelm it with powerful physical attacks before it can fire its own Pixilate Hyper Voice.
  
• Bulky Fire-types: Another Pokemon type Sylveon cannot beat without using a different coverage option is the Fire-type due to its resistance to Fairy-type attacks. Pokemon like Mega Charizard Y, Heatran, Rotom-H, Volcarona, Entei, Arcanine, and others can easily come in on Hyper Voice while either spread Will-O-Wisp burns, Snarl, setup, or even attack with their STAB Fire-type moves.
  
• Wide Guard : If Pixilate Hyper Voice is an issue with your entire team, Wide Guard such as from Aegislash, Swampert, Aerodactyl, Conkeldurr, Hitmontop, etc can provide protection from this attack and other notable spread damage for consecutive turns.
  

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Other Notable Moves
Here are a list of notable attacks in Sylveon can utilize well:

• Moonblast - A base 95 Fairy-type single target attack used to bypass Wide Guard user predicting a Hyper Voice.
• Shadow Ball - A base 80 Ghost-type attack and coverage for Aegislash, Gengar, and Mega Gardevoir.
• Reflect - Cuts the damage of all physical attacks by one-third in doubles.
• Light Screen - Cuts the damage of all special attacks by one-third in doubles.
• Hyper Beam - A base 150 Normal-turned-Fairy move (Pixilate) which deals massive damage, though at the cost of recharging for one turn.
• Sleep Talk - Allows the user to attack while they are asleep. Useful in case Sylveon takes a Spore or Dark Void.
• Quick Attack - A base 40 Normal-turned-Fairy move (Pixilate) which allows Sylveon to attack first.
• Psyshock - A base 80 Psychic move that calculates against defense instead of special defense. Used for Amoonguss, Gengar, and Mega Venusaur.

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For those who got this far thanks for reading this article! Wanted to make this as short as possible given we already have a couple of Sylveon post from last year though I'll admit those are a bit outdated for Battle Spot and the current VGC format. I'm likely going to take a break from doing these and post some set suggestions for the new 2016 metagame so look for some sets about the current VGC meta there for the time being.

(VGC) Mega Charizard Y - Attack (Special Attacker) 3 Options

Deviantart by DarthOwen

"Still four times weak to Stealth Rocks..."


(VGC) Mega Charizard Y - Attack (Special Attacker) 3 Options

Nov 13 2015

Type: Fire/Flying
Base Stats: 78 HP / 84 Attack / 78 Defense / 109 Special Attack / 85 Special Defense / 100 Speed
Mega Stats: 78 HP / 104 Attack / 78 Defense / 159 Special Attack / 115 Special Defense / 100 Speed
Weaknesses: Rock (x4), Water (x2), Electric (x2)
Resistances: Grass (X0.25), Bug (X0.25), Steel (X0.5), Fire (x0.5), Fighting (x0.5), Fairy (0.5x)
Immunities: Ground, Burns
Blaze: Increases the power of Fire moves by 50% when the user's HP is at or below 33%.
Solar Power (Hidden Ability): - During harsh sunlight, increases the Special Attack by 50% however the user loses 1/8th of their maximum HP per turn.
Drought (Mega Ability): Creates harsh sunlight whenever the user enters into battle for about 5 turns, essentially the same effects as Sunny Day. If the user with Drought is sent out at the same time when another Pokemon with a weather ability (Drizzle, Sand Stream, Snow Warning), the slower Pokemon will always override the faster Pokemon's weather.

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Overview

Charizard Y one of the most commonly seen Mega Evolutions in VGC and Battle Spot Doubles given its main ability Drought paired and its new its base 159 Special Attack to abuse.  With access to powerful now sun-boosted Fire attacks like Heat Wave, Fire Pledge, Over Heat, Fire Blast, etc Charizard Y is an difficult Pokemon to switch in as few Pokemon are able to take these attacks relatively well. Coverage-wise, all Mega Charizard Y really needs is the powerful Grass-type move Solar Beam to conveniently hit any Water-, Rock-, and Ground-type Pokemon for super effective damage without ever taking the turn to charge up while in the sun. Even Pokemon who are normally resistant to Fire-type attacks (Water-types, Fire-types, Dragon-types, Rock-types) still get a chunk of their HP taken away from any of Mega Charizard Y Drought-boost fire attacks. Additional bonuses of using Mega Charizard Y include the following as well: cutting the power of Water-type attacks to half for neutral effectiveness during harsh sunlight, a considerable buff to its base Special Defense to take most special hits including Pixilate Hyper Voice from Sylveon/Mega Gardevoir better than others, and a relatively high speed base speed of 100 to hit its sun-boosted Fire attacks against its opponent.

Despite the frightening sheer power from a Drought Mega Charizard Y, it still reliant on those 5 turns of hash sunlight to either initiate offense with its boosted Fire-type attacks/Solar Beam. After those 5 turns of sun are over, Charizard Y once again becomes weak against most strong Water-type attacks (sun cuts the power of Water-type attacks in half). As weather abuser itself, Charizard Y will spar in opposing "weather wars" against rain teams with the Drizzle-summoning Politoed and the Sand Stream spuming teams with Tyranitar (small tangent here but lets be honest Abomasnow really needs help when facing off against this Fire Pokemon) to maintain dominance. Mega Charizard Y is still weak against most Electric-type attacks and quadruple weak against Rock-types meaning a single Rock Slide can drop the Fire starter completely if it doesn't have investment. Surely Charizard Y has it flaws but its sheer nuking capabilities thanks to the sun-boosted attacks and the massive damage output far outweigh the risk of using the classic Fire-type starter in either VGC/Battle Spot Doubles.

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Ability Discussion: How to Use Drought Turns Wisely

[spoiler]
Alright before we go in-depth about the ability Drought lets just to clear some misconceptions. Anyone who's using ever seen a Charizard in team preview during a VGC/Battle Spot Doubles match is far likely going to the Y variant (unless its Mega Charizard X). The main reason why Charizard Y or Charizard has seen usage in the VGC format is due to the fact of how game changing both its Mega Evolution and its new ability Drought nearly complement each other considering how powerful sun-boosted fire attacks hit. Regular Charizard isn't as good compared to its Mega forms since both excel in either physical or special offense in case respectively. As far as pre-Mega abilities goes, Blaze Charizard is better than Solar Power variants since 1) Solar Power doesn't stack with Drought during Mega Evolving for those asking and 2) in the event that an opposing Charizard  Mega Evolves into the Y variant and the Solar Power Charizard (either the Mega or regular) protects it will lose 1/8th of its health due to how Solar Power Pokemon take recoil per turn of sun.

Now that's out of the way, here's some pointer everyone should know about Charizard Y. For starters, Drought isn't activated until Charizard Y goes for the Mega Evolution in the same turn, or has switched back in to setup up/or clear opposing weather for its own. While some might think this is a direct disadvantage for Charizard Y as a weather setter, this "delay" pretty much acts as a buffer against opposing weather teams. Consider the following example: Charizard (with a Charizardite Y stone) and its partner is facing off against a Politoed/Ludicolo lead with the setup prior before the first turn is made. This is rather a favorable position for the Charizard Y user considering they can clear the rain by Mega Evolving to summon Drought and easily going for a Solar Beam or a sun-boosted attack.

Here's an example of this: http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/vgc2015-287838238

Now say if there's a Politoed/Tyranitar in Team Preview and aren't chosen as leads but are likely in the back or the two other Pokemon the opponent brought. In these situations, try to either protect Charizard Y on the first turn possibly without Mega Evolving to activate the sun. Alternatively the Charizard Y user can be aggressive and activate Drought by Mega Evolving so none of the opposing weather beneficiaries gain most of their effects or just to force the switch out from the opposing weather setter. The only case in which Charizard Y cannot prevent an opposing weather effect is the speed order of a Pokemon, say an Excadrill or Ludicolo as Charizard Mega Evolves the first turn while rain/sand is up. Speed order are decided before the turn goes so Excadrill with Sand Rush will likely go first and the same can be said about Kingdra/Ludicolo in rain even if Charizard Y changes the weather. If Charizard Y is able to protect, then Mega Evolve the following turn, this can likely prevent the opponent from maintaining their weather setter for potentially up to turn 3 (or turn 1 if they happen to lead) since Charizard Y will override the opposing switch out as it Mega Evolves. By then, Charizard Y can switch into a partner so it can take maintain the sun instead of the opposing weather throughout the battle.

Again here's an example of this scenario where Charizard Y is able to catch an opposing Politoed on the switch: http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/vgc2015-287840944

Now as far as matchups is concern, Charizard Y fairs best against hail teams....ok that one was kinda self explanatory if it a fast hail team unless they have either Heatran, a Rock Slide user, or Trick Room to make Charizard Y go last. With Abomasnow being quad weak to Fire, Charizard Y can easily just target its other allies before it even goes after the snow tree Pokemon with a for sure KO. Rain teams are somewhat tricky to deal with if the opposing user has experience using this team archetype and maintains Politoed to the end. Its kinda funny if you ask me that rain and sun counter balance each other since either or just drop the effectiveness of Water- or Fire-type attacks in half. This fact is somewhat of a double-edge sword since Charizard Y can easily cut the power of Water-type attacks while boost its in Fire-type attacks and can even go for Solar Beam without charging up. At the same time, if a Politoed (or any other weather setter) switches in as Charizard Y goes for Solar Beam, it will be forced into the recharging phase and vulnerable to any rain-boosted water attacks. Sand-based teams are Charizard Y's worse matchup as they typically carry Pokemon with Rock Slide like Tyranitar, Excadrill, Terrakion, Mega Salamence, Cradily, etc. For this matchup, its advisable to not go for a Solar Beam unless Tyranitar isn't Scarf, or not the Mega, and its already on the field with some prior damage with the sun up. The only possibly way for Charizard Y to beat this archetype is with team support (Intimidate, Wide Guard, Fighting typed) and speed control so it can outspeed the common Scarf Tyranitar and Excadrill if sand is up.

As mentioned here's an example to not Solar Beam, but rather scout out the turn against most weather teams: http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/vgc2015-287842545

Remember to always count the turns of sun as well since Charizard Y needs its weather to effectively hit opposing teams with sun-boosted Fire-type moves. This is crucial especially if the five turns of sun run out since Mega Charizard Y won't have any of its STAB Fire-type attacks boosted, won't take Water-type hits well again, or use one-turn Solar Beam for that matter. Fortunately for Charizard Y, its has a extremely high base 159 Special Attack to work with and pairing its main STAB options in the sun means few Pokemon bar resisted targets won't take sun-boosted attacks for long. The double-style nature of the VGC format shouldn't be a concern especially if Charizard Y or its partners can take out two targets within those 5 turns of sun. Once this is achieved, Charizard Y can easily maintain the weather and reset it back by switching out to take on the remaining two Pokemon with its threatening sun-boosted STABs.

[/spoiler]

---

Fast Charizard Y

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
Level: 50
EVs: 60 HP / 4 Def / 188 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave / Flamethrower / Fire Pledge
- Solar Beam
- Overheat / Flamethrower
- Protect

Milestones:
-Outspeeds both Jolly Landorus-T and Mega Kangaskhan (1st turn during Mega Evolution or base form) by 1 point.
-STAB Overheat in the sun OHKOs 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Gardevoir 100% of the time (factoring it hits).
-From the special defensive side, survives both a Modest Life Orb Draco Meteor from Hydreigon 93.7% of the time and a Timid Thunderbolt Thundurus-Incarnate form both with 252 SpA investment.
-Solar Beam 2HKOs standard 252 HP / 148 SpD Calm Rotom-W and 252 HP / 52 SpD Suicune with Sitrus Berry
-Max speed to speed tie with base 100s and outspeed anything else below.
-Solar Beam OHKOS 4 HP Terrakion 100% of the time.

This Mega Charizard Y set is designated to be a fast hit-and-run attacker with the full 252 speed investment in order to outspeed most Pokemon without relying on its team speed control while having strong offensive presence. That said, Charizard Y won't be able to take a Rock Slide from either Landorus-T/Terrakion or Double Edge from Mega Kangaskhan/Salamence without having proper support like Intimidate, Reflect, Wide Guard, Will-O-Wisp etc. Timid Charizard Y has seen a significant rise in usage given that most of the other base 90-100 Pokemon (Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Gardevoir, Hydreigon, Landorus-T, Arcanine, Zapdos, Landorus-T, Volcarona, Entei etc) are running near max speed, or speed tie at worse. Since Charizard is naturally at base 100 speed already, it can be able to outspeed neutral Mega Kangaskhan or Mega Gardevoir before they are able to get a opposing attack off. As far as the standard set goes, most Timid Charizard Y sets typically carry 2 Fire attacks + Solar Beam to round out its coverage options. The main reason for this is Charizard  Y's main fire attacks (Heat Wave, Fire Blast, Flamethrower, Overheat) already receive two 1.5x boosts from STAB and from Drought making it an incredibly powerful Pokemon. Even most Pokemon who are resisted to Charizard Y's sun-boosted attacks will take about a 20% to 33% of their heath which is good enough so its partners can potentially OHKO them. Almost anything else that's unresisted to these sun-boosted Fire-type STAB will likely get 2HKOed just by the sheer power. Solar Beam rounds out most of Charizard Y's attacks since it doesn't suffer from the standard recharge due to the drought and can be used automatically to hit Rock-, Ground-, and Water-type Pokemon for super effective damage.

So with that out of the way, lets go in-depth of Charizard Y's main Fire-type STABs used with most of these sets. Heat Wave is the most standard Fire-type STAB for the Fire Starter given it deals a sizable amount of damage to both unresisted targets since its boosted by STAB and from the sunlight. The main use of sun-boosted Heat Wave is to inflict as much damage as possible against both targets or can be used as a finishing attack to clean up against weaken targets. The only issue with this is Wide Guard is rather common so Charizard Y might opt for the following Fire-type STABs: Flamethrower, Fire Pledge, or Overheat. Flamethrower while doesn't deal more total damage output from attack both targets, its able to bypass Wide Guard and deals a heavy damage against one Pokemon considering its single target. Fire Pledge is ten base power weaker than Flamethrower, however if combo'd successfully with a fast Grass-type starter (mainly chlorophyll Venusaur), its base power doubles to a powerful base 160 and can essentially roast any target that's not resisted, or named Heatran. Overheat is the main standard "overkill" option since it can OHKO 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan and Mega Gardevoir 100% of the time as well as deal incredibly damage even against resisted targets like Mega Salamence, Rotom-W, or Suicune if it needs OHKO them (assuming some chip damage was already inflicted).


Damage Calculations
Offensive- Just going to focus on the highlighted attacks (Heat Wave, Flamethrower, Fire Pledge (full power), Overheat, and Solar Beam) for the Timid Charizard Y build. Note this is going to be the main of  offensive damage calculations for this thread given all three sets have very similar damage output off by a couple of percentage points like 1-4%. Charizard Y will still get the notable 2HKOs against neutral targets due to just how powerful sun-boosted atttacks come from a base 159 Special Attack.

[spoiler]

(All calculations were done with 188 SpA with a Timid nature)

Heat Wave ( 188 SpA with Drought boost)

• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan in Sun: 102-121 (56.3 - 66.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 212 HP / 20 SpD Mega Kangaskhan in Sun: 99-117 (47.8 - 56.5%) -- 83.2% chance to 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence in Sun: 55-66 (32.1 - 38.5%) -- 97.6% chance to 3HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur in Sun: 84-98 (44.9 - 52.4%) -- 18% chance to 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir in Sun: 79-94 (54.8 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T in Sun: 121-144 (73.3 - 87.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus in Sun: 96-114 (52.1 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 92 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Sun: 81-96 (44.5 - 52.7%) -- 19.1% chance to 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Aegislash-Shield in Sun: 144-170 (86.2 - 101.7%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia in Sun: 69-82 (30.9 - 36.7%) -- 69.4% chance to 3HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 188 HP / 156+ SpD Amoonguss in Sun: 186-218 (87.3 - 102.3%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 252 HP / 44 SpD Mega Gengar in Sun: 102-121 (61 - 72.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Metagross in Sun: 188-224 (120.5 - 143.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Flamethrower (188 SpA with Drought boost)

• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan in Sun: 129-153 (71.2 - 84.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir in Sun: 100-118 (69.4 - 81.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 156 SpD Aegislash-Shield in Sun: 168-198 (100.5 - 118.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus in Sun: 123-145 (66.8 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T in Sun: 156-184 (94.5 - 111.5%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 92 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Sun: 103-123 (56.5 - 67.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 156 SpD Aegislash-Shield in Sun: 168-198 (100.5 - 118.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia in Sun: 88-105 (39.4 - 47%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 44 SpD Mega Gengar in Sun: 129-153 (77.2 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Overheat (188 SpA with Drought boost )

• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 220 HP / 92+ SpD Cresselia in Sun: 127-150 (56.9 - 67.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan in Sun: 186-220 (102.7 - 121.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Thick Fat Mega Venusaur in Sun: 152-182 (81.2 - 97.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gardevoir in Sun: 144-171 (100 - 118.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence in Sun: 102-120 (59.6 - 70.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 92 HP / 0 SpD Sylveon in Sun: 150-177 (82.4 - 97.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 236 HP / 128+ SpD Thundurus in Sun: 177-208 (96.1 - 113%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar in Sun: 93-110 (52.8 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat vs. 252 HP / 44 SpD Mega Gengar in Sun: 184-217 (110.1 - 129.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Solar Beam (188 SpA)

• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Terrakion: 168-198 (100.5 - 118.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 148+ SpD Rotom-W: 114-136 (72.6 - 86.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 52 SpD Suicune: 130-154 (62.8 - 74.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 212 HP / 116+ SpD Politoed: 124-148 (64.5 - 77%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tyranitar: 154-182 (87.5 - 103.4%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 236 HP / 20 SpD Milotic: 124-148 (62 - 74%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Swampert: 332-392 (160.3 - 189.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 68 HP / 188 SpD Solid Rock Rhyperior: 279-330 (140.2 - 165.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Greninja: 202-238 (136.4 - 160.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Excadrill: 108-128 (58 - 68.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Fire Pledge (160 full power) Note: Damage Calculations don't know "Flamethrower" but I manually changed the base power to 160 to reflect the following below:

• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Pledge (160 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Kangaskhan in Sun: 229-271 (126.5 - 149.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Pledge (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 132+ SpD Thundurus in Sun: 214-253 (115 - 136%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Pledge (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Gardevoir in Sun: 177-208 (101.1 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Pledge (160 BP) vs. 212 HP / 20 SpD Mega Kangaskhan in Sun: 225-265 (108.6 - 128%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 188 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Pledge (160 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Mega Salamence in Sun: 124-147 (72.5 - 85.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

[/spoiler]

Defensive -
Since this Mega Charizard Y won't be taking Rock Slides/Double Edge anytime soon, I've also included damage calculations if say another target is at -1 by an Intimidate. Keep in mind that this Charizard Y set isn't meant to fulfill defensive role rather dish out as much damage as possible with sun-boosted fire attacks.

[spoiler]

• -1 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 60 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard Y: 123-145 (76.3 - 90%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 60 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard Y: 117-138 (72.6 - 85.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252+ Atk Landorus-T Rock Slide vs. 60 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard Y: 124-148 (77 - 91.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 60 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 134-158 (83.2 - 98.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 60 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 136-161 (84.4 - 100%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
• 252 SpA Pixilate Mega Gardevoir Hyper Voice vs. 60 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 39-47 (24.2 - 29.1%) -- 99.6% chance to 4HKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 60 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 48-57 (29.8 - 35.4%) -- 29.6% chance to 3HKO

[/spoiler]

---

Bulky Charizard Y

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
Level: 50
EVs: 188 HP / 196 Def / 8 SpA / 116 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 1 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 SpD
- Heat Wave / Flamethrower
- Solar Beam
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Protect

Milestones:
-This is Calisweeper's Mega Charizard Y so here are some achievements below:
-Survives a Rock Slide from an Adamant 252 Atk Landorus-T 100% of the time.
-Survives a Double Edge from Jolly Mega Kangaskhan/Salamence 100% of the time.
-Can take a +2 Shadow Ball from Weakness Policy Aegislash
-Outspeed positive base 70 Pokemon like Jolly Breloom.
-The Special Attack stat for this set is about 5 points less (203>198).

With Charizard Y being frail from the defensive end, chances of it taking a Double Edge from Mega Kangaskhan/Salamence or a Rock Slide from Landorus-T are rather low. This Charizard Y EV spread from Calisweeper is an example of how players will opt significant investment to HP and Defense to survive such attack so Charizard can get off a strong sun-boosted fire attack. STAB Heat Wave with the sun-boost is still strong enough to 2HKO most targets that aren't resisted or naturally bulky on the special defensive end. Again Flamethrower can be opted in case the player doesn't want to either a) give an opposing Heatran a Flash Fire boost on a switch in, b) inflict higher damage output against single target Pokemon, and c) bypass Wide Guard from Aegislash. Solar Beam is still a great coverage option in case Charizard Y is up against Rock-, Ground-, and mostly Water-types like Suicune, Milotic, Politoed, or Rotom-W. The only notable change from the moveset is this Charizard Y acts as a lure against opposing Heatrans and can deal heavy damage with Hidden Power Ground. Heatran is considered the go-to counter to Charizard Y since none of the sun-boosted fire attacks will damage Heatran and Solar Beam does almost nothing to the Fire/Steel type.  Though it won't faint even the least bulkier variants or with Shuca Berry, Hidden Power Ground will still deal around 80% so another partner can take out Heatran with a neutral hit. Hidden Power Ground is another way to take out opposing Fire types considering the fact the opponent will likely use this same tactic to pivot against Charizard Y.

Damage Calculations

Offensive - Not going to focus on offensive power as much other than Hidden Power Ground since this Charizard Y's has about 5 Special Attack points less. Despite this Heat Wave and Flamethrower with the sun up can 2HKO most neutral targets unless they are either resistant or naturally bulky like Cresselia/Sylveon. Solar Beam however won't guarantee the OHKO / 2HKO on either standard Terrakion or Suicune respectively though Charizard Y has a favorable damage roll against these two.

[spoiler]

Hidden Power Ground ( 8 SpA Modest with 30 IVs in SpA Stat )

• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 144-172 (86.2 - 102.9%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 144-172 (72.7 - 86.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine: 90-108 (54.2 - 65%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Chandelure: 82-98 (60.2 - 72%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 4- SpD Blaziken: 112-132 (72.2 - 85.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard X: 86-102 (56.2 - 66.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 102-120 (72.3 - 85.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 8+ SpA Mega Charizard Y Hidden Power Ground vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Mawile: 78-94 (49.6 - 59.8%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO

[/spoiler]

Defensive - Here I'm going to feature the defensive achievements that Calisweeper's Charizard Y set was able to accomplish with some damage calculation using Intimidate drops.

[spoiler]

Physical Defense ( 188 HP / 196 Def with some Intimidate drops )

• 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 188 HP / 196 Def Mega Charizard Y: 146-173 (82.4 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 188 HP / 196 Def Mega Charizard Y: 141-166 (79.6 - 93.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Landorus-T Rock Slide vs. 188 HP / 196 Def Mega Charizard Y: 148-176 (83.6 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252 Atk Terrakion Rock Slide vs. 188 HP / 196 Def Mega Charizard Y: 124-148 (70 - 83.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 188 HP / 196 Def Mega Charizard Y: 132-156 (74.5 - 88.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage

Special Defense ( 188 HP only )

• +2 252+ SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 148-175 (83.6 - 98.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 146-174 (82.4 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 159-187 (89.8 - 105.6%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
• 252 SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 144-171 (81.3 - 96.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 SpA Mega Gardevoir Psychic vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 82-97 (46.3 - 54.8%) -- 58.6% chance to 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 48-57 (27.1 - 32.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
• 252 SpA Politoed Scald vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y in Rain: 146-174 (82.4 - 98.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 SpA Gengar Sludge Bomb vs. 188 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 69-82 (38.9 - 46.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

[/spoiler]

---

Tailwind

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 44 SpA / 4 SpD / 196 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flamethrower / Heat Wave
- Solar Beam
- Tailwind
- Protect

Milestones:
-This set is mostly based off of Blake Hooper's and Level 51's Charizard Y set.
-OHKOes 252 HP /156 SpD Aegislash with Flamethrower
-Outspeeds neutral Landorus-T with 252 Spe
-Survives a -1 Rock Slide from Landorus-T,  Jolly Tyranitar, and Jolly Terrakion with an Intimidate drop 100% of the time.
-Survives Specs Draco Meteor from Modest Hydreigon 15/16th of the time.
-Has near same damage output compared with the first set (Timid 188 SpA) shown.
-Outspeed Adamant Excadrill and Smeargle.

This Charizard Y set is based on among the most standard and effective sets available which allows it to outspeed Adamant Landorus-T, Excadrill, or even positive speed Smeargle. The full HP investment along with a few EVs in its defenses allows Charizard Y to take most Rock Slides up to Jolly Terrakion after an Intimidate drop while can take a Modest Draco Meteor from Hydreigon most of the time. That said for this Charizard Y set, the main objective is to setup Tailwind support for its teammates so both can outspeed the opponent for the next three turns. Try to use Tailwind when there are targets who are generally weak against Charizard Y like a Grass or Steel Pokemon that can't  threaten Charizard Y to well without either switching out or protecting that turn. Once the Tailwind is setup, Charizard Y and its partners will have the next 3 turns to continuously target down key targets with its sun-boosted Fire-type attacks or coverage options to hopefully win  the battle during this time. Since Tailwind will take up a moveslot, either Flamethrower or Heat Wave should be used for optimal Fire STAB. Again the choice if up to the player to decide which Fire-type attack is better since Flamethrower deals far greater damage against single target Pokemon and bypasses Wide Guard while Heat Wave can target down both Pokemon, however it can get walled easily with Wide Guard user. Solar Beam is self-explanatory at this point so us this Grass-type coverage against any Water-, Rock-, or Ground type Pokemon while Drought is in effect. Lastly protect is there to scout out for any attacks or protect Charizard from any opposing attacks.

Damage Calculations

Offensive - Again this Charizard Y has the similar damage output to the other two shown which is off by a couple percentage points so not much of a difference unless it has full max special attack with a Modest Nature.

Defensive - Here some of the damage calculations will feature key benchmarks while using Intimidate drops when comparing it to something like Rock Slide or Double Edge.

[spoiler]
Physical Defense (252 HP  / 12 Def with some factoring in Intimidate)

• -1 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 123-145 (66.4 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252 Atk Terrakion Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 156-184 (84.3 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 156-184 (84.3 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage
• -1 252+ Atk Landorus-T Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 124-148 (67 - 80%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• -1 252 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 115-136 (62.1 - 73.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Life Orb Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 118-140 (63.7 - 75.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 114-136 (61.6 - 73.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 82-97 (44.3 - 52.4%) -- 9% chance to 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Huge Power Mega Mawile Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 104-123 (56.2 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ Atk Choice Band Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 12 Def Mega Charizard Y: 148-175 (80 - 94.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Special Defense (252 HP / 4 SpD)

• 252+ SpA Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 146-174 (78.9 - 94%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Pixilate Sylveon Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 48-57 (25.9 - 30.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
• 252 SpA Mega Gardevoir Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 82-97 (44.3 - 52.4%) -- 19.1% chance to 2HKO
• 252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 157-186 (84.8 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
• 252+ SpA Politoed Scald vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y in Rain: 158-188 (85.4 - 101.6%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
• 212 SpA Aerilate Mega Salamence Hyper Voice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 61-73 (32.9 - 39.4%) -- 100% chance to 3HKO
• 100 SpA Suicune Scald vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y in Sun: 38-48 (20.5 - 25.9%) -- 0.1% chance to 4HKO
• 60 SpA Rotom-W Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 102-120 (55.1 - 64.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• 252 SpA Mega Gengar Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Mega Charizard Y: 84-99 (45.4 - 53.5%) -- 32.4% chance to 2HKO
  

[/spoiler]

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Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to

• Intimidate Support: Pokemon like Landorus-T, Scrafty, Hitmontop, Gyarados, Acaranine, etc are able to mitigate the physical damage done to Charizard Y with Intimidate are vital partners to ensure its longevity.
  
• Offensive Synergy Partners: Garchomp, Mamoswine, Landorus-T, Rhyperior and Excadrill are among the best partners considering Charizard Y can easily threaten most Water-/Ice-type Pokemon with its Fire + Solar Beam coverage while any of these Ground-types can come in on an Electric-type attack and are free to Earthquake without hurting its partner at all.  Sand-based teams with Tyranitar + Excadrill appreciate Mega Charizard Y by improving its matchup against rain teams by cutting the power of Water-type attacks in half and maintaining weather dominance of sand + sun. Sylveon is the one of (if not) the best special attacker to pair with Charizard Y as only Fire-types along with Water/Poison-types could resist the combination of Pixilate Hyper Voice or sun-boosted Heat Wave/Flamethrower, and anything else will get severely damaged. Terrakion is another Pokemon seen with Charizard Y since it capable of OHKOing Mega Kangaskhan, Tyranitar, etc with STAB Close Combat and threatening Mega Salamence, Thundurus, Zapdos, Talonflame, etc with a STAB Rock Slide.
  
• Wide Guard: Since Charizard Y is extremely deceptive to Rock Slide, Pokemon like Aegislash, Conkeldurr, Hitmontop, Machamp, Hariyama, Mienshao, Swampert, and others can provide Wide Guard support while most of them have an additional bonus of being checks/counters to most Rock Slide users like Excadrill, Tyranitar, Terrakion, etc.
  
• Speed Control: Though Charizard Y has an above average base speed of 100, this isn't enough to allow Charizard Y to outspeed targets/threats like Mega Salamence, Terrakion, Scarf Tyranitar/Landorus-T, or Sand Rush Exadrill. Speed Control is almost a necessity to allow Charizard Y to outspeed key targets while firing Drought-boosted STAB attacks before it goes down. Example of speed control options include Thunder Wave, Icy Wind, Electro-Web, Tailwind, and Trick Room.
  
• Beneficiaries of Drought: One of the most common partners with Charizard Y is Chlorophyll Venusaur since its speed is doubled during the sun though it has to wait an extra turn if the sun isn't settled. An interesting point regarding these two since both can learn two of the pledge moves Grass Pledge and Fire Pledge and both these attacks combine to create a powerful single target base 160 power Fire-type attack boosted in the sun. If Venusaur or Charizard Y are able to connect with their attacks, the combined Fire Pledge should be able to bypass speed orders an attack any intended target. The last thing about to mention is a "Sea of Fire" is created which deals 1/8th damage against all non-Fire-type Pokemon on the field. It shouldn't take a genius to realize that other Fire-type Pokemon paired with Charizard Y can benefit from the extra five turns of sun as well.
  
• Grass types: Grass type Pokemon like Breloom, Virizion, Ferrothorn, Shifty, Venusaur, Whimsicott, and others can come in against Water-, Rock-, or Ground-type Pokemon well should Charizard Y's Drought wears off.

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Threats

• Rock-Types and Rock-type attack: In all seriousness, Charizard Y cannot withstand the any quad super effective Rock-type hit especially if its STAB coming from a Tyranitar, Terrakion, Rhyperior, Aerodactyl, etc while most Rock-types can take a Drought-boosted Fire-type attack relatively well. Rock Slide is a common non-STAB coverage option found on Pokemon like Landorus-T, Excadrill, Mamoswine, Mega Salamence, Blaziken, Mega Swampert, Greninja, and other fast threats who can easily drop Chaizard Y if it doesn't have any defensive investment. Lastly Stone Edge is an option to bypass any Wide Guard user paired with Charizard Y and deal far more damage than Rock Slide.
  
• Opposing Weather (Rain / Sand): In term of weather, Charizard Y cannot recklessly stay in too often against opposing weather teams since Politoed, Tyranitar, or any others can easily remove the Drought. Despite being counterbalanced to sun, rain teams can still attempt to catch Charizard Y off with a rain-boosted attack especially once Charizard Y can no longer switch out. Keep in mind that Charizard Y will likely be switching in and out so use the water-boosted attack wisely while keep Politoed around to trap it in the late game.  Sand teams honestly fair better than rain against Charizard Y since Tyranitar can easily come in on any Fire-type attack with a boosted Special Defense and knock it out with a quad effective Rock Slide. Once it has Sand Rush activated, Excadrill can outspeed Charizard Y and fire a super effective Rock Slide to drop the Mega. Lastly since this has been picking up lately, manual weather like Prankster/fast Rain Dance from Thundurus, Liepard, Meowstic, etc can shut down Charizard Y quick and have its partner KO with a rain boosted Water-type attack.
  
• Physical Attackers: Since Charizard Y has a low base HP and Defense stats, Pokemon like Mega Kangaskhan, Mega Salamence, Talonflame, Arcanine, Garchomp, Entei as well as the other Rock-type coverage users mentioned earlier threaten it reasonably well to to force a switch out so take advantage of this. Some of these Pokemon mentioned here have priority moves so these attacks in case they cannot outspeed Charizard Y before they get hit or possibly KOed.
  
• Electric-types: Most Electric-type Pokemon like Thundurus, Raichu, Mega Manetric, Raikou, Rotom-A, Zapdos, Heliolisk, etc are all able to take fire super effective hits against Charizard Y especially if its boosted as as well. If any of these Electric-types can't OHKO Charizard Y, the least they can do is paralyze it with Thunder Wave so Charizard Y can't move first or even move at all on certain turns.
  
• Opposing Speed Control: Virtually any form of speed control that allows Charizard Y to move last is beneficially in beating the Mega Evolution. Pokemon who can setup Tailwind like Suicune, Zapdos, Hydreigon, Lati@s, Talonflame, etc are mostly bulky enough to take on the Mega Evolution's sun-boosted fire attacks or have a super effective typing advantage.  Thunder Wave as mentioned before can be use by a variety of non-Electric-type Pokemon such as Cresselia, Togekiss, Gothitelle, Porygon2, Tyranitar, etc to slow down Charizard Y so it won't outspeed the opposing side. Icy Wind/Electro Web is a somewhat difficult speed control to pull off since this requires knowing the speed tier stats however this can slow down Charizard Y enough so threats like Mega Kangashan, Landorus-T, Tyranitar, etc can easily KO it. Lastly Trick Room is a viable strategy to ensure that most Charizard Y won't be moving first for 5 turns.
  
• Dragon-types: Opposing Dragon-type Pokemon like Hydreigon, Latios, Latias, Mega Salamence, Garchomp, Kingdra, and plenty of others are able to switch in on most of Charizard Y's sun boosted attacks due to their resistance to fire attacks while capable of knocking the Fire Starter with the strong Draco Meteor, Double Edge, Dragon Claw, Rock Slide, or other coverage options respectively.
  
• Fire-types: Lastly, Fire-type Pokemon can check Mega Charizard Y reasonably well and can abuse the sun to power up their own Fire-type attacks. Probably the best counter to Chrarizard Y is Heatran as it take no damage from any sun-boosted STABs thanks to Flash Fire, resist Solar Beam attacks, and can get a Flash Fire / sun boost to potentially sweep the opposing team with its own Fire-type attacks. Rotom-H resist both of Charizard Y's duel STABs along with Solar Beam so it can easily launch a Thunderbolt or OHKO its partner with a sun-boosted Overheat. Other Fire types like Blaziken, Inferape, Entei, Talonflame. etc can threaten Charizard Y with their coverage option as well abuse the sun for themselves.
  

---

Other Notable Moves
Here are some other options for Charizard Y to run if someone is looking for alternatives to its movepool.

• Fire Blast - A base 110 Fire-type move and the only other Fire-type attack that wasn't mentioned as often in this thread while still receiving the Drought boost. While Mega Charizard Y has stronger attackers liker Overheat or a full-power Fire Pledge, both these attacks have some minor issues with Overheat dropping the Special Attack stat by 2 stages (1/2) with the chance to miss or Fire Pledge requiring chlorophyll Venusaur with Grass Pledge to setup.  Fire Blast is an alternative if the Overheat drops doesn't appeal to one however Charizard Y will surely miss out on key KOs like against 4 HP Mega Kangaskhan or use as a finishing attack against those who either resist or have a high special defense.
  
• Hidden Power Ice - A base 60 special coverage attack mainly used against other quadruple weak Pokemon like Mega Salamence or Landorus-T. Given Charizard Y's rather high Special Attack stat, Hidden Power Ice can do either heavy damage or even OHKO these two targets nicely though the issue is Landorus-T could be Scarf variant who can fire Rock Slides and Mega Salamence nautrally outspeeds and beats Y most of the time with its Physical/Mixed sets. Maintaining speed control here is really important in order to secure these surprise knock outs.
  
• Focus Blast -A base 120 Fighting-type special move which is powerful enough on the hands of Charizard Y to potentially OHKO Hydreigon, Heatran, Tyranitar, or even Mega Kangaskhan however the base 70% accuracy can be rather atrocious at times especially if its in a best of one setting.
  
• Ancient Power - A base 60 Rock-type move which can be advantage against opposing Flying and Fire types like Mega Salamence, Arcanine, Rotom-H, or even opposing Charizard Y mirror matches.
  
• Will-O-Wisp- A status ailment attack which burns the target Pokemon about 85% of the time otherwise used to cut the power of physical attackers. Can be a nice surprise move coming from a Charizard Y though I'd think other Pokemon are better in spreading burn status.
  
• Air Slash- A base 75 Flying type special attack in which has a 30% chance to flinch the opponent though a small 5% chance to miss. This is pretty much Charizard Y's only STAB option that's not a Fire-type move though since its not ridiculous boosted by Drought its kinda obsolute. I guess the only notable thing from Air Slash is using it for Fighting-types with the potential flinch factor.
  
  

---

Thanks for reading this overview. This one took a bit longer than expected given how many issues I had with my laptop so I'm going to work on both Sylveon and Heatran which should be done by the end of the month.

(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]

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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]

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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.

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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.
  

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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.
  

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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.
  

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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.

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