Shy Shy Shy – Raichu Guide for VGC 2017

“It uses psychokinesis to control electricity. It hops aboard its own tail, using psychic power to lift the tail and move about while riding it.”

 

OVERVIEW

 

Along with Gengar, Raichu is the only member of Wolfe Glick’s Worlds 2016 winning team to make a return this season. While Gengar lost the precious Gengarite, Raichu was blessed with a new toy, in the form of an Alolan variant. The first main difference (or improvement, to some) is that 5 points were moved from each its Physical Base Stats to their Special counterparts. Raising a Raichu in Alola also makes it part Psychic Type, and granting it access to STAB Psychic.

As a result, Alolan Raichu is uniquely positioned to benefit from two out of the three commonly seen Terrain, namely Electric Terrain and Psychic Terrain. Electric Terrain, granted by Tapu Koko’s Electric Surge, not only gives an additional boost to Alolan Raichu’s Electric STAB, but also double its Speed, thanks to its Signature Ability, Surge Surfer. Similarly, Psychic Terrain powers up Alolan Raichu’s Psychic STAB, with the additional benefit of nullifying priority moves targeted at the Mouse Pokemon.

However, no matter the new gifts bestowed on Raichu, it does not change the fact that it is still extremely frail. While Assault Vest is still around, players looking to emulate Wolfe Glick’s Raichu might find some trouble finding moves that are as supportive, due to the loss of Move Tutors.

 

SAMPLE SETS

 

Raichu-Alola @ Adrenaline Orb or Aloraichium Z
Ability: Surge Surfer
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature or Modest Nature
– Electro Ball or Thunderbolt
– Grass Knot or Fake Out
– Hidden Power [Ice] or Nuzzle
– Psychic

 

Damage Calc:

Offensive

Electro Ball

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela in Electric Terrain: 312-368 (152.9 – 180.3%) — guaranteed OHKO [31;0]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Araquanid in Electric Terrain: 246-290 (140.5 – 165.7%) — guaranteed OHKO [31;0]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Wishiwashi-School: 162-192 (106.5 – 126.3%) — guaranteed OHKO [0;0]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Torkoal in Electric Terrain: 205-243 (115.8 – 137.2%) — guaranteed OHKO [31;0]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Milotic in Electric Terrain: 174-206 (86.1 – 101.9%) — 12.5% chance to OHKO [0;0]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Milotic in Electric Terrain: 138-164 (68.3 – 81.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO [31;0]

> After Intimidate

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gyarados in Electric Terrain: 504-592 (296.4 – 348.2%) — guaranteed OHKO [31;252+]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (150 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine in Electric Terrain: 187-222 (94.9 – 112.6%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO [31;0]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Salamence in Electric Terrain: 150-177 (87.7 – 103.5%) — 25% chance to OHKO [31;252+]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Electro Ball (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Ninetales-Alola in Electric Terrain: 126-148 (84.5 – 99.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO [31;252+]

Grass Knot

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Grass Knot (60 BP) vs. 244 HP / 88 SpD Gastrodon: 120-144 (55.2 – 66.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Hidden Power [Ice]

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Salamence: 136-160 (79.5 – 93.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Garchomp: 128-152 (69.9 – 83%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Psychic

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Psychic vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Gengar: 156-186 (115.5 – 137.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Raichu-Alola Psychic vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Nihilego: 102-120 (55.1 – 64.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

This set revolves around making full use of Surge Surfer’s boost to Alolan Raichu’s Speed, by utilizing Adrenaline Orb and Electro Ball. Electro Ball, for the uninitated, is essentially the Speed demons’ Gyro Ball. If the foe’s Speed is less than one third of Alolan Raichu’s, Electro Ball’s Base Power becomes 120. For foes whose Speed is less than a quarter of Alolan Raichu’s, the Base Power hits a whopping 150. While the Base Power for Electro Ball falls drastically against fast opponents, the whole metagame being really slow in general goes a long way in maximizing Electro Ball’s Base Power.

With Surge Surfer and Electric Terrain active, Alolan Raichu hits 356 Speed, which means any opponent with a Speed stat of less than 118 will take at least a 120 Base Power Electro Ball. When Adrenaline Orb is triggered by an opposing Intimidate, Alolan Raichu’s Speed hits 534, and the opponent’s Speed threshold rises to 178. After calculating the boosts from Electric Terrain and STAB, Electro Ball can become a really scary move.

Grass Knot and Hidden Power [Ice] are the coverage moves against Pokemon like Gastrodon and Garchomp, though while it is short of an OHKO, prevents Alolan Raichu from being absolutely wrecked by those Pokemon. Psychic is a decent move and can benefit from STAB and Psychic Terrain, though the coverage it provides is ultimately subpar.

As such, other coverage moves can be considered. Notable ones in VGC 2017 would include: Discharge, Encore, Fake Out, Feint, Nuzzle, and Volt Switch.

If Electro Ball is not your cup of tea, players can opt to swap Adrenaline Orb and Electro Ball for Aloraichium Z and Thunderbolt. Alolan Raichu’s signature Z-Move, Stoked Sparksurfer, has a Base Power of 175, and has a more consistent damage output against fast teams.

 

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Raichu-Alola @ Focus Sash
Ability: Surge Surfer
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
– Fake Out
– Nasty Plot
– Psychic or Grass Knot or Hidden Power [Ice]
– Thunderbolt

 

Damage Calc:

Offensive

Grass Knot

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Grass Knot (60 BP) vs. 244 HP / 88 SpD Gastrodon: 236-280 (108.7 – 129%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Mudsdale: 168-198 (81.1 – 95.6%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Hidden Power [Ice]

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Hidden Power Ice vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Salamence: 268-316 (156.7 – 184.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Garchomp: 168-200 (91.8 – 109.2%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

Psychic

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Psychic vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko: 157-186 (107.5 – 127.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Marowak-Alola: 150-177 (89.8 – 105.9%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

> Psychic Terrain

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Psychic vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Marowak-Alola in Psychic Terrain: 225-265 (134.7 – 158.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

Thunderbolt

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 248-294 (121.5 – 144.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Araquanid: 198-234 (113.1 – 133.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Torkoal: 163-193 (92 – 109%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Salamence: 150-177 (87.7 – 103.5%) — 25% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 135-160 (87 – 103.2%) — 18.8% chance to OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine: 150-177 (76.1 – 89.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Milotic: 138-164 (68.3 – 81.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

> Electric Terrain

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross in Electric Terrain: 204-240 (131.6 – 154.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Arcanine in Electric Terrain: 225-265 (114.2 – 134.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Milotic in Electric Terrain: 206-246 (101.9 – 121.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 SpA Raichu-Alola Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Lele in Electric Terrain: 168-198 (94.9 – 111.8%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

 

A simple and straightforward Alolan Raichu. Set up Nasty Plot and start hitting. The Focus Sash is there to help ensure Alolan Raichu survive the set up. Psychic, while receiving STAB, has less coverage than the likes of Grass Knot and Hidden Power [Ice].

 

TEAMMATES

 

Tapu Koko

 

Even though having Tapu Koko and Alolan Raichu out at the same time means that an Earthquake can be devastating, the former is one of the only reliable options to set up Electric Terrain, so that Alolan Raichu can activate Surge Surfer and increase the damage output it so desperately needs.

 

Tapu Bulu

 

Having Tapu Bulu and Grassy Terrain around Alolan Raichu can be counterintuitive, since it will remove any potential Electric Terrain boost. Yet, it is very much instrumental to help Alolan Raichu handle opposing Ground Types, especially Pokemon like Gastrodon, Mudsdale, and Garchomp. Tapu Bulu can outright threaten the first two, while Grassy Terrain makes it such that Alolan Raichu almost always survives an Earthquake.

 

252 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu-Alola in Grassy Terrain: 110-132 (81.4 – 97.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

252+ Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu-Alola in Grassy Terrain: 120-144 (88.8 – 106.6%) — 31.3% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Mudsdale Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu-Alola in Grassy Terrain: 116-138 (85.9 – 102.2%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO

 

Alolan Muk

 

Alolan Raichu does not like to face Alolan Marowak, due to the latter’s Lightningrod. It also detests Trick Room, since its main utility value comes from its high Speed. Hence, Alolan Muk becomes a really useful Pokemon, even though both are threatened by Earthquake. Knock Off is the main draw of this partnership, since it deprives Alolan Marowak and Porygon2 of their Thick Club and Eviolite respectively, with both Pokemon losing a lot of their powers (offensive for Alolan Marowak and defensive for Porygon2) without their staple items. Poison Jab helps Alolan Raichu handle opposing Alolan Guardians, especially Tapu Bulu.

 

COUNTERS & CHECKS

 

Alolan Marowak

 

One word. Lightningrod.

Thanks to Alolan Raichu being part Psychic Type, Alolan Marowak can safely use Shadow Bone instead of the missable Bonemerang to smash a hole right through the Mouse Pokemon.

 

Mudsdale

 

Mudsdale gets High Horsepower, which can flatten Alolan Raichu regardless of Grassy Terrain. With the omnipresent Assault Vest, Mudsdale can easily withstand a hit or two to land the OHKO in return.

 

Porygon2

 

As mentioned earlier, Alolan Raichu absolutely hates being in Trick Room, and thanks to Eviolite, it cannot really threaten Porygon2.  Aside from setting up Trick Room, Porygon2 can also threaten a 2HKO with Shadow Ball.

 

Roaring Skies – Gyarados Guide for VGC 2017

“It is an extremely vicious and violent Pokémon. When humans begin to fight, it will appear and burn everything to the ground with intensely hot flames.”

 

OVERVIEW

 

Gyarados, a stalwart in the Pokemon franchise since Generation I, has had a rather abysmal run in VGC over the last few years. Aside from being a World Beater as part of Sejun Park’s team in 2014, Gyarados has never really enjoyed much attention in the years before and after that achievement. While its Generation I counterparts like Marowak and Muk got their blessings in Alolan Variants, Gyarados only had the loss of the Gyaradosite to contend with as VGC 2017 was ushered in.

Yet, there are still certain redeeming factors that allows Gyarados to function efficiently in this year’s cycle. Intimidate comes as a huge boost, and Gyarados is one of the only common Intimidate Pokemon out there that isn’t really daunted when led or brought against Milotic. Being of the Water and Flying Type also grants Gyarados a number of useful resistances, namely Fire, Water, and Steel Type moves, as well as a vital immunity to Ground Type moves.

Statwise, Gyarados has got a relatively impressive 125 in Base Attack. Unfortunately, Gyarados’ best coverage moves are Special, and with its Base Special Attack at a measly 60, the Atrocious Pokemon really loses out on a lot of offensive potential. Its defenses are passable, at 95 79 100. This would help Gyarados live a switch-in against most neutral and/or resisted moves, or set up a boosting move like Dragon Dance.

 

SAMPLE SETS

 

Gyarados @ Waterium Z
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature or Adamant Nature
– Dragon Dance
– Earthquake or Ice Fang
– Protect
– Waterfall

 

Damage Calc:

Offensive

Waterfall

252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Marowak-Alola: 122-146 (73 – 87.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mudsdale: 134-158 (64.7 – 76.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Krookodile: 108-128 (62 – 73.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 108-128 (54.8 – 64.9%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Ice Fang

252 Atk Gyarados Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 156-184 (85.2 – 100.5%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO

-1 252 Atk Gyarados Ice Fang vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Salamence: 116-140 (67.8 – 81.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Dragon Dance

+1 252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Marowak-Alola: 186-218 (111.3 – 130.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mudsdale: 200-236 (96.6 – 114%) — 75% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Krookodile: 162-192 (93.1 – 110.3%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 162-192 (82.2 – 97.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

+1 252 Atk Gyarados Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 224-268 (122.4 – 146.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Gyarados Ice Fang vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Salamence: 176-208 (102.9 – 121.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

Hydro Vortex

252 Atk Gyarados Hydro Vortex (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Marowak-Alola: 246-290 (147.3 – 173.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Gyarados Hydro Vortex (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mudsdale: 266-314 (128.5 – 151.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

-1 252 Atk Gyarados Hydro Vortex (160 BP) vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Krookodile: 216-254 (124.1 – 145.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

-1 252 Atk Gyarados Hydro Vortex (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 216-254 (109.6 – 128.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Gyarados Hydro Vortex (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 195-229 (95.5 – 112.2%) — 75% chance to OHKO

Adamant

+1 252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mudsdale: 218-260 (105.3 – 125.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252+ Atk Gyarados Hydro Vortex (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 213-252 (104.4 – 123.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Gyarados Hydro Vortex (160 BP) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Lele: 183-216 (103.3 – 122%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Krookodile: 176-210 (101.1 – 120.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 176-210 (89.3 – 106.5%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

252+ Atk Gyarados Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 168-200 (91.8 – 109.2%) — 56.3% chance to OHKO

 

Gyarados’ impressive Base Attack is hindered slightly by the rampant abuse of Intimidate, as well as its usual targets being generally bulky on physical defense. Hence, Dragon Dance is staple on the set to turn 2HKOs into OHKOs. This also helps Gyarados outspeed its targets, like Arcanine and Salamence so that it can (hopefully) land the OHKO on the next turn. The choice of coverage is down to Earthquake, which helps Gyarados KO Magnezone (after a bit of chip damage), or Ice Beam, which helps Gyarados handle Pokemon like Salamence and Garchomp.

The choice of Nature is dependant on what you need more from Gyarados. Jolly Nature allows Gyarados to outspeed more threats at the cost of some firepower, while Adamant Nature guarantees more OHKOs at the cost of some speed. While Dragon Dance helps mitigate either scenario, it ultimately still prevents Gyarados from attacking for a turn.

 

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Gyarados @ Wacan Berry
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 20 Atk / 116 Def / 148 SpD / 220 Spe
Adamant Nature
– Ice Fang / Flamethrower
– Leer / Protect
– Taunt / Thunder Wave
– Waterfall

 

Damage Calc:

Offensive

Ice Fang

20+ Atk Gyarados Ice Fang vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Garchomp: 140-168 (76.5 – 91.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Waterfall

20+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 218-260 (117.8 – 140.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

20+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Marowak-Alola: 114-134 (68.2 – 80.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

20+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Gigalith: 102-120 (53.1 – 62.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 20+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Arcanine: 102-120 (51.7 – 60.9%) — guaranteed 3HKO after Sitrus Berry recovery

20+ Atk Gyarados Waterfall vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 70-84 (47.9 – 57.5%) — 90.2% chance to 2HKO

Defensive

252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 148 SpD Wacan Berry Gyarados: 140-166 (81.8 – 97%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252+ Atk Gigalith Stone Edge vs. 4 HP / 116 Def Gyarados: 134-162 (78.3 – 94.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage

252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 4 HP / 148 SpD Gyarados in Psychic Terrain: 130-153 (76 – 89.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Nihilego Power Gem vs. 4 HP / 148 SpD Gyarados: 116-140 (67.8 – 81.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

-1 252+ Atk Thick Club Marowak-Alola Shadow Bone vs. 4 HP / 116 Def Gyarados: 81-96 (47.3 – 56.1%) — 78.9% chance to 2HKO

-1 252+ Atk Arcanine Wild Charge vs. 4 HP / 116 Def Wacan Berry Gyarados: 70-84 (40.9 – 49.1%) — guaranteed 3HKO

-1 252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 4 HP / 116 Def Gyarados: 69-82 (40.3 – 47.9%) — guaranteed 3HKO

-1 252 Atk Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 116 Def Gyarados: 49-58 (28.6 – 33.9%) — 0.9% chance to 3HKO

84 SpA Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. 4 HP / 148 SpD Gyarados: 49-58 (28.6 – 33.9%) — 0.9% chance to 3HKO

 

This Gyarados has arguably the best supportive spread that it can run, considering the loss of Move Tutors. Leer is a niche way to help the team’s Physical Attackers, especially Garchomp, net a surprise OHKO. Taunt helps to stop Trick Room and prevents opponents from using their supportive moves like Recover, Roar, Tailwind, and Heal Pulse. Another  option Gyarados can run is Thunder Wave, which has all but disappeared from the surface of VGC after the accuracy nerf and rise of Tapu Fini. Waterfall remains the staple STAB, while the other offensive move, if chosen, is a toss up between Ice Fang for Garchomp and Flamethrower for Kartana.

The given EV is crucial for allowing Gyarados survive a few clutch hits, like Life Orb Tapu Koko Thunderbolt out of Electric Terrain. With Intimidate, it turns quite a few OHKOs into 2HKOs, and 2HKOs into 3HKOs or less. The damage calculations listed above is rather self explainatory. This Gyarados’ is fast enough to outspeed Timid Pelipper so that it can Taunt it before it can set up Tailwind.

 

TEAMMATES

 

Alolan Marowak

 

Like Milotic, Gyarados’ weaknesses can be easily managed by pairing it with Alolan Marowak. Lightningrod becomes especially useful here, due to Electric Type moves being Gyarados’ crippling Achilles Heel. Bonemerang, while imperfect in terms of accuracy, is a solid option to eliminate opposing Rock and Electric Type Pokemon. With Gyarados being airborne, it is also possible for Alolan Marowak to run Earthquake instead for better accuracy, albeit at the cost of suffering from spread damage reduction. Gyarados can help manage opposing Alolan Marowak and Mudsdale, two Pokemon which would otherwise threaten Alolan Marowak.

Whimsicott

 

With Gyarados stuck at an awkward Speed tier, Whimsicott comes in handy with both Tailwind and Taunt. The former, unaffected by Psychic Terrain, allows Gyarados to outspeed threats the next turn, while the latter can prevent opposing Porygon2 from setting up Trick Room.

Whimsicott can also act like a pseudo-Follow Me user, since its presence “encourages” the opponent to double target it to hit through the probable Focus Sash. This would effectively allow Gyarados to survive one additional turn.

 

Tapu Bulu

 

Gyarados and Milotic’s movepool means that it cannot really exert offensive pressure when an opposing Gastrodon is on the field. To solve that problem, Grass Type Pokemon like Tapu Bulu can be considered. While the Milotic article featured Kartana, Tapu Bulu is mentioned here because Gyarados does not have the Competitive Ability to deter opposing Intimidate Pokemon. Even though Tapu Bulu is also a physical attacker, Grassy Surge + Wood Hammer is generally more than enough to shrug off the Attack drop. For the aforementioned supportive Gyarados, Grassy Terrain is also crucial in achieving the survival against Life Orb Tapu Koko.

 

COUNTERS AND CHECKS

 

Gastrodon

 

Gastrodon can absorb almost every threatening hit Gyarados can pack, which is a huge hindrance for any Gyarados user. Since it can pack Sludge Bomb, switching in Tapu Bulu can be really risky.

Tapu Koko

 

While Thunderbolt can be redirected by Pokemon like Alolan Marowak, Discharge will still smash through Gyarados. Tapu Koko is also usually faster than Gyarados (unless Dragon Dance has already been set up), meaning that it takes a lot support from Gyarados’ partner to help Gyarados stay on the battlefield.

Porygon2

 

Porygon2, thanks to the defensive boosts from Eviolite, shrugs off Hydro Vortex, and can OHKO Gyarados with Thunderbolt (especially after Download). For the Porygon2 that, for some reason, lack Thunderbolt, it can set up Trick Room to mess with Dragon Dance Gyarados.

Paper Cut – Kartana Guide for VGC 2017

“This Ultra Beast came from the Ultra Wormhole. It seems not to attack enemies on its own, but its sharp body is a dangerous weapon in itself.”

 

OVERVIEW

 

Like Pheromosa, Kartana is an intriguing Pokemon to both use and face in VGC 2017. While Pheromosa claims the title for the highest Base Speed in this cycle, Kartana can do the same for Attack. Boasting a Base Attack higher than that of the fearsome Primal Groudon, the Drawn Sword Pokemon can be a formidable opponent for any unprepared teams.

In terms of Speed, Kartana is no slouch either. While it loses out to the plethora of Pokemon sitting at the Base Speed of 110, it still manages to tie with Alolan Ninetales, and subsequently, outspeed the likes of Nihilego, Garchomp, and Tapu Lele.

As with the case with Pheromosa, Kartana’s amazing offensive powers comes at the price of having rather abysmal bulk. While a Base Defense of 131 is nothing to scoff at, Kartana is really hindered by its Base HP and Defense, pegged at 59 and 31 respectively. While there aren’t many Fighting Types around thanks to the prevalence of Fairy Types, a stray Fire Type move is almost always to be expected, meaning Kartana can be taken out early if not properly protected.

 

SAMPLE SETS

 

Kartana @ Focus Sash or Grassium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
– Leaf Blade
– Protect
– Sacred Sword / Night Slash
– Smart Strike

 

Damage Calc:

Offensive

Leaf Blade

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 244 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 360-424 (165.8 – 195.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Milotic: 204-240 (100.9 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 220 Def Golduck: 188-224 (100.5 – 119.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 204 Def Politoed: 198-234 (100.5 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mudsdale: 198-234 (95.6 – 113%) — 68.8% chance to OHKO

-1 252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 28 HP / 0 Def Krookodile: 158-188 (90.8 – 108%) — 50% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Gigalith: 158-188 (82.7 – 98.4%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 112-133 (77.2 – 91.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Oranguru: 118-141 (59.8 – 71.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Night Slash

252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 20 Def Raichu-Alola: 170-200 (101.7 – 119.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 148 HP / 0 Def Gengar: 154-182 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Oranguru: 124-146 (62.9 – 74.1%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Marowak-Alola: 94-112 (56.2 – 67%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Metagross: 82-98 (52.5 – 62.8%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Sacred Sword

252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 244 HP / 252 Def Sandslash-Alola: 184-220 (101.6 – 121.5%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Drampa: 150-178 (81 – 96.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Kartana: 106-126 (78.5 – 93.3%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Magnezone: 118-140 (66.6 – 79%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Porygon2: 82-98 (42.7 – 51%) — 5.1% chance to 2HKO

Smart Strike

252 Atk Kartana Smart Strike vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Ninetales-Alola: 388-460 (260.4 – 308.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Smart Strike vs. 252 HP / 68 Def Tapu Lele: 180-212 (101.6 – 119.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Smart Strike vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tapu Bulu: 134-162 (75.7 – 91.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

Bloom Doom

252 Atk Kartana Bloom Doom (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Mudsdale: 276-326 (133.3 – 157.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Bloom Doom (175 BP) vs. 244 HP / 252+ Def Gigalith: 230-272 (120.4 – 142.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

-1 252 Atk Kartana Bloom Doom (175 BP) vs. 244 HP / 252+ Def Krookodile: 212-252 (105.4 – 125.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Bloom Doom (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 124 Def Oranguru: 198-234 (100.5 – 118.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Bloom Doom (175 BP) vs. 252 HP / 196 Def Tapu Koko: 178-210 (100.5 – 118.6%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

Defensive

252 SpA Xurkitree Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kartana: 111-132 (82.2 – 97.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kartana in Electric Terrain: 110-130 (81.4 – 96.2%) — guaranteed 2HKO

 

Beast Boost

Leaf Blade

+1 252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Mudsdale: 296-350 (142.9 – 169%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 244 HP / 252 Def Gigalith: 194-230 (101.5 – 120.4%) — guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 140 Def Krookodile: 204-240 (100.9 – 118.8%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 188 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 169-199 (100 – 117.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Oranguru: 178-210 (90.3 – 106.5%) — 37.5% chance to OHKO

Night Slash

+1 252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Oranguru: 184-218 (93.4 – 110.6%) — 62.5% chance to OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Marowak-Alola: 142-168 (85 – 100.5%) — 6.3% chance to OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Night Slash vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Metagross: 124-146 (79.4 – 93.5%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Sacred Sword

+1 252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Kartana: 158-186 (117 – 137.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 172 Def Drampa: 186-220 (100.5 – 118.9%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 244 HP / 0 Def Magnezone: 176-208 (100 – 118.1%) — guaranteed OHKO

+1 252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Eviolite Porygon2: 122-144 (63.5 – 75%) — guaranteed 2HKO

Smart Strike

+1 252 Atk Kartana Smart Strike vs. 252 HP / 156 Def Tapu Bulu: 180-212 (101.6 – 119.7%) — guaranteed OHKO

 

A non-boosted Kartana has the power to either OHKO or at least 2HKO most of the commonly seen Pokemon in VGC 2017. Therefore, the Focus Sash is held to help ensure that Kartana finishes its job. With Beast Boost elevating Kartana’s Attack for each KO it nets, the Jolly Nature is chosen to allow it to meet the aforementioned speed tier.

While Kartana is frail on the special spectrum, it is still able to survive certain hits, by virtue of its Type resistances. Since it is much faster than the majority of the metagame out of Trick Room, players can take the risk and swap the Focus Sash for Grassium Z to make Kartana hit like a cannon. This is especially important since none of Kartana’s viable moves have more than 90 Base Power. With Bloom Doom almost doubling the damage dealt (when compared to Leaf Blade), making such a calculated risk can easily lead to the snowballing of Beast Boost triggers for Kartana.

Considering Kartana’s paper thin defenses, gaining firepower at the cost of 10% recoil for each attack can be rather disastrous since it leaves it vulnerable to a revenge kill. Hence, while slapping a Life Orb on Kartana can be appealing, the item would be better used on a bulkier Pokemon like Tapu Bulu.

 

TEAMMATES

 

Pelipper

 

Pelipper is an obvious choice (along with Politoed) as Kartana’s teammate, with Drizzle generating a welcome boost for Scald to OHKO opposing Fire Types. Ice Beam allows for the slaughtering of Dragon Types like Salamence and Garchomp, while Hurricane can help manage the stray Fighting Type, like Hariyama. Pelipper can also pack Tailwind and Wide Guard to help Kartana outspeed Pokemon sitting at the Base Speed of 110, or block moves like Eruption and Heat Wave.

 

Gigalith

 

Gigalith is another weather setter that works well with Kartana. While rather residual, a round or two of Sandstorm damage can help bring opponents into OHKO range. Kartana helps Gigalith handle opposing Water Types and Ground Types, while the latter returns the favor by threatening opposing Fire Types like Torkoal and Alolan Marowak.

 

Tapu Bulu

 

While both Tapu Bulu and Kartana don’t fancy facing a Fire Type move, there is still a redeeming quality for this duo – Grassy Terrain.

Some damage calculations to consider:

 

252 Atk Kartana Leaf Blade vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko in Grassy Terrain: 169-199 (115.7 – 136.3%) — guaranteed OHKO

VS

252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Kartana: 95-113 (70.3 – 83.7%) — guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery

 

Leaf Blade is no doubt Kartana’s chief STAB move, but only doing damage off a low Base Power of 90 is very much a waste. Grassy Terrain’s role is therefore to boost Leaf Blade’s damage output and increase the chance of triggering Beast Boost.

For those really looking for a niche, Tapu Bulu is capable of learn a neat little move called Rototiller, which raises the Attack and Special Attack stats of all Grass Type Pokemon in the battle by one stage. This would affect both Kartana and Tapu Bulu, assuming they are on the field on the same time. All Kartana needs is to set up a Substitute to pick up the safe boost before starting a sweeping run.

 

Whimsicott

 

This is going deep into the niches and gimmicks territory, but still a fun move to pull off nevertheless. The idea is to Fling a Lansat Berry on Kartana to get the Focus Energy status, then abuse moves like Leaf Blade and Night Slash. Using either of those moves after the Lansat Berry activation would always result in a critical hit unless the opponent’s Ability prevents it. Whimsicott can also help Kartana through moves like Tailwind, Helping Hand, Encore, Tickle, and even rarely seen moves like Light Screen and Reflect.

 

Milotic

 

Milotic, through its movepool and Ability, helps Kartana manage and survive the metagame. Like Pelipper, Scald threatens opposing Fire Types, while Ice Beam snags opposing Dragon Types. However, Milotic’s Ability , Competitive, has the added benefit of deterring opposing Intimidate Pokemon, considering that the three most common examples are ably covered by Milotic’s movepool. Meanwhile, Kartana helps Milotic handle the bulky Water Types (and Gastrodon) that would otherwise be untouchable.

 

COUNTERS AND CHECKS

 

Torkoal

 

Torkoal has rather respectable Defense (Base 140), so it can comfortably soak up Kartana’s moves and smash it with a Fire Type move like Eruption and Heat Wave.

 

Arcanine

 

Arcanine’s Intimidate pegs Kartana back right from the get go, and the latter’s STAB moves don’t usually threaten Arcanine either. Arcanine also carries moves like Flare Blitz and Burn Up to send Kartana packing.

 

Alolan Marowak

 

Alolan Marowak can usually stare down Kartana, even if the latter carries Night Slash, since the latter usually requires a Beast Boost or two to even come close to guaranteeing an OHKO. In return, Flare Blitz will make short work of the Drawn Sword Pokemon.