quziel
I am the Scientist now
[OVERVIEW]
A Bug / Electric typing combined with the ability Levitate means that Vikavolt can come in against many NU staples such as Steelix and Passimian easily, as well as taking little from NU's Grass-type wallbreakers such as Sceptile. Furthermore, an extremely high base 145 Special Attack and Electric-, Bug-, and Grass-type coverage means that any team lacking a dedicated special wall will struggle to safely switch into Vikavolt. Despite only having base 43 Speed, Vikavolt is still fast enough to outspeed many of NU's walls, including some base 50s such as Diancie as well as Vaporeon with Speed investment if needed. This low Speed also gives Vikavolt a slow Volt Switch, which can help to get teammates in without them taking damage. However, while its Bug / Electric typing is very unique defensively, it leaves Vikavolt with a weakness to Stealth Rock, so it is easily worn down from repeatedly using Volt Switch as well as easily hit for heavy damage from Rock- and Fire-type attacks.
[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Bug Buzz
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Roost
item: Buginium Z / Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bug Buzz is Vikavolt's most powerful move, dealing good damage on neutral targets and having usable neutral coverage. This can also be boosted by Buginium Z to provide Vikavolt with an incredibly powerful Savage Spin-Out, even able to OHKO neutral targets such as Delphox. Volt Switch has reasonable power and lets Vikavolt bring its teammates in safely when used, as well as being Vikavolt's main Electric-type STAB move. Energy Ball hits most Pokemon for heavy damage, OHKOing Rhydon after Stealth Rock and being Vikavolt's most powerful move against Steelix. Roost is used to heal Vikavolt up, helping to mitigate damage taken from Stealth Rock and chip damage from enemy attacks.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature maximize Vikavolt's wallbreaking power. The given Speed EVs let Vikavolt outrun maximum Speed Mega Abomasnow and anything slower than that, including base 50s such as Diancie and Vileplume. The remaining EVs are placed into HP in order to maximize Vikavolt's bulk, letting it take attacks such as Passimian's U-turn and Sceptile's Giga Drain with greater ease. Buginium Z is used to power up Vikavolt's Bug Buzz, giving it an incredibly powerful Z-Move able to hit almost all of NU for heavy damage, as well as to minimize damage taken from Knock Off. If not using a Z-Move, Leftovers can be used to reduce chip damage from Stealth Rock and give Vikavolt significantly increased longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Vikavolt should use its resistances and typing to get in as often as possible, as its power means that if it is able to safely get in, for example, against Steelix or Seismitoad, it is often able to deal heavy damage to the enemy team. Aim to wallbreak with Vikavolt early-game to open up holes for a teammate to clean up late-game. Savage Spin-Out can be used to reduce the burden of prediction, as its sheer power means that most possible switch-ins will take significant damage from it. Alternatively, it should be used to break an important target, as its increased damage can help secure KOs against Pokemon such as Delphox and Cryogonal. Volt Switch can be used against faster foes to safely get in a Pokemon without having said Pokemon take any damage. Do not let Vikavolt get worn down too much, as being at high HP means that it has the opportunity to switch into and use Roost against targets such as Vileplume and Steelix.
Team Options
========
Teammates with Volt Switch, Parting Shot, or U-turn such as Passimian and Silvally-Steel can help to force the opponent onto a bad foot, forever being in against the wrong Pokemon. Passimian is a notable partner, as Vikavolt can easily force out Slowbro that tries to come in against Passimian's U-turn. Entry hazard control can be provided by teammates such as Xatu, Silvally-Steel, and Dhelmise, as removing Stealth Rock means that Vikavolt can pivot significantly more often. Fire-resistant Pokemon such as Incineroar, Rhydon, Blastoise, and Diancie make good teammates, taking on the Fire-types that threaten to KO Vikavolt. Rhydon is an especially good option, as it also switches into Diancie, one of Vikavolt's checks. Pokemon that appreciate Steel-types such as Steelix and Silvally-Steel being weakened, such as Comfey and Klinklang, can make good partners, benefiting heavily from Vikavolt's wallbreaking.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Bug Buzz
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bug Buzz is a very strong STAB move, dealing good damage on neutral targets and having usable neutral coverage. Its coverage hits many Electric-resistant Pokemon for heavy damage, 2HKOing specially defensive Druddigon and specially defensive Vileplume while OHKOing Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Heliolisk. Thunderbolt offers good coverage when combined with Bug Buzz, 2HKOing Silvally-Steel and Audino while providing better neutral coverage than Bug Buzz once enemy Ground-types are eliminated. Volt Switch has reasonable power and lets Vikavolt bring its teammates in. It can also force the opponent into a losing situation, punishing them for switching out or staying in. Energy Ball hits most Electric-immune foes for heavy damage, 2HKOing Steelix and OHKOing other Ground-types such as Rhydon and Seismitoad.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature with Choice Specs maximize Vikavolt's wallbreaking power. 152 Speed EVs let Vikavolt outspeed maximum Speed Mega Abomasnow and anything slower than that, including base 50s such as Diancie and Vileplume. The remaining EVs are placed into HP in order to maximize Vikavolt's bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Bug Buzz is a very safe move to use early-game, as it has good neutral coverage with no foes immune to it and hits almost anything that doesn't resist it for heavy damage. Energy Ball should be used if you predict your opponent to bring in a Ground-type to stop Volt Switch. If the opponent does not have a Ground-type, Volt Switch can be used to pivot with complete freedom, easily weaken the opposing team, and minimize chances for recovery. Vikavolt should be brought in against weak attacks such as Steelix's Heavy Slam or resisted hits such as Vileplume's Giga Drain. However, be wary of letting it get worn down too much, as its low Speed means it often has to take a hit before hitting the enemy back. Be careful when using Volt Switch or Thunderbolt, as this set has to predict when to use them in order to not lose momentum against enemy Ground-types.
Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Silvally-Steel and pivot Incineroar can be used to help get Vikavolt in safely, minimizing the damage it needs to take and letting it wallbreak freely. Stealth Rock prevention and removal from Pokemon such as Xatu, Silvally-Steel, and Rotom helps Vikavolt preserve its HP, letting it survive longer in a game. Stealth Rock support from teammates such as Rhydon and Diancie can help wear down Pokemon such as Cryogonal, letting Vikavolt wallbreak more easily. Spikes support from Garbodor can also help to wear down Steelix and Silvally-Steel while Vikavolt switches into many of the Ground-types that trouble Garbodor. Switch-ins to Fire-types that threaten Vikavolt such as Vaporeon, Delphox, and Diancie can make excellent partners. Diancie is worth a special mention, appreciating Vikavolt's ability to wear down enemy Ground-types and to switch into Torterra while resisting the Fire-type attacks that threaten Vikavolt. Cleaners such as Comfey and Passimian appreciate Vikavolt's wallbreaking, with Comfey appreciating enemy Steel-types being worn down.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Agility can be used to let Vikavolt function as a potent cleaner against more offensive teams, but this means it is forced to give up either valuable recovery in Roost or coverage in Energy Ball, making it significantly worse off against other team archetypes. A physically defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe with a Bold nature can be used to let Vikavolt function as a useful defensive wall, taking on enemy Passimian easily, but its weakness to Stealth Rock and significant loss of power hampers its function in this role. A set of Substitute / Roost / Thunderbolt / Bug Buzz with Metronome and an EV spread of 68 HP / 252 SpA / 188 Spe with a Modest nature can be used to give Vikavolt an incredibly strong matchup against stall with its power increasing after every consecutive hit, but this sacrifices any coverage to meaningfully damage enemy Rock-types such as Diancie and Rhydon, as well as utility in Volt Switch, with the increased speed letting Vikavolt use substitute to block Vaporeon's Toxic.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock heavily limits Vikavolt's bulk as well as its ability to pivot using Volt Switch, leaving it unable to safely switch into attacks such as Vaporeon's Scald.
**Faster Attackers**: Faster attackers such as Aerodactyl, Sigilyph, and Vanilluxe can easily force Vikavolt out, threatening to OHKO it or deal heavy damage to it as well as easily revenge killing it.
**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, while uncommon, is one of Vikavolt's hardest answers, blocking Volt Switch while resisting Bug Buzz. Steelix cannot directly damage Vikavolt much, but it can use Toxic against it while being immune to Vikavolt's Electric-type STAB moves.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Diancie can take Energy Ball, even from Choice Specs Vikavolt, and OHKO it back with Power Gem, as well as taking little from Bug Buzz. Specially defensive walls such as Cryogonal, Mega Audino, and Type: Null can generally take at least two hits from Vikavolt while threatening to status it with Toxic or wear it down in return.
**Fire-type**: Fire-types such as Magmortar resist Vikavolt's Bug Buzz and threaten to easily OHKO it with Fire Blast. Delphox and Incineroar may not resist Bug Buzz, but both still threaten it with Flamethrower and Flare Blitz.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[quziel, 297859] ]
- Quality checked by: [[banks, 379208] , [Rabia, 336073] , [Eternally, 295647]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
A Bug / Electric typing combined with the ability Levitate means that Vikavolt can come in against many NU staples such as Steelix and Passimian easily, as well as taking little from NU's Grass-type wallbreakers such as Sceptile. Furthermore, an extremely high base 145 Special Attack and Electric-, Bug-, and Grass-type coverage means that any team lacking a dedicated special wall will struggle to safely switch into Vikavolt. Despite only having base 43 Speed, Vikavolt is still fast enough to outspeed many of NU's walls, including some base 50s such as Diancie as well as Vaporeon with Speed investment if needed. This low Speed also gives Vikavolt a slow Volt Switch, which can help to get teammates in without them taking damage. However, while its Bug / Electric typing is very unique defensively, it leaves Vikavolt with a weakness to Stealth Rock, so it is easily worn down from repeatedly using Volt Switch as well as easily hit for heavy damage from Rock- and Fire-type attacks.
[SET]
name: Pivot
move 1: Bug Buzz
move 2: Volt Switch
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Roost
item: Buginium Z / Leftovers
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bug Buzz is Vikavolt's most powerful move, dealing good damage on neutral targets and having usable neutral coverage. This can also be boosted by Buginium Z to provide Vikavolt with an incredibly powerful Savage Spin-Out, even able to OHKO neutral targets such as Delphox. Volt Switch has reasonable power and lets Vikavolt bring its teammates in safely when used, as well as being Vikavolt's main Electric-type STAB move. Energy Ball hits most Pokemon for heavy damage, OHKOing Rhydon after Stealth Rock and being Vikavolt's most powerful move against Steelix. Roost is used to heal Vikavolt up, helping to mitigate damage taken from Stealth Rock and chip damage from enemy attacks.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature maximize Vikavolt's wallbreaking power. The given Speed EVs let Vikavolt outrun maximum Speed Mega Abomasnow and anything slower than that, including base 50s such as Diancie and Vileplume. The remaining EVs are placed into HP in order to maximize Vikavolt's bulk, letting it take attacks such as Passimian's U-turn and Sceptile's Giga Drain with greater ease. Buginium Z is used to power up Vikavolt's Bug Buzz, giving it an incredibly powerful Z-Move able to hit almost all of NU for heavy damage, as well as to minimize damage taken from Knock Off. If not using a Z-Move, Leftovers can be used to reduce chip damage from Stealth Rock and give Vikavolt significantly increased longevity.
Usage Tips
========
Vikavolt should use its resistances and typing to get in as often as possible, as its power means that if it is able to safely get in, for example, against Steelix or Seismitoad, it is often able to deal heavy damage to the enemy team. Aim to wallbreak with Vikavolt early-game to open up holes for a teammate to clean up late-game. Savage Spin-Out can be used to reduce the burden of prediction, as its sheer power means that most possible switch-ins will take significant damage from it. Alternatively, it should be used to break an important target, as its increased damage can help secure KOs against Pokemon such as Delphox and Cryogonal. Volt Switch can be used against faster foes to safely get in a Pokemon without having said Pokemon take any damage. Do not let Vikavolt get worn down too much, as being at high HP means that it has the opportunity to switch into and use Roost against targets such as Vileplume and Steelix.
Team Options
========
Teammates with Volt Switch, Parting Shot, or U-turn such as Passimian and Silvally-Steel can help to force the opponent onto a bad foot, forever being in against the wrong Pokemon. Passimian is a notable partner, as Vikavolt can easily force out Slowbro that tries to come in against Passimian's U-turn. Entry hazard control can be provided by teammates such as Xatu, Silvally-Steel, and Dhelmise, as removing Stealth Rock means that Vikavolt can pivot significantly more often. Fire-resistant Pokemon such as Incineroar, Rhydon, Blastoise, and Diancie make good teammates, taking on the Fire-types that threaten to KO Vikavolt. Rhydon is an especially good option, as it also switches into Diancie, one of Vikavolt's checks. Pokemon that appreciate Steel-types such as Steelix and Silvally-Steel being weakened, such as Comfey and Klinklang, can make good partners, benefiting heavily from Vikavolt's wallbreaking.
[SET]
name: Choice Specs
move 1: Bug Buzz
move 2: Thunderbolt
move 3: Energy Ball
move 4: Volt Switch
item: Choice Specs
ability: Levitate
nature: Modest
evs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========
Bug Buzz is a very strong STAB move, dealing good damage on neutral targets and having usable neutral coverage. Its coverage hits many Electric-resistant Pokemon for heavy damage, 2HKOing specially defensive Druddigon and specially defensive Vileplume while OHKOing Pokemon such as Alolan Exeggutor and Heliolisk. Thunderbolt offers good coverage when combined with Bug Buzz, 2HKOing Silvally-Steel and Audino while providing better neutral coverage than Bug Buzz once enemy Ground-types are eliminated. Volt Switch has reasonable power and lets Vikavolt bring its teammates in. It can also force the opponent into a losing situation, punishing them for switching out or staying in. Energy Ball hits most Electric-immune foes for heavy damage, 2HKOing Steelix and OHKOing other Ground-types such as Rhydon and Seismitoad.
Set Details
========
Maximum Special Attack EVs and a Modest nature with Choice Specs maximize Vikavolt's wallbreaking power. 152 Speed EVs let Vikavolt outspeed maximum Speed Mega Abomasnow and anything slower than that, including base 50s such as Diancie and Vileplume. The remaining EVs are placed into HP in order to maximize Vikavolt's bulk.
Usage Tips
========
Bug Buzz is a very safe move to use early-game, as it has good neutral coverage with no foes immune to it and hits almost anything that doesn't resist it for heavy damage. Energy Ball should be used if you predict your opponent to bring in a Ground-type to stop Volt Switch. If the opponent does not have a Ground-type, Volt Switch can be used to pivot with complete freedom, easily weaken the opposing team, and minimize chances for recovery. Vikavolt should be brought in against weak attacks such as Steelix's Heavy Slam or resisted hits such as Vileplume's Giga Drain. However, be wary of letting it get worn down too much, as its low Speed means it often has to take a hit before hitting the enemy back. Be careful when using Volt Switch or Thunderbolt, as this set has to predict when to use them in order to not lose momentum against enemy Ground-types.
Team Options
========
U-turn and Volt Switch users such as Silvally-Steel and pivot Incineroar can be used to help get Vikavolt in safely, minimizing the damage it needs to take and letting it wallbreak freely. Stealth Rock prevention and removal from Pokemon such as Xatu, Silvally-Steel, and Rotom helps Vikavolt preserve its HP, letting it survive longer in a game. Stealth Rock support from teammates such as Rhydon and Diancie can help wear down Pokemon such as Cryogonal, letting Vikavolt wallbreak more easily. Spikes support from Garbodor can also help to wear down Steelix and Silvally-Steel while Vikavolt switches into many of the Ground-types that trouble Garbodor. Switch-ins to Fire-types that threaten Vikavolt such as Vaporeon, Delphox, and Diancie can make excellent partners. Diancie is worth a special mention, appreciating Vikavolt's ability to wear down enemy Ground-types and to switch into Torterra while resisting the Fire-type attacks that threaten Vikavolt. Cleaners such as Comfey and Passimian appreciate Vikavolt's wallbreaking, with Comfey appreciating enemy Steel-types being worn down.
[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============
Agility can be used to let Vikavolt function as a potent cleaner against more offensive teams, but this means it is forced to give up either valuable recovery in Roost or coverage in Energy Ball, making it significantly worse off against other team archetypes. A physically defensive EV spread of 252 HP / 180 Def / 76 Spe with a Bold nature can be used to let Vikavolt function as a useful defensive wall, taking on enemy Passimian easily, but its weakness to Stealth Rock and significant loss of power hampers its function in this role. A set of Substitute / Roost / Thunderbolt / Bug Buzz with Metronome and an EV spread of 68 HP / 252 SpA / 188 Spe with a Modest nature can be used to give Vikavolt an incredibly strong matchup against stall with its power increasing after every consecutive hit, but this sacrifices any coverage to meaningfully damage enemy Rock-types such as Diancie and Rhydon, as well as utility in Volt Switch, with the increased speed letting Vikavolt use substitute to block Vaporeon's Toxic.
Checks and Counters
===================
**Stealth Rock**: Stealth Rock heavily limits Vikavolt's bulk as well as its ability to pivot using Volt Switch, leaving it unable to safely switch into attacks such as Vaporeon's Scald.
**Faster Attackers**: Faster attackers such as Aerodactyl, Sigilyph, and Vanilluxe can easily force Vikavolt out, threatening to OHKO it or deal heavy damage to it as well as easily revenge killing it.
**Steel-types**: Togedemaru, while uncommon, is one of Vikavolt's hardest answers, blocking Volt Switch while resisting Bug Buzz. Steelix cannot directly damage Vikavolt much, but it can use Toxic against it while being immune to Vikavolt's Electric-type STAB moves.
**Specially Defensive Pokemon**: Diancie can take Energy Ball, even from Choice Specs Vikavolt, and OHKO it back with Power Gem, as well as taking little from Bug Buzz. Specially defensive walls such as Cryogonal, Mega Audino, and Type: Null can generally take at least two hits from Vikavolt while threatening to status it with Toxic or wear it down in return.
**Fire-type**: Fire-types such as Magmortar resist Vikavolt's Bug Buzz and threaten to easily OHKO it with Fire Blast. Delphox and Incineroar may not resist Bug Buzz, but both still threaten it with Flamethrower and Flare Blitz.
[CREDITS]
- Written by: [[quziel, 297859] ]
- Quality checked by: [[banks, 379208] , [Rabia, 336073] , [Eternally, 295647]]
- Grammar checked by: [[martha, 384270], [The Dutch Plumberjack, 232216]]
Last edited: