Just a note, Mazz has given me permission to take this (permanently if need be), since Wyvern hasn't gotten on it for some reason.
Thanks to TRC. for the structure, project summary paragraph, and the idea!
The XY UU Pokemon of the Week is an (obviously) weekly project in the Underused forum. The idea originated from when we were reading many of the discussion threads, often the discussion is a bit lacking in the content department. Our goal here to is to highlight a threat in the metagame that isn't as well known, or isn't used as much as it should be, and provide a concise amount of information about that Pokemon; this will encourage creativity during teambuilding, and it will also provide an instant wealth of knowledge about that particular threat. This will hopefully be more helpful to the massive influx of new players in the UU subforum and promote better discussion within the individual threads. In this thread though, the main point of discussion should be about experiences with that particular Pokemon and the sets featured, and how it has helped in some way during your battling. Niche sets and gimmicks can be mentioned as well, but bear in mind that this thread is mainly an informative source of knowledge through what is written in the OP; discussion is not its main focus, though it is most certainly allowed. We need to make this point clear. Think of this like an article introducing you to a new threat that you can use; and try it out! Oh yeah, you can also VM me what you think the next POTW should be, bearing in mind that they will be on lesser-used threats!
Type:
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Attack / 70 Defense / 135 Special Attack / 75 Special Defense / 90 Speed
Abilities: Adaptability / Download / Analytic (HA)Introduction: Porygon-Z hasn't changed much this generation, but the metagame around it definitely has. It enjoys the nerf to steel, as its massive movepool options let Tri Attack and Shadow Ball have unresisted coverage in the entire tier. It is one of the best wallbreakers in the tier as well, with a massive 135 Special Attack boosted by Adaptability or Download (well technically Analytic too), and a decent speed of 90. It doesn't end there, as PZ has great boosting options in Nasty Plot and Agility.
What To Try:
Porygon-Z @ Lum Berry
Ability: Adaptability / Download
EVs: 156 Spd / 252 SAtk / 100 HP
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Tri Attack
- Shadow Ball / Dark Pulse
- Agility
It may seem odd, but this is arguably Porygon-Z's best set. Tri Attack and Shadow Ball provide unresisted coverage in the tier. If you use Dark Pulse, you lose out on Cobalion (but Tri Attack OHKOs after a boost anyway unless you haven't used Agility at that point), but you get the chance of flinching, which can make or break matches. Nasty Plot and Agility are your boosting options, and is very viable due to the fact that PZ forces a lot of switches. The EV spread is so that after an Agility boost, PZ outspeeds everything in the entire tier, including fucking Scarf Mienshao. The rest is invested into bulk and Special Attack. Lum Berry is so that you can set up as something tries to status you, like Gastrodon or Milotic. Either ability could be used, but Adaptability is preferred so that you get more power for Tri Attack, and don't have to get a useless attack boost.
Other Options: Choice items can be used on PZ, but with Choice Specs you can get outsped and OHKO'd by common threats such as Victini and Mienshao, but with Choice Scarf you lack raw power, even with Adaptability.
Teammates: Sticky Web users such as Galvantula, Smeargle, or Leavanny can greatly support PZ, as it can allow it to OHKO threats that would normally kill it back. Hippowdon is a good partner, since it can dispose of a lot of checks to Porygon such as Darmanitan and Mienshao. It can also set up Stealth Rocks, letting Porygon sweep undisturbed (although Sand Stream gets rid of it as well lol). Packing your own fighting mon such as Mienshao or Heracross, who take care of mons that potentially counter PZ such as Porygon2 and AV Snorlax are also good.
Checks & Counters:
While there aren't a lot of these, your main way of beating PZ is to not let it set up on you, since every mon that runs an attacking STAB move can do at least 25% or more, which makes it easier to revenge.
Thanks to TRC. for the structure, project summary paragraph, and the idea!
The XY UU Pokemon of the Week is an (obviously) weekly project in the Underused forum. The idea originated from when we were reading many of the discussion threads, often the discussion is a bit lacking in the content department. Our goal here to is to highlight a threat in the metagame that isn't as well known, or isn't used as much as it should be, and provide a concise amount of information about that Pokemon; this will encourage creativity during teambuilding, and it will also provide an instant wealth of knowledge about that particular threat. This will hopefully be more helpful to the massive influx of new players in the UU subforum and promote better discussion within the individual threads. In this thread though, the main point of discussion should be about experiences with that particular Pokemon and the sets featured, and how it has helped in some way during your battling. Niche sets and gimmicks can be mentioned as well, but bear in mind that this thread is mainly an informative source of knowledge through what is written in the OP; discussion is not its main focus, though it is most certainly allowed. We need to make this point clear. Think of this like an article introducing you to a new threat that you can use; and try it out! Oh yeah, you can also VM me what you think the next POTW should be, bearing in mind that they will be on lesser-used threats!
This week's Pokemon is the Virtual Pokemon, Porygon-Z!
Type:
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Attack / 70 Defense / 135 Special Attack / 75 Special Defense / 90 Speed
Abilities: Adaptability / Download / Analytic (HA)
What To Try:
Porygon-Z @ Lum Berry
Ability: Adaptability / Download
EVs: 156 Spd / 252 SAtk / 100 HP
Modest Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Tri Attack
- Shadow Ball / Dark Pulse
- Agility
It may seem odd, but this is arguably Porygon-Z's best set. Tri Attack and Shadow Ball provide unresisted coverage in the tier. If you use Dark Pulse, you lose out on Cobalion (but Tri Attack OHKOs after a boost anyway unless you haven't used Agility at that point), but you get the chance of flinching, which can make or break matches. Nasty Plot and Agility are your boosting options, and is very viable due to the fact that PZ forces a lot of switches. The EV spread is so that after an Agility boost, PZ outspeeds everything in the entire tier, including fucking Scarf Mienshao. The rest is invested into bulk and Special Attack. Lum Berry is so that you can set up as something tries to status you, like Gastrodon or Milotic. Either ability could be used, but Adaptability is preferred so that you get more power for Tri Attack, and don't have to get a useless attack boost.
Other Options: Choice items can be used on PZ, but with Choice Specs you can get outsped and OHKO'd by common threats such as Victini and Mienshao, but with Choice Scarf you lack raw power, even with Adaptability.
Teammates: Sticky Web users such as Galvantula, Smeargle, or Leavanny can greatly support PZ, as it can allow it to OHKO threats that would normally kill it back. Hippowdon is a good partner, since it can dispose of a lot of checks to Porygon such as Darmanitan and Mienshao. It can also set up Stealth Rocks, letting Porygon sweep undisturbed (although Sand Stream gets rid of it as well lol). Packing your own fighting mon such as Mienshao or Heracross, who take care of mons that potentially counter PZ such as Porygon2 and AV Snorlax are also good.
Checks & Counters:
- Scarfers, such as Heracross and Mienshao
- AV Snorlax
While there aren't a lot of these, your main way of beating PZ is to not let it set up on you, since every mon that runs an attacking STAB move can do at least 25% or more, which makes it easier to revenge.
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