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Naganadel has a very good match up against mono dark because of the lack of actual checks, however, Greninja is one of the only Pokemon able to effectively outspeed a +1 speed Naganadel with a choice scarf and is able kill it with Ice Beam.
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 220 SpD / 36 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
Resist all naga attacks but if you switch's in np opp can click np can live on ep and is a roll without rocks
At +0:
252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 220+ SpD Heatran: 111-131 (28.8 - 34%) -- 98.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
At +2:
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 220+ SpD Heatran: 222-261 (57.6 - 67.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
At +4:
+4 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 248 HP / 220+ SpD Heatran: 332-391 (86.2 - 101.5%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
In return:
0 SpA Heatran Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Naganadel: 210-248 (73.1 - 86.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Resisting both of its STAB's, this is the only thing on Fairy that can actually switch in on Naga if predicted correctly/mon sacked off, paralyze it, set screens on it, and let Mega Diancie stop it.
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Klefki through Light Screen: 264-311 (83 - 97.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (Nothing is Sacred anymore)
After Naganadel KOes one of its teammates (or via BulkyRaptor's U-turn), Ditto then comes on the field copying Naganadel's stats (bar HP) and, more importantly, its boosts (both SpAtk and Speed), opening the way for a possible counter-sweep (especially against Dragon monoteams). Choice Scarf enables it to always outspeed the opposing mon (unless it's also scarfed, which isn't the case here) and revenge-kill it (and against Naganadel, Draco Meteor OHKOes it, so you don't even need prior damage to effectively check it). In other words, Naganadel can't effiently sweep as long as Ditto is alive.
252 SpA Naganadel Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Naganadel: 540-636 (188.1 - 221.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Naganadel: 196-231 (68.2 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
(if Naganadel is weakened enough and M-Altaria is still alive)
Ghost Check
Mimikyu @ Ghostium Z / Mimikium Z
Ability: Disguise
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Sneak
- Play Rough
- Shadow Claw
Mimikyu shouldn't switch into Naganadel's moves (bar Draco/Drake, but only if you're 100% sure) to not bust its Disguise early-game, but once its on the field against Naganadel, Mimikyu can KO it with a Never-Ending Nightmare + Shadow Sneak combo (if Ghostium Z) or simply OHKO it with Let's Snuggle Forever (if Mimikium Z).
252 SpA Naganadel Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mimikyu: 113-134 (45 - 53.3%) -- 34.4% chance to 2HKO
252 SpA Naganadel Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mimikyu: 147-174 (58.5 - 69.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mimikyu: 292-345 (116.3 - 137.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Mimikyu Never-Ending Nightmare (140 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 231-273 (80.4 - 95.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (50% chance to OHKO after SR)
252 Atk Mimikyu Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 67-79 (23.3 - 27.5%) -- 69.5% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Mimikyu Let's Snuggle Forever vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 313-369 (109 - 128.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Tyranitar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 60 Atk / 196 SpD
Careful Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake
With this spread, AV Tyranitar is capable of living a +2 Devastating Drake in sand, and the 60 Attack investment will guarantee a KO with Earthquake after Stealth Rock:
+2 252 SpA Naganadel Devastating Drake (195 BP) vs. 252 HP / 196+ SpD Tyranitar in Sand: 315-372 (77.9 - 92%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
60 Atk Tyranitar Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Naganadel: 252-298 (87.8 - 103.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
Blacephalon is among one of the larger new offensive threats to arrive in USUM. Its great Speed tier puts it above a good portion of the Scarfed metagame, and with its incredible Special Attack it's often very difficult to switch into for non-resistant Pokemon. These traits along with Beast Boost can allow it to effectively sweep late-game, and if necessary, it can Trick incredibly passive Pokemon to break past them easier.
Types not allowed:
Reserving Alolan Muk for Poison and Bisharp for Steel
Blacephalon is very threatening against Poison due to the lack of a good resist to its dual STAB however Alolan Muk can switch in on Blacephalon and effectively Pursuit trap it to remove it from the game.
Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Poison Touch
EVs: 248 HP / 12 Def / 248 SpD
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Pursuit
- Poison Jab
- Shadow Sneak
252 SpA Choice Specs Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 248+ SpD Assault Vest Muk-Alola: 145-172 (35.1 - 41.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Muk-Alola Pursuit (80 bp) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 300-354 (121.4 - 143.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Muk-Alola Pursuit vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 152-180 (61.5 - 72.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Muk-Alola Shadow Sneak vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 102-120 (41.2 - 48.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
Because of Blacephalon's powerful STAB move in Fire Blast Steel has a hard time dealing with it, however, Bisharp can threaten it out with Sucker Punch.
Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 530-624 (214.5 - 252.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Something I noticed is that most defensive checks for Blacephalon such as chansey, Toxapex etc fear getting tricked which makes defensive checks unable to check it effectively and hence it pressures teams.
Fighting Check
Terrakion @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
Terrakion is a decent check to blacephalon as it outspeeds scarf blacephalon due to its higher speed and threatens to Ohko with stone edge and earthquake:
252 Atk Terrakion Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 362-426 (146.5 - 172.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Terrakion Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 542-638 (219.4 - 258.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Dragon and Psychic Check
Latios @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic
- Memento
- Defog
Since Blacephalon is frail,fast and strong scarf users are able to eliminate it with their strong stab moves as in this case. Latios straight away Ohkos with Draco meteor:
252 SpA Latios Draco Meteor vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 259-306 (104.8 - 123.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Poison Check
Gengar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Trick
Gengar due to its higher speed and Stab Ghost move is a decent check to Blacephalon as it OHKOs with Shadow ball.
252 SpA Gengar Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Blacephalon: 320-378 (129.5 - 153%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Taking Araquanid (Bug), Azumarill (Fairy) and Infernape (Fire) and Bisharp (Steel). I'm blind.
Bug Check
Araquanid @ Assault Vest
Ability: Water Bubble
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 52 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Liquidation
- Scald
- Leech Life
- Mirror Coat
As the premier special sponge and Fire-type move switch-in for Bug teams, Araquanid takes care of Blacephalon without much trouble. Indeed, Blacephalon's Fire Blast, the most spammable move against Bug teams, does pitiful damage and its Shadow Ball, its strongest move against Araquanid, isn't even a guaranteed 4HKO (nor is it a guarantee 3HKO after SR)! In return, Araquanid easily OHKOes back with Liquidation (watch out for Trick though, as it completely ruins Araquanid's purpose of being a special sponge).
252 SpA Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Water Bubble Araquanid: 54-64 (16.5 - 19.5%) -- possible 6HKO
252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 200 HP / 0 SpD Assault Vest Araquanid: 76-91 (23.2 - 27.8%) -- 81.6% chance to 4HKO (75% chance to 3HKO after SR)
252+ Atk Water Bubble Araquanid Liquidation vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 676-796 (273.6 - 322.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Fairy Check
Azumarill @ Normalium Z
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough
- Knock Off
Pretty straightforward: Azumarill can't freely switch into Blacephalon's moves bar Trick (especially if no screens are up), but in a 1v1 scenario, Azumarill's unboosted Aqua Jet always OHKOes it. This means that Blacephalon will be forced out, enabling Azumarill to comfortably setup a Z-Belly Drum if possible.
252 SpA Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Azumarill: 120-142 (35.1 - 41.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Azumarill: 175-207 (51.3 - 60.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Azumarill through Light Screen: 87-103 (25.5 - 30.2%) -- 5.7% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 266-314 (107.6 - 127.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Fire Check
Infernape @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Stone Edge / Earthquake
Again, Infernape can't switch on and off into Blacephalon's moves (again) bar Trick (especially under the sun), but since Infernape is slightly faster than Blacephalon, once both are on the field, Infernape can OHKO it with either Stone Edge or Earthquake (or even with Flare Blitz under the sun after some prior damage).
252 SpA Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Infernape: 132-156 (45 - 53.2%) -- 31.3% chance to 2HKO (guaranteed 2HKO after SR)
252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Infernape: 193-228 (65.8 - 77.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Blacephalon Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Infernape in Sun: 198-234 (67.5 - 79.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Blacephalon Mind Blown vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Infernape in Sun: 271-319 (92.4 - 108.8%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO (guaranteed OHKO after SR)
252 Atk Infernape Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon: 310-366 (125.5 - 148.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Infernape Flare Blitz vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Blacephalon in Sun: 208-246 (84.2 - 99.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Btw, is Adamant M-Lopunny with Fake Out + Quick Attack a thing? Cuz that combo actually KOes Blacephalon 100% of the time! XD
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Atk / 184 SpD / 44 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Earth Power
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
Heatran can come in on Blac's Shadow Ball at +1 for a nice 3HKO without rocks, and a very small 2HKO chance with rocks. Of course, it can also freely switch in on either of its Fire-type moves without fear of repercussion. It has a guaranteed 2HKO with Earth Power and no rocks, or a guaranteed OHKO with rocks. Stone Edge actually does slightly more damage, but its accuracy isn't worth it and it doesn't increase the 2HKO to an OHKO.
+1 252 SpA Blacephalon Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 184+ SpD Heatran: 160-190 (41.4 - 49.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Heatran Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Blacephalon: 196-232 (79.3 - 93.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
With the introduction of the Kommonium Z in USUM, Kommo-o has received an increase in its viability. With a 185-BP nuke that also increases all of its stats, Kommo-o can be a dangerous threat to offensive teams, especially with its already great natural bulk allowing it to survive a hit from some Choice Scarf users. Additionally, it now has access to a significantly better Fighting STAB move in Close Combat, allowing it to have a much bigger presence against balance types like Normal and Steel.
Types not allowed:
btw this set is really specific and only particularly has use on HO builds to revenge some specific threats. Anyway, Alolan Ninetales with a Choice Scarf will outspeed Kommo-o at +1 and always KO with a Moonblast. However, it can't survive a +1 Close Combat:
252 SpA Ninetales-Alola Moonblast vs. +1 0 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 324-384 (111.3 - 131.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252 Atk Kommo-o Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Ninetales-Alola: 331-391 (115.3 - 136.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Imma take Mimikyu (Ghost), CB Azumarill (Water) and M-Venusaur (Poison).
Ghost Check
Mimikyu @ Mimikium Z
Ability: Disguise
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Shadow Sneak
- Play Rough
- Shadow Claw
Mimikyu can check/revenge-kill most sweepers (including Kommo-o) due to Disguise, which lets it sponge a single hit for absolutely no damage at all. In this case, Kommo-o only 3HKOes non-busted Mimikyu with boosted Earthquakes, while Mimikyu cleanly OHKOes Kommo-o with Play Rough after minimal prior damage or simply with Let's Snuggle Forever from full (both if Kommo-o is at +1). Also, being immune to both of Kommo-o's STAB moves lets it hard-switch on those moves to even possibly block a multi-boost from Clangorous Soulblaze, which is pretty nice.
252 Atk Kommo-o Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mimikyu: 117-138 (46.6 - 54.9%) -- 65.2% chance to 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Kommo-o Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mimikyu: 175-206 (69.7 - 82%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Mimikyu Play Rough vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kommo-o: 376-448 (129.2 - 153.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Mimikyu Play Rough vs. +1 0 HP / 0 Def Kommo-o: 256-304 (87.9 - 104.4%) -- 25% chance to OHKO (62.5% chance to OHKO after SR)
252 Atk Mimikyu Let's Snuggle Forever vs. +1 0 HP / 0 Def Kommo-o: 532-628 (182.8 - 215.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Water Check
Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Liquidation
- Aqua Jet
- Superpower
Again, a boosted Kommo-o doesn't come close of OHKOing Azumarill, while the latter easily OHKOes it with Play Rough. Also, like every other Fairy-type mons, Azumarill can even switch into a predicted Clangorous Soulblaze to prevent Kommo-o to ever getting its stat boosts.
252 Atk Kommo-o Earthquake vs. 88 HP / 0 Def Azumarill: 117-138 (32.2 - 38%) -- 95.8% chance to 3HKO
+1 252 Atk Kommo-o Earthquake vs. 88 HP / 0 Def Azumarill: 175-206 (48.2 - 56.7%) -- 89.1% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. +1 0 HP / 0 Def Kommo-o: 592-700 (203.4 - 240.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Poison / Grass Hard Check (Grass variants have a slightly different spread tho)
Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 28 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power Fire
- Synthesis
Once Kommo-o has boosted its stats, M-Venusaur simply cannot be 2HKOed by it. Due to M-Venusaur's semi-reliable recovery (Synthesis), the only way Kommo-o gets past M-Venusaur is to hit it with Clangorous Soulblaze on the switch and use Clanging Scales on the following turn to even possibly KO M-Venusaur. In return, M-Venusaur slowly 4HKOes a boosted Kommo-o with Sludge Bomb (that 4HKO could turn into a 3HKO Kommo-o gets poisoned in the process).
4 SpA Kommo-o Clangorous Soulblaze vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Venusaur-Mega: 168-198 (46.1 - 54.3%) -- 53.1% chance to 2HKO
+1 4 SpA Kommo-o Clanging Scales vs. 252 HP / 28 SpD Venusaur-Mega: 148-175 (40.6 - 48%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Venusaur-Mega Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 123-145 (42.2 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 SpA Venusaur-Mega Sludge Bomb vs. +1 0 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 82-97 (28.1 - 33.3%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
Specially defensive golbat can switch into Kommo-o all day and also Haze off its boosts while roosting off damage.
0 SpA Kommo-o Clangorous Soulblaze vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Golbat: 115-136 (32.4 - 38.4%) -- 98.3% chance to 3HKO
+1 0 SpA Kommo-o Clanging Scales vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Golbat: 102-121 (28.8 - 34.1%) -- 2.5% chance to 3HKO
4 Atk Golbat Brave Bird vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Kommo-o: 180-212 (61.6 - 72.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Water Counter
Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Air Slash
- Haze
- Defog
- Roost
Similar to golbat, it switches in every time, tanks everything and roost helps in recovering HP.
0 SpA Kommo-o Clangorous Soulblaze vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine: 135-159 (36 - 42.5%) -- 93.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
+1 252 Atk Kommo-o Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 240 Def Mantine: 131-154 (35 - 41.1%) -- 69.7% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Mantine Air Slash vs. 4 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 144-170 (49.3 - 58.2%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO
Volcarona @ Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fiery Dance / Fire Blast
- Psychic
- Bug Buzz / Giga Drain
- Quiver Dance
(Don't get mad at me about the move ordering; I put my attack moves first and status moves second.)
I like running the Psychium Z set not only for Toxapex but for moments like this, where it provides coverage in odd places that Giga Drain just doesn't. Volcarona survives all of Kommo-o's +1 moves with a respectable margin, then outspeeds after a Quiver Dance and proceeds to OHKO with Z-Psychic. This either KO's Kommo or allows for Volc to begin a counter-sweep.
EDIT: It also helps that Volc is a particularly strong counter-sweep threat on either of Kommo’s teams, as Bug Buzz KOs any possible switch on Dragon (Hydreigon and Latis come to mind) while Psychic of course goes to town on Fighting (with Fiery Dance / FB for Cobalion, Gallade, et cetera).
EDIT2: I dun goofed and forgot the SpD boost from Clangorous Soulblaze; Volcarona does need to flex that Z-move to nail the KO.
+1 4 SpA Kommo-o Clanging Scales vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 169-201 (54.3 - 64.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Kommo-o Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 186-219 (59.8 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 Atk Kommo-o Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 206-243 (66.2 - 78.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Psychic vs. +1 0 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 216-256 (74.2 - 87.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+1 252 SpA Volcarona Shattered Psyche (175 BP) vs. +1 0 HP / 0- SpD Kommo-o: 418-494 (143.6 - 169.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
This should be 100% self-explanatory. +2 Naganadel OHKOs itself with Dragon Pulse, and then Ditto can sweep the team if Mega Altaria has been eliminated (and if it hasn't, feel free to copy Mega Alt for a nice countersweep).