Amoonguss Analysis




After a brief two year hiatus, Amoonguss is once again a nuisance in the VGC format. With a solid bulk, access to Spore and Rage Powder, as well as an incredibly useful form of Recovery through Regenerator, Amoonguss is yet again the premier redirection support Pokemon in VGC.






Pros
*114 Base HP Stat makes Amoonguss incredibly bulky, allowing it to redirect a considerable number of attacks
*Access to Clear Smog and very slow speed allows Amoonguss to reset opponent’s stat buffs
*A decent Trick Room counter with low speed and Spore
*Access to both Rage Powder and Spore makes Amoonguss a great Pokemon to both protect / neuter Trick Room setters and set up Pokemon
*Regenerator allows Amoonguss to recover 33% of HP upon switching out, making sure that it can redirect even more attacks
Cons
*70 / 85 Defensive and Special Defensive Stats are very lackluster
*Very weak to the common Meta Lele as well as Charizard Y teams
*Tapu Fini and Tapu Koko both prevent Spore from having any effect with their terrain
*Amoonguss speed ties Snorlax, making for scary 50/50s
Set #1 - Pinch Berry
Amoonguss @ Iapapa Berry  
Ability: Regenerator  
Level: 50  
EVs: 212 HP / 204 Def / 92 SpD  
Relaxed Nature  
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe  
- Clear Smog / Giga Drain / Sludge Bomb
- Spore  
- Rage Powder  
- Protect
*Amoonguss does not have much flexibility regarding moves and spreads, as its main role is to Redirect attacks from allies or cast Spore to put threatening foes to sleep.
*Amoonguss always wants one attacking move, and while Giga Drain and Sludge Bomb deal chip damage to bulky waters and fairies respectively, I am a very big fan of Clear Smog
*Clear Smog rids opponents of their buffs/debuffs, and can be used to completely mitigate Snorlax Belly Drums, Volcarona Quiver Dances, and Eevee’s Z Last Resort boost
*Spore and Rage Powder are both essential moves to Amoonguss set, and are the reason why Amoonguss is so commonly used
*Spore has 100% accuracy and puts non-grass types to sleep. It is incredibly useful in stalling out the game, neutering key threats, and stopping Trick Room from going up
*However, with the introduction of both Electric and Misty Terrain, Spore is not as useful as it was in 2015. Be careful not to waste a turn using Spore on grounded Pokemon in these terrains
*Rage Powder redirects all attacks below +2 Priority from Amoonguss’ allies, allowing Amoonguss to soak up heavy attacks and Z moves in place of an ally
*This allows allies to either set up or go for KO’s without fear
*However, Rage Powder does NOT redirect Grass type Pokemon's moves, so be careful
*Because of how offensive the format is, Amoonguss is a lot harder to EV properly; there are really no good benchmarks to create a mushroom capable of surviving both Physical and Special attacks. This spread aims at achieving a balance between both defenses.
*212 / +204 Def allows Amoonguss to survive -1 +180 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge, and also survive 252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt 93.8% of the time
*+6 +252 Atk Azumarill Aqua Jet is also a 3HKO, allowing you to Spore/Clear Smog
*212 / 92 SpD allows Amoonguss to survive +252 SpA Tapu Lele Psychic outside of terrain, as well as +252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Heat Wave outside of the sun
*0 Speed IVs with a Harmful nature allows Amoonguss to be as slow as possible, speed tying with the likes of minimum speed Snorlax
*This not only allows you to move first frequently under Trick Room, but also allows you to potentially Spore / Clear Smog Snorlax before it can move
Set #2 - Resist Berry
Amoonguss @ Occa Berry / Payapa Berry  
Ability: Regenerator  
Level: 50  
EVs: 212 HP / 92 Def / 204 SpD  
Sassy Nature  
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe  
- Clear Smog  
- Spore  
- Rage Powder  
- Protect
*Sporting a slightly different EV spread, this Amoonguss aims to survive strong, super effective attacks from targets that it otherwise would not
*212 / +204 SpD allows Amoonguss to survive +252 SpA Tapu Lele Psychic in Psychic Terrain 100% of the time, and +252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Overheat in the Sun 81.3% of the time
*The Defense EVs allow Amoonguss to survive -1 44 Atk Aerilate Mega Salamence Double-Edge.
*With Occa / Payapa Berry, Amoonguss will lack the recovery of Pinch Berry in exchange for getting of a Spore on crucial targets. Thus, make use of Regenerator to heal up the mushroom through switching Amoonguss in and out of the battlefield.
Using Amoonguss
*While Amoonguss does provide excellent utility and doubles as a meat shield, several Pokemon in VGC 2018 hamper Amoonguss from achieving full functionality.
*Amoonguss, despite its Poison typing, really dislikes facing any of the Tapu Pokemon
*Tapu Koko and Tapu Fini both have annoying terrains that prevent Amoonguss from using Spore
*Tapu Lele can threaten KO’s on Amoonguss, while Tapu Bulu bypasses Redirection / Spore entirely
*Amoonguss also dislikes facing Mega Charizard Y, one of the three most common Mega Evolutions in the format
*While Amoonguss is the Pokemon used to cover weaknesses of a team, Amoonguss especially appreciates certain Pokemon
*Tyranitar not only threatens Charizard Y with both Rock type coverage and Sand Stream, but also appreciates Amoonguss’ support in setting up Dragon Dance to Sweep
*Salamence and Azumarill also appreciate Amoonguss’ support, redirecting Z Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko and Taunts while setting up Dragon Dance / Belly Drum
*After setting up, these two can easily sweep through opposing teams
*Tapu Lele resets terrain into Psychic terrain, allowing Amoonguss to use Spore on Tapu Koko and Tapu Fini
*Be careful not to lose your Amoonguss to opposing Psychic type attacks in the process
*A Key feature of Amoonguss that many players, both new and experienced, often forget about is its Regenerator Ability. Allowing Amoonguss to heal 33% of its HP upon switching out, Regenerator keeps your mushroom shield along for longer periods of time to support allies.


Comments

Post a Comment

Other Resources

VGC 2018 Teams

Image
A Compilation of Common VGC 2018 Teams! If you are just starting out, I recommend learning how to play CHALK -CHALK is a bulky team that helps you to learn the basic mechanics If you ever need help or pointers, don't be afraid to ask for help! I'll probably be online. CHALK http://pokepast.es/b172a04b8a32ecf9 Team Notes: -All of the Pokemon on this team are in the middle speed tier (low 100’s) -You have the option of Tailwind or Trick Room to outspeed opponents -Cresselia carries Icy wind, and after one Icy Wind, -Landorus will outspeed Timid 252 Tapu Koko and Gengar -Tapu Fini will outspeed Mega Metagross and Alolan Persian and Kartana -Zapdos will outspeed Mega Salamence -Kangaskhan will outspeed Positive Nature Base 100 Pokemon (Max Speed Kang) -Cresselia Underspeeds Heatran by One point, allowing it to move first in Trick Room -Especially useful in setting up Sunny Day and using Firi
Read more

Salamence Analysis (Mega Croissant)

Image
Occupying a niche as a Flying Intimidator, Salamence provides a safe check to the ever common Landorus. With a powerful spread STAB move and access to Physical sets, Salamence can fulfill the role of either a Special Attacker with Tailwind or Physical Sweeper with Dragon Dance. Pros *145 Attack and 120 Special Attack allows Mega Salamence to function as both a Physical and Special Attacker *95 / 130 / 90 Defensive Bulk is very impressive; Salamence can survive a multitude of attacks *Two incredibly useful Abilities in Intimidate and Aerilate *Fulfills the niche of a Flying Intimidator, allowing Salamence to switch into Landorus *Aerilate combined with moves such as Hyper Voice and Double-Edge allow Salamence to deal wonderful, Flying type damage, something no other Pokemon can do *Access to Tailwind, allowing Salamence to also provide Speed Control *120 Speed allow Salamence the option to outspeed threats such as Metagross, Persian, and Kartana *Able to ru
Read more

Naganadel Analysis

Image
One of three new Ultra Beasts introduced in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Naganadel finds its niche as a speedy and offensive Poison type in a Tapu filled format. With a decent speed stat, access to Tailwind, and the flexibility of Z Moves, Naganadel can serve as a check to major threats in the format. Pros *Poison Dragon is an excellent Offensive and Defensive typing in the current format *127 Special Attack allows Naganadel to OHKO all Tapus with the exception of Tapu Fini, and also provides 2HKOs with Super Effective attacks *121 Speed allows Naganadel to outspeed most of the format barring Tapu Koko and Mega Gengar, and is the fastest Tailwind setter available *Decent coverage and access to Tailwind allow Naganadel to fulfill multiple roles *Choice Scarf Naganadel outspeeds Ludicolo in the Rain, and KO’s with Sludge Bomb Cons *73 / 73 / 73 Defensive stats are lackluster; Naganadel requires Intimidate support to survive most STAB and Super Effective Physical
Read more

Charizard Y Analysis

Image
Mega Evolutions are once again legal in VGC, allowing the fan favorite sun-setter back into the format. Everyone’s favorite Gen 1 starter boasts and incredibly high Special Attack along with the incredibly useful ability of Drought. Combined with a decent speed stat and passable bulk, Charizard Y threatens to blaze through teams with powerful Fire type attacks. Pros *159 Special Attack stat allows Charizard Y to hit very hard without much investment, KOing and 2HKOing targets with sun up *100 Base Speed allows Charizard Y to outspeed and KO the likes of Tapu Lele and non-Choice Scarf Landorus-T *Its Mega Evolution Ability, Drought, summons Sunny Day for 5 turns or until a different weather is summoned. *Sun not only disrupts other weathers but also boosts Charizard’s damage output while protecting it from Water type attacks *Access to a decent movepool allows Charizard Y to hit most of its weaknesses for super effective damage Cons *Fire / Flying typing i
Read more

Lurantis Analysis

Image
Coming out of obscurity after the introduction of Intimidate Incineroar, Lurantis fulfills a special niche as a slow Grass Type Sweeper. Its ability Contrary allows Lurantis to deter Intimidators, while access to Superpower allows Lurantis to check Incineroar and sweep through unprepared teams. Pros *105 Attack stat is decent, considering Lurantis will almost never be below neutral Attack due to Contrary *70 / 90 / 90 Bulk allows Lurantis to survive numerous Super Effective attacks and proc its Pinch Berry *Contrary reverses stat drops such as Intimidate, giving Lurantis a +1 Attack Boost when Intimidated *Combined with Superpower, Lurantis can quickly rack up both Attack and Defense Boosts Cons *Requires both Intimidate Support and Trick Room Support to function properly *70 / 90 Defense requires Intimidate Support to survive Incineroar Flare Blitz *Common threats such as Salamence, Gengar, Incineroar, and Cresselia heavily threaten Lurantis’ longevi
Read more

Aegislash Analysis

Image
My personal favorite Ghost Type in the format, Aegislash comes back from its VGC 2015 hiatus to once again serve as an offensive and supportive threat. With its signature ability, Stance Change, Aegislash can both provide an immense offensive threat while boasting high defenses. Pros *Stance Change allows Aegislash to effectively have 50 / 150 / 150 / 150 / 150 / 60 stats, making Aegislash a solid wall and offensive threat. *Ghost / Steel typing complements Aegislash both defensively and offensively *Aegislash has eight resistances and one immunity *The introduction of Z Moves allows Aegislash to now nuke targets without having to run Life Orb, which decreases Aegislash’ longevity *Small but efficient movepool allows Aegislash to cover many threats and targets *Premier Wide Guard user, protecting allies from Spread moves Cons *The common threats of Charizard Y and Landorus-T still heavily threaten Aegislash *Z Moves also threaten Aegisla
Read more

Kartana Analysis

Image
One of seven Ultra Beasts introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon, Kartana filled the niche of a fast and incredibly powerful Grass type Attacker. With an insane Attack stat coupled with a high speed tier, Kartana continues its dominance into 2018. Pros *181 Attack stat is the highest base value in the entire VGC 2018 format; Kartana hits over 200 Attack without any investment or boosting nature. *109 Speed Allows Kartana to hit 177 Speed, outspeeding numerous most Pokemon. Its naturally high speed means that Kartana does not have to invest too much into Speed to outspeed Positive Base 100 threats. *Kartana’s ability, Beast Boost, raises Kartana’s Attack by one stage for every KO it gets. *Thus, Kartana, with its high speed and Attack stat, can quickly snowball through opposing teams if given a kill *There is a distinct lack of viable Grass types and Fighting types in VGC 2018, which Kartana fulfills with the help of Sacred Sword *Along with USUM came USUM m
Read more

Landorus-T, the King of VGC

Image
The notorious King of VGC from 2015 is back in the format and as common as ever. With its great Attack stat, above average bulk, excellent typing, and access to Intimidate, Landorus-T looks to reclaim its throne in VGC 2018. Pros *Landorus boasts an enormous 145 Attack stat with STAB Earthquake, allowing it to deal heavy damage to multiple targets at once *Able to run immense bulk investment while retaining damage because of its Attack stat *Combined with a plethora of viable moves, Landorus can deal Super Effective damage to every single Pokemon in the format *With Intimidate and 89/90 Defensive bulk, Landorus effectively tanks Physical attacks *Ground / Flying typing is weak to only two types: Water and Ice, both of which are predominantly Special Attacks *Enormous Item flexibility; Assault Vest, Choice Scarf, Groundium Z, and Life Orb are all viable options that opponents have to watch out for *With Life Orb, Special Attacking Landorus becomes viabl
Read more

Gengar Analysis

Image
A speedy and incredibly offensive threat, Gengar is the premiere Poison type in a Tapu filled format. While no longer carrying Levitate, Gengar is still able to function exceptionally well with its Mega Form’s ability, Shadow Tag, trapping in opponents to allow your own Pokemon to set up or cycle Intimidates. Pros *Boasts an impressive 170 SpA and 130 Spe when Mega Evolved, outspeeding most of the metagame and speed tying with Tapu Koko *After Mega Evolving, Gengar gains access to Shadow Tag, one of the most useful and annoying abilities in Pokemon *As a Poison type, Gengar is immune to Fake Out and threatens KO’s on all Tapu Pokemon with Sludge Bomb Cons *Speed Ties with Tapu Koko, which is very annoying as Tapu Koko can KO Gengar before it moves *Increase in Specially Defensive bulky Pokemon mean that Gengar often misses KO’s and is counter KO’d *Ghost / Poison is not a great offensive typing when not super effective *60/80/95 Bulk means most Z Moves an
Read more

Snorlax Analysis

Image
With the introduction of Pinch Berries in 2017, Snorlax has risen to prominence as one of the best Pokemon in VGC. With its incredibly low base speed, access to consistent recovery, and a choice of set up moves, Snorlax is a bulky nuisance that can double as a Trick Room sweeper. Pros *160 / 60 / 110 Defenses allows Snorlax to tank Z Moves and Super Effective moves alike *Incredible bulk allows Snorlax to switch into moves in place of its allies *Normal Typing is great defensively, making Snorlax weak only to Fighting types *Fighting types are severely threatened in this format because of Tapus *Ability of Gluttony activates Snorlax’ Pinch Berry at 50% HP, allow Snorlax to abuse moves like Belly Drum and otherwise stay above 50% HP at all times *110 Attack stat is decent, and combined with set up moves (Curse / Belly Drum), Snorlax can become a terrifying sweeper *Base 30 Speed allows Snorlax to underspeed the majority of the format, becoming a threatenin
Read more