Doubles Volcanion

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GenOne

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[OVERVIEW]

Volcanion is one of the most reliable Fire-types in Doubles OU thanks to its great defensive Fire / Water typing, good bulk, and high Special Attack stat. In stark contrast to most Fire-types, Volcanion is able to wall most opposing Water-types thanks to its Water Absorb ability, although it still struggles to do meaningful damage back to them. Volcanion sits at a middling Speed tier, so it's usually forced to absorb attacks before dealing its own in return. Its good bulk allows it to do this reasonably well, but it thrives best when it's supported by speed control like Tailwind or Trick Room. Offensively, Volcanion's typing offers decent STAB coverage but still leaves it walled by certain foes, including Water-types like Tapu Fini and Dragon-types like Mega Salamence. Volcanion can carry coverage moves to address some of its checks, but it suffers from four-moveslot syndrome in that it doesn't have enough room to pack all of the coverage moves it wants to run. Despite all of this, however, Volcanion can easily become a staple Pokemon for teams that otherwise struggle to break down opposing Steel-types like Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Earth Power
move 4: Protect
item: Shuca Berry / Waterium Z
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 208 HP / 212 SpA / 44 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption serves as Volcanion's strongest and most reliable single-target STAB attack. Heat Wave is Volcanion's preferred secondary STAB attack, offering spread coverage and a reliable way of dealing with Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice is a coverage option that allows Volcanion to reliably hit Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Zygarde. Alternatively, Earth Power is mainly used to beat Volcanion mirrors but also serves a few other minor niches like hitting Heatran in the sun or Tapu Koko on a predicted switch. Sludge Bomb is usable to hit several Pokemon that Volcanion generally has a positive matchup against but can't really deal significant damage to, such as Tapu Fini and Ludicolo. Protect keeps Volcanion safe while its partners deal with any possible threats.

Set Details
========

Shuca Berry is Volcanion's preferred item, allowing it to survive strong Ground-type attacks from foes like Landorus-T and Zygarde and retaliable with Steam Eruption or Hidden Power Ice. Alternatively, Waterium Z lets Volcanion blast a target with an absurdly strong STAB attack, notably being able to OHKO Mega Tyranitar in sand. A Modest nature with the given EV spread allows Volcanion to survive a Tectonic Rage from Adamant Landorus-T, factoring in the Shuca Berry; survive one Life Orb Psychic from Timid Tapu Lele; outspeed an uninvested Tapu Bulu; and hit as hard as possible, with the remaining EVs invested into Special Attack.

Alternatively, a faster spread of 120 HP / 4 Def / 112 SpA / 20 SpD / 252 Spe with a Modest nature allows Volcanion to: move as fast as possible (and when applicable outspeed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele under Tailwind); OHKO Mega Tyranitar with Hydro Vortex; survive a +1 Rock Slide from Mega Tyranitar; and take special attacks more easily, with the remaining EVs being placed into Special Defense.

Aside from the given spreads above, Volcanion's EV spread options are pretty flexible overall; the HP, Special Attack, and Speed EVs can be redistributed as you see fit, but Waterium Z sets should retain at least 112 SpA, 120 HP, and 4 Def to win the matchup versus Mega Tyranitar. On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed.

Usage Tips
========

Volcanion is good at applying offensive pressure in the mid- or late-game, after checks and faster attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus-T have been dealt with, because its Fire / Water STAB coverage and coverage move allow it to clean up against many targets. This isn't to say that Volcanion can't be used as a lead or early-game pivot; its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to do this with relative ease; however, with a middling Speed tier and predictably linear movepool, Volcanion can be easy to play around and force out. Ideally, it wants to pivot in on Water-type attacks, since Water Absorb allows it to recover HP from them. That said, it can end up in a stalemate versus bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Volcanion mirrors if it doesn't have the appropriate coverage moves to deal with them. If you do deploy Volcanion early on in the game, try to preserve its HP, since it loses its effectiveness as a late-game cleaner if its HP is too low to withstand opposing attacks. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind, and Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster Pokemon like Landorus-T and Mega Tyranitar; foes that Volcanion checks when it has the speed advantage but loses to when it doesn't.

Team Options
========

Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Aegislash appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling Speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit opposing Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion, and Milotic essentially wall Volcanion (though coverage moves can mitigate this a bit), so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, and Tapu Bulu make for great partners. Tapu Bulu is a notably great partner for Volcanion; the duo form a solid Fire / Water / Grass core, and Grassy Terrain mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake.

[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption gives Volcanion a strong single-target STAB attack, and Heat Wave gives it a strong spread STAB option. Substitute is especially viable on Volcanion due to its good defensive typing, ability to force switches, and access to strong STAB moves. When executed successfully, Substitute can give Volcanion a lot of momentum to either pressure the foe into attacking it or stall time with Protect for Leftovers recovery.

Set Details
========

Leftovers provides a consistent recovery option that can be repeatedly taken advantage of by cycling through Protect and Substitute turns. The given EV spread allows Volcanion to ensure its Substitute is never broken by Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb, and the remaining EVs are invested into Special Attack with a Modest nature to make Volcanion hit as hard as possible. That said, the EVs can be shifted around to meet your team's specific requirements for bulk, power, and speed. On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed.

Usage Tips
========

The main goal of this set is to position Volcanion into a situation where it can comfortably get behind a Substitute. To accomplish this, take advantage of predicted switches, passive plays, or matchups where the opposing Pokemon simply don't pose a threat to Volcanion. Similarly to more offensive sets, Substitute Volcanion is most effective mid-game after its checks have been dealt with. However, once behind a Substitute, Volcanion has more freedom to stay in on its would-be checks to fire off strong STAB attacks in retaliation. Use Protect liberally once Substitute is up to take advantage of free Leftovers recovery turns and to play mind games with the opponent, who will likely feel pressured to double target Volcanion. Water Absorb allows Volcanion to effortlessly pivot in on Water-type attacks, although Volcanion ends up in a "stalemate" situation against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Volcanion mirrors, and Substitute Volcanion lacks the coverage moves to hit these Pokemon back. Sometimes you can take advantage of these situations to attack the Water-type's partner, but if Volcanion is feeling like dead weight, you're best off preserving it for later in the match. Volcanion has good bulk and a decent defensive typing, so it can be used as a pivot into neutral and resisted attacks. However, you generally should preserve Volcanion's HP as much as possible so it can clean up late-game or retain enough HP to use Substitute more effectively later on. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind, and Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster foes like Mega Tyranitar and Landorus-T that it wants to check but can't quite outpace.

Team Options
========

Tapu Bulu is an excellent partner for Substitute Volcanion; Grassy Terrain compounds the turn-by-turn recovery Volcanion already receives from Leftovers and also mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake. Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Aegislash also appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion, and Milotic completely wall Substitute Volcanion, so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, and Tapu Bulu make for great partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Assault Vest is a fantastic option that turns Volcanion into an all-around bulky tank, notably allowing it to survive a Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko when running 244 HP and 96 Special Defense EVs. Mago Berry or Iapapa Berry can be used for a more immediate recovery option; Volcanion's good bulk gives it plenty of opportunity to drop down into activation range. Firium Z is an option to turn Heat Wave into a stronger single-target move to hit hard against targets like Amoonguss, which are likely to survive a Heat Wave, as well as to provide Volcanion with a single-target super effective attack that can hit Wide Guard users like Celesteela and Aegislash. Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Overheat are also usable as single-target options to hit Wide Guard users, either as a replacement for or as a supplement to Heat Wave. Solar Beam used in tandem with Grassium Z allows Volcanion to hit hard against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Milotic, which otherwise wall it. Mystic Water and Charcoal can be used for greater consistent power as alternatives to Waterium Z. Other damage-reducing Berries, like Wacan Berry and Charti Berry, can be used over Shuca Berry to mitigate specific weaknesses depending on your team's needs. Haze is usable to shut down opposing setup.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Zapdos, and Rotom-W can all outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective Electric-type attacks. Rotom-W also walls Volcanion's STAB attacks, while Misty Seed or Psychic Seed Zapdos just has generally high Special Defense that allows it to comfortably take Volcanion's attacks. Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt also inflicts severe damage to Volcanion.

**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Kingdra resist both of Volcanion's STAB attacks and can hit back reasonably hard. Kyurem-B lacks a Fire resistance, but variants carrying Assault Vest still take relatively little damage from Volcanion's Heat Wave. Hidden Power Ice can be used to address Mega Salamence, but Volcanion remains relatively helpless against Kyurem-B and Kingdra.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective STAB attacks, although Shuca Berry can be used to mitigate this weakness. Zygarde in particular can be a problem for Volcanion, as it only takes neutral damage from Steam Eruption.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type attackers like Tyranitar and Diancie threaten Volcanion with super effective damage, but Volcanion threatens them back if it survives long enough to strike with Steam Eruption.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Volcanion's Special Defense is passable but nothing extraordinary for a bulky attacker. Pokemon with strong special attacks, like Deoxys-A, Tapu Lele, and Mega Gengar, are able to threaten significant damage, if not an outright KO, before Volcanion has a chance to move.

**Faster Pokemon**: Without speed control on its side, Volcanion is outsped by a significant portion of the metagame, including many of the threats mentioned above. Pokemon ranging from super effective attackers like Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie to strong neutral attackers like Tapu Lele and Mega Salamence are able to use their speed advantage to either pressure or revenge kill Volcanion.
 
Last edited:

talkingtree

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  • [3 Attacks Set] I don't think we usually specify 0 Atk IVs on special attackers, but I could be wrong on that. Either way we should prob discuss that, and I think the set should be changed to All-Out Attacker since both sets carry Protect
  • [3 Attacks SD] Thoughts on making the alternate spread 120 HP / 116 SpA / 20 SpD / 252 Spe; Modest? The extra SpD could be beneficial with most of the attacks it switches in on being special
  • [3 Attacks Team Options] "bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela and Mega-Aegislash" :thinking:
  • [3 Attacks Team Options] Intimidate is useful for every team, so unless the mon in question has special needs for Intimidate (physically frail, setup sweeper, important for certain calcs, etc), leave that out
  • [3 Attacks Team Options] Make sure to list a couple options when you talk about checks to Electric/Rock/Ground types
  • [Sub Moves] In this case, make sure you talk about Protect's added benefits to this set it particular - namely, stalling for Leftovers recovery
  • [Sub Set Details] I think you messed up a copy/paste somewhere in describing the EVs
  • [Sub Team Options] There's a bit of laziness in some copy/paste here too, just hmu for specification on what should be fixed if you need it
  • [Other Options] I think I heard that WG isn't supposed to do that anymore, so update the Firium section
  • [Other Options] Possible additions: Solar Beam + Grassium Z, Flame Charge, Haze
  • [Checks and Counters] Deo-A can do more than 2HKO, just clarify some wording under the **Strong Special Attackers** tag
Do the above and you should be set for QC 1/2!
 

Level 51

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[Overview] The first sentence calls Fire/Water a "great offensive" typing, while later you say it only offers "decent STAB coverage" - may want to clear up the discrepancy

[All-Out Attacker]
[Moves] Sentence on Sludge Bomb doesn't really bring out why it's a useful move - allows it to hit Pokemon Volcanion has a generally positive matchup against but can't really deal significant damage to (Tapu Fini, Ludicolo)
[Set Details] Only 112 SpA is needed to OHKO both 4/0 and 0/4 Mega Tyranitar in Sand with Hydro Vortex
[Set Details] The listed spreads appear to be wrong
  • a spread of 208 HP / 212 SpA / 44 SpD / 44 Spe hits all the benchmarks on the first one with more offensive investment:
    • 252+ Atk Landorus-T Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. 208 HP / 0 Def Shuca Berry Volcanion: 298-352 (84.4 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
    • 252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 208 HP / 44 SpD Volcanion in Psychic Terrain: 298-352 (84.4 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
    • 252+ SpA Landorus-T Earth Power vs. 208 HP / 44 SpD Volcanion: 288-342 (81.5 - 96.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • second one is slightly wrong, move 4 EVs from SpA to Def
    • 112+ SpA Volcanion Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Tyranitar in Sand: 342-404 (100.2 - 118.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
    • I also assume the benchmark is supposed to say "survive a +1 Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide", which you do with 120/4 but not 120/0 (or 124/0)
      +1 252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 120 HP / 4 Def Volcanion: 278-330 (83.9 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage
  • rework the last paragraph's numbers to reflect the benchmarks
[Usage Tips] This paragraph generally contains a lot of oppositional conjunctions—"good at applying pressure mid- to late-game" but "can be used early game" but "can be easy to play around" but "can pivot in on Water-types" but "can end up in stalemates". This kind of makes the paragraph somewhat confusing to write, would be good if you could combine the statements somehow, something like

Volcanion is good at applying offensive pressure in the mid- to late-game, after checks and faster attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus-T have been dealt with, because its Fire / Water STAB coverage, in combination with its coverage move, allows it to clean up against many targets. Its Water Absorb ability also provides it valuable opportunities to switch in safely and even recover HP, and in tandem with its good bulk and defensive typing let it play a similar role even as a lead or early-game pivot. However, its middling speed tier and predictably linear movepool can make Volcanion easy to play around and force out, and it can often end up in stalemate situations versus bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini or opposing Volcanion if it doesn't have the appropriate coverage moves to deal with them.​

which only uses one oppositional conjunction to make it smoother to read imo (don't copy my words exactly if you don't want to, it's just a sample). idk if this is a QC thing or more of a GP thing so hopefully I'm not overstepping any boundaries but I think clarity is important in a complex paragraph like this

[Substitute]
[Moves] Can probably fit in a mention here about how Substitute is especially viable on Volcanion due to the switches its good defensive typing (and strong offensive STAB moves) often force—otherwise it just ends up as a generic descriptor of Substitute's general usage
[Set Details] Volcanion needs 252 HP EVs to make 91 HP Substitutes and thus have its Substitutes survive 0 SpA Amoonguss' Sludge Bomb: 0 SpA Amoonguss Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 196 SpD Volcanion: 76-90 (20.8 - 24.7%) -- guaranteed 5HKO (76, 76, 78, 78, 79, 81, 81, 82, 82, 84, 85, 85, 87, 87, 88, 90). Three ways to go about this:
  • go for 252 HP EVs to get this benchmark, it's only 4 more anyway. This leaves you at a HP = 4k position though, which means you can't click Substitute 5 times (though this is less of an issue in Doubles where Protect exists)
  • 212 SpD lowers the maximum roll to 88, so you can get away with 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD (again a 4k HP, so 224 HP is an option here)
  • accept the 1/16 roll of 90 and just use 220 HP / 92 SpA / 196 SpD
I'd personally lean towards 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD but I would be interested to hear what the rest of QC has to say on this
[Set Details] EV spread also does not outspeed an uninvested Tapu Bulu like the paragraph says it does, either move 44 EVs to Speed or remove this clause
[Usage Tips] Connect the "stalemate vs Water-types" and "lacks coverage" sentences together to show the link between the thoughts: "... although Volcanion ends up in a "stalemate" situation against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors since unlike the All-Out Attacker set, Substitute Volcanion lacks the coverage moves to hit these Pokemon back." Again more of a GP thing but technically content-based so
[Usage Tips] In addition to preserving its HP so that it can clean up in lategame, Substitute Volcanion also kind of wants to preserve its HP so it can use Substitute more effectively

[Other Options] Actually, 244 HP / 96 SpD is sufficient for AV Volcanion to survive LO Koko Thunderbolt
[Checks and Counters] [Electric-types] "Kyurem-B's Dragon typing allows it to resist both of Volcanion's STAB attacks" is technically incorrect as it doesn't resist Fire, maybe rephrase a little to make this clearer

Some stuff for other QC members to look over so I guess I won't give a stamp here as much as I'd like to, but I'll post this check first so I don't lose it + you can make the rest of the changes. Good job with this overall, Volcanion is a really complex Pokemon but you broke it down well I think
 

GenOne

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[Overview] The first sentence calls Fire/Water a "great offensive" typing, while later you say it only offers "decent STAB coverage" - may want to clear up the discrepancy

[All-Out Attacker]
[Moves] Sentence on Sludge Bomb doesn't really bring out why it's a useful move - allows it to hit Pokemon Volcanion has a generally positive matchup against but can't really deal significant damage to (Tapu Fini, Ludicolo)
[Set Details] Only 112 SpA is needed to OHKO both 4/0 and 0/4 Mega Tyranitar in Sand with Hydro Vortex
[Set Details] The listed spreads appear to be wrong
  • a spread of 208 HP / 212 SpA / 44 SpD / 44 Spe hits all the benchmarks on the first one with more offensive investment:
    • 252+ Atk Landorus-T Tectonic Rage (180 BP) vs. 208 HP / 0 Def Shuca Berry Volcanion: 298-352 (84.4 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
    • 252 SpA Life Orb Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 208 HP / 44 SpD Volcanion in Psychic Terrain: 298-352 (84.4 - 99.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
    • 252+ SpA Landorus-T Earth Power vs. 208 HP / 44 SpD Volcanion: 288-342 (81.5 - 96.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
  • second one is slightly wrong, move 4 EVs from SpA to Def
    • 112+ SpA Volcanion Hydro Vortex (185 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mega Tyranitar in Sand: 342-404 (100.2 - 118.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
    • I also assume the benchmark is supposed to say "survive a +1 Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide", which you do with 120/4 but not 120/0 (or 124/0)
      +1 252 Atk Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 120 HP / 4 Def Volcanion: 278-330 (83.9 - 99.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after sandstorm damage
  • rework the last paragraph's numbers to reflect the benchmarks
[Usage Tips] This paragraph generally contains a lot of oppositional conjunctions—"good at applying pressure mid- to late-game" but "can be used early game" but "can be easy to play around" but "can pivot in on Water-types" but "can end up in stalemates". This kind of makes the paragraph somewhat confusing to write, would be good if you could combine the statements somehow, something like

Volcanion is good at applying offensive pressure in the mid- to late-game, after checks and faster attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus-T have been dealt with, because its Fire / Water STAB coverage, in combination with its coverage move, allows it to clean up against many targets. Its Water Absorb ability also provides it valuable opportunities to switch in safely and even recover HP, and in tandem with its good bulk and defensive typing let it play a similar role even as a lead or early-game pivot. However, its middling speed tier and predictably linear movepool can make Volcanion easy to play around and force out, and it can often end up in stalemate situations versus bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini or opposing Volcanion if it doesn't have the appropriate coverage moves to deal with them.​

which only uses one oppositional conjunction to make it smoother to read imo (don't copy my words exactly if you don't want to, it's just a sample). idk if this is a QC thing or more of a GP thing so hopefully I'm not overstepping any boundaries but I think clarity is important in a complex paragraph like this

[Substitute]
[Moves] Can probably fit in a mention here about how Substitute is especially viable on Volcanion due to the switches its good defensive typing (and strong offensive STAB moves) often force—otherwise it just ends up as a generic descriptor of Substitute's general usage
[Set Details] Volcanion needs 252 HP EVs to make 91 HP Substitutes and thus have its Substitutes survive 0 SpA Amoonguss' Sludge Bomb: 0 SpA Amoonguss Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 196 SpD Volcanion: 76-90 (20.8 - 24.7%) -- guaranteed 5HKO (76, 76, 78, 78, 79, 81, 81, 82, 82, 84, 85, 85, 87, 87, 88, 90). Three ways to go about this:
  • go for 252 HP EVs to get this benchmark, it's only 4 more anyway. This leaves you at a HP = 4k position though, which means you can't click Substitute 5 times (though this is less of an issue in Doubles where Protect exists)
  • 212 SpD lowers the maximum roll to 88, so you can get away with 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD (again a 4k HP, so 224 HP is an option here)
  • accept the 1/16 roll of 90 and just use 220 HP / 92 SpA / 196 SpD
I'd personally lean towards 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD but I would be interested to hear what the rest of QC has to say on this
[Set Details] EV spread also does not outspeed an uninvested Tapu Bulu like the paragraph says it does, either move 44 EVs to Speed or remove this clause
[Usage Tips] Connect the "stalemate vs Water-types" and "lacks coverage" sentences together to show the link between the thoughts: "... although Volcanion ends up in a "stalemate" situation against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors since unlike the All-Out Attacker set, Substitute Volcanion lacks the coverage moves to hit these Pokemon back." Again more of a GP thing but technically content-based so
[Usage Tips] In addition to preserving its HP so that it can clean up in lategame, Substitute Volcanion also kind of wants to preserve its HP so it can use Substitute more effectively

[Other Options] Actually, 244 HP / 96 SpD is sufficient for AV Volcanion to survive LO Koko Thunderbolt
[Checks and Counters] [Electric-types] "Kyurem-B's Dragon typing allows it to resist both of Volcanion's STAB attacks" is technically incorrect as it doesn't resist Fire, maybe rephrase a little to make this clearer

Some stuff for other QC members to look over so I guess I won't give a stamp here as much as I'd like to, but I'll post this check first so I don't lose it + you can make the rest of the changes. Good job with this overall, Volcanion is a really complex Pokemon but you broke it down well I think
I revived myself from the dead and implemented this. Thanks for the thorough check Level 51, your attention to detail is impeccable, especially with the EV spreads which are the toughest aspect of building a Volcanion set.

Only thing I didn't implement was your first GP suggestion around oppositional conjunctions; I'm hoping the GP team will catch these kinds of things, although I'm p sure what you suggested is spot on.

Moving this to GP but it's been a while since eyes have been on this, so I can accommodate a QC 3/2 if anyone feels there are glaring issues left unaddressed.
 

Lumari

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GP 1/2
[OVERVIEW]

Volcanion is one of the most reliable Fire-types in Doubles OU thanks to its great defensive Fire / Water typing, good bulk, and high Special Attack stat. In stark contrast to most Fire-types, Volcanion is able to wall most opposing Water-types thanks to its Water Absorb ability, although on the other hand it still struggles to do meaningful damage back to them. Volcanion sits at a middling Speed tier, so it's usually forced to absorb attacks before dealing its own in return. Its good bulk allows it to do this reasonably well, but it thrives best when it's supported by speed control like Tailwind or Trick Room. Offensively, Volcanion's Fire / Water typing offers decent STAB coverage but still leaves it walled by certain opponents foes, including Water-types like Tapu Fini and Dragon-types like Mega Salamence. Volcanion can carry coverage moves to address some of its checks, but it suffers from four-move-moveslot-syndrome four-moveslot syndrome in that it doesn't have enough room to pack all of the coverage moves it wants to run. Despite all of this, however, Volcanion can easily become a staple Pokemon for teams that otherwise struggle to break down opposing Steel-types like Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, (AC) and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Earth Power
move 4: Protect
item: Shuca Berry / Waterium Z
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 208 HP / 212 SpA / 44 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption is Volcanion's signature move, serving as its strongest and most reliable single-target STAB attack. Heat Wave is Volcanion's preferred secondary STAB attack, offering spread coverage and a reliable way of dealing with Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice is a coverage option that allows Volcanion to reliably hit Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Zygarde. Alternatively, Earth Power is another option that is mainly used to beat Volcanion mirrors (RC) but also serves a few other minor niches like hitting Heatran in the sun or Tapu Koko on a predicted switch-in. Sludge Bomb is usable to hit several Pokemon that Volcanion generally has a positive matchup against but can't really deal significant damage to, such as Tapu Fini and Ludicolo. Protect keeps Volcanion safe while its partners deal with any possible threats.

Set Details
========

Shuca Berry is Volcanion's preferred item, allowing it to survive strong Ground-type attacks from foes like Landorus-T and Zygarde, then and retaliable with Steam Eruption or Hidden Power Ice. Alternatively, Waterium Z is an excellent item that lets Volcanion bomb a target with an absurdly strong STAB attack, notably being able to OHKO Mega Tyranitar through sand. A Modest nature with the given spread allows Volcanion to (remove colon) survive a Tectonic Rage from Adamant Landorus-T, factoring in the Shuca Berry; survive one Life Orb Psychic from Timid Tapu Lele (or an Earth Power from Modest Landorus-T); outspeed an uninvested Tapu Bulu; (SC) and (RSC) invest hit as hard as possible with the remaining EVs invested into Special Attack to hit as hard as possible.

Alternatively, a faster spread of 120 HP / 4 Def / 112 SpA / 20 SpD / 252 Spe with a Modest nature allows Volcanion to: move as fast as possible (and when applicable (RC) outspeed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele under Tailwind); OHKO Mega Tyranitar with Hydro Vortex; survive a +1 Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide; (SC) and (RSC) dump the remaining EVs into Special Defense since most of the attacks it switches in on are special attacks.

Aside from the given spreads above, Volcanion's EV spread options are pretty flexible overall; the HP, SpA and Spe EVs can be redistributed as you see fit, but Waterium Z sets should retain at least 112 SpA, 120 HP and 4 Def to win the matchup versus Mega Tyranitar. On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed.

Usage Tips
========

Volcanion is good at applying offensive pressure in the mid- to late-game, after checks and faster attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus-T have been dealt with, because its Fire / Water STAB coverage and coverage move allow it to clean up against many targets. This isn't to say that Volcanion can't be used as a lead or early-game pivot—its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to do this with relative ease—but however, with a middling Speed tier and predictably linear movepool, Volcanion can be easy to play around and force out. Ideally, it wants to pivot in on Water-type attacks, (AC) since Water Absorb allows it to recover HP from them. That said, it can end up in a stalemate versus bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini or and Volcanion mirrors if it doesn't have the appropriate coverage moves to deal with them. If you do deploy Volcanion early on in the game, try to preserve its HP, since it loses its effectiveness as a late-game cleaner if its HP is too low to withstand opposing attacks. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster opponents Pokemon like Landorus-T and Mega Tyranitar—foes that Volcanion checks when it has the speed advantage (RC) but loses to when it doesn't.

Team Options
========

Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela and Aegislash appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control setters users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit opposing Water-types with Fusion Bolt; (SC) and (RSC) Trick Room setters (e.g such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, (AC) and Bronzong (remove parenthesis) can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross (remove parentheses) are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion and Milotic essentially wall Volcanion (though coverage moves can mitigate this a bit), so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos and Tapu Bulu make for great partners. Tapu Bulu is a notably great partner for Volcanion; the duo form a solid Fire / Water / Grass (spacing) core, and Grassy Terrain mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake.

[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD
ivs: 0 Atk (redundant)

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Once again, Steam Eruption give gives Volcanion a strong single-target STAB attack, (AC) while Heat Wave gives it a strong spread STAB option. Substitute is especially viable on Volcanion due to its good defensive typing, ability to force switches, and access to strong offensive STAB moves. When executed successfully, Substitute can give Volcanion a lot of momentum to either pressure the opponent into attacking it or to stall time with Protect for Leftovers recovery.

Set Details
========

If you're using Substitute on Volcanion, you're ideally using it in tandem with Leftovers, (AC) since it provides a consistent recovery option that can be repeatedly taken advantage of by cycling through Protect and Substitute turns. The given spread with a Modest nature with the given spread allows Volcanion to ensure its Substitute is never broken by an Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb, then invests and the remaining EVs are invested into Special Attack with a Modest nature to hit as hard as possible. That said, the EVs can once again be shifted around to meet your team's specific requirements for bulk, power, (AC) and speed. Bulkier spreads are typically preferred for the Leftovers set, (AC) though -- Shuca Berry or Waterium Z are often more worthwhile on faster, more offensive sets. (don't think this goes with the Sub set?) On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed.

Usage Tips
========

The main goal of this set is to position Volcanion into a situation where it can comfortably get behind a Substitute. To accomplish this, take advantage of predicted switches, passive plays, or matchups where the opposing Pokemon simply don't pose a threat to Volcanion. Similar to more offensive sets, Substitute Volcanion is most effective in the mid-game after its checks have been dealt with. However, once behind a Substitute, Volcanion has more freedom to stay in on its would-be checks to fire off strong STAB attacks in retaliation. Use Protect liberally once Substitute is up to take advantage of free Leftovers recovery turns and to play mind games with the opponent, who will likely feel pressured to double target (RH) Volcanion. Water Absorb allows Volcanion to effortlessly pivot in on Water-type attacks, although Volcanion ends up in a "stalemate" situation against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors, and unlike the All-Out Attacker set, Substitute Volcanion lacks the coverage moves to hit these Pokemon back. Sometimes you can take advantage of these situations to attack the Water-type's partner, but if Volcanion is feeling like dead weight you're best off preserving it for later in the match. Volcanion has good bulk and decent defensive typing, so it can be used as a pivot into neutral and resisted attacks. However, you generally should preserve Volcanion's HP as much as possible so it can clean up in the late game or retain enough HP to use Substitute more effectively later on. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster opponents (e.g. foes like Mega Tyranitar (RC) and Landorus-T, etc.) that it wants to check but can't quite outpace.

Team Options
========

Tapu Bulu is an excellent partner for Substitute Volcanion; Grassy Terrain compounds the turn-by-turn recovery Volcanion already recieves receives from Leftovers and also mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake. Once again, Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, (AC) and Aegislash also appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control setters users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit Water-types with Fusion Bolt; (SC) and (RSC) Trick Room setters (e.g such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, (AC) and Bronzong (remove parenthesis) can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross (remove parentheses) are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion and Milotic essentially wall Substitute Volcanion sets, so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos and Tapu Bulu make for great partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Assault Vest is a fantastic option that turns Volcanion into an all-around bulky tank, notably allowing it to survive a Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko when paired with running 244 HP and 96 SpD Special Defense EVs. Pinch berries such as (not pinch berries, and I'm not sure what specifying the category adds tbh) Mago Berry or Iapapa Berry can be used for a more immediate recovery option—Volcanion's good bulk gives it plenty of opportunity to drop down into pinch berry activation range. Firium Z is an option to turn Heat Wave into a stronger single-target move to hit hard against targets like Amoonguss, which are likely to survive a Heat Wave, as well as to provide Volcanion with a single-target super effective (RH) attack that can hit Wide Guard users like Celesteela and Aegislash. Flamethrower, Fire Blast, (AC) and Overheat are also usable as single-target options to hit Wide Guard users, either as a replacement for or a supplement to Heat Wave. Solar Beam used in tandem with Grassium Z allows Volcanion to hit hard against bulky waters like Tapu Fini and Milotic, which otherwise wall it. Mystic Water and Charcoal can respectively be used for stronger greater consistent power as alternatives to Waterium Z. Other type-resist damage-reducing Berries, like Wacan Berry and Charti Berry, can be used over Shuca Berry to mitigate specific weaknesses depending on your team's needs. Haze is usable to shut down opposing set up setup.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Zapdos and Rotom-W can all outspeed Volcanion and threaten Volcanion it with super effective (RH) Electric-type attacks. Rotom-W also walls Volcanion's STAB attacks, while Misty Seed / Psychic Seed Zapdos just has generally high Special Defense that allows it to comfortably take Volcanion's attacks. Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt also inflicts severe damage to Volcanion.

**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Kingdra resist both of Volcanion's STAB attacks and can hit back reasonably hard. Kyurem-B lacks a Fire resistance, but variants carrying Assault Vest still take relatively little damage from Volcanion's Heat Wave. HP Hidden Power Ice can be used to address Mega Salamence, but Volcanion remains relatively helpless against Kyurem-B and Kingdra.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective (RH) STAB attacks, although Shuca Berry can be used to mitigate this weakness. Zygarde in particular can be a problem for Volcanion, as it only takes neutral damage from Steam Eruption.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type attackers like Tyranitar and Diancie threaten Volcanion with super effective (RH) damage, but Volcanion threatens them back if it survives long enough to strike with Steam Eruption.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Volcanion's Special Defense is passable, but nothing extraordinary for a bulky attacker. Pokemon with strong special attacks, like Deoxys-A, Tapu Lele, (AC) and Mega Gengar are able to threaten significant damage, if not an outright KO, before Volcanion has a chance to move.

**Faster Pokemon**: Without speed control on its side, Volcanion is outsped by a significant portion of the metagame, including many of the threats mentioned above. Pokemon ranging from super effective (RH) attackers like Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie to strong neutral attackers like Tapu Lele and Mega Salamence are able to use their speed advantage to either pressure or revenge-KO revenge kill Volcanion.
 
Last edited:

GenOne

DOU main. GMT-7. PS!: GenOne
is a Community Contributoris a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Top Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus


remove add / fix (comments); (Ac=add comma; RC=remove comma; SC=semicolon)
GP 1/2
Implemented here and in OP.

[OVERVIEW]

Volcanion is one of the most reliable Fire-types in Doubles OU thanks to its great defensive Fire / Water typing, good bulk, and high Special Attack stat. In stark contrast to most Fire-types, Volcanion is able to wall most opposing Water-types thanks to its Water Absorb ability, although on the other hand it still struggles to do meaningful damage back to them. Volcanion sits at a middling Speed tier, so it's usually forced to absorb attacks before dealing its own in return. Its good bulk allows it to do this reasonably well, but it thrives best when it's supported by speed control like Tailwind or Trick Room. Offensively, Volcanion's typing offers decent STAB coverage but still leaves it walled by certain foes, including Water-types like Tapu Fini and Dragon-types like Mega Salamence. Volcanion can carry coverage moves to address some of its checks, but it suffers from four-moveslot syndrome in that it doesn't have enough room to pack all of the coverage moves it wants to run. Despite all of this, however, Volcanion can easily become a staple Pokemon for teams that otherwise struggle to break down opposing Steel-types like Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Earth Power
move 4: Protect
item: Shuca Berry / Waterium Z
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 208 HP / 212 SpA / 44 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption is Volcanion's signature move, serving as its strongest and most reliable single-target STAB attack. Heat Wave is Volcanion's preferred secondary STAB attack, offering spread coverage and a reliable way of dealing with Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice is a coverage option that allows Volcanion to reliably hit Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Zygarde. Alternatively, Earth Power is mainly used to beat Volcanion mirrors but also serves a few other minor niches like hitting Heatran in the sun or Tapu Koko on a predicted switch. Sludge Bomb is usable to hit several Pokemon that Volcanion generally has a positive matchup against but can't really deal significant damage to, such as Tapu Fini and Ludicolo. Protect keeps Volcanion safe while its partners deal with any possible threats.

Set Details
========

Shuca Berry is Volcanion's preferred item, allowing it to survive strong Ground-type attacks from foes like Landorus-T and Zygarde and retaliable with Steam Eruption or Hidden Power Ice. Alternatively, Waterium Z lets Volcanion bomb a target with an absurdly strong STAB attack, notably being able to OHKO Mega Tyranitar through sand. A Modest nature with the given spread allows Volcanion to survive a Tectonic Rage from Adamant Landorus-T, factoring in the Shuca Berry; survive one Life Orb Psychic from Timid Tapu Lele (or an Earth Power from Modest Landorus-T); outspeed an uninvested Tapu Bulu; and hit as hard as possible with the remaining EVs invested into Special Attack.

Alternatively, a faster spread of 120 HP / 4 Def / 112 SpA / 20 SpD / 252 Spe with a Modest nature allows Volcanion to: move as fast as possible (and when applicable outspeed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele under Tailwind); OHKO Mega Tyranitar with Hydro Vortex; survive a +1 Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide; and dump the remaining EVs into Special Defense since most of the attacks it switches in on are special attacks.

Aside from the given spreads above, Volcanion's EV spread options are pretty flexible overall; the HP, SpA and Spe EVs can be redistributed as you see fit, but Waterium Z sets should retain at least 112 SpA, 120 HP and 4 Def to win the matchup versus Mega Tyranitar. On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed.

Usage Tips
========

Volcanion is good at applying offensive pressure in the mid- to late-game, after checks and faster attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus-T have been dealt with, because its Fire / Water STAB coverage and coverage move allow it to clean up against many targets. This isn't to say that Volcanion can't be used as a lead or early-game pivot; its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to do this with relative ease; however, with a middling Speed tier and predictably linear movepool, Volcanion can be easy to play around and force out. Ideally, it wants to pivot in on Water-type attacks, since Water Absorb allows it to recover HP from them. That said, it can end up in a stalemate versus bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Volcanion mirrors if it doesn't have the appropriate coverage moves to deal with them. If you do deploy Volcanion early on in the game, try to preserve its HP, since it loses its effectiveness as a late-game cleaner if its HP is too low to withstand opposing attacks. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster Pokemon like Landorus-T and Mega Tyranitar; foes that Volcanion checks when it has the speed advantage but loses to when it doesn't.

Team Options
========

Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela and Aegislash appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit opposing Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion and Milotic essentially wall Volcanion (though coverage moves can mitigate this a bit), so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos and Tapu Bulu make for great partners. Tapu Bulu is a notably great partner for Volcanion; the duo form a solid Fire / Water / Grass core, and Grassy Terrain mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake.

[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption gives Volcanion a strong single-target STAB attack, while Heat Wave gives it a strong spread STAB option. Substitute is especially viable on Volcanion due to its good defensive typing, ability to force switches, and access to strong STAB moves. When executed successfully, Substitute can give Volcanion a lot of momentum to either pressure the opponent into attacking it or to stall time with Protect for Leftovers recovery.

Set Details
========

If you're using Substitute on Volcanion, you're ideally using it in tandem with Leftovers, since it provides a consistent recovery option that can be repeatedly taken advantage of by cycling through Protect and Substitute turns. The given spread allows Volcanion to ensure its Substitute is never broken by Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb, and the remaining EVs are invested into Special Attack with a Modest nature to hit as hard as possible. That said, the EVs can be shifted around to meet your team's specific requirements for bulk, power, and speed. Bulkier spreads are typically preferred for the Leftovers set, though. On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed.

Usage Tips
========

The main goal of this set is to position Volcanion into a situation where it can comfortably get behind a Substitute. To accomplish this, take advantage of predicted switches, passive plays, or matchups where the opposing Pokemon simply don't pose a threat to Volcanion. Similar to more offensive sets, Substitute Volcanion is most effective in the mid-game after its checks have been dealt with. However, once behind a Substitute, Volcanion has more freedom to stay in on its would-be checks to fire off strong STAB attacks in retaliation. Use Protect liberally once Substitute is up to take advantage of free Leftovers recovery turns and to play mind games with the opponent, who will likely feel pressured to double target Volcanion. Water Absorb allows Volcanion to effortlessly pivot in on Water-type attacks, although Volcanion ends up in a "stalemate" situation against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors, and Substitute Volcanion lacks the coverage moves to hit these Pokemon back. Sometimes you can take advantage of these situations to attack the Water-type's partner, but if Volcanion is feeling like dead weight you're best off preserving it for later in the match. Volcanion has good bulk and decent defensive typing, so it can be used as a pivot into neutral and resisted attacks. However, you generally should preserve Volcanion's HP as much as possible so it can clean up in the late game or retain enough HP to use Substitute more effectively later on. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster foes like Mega Tyranitar and Landorus-T that it wants to check but can't quite outpace.

Team Options
========

Tapu Bulu is an excellent partner for Substitute Volcanion; Grassy Terrain compounds the turn-by-turn recovery Volcanion already receives from Leftovers and also mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake. Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Aegislash also appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion and Milotic essentially wall Substitute Volcanion sets, so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos and Tapu Bulu make for great partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Assault Vest is a fantastic option that turns Volcanion into an all-around bulky tank, notably allowing it to survive a Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko when running 244 HP and 96 Special Defense EVs. Mago Berry or Iapapa Berry can be used for a more immediate recovery option; Volcanion's good bulk gives it plenty of opportunity to drop down into activation range. Firium Z is an option to turn Heat Wave into a stronger single-target move to hit hard against targets like Amoonguss, which are likely to survive a Heat Wave, as well as to provide Volcanion with a single-target super effective attack that can hit Wide Guard users like Celesteela and Aegislash. Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Overheat are also usable as single-target options to hit Wide Guard users, either as a replacement for or a supplement to Heat Wave. Solar Beam used in tandem with Grassium Z allows Volcanion to hit hard against bulky waters like Tapu Fini and Milotic, which otherwise wall it. Mystic Water and Charcoal can respectively be used for greater consistent power as alternatives to Waterium Z. Other damage-reducing Berries, like Wacan Berry and Charti Berry, can be used over Shuca Berry to mitigate specific weaknesses depending on your team's needs. Haze is usable to shut down opposing setup.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Zapdos and Rotom-W can all outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective Electric-type attacks. Rotom-W also walls Volcanion's STAB attacks, while Misty Seed / Psychic Seed Zapdos just has generally high Special Defense that allows it to comfortably take Volcanion's attacks. Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt also inflicts severe damage to Volcanion.

**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Kingdra resist both of Volcanion's STAB attacks and can hit back reasonably hard. Kyurem-B lacks a Fire resistance, but variants carrying Assault Vest still take relatively little damage from Volcanion's Heat Wave. Hidden Power Ice can be used to address Mega Salamence, but Volcanion remains relatively helpless against Kyurem-B and Kingdra.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective STAB attacks, although Shuca Berry can be used to mitigate this weakness. Zygarde in particular can be a problem for Volcanion, as it only takes neutral damage from Steam Eruption.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type attackers like Tyranitar and Diancie threaten Volcanion with super effective damage, but Volcanion threatens them back if it survives long enough to strike with Steam Eruption.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Volcanion's Special Defense is passable, but nothing extraordinary for a bulky attacker. Pokemon with strong special attacks, like Deoxys-A, Tapu Lele, and Mega Gengar are able to threaten significant damage, if not an outright KO, before Volcanion has a chance to move.

**Faster Pokemon**: Without speed control on its side, Volcanion is outsped by a significant portion of the metagame, including many of the threats mentioned above. Pokemon ranging from super effective attackers like Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie to strong neutral attackers like Tapu Lele and Mega Salamence are able to use their speed advantage to either pressure or revenge kill Volcanion.
 
Last edited:

lotiasite

undedgy
is a Forum Moderatoris a Top Contributoris a Smogon Media Contributoris a Social Media Contributor Alumnus
GP 2/2

[OVERVIEW]

Volcanion is one of the most reliable Fire-types in Doubles OU thanks to its great defensive Fire / Water typing, good bulk, and high Special Attack stat. In stark contrast to most Fire-types, Volcanion is able to wall most opposing Water-types thanks to its Water Absorb ability, although on the other hand it still struggles to do meaningful damage back to them. Volcanion sits at a middling Speed tier, so it's usually forced to absorb attacks before dealing its own in return. Its good bulk allows it to do this reasonably well, but it thrives best when it's supported by speed control like Tailwind or Trick Room. Offensively, Volcanion's typing offers decent STAB coverage but still leaves it walled by certain foes, including Water-types like Tapu Fini and Dragon-types like Mega Salamence. Volcanion can carry coverage moves to address some of its checks, but it suffers from four-moveslot syndrome in that it doesn't have enough room to pack all of the coverage moves it wants to run. Despite all of this, however, Volcanion can easily become a staple Pokemon for teams that otherwise struggle to break down opposing Steel-types like Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Earth Power
move 4: Protect
item: Shuca Berry / Waterium Z
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 208 HP / 212 SpA / 44 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption iserves as Volcanion's signature move, serving as its(fluff) strongest and most reliable single-target STAB attack. Heat Wave is Volcanion's preferred secondary STAB attack, offering spread coverage and a reliable way of dealing with Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice is a coverage option that allows Volcanion to reliably hit Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Zygarde. Alternatively, Earth Power is mainly used to beat Volcanion mirrors but also serves a few other minor niches like hitting Heatran in the sun or Tapu Koko on a predicted switch. Sludge Bomb is usable to hit several Pokemon that Volcanion generally has a positive matchup against but can't really deal significant damage to, such as Tapu Fini and Ludicolo. Protect keeps Volcanion safe while its partners deal with any possible threats.

Set Details
========

Shuca Berry is Volcanion's preferred item, allowing it to survive strong Ground-type attacks from foes like Landorus-T and Zygarde and retaliable with Steam Eruption or Hidden Power Ice. Alternatively, Waterium Z lets Volcanion bomb (bomb is a bit...casual. Maybe pick a different word) a target with an absurdly strong STAB attack, notably being able to OHKO Mega Tyranitar throughin sand. A Modest nature with the given EV spread allows Volcanion to survive a Tectonic Rage from Adamant Landorus-T, factoring in the Shuca Berry; survive one Life Orb Psychic from Timid Tapu Lele (or an Earth Power from Modest Landorus-T); outspeed an uninvested Tapu Bulu; and hit as hard as possible, (AC) with the remaining EVs invested into Special Attack.

Alternatively, a faster spread of 120 HP / 4 Def / 112 SpA / 20 SpD / 252 Spe with a Modest nature allows Volcanion to: move as fast as possible (and when applicable outspeed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele under Tailwind); OHKO Mega Tyranitar with Hydro Vortex; survive a +1 Rock Slide from Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide; and dump the remaining EVs into Special Defense since most of the attacks it switches in on are special attacks.take special attacks more easily, with the remaining EVs being placed into Special Defense.

Aside from the given spreads above, Volcanion's EV spread options are pretty flexible overall; the HP, Special Attack, and Speed EVs can be redistributed as you see fit, but Waterium Z sets should retain at least 112 SpA, 120 HP, (AC) and 4 Def to win the matchup versus Mega Tyranitar. On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed. (explain water absorb)

Usage Tips
========

Volcanion is good at applying offensive pressure in the mid- tor late-game, after checks and faster attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus-T have been dealt with, because its Fire / Water STAB coverage and coverage move allow it to clean up against many targets. This isn't to say that Volcanion can't be used as a lead or early-game pivot—its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to do this with relative ease—however, with a middling Speed tier and predictably linear movepool, Volcanion can be easy to play around and force out. Ideally, it wants to pivot in on Water-type attacks, since Water Absorb allows it to recover HP from them. That said, it can end up in a stalemate versus bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Volcanion mirrors if it doesn't have the appropriate coverage moves to deal with them. If you do deploy Volcanion early on in the game, try to preserve its HP, since it loses its effectiveness as a late-game cleaner if its HP is too low to withstand opposing attacks. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or, (AC) and Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster Pokemon like Landorus-T and Mega Tyranitar—foes that Volcanion checks when it has the speed advantage but loses to when it doesn't.

Team Options
========

Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, (AC) and Aegislash appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling sSpeed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit opposing Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion, (AC) and Milotic essentially wall Volcanion (though coverage moves can mitigate this a bit), so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, (AC) and Tapu Bulu make for great partners. Tapu Bulu is a notably great partner for Volcanion; the duo form a solid Fire / Water / Grass core, and Grassy Terrain mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake.

[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption gives Volcanion a strong single-target STAB attack, whileand (no comparison to speak of) Heat Wave gives it a strong spread STAB option. Substitute is especially viable on Volcanion due to its good defensive typing, ability to force switches, and access to strong STAB moves. When executed successfully, Substitute can give Volcanion a lot of momentum to either pressure the opponentfoe into attacking it or to stall time with Protect for Leftovers recovery.

Set Details
========

If you're using Substitute on Volcanion, you're ideally using it in tandem with Leftovers, since it (there isn't another item on the set, or i would probably keep this) provides a consistent recovery option that can be repeatedly taken advantage of by cycling through Protect and Substitute turns. The given EV spread allows Volcanion to ensure its Substitute is never broken by Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb, and the remaining EVs are invested into Special Attack with a Modest nature to make Volcanion hit as hard as possible. That said, the EVs can be shifted around to meet your team's specific requirements for bulk, power, and speed. Bulkier spreads are typically preferred for the Leftovers set, though. (what? This is the leftovers set and there's no other item option) On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed. (explain water absorb)

Usage Tips
========

The main goal of this set is to position Volcanion into a situation where it can comfortably get behind a Substitute. To accomplish this, take advantage of predicted switches, passive plays, or matchups where the opposing Pokemon simply don't pose a threat to Volcanion. Similarly to more offensive sets, Substitute Volcanion is most effective in the mid-game after its checks have been dealt with. However, once behind a Substitute, Volcanion has more freedom to stay in on its would-be checks to fire off strong STAB attacks in retaliation. Use Protect liberally once Substitute is up to take advantage of free Leftovers recovery turns and to play mind games with the opponent, who will likely feel pressured to double target Volcanion. Water Absorb allows Volcanion to effortlessly pivot in on Water-type attacks, although Volcanion ends up in a "stalemate" situation against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors, and Substitute Volcanion lacks the coverage moves to hit these Pokemon back. Sometimes you can take advantage of these situations to attack the Water-type's partner, but if Volcanion is feeling like dead weight, (AC) you're best off preserving it for later in the match. Volcanion has good bulk and a decent defensive typing, so it can be used as a pivot into neutral and resisted attacks. However, you generally should preserve Volcanion's HP as much as possible so it can clean up in the late late-(AH)game or retain enough HP to use Substitute more effectively later on. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or, (AC) and Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster foes like Mega Tyranitar and Landorus-T that it wants to check but can't quite outpace.

Team Options
========

Tapu Bulu is an excellent partner for Substitute Volcanion; Grassy Terrain compounds the turn-by-turn recovery Volcanion already receives from Leftovers and also mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake. Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Aegislash also appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion, (AC) and Milotic essentialcompletely wall Substitute Volcanion sets, so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, (AC) and Tapu Bulu make for great partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Assault Vest is a fantastic option that turns Volcanion into an all-around bulky tank, notably allowing it to survive a Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko when running 244 HP and 96 Special Defense EVs. Mago Berry or Iapapa Berry can be used for a more immediate recovery option; Volcanion's good bulk gives it plenty of opportunity to drop down into activation range. Firium Z is an option to turn Heat Wave into a stronger single-target move to hit hard against targets like Amoonguss, which are likely to survive a Heat Wave, as well as to provide Volcanion with a single-target super effective attack that can hit Wide Guard users like Celesteela and Aegislash. Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Overheat are also usable as single-target options to hit Wide Guard users, either as a replacement for or as a supplement to Heat Wave. Solar Beam used in tandem with Grassium Z allows Volcanion to hit hard against bulky waterWater-types like Tapu Fini and Milotic, which otherwise wall it. Mystic Water and Charcoal can respectively be used for greater consistent power as alternatives to Waterium Z. Other damage-reducing Berries, like Wacan Berry and Charti Berry, can be used over Shuca Berry to mitigate specific weaknesses depending on your team's needs. Haze is usable to shut down opposing setup.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Zapdos, (AC) and Rotom-W can all outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective Electric-type attacks. Rotom-W also walls Volcanion's STAB attacks, while Misty Seed /or Psychic Seed Zapdos just has generally high Special Defense that allows it to comfortably take Volcanion's attacks. Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt also inflicts severe damage to Volcanion.

**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Kingdra resist both of Volcanion's STAB attacks and can hit back reasonably hard. Kyurem-B lacks a Fire resistance, but variants carrying Assault Vest still take relatively little damage from Volcanion's Heat Wave. Hidden Power Ice can be used to address Mega Salamence, but Volcanion remains relatively helpless against Kyurem-B and Kingdra.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective STAB attacks, although Shuca Berry can be used to mitigate this weakness. Zygarde in particular can be a problem for Volcanion, as it only takes neutral damage from Steam Eruption.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type attackers like Tyranitar and Diancie threaten Volcanion with super effective damage, but Volcanion threatens them back if it survives long enough to strike with Steam Eruption.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Volcanion's Special Defense is passable,(RC) but nothing extraordinary for a bulky attacker. Pokemon with strong special attacks, like Deoxys-A, Tapu Lele, and Mega Gengar, (AC) are able to threaten significant damage, if not an outright KO, before Volcanion has a chance to move.

**Faster Pokemon**: Without speed control on its side, Volcanion is outsped by a significant portion of the metagame, including many of the threats mentioned above. Pokemon ranging from super effective attackers like Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie to strong neutral attackers like Tapu Lele and Mega Salamence are able to use their speed advantage to either pressure or revenge kill Volcanion.

dont like that the team options are blatantly c/ped but :/ if u can try to change some of the wording so it's not exactly the same
also pls dont repost the whole analysis :( at least put it in hide tags
 

GenOne

DOU main. GMT-7. PS!: GenOne
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GP 2/2

[OVERVIEW]

Volcanion is one of the most reliable Fire-types in Doubles OU thanks to its great defensive Fire / Water typing, good bulk, and high Special Attack stat. In stark contrast to most Fire-types, Volcanion is able to wall most opposing Water-types thanks to its Water Absorb ability, although on the other hand it still struggles to do meaningful damage back to them. Volcanion sits at a middling Speed tier, so it's usually forced to absorb attacks before dealing its own in return. Its good bulk allows it to do this reasonably well, but it thrives best when it's supported by speed control like Tailwind or Trick Room. Offensively, Volcanion's typing offers decent STAB coverage but still leaves it walled by certain foes, including Water-types like Tapu Fini and Dragon-types like Mega Salamence. Volcanion can carry coverage moves to address some of its checks, but it suffers from four-moveslot syndrome in that it doesn't have enough room to pack all of the coverage moves it wants to run. Despite all of this, however, Volcanion can easily become a staple Pokemon for teams that otherwise struggle to break down opposing Steel-types like Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor.

[SET]
name: All-out Attacker
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Hidden Power Ice / Earth Power
move 4: Protect
item: Shuca Berry / Waterium Z
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 208 HP / 212 SpA / 44 SpD / 44 Spe

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption iserves as Volcanion's signature move, serving as its(fluff) strongest and most reliable single-target STAB attack. Heat Wave is Volcanion's preferred secondary STAB attack, offering spread coverage and a reliable way of dealing with Steel-types like Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor. Hidden Power Ice is a coverage option that allows Volcanion to reliably hit Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Zygarde. Alternatively, Earth Power is mainly used to beat Volcanion mirrors but also serves a few other minor niches like hitting Heatran in the sun or Tapu Koko on a predicted switch. Sludge Bomb is usable to hit several Pokemon that Volcanion generally has a positive matchup against but can't really deal significant damage to, such as Tapu Fini and Ludicolo. Protect keeps Volcanion safe while its partners deal with any possible threats.

Set Details
========

Shuca Berry is Volcanion's preferred item, allowing it to survive strong Ground-type attacks from foes like Landorus-T and Zygarde and retaliable with Steam Eruption or Hidden Power Ice. Alternatively, Waterium Z lets Volcanion bomb (bomb is a bit...casual. Maybe pick a different word) a target with an absurdly strong STAB attack, notably being able to OHKO Mega Tyranitar throughin sand. A Modest nature with the given EV spread allows Volcanion to survive a Tectonic Rage from Adamant Landorus-T, factoring in the Shuca Berry; survive one Life Orb Psychic from Timid Tapu Lele (or an Earth Power from Modest Landorus-T); outspeed an uninvested Tapu Bulu; and hit as hard as possible, (AC) with the remaining EVs invested into Special Attack.

Alternatively, a faster spread of 120 HP / 4 Def / 112 SpA / 20 SpD / 252 Spe with a Modest nature allows Volcanion to: move as fast as possible (and when applicable outspeed Choice Scarf Tapu Lele under Tailwind); OHKO Mega Tyranitar with Hydro Vortex; survive a +1 Rock Slide from Mega Tyranitar Rock Slide; and dump the remaining EVs into Special Defense since most of the attacks it switches in on are special attacks.take special attacks more easily, with the remaining EVs being placed into Special Defense.

Aside from the given spreads above, Volcanion's EV spread options are pretty flexible overall; the HP, Special Attack, and Speed EVs can be redistributed as you see fit, but Waterium Z sets should retain at least 112 SpA, 120 HP, (AC) and 4 Def to win the matchup versus Mega Tyranitar. On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed. (explain water absorb)

Usage Tips
========

Volcanion is good at applying offensive pressure in the mid- tor late-game, after checks and faster attackers like Tapu Koko and Landorus-T have been dealt with, because its Fire / Water STAB coverage and coverage move allow it to clean up against many targets. This isn't to say that Volcanion can't be used as a lead or early-game pivot—its good bulk and defensive typing allow it to do this with relative ease—however, with a middling Speed tier and predictably linear movepool, Volcanion can be easy to play around and force out. Ideally, it wants to pivot in on Water-type attacks, since Water Absorb allows it to recover HP from them. That said, it can end up in a stalemate versus bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and Volcanion mirrors if it doesn't have the appropriate coverage moves to deal with them. If you do deploy Volcanion early on in the game, try to preserve its HP, since it loses its effectiveness as a late-game cleaner if its HP is too low to withstand opposing attacks. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or, (AC) and Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster Pokemon like Landorus-T and Mega Tyranitar—foes that Volcanion checks when it has the speed advantage but loses to when it doesn't.

Team Options
========

Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, (AC) and Aegislash appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling sSpeed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit opposing Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion, (AC) and Milotic essentially wall Volcanion (though coverage moves can mitigate this a bit), so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, (AC) and Tapu Bulu make for great partners. Tapu Bulu is a notably great partner for Volcanion; the duo form a solid Fire / Water / Grass core, and Grassy Terrain mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake.

[SET]
name: Substitute
move 1: Steam Eruption
move 2: Heat Wave
move 3: Substitute
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
ability: Water Absorb
nature: Modest
evs: 220 HP / 76 SpA / 212 SpD

[SET COMMENTS]
Moves
========

Steam Eruption gives Volcanion a strong single-target STAB attack, whileand (no comparison to speak of) Heat Wave gives it a strong spread STAB option. Substitute is especially viable on Volcanion due to its good defensive typing, ability to force switches, and access to strong STAB moves. When executed successfully, Substitute can give Volcanion a lot of momentum to either pressure the opponentfoe into attacking it or to stall time with Protect for Leftovers recovery.

Set Details
========

If you're using Substitute on Volcanion, you're ideally using it in tandem with Leftovers, since it (there isn't another item on the set, or i would probably keep this) provides a consistent recovery option that can be repeatedly taken advantage of by cycling through Protect and Substitute turns. The given EV spread allows Volcanion to ensure its Substitute is never broken by Amoonguss's Sludge Bomb, and the remaining EVs are invested into Special Attack with a Modest nature to make Volcanion hit as hard as possible. That said, the EVs can be shifted around to meet your team's specific requirements for bulk, power, and speed. Bulkier spreads are typically preferred for the Leftovers set, though. (what? This is the leftovers set and there's no other item option) On Trick Room teams, a Quiet nature is usable over Modest to minimize Speed. (explain water absorb)

Usage Tips
========

The main goal of this set is to position Volcanion into a situation where it can comfortably get behind a Substitute. To accomplish this, take advantage of predicted switches, passive plays, or matchups where the opposing Pokemon simply don't pose a threat to Volcanion. Similarly to more offensive sets, Substitute Volcanion is most effective in the mid-game after its checks have been dealt with. However, once behind a Substitute, Volcanion has more freedom to stay in on its would-be checks to fire off strong STAB attacks in retaliation. Use Protect liberally once Substitute is up to take advantage of free Leftovers recovery turns and to play mind games with the opponent, who will likely feel pressured to double target Volcanion. Water Absorb allows Volcanion to effortlessly pivot in on Water-type attacks, although Volcanion ends up in a "stalemate" situation against bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors, and Substitute Volcanion lacks the coverage moves to hit these Pokemon back. Sometimes you can take advantage of these situations to attack the Water-type's partner, but if Volcanion is feeling like dead weight, (AC) you're best off preserving it for later in the match. Volcanion has good bulk and a decent defensive typing, so it can be used as a pivot into neutral and resisted attacks. However, you generally should preserve Volcanion's HP as much as possible so it can clean up in the late late-(AH)game or retain enough HP to use Substitute more effectively later on. Where possible, make use of speed control tactics like Tailwind, Icy Wind or, (AC) and Trick Room so Volcanion can get the upper hand on faster foes like Mega Tyranitar and Landorus-T that it wants to check but can't quite outpace.

Team Options
========

Tapu Bulu is an excellent partner for Substitute Volcanion; Grassy Terrain compounds the turn-by-turn recovery Volcanion already receives from Leftovers and also mitigates Volcanion's weakness to Earthquake. Teams that struggle to beat bulky Steel-types like Ferrothorn, Celesteela, and Aegislash also appreciate Volcanion's presence. Speed control users allow Volcanion to overcome its middling speed to become a threatening attacker: Zapdos and Mega Salamence can reliably set Tailwind and have decent type synergy with Volcanion, notably being able to deal respectable damage to bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini and opposing Volcanion mirrors; Kyurem-B can reliably use Icy Wind and also hit Water-types with Fusion Bolt; and Trick Room setters such as Hoopa-U, Mega Gardevoir, and Bronzong can give Volcanion the speed control it needs if its EV spread minimizes its Speed investment. Volcanion is threatened out by Electric-types like Tapu Koko and Zapdos, Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde, and Rock-types like Tyranitar, so checks to these such as Landorus-T, Zygarde, and Mega Metagross are always appreciated. Bulky Water-types like Tapu Fini, Volcanion, (AC) and Milotic essentialcompletely wall Substitute Volcanion sets, so strong Electric- and Grass-types like Tapu Koko, Zapdos, (AC) and Tapu Bulu make for great partners.

[STRATEGY COMMENTS]
Other Options
=============

Assault Vest is a fantastic option that turns Volcanion into an all-around bulky tank, notably allowing it to survive a Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt from Tapu Koko when running 244 HP and 96 Special Defense EVs. Mago Berry or Iapapa Berry can be used for a more immediate recovery option; Volcanion's good bulk gives it plenty of opportunity to drop down into activation range. Firium Z is an option to turn Heat Wave into a stronger single-target move to hit hard against targets like Amoonguss, which are likely to survive a Heat Wave, as well as to provide Volcanion with a single-target super effective attack that can hit Wide Guard users like Celesteela and Aegislash. Flamethrower, Fire Blast, and Overheat are also usable as single-target options to hit Wide Guard users, either as a replacement for or as a supplement to Heat Wave. Solar Beam used in tandem with Grassium Z allows Volcanion to hit hard against bulky waterWater-types like Tapu Fini and Milotic, which otherwise wall it. Mystic Water and Charcoal can respectively be used for greater consistent power as alternatives to Waterium Z. Other damage-reducing Berries, like Wacan Berry and Charti Berry, can be used over Shuca Berry to mitigate specific weaknesses depending on your team's needs. Haze is usable to shut down opposing setup.

Checks and Counters
===================

**Electric-types**: Tapu Koko, Zapdos, (AC) and Rotom-W can all outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective Electric-type attacks. Rotom-W also walls Volcanion's STAB attacks, while Misty Seed /or Psychic Seed Zapdos just has generally high Special Defense that allows it to comfortably take Volcanion's attacks. Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt also inflicts severe damage to Volcanion.

**Dragon-types**: Dragon-types like Mega Salamence and Kingdra resist both of Volcanion's STAB attacks and can hit back reasonably hard. Kyurem-B lacks a Fire resistance, but variants carrying Assault Vest still take relatively little damage from Volcanion's Heat Wave. Hidden Power Ice can be used to address Mega Salamence, but Volcanion remains relatively helpless against Kyurem-B and Kingdra.

**Ground-types**: Ground-types like Landorus-T and Zygarde outspeed Volcanion and threaten it with super effective STAB attacks, although Shuca Berry can be used to mitigate this weakness. Zygarde in particular can be a problem for Volcanion, as it only takes neutral damage from Steam Eruption.

**Rock-types**: Rock-type attackers like Tyranitar and Diancie threaten Volcanion with super effective damage, but Volcanion threatens them back if it survives long enough to strike with Steam Eruption.

**Strong Special Attackers**: Volcanion's Special Defense is passable,(RC) but nothing extraordinary for a bulky attacker. Pokemon with strong special attacks, like Deoxys-A, Tapu Lele, and Mega Gengar, (AC) are able to threaten significant damage, if not an outright KO, before Volcanion has a chance to move.

**Faster Pokemon**: Without speed control on its side, Volcanion is outsped by a significant portion of the metagame, including many of the threats mentioned above. Pokemon ranging from super effective attackers like Tapu Koko and Mega Diancie to strong neutral attackers like Tapu Lele and Mega Salamence are able to use their speed advantage to either pressure or revenge kill Volcanion.

dont like that the team options are blatantly c/ped but :/ if u can try to change some of the wording so it's not exactly the same
also pls dont repost the whole analysis :( at least put it in hide tags
My bad on both. Thanks for the check.
 
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