GMars
It's ya boy GEEEEEEEEMARS
Vikavolt, the Speed demon of—wait, what's that? 43 Speed? Oh, huh. Vikavolt is able to compensate for being slower than Hippowdon through its amazing Special Attack, its good bulk, a unique typing in NU that allows it to check many Grass-, Electric-, and Fighting-types, and a solid ability in Levitate that lets it check even Ground-types. With plenty of opportunities to switch in, Vikavolt can wreak havoc as a specially offensive pivot thanks to its access to reliable recovery through Roost and its powerful STAB Volt Switch.
Vikavolt @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 136 SpA / 44 SpD / 76 Spe
Modest Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Volt Switch
- Energy Ball / Hidden Power Ground
- Roost
This is Vikavolt's premier tank set. Energy Ball lets Vikavolt peg Ground-types like Steelix for great damage, while Hidden Power Ground trades the ability to hit Seismitoad and Rhydon as hard for the ability to break past Togedemaru. The combination of Leftovers and Roost keeps Vikavolt healthy enough to continually check threats over the course of a match. 76 Speed EVs let Vikavolt outspeed Vileplume, Piloswine, and Brave Incineroar, and the bulk investment lets it survive two Leaf Storms from Choice Specs Rotom-C or Sceptile after Stealth Rock damage and Leftovers recovery. This variant of Vikavolt can easily switch in on Pokemon like Sceptile and Steelix and proceed to recover, fire off powerful attacks, or pivot around with Volt Switch.
Vikavolt @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 176 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 76 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Bug Buzz
- Volt Switch
- Energy Ball / Hidden Power Ground
This set trades longevity for maximum power, allowing Vikavolt to become a powerful wallbreaker. Thanks to its typing, Vikavolt can apply heavy pressure against cores that utilize common Water- and Grass-types like Slowbro, Virizion, and Sceptile. It finds many opportunities to switch in against weak or resisted moves and is difficult to switch in against in return due to its immense offensive presence when equipped with Choice Specs. This variant of Vikavolt should be used aggressively early-game to open holes for faster partners to clean up late-game.
Despite Vikavolt's great typing giving it many opportunities to switch in against common offensive threats in NU, said typing also holds it back by giving it a weakness to Stealth Rock. Without dedicated hazard removal support, Vikavolt will find itself quickly worn down and easily revenge killed due to its low Speed. Vikavolt's low Speed also means that it is easily forced out by attackers with super effective coverage, like Emboar and Delphox. Certain Steel-types such as Togedemaru can counter it if it lacks Hidden Power Ground, while Steelix is able to inflict Toxic poison on it to begin wearing it down.
The majority of Vikavolt's flaws can be mitigated or even taken advantage of by many viable teammates in NU, making it an easy fit on most teams. What's your favorite core to use with the Electric beetle? Let us know in the comments!
Vikavolt @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 136 SpA / 44 SpD / 76 Spe
Modest Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Volt Switch
- Energy Ball / Hidden Power Ground
- Roost
This is Vikavolt's premier tank set. Energy Ball lets Vikavolt peg Ground-types like Steelix for great damage, while Hidden Power Ground trades the ability to hit Seismitoad and Rhydon as hard for the ability to break past Togedemaru. The combination of Leftovers and Roost keeps Vikavolt healthy enough to continually check threats over the course of a match. 76 Speed EVs let Vikavolt outspeed Vileplume, Piloswine, and Brave Incineroar, and the bulk investment lets it survive two Leaf Storms from Choice Specs Rotom-C or Sceptile after Stealth Rock damage and Leftovers recovery. This variant of Vikavolt can easily switch in on Pokemon like Sceptile and Steelix and proceed to recover, fire off powerful attacks, or pivot around with Volt Switch.
Vikavolt @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 176 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 76 Spe
Modest Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Bug Buzz
- Volt Switch
- Energy Ball / Hidden Power Ground
This set trades longevity for maximum power, allowing Vikavolt to become a powerful wallbreaker. Thanks to its typing, Vikavolt can apply heavy pressure against cores that utilize common Water- and Grass-types like Slowbro, Virizion, and Sceptile. It finds many opportunities to switch in against weak or resisted moves and is difficult to switch in against in return due to its immense offensive presence when equipped with Choice Specs. This variant of Vikavolt should be used aggressively early-game to open holes for faster partners to clean up late-game.
Despite Vikavolt's great typing giving it many opportunities to switch in against common offensive threats in NU, said typing also holds it back by giving it a weakness to Stealth Rock. Without dedicated hazard removal support, Vikavolt will find itself quickly worn down and easily revenge killed due to its low Speed. Vikavolt's low Speed also means that it is easily forced out by attackers with super effective coverage, like Emboar and Delphox. Certain Steel-types such as Togedemaru can counter it if it lacks Hidden Power Ground, while Steelix is able to inflict Toxic poison on it to begin wearing it down.
The majority of Vikavolt's flaws can be mitigated or even taken advantage of by many viable teammates in NU, making it an easy fit on most teams. What's your favorite core to use with the Electric beetle? Let us know in the comments!
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