(VGC 2017) Porygon-Z - Special Attacker - ( Z-Conversion / Z-Hyper Beam / Scarf)
(VGC 2017) Porygon-Z - Special Attacker - 3 Options
![[Image: _eerie_upgrade__porygonz_by_endless_whispers.png]](http://img13.deviantart.net/8024/i/2006/290/c/2/_eerie_upgrade__porygonz_by_endless_whispers.png)
While Porygon2 has received a huge boon in popularity in the current VGC 17 format, don't sleep on its "fully-stage" evolution in caffeine / computer-crashing malware virus in the Normal-type Porygon-Z. Unlike its bulkier duck version, Porygon-Z is more offensive oriented on the special side with a massive 135 Special Attack stat, though somewhat weaker in mediocre defenses and above average base 90 speed. Even so, Porygon-Z has a wide array of coverage / support options to abuse such as Tri Attack, Thunder Bolt, Shadow Ball, Ice Beam, Psychic, Dark Pulse, Thunder Wave, Trick Room, etc. In terms of abilities, Porygon-Z has two rather useful abilities in Download and Adaptability which the former can potentially increase Porygon-Z already high Special Attack by one stage, as the latter doubles the power of its STAB option like Tri Attack.
Perhaps one of Porygon-Z's biggest selling points is the potential to use items, in particular Normlium Z-Crystal. If Porygon-Z can use Z-Conversion successfully, not only will it boost all its stats by one stage, but change its type based on the first moveslot, thus making it an incredibly setup special sweeper. Adaptability truly helps out Porygon-Z with either the Z-Conversion setup or Choice Scarf sets give how much damage output it deals against opposing teams with its changed or Normal-type STABs. Speaking of Choice Scarf, such a set is viable thanks to Porygon-Z's rather above average speed, strong coverage movepool, and of course, powerful Adaptability-boosted attack in Tri Attack and even Hyper Beam.
With that said, note Porygon-Z is still corruptible to flaws. If any notable weaknesses, Porygon-Z's rather average defensive stats aren't enough to save itself from Fighting-type coverage, STAB options, or even Z-Moves. For any Z-Conversion sets, Porygon-Z has to setup in order to become a major threat on the field, thus leaving it expose for possible double targeting, stat drops, or hard Trick Room / hyper offense teams. Even so, Porygon-Z is a unpredictable special attacker with the wide coverage / support options as well as its item choices in Z Crystals or classic Choice Scarf to overwhelm its opponents.
![[Image: porygon-z.png]](http://pokemonforever.com/images/pokeimages/gen4/porygon-z.png)
Porygon-Z
Type:
Base Stats: 85 HP / 80 Attack / 70 Defense / 135 Special Attack / 75 Special Defense / 90 Speed
Weaknesses:
x2Resistances: None
Immunities:
x0Ability 1: Adaptability - STAB Moves receive a x2 multiplier instead of usual x1.5.
Ability 2: Download - Raises either the Attack or Special Attack stat depending on the opponent's lowest defensive stat. During Double Battles, the stat raise is determine by added the two opposing Pokemon's defensive stats and determines which offensive stat will rise. If both Defense and Special Defense are equal, the user's Special Attack is raised.
Hidden Ability (unreleased): Analytic - Receives a 30% boost if the user goes last in battle turn.
Z-Conversion (Electric)
Porygon-Z @ Normalium Z
Ability: Adaptability
Level: 50
EVs: 20 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 204 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam / Shadow Ball / Recover
- Conversion
- Protect
Milestones:
- Important: "Select" which type Porygon-Z becomes based on Z-Conversion. Will only cover Electric (Thunderbolt) at this time.
- Outspeeds Neutral Max Speed Pheromosa and Modest Scarf Xurkitree by one point.
-Can take one regular EQ from Garchomp with boosts.
Ability: Adaptability
Level: 50
EVs: 20 HP / 28 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 204 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam / Shadow Ball / Recover
- Conversion
- Protect
Milestones:
- Important: "Select" which type Porygon-Z becomes based on Z-Conversion. Will only cover Electric (Thunderbolt) at this time.
- Outspeeds Neutral Max Speed Pheromosa and Modest Scarf Xurkitree by one point.
-Can take one regular EQ from Garchomp with boosts.
Here is one of Porygon-Z's "many" Z-Conversion setup sets where it changes to Electric-type with Thunderbolt being its first moveslot. If Porygon-Z manages to gets its Z-Conversion with proper support, this thing can do some major damage against the opponent, especially consider the amount of "multipliers" and boosts it receives from a changes STAB, Adaptability, a +1 Special Attack increase (not to mention other stats), and of course potential "Electric Terrain". The damage output from an Electric-type boosted Porygon-Z is quite insane given how high this duck's special attack stat is. To get an idea of how strong this setup is, look at this:
+1 252+ SpA Adaptability Porygon-Z Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Koko in Electric Terrain: 164-193 (112.3 - 132.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Yeah... that's gonna hurt. Basically speaking, a "boosted" Thunderbolt can essentially OHKO or 2HKO almost the entire format provide the opponent doesn't have ways to negate the damage. For coverage options, it depends on what type of Pokemon Porygon-Z has to fear. If Porygon-Z fears the likely Ground-, Grass-, or Dragon-type Pokemon, then Ice Beam is a safe options as changes are a +1 boosted Ice Beam attack can ensure the OHKO. Shadow Ball is listed to hit opposing Ghost- and Psychic-type Pokemon such as Tapu Lele, Mimikyu, and Metagross for strong super effective damage. Recover is listed to allow Porygon-Z to abuse its +1 defenses and replenish some HP, though at the cost of vital coverage. Lastly Protect is here to scout or position Porygon-Z for a better turn.
Now keep in mind the opponent will do their best to prevent this setup either with disruption or plain hyper offense. In that case, provide Z-Conversion Porygon-Z with proper support from having a Follow Me user like Clefairy (helpful with Friend Guard), Intimidate support (Arcanine, Salamence, Gyarados, etc), Aurora Veil/screens, etc. Once setup, the goal is to overwhelm the opponent using Porygon-Z new conversion type (in this case Electric) and inflict as much damage as possible to where either it can sweep, or its team can pick off the remaining threats. Though not necessary, Electric Terrain from Tapu Koko can certainly allow Porygon-Z to hit immensely strong with Adaptability STAB Thunderbolts. To get an idea of how strong Z-Conversion Porygon-Z is with STAB Thunderbolts, here's a list of Damage Calcs below:
Offensive Calcs
Now keep in mind the opponent will do their best to prevent this setup either with disruption or plain hyper offense. In that case, provide Z-Conversion Porygon-Z with proper support from having a Follow Me user like Clefairy (helpful with Friend Guard), Intimidate support (Arcanine, Salamence, Gyarados, etc), Aurora Veil/screens, etc. Once setup, the goal is to overwhelm the opponent using Porygon-Z new conversion type (in this case Electric) and inflict as much damage as possible to where either it can sweep, or its team can pick off the remaining threats. Though not necessary, Electric Terrain from Tapu Koko can certainly allow Porygon-Z to hit immensely strong with Adaptability STAB Thunderbolts. To get an idea of how strong Z-Conversion Porygon-Z is with STAB Thunderbolts, here's a list of Damage Calcs below:
Offensive Calcs
Defensive Calcs
Choice Scarf
Porygon-Z @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Adaptability
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 244 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tri Attack
- Hyper Beam
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse / Thunderbolt / Shadow Ball
Milestones:
- Adabtability Hyper Beam OHKOs most "frail" Pokemon that aren't Focus Sash or Specially Defensive.
- Outspeeds Scarf Bulu / Smeaegle and neutral speed Pheromosa.
Ability: Adaptability
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 244 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tri Attack
- Hyper Beam
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse / Thunderbolt / Shadow Ball
Milestones:
- Adabtability Hyper Beam OHKOs most "frail" Pokemon that aren't Focus Sash or Specially Defensive.
- Outspeeds Scarf Bulu / Smeaegle and neutral speed Pheromosa.
This Choice Scarf Porygon-Z set was popularized by Sejun Park after winning VGC Tour in Korea (link of his team is there). The most powerful move on this set is Hyper Beam, especially when paired with its Adaptability. To best describe the reasoning for Hyper Beam on this slot, its practically a "One-fo-One" trade as stated by Sejun himself since Porygon-Z is most likely going down. By using a full power Adaptability Hyper Beam, Porygon-Z can OHKO most of the meta that doesn't have natural or invest heavily into special defense. Keep in mind, the huge opportunity cost of using Hyper Beam as Porygon-Z will have to recharge, thus allowing the opponent to recover from the hit. Tri Attack is the safer Normal-type STAB with the 20% chance to either burn, freeze, or paralyze the opponent, which can definitely sway the battle.
In terms of coverage options, Porygon-Z has a plethora of special attacks to pair with its high base special attack and scarf. Ice Beam allows Porygon-Z to hit opposing Dragon-, Grass-, and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Salamence, Krookodile, Tapu Bulu, etc for super effective damage and thus an invaluable coverage. The last option really depends on Porygon-Z's own team composition given all three attacks listed are for specific threats. Dark Pulse is great for opposing Psychic-, and Ghost-type such as Alolan Marowak, Metagross, Gengar, etc considering how it forms perfect coverage with Porygon-Z's Normal-type STAB. Thunderbolt forms perfect coverage with Ice Beam and can hit opposing Water-, and Flying-types such as Gyarados, Celesteela, Tapu Fini, and others. Finally Shadow Ball is listed here in case certain Pokemon like Mimikyu or Tapu Lele are a concern, while still hitting opposing Ghost- and Psychic-types.
To see how strong Scarf Modest Porygon-Z hits, look at some of the damage calculations featured below:
In terms of coverage options, Porygon-Z has a plethora of special attacks to pair with its high base special attack and scarf. Ice Beam allows Porygon-Z to hit opposing Dragon-, Grass-, and Ground-types such as Garchomp, Salamence, Krookodile, Tapu Bulu, etc for super effective damage and thus an invaluable coverage. The last option really depends on Porygon-Z's own team composition given all three attacks listed are for specific threats. Dark Pulse is great for opposing Psychic-, and Ghost-type such as Alolan Marowak, Metagross, Gengar, etc considering how it forms perfect coverage with Porygon-Z's Normal-type STAB. Thunderbolt forms perfect coverage with Ice Beam and can hit opposing Water-, and Flying-types such as Gyarados, Celesteela, Tapu Fini, and others. Finally Shadow Ball is listed here in case certain Pokemon like Mimikyu or Tapu Lele are a concern, while still hitting opposing Ghost- and Psychic-types.
To see how strong Scarf Modest Porygon-Z hits, look at some of the damage calculations featured below:
Z-Hyper Beam
Porygon-Z @ Normalium Z
Ability: Adaptability
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Beam
- Tri Attack
- Dark Pulse / Ice Beam / Thunderbolt
- Protect
Milestones:
- Adabtability Z-Hyper Beam can...OHKO stuff.
- Pew
- Pew
So what can be scary facing a Hyper Beam Porygon-Z? Well the answer is right there. Z-Hyper Beam. To elaborate, the idea of using Hyper Beam on Porygon-Z is the same as the above set, however taken on an even more devastating approach. Most Hyper Beam-like attacks require the users to recharge after the use of the move as a simple opportunity cost. By giving Porygon-Z the Normalium Z, Z-Hyper Beam becomes a base 200 STAB normal move with Adaptability to reach a max power of about 400! The best part of using Z-Hyper Beam Porygon-Z is the the fact it doesn't require a turn to recharge, thus allowing Porygon-Z to fire a slightly weak, but still powerful regular Adaptability Hyper Beam. In terms of coverage options, Porygon-Z still has some strong options to consider. STAB Tri Attack can be used in case Porygon-Z wants a safer Normal-type STAB with some added effects. Dark Pulse rounds up Porygon-Z's perfect coverage with Normal- and Dark-type coverage to hit most of the format for at least neutral. Ice Beam can be used for Dragon-, Grass-, Flying-, and Ground-types, while Thunderbolt is for any annoying Water-types in play.
Offensive Calcs:
Potential Teammates include, but aren't limited to:
- Fairy-types - Porygon-Z needs the support of strong Fairy-type Pokemon with good STAB coverage such as Tapu Fini, Mimikyu, Tapu Koko, Clefable/Clefairy, and Tapu Lele to at least hold off strong Fighting-types.
- Psychic-types - Same as Fairy-types, Psychic-type Pokemon are capable of handling Fighting-type Pokemon which threaten Porygon-Z. Such Pokemon include Tapu Lele, Metagross, Alakazam, etc.
- Follow Me/Rage Powder users - Specifically for the Z-Conversion setup, Follow Me/Rage Powder users such as Clefairy, Clefable, Butterfree, etc allow Porygon-Z time to get is boosts.
- Intimidate Users - Given Porygon-Z's rather frail physical defense, Pokemon with the ability Intimidate such as Arcanine, Gyarados, Krookodile, Salamence, etc are appreciated.
- Tailwind - Pokemon with the move Tailwind can offer Porygon-Z vital speed control to ensure it can get off powerful special hits. Such Pokemon include Pelipper, Braviary, Mandibuzz, Butterfree, Aerodactyl, Murkrow, etc.
- Fighting-types and Fighting Coverage - Pheromosa, Buzzhole, Hariyama, etc
- Snarl Spam - Arcanine, Mandibuzz, Incineroar, etc
- Powerful STABs / Z-Move Attacks: Remember Porygon Z doesn't have the best defenses.
- Roar / Haze if Porygon-Z is Z-Conversion
- Trick Room
- Chople Berry can reduce the damage of Fighting-type attack on Porygon-Z
- Choice Specs on a Pokemon like Porygon-Z with base 135 Special Attack can be appealing.
- Players can wield coverage Z-Moves such as Z-Thunderbolt (Electrium Z) or Z-Ice Beam (Icium Z) to get surprise OHKOs.
- Trick Room Porygon-Z set is another viable option to maintain speed control.
- Timid Choice Scarf is viable to outspeed Max Speed Pheromosa as long as the Bug/Fighting-type doesn't get any speed boosts from its ability.
Alright will cover another Normal-type mon in the future, well cya soon!
:-)
