Post by Ningildo on Aug 13, 2011 18:28:41 GMT -4
Hi! Nearly everyone here knows me, so no need for introductions.
This team is my first team EVER made on PO, which has stayed the same (albeit some move and item changes) ever since. Also, this was made before I gained quite some competitive battling knowledge, so chances are you'll see that there is some huge flaw with the team. Or not. Anywho, to the team!
The process
Before even starting to think about teammates, I first thought about who should be my lead. Since it was clear weather was dominating the OU tier, I decided to go with a weather lead. But what weather? Sun was too SR weak (and so is Hail), Rain was too broken and Sandstorm...hmm, Sandstorm was rather balanced. It had only two notable ability abusers and a fair amount of type abusers. Thus, Sand was my way to go. Now there are only two leads I could choose from, Tyranitar and Hippowdon. As far as advantages (and the favorite pokemon factor) go, Tyranitar had the advantage in diverse move pool, 50% Sp Defense bonus in a Sandstorm AND more overall awesomeness.
Now, considering the fact that I'm not the only one using Mr. Spikes, I needed something that countered opposing Tyranitar, Tyranitar checks and counters AND at the same time many pokemon that are commonly seen on said opposing pokemon's team. Thus, everyone's (least) favorite Gliding Scorpion was called and enlisted in the team
However, this addition left a hole in my team: 2 Water weaknesses and 1 crippling 4x weakness to Ice. So, as important getting more powerful pokes in the team might have been, a synergy issue is far more important to resolve. So what could possible cover those weaknesses? A penguin, of course!
Not only does Empoleon cover the weaknesses for these teammates, he also has perfect defensive synergy with Gliscor. Gliscor takes nada from Ground and Electric type attacks and handles Fighting type moves with ease, considering most of them are Physical. Empoleon takes Water type moves with hardly a care and takes Ice type moves even easier thanks to Water/Steel typing.
With a hole closed and a synergy issue resolved, I was free to choose team members, but didn't want anything susceptible to my weather and yet keep synergy issues from appearing in my team with identical typing. This seemed impossible, as Rock/Ground/Steel (dual) types where the only things not affected by a Sandstorm. Or so I thought...
Reuniclus's ability of choice, Magic Guard, takes away weather damage, status damage, entry hazard damage and, best of all, recoil damage, which includes LO recoil. This means that you can use LO as much as you want, provided you don't get hit till you faint. Also helps combat those Fighting types that think they can do a number on my team when Gliscor is down. Similar typing issue resolved. Types aside, how about I add something to regain the upper hand in battle when I screw up? But, as the age old question goes, what? Volt Switchers are usually Electric types, so they get damaged after each turn. So that leaves one other offensive scouting move. U-turn. And with that move's mentioning, a certain pokemon came to mind, who is coincidentally Tyranitar's biggest nemesis...
Scizor, my scouter, revenge killer, Ferrothorn annihilator and whatever more my team basically needs, is very versatile. While he's either scouting (or OHKOing) switch ins, revenge killing foes foes or hitting a fleeing Scizor weak pokemon hard, he has no wrong time to switch in with his one weakness to Fire (which is bad for opposing Scizor. You don't know why? See my sig. It bound to fall upon you what my favorite type is.). Covering that lone and yet crippling weakness is quite helpful, though. So with that (and the SS immunity) in mind we come across my sixth and last team member.
Heatran, last generation's Most Used pokemon, is a beast. With an amazing base 130 Sp Attack and a diverse move pool to abuse it, it's easy to see why said fact IS fact. Not too many pokemon like switching in Heatran or staying in on him for that matter. This is why having rocks on the opponent's field with Heatran is so rewarding. Even if I misspredict a move, if the opponent's switch in is a SR weak one, it's not going to mean much.
The info
Tyranitar (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Earthquake
My personally made Tyranitar Lead set. Not only it is capable of ensuring SR up (if I deem it worthwhile), but is also capable catching many Tyranitar counters off guard. As you can see it is physical based, so Forretress, Skarmory and many other physical walls still stop it dead in its tracks. This set is so obscure that more often then not you'll be able to OHKO Deoxys S with Crunch after it's attack, which usually runs with a LO. While after this I might not be able to set up rocks, I will be relieved of playing a mind game. Stone Edge and EQ for STAB and coverage, respectively
Gliscor (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SDef / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Fang
- Rock Polish
- Roost
Another self made set, this set is similar in terms of surprising effect and value to the Tyranitar set above. Setting up is quite simple. Come in on something that you can scare out, like opposing Scizor or Tyranitar without Ice Beam, and use RP. Thanks to this, Gliscor has often raped entire teams by himself. The Sp Defense EV's allow him to survive special attacks he otherwise couldn't, which significantly boosts his ability to sweep without stopping. Also, as you see, I don't use the Poison Heal ability. Why? For one reason and one reason only: Roost. This halves the damage from Ice type attacks, which can help stalling out the remaining PP for the attack, something that Poison Heal Gliscor wished he could do. EQ is there for obvious reasons, Ice Fang for opposing Gliscor and 4x Ice weak pokemon.
Empoleon (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Flash Cannon
Scarf Empoleon, a Scarf on a pokemon that seems forgotten. This explains why he is able to OHKO many unexpecting foes. This set is a mix of the Scarf set (well, the DP one anyway) and my own taste. With so many underestimating foes waiting to be destroyed, it's a waste not to use it. I used to run Grass Knot, but with the spike in terms of usage of rain teams (Which means DrizzleToad is running rampant), HP Grass is much more useful. Scald is run over Surf for the burn chance, which is especially helpful against something like Scizor when main options are down. Flash Cannon for STAB and Ice Beam for coverage.
Reuniclus (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Magic Guard
EVs: 168 Def / 252 SAtk / 88 SDef
Quiet Nature (+SAtk, -Spd)
- Trick Room
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
Ahh, Reuniclus. Where do I begin? The premise is rather simple. Come in on something that you scare, use TR and you're off. While TR Reuniclus isn't going to last as long as CM versions, the nearly guaranteed (re)gain of the upper hand in a short time is definitely worth it. Attack options are rather obvious. Psychic for STAB, FB for coverage against those immune/resistant against Psychic and SB for Psychic types who would otherwise wall you.
Scizor (M) @ Choice Band
Trait: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Bullet Punch
- Pursuit
The tried and true CB Scizor set. So well known it's almost redundant to explain it, but alas. U-turn for scouting and often also OHKOing switch ins, Superpower for Steel types, most notably Ferrothorn, Bullet Punch...too obvious it's for revenge killing and to finish, Pursuit for fleeing Psychic/Ghost types who think running way is a good idea. Can't really say something additionally here.
Heatran (M) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dark Pulse
Air Balloon Heatran. The AB is for ensuring atleast one turn of attacking against a Ground type, Earth Power for opposing Heatran and coverage, Fire Blast for STAB, HP Ice for yet more coverage and DP is for eliminating the Lati twins and Ghost/Psychic types in general. The set is rather unoriginal, so once again, nothing for additional comments.
So there. Here's what I've been owning (and losing) with for quite some time now. Do not try to counter team me, cause I WILL defeat you in spite of it. As my first RMT, I'm kind of nervous of what you think. Any notable pokemon that can rape my team or move/ability suggestions? Grammar/spelling error? Post!
This team is my first team EVER made on PO, which has stayed the same (albeit some move and item changes) ever since. Also, this was made before I gained quite some competitive battling knowledge, so chances are you'll see that there is some huge flaw with the team. Or not. Anywho, to the team!
The process
Before even starting to think about teammates, I first thought about who should be my lead. Since it was clear weather was dominating the OU tier, I decided to go with a weather lead. But what weather? Sun was too SR weak (and so is Hail), Rain was too broken and Sandstorm...hmm, Sandstorm was rather balanced. It had only two notable ability abusers and a fair amount of type abusers. Thus, Sand was my way to go. Now there are only two leads I could choose from, Tyranitar and Hippowdon. As far as advantages (and the favorite pokemon factor) go, Tyranitar had the advantage in diverse move pool, 50% Sp Defense bonus in a Sandstorm AND more overall awesomeness.
Now, considering the fact that I'm not the only one using Mr. Spikes, I needed something that countered opposing Tyranitar, Tyranitar checks and counters AND at the same time many pokemon that are commonly seen on said opposing pokemon's team. Thus, everyone's (least) favorite Gliding Scorpion was called and enlisted in the team
However, this addition left a hole in my team: 2 Water weaknesses and 1 crippling 4x weakness to Ice. So, as important getting more powerful pokes in the team might have been, a synergy issue is far more important to resolve. So what could possible cover those weaknesses? A penguin, of course!
Not only does Empoleon cover the weaknesses for these teammates, he also has perfect defensive synergy with Gliscor. Gliscor takes nada from Ground and Electric type attacks and handles Fighting type moves with ease, considering most of them are Physical. Empoleon takes Water type moves with hardly a care and takes Ice type moves even easier thanks to Water/Steel typing.
With a hole closed and a synergy issue resolved, I was free to choose team members, but didn't want anything susceptible to my weather and yet keep synergy issues from appearing in my team with identical typing. This seemed impossible, as Rock/Ground/Steel (dual) types where the only things not affected by a Sandstorm. Or so I thought...
Reuniclus's ability of choice, Magic Guard, takes away weather damage, status damage, entry hazard damage and, best of all, recoil damage, which includes LO recoil. This means that you can use LO as much as you want, provided you don't get hit till you faint. Also helps combat those Fighting types that think they can do a number on my team when Gliscor is down. Similar typing issue resolved. Types aside, how about I add something to regain the upper hand in battle when I screw up? But, as the age old question goes, what? Volt Switchers are usually Electric types, so they get damaged after each turn. So that leaves one other offensive scouting move. U-turn. And with that move's mentioning, a certain pokemon came to mind, who is coincidentally Tyranitar's biggest nemesis...
Scizor, my scouter, revenge killer, Ferrothorn annihilator and whatever more my team basically needs, is very versatile. While he's either scouting (or OHKOing) switch ins, revenge killing foes foes or hitting a fleeing Scizor weak pokemon hard, he has no wrong time to switch in with his one weakness to Fire (which is bad for opposing Scizor. You don't know why? See my sig. It bound to fall upon you what my favorite type is.). Covering that lone and yet crippling weakness is quite helpful, though. So with that (and the SS immunity) in mind we come across my sixth and last team member.
Heatran, last generation's Most Used pokemon, is a beast. With an amazing base 130 Sp Attack and a diverse move pool to abuse it, it's easy to see why said fact IS fact. Not too many pokemon like switching in Heatran or staying in on him for that matter. This is why having rocks on the opponent's field with Heatran is so rewarding. Even if I misspredict a move, if the opponent's switch in is a SR weak one, it's not going to mean much.
The info
Tyranitar (M) @ Focus Sash
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Earthquake
My personally made Tyranitar Lead set. Not only it is capable of ensuring SR up (if I deem it worthwhile), but is also capable catching many Tyranitar counters off guard. As you can see it is physical based, so Forretress, Skarmory and many other physical walls still stop it dead in its tracks. This set is so obscure that more often then not you'll be able to OHKO Deoxys S with Crunch after it's attack, which usually runs with a LO. While after this I might not be able to set up rocks, I will be relieved of playing a mind game. Stone Edge and EQ for STAB and coverage, respectively
Gliscor (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 SDef / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Fang
- Rock Polish
- Roost
Another self made set, this set is similar in terms of surprising effect and value to the Tyranitar set above. Setting up is quite simple. Come in on something that you can scare out, like opposing Scizor or Tyranitar without Ice Beam, and use RP. Thanks to this, Gliscor has often raped entire teams by himself. The Sp Defense EV's allow him to survive special attacks he otherwise couldn't, which significantly boosts his ability to sweep without stopping. Also, as you see, I don't use the Poison Heal ability. Why? For one reason and one reason only: Roost. This halves the damage from Ice type attacks, which can help stalling out the remaining PP for the attack, something that Poison Heal Gliscor wished he could do. EQ is there for obvious reasons, Ice Fang for opposing Gliscor and 4x Ice weak pokemon.
Empoleon (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Flash Cannon
Scarf Empoleon, a Scarf on a pokemon that seems forgotten. This explains why he is able to OHKO many unexpecting foes. This set is a mix of the Scarf set (well, the DP one anyway) and my own taste. With so many underestimating foes waiting to be destroyed, it's a waste not to use it. I used to run Grass Knot, but with the spike in terms of usage of rain teams (Which means DrizzleToad is running rampant), HP Grass is much more useful. Scald is run over Surf for the burn chance, which is especially helpful against something like Scizor when main options are down. Flash Cannon for STAB and Ice Beam for coverage.
Reuniclus (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Magic Guard
EVs: 168 Def / 252 SAtk / 88 SDef
Quiet Nature (+SAtk, -Spd)
- Trick Room
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
Ahh, Reuniclus. Where do I begin? The premise is rather simple. Come in on something that you scare, use TR and you're off. While TR Reuniclus isn't going to last as long as CM versions, the nearly guaranteed (re)gain of the upper hand in a short time is definitely worth it. Attack options are rather obvious. Psychic for STAB, FB for coverage against those immune/resistant against Psychic and SB for Psychic types who would otherwise wall you.
Scizor (M) @ Choice Band
Trait: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Bullet Punch
- Pursuit
The tried and true CB Scizor set. So well known it's almost redundant to explain it, but alas. U-turn for scouting and often also OHKOing switch ins, Superpower for Steel types, most notably Ferrothorn, Bullet Punch...too obvious it's for revenge killing and to finish, Pursuit for fleeing Psychic/Ghost types who think running way is a good idea. Can't really say something additionally here.
Heatran (M) @ Air Balloon
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Dark Pulse
Air Balloon Heatran. The AB is for ensuring atleast one turn of attacking against a Ground type, Earth Power for opposing Heatran and coverage, Fire Blast for STAB, HP Ice for yet more coverage and DP is for eliminating the Lati twins and Ghost/Psychic types in general. The set is rather unoriginal, so once again, nothing for additional comments.
So there. Here's what I've been owning (and losing) with for quite some time now. Do not try to counter team me, cause I WILL defeat you in spite of it. As my first RMT, I'm kind of nervous of what you think. Any notable pokemon that can rape my team or move/ability suggestions? Grammar/spelling error? Post!