Colonel M
I COULD BE BORED!
Okay guys I'm going to restart this. With Platinum in tow we need to learn the new leads that seem viable and weed out the old ones that just aren't as great as before. This means that the old one I contributed is severely outdated and I will do my best to have something like an update on this sort of ordeal once the full article is written.
Also, I'd like to give credits to RB Golbat who 1) suggested to me that I restarted this and 2) is willing to help with this.
I first felt that a discussion topic was in order to help learn some of the most effective leads and why. We already know about Pokemon such as Bronzong making an excellent lead but we've never discussed Suicide Leads, Anti-Leads, etc. So for this reason we're going to outline certain types of leads:
- Suicide Lead
What falls into this category?
== Anything that carries Stealth Rock, Spikes, or Toxic Spikes, and usually combines the use of Focus Sash. These leads in general have one goal set in mind: setting up Stealth Rock and either sweeping as much as possible or Exploding. Some of these carry Taunt in their movesets to shut down other set-up leads.
== It is hard to elaborate what a Suicide Lead exactly does because in reality it can do multiple things at once. Endeavour has started to become a new niche for many Pokemon and some take advantage of it. Some rather prefer total coverage and shut down as many leads as possible. In reality there are many things that could be described as a Suicide Lead as they have once goal in mind: support the team in some way to its maximum effect.
Examples: Infernape, Azelf, Aerodactyl
- Dual Screen Lead
What falls into this category?
== These carry Reflect and Light Screen in their movesets. They have a plethora of other options to consider though usually they set-up for their allies to sweep easier. Pokemon like Heatran, Suicune, and Salamence love this in their teams.
Examples: Azelf, Bronzong, Rotom Appliances
- Anti-Lead
What falls into this category?
== There are many Pokemon that can fall in here. These Pokemon have niche movesets or even regular movesets that set them apart to being a great lead. Whether it's the use of Lum Berry, Trick, or Hypnosis, any of these type of Pokemon cause trouble against their opponent. They could also carry many other moves such as Brick Break, Taunt, a priority move, U-Turn, or Pursuit.
Examples: Metagross, Scizor, Crobat, Porygon2
- Bulky Leads
What falls into this category?
== These Pokemon don't have much Speed behind their backs; however, they can make other Pokemon's life hell when given the chance. They have no liability of using Focus Sash at all and can easily crush some of the other leads.
Examples: Swampert, Bronzong
- Lighting-Speed Leads
What falls into this category?
== Pokemon that have either a high Speed stat or Choice Scarf perhaps in particular, these Pokemon usually attempt an early sweep. Some of these carry Focus Sash on top of them to give more of a chance with elminating other threats.
Examples: Azelf, Gengar, Weavile
- Weather Leads
What falls into this category?
== There are many Pokemon that can fall into this type of lead. Whether it's learning Rain Dance or Sunny Day that give them the niche of helping their teammates is what counts. There's also the auto-weather Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Abamosnow who easily set-up the weather with no problems. Also to include in the list is Trick Room. Despite it not being an actual "weather"-type move, it does have merit of being a change of pace for the next 5 turns of the battle taking everything slower to move ahead of the game.
Examples: Bronzong, Electrode, Hippowdon, Abamosnow
- Baton Pass Leads
What falls into this category?
== These Pokemon usually carry the move Baton Pass (duh). They pass a myriad of boosts to their teammates or niche moves such as Ingrain. They fear Taunt and priority leads.
Examples: Ninjask, Smeargle
An example of how these above will be done:
With all that said and done we go into where we describe Pokemon that are effective leads, what they can do, and why they are great leads. After that we will mention Pokemon that make shaky leads but could possibly work with care (such examples being Gengar and Skarmory). Of course we also will conclude it and such. So this will work similair to the ADV Starter Topic. Use this for reference. Also, we will list how to counter the leads that you fear the most just so you're aware of what to do when you see the Pokemon.
Here is also an example of the in-depth discussion:
And now, I ask for us to start! Here's a small list that I am going to use so far:
Azelf
Tyranitar <--- Colonel M
Bronzong
Metagross <--- Colonel M
Gengar <--- Colonel M
Zapdos <--- Colonel M
Infernape <--- Colonel M
Scizor <--- Colonel M
Aerodactyl <--- Colonel M
Hippowdon <--- RB Golbat
Salamence <--- RB Golbat
Gyarados <--- Colonel M
Ninjask <--- RB Golbat
Yanmega
Shaymin-S <--- Colonel M
Weavile
Roserade <--- RB Golbat
Heatran <--- Colonel M
Machamp <--- RB Golbat
Swampert <--- Colonel M
Crobat <--- Colonel M
Abamosnow <--- Colonel M
Jirachi <--- Colonel M
Ambipom <--- RB Golbat
Togekiss <--- RB Golbat
Jolteon <- Colonel M
Forretress <--- Colonel M
Smeargle <--- RB Golbat
Porygon2 <--- Legacy Raider
Electrode <--- Colonel M
These are the top 28 leads from October usage, including Pory2 and Electrode. #1 was Deoxys-S; however, it is declared Uber.
So, let's go!
Also, I'd like to give credits to RB Golbat who 1) suggested to me that I restarted this and 2) is willing to help with this.
I first felt that a discussion topic was in order to help learn some of the most effective leads and why. We already know about Pokemon such as Bronzong making an excellent lead but we've never discussed Suicide Leads, Anti-Leads, etc. So for this reason we're going to outline certain types of leads:
- Suicide Lead
What falls into this category?
== Anything that carries Stealth Rock, Spikes, or Toxic Spikes, and usually combines the use of Focus Sash. These leads in general have one goal set in mind: setting up Stealth Rock and either sweeping as much as possible or Exploding. Some of these carry Taunt in their movesets to shut down other set-up leads.
== It is hard to elaborate what a Suicide Lead exactly does because in reality it can do multiple things at once. Endeavour has started to become a new niche for many Pokemon and some take advantage of it. Some rather prefer total coverage and shut down as many leads as possible. In reality there are many things that could be described as a Suicide Lead as they have once goal in mind: support the team in some way to its maximum effect.
Examples: Infernape, Azelf, Aerodactyl
- Dual Screen Lead
What falls into this category?
== These carry Reflect and Light Screen in their movesets. They have a plethora of other options to consider though usually they set-up for their allies to sweep easier. Pokemon like Heatran, Suicune, and Salamence love this in their teams.
Examples: Azelf, Bronzong, Rotom Appliances
- Anti-Lead
What falls into this category?
== There are many Pokemon that can fall in here. These Pokemon have niche movesets or even regular movesets that set them apart to being a great lead. Whether it's the use of Lum Berry, Trick, or Hypnosis, any of these type of Pokemon cause trouble against their opponent. They could also carry many other moves such as Brick Break, Taunt, a priority move, U-Turn, or Pursuit.
Examples: Metagross, Scizor, Crobat, Porygon2
- Bulky Leads
What falls into this category?
== These Pokemon don't have much Speed behind their backs; however, they can make other Pokemon's life hell when given the chance. They have no liability of using Focus Sash at all and can easily crush some of the other leads.
Examples: Swampert, Bronzong
- Lighting-Speed Leads
What falls into this category?
== Pokemon that have either a high Speed stat or Choice Scarf perhaps in particular, these Pokemon usually attempt an early sweep. Some of these carry Focus Sash on top of them to give more of a chance with elminating other threats.
Examples: Azelf, Gengar, Weavile
- Weather Leads
What falls into this category?
== There are many Pokemon that can fall into this type of lead. Whether it's learning Rain Dance or Sunny Day that give them the niche of helping their teammates is what counts. There's also the auto-weather Pokemon such as Hippowdon and Abamosnow who easily set-up the weather with no problems. Also to include in the list is Trick Room. Despite it not being an actual "weather"-type move, it does have merit of being a change of pace for the next 5 turns of the battle taking everything slower to move ahead of the game.
Examples: Bronzong, Electrode, Hippowdon, Abamosnow
- Baton Pass Leads
What falls into this category?
== These Pokemon usually carry the move Baton Pass (duh). They pass a myriad of boosts to their teammates or niche moves such as Ingrain. They fear Taunt and priority leads.
Examples: Ninjask, Smeargle
An example of how these above will be done:
After we've described what types of leads there are, we are giving examples of who falls into their category. Some Pokemon like Bronzong will fall into many categories while others such as Weavile fall into one.RB Golbat said:Baton Pass Leads:
Role: To use stat up moves and pass them away to another Pokemon to get an early advantage. Usually, the are focusing on Baton Passing Speed and Attack/Special Attack Boosts to teammates. If they start with Ingrain or Defense/Special Defense Boosts, they are most likely setting up a Baton Pass Chain.
How to use: Use a stat up move, then Baton Pass to a Pokemon that hopefully resists the attack your foe will use.
How to counter: Taunt. Hazing and Psuedo-Hazing also works well to counter these leads. If you can't do either of these, then your counter depends on what type of Stat-Upping they are doing. If they are raising Speed and Attacking Stats, then you want to either switch to a wall, or just hit hard with attacks so that you either break the Passer or severely damage the recipient. Speed boosts are also countered by Trick Room and Gyro Ball. If they are Raising Defense stats, then you want to hit as hard as possible before they can get too many boosts, or else they will be hard to stop once they pass the boosts away. Although not very reliable, using high Critical Hit ratios moves might also work, since Critical Hits ignore defense modifiers (when Defense/Special Defense level is +1 or higher).
Common Examples:
Smeargle - This guy is capable of learning every move in the game, which gives it the honor of being the only pokemon able to Baton Pass an Ingrain, which prevents Roar and Whirlwind from stopping you. Usually, they will also have Spore or a Focus Sash to ensure that they are able to get of the Baton Pass.
Ninjask - Ninjask is a beast at passing stats. Capable of making substitutes knowing that it will go first helps it to build up Speed Boosts. If you are able to get a substitute up without being destroyed, then feel free to Swords Dance or give your recipiant a free switch in.
Drifblim - Notable for being the having the highest Base HP of all Baton Passers, as well as 3 immunities, as well as access to Hypnosis (if you want to rely on it's 60%). Just like with Ninjask, Substitute , except replace Swords Dance with Calm Mind. You will most likely want to hold a Pinch Berry, so that when you activate your third substitute, you also activate Unburden, which will double Drifblim's speed, almost ensuring it will be able to pass its giant Substitute. (Note:The Unburden boost is not passable)
With all that said and done we go into where we describe Pokemon that are effective leads, what they can do, and why they are great leads. After that we will mention Pokemon that make shaky leads but could possibly work with care (such examples being Gengar and Skarmory). Of course we also will conclude it and such. So this will work similair to the ADV Starter Topic. Use this for reference. Also, we will list how to counter the leads that you fear the most just so you're aware of what to do when you see the Pokemon.
Here is also an example of the in-depth discussion:
So now you're asking "Hey Colonel M what can I do?" It is very simple: help contribute to it. Intelligent discussion is highly recommended and appreciated; this means no bullshit such as "Electivire makes a good lead because it can hit many Pokemon for super effective damage." Sorry folks but this is a serious discussion. Not to sound like an ass I'm afraid but I want to make that clear. You can help describe Pokemon that fall into such categories or even explain what a certain Pokemon can do as a lead. Remember that this is geared toward Platinum and not D/P.Colonel M said:Bronzong
Classification
- Bulky Lead
- Double Screen Lead
- Weather Lead
- Anti-Lead
In-Depth Discussion
A Pokemon that can simply "do almost everything", Bronzong is capable of being a very versatile lead. What makes it great as a lead is its wide support movepool: ranging from Rain Dance and Trick Room to having the capability of using both Light Screen and Reflect. Stealth Rock, Hypnosis, Trick, and a myriad of both physical and special moves make it hard to figure out what exactly Bronzong is doing right from the start. Its 67 base HP may sound shaky. until you realize its 116 base defenses, his Steel/Psychic typing, and finally its Levitate ability makes it a rather difficult Pokemon to bring down. Given this in mind, its base 33 Speed is also acceptable to take advantage of its STAB Gyro Ball as well as Trick Room. It boasts many things that other Pokemon cannot such as niche resistances to Rock, Normal, Grass, Flying, Ice, Steel, Psychic, and Dragon-types, as well as boasting an immunity to Poison and Ground-type moves make Bronzong an excellent combination for a lead. Let's not forgot Heatproof, which can play a mindgame with the opponent. Though the trade-off seems something you would normally not prefer, you can easily fool your opponents since Spikes nor Stealth Rock will really reveal what ability Bronzong is carrying unless it swaps out and then switches in again.
Bronzong's only true weakness is the restriction to four moves. Stealth Rock is usually taken into account as one move and from there it becomes difficult to choose from. It is easy to Counter thanks to Taunt; however, most Taunt users such as Azelf won't enjoy a STAB Gyro Ball either.
Counters
There aren't many strategies to countering Bronzong. Taunt as said above will at least cripple Bronzong's capabilities of aiding its teammates long enough but it takes quite a few attacks to pass through it. Fire attacks will at least dent Bronzong; most Pokemon such as Azelf are capable of 2HKOing with Fire Blast. Heatran can at least attempt to stop most of Bronzong's abilities if it lacks Earthquake, albiet rare. Zapdos, Gyarados, and Moltres both resist STAB Gyro Ball as well as Earthquake and have their own ways of taking down Bronzong whether it's Heat Wave from Zapdos, Taunt and Dragon Dance from Gyarados, or STAB Flamethrower / Fire Blast from Moltres.
And now, I ask for us to start! Here's a small list that I am going to use so far:
Azelf
Tyranitar <--- Colonel M
Bronzong
Metagross <--- Colonel M
Gengar <--- Colonel M
Zapdos <--- Colonel M
Infernape <--- Colonel M
Scizor <--- Colonel M
Aerodactyl <--- Colonel M
Hippowdon <--- RB Golbat
Salamence <--- RB Golbat
Gyarados <--- Colonel M
Ninjask <--- RB Golbat
Yanmega
Shaymin-S <--- Colonel M
Weavile
Roserade <--- RB Golbat
Heatran <--- Colonel M
Machamp <--- RB Golbat
Swampert <--- Colonel M
Crobat <--- Colonel M
Abamosnow <--- Colonel M
Jirachi <--- Colonel M
Ambipom <--- RB Golbat
Togekiss <--- RB Golbat
Jolteon <- Colonel M
Forretress <--- Colonel M
Smeargle <--- RB Golbat
Porygon2 <--- Legacy Raider
Electrode <--- Colonel M
These are the top 28 leads from October usage, including Pory2 and Electrode. #1 was Deoxys-S; however, it is declared Uber.
So, let's go!