Smogon RMT
So, this is my first official RMT. Previous posts by me were made before I had as much experience as I have now. I’ve learned a lot about building a team around specific Pokémon since then. At any rate, here’s my OU team:
Jolly: 252 Attack/252 Speed/4 Hp
Moves: Fake Out, Drain Punch, Stone Edge & U-turn
Mienshao obviously functions as a scout/last minute “hit-and-runs.” Fake Out breaks Focus Sash users, making it easier to sweep effectively. I have Drain Punch because it allows Mienshao to regain HP that is lost, if need, due to the recoil of Life Orb. Stone Edge frightens Ice and Flying types, even the ever abundant MoxieMence and Volcarona fear Mienshao’s Stone Edge. U-turn is obviously Mienshao’s key tool in scouting. It also allows Mienshao to hit Psychic types hard while effectively scouting the opposing team. I’ve considered changing Stone Edge for Acrobatics, and changing Mienshao’s item from Life Orb to Flying Gem. In doing this, I give Mienshao some offensive coverage against Grass, Bug, and opposing Fighting type Pokémon.
Timid: 252 Sp.Attack/252 Speed/4 HP
Moves: Draco Meteor, Dark Pulse, Flamethrower & Focus Blast
Hydreigon is, overall, my favorite Pokémon. Since the games debut, I’ve used Hydreigon to its fullest potential. Draco Meteor is Hydreigon’s most powerful attack and therefore needed in its move set. Dark Pulse is used mainly for its decent power + STAB and the flinch possibility. Flamethrower covers Hydreigon’s Bug and Ice weaknesses, most notably for tearing down Ferrothorn. Focus Blast deals with Heatran, amongst other Steel and Dark types whom would otherwise wall Hydreigon’s other attacks; bar Flamethrower on Steel types. Rather than run Choice Scarf, I ran Expert Belt. So far, my Hydreigon seems to be graciously sweeping teams without being confined to using one move.
Modest: 252 Sp.Attack/252 Speed/4 Hp
Moves: Hydro Pump, Volt Switch, HP (Ice) & Thunderbolt
Rotom-W’s job is to sponge those nasty Ice type attacks that attempt to KO Hydreigon. It also serves as a necessity in the teams side strategy; Volt-Turn. Surely an overused strategy; although it helps wear down foes fairly quickly when paired with Scizor’s Adamant, maxed Attack, Choice Banded U-turn (stating the obvious). Rotom-W has HP (Ice) for those pesky Ground and Grass types. It also deals with Dragon types who would otherwise be regarded as threats to the team. Landorus & Gliscor deserve special mentions in why having HP (Ice) may be a great choice, as it can easily KO Gliscor and handle Choice Scarfed Landorus. Hydro pump is more obviously unchangeable, being that literally is just that. Overall, it takes care of Fire types, Ground types, and Rock types, notably Terrakion; whom poses a wide threat to the team as well. Thunderbolt is there for filler. It’s more often used when Starmie are out and threaten Mienshao with Psychic or Gyarados with Thunderbolt. It also threatens to KO Politoed, Jellicent, and opposing Gyarados. Although Volt Switch is usually chosen for the job over Thunderbolt, it still serves as assurance.
Adamant: 252 Attack/100 Defense/100 Sp.Defense/56 Hp
Moves: Bullet Punch, U-turn, Superpower & Pursuit
Scizor has been one of the most admired and appreciated team members. Not only does it allow the frequent use of Volt-Turn, it also has a lot of resistances which is very useful when needing to switch out. Having immense power behind every attack with the additional power boost from Choice Band makes it very versatile in battle; whether it is for full-on offense or a quick “hit and run tactical.” Bullet Punch gives Scizor an immediate STAB, Choice Band, Technician boosted Attack that packs a very heavy punch. U-turn is there for obvious reasons. Superpower is to be 100% sure that Scizor not be walled by any bulky Steel types. It also allows Scizor to OHKO Tyranitar, whom could OHKO Scizor with a Flamethrower or Fire Punch. Pursuit threatens Latios, Latias, Alakazam, and other various Psychic and Ghost types.
Timid: 252 Sp.Attack/252 Speed/4 Defense
Moves: Psychic, Shadow Ball, Energy Ball, HP (Fire)
Alakazam is more often used as my mid-game sweeper. Having base 120 Speed puts him at max 372 Speed with 252 ev’s invested; allowing him to outpace many Pokémon in the OU tier. Although sweeper material, Alakazam also serves as a “Toxic & Burn sponge” thanks to Magic Guard ability. I’ve considered replacing Psychic for Psyshock due to the never ending abuse of the special wall, Blissey. When taken under much consideration, Psychic seemed best for the team. Shadow ball allows Alakazam to hit opposing Psychic & Ghost types hard, potentially KO’ing them thanks to the extra boost from Life Orb. Energy ball is there for Ground types, as well as those pesky bulky Water types. HP (Fire) gives Alakazam a piece of mind and an offensive safe haven from Scizor, who’d often switch in and try to threaten him with a Technician boosted Pursuit; easily OHKO’ing him. It also handles opposing Grass, Ice, and Steel types that try and switch in, thinking they can wall Alakazam’s attacks.
Careful: 252 Sp.Defense/100 Defense/100 Hp/56 Attack
Moves: Waterfall, Dragon Tail, Taunt & T-wave
Gyarados stands out from the team as one of the most important members. Having the extremely rare restistance to Scizor, not to mention lowering its Attack stat upon coming out, is important. I chose Gyarados mainly for it’s ability to wall Scizor, seeing as they are very hard to deal with in battle if it’s torn down the teams main offensive power. Waterfall + T-wave gives it a paraflinch tactic, while T-wave alone hinders the opposing Pokemon’s speed. Dragon Tail allows Gyarados to, not only scout the opponents team, but act as a pseudo hazer on the field. This also comes in handy when dealing with Multiscale Dragonite, who would be quite easily handled once switch out again without full Hp. Taunt obviously stops Forretress in its tracks and forces a switch out, should the circumstances be put that way; barr Forretress who run Volt Switch. It also rivals Taunt Jellicent, although Gyarados still has to be worrisome of the possible burn from a potential Scald. T-wave is more or less used when Gyarados is assured to be able to KO the opposing Pokemon and to spread paralysis throughout their team; allowing other team members to be able to come in and have little difficulty KO’ing them.
*Other considerations I have made:
Ø Alakazam> Magic Bounce Espeon
Ø Gyarados> Cursed Body Jellicent
Ø Scizor> Jirachi
Suggestions are appreciated. J
