"Gems are one-use type-enhancing items introduced in Generation V. There are 17 types of Gems, one corresponding to each of the 17 types. A Gem is consumed when the Pokémon holding it uses a damaging attack that matches the Gem's type; the attack's power is boosted by 50%. The Gem will not be consumed if the attack misses." -Bulbapedia
Gems are not used commonly in BW2, but im not too sure why. The main ones that see any use are the Normal Gem (to power up Explosion), and Flying Gem (to power up Acrobatics). Terrakoin is also sometimes seen carrying a Rock Gem. However, most players don't even concider Gems when teambuliding. The 50% boost is eqivelant to a Choice Band boost, without the move restricting effect. These boosts stack with moves such as Swords Dance and Nasty Plot, and can be used to bluff Choice Items.
Most players will argue that items like Life Orb, Leftovers, Or even Expert Belt are more reliable. But if your prediction skills are above average or if you are looking to effectively surprise your opponent then Gems might just be what you have been looking for.
There are 2 main ways to utilize Gems-
1). To power up STAB moves
2). To power up coverage moves
Usually Mons that are looking to power up a STAB move are already powerful and are looking to muscle past a counter so they can sweep. Mons that power up coverage moves are often looking to wallbreak so a teammate can sweep. Here are Examples of both:
@ Fight Gem
252Att 252Spe 4HP
Adament Nature
~Superpower
~Outrage/Dragon Claw
~Sub
~Swords Dance
Dragon+Fighting have perfect coverage. Most opponents will switch a steel into Hax, so you are free to hit them with a +1 Superpower from behind a Sub.
252Atk Fight Gem +2 Superpower vs 252HP/252Def Skarmory: 80% - 94%
252Atk Fight Gem Superpower vs 252HP/0Def Jirachi: 58% - 68%
252Atk Fight Gem Superpower vs 252HP/0Def Scizor: 68% - 80%
252Atk Fight Gem Superpower vs 4HP/0Def Genesect: 86% - 102%
Make sure you hit Genesect on the switch so it doesnt U-Turn out. Heres another one:
@Earth Gem
252Att 252Spe 4Hp
Jolly
~Eq
~Memento
~Toxic
~Stone Edge/Night Slash
As Strong (or as weak) as CB Dugtrio when using Eq, but better because its not massive setup bait.
And finally:
@Ice Gem
252Att 252HP 4Spe
Adament
Iron Fist
~Sub
~Focus Punch
~Ice Punch
~Mach Punch/Payback
Ice Gem lets you Beat Gliscor, Landerous-T, Dragonite (through Multiscale), and OHKO Latias.
252Atk Ice Gem Ice Punch vs 252HP/252Def Gliscor (+Def): 119% - 141%
252Atk Ice Gem -1 Ice Punch vs 252HP/252Def Landorus-T: 92% - 108%
252Atk Ice Gem Ice Punch vs 4HP/0Def Multiscale Dragonite (Neutral): 109% - 129% (356 - 420 HP)
252Atk Ice Gem Ice Punch vs 252HP/0Def Latias: 102% - 120%
As you can see, Gems might just have uses on Mons that no one has thought of yet. Lets see what you can come up with!
And just for shits and grins:
0SpAtk Fire Gem Garchomp Fire Blast in Sun vs 252HP/252SpDef Skarmory: 95% - 112%
Gems are not used commonly in BW2, but im not too sure why. The main ones that see any use are the Normal Gem (to power up Explosion), and Flying Gem (to power up Acrobatics). Terrakoin is also sometimes seen carrying a Rock Gem. However, most players don't even concider Gems when teambuliding. The 50% boost is eqivelant to a Choice Band boost, without the move restricting effect. These boosts stack with moves such as Swords Dance and Nasty Plot, and can be used to bluff Choice Items.
Most players will argue that items like Life Orb, Leftovers, Or even Expert Belt are more reliable. But if your prediction skills are above average or if you are looking to effectively surprise your opponent then Gems might just be what you have been looking for.
There are 2 main ways to utilize Gems-
1). To power up STAB moves
2). To power up coverage moves
Usually Mons that are looking to power up a STAB move are already powerful and are looking to muscle past a counter so they can sweep. Mons that power up coverage moves are often looking to wallbreak so a teammate can sweep. Here are Examples of both:
@ Fight Gem
252Att 252Spe 4HP
Adament Nature
~Superpower
~Outrage/Dragon Claw
~Sub
~Swords Dance
Dragon+Fighting have perfect coverage. Most opponents will switch a steel into Hax, so you are free to hit them with a +1 Superpower from behind a Sub.
252Atk Fight Gem +2 Superpower vs 252HP/252Def Skarmory: 80% - 94%
252Atk Fight Gem Superpower vs 252HP/0Def Jirachi: 58% - 68%
252Atk Fight Gem Superpower vs 252HP/0Def Scizor: 68% - 80%
252Atk Fight Gem Superpower vs 4HP/0Def Genesect: 86% - 102%
Make sure you hit Genesect on the switch so it doesnt U-Turn out. Heres another one:
@Earth Gem
252Att 252Spe 4Hp
Jolly
~Eq
~Memento
~Toxic
~Stone Edge/Night Slash
As Strong (or as weak) as CB Dugtrio when using Eq, but better because its not massive setup bait.
And finally:
@Ice Gem
252Att 252HP 4Spe
Adament
Iron Fist
~Sub
~Focus Punch
~Ice Punch
~Mach Punch/Payback
Ice Gem lets you Beat Gliscor, Landerous-T, Dragonite (through Multiscale), and OHKO Latias.
252Atk Ice Gem Ice Punch vs 252HP/252Def Gliscor (+Def): 119% - 141%
252Atk Ice Gem -1 Ice Punch vs 252HP/252Def Landorus-T: 92% - 108%
252Atk Ice Gem Ice Punch vs 4HP/0Def Multiscale Dragonite (Neutral): 109% - 129% (356 - 420 HP)
252Atk Ice Gem Ice Punch vs 252HP/0Def Latias: 102% - 120%
As you can see, Gems might just have uses on Mons that no one has thought of yet. Lets see what you can come up with!
And just for shits and grins:
0SpAtk Fire Gem Garchomp Fire Blast in Sun vs 252HP/252SpDef Skarmory: 95% - 112%