Creative sets in the BH metagame. BAD GIMMICKS ARE NOT PERMITTED.

[Adrian Marin]

Approved by Arcticblast.

What is a good creative moveset?:

• It fulfills a role that sets it apart from others
• It has had some success. Post replays or logs to strengthen your case.

Remember the word "Creative".​

Multiple replays showcasing the sets effectiveness is suggested.​

Remember, this is a thread for both posting and reviewing.​

​

What are some things that constitute a bad gimmick?​

​

• Movesets that are not practical or are extremely outclassed by another Pokemon.
• Movesets that have no consistency, e.g. Metronome based sets and most Assist based sets.
• No banned moves/abilities should be posted in a set.

I'll start with a few of my own custom sets.​

​

​

Pokemon Name: Regigigas​

Move 1: Facade​

Move 2: Spore​

Move 3: Dragon Tail​

Move 4: Knock Off​

Item: Toxic Orb​

Ability: Poison Heal​

Nature: Jolly (+Spe -Spa)​

​

Poison Heal Regigigas has received a lot of popularity in the ladder, but most choose a terrible moveset. This Regigigas has the niche of blocking spores, sporing threats that lack an ability/move that can stop it, Facading, causing enormous damage and Knocking off Eviolites or other useful items from the foe. Dragon Tail allows you to not only do a little bit of damage to Giratina-O, it also allows you to abuse BW's new sleep mechanics by phazing foes that you put to sleep.​

​

It struggles against Magic Bounce Skarmory, Magic Bounce Dialga and Magic Bounce Escavalier (You can knock off their item at least) and also against opposing Poison Healers.​

Pokemon Name: Skarmory
Move 1: Whirlwind
Move 2: Aromatherapy/U-turn
Move 3: Rapid Spin/U-turn
Move 4: Roost/Heal Order
Item: Rocky Helmet/Leftovers
Ability: Magic Bounce
Nature: Bold (+Def -Att)

With powerful physical attackers such as Groudon, Rhydon, Kyurem-B, Regigigas, Slaking and Escavalier running everywhere, there is one bird that walls them, his name is Skarmory, Skarmory has the perfect typing and distribution to act as a fantastic supporter that should always be considered for a team slot.

It struggles against powerful special attackers and physical attackers that have powerful super effective moves against it (E.g: Bolt Strike, V-create). It also has a difficult time against Mold Breaker stallers.

Pokemon Name: Latios
Move 1: Draco Meteor
Move 2: Psystrike
Move 3: Magma Storm/Searing Shot
Move 4: Aura Sphere/Magic Coat
Item: Soul Dew
Ability: Regenerator
Nature: Timid (+Spe - Att)

Latios is a fantastic offensive pivot that has a hard time finding a good time to heal, and what better ability to give it than Regenerator? Psystrike hits Ho-Oh, Kyogre, and Chansey hard whereas Aura Sphere can hit Regigigas, Slaking, Dialga, and Arceus very hard. The choice between Searing Shot or Magma Storm is up to you, Magma Storm allows it to trap and kill many switch ins which includes Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Most Arceus, and most unaware Chanseys, additionally, Magma Storm also lets you defeat Shedinja without a problem. Searing Shot has perfect accuracy a bit less power and a 30% burn chance. Draco Meteor is the move to use against Giratina and Palkia. 110 base speed allows it to outrun most mons, With Soul Dew, it' guaranteed to survive against Kyurem-W's Draco Meteor at full HP while OHKO'ing it with Draco Meteor. Magic Coat can be used instead of Aura Sphere but Aura Sphere grants fantastic coverage.

Prankster Sporers such as Groudon can stop it, but it's often very predictable. Meanwhile, Lugia can tank all of Latios's hits.

Pokemon Name: Virizion
Move 1: Judgment
Move 2: Leech Seed
Move 3: Aromatherapy
Move 4: Heal Order
Item: Fist Plate
Ability: Magic Bounce
Nature: Timid (+Spe - Att)
Virizion has the stats and typing it needs to be an amazing bouncer. With a resistance to Stealth Rock, and Earthquake, it counters Groudon and Rhydon splendidly since it takes minimal damage from their Earthquakes. STAB Super Effective Judgment is also very strong, Having a chance to 2HKO Normal Arceus, Dialga, Kyurem-W, Kyurem-B, and Rhydon. Its high special defense and speed helps a lot, acting as a fantastic pivot turning the tides of battle in a moments notice.
Anything with a flying move or V-create can kill it.

Format:

Pokemon name
move 1:
move 2:
move 3:
move 4:
item:
ability:
nature:
evs:

ev's: [Only applicable if the ev's are different than 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SpA / 252 SpD / 252 Spe]
iv's: [Only applicable if the iv's are different than 31 HP / 31 Atk / 31 Def / 31 SpA / 31 SpD / 31 Spe]

Special thanks to Verbatim, since I am using his format of sets.

Try to give good reason as to why your set has a niche over other sets.

 

[Klang]

My Palkia set is pretty common at this point but the fact that it is just shows how strong it can be.

Palkia
move 1: Water Spout
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Sleep Talk/Trick/Recover/Hydro Pump/Aura Sphere
move 4: Sleep Talk/Trick/Recover/Hydro Pump/Aura Sphere
Item: Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
Nature: Timid
EVs: 252 all, 0 attack
IVs: 31 all, 0 attack

While most weather setters opt for the defensive role in order to help preserve their weather, this set instead opts to attack. With a unique base 100 speed stat that lets it outspeed the various base 90 and 95 Pokemon in the tier, Palkia can easily outspeed and decimate the foe with an extremely powerful specs and rain boosted water spout. Water spout is so powerful infact, that it has a chance to OHKO non +SpD Lugia at full health. Dragons that are good switch-ins into water spout, such as Giratina (Who still takes around 45% from spout!) stand the chance of coming face-to-face with a draco meteor. Ferrothorn and Empoleon, two Pokemon that resist Palkia's STABs, are both 2HKO'd by a fully powered water spout. Sleep talk alongside hydro pump guarantee that opposing Deo-S will die (Provided you hit) if it selects spore, while trick and recover in tandem allow Palkia to cripple a counter should it be bothering it, as well as give it the ability to recover at the expense of losing to mold breaker. Aura sphere allows you to hit bothersome steels. Palkia is potentially the hardest Pokemon to wall in the tier when unprepared, and usually only prepared counters can stand up to him. If you're feeling especially cruel you can run another drizzle user alongside Palkia so it can use Adaptability or Tinted Lens.

Shedinja takes everything Palkia can throw at it and laughs it off, though it won't appreciate a trick. Dry skin/Water absorb mons that resist draco meteor are fantastic counters. Heatran, for example, can take any STAB move thrown at it, though it must be wary of aura sphere. Kyogre is generally a good check, though unaware versions won't be taking draco meteor well. Weather Ferrothorn takes away the rain and only takes 40% from water spout. If trick is giving you trouble, Mail is always an option on your counter.




Arceus
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Extremespeed
move 4: Belly Drum
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Scrappy
Nature: Jolly/Adamant

A scrappy spinner that attempts to make the best use of scrappy that it can. Jolly is the preferred nature when using Shedinja, as spinning is Arceus' primary role and faster spins can make the difference in tight situations. Otherwise adamant is recommended in order to score more OHKOs with extremespeed. 120 base speed and added bulk make Arceus the ideal candidate over its ape and colossus friends.

Though you won't be stopping it from spinning, taking advantage of the free turn it offers is how to beat it. If it has set up, Shedinja walls it while a multitude of other bulkier Pokemon can revenge kill it.

 

[Harbinger of Peace]

It's pretty common at this point but the fact that it is just shows how strong it can be.

Palkia
move 1: Water Spout
move 2: Draco Meteor
move 3: Sleep Talk/Trick/Recover/Hydro Pump/Aura Sphere
move 4: Sleep Talk/Trick/Recover/Hydro Pump/Aura Sphere
Item: Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
Nature: Timid
EVs: 252 all, 0 attack
IVs: 31 all, 0 attack

While most weather setters opt for the defensive role in order to help preserve their weather, this set instead opts to attack. With a unique base 100 speed stat that lets it outspeed the various base 90 and 95 Pokemon in the tier, Palkia can easily outspeed and decimate the foe with an extremely powerful specs and rain boosted water spout. Water spout is so powerful infact, that it has a chance to OHKO non +SpD Lugia at full health. Dragons that are good switch-ins into water spout, such as Giratina (Who still takes around 45% from spout!) stand the chance of coming face-to-face with a draco meteor. Ferrothorn and Empoleon, two Pokemon that resist Palkia's STABs, are both 2HKO'd by a fully powered water spout. Sleep talk alongside hydro pump guarantee that opposing Deo-S will die (Provided you hit) if it selects spore, while trick and recover in tandem allow Palkia to cripple a counter should it be bothering it, as well as give it the ability to recover at the expense of losing to mold breaker. Aura sphere allows you to hit bothersome steels. Palkia is potentially the hardest Pokemon to wall in the tier when unprepared, and usually only prepared counters can stand up to him. If you're feeling especially cruel you can run another drizzle user alongside Palkia so it can use Adaptability or Tinted Lens.

Shedinja takes everything Palkia can throw at it and laughs it off, though it won't appreciate a trick. Dry skin/Water absorb mons that resist draco meteor are fantastic counters. Heatran, for example, can take any STAB move thrown at it, though it must be wary of aura sphere. Kyogre is generally a good check, though unaware versions won't be taking draco meteor well. Weather Ferrothorn takes away the rain and only takes 40% from water spout. If trick is giving you trouble, Mail is always an option on your counter.




Arceus
move 1: Rapid Spin
move 2: Slack Off
move 3: Extremespeed
move 4: Belly Drum
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Scrappy
Nature: Jolly/Adamant

A scrappy spinner that attempts to make the best use of scrappy that it can. Jolly is the preferred nature when using Shedinja, as spinning is Arceus' primary role and faster spins can make the difference in tight situations. Otherwise adamant is recommended in order to score more OHKOs with extremespeed. 120 base speed and added bulk make Arceus the ideal candidate over its ape and colossus friends.

Though you won't be stopping it from spinning, taking advantage of the free turn it offers is how to beat it. If it has set up, Shedinja walls it while a multitude of other bulkier Pokemon can revenge kill it.

I don't play this meta too much anymore, but I like Swift Swim on Palkia instead of Drizzle. This requires another pokemon to run drizzle, (which uses up a special ability for your team, unfortunately) but Palkia is crazy fast with this ability, and the speed boost lets it abuse a crazy powerful Water Spout.

Palkia @ Choice Specs
Trait: Swift Swim
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Water Spout
- Sleep Talk / Hydro Pump / Spacial Rend / Coverage Move
- Sleep Talk / Hydro Pump / Spacial Rend / Coverage Move

Not gonna say the counters, as previous post kinda covered it

 

[voidzone]

Hi, since I got the request to leave something here, I will do so :)

This are three sets from my current BH Team, which all have been quite effective, IMO creative and caught (more than) a few people by surprise.

Ferrothorn
move 1: Gyroball
move 2: Stealth Rock
move 3: Copycat
move 4: Haze
item: Lum Berry
ability: Prankster
nature: relaxed
EVs: 0 Spd
DVs 0 Spd

(Anti-)lead Ferro. Gyroball+Copycat is a straight 2HKO on Deoxys leads, which means, especially if they go for Spore on turn 1, its 6-5 and they got nothing on the field. It can lay rocks by itself and nullify boosts at +1 prio, which is both a nice to have feat.

Lugia
move 1: Spore
move 2: Leech Seed
move 3: Quiver Dance
move 4: Stored Power
item: Leftovers
ability: Unware
nature: timid

Besides SE crits, Toxic and Magic Bounce this thing doesn't really fear anything. Spore+Leech Seed+Leftovers buy a lot of time, which can be transformed into QD Boosts and an enormously powerful STAB Move, that easily OHKOs even resists after a few boosts. It always wins 1on1 vs. Imposter Blissey - thanks to lefties and the fact that LS damage is % based on targets HP- which is something not many boosting sets can claim for themselves.

Terrakion
move 1: Coil
move 2: Cross Chop
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Lum Berry
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant

I always wanted to play something serious with Coil, here it is. Coil does not only boost the offensive prowess, but also adds some bulk and allows to play some strong, but low accuracy moves like Stone Edge and Cross Chop with consistency. Lum is vs. Spore, Magic Coat vs. the second (Prankster)Spore, that this thing often attracts, since the opponents often think, that Spore is a safe move after Lum is gone.


edit: for the sake of interest, I tried this set with Scope Lens>Lum for a while which is a lot of fun, since both attaking moves already sport a high crit ratio and it easily breaks through defensive/overboosting cores that way. (Say hi to +1 Stone Edge crit Giratina :D ). But with Lum it is a lot more reliable and makes better use of Magic Coat, so I would prefer the latter most times.

 

[Doolez]

Here are my current, two favourite sets at the moment :3

Darmanitan-Zen
- Blue Flare
- Spacial Rend/Substitute
- Spore
- Copycat
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
0 Atk EVs/IVs
Nature: Modest

A pretty simple, but very effective set to use. Spore pokemon without Magic Bounce/Coat and attack the others. Darmanitan-Zen's 105/105/105 bulk allows him to tank most hits thrown on the first turn and then Copycat his own attack back on the second if they're still standing. There's not much that can withstand 2 Blue Flare's in a row (especially in the sun). Spacial Rend is for Dragons, especially Palkia, while Substitute can be used if you don't fear Dragons.

Meloetta-Pirouette
- Belly Drum/Swords Dance
- ExtremeSpeed
- Close Combat
- Rapid Spin
Item: Leftovers
Ability: Scrappy
Nature: Adamant/Jolly

Very similar to Kl4ng's Arceus, forgoing Arceus' bulk for a slight increase in Attack and Speed and Close Combat STAB. Swords Dance over Belly Drum if the loss in HP scares you without recovery.

 

[-Talent-]

My current favorite lead is:
Infernape
Move 1: Superpower
Move 2: V-create
Move 3: Draco Meteor
Move 4: Sleep Talk
Item: Lum Berry
Ability: Contrary
Nature: Hasty

I use Infernape as my lead because he works well as a mixed attacker for Contrary and gets STAB off of Superpower/Close Combat and V-Create/Overheat, which are all common contrary attacking moves. I also run Lum Berry so i can see when i'm about to be Spored and then predict the Sleep Talk next turn which helps to fight off all those Mold Breaker Deo S. Using Draco Meteor also 2HKO's Giratina unless he is unaware. And finally the fire typing prevents burn and its attack reduction which is a big plus. I also love his 108 base speed lol.

Another favorite BH set is:
Kyurem-White
Move 1: Ice Beam/Blizzard in Hail
Move 2: Thunderbolt
Move 3: Flamethrower
Move 4: Earth Power
Item: Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
Nature: Modest/Timid

First off the overall coverage of this set is great for the Pokemon commonly seen in this Metagame STAB Ice Beam makes Giratina run and hide and KO's just about anything that doesn't resist it and coming off that 170 base SpAtk hits everything else like a truck. Earth power takes care of Dialga and Jirachi if you're in rain while Thunderbolt and Flamethrower blast away everything else, save for Palkia and some others. Its also nice to use Blizzard in hail because it stops Shedinja from walling you, still gets the sheer force boost and it never misses so you don't have to worry about accuracy/evasiveness.

A good mixed attacker:
Zekrom
Move 1: Zap Cannon
Move 2: Dragon Rush
Move 3: Inferno
Move 4: Dynamic Punch
Item: Lum Berry
Ability: No Guard
Nature: Hasty

This set has great coverage and is an annoyance to almost everybody lol. will add more later

 

[Nauris]

What I find fun to use is Imprison Chansey.

Pokemon name: Chansey
move 1: Imprison
move 2: Transform
move 3: Filler
move 4: Filler
item: Eviolite
ability: Unaware
nature: Timid/Bold/Calm

Note: doesn't have to be a Chansey.

This set is simple. use Imprison and then transform. Now your opponent has one useless pokemon for as long your chansey is on the field. Even tough it's not used often you still should avoid using same moves on multiple pokemons. If your opponent happens to make a mistake and try to pull of the infinite PP stall on chansey they will find them selves unable to do anything thanks to Imprison and Transform. This set is weak to fast substitute and taunt and if using Chansey it's weak to some physical sweepers.

 

[Heroes and Cons]

Dialga @ Lum Berry
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 SDef / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Shell Smash
- Aura Sphere
- Dragon Pulse
- Dark Pulse

Now, this is specifically designed as a lead, as it counters Deoxys-S that do not have Prankster (and even those that do providing they do not use spore both turns). Lum Berry protects from the inevitable Spore, while Sand Stream both supports the team and removes the common Focus Sash of the lead Deoxys-S. Non-prankster Deoxys-S is outsped after a Shell Smash and OHKOed by Dark Pulse, which is guaranteed thanks to SS breaking its Sash. Its three offensive moves allow it to OHKO many Pokemon, and 2HKO even the bulkiest Giratina with Dragon Pulse. Even Lugia is 3HKOed unless it packs Quiver Dance / cosmic Power (which is pretty rare).
The only true counters are bulky Unaware Pokemon who are not weak to Dragon Pulse, such as Registeel, Regigigas or Lugia, and Prankster Pokemon with Light Screen. Of course, Imposter Blissey can be an issue too, as it will atthe very least force a speed tie and it is not 2HKOed by Aura sphere without three layers of spikes down; as such, an Unaware Pokemon is recommended for walling Imposter blissey that come in on this. If Unaware and Imposter Pokemon are removes, this thing can also pull off a late-game sweep easily.

Regigigas @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 SDef / 252 Spd
Impish Nature
- Metal Burst
- Cosmic Power
- Recover / Rest
- ExtremeSpeed / Dragon Claw

This thing is one of the best users of Unaware in the game, and a fantastic teammate for the above Dialga as it can easily counter the Imposter Blissey that comes in and wreck the pink blob with Metal Burst. Able to wall basically any Pokemon not packing Mold Breaker or Final Gambit, it is quite simply very hard to kill. Cosmic Power makes its defenses all but impenetrable, while Metal Burst bounces the little damage its opponents DO deal back at them for double the damage. Recover gives reliable healing, but Rest removes Toxic and Burn, both of which damage its ability to take hits and limit its lifespan; toxic is more debilitating but Burn severely weakens its attack and makes its final move basically useless.
In the final moveslot, an attack is needed so it is not complete Taunt bait. A powerful STAB Extremespeed is thye primary option, allowing Regigigas to pick off weakened opponents that might pose a threat, such as Soul Dew Latios or an offensive Unaware user, or finish off an opponent that has been severely damaged by Metal Burst on the previous turn. Alternatively, Dragon Claw provides better coverage, hurting ghosts and rock types that would laugh at Extremespeed (most notably Giratina) and providing more PP, but is otherwise weaker than STAB Extremespeed and does not have priority.

 

[Heroes and Cons]

Terrakion
move 1: Coil
move 2: Cross Chop
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Lum Berry
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant

I always wanted to play something serious with Coil, here it is. Coil does not only boost the offensive prowess, but also adds some bulk and allows to play some strong, but low accuracy moves like Stone Edge and Cross Chop with consistency. Lum is vs. Spore, Magic Coat vs. the second (Prankster)Spore, that this thing often attracts, since the opponents often think, that Spore is a safe move after Lum is gone.

I get the want to use an inaccurate move with Coil, but why use Cross Chop over Hi Jump Kick?

 

[Nauris]

Terrakion
move 1: Coil
move 2: Cross Chop
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Magic Coat
item: Lum Berry
ability: Speed Boost
nature: Adamant

I always wanted to play something serious with Coil, here it is. Coil does not only boost the offensive prowess, but also adds some bulk and allows to play some strong, but low accuracy moves like Stone Edge and Cross Chop with consistency. Lum is vs. Spore, Magic Coat vs. the second (Prankster)Spore, that this thing often attracts, since the opponents often think, that Spore is a safe move after Lum is gone.

I get the want to use an inaccurate move with Coil, but why use Cross Chop over Hi Jump Kick?

Maybe he wanted to avoid the recoil when opponent uses protect or switches in ghost type? or maybe the higher crit chance? Those were the only reasons why he would use cross chop over HJK I could think of

 

[voidzone]

HJK's up in power would be a nice feat for sure, but makes this set even more vulnerable to Giratina than it already is, especially when the opponent already knows the set from previous games. Cross Chop on the other hand lets me attack with less care and doesn't risk the excellent (and often unexpected) bulk this set has after even 1 coil. Higher crit chance is a minor plus, but comes in handy from time to time.

 

[Kirbles]

Reshiram
Move 1: Sub/Spore
Move 2: Tail glow
Move 3: Dragon pulse
Move 4: Blue flare/Flamethrower
Item: Leftovers/Lum berry
Ability: Sand rush (Can be replaced with Chlorophyll (Which will increase the fire STAB damage in sun) or swift swim (Which will decrease the fire STAB in rain))
Nature: Timid

Reshiram is easily one of my favourite offensive mons as its STABs can hit everything (Not including abilities) for neutral damage.
Because i usually run a sand team, and because of what i said before, this makes Reshiram an excellent sweeper.
The sand doubles its base 90 speed due to Sand rush (And gives it sand immunity), and Tail glow boosts it's base 150 special attack into very high levels.
Sub is there incase of Imposter but can be replaced by Spore for safe set-up.
Dragon pulse is my preferred dragon type move because of the PP and 90 base power
I usually run Blue flare over Flamethrower, but if you want to make sure you hit Flamethrower can be used instead

The item, can be whatever you want. I prefer Lum in case of Prankster spore, and leftovers can be used because it takes 25% from Stealth rocks

 

[Aeongate]

Hello! Haven't got anything to post right now but I am working on a new team and I will be undoubtedly trying out some silly things that may/may not work and I'll post again here if they do work. By the way, for that Regigigas in the OP - how about Trick instead of Knock-Off?

 

[Adrian Marin]

Trick can easily replace Knock Off to annoy Giratina even more. What makes Knock Off so good is that it makes imposters, Rhydon, Leftovers recovery laughable against it. Knock Off is pretty much one of the most crippling moves in the meta at the moment.

Here's a Lugia set I made that has gained popularity in the ladder:

Lugia
move 1: Roost
move 2: Psychoshift
move 3: Rapid Spin/Aromatherapy/Knock Off
move 4: Whirlwind/Psystrike
item: Flame Orb
ability: Magic Guard
nature: Timid

Hate the inaccuracy of Will-o-Wisp? Annoyed of Spore? Why not annoy your opponents even more with this set? This Lugia set gives a new meaning to the word "annoying". Psychoshift allows you to burn 90% of the BH metagame since the only common fire Pokemon is Reshiram. It also spins easily since Giratina does hate burn. Like most Lugia sets, it stops Nature Power users but unlike most, it burns them alive! Whirlwind and Psystrike are both anti-sub moves, although Whirlwind is usually the superior option.

 

[voidzone]

Garchomp
move 1: Stealth Rock
move 2: Gravity
move 3: Nature Power
move 4: Taunt / Heart Swap
item: Leftovers
ability: Prankster
nature: adamant

This is a Chomp set I tried out for a while as my SR Lead, and it turned out to work quite nice. Prankster Nature Power is nothing new, and mostly preferred on Rhydon due to better bulk, but has its merits on chomp imo, the most notable, that it is a faster than Rhydon (and nearly all other common prankster users like Jirachi or Giratina), and since Taunt stops most of them cold, having more speed is a great feat. Gravity is the other trick up the sleeve and ensures that even Lugia, Ho-Oh etc. are not safe from the earthdragon's rage. Heart Swap is an option over either Taunt or Gravity, to net yourself some boosts, which is pretty nice with priority EQ.

 

[asterat]

Recently I have been working on a rain team and what I have found incredibly useful in taking out unaware users is the use of scald and hurricane, crippling them beyond function. My lugia has serene grace purely for this purpose and uses the duo to cripple unaware users and others. Once they are dealt with, tail glow turns lugia into a powerful sweeper that can wreck everything else, especially with ridiculous burn and confusion rates.

 

[Adrian Marin]

Recently I have been working on a rain team and what I have found incredibly useful in taking out unaware users is the use of scald and hurricane, crippling them beyond function. My lugia has serene grace purely for this purpose and uses the duo to cripple unaware users and others. Once they are dealt with, tail glow turns lugia into a powerful sweeper that can wreck everything else, especially with ridiculous burn and confusion rates.

That set looks really effective! What i'm worried about is how it works against imposters since after a tail glow boost or maybe 2, even Hydration Dialga won't be tanking hits very well. i'm curious as to how you don't allow imposters to sweep your team.

 

[asterat]

unaware dialga, heal bell on palkia.

 

[Snaquaza]

I love this set, people warn me for Imposters, but I usually work around them and it can sweep teams

Deoxys-A
move 1: Spore
move 2: Shell Smash
move 3: Psystrike / Stored Power
move 4: Blizzard (I run hail) / Ice Beam / Other Coverage Move
item: Life Orb
ability: Prankster
nature: Modest

This is my teams main sweeper and can sweep many teams once it can find to set up, it starts with Spore, which no one expects and rarely magic bounce/coat for that reason. After I Spore I use Shell Smash to get insanely strong. Psystrike is for strong STAB which can hit physically and Blizzard is for strong coverage, especially in Hail. As soon as a new Pokemon comes in, I spore it unless I know or suspect it being Magic Bounce, only not doing it when I know I can OHKO it without any risk.
Imposter: I Spore them, I know it is a speed tie, but for some reason I always work around them.
Unaware: Spore + Hard hitting with its already strong offenses and strong attacks.
Prankster: Outspeed and Spore
Magic Bounce: Hitting it hard or Switching if there is no other option, but I can beat most at +2, notable Giratina because of Blizzard
Steel Types: Just Spore and start hitting it till it dies, most are 2HKO'd, this doesn't need perfect coverage
You need to choose between Psystrike and Stored Power, I use Psystrike to hit physically, but Stored Power can be used for more BP after the Shell Smash.

 

[Keep it Playful]

Landorus-I
Move 1: Earthquake
Move 2: Spore
Move 3: Dragon Tail
Move 4: Shell Smash
Item: Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
Nature: Jolly (+Spe -Spa)

Putting a different spin on Adrian's Regigigas Phazing set, I came up with this Landorus-I set. I use Landorus-I over Landorus-T because of the faster Base 102 speed. This set puts the enemy to sleep, boosts to dangerously high attack and speed levels, uses Dragon Tail to switch them out before they wake, then uses Earthquake to clean up anything that isn't flying after one or two Shell Smashes. This set completely stops Imposter, because their only option is Dragon Tail, since Earthquake can't hit Landorus and Spore won't work because your Landorus is already Poisoned. This allows Landorus to Spore them, then shuffle them out.

Some weaknesses to this set are Flying types, like Lugia, with a status or Magic Bounce. Most anything with a status condition that isn't sleep can be some trouble, and any attacks that are Ice take it out very easily, assuming they get the chance to attack. Knock Off or Trick can prove deadly for this set, as having the Poisoned status is absolutely essential for success.

 

[asterat]

@ Eviolite
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature / Sassy Nature
- Earthquake
- Head Smash
- Magic Coat
- Roost

Maybe I'm just a hipster. but I fucking love rhydon. This is a sand lead set that actually does pretty well against common leads. It's unimpressive 189 special defense is boosted by eviolite and the special defense boost from sandstorm (2.25x original) to reach a massive 425 special defense. Rhydon can't switch into draco meteors or anything, but he can tank one with this bulk. Exactly how well does he take special hits? Shaymin-S giga drain does a maximum of 60.86%. Unfortunately palkia can still always KO with surf (provided it has a lustrous orb). Rhydon's physical bulk is also the best in the game to top off the special bulk which rounded to the nearest percent is 80% that of sassy shuckle. But unlike shuckle rhydon isn't a sitting duck (turtle?) and has physical bulk which is unmatched. In fact earthquake and head smash are only resisted by the rare magic bounce virizion. Virizion doesn't like STAB powerful moves off rhydon, hazards, and sandstorm damage. Also with sandstorm judgment is not doing much. 252+ Atk Rhydon Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Lugia: 356-420 (85.57 - 100.96%) -- 6.25% chance to OHKO (then factor in weather/rocks etc.) Magic coat is spammable against lead giratina/deoxys-s/other generic hazards leads. Rhydon is also slow as a lead, getting weather against everything but drizzle ferrothorn. Groudon is the best counter to this set, and certain giratinas can handle him (magic guard.) Roost is because Rhydon can fly. In short, never ever ever ever use regirock. Ever.

 

[Deoxymoron]

Hate the inaccuracy of Will-o-Wisp? Annoyed of Spore? Why not annoy your opponents even more with this set? This Lugia set gives a new meaning to the word "annoying". Psychoshift allows you to burn 90% of the BH metagame since the only common fire Pokemon is Reshiram. It also spins easily since Giratina does hate burn. Like most Lugia sets, it stops Nature Power users but unlike most, it burns them alive! Whirlwind and Psystrike are both anti-sub moves, although Whirlwind is usually the superior option.

I like how this set works on essentially any team, coupled with an immunity to status. The only real weakness I can see is Prankster Taunt. Have you tried Serene Grace Sacred Fire? It works pretty well in my experience.

I've been messing around with Balanced Hackmons recently after a month-long leave of absence, and found a couple of very effective sets just by screwing around. One of them was actually inspired by Asterat.

@ Eviolite
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature / Sassy Nature
- Earthquake
- Head Smash
- Magic Coat
- Roost

Maybe I'm just a hipster. but I fucking love rhydon. This is a sand lead set that actually does pretty well against common leads. It's unimpressive 189 special defense is boosted by eviolite and the special defense boost from sandstorm (2.25x original) to reach a massive 425 special defense. Rhydon can't switch into draco meteors or anything, but he can tank one with this bulk. Exactly how well does he take special hits? Shaymin-S giga drain does a maximum of 60.86%. Unfortunately palkia can still always KO with surf (provided it has a lustrous orb). Rhydon's physical bulk is also the best in the game to top off the special bulk which rounded to the nearest percent is 80% that of sassy shuckle. But unlike shuckle rhydon isn't a sitting duck (turtle?) and has physical bulk which is unmatched. In fact earthquake and head smash are only resisted by the rare magic bounce virizion. Virizion doesn't like STAB powerful moves off rhydon, hazards, and sandstorm damage. Also with sandstorm judgment is not doing much. 252+ Atk Rhydon Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Lugia: 356-420 (85.57 - 100.96%) -- 6.25% chance to OHKO (then factor in weather/rocks etc.) Magic coat is spammable against lead giratina/deoxys-s/other generic hazards leads. Rhydon is also slow as a lead, getting weather against everything but drizzle ferrothorn. Groudon is the best counter to this set, and certain giratinas can handle him (magic guard.) Roost is because Rhydon can fly. In short, never ever ever ever use regirock. Ever.

Rhydon @ Eviolite
Trait: Water Absorb
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Head Smash/Recover
- Counter
- Mirror Coat
Say hello to possibly the best rain counter in the game. I was trying to build a balanced sand team and had Regirock as my dedicated staller. Still, I was having some serious issues even with Sand up. It just didn't work very well. I decided to try Rhydon, and after screwing around with it for a while, the idea came to me to give it Water Absorb. Although it may look very similar to Asterat's Rhydon, it serves a very different purpose. Instead of being a weather-summoning tank, my Rhydon serves as a counter to numerous Special Attackers and Rain abusers in the tier. EQ and Head Smash provide EdgeQuake coverage, and Head Smash gets a surprise 2HKO on Blissey among other things. However, Recover greatly increases Rhydon's livelihood, so both are good options. Counter and Mirror coat abuse Rhydon's massive bulk and turn the tides unexpectedly. Palkia certainly isn't a problem anymore.

252 SpA Palkia Spacial Rend vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 139-165 (33.57 - 39.85%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Palkia Spacial Rend vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Rhydon in sand: 93-111 (22.46 - 26.81%) -- possible 4HKO
252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 132-156 (31.88 - 37.68%) -- 90.23% chance to 3HKO

Archeops @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Rock Head
Adamant Nature
- Head Smash
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Wood Hammer

On the same sand team, I also discovered my new favorite sweeper of all time- Archeops. There's not much explaining to do- Archeops outspeeds and 2HKO's almost the entire tier outside of Dialga. Anything weak to Rock or Flying is screwed, and Steel/Ground Types really don't like Wood Hammer and Flare Blitz. More of a cleaner than a sweeper, I suppose, but fantastic regardless.

Arceus @ Leftovers
Trait: Magic Bounce
Modest Nature
- Taunt
- Recover
- Water Spout
- Eruption

I must have been high when I made this guy. I don't even remember what team he started out on, just that he's a badass. Immune to most status, Arceus can play two different roles: team supporter or weather troll. As a team supporter, Taunt and Recover shut down most stall/support/boosting pokemon, while Water Spout and Eruption can wear them down very quickly. As a weather troll, Arceus fakes a supporting set with Taunt, and then gets a OHKO or 2HKO with Water Spout or Eruption. It works better in rain or sun, as the name implies, but often gets OHKOs without weather as well. Mold Breaker Deoxys-S shuts him down, however, so I'm considering using a Lum Berry instead of Leftovers.

 

[Manitary]

Archeops @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Rock Head
Adamant Nature
- Head Smash
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Wood Hammer

Isn't Magic Guard just better than Rock Head?

 

[Arcticblast]

Magic Guard Archeops and Ho-Oh are both fairly well known in BH. They're also quite difficult to deal with - a team of six LO Magic Guard Archeops can actually overwhelm weaker teams (unreliably).

 

[Adrian Marin]

Rhydon @ Eviolite
Trait: Water Absorb
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Head Smash/Recover
- Counter
- Mirror Coat
Say hello to possibly the best rain counter in the game. I was trying to build a balanced sand team and had Regirock as my dedicated staller. Still, I was having some serious issues even with Sand up. It just didn't work very well. I decided to try Rhydon, and after screwing around with it for a while, the idea came to me to give it Water Absorb. Although it may look very similar to Asterat's Rhydon, it serves a very different purpose. Instead of being a weather-summoning tank, my Rhydon serves as a counter to numerous Special Attackers and Rain abusers in the tier. EQ and Head Smash provide EdgeQuake coverage, and Head Smash gets a surprise 2HKO on Blissey among other things. However, Recover greatly increases Rhydon's livelihood, so both are good options. Counter and Mirror coat abuse Rhydon's massive bulk and turn the tides unexpectedly. Palkia certainly isn't a problem anymore.

252 SpA Palkia Spacial Rend vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 139-165 (33.57 - 39.85%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Palkia Spacial Rend vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Rhydon in sand: 93-111 (22.46 - 26.81%) -- possible 4HKO
252 SpA Keldeo Secret Sword vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 132-156 (31.88 - 37.68%) -- 90.23% chance to 3HKO

The big problem I see with this set as a rain counter is that it cannot take powerful Draco Meteors from Palkia (which all Drizzle Palkias use)

252 SpA Lustrous Orb Palkia Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 232-274 (56.03 - 66.18%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Palkia Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 289-342 (69.8 - 82.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


The best rain counters either change the weather to tank water attacks, or tank them naturally. Ferrothorn does the latter very well with a set of:

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Trait: Prankster
Nature: Impish/Careful
- Substitute
- Heal Order/Taunt/Leech Seed/Dragon Tail
- Destiny Bond/Taunt
- Baton Pass


252 SpA Choice Specs Palkia Water Spout vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn in rain: 199-234 (56.53 - 66.47%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (Can quickly Destiny Bond and kill weather starter)
252 SpA Lustrous Orb Palkia Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn: 99-117 (28.12 - 33.23%) -- possible 4HKO


This Ferrothorn set does a wonderful job at countering opposing rain teams by resisting both of Palkia's STABS reliably. The resistance to Dragon makes it a great way of stopping sweepers going out control by using Destiny Bond. Dragon Tail works really well with Destiny Bond and can rack up entry hazards. The second slot is more flexible, I personally use Taunt because Ferrothorn is my lead.