Project PU: Buried Treasure Project V2 [Week 25: Gourgeist-S, Gabite, Wailord]

[TONE]

Approved by Galbia
Banner by scorpdestroyer
Taking over for scorpdestroyer

Each week, some people (mostly PU council members, but other people as well) will each pick a Pokemon that we feel fit the following criteria:

• Pokemon that are underrated or have lots of undiscovered potential
• Pokemon we forgot existed
• Pokemon that make us think "wtf does this even do"

Through the week, you will be choosing from the Pokemon listed to theorymon, teambuild, and experiment with. Theorymonning will be allowed in the first few days but concrete testing is expected afterwards.

This project is not about doing well with these Pokemon. Instead, we're aiming to see how well a Pokemon does in PU, even if it looks like it sucks. If it does well, then great, we've uncovered a gem! If it sucks, then at least we've made sure it does indeed suck rather than simply theorymonning about it.

We ask that you be open-minded. Please experiment with different sets, different Pokemon, and different styles and step out of your comfort zone or your notion of "standard" and "effective". You are encouraged to post replays, teams, and cores you have used with any of these Pokemon, as well as describe your experiences with the Pokemon honestly, whether or not it had been a good one. It would be good to consider these questions when discussing:

• What are some effective sets this Pokemon can run? How do they perform?
• Which sets are not effective?
• Why should this Pokemon be used over other similar ones?
• Is this Pokemon easy to fit on a team? What kind of teammates / team styles help it the most?
• Overall, is this Pokemon easy to use? Would you recommend using this Pokemon?

At the end of each week, I will pick points from good, well-supported posts and these will be compiled and archived. Excellent contributors will be rewarded with voice (+) in the PS room as well as #pu on synIRC. Also, remember that you can gun for sexy badges (

) as well. If you already have all 3, then your post will look good in the archive :)

NOTE: You are welcome to VM me with suggestions of what mons you want to see tested. I will get to them eventually if I find them interesting.

This interval, our three Pokemon are:

Metang | Noctowl | Chimecho​

 

[TONE]

Week 1 - Simisage, Victreebel, Sawsbuck

Simisage

Good sets:

Nasty Plot Simisage
Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Focus Blast
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ice]

- Special setup sweeper similar to Ninetales

Mixed Lure Simisage

Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Iron Tail / Seed Bomb

- Good on teams that need Rose / Licky weakened

Victreebel

Good sets

Wallbreaker Victreebel
Victreebel @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Leaf Blade / Power Whip
- Sucker Punch / Knock Off
- Sludge Bomb

- Breaks walls
- Works well on Sticky Web

Sawsbuck

Good sets

Choice Scarf Sawsbuck
Sawsbuck @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Horn Leech
- Double-Edge
- Toxic
- Baton Pass

- Revenge kills Carracosta and the like
- Momentum with Baton Pass

Average sets

SubSalac Sawsbuck
Sawsbuck @ Salac Berry
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 30 HP
- Substitute
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Return

- Suffered a lot from Steel-types, more priority
- Still can clean up but requires a lot more support than most other SubSalac sweepers

Week 2 - Snover, Zweilous, Ninjask

Snover

Decent sets:

Specially Defensive Snover sets
Snover (M) @ Icy Rock
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 248 HP / 172 SpD / 88 Spe
Calm Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Blizzard
- Substitute

Snover @ Icy Rock
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Blizzard
- Toxic
- Ice Shard
- Leech Seed

Good teammates include:
- Probopass for trapping Steels
- Glaceon and Rotom-F for abusing hail

Zweilous

Good sets

Choice Band
Zweilous @ Choice Band
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Crunch
- Head Smash
- Sleep Talk / Superpower

- Fits on offensive teams
- Glass cannon wallbreaker that breaks everything if it hits

Decent sets
Tank

Zweilous @ Eviolite
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Crunch
- Outrage
- Superpower

- Fits on bulky offense / balance
- Provides good counter to threats such as Ninetales and Grass-types

Ninjask

Creative sets

Choice Band
Ninjask @ Choice Band
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature
- U-turn
- Aerial Ace
- X-Scissor
- Giga Drain

- Giga Drain is a cool twist over the standard Night Slash. It 2HKOs Barbaracle, Golem, and Costa with a bit of prior dmg, preventing them from switching in for free

Decent sets

Speed Boost + Baton Pass
Ninjask @ Leftovers
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 172 Spe
Impish Nature
- Baton Pass
- Substitute
- Aerial Ace
- Protect

- Focus should not be on passing +6 Speed behind sub with SD; that's just too much
- Best way is to pass a sub with Spe boosts so teammate gets in safely
- Works especialy well with Marowak, along with other slowmons
- Hone Claws or SD is another good option to pass, but once again Ninjask shouldn't try to pass too many at once

Week 3 - Rapidash, Simisear, Lunatone

Rapidash

Good sets:

3 Attacks + Morning Sun
Rapidash @ Charcoal / Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Drill Run / Will-O-Wisp
- Morning Sun

- Doesn't get worn down so easily by Flare Blitz recoil and SR
- Smashes stuff with very good coverage

Decent sets

Choice Band Rapidash
Rapidash @ Choice Band
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Wild Charge
- Drill Run / Low Kick
- Baton Pass

- Hits like a truck
- Actually decent speed, can even bp out for momentum
- However recoil sucks

Simisear

Decent sets

4 Attacks
Simisear @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Fire Blast
- Grass Knot
- Low Kick / Focus Blast
- Rock Slide

- Decent coverage
- Immediate offensive presence unlike Ninetales

Average sets

SubEndeavor
Simisear @ Salac Berry
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 8 HP / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Endeavor
- Fire Blast
- Grass Knot

- Sub + Endeavor to bring foes down to easy KO range for teammates
- Can sorta sweep lategame, but ultimately inferior to Simipour

Lunatone

Decent sets

Rock Polish
Lunatone @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 29 HP / 0 Atk
- Rock Polish
- Psychic
- Ancient Power
- Earth Power

- Good coverage that hits a lot of the tier
- Needs to be supported well to set up Rock Polish
- Outspeeds a good portion of the tier
- Checks Fire- and Ground-type Pokemon

SubEndeavor
Lunatone @ Colbur Berry / Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moonlight
- Psychic
- Earth Power / Moonblast

- Boost up on stuff
- Has reliable recovery

Week 4 - Persian, Furfrou, Cottonee

Persian

Decent sets

Nasty Plot
Persian @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Round
- Hidden Power [Dark] / Hidden Power [Ghost]
- Water Pulse / Substitute

- Fast
- Hits hard for a Persian, can sometimes lure in stuff like Missy, Tangela, and bop them
- Decent coverage

Poor sets
Physical Attacker

Persian @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Return
- U-turn
- ??

- Completely outclassed by the likes of Purugly, Ursaring
- Doesn't have good enough coverage and is weaker outside of Fake Out

Furfrou

Decent sets

Offensive Pivot
Furfrou @ Leftovers
Ability: Fur Coat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Return
- Thunder Wave
- U-turn
- Sucker Punch

- Takes physical hits relatively well and has access to U-turn to gain momentum
- Thunder Wave is cool support
- Other good options include stuff like Wild Charge

Average sets
Utility Furfrou

Furfrou @ Leftovers
Ability: Fur Coat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Toxic
- Thunder Wave
- U-turn
- Return

- Spam status and U-turn out
- Also works as a pivot but it's more defensive

Cottonee

lol nobody used it sorry, here's a theory set that was posted though, Cottonee might be able to support stuff with it

Cottonee @ Eviolite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Encore
- Memento
- Taunt
- Stun Spore / Knock Off

Week 5 - Drifblim, Monferno, Hypno

Drifblim

B]Good sets[/B]

ChestoRest Calm Mind
Drifblim @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Unburden
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball
- Thunderbolt
- Rest

- Set up on weak special attackers / stuff that can't harm it such as Roselia, special poliwrath, probopass
- After you're done heal off the damage with rest and get +2 boost
- unlike NP Missy can sweep against faster teams

Average / Decent sets
Tank

Weakness Policy
Drifblim @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Sucker Punch
- Endure
- Phantom Force / Will-O-Wisp / Destiny Bond

- Endure to live a super effective hit, enjoy +2 atk +2 spa +2 spe
- unfortunately it's very difficult to support
- dead weight if you don't get hit by super effective attack as it has no good STAB

Monferno

B]Decent sets[/B]

Suicide Lead
Monferno @ Focus Sash
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Overheat
- Endeavor

- use it on offensive teams
- prevent opposing hazards with taunt, then endeavor them
- blaze overheat hits pretty hard and prevents avalugg from spinning

Decent sets
Tank

Monferno @ Eviolite
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Close Combat
- Slack Off
- Taunt / Stealth Rock
- Will-O-Wisp

- counters Dark-types like Sneasel, Pawniard, Mightyena
- counters Leafeon, Sawsbuck, etc
- works well on stall teams

Poor sets
Fake Out + Grass Knot

Monferno @ Focus Sash
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Fake Out
- Grass Knot

- sounds cool in theory because it beats opposing sturdy leads
- however extremely predictable and gives up two good moves in exchange for two subpar ones
- terrible lead matchup if they dont lead with barbaracle / golem

Hypno

Mediocre sets

Special Wall
Hypno @ Leftovers
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Thunder Wave
- Psychic

- can pass Wishes
- mostly outclassed by Lickilicky, although it can sorta take on special Poliwrath a tad bit better

Creative sets
Belly Drum Hypno / Greedy Jew

Hypno @ Salac Berry
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Belly Drum
- Zen Headbutt
- Drain Punch

read Don's post for yourself

I present a set known in FU as "Greedy Jew" or "Jewish Yellow Man" (Blame GameFreak for a striking similarity to Antissemitic propaganda). I actually used that in PU with an FU team a bit after the FU ladder was banished just for the nostalgia and while it wasn't marvelous, it still wasn't THAT bad either, managing to do its job properly after some support. Hypno's solid Special Defense actually lets it set up on weaker defensive Pokemon such as defensive Psychic-types as well as RestTalk Poliwrath (eve I that dont play PU a lot know that it's outclassed but everyone uses it lol). Zen Headbutt + Drain Punch gives good overall coverage in PU, with a special nod to Drain Punch making it able to recover HP, and Sub can help bring HP down to Salac as well as dodge random Sucker Punches from Pawniard and Mightyena. A Jolly nature is preferred because it lets Jewish Yellow Man hit 384 Spe, the same as a +1 Jolly Fraxure and things like Zebstrika and +2 +Spe Carracosta; while Adamant fails to outspeed jumpluff by 1 point. Be wary though, this set requires a certain degree of support to work propely, like Spikes and Pursuit (though the only bulky psychic in PU is Grumpig and male Meowstic I guess...?). Also Sticky Web is appreciated and allows Hypno to run Adamant. If only Greedy Jew could Baton Pass with Belly Drum tho :(

Week 6 - Quilladin, Mothim, Whiscash

Quilladin

Good sets

Bulky Spikes
Quilladin @ Eviolite
Ability: Bulletproof
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Wood Hammer
- Synthesis
- Roar

- Poor offensive presence
- Counters Roselia, Haunter, Ghost-types
- Fits well as a Spiker on stall teams
- 40 Spe can outrun Relaxed Poliwrath, while 56 Spe can outrun neutral Carracosta

Decent sets
Suicide Spikes

Quilladin @ Focus Sash
Ability: Bulletproof
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Wood Hammer
- Endeavor

- Outruns Dwebble and Taunts it, also outruns the likes of Togetic and Pelipper
- Endeavor after bringing itself down to sash

Offensive Spikes

Quilladin @ Eviolite
Ability: Bulletproof
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Taunt
- Spikes
- Wood Hammer

- Outspeeds notable mons like Golem, Pelipper, etc
- Sets up Spikes and hits decently hard with dual STABs
- Helps offensive teams also wall stuff like Haunter and Misdreavus

Mothim

Average sets

Choice Specs
Mothim (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
- Bug Buzz
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Air Slash / Sleep Talk

- 252+ SpA Choice Specs Tinted Lens Mothim Bug Buzz vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Pelipper: 256-302 (79.2 - 93.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
- U-turn on stuff that wall you like balloon Probopass, Togetic, Lickilicky
- Needs Sticky Web to function well
- Difficult to justify use over other better SW mons like Heatmor
- Still slow, needs Timid to outrun Zebstrika in SW

Bad sets
Quiver Dance

Mothim (M) @ Life Orb / Yache Berry
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Quiver Dance
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Air Slash

- 100% outclassed by Butterfree because it can use sleep powder to set up and outrun base 110s with a modest nature
- Frailest thing ever and needs the speed from Timid to outrun stuff

Whiscash

Average sets

Dragon Dance
Whiscash @ Life Orb
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature / Lonely Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge / Ice Beam / Zen Headbutt

- Doesn't really stand out much from other sweepers like Carracosta
- Set up DD on stuff

Creative sets
Tank

Whiscash @ Choice Specs
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 1 Atk / 30 SpA
- Hydro Pump
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Electric]

- Surprises stuff
- Ground STAB sorta sets it apart from Floatzel

Week 7 - Golduck, Lampent, Parasect

Golduck

Good sets

Rain Dance Sweeper
Golduck @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Psychic
- Rain Dance
- Ice Beam

- Set up rain late game
- Sweep
- Weaken walls first with wallbreakers
- Outspeeds even fast Scarfers like Raichu

Average sets
CroDuck

Golduck @ Leftovers
Ability: Cloud Nine
EVs: 196 HP / 176 SpD / 136 Spe
Calm Nature
- Calm Mind
- Rest
- Scald
- Sleep Talk

- Lacks a lot of setup opportunities
- Outdone by most other CM sweepers

Decent sets
Substitute + Calm Mind

Golduck @ Leftovers
Ability: Cloud Nine
EVs: 196 HP / 176 SpD / 136 Spe
Calm Nature
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Scald
- Ice Beam

- Checks Water-types with its decent bulk
- Does well vs bulky teams

Lampent

Untested sets

Choice Specs / Scarf
Lampent @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Trick / Energy Ball
- Clear Smog

Bulky Calm Mind
Lampent @ Eviolite
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 216 HP / 240 SpA / 52 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Flamethrower
- Shadow Ball

Offensive Trick Room
Lampent @ Eviolite / Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Fire Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Trick Room
- Memento / Energy Ball / Will-O-Wisp

Parasect

Average sets

Offensive Spore + 3 Attacks
Parasect @ Life Orb
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Spore
- X-Scissor
- Seed Bomb
- Knock Off / Brick Break

- Use in TR
- Spore is really nice
- Decently powerful, for example 2HKOs Pawniard with LO X-Scissor

Untested sets
Specially Defensive

Parasect @ Leftovers
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 4 Def
Careful Nature
- Spore
- Synthesis
- Seed Bomb
- Knock Off / Aromatherapy / Leech Seed

- Probably walls Water- and Electric- and some Grass-types really well, for example taking max 44% from Poliwrath's Ice Beam

Agility

Parasect @ Life Orb
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Agility
- Spore
- Seed Bomb
- Knock Off

- Jolly enables it to outrun everything under 110 Speed at +2

Week 8 - Wigglytuff, Tropius, Swalot

Wigglytuff

Decent sets

Offensive
Wigglytuff @ Life Orb
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: NaN Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Dazzling Gleam
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam / Thunderbolt

Defensive
Wigglytuff @ Leftovers
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 252 Def / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: NaN Atk
- Wish
- Protect
- Hyper Voice
- Dazzling Gleam

Sets that make your opponent laugh till they timeout
Physical Attacker

Wigglytuff @ Life Orb / Choice Band
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Return
- Play Rough
- Drain Punch
- Knock Off

Anti-Lead
Wigglytuff @ Power Herb
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- SolarBeam
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Magic Coat

Tropius

"The only Tropius set anywhere near worth using during testing, but it's pretty decent"

SubSeed
Tropius @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Harvest
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: NaN Atk
- Substitute
- Leech Seed
- Air Slash
- Protect / Energy Ball / Toxic

- You can run max SpD but Tropius doesn't do very well vs a lot of special attackers
- 116 Spe can outrun Pelipper

Average sets
Swords Dance

Tropius @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Earthquake
- Aerial Ace

- Lum Berry with Harvest and Natural Gift gives a Flying STAB and immunity to status if you're into that
- The Chlorophyll set probably wants to be used in sun, while the Harvest set probably wants to be off your team

Special Sun Sweeper
Tropius @ Life Orb / Heat Rock
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Sunny Day
- Solar Beam
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Air Slash / Synthesis

- Victreebel is probably better

Swalot

Average sets

Choice Band
Swalot @ Choice Band
Ability: Sticky Hold
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Gunk Shot
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch / Bullet Seed
- Explosion

- 176 Spe outruns Golem and Marowak

Week 9 - Leavanny, Aurorus, Swoobat

Leavanny

Average sets

Agility
Leavanny @ Life Orb
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Agility
- Leaf Blade
- X-Scissor
- Knock Off

SubSalac
Leavanny @ Salac Berry
Ability: Swarm
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Endure
- Leaf Blade
- X-Scissor
- Swords Dance

- Most Leavanny are outclassed by the likes of Leafeon and Jumpluff without a Sticky Web set, so these sets make the most of its Bug STAB

Aurorus

Good sets

Stealth Rock Lead
Aurorus @ Focus Sash
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Blizzard
- Stealth Rock
- Freeze-Dry
- Earth Power

- Hail breaks Sturdy and Sashes so you only limit opposing leads like Barbaracle and Golem to just rocks
- Hits quite hard
- Wears down opposing walls with hail damage

Swoobat

Decent sets

Calm Mind + Berry
Swoobat @ Kee Berry / Salac Berry
Ability: Simple
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Calm Mind
- Stored Power
- Signal Beam
- Roost / Substitute

- Simple and a pinch berry give it lots of boosts to abuse with Stored Power
- Needs quite a bit of team support: help it to set up with screens / Memento, and priority needs to be taken out of the picture before it gets the Kee boost

Week 10 - Bibarel, Seviper, Meganium

Week 11 - Lapras, Girafarig, Octillery

Week 12 - Ariados, Regigigas, Walrein

Week 13 - Sliggoo, Magcargo, Dunsparce

Week 14 - Politoed, Gabite, Raticate

Week 15 - Munchlax, Dragonair, Cherrim

Week 16 - Metang, Noctowl, Chimecho

 

[Raiza]

Metang @ Eviolite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake / Bullet Punch
- Toxic

An offensive Stealth Rock, in my opinion, is the best set Metang can run, as it fully makes use of its key traits. In fact, Metang possesses an high physical bulk and decent special defense, which paired with an Eviolite, allow it to easily check physical attackers, especially Normal- and Flying-types because of its restistances. Its high bulk allows it to secure Stealth Rock on the field most of the time and make it a decent pivot, even though it lacks a recovery, so it's prone to being worn down anyway. Its attack stat isn't that bad either, though it isn't stellar, Adamant and fully attack investment take advantage of it and also allow it to deal with common Fairy-types such as Clefairy. Metang also has access to coverage in moves such as Earthquake, and utility moves such as Toxic, which make it threatening even to bulkier Pokemon that can tank its attacks such as Pelipper or Tangela. Unfortunately, Metang still faces a lot of competition from other Stealth Rock setters such as Torterra, Probopass, and Piloswine and its typing makes it have a bad matchup against common Stealth Rock leads such as the aforementioned Torterra and Piloswine, but also others such as Gabite and Golem. Metang's low Speed doesn't help its situation at all, as it makes it Taunt bait for common Anti-leads such as Misdreavus. However, I could see it fitting on a bulky offensive team or even balanced, as it is outclassed on playstyles such as HO by other mentioned Stealth Rock users. Its ability to deal with bulky Pokemon with Toxic and troublesome Fairy-types such as Clefairy, is highly appreciated by bulkier teams which often struggle against them. Bulkier teams also appreciate Metang's bulk and capacity to pivot into physical attacks, while they can provide backup for it, in case it doesn't want to take a lot of damage because of its lack of recovery.

 

[MZ]

Noctowl @ Life Orb / Leftovers
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 52 Spe OR 24 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 228 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Air Slash
- Defog / Heat Wave
- Roost

Defensive Defog is shit, but offensive Noctowl running offensive Tinted Lens isn't a total free switch-in for every physical attacker that can beat the hell out of Noctowl. Coverage isn't too important for Noctowl since it has Tinted Lens, so it can basically just spam STAB attacks and Defog when necessary. First speed option merely beats the neutral 45s, second goes way up to outspeed Jolly Torterra. Not as much to say about this as Metang, it's not that good but better than the defensive set which is ridiculously passive and just straight sucks.

 

[Grim]

Chimecho @ TwistedSpoon
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 156 HP / 252 SpA / 100 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 1 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SpD / 30 Spe
- Psychic
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Healing Wish
- Thunder Wave

This is probably the best set Chimecho can use. Literally the only time I would ever use this Pokemon is if I really cannot afford the Poison- and Steel-weaknesses Mr. Mime's Fairy-type give, but even then I would rather just give up on Healing Wish lol. Anyway, Healing Wish is just really nice to bring back teammates to sweep or wall stuff. Psychic + Hidden Power Fighting is nice coverage although it misses out on Psychic-types. Thunder Wave is weird on an offensive Pokemon but prevents Chimecho from becoming setup fodder against Pokemon such as Barbaracle, Carracosta, and Ninetales, and is overall just a great move in PU. It's also not as if you really need another coverage move. The EV spread allows Chimecho to outspeed very very relevant base 45 Pokemon such as Marowak and Armaldo. In general, Chimecho is just a really outclassed Pokemon but is a slight step ahead of the true shitmons in PU.

 

[TONE]

Chimecho @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: NaN Atk / NaN Spe
- Trick Room
- Healing Wish
- Magic Coat
- Yawn

This is a set I came up with for dedicated Trick Room teams. The combination of Trick Room + Healing Wish was too good to pass up with Magic Coat here to send Taunt and status moves back at the user and Yawn is here to force switches making it easier for Chimecho to set up Trick Room and use Healing Wish to give a Trick Room abuser 3 turns to wreak havoc.

 

[trc]

View attachment 44379
Noctowl @ Life Orb / Leftovers
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 200 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 52 Spe OR 24 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 228 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Air Slash
- Defog / Heat Wave
- Roost

Defensive Defog is shit, but offensive Noctowl running offensive Tinted Lens isn't a total free switch-in for every physical attacker that can beat the hell out of Noctowl. Coverage isn't too important for Noctowl since it has Tinted Lens, so it can basically just spam STAB attacks and Defog when necessary. First speed option merely beats the neutral 45s, second goes way up to outspeed Jolly Torterra. Not as much to say about this as Metang, it's not that good but better than the defensive set which is ridiculously passive and just straight sucks.

offensive defog noctowl is awful. terrible bulk due to the minimal investment so it can't check what it needs to, it dies way too easily and isn't threatening anything with its attacks at all. it's weird you say defensive is shit and offensive isn't whereas it's completely the other way around. offensive noctowl fails to accomplish what it wants to do at all whereas defensive noctowl walls a number of relevant threats such as poliwrath/tangela/victreebel/simipour, it isn't a free switch in to things because toxic and if you toxic a switching in zebstrika you win 1 on 1 without a para or you can even afford just to throw out a few roosts to wear it down or catch it's volt because it's bulk is great. hp fighting for pawn, i've used hp elec and hp ground too but both are pretty bad. like night shade is the best but hp fighting is usable too. basically defensive noctowl is a very nice poke and i use it a lot. also Spirit is great!!!

 

[MZ]

offensive defog noctowl is awful. terrible bulk due to the minimal investment so it can't check what it needs to, it dies way too easily and isn't threatening anything with its attacks at all. it's weird you say defensive is shit and offensive isn't whereas it's completely the other way around. offensive noctowl fails to accomplish what it wants to do at all whereas defensive noctowl walls a number of relevant threats such as poliwrath/tangela/victreebel/simipour, it isn't a free switch in to things because toxic and if you toxic a switching in zebstrika you win 1 on 1 without a para or you can even afford just to throw out a few roosts to wear it down or catch it's volt because it's bulk is great. hp fighting for pawn, i've used hp elec and hp ground too but both are pretty bad. like night shade is the best but hp fighting is usable too. basically defensive noctowl is a very nice poke and i use it a lot. also Spirit is great!!!

I don't think offensive is good, I just find it better than defensive. Honestly a decent amount is the surprise factor but it's still somewhat hard to switch into. You're still kinda overrating defensive though, with rocks up it's not a great switchin to anything you'd really need, and I'd only consider it if I needed something Spdef with a sleep immunity, which is around never. cba to say more on it tbh, I just think you're overrating it. Offensive is bad, defensive is a bit worse imo. You could actually post the full set of it and discuss it like what the thread's made for too.

 

[TONE]

Thanks to everyone who particicipated in the revival of the Buried Treasure Project. I'll update the archive with the sets when I can.

This inteval, our three Pokemon are:

Heatmor | Kingler | Bellossom​

 

[Raiza]

Kingler @ Life Orb
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Agility
- Crabhammer
- Knock Off
- Superpower

I think this is the best set Kingler can run, as it takes advantage of Kingler high sheer power and couples it with Agility, which allows it to outspeed common offensive threats and break through most offensive teams if it manages to set up. A double dance set using Swords Dance over Superpower can also be used, but Kingler will struggle finding space to set up both and Superpower is a key move at times to clean the opposing team so I prefer running that. A Choice Scarf set can also be used as it can take advantage of Kingler's offensive presence and provides it a safe speed boost w/out risking to set up at the cost of being locked into a move, making it able to sweep/clean only onto late-game, though it mainly serves as revengekiller. Kingler is not really used as it is outshined almost completely by Carracosta and Barbaracle, which are able to become way stronger just by using Shell Smash, while Kingler can't reach that powerspike without wasting at least two turns. The mainly two niches Kingler has over them are that it's stronger without boosts, reason why a Choice Scarf set is viable, and the access to Knock Off, which allows it to cripple common cores such as the Tangela Clefairy one. I would fit Kingler in an offensive-ish team, as it still needs support from a wallbreaker to pierce through walls such as Tangela if not running Swords Dance, and offensive teams also carry other tools that can support Kingler. For example, Kingler appreciates voltturn provided by Pokemon such as Raichu and Ninjask, which fit into offense, to wear down foes while finding safe switch ins. Kingler also appreciates Healing Wish support, commonly provided by Clefairy and Mr. Mime, both fitting into bulky or more offensive-ish teams. Clefairy also provides cover from common electric-types and can cripple foes with Thunder Wave allowing Kingler to find even more chances to set up or sweep.

 

[tom holland]

Bellossom @ Micle Berry
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 68 HP / 252 Atk / 188 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Drain Punch
- Natural Gift
- Leaf Blade
-Sleep Powder

Finding a Bellossom moveset that isn't outclassed by victreebell or sawsbuck is difficult, but this one stands out in being able to net surprise ko's on some fire and flying types in the tier with natural gift, allowing another teammate to cleanup. This, with the plus of Sleep Powder gives Bellossom the ability to effectively cripple or kill two pokemon that you need gone for another pokemon to sweep if played correctly. It's EV spread has max attack to get as much damage output as possible, and 188 speed outspeeds zebstrika's that want to overheat you. This would need stealth rock support to grant it's ko's on some pokemon, which shouldn't be a big issue considering nearly every team uses stealth rock.

​

 

[Dundies]

Heatmor @ Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Fire Blast
- Giga Drain
- Superpower
- Sucker Punch

This is probably Heatmor's best set right now, as it maximizes its wallbreaking capabilities to the fullest and takes advantage of its great coverage options and strong mixed attacking stats. It's mainly outclassed by Ninetales who is faster and has access to Nasty Plot, but Heatmor can also lure in Pokemon such as Lickilicky and 2KHO it with Superpower and pick off faster weakened threats with Sucker Punch. Sweepers such as Carracosta appreciate Heatmor's wallbreaking capabilites, as it can break through bulkier Grass-types that Carracosta has trouble with and it can lure in Poliwrath with Giga Drain. A slow Volt Switch / U-turn / Baton Pass really helps Heatmor out, as it really can't switch into stronger attacks and it helps getting it in safely, so Pokemon such as Probopass (Volt Switch), Pelipper (U-turn), and Togetic (Baton Pass) can be helpful to get Heatmor in safely.

Bellossom @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Swords Dance
- Petal Blizzard
- Drain Punch

As for Bellossom, this thing is basically outclassed by all of the other relevant sun sweepers, but the only niche I could really see in it is its access to Sleep Powder + Swords Dance (which Victreebel gets too, lol) along with added bulk over Pokemon such as Victreebel or Sawsbuck. With its boosted Speed from Chlorophyll in sun, it can put foes to sleep, freeing up a turn for it to set up a Swords Dance. Petal Blizzard is its strongest physical STAB, while Drain Punch is used to hit Steel-types such as Pawniard for super effective damage as well as hitting most Grass-type resists for neutral damage. Its partners obviously would include Sunny Day setters such as Onix, Golem, and Volbeat, but overall, Bellossom just shouldn't be used over Victreebel, Leafeon, or Sawsbuck, and it definitely shouldn't be used defensively, as it's even more outclassed by Tangela, Roselia, and Gourgeist-XL.

 

[TONE]

Thanks to those who participated this week.

This interval, our three Pokemon are:

Luxray | Frogadier | Unfezant​

 

[Raiza]

Unfezant @ Leftovers
Ability: Super Luck
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Tailwind
- Hypnosis
- U-turn
- Return

As you guys may know, Unfezant is totally outclassed by Dodrio when performing purely offensive sets such as a Choice Scarf or Choice Band one, because of their access to decent Flying-type STABs and coverage, other than better Speed, so I decided that a set that could take advantage of Unfezant's access to Tailwind and Hypnosis could have been the best it can run. This set is able to set up Tailwind against slower foes(hope Hypnosis doesn't miss), and then using U-Turn you can pivot out to your sweeper or a favorable matchup without wasting turns. U-Turn is especially good along with sleep because foes will mostly switch after being put to sleep, so Unfezant can catch the switch off guard, while Return provides a decent offensive presence. I could see this used on offensive teams, as defensive ones can't really take advantage of the Tailwind can provide, because of their low offensive presence. Pokemon that appreciate a Tailwind boost such as Simipour, Stoutland, and Mightyena are the best partners for this set because they will be allowed to break through revengekillers and clean the opposing team. Unfezant can also create VoltTurn cores with Pokemon such as Ninjask and Raichu to keep wearing down the opposing team, even though they don't care about Tailwind support that much.

 

[Twix]

Unfezant @ Choice Band
Ability: Super Luck
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Return
- U-turn
- Steel Wing / Quick Attack
- Pluck

This is probably the best offensive set Unfezant can run, although it's still outclassed by Fearow. Return is the main move it uses, and deals massive damage against foes, while U-turn is for momentum. Pluck is its best option as a Flying Stab and can steal a berry from a Linoone or some shit, while Steel Wing takes on Rock-types. Quick Attack is an option for a priority move.

Luxray @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wild Charge
- Ice Fang
- Superpower
- Volt Switch

This is the most popular and probably the best set you can get out of Luxray, which maximizes its wall breaking ability. Ice Fang and Superpower take on Ground-, Steel-, and Rock-types, while Volt Switch is for momentum and Wild Charge is its main STAB.

Luxray @ Magnet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Wild Charge
- Superpower
- Volt Switch

This is a Luxray set which can be used to take on and cripple fast attackers, while still maintaining some offensive presence.

 

[Dundies]

Frogadier @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power Electric
- Toxic Spikes

This is probably the best Frogadier set at the moment, as it plays one of the better roles as a fully offensive Toxic Spiker, though Roselia can play a role as a bulky offensive Spiker / Toxic Spiker with access to Sleep Powder. If you don't have room on your team for another Grass-type like Roselia, Frogadier can be a decent choice. Water + Ice coverage is always really nice, while HP Electric is really helpful for hitting common Defoggers like Pelipper and Swanna. Good partners obviously include spinblockers such as Misdreavus and Defiant users such as Pawniard.

 

[TONE]

Thanks to those who took part this week.

This interval, our three Pokemon are:

Illumise | Lairon | Vespiquen​

 

[Raiza]

Lairon @ Custap Berry
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Metal Burst
- Head Smash
- Endeavor

Despise looking badass, to be honest, Lairon doesn't carry a big enough niche to be used over other leads in the current meta such as Golem and Dwebble. In fact, its niche should be its ability to set up Stealth Rock while also being able to deal massive damage to the opponent using Endeavor along with Custap Berry and Sturdy or Metal Burst / Head Smash, but it is outdone by the aforementioned Pokemon in doing it, while its mediocre Speed and special bulk make it Taunt fodder and surely don't favour it in being a reliable tank, restricting its usefulness to a lead role. As I already said, its role is restricted to be a lead, so I thought this would've been the way to go. This set takes advantage of Lairon's access to Sturdy by pairing a Custap Berry and Endeavor to it, allowing Lairon to both set up Stealth Rock and damage a foe, even if this strategy is easily exploitable by the likes of common opposing leads such as Sucker Punch Golem or Ice Shard Piloswine. Because Lairon isnt' an exceptional tank because of its poor HP stat and special bulk, it fits best on offensive teams, as they also appreciate its ability to weaken the foe after setting up Stealth Rock and can pressure Defog users such as Pelipper. Good teammates are Spinblockers such as Misdreavus, which can prevent Stealth Rock from being removed, but Defiant users such as Pawniard as they deter the use of Defog from the opponent. Spikes / Toxic Spikes setters such as Roselia or Venipede can form an hazard stacking composition to further wear down the foes on their switchins. Pokemon that appreciate Stealth Rock support are of course nice paired with Lairon, they include wallbreakers such as Stoutland, but also cleaners or setup sweepers such as Kadabra and Simipour.

 

[Anty]

Not gonna talk about illimuse bc everyone knows how godly it is but here is the BEST vesp set:

Vespiquen (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid / Modest Nature
- Destiny Bond
- Bug Buzz
- Air Slash
- Tailwind
The main point of this set is to possibly support its team with tailwind, while pressure pokes like tangela and hopefully getting a surprise KO with tailwind. It is a really unreliable strategy as you need timid to even outspeed zebby at +2 and it is hard to set up tailwind vs certain teams. Vesp isnt too weak, but still not breaking many walls:
252 SpA Life Orb Vespiquen Bug Buzz vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Zebstrika: 200-238 (68.7 - 81.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Vespiquen Bug Buzz vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Simipour: 200-238 (68.4 - 81.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Seriously vespiquen has no hope of having a niche due to its qualities, its bulk, being neutered by its horrible defensive typing which alsp brings a 4x weakness to bug. At can wall most grass types, but still anceint power tangela beats it and roselia just sets up entry hazards on it (attack order doesnt do much), so basically this hurts the team more than it helps it. Just use butterfree if you want a offensive bug, or pelipper as a defensive wall. Defend order is just crit bait btw.

 

[TONE]

Thanks for the input. I'll add an Illumise set when I get time.

This interval, our three Pokemon are:

Flareon | Glaceon | Dustox​

 

[Twix]

Glaceon @ Choice Specs
Ability: Ice Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Shadow Ball
- Baton Pass

This is probably the best set that Glaceon can run, utilizing it's wallbreaking 130 Special Attack. Glaceon has a pretty terrible Speed tier, so a Choice Scarf wouldn't really benefit it that much. Ice Beam is obligatory STAB, Hidden Power Ground hits Fire and Rock types, Shadow Ball hits Ghost types such as Misdreavus, and Baton Pass is for momentum. On hail teams, Glaceon can run Blizzard, although the archetype isn't actually that viable.

Flareon @ Choice Band
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Superpower
- Quick Attack
- Baton Pass / Double-Edge

This is a standard Flareon set that once again utilizes its wallbreaking ability. Flare Blitz does massive damage to most foes and gains a STAB boost, Superpower takes on Rock-types, Quick Attack is priority which can be used to revenge kill or just take out weakened foes. Baton Pass is for momentum, and Double-Edge can be used for powerful non STAB damage.

 

[Kushalos]

This afternoon i dug up Dustox somewhere along the road. Looking at the awful state it was in I immediately decided to take it to a cemetery to give it a proper burial, where it can rest in peace laying next to his friends Furret and Carnivine. I did kind of feel bad for him, but looking back at his life, I remember him not accomplishing anything ever actually, and chuckled a bit. After i close the hole I look up, watching the sun slowly set, revealing a red horizon. I take my shovel and throw it on my shoulders while passing by Parasects old in fungus covered tombstone. Outside the gate I look back one more time with teary eyes at the cemetery sign, "useless shit mons", hoping that I won't have to return here again for a while.

 

[r0ady]

Dustox @ Black Sludge
Ability: Shield Dust
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Roost
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power [Ground]

closest thing i could think of to a viable set with this mon, a physdef quiver set with reliable recovery could find itself almost sweeping teams and doing negligible damage to things at plus 6.

+2 252 Atk Life Orb Leafeon Knock Off vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Dustox: 147-174 (45.5 - 53.8%) -- 43.4% chance to 2HKO

+1 8 SpA Dustox Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Leafeon: 240-284 (88.5 - 104.7%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Probopass Flash Cannon vs. +1 248 HP / 0 SpD Dustox: 73-87 (22.6 - 26.9%) -- 30.2% chance to 4HKO

+1 8 SpA Dustox Hidden Power Ground vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Probopass: 108-128 (35.5 - 42.1%) -- 76.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery (ez set up fodder)

252+ Atk Pawniard Knock Off vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Dustox: 79-94 (24.4 - 29.1%) -- 99.8% chance to 4HKO

+1 8 SpA Dustox Hidden Power Ground vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Pawniard: 102-122 (44.1 - 52.8%) -- 19.9% chance to 2HKO

252+ Atk Poliwrath Waterfall vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Dustox: 105-124 (32.5 - 38.3%) -- 98.2% chance to 3HKO

252 Atk Sawsbuck Double-Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Dustox: 148-175 (45.8 - 54.1%) -- 49.2% chance to 2HKO

HURRAY FOR SHIT MONS

 

[Raiza]

Dustox @ Black Sludge
Ability: Shield Dust
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Iron Defense
- Quiver Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Roost

This is a set that surprised me when I first saw it in action in the PUPL match between scorpdestroyer and Montsegur, because it actually showcased Dustox doing something for good once a time even if it required to dodge countless Gear Grinds to put in work. So, basically, this sets takes advantage of Dustox's access to Iron Defense, which is the glue and only niche Dustox could have over other bug mates. Thanks to an actually not terrible special bulk and Poison-type, Dustox is able to force the switch of Pokemon such as Clefairy and Grass-types, and set up on things such as special attackers that don't necessarily threaten it. After Dustox gets some Iron Defense up, it becomes harder to break through for physical attackers too, also because of access to Roost which is key to recover up from hazard damage and attacks, so it can be semi-useful against unprepared teams. Unfortunately, Dustox is still terrible as it is and you can't do much to fix it. This set is still really weak to things such as residual damage, mainly Stealth Rock, which pressure and shut it down. Dustox also lakcs speed, therefore it is complete Taunt bait and finds difficulty to set up still also because of a not great typing after all.

 

[TONE]

This interval, our three Pokemon are:

Cherrim | Marowak | Bastiodon​

Any set is fine to stir up some conversation, so feel free to post any sets you've tried out, not just the standard stuff.