Resource RU Cores for ORAS

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EonX

Battle Soul
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Defensive Core:

+
+


This is a really interesting defensive core that covers a lot of Pokemon in the current metagame. It's perfect for balance teams that need a strong defensive backbone that is capable of fending off most setup sweepers. Between Bronzong, Aromatisse, and Flygon, you get Rocks, Wish and cleric support, Defog support, momentum building, a pivot, and a means of spreading Toxic poison. What makes the deal even sweeter is how these Pokemon cover each other defensively. Aromatisse is able to absorb Knock Off for the core as well as handle Scrafty pretty damn well (along with most other Fighting-types) Bronzong takes pressure off of Aromatisse by handling opposing Flygons as well as reliably (albeit slowly) dealing with Mega Steelix. Flygon rounds out the core by dealing with most of the Fire-types that give Zong and Aroma trouble and it has Roost to take pressure off of Aromatisse and allowing it to focus on keeping itself and Zong healthy. Bulky Water-types, especially Jellicent, can give this core issues. This makes Specs Tangrowth and Lum SD Virizion fantastic offensive partners for this core as they can handle most bulky Water-types without breaking a sweat. A reliable answer to Cobalion and Durant can also prove useful. While Cobalion can't reliably set up vs. either Pokemon in this core, it can take any one hit and SD to threaten a KO. Durant is in a similar vein in that it can't set up a Sub, but can take any one hit to set up a Hone Claws. Choice Scarf Delphox can prove useful against these threats since it revenges both with Fire Blast and appreciates Flygon's Defog support and Aromatisse's Wish support. It also beats most offensive variants of Tangrowth, another Pokemon that this core would rather have something else deal with. Like with most defensive cores, SubCM users like Meloetta and Uxie can be tricky to deal with if you aren't careful, so having something like Drapion or Scrafty can be nice to put immediate pressure on these Psychic-types.
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Gyro Ball
- Earthquake

Aromatisse (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Aroma Veil
EVs: 248 HP / 248 Def / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Wish
- Protect
- Aromatherapy
- Moonblast

Flygon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 116 SpD / 24 Spe
Careful Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- U-turn
- Earthquake

OTHER MOVE OPTIONS:
Zong can use Iron Head over Gyro Ball for more PP and a more reliable way of hitting Aromatisse if you need it, but it's generally better to have a teammate take advantage of Aroma's passive nature
Flygon can utilize Dragon Tail or Toxic over U-turn. Dragon Tail can be nice to phaze out non-Sub sweepers or to rack up Spikes damage if you support the core in this way. (TSpikes too for that matter) Toxic can catch unsuspecting bulky Pokemon, like Togetic and Jellicent off-guard, which can be useful.
 

Twix

jicama
is a Contributor Alumnus
Offensive Core:

Sneacham
+


This is a pretty interesting core with two Pokemon that complement each other very well, and only has a few checks and counters. The basic idea of this core is Medicham taking on Steel-, Fighting-, and Rock-types for Sneasel, while Sneasel takes on Ghost-, Psychic, and Flying-types for Medicham as well as trap them with Pursuit. This core is extremely fast, and can take on threats in the metagame such as Cobalion, non Scarfed Delphox, and Virizion. The only real threats to this are Spiritomb and Fairy-types, but can be taken on with the appropriate measures and/or teammates.

Medicham @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pure Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Zen Headbutt
- Poison Jab
- Baton Pass

Sneasel @ Choice Band
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Knock Off
- Pursuit
 
Last edited:

EonX

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Twix, haven't really seen Pursuit Sneasel. Have you considered using Baton Pass over Trick on Medicham? I feel that might be more beneficial considering it would allow Medicham to lure in the Ghost- or Psychic-type and Baton Pass to Sneasel as it comes in, thus allowing it to more effectively Pursuit trap Pokemon for Medicham. Not to mention that BP would maintain offensive momentum anyway, which would help considering this is an ideal core for a more offensive team.
 

Twix

jicama
is a Contributor Alumnus
EonX tbh I just used Pursuit Sneasel once from back in the PU days and it worked decently well. I haven't actually tried out BP>Trick, but it seems like it would probably be better for the set. Thanks for the suggestion!
 

Cheryl.

Celesteela is Life
Time to revive this thread:
Escavalier + Tyrantrum Offensive Core
I used to think Escavalier was sort of underwhelming, but now it seems like Esca is really shining. It checks a lot of things that are popular right now, like Tangrowth and Mega Glailie, and hits like a truck as well. But it has a weakness to fire type moves, which can really cripple it. Here comes Tyrantrum, who is 4x resistant to Fire type moves and also hits like a truck. it is also benefitted by Escavalier beating Ice and Fairy types. This core is a bit weak to Fighting types, but they are hit hard by Escavalier. Houndoom or Emboar can give this core a hell of a lot of trouble, as Houndoom's Dark Pulse hits Tyrantrum's low special defense for a lot of damage and Emboar has Superpower. But this core is very nice in the current meta and should be recongized.

Escavalier @ Choice Band
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Megahorn
- Iron Head
- Pursuit
- Drill Run
Tyrantrum @ Life Orb
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Polish
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Earthquake
/Hide
 
I'll aide in the revival of this thread again

Dragon Spam Returns to RU


With the dropping for Flygon, dragon spam is finally viable again! Not only that, but Tyrantrum and Flygon actually have amazing synergy when it comes to weakening their checks and counters. While Flygon struggles with bulky waters, grass types and fairies, Tyrantrum nukes literally every single one and can be brought in safely on a predicted swift thanks to Flygon's U-Turn. Flygon is then able to check Steelix and Rhyperior, both threats to Tyrantrum. I choose Choice Scarf and Band as the items for Flygon and Tyrantrum respectively so that Flygon could serve as a late game sweeper while Tyrantrum a wall breaker, but many sets are viable when running this duo. The core itself automatically loses to Sneasel and Glalie so its important to make sure you have a reliable check to those two such as Emboar. As Tyrantrum can't exactly switch in to the fairies it breaks, Klinklang is a cool partner and it also appreciates Tyrantrum and Flygon's ability to break walls most walls, as well as Delphox who does the same while being a Glalie and fighting type check.
Tyrantrum @ Choice Band
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Superpower

Flygon @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- U-turn
- Dragon Claw / Superpower / Tailwind

 

Fletchinder+Gastrodon is a nice balance core, since they cover all their weakness, and gastrodon kills almost all things that counters Chinder(Steel types, water types, rock types) when Chinder switches generally well in grass types.
Fletchinder
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 152 HP / 212 Atk / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Acrobatics
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Earth Power
- Toxic
 

-kal-

hi guys
is a Contributor Alumnus
Seeing as this thread is kinda dead, im just gonna drop a couple of hot ones:

Offensive Core:
+

Sigilyph and Gurdurr have really great synergy with each other atm. Gurdurr is able to take on Dark-types such as Sneasel and Scrafty by killing them or setting up Bulk Ups that can greatly trouble Sigilyph and also heavily pressures Flygon and Mega Glalie, both of which are able to outspeed Sigilyph and OHKO it. Having Knock Off on Gurdurr is also great as it weakens Jellicent to put it in range of Sigilyph's Attacks. In return, Sigilyph is able to easily handle a slightly weakened Aromatisse and Tangrowth which Gurdurr cannot do much against. Sigilyph can also outspeed and kill an unboosted Venomoth that otherwise sets up on Gurdurr and also gets rid of Poison-types in general like Amoonguss and Golbat so that Gurdurr is able to sweep Late-game. This core also greatly discourages the use of Status-inflicting moves (bar Spore or Thunder Wave) as Gurdurr would get a Guts boost while Sigilyph would have an immunity to Sleep and Paralysis which makes it more threatening. This core definitely has some weaknesses. One in particular is this core's Meloetta and Fletchinder weakness though adding a Spdef Rhyperior should somewhat mitigate these problems as long as Meloetta does not pack Grass Knot.

Sigilyph @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Heat Wave
- Air Slash
- Roost

Gurdurr @ Eviolite
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 208 Atk / 48 Def
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Knock Off


Defensive Core:
+

This core is a bread-and-butter core of bulky Water + Steel that is really popular in this meta. Its definitely a really solid core as it is able to cover the majority of the tier. Alomomola handles Fire-types such as Emboar for Steelix with ease while also being able to replenish it with Wish. Ot can also cripple Flygon and Rhyperior with a Scald burn who would otherwise be able to dent Steelix with their attacks. On the other hand, Mega Steelix dispatches Electric-types with ease and can phaze out setup sweepers such as Sub+CM Meloetta and Venomoth which Alomomola is very passive against due to its non-existent offensive presence. Mega Steelix also absorbs Toxic and Thunder Waves from the opposing team that Alomomola abhors as it can get worn down easily. Definitely has some weaknesses such as to Tangrowth and Sigilyph as they cannot beat them one-on-one as well as a vulnerability to status and hazard stack.

Alomomola @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 120 HP / 240 Def / 136 SpD / 12 Spe
Bold Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Scald
- Toxic

Steelix @ Steelixite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 248 SpD / 12 Spe
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Heavy Slam
- Roar
 
Last edited:

lighthouses

Inordinary
is a Tiering Contributor

SD, lure in some of jolteon's checks then weaken them, it works especially well with t-spikes support, if you can sd just at the right time, pair this core with something that can take advantage of grass types early/mid game like fletchinder/glalie/cm delphox or whatever

Soul dealer (Jolteon) @ Life Orb
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Shadow Ball

Fuuga (Samurott) @ Life Orb
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Aqua Jet
- Megahorn
- Waterfall
 
This thread doesn't have enough cores so I'm gonna post an core of my own.

Offensive Core:
+

Since Venomoth is inevitably going to get banned, I decide I wanted to build around Vivillon, which is a really cool Pokemon that fills a similar role. The premise of the core is that along with Focus Sash, Venomoth can live any one hit from some of its biggest checks (ie: Mega Steelix, Rhyperior, Bronzong), bringing it down to 1 HP. Once one of these checks have been weakened, Rock Polish Tyrantrum has a much easier job of sweeping, considering the two share similar checks and counters.

Vivillon @ Focus Sash
Ability: Compound Eyes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Quiver Dance
- Hurricane
- Endeavor

Tyrantrum @ Life Orb
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Polish
- Head Smash
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
 
Offensive Core:

upload_2015-9-26_19-36-35.png
upload_2015-9-26_19-37-18.png


Molk and I have been playing around with these two Pokemon and so far, they've done really well.

Scrafty + Qwilfish have the ability to fit on both balance (thanks to dual Intimidate + their unique defensive typings) and heavy offense (thanks to Spikes + Scrafty's inherently threatening nature). This core checks much of the metagame, particularly physical attackers, and provides a way to punish DD Scrafty checks such as Aromatisse, Mega Audino, Golbat, Granbull, and Fletchinder with Spikes spam. Qwilfish can also support Scrafty and the rest of its team with paralysis, while Scrafty can use Knock Off early on in the game vs. defensive teams to make them easier to wear down later. Because this core will typically be used on offensively-inclinced teams, the Qwilfish is speedy enough to outrun and anti-lead Sticky Web Smeargle. Having a sense of security against both webs and Toxic Spikes teams in one teamslot is invaluable for offense, and Scrafty itself despises both hazards even with a Lum Berry attached.

Some of the most notable offensive threats to this core are Sigilyph (which outruns and destroys both with its powerful STAB attacks), Dazzling Gleam Delphox, and the rare Band Braviary. None of those Pokemon can safely switch in on a Knock Off or a Thunder Wave, but if they do get in this core will need team support to deal with them. Scarf Tyrantrum offers a solid soft check to all of these Pokemon, and IMO a Flying resist is almost mandatory on offense anyway with Fletchinder being so threatening. Oddly enough, Assault Vest Meloetta is also a cool partner to handle the specially-based Psychic types that trouble this core, and U-Turn prevents it from killing momentum too much. The most threatening defensive threat to this core is Defog Flygon, which prevents Qwilfish from punishing Scrafty's checks with Spikes. In a pinch, Qwilfish can outrun and Taunt bulky Flygon to stop Defog attempts, if you're willing to let Qwilfish take a massive blow if you mispredict. Life Orb Flygon cannot be Taunted and can OHKO Qwilfish, but is much easier to wear down. Speedy Pokemon in general pair well with Scrafty + Qwilfish as neither are speed demons and don't really function at their best on slow teams.

Qwilfish @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Waterfall
- Spikes
- Taunt
- Thunder Wave

Scrafty @ Lum Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- High Jump Kick
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
 
Balance Core:

Abomasnow @ Life Orb
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 16 HP / 136 Atk / 240 SpA / 116 Spe
Rash Nature
- Blizzard
- Wood Hammer
- Ice Shard
- Focus Blast / Giga Drain / Earthquake



Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
Modest Nature
- Flamethrower / Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
- Earth Power
- Substitute



Alomomola @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 136 HP / 120 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Wish
- Scald
- Toxic
- Knock Off / Protect


Here's a fun FWG core, I wanted to test out regular Abomasnow, and realizing how nice of a wallbreaking core it forms with Megarupt, I decided to build around the two, and Alomomola fitted so well, being able to pass wishes and handle threats to the two like EQ Mega Glalie, SD Samurott, Durant, offensive Rhyperior, etc. This core struggles with some things like SD Virizion, so packing something like Fletchinder or Sigilyph is adviced.
Also I don't have Stealth Rock on my Mega Camerupt because I just imported it from my team which has SR Rhyperior, you can probably replace Sub with SR if you really want it xp

 

EonX

Battle Soul
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Hazard Stacking Core:


Seismitoad (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Sludge Bomb

+


Accelgor (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spikes
- Bug Buzz
- Final Gambit
- Encore

Accelgor has always been a ton of fun to use for offensive hazard stacking teams. Spikes is amazing considering there are a lot of grounded threats in the tier. They're especially useful in wearing down Mega Steelix, one of the top tanks in the tier. The rest of the moveset kinda speaks for itself. Encore undesirable moves used by the opponent, Final Gambit to prevent Rapid Spin / Defog or to remove the most dangerous threat to your team, and Bug Buzz if you can't prevent Taunt for some reason. Seismitoad is one of the few offensive Rocks setters in the tier that can outspeed a fair few defensive Pokemon. Its strong matchup against Steelix, Rhyperior, and Qwilfish is also very helpful for Accelgor, the latter two especially as both Rhyperior and Qwilfish have ways of limiting Accelgor to a single layer of Spikes. Seismitoad also gives offensive teams a safe Scald switch-in thanks to Water Absorb as well as an Electric immunity, which can be crucial as Volt Switches from Jolteon and Scarf Rotom-C are often times tricky to handle for offensive teams. Sludge Bomb gives it a way to pressure Aromatisse and weakened Mega Abomasnow. Seismitoad's decent natural bulk also allows it to soft check Tyrantrum and take at least one neutral hit in most situations if you're in a tight spot. Because Seimitoad lacks Ice Beam access (seriously, wtf?) a way of handling Flygon is highly advised. Most Grass-types can check Flygon to some extent, although most offensive threats that outspeed non-Choice Scarf Flygon will do the trick. Dazzling Gleam Delphox, HP Ice Jolteon, Choice Scarf Flygon, and Ice Shard users (Sneasal, Mega Abomasnow, Mega Glalie) can all work to varying degrees. Sadly, most Fairy-types are defensive, but Steel-types such as Durant and Escavalier can be useful.
 

Cheryl.

Celesteela is Life



Eelektross + Sneasel Offensive Core

So I was brewing up my Eelektross team, trying to think of partners for Eel, and I realized that Eel was gonna get walled by Dragons like Flygon. So I decided to add Sneasel to the team, and it's been a great help so far. Eelektross' slow Volt Switch helps bring in Sneasel in a lot easier, as Sneasel is frail af man. Sneasel helps Eel against Dragons and Psychics with it's Ice and Dark STABs. Eelektross uses it's amazing coverage to beat stuff that Sneasel can't handle, like Alomolmola and Mega Steelix. However, this core has a few faults. Fairy types like Aromatisse crush this core, so Steel types like Durant or Escavalier can be useful to help. (Or Mega Steelix) Fire type team members like Houndoom or Delphox can be helpful as well. While the new drops don't pose too much of a threat to this core, Mega Abomasnow hits very hard so stuff like Escavalier can be helpful to beat him. Fighting types pose a big threat to this core, as Eelektross cannot take physical hits very well, so things like Slowking or Aromatisse are helpful. Overall, while this core has some faults, it is still pretty good and is a great breaker.

Sets:
Eelektross @ Assault Vest / Expert Belt
Ability: Levitate
EVS: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 Atk
Modest / quiet Nature
- Volt Switch
- Giga Drain
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt / Knock Off / Drain Punch

Sneasel Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus / Pickpocket
EVS : 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 Def
- Ice Shard
- Knock Off
- Low Kick
- Icicle Crash
 
Last edited:

fran17

(1999)
is a Tiering Contributor Alumnus
Going to post some core that I think might need to get added and that are pretty effective in the meta :)

Offensive Core:

Flygon+Fletchinder is a really nice offensive core. Flygon gives Defog support and can weaken bulky water which checks Fletch, and can check Steelix and Rhyperior, while also checking Tyrantrum. Fletch on the other hand can deal decently well with Ice types which threatens Flygon, and can sweep in late game after Flygon has done his job!

Fletchinder
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 152 HP / 252 Atk / 76 Def / 28 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Acrobatics
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost

Flygon @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Earth Power
- Roost
- Defog


SD Aboma is a really powerful threat to almost every RU team, although some teams run Durant or some other fast fire types just to check him. Magneton can effectively trap Durant and can bring fire types to a range where Aboma at +2 kills with Ice Shard :) Aboma on the other hand can take care of ground types which checks Magneton and prevent him to get momentum with Volt Switch.

Abomasnow @ Abomasite
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Wood Hammer

Magneton @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Flash Cannon


Durant and Virizion have a nice offensive sinergy, with Durant taking care of Amoonguss, psychic and fairy types, and Virizion checking bulky waters and Steelix. This core really appreciate something that can give speed control to prevent that faster mon can revenge kill and stop the sweep.

Durant @ Lum Berry
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Hone Claws
- Superpower
- X-Scissor

Virizion @ Lum Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Leaf Blade
- Stone Edge


Defensive Core:

Rotom+Drapion is a nice defensive core which can be difficult to play around for many teams. Rotom covers the Drapion ground weakness, while Drapion takes care of dark moves and setup Toxic Spikes to help Rotom to wear down opposite mons with Hex and chip damage :)

Rotom @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 120 HP / 4 Def / 132 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Discharge

Drapion @ Black Sludge
Ability: Battle Armor
EVs: 248 HP / 216 SpD / 44 Spe
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Taunt
- Toxic Spikes
- Whirlwind


Druddigon and Alomomola have a really good defensive sinergy, being able to check almost all the meta by theirself. Druddigon checks electric and grass types which scares Mola, which repays with an Ice immunity and with his great bulk can check the other dragons of the tier (be aware of CB Tyrantrum tho). It also provides wish pass to help Druddigon with his longevity, since the lack of every type of recovery really hurts for him :(

Alomomola @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 120 HP / 136 Def / 252 SpD
Bold Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Scald
- Toxic

Druddigon @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Glare
- Dragon Tail
- Fire Punch
- Stealth Rock
 
got some offensive cores that are good rn

Arguably two of the best mons in the tier, the wall breaking capabilities of Durant paired with Fletchinder is incredible. AoA Durant breaks many of the bulky waters, grounds and even a few Electrics that check Fletchinder making its time sweeping most teams way easier. The core struggles with the likes of Scarf Tyrantrum (what doesn't) as well as the bulky waters that Durant does not lure, such as Slowking, making a pursuit trapper really helpful. HC Durant is able to pressure Alomomola easier but when I use this core I usually appreciate all 4 attacks.
Durant @ Life Orb
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- X-Scissor
- Thunder Fang
- Superpower

Fletchinder
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 152 HP / 252 Atk / 104 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Acrobatics
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost


Despite have two counters that are really good in the current meta, CM Delphox is still great vs a lot of balanced builds. Spiritomb provides utility in removing Slowking and also serves as a great way to lure Houndoom. Return does a lot of damage to Houndoom ((64.2 - 75.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock), leaving it with one SR switchin and LO hit basically. In return Delphox switches in and sets up on most fairy types and checks Emboar.
Delphox @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Calm Mind

Spiritomb @ Black Glasses
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 200 HP / 252 Atk / 56 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
- Return
- Taunt


Scrafty went though a period of being overrated, now I feel its being harshly underrated as a Pokemon. While is struggles to kill every fairy, it has the capability to do a lot of damage to just about everyone. Pair this with SD Gallade, and you have an extremely terrifying core to most bulky teams that depend on one fairy + slowking as their fighting check. Weak to Fletchinder as well as fairies, but the latter is kind of the point of this core. My preferred sets are LO Gallade and CB Scrafty, but feel free to mess around with other options Scrafty itself is extremely versatile.
Gallade @ Life Orb / Lum Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Zen Headbutt
- Knock Off

Scrafty @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 100 Spe
Adamant Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
- Drain Punch
- Poison Jab

OR

Scrafty @ Roseli Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpDef / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Dragon Dance
 
Last edited:

MrAldo

Hey
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My turn:

Offensive core:

+


These 2 are really neat mons together regardless of variant but the calm mind psycho shift combo + pursuit trapper houndoom is pretty damn effective. Besides the obvious typing synergy they have besides they both getting destroyed by tyrantrum and durant, they both can work to destroy defensive builds or defensive cores really easily. Thanks to psycho shift and flame orb, sigilyph is impossible to paralyze (emphasizing since it doesnt care about status) and with this move it can pass around burns, crippling a good amount of mons and proceed to setup on them. This set however is really troubled by a lot of opposing psychic types like delphox and meloetta, some steel types, jellicent and rotom-N that are rising on popularity. This is where houndoom enters being a nice psychic check that doesnt care about delphox and can proceed to pursuit trap most of them and roast other steel types with fire blast (slowking is a bit tricky). Great offensive duo if you dislike defensive staples like alomomola.
Sigilyph @ Flame Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 112 HP / 144 SpA / 252 Spe
- Calm Mind
- Air Slash
- Psycho Shift
- Roost

Houndoom @ Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Fire Blast
- Sucker Punch


Balanced core:

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One can struggle to find solid balance cores in this metagame but damn, this one is absolutely great. Hariyama is an outstanding glue mon that checks a plethora of threats for balance builds that is outstanding. It checks mega glalie, houndoom, mega abomasnow and abomasnow, sneasel, soft checks melo which is ridiculous for a fighting type, etc, etc. It has gargantuous bulk with an assault vest and some defensive investment. Aromatisse it here to provide hariyama longevity to keep checking the threats it needs too throughout the match and this cute fairy being an excellent asset for balance thanks to its typing and utility. Last, these 2 are destroyed by mons like fletchinder and durant, and lack the power to bother opposing defensive or balanced cores. Enter sub status spreader rotom-N. Great flying check, soft durant check and a pain to deal to opposing defensive cores. Been loving this core so far, mega steelix and other types steel types like durant or escavalier round this core really well!
Hariyama @ Assault Vest
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 112 Def / 136 SpD / 8 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Heavy Slam
- Fake Out
- Close Combat

Aromatisse @ Leftovers
Ability: Aroma Veil
EVs: 248 HP / 240 Def / 4 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Moonblast
- Wish
- Protect
- Aromatherapy

Rotom @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 136 HP / 120 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Discharge
- Will-O-Wisp
- Hex
- Substitute


Cheers!
 
Balanced Core:


Everyone is familiar with the common Abomasnow + Mega Steelix core. One of the main flaws that this core had was the ability to get Stealth Rock and keep them there with a threat of Abomasnow on Flygon preventing the Defog but it was unable to keep hazards off its own side of the field. With the drop of Blastoise earlier handled this issue pretty easily while also being a nice check to a lot of the fire types in the tier such as Emboar Typhlosion (LOL) and Delphox. Blastoise can guarantee a Rapid Spin due to Foresight and is now one of the premier hazard removal Pokemon in the tier. (HIDE YO DEFOG FLYGONS)

Abomasnow @ Life Orb
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 132 Atk / 252 SpA / 124 Spe
Mild Nature
- Blizzard
- Giga Drain
- Ice Shard
- Focus Blast

Steelix-Mega @ Steelixite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 96 Atk / 76 SpD / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic

Blastoise @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Foresight / Toxic
- Rapid Spin
- Roar / Dragon Tail / Protect

Currently testing some other Blastoise spreads.

 

Cheryl.

Celesteela is Life

The Salty Spatoon Core : Aggron Sharpedo and Granbull

How tough are ya to use this awesome core? CB Aggron is a really cool wallbreaker, and even though Tyrantrum isn't banned, Aggron still has some uses like walling Fairies. Sharpedo, while not adding too much defensive synergy to the core as it's frail, can use Aggron's wallbreaking to help it clean up late-game better. Also, Aggron walls stuff like Fletchinder so that helps Sharpedo out as well. Granbull was added to wall Fighting types and Dark types, and Granbull is overall a really good mon right now. While this core still needs support from teammates as it's weak to stuff like MegaLix or Water types in general, especially Poliwrath, but it's a really cool offensive core that can do a lotta work is used correctly.

Aggron @ Choice Band
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Head Smash
- Heavy Slam
- Fire Punch
- Low Kick

Sharpedo @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
- Protect

Granbull @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Earthquake
- Fire Punch
- Close Combat


Also claiming another cool core:

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Double Head Smash Super Happy Fun Time Core

This core is so deadly oml. Now that Tyrantrum isn't banned, I can finally use this core that I've been hyping up. It's proved me well on the ladder, so I've decided to share it with you guys. Aggron + Tyrantrum is really cool as they weaken their checks and counters with Head Smash or their coverage. They also have decent defensive synergy as Aggron can take on Fairies. This core can be incredibly deadly to stop as CB Aggron rips thru everything and Choice Scarf Tyrantrum rips thru offense. You'll want something to take special attacks for this core, and an answer to stuff like Poliwrath would be nice, but this core is very deadly now that TTrum's not banned and should be recognized.

Aggron @ Choice Band
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Head Smash
- Heavy Slam
- Fire Punch
- Low Kick

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Superpower
- Dragon Claw
 

Take Azelfie

More flags more fun
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Offensive Core

Samurott and Snow can essentially check each others counters with Samurott being able to take on Snow's obvious weakness to Fire as well as rock and most steel-typess while Abomosnow hits grass types super hard with Blizzard and Electric types hard in general. The sets can vary on these two but one tends to support the other in a Swords Dance sweep. The most troubling part of this core is trying to deal with fighting types unless you use Air Slash Samurott.
The sets I think are most effective.
Abomasnow-Mega @ Abomasite
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpA
Quiet Nature
- Blizzard
- Giga Drain
- Focus Blast
- Ice Shard

Samurott @ Lum Berry
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Megahorn
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance


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Dark Spam + Gallade

Dark Spam is really powerful with the two new drops. Sharpedo is litteraly a bane to teambuilders everywhere and with Absol geting the buff oof having fairy coverage makes it hell of a lot more powerful. Dark spam has trouble with fighting types in general so Gallade fits perfectly as it isn't punished by Knock Off (which pretty much every fighting type carries) and has the psychic coverage to hit fighting types back. The reason you would use Gallade over Medicham is due to Memento which gives Absol a free turn to set up which is great for sweeping.
Sets
Sharpedo @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Protect
- Ice Beam
- Hydro Pump
- Crunch

Absol @ Lum Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch / Stone Edge
- Knock Off

Gallade (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Memento
- Close Combat
- Zen Headbutt
- Knock Off / Leaf Blade (this can be used to help deal with bulky water types easier if your team cannot handle them)
 
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Tspikes+Sharpedo is a nice combo and Garbodor fits perfectly as spiker as it takes care of fighting types like Hitmonlee and grass types like Virizion (and to some extent Tangrowth). Sharpedo can check psychic types in return, and threaten ground types with its water stab (keep in mind that it is not supposed to switch in most of the time). This core struggles with Amoongus, which checks Sharpedo and can absorb Tspikes. Fletchinder can also be a pain if you decide to not use ajet, as well as Poliwrath. A strong psychic type like Meloetta can take care of Amoongus and Poliwrath, while Stone Edge Steelix can take care of Fletchinder, set Stealth Rocks, and check Electrics. Flygon is also a pain in the ass for Garbodor so make sure to pack sth for that. You´re basically free to use any Sharpedo set, though i do like special/mixed more in combination with Tspikes.

Sharpedo @ Life Orb
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash/Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Crunch/Dark Pulse
- Ice Beam
- Protect

Garbodor @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Impish Nature
- Gunk Shot
- Drain Punch
- Spikes
- Toxic Spikes
 
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