Project Core Analysis Workshop (Discussing Partners for Mega Sharpedo + Tank Chomp)

[p2]

Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Knock Off
- Pursuit

Weavile struggles to switch into anything on the core, but it Knocks Off Raikou, putting it into range for other teammates to pick it off and it easily outspeeds and OHKOs Lando-T.

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 250-294 (77.6 - 91.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
-1 252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 499-593 (149.8 - 178%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Ice Shard vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 348-421 (104.5 - 126.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[MANNAT]

scarf landot

Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 24 SpA / 232 Spe
Naive Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- U-turn

Earthquake OHKOs raikou and outspeeds it. Hp ice 2hkos landot.

 

[Random Passerby]

Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 244 Atk / 12 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Icicle Crash
- Freeze-Dry

Mamoswine outspeeds and OHKOes Landorus-T with Icicle Crash and even has chance to revenge kill a boosted Landorus-T with Ice Shard, factoring in Stealth Rock and Intimidate. It also doesn't take much from Raikou and can OHKO back with Earthquake.

 

[Dr Ciel]

Can you guys get any more mainstream? Reserving Cresselia.

Cresselia @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 40 Def / 220 SpD
Calm Nature
- Moonlight
- Psyshock
- Ice Beam / Skill Swap
- Thunder Wave / Toxic

Cresselia's immense bulk allows it to take less than half from a +2 Stone Edge & can OHKO easily with Ice Beam. Cress also can 1 v 1 Raikou, with Psyshock breaking the Substitute every time and can use Skill Swap, which works through the Sub, by the way, to drain the PP of Raikou's moves faster.

 

[MANNAT]

Can you guys get any more mainstream? Reserving Cresselia.

scarf hp ice landot is not mainstream lmfao

 

[heritage]

Clockwork (Kyurem-Black) @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 20 Atk / 252 SpA / 236 Spe
Mild Nature
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
- Fusion Bolt
- Roost

Kyurem-B outspeeds the only member of the core that can actually do anything back to it, Landorus-T, and OHKOs it with Ice Beam. (If Landorus is at +2 Speed it might be an issue, but if Kyurem switches in on SD or Earthquake, or it gets a free switch, it's pretty much over.) Raikou is completely helpless against it and is OHKOed by Earth Power after Rocks damage. Even if it's at +1, it still can't do much and Kyurem can Roost off the damage.

Hide

252+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Ice Beam vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 957-1128 (287.3 - 338.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Earth Power vs. 32 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 265-315 (80.5 - 95.7%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Tressed]

Latios (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Roost

Latios has a good chance to OHKO both of these after Rocks with Draco Meteor, and 2HKOes them both with Psyshock, which means Raikou can't stall it out by spamming Substitute. Raikou also fails to 2HKO Latios with HP Ice, while Lando is outrun and deals a maximum of 60% with Stone Edge.

 

[GnralLao]

Tangrowth @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power Ice

Tangrowth takes little damage from this core and can 2HKO each member with the appropriate move.

220+ Atk Landorus-T Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 106-125 (26.2 - 30.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
+2 220+ Atk Landorus-T Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 210-248 (51.9 - 61.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 SpA Tangrowth Hidden Power Ice vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 224-268 (67.2 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 88-104 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 0.9% chance to 4HKO
+1 252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 130-154 (32.1 - 38.1%) -- 95.7% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Tangrowth Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 182-216 (56.6 - 67.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[aceguy123]

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Moonlight
- Heal Bell
Standard Unaware Clefable eats this core up massively, it is one of the hardest of counters.

 

[bludz]

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Moonlight
- Heal Bell
Standard Unaware Clefable eats this core up massively, it is one of the hardest of counters.

I don't require calcs but you probably should have double checked on this one. Lando can stall this Clefable set out of Moonlights since EQ does nearly half. A wish/ protect Clefable poses a greater threat since it does not need CM to beat Raikou.

220+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 168-198 (42.6 - 50.2%) -- 39.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

 

[aceguy123]

I don't require calcs but you probably should have double checked on this one. Lando can stall this Clefable set out of Moonlights since EQ does nearly half. A wish/ protect Clefable poses a greater threat since it does not need CM to beat Raikou.

220+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 168-198 (42.6 - 50.2%) -- 39.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

I didn't account for Stealth Rocks because I figured we were only looking at the core itself and assume the conditions based on the sets/mons (for example, assume the power of moves as under Rain when looking at Politoed). I see what you mean though, and both Protect/Wish and calm mind are viable but I concede Protect/Wish would be superior in a SR assumed case.

 

[bludz]

I was on my phone I actually didn't mean to include SR lol. Even without it, Clefable is going to have to heal basically every turn (except the first) against Lando which means it's going to be stalled out. I generally don't respond to nominations because I don't want it turning into an argument lol, but just thought I'd point out that a Wish/Protect set walls this duo better.

 

[-Ixtamacunxi-]

Gyarados @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Crunch
- Waterfall
- Earthquake

Mega Gyara can set up a DD on both mons and then OHKO them with the right move.

252 SpA Raikou Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gyarados: 218-258 (65.8 - 77.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
220+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Gyarados: 178-210 (53.7 - 63.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados Waterfall vs. 56 HP / 0 Def Landorus-T: 356-422 (106.9 - 126.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 252+ Atk Mold Breaker Mega Gyarados Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Raikou: 518-610 (160.8 - 189.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[JTD783]

Manaphy @ Wacan Berry
Ability: Hydration
EV's: 96 HP/ 252 SpA/ 160 Spe
Timid Nature
-Tail Glow
-Surf
-Ice Beam
-Energy Ball/ Psychic/ HP Fire

Manaphy's Wacan berry variant poses a threat to this core because it can beat Landorus easily as well as take on Raikou after the tail glow boost. Manaphy is able to outspeed and OHKO Landorus with ice beam or use it to set up a tail glow. However, if the damage rolls aren't favorable Manaphy can take an earthquake after setting up a tail glow, KO Landorus, and be revenge killed by the Raikou even through the Wacan berry. That being said, Manaphy will need to tail glow as Landorus switches out into Raikou, enabling it to beat both and take a maximum of ~44% in the process.

Tl;dr Manaphy can put a lot of pressure on this core and break it with a favorable prediction.

Calcs:
+3 252 SpA Manaphy Surf vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Raikou: 306-361 (95 - 112.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Raikou Thunderbolt vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Wacan Berry Manaphy: 135-160 (36.9 - 43.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252 SpA Manaphy Ice Beam vs. 56 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 396-468 (118.9 - 140.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
220+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 96 HP / 0 Def Manaphy: 192-226 (52.6 - 61.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Mega Magic Bounce]

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Earthquake
- Toxic

Not much to say. This Pokemon will happily smile and shrug off any attack either mon in the core can use. Unaware makes SD and CM useless. EQ kills Raikou, Recover regains your HP, Toxic is for switchins, and Scald is... Scald.

220+ Atk Landorus-T Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 153-181 (38.8 - 45.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Raikou Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Quagsire: 85-101 (21.5 - 25.6%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

 

[MANNAT]

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Recover

This can take hits from both members of the core and hit them with supereffective STAB as well as toxicing them to stop any potential sweeps.

 

[bludz]

Discuss partners

 

[Dr Ciel]

Taking Zard-X.

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 104 HP / 220 Atk / 184 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake
- Roost

Mega Charizard-X is an excellent partner for the posted core. It can set up on select Water types, including non-Scarf Keldeo and Rotom-W while also setting up on the Grass types that Landorus-T struggles to get past. In return, Landorus-T can set up on Chary-X's checks including the likes of Tyranitar and Mega Diancie. Chary-X also helps facilitate a Raikou sweep by easily dispatching of Mega Venusaur.

 

[MANNAT]

Taking Serp

Serperior @ Life Orb
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power Fire
- Glare/Taunt

This core is really weak to Bulky Waters that can take hits from raik the Latis, bulky grounds, and other threats so Serp can take down a lot of them with this set. The faster mons that threaten this core like weavile, scarf landot, and zam get crippled by glare, becoming slower than Serperior. Serp can also run taunt to break down defensive answers to theh core. Serp can also break down walls and provide a third boosting sweeper for the core, making the opponent lose their counters to the two members of the core trying to stop a Serp sweep.

Calcs

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 172-203 (59.1 - 69.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Weavile: 220-259 (78.2 - 92.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
240 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 174-211 (59.7 - 72.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mamoswine: 498-588 (138.7 - 163.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Landorus-T: 231-273 (72.4 - 85.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Landorus-T U-turn vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Serperior: 174-206 (59.7 - 70.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Alakazam: 154-183 (61.3 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 220+ SpD Cresselia: 234-277 (52.8 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Alakazam Psychic vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Serperior: 157-186 (53.9 - 63.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 220+ SpD Cresselia: 234-277 (52.8 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Cresselia Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Serperior: 106-126 (36.4 - 43.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-B: 367-432 (93.8 - 110.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock (it cant switch in)
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Dragon Pulse vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Latios: 309-364 (103.3 - 121.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Unaware Clefable: 208-247 (52.7 - 62.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Gyarados: 307-361 (92.7 - 109%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 96 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy: 385-455 (105.4 - 124.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Quagsire: 1081-1279 (274.3 - 324.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Serperior Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gastrodon: 905-1066 (212.4 - 250.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[SketchUp]

The most dangerous pokemon to this core are the pokemon that can use one of the pokemon as set up fodder and destroy both pokemon. Zard-X is an example because it can set up against Raikou and OHKO both Raikou and Lando-T. Other examples are Mega Gyarados, Mega Altaria and CM Lati@s. Other threats are pokemon that prevent set-up (Latios, Kyurem-B, Weavile, Mega Swampert) and pokemon that can check/counter both Raikou and Lando-T (quag, gastro, tangrowth)

Slowbro @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 80 Def / 176 SpD
Bold Nature
- Slack Off
- Scald
- Calm Mind / Psyshock
- Thunder Wave / Psyshock

Mega Slowbro helps with many of these problems. It is a good switchin to offensive threats like ZardX, MAlt, Weavile, Kyurem-B and Swampert and it can use defensive threats as potential setup fodder.

The team still struggles with some pokemon, such as Ferrothorn, Hydreigon, and Quagsire and the lack of hazards removal makes it vulnerable to hazards stacking teams

 

[BibarelThump]

inc. Venusaur post

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 236 HP / 184 Def / 68 SpA / 20 Spe
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sludge Bomb
- Synthesis

Random EV spread to maximize its bulk and healing via Synthesis, a good defensive tank and damage dealer to help mitigate weaknesses like defensive ferrothorn, LO Mamo, Azumarill under a belly drum, etc. etc.

Overall a solid 1-v-1 vs the major checks/walls to the Lando/Raikou sweepers, while providing a defensive pivot if you want to save them and send them back in shortly after. Has a minor problem with Iron Head flinches from Excadrill and can't really do much about hax, but then lando just gets a free dance so ye.

Also provides a nice toxic switch-in on the normal toxic setters like Quagsire, Chansey, Clear Smog users like Amoonguss, but still needs a 4hko to kill amoonguss so take it as you will.

Only thing that checks all three of these mons is Cresselia, but you can't win 'em all. You're also expected to hit stone edges against Kyurem-B if you don't want to lose to Kyurem (unless CM 3 Attacks Raikou with Aura Sphere)

Calceroonies

Hide

Ferrothorn
68 SpA Mega Venusaur Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 168-200 (47.7 - 56.8%) -- 33.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (125 BP) vs. 236 HP / 184+ Def Mega Venusaur: 84-100 (23.3 - 27.7%) -- 79.2% chance to 4HKO
---
Mamoswine
68 SpA Mega Venusaur Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mamoswine: 306-362 (85.2 - 100.8%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

252 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Icicle Crash vs. 236 HP / 184+ Def Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 120-143 (33.3 - 39.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Mamoswine Earthquake vs. 236 HP / 184+ Def Mega Venusaur: 140-165 (38.8 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
---
Weavile
68 SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Weavile: 139-165 (49.4 - 58.7%) -- 98.8% chance to 2HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Ice Shard vs. 236 HP / 184+ Def Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 55-65 (15.2 - 18%) -- possible 6HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 236 HP / 184+ Def Thick Fat Mega Venusaur: 112-135 (31.1 - 37.5%) -- 84.4% chance to 3HKO
---
Amoonguss
68 SpA Mega Venusaur Sludge Bomb vs. 252 HP / 120 SpD Amoonguss: 127-151 (29.3 - 34.9%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO after Black Sludge recovery
---
Rotom-W
68 SpA Mega Venusaur Giga Drain vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-W: 192-228 (63.3 - 75.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Mega Magic Bounce]

I'll take Latios

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Calm Mind
- Roost

Latios beats and easily sets up on bulky water/ground types and Mega Venusaur, which this core hates. In return, Lando-T and Raikou handle Ferrothorn, Heatran, and Scizor. Bisharp has to be played around though. Even Cresselia, a huge threat to the core, doesn't want to take a +1 LO Draco Meteor.

Calcs:

Hide

+1 252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Cresselia: 329-387 (74 - 87.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
okay it's not an OHKO but Cress isn't taking a 2nd one

252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Quagsire: 390-460 (98.9 - 116.7%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

+1 252 SpA Life Orb Latios Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gastrodon: 485-573 (113.8 - 134.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Random Passerby]

Manaphy @ Wacan Berry
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Timid Nature
- Tail Glow
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball / Psychic

With Wacan Berry, Manaphy survives a Life Orb-boosted Thunderbolt from Thundurus and OHKO back, taking into account Stealth Rock and Life Orb recoil. Manaphy also pressures Ground-types with its STAB Scald. Energy Ball is used to get a strong hit on Water-types such as Gastrodon and Mega Gyarados. However, Psychic is an option to lure Mega Venusaur.

 

[bludz]

Okay it's time for a new core. Doing a 3 mon core for this half of the cycle.

Sableye @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 SpD
Careful Nature
- Knock Off
- Will-O-Wisp
- Recover
- Snatch

Slowbro @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Psyshock
- Slack Off
- Calm Mind

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 192 SpD / 68 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt

Well this is basically AM's core found here which you can read for the description, but I decided to make it 3 mons because for this thread it's quite easy to find threats to 2 mon defensive cores and I felt Heatran covered the weaknesses of the other two quite well (fairies, serp, volc, and stuff like that).

Anyway discuss threats

 

[DarkNostalgia]

Gardevoir @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace
EVs: 24 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Will-O-Wisp

Mega Gardevoir is a huge threat to this core because with its Pixilate-boosted Hyper Voice it OHKOes Mega Sableye and 2HKOes Slowbro, as well as 2HKOing Heatran with Focus Blast, though the accuracy makes it a little shaky. None of the members of the core can really do much back to Mega Gardevoir apart from burn it with Scald / Lava Plume.