I would recommed to specifically skip the introduction if you prefer to see the main bulk of information. I understand.
Introduction
Hey ladies and gents, how's it going?
In the current climax of the metagame I have been playing more 5th gen than I have 4th gen. Don't let the title fool you, as perhaps it isn't going as old school as you may think, but, for the most part, it's old school enough now, as the 5th gen metagame is overshadowing the 4th gen metagame. However, I still find the 4th gen to be more balanced, and there is more competition, and throughout battling in the 4th gen, I normally get a better game.
Today (30th March 2011) I am presenting a team I originally built weeks ago. I eventually made the effort to put the team together, after weeks of testing, and hours of battling, here I present you my team. So sit back and take the time to rate, and give me some suggestions after reading the team!
Team at Glance
Introduction
Hey ladies and gents, how's it going?
In the current climax of the metagame I have been playing more 5th gen than I have 4th gen. Don't let the title fool you, as perhaps it isn't going as old school as you may think, but, for the most part, it's old school enough now, as the 5th gen metagame is overshadowing the 4th gen metagame. However, I still find the 4th gen to be more balanced, and there is more competition, and throughout battling in the 4th gen, I normally get a better game.
Today (30th March 2011) I am presenting a team I originally built weeks ago. I eventually made the effort to put the team together, after weeks of testing, and hours of battling, here I present you my team. So sit back and take the time to rate, and give me some suggestions after reading the team!
Team at Glance
Lead
Starmie @ Life Orb
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed
Nature: Timid(+Speed,-Attack)
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Rapid Spin
This is perhaps one of the most underrated leading Pokémon in the OU 4th metagame. When I first saw Starmie as a lead, I was shocked to see how powerful and effective it turned it out to be. Eventually, I concluded that I need to try Starmie out to obtain that early advantage during the first few turns of a match. For standard reasons, I am going with Hydro Pump over Surf - yes, it's accuaracy isn't the best. Even so, coming up against the common leads, I often I don't worry if I were to miss a Hydro Pump. Adding the Life Orb damage ontop of that too, Hydro Pump is going to hurt something, effectively. In many situations, and during the times I've used Starmie as a lead, I often found it's important to gain that early advantage, to straight away put the opponent under pressure. However, if I am in a situation where I can't handle or do anything to the opponets leads, I make the smart move and switch out to use Starmie later on FWG teams.
The EV investment is standard, 252 Special Attack and 252 Speed, I wanted to maximize the potential on Starmie, as I want to be hitting the opponents leads hard, and out-speeding the opponents Speedy Pokémon, Timid nature was a factor inconjuction to the factor of using the EV investment that I chose.
The three other moves will benefit Starmie as I've mentioned it can break FWG teams effectively, which is sometimes I have found to be the case, as the lead is not suitable for me to stay in against. The last move slot I chose was Rapid Spin, apart from Vaporean, I hardly worry about Stealth Rock. But, incredibly, I have had this Starmie save me from the breaks of Stall in the past, as I've managed to Spin away the opponents Spikes, which do take a lot of damaged on 5/6 of my Pokés. Toxic Spikes, doesn't worry me that much; Spinning them away is always great, though.
Analysis against other leads:
(This information is helpful to those who wonder what my mentality is during the opponents lead.)
Standard Lead - Hydro Pump is a certain KO. Smart players will keep Azelf for later.
Choiced: I still go for Hydro Pump, if it outspeeds me, with Choice Scarf and kills me, then unfortunate for me.
Choice Scarf Lead - Very rare. I stay in to take the predicted Spore. Usually I win Speed tie. I imagine.
Lead - No problem. 2HKO'd by Hydro Pump if special variant.
Lead - Hydro Pump spam.
Standard Lead - Obvious switch is obvious, but I still Hydro Pump.
Choice Scarf - If they explode then they explode.
Lead - Hydro Pump, goodbye Mamoswine.
Lead - Hydro Pump, goodbye Gliscor.
Lead - Hydro Pump spam.
Focus Sash Lead: I stay in to knock them down to their Focus Sash. I take the spore, and got to Jirachi to finish it off.
Choice Scarf - Very rare. If they have it, then aw well.
Fake Out Focus Sash Lead: I stay in on the Fake Out, I proceed to burn his hair with some Hydro Pump. I usually stay in and go with the Ice Beam as I hope they switch to Grass.
Lead - Hello.
Lead - Hello again.
Lead - Hello again.
Life Orb - Thunderbolt them. Speed tie. Winner or loser... often the case.
Lead - Switch to Jirachi/Flygon.
Suicide Lead - Hello. Goodbye.
Fire/Water/Grass Core
Shaymin @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Special Attack / 218Speed
Nature: Timid(+Speed,-Attack)
- Seed Flare
- Protect
- Leech Seed
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Moving onto the main bulk of the team. This cutie, is probably one of my favorite Pokemon that I have recently used. Even so, I have come to adore it, that I might have to suggest people to use more often. The idea of the Shaymin is to try and lure in potential threats from the Fire typing. Even so, Dragonite and Flygon, may attempt to come in against me, so often the case, I usually bring Shaymin on a predicted non effective move, and Leech Seed on the switch as they try to work out what type of Shaymin I am. In combination with Protect, I am capable to scout what they are going to try against my Shaymin. And I take the switch advantage 60% if they are Choiced and it's early during the match. Seed Flare works well as it gives Shaymin the coverage against Starmie's, usually they might want to come in for the revenge, however, the HP investment and natural bulk of Shaymin usually allows me to survive one attack.
Hidden Power Fire was chosen over Hidden Power Ice, as I prefer to see Pokémon such as Scizor completely fail. And a Timid Nature choice allows it to outspeed non Choice Scarf Sweepers. For the most part, I like to use Shaymin as a lure, and try to break down the opponents Synergy as much as possible.
Heatran @ Shuca Berry
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Special Def / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed
Nature: Timid(+Speed,-Attack)
- Stealth Rock
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Explosion
Who doesn't have this Pokémon on their team? Everybody uses Heatran, and so they should in OU metagame. Fundmentally, I have come to think Heatran is the biggest threat throughout the metagame currently. For obvious reasons. The movepool is amazing and putting your opponent under pressure with Heatran works wonders. I simply needed a Pokémon that is capable of getting Stealth Rock up, and Heatran was my choice for that matter. I've tested about 6 differnet versions of Heatran here; different forms of Natures, Movesets and Items. However, from personally experience, I believe that this Heatran set is sufficent. Fire Blast and Earth Power allow Heatran to maximize it's crediability, by striking the foes with scary moves, as well as damaging the resistances that often come in.
Shuca Berry often works as a lure, providing that the opponent has worked out what I am, I can often break opponents teams whilst they realise I am actually Shuca Berry Heatran, not a Choice variation. I sometimes I like to keep the Shuca Berry hidden and use it when necessary. Generally, I will Fire Blast the most, protecting the secret and deadly Explosion, sometimes, I can take out a threat with the Explosion. Just got to be careful with it as the opponent might be carrying a Ghost (Rotom and or/Gengar). The EV Spread is important to take out many threats, and even against Stall, I will still prefer Explosion over Hidden Power Grass or Electric.
Breaking down teams is what Heatran and Shaymin try to do together. And the core can not be finished without the Water member of the team.
Vaporean @ Leftovers
Trait: Water Absorb
EVs: 60 Special Attack / 212 Defense / 232 Special Defense
Nature: Bold(+Defense,-Attack)
- Hidden Power [Electric]
- Surf
- Protect
- Wish
Ah Vaporean, how you have surved me well over the duration of using the team. The natural bulk of this Pokémon makes it useful to have on majority of teams, I am very optimstic whether to replace with Suicune, either being CroCune or Offensive Suicune. But, for the most part, I prefer it, I decided to make the EV investment focused around the bulk, 60 Special Attack allows it to gain the extra boost in effect with the STAB attack of Surf. Hidden Power Electric was replaced over Ice Beam, I was running Ice Beam as I started out, but eventually changed to Hidden Power Electric, because I felt that Gyarados was laughing at me. I've managed to effectively take out some for that matter.
I am a person that can play any form of metagame, offensive or defensive. So using a Wish and Protect Pokémon Vaporean, I thought it would aid the effect for the FWG core. Usually the case, people find Vaporean to be annoying for that reason; I often try not to make the opponent mad, but it's usually appropriate to stick a annoying Pokémon into your team. So why not just use Wish and Protect Vaporean.
The Revenger
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed
Nature: Jolly(+Speed,-Special Attack)
- Trick/U-Turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Punch
- Fire Punch
Perhaps Jirachi is becoming all too common being Choice Scarf, however, it serves it's purpose. I have decided to run Jolly Nature, as it allows me to outspeed Dragon Dancing Dragonites or the DDD. Same applies for Tyranitar, I can then bring in this wonderful star and "Revenge" or take out the threat that stands in it's way. For the most part, I am unsure whether to change Trick for U-Turn, it's 50/50 for the metagame in my personal experience. I just prefer to run Trick as sometimes, you will come across Stall, and those Blissey's, Forretress's, Skarmory's etc won't like being Choiced one single bit.
The other move slots are standard. Usually the case, I like to keep the pressure on the opponent, and being a Jirachi and perhaps hax kicking in they won't like that one single bit. I decided that, Ice Punch is sufficently my most used move against the sweepers, I often find myself coming in against a Flygon, Dragonite, Gliscor etc, and trying to wreck up as much damage as possible with Ice Punch. Fire Punch will hit a nerve against the Grass Pokémon of the metagame. Obviously I will struggle against Heatran in this situation with Jirachi, but thankfully, Jirachi serves as many key roles and provides the Revenge I may require.
The Bait
Flygon @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 120 Attack / 168 Special Attack / 220 Speed
Nature: Naive(+Speed,-Special Defense)
- Roost
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Earthquake
What's this? Flygon without a Choice Scarf? Madness.
That is correct ladies and gents, I decided that, having two Choice Scarfed Pokémon on the same team, doesn't work for me. Commonly, you will see Flygon as a Choice Scarf U-Turning machine, but this one is a bait to bring in those counters. Even so, I believe more people should consider Flygon Life Orb Mixed, not just because of the experience I've had using it, it's just very good and under rated for that matter.
The EV investment is spreaded out, as most EV spreads should be on a Mixed Pokémon. I am still keeping my coverage with the use of Earthquake, Fire Blast and Draco Meteor. Fooling the opponent (likely expecting a U-turn) will be inclined to switch in Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Dragonite, who are defeated by Draco Meteor.
I finally decided that Roost on Flygon is great, you can never complain about recovering back HP. It's usually adviseable to run Roost on a Mixed Pokémon or a form of recover, if and when you can. I just prefer it.
Overall, this took me a long time to complete, so I hope that you take the time to read it and provide any feedback sufficently and constructive.
Other than that, thanks!
Starmie @ Life Orb
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed
Nature: Timid(+Speed,-Attack)
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Rapid Spin
This is perhaps one of the most underrated leading Pokémon in the OU 4th metagame. When I first saw Starmie as a lead, I was shocked to see how powerful and effective it turned it out to be. Eventually, I concluded that I need to try Starmie out to obtain that early advantage during the first few turns of a match. For standard reasons, I am going with Hydro Pump over Surf - yes, it's accuaracy isn't the best. Even so, coming up against the common leads, I often I don't worry if I were to miss a Hydro Pump. Adding the Life Orb damage ontop of that too, Hydro Pump is going to hurt something, effectively. In many situations, and during the times I've used Starmie as a lead, I often found it's important to gain that early advantage, to straight away put the opponent under pressure. However, if I am in a situation where I can't handle or do anything to the opponets leads, I make the smart move and switch out to use Starmie later on FWG teams.
The EV investment is standard, 252 Special Attack and 252 Speed, I wanted to maximize the potential on Starmie, as I want to be hitting the opponents leads hard, and out-speeding the opponents Speedy Pokémon, Timid nature was a factor inconjuction to the factor of using the EV investment that I chose.
The three other moves will benefit Starmie as I've mentioned it can break FWG teams effectively, which is sometimes I have found to be the case, as the lead is not suitable for me to stay in against. The last move slot I chose was Rapid Spin, apart from Vaporean, I hardly worry about Stealth Rock. But, incredibly, I have had this Starmie save me from the breaks of Stall in the past, as I've managed to Spin away the opponents Spikes, which do take a lot of damaged on 5/6 of my Pokés. Toxic Spikes, doesn't worry me that much; Spinning them away is always great, though.
Analysis against other leads:
(This information is helpful to those who wonder what my mentality is during the opponents lead.)
Choiced: I still go for Hydro Pump, if it outspeeds me, with Choice Scarf and kills me, then unfortunate for me.
Choice Scarf - If they explode then they explode.
Choice Scarf - Very rare. If they have it, then aw well.
Fire/Water/Grass Core
Shaymin @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Special Attack / 218Speed
Nature: Timid(+Speed,-Attack)
- Seed Flare
- Protect
- Leech Seed
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Moving onto the main bulk of the team. This cutie, is probably one of my favorite Pokemon that I have recently used. Even so, I have come to adore it, that I might have to suggest people to use more often. The idea of the Shaymin is to try and lure in potential threats from the Fire typing. Even so, Dragonite and Flygon, may attempt to come in against me, so often the case, I usually bring Shaymin on a predicted non effective move, and Leech Seed on the switch as they try to work out what type of Shaymin I am. In combination with Protect, I am capable to scout what they are going to try against my Shaymin. And I take the switch advantage 60% if they are Choiced and it's early during the match. Seed Flare works well as it gives Shaymin the coverage against Starmie's, usually they might want to come in for the revenge, however, the HP investment and natural bulk of Shaymin usually allows me to survive one attack.
Hidden Power Fire was chosen over Hidden Power Ice, as I prefer to see Pokémon such as Scizor completely fail. And a Timid Nature choice allows it to outspeed non Choice Scarf Sweepers. For the most part, I like to use Shaymin as a lure, and try to break down the opponents Synergy as much as possible.
Heatran @ Shuca Berry
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Special Def / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed
Nature: Timid(+Speed,-Attack)
- Stealth Rock
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Explosion
Who doesn't have this Pokémon on their team? Everybody uses Heatran, and so they should in OU metagame. Fundmentally, I have come to think Heatran is the biggest threat throughout the metagame currently. For obvious reasons. The movepool is amazing and putting your opponent under pressure with Heatran works wonders. I simply needed a Pokémon that is capable of getting Stealth Rock up, and Heatran was my choice for that matter. I've tested about 6 differnet versions of Heatran here; different forms of Natures, Movesets and Items. However, from personally experience, I believe that this Heatran set is sufficent. Fire Blast and Earth Power allow Heatran to maximize it's crediability, by striking the foes with scary moves, as well as damaging the resistances that often come in.
Shuca Berry often works as a lure, providing that the opponent has worked out what I am, I can often break opponents teams whilst they realise I am actually Shuca Berry Heatran, not a Choice variation. I sometimes I like to keep the Shuca Berry hidden and use it when necessary. Generally, I will Fire Blast the most, protecting the secret and deadly Explosion, sometimes, I can take out a threat with the Explosion. Just got to be careful with it as the opponent might be carrying a Ghost (Rotom and or/Gengar). The EV Spread is important to take out many threats, and even against Stall, I will still prefer Explosion over Hidden Power Grass or Electric.
Breaking down teams is what Heatran and Shaymin try to do together. And the core can not be finished without the Water member of the team.
Vaporean @ Leftovers
Trait: Water Absorb
EVs: 60 Special Attack / 212 Defense / 232 Special Defense
Nature: Bold(+Defense,-Attack)
- Hidden Power [Electric]
- Surf
- Protect
- Wish
Ah Vaporean, how you have surved me well over the duration of using the team. The natural bulk of this Pokémon makes it useful to have on majority of teams, I am very optimstic whether to replace with Suicune, either being CroCune or Offensive Suicune. But, for the most part, I prefer it, I decided to make the EV investment focused around the bulk, 60 Special Attack allows it to gain the extra boost in effect with the STAB attack of Surf. Hidden Power Electric was replaced over Ice Beam, I was running Ice Beam as I started out, but eventually changed to Hidden Power Electric, because I felt that Gyarados was laughing at me. I've managed to effectively take out some for that matter.
I am a person that can play any form of metagame, offensive or defensive. So using a Wish and Protect Pokémon Vaporean, I thought it would aid the effect for the FWG core. Usually the case, people find Vaporean to be annoying for that reason; I often try not to make the opponent mad, but it's usually appropriate to stick a annoying Pokémon into your team. So why not just use Wish and Protect Vaporean.
The Revenger
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Serene Grace
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Attack / 252 Speed
Nature: Jolly(+Speed,-Special Attack)
- Trick/U-Turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Punch
- Fire Punch
Perhaps Jirachi is becoming all too common being Choice Scarf, however, it serves it's purpose. I have decided to run Jolly Nature, as it allows me to outspeed Dragon Dancing Dragonites or the DDD. Same applies for Tyranitar, I can then bring in this wonderful star and "Revenge" or take out the threat that stands in it's way. For the most part, I am unsure whether to change Trick for U-Turn, it's 50/50 for the metagame in my personal experience. I just prefer to run Trick as sometimes, you will come across Stall, and those Blissey's, Forretress's, Skarmory's etc won't like being Choiced one single bit.
The other move slots are standard. Usually the case, I like to keep the pressure on the opponent, and being a Jirachi and perhaps hax kicking in they won't like that one single bit. I decided that, Ice Punch is sufficently my most used move against the sweepers, I often find myself coming in against a Flygon, Dragonite, Gliscor etc, and trying to wreck up as much damage as possible with Ice Punch. Fire Punch will hit a nerve against the Grass Pokémon of the metagame. Obviously I will struggle against Heatran in this situation with Jirachi, but thankfully, Jirachi serves as many key roles and provides the Revenge I may require.
The Bait
Flygon @ Life Orb
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 120 Attack / 168 Special Attack / 220 Speed
Nature: Naive(+Speed,-Special Defense)
- Roost
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Earthquake
What's this? Flygon without a Choice Scarf? Madness.
That is correct ladies and gents, I decided that, having two Choice Scarfed Pokémon on the same team, doesn't work for me. Commonly, you will see Flygon as a Choice Scarf U-Turning machine, but this one is a bait to bring in those counters. Even so, I believe more people should consider Flygon Life Orb Mixed, not just because of the experience I've had using it, it's just very good and under rated for that matter.
The EV investment is spreaded out, as most EV spreads should be on a Mixed Pokémon. I am still keeping my coverage with the use of Earthquake, Fire Blast and Draco Meteor. Fooling the opponent (likely expecting a U-turn) will be inclined to switch in Pokemon such as Hippowdon, Gliscor, and Dragonite, who are defeated by Draco Meteor.
I finally decided that Roost on Flygon is great, you can never complain about recovering back HP. It's usually adviseable to run Roost on a Mixed Pokémon or a form of recover, if and when you can. I just prefer it.
Overall, this took me a long time to complete, so I hope that you take the time to read it and provide any feedback sufficently and constructive.
Other than that, thanks!
