Introduction
Hello Smogon. It's been a while since I've posted an RMT, and that's because I've been crap at teambuilding lately. I've been trying to stray away from the ever prominent weather and trying to use less used pokemon while still being successful. I did make a bit of a run with Alakazam, but I think we all know that to be successful in today's metagame we need to run a weather or be an insanely good player. So I had to follow the crowd and use an old favourite of mine, Rain.
With regards to play style, Rain is fairly versatile. You can run HO with pokemon such as Azumarill, Tornadus, Dragonite etc, or you could run a Stall team with Skarmsey. Having no personal preference I decided to try out Rain Stall. Rain Stall is extremely redundant, there's no way around it. Have the typical Stall core of [Special Wall][Physical Wall][Spin Blocker] and work your way around with things like phazer, entry hazards, spinner, and slight offensive presence. Rain Stall teams are either this or unsuccessful (or, again, you're an extremely good player). This is basically the format I followed when building the team. So, without further ado, let's dive in to Rain Stall: The Art of Unoriginality.
So, this is the team. Fairly easy to see from "At a Glance" that this is a typical Rain Stall Team. We have Politoed because he has a Rockin' Special Attack stat, making him a powerhouse in OU to be reckoned with (not really, we all know what Toed is for). Have have the nob core of Skarmsey, with the two of them having amazing defensive synergy and the ability to support the team. Sableye is my spin blocker, and he can prove to be extremely annoying with Prankster Taunt, Will-o-Wisp, and Recover. He comes out ahead against every spinner except Starmie and the occasional Tentacruel. Then we have Tentacruel, who lays down the Toxic Spikes and Spins. And finally, Celebi, who provides an additional Water resist and lays down Stealth Rock.
In Depth
Politoed (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Drizzle
EVs: 224 HP / 252 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic
- Protect
- Perish Song
Politoed (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Drizzle
EVs: 224 HP / 252 Def / 32 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic
- Protect
- Perish Song
Why This Pokemon?
It's Politoed on a Rain Stall team, go figure. Politoed's role on the team is to set up Rain and consistently set up Rain in the case of a weather war. That's basically it. He also provides Status and Perish Song support, but who am I kidding? Politoed's only use is setting up the Rain and occasionally switching into a physical attack when I've won the weather war.
It's Politoed on a Rain Stall team, go figure. Politoed's role on the team is to set up Rain and consistently set up Rain in the case of a weather war. That's basically it. He also provides Status and Perish Song support, but who am I kidding? Politoed's only use is setting up the Rain and occasionally switching into a physical attack when I've won the weather war.
Moveset
Fairly standard Defensive Toed. Scald is my main and only attacking move, hitting decently in the Rain and burning pokemon such as Ferrothorn on the switch. Toxic hits more defensive pokemon such as Jellicent and opponent weather inducers. Protect lets me scout for predictions, moves, and switch-ins, while stalling out Perish Song and Toxic damage. Perish Song helps against set up sweepers such as Volcarona and Latias, forcing them out before they can accumulate enough boosts to sweep.
Fairly standard Defensive Toed. Scald is my main and only attacking move, hitting decently in the Rain and burning pokemon such as Ferrothorn on the switch. Toxic hits more defensive pokemon such as Jellicent and opponent weather inducers. Protect lets me scout for predictions, moves, and switch-ins, while stalling out Perish Song and Toxic damage. Perish Song helps against set up sweepers such as Volcarona and Latias, forcing them out before they can accumulate enough boosts to sweep.
EVs and Nature
I've given Toed enough Speed to outspeed Skarmory. Then I maxed out HP EVs and dumped the rest in Defence.
I've given Toed enough Speed to outspeed Skarmory. Then I maxed out HP EVs and dumped the rest in Defence.
Skarmory (F) @ Shed Shell
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 228 Def / 28 Spd
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Spikes
- Brave Bird
- Whirlwind
- Roost
Why this Pokemon?
Skarmory is the 1st member of my defensive core. He really is second to none when it comes to defensive bulk. He can switch into virtually any physical attack with ease and either set up Spikes or phaze away boosts.
Skarmory is the 1st member of my defensive core. He really is second to none when it comes to defensive bulk. He can switch into virtually any physical attack with ease and either set up Spikes or phaze away boosts.
Moveset
Once again standard Skarm. spikes pressures the opponent every time he switches. Brave Bird hits Virizion and Breloom for surprising damage, usually with an OHKO. Whirldwind racks up hazard damage and phazes away boosts. Roost is that invaluable instant recovery. As a side note, I chose Shed Shell over Leftovers because Skarm is my only steel type and I need to keep him alive against DragMag teams and pretty much any team with Dragons.
Once again standard Skarm. spikes pressures the opponent every time he switches. Brave Bird hits Virizion and Breloom for surprising damage, usually with an OHKO. Whirldwind racks up hazard damage and phazes away boosts. Roost is that invaluable instant recovery. As a side note, I chose Shed Shell over Leftovers because Skarm is my only steel type and I need to keep him alive against DragMag teams and pretty much any team with Dragons.
EVs and Nature
Standard EV spread and nature. Enough Speed to outspeed Timid Wobb and other Skarms, witht he rest invested in HP and defence.
Standard EV spread and nature. Enough Speed to outspeed Timid Wobb and other Skarms, witht he rest invested in HP and defence.
Chansey (F) @ Eviolite
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Wish
- Protect
- Seismic Toss
- Toxic
Why This Pokemon?
The pink blob is on my team as the 2nd member of my defensive core. Chansey can sponge any special attack bar Psyshock and the odd Focus Blast, making her a phenomonal Special Wall. And, with the addition of Eviolite, she can also take some physical hits. She is great at supporting the team with Wish support, helping out Politoed and Tentacruel who aren't privileged with instant recovery.
The pink blob is on my team as the 2nd member of my defensive core. Chansey can sponge any special attack bar Psyshock and the odd Focus Blast, making her a phenomonal Special Wall. And, with the addition of Eviolite, she can also take some physical hits. She is great at supporting the team with Wish support, helping out Politoed and Tentacruel who aren't privileged with instant recovery.
Moveset
Wish support is Chansey's niche on my team. Unfortunetly, Politoed has no form of recovery, meaning its switch-ins are limited to keep Rain up. Chansey supports Politoed by restoring a huge chunck of Toed's HP, proving to be infuriating for the opponent. Seismic Toss is extremely useful for providing constant damage and breaking Subs of boosting special sweepers. Toxic is there to wear down the HP of switch ins.
Wish support is Chansey's niche on my team. Unfortunetly, Politoed has no form of recovery, meaning its switch-ins are limited to keep Rain up. Chansey supports Politoed by restoring a huge chunck of Toed's HP, proving to be infuriating for the opponent. Seismic Toss is extremely useful for providing constant damage and breaking Subs of boosting special sweepers. Toxic is there to wear down the HP of switch ins.
EVs and Nature
Max HP and Max Defence to increase Chansey's bulk and help it stand a chance against physical attacks.
Max HP and Max Defence to increase Chansey's bulk and help it stand a chance against physical attacks.
Considerations
I have thought of changing Chansey to her big sister Blissey. She brings a bigger Wish tot the table and the freedom for Lefties recovery in exchange for a loss in physical bulk. Suggestions welcome.
I have thought of changing Chansey to her big sister Blissey. She brings a bigger Wish tot the table and the freedom for Lefties recovery in exchange for a loss in physical bulk. Suggestions welcome.
Tentacruel (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Rain Dish
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Rapid Spin
- Protect
- Scald
- Toxic Spikes
Why This Pokemon?
Tentacruel is a pretty cool pokemon this generation. With Rain Dish, Leftovers and Protect, Tentacruel restores 25% of its HP every 2 turns (if I did my math right). It may not be the best recovery, but it has proven to be fairly reliable combined with Wish Support from Chansey. Tentacruel is my common switch-in for threats such as Terrakion and Tyranitar. It also absorbs Toxic Spikes, which are a HUGE pain for Sableye, Celebi, Chansey, and especially Politoed. Finally he provides Spin support to help against opponent Stall teams.
Tentacruel is a pretty cool pokemon this generation. With Rain Dish, Leftovers and Protect, Tentacruel restores 25% of its HP every 2 turns (if I did my math right). It may not be the best recovery, but it has proven to be fairly reliable combined with Wish Support from Chansey. Tentacruel is my common switch-in for threats such as Terrakion and Tyranitar. It also absorbs Toxic Spikes, which are a HUGE pain for Sableye, Celebi, Chansey, and especially Politoed. Finally he provides Spin support to help against opponent Stall teams.
Moveset
Once again fairly standard moveset. Rapid Spin is Tentacruel's main niche, beating out most common hazard layers and getting off that invaluable Rapid Spin. Spin Blockers such as Jellicent can prove to be a problem for Tentacruel, but generally Celebi can take the more overweight jellyfish. Protect lets me scout for the Terrakion with the odd Earthquake, and lets me get huge amounts of recovery. Scald is for the burn on pokemon such as Breloom or Landorus on thw switch, as well as dealing decent damage under the rain. Finally, Toxic Spikes are a huge pain for opponent teams, especially for grounded sweepers such as Volcarona and Terrakion looking to sweep.
Once again fairly standard moveset. Rapid Spin is Tentacruel's main niche, beating out most common hazard layers and getting off that invaluable Rapid Spin. Spin Blockers such as Jellicent can prove to be a problem for Tentacruel, but generally Celebi can take the more overweight jellyfish. Protect lets me scout for the Terrakion with the odd Earthquake, and lets me get huge amounts of recovery. Scald is for the burn on pokemon such as Breloom or Landorus on thw switch, as well as dealing decent damage under the rain. Finally, Toxic Spikes are a huge pain for opponent teams, especially for grounded sweepers such as Volcarona and Terrakion looking to sweep.
EVs and Nature
The Smogon analysis recommends enough speed to outspeed Adamant Breloom, but I feel I have Breloom countered with the combination of Celebi and Skarmory.
The Smogon analysis recommends enough speed to outspeed Adamant Breloom, but I feel I have Breloom countered with the combination of Celebi and Skarmory.
Sableye (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Recover
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp
- Night Shade
Why This Pokemon?
While this spot is up for debate with Jellicent itself, Sableye is a huge annoyance for opposing Stall teams and physical sweepers. His prime function is spin blocking, but the spreading of taunt and WoW is invaluable for my team
While this spot is up for debate with Jellicent itself, Sableye is a huge annoyance for opposing Stall teams and physical sweepers. His prime function is spin blocking, but the spreading of taunt and WoW is invaluable for my team
Moveset
Pretty self explanantory. Recover is to sort of compensate for Sableye's lack of bulk, providing longevity for Sableye. Taunt shuts down Stall, preventing Forry from laying down hazards, Blissey from passing Wish etc. Will-O-Wisp hits pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Terrakion that are looking for the sweep. Night Shade deals consistent damage and wears down pokemon with no recovery.
Pretty self explanantory. Recover is to sort of compensate for Sableye's lack of bulk, providing longevity for Sableye. Taunt shuts down Stall, preventing Forry from laying down hazards, Blissey from passing Wish etc. Will-O-Wisp hits pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Terrakion that are looking for the sweep. Night Shade deals consistent damage and wears down pokemon with no recovery.
EVS and Nature
Pretty much standard, balencing each defence equally.
Pretty much standard, balencing each defence equally.
Considerations
I have considered changing Sableye to Jellicent, who has more bulk and a water immunity in exchange for more weaknesses and losing priority Taunt, WoW, and recover. Comments are appreciated.
Celebi @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 220 Def / 36 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- Recover
- Giga Drain
- Psychic
I have considered changing Sableye to Jellicent, who has more bulk and a water immunity in exchange for more weaknesses and losing priority Taunt, WoW, and recover. Comments are appreciated.
Celebi @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 220 Def / 36 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- Recover
- Giga Drain
- Psychic
Why this Pokemon?
The last member of my team, and probably the most replaceable. Celebi acts as a reliable water resist while having the ability to get Stealth Rock up right away due to having no shared weaknesses with Politoed. With amazing bulk and a solid attack, she really helps the team by providing a slight offensive prescence
The last member of my team, and probably the most replaceable. Celebi acts as a reliable water resist while having the ability to get Stealth Rock up right away due to having no shared weaknesses with Politoed. With amazing bulk and a solid attack, she really helps the team by providing a slight offensive prescence
Moveset
Stealth Rock is obvious due to the amount of Volcaronas and Nites running around, crippling them immensly. Recover is to make her last longer. Giga Drain is there to deal some STAB damage and recover some HP. Psychic is there to hit BU Breloom and Conkeldurr.
Stealth Rock is obvious due to the amount of Volcaronas and Nites running around, crippling them immensly. Recover is to make her last longer. Giga Drain is there to deal some STAB damage and recover some HP. Psychic is there to hit BU Breloom and Conkeldurr.
EVs and Nature
Standard Defensive spread.
Standard Defensive spread.
Considerations
Changing Giga Drain for Leaf Storm would certaintly put on a huge amount of pressure against neutral sweepers, hitting much harder.
That's the team. Comments are appreciated. thanks for reading :)
Changing Giga Drain for Leaf Storm would certaintly put on a huge amount of pressure against neutral sweepers, hitting much harder.
That's the team. Comments are appreciated. thanks for reading :)