Hello Smogon! I am yet another one of those lurkers who has finally decided to post. I am very new to online battling but, despite a rocky start on part of a Bloody Breloom, find it incredibly fun and enjoyable.
This weekend, I decided to slash the two OU Pokemon from my team and try to "build" a team. Unfortunately, I had to return to the drawing board early after Alakazam's and Donphan's rise to OU.
The team feels decent. I have managed rack up a few wins here and there. I don't think the losses were a direct result of the Pokemon on the team, just either stupid plays made by me or much better plays made by my opponent.
The Original Team
Kord (Zapdos) @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 6 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Discharge
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Heat Wave
- Roost
Kord is probably my most important Pokemon. I feel like I see him on every team and with good reason. I chose a bulky Zapdos to help ensure he would stay around for the entire battle. Discharge is chosen over T-Bolt to try and for paralysis support for my slow team. I originally used T-Bolt, and T-Wave over HP Grass but with Swampert around I thought HP Grass would be more useful. Heat Wave is for Heracross, Grass and Steel types. So far, Kord's hardest opponents have been fellow Zapdos's with Toxic.
Beasonator (Gabite) (M) @ Eviolite
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Def
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Outrage
- Earthquake
It may look stupid, but honestly I just really like using Gabite. Setting up can be tricky, but he can take hits surprisingly well, and his typing is so great in helping my Escavalier. Earthquake is STAB and is very handy when switching in on Registeel to set up rocks. Stone Edge hits those HP Ice Zapdos(es?) switching in. Outrage, however is very iffy. Its a very powerful move but getting locked into Outrage can mean an early death for Gabite. As a delightful bonus, in the off chance that my opponent is running sand, it can help in letting this little guy live a bit longer.
Camem-Bert (Arcanine) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Flare Blitz
- ExtremeSpeed
- Toxic
- Morning Sun
Arcanine is as wonderful as it is fluffy. Toxic is great to fire off on those pesky Zapdo(es?) and Milotics and can take a hit quite well. Despite the lack of Attack investment, she still hits hard is able to revenge kill nicely with Extreme Speed.
Mark Spitz (Kingdra) (M) @ Choice Specs
Trait: Sniper
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Dragon Pulse
- Ice Beam
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
This thing hits like a train. Spitz laughs at Fire Attacks aimed at my Escavalier. He is my Boromir; while he may not live to see the battles end, he will certainly leave his mark and make Sweeping easier for Weavile.
Nixon (Weavile) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Ice Shard
- Ice Punch
- Night Slash
- Low Kick
I was drawn to this Pokemon after having most of my Battle Subway runs ended by him. He is SO fast and a great way to kill annoying Flygon, Zapdos, Shaymin and other Pokemon weakened by Kingdra and Escavalier. Ice Shard is chosen to hit Scarfed Flygon and Ice Punch wrecks Shaymin and Zapdos where Ice Shard falls short. Night Slash is chosen over Purist to hit Psychic's harder (Weavile is faster anyway and simply having the possibility if carrying Pursuit can be enough to keep the opponent from switching). Low Kick for fellow Darks, but namely for those annoying Normal types like Snorlax.
TheRedDawn (Escavalier) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Swarm
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Megahorn
- Iron Head
- Return
One word: Megahorn. Deoxys-D is torn apart by this monster, as is well everything except Registeel or Zapdos. Substitute allows Escavalier to avoid burning, and possibly fire off a Return on Zapdos. The investment in speed is to outspeed other Escavalier (though other suggestions are much appreciated).
Well there she is, and happy new year!
The current team (Hope I haven't made a mess of things)
EDIT: As of 1-7-2012, The team has once again been changed, with Swampert, Rotom-H and Escavalier being replaced by Roseraid, Suicune and Darmanitan. And yes, before these latest changes I did make a mess of things. Whether is was me or the team or both, nothing was working well at all. These changes have made for much better results.
Kord (Zapdos) @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd / 6 HP
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Extrasensory
- Heat Wave
- Roost
In order for Weavile to sweep, I needed something to check those bulky fighting types such as Machamp and Hitmontop. My Bulky Zapdos took hits fairly well fairly, but lacked power enough to do much more than a 3-4 KO. Now Zapdos can land much harder htis while adding a bit of speed to my otherwise slow team.
Highgarden (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Spikes
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Rest
Spikes are great help to my Zapdos, allowing to the better take care of Annoying Machamps and Hitmontops. I am really impressed by the bulk of standard Roserade as well. With Giga Drain its a real pest. I really enjoyed Roserade on the Pearl playthrough so its nice to be able to use it once again.
Sauve (Suicune) @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Sleep Talk
- Rest
The great CroCune I read about on this site is no joke. Suicune has been incredible so far. The biggest plus has to be its Recovery move combined with Sleep talk. I am really enjoying using this goatee sporting California-like dog.
Bo Jackson (Darmanitan) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Sheer Force
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake
- Superpower
- U-turn
For now, the Balrog of UU will be taking Rotom-H's spot. While Rotom-H is not gone for good necessarily (still toying with those two sets I posted as well as a Standard Tricks set which I have become rather fond of), I really wanted that raw power back on my team I lost when Kingdra was replaced. Rotom-H was a very good Pokemon (one I am still considering), but sometimes it felt as if he and Zapdos were a little too similar and I did not think I needed four special Attacks on my team. DarMANitan has really come through when I needed something to plow through Snorlax and other Special walls. He has potential to leave teams in the same state Kingdra did.
JewishDeli (Hitmontop) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Rapid Spin
- Close Combat
- Toxic
- Sucker Punch
Rock Types are a pain to my team, as is Scarf Heracross. This was my best answer to those threats. Intimidate is great, allowing it to sponge hits better. Its also great when countering enemy Weavile. Rapid Spin is a fantastic help when three of my Pokemon are weak to Stealth Rocks. Close Combat also helps take the pressure off Weavile when facing Snorlax. Hitmontop has quickly become a focal point for my team, both offensively and defensively. While my Hitmontop greatly aids in Weaviles sweeping capabilities by eliminating hazards so Weavile does not kill himself through Life Orb and helping take out those Registeel who try and T-Wave Weavile, killing opposing Hitmontop is a MOST. Toxic replaced Mach Punch to fill Rotom Heat's Former Role.
Nixon (Weavile) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Ice Shard
- Ice Punch
- Night Slash
- Low Kick
I was drawn to this Pokemon after having most of my Battle Subway runs ended by him. He is SO fast and a great way to kill annoying Flygon, Zapdos, Shaymin and other Pokemon weakened by Kingdra and Escavalier. Ice Shard is chosen to hit Scarfed Flygon and Ice Punch wrecks Shaymin and Zapdos where Ice Shard falls short. Night Slash is chosen over Purist to hit Psychic's harder (Weavile is faster anyway and simply having the possibility if carrying Pursuit can be enough to keep the opponent from switching). Low Kick for fellow Darks, but namely for those annoying Normal types like Snorlax.
Former Members: Great Pokemon that I will have to use on a different team
TheRedDawn (Escavalier) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Swarm
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Megahorn
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance
Thanks to Moo, my Escavalier is SO much better. Bulky Psychics are shredded by Megahorn and with the Speed investment, I can better avoid getting burned by Slowbro since Escavalier is now faster. Its also great when facing Bulky Grass types, but the threat of HP Fire is always scary.
Though a FANTASTIC Pokemon, the ability to straight wreck Psychic Pokemon began to feel a little redundant. Weavile, the sweeper I based my team around, preformed the same role and is MUCH faster. Escavalier is one of my favorite Pokemon from the new Generation, one that quickly earned a spot on my play through team alongside the mighty Tepig who I will never let evolve. I was disappointed to not be using him, but I can always try another team.
Mark Twain (Swampert) (M) @ Expert Belt
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
Being a bit a newbie, I can't say I know exactly how important entry hazards are, but seeing as how that can limit my opponents switching capabilities I really didn't want to have a team with Stealth Rocks. I really liked Gabite, but Swampert packs more bulk and greater power. A more offensive spread is used to really make use of Swampert's excellent attack. Its typing also provides the x4 resist to Fire to Gabite gave. A special attacking set is tempting though.
Swampert never seemed to "click" in the team. His introduction into the team only seemed to wear it down. He is a good Pokemon but whether it was my set or the way he was used, he just didn't quite work. So I replaced him with Empoleon, but while he could tank Special Attacks like a boss, it made eliminating Fighting types so much harder. It was then that I realized, if Fighting and Rock types are wearing my down, why don't I try something that resist them and an entry hazard they do not resist? And so came Roserade.
Billy Mays (Rotom-H) @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 120 HP / 252 SAtk / 136 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Toxic
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Pain Split
A very nice Pokemon to have but it seemed to function to much like Zapdos.
This weekend, I decided to slash the two OU Pokemon from my team and try to "build" a team. Unfortunately, I had to return to the drawing board early after Alakazam's and Donphan's rise to OU.
The team feels decent. I have managed rack up a few wins here and there. I don't think the losses were a direct result of the Pokemon on the team, just either stupid plays made by me or much better plays made by my opponent.
The Original Team
Kord (Zapdos) @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 6 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Discharge
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Heat Wave
- Roost
Kord is probably my most important Pokemon. I feel like I see him on every team and with good reason. I chose a bulky Zapdos to help ensure he would stay around for the entire battle. Discharge is chosen over T-Bolt to try and for paralysis support for my slow team. I originally used T-Bolt, and T-Wave over HP Grass but with Swampert around I thought HP Grass would be more useful. Heat Wave is for Heracross, Grass and Steel types. So far, Kord's hardest opponents have been fellow Zapdos's with Toxic.
Beasonator (Gabite) (M) @ Eviolite
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Def
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Outrage
- Earthquake
It may look stupid, but honestly I just really like using Gabite. Setting up can be tricky, but he can take hits surprisingly well, and his typing is so great in helping my Escavalier. Earthquake is STAB and is very handy when switching in on Registeel to set up rocks. Stone Edge hits those HP Ice Zapdos(es?) switching in. Outrage, however is very iffy. Its a very powerful move but getting locked into Outrage can mean an early death for Gabite. As a delightful bonus, in the off chance that my opponent is running sand, it can help in letting this little guy live a bit longer.
Camem-Bert (Arcanine) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SDef
Careful Nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Flare Blitz
- ExtremeSpeed
- Toxic
- Morning Sun
Arcanine is as wonderful as it is fluffy. Toxic is great to fire off on those pesky Zapdo(es?) and Milotics and can take a hit quite well. Despite the lack of Attack investment, she still hits hard is able to revenge kill nicely with Extreme Speed.
Mark Spitz (Kingdra) (M) @ Choice Specs
Trait: Sniper
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Dragon Pulse
- Ice Beam
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
This thing hits like a train. Spitz laughs at Fire Attacks aimed at my Escavalier. He is my Boromir; while he may not live to see the battles end, he will certainly leave his mark and make Sweeping easier for Weavile.
Nixon (Weavile) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Ice Shard
- Ice Punch
- Night Slash
- Low Kick
I was drawn to this Pokemon after having most of my Battle Subway runs ended by him. He is SO fast and a great way to kill annoying Flygon, Zapdos, Shaymin and other Pokemon weakened by Kingdra and Escavalier. Ice Shard is chosen to hit Scarfed Flygon and Ice Punch wrecks Shaymin and Zapdos where Ice Shard falls short. Night Slash is chosen over Purist to hit Psychic's harder (Weavile is faster anyway and simply having the possibility if carrying Pursuit can be enough to keep the opponent from switching). Low Kick for fellow Darks, but namely for those annoying Normal types like Snorlax.
TheRedDawn (Escavalier) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Swarm
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 6 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Megahorn
- Iron Head
- Return
One word: Megahorn. Deoxys-D is torn apart by this monster, as is well everything except Registeel or Zapdos. Substitute allows Escavalier to avoid burning, and possibly fire off a Return on Zapdos. The investment in speed is to outspeed other Escavalier (though other suggestions are much appreciated).
Well there she is, and happy new year!
The current team (Hope I haven't made a mess of things)
EDIT: As of 1-7-2012, The team has once again been changed, with Swampert, Rotom-H and Escavalier being replaced by Roseraid, Suicune and Darmanitan. And yes, before these latest changes I did make a mess of things. Whether is was me or the team or both, nothing was working well at all. These changes have made for much better results.
Kord (Zapdos) @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 SAtk / 252 Spd / 6 HP
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Extrasensory
- Heat Wave
- Roost
In order for Weavile to sweep, I needed something to check those bulky fighting types such as Machamp and Hitmontop. My Bulky Zapdos took hits fairly well fairly, but lacked power enough to do much more than a 3-4 KO. Now Zapdos can land much harder htis while adding a bit of speed to my otherwise slow team.
Highgarden (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Spikes
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Rest
Spikes are great help to my Zapdos, allowing to the better take care of Annoying Machamps and Hitmontops. I am really impressed by the bulk of standard Roserade as well. With Giga Drain its a real pest. I really enjoyed Roserade on the Pearl playthrough so its nice to be able to use it once again.
Sauve (Suicune) @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Sleep Talk
- Rest
The great CroCune I read about on this site is no joke. Suicune has been incredible so far. The biggest plus has to be its Recovery move combined with Sleep talk. I am really enjoying using this goatee sporting California-like dog.
Bo Jackson (Darmanitan) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Sheer Force
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Flare Blitz
- Earthquake
- Superpower
- U-turn
For now, the Balrog of UU will be taking Rotom-H's spot. While Rotom-H is not gone for good necessarily (still toying with those two sets I posted as well as a Standard Tricks set which I have become rather fond of), I really wanted that raw power back on my team I lost when Kingdra was replaced. Rotom-H was a very good Pokemon (one I am still considering), but sometimes it felt as if he and Zapdos were a little too similar and I did not think I needed four special Attacks on my team. DarMANitan has really come through when I needed something to plow through Snorlax and other Special walls. He has potential to leave teams in the same state Kingdra did.
JewishDeli (Hitmontop) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 Spd
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Rapid Spin
- Close Combat
- Toxic
- Sucker Punch
Rock Types are a pain to my team, as is Scarf Heracross. This was my best answer to those threats. Intimidate is great, allowing it to sponge hits better. Its also great when countering enemy Weavile. Rapid Spin is a fantastic help when three of my Pokemon are weak to Stealth Rocks. Close Combat also helps take the pressure off Weavile when facing Snorlax. Hitmontop has quickly become a focal point for my team, both offensively and defensively. While my Hitmontop greatly aids in Weaviles sweeping capabilities by eliminating hazards so Weavile does not kill himself through Life Orb and helping take out those Registeel who try and T-Wave Weavile, killing opposing Hitmontop is a MOST. Toxic replaced Mach Punch to fill Rotom Heat's Former Role.
Nixon (Weavile) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Ice Shard
- Ice Punch
- Night Slash
- Low Kick
I was drawn to this Pokemon after having most of my Battle Subway runs ended by him. He is SO fast and a great way to kill annoying Flygon, Zapdos, Shaymin and other Pokemon weakened by Kingdra and Escavalier. Ice Shard is chosen to hit Scarfed Flygon and Ice Punch wrecks Shaymin and Zapdos where Ice Shard falls short. Night Slash is chosen over Purist to hit Psychic's harder (Weavile is faster anyway and simply having the possibility if carrying Pursuit can be enough to keep the opponent from switching). Low Kick for fellow Darks, but namely for those annoying Normal types like Snorlax.
Former Members: Great Pokemon that I will have to use on a different team
TheRedDawn (Escavalier) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Swarm
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Substitute
- Megahorn
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance
Thanks to Moo, my Escavalier is SO much better. Bulky Psychics are shredded by Megahorn and with the Speed investment, I can better avoid getting burned by Slowbro since Escavalier is now faster. Its also great when facing Bulky Grass types, but the threat of HP Fire is always scary.
Though a FANTASTIC Pokemon, the ability to straight wreck Psychic Pokemon began to feel a little redundant. Weavile, the sweeper I based my team around, preformed the same role and is MUCH faster. Escavalier is one of my favorite Pokemon from the new Generation, one that quickly earned a spot on my play through team alongside the mighty Tepig who I will never let evolve. I was disappointed to not be using him, but I can always try another team.
Mark Twain (Swampert) (M) @ Expert Belt
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
Being a bit a newbie, I can't say I know exactly how important entry hazards are, but seeing as how that can limit my opponents switching capabilities I really didn't want to have a team with Stealth Rocks. I really liked Gabite, but Swampert packs more bulk and greater power. A more offensive spread is used to really make use of Swampert's excellent attack. Its typing also provides the x4 resist to Fire to Gabite gave. A special attacking set is tempting though.
Swampert never seemed to "click" in the team. His introduction into the team only seemed to wear it down. He is a good Pokemon but whether it was my set or the way he was used, he just didn't quite work. So I replaced him with Empoleon, but while he could tank Special Attacks like a boss, it made eliminating Fighting types so much harder. It was then that I realized, if Fighting and Rock types are wearing my down, why don't I try something that resist them and an entry hazard they do not resist? And so came Roserade.
Billy Mays (Rotom-H) @ Leftovers
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 120 HP / 252 SAtk / 136 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Thunderbolt
- Toxic
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Pain Split
A very nice Pokemon to have but it seemed to function to much like Zapdos.