Recently, I've gotten back into playing the 3rd generation games of Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, as they are my favorite. I love the storyline, and especially the legendary pokemon, which had me thinking that maybe I should create an Uber team focused on one of these 3rd gen Ubers, for wifi of course. The result? Well, here it is.
Assembling Its Members
The first challenge was to select which pokemon I wanted to base my team around. My last team focused on ResTalk CM Kyogre, so this time I wanted to look for a faster sweeper that didn't take as long to set up. RP Groudon came to mind first, and DDRay quickly followed. Finally, I came across Latios, a relatively forgotten sweeper living in the shadows of Darkrai, Kyogre, and Ho-oh as of late. Bulk, speed, and power all in one pokemon...I was sold.
So now I had to ensure that Latios' checks were out of the way. Along with the standard Blissey came the likes of Steels (Scizor, Metagross, etc), faster pokemon (Darkrai, Mewtwo), and Scarfers (Dialga, Garchomp, etc). Thus, I found Scizor to be an effective partner. The two not only have perfect defensive synergy, but Scizor helps to remove frail pokemon, and can come in on Scarfed dragon attacks from the likes of Palkia.
Next, I wanted something that could deal with steel pokemon, possibly using them for its own gain. I also wanted it to be relatively bulky so that it could take a hit or two if necessary. Specs Kyogre immediately came to mind, given that it could be EVd with plenty of HP and few pokemon could switch into its mighty Water Spout. However, I soon realized this would be counter productive, as taking a hit would weaken the very Water Spout that I'd rely upon to punch holes. Instead, I decided to go with a simple CM Kyogre, who would have the added benefit of having Scizor to remove Latias and Palkia.
Those three made a nice trio, with Kyogre's weaknesses being great opportunities for Latios to switch in. However, choosing CM over Specs meant that Blissey would once again be a problem, and that I'd need something focused solely on dishing out damage. Furthermore, it was about time for me to really start thinking about checking opposing threats, SDRay being foremost in my mind for some reason. With its great typing, bulk, and offensive stats, Mixed Dialga made the perfect 4th member.
So far I had Scizor dealing with Darkrai, Mewtwo, Shaymin-S, and Scarfers, Kyogre dealing with Steels and being a nice tank, and Dialga to punch holes in their walls to make Latios' job almost too easy. I figured that some speed on my team could prove useful, so I set my sights on Mewtwo. I considered the all-out attacker with Selfdestruct, but then realized that a Scarfer would be more beneficial. It could deal with DDRay, RPDon, and others while retaining high attack power, and use Trick to cripple Blissey so that Latios had its best counter turned to mere setup fodder.
Finally, the lead slot. Stealth Rock was nowhere to be found on my team, so the lead needed to carry it. And the offensive nature of the team meant that I wasn't really looking for what Groudon or Forretress had to offer...so I picked Deoxys-S. Predictable? Maybe. But it came with the added advantage of setting up a potential layer of Spikes, which is much appreciated as the opponent scrambles to find something to switch into Dialga / Latios.
An In-Depth Look
Deoxys@Focus Sash
Timid; 144 HP / 112 SpA / 252 Spe
Taunt
Spikes
Shadow Ball
Stealth Rock
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General Info
Deoxys-S is notorious for being the most consistent lead in the game, and for good reason. It being a third psychic type on my team isn't a big deal as it is meant to suicide. Generally I'll go for Stealth Rock first, then use Spikes as much as possible before dying.
Dialga@Life Orb
Hasty; 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 202 Spe
Outrage
Thunder
Fire Blast
Draco Meteor
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General Info
Dialga is one of the most versatile pokemon in Ubers given its typing, bulk, offensive stats, and considerable movepool. This set incorporates all of the above, allowing it to become a potent offensive threat that will leave the opponent scrambling to find a viable switch-in.
Mewtwo@Choice Scarf
Modest; 36 HP / 252 SpA / 222 Spe
Trick
Thunder
Ice Beam
Aura Sphere
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General Info
Mewtwo functions as the team's premier revenge killer. The combinations of both Ice/Electric and Ice/Fighting grant excellent coverage, which allow it to inflict severe damage to much of the tier. With its fashion accessory granting it incredible speed, I chose to let it gain more power with a Modest nature.
Kyogre@Leftovers
Modest; 124 HP / 240 SpA / 144 Spe
Surf
Thunder
Ice Beam
Calm Mind
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General Info
Kyogre is one of my favorite pokemon, hands down. I love water types, and its sleek design combined with the fact that it is one of the mascots for my favorite generation keeps it dear to my heart. Sentimentality aside, however, the Sapphire legend is a real beast, the most powerful special attacker in the game. This simple yet effective set brings the rain for my team, and provides me with a pokemon that can hit hard both right off the bat and that can also boost once or twice to spell doom for the opponent.
Scizor@Choice Band
Adamant; 202 HP / 56 Atk / 252 SpD
U-Turn
Pursuit
Superpower
Bullet Punch
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General Info
Look familiar? It should, because it's merely CBScizor with a more specially defensive focus. It's naturally high attack pairs with the Choice Band to spread damage through the use of U-Turn, and it has great synergy with Latios and Kyogre. It's only weakness, fire, is also mitigated thanks to the rain.
Latios@Soul Dew
Timid; 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Thunder
Calm Mind
Grass Knot
Dragon Pulse
---
General Info
Latios is the star of the show, head honcho, the ringleader. It combines speed and bulk in Ubers in much the same way that Latias does in OU, the difference being that Latios has access to the Soul Dew, augmenting its power. After a single Calm Mind, it can tear teams to shreds with its great coverage and speed, and minimizes damage from special attacks.
Credits
Jibaku: For the format, which I pretty much used for this RMT, as well as his extremely comprehensive threatlist.
Pokesho, GTSPlus, LegendaryPokemon, and Bulbapedia: For the images.
The Team At A Glance
Assembling Its Members
The first challenge was to select which pokemon I wanted to base my team around. My last team focused on ResTalk CM Kyogre, so this time I wanted to look for a faster sweeper that didn't take as long to set up. RP Groudon came to mind first, and DDRay quickly followed. Finally, I came across Latios, a relatively forgotten sweeper living in the shadows of Darkrai, Kyogre, and Ho-oh as of late. Bulk, speed, and power all in one pokemon...I was sold.
So now I had to ensure that Latios' checks were out of the way. Along with the standard Blissey came the likes of Steels (Scizor, Metagross, etc), faster pokemon (Darkrai, Mewtwo), and Scarfers (Dialga, Garchomp, etc). Thus, I found Scizor to be an effective partner. The two not only have perfect defensive synergy, but Scizor helps to remove frail pokemon, and can come in on Scarfed dragon attacks from the likes of Palkia.
Next, I wanted something that could deal with steel pokemon, possibly using them for its own gain. I also wanted it to be relatively bulky so that it could take a hit or two if necessary. Specs Kyogre immediately came to mind, given that it could be EVd with plenty of HP and few pokemon could switch into its mighty Water Spout. However, I soon realized this would be counter productive, as taking a hit would weaken the very Water Spout that I'd rely upon to punch holes. Instead, I decided to go with a simple CM Kyogre, who would have the added benefit of having Scizor to remove Latias and Palkia.
Those three made a nice trio, with Kyogre's weaknesses being great opportunities for Latios to switch in. However, choosing CM over Specs meant that Blissey would once again be a problem, and that I'd need something focused solely on dishing out damage. Furthermore, it was about time for me to really start thinking about checking opposing threats, SDRay being foremost in my mind for some reason. With its great typing, bulk, and offensive stats, Mixed Dialga made the perfect 4th member.
So far I had Scizor dealing with Darkrai, Mewtwo, Shaymin-S, and Scarfers, Kyogre dealing with Steels and being a nice tank, and Dialga to punch holes in their walls to make Latios' job almost too easy. I figured that some speed on my team could prove useful, so I set my sights on Mewtwo. I considered the all-out attacker with Selfdestruct, but then realized that a Scarfer would be more beneficial. It could deal with DDRay, RPDon, and others while retaining high attack power, and use Trick to cripple Blissey so that Latios had its best counter turned to mere setup fodder.
Finally, the lead slot. Stealth Rock was nowhere to be found on my team, so the lead needed to carry it. And the offensive nature of the team meant that I wasn't really looking for what Groudon or Forretress had to offer...so I picked Deoxys-S. Predictable? Maybe. But it came with the added advantage of setting up a potential layer of Spikes, which is much appreciated as the opponent scrambles to find something to switch into Dialga / Latios.
An In-Depth Look
Deoxys@Focus Sash
Timid; 144 HP / 112 SpA / 252 Spe
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General Info
Deoxys-S is notorious for being the most consistent lead in the game, and for good reason. It being a third psychic type on my team isn't a big deal as it is meant to suicide. Generally I'll go for Stealth Rock first, then use Spikes as much as possible before dying.
Moveset
Stealth Rock is the primary move here, for obvious reasons. Despite the fact that Thunder is all over the team, the consistent damage is provides is extremely useful, and crippling the likes of Rayquaza is necessary for Scizor to effectively revenge. Spikes follow, adding further insult to injury. Without Lum Berry, Deoxys-S doesn't get to Taunt Darkrai, and since the team doesn't particularly mind Stealth Rock, Shadow Ball gets the nod so that opposing Deoxys leads can be reliably disposed of. Taunt allows me to stop Forretress, DSMew, and a few others.
EV Corner
Max speed is a given, as it allows me the greatest chance of getting those rocks up. The SpA EVs provide enough strength to 2HKO opposing Deoxys-s, and the rest go into HP for some bulk.
Vs. Other Leads
Stealth Rock is the primary move here, for obvious reasons. Despite the fact that Thunder is all over the team, the consistent damage is provides is extremely useful, and crippling the likes of Rayquaza is necessary for Scizor to effectively revenge. Spikes follow, adding further insult to injury. Without Lum Berry, Deoxys-S doesn't get to Taunt Darkrai, and since the team doesn't particularly mind Stealth Rock, Shadow Ball gets the nod so that opposing Deoxys leads can be reliably disposed of. Taunt allows me to stop Forretress, DSMew, and a few others.
EV Corner
Max speed is a given, as it allows me the greatest chance of getting those rocks up. The SpA EVs provide enough strength to 2HKO opposing Deoxys-s, and the rest go into HP for some bulk.
Vs. Other Leads
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Deoxys-S: Shadow Ball 2HKOs here, so I avoid Taunt speed ties. At most they'll get rocks + spikes, and I can lay down my rocks afterward.
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Groudon: Stealth Rock, then Spikes. I can get a second layer if it chooses to set Stealth Rock up itself.
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Darkrai: I lose here, but I can get a layer of Stealth Rock up if they decide to immediately Dark Pulse for some reason.
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Deoxys-A: Stealth Rock first, then Spikes or Shadow Ball depending on whether its LO or Sash. I usually end up just getting rocks though.
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Kyogre: Set up Stealth Rock and as many Spikes as possible.
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Mew: Annoying. Set up Stealth Rock immediately, and react accordingly to whether it sets up screens or U-Turns out.
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Forretress: Taunt it, then switch to Kyogre or Dialga to start attacking. Setting up is pointless as it will merely spin them away.
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Tyranitar: Set up Stealth Rock.
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Dialga: Stealth Rock, then Spikes as many times as possible.
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Shaymin-S: Switch to Dialga, who can take an Air Slash, and then come back in later to set up rocks.
Dialga@Life Orb
Hasty; 56 Atk / 252 SpA / 202 Spe
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General Info
Dialga is one of the most versatile pokemon in Ubers given its typing, bulk, offensive stats, and considerable movepool. This set incorporates all of the above, allowing it to become a potent offensive threat that will leave the opponent scrambling to find a viable switch-in.
Moveset
Draco Meteor is one of the most used attacks on the set, blasting holes in everything that doesn't resist it. The threat it presents often leads the opponent to send in a steel immediately. Which leads me to Fire Blast - it roasts the likes of Scizor and Forretress to a crisp, as well as Metagross. In the sun, it also allows me to hit other Dialga without resorting to Draco Meteor. Thunder is the third attack, hitting Lugia and Kyogre for super effective damage, and providing a reliable attack in the rain, which means that Dialga functions well in both. It's paralysis often comes in handy, as it allows Dialga that extra attack. Finally, Outrage is used to devastate the Lati twins and, more importantly, Blissey.
EV Corner
The given nature and EVs put Dialga at 292 speed, outpacing Adamant Lucario and Rayquaza. Though I sometimes miss the bulk that Quiet provides, Dialga is still fairly bulky and the added speed lets it get extra hits against pokemon that attempt to outrun RPDon, as well as Groudon itself. Maximum SpA for power, with the rest thrown into Atk to boost Outrage.
Draco Meteor is one of the most used attacks on the set, blasting holes in everything that doesn't resist it. The threat it presents often leads the opponent to send in a steel immediately. Which leads me to Fire Blast - it roasts the likes of Scizor and Forretress to a crisp, as well as Metagross. In the sun, it also allows me to hit other Dialga without resorting to Draco Meteor. Thunder is the third attack, hitting Lugia and Kyogre for super effective damage, and providing a reliable attack in the rain, which means that Dialga functions well in both. It's paralysis often comes in handy, as it allows Dialga that extra attack. Finally, Outrage is used to devastate the Lati twins and, more importantly, Blissey.
EV Corner
The given nature and EVs put Dialga at 292 speed, outpacing Adamant Lucario and Rayquaza. Though I sometimes miss the bulk that Quiet provides, Dialga is still fairly bulky and the added speed lets it get extra hits against pokemon that attempt to outrun RPDon, as well as Groudon itself. Maximum SpA for power, with the rest thrown into Atk to boost Outrage.
Mewtwo@Choice Scarf
Modest; 36 HP / 252 SpA / 222 Spe
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General Info
Mewtwo functions as the team's premier revenge killer. The combinations of both Ice/Electric and Ice/Fighting grant excellent coverage, which allow it to inflict severe damage to much of the tier. With its fashion accessory granting it incredible speed, I chose to let it gain more power with a Modest nature.
Moveset
Mewtwo's moves allow it to revenge a wide variety of threats, and hit hard when it isn't doing so. Thunder is a reliable attack that handles Kyogre, Palkia, and opposing Mewtwo. It is also the strongest option against steels other than Heatran and Dialga. Ice Beam covers DDRay, RP Groudon, Giratina-O, Garchomp, and LO Shaymin-S. Aura Sphere picks up the scraps, punishing Dialga, Darkrai, and Tyranitar. Finally, Trick is present to help me with Blissey and stat boosters other than Giratina - locking a Kyogre into Calm Mind can be a lifesaver. It also helps against LO users that have a wide range of attacks, such as LO Mewtwo and Shaymin-S.
EV Corner
The EVs and nature grant Mewtwo 351 speed, which becomes a blistering 526 with the Scarf attached. Such a number is more than enough to outpace DDRay, ScarfChomp, and RPGroudon. I have no need to outrun Darkrai or Shaymin since Scizor handles them quite well, and outrunning Latios once the Scarf has been Tricked is still no joke.
Mewtwo's moves allow it to revenge a wide variety of threats, and hit hard when it isn't doing so. Thunder is a reliable attack that handles Kyogre, Palkia, and opposing Mewtwo. It is also the strongest option against steels other than Heatran and Dialga. Ice Beam covers DDRay, RP Groudon, Giratina-O, Garchomp, and LO Shaymin-S. Aura Sphere picks up the scraps, punishing Dialga, Darkrai, and Tyranitar. Finally, Trick is present to help me with Blissey and stat boosters other than Giratina - locking a Kyogre into Calm Mind can be a lifesaver. It also helps against LO users that have a wide range of attacks, such as LO Mewtwo and Shaymin-S.
EV Corner
The EVs and nature grant Mewtwo 351 speed, which becomes a blistering 526 with the Scarf attached. Such a number is more than enough to outpace DDRay, ScarfChomp, and RPGroudon. I have no need to outrun Darkrai or Shaymin since Scizor handles them quite well, and outrunning Latios once the Scarf has been Tricked is still no joke.
Kyogre@Leftovers
Modest; 124 HP / 240 SpA / 144 Spe
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General Info
Kyogre is one of my favorite pokemon, hands down. I love water types, and its sleek design combined with the fact that it is one of the mascots for my favorite generation keeps it dear to my heart. Sentimentality aside, however, the Sapphire legend is a real beast, the most powerful special attacker in the game. This simple yet effective set brings the rain for my team, and provides me with a pokemon that can hit hard both right off the bat and that can also boost once or twice to spell doom for the opponent.
Moveset
I was originally thinking of using Specs Kyogre for its immediate power, but this has worked much better for me. A Modest nature and near-max attack mean that rain-boosted STAB Surf will do definite damage to many a pokemon, which is augmented by Calm Mind. Speaking of, Calm Mind's ability to boost SpD was a real plus here, as it prevents specially-based revenge killers from revenging. For example, LO Shaymin-S can only muster 77% max with Seed Flare, while Palkia will struggle to revenge with Thunder. Ice Beam allows Kyogre a solid hit on dragons, such as Rayquaza, Latios, Giratina-O, and Dialga, while Thunder strikes down Lugia, Ho-oh, Groudon, and opposing Kyogre. It does all of this while slowly regaining health from its Leftovers, which makes it quite the special tank.
EV Corner
Instead of the typical Max/Max Timid spread, I went with Modest for more power. The speed EVs allow Kyogre to outrun 251 Speed RP Groudon, and anything below that, including support Dialga, Ho-Oh, etc. The HP EVs also grant it some bulk that often comes in handy pre- and post-Calm Mind, allowing it to take Scarf Thunders and weaker physical hits. After considerable testing, I've decided that it is definitely the superior spread.
I was originally thinking of using Specs Kyogre for its immediate power, but this has worked much better for me. A Modest nature and near-max attack mean that rain-boosted STAB Surf will do definite damage to many a pokemon, which is augmented by Calm Mind. Speaking of, Calm Mind's ability to boost SpD was a real plus here, as it prevents specially-based revenge killers from revenging. For example, LO Shaymin-S can only muster 77% max with Seed Flare, while Palkia will struggle to revenge with Thunder. Ice Beam allows Kyogre a solid hit on dragons, such as Rayquaza, Latios, Giratina-O, and Dialga, while Thunder strikes down Lugia, Ho-oh, Groudon, and opposing Kyogre. It does all of this while slowly regaining health from its Leftovers, which makes it quite the special tank.
EV Corner
Instead of the typical Max/Max Timid spread, I went with Modest for more power. The speed EVs allow Kyogre to outrun 251 Speed RP Groudon, and anything below that, including support Dialga, Ho-Oh, etc. The HP EVs also grant it some bulk that often comes in handy pre- and post-Calm Mind, allowing it to take Scarf Thunders and weaker physical hits. After considerable testing, I've decided that it is definitely the superior spread.
Scizor@Choice Band
Adamant; 202 HP / 56 Atk / 252 SpD
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General Info
Look familiar? It should, because it's merely CBScizor with a more specially defensive focus. It's naturally high attack pairs with the Choice Band to spread damage through the use of U-Turn, and it has great synergy with Latios and Kyogre. It's only weakness, fire, is also mitigated thanks to the rain.
Moveset
Typical moves for a typical pokemon. U-Turn is key, as it allows me to scout their team and also get out of sticky situations. It severaly dents the likes of ScarfPalkia, Kyogre, and more. Pursuit is found because it allows me to hit the Lati twins hard, as well as Mewtwo. It also does decent damage against neutral threats, given the lower defense of Ubers. Bullet Punch is staple, giving me an excellent tool for revenge killing. And while Superpower is mostly filler, it does allow me to punish Dialga switch-ins, or threaten ScarfDialga.
EV Corner
Taken straight from the analysis, they provide considerable bulk with enough attack to cripple opponents. With Scizor's excellent resistances in Ubers, it is only natural to bolster its special defense, and the attack allows it to 2HKO Darkrai, Shaymin-S, and Rayquaza with Bullet Punch.
Typical moves for a typical pokemon. U-Turn is key, as it allows me to scout their team and also get out of sticky situations. It severaly dents the likes of ScarfPalkia, Kyogre, and more. Pursuit is found because it allows me to hit the Lati twins hard, as well as Mewtwo. It also does decent damage against neutral threats, given the lower defense of Ubers. Bullet Punch is staple, giving me an excellent tool for revenge killing. And while Superpower is mostly filler, it does allow me to punish Dialga switch-ins, or threaten ScarfDialga.
EV Corner
Taken straight from the analysis, they provide considerable bulk with enough attack to cripple opponents. With Scizor's excellent resistances in Ubers, it is only natural to bolster its special defense, and the attack allows it to 2HKO Darkrai, Shaymin-S, and Rayquaza with Bullet Punch.
Latios@Soul Dew
Timid; 6 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
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General Info
Latios is the star of the show, head honcho, the ringleader. It combines speed and bulk in Ubers in much the same way that Latias does in OU, the difference being that Latios has access to the Soul Dew, augmenting its power. After a single Calm Mind, it can tear teams to shreds with its great coverage and speed, and minimizes damage from special attacks.
Moveset
I actually had considerable difficulty in deciding which two attacks where best in the final slots. Calm Mind was a given, as I wanted to boost my stats rather than lower them like the all out attacker does with Draco Meteor. Dragon Pulse provides strong STAB and a clean sweep often. Thunder provides an immensely powerful attack after a boost, KOing Forretress, Scizor, Skamory, and other assorted steels. This eliminated the need to HP Fire, so I picked Grass Knot for the last slot to pick of Groudon, Kyogre, and Tyranitar. It comes in useful if I should be attacking without a boost, especially against Groudon.
EV Corner
As straightforward as it gets - maximum power, maximum speed, and and the rest thrown into HP.
I actually had considerable difficulty in deciding which two attacks where best in the final slots. Calm Mind was a given, as I wanted to boost my stats rather than lower them like the all out attacker does with Draco Meteor. Dragon Pulse provides strong STAB and a clean sweep often. Thunder provides an immensely powerful attack after a boost, KOing Forretress, Scizor, Skamory, and other assorted steels. This eliminated the need to HP Fire, so I picked Grass Knot for the last slot to pick of Groudon, Kyogre, and Tyranitar. It comes in useful if I should be attacking without a boost, especially against Groudon.
EV Corner
As straightforward as it gets - maximum power, maximum speed, and and the rest thrown into HP.
Credits
Jibaku: For the format, which I pretty much used for this RMT, as well as his extremely comprehensive threatlist.
Pokesho, GTSPlus, LegendaryPokemon, and Bulbapedia: For the images.
