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

[Random Passerby]

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Focus Blast

Because Starmie doesn't have Ice Beam, Thundurus-I can survive a hit from it and OHKO back with STAB Thunderbolt. Ferrothorn and Hippowdon are 2HKOed by the coverage moves (and is straight up OHKOed if Thundurus got to +2). Watch out for Hippowdon's Stone Edge though.

Sceptile @ Sceptilite
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 80 Atk / 212 SpA / 212 Spe
Naive Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Focus Blast
- Dragon Pulse
- Rock Slide

Mega Sceptile destroys Starmie and Hippowdon with Leaf Storm while 2HKOing Ferrothorn with Focus Blast. Rock Slide allows you to hit Flying-types such as Tornadus-T and Mega Charizard-Y very hard.

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 44 Atk / 16 Def / 200 SpD
Impish Nature
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off

Sets up for free in front of Ferro and Hippowdon while healing residual damage with Roost. Knock Off allows it to defeat Starmie. Watch out for Scald burns though.

 

[bludz]

So since we're not going to discuss partners for these 3 mon cores I was thinking of making it a top 5 or 6 threats list since 3 really misses out on some stuff moreso in this case than with partners. Any objections to that?

Anyway new core will go up tomorrow, it'll also be a 3 mon core.

 

[DarkNostalgia]

Who wanted me to write up Mega Sceptile? Nah.

Here's Big Bro:

BIG BRO (Slowbro) @ Slowbronite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Def / 136 SpA / 80 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Slack Off
- Fire Blast
- Grass Knot

Tank Mega Slowbro is one of the biggest threats to this core, as by virtue of its titanic bulk, it can take any hit from Hippowdon, Ferrothorn, and Starmie, and 2HKO or OHKO back with the respective coverage moves. It switches in without any repercussions on all three, so it effectively counters all three as well. Fire Blast OHKOes Ferrothorn, Grass Knot 2HKOes Starmie, and Scald 2HKOes Hippowdon. Mega Slowbro can also heal up any damage from Scald / Earthquake / Power Whip with Slack Off if necessary.

136+ SpA Mega Slowbro Scald vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 302-356 (71.9 - 84.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 36 Def Mega Slowbro: 69-82 (17.5 - 20.8%) -- 0.3% chance to 4HKO after sandstorm damage
136+ SpA Mega Slowbro Grass Knot (80 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Starmie: 204-240 (63.1 - 74.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Starmie Scald vs. 252 HP / 80 SpD Mega Slowbro: 47-56 (11.9 - 14.2%) -- possible 8HKO
136+ SpA Mega Slowbro Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 372-440 (105.6 - 125%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 36 Def Mega Slowbro: 144-170 (36.5 - 43.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[SketchUp]

Reuniclus @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
- Recover

Reuniclus is able to switch in against all three members of the core and set up. The lack of power in this core makes it really hard to break through setup sweepers like Suicune and Clefable even if Hippowdon uses Roar and Reuniclus is no exception.

0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Reuniclus: 109-129 (25.7 - 30.4%) -- 1% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 252 HP / 200+ Def Reuniclus: 112-133 (26.4 - 31.3%) -- 19.3% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Starmie Scald vs. 252 HP / 56 SpD Reuniclus: 93-111 (21.9 - 26.1%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw / Outrage
- Roost / Earthquake

With a mixed spread, Hippowdon has more difficulties to switch in and beat Zard X 1v1 and even more difficulties against the SD set. The other two members are setup fodder for Zard X and in many situations Zard X can even switch in against them without much problems

+1 252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Dragon Claw vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Starmie: 322-381 (99.6 - 117.9%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 144+ Def Hippowdon: 201-237 (47.8 - 56.4%) -- 84.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn: 772-912 (219.3 - 259%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Static
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Agility
- Thunderbolt
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast

Ampharos has some difficulties with Hippowdon, as it can only win 1v1 when stealth rocks are not on te field. Dragon Pulse has a solid chance to 2hko Hippowdon and in the meantime Ampharos can (barely) live an Earthquake. Against Ferrothorn and Starmie, things are a bit easier as Ampharos can switch in against both of them and beat them 1v1. Ferrothorn loses against any attack + Focus Blast while Gyro Ball after an Agility only 4hko's 38% of the time. Against Starmie, it is only 3hko'd by Psyshock 14% of the time after rocks and Thunderbolt obviously OHKO's in return.

0 SpA Starmie Psyshock vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 84-99 (26 - 30.7%) -- 14.6% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Starmie: 440-522 (135.8 - 161.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
0 Atk Ferrothorn Gyro Ball (150 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 73-87 (22.6 - 27%) -- 38.2% chance to 4HKO
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 262-310 (74.4 - 88%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Mega Ampharos: 228-270 (70.8 - 83.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and sandstorm damage
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 207-244 (49.2 - 58%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

 

[bogoljubow]

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 104 Def / 152 Spe
Impish Nature
- Knock Off
- Taunt
- Will-o-wisp
- Recover

Stallbreaker Mew shuts down the core by preventing Hippowdon and Ferrothorn from setting up hazards, crippling them with Will-o-wisp and Knock off, and wearing them down. Starmie gets beaten by burning it + Taunt + knocking off Leftovers, although it will eventually get burnt by Scald itself. (EV-Spread is probably outdated, but it doesn't matter against this core.)

 

[bludz]

Alright time for the next 3 mon core

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Atk / 44 Def / 200 SpD
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Roost
- Swords Dance

Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Rain Dance
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Rest

Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Def / 112 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Slack Off

Well this is the first time that any mons have repeated in this thread so rejoice we've popped that cherry. Anyway Manaphy + Scizor is pretty nice since Scizor hates fire types and Manaphy uses them for setup. Rain Dance increases Scizor's effectiveness as well and turns Manaphy into a status absorber. Hippowdon rounds off the core by checking electric types, adding another pseudo-check to Zard Y while legit checking Talon, Zard X and all the other stuff it does while adding Stealth Rocks as well.

Edit: changed the Manaphy set because this one fits for a balance squad better

Discuss threats

 

[Random Passerby]

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Tailwind / Outrage / Roost

+2 Flare Blitz OHKOes Hippowdon while Manaphy is OHKOed by +2 Dragon Claw. Scizor obviously loses to any Fire-type ever lol.

EDIT: Dragon Claw is used for a safer STAB to spam as it doesn't lock Zard-X in (and allows Zard to switch moves). However, +2 Outrage gains some important OHKOes such as Slowbro and 2HKOes Quagsire (only if Adamant Nature).

 

[Dr Ciel]

What beats a core of fat set up Pokemon kids? "Another fat set up Pokemon!" That's right; presenting Suicune!

Suicune @ Leftovers
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Scald
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Mega Scizor is essentially set up bait, and it doesn't hit very hard, even with a boost, Manaphy loses the CM war and is out-stalled, & finally Hippowdown is 2HKO'd by Scald while it can do absolutely zero in return.

 

[Vinc608]

Reserving Charizard Y

 

[heritage]

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

Serperior basically gets to +2 freely against 2 Pokemon of this core thanks to its powerful Grass-type STAB move with high base power and its fantastic Speed tier. Leaf Storm has a huge chance to OHKO Manaphy even without a boost, and Serperior will always win against Manaphy even if it doesn't OHKO on the first turn. Leaf Storm also OHKOs Hippowdon without any boost and any prior damage. Hidden Power Fire nails Mega Scizor, 2HKOing without a boost and OHKOing at +2, while +2 Bullet Punch fails to one shot Serperior in return.

 

[Albacore]

Keldeo @ Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Substitute
- Calm Mind

Singlehandedly demolishes this core with no effort whatsoever. Easily sets up all over Manaphy for obvious reasons. Easily lives an EQ from Hippowdon and OHKOs back after one Calm Mind. Scizor is 2HKOed by +1 Scald after Stealth Rocks, absolutely loathes getting burnt and can't even OHKO with +2 Superpower (and besides, Keldeo can easily Sub on Scizor in the knowledge that if Scizor Superpowers, Secret Sword 2HKOs it, and after 2 consecutive Superpowers Scizor can no longer break its Sub, so it needs to SD if it wants to even have a chance against Keldeo).

Keldeo is such a huge and obvious threat to this core that I don't even feel the need to post calcs to demonstrate it

 

[-Ixtamacunxi-]

Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 96 HP / 248 SpA / 164 Spe
Timid Nature
- Tail Glow
- Scald
- Energy Ball
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Manaphy is a huge threat to this core. It can safely set up a Tail Glow on any member of the core (Superpower/EQ only do 40% max, Scald does almost nothing), and always wins against CM Manaphy, even switching in on a Calm Mind. After a TG, it outspeeds and OHKOs the entire core with the right move.

Calcs

+3 248 SpA Manaphy Scald vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 614-726 (146.1 - 172.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 248 SpA Manaphy Energy Ball vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy: 408-480 (100.9 - 118.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+3 248 SpA Manaphy Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 200 SpD Mega Scizor: 452-532 (131.7 - 155.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[p2]

Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Another core that KyuB just breaks down completely. Though it has a harder time against this one due to Scizor, it still beats the core assuming Scald burns don't happen.

16 Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kyurem-B: 186-222 (47.5 - 56.7%) -- 84.8% chance to 2HKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 200 SpD Mega Scizor: 291-348 (84.8 - 101.4%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

252+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 452-533 (107.6 - 126.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Fusion Bolt vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Manaphy: 216-255 (53.8 - 63.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

Manaphy can only beat KyuB if it gets the scald burn

 

[Ramses]

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast
- Grass Knot
- Nasty Plot / Thunder Wave / Hidden Power [Ice]

Thundurus fears nothing from this core as Mega Scizor can only 2HKO it after SR damage and a turn of set-up. Manaphy is easily outsped and OHKOed after SR, while Hippowdon is ravaged from Grass Knot and either severely weakened or outright OHKOed

252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 200 SpD Mega Scizor: 153-183 (44.6 - 53.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy: 374-439 (92.5 - 108.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 377-445 (89.7 - 105.9%) -- 75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[BlazeLatias]

On mobile so can't post sets but one huge threat to this core would be charizard-y as scizor is roasted by zards fire stab,mana is boped by solar beam and hippo takes serious damage from fire blast and assuming its sand force solar beam hits crazy hard. (of course hippo may need a bit of prior damage) also non stone edge hippo loses to zard still.

 

[Vinc608]

Sorry for the long delay, writing this anyway :

Charizard @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost

Charizard Y can switch against Scizor, Manaphy loses to a combination of Fire Blast + Solar Beam and loses even 1vs1 (Zard Y uses Solar Beam, Manaphy uses Rain Dance and Zard Y finishes with Focus Blast / Fire Blast depending of the roll). Hippowdon can't take 2 Fire Blast, because it has a mixed spread.

Calcs

252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 112 SpD Hippowdon: 237-280 (56.4 - 66.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Solar Beam vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy: 306-360 (75.7 - 89.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy in Sun: 156-185 (38.6 - 45.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Charizard Y Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Manaphy: 153-180 (37.8 - 44.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Manaphy Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Charizard Y in Sun: 74-90 (24.9 - 30.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO

 

[DarkNostalgia]

mario salad (Breloom) @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Mach Punch
- Bullet Seed
- Swords Dance
- Spore

Breloom is pretty underrated honestly and this core does struggle against it. It fears nothing from Hippowdon, and Bullet Seed (3 hits) has a 6% chance to OHKO - guaranteed after a Swords Dance. In a similar vein, Bullet Seed OHKOes Manaphy after Stealth Rock. Against Mega Scizor, Breloom can use Spore, proceed to Swords Dance up, and 2HKO with +2 Mach Punch. Bullet Punch from Mega Scizor also isn't a guaranteed 2HKO.

44 Atk Technician Mega Scizor Bullet Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Breloom: 114-135 (43.6 - 51.7%) -- 9.8% chance to 2HKO
+2 252 Atk Life Orb Technician Breloom Mach Punch vs. 248 HP / 16+ Def Mega Scizor: 172-203 (50.1 - 59.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Manaphy: 351-420 (87.5 - 104.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Life Orb Technician Breloom Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 144+ Def Hippowdon: 336-405 (80 - 96.4%) -- approx. 6.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Fire-breather Richard]

Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Pin Missile
- Rock Blast
- Swords Dance

Heracross-M can set up a Swords Dance in front of any member of the trio, then proceed to outspeed and OHKO them with its absurdly powerful moves. Just watch out for Manaphy's Scald if you want to set-up in front of it (although this is not recommended. It is advisable to Swords Dance in front of other members who cannot touch you anyway).

 

[Exeggutive]

Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 232 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 20 Spe
Modest Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Hidden Power Fire
- Synthesis

Yea any grass type with a fire move gives this core problems. Giga Drain for Manaphy and Hippo. HP Fire for Scizor.

 

[Fire-breather Richard]

Posting another Mega Wallbreaker that nobody uses:

Garchomp @ Garchompite
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage / Dragon Claw
- Fire Fang
- Swords Dance

Mega Garchomp can take attacks from any member of the core, set-up a Swords Dance, then proceed to rip the core to pieces with +2 Earthquake (the only one to survive is Manaphy although if Stealth Rock is up or Sand is still in effect because of Hippowdon, then even Manaphy is OHKOed).

 

[Random Passerby]

Gyarados @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 88 HP / 192 Atk / 4 Def / 224 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Bounce

Gyarados can set up a Substitute in front of Scizor and Manaphy who cannot break it's Substitute unless they boost (or in Hippo's case, rely on Stone Edge). Then, it can either 2HKO Mega Scizor or continue boosting for a sweep.

 

[RainAndSnow]

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

Slowbro easily sets up on any member of the core and wins against manaphy in a CM war with psyshock

 

[bludz]

New week new core

Excadrill @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
- Rock Slide

Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 36 Def / 224 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Ice Beam

Core's pretty self explanatory with Ttar's EV spread to survive EQs from standard shit including Dragonite at +1.

When we get to partners, I'm banning Charizard Y as a nomination cuz it's too obvious.

Discuss threats.

 

[Random Passerby]

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spore
- Bullet Seed
- Mach Punch
- Rock Tomb

Even though it doesn't like to switch into attacks, Breloom will always win against this core because of Priority Mach Punch, which OHKOes both members. Other moves are standard.

 

[p2]

Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
- Superpower

Aqua Jet OHKOs Excadrill and 2HKOs TTar while any other move OHKOs TTar.

252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Excadrill: 360-426 (99.4 - 117.6%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 248 HP / 32+ Def Tyranitar: 194-230 (48.1 - 57%) -- 90.6% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Waterfall vs. 248 HP / 32+ Def Tyranitar: 390-458 (96.7 - 113.6%) -- 75% chance to OHKO