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

[DarkNostalgia]

Diancie @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 32 Atk / 224 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Earth Power
- Protect

When given a free switch-in, Mega Diancie is capable of OHKOing both Victini and Kyurem-B with Diamond Storm and Moonblast, respectively. Mega Diancie can also switch into Victini, though it risks losing 80-90% of its health, depending on the attack, or Kyurem-B's Fusion Bolt or Ice Beam, though Ice Beam nearly OHKOes.

224 SpA Mega Diancie Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-B: 390-462 (99.7 - 118.1%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
216+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 265-315 (109.9 - 130.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
216+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Mega Diancie: 199-235 (82.5 - 97.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
20 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Fusion Bolt vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Diancie: 139-165 (57.6 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
32 Atk Mega Diancie Diamond Storm vs. 40 HP / 0 Def Victini: 332-392 (94.5 - 111.6%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mega Diancie: 186-219 (77.1 - 90.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Jeronado]

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Superpower
- Earthquake

Scarf Tyrantrum outspeeds both Victini and Kyurem-B and can OHKO them both with Head Smash. Tyrantrum is also able to switch into any move Vicini wants to go for while taking very little damage, although in order to beat Kyurem-B it would want to avoid Trick.

252+ Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tyrantrum: 86-102 (28.1 - 33.4%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Victini Bolt Strike vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tyrantrum: 83-98 (27.2 - 32.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Victini U-turn vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tyrantrum: 90-107 (29.5 - 35%) -- 14.7% chance to 3HKO

 

[-Ixtamacunxi-]

Charizard-Mega-X @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Roost

Outspeeds and OHKOs Kyurem, and can easily switch in and set up on Victini.

252+ Atk Tough Claws Mega Charizard X Dragon Claw vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Kyurem-B: 422-500 (107.9 - 127.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard X: 91-108 (30.6 - 36.3%) -- 60.8% chance to 3HKO

 

[bludz]

Discuss partners

 

[DarkNostalgia]

neon lights (Starmie) @ Life Orb
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 29 HP, NaN Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Psychic
- Thunderbolt
- Rapid Spin

Kyurem-B and Victini aren't that solid defensively (though they are offensively!), all having a crippling weakness to the omnipresent Stealth Rock. The duo also struggles with the likes of Mega Diancie, Tyranitar, Terrakion, Keldeo, Garchomp, and rain offense and general. This is where Starmie comes in. It can clear entry hazards from its side of the field via Rapid Spin, a great move with limited distribution, and deal with many such checks. Psychic hits Kingdra harder and in the event Kyurem-B goes down Mega Venusaur and Mega Altaria as well. Thunderbolt is for bulky Water-types such as Mega Slowbro and Suicune, and Grass-types are covered by Kyurem-B + Victini already. Leaves a hole to Ho_opa and ScarfChomp however.

 

[Ramses]

Lopunny @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Return
- High Jump Kick
- Healing Wish

Mega Lopunny is an excellent partner as Victini and Kyurem-B blasts holes in the opposition for Mega Lopunny to Sweep.

A plus is Healing Wish which can rejuvenate one of the two if walls are still bothersome.

 

[SketchUp]

Alakazam @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Protect

Mega Alakazam helps the core against offensive pokemon like Keldeo and Tyranitar with its amazing 150 speed tier. Protect gives Alakazam a free mega evolution, which helps him against Weavile, Tornadus-T and Lopunny, who are all big threats to the core. The free mega evolution also gives Alakazam Trace, which helps against rain and sand teams, as it traces Swift Swim / Sand Rush. Shadow Ball > Signal Beam because Jirachi and opposing Victini are bigger threats to the core than Hoopa-U and Celebi.

 

[That Grammar Terrorist]

Intend to nominate DD Mega Altaria as a partner for this core.

Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure ---> Pixilate
EVs: 252 Attack, 252 Speed, 4 Defense
Jolly Nature
-Return
-Dragon Dance
-Earthquake
-Roost

Mega Altaria has good offensive synergy with this core, as it appreciates Victini weakening Mega Venusaur, Ferrothorn, Scizor, Skarmory, and a myriad of other steel types who aren't overly weak to M. Altaria's earthquake, while Kyurem-B 2HKOs unaware clefable, hits physically defensive hippowdon with ice beam, and can use earth power to deal with heatran so mega Altaria doesn't have to risk being burned to set up. Kyurem-B also neuters defensive Landorus-T variants.

In return, Mega Altaria routs Tyranitar to prevent pursuit trapping shenanigans and can setup a dragon dance to sweep or break holes in a team.

 

[Kappa Squared]

Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough
- Knock Off

This set fairs pretty well with the Victini and Kyurem Black. The aformentioned core really helps with things like Mega Scizor, Skarmory, Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, Unaware Clefable, and Rotom-W, which figuratively excrete on Azu. It provides a check for Terrakion, Mega Charizard X, ScarfTar and Kindgra/Garchomp locked into a dragon move. It can also force out Keldeo and Hoopa if need be (but it can't really switch in). However, we still lack a decent scald switch in, because this hates getting burnt, obviously.​

 

[Exeggutive]

Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 8 HP / 248 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off/Superpower
- U-turn

It checks like every threat that people posted about lol. Fast EQ to kill rock types and U-Turn to bring wall breakers easier. 248 speed EVs gives a slower u turn against other scarf landos.

 

[Random Passerby]

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

Hippowdon provides Stealth Rock to further aid the sweepers in wearing down teams while also providing a defensive backbone against Terrakion, Mega Diancie and Mega Charizard-X. Kyurem-B helps to check bulky Waters and Mega Venusaur while Victini defeats Steel-type Pokemon which can set-up on Hippowdon. Unfortunately, this stacks a weakness to Keldeo and Weavile so a partner to handle both are recommended.

 

[BlueLobster]

Thundurus-I @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 spe
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch / Hidden Power Ice
- Grass Knot

Thundi can help this cores weakness to offensive waters, as well as having speed control in T-Wave, as the core is quite slow. I chose a grass knot variant as it can kill Mega Swampert if it tries to switch in, as rain is an issue to this core. However, it does leave you with a rather large rock weakness, which urgently needs patching up with another teammate.

 

[bludz]

Hey guys almost done updating all the partners/threats stuff. For the 3 mon cores I was having trouble narrowing down the mons after a certain point so I ended up doing a top 8 threatlist. Feel free to give me any feedback regarding that, it's appreciated.

Anyway just a reminder that the new core will go up tomorrow. I should be staying much closer to up to date with the OP from now on.

 

[bludz]

New core for the week:

Talonflame @ Leftovers
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Will-O-Wisp
- Taunt
- Roost

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Toxic
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover

This is a balance core with perfect type synergy. Talonflame resists Gastrodon's only weakness -- grass -- while Gastrodon covers electric, water, and rock type moves aimed at Talonflame. Talon is stallbreaker because F Clefable and also the core doesn't like status.

Discuss threats

 

[-Ixtamacunxi-]

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Grass Knot

Usually Thundurus would be troubled by Gastrodon, but with Grass Knot it has a good chance to OHKO after rocks. Talon can Roost to avoid being KOd by T-bolt, so paralyzing it is a good option.

252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Grass Knot (60 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gastrodon: 390-463 (91.5 - 108.6%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Thundurus Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 338-400 (94.1 - 111.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

 

[CrazyBacon]

Manaphy @ Leftovers
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Psychic/ HP fire/ Rain Dance
- Tail Glow
- Energy Ball


Easy really. Manaphy beats both members single handidly. Scald beats Talon and Energy balls slaps Gastrodon around.

Psychic can be used in the last slot for Mega Venasaur who might be partnered with this core
HP Fire for Ferrothorn
Rain dance for Unaware Clef.

We all know what Manaphy does, no real need for any explanation.

 

[SketchUp]

Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Roost
- Substitute / Refresh
- Psyshock / Stored Power

Mega Latias uses Gastrodon as set-up fodder and can also beat Talonflame as long as it doesn't switch in on Taunt because Mega Latias outspeeds Talonflame and can Roost / CM before Talonflame uses Taunt (which it won't until you reveal you're mega) At +3, both Psyshock and Stored Power will OHKO Talonflame and Psyshock also has a small chance to OHKO at +2. Easiest way to win with Mega Latias is to CM on the turn the opponent switches Gastrodon out for Talonflame for whatever reason, then CM again on the Taunt / Brave Bird and then finish it with a +2 Psyshock.

 

[Fire-breather Richard]

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

It can boost up on Talonflame and rip apart the core with Outrage (or even straight up OHKO Talonflame and 2HKO Gastrodon). Roost also means it isn't as easily worn down.

 

[MANNAT]

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Naive/Hasty Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Zen Headbutt
- Grass Knot
- Hammer Arm

This set can 2hko both members of the core, and put in a ton of work vs this core with rocks support. This seems pretty self explanatory as mmeta is a huge threat to this core and generally does a lot vs balance, which is the playstyle that these two are commonly found on.

Calcs

252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Gastrodon: 172-204 (40.3 - 47.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
(this is relevant because talon switches into GK, and this means zen+GK kos even with min rolls)
0 SpA Tough Claws Mega Metagross Grass Knot (60 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gastrodon: 284-336 (66.6 - 78.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Tough Claws Mega Metagross Zen Headbutt vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 249-294 (69.3 - 81.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Random Passerby]

Talonflame @ Liechi Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- Natural Gift

Sets up a Swords Dance, then OHKO the opposing Talonflame with Brave Bird and Gastrodon with Natural Gift. This also allows you to defeat your "counters" such as Rotom-W and Quagsire.

 

[DarkNostalgia]

relinquishing mega gyarados, never knew gastrodon was that bulky lol. here's starmie instead:

Starmie @ Life Orb
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Psychic
- Ice Beam
- Rapid Spin

Beats Talonflame really easy as Hydro Pump is an easy OHKO even without the Analytic boost. Brave Bird only does around half. Gastrodon is 2HKOed by the combination of Analytic Psychic + Psychic after Stealth Rock if they want to switch into Starmie. Starmie can 1v1 Gastrodon if needed as Earthquake only 3HKOes while Starmie is faster and can 3HKO with unboosted Psychic.

252 SpA Life Orb Starmie Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gastrodon: 187-222 (43.8 - 52.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Analytic Starmie Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gastrodon: 243-289 (57 - 67.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Gastrodon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Starmie: 106-126 (40.6 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Starmie Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Talonflame: 354-421 (98.6 - 117.2%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Starmie: 124-147 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 84% chance to 2HKO

 

[bludz]

Discuss partners

 

[DarkNostalgia]

taking mega venusaur

 

[Dr Ciel]

I'll take Ferrothorn.

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 164 SpD / 4 Spe
Impish Nature
- Power Whip
- Thunder Wave
- Leech Seed
- Spikes

Ferrothorn is a pretty solid partner to the core posted for numerous reasons. Talonflame is 100% countered by Mega Diancie, and Ferrothorn can switch in easily on it, grabbing the KO with Gyro Ball, or in this case, Power Whip. Ferrothorn also supports Gastrodon by being an excellent check / counter to the Grass types that plague it, while also being able to set up entry hazards.

 

[SketchUp]

Mandibuzz @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 176 Def / 84 SpD (or 64 SpD / 20 Spe)
Bold Nature
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Taunt
- Defog

Gastrodon invites bulky setup sweepers like Clefable and Mega Altaria to switch in and set up. Talonflame is a good way of dealing with most of these pokemon, as Taunt + Wisp is able to put a stop to almost any of them. One big issue is the stealth rock weakness of Talonflame, as it fails to check pokemon like Reuniclus when rocks are on the field. I think adding a defogger here is a good way to go. Skarmory and Mandibuzz both seem as good options to me. They are not only able to stay healthy with Roost, clear hazards with Defog and shut down bulky sweepers with Taunt, but they are also able to beat threats like Mega Diancie (Skarmory only) Zard-X (Mandibuzz only) Mega Latias and Mega Metagross. The reason I went for Mandibuzz instead of Skarmory is because it can use defog without giving many pokemon a free switchin, because of a faster Taunt (Skarmory also doesn't have the room for Taunt as it appreciates Iron Head / Spikes more) Mandibuzz dark type also stops Mega Latias completely, as CM sets with 2 offensive moves get poisoned and stalled out by Gastrodon.
The EV Spread is made to deal with Hoopa-U and Charizard-X at the same time. 248 HP / 176 Def with a Bold nature allows Mandibuzz to switch in against a Flare Blitz from Jolly 220 Attack Charizard-X, live another one with Leftovers recovery included, and win from there on. This spread also allows Mandibuzz to survive 2 LO Gunk Shots from 252 Attack Hoopa 97,7% of the time with stealth rocks up! The 84 SpD EVs are used so Mandibuzz will always survive two LO Focus Blasts from 168 SpA Hoopa. 20 EVs can be taken off Special Defense so you will outspeed Mega Venusaur, Azumarill and -1 Banded Victini and Foul Play / Taunt them before they can heal up or attack. The EVs can be taken off Special Defense, as Hoopa-U still will only have 4% chance to 2HKO you with Focus Blast.