-
Welcome to Smogon! Take a moment to read the Introduction to Smogon for a run-down on everything Smogon, and make sure you take some time to read the global rules.
-
Congrats to the winners of the 2023 Smog Awards!
Gen V OU Threatlist
- Thread starter AccidentalGreed
- Start date
All right, tried my hand at this.
Tornadus
Typing: Flying
Base Stats: 79 HP / 115 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 111 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / (Unreleased) Defiant
Tornadus is one of the most threatening sweepers on rain teams. The one trait that really separates him from his White version counterpart Thundurus is his powerful Flying STAB, Hurricane. This move is notable for being among the most powerful and fastest moves allowed in Standard, rivaling Latios's Draco Meteor in both aspects without any drawback in the rain. This allows Tornadus to run an extremely threatening Life Orb set and just spam Hurricane, which generally only Tyranitar and defensive Steel- and Electric-types like Jirachi and Raikou can check reliably. Tornadus also has Rain Dance to bypass the ban of the Drizzle + Swift Swim combination. Alternatively, he can run an effective mixed set, or try his hand at a Bulk Up set with Taunt. Perhaps his biggest disadvantages are his vulnerability to priority moves and his reliance on rain, as otherwise Hurricane has a rather abysmal 70% accuracy.
Tornadus
Typing: Flying
Base Stats: 79 HP / 115 Atk / 70 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 111 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / (Unreleased) Defiant
Tornadus is one of the most threatening sweepers on rain teams. The one trait that really separates him from his White version counterpart Thundurus is his powerful Flying STAB, Hurricane. This move is notable for being among the most powerful and fastest moves allowed in Standard, rivaling Latios's Draco Meteor in both aspects without any drawback in the rain. This allows Tornadus to run an extremely threatening Life Orb set and just spam Hurricane, which generally only Tyranitar and defensive Steel- and Electric-types like Jirachi and Raikou can check reliably. Tornadus also has Rain Dance to bypass the ban of the Drizzle + Swift Swim combination. Alternatively, he can run an effective mixed set, or try his hand at a Bulk Up set with Taunt. Perhaps his biggest disadvantages are his vulnerability to priority moves and his reliance on rain, as otherwise Hurricane has a rather abysmal 70% accuracy.
Alright, so I finally completed looking over and editing all of the entries. Most of them were excellently written and needed next to no additions/removals, although some of the entries were rather poor - so I decided to put these 'poor' entries up for grabs again, so that a more experienced/competent user (no offense to the previous writers) could write up the submission. So, if you see that your entry had been removed from the list and put up for grabs again, it may be a good idea to refrain from reserving the submission again; also, please do not reserve something if you have minimal experience with the Pokemon, or if you know that your grammar and/or prose is in need of some improvement. Here are the Pokemon which are up for grabs, once more:
Offensive
Offensive
- Excadrill
- Garchomp
- Gengar
- Hydreigon
- Infernape
- Jirachi
- Kingdra
- Landorus
- Magnezone
- Ninetales
- Reuniclus
- Salamence
- Scizor
- Scrafty
- Venusaur
- Virizion
- Volcarona
- Ferrothorn
I'll take Excadrill, Scrafty, and if you don't mind, I'll also reserve Metagross.
Now that they have the official OU rankings out, we seem to have overlooked a few important pokemon. Here's the list:
-Bronzong
-Whimsicott
-Machamp
-Vaporeon
-Swampert
-Metagross
-Bronzong
-Whimsicott
-Machamp
-Vaporeon
-Swampert
-Metagross
Aerrow asked me if I'd like to do some, so I agreed ^__^
Taking Ferrothorn and Reuniclus.
Ferrothorn
/
Typing: Grass / Steel
Base Stats: 74 HP / 94 Atk / 131 Def / 54 SpA / 116 SpD / 20 Spe
Abilities: Iron Barbs
With 74 / 131 / 116 defenses and a typing which gives it useful resistances to common Dragon-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks, it is little wonder that Ferrothorn is one of the best walls in the game. In a metagame dominated by weather, Ferrothorn can be a very useful check to rain-based teams, since it can counter threats such as Kabutops and Starmie. Ferrothorn also has a very interesting ability- Iron Barbs, which allows it to bring down powerful Dragon-type threats such as Salamence, Garchomp, and Dragonite locked into Outrage. It is a great way to kill weak Pokémon by just switching in. Thanks to this, Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave and Toxic, and even set up with Curse easily. Ferrothorn is not invincible, though. Powerful Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape can easily turn Ferrothorn to scrap metal with their STAB attacks. Despite this, Ferrothorn is an amazing wall that can fit itself on almost any team.
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 110 HP / 65 Atk / 75 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Overcoat / Magic Guard
Reuniclus is one of the biggest threats in the metagame, being one of the best users of Calm Mind. Its ability Magic Guard, along with Recover, helps it in no small way. A complete immunity to all forms of passive damage, including Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, and access to a reliable recovery move are two of the biggest boons a sweeper can get. It is no small wonder thus that Reuniclus is one of the biggest threats in the metagame. It can also function very effectively in Trick Room, and cripple physical attackers with Psycho Shift, making it all the more harder to take down. Reuniclus's bulk allows it take the odd hit or two while setting up, and heal off the damage later.
Despite seeming to be invincible, Reuniclus has some problems - namely its Bug-type weakness, average physical bulk, and dreadful Speed. Scizor and Tyranitar are the bane of Reuniclus's existence, as they can OHKO it with their powerful STAB attacks with ease. Taunt also ruins Reuniclus, forcing it to switch unless it has already set up. Despite these flaws, Reuniclus remains one of the most dangerous Pokemon to have as an adversary. If given the chance to set up, it will be very difficult to stop it.
Taking Ferrothorn and Reuniclus.
Ferrothorn
Typing: Grass / Steel
Base Stats: 74 HP / 94 Atk / 131 Def / 54 SpA / 116 SpD / 20 Spe
Abilities: Iron Barbs
With 74 / 131 / 116 defenses and a typing which gives it useful resistances to common Dragon-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks, it is little wonder that Ferrothorn is one of the best walls in the game. In a metagame dominated by weather, Ferrothorn can be a very useful check to rain-based teams, since it can counter threats such as Kabutops and Starmie. Ferrothorn also has a very interesting ability- Iron Barbs, which allows it to bring down powerful Dragon-type threats such as Salamence, Garchomp, and Dragonite locked into Outrage. It is a great way to kill weak Pokémon by just switching in. Thanks to this, Ferrothorn can set up entry hazards such as Spikes and Stealth Rock, cripple the opponent with Thunder Wave and Toxic, and even set up with Curse easily. Ferrothorn is not invincible, though. Powerful Fire-types such as Heatran and Infernape can easily turn Ferrothorn to scrap metal with their STAB attacks. Despite this, Ferrothorn is an amazing wall that can fit itself on almost any team.
Reuinclus
Typing: Psychic
Base Stats: 110 HP / 65 Atk / 75 Def / 125 SpA / 80 SpD / 30 Spe
Abilities: Overcoat / Magic Guard
Reuniclus is one of the biggest threats in the metagame, being one of the best users of Calm Mind. Its ability Magic Guard, along with Recover, helps it in no small way. A complete immunity to all forms of passive damage, including Life Orb recoil and entry hazards, and access to a reliable recovery move are two of the biggest boons a sweeper can get. It is no small wonder thus that Reuniclus is one of the biggest threats in the metagame. It can also function very effectively in Trick Room, and cripple physical attackers with Psycho Shift, making it all the more harder to take down. Reuniclus's bulk allows it take the odd hit or two while setting up, and heal off the damage later.
Despite seeming to be invincible, Reuniclus has some problems - namely its Bug-type weakness, average physical bulk, and dreadful Speed. Scizor and Tyranitar are the bane of Reuniclus's existence, as they can OHKO it with their powerful STAB attacks with ease. Taunt also ruins Reuniclus, forcing it to switch unless it has already set up. Despite these flaws, Reuniclus remains one of the most dangerous Pokemon to have as an adversary. If given the chance to set up, it will be very difficult to stop it.
Just noticed this after Badal was talking about it, I am taking Magnezone, Garchomp, and Hydreigon. I will finish them off in a day's time.
Ninetales
Typing: Fire
Base Stats: 73 HP / 76 Atk / 75 Def / 81 SpA / 100 SpD / 100 Spd
Abilities: Flash Fire / Drought (Released)
Ninetales, in previous generations, was a rather unassuming Fire-type. It shared Flash Fire with Heatran and Arcanine, Nasty Plot with Infernape, and had less Special Attack than even Magmortar and Charizard. In Generation 5, things looked even worse for Ninetales with the introduction of Chandelure, who had Flash Fire and much higher Special Attack. However, Ninetales has advanced from the depths of NU to a secure spot in OU due to one thing: its Dream World ability, Drought. Drought, previously exclusive to Groudon, allows Ninetales to set up permanent Sun when it enters battle, making Sunny Day teams a force to be reckoned with in this metagame. Ninetales' mere presence is enough to pull several other lowly Pokemon, like Lilligant, up to a usable level, and make top-tier threats like Heatran and Chandelure even more effective. Ninetales must be used cautiously, however. Tyranitar can switch in on any of Ninetales's attacks, negate Sun with its Sand Stream ability, and force Ninetales to either switch or die. Politoed, with its Drizzle ability, also makes an excellent counter to this flaming fox, as it can replace Sun with Rain instantly and destroy Nintales with its Water-typed attacks. Still, Ninetales is what has kept Sun thriving in Generation 5, and that's not going to change any time soon.
Finally got around to doing this.
Garchomp
Typing: Dragon / Ground
Base Stats: 108 / 130 / 95 / 80 / 85 / 102
Ability: Sand Veil / Rough Skin
Garchomp remains one of the most dangerous threats present in the OU metagame. With bulk equalling that of Swampert, a massive base 130 Attack stat, and a decent 102 base Speed, Garchomp can switch in with ease and immediately pose a threat to the opponent. Though it misses out on Swords Dance, Swords Dance allows Garchomp to boost its already high Attack to monstrous levels. Add on its decent bulk which allows it to take the odd hit or two, along with excellent STAB attacks in Earthquake and Outrage, and Garchomp can run away with the game easily if it can set up. However, Garchomp's glaring 4x weakness to common Ice-type attacks, along with its only average base 102 Speed, allow faster Pokemon, such as Thundurus, Gengar, and Starmie, to destroy Garchomp with ease should they pack Hidden Power Ice or Ice Bea,. Bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn will walk all over Garchomp if it lacks a Fire-type attack, too. Although rare, Mamoswine and Weavile will also swiftly dispose of Garchomp with priority Ice Shard. Despite these flaws, Garchomp is one of the biggest threats in the metagame. If anyone is foolish enough to underestimate its offensive capabilities, rest assured, they will soon find out what a big mistake they made.
Magnezone
Typing: Steel / Electric
Base Stats: 70 / 70 / 115 / 130 / 95 / 60
Ability: Magnet Pull / Sturdy / Analytic
With the abundance of Steel-types in the metagame, it is no small wonder that Magnezone is such a common threat. Magnet Pull affords Magnezone the ability to trap any pesky Steel-type, and either KO it straightaway with its powerful STAB attacks, or set up on it with Charge Beam thanks to its wonderful physical bulk. Even though Magnezone might lack a large movepool, Hidden Power Fire and its STAB moves give it near-perfect coverage. Its huge base 130 Special Attack also makes up for its lack of coverage options. Magnezone is a very valuable Pokemon for teams which rely upon the removal of Steel-types for their attackers to sweep. Magnezone can also deal with the common Ferrothorn + Jellicent defensive core, making it a great choice for just about any team. Ironically, Magnezone itself is also a Steel-type, meaning it suffers from the same flaws that its Steel-type brethren have to deal with. A painful 4x weakness to common Ground-type attacks is probably the biggest, as Magnezone is not handling these attacks anytime despite its respectable 115 base Defense. Magnezone is also slow, meaning that speedy Fighting- and Fire-type Pokemon can KO it with ease. Despite these flaws, Magnezone can make unprepared teams pay, since it can remove entire defensive cores without blinking an eye.
Hydreigon
Typing: Dark / Dragon
Base Stats: 92 / 105 / 90 / 125 / 90 / 98
Ability: Levitate
A high base 125 Special Attack, decent defensive stats, along with a massive movepool and a wonderful ability in Levitate give Hydreigon a niche in the metagame, making it a very dangerous threat indeed. Hydreigon's wide movepool, which includes Fire Blast, Surf, Dark Pulse, Draco Meteor, and Focus Blast, allows it to check a large range of threats. Levitate and its decent defenses also give Hydreigon the ability to switch in with ease and take the odd hit or two. Hydreigon can also surprise its normal counters by running physical moves such as Earthquake and Outrage, which it is more than capable of thanks to its good base 105 Attack stat. Unfortunately, Hydreigon's odd base 98 Speed leaves it outsped by a large number of threats who can hit it hard with their STAB attacks, Dragon-types in particular. While Hydreigon's defenses are decent, they are not spectacular, and it can't stomach powerful attacks from the likes of Conkeldurr and Latios. It also has unfortunate weaknesses to common Fighting- and Bug-type attacks. As if those flaws weren't enough, special walls such as Blissey wall Hydreigon unless it runs Outrage. Still, Hydreigon is a dangerous threat who can raze unprepared teams easily if given the chance, thanks to its sheer offensive power and movepool.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I think I let myself go a bit. I will look through the list again and see what else I can write.
EDIT: I am taking Gengar and Infernape. I will finish them off in a day or so.
Garchomp
Typing: Dragon / Ground
Base Stats: 108 / 130 / 95 / 80 / 85 / 102
Ability: Sand Veil / Rough Skin
Garchomp remains one of the most dangerous threats present in the OU metagame. With bulk equalling that of Swampert, a massive base 130 Attack stat, and a decent 102 base Speed, Garchomp can switch in with ease and immediately pose a threat to the opponent. Though it misses out on Swords Dance, Swords Dance allows Garchomp to boost its already high Attack to monstrous levels. Add on its decent bulk which allows it to take the odd hit or two, along with excellent STAB attacks in Earthquake and Outrage, and Garchomp can run away with the game easily if it can set up. However, Garchomp's glaring 4x weakness to common Ice-type attacks, along with its only average base 102 Speed, allow faster Pokemon, such as Thundurus, Gengar, and Starmie, to destroy Garchomp with ease should they pack Hidden Power Ice or Ice Bea,. Bulky Steel-types such as Skarmory and Ferrothorn will walk all over Garchomp if it lacks a Fire-type attack, too. Although rare, Mamoswine and Weavile will also swiftly dispose of Garchomp with priority Ice Shard. Despite these flaws, Garchomp is one of the biggest threats in the metagame. If anyone is foolish enough to underestimate its offensive capabilities, rest assured, they will soon find out what a big mistake they made.
Magnezone
Typing: Steel / Electric
Base Stats: 70 / 70 / 115 / 130 / 95 / 60
Ability: Magnet Pull / Sturdy / Analytic
With the abundance of Steel-types in the metagame, it is no small wonder that Magnezone is such a common threat. Magnet Pull affords Magnezone the ability to trap any pesky Steel-type, and either KO it straightaway with its powerful STAB attacks, or set up on it with Charge Beam thanks to its wonderful physical bulk. Even though Magnezone might lack a large movepool, Hidden Power Fire and its STAB moves give it near-perfect coverage. Its huge base 130 Special Attack also makes up for its lack of coverage options. Magnezone is a very valuable Pokemon for teams which rely upon the removal of Steel-types for their attackers to sweep. Magnezone can also deal with the common Ferrothorn + Jellicent defensive core, making it a great choice for just about any team. Ironically, Magnezone itself is also a Steel-type, meaning it suffers from the same flaws that its Steel-type brethren have to deal with. A painful 4x weakness to common Ground-type attacks is probably the biggest, as Magnezone is not handling these attacks anytime despite its respectable 115 base Defense. Magnezone is also slow, meaning that speedy Fighting- and Fire-type Pokemon can KO it with ease. Despite these flaws, Magnezone can make unprepared teams pay, since it can remove entire defensive cores without blinking an eye.
Hydreigon
Typing: Dark / Dragon
Base Stats: 92 / 105 / 90 / 125 / 90 / 98
Ability: Levitate
A high base 125 Special Attack, decent defensive stats, along with a massive movepool and a wonderful ability in Levitate give Hydreigon a niche in the metagame, making it a very dangerous threat indeed. Hydreigon's wide movepool, which includes Fire Blast, Surf, Dark Pulse, Draco Meteor, and Focus Blast, allows it to check a large range of threats. Levitate and its decent defenses also give Hydreigon the ability to switch in with ease and take the odd hit or two. Hydreigon can also surprise its normal counters by running physical moves such as Earthquake and Outrage, which it is more than capable of thanks to its good base 105 Attack stat. Unfortunately, Hydreigon's odd base 98 Speed leaves it outsped by a large number of threats who can hit it hard with their STAB attacks, Dragon-types in particular. While Hydreigon's defenses are decent, they are not spectacular, and it can't stomach powerful attacks from the likes of Conkeldurr and Latios. It also has unfortunate weaknesses to common Fighting- and Bug-type attacks. As if those flaws weren't enough, special walls such as Blissey wall Hydreigon unless it runs Outrage. Still, Hydreigon is a dangerous threat who can raze unprepared teams easily if given the chance, thanks to its sheer offensive power and movepool.
_________________________________________________________________________________
I think I let myself go a bit. I will look through the list again and see what else I can write.
EDIT: I am taking Gengar and Infernape. I will finish them off in a day or so.
Reserving Kingdra
Kingdra
Typing: Water / Dragon
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 95 SpA / 95 SpD / 85 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim / Sniper / Damp (Dream World: Unreleased)
Kingdra is often compared with other Dragon-types for a team slot. While its stats may indicate mediocrity, Kingdra does have a number of traits that allow it to destroy various types of teams in OU. One thing to consider is its unique Water / Dragon typing; with resistances to three common attacking types, only one weakness in Dragon-type moves, and augmented with decent defensive stats, Kingdra can find itself setting up easily on a regular basis. This typing also grants Kingdra good offensive dual STAB coverage, being only resisted by the common Ferrothorn and the less popular Empoleon and Shedinja. Kingdra may also threaten teams in numerous, unexpected ways. While Dragon Dance can be used in multiple ways for an imminent sweep, Rain Dance sets have the power to immediately break through teams; especially the very popular weather-oriented ones. In rain conditions, Kingdra can take advantage of its ability, Swift Swim, to outrun the whole metagame, making it especially difficult to revenge kill. It may be a good idea to pair Kingdra with a Drizzle Politoed; however, since the combination of Swift Swim and Drizzle is banned, Kingdra will have to resort to the classic methods it used last generation, which doesn’t stop it from being a significant offensive threat.
Kingdra
Typing: Water / Dragon
Base Stats: 75 HP / 95 Atk / 95 Def / 95 SpA / 95 SpD / 85 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim / Sniper / Damp (Dream World: Unreleased)
Kingdra is often compared with other Dragon-types for a team slot. While its stats may indicate mediocrity, Kingdra does have a number of traits that allow it to destroy various types of teams in OU. One thing to consider is its unique Water / Dragon typing; with resistances to three common attacking types, only one weakness in Dragon-type moves, and augmented with decent defensive stats, Kingdra can find itself setting up easily on a regular basis. This typing also grants Kingdra good offensive dual STAB coverage, being only resisted by the common Ferrothorn and the less popular Empoleon and Shedinja. Kingdra may also threaten teams in numerous, unexpected ways. While Dragon Dance can be used in multiple ways for an imminent sweep, Rain Dance sets have the power to immediately break through teams; especially the very popular weather-oriented ones. In rain conditions, Kingdra can take advantage of its ability, Swift Swim, to outrun the whole metagame, making it especially difficult to revenge kill. It may be a good idea to pair Kingdra with a Drizzle Politoed; however, since the combination of Swift Swim and Drizzle is banned, Kingdra will have to resort to the classic methods it used last generation, which doesn’t stop it from being a significant offensive threat.
Scizor
Typing: Bug / Steel
Base Stats: 70 HP / 130 Atk / 100 Def / 55 SpA / 80 SpD / 65 Spe
Abilities: Swarm / Technician / Light Metal (Unreleased)
Scizor's usage peaked after the release of Platinum Version in Generation 4, and it remained in the #1 spot on the OU Ladder for much of the rest of that generation. Despite the presence of many new threats in Generation 5, especially Chandelure, Scizor continues to be a powerhouse and staple on many teams. Its standard set in Generation 4, the Choice Band set, has largely given way to its Swords Dance set, but both pack plenty of punch and can blow holes in the opposing team regardless of the situation. U-Turn coming off of Scizor's Base 130 Attack deals plenty of damage while also allowing Scizor to be an effective scout and pivot. With Swords Dance and a Life Orb, there isn't much that can handle Scizor's priority Bullet Punch. However, as with all Pokemon, the metal bug has its drawbacks. The aforementioned Chandelure resists all of Scizor's common moves except Pursuit and can easily dispose of Scizor with its STAB Fire-typed attacks. Volcarona is also an excellent Scizor slayer, with STAB Fire moves, a resistance to most of Scizor's moves, and Flame Body to burn Scizor when it attacks. Although it has fallen a little in usage since last generation, Scizor is still a strong contender in the OU Tier and will likely remain there for generations to come.
--------------------------
Reserving Salamence, Volcarona, and, if I can, Venusaur.
Would like to reserve Bronzong and Whimsicott if I could.
Bronzong
Typing: Steel / Psychic
Base Stats: 67 HP / 89 Atk / 116 Def / 79 SpA / 116 SpD / 33 Spe
Abilities: Levitate / Heatproof / Heavy Metal (Dream World)
With fantastic mixed defenses, and a typing that gives it only one weakness in conjunction with either of its non Dream World abilities, Bronzong is a fantastic wall that can take on a multitude of threats without breaking a sweat. Thanks to its Steel / Psychic typing, Bronzong makes one of the few reliable checks to the ferocious Dragon-types that roam OU, including Garchomp and the Lati twins. Bronzong is also able to provide a great support role, as it can reliably set up Stealth Rock, along with being able to provide Dual Screen and Trick Room support. Bronzong also has the ability to go offensive by taking up a more tanking role, where it sports Earthquake, Gyro Ball, and a Hidden Power of choice to help to take on as many different Pokemon as possible. However Bronzong isn't completely invunerable, as its low HP stat, and lack of reliable recover mean that it can be worn down without difficulty, and KOed after receiving a lot of residual damage. All in all, Bronzong is a competent Pokemon, that when used to its advantages, makes a very effective use of a teamslot.
Whimsicott
Typing: Grass
Base Stats: 60 HP / 67 Atk / 85 Def / 77 SpA / 75 SpD / 116 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / Infiltrator / Chlorophyll (Dream World)
Whimsicott is a very different Pokemon, but it fully deserves to be featured in everyone's threat list. It's rather lackluster stats are made up for thanks to its immense support movepool, along with its ability: Prankster. With all of its support moves given priority, it can effectively be one of the best SubSeeders in existence, as it is guaranteed to get a Substitute up first. When combined with other support moves such as Taunt and Stun Spore, Whimsicott can be a great check to a variety of offensive threat too, being able to paralyze fast threats, meaning that they can easily be taken down by a teammate. Whimsicott is also able to give many teams an effective resistance to Ground- and Water-type attacks, which are omnipresent in the metagame thanks to Tyranitar and Politoed. Whimsicott's life is not all good however, as it can be easily taken down by predicting when it will switch in, and hitting it with a strong attack. Be ready for Whimsicott, or you will surely have a burden to deal with.
Bronzong
Typing: Steel / Psychic
Base Stats: 67 HP / 89 Atk / 116 Def / 79 SpA / 116 SpD / 33 Spe
Abilities: Levitate / Heatproof / Heavy Metal (Dream World)
With fantastic mixed defenses, and a typing that gives it only one weakness in conjunction with either of its non Dream World abilities, Bronzong is a fantastic wall that can take on a multitude of threats without breaking a sweat. Thanks to its Steel / Psychic typing, Bronzong makes one of the few reliable checks to the ferocious Dragon-types that roam OU, including Garchomp and the Lati twins. Bronzong is also able to provide a great support role, as it can reliably set up Stealth Rock, along with being able to provide Dual Screen and Trick Room support. Bronzong also has the ability to go offensive by taking up a more tanking role, where it sports Earthquake, Gyro Ball, and a Hidden Power of choice to help to take on as many different Pokemon as possible. However Bronzong isn't completely invunerable, as its low HP stat, and lack of reliable recover mean that it can be worn down without difficulty, and KOed after receiving a lot of residual damage. All in all, Bronzong is a competent Pokemon, that when used to its advantages, makes a very effective use of a teamslot.
Whimsicott
Typing: Grass
Base Stats: 60 HP / 67 Atk / 85 Def / 77 SpA / 75 SpD / 116 Spe
Abilities: Prankster / Infiltrator / Chlorophyll (Dream World)
Whimsicott is a very different Pokemon, but it fully deserves to be featured in everyone's threat list. It's rather lackluster stats are made up for thanks to its immense support movepool, along with its ability: Prankster. With all of its support moves given priority, it can effectively be one of the best SubSeeders in existence, as it is guaranteed to get a Substitute up first. When combined with other support moves such as Taunt and Stun Spore, Whimsicott can be a great check to a variety of offensive threat too, being able to paralyze fast threats, meaning that they can easily be taken down by a teammate. Whimsicott is also able to give many teams an effective resistance to Ground- and Water-type attacks, which are omnipresent in the metagame thanks to Tyranitar and Politoed. Whimsicott's life is not all good however, as it can be easily taken down by predicting when it will switch in, and hitting it with a strong attack. Be ready for Whimsicott, or you will surely have a burden to deal with.
Ugh I am a day late.
Gengar
Typing: Ghost / Poison
Base Stats: 60 / 65 / 60 / 130 / 75 / 110
Ability: Levitate
With its Ghost typing, high base 110 Speed, and massive base 130 Special Attack, Gengar remains a dangerous threat even in the fifth generation. Wonderful immunities to common Normal-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks make Gengar a great pivot, giving it a lot of opportunities to switch in. Gengar also has the tools to do the job. Along with a powerful STAB Shadow Ball, Gengar has some wonderful coverage options in Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power, not to mention the fact that Shadow Ball and Focus Blast together hand Gengar perfect neutral coverage. It also has some amazing support options in Substitute, Disable, and Pain Split, making Gengar an effective check to threats such as Conkeldurr, and walls such as Blissey, Ferrothorn, and Jellicent. Despite these amazing perks, the fact remains that Gengar has poor defensive stats and can be revenge killed by faster threats such as Thundurus and Starmie as well as priority unless it is safely tucked away beneath a Substitute. Pursuit users such as Tyranitar and Scizor wreck Gengar, and have the bulk to take a Focus Blast most of the time. Still, tread carefully, else Gengar will be truly frightening to deal with.
Infernape
Typing: Fire / Fighting
Base Stats: 76 / 104 / 71 / 104 / 71 / 108
Ability: Blaze / Iron Fist
Although Infernape received a massive amount of competition with all the new Fighting-types introduced in the fifth generation, one can't do any worse then take its offensive prowess for granted. Sporting wonderful mixed offenses and a high base 108 Speed, Infernape can effectively function as a wonderful mixed attacker. Infernape also has a wonderful movepool to back it up, having powerful physical and special STAB options to go with coverage options such as Earthquake, Stone Edge, Grass Knot, and Hidden Power, and priority in the form of Mach Punch and Vaccuum Wave. This allows it to deal with threats ranging from the ubiquitous Blissey and Ferrothorn to even the dangerous Garchomp. Infernape also has access to boosting moves such as Nasty Plot, Swords Dance, and Work Up, making it a wonderful setup sweeper as well. Unfortunately, our fiery ape has its fair share of problems. Although fast, offensive threats such as Thundurus and Gengar outspeed it. This is compounded by the fact that Infernape has poor defensive stats, meaning it can rarely take more than one hit. Despite these flaws, Infernape is a dangerous offensive threat that can run away with the game if you are not careful.
Gengar
Typing: Ghost / Poison
Base Stats: 60 / 65 / 60 / 130 / 75 / 110
Ability: Levitate
With its Ghost typing, high base 110 Speed, and massive base 130 Special Attack, Gengar remains a dangerous threat even in the fifth generation. Wonderful immunities to common Normal-, Fighting-, and Ground-type attacks make Gengar a great pivot, giving it a lot of opportunities to switch in. Gengar also has the tools to do the job. Along with a powerful STAB Shadow Ball, Gengar has some wonderful coverage options in Thunderbolt, Focus Blast, and Hidden Power, not to mention the fact that Shadow Ball and Focus Blast together hand Gengar perfect neutral coverage. It also has some amazing support options in Substitute, Disable, and Pain Split, making Gengar an effective check to threats such as Conkeldurr, and walls such as Blissey, Ferrothorn, and Jellicent. Despite these amazing perks, the fact remains that Gengar has poor defensive stats and can be revenge killed by faster threats such as Thundurus and Starmie as well as priority unless it is safely tucked away beneath a Substitute. Pursuit users such as Tyranitar and Scizor wreck Gengar, and have the bulk to take a Focus Blast most of the time. Still, tread carefully, else Gengar will be truly frightening to deal with.
Infernape
Typing: Fire / Fighting
Base Stats: 76 / 104 / 71 / 104 / 71 / 108
Ability: Blaze / Iron Fist
Although Infernape received a massive amount of competition with all the new Fighting-types introduced in the fifth generation, one can't do any worse then take its offensive prowess for granted. Sporting wonderful mixed offenses and a high base 108 Speed, Infernape can effectively function as a wonderful mixed attacker. Infernape also has a wonderful movepool to back it up, having powerful physical and special STAB options to go with coverage options such as Earthquake, Stone Edge, Grass Knot, and Hidden Power, and priority in the form of Mach Punch and Vaccuum Wave. This allows it to deal with threats ranging from the ubiquitous Blissey and Ferrothorn to even the dangerous Garchomp. Infernape also has access to boosting moves such as Nasty Plot, Swords Dance, and Work Up, making it a wonderful setup sweeper as well. Unfortunately, our fiery ape has its fair share of problems. Although fast, offensive threats such as Thundurus and Gengar outspeed it. This is compounded by the fact that Infernape has poor defensive stats, meaning it can rarely take more than one hit. Despite these flaws, Infernape is a dangerous offensive threat that can run away with the game if you are not careful.
It seems we have overlooked Victini and Togekiss. Particularly, Victini's most notable trait is its V-Create and nice coverage to go along with it, whereas Togekiss can be a good defensive stallbreaker and mid-game sweeper in Nasty Plot sets.
Salamence
Typing: Dragon / Flying
Base Stats: 95 HP / 135 Atk / 80 Def / 110 SpA / 80 SpD / 100 Spd
Abilities: Intimidate / Moxie (Unreleased)
Ah, Salamence. This jack-of-all-trades was OU for almost all of Generation 4, finally being placed into Ubers shortly before the generation closed. With the dawn of Generation 5, Salamence has continued to be a major threat in the OU metagame. His high base stats are one reason for this; 135 Base Attack and 110 Base Special Attack are nothing to scoff at, even with the power creep that occurred this generation. He also gets a great boosting move in Dragon Dance, allowing him to run roughshod over entire teams given a single turn of setup. However, Salamence is no longer secure as the best Dragon in OU. Garchomp and Latios dropped down from Ubers this generation; both outspeed Salamence and can easily OHKO him with their STAB Dragon-typed attacks. Dragonite has a valuable niche on Rain teams as a Grass-attack absorber and special cleaner, while Haxorus boasts a higher Base Attack stat that makes it great with a Choice Scarf. There are few true counters to Salamence, however, making it a great choice as a physical or mixed sweeper on a team in need of his services. The best counter you will find to Salamence is Cresselia: it takes neutral damage from Salamence's STAB moves, has an incredible Defense stat, and can restore its health fairly easily. Skarmory and Ferrothorn also wall Salamence pretty handily, but both must beware of Fire Blast. Despite the presence of other powerful Dragons and new threats looking to steal his role, Salamence is still a solid contender and should never be overlooked as a threat when building a team.
Ok, I'm giving this a second try. Reserving Excadrill (for now).
Excadrill
Typing: Ground / Steel
Base Stats: 110 HP / 135 Atk / 60 Def / 50 SpA / 65 SpD / 88 Spe
Abilities: Sand Rush / Sand Force / Mold Breaker
Looking at Excadrill's stats and its best ability (Sand Rush), one immediatly realizes why this badass looking mole is one of the best Pokemon in OU. Its unmatched Speed under a sandstorm and amazing Attack stat allow it to outspeed the whole metagame and hit hard off the bat. As if this wasn't enough, Excadrill can also learn Swords Dance to skyrocket its Attack and let it overcome the bulkier Pokemon in OU, such as Ferrothorn and Jellicent. However, Excadrill has a few problems. The first one is that it is pretty much limited to run a Swords Dance set with Earthquake and Rock Slide being mandatory for both STAB and coverage. The final move is a choice between Return, X-Scissor, and Brick Break to further enhance its coverage, or Rapid Spin to support its team. It also has weaknesses to three common types in Ground, Fire, and Fighting. The latter is the most important one as Conkeldurr and Lucario usually pack Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave, respectively, to make sure the mole doesn't sweep. Finally, its only decent Speed means it can't work properly without Sand Stream support. All in all, one should always have Excadrill in mind when building a team because otherwise "I was swept by an Excadrill" will be the most common thought during the playtesting stage.
Excadrill
Typing: Ground / Steel
Base Stats: 110 HP / 135 Atk / 60 Def / 50 SpA / 65 SpD / 88 Spe
Abilities: Sand Rush / Sand Force / Mold Breaker
Looking at Excadrill's stats and its best ability (Sand Rush), one immediatly realizes why this badass looking mole is one of the best Pokemon in OU. Its unmatched Speed under a sandstorm and amazing Attack stat allow it to outspeed the whole metagame and hit hard off the bat. As if this wasn't enough, Excadrill can also learn Swords Dance to skyrocket its Attack and let it overcome the bulkier Pokemon in OU, such as Ferrothorn and Jellicent. However, Excadrill has a few problems. The first one is that it is pretty much limited to run a Swords Dance set with Earthquake and Rock Slide being mandatory for both STAB and coverage. The final move is a choice between Return, X-Scissor, and Brick Break to further enhance its coverage, or Rapid Spin to support its team. It also has weaknesses to three common types in Ground, Fire, and Fighting. The latter is the most important one as Conkeldurr and Lucario usually pack Mach Punch and Vacuum Wave, respectively, to make sure the mole doesn't sweep. Finally, its only decent Speed means it can't work properly without Sand Stream support. All in all, one should always have Excadrill in mind when building a team because otherwise "I was swept by an Excadrill" will be the most common thought during the playtesting stage.
What happens to Gorebyss?
EDIT: A section on Gorebyss has been written here: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3354090&postcount=69
EDIT: A section on Gorebyss has been written here: http://www.smogon.com/forums/showpost.php?p=3354090&postcount=69
After talking to Aerrow on IRC, I am reserving Virizion.