LC Teambuilding Project

[nv]

Larvitar

LARVITAR

Larvitar @ Eviolite / Flame Orb
Ability: Guts
Level: 5
EVs: 244 Atk / 36 Def / 36 SpD / 188 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance / Rock Polish
- Rock Slide / Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Crunch

Role: Physical Sweeper, Status Absorber

What It Does: Larvitar can reliably set up Dragon Dance or a Rock Polish, hitting 24 Attack and 21 Speed or 28 Speed respectively. It also can reliably set up due to Guts as anyone who burns it or toxics it, gives it a boost that the opponent doesn't want to give. While this all seems fine and dandy for a set-up sweeper in LC, it is too slow with DD and not powerful enough with Rock Polish. Being outsped by Scarf Pawn with DD is no good as Scarf Pawn is the most common set currently. 21 does outspeed the entire non-scarfed metagame, but there are too many scarfers above the 14 speed tier that Larvitar cannot be effectively used as a set-up sweeper.

What Counters It: Anything scarfed above the 14 speed tier that can OHKO Larvitar, such as Scarf Pawn or Scarf Chinchou. Anything that can prevent it setting up, such as fast Taunt users or Cottonee, are stops to it as well. Cottonee even threatens Larvitar with its Grass- STAB, OHKOing with no investment.

 

[Superpowerdude]

Uhm, this isn't correct. Hakumen reserved Abra before you did actually, but I let it go since I guess Abra needs two analyses anyway, because the Life Orb and Sash sets are pretty different in use. :) So yeah, LO Abra are already reserved and Sash is completed. Sorry.

Before reserving a analysis next time, I strongly recommend using CTRL + F, to see if it's already taken or not. :)

Woops I apologise but I did do crtl + F but there are so much abra mentions due to the" good teammates" and "what counters it" that its still difficult. Perhaps make it a rule that people have to put reservations in Bold and blue font or something to make it stand out?

 

[Aerow]

No worries!

Hmm, good idea. Also, if people put their analyses in spoiler tags, Abra (for example) will only pop-up if someone have reserved it. So yeah.

When reserving analyses, use Bold and a Red color, to make it easier to see. Also, remember to put analyses in spoiler tags, this makes it easier for people to find out if a Pokemon is reserved or not.

:)

 

[Aaron's Aron]

What to use

Offensive Archen

Archen @ Berry Juice
Ability: Defeatist :(
Level: 5
EVs: 76 HP / 180 Atk / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- U-Turn
- Stone Miss Edge / Rock Tomb
- Acrobatics
- Earthquake

Role: Wallbreaker, Late-game Cleaner, Pivot

What It Does: Archen is one of those Pokemon that has a very simple role and doesn't involve to much strategy to use - spam high powered attacks. With its massive attack stat it is pretty easy to understand why. Stone Edge hits extremely hard (although misses at unfortunate times), and with it's Rock-type Archen is a great check to birds like Fletchling. Along with its Stone Edge, Archen also has another powerful STAB in Acrobatics, which is one of the strongest unboosted moves in Little Cup. Unfortuately, Acrobatics is fairly weak before Archen uses its Berry Juice unless used on a Grass or Fighting-type, but this is somewhat mitigated my having other high powered moves to abuse until then. Another move it has to go along with these two STABs is Earthquake, which can hurt the Rock and Steel-types that resist its other two moves. Berry Juice serves two important roles as well - enabling Archen to use a full powered Acrobatics after use and restoring its health so that it is out of Defeatist's range. With this high power and a second life in Berry Juice, Archen is able to check Flying-types as previously mentioned, revenge Grass-types or check them if it doesn't come in on a Grass-type move, and blast through walls and weaker things so that the rest of your team can clean up what is left. Archen can even utilize U-Turn to act as a pivot for your team, and keep momentum in your favor. This is great if you suspect your opponent will switch something in like Chinchou to check you.

Good Teammates: One great teammate is a Pokemon that can remove hazards from your side of the field, as Archen is not fond of Stealth Rock. However, Archen can run Defog itself instead of U-Turn, but that is not preferable on an offensive set such as this one. Archen is a great check to Fletchling and Flying-types, so teammates that have trouble doing there job due and need help dealing with them appreciate Archen. On the other hand, Archen is not fond of Scarf Pawniard at all, so it needs a teammate to take care of it.

What Counters It: Scarf Pawniard gives Archen issues, as it is greatly damaged or crippled by all of its moves. Every Shell Smasher counter Archen, despite it having access to Earthquake. Anything that can outspeed Archen and get it into Defeatist's range is a fairly good check, although not much can actually switch into Archen's powerful attacks. Any bulky Pokemon with the ability to heal can slowly whittle away at Archen until it gets into Defeatist's range and KO it.

Any Additional Info: While it can pivot, it has no healing so it can't Pivot forever. You have to be careful about when you bring it in to take hits and attack.

What not to use

Cubone

Cubone @ Thick Club
Ability: Rock Head
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 36 SpD / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Earthquake
- Fire Punch / Rock Slide
- Knock Off
- Double Edge

Role: Wallbreaker, Physical Sweeper

What It Does: Cubone is one of the few Pokemon that has a specialized item just for it, and the Thick Club is a very good one. It doubles Cubone's Attack, which allows it to hit extremely hard with its high base power moves. If Cubone can come in cleanly, it has the potential to sweep through an opponents team due to its massive power and great coverage, which includes Fire Punch for Grass and Bug-types, Rock Slide for Flying-types, Knock Off for Levitating (usually Ghost-types) Pokemon, and recoil-free, neutral coverage in Double Edge thanks to Rock Head. Its best move, STAB Earthquake, is what really allows it to tear through the opponent though, as it hits almost all Pokemon with few resisting it. Not much can take multiple hits from the Lonely Pokemon, so if you can outspeed you will most likely KO.

Good Teammates: -

What Counters It: Unfortunately, despite Cubone's massive Attack, it has dismal speed to back it up. Anything that can outspeed it makes a great revenge killer since it can just damage it off of its disappointing bulk and most likely KO. Bulky Levitating Pokemon like Misdreavus can take Knock Off and easily KO back. The inability to switch Cubone in due to its poor bulk and lack of defensive item makes it easily to control as well, because as long as you keep pressure on it will be unable to switch in. Cubone become dead-weight without its Thick Club, so anything that can Knock Off its item effectively neuters it.

Any Additional Info: Cubone greatly appreciates paralysis support or Sticky Web support so that it can attack the opponent before it gets attacked. If it gets this support, Cubone becomes less of a joke, and more of a serious threat that you need to worry about.

 

[Corporal Levi]

Reserving omanyte for what to use

 

[Fiend]

Reserving: Fennekin

Doing this on mobile. Will do the finishing touches once I'm able to. :]

Fennekin @ Power Herb / Berry Juice
Ability: Magician
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 36 Def / 180 SpA / 36 SpD / 196 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam / Hidden Power [Grass]
- Hidden Power [Grass] / Substitute
- Psyshock

Roles: Special Attacker

What It Does: This set revolves around the use of Magician, an ability elusive to the Fennekin line. Magician allows Fennekin to steal the held item of a target it hits with a move when it does not have an item. Fire Blast is Fennekin's STAB of choice as is more powerful than the alternative Flamethrower which lets Fennekin abuse the potentially stolen Life Orb better. Solar Beam can be used with the item Power Herb to activate Magician and steal the opposing pokemon's item. However Solar Beam could only be used once, unless you have the Sun support. Hidden Power Grass is an option either over Solar Beam or along side it; if HP Grass is being used over Solar Beam, Substitute is the recommended option for the next move slot. Substitute can be used in tandem with Berry Juice to not only create more Substitutes, but also allow the activation of Magician. Psyshock rounds out the move set granting decent coverage in a metagame plagued with Fighting types.

Good Teammates: Nothing really pairs particularly well with Fennekin. Stick Web lets it not be checked as greatly by faster pokemon, yet it can only do so much. Hazard removal lets Fennekin live a neutral hit, but it doesn't greatly extend its life like it does for many Pokemon.

What Counters It: Fennekin has too many checks and several viable countes as it simply doesn't hit hard enough and is rather frail (until it steals an Eviolite at least). Because if these two reasons combined it cannot be easily switched in and is easily walled. Most neutral hits will KO Fennekin after rocks damage, and basically everything unresisted 2HKOes even with Eviolite. Yet, anything lacking Sap Sipper will have their item taken if the Solar Beam set is being used if you try to switch something in. Sadly, anything that outspeeds Fennekin acts as a check while Houndour, Mienfoo, and Porygon are the main counters for this particular fire fox.

Any Additional Info: Fennekin has very little going for it. It has average stats, a small move pool, and very tough competition. The only reason to use Fennekin over Vulpix, Houndour, or Ponyta is the Ability Magician which acts as poor man's Knock Off.

 

[Fiend]

So is http://www.smogon.com/teambuilder/sprite_generator not generating proper sprites for anyone else? Or am I special?

 

[Aerow]

It's not only you. I have tried to find out why, but I can't find a reason unfortunately.

So yeah, use this site instead to get sprites: http://play.pokemonshowdown.com/sprites/bw/

 

[Fiend]

Okay, thank you Aerow. I'll do add the needed sprite as soon as I can.

 

[Max Carvalho]

What not to use

Hide

Zubat

Zubat @Eviolite
Ability: Ineer Focus
Level: 5
EVs: 196 HP / 76 Atk / 236 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Defog
- Brave Bird
- Roost
- U-turn

Roles: Hazard Remover, Pivot.

What it does: It's supposed to remove hazards mainly while U-turn gives it a little niche as a pivot. Someone may like to use Zubat as a Deffoger due to its resistances, including a 4x resistance to Fighting-type moves and a powerful STAB in Brave Bird. However, Zubat is rather terrible due to its low stats, no coverage moves at all, and being set up fodder to most powerful threats in LC.

 

[Max Carvalho]

Lol I posted it without finishing wait a moment.

 

[Aerow]

Okay guys, the old sprite resource is finally working again, so please continue using this site for sprites!

The Avalanches and Max Carvalho, would be cool if you could add more content on Tyrunt and Zubat, such as what counters them. Also, kingmidas, please add more content to Spritzee and Flabebe, that would be great!

Also, Superpowerdude (Bronzor), Plead (Staryu and Lickitung), Max Carvalho (Shieldon), Corporal Levi (Omanyte), and Aaron's Aron (Cubone), please finish your analyses! :)

 

[Aerow]

Happiny

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[What to NOT use]

Happiny (F) @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 236 Def / 156 SpD
Calm Nature
- Light Screen
- Rest
- Heal Bell
- Thunder Wave

What it does: Newer players may think Happiny is a great Pokemon in Little Cup. Just look at its big sisters Chansey and Blissey, both excellent Pokemon in OverUsed and UnderUsed respectively. When you take a look at Happiny's stats, it doesn't look too bad. 28/15/24 defenses after Eviolite boost is actually pretty good, if you ignore the terrible 15 Defense even with almost max investment. Happiny's problem is that it is totally outclassed by Munchlax, and have a terrible, terrible movepool. Softboiled? Nope. What about Stealth Rock and Wish? Nope. Only good supportive moves Happiny have is Light Screen, Heal Bell and Thunder Wave. Light Screen is very situational, and Heal Bell isn't a big niche at all. Basically, the only thing Happiny can really do is set up Light Screen, heal teammates and maybe Thunder Wave the opponent. Then use Rest, and cure Sleep status with Natural Cure. This doesn't sound too bad. Problem is that Happiny will never be able to do all of this. Happiny will, if lucky, will only be able to do like one of these things, unless the opponents team is just six Special Attackers. Happiny is therefore maybe one of the worst Pokemon in Little Cup, a Support Pokemon that can't really support. If you want a good Special Wall, use Munchlax or Porygon.

What counters it: Basically all physical attackers 2HKO or OHKOes Happiny, and especially Fighting-types, which is everywhere, just totally crushes Happiny. Only use Happiny against Special Attackers like Misdreavus, Chinchou, Abra and Magnemite. Taunt is also a huge problem for Happiny, making it totally useless.

Swinub

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[What to NOT use]

Swinub @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Def / 36 SpD / 36 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Spear

 

[nv]

What To Use.

Surskit

Surskit @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rain Dish
Level: 5
EVs: 36 HP / 20 Def / 196 SpA / 20 SpD / 236 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sticky Web
- Signal Beam
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam

Role: Hazard User, Suicide Lead

What It Does: Surskit's role is to support the team with its new move it got from Gen 6: Sticky Web. This Sticky Web user is best used on offensive teams as a lead, letting the team keep up the pressure as the the opponent tries to get rid of the Web or deal with it. Surskit is the premier Sticky Web setter as it can reliably beat the most common spinner, Drilbur, with its Water-type STAB whilst also resisting Drilbur's STAB Earthquake, although it must watch for Rock Slide.

Good Teammates: A good teammate for Surskit is any poke that is slow yet powerful such as Cranidos. It also allows bulky teams to outlast and outspeed the opponent's team. A great partner for Surskit is Elekid as Elekid outspeeds the unboosted metagame so with Sticky Web to ensure Scarfers don't outspeed it, Elekid can use its coverage to clear through the opponent.

What Counters It: Taunt leads that have more than 17 speed or speedtie with it, such as Misdreavus and Onix. Multi-hit moves, such as Rock Blast or Tail Slap, also ruin Surskit's job as they don't care about Sash. Being frail means it must watch out for any super effective so as to not break Sash when it should. It should also watch out for hazards if it is Sash and not lead.

Any Additional Info: Surskit can provide offense to the team by equipping a Life Orb over a Sash, setting up Sticky Web as a "dying wish" as so.

Spinarak

Spinarak @ Focus Sash / Eviolite
Ability: Swarm / Insomnia
Level: 5
EVs: 116 HP / 196 Atk / 196 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sticky Web
- Megahorn
- Poison Jab
- Toxic Spikes / Sucker Punch / Shadow Sneak

Role: Hazard User, Suicide Lead

What It Does: The other premier web setter in LC, Spinarak can take advantage of its typing and its ability to tank hits and reliably set up Sticky Web. It also has the combo of Focus Sash + Swarm + Megahorn, which it got as a Gen 6 Egg Move, allowing it to hit super hard after the Sticky Web has been set up and the Sash is broken. The Focus Sash allows Spinarak to survive any one hit and make sure Sticky Web is up. This is best paired with Swarm to make Megahorn hit harder. Insomnia works best with Eviolite, allowing Spinarak to not only tank resisted hits, but take Sleep moves from the likes of Foongus.

Good Teammates: Teammates for Spinarak are the same as Surskit, essentially. Anyone who is too slow to truly be effective loves Sticky Web, such as Bulky mons ranging from Porygon to Bulky Foo.

What Counters It: Any Taunter as most common users of Taunt, such as Onix, Missy, and Fast Foo, are all faster than Spinarak and won't let it set up Web. Multi-hit moves ruin Sash Spinarak and Eviolite Spinarak still cannot tank too many super-effective hits. It's own frailty is its downfall.

Sewaddle

Sewaddle @ Eviolite
Ability: Chlorophyll
Level: 5
EVs: 156 HP / 196 Def / 40 SpA / 116 SpD
Bold Nature
- Sticky Web
- Energy Ball
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Air Slash

Role: Hazard User

What It Does: Sewaddle is the premier Sticky Web user for sun teams. It not only helps to make sure the team outspeeds the opponent, but it has Chlorophyll to reach a speed of 20 in the sun. This also allows it to be the faster setter of Sticky Web in LC. Other than that, Sewaddle is commonly shunned to the side as Spinarak and Surskit are better at doing the Sticky Web setting.

Good Teammates: Vulpix. This is obvious as Vulpix has auto-sun and allows Sewaddle to take advantage of its ability. Other teammates are the same pokes that benefit from Spinarak and Surskit's support; bulky/frail mons that hit hard but are too slow to be effective.

What Counters It: Sewaddle's typing is the worst of the three Sticky Web users and it has many exploitable weaknesses, such as Fire-, Flying-, and Rock-. Eviolite doesn't even help with Fire- and Flying- as 4x weaknesses still manage to OHKO Sewaddle.

Any Additional Info: This does have a niche on sun teams, but outside of that use Spinarak or Surskit for Sticky Web support.

 

[Max Carvalho]

Ok Aerow, I should've finished that long time ago sorry!

 

[Superpowerdude]

forgot about this ://// sorry aerow will do bronzor tomorrow and edit it in this post
[What not to use]

Bronzor @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
Bold Nature
EV Spread: Don't matter because Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Earthquake
- Flash Cannon

Role: Hazard User, Wall

What It Does: Last gen Bronzor was used a Stealth Rock user and a good counter to sand plus it could wall stuff like Murkrow. This gen sand is dead and with the Steel nerf and Knock Off buff Bronzor can't really stick around with no recovery, It also is hit 2x super effectively by Ghost now so it can't cripple Misdreavus with Toxic. It would pretty much set up Stealth Rock and die.
Good Teammates: Don't every use this, it is a waste of a team slot

What Counters It: Knock Off users, Misdreavus, Gastly, Pawnaird, Drilbur w/ Mold Breaker, taunt users shut it down since it has no offensive presence and with no recovery it can be worn down repeatedly.

Any Additional Info: If you have a real Bronzor fetish, play 5th gen LC and even then.... no recovery is kinda lame imo

 

[Aerow]

Due to a new 65000 word limit Smogon has implemented, a new Teambuilding Project thread have been made.

Also, Plead (Staryu and Lickitung), Max Carvalho (Shieldon and Zubat), Corporal Levi (Omanyte), kingmidas (Spritzee and Flabebe), and TCR (Amaura), please finish and post your analyses in the new thread, since editing doesn't work after a thread is locked :)

Would be nice if a Moderator could lock this thread.