Little Cup Guide (WIP)

[iss]

Very much a WIP, this is going to take a while.

Various things to come. The entire guide needs to be updated for the new metagame! Also things need to be added.

Link to the current guide: http://www.smogon.com/bw/articles/bw_lc_guide

The layout will probably look something like this:

1. Overview
1.1. Rules
1.2. General

2. Offensive
2.1. Overview
2.2. Standard
2.3. Weather / Trick Room

3. Balanced
3.1. Overview
3.2. Standard

4. Defensive
4.1. Overview
4.2. Standard
4.3. Sand

5. Sample Teams
5.1. Offensive
5.2. Balanced
5.3. Defensive

6. Conclusion

1. Overview

1.1. Rules

- Pretty much going to stay the same, with the banlist changes.

1.2. General

- Little Cup is more speed-oriented
- Therefore, offense is more common, although balance thrives
- The effects of Eviolite

2. Offensive

2.1. Overview

- Repeat stuff about speed
- Common sweepers
- Priority and Choice Scarfers
- Eviolite vs. Life Orb

2.2. Standard

- Does not necessarily mean six sweepers
- Combination of set up sweepers, 4-attack sweepers, revenge killers, and hazard setters
- Give some standard Pokemon (Misdreavus, Gligar, etc.)
- Give some good sweepers

2.3. Weather / Trick Room

- Sand: Drilbur, Gligar, etc.
- Hail: Chinchou, Staryu, etc.
- Rain: Kabuto, Horsea, etc.
- Trick Room: Slowpoke, Cubone, etc.
- This obviously needs to be fleshed out more but basically just talk about standard Pokemon for each playstyle and a brief overview of how to play it, strengths/weaknesses, etc.

3. Balanced

3.1. Overview

- Most used playstyle now
- Eviolite (!!!)
- What is balance?

3.2. Standard

- Common Pokemon (defensive Gligar, Porygon, etc.)
- Combination of revenge killers, defensive Pokemon, and one or two sweepers
- How to play balance (don't lose Pokemon unnecessarily, use recovery as much as possible, etc.)

4. Defensive

4.1. Overview

- Least used playstyle, but still effective
- Eviolite (so important)
- Doesn't mean stall

4.2. Standard

- Not sure what exactly to do here, someone's going to have to write it

4.3. Sand

- Special Defense boost
- Many common defensive Pokemon are immune to sand (Bronzor, Overcoat Vullaby, Lileep, etc.)
- Hippopotas is great too

5. Sample Teams

5.1. Offensive

5.2. Balanced

5.3. Defensive

6. Conclusion

 

[spuds4ever]

Will only the authors of the previous guide be able to write for this or will other people be able to contribute (with approval of course)?

 

[iss]

Anyone can contribute. Tell me first though.

 

[Ray Jay]

I wrote the whole of the defensive section last time and would be glad to do it again (honestly, probably just going to take my words from before and rewrite them to make sense for the newer meta). There was a short section on hail last time as well which can honestly just be copy pasted from the old version since hail defense is nothing new or interesting.

In other words I'll do the whole defensive section.

I'm also of the belief that we don't need 3 sample teams, but whatever.

 

[prem]

for sure doing offense overview and sample offensive team. maybe will do offensive standard, but not sure

 

[spuds4ever]

I'm good to do standard balance and offensively orriented balance.

 

[iss]

To be clear: post whatever you want to do in this thread, and when we finalize on a format, I'll give out sections. You aren't guaranteed to write what you want, but I'll try my best to give everyone what they want.

 

[spuds4ever]

Ok, well I read that a little late, and I've written out the article but whatever. Anyway, here it is for approvals if that's how this is running. Sorry for the crappy format but original paste bin isn't working on my laptop.

http://paste2.org/p/1944467

Edit: do you guys think it would be necessary to add in weather for this section?

 

[Ray Jay]

Ok, well I read that a little late, and I've written out the article but whatever. Anyway, here it is for approvals if that's how this is running. Sorry for the crappy format but original paste bin isn't working on my laptop.

http://paste2.org/p/1944467

Your work is much appreciated (even if you did read that a little late). Basic thing is the format and everything isn't even finalized yet, so someone else may end up writing the section on balance and thus we're not at the stage where we're ready to approve things like this. Of course, your work is appreciated, and I'm sure whoever writes it (maybe even you) will be able to draw on your writing for tips on stuff to write.

Edit: do you guys think it would be necessary to add in weather for this section?

Again, the format's not finalized, so hold off on writing anything more just yet.

 

[iss]

This is going to be delayed until the council votes on bans, which should be sometime soon.

 

[spuds4ever]

I just noticed that the current little cup guide uses bronzor with hypnosis after seeing a guy use the team which is really not good. Should probably fix that seeing as this WIP will take a while.

 

[Ray Jay]

I know myself and a few others are just about ready to get this roling, so we should decide on a final format and authors for each section.

One idea I've loosely tossed around is that of eliminating the structure of the previous LC Article, which was in paragraph form almost entirely. This really provided too vague an article. Instead, I think it should be by Pokemon. For example, the Defense section might look like:

4. Defensive

4.1. Overview
-brief intro
4.2. Standard
-mienfoo (stats, good moves, then a short explanation)
-porygon (stats, good moves, then a short explanation)
-other good defensive Pokemon

4.3. Sand
-hippopotas
-lileep
-i think you get the idea

This would be most similar to this article, which i feel was very well done. Obviously, we wouldn't have to make it quite as extensive.

Either way, we should definitely get this rolling ASAP!

 

[iss]

Alright, you can start writing now! Post if you want something.

1. Overview -
2. Offensive - prem
3. Balanced - iss
4. Defensive - Ray Jay
5. Sample Teams - Feel free to suggest teams for this!
6. Conclusion -

Use Ray Jay's format.

 

[prem]

im doing offense.

 

[Ray Jay]

For those that still don't get it:

(pokemon sprite here)
Pokemon name
Type:
Base Stats:
Ability:

Brief section highlighting why this Pokemon is good at this job and why you should use it.

Repeat ad infinitum.

ONE LAST NOTE: Use the sprites from Smogon that way this goes quicker when we html

 

[Ray Jay]

Sorry to double post but this is the exact format we're using for each Pokemon. Get as many people to help us with this as possible.
--------------
[pimg]627[/pimg]
Ferroseed
Type: Grass / Steel
Base Stats: 44 HP / 50 Atk / 91 Def / 24 SpA / 86 SpD / 10 Spe
Ability: Iron Barbs

Ferroseed's usefulness to defensive teams comes from its solid mixed stats augmented by a plethora of resistances. It also has the added bonus of being one of the most reliable Spikes users while also having access to Stealth Rock. This allows it to do its job for most of the game, outclassing Dwebble on defensive teams as it beats balance teams relying on Staryu to repeatedly Rapid Spin away hazards. Ferroseed's movepool is concise, but it still contains the tools it needs to do its job.

Common Threats Checked By Ferroseed: Bronzor,Chinchou (without Hidden Power Fire), Staryu, Meowth, Misdreavus (without Hidden Power Fighting), Murkrow (without Heat Wave), Drilbur, Frillish, Porygon, Slowpoke, Solosis, Snover (can't switch into Hidden Power Fire), Diglett, Clamperl, Drifloon, Oddish, Omanyte, Taillow, Tirtouga, Vullaby
Useful Moves: Spikes, Stealth Rock, Leech Seed, Bullet Seed, Gyro Ball
Preferred Teammates: Frillish, Slowpoke, Misdreavus, Houndour, Mienfoo, Murkrow

----------
Follow this format exactly.

4. Defense

Defensive play in LC is dominated by smart play that limits both unnecessary risk and luck. This provides for longer, more drawn out games, where one misclick early on can cost a player just as much late in the match. This allows defense to excel against offensive teams, who require unnecessary risks to break through solid defensive cores if even one of their important Pokemon is taken out. Defensive teams don't always beat balanced teams or offensive teams, however, due to the fact that a defensive team is tailored to beat the most common threats in the meta, and can thus be caught off guard by an unorthodox Pokemon or set.

4.1 Physically Defensive

[pimg]627[/pimg]
Ferroseed
Type: Grass / Steel
Base Stats: 44 HP / 50 Atk / 91 Def / 24 SpA / 86 SpD / 10 Spe
Ability: Iron Barbs

Ferroseed's usefulness to defensive teams comes from its solid mixed stats augmented by a plethora of resistances. It also has the added bonus of being one of the most reliable Spikes users while also having access to Stealth Rock. This allows it to do its job for most of the game, outclassing Dwebble on defensive teams as it beats balance teams relying on Staryu to repeatedly Rapid Spin away hazards. Ferroseed's movepool is concise, but it still contains the tools it needs to do its job.

Common Threats Checked By Ferroseed: Bronzor,Chinchou (without Hidden Power Fire), Staryu, Meowth, Misdreavus (without Hidden Power Fighting), Murkrow (without Heat Wave), Drilbur, Frillish, Porygon, Slowpoke, Solosis, Snover (can't switch into Hidden Power Fire), Diglett, Clamperl, Drifloon, Oddish, Omanyte, Taillow, Tirtouga, Vullaby
Useful Moves: Spikes, Stealth Rock, Leech Seed, Bullet Seed, Gyro Ball, Thunder Wave
Preferred Teammates: Frillish, Slowpoke, Misdreavus, Houndour, Mienfoo, Murkrow

[pimg]646[/pimg]
Shelmet
Type: Bug
Base Stats: 50 HP / 40 Atk / 85 Def / 40 SpA / 65 SpD / 25 Spe
Ability: Hydration, Shell Armor, Overcoat (Dream World, Unreleased)

Shelmet's niche comes from being such a solidly defensive Bug-type, possessing an important resistance to Fighting-type moves. This allows it to beat opposing Scraggy if they don't use Head Smash or Stone Edge, as well as act as a check against plenty of other physical threats. Unfortunately, Shelmet needs a partner to use Rapid Spin as it has a weakness to the ubiquitous Stealth Rock. Access to Spikes and Recover also merits Shelmet's use on stall teams, especially those that have trouble with Scraggy and can't dedicate a spot to Mienfoo.

Common Threats Checked by Shelmet: Chinchou, Croagunk, Diglett, Lileep, Machop, Meowth, Mienfoo, Scraggy, Staryu, Stunky, Timburr
Useful Moves: Spikes, Recover, Acid Armor, Bug Buzz, Hidden Power Flying, Yawn, Toxic
Preferred Teammates: Bronzor, Lileep, Munchlax, Slowpoke, Exeggcute, Houndour, Tentacool, Numel

[pimg]79[/pimg]
Slowpoke
Type: Water / Psychic
Base Stats: 90 HP / 65 Atk / 65 Def / 40 SpA / 40 SpD / 15 Spe
Ability: Oblivious, Own Tempo, Regenerator (Dream World, Released)

Slowpoke boasts solid defensive stats, which combine with Regenerator to allow it to repeatedly tank attacks throughout the match, such as Eviolite or Choice Scarf Murkrow's Brave Bird. It also possesses a handy resistance to Fighting-type moves, although most such as Mienfoo have U-turn to handle it. Also notable is the gift of Scald, which is useful for teammates that struggle to tank hits repeatedly. Slowpoke gets in often enough that it can spread status around the other team; however, it is unfortunately weak to Pursuit, despite being usually bulky enough to take a hit.

Common Threats Checked by Slowpoke: Croagunk (without Shadow Ball), Doduo, Drilbur, Dwebble (non Shell Smash versions), Hippopotas, Machop, Mienfoo (watch out for U-turn), Murkrow, Natu, Shellder, Taillow, Vullaby (without Taunt)
Useful Moves: Surf, Scald, Slack Off, Disable, Fire Blast, Toxic, Thunder Wave, Psychic
Preferred Teammates: Lileep, Ferroseed, Munchlax, Chinchou, Croagunk, Mienfoo, Lickitung

[pimg]138[/pimg]
Omanyte
Type: Water / Rock
Base Stats: 35 HP / 40 Atk / 100 Def / 90 SpA / 55 SpD / 35 Spe
Ability: Swift Swim, Shell Armor, Weak Armor (Dream World, Released)

Although it is usually seen using Shell Smash, Omanyte has a not-to-be-neglected solid Defense stat as well complemented by good typing. This is mostly because it is one of the very few Pokemon with Toxic Spikes, and many times, Tentacool is not suited for defensive teams due to the team needing a Pokemon with higher Defense. Also notable is Omanyte on sandstorm teams, where it gets a nifty Special Defense boost as well. Overall, Omanyte's solid defensive movepool merits it for consideration more than anything.

Common Threats Checked by Omanyte: Darumaka, Doduo,Dwebble, Houndour,Lickitung, Munchlax, Murkrow (without Hidden Power Grass), Taillow
Useful Moves: Spikes, Toxic Spikes, Stealth Rock, Scald, Surf, Ice Beam, Hidden Power Fire, Knock Off, Toxic
Preferred Teammates: Larvesta, Lileep, Ferroseed, Misdreavus, Mienfoo, Scraggy, Lickitung

[pimg]649[/pimg]
Mienfoo
Type: Fighting
Base Stats:45 HP / 85 Atk / 50 Def / 55 SpA / 50 SpD / 65 Spe
Ability: Inner Focus / Regenerator / Reckless (Dream World, Unreleased)

While Fighting may not initially seem like fantastic defensive typing, Mienfoo is notable for acting as a Scraggy counter capable of maintaining momentum. U-turn and Knock Off in conjunction with Regenerator allow Mienfoo to cause trouble throughout the match, allowing defensive teams to get to their counters for particular Pokemon before the opponent can do anything about it. Furthermore, Mienfoo's naturally high Attack is useful on defensive teams, as the defensive team can stay healthy while opposing Pokemon without recovery will have trouble keeping up.

Common Threats Checked by Mienfoo: Dwebble, Ferroseed, Houndour, Lileep Meowth, Munchlax, Omanyte, Pawniard, Porygon, Scraggy, Shellder (can't switch in and get hit by a critical hit) Snover, Tirtouga
Useful Moves: Fake Out, U-turn, Drain Punch, Payback, Knock Off, Hi Jump Kick, Taunt, Stone Edge, Substitute
Preferred Teammates: Chinchou, Slowpoke, Bronzor, Dwebble, Ferroseed, Natu, Staryu, Stunky, Porygon

[pimg]560[/pimg]
Timburr
Type: Fighting
Base Stats: 75 HP / 80 Atk / 55 Def / 25 SpA / 35 SpD / 35 Spe
Ability: Guts / Sheer Force / Iron Fist (Dream World, unreleased)

Although oft neglected in favor of Mienfoo, Timburr has a niche as a bulky Fighting-type in Little Cup as a status absorber and Bulk Up user. Timburr also can check the ubiquitous Scraggy while maintaining offensive presence against all variants of Misdreavus, something few sets can boast. Furthermore, Timburr is important to stall teams and sand stall teams for its ability to take on Choice Scarf Snover, a set that can typically 2HKO Mienfoo, causing problems for many teams that depend on it. Timburr does have a more concise movepool than Mienfoo, but does get the illustrious Mach Punch, something many Fighting-types including Mienfoo can only dream of.

Common Threats Checked by Timburr: Aron,Chinchou, Cranidos, Croagunk, Drilbur, Ferroseed, Gastly, Houndour, Lileep, Magnemite, Meowth, Mienfoo, Misdreavus, Munchlax, Omanyte, Pawniard, Snover, Tirtouga
Useful Moves: Bulk Up, Mach Punch, Drain Punch, Payback, Toxic
Preferred Teammates: Hippopotas, Chinchou, Porygon, Misdreavus, Lileep

[pimg]109[/pimg]
Koffing
Type: Poison
Base Stats: 40 HP / 65 Atk / 95 Def / 60 SpA / 45 SpD / 35 Spe
Ability: Levitate

Koffing stands as a strong physical wall with access to Will-O-Wisp, an important Ground-type immunity, and blessed typing. One of the few Pokemon that can attempt to take on both Scraggy and Drilbur, Koffing is important to defensive teams that already have hazards and need a pivot that is not set up fodder for really anything, courtesy of Clear Smog. It also has a low HP stat which works quite nicely in conjunction with Pain Split. Koffing has a more than usable movepool as well, and when complemented by proper team support, has the potential to ease the burden of taking hits on the rest of the team.

Common Threats Checked by Koffing: Axew, Croagunk, Drifloon, Drilbur, Elekid, Ferroseed, Hippopotas, Machop, Mienfoo, Munchlax, Pawniard, Timburr
Useful Moves: Will-O-Wisp, Pain Split, Clear Smog, Fire Blast, Rest, Sleep Talk, Sludge Bomb, Toxic
Preferred Teammates: Stunky, Scraggy, Chinchou, Mienfoo, Lickitung, Lileep, Porygon

 

[AlphaJolt]

4.4 Sandstorm Abusers

[PIMG]345[/PIMG]
Lileep
Type: Rock / Grass
Base Stats: 66 HP / 41 Atk / 77 Def / 61 SpA / 87 SpD / 23 Spe
Abilities: Suction Cups / Storm Drain (Dream World, Released)

Lileep makes a great addition to any sandstorm teams because of its above average defenses, and also its Rock-type, which further increases its Special Defense in sandstorm. Storm Drain gives it an immunity to Water-type attacks, allowing it to sponge them for teammates such as Hippopotas. With access to an instant recovery move in the form of Recover, Lileep has everything it needs to be a defensive pivot on any teams, but performs at its peak on sandstorm teams.

Common Threats Checked By Lileep: Abra, Bronzor, Chinchou, Cottonee, Diglett, Drifloon, Exeggcute, Frillish, Gastly, Hippopotas, Houndour, Magnemite, Misdreavus, Shelmet, Slowpoke, Snover (can't switch into Blizzard), Staryu, Omanyte, Tirtouga, Porygon

Useful Moves: Energy Ball, Stealth Rock, Recover, Stockpile, Giga Drain, Toxic, Hidden Power Fire

Preferred Teammates: Hippopotas, Frillish, Slowpoke, Drilbur, Misdreavus

[PIMG]454[/PIMG]
Hippopotas
Type: Ground
Base Stats: 68 HP / 72 Atk / 78 Def / 38 SpA / 42 SpD / 32 Spe
Abilities: Sandstream / Sand Force (Dream World, Released)

Being the only Pokemon in Little Cup with the ability Sand Stream, Hippopotas is the staple of any sandstorm team. It boasts a strong defense that lets it tank hits very well, and also has the ability to recover any damage taken via Slack Off. With its great defenses, it can easily set up Stealth Rock, and phaze out opponents with Roar. Hippopotas not only sets up the sandstorm for the team, but also provides great utility with its movepool.

Common Threats Checked by Hippopotas: Croagunk, Diglett, Dwebble, Larvesta, Mienfoo, Pawniard, Ponyta, Stunky

Useful Moves: Stealth Rock, Earthquake, Roar, Slack Off, Toxic, Crunch, Rock Slide, Protect

Preferred Teammates: Lileep, Slowpoke, Frillish, Ferroseed, Drillbur, Vullaby

[PIMG]622[/PIMG]
Frillish
Type: Water / Ghost
Base Stats: 55 HP / 40 Atk / 50 Def / 65 SpA / 85 SpD / 40 Spe
Abilities: Water Absorb / Cursed Body / Damp (Dream World, Unreleased)

Not only does Frillish fill the role of bulky water on a team, but it doubles as a spinblocker. With a above average Special Defense and exception Defense, it is comfortable tanking all kinds of hits. Whatever it tanks, it just Recovers off and starts over again. Frillish has a large movepool that it can use to either support its team or attack the opponent. Its abilities are also great, as Water Absorb gives it an immunity and Cursed Body disables opponents attacks while still keeping a resistance to Water-type moves. Frillish greatly supports any team and is easily customized for various roles.

Common Threats Checked by Frillish: Bronzor, Dwebble, Hippopotas, Larvesta, Mienfoo, Natu, Ponyta, Slowpoke

Useful Moves: Scald, Surf, Shadow Ball, Recover, Will-o-Wisp, Toxic, Energy Ball, Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, Taunt

Preferred Teammates: Ferroseed, Lileep, Hippopotas, Scraggy, Dratini, Axew

[PIMG]659[/PIMG]
Vullaby
Type: Dark / Flying
Base Stats: 70 HP / 55 Atk / 75 Def / 45 SpA / 65 SpD / 60 Spe
Abilities: Big Pecks / Overcoat / Weak Armor (Dream World, Unreleased)

Vullaby is a great defensive Pokemon with a wide movepool of moves that can either support a team or just annoy the opponent. After it tanks a few hits, it can heal up with Roost. Taunt lets it make most walls useless. These, combined with Overcoat, let Vullaby stay alive while the sandstorm wears down opponents. Vullaby is a unique mixed wall and can greatly benefit any sandstorm team in need of a stallbreaker.

Common Threats Checked by Vullaby: Bronzor, Cottonee, Croagunk, Diglett, Exeggute, Ferroseed, Frillish, Hippopotas, Lileep, Shelmet, Slowpoke, Stunky, Tentacool

Useful Moves: Brave Bird, Taunt, Toxic, Roost, Knock Off, Whirlwind, Hidden Power Fire, U-Turn

Prefered Teammates: Hippopotas, Ferroseed, Lileep, Drilbur, Magnemite

4.2 Specially Defensive

[PIMG]451[/PIMG]
Munchlax
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 135 HP / 85 Atk / 40 Def / 40 SpA / 85 SpD / 5 Spe
Abilities: Thick Fat / Immunity / Gluttony (Dream World, Unreleased)

Say hello to the best special wall of the DPP era. Munchlax can take any special hit, and hit back with Body Slam, or Pursuit Ghosts who are immune to it. With a wide movepool, it can run many sets. Both of its abilities are great. Due to the high use of Fighting-types and Shell Smashers, it is not commonly seen as it becomes set up bait. Never-the-less, Munchlax is still among the best special sponges, if not the best, in the tier.

Common Threats Checked by Munchlax: Abra, Bronzor, Drifloon, Exeggcute, Ferroseed, Gastly, Houndour, Lileep, Magnemite, Misdreavus, Snover, Tentacool

Useful Moves: Body Slam, Return, Pursuit, Fire Punch, Earthquake, Whirlwind, Rest, Sleep Talk, Stockpile

Prefered Teammates: Misdreavus, Mienfoo, Timburr, Koffing

[PIMG]177[/PIMG]
Natu
Type: Psychic / Flying
Base Stats: 40 HP / 50 Atk / 45 Def / 70 SpA / 45 SpD / 70 Spe
Abilities: Synchronize / Early Bird / Magic Bounce (Dream World, Released)

Natu's Ability, Magic Bounce, brought it into the light as one of the best "rapid spinners" in Little Cup. It bounces all hazards and many moves such as Taunt, Leech Seed, Toxic, and Spore back at its opponents. It also had decent speed and special attack so that it can hit the Fighting-types, which it walls, for super effective damage. Natu also has many other moves in its arsenal and can set up dual screens, wish pass, or Trick. With a myriad of options available, Natu makes a great addition to any team.

Common Threats Checked by Natu: Cottonee, Croagunk, Exeggcute, Ferroseed, Hippopotas, Lileep, Mienfoo, Shelmet, Slowpoke, Tentacool, Vullaby

Useful Moves: Hidden Power Flying, U-Turn, Feather Dance, Toxic, Roost, Light Screen, Reflect, Thunder Wave, Trick, Wish

Preferred Teammates: Scraggy, Chinchou, Snover, Timburr, Mienfoo, Lileep, Wynaut



Misdreavus
Chinchou
Stunky
Tentacool
Lickitung

 

[Ray Jay]

Put that in Hide tags saying something like "Defensive Sandstorm" or something

Everyone do as Alphajolt has; for sprites use the [pimg] tags ie [pimg]1[/pimg]

Also Aj change it to (Dream World, Unreleased) or (Dream World, Released)

 

[prem]

for the pimg stuff go here

im going to list what i think goes where

offensive standard

mienfoo
scraggy
murkrow
misdreavus
abra
elekid
tirtouga
gastly
omanyte
shellder
larvesta
drifloon
diglett
croagunk
chinchuo
clamperl
staryu
axew
ponyta
dwebble
teddiursa

offensive sand

hippopotas
drillbur
magnemite
cacnea
sandshrew
gible

offensive hail

snover
smoochum

offensive sun

petilil
oddish
ponyta
houndour
bellsprout
larvesta
mienfoo

offensive rain

horsea
kabuto
omanyte
staryu
chinchou
clamperl
mienfoo

 

[prem]

sorry for double posting but this is to make this more organized lol

2.1 offensive overview

Offensive teams are all about speed and raw power. These teams are designed to run through teams quickly and efficently, while taking risks to achieve these goals. Many of the best offensive Pokemon are set up sweepers who remain bulky with the use of Eviolite. Compared to last generation, where every Pokemon ran Life Orb or Choice Scarf, Eviolite gives many Pokemon the bulk to survive nearly all neutral hits. Although Eviolite is the most common item, Life Orb is still incredibly effective for its ability to make many hard hitters wallbreakers.

Offensive Standard

Offensive standard is based around fast wall breakers and boosting sweepers. Unlike most metagames, where entry hazards are almost a necessity, entry hazards in Little Cup are not needed to be successful. Many fast wall breakers will rely on their immense coverage and Life Orb to allow them to break through opponent's teams, while boosting Pokemon will generally rely on Eviolite to give them an easier time to sweep. Bulky pivots using Eviolite are extremely common to check some of the metagames most common threats, while still maintaining offensive pressure or momentum.

[pimg]589[/pimg]
Scraggy
Type: Dark / Fighting
Base Stats: 50 HP / 75 Atk / 70 Def / 35 SpA / 70 SpD / 48 Spe
Ability: Shed Skin / Moxie / Intimidate (DW, Unreleased)

Scraggy is one of the most threatening sweepers in the LC metagame. A great STAB combination, access to Dragon Dance, immense bulk, and high power allows it to set up on nearly every neutral attack and then proceed to sweep a team easily. Having a way around nearly everyone of its checks makes it a humungous threat to many balanced teams who rely on beating it with a common check. While the common Scraggy set uses only STAB attacks, it can easily run a Rock-type attack to beat Bug-types such as Larvesta or Shelmet, or Zen Headbutt to beat Croagunk. It can also easily beat Mienfoo by forgoing its Eviolite and using a Life Orb Hi Jump Kick.
Common Threats beaten by Scraggy: Porygon, Ferroseed, Bronzor, Lileep, Chinchou, Staryu, Stunky, Croagunk (with Zen Headbutt), Murkrow, Misdreavus, Larvesta (with Stone Edge), Shelmet (with Head Smash), Mienfoo (with Life Orb Hi Jump Kick), Magnemite, Abra, Tirtouga
Useful moves: Dragon Dance, Hi Jump Kick, Drain Punch, Crunch, Zen Headbutt, Head Smash, Stone Edge, Taunt, Bulk Up, Dragon Tail
Preferred Teammates: Drifloon, Misdreavus, Murkrow, Larvesta, Porygon, Ponyta, Chinchou, Ferroseed

[pimg]216[/pimg]
Teddiursa
Type: Normal
Base Stats: 60 HP / 80 Atk / 50 Def / 50SpA / 50 SpD / 40 Spe
Ability: Pickup / Quick Feet / Honey Gather (DW, Unreleased)

Teddiursa, while not the most common sweeper, can easily sweep through unprepared teams. With Quick Feet giving it a speed boost, Teddiursa can easily outspeed all unboosted Pokemon in the metagame. Combined with a Swords Dance boost, it can easily OHKO the whole metagame bar Bronzor, due to STAB status boosted Facade, giving it an extremely powerful STAB attack with nearly no recoil. The main issue of Teddiursa comes from how difficult it is to set up; without Eviolite, it is not incredibly bulky, and must find multiple opportunities to set up. Teddiursa primarily can set up on neutral STAB Special Attacks from Pokemon such as Staryu or Porygon, but once it sets up, it is practically game over.
Common Threats Beaten by Teddiursa: Shroomish, Chinchou, Staryu, Porygon, Lileep, Snover, Misdreavus
Useful Moves: Protect, Swords Dance, Facade, Close Combat, Fire Punch, Crunch
Preferred Teammates: Murkrow, Mienfoo, Diglett, Drillbur, Larvesta, Shelmet

[pimg]198[/pimg]
Murkrow
Type: Dark / Flying
Base Stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 42 Def / 85 SpA / 42 SpD / 91 Spe
Ability: Insomnia / Super Luck / Prankster (DW)

Murkrow stands out in Little Cup with its superb offensive Stats, having incredibly high Attack stats, and reaching the highest most common speed tier in the metagame. These great stats are backed up by an expansive movepool, which gives it great physical and supportive options, while also having enough Special options to keep the opponent guessing. Murkrow is quite possibly the single most dangerous Wallbreaker in all of Little Cup due to these qualities. When equiped with Life Orb, its Brave Bird 2HKOs the whole metagame, while STAB priority in Sucker Punch gives it a way to beat many faster threats such as Drillbur. It has incredible coverage between both of its STABs and Heat Wave, giving it a way to hit Steel-types such as Ferroseed. Prankster is a magnificent ability on the bird, as while it loses a few coverage options such as Heat Wave, its ability to support a team and itself with its myriad of support attacks is valuable in many situations.
Common Threats Checked by Murkrow: Misdreavus, Ferroseed, Drillbur, Scraggy, Mienfoo, Croagunk, Timburr, Larvesta
Useful Moves: Brave Bird, Drill Peck, Hidden Power Grass, Heat Wave, Dark Pulse, Roost, Feather Dance, Substitute, Calm Mind, Hidden Power Flying, Taunt, Perish Song, Mean Look, Thunder Wave
Preferred Teammates: Teddiursa, Scraggy, Snover, Staryu, Natu, Mienfoo, Timburr, Shroomish

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Misdreavus
Type: Ghost
Base Stats: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 60 Def / 85 SpA / 85 SpD / 85 Spe
Ability: Levitate

 

[spuds4ever]

Can I get involved in the writing of balanced?

 

[Ray Jay]

Definitely, talk to iss; iss has been kinda busy lately so I'd say he could probably use your help.

 

[danilo]

im helping
placeholder adding stuff atm

offensive standard + sir

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Ponyta
Type: Fire
Base Stats: 50 HP / 85 Atk / 55 Def / 65 SpA / 65 SpD / 90 Spe
Ability: Run Away / Flash Fire / Flame Body

Ponyta is an important asset on most offensive teams. Ponyta hits hard right off the bat with its stellar offensive stat, Flareblitz, and excellent coverage moves in Wild Charge and Return; not to mention the fact that Ponyta hits the covenanted 19 Speed tier. Unlike many Pokemon fond on offensive teams, Ponyta is no slouch defensively. It has the second highest base stat total out of every single Pokemon in the Little Cup tier, and can effectively run an Eviolite set that is able to hit hard, quickly, and survive a bit longer. Finally, most offensive teams hate Choice Scarf Snover; Ponyta serves as an excellent check too the aforementioned Pokemon and can OHKO it with a STAB Flareblitz.
Common Threats beaten by Ponyta: Ferroseed, Snover, Larvesta, Bronzor, Mienfoo, Chikorita, Shroomish
Useful Moves: Flareblitz, Wild Charge, Sunny Day, Morning Sun, Return, Will-O-Wisp, Substitute, Hypnosis
Preferred Teammates: Staryu, Natu, Chinchou, Mienfoo, Shroomish, Axew, Dratini,
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Staryu
Type: Water
Base Stats: 30 HP / 45 Atk / 55 Def / 70 SpA / 55 SpD / 85 Spe
Ability: Illuminate / Natural Cure / Analytic

With an excellent movepool, including being the only commonly used Rapid Spin user, it's difficult not to consider using Staryu on an offensive team. Rapid Spin support is a must on many offensive teams as the aforementioned teams often run Murkrow and Ponyta, both of whom are weak to Stealth Rock. When Staryu's not supporting teams with Rapid Spin, it's putting holes in walls with a powerful STAB Hydro Pump and Thunderbolt. Like many other Pokemon found on offensive teams, Staryu hits the praised 19 Speed tier, allowing it to speed tie with many of the biggest threats in Little Cup, and potentially take down its opponents. Finally, Staryu is lucky to have good defensive typing which is manifested by the Water-type, allowing Staryu to switch into many common attacks in the tier, such as Scald and Flareblitz. All and all, Staryu is an important asset on any offensive team looking for its unique qualities.
Common Threats beaten by Staryu: Ponyta, Hippopotas, Larvesta, Natu, Mienfoo, Houndour
Useful Moves: Hydro Pump, Surf, Scald, Thunderbolt, Ice Beam, Light Screen, Reflect, Rapid Spin, Recover, Hidden Power Fire
Preferred Teammates: Mienfoo, Dratini, Scraggy, Ponyta, Snover, Murkrow
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Drilburr
Type: Ground
Base Stats: 60 HP / 85 Atk / 40 Def / 30 SpA / 45 SpD / 68 Spe
Ability: Sand Rush / Sand Force / Mold Breaker

Drilburr is a Pokemon that has been suspect of much debate for many rounds and it's easy to see why. With an absurd Attack stat, a decent physical movepool, and an excellent ability in Sand Rush, Drilburr is one of the most feared sweepers in Little Cup. With a narrow list of counters that are easy to take advantage of, namely Bronzor and defensive Grass-types, Drilburr shines as both an excellent revenge killer and a late game sweeper. With Life Orb, Drilburr is capable of 2HKOing the majority of tier with Stealth Rock support. Although known for its offense prowess, Drilburr can also put on the facade of a support Pokemon too. With Eviolite and Rapid Spin, Drilburr can effectively serve as an offensive Rapid Spinner, as a weakened Misdreavous will reconsider switching in on Drilburr. Drilburr is one of the most threatening Pokemon in the tier and should be considered on your offensive team.
Common Threats beaten by Drilburr:Misdreavus, Gastly, Mienfoo, Scraggy, Shelmet, Larvesta, Ponyta, Axew, Dratini, Chinchou, Numel, Pawniard, Magneton, Driftloon
Useful Moves:Rapid Spin, Swords Dance, Earthquake, Rock Slide, X-Scissor, Shadow Claw, Substitute
Preferred Teammates:Magneton, Hippopotas, Chinchou, Lileep

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Munchlax
type: Normal
Base Stats: 135 HP / 85 Atk / 40 Def / 40 SpA / 85 SpD / 5 Spe
Abilities: Pick Up / Thick Fat / Gluttony

Although uncommon, Munchlax is incredible on offensive teams. If you briefly look at Munchlax, you'll notice its incredible HP stat, excellent Attack stat, and marvelous Special Defense stat. Combine that with an excellent movepool and a great ability in Thick Fat and you have a fatty that is capable of checking tons of threats and hitting super hard. Munchlax is capable of countering Misdreavus, one of the most used and dangerous threats in the tier, Snover, Chinchou, Ponyta, and many others. Unfortunately, Munchlax isn't completely living the lime-life. Normal typing is both a gift as well as a curse; being immune to Ghost-type moves is great but, Fighting-types dominate Little Cup and can take out Munchlax with their STAB moves. Munchlax is also one of the slowest Pokemon in the tier which lets Fighting-types have an even easier time taking down the obese cutie. Nonetheless, despite Munchlax's faults, it will prove to be a great member of your team if played too its strengths.
Common Threats beaten by Munchlax: Ponyta, Larvesta, Misdreavus, Gastly, Driftloon, Ferrosed, Bronzor, Shroomish, Chikorita
Useful Moves: Return, Body Slam, Focus Punch, Pursuit, Fire Punch, Seed Bomb, Whirlwind, Stockpile, Rock Slide
Preferred Teammates: Larvesta, Ponyta, Mienfoo, Misdreavus, Gastly, Driftloon, Ferroseed

 

[Ray Jay]

Alright guys, giving this a bit of a bump to remind you that it's time to start working on this. We should have the manpower, but more help from experienced writers would be welcome.

 

[Ray Jay]

I'm going to lock this for now as the metagame is definitely still changing and we need to figure out just how we're going to do this guide and just who is going to do this guide. The already accomplished writing will be taken into account and if necessary be used by permission of the author when we write the next guide. Let me know if you're still interested in writing this guide everyone, as we can always use help once we start.