Hi, it's me again! After a successful yet flawed NU team, I decided to make a new one which I think is better than the previous one. I've been playing as Testgimmick in Pokémon Showdown to test the team (some of you may have faced this team while playing PS), and the results are good, I've got to 1780 points, with 50 wins and 10 losses. However, I know it is very improvable. That's why I am posting it.
On a side note, I won't be posting new teams a lot, I know it's been just two weeks after the last message in my last RMT, but this team is so different, and it's the one I am using these days. Also, the metagame has changed a lot. That's why I post them quite close to the other.
This team was built before the new NU Pokémon dropped. The only change I made to it was Rock Blast > Stone Edge for Scolipede leads in Golem after the change.
I wanted to have both Serperior and Samurott in my team, because in my opinion they are understimated threats that aren't used very much, and can wreak havoc if used properly. I am still a not very good player, and I see that especially when fighting people above 1850. I'll keep on improving, I have a lot of fun playing this.
Without further ado, I present you the team!
At a glance:
Changes in Bold
Serperior @ Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Rock]
This is SubCM Serperior. Serperior is quite weak before boosting, but after it uses Calm Mind once or twice, it does some serious damage. Also, Serperior's bulk is quite good, allowing it to easily keep its Substitute, especially against Special Attacks after a few boosts have been accumulated. This Serperior can easily set up on Pokémon like Alomomola if it doesn't switch into Toxic. Giga Drain is a great move to have, allowing Serperior to recover its health, and hitting for good damage (especially if Overgrow is active). Hidden Power Rock hits heavily Flying-, Ice- and Bug-types like Scolipede, Jynx and Charizard, and gives Serperior good coverage.
Samurott @ Lum Berry
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
- Waterfall
- Megahorn
Samurott is a very good Pokémon due to being unpredictable, the opponents don't know it is Specially based, Physically based, or Mixed. Mine is Swords Dance Samurott because I don't have many Physical attackers in my team (just 2, and Golem shouldn't count because it's a Custap lead). Aqua Jet is a nice priority move that handles weakened foes easily, and Waterfall is a very reliable STAB, with a good Flinching rate, considering Samurott outspeeds most walls. Megahorn hits Grass-types such as Tangela for super effective damage, and it's my best move against other Water-types, but it has missed in many important moments. Lum Berry allows Samurott to catch opponents off guard, giving it a free turn for attacking of setting up Swords Dance in case the opponent tries to status him.
Golem @ Custap Berry
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Explosion
This is the most seen Golem, the Custap lead. It reliably sets up Stealth Rock, and that's important for any team especially in NU where spinners aren't that good and many teams lack one. Rock Blast is ther to break Scolipede's Sash. However, it misses so many times it's not even funny (c'mon, it's 90 Accuracy, and it misses more than Stone Edge for me). Also, if it hits, usually it does just twice. Rock Blast is a move that hates me... Earthquake forms the Rock/Ground nearly unresisted combination, and Explosion allows it to severely damage after the Custap Berry has been eaten. (If I see Golurk coming, I go for Earthquake after the Custap). Sometimes, I also begin attacking with Golem, especially if they send a lead weak to its STAB moves. Then, after Sturdy activates, I use Stealth Rock in the Custap turn. A few times I end up not setting Stealth Rock if I see the opponent doen't have many Pokémon weak to it, then I just attack. It can be worth it if I start winning 4-5 the battle.
Misdreavus @ Eviolite
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 40 Spd
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Foul Play
- Pain Split
Misdreavus is the wall in this offensive team. It takes physical hits really easily. And its good typing also allows it to function as a very good spinblocker (the best in the tier). Will-O-Wisp can mean rendering a physical attacker useless if they don't have a cleric. Shadow Ball is Misdreavus' STAB attack, hitting Pokémon that don't resist it, not heavily, but for reasonable damage. It also allows it not to become Taunt bait. Speaking of Taunt, it is used here as well for preventing other Pokémon from setting up ugly things like Stealth Rock or Leech Seed on it. Pain Split isn't very reliable recovery, but it is good enough, and Misdreavus doesn't have a different option. The EV spread is a bit Speed creep...
I hate when the opponent uses Knock Off on Missy. Also, when facing a Normal type attacker, I normally wasted turns after I burn it, because Shadow Ball doesn't affect it, Taunt isn't good in that situation, and Pain Split may be worse for Missy than for the opponent. That's why now I use Foul Play, for hitting Pokémon like Swellow or Zangoose for really good damage.
Gardevoir @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Trace
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Trick
Thanks to ium's suggestion I changed Ludicolo for Gardevoir. It allows me to deal with pesky weather teams thanks to her amazing ability, Trace, and it is as well a Choice Scarf user, something my team lacked. Trick allows it to cripple walls, something important considering Munchlax, Misdreavus... are threats to offensive teams. Psychic, Shadow Ball and Focus Miss provide Gardevoir an unresisted coverage. Gardevoir is really powerful and can beat a damaged teams just by herself
Previous member: Ludicolo: I never found it too good, but that was because of an error with the EV spread. I may use it sometimes:
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance
Swift Swim Ludicolo is for sure a fearome sweeper, however, I feel it's the Pokémon that is less neccesary for the team. I've considered repalcing it for Scolipede or something. Any thoughts?
Anyways, the set is self-explanatory. I choose Hydro Pump instead of Surf because the added power, especially factoring Life Orb is quite noticeable. Giga Drain is Ludicolo's other STAB, a quite reliable one, because it allows it to be healthy even after Life Orb recoil, and hits Water-types for Super Effective damage. Ice Beam covers Grass-types like Tangela. Rain Dance is Ludicolo's set-up move.
Liepard @ Life Orb
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Encore
This by far the most surprinsing set of the team. With all those Swagger/Thunder Wave/Foul Play/Substitute Liepard, this variant is certainly unexpected, people tend to forget Liepard gets Nasty Plot, and also has a very reliable way of setting up and sweep due to Encore and its good Speed.
Dark Pulse hits a really good portion of the metagame for good damage, especially factoring Steel-types aren't very common. This Liepard is great lategame cleaner, as lategame is when opponents try to set-up, and then it's when Encore+Nasty Plot+Dark Pulse = gg. At the beginning of battles it is also good as it can weaken teams sverely after encoring things like Stealth Rock.
Liepard also has invaluable utility for the team, as with Encore it can stop Shell Smash users like Gorebyss or Carracosta, and other set-up sweepers (SWOOBAT) with ease. I dislike when opponents switch into Encore and get a free turn though, I guess I'll have to learn more about Liepard to predict that type of things.
I am not very sure about its moveset though, especially about Substitute. It is good it the opponent uses something like Sleep Powder, to block it, Encore it and then set Nasty Plot. But it weakens Liepard really quickly due to Life Orb recoil. I don't find Hidden Power Fighting worth that moveslot because Steel-types are not common, and some are already hit heavily with a boosted Dark Pulse. Any ideas here?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's the team. It's far from perfect, but it does well, and I enjoy using it. There are a some threats, that, however, I see that give me trouble:
- Tauros: Its STAB Rock Climb hurts my team a lot, and it outspeeds many of my Pokémon. If Misdreavus and Golem are gone, it can really KO most of my team with just its STAB attack. This is wone Pokémon that make me miss having a Choice Scarf user.
- Linoone: Linoone is not a common sight in the metagame, but it can cleanly OHKO my whole team after Stealth Rock except for Missy (which has a 81.25% chance of dying to Shadow Claw after Stealth Rock), and I cannot stop it from setting with Liepard because ExtremeSpeed goes before Encore due to +2 Priority. Sure, it will be hard for my opponent to set it up, but if it manages to...
- Swoobat: If Liepard is gone, it can easily set up Calm Mind against Serperior and this usually means gg, as Samurott's Aqua Jet doesn't OHKO.
- Munchlax: Munchlax is troublesome due to its superb Special Bulk, and to its ability to use Whirlwind against some of my set up sweepers.
- Gurdurr: Especially Knock Off variants, Misdreavus is my main switch into it, and with its Eviolite gone, things become bad for the rest of the battle.
- Primeape an the VoltTurn strategy: Especially the common Choice Scarf Primeape, as many of my Pokémon are weak to U-turn. The combination of Eelektross + Primeape is deadly for my team, as 4 Pokémon are weak to the combo.
- Toxic Spikes: I don't have a Toxic Spikes absorber, and now with Scolipede in the tier I am at risk of having my team poisoned, limiting the time of turns my 4 set up sweepers have to sweep.
And many more, for sure.
That's all. There are many things to be changed, feel free to suggest as many things as you want.
Importable:
On a side note, I won't be posting new teams a lot, I know it's been just two weeks after the last message in my last RMT, but this team is so different, and it's the one I am using these days. Also, the metagame has changed a lot. That's why I post them quite close to the other.
This team was built before the new NU Pokémon dropped. The only change I made to it was Rock Blast > Stone Edge for Scolipede leads in Golem after the change.
I wanted to have both Serperior and Samurott in my team, because in my opinion they are understimated threats that aren't used very much, and can wreak havoc if used properly. I am still a not very good player, and I see that especially when fighting people above 1850. I'll keep on improving, I have a lot of fun playing this.
Without further ado, I present you the team!
At a glance:
Changes in Bold
Serperior @ Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Rock]
This is SubCM Serperior. Serperior is quite weak before boosting, but after it uses Calm Mind once or twice, it does some serious damage. Also, Serperior's bulk is quite good, allowing it to easily keep its Substitute, especially against Special Attacks after a few boosts have been accumulated. This Serperior can easily set up on Pokémon like Alomomola if it doesn't switch into Toxic. Giga Drain is a great move to have, allowing Serperior to recover its health, and hitting for good damage (especially if Overgrow is active). Hidden Power Rock hits heavily Flying-, Ice- and Bug-types like Scolipede, Jynx and Charizard, and gives Serperior good coverage.
Samurott @ Lum Berry
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
- Waterfall
- Megahorn
Samurott is a very good Pokémon due to being unpredictable, the opponents don't know it is Specially based, Physically based, or Mixed. Mine is Swords Dance Samurott because I don't have many Physical attackers in my team (just 2, and Golem shouldn't count because it's a Custap lead). Aqua Jet is a nice priority move that handles weakened foes easily, and Waterfall is a very reliable STAB, with a good Flinching rate, considering Samurott outspeeds most walls. Megahorn hits Grass-types such as Tangela for super effective damage, and it's my best move against other Water-types, but it has missed in many important moments. Lum Berry allows Samurott to catch opponents off guard, giving it a free turn for attacking of setting up Swords Dance in case the opponent tries to status him.
Golem @ Custap Berry
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Explosion
This is the most seen Golem, the Custap lead. It reliably sets up Stealth Rock, and that's important for any team especially in NU where spinners aren't that good and many teams lack one. Rock Blast is ther to break Scolipede's Sash. However, it misses so many times it's not even funny (c'mon, it's 90 Accuracy, and it misses more than Stone Edge for me). Also, if it hits, usually it does just twice. Rock Blast is a move that hates me... Earthquake forms the Rock/Ground nearly unresisted combination, and Explosion allows it to severely damage after the Custap Berry has been eaten. (If I see Golurk coming, I go for Earthquake after the Custap). Sometimes, I also begin attacking with Golem, especially if they send a lead weak to its STAB moves. Then, after Sturdy activates, I use Stealth Rock in the Custap turn. A few times I end up not setting Stealth Rock if I see the opponent doen't have many Pokémon weak to it, then I just attack. It can be worth it if I start winning 4-5 the battle.
Misdreavus @ Eviolite
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 40 Spd
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Foul Play
- Pain Split
Misdreavus is the wall in this offensive team. It takes physical hits really easily. And its good typing also allows it to function as a very good spinblocker (the best in the tier). Will-O-Wisp can mean rendering a physical attacker useless if they don't have a cleric. Shadow Ball is Misdreavus' STAB attack, hitting Pokémon that don't resist it, not heavily, but for reasonable damage. It also allows it not to become Taunt bait. Speaking of Taunt, it is used here as well for preventing other Pokémon from setting up ugly things like Stealth Rock or Leech Seed on it. Pain Split isn't very reliable recovery, but it is good enough, and Misdreavus doesn't have a different option. The EV spread is a bit Speed creep...
I hate when the opponent uses Knock Off on Missy. Also, when facing a Normal type attacker, I normally wasted turns after I burn it, because Shadow Ball doesn't affect it, Taunt isn't good in that situation, and Pain Split may be worse for Missy than for the opponent. That's why now I use Foul Play, for hitting Pokémon like Swellow or Zangoose for really good damage.
Gardevoir @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Trace
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Trick
Thanks to ium's suggestion I changed Ludicolo for Gardevoir. It allows me to deal with pesky weather teams thanks to her amazing ability, Trace, and it is as well a Choice Scarf user, something my team lacked. Trick allows it to cripple walls, something important considering Munchlax, Misdreavus... are threats to offensive teams. Psychic, Shadow Ball and Focus Miss provide Gardevoir an unresisted coverage. Gardevoir is really powerful and can beat a damaged teams just by herself
Previous member: Ludicolo: I never found it too good, but that was because of an error with the EV spread. I may use it sometimes:
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Rain Dance
Swift Swim Ludicolo is for sure a fearome sweeper, however, I feel it's the Pokémon that is less neccesary for the team. I've considered repalcing it for Scolipede or something. Any thoughts?
Anyways, the set is self-explanatory. I choose Hydro Pump instead of Surf because the added power, especially factoring Life Orb is quite noticeable. Giga Drain is Ludicolo's other STAB, a quite reliable one, because it allows it to be healthy even after Life Orb recoil, and hits Water-types for Super Effective damage. Ice Beam covers Grass-types like Tangela. Rain Dance is Ludicolo's set-up move.
Liepard @ Life Orb
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Encore
This by far the most surprinsing set of the team. With all those Swagger/Thunder Wave/Foul Play/Substitute Liepard, this variant is certainly unexpected, people tend to forget Liepard gets Nasty Plot, and also has a very reliable way of setting up and sweep due to Encore and its good Speed.
Dark Pulse hits a really good portion of the metagame for good damage, especially factoring Steel-types aren't very common. This Liepard is great lategame cleaner, as lategame is when opponents try to set-up, and then it's when Encore+Nasty Plot+Dark Pulse = gg. At the beginning of battles it is also good as it can weaken teams sverely after encoring things like Stealth Rock.
Liepard also has invaluable utility for the team, as with Encore it can stop Shell Smash users like Gorebyss or Carracosta, and other set-up sweepers (SWOOBAT) with ease. I dislike when opponents switch into Encore and get a free turn though, I guess I'll have to learn more about Liepard to predict that type of things.
I am not very sure about its moveset though, especially about Substitute. It is good it the opponent uses something like Sleep Powder, to block it, Encore it and then set Nasty Plot. But it weakens Liepard really quickly due to Life Orb recoil. I don't find Hidden Power Fighting worth that moveslot because Steel-types are not common, and some are already hit heavily with a boosted Dark Pulse. Any ideas here?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's the team. It's far from perfect, but it does well, and I enjoy using it. There are a some threats, that, however, I see that give me trouble:
- Tauros: Its STAB Rock Climb hurts my team a lot, and it outspeeds many of my Pokémon. If Misdreavus and Golem are gone, it can really KO most of my team with just its STAB attack. This is wone Pokémon that make me miss having a Choice Scarf user.
- Linoone: Linoone is not a common sight in the metagame, but it can cleanly OHKO my whole team after Stealth Rock except for Missy (which has a 81.25% chance of dying to Shadow Claw after Stealth Rock), and I cannot stop it from setting with Liepard because ExtremeSpeed goes before Encore due to +2 Priority. Sure, it will be hard for my opponent to set it up, but if it manages to...
- Swoobat: If Liepard is gone, it can easily set up Calm Mind against Serperior and this usually means gg, as Samurott's Aqua Jet doesn't OHKO.
- Munchlax: Munchlax is troublesome due to its superb Special Bulk, and to its ability to use Whirlwind against some of my set up sweepers.
- Gurdurr: Especially Knock Off variants, Misdreavus is my main switch into it, and with its Eviolite gone, things become bad for the rest of the battle.
- Primeape an the VoltTurn strategy: Especially the common Choice Scarf Primeape, as many of my Pokémon are weak to U-turn. The combination of Eelektross + Primeape is deadly for my team, as 4 Pokémon are weak to the combo.
- Toxic Spikes: I don't have a Toxic Spikes absorber, and now with Scolipede in the tier I am at risk of having my team poisoned, limiting the time of turns my 4 set up sweepers have to sweep.
And many more, for sure.
That's all. There are many things to be changed, feel free to suggest as many things as you want.
Importable:
Serperior @ Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Samurott @ Lum Berry
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
- Waterfall
- Megahorn
Golem @ Custap Berry
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Explosion
Misdreavus @ Eviolite
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 40 Spd
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Foul Play
- Pain Split
Gardevoir @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Trace
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Trick
Liepard @ Life Orb
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Encore
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Samurott @ Lum Berry
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
- Waterfall
- Megahorn
Golem @ Custap Berry
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Explosion
Misdreavus @ Eviolite
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 220 Def / 40 Spd
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Shadow Ball
- Foul Play
- Pain Split
Gardevoir @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Trace
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Trick
Liepard @ Life Orb
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Nasty Plot
- Dark Pulse
- Encore
