Project NU Cores Threat Analysis - Haunter + Shiftry

[Silver Aurum]

(Camerupt) @ Leftovers
Ability: Solid Rock
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Lava Plume
- Earthquake
- Will-O-Wisp
- Stealth Rock

Camerupt is honestly one of the most reliable switch ins to Hex Rotom as it doesn't allow Rotom to gain momentum through Volt Switch, cannot be affected by Will-o-Wisp, and takes only a minimal amount from Hex. Camerupt also has the ability to lure in Hariyama and reliably Will-o-Wisp it on the switch, crippling it severely. Mixed offenses also allow it to snag a respectable 3HKO on Hariyama with Earthquake.

Calcs

0 SpA Rotom Hex (65 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Camerupt: 58-70 (16.9 - 20.4%) -- possible 5HKO
0 SpA Camerupt Lava Plume vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom: 112-133 (36.9 - 43.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Camerupt Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Hariyama: 162-192 (37.7 - 44.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[nv]

Ok the threat nomination period is over. You may now post partners to the core from now until Friday.

 

[Dr Ciel]

Reserving Musharna.

Soft Power (Musharna) @ Leftovers / Colbur Berry
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 SpD
Bold Nature
- Moonlight
- Psychic
- Baton Pass
- Thunder Wave

Pivot Musharna makes an excellent partner for this core, as it helps out both members in different ways & does its job excellently. Musharna helps out Hariyama by easily taking Fairy and Psychic attacks that are aimed at Hariyama, and in return, Hariyama easily eliminates dark types for both members of this core. Musharna also helps form an excellent pivot core with Rotom, while also spreading more status with Thunder Wave, which allows Rotom to raise even more hell with Hex.

 

[Rapture]

Altaria @ Life Orb
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Fire Blast
- Power Swap
- Roost
Power Swap altaria is a wall breaker that pairs well with this core since it appreciates the volt switch support from Rotom and can check fire types reliably with some help from Hariyama. Also is a soft check to Calm mind mons like Musharna which the core can struggle with once they get a few boosts up.

 

[AJB]

Garbodor @ Toxic Plate
Ability: Weak Armor
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spikes
- Toxic Spikes
- Gunk Shot
- Explosion

S/o to Shaneghoul for opening my eyes to this set. Toxic Spikes are deadly with this core, and offensive Toxic Plate Garb is a super reliable setter. Rotom appreciates the opponents team being inflicted with Poison as they switch in so it doesn't have to waste a turn going for Wil-O-Wisp and has immediate power right off the bat, and Hariyama appreciates the chip damage that comes with Spikes/T-Spikes. Yama can also lure in bulky Posions with EQ and clear the way for Garb, or Garb can lure in bulky Poisons for Yama with Explosion

 

[nv]

Thanks to MARCU5theBAW5, Stoned M&M, and Joshz this week for helping choose the winners. This week's winner for threat goes to Winter's Howl and their Ninetales while the win for partner goes to Aurosis' Garbodor. Congratulations! :)

This week's core is...

+

Sets + Brief Description

Abomasnow @ Life Orb
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 88 Atk / 252 SpA / 168 Spe
Mild Nature
- Giga Drain
- Blizzard
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake

Sawk (M) @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Zen Headbutt
- Stone Edge

Abomasnow has been a prominent force since it dropped last month and it has been garnering a ton of popularity. Its ability, Snow Warning, can neuter a lot of threats' recovery such as Musharna. Safety Goggles Sawk may seem niche, but it actually plays an important role as it appreciates Abomasnow's ability to get rid of physical walls while Sawk gets rid of special walls as well as Steel-types.

The threat nomination period will end on Tuesday. You may now post threats to this core. (I know this is a bit late, but I want to stay on schedule lol)

 

[boltsandbombers]

WARFARE (Mesprit) @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Signal Beam
- Healing Wish
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Nothing actually beats this core defensively so you kinda have to go with an offensive check. Offensive Mesprit handles this core pretty nicely as it can revenge kill both of them, and can switch into Sawk fairly well given that its not Choice Banded; obviously doesn't really switch into Abomasnow. Psychic obviously OHKOs Sawk, and HP Fire does 80.9 - 95.9% to Abomasnow, so you just need Stealth Rock damage to secure the kill on it.

 

[Dr Ciel]

Reserving:

Queen Of Peace (Jynx) @ Life Orb
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Lovely Kiss
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast

While not being able to directly switch in to either of these threats, Jynx is significantly faster than both members of this core & can OHKO both of them with Focus Blast and Psyshock, respectively.

 

[cryalot]

Reserving Tauros

Tauros @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Rock Climb
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Fire Blast

Tauros naturally outspeeds Abomasnow and Sawk and can ohko both. Even if the majority of its moves have less than 100% accuracy, it is a really good roll in Tauros favor

abomasnow calcs

252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Abomasnow: 348-411 (108.4 - 128%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Rock Climb vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Abomasnow: 292-344 (90.9 - 107.1%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
4 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Abomasnow: 302-359 (94 - 111.8%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO

88 Atk Life Orb Abomasnow Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 60-71 (20.6 - 24.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after hail damage

sawk calcs

252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Zen Headbutt vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Sawk: 312-369 (106.8 - 126.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Rock Climb vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Sawk: 263-309 (90 - 105.8%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

EDIT: it's necessary that Sawk's sturdy is broken in order to ohko it. Therefore Stealth Rocks or previous damage is needed.

 

[etern]

Mrs. Meme (Mr. Mime) (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Healing Wish

Mr Mime is an awesome offensive check to this core, being able to outspeed and OHKO both Abomasnow and Sawk with HP Fire and Psychic respectively, as long as rocks are up to break Sawks sturdy. Losing Focus Blast isnt much of a big deal for Mime, as HP Fire still 2HKO's every relevant Steel type in the tier.

 

[Winter's Howl]

Sawk (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Zen Headbutt
- Stone Edge

I think bolts got it completely right when he said we would have to go with offensive answers. So while brainstorming, the idea that Sawk beat this Sawk core came to mind. All I had to do was change the ability and vio la! Now instead of choosing to kill one or the other, you can potentially take out both. Really all you need to do is click Close Combat, and if you win a speed tie then you are cashing out. Don't worry about losing the speed tie though, as Jolly Safety Goggles Sawk doesn't net the OHKO on other Sawk with CC.

Calcs

252 Atk Choice Band Sawk Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sawk: 360-424 (123.7 - 145.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Choice Band Sawk Close Combat vs. 8 HP / 0- Def Abomasnow: 806-950 (249.5 - 294.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Sawk Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Sawk: 241-285 (82.8 - 97.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[poh]

Haunter @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Sludge Wave
- Psychic
- Destiny Bond
- Shadow Ball

So Haunter can OHKO both mons with this set. Rocks are definitely needed to kill Sawk because of Sturdy. Sludge Bomb and Dazzling Gleam do the same job btw. The thing is that Sawks Sturdy HAS to be broken if any of these threats can be taken in consideration. Haunter does the job, but Sawk mustn't be at full HP. A few Hurricanes destroy these mons but i'd rather not miss my moves because this core hits very hard. (this set works kinda like the one ~Eternally posted)

Some unnecessary calcs:
252 SpA Choice Specs Haunter Psychic vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Sawk: 340-402 (116.8 - 138.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Haunter Sludge Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Abomasnow: 488-576 (152 - 179.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[AJB]

Articuno @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Roost
- Hurricane
- Freeze-Dry

Bolts mentioned this earlier but nothing really handles this core from a defensive standpoint so offensive checks are the way to go. Articuno outspeeds Abomasnow and at worst speed ties Sawk, and can easily OHKO the two with Hurricane. Cuno also has a niche over other offensive checks to the core as it can switch into any of Aboma's attacks as long as Rocks aren't up, Roost off the damage, and isn't affected by Hail.

Calcs

252 SpA Articuno Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Abomasnow: 332-392 (103.4 - 122.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Articuno Hurricane vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Sawk: 368-434 (126.4 - 149.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Life Orb Abomasnow Blizzard vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Articuno: 168-199 (52.3 - 61.9%) -- 97.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[nv]

Ok the threat nomination period is over. You may now post partners to the core from now until Friday.

 

[poh]

Probopass @ Safety Goggles/ Leftovers/ Air Balloon
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 146 SpA / 252 SpD / 110 Spe
Calm Nature
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave


Ok this may seem weird but trust me this can work. I think Probopass is an excellent partner since it helps this Abomasnow-Sawk core a lot. I've done some calcs (i'll post them later maybe cause i'm tired af right now haha) and not a single threat posted earlier except Sawk and Jynx can hurt this thing. The main problem is that huge Fighting-type weakness (earth can be neutralized by giving it an Air Balloon). So i have to admit that a Focus Blast from Jynx and a CC from Sawk send Probopass to another dimension. Nonetheless Probopass has some positives that i would like to point out:

1. Probopass can set up rocks, which is always handy.
   
2. The resistances it offers: Bug, Dragon, Fairy,Flying, Ice, Normal, Psychic, Rock and an immunity for Poison. All these types can threaten the core, certainly the highlighted ones.
3. Sturdy can also be helpful.

 

[astroboy]

i saw u had "in need of a banner" in the op and i can sense where im needed...

 

[Peli]

Regirock @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 16 Def / 196 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Stone Edge
- Thunder Wave
- Drain Punch

I really like Regirock here. As aforementioned above, only offensive things can really check this core. Both Sawk and Abomasnow appreciate the speed control Regirock can provide for the two. It can stomach a hit and get a thunder wave off on all of the threats mentioned above. It also provides a solid flying resist, along with a Pyroar check, which these two struggle with.

 

[Shadestep]

Ferroseed as a Partner

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 148 Def / 112 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Leech Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Protect / Thunder Wave

Ferroseed brings some really cool support to the table. it deals well with fast attackers that the core struggles with (Scyther, Tauros, Mismag + Rotom + Haunter) and cripples it with Leech Seed + Protect, Thunder Wave, Gyro Ball, etc. Stealth Rock is really useful for Abomasnow to sweep lategame as it racks up a lot of residual damage needed to pick off weakened mons with Ice Shard or for Sawk to OHKO with Close Combat. it handles with most Poison-types (Garbodor, Skuntank) that don't run weird coverage, and reliably sets hazards on things that Sawk + Abomasnow struggle to deal with.

 

[etern]

Skuntank @ Lum Berry
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 232 Atk / 132 SpD / 144 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
- Poison Jab
- Taunt

Skunk is a pretty cool partner for this core, dealing with annoying the Psychic and Ghost types. In particular, Skunk can easily switch into the likes of Haunter and Mismagius, and proceed to pursuit trap them to clear the way for Sawk. Furthermore, Sucker Punch + Aftermath lets Skunk severely damage physically offensive threats to this core, namely Sawk itself and helps Abomasnow pick off threats with Ice Shard.

 

[GyRro]

Ninetales @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Will-O-Wisp
- Fire Blast
- Energy Ball

Ninetales works really well with this core. Sawk and Obama obviously suffer from fire type attacks which Ninetales can actually benefit from with its flash fire ability. Will-o-wisp over psyshock also allows this pokemon to help cripple faster physical threats on the switch or any that it outspeeds.

 

[nv]

Thanks to Rapture. and MARCU5theBAW5 this week for helping choose the winners. This week's winner for threat goes to cryalot and their Tauros while the win for partner goes to ~Eternally and their Skuntank. Congratulations! :)

This week's core is...

+

Sets + Brief Description

Shiftry @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Extrasensory

Sceptile @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Giga Drain
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power [Ice]

The point of this core is that with them both being a "lure" of sorts, they can wear down each other's checks and counters. Shiftry can lure and render Poison-types such as Weezing and Garbodor useless in checking Sceptile while weakening Skuntank to a point that Sceptile can OHKO with Earthquake. Sceptile can also take on a lot of faster threats that can potentially beat up Shiftry such as Rotom, Will-o-Wisp Pyroar, and so on.

The threat nomination period will end on Tuesday. You may now post threats to this core.

 

[boltsandbombers]

Scyther @ Eviolite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Aerial Ace
- U-turn
- Roost

Scyther is a major threat to this core as it 4x resists Grass type attacks and has the bulk to shrug off their other attacks. While it dislikes losing Eviolite from Knock Off, it can just Roost up afterwards to avoid being picked off with Sucker Punch or just gain momentum with U-turn as it forces out both members of this core. It also dissuades Scyther from clicking Leaf Storm, and just needs Stealth Rock off the field to in order to survive 2 HP Ices.

252 SpA Life Orb Sceptile Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Scyther: 47-56 (13.7 - 16.3%) -- possible 7HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Sceptile Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Scyther: 117-140 (34.1 - 40.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Shiftry Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Scyther: 152-179 (44.3 - 52.1%) -- 16% chance to 2HKO

 

[erisia]

Miltank @ Leftovers
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Milk Drink
- Body Slam

Grass spam is a pretty good strategy in NU at the moment due to the variety of Grass-types with different attributes and coverage options, as well as the extremely high power of Leaf Storm, but Sap Sipper mons shut it down hard. Miltank doesn't even get 4HKO'd by Sceptile's Hidden Power Ice or Shiftry's Extrasensory thanks to Leftovers and it can just heal off the damage throughout the match with Milk Drink. It also doesn't particularly mind Knock Off, unlike rivals such as Sliggoo. Once Miltank is in, it can either set up Stealth Rock or use Toxic / Body Slam to whittle down the attackers or any switch-ins.

252+ Atk Life Orb Shiftry Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 240+ Def Miltank: 133-157 (33.7 - 39.8%)
0 SpA Life Orb Shiftry Extrasensory vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Miltank: 92-109 (23.3 - 27.6%)
252 SpA Life Orb Sceptile Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Miltank: 99-117 (25.1 - 29.6%)

0 Atk Miltank Body Slam vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Shiftry: 115-136 (35.8 - 42.3%)
0 Atk Miltank Body Slam vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Sceptile: 109-129 (38.7 - 45.9%)

 

[Shadestep]

Sawk as a Threat

Sawk @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Scarf Sawk can OHKO both mons easily with a CC or Knock Off after some prior damage. the core really doesn't have a reliable way to revenge kill it and it's overall a really good mon.

 

[AJB]

Audino-Mega @ Audinite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
- Dazzling Gleam
- Wish
- Protect
- Calm Mind

Standard CM Mega-Audino is a huge threat to both Shiftry and Sceptile. Scep and Shiftry can only dream of being able to 2HKO this monster, as even their most powerful attack being Leaf Storm fails to reliably 3HKO. Mega-Audino doesn't just sit there and wall the two, but also uses them as set up fodder to easily grab free Calm Mind's and potentially run through a team.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Sceptile Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Mega Audino: 195-230 (47.6 - 56.2%)
-2 252 SpA Life Orb Sceptile Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Mega Audino: 97-114 (23.7 - 27.8%) -- 85.4% chance to 4HKO
4 SpA Life Orb Shiftry Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Mega Audino: 136-161 (33.2 - 39.3%)
-2 4 SpA Life Orb Shiftry Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Mega Audino: 68-82 (16.6 - 20%) -- possible 5HKO