Project NU Cores Threat Analysis - Haunter + Shiftry

[Shadestep]

Audino-Mega @ Audinite
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dazzling Gleam
- Rest
- Calm Mind
- Sleep Talk

Audino can easily switch in to both Swellow and Piloswine, and set-up on them. unless your opponent crits, Crodino just wins

 

[HotFuzzBall]

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Air Slash / Protect
- Defog
- Toxic

Due to Mantine's insanely high SpDef stat, it is able to live multiple Boombursts from Specs Swellow at full hp. Investments into both HP and Def allow Mantine to be able to tank multiple neutral damaging icicle crashes while being immune to earthquake due to its typing. Defog removes the rocks set up by Piloswine while Toxic threatens Piloswine as it puts Piloswine on a "death timer" until cured. Scald easily threatens both mons since Piloswine has a natural weakness to water and it definitely does not want the burn while Swellow's nonexistent bulk allow it to be 2ohko-ed by Scald. Lastly, Air Slash is secondary stab while Protect can be used to scout or to get extra leftovers recovery.

252 SpA Choice Specs Swellow Boomburst vs. 252 HP / 4+ SpD Mantine: 129-153 (38.6 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Piloswine Icicle Crash vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Mantine: 126-148 (37.7 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 SpA Mantine Scald vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Swellow: 124-147 (47.5 - 56.3%) -- 84% chance to 2HKO

 

[Cheryl.]

Hariyama @ Assault Vest
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Knock Off
- Bullet Punch
- Fake Out / Stone Edge

First of all, let me tell you how hard it is to find something that threatens Swellow but doesn't get 2HKOed by Piloswine. It's really hard, but I finally found something thru calcs that can threaten the core of Swellow + Piloswine, and that is Assault Vest Hariyama. Yama with it's special bulk walls everything Swellow has and kills it with Close Combat or Stone Edge. Now, with Piloswine, with Thick Fat Yama can live Shard and Icicle Crash easily, and can tank an EQ as well, while destroying Piloswine with Close Combat or crippling it with Knock Off. Overall, I think Hariyama is a great check to the Swellow + Piloswine core and I hope you agree!

Calcs

252+ Atk Hariyama Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Swellow: 340-402 (130.2 - 154%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Hariyama Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Swellow: 306-360 (117.2 - 137.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Hariyama Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Piloswine: 326-386 (80.6 - 95.5%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ Atk Piloswine Earthquake vs. -1 0 HP / 4 Def Hariyama: 339-399 (79 - 93%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Swellow Boomburst vs. 0 HP / 252 SpD Assault Vest Hariyama: 136-162 (31.7 - 37.7%) -- 90.8% chance to 3HKO

 

[nv]

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

 

[Shadestep]

Tauros as a Partner

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

Tauros is one of the strongest physical attackers with not too many counters. Rock Climb does a shit ton to anything that doesn't resist it, and the rest is coverage. Fire Blast has gotten a staple for all Tauros sets last week, since it 2HKOs Steelix after a tiny little bit of residual damage.

 

[Cheryl.]

Musharna @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 SpD
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Moonlight
- Psyshock
- Signal Beam / Barrier

Musharna is a cool partner for Swellow + Piloswine because it helps defeat some of the threats the core has, like Fighting types. It can also duel with bulky sweepers like Mega Audino as well. It also benefits from Swellow's wallbreaking with Boomburst so it can sweep a bit easier. The set and EVs are pretty standard, if you use Barrier, be sure to pack something for Steels and Darks! Overall, Musharna is a cool partner for Swellow + Piloswine!

 

[Hammering Man]

Hey, looks like an interesting thread.

Good partner for the core might be:

Klinklang @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 120 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Shift Gear
- Gear Grind
- Return

Klinklang appreciates it, if things like steelix, rhydon and mantine are weakened to sweep late game. Klinklang also beats mega audino and non barrier musharna comfortably. Set is standart.

 

[Jarii]

Mesprit @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 184 HP / 72 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psyshock
- Signal Beam
- Subsitute
- Calm Mind

This set is pretty underrated set for mesprit but it fits really well on by this core, it's able to beat Mega-Audino, Mantine, does a number to Hariyama with Psyshock and is able to beat non Barrier Musharna (otherwise it's going to rely on setting up with it and then Confuse or crit it). This spread also helps with fightning types what this core does not like facing.

 

[nv]

Ok so that concludes this round! Thanks to SilverReaper21 and allstar124 in helping choose the winners. This week got swept by shadestep as they submitted the best threat, Mega Audino, as well as the best partner, Tauros. Congratulations! :)

This week's core is one that is tried and true (and can still be effective even with the new drops even if they are threatened by some of them). That's right I am talking about Normal spam! But not just any Normal spam...

+

Sets + Brief Description

Kangaskhan @ Silk Scarf
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fake Out
- Double Edge
- Sucker Punch
- Earthquake

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

This core has been around since the dawn of time for as long as I have been a part of NU and no matter what comes its way this core always adjust. Kangaskhan is amazing at dispatching Ghost-types that try to wall Tauros such as Rotom and Mismagius thanks to its Scrappy ability while Tauros can lure in Steel-types that can plague Kangaskhan thanks to Sheer Force boosted Fire Blasts.

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

 

[Shadestep]

Regirock as a Threat

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

Regirock is a pretty good answer to Normal-spam in general. Rock-type + incredible physical bulk makes for an easy switchin to both Tauros and Kangaskhan.
their coverage moves to hit Regirock being Earthquake can't even 2HKO most of the times, and Thunder Wave + Drain Punch allows Regirock to come out on top in a 1v1 scenario vs both Kangaskhan and Tauros. Iron Tail on Tauros is a thing, but even that fails to 2HKO.

relevant calcs

252 Atk Life Orb Tauros Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Regirock: 117-138 (32.1 - 37.9%) -- 0.3% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Iron Tail vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Regirock: 151-179 (41.4 - 49.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Kangaskhan Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 16+ Def Regirock: 96-114 (26.3 - 31.3%) -- 16.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

44 Atk Regirock Drain Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan: 136-160 (38.7 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
44 Atk Regirock Drain Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 118-140 (40.5 - 48.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
fixed thx allstar

 

[Abejas]

My threat
would be Steelix

Steelix @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 128 HP / 252 Atk / 128 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Toxic
Due to its insane defense Steelix just stops any physical attacker in this case kangaskhan and tauros and being able to hit them fairly strong. And with this spread steelix can not be 2hko'd by fire blast.

calcs

4 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Fire Blast vs. 128 HP / 128 SpD Mega Steelix: 122-146 (37.7 - 45.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Kangaskhan Earthquake vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Mega Steelix: 92-110 (28.4 - 34%) -- 0.8% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Tauros Earthquake vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Mega Steelix: 114-135 (35.2 - 41.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Mega Steelix Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 219-258 (75.2 - 88.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Mega Steelix Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Kangaskhan: 252-297 (71.5 - 84.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[GyRro]

My threat is Mega-Audino

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

Mega-Audino's ability to take less than half from any move from this core wants to dish out allows it to calm mind up on either Tauros or Kangaskhan due to being able to wish back up the damage. Also, dazzling gleam without any boosts can still do decent damage to both of these mons. Thunder wave is also an option which would help cripple this core.

calcs

252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Mega Audino: 127-151 (31 - 36.9%) -- 71.4% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Rock Climb vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Mega Audino: 129-152 (31.5 - 37.1%) -- 77.6% chance to 3HKO

8 SpA Mega Audino Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Tauros: 108-127 (37.4 - 44.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
8 SpA Mega Audino Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kangaskhan: 87-103 (24.7 - 29.3%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO

 

[Cheryl.]

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

Okay, I know Choice Scarf Sawk isn't the BEST set ever, but it's still really nice as nobody really expects it nowadays as CB Sawk runs rampant through NU. CS Sawk is a threat to Normal Spam, as it can KO both Kangaskhan and Tauros with Close Combat and outspeed both thanks to Choice Scarf. Sawk can't really switch in on the NormalSpam, though, so that can be a problem. But overall, Choice Scarf Sawk can be a threat to NormalSpam with the right support, and can also be a good threat to other teams as nobody expects it.

#ReviveScarfSawk

Calcs

252+ Atk Mold Breaker Sawk Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan: 500-590 (142.4 - 168%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Mold Breaker Sawk Close Combat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 438-516 (150.5 - 177.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO


252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Sawk: 264-312 (90.4 - 106.8%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Fake Out vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Sawk: 88-105 (30.1 - 35.9%) -- 37.1% chance to 3HKO
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

 

[Silver Aurum]

Musharna @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Stored Power
- Moonlight
- Calm Mind
- Barrier

This isn't anything too creative but it's definitely a huge threat to the core. Giving Musharna set up opportunities in general is a bad idea and this core is completely taken advantage of by Musharna. The calcs below show how comfortably it sets up on both of them and that you're pretty much reliant on multiple critical hits or a choke to break it.

n_n

252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Rock Climb vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 165-196 (38.1 - 45.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Rock Climb vs. +2 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 83-99 (19.1 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 166-196 (38.3 - 45.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. +2 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 84-99 (19.3 - 22.8%) -- possible 6HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[dfmetal]

Rhydon as a treat :

Rhydon @ Eviolite
Ability: Lightningroad
EVs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Rock Polish
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Rhydon can set up Rock Polish + Swords Dance easily on Tauros and Kanga, and just clean the game. Aqua Tail -> EQ on Kanga ?

calcs

252+ Atk Kangaskhan Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 112-132 (31.8 - 37.5%) -- 88.5% chance to 3HKO
252 Atk Life Orb Tauros Earthquake vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 135-161 (38.3 - 45.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
+2 252+ Atk Rhydon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan: 430-507 (122.5 - 144.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252+ Atk Rhydon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 373-441 (128.1 - 151.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Kangaskhan Aqua Tail vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 200-236 (56.8 - 67%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[erisia]

Gurdurr @ Eviolite
Ability: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Atk / 60 Def
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Drain Punch
- Mach Punch
- Knock Off / Ice Punch / Rock Slide

Gurdurr is a huge threat to both Kangaskhan and Tauros, as it avoids the 2HKO from either of their best STAB moves after Stealth Rock and can either revenge kill them quickly with Mach Punch if they're at low health, nail them with Drain Punch to heal off the damage from their attacks, or simply grab a Bulk Up and smack them the next turn if Gurdurr has enough health. While Drain Punch doesn't quite OHKO reliably without a boost, Mach Punch or another switch into Stealth Rock will finish them pretty easily.

calcs

252+ Atk Silk Scarf Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 60 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 148-175 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Life Orb Sheer Force Tauros Rock Climb vs. 252 HP / 60 Def Eviolite Gurdurr: 148-175 (39.5 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock

196+ Atk Gurdurr Drain Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan: 266-314 (75.7 - 89.4%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
196+ Atk Gurdurr Drain Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 234-276 (80.4 - 94.8%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

196+ Atk Gurdurr Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Kangaskhan: 144-170 (41 - 48.4%) -- 70.7% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
196+ Atk Gurdurr Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tauros: 126-150 (43.2 - 51.5%) -- 98% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[nv]

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

 

[Shadestep]

Xatu as a Partner

Xatu @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 224 HP / 252 Def / 32 Spe
Bold Nature
- Psyshock
- Giga Drain
- Calm Mind
- Roost

pretty cool wincon that Dentricos showed me the wonders of. deals with fighting types (Gurdurr, Sawk, etc) and sets up on M-Audino. it also gets a surprise KO on Rhydon and does a hefty chunk to Steelix, especially when at +1 Sp. Atk.

 

[GyRro]

Garbodor as my Partner

Garbodor @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Def / 96 Spe
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Gunk Shot
- Drain Punch
- Toxic Spikes

Who doesn't love Kanga-spikes? Garbodor helps deal with the stacked fighting weakness from this core, and can deal damage to any physical attackers (especially fighting types like Sawk and Gurdurr) with the combination of rocky helmet and aftermath. It can also set spikes/toxic spikes to help Kangaskhan or Tauros OHKO pokes easier later in the game.

 

[Cheryl.]

Rotom-Fan @ Expert Belt
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Air Slash
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Grass / Hidden Power Ground
- Will-O-Wisp

Rotom-S is a really cool partner for Kangaskhan + Tauros because it checks Fighting types really well and also walls Steel types like Steelix and cripple them with Will-O-Wisp, while also keeping the momentum up with Volt Switch. HP Ground is an option to hit Steelix harder, but I like HP Grass to OHKO Quagsire after Rocks are up.

 

[etern]

Lure Shiftry as a partner:

Shiftry @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 204 Atk / 52 SpA / 252 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Leaf Storm
- Extrasensory
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch

Lure Shiftry is very potent right now between having the strongest Knock Off in NU, a powerful STAB priority, as well as the ability to decimate any bulky poisons which hassle it with extrasensory. Incidentally, Kangaskhan and Taurous both appreciate bulky poisons such as Vileplume, Weezing etc to be weakened or KOed so they have an easier time breaking through teams. Additionally, since Shiftry is still hitting very hard on both ends of the spectrum, the combination of Knock Off and Leaf Storm can handle the popular core of Mantine/Lix/Mushy which would otherwise wall Kanga and Tauros.

(Credits to Allstar124 for the spread!!)​

 

[Evan.]

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 96 HP / 252 SpAtk / 160 Spe
Modest Nature
- Substitute
- Toxic
- Scald
- Air Slash

offensive sub tox mantine is a really neat partner for normal types since it kinda takes a dump on all of the fat shit that normally stops this core like lix, bulky rocks, wish megadino w/o heal bell etc. once you set up a sub, most lix are fodder to you, and all of the fat passive stuff like weezing and other mantine are kinda helpless. evs are to outspeed aurorus and i dont think you really need much else. either way its a fun set that people should try since its actually p good right now.

 

[nv]

Ok sorry this is a bit late, but here it is! Thanks to Quite Quiet and Joshz in helping choose the winners. This week was a bit of a tossup as there were some really good submissions for threats and partners, but ultimately the winners this week are SilverReaper21 for his outstanding Musharna as a threat and GyRro for Week 1 throwback Garbodor being the best partner! Congratulations! :)

This week, I decided to go with something I don't see too often, but has the potency to be a really big threat...

+

Sets + Brief Description

Combusken @ Eviolite
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Flare Blitz / Fire Punch
- Low Kick / Brick Break
- Protect

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

This core also is surprisingly never seen despite being very effective due to its amazing offensive synergy as well as Shiftry's ability to lure specific mons. The premise of this core is simple. Shiftry beats the Water- and Psychic-types that tend to prey on Combusken while denting the opponent with an Explosion while Combusken appreciates the setup opportunities that Shiftry's wallbreaking power provides.

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

 

[Dr Ciel]

I'll reserve Mega Audino. :)

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

Mega Audino can take on this core due to its insane 103 / 126 / 126 bulk along with it excellent defensive typing. Mega Audino can beat Combusken by setting up a CM on the Swords Dance & can proceed to wear it down thanks to Dazzling Gleam + Flare Blitz recoil while staying healthy with Wish + Protect. If Combusken cooses to run Fire Punch, it's completely walled. Shiftry has extreme trouble with Mega Audino too, because LO Leaf Storm does 40% max, Knock Off & Sucker Punch do pitiful damage, & Explosion does slightly more than half, which Audino can asily Wish off & 2HKO with Dazzling Gleam in return.

 

[Louna]

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Acrobatics
- Roost
- Earthquake
- Filler

Archeops is a threat for this core due to his amazing speed, and his flying stab. Even at +1 Combusken can't outspeed Archeops. Archeops just fear a Sucker punch from Shiftry, but even in the defeatist range, he does some amazing damages against this core. The biggest problem of Archeops against this core, is he can't switch in as we want against Shiftry.

252 Atk Defeatist Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Combusken: 192-228 (73.5 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Defeatist Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Shiftry: 320-378 (99.6 - 117.7%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

And now without defeatist

252 Atk Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Shiftry: 642-756 (200 - 235.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Defeatist Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Combusken: 192-228 (73.5 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO