Project NU Cores Threat Analysis - Haunter + Shiftry

[PrinceLucian]

Charizard @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Fire Blast
- Air Slash
- Earthquake/Focus Blast
- Roost

Charizard can switch on predicted CC/EQ and even U-turn vs Primeape, it beats primeape 1v1 but Stone Edge is really scary so dont switch it in mindlesly, it deals massive damage to Skuntank so yea,not really much to say.

252 SpA Life Orb Charizard Air Slash vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Primeape: 377-447 (139.1 -

164.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
4 Atk Life Orb Charizard Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Skuntank: 226-268 (65.1 - 77.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

Fire Blast hits skunt a bit harder but very similar

 

[Froggyboy]

Golurk @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Shadow Punch
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Punch

A pretty neat check to this core, posing as a good switch-in to Primeape, as the only move that can really hit Golurk is CB EQ, which it won't really be clicking since CC and U-Turn are much more spammable. And in return, Golurk pretty much OHKOs with EQ, and with Colbur, tanks a Sucker Punch with ease and in return OHKOs with EQ. Though Colbur of course has to be intact for this to work, but with Sawk gone, and the only Dark types that can't hit Golurk with another STAB or coverage move being Malamar and Liepard from what I can see, that shouldn't be too difficult.

252+ Atk Golurk Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Primeape: 261-307 (96.3 - 113.2%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Golurk Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Skuntank: 482-570 (138.9 - 164.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Choice Band Primeape Earthquake vs. 132 HP / 0 Def Golurk: 170-200 (48.2 - 56.8%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Skuntank Sucker Punch vs. 132 HP / 0 Def Colbur Berry Golurk: 138-163 (39.2 - 46.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[poh]

Scyther @ Eviolite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Aerial Ace
- U-turn
- Roost
- Swords Dance

Scyther can easily switch in on Primeape bar Stone Edge ofcourse. Scyther can proceed to SD up/ U-turn out to gain momentum since Primeape will be forced to switch. Aerial Ace easily OHKOs

Scyther can SD up on Skuntank and doesn't really take much damage from Poison Jab but getting poisoned can turn out badly.

+2 252 Atk Technician Scyther Aerial Ace vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Skuntank: 363-427 (104.6 - 123%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Skuntank Poison Jab vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Eviolite Scyther: 93-109 (33 - 38.7%) -- 99.5% chance to 3HKO

 

[Silver Aurum]

SKREEE (Pelipper) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Keen Eye
EVs: 248 HP / 204 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Air Slash
- Roost
- Defog

Switches in on anything but Primeape's Stone Edge with relative ease, firing back with Scalds and Air Slashes. Skuntank can taunt to prevent you from roosting but is worn down extremely quickly through Scalds + Rocky Helmet.

calcs

252 Atk Choice Band Primeape Close Combat vs. 248 HP / 204+ Def Pelipper: 95-112 (29.4 - 34.6%) -- 9.8% chance to 3HKO
252+ Atk Skuntank Sucker Punch vs. 248 HP / 204+ Def Pelipper: 85-102 (26.3 - 31.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

0 SpA Pelipper Scald vs. 0 HP / 176 SpD Skuntank: 88-105 (25.3 - 30.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

 

[nv]

It is a bit early, but it is time for partners. Submissions end on Friday.

 

[etern]

Rotom @ Spell Tag
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hex
- Will-O-Wisp
- Volt Switch
- Discharge

Rotom forms a nice Volt-Turn core with Primeape, chipping away and wearing down each other's checks. Rotom also provides a ground type immunity for Skuntank, as well as a a fighting type immunity, and normal resist. Overall these three make for a pretty neat core that wear down each other's checks and counters, whilst also having some decent defensive synergy.

 

[erisia]

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

Fighting + Psychic + Dark is one of the oldest tricks in the book, and Musharna is a deadly end-game sweeper that really appreciates the support that Skuntank and Primeape provide. Primeape excels at pressuring slower offensive Pokémon and removing the Dark-types that completely wall Musharna, forcing them out with either its STAB Close Combat or a decently powerful U-turn. Meanwhile, Skuntank can remove Ghost-types that can potentially break through Musharna and also deals with Psychic types that resist Stored Power, meaning Musharna doesn't have to acquire as many boosts to sweep and doesn't leave itself as vulnerable to critical hits. Musharna also provides a good switch into many of the physical attackers that can beat this core, such as Tauros and Archeops.

 

[AJB]

Scyther @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Aerial Ace
- Knock Off
- Quick Attack

CB Scyther is a sick partner for Primeape + Skuntank. Scyther really appreciates Primeape's ability to break through bulky Rock and Steel types, and in turn Scyther breaks through traditional checks to Primeape such as Vileplume and Rotom. CB Knock Off also takes care of Colbur berries on Pokemon such as Defensive Rotom and Mismagius, making them much easier for Skuntank to trap. Scyther also gives the core an actual switch in to Fighting types which is neat :0

 

[nv]

Thanks to MARCU5theBAW5 and Blaziken. this week for helping choose the winners. This week's winner, ~Eternally, swept this week with his Vileplume and Rotom. Congratulations!

This week's core is again ripped from the Good Cores thread and I felt it is way better now with Sceptile gone so I thought it was time to showcase this...

+

Sets + Brief Description

Floatzel @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 1 Atk / 30 SpA
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Electric]
- Taunt

Samurott @ Rindo Berry
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 Atk / 96 SpD / 160 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Megahorn
- Swords Dance
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall

OR

Samurott @ Splash Plate
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe OR 96 HP / 252 Atk / 160 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Megahorn
- Swords Dance
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall

Type spam is always been a pretty cool concept to toy around with in NU, and with Water being a very prominent offensive type, these two have excellent offensive synergy together. Floatzel has Hidden Power Electric to lure in Mantine and Pelipper, as well as Poliwrath to a lesser extent, which are generally the most common answers to Swords Dance Samurott on balanced builds. Next, Samurott is running Rindo Berry to lure in offensive Grass types which check Floatzel, which is mainly Sceptile but Shiftry as well. The given EV spread outspeeds max Speed Aurorus and has a 96% chance to live Life Orb Sceptile's Leaf Storm at full HP. You could probably consider using Focus Blast on Floatzel over Taunt, but its not like Samurott struggles a ton with Ferroseed given that +2 Megahorn does a significant amount, and its not too hard to cover Ferroseed with teammates. Floatzel also revenge kills Tauros which can generally take a +2 Aqua Jet and KO Samurott with Rock Climb given it has taken a little bit of chip damage. Lastly, this core has a pretty solid matchup versus rain teams given that Samurott lures in Ludicolo with its Rindo Berry and Floatzel revenges Kabutops and Omastar in the rain thanks to its Swift Swim; that being said you can run Water Veil but I generally don't find it to be extremely useful.
(credits to boltsandbombers for the core + description)

I added the second set as with Sceptile gone, the first one isn't as potent even though it still has merit with Shiftry, Ludicolo, and Lilligant (who got better with Scep leaving).

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

 

[boltsandbombers]

Zebstrika @ Life Orb
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat
- Hidden Power Grass

Doesn't switch in to either of Samurott or Floatzel, but is a great offensive check to them. Zebstrika can even take a +2 Splash Plate Aqua Jet from full HP, but regardless it significantly threatens these two as it OHKOs with Thunderbolt.

 

[etern]

Ferroseed @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 148 Def / 112 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Spikes
- Bullet Seed
- Leech Seed
- Protect

Ferroseed switches into both of these with ease, and can proceed to do massive damage with Bullet Seed. If Ferroseed comes in vs Samurott, it can set up a Leech Seed, or even get up spikes.

252 SpA Life Orb Floatzel Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 112 SpD Eviolite Ferroseed: 65-77 (22.3 - 26.4%) -- 10.6% chance to 4HKO
252+ Atk Samurott Megahorn vs. 248 HP / 148+ Def Eviolite Ferroseed: 68-80 (23.3 - 27.4%) -- 69.7% chance to 4HKO

0 Atk Ferroseed Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Samurott: 108-132 (32.6 - 39.8%) -- approx. 99.4% chance to 3HKO
0 Atk Ferroseed Bullet Seed (3 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Floatzel: 150-186 (48.2 - 59.8%) -- approx. 99.6% chance to 2HKO

 

[Swagalge]

Poliwrath @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Circle Throw
- Bulk Up

Not the most exciting option but Poliwrath can come in on either Floatzel or Samurott and force them out/set up itself. This is a set I have had reasonable success with but a more attacking special set would probably work too. Poliwrath can also be a decent insurance policy against shell smashers such as Barbaracle, Omaster and Carracosta.

Calcs

252 SpA Life Orb Floatzel Hidden Power Electric vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Poliwrath: 101-120 (26.3 - 31.2%) -- 6.2% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Samurott Megahorn vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Poliwrath: 124-146 (32.2 - 38%) -- 0.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Poliwrath Circle Throw vs. 96 HP / 0 Def Samurott: 72-85 (20.2 - 23.9%) -- guaranteed 5HKO
0 Atk Poliwrath Circle Throw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Floatzel: 102-120 (32.7 - 38.5%) -- 98.5% chance to 3HKO

+2 252+ SpA Life Orb Omastar Hidden Power Grass vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Poliwrath: 265-312 (69 - 81.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Tough Claws Barbaracle Return vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Poliwrath: 284-335 (73.9 - 87.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 28 Atk Life Orb Carracosta Stone Edge vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Poliwrath: 160-187 (41.6 - 48.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[AJB]

Jynx @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Dry Skin
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball
- Psyshock
- Trick

Nothing too wild here, Jynx can switch into any attack besides Samurott's Megahorn with ease thanks to Dry Skin, and can revenge kill both Floatzel and Samurott very well with Energy Ball. (OHKO's Floatzel 100% of the time, only needs a bit of prior on Samurott).

Calcs

252 SpA Jynx Energy Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Floatzel: 312-368 (100.3 - 118.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Jynx Energy Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Samurott: 242-286 (73.1 - 86.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Silver Aurum]

Lilligant (F) @ Yache Berry
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power
- Quiver Dance
- Sleep Powder

Lilligant can't really reliably switch in on Megahorn or Ice Beam, but if given a free switch, Yache Berry allows it to set up on Floatzel with relative ease. Non Life Orb Lilligant only has a slight chance to OHKO 0 investment Samurott, so obviously you won't be handling bulky Rindo variants as well, but Lilligant can still threaten this core if given the proper opportunities.

calc

252 SpA Life Orb Floatzel Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Yache Berry Lilligant: 122-144 (43.4 - 51.2%) -- 5.5% chance to 2HKO

252 SpA Lilligant Giga Drain vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Samurott: 294-348 (88.8 - 105.1%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO

 

[PrinceLucian]

Rotom-Fan @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Air Slash
- Trick

Cool and underrated mon overall, i like the E-belt set more for luring stuff, but scarf has always worked for me pretty well, I mostly used it late game as its a pretty decent cleaner, now to the point: So basically this thing just ohkoes both of samurott and floatzel, and Rott cant even revenge it at +2 torrent after rocks, so i thought its a pretty good check to both.Of course, downside to fan is lanturn raise in usage but you can always trick it and slowly weaken for something else.

Calcs:

Hide

+2 252+ Atk Torrent Samurott Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rotom-S: 169-201 (70.1 - 83.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 SpA Life Orb Floatzel Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-S: 182-216 (75.5 - 89.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Rotom-S Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Floatzel: 480-566 (154.3 - 181.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Rotom-S Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Samurott: 372-440 (112.3 - 132.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[poh]

Lanturn @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 40 HP / 220 Def / 208 SpD / 40 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Volt Switch
- Heal Bell
- Toxic / Thunder Wave

Testing this core myself i had a hard time dealing with Lanturn. Lanturn easily switches in on both (Specs Floatzel could use Switcheroo to trouble defensive mons like Lanturn) Lanturn resists all their attacks except Megahorn. Volt Switch 2HKOs both.

252+ Atk Samurott Megahorn vs. 40 HP / 220 Def Lanturn: 136-161 (33.9 - 40.1%) -- 35.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[nv]

I am so dumb, but I accidentally forgot about this. I feel so bad guys sorry ;~;

Anyways, time to post partners! Submissions end on Tuesday.

 

[PrinceLucian]

Garbodor @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Aftermath
EVs: 248 HP / 164 Def / 96 Spe
Impish Nature
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes
- Gunk Shot
- Drain Punch

-Pairs well with both, switches into all threatening grass types like shiftry/lili which threatens the core, sets spikes for floatzel late game clean and cool pokemon that i recently started to like.

 

[etern]

Magmortar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 96 HP / 252 SpA / 160 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Earthquake

Mortar switches into and KO's every Grass-type that annoys Otter + Float such as Ferroseed, Vileplume and Lilligant, while also having a decent matchup versus Electric-types. In particular, Mortar can chip away at Lanturn with EQ, which this core greatly appreciates. Mortar can even do massive damage to Poliwrath, leading the way for Floatzel to clean up.

 

[nv]

Because I am late and forgot about this, I decided to just pick the winners myself this week. This week's winner for threat is boltsandbombers's Zebstrika and the winner for threat is ~Eternally's Magmortar. Congratulations!

This week's core won in Matchmaking and is a really powerful balance core that can support the team as well...

+

Sets + Brief Description

Musharna @ Colbur Berry / Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 240 HP / 252 Def / 16 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic / Psyshock
- Signal Beam
- Moonlight
- Heal Bell / Calm Mind / Thunder Wave

Aurorus @ Choice Specs
Ability: Refrigerate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Freeze-Dry
- Earth Power
- Frost Breath / Flash Cannon

This core provides speed control and a wallbreaker which can help bulky offensive teams as well as balanced teams. Musharna has that many slashes for a reason so it can customize itself to a team as Heal Bell gives clerical support, Calm Mind can make it a win condition that appreciates Aurorus' wallbreaking capabilities, or Thunder Wave to slow fast offensive threats for the team overall. Aurorus is an absolute monster that has great neutral coverage and power to back it up. It also helps that Ice airs on the side of "anti-meta" as most NU teams tend to end up being Ice STAB + Freeze Dry weak.

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

 

[poh]

Klinklang @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 156 HP / 252 Atk / 100 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shift Gear
- Gear Grind
- Return
- Substitute

Klinklang can freely switch in to Mushy and start setting a sub and Shift Gearing up. Klinklang outspeeds and Gear Grind obviously OHKOs Aurorus

 

[Dr Ciel]

I'll reserve Golurk

Ghosts (Golurk) @ Choice Band
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Shadow Punch
- Ice Punch
- Zen Headbutt / Thunderpunch

Choice Band Golurk pretty much destroys this core. Earthquake OHKO's Aurorus and Musharna is 2HKO'd by Shadow Punch as Moonlight won't heal enough HP for her to take another one.

 

[PrinceLucian]

Pinsir @ Life Orb
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly/Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- X-Scissor
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

-Im just gonna drop very underrated balance corebreaker, balance often relies on status moves to counter things like pinsir/kabutops/ and things like barbaracle/rhydon with pokemon like weezing, or use steelix/rhydon to deal with pinsir.
SD pinsir just tears through those cores after 1 boost, and punches holes to help another sweeper clean the game. Of course,its not all bread and butter for pinsir, as its speed is only mediocre and often dies very quickly as it mostly gets opportunity to setup only once most of the time, while it can only pass through gourgeist with lum berry hoping it doesnt carry foul play.
Otherwise, pinsir beats musharna/aurorus even without any boost ,with possibly just minor prior damage.

Adamant pinsir calcs:

Hide

252+ Atk Life Orb Mold Breaker Pinsir Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Aurorus: 398-468 (102.8 - 120.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Mold Breaker Pinsir X-Scissor vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 291-346 (67.2 - 79.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

Jolly pinsir calcs:

Hide

252 Atk Life Orb Mold Breaker Pinsir Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Aurorus: 361-426 (93.2 - 110%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Mold Breaker Pinsir X-Scissor vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 265-315 (61.2 - 72.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[etern]

Abomasnow @ Life Orb
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Blizzard
- Giga Drain / Wood Hammer
- Earthquake / Focus Blast
- Ice Shard

Abomasnow is a huge threat to this core, outspeeding both of them, and OHKOing Aurorus with either Wood Hammer, or Focus Blast if the recoil is unappealing. With Hail Abomasnow is able to weaken Musharna's ability to heal, thus making it much easier to break down with repeated Blizzards.

 

[nv]

It is a bit early, but it is time for partners. Submissions end on Tuesday.