Project NU Cores Threat Analysis - Haunter + Shiftry

[poh]

Steelix @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 244 HP / 136 Atk / 128 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake

Steelix sets up rocks which limitates Archeops switches and Heavy Slam OHKOs it. With Toxic you deal with Musharna in combination with Heavy Slam/Earthquake.

4 SpA Archeops Earth Power vs. 244 HP / 128 SpD Steelix: 170-202 (48.2 - 57.3%) -- 41.8% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Natan]

Rotom with Scarf can 2HKO Musharna without any Calm Mind using Shadow Ball and OHKO Archeops with Volt Switch or Thunderbolt. And Musharna can't setup on it due to its Trick, being able to cripple Musharna, get a Colbur Berry (lol) and easily switch out with Volt Switch.
252 SpA Rotom Volt Switch vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Archeops: 294-348 (101 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Rotom Shadow Ball vs. 240 HP / 0 SpD Musharna: 218-260 (50.3 - 60%) -- 85.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[etern]

Barbaracle @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Razor Shell
- X-Scissor
- Stone Edge
- Switcheroo

Scarf Barb is a solid threat to this core, as it can lure Archeops into thinking it outspeeds, and then just bop it with Razor Shell. Once Archeops is out of the way, just Switcheroo the Scarf onto Musharna, and start smacking it with X-Scissor.

252+ Atk Tough Claws Barbaracle X-Scissor vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 172-204 (39.7 - 47.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Tough Claws Barbaracle Razor Shell vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Archeops: 432-510 (148.4 - 175.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[PrinceLucian]

Aurorus @ Choice Specs
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blizzard
- Freeze-Dry
- Earth Power
- Frost Breath

-Aurorus is pretty big threat to this core because it stops Musharna recovery and easily 2-Koes it, while frost breath doesnt allow it to setup. Archeops having to adapt in steelix meta and being forced to run earth power makes it miss on 2-KO vs aurorus and it gets revenge killed in process. In general aurorus is kinda forgotten now but its still a huge threat which every team prefers having a switchin for.

 

[Pilo]

Rhydon @ Eviolite

Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 HP / 16 Atk / 240 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast / Stone Edge
- Megahorn

Tank Rhydon definitely poses some threat to this core, even with Archeops carrying ep it still has a hard time 3HKOing Rhydon who can come in on an acro and force it out with either rock blast or stone edge both of which will OHKO it. On top of which, setting up rocks early on can potentially cripple Archeops or force it to roost lest it suffer decreased damage. Besides being a decent check to Archeops, Rhydon can also 2HKO colbur Musharna with Megahorn and takes virtually no damage from psyshock or signal beam.

16+ Atk Rhydon Rock Blast (3 hits) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Archeops: 324-384 (111.3 - 131.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
16+ Atk Rhydon Stone Edge vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Archeops: 426-504 (146.3 - 173.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
16+ Atk Rhydon Megahorn vs. 240 HP / 252+ Def Musharna: 192-228 (44.3 - 52.6%) -- 20.7% chance to 2HKO

4 SpA Archeops Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 240 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 122-144 (29.4 - 34.7%) -- 8.8% chance to 3HKO
0 SpA Musharna Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Rhydon: 52-63 (12.5 - 15.2%) -- possible 7HKO
0 SpA Musharna Signal Beam vs. 252 HP / 240 SpD Eviolite Rhydon: 49-58 (11.8 - 14%) -- possible 8HKO

 

[nv]

I was on time this time! Anyways, submissions for partners ends on Monday. Let's get more than two this time, shall we? lol

 

[PrinceLucian]

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

-Ferroseed makes a great partner for this core because it checks both special and physical water types as well as DD rhydon, and it can setup rocks while supporting team with leech seed. In return, musharna tanks all fighting types and tauros with fire blast, while archeops checks/counters scyther which is threatening. With this 3 together, a lot of space remains to finish the team since many weaknesses is covered.

 

[Pilo]

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earth Power
- Toxic
- Recover
Gastro pairs pretty well with this core as it's able to absorb hits from several mons that severely threaten both Archeops and Musharna (especially archeops). SD Samurott can do virtually nothing to Gastro without a boost and is at risk of being severely crippled by a scald burn should it dare to stay in and set up.
On top of this, Gastro can also put a stop to not only Steelix but also Rhydon both of whom wall Musharna to hell and back as well as check Archeops, posing an offensive threat towards it.
It's also worth noting that Rotom, another threat to this core can do very little against Gastro with both it's STABs however, it can burn Gastro with a will-o' hurting it's longevity.

 

[poh]

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

Shiftry seems like a nice partner to this core since both struggle with Rock types and Samurott. With Sucker Punch Shiftry can pick off already weakened mons by Archeops. Archeops appreciates hazard removal as does Musharna, who doesn't want to get poisoned by Toxic Spikes. Add a Thick Fat mon and Steelix and your team is almost complete.

Useful calcs:
252+ Atk Life Orb Shiftry Sucker Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Barbaracle: 138-164 (48.4 - 57.5%) -- 91.4% chance to 2HKO
4 SpA Life Orb Shiftry Leaf Storm vs. 244 HP / 128 SpD Steelix: 199-235 (56.5 - 66.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[nv]

Another week has passed and another week I am picking the winners by myself :/

This week's winner for threat is erisia's Samurott and the winner for partner is PrinceLucian's Ferroseed. Congratulations!

This week's core is one I stole from erisia on the Good Cores thread.

+

Sets + Brief Description

Smeargle @ Focus Sash
Ability: Own Tempo
EVs: 88 HP / 124 Def / 44 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Spore / Dark Void
- Stealth Rock / Spikes
- Sticky Web
- Skill Swap

Zangoose @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Toxic Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly / Adamant Nature
- Facade
- Knock Off
- Close Combat
- Quick Attack

The real Normal-spam core. Smeargle makes Sticky Web a somewhat okay archetype again as it can use Skill Swap and good prediction to fend off Xatu, idk how useful that will be once this set becomes standard but it does the job for now. The EV spread gives Smeargle optimal bulk (alternatively just chuck into Def, when is Smeargle ever going to take a relevant special attack) while Spore / Dark Void provide Sleep support and Stealth Rock / Spikes provide whichever hazard your team can't afford. Zangoose then comes in and cleans house once Webs are up, mostly being threatened by Flying-types and Levitators such as Charizard and Archeops, which get wrecked by Stealth Rock. Obviously pack this with a spinblocker (probably an offensive one like Rotom, Mismagius, Haunter, or even Gourgeist-Small) so that Webs don't get removed. Also why are Smeargle's and Zangoose's models the same size wtf.

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

 

[etern]

Gourgeist-Super @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Insomnia
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Synthesis
- Foul Play
- Rock Slide

Gourgeist-Super is a huge defensive threat to this core. It's arguably the best Zangoose switch-in in the tier, and with Insomnia, it can deal with Dark Void Smeargle much more effectively. Synthesis lets Gourg consistently switch into Zangoose throughout the match, and webs dont hinder it whatsoever.

 

[PrinceLucian]

Archeops
Ability: Defeatist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Taunt
- Acrobatics
- Roost
- Earth Power

Taunt archeops as an offensive threat, it easily stops smeargle from setting up webs/rocks and has over 90% chance to Ohko Zangoose with acrobatics. If opponent somehow manages to setup webs, archeops is unaffected since its a flying type and wont get the speed drop. As a bonus, it beats a lot of common threats on webs like lilligant/mismagius/aggron with its blazing speed and strong offensive stats. Pretty cool set and definitely worth trying out.

Calc

252 Atk Archeops Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Zangoose: 286-337 (99.6 - 117.4%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

 

[Pilo]

Haunter @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Taunt
- Hex / Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Will-O-Wisp

Haunter is a great check to this core, it's naturally high base speed of 95 allows it to easily outspeed both Zangoose and Smeargle and packing taunt is incredibly useful for dealing with the latter, being able to force out and shut it down entirely before it can spore / darkvoid or get any hazards up but even If Smeargle does manage to do so Haunter's levitate allows it to be virtually unaffected by the speed drop from sticky web or any spike damage.

Zangoose also has a hard time switching into Haunter as it risks being hit with a will-o preventing it from getting it's toxic boost and rendering it pretty much useless for the rest of the match or a sludge bomb that will more often than not OHKO it. As an added bonus, Haunter's ghost typing also means that Zangoose won't be able to out prioritize it with quick attack netting Haunter and easy kill with sludge bomb should Zangoose choose to stay in.

252 SpA Life Orb Haunter Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zangoose: 265-313 (92.3 - 109%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO

 

[poh]

Primeape @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Scarf Primeape is a pretty underrated set imo but i think it can do well against this core. Ofcourse it OHKOs both with Close Combat but the thing about Scarf Primeape is that it doesn't really mind when Sticky Web is already up. With Defiant you're at +2 Attack and you get the speed of a non-scarfed Primeape, which still outspeeds Zangoose. You can use U-turn to get around Smeargles Focus Sash.


Something to keep in mind:

252+ Atk Toxic Boost Zangoose Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Primeape: 148-175 (54.6 - 64.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Toxic Boost Zangoose Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Primeape: 135-160 (49.8 - 59%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO

Edit: I completely forgot about Primeape having Vital Spirit so you probably want to run that since Spore and Dark Void won't affect it!

 

[Raging Swampert]

Malamar @ Leftovers
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 162 HP / 168 Atk / 178 Def
Impish Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Superpower
- Knock Off

Now, this might seem like a weird resttalk set, but it checks Zangoose and Smeargle pretty well. It doesn't mind getting put to sleep by smeargle(considering sleep talk), and can take a Facade from a jolly nature Zangoose at full health. It can usually take a facade from an adamant Zangoose. It can then OHKO Zangoose with a Superpower. This set is a great check to the Zangosse and Smeargle Core.

Calcs:
168 Atk Malamar Superpower vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Zangoose: 288-340 (100.3 - 118.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Toxic Boost Zangoose Facade (140 BP) vs. 162 HP / 176 Def Malamar: 289-342 (81.8 - 96.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Toxic Boost Zangoose Facade (140 BP) vs. 162 HP / 176 Def Malamar: 318-375 (90 - 106.2%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

 

[Louna]

Magmortar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 64 HP / 252 SpA / 192 Spe
Modest Nature / Whatever you want regarding to the filler
- Fire Blast
- Flame Charge
- filler
- filler

Magmortar don't care of Dark void thanks to Vital Spirit, it forces Smeargle to skill swap if he want to asleep, Magmortar have one or two free Flame Charge(depending the situation) against Smeargle, that let him outspeed Zangoose and just smash him with Fire Blast.

252+ SpA Magmortar Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zangoose: 289-342 (100.6 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
well, you need to be careful about a miss because Zangoose have a chance to 2HKO with Quick Attack

252+ Atk Toxic Boost Zangoose Quick Attack vs. 64 HP / 0 Def Magmortar: 138-163 (44.9 - 53%) -- 30.5% chance to 2HKO

That also allows you to put an amazing pressure on the opposing team after killing these 2.

 

[nv]

It is time to submit partners! This phase ends on Monday.

 

[Orphic]

Mesprit @ Choice Specs/Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Signal Beam
- Ice Beam
- Healing Wish

Adding Life Orb cos some might not like specs, despite it being so good. This thing can already rip through teams, it's only real flaw is it's mediocre speed only hitting 259 so it can really take advantage of sticky web to plough through mons that would normally outspeed it. Furthermore, it also has synergy with Zangoose, putting dents in bulkier mons that Zangoose might not be able to destroy immediately such as Steelix, Weezing, Audino. It also threatens/annihilates Garbodor which can trouble Zangoose and make it less effective.

 

[etern]

Samurott @ Life Orb
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Rash Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Aqua Jet
- Megahorn

Special Otter basically breaks through everything that annoys Zangoose, mainly Gourgeist-XL, Rock-, Ground-, and Steel-types, as well as Flying-types such as Charizard and Archeops which can be picked off with Aqua Jet. Samurott also really appreciates webs, since it can run through a lot of teams.

 

[Abejas]

Rotom @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Shadow Ball
- Trick
- Thunderbolt
Scarf rotom is a great partner to this core, being able to scare out xatu's that are always anoying to smeargle and its also a great pivot for zangoose being able to volt switch around. It also checks fast or bulky ghosts that are anoying for zangoose like gourgeist, mismagius and even other rotom's. Rotom also checks bulkier mons that zangoose cant ohko from full like garbodor, weezing and steelix, which could be anoying. It also has trick to punish mons that try to stall out zangoose.

 

[poh]

Swellow @ Choice Specs
Ability: Scrappy
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Boomburst
- Heat Wave
- U-turn
- Sleep Talk / Tailwind

Swellow forms a nice Normal spam core with Zangoose. Both mons can really pressure your opponent until it breaks. Depending if Webs are up or not Zangoose or Swellow can clean up late game. Swellow also deals with some of the threats posted above and having Scrappy it really complements Zangoose.

 

[nv]

This week I got some help in picking winners so thanks to Aladyyn, Sir Kay, TTFTW, and MARCU5theBAW5!!!

This week's winner for threat is PrinceLucian's Archeops and the winner for partner is ~Eternally's Samurott. Congratulations!

This week's core is one I have been using with quite a bit of success...

+

Sets + Brief Description

Charizard
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake / Earth Power
- Recover
- Toxic / Yawn

Charizard and Gastrodon are a really solid core for more balanced teams thanks to their defensive synergy and the support they provide one another. Charizard and Gastrodon try to use their moves to spread burns, making Gastrodon a better physical wall than it normally would. Charizard can also beat most Grass-types that threatens Gastrodon while also serving as a solid Fighting check and win condition, offering up so much in one slot. Gastrodon is a nice Pokemon that can usually take care of most of Charizard checks such as Lanturn and non-HP Grass Magmortar. Earthquake means it hits both of those checks harder, but Earth Power doesn't suffer from the negative nature. Toxic and Yawn can help wear down bulkier Pokemon or force Grass-types into a 50/50 if they want to stay in.

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

 

[Louna]

Floatzel @ Life Orb
Ability: Water Veil
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Focus Blast / Baton Pass / Taunt

Floatzel is a huge threat for this core as he can just outspeed Charizard and click Hydro Pump, even if Gastrodon come, he can just punish him with HP Grass while also pressuring a lot of possible teammates such as Steelix, Rhydon & cie.

calcs:
252 SpA Life Orb Floatzel Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Charizard: 400-476 (111.4 - 132.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Life Orb Floatzel Hidden Power Grass vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gastrodon: 302-359 (70.8 - 84.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

You need to be careful and lucky, because with a miss these two will kill you before you can kill the 2nd:

0 SpA Gastrodon Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Floatzel: 156-184 (50.1 - 59.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0- Atk Gastrodon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Floatzel: 135-159 (43.4 - 51.1%) -- 3.1% chance to 2HKO
8 Atk Charizard Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Floatzel: 168-198 (54 - 63.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Froggyboy]

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

Specs Aurorus handles this core very well, with specs Hyper Voice nearly OHKOing Zard, and OHKOs Gastrodon with Freeze Dry or just 2HKO with Hyper Voice. Plus both of these guys cant ohko back so it's all cool.

252+ SpA Choice Specs Refrigerate Aurorus Hyper Voice vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Charizard: 298-352 (83 - 98%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Aurorus Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Gastrodon: 736-868 (172.7 - 203.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 8 Atk Charizard Acrobatics (110 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Aurorus: 135-159 (34.8 - 41%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0- Atk Gastrodon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Aurorus: 218-258 (56.3 - 66.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[Drangonn.]

reserving cradily