Welcome to Smogon! Take a moment to read the Introduction to Smogon for a run-down on everything Smogon, and make sure you take some time to read the global rules.
With my Fairy team, I usually have both Diancie-Mega and Clefable attuned to break this core.
Prima (Diancie) @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Diamond Storm
- Moonblast
- Earth Power
This is the boring more standard answer for Fairy teams to break the SkarmDos core (along with the entire Flying team). At the cost losing base 110 speed ties, you can dismantle both Skarmory and Zapdos with a combination of HP Fire and Diamond Storm. Iron Head Skarmory, though not as popular, can be an issue, but if it's being preserved carefully, then it's best to pull Diancie out until the opposing Flying team has been softened enough. Discharge para from a Zapdos that randomly survives Diamond Storm can also be an issue. Protect can be swapped for Earth Power, but I'm confident in my ability to create openings to mega-evolve Diancie, so I forgo it. More often than not though, a well-played Diancie-mega will leave this core (and the Flying team in general) in shambles.
252 SpA Mega Diancie Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 204-242 (61 - 72.4%)
0 Atk Mega Diancie Diamond Storm vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 372-440 (97.1 - 114.8%)
This is my customized Clefable set, extremely handy for the SkarmDos, and a personal favorite of mine. The combination of Toxic and Softboiled allows Clefable to outstall Zapdos, while Flamethrower will do enough on a standard Skarmory set to force it out/force it to spam Roost. Stealth Rock pressures Flying teams to Defog as soon as they can, but this Clefable just hard counters the common defoggers on Flying, SkarmDos. An alternate set to breaking SkarmDos is the CM Moonblast Clefable set, which does well as a standalone, last-Pokemon sweeper with screens up.
Someone else can make an argument for Gardevoir-Mega as a Pokemon that can break this core, but it's not a Pokemon I normally use on Fairy (which is what the discussion wants), so I'll leave that to someone else if they want.
Nidoking @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
- Substitute / Sludge Wave
Landorus @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Earth Power
- Extrasensory
- Grass Knot
- Gravity
Thanks to this relatively large amount of checks, ground doesn't struggle against flying if the user isn't completely outplayed. Mamoswine is a massive threat to any flying team, forcing out Skarmory, which gives the user space for an Icicle Crash, which will force Skarmory to roost if it switches in. The added flinch chance allows the ground user to gamble a bit and flinch Skarmory to death. Mega Garchomp is another amazing check, shutting down Skarmory with Fire Blast and smacking Zapdos with Stone Edge. It is also possible to use regular Garchomp instead, but you don't get the full wallbreaking power that way. Nidoking fires off Ice Beams that are usually enough to 2HKO either Skarmory or Zapdos after Stealth Rock damage. Lastly, Landorus is capable of using Gravity, which allows the whole team to hit the defensive core with ground type moves, which is a huge help.
Another possibility is to gamble with Scald burn hax using Gastrodon, Quagsire or Seismitoad, if there is no other option. This weakens the defensive core considerably, allowing easier cleaning up later in the battle.
Tylacto mentioned this a while back on how devastating Hoopa-U can be vs electric, but it really isnt that broken. Theres still rotom-w with willo or t-wave and theres magnezone signal beam specs(yes I run it). You gotta adapt to the meta.
Anyway, vs the skarmdos core with electric, I use Power Gem, Toxic, and Volt switch on Mega Ampharos. Toxic and Power Gem can deal with Zapdos, and volt Switch can deal with skarm. Power gem can also hit incoming Togekiss that try to predict Dragon Pulse too, or you can OHKO a Char Y.
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Power Gem vs. 248 HP / 180+ SpD Zapdos: 190-224 (49.6 - 58.4%) -- 69.1% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Mold Breaker Mega Ampharos Power Gem vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Togekiss: 204-240 (54.5 - 64.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Another Pokemon that can do some damage to the core is Banded Thundurus. Because most zapdoses are Specially Defensive, a banded wild charge will do a lot of damage to zapdos and skarm. You can also use knock off on the zapdos, which will do decent damage to zapdos, or landorus if they try predicting an electric move.
252 Atk Choice Band Thundurus Wild Charge vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 231-273 (60.3 - 71.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Thundurus Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 166-196 (43.3 - 51.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
These two Pokemon are absolute monsters against Skarm Dos. Starting with Medicham Mega, it 2hko's Skarmory with High Jump Kick, leaving it easily revenge killed by Terrakion (excluding miss) while Ice Punch + Fake Out kill Zapdos. It dosen't even matter if you click Ice Punch against Zapdos and Skarmory comes in, because it is going to die to High Jump Kick. You can also run Adamant Medicham for more power.
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 312-368 (81.2 - 95.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 78-92 (23.3 - 27.5%) -- 71.7% chance to 4HKO
252 Atk Pure Power Mega Medicham High Jump Kick vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 201-237 (60.1 - 70.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Keldeo with a choice specs should be played against Skarm, which forces in Zapdos thinking that it's a simple scald on the Sub Calm Mind common set and 2hko's Zapdos with Hydro Pump. Keldeo already beats on Skarmory with any water move so Hydro Pump just speeds up that process.
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 357-421 (106.8 - 126%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Keldeo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 207-244 (53.9 - 63.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery(on the switch in)
After the core is down, pokemon like Terrakion and Heracross can do work against flying.
Also gonna hit steel too.
Here are some Pokemon that might not be able to wall break Skarm and Zapdos fast or hard, but together with synergy help out a lot for each other.
Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 200 SpD / 60 Spe
Calm Nature
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Magma Storm
- Stealth Rock
This Heatran set shuts down Zapdos from using Defog and Roost and traps it with Magma Storm and Toxic to rack up trap and poison damage. Ultimately will beat Zapdos 1v1 or leave it from being finished off by Magnezone or any other Offensive Steel Mon.
Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
Magnezone can't really do much against Zapdos, but it can trap Skarmory with Magnet Pull if the Skarmory doesn't have a shed shell. You use this properly by scaring out Zapdos or any other flying Mon against a physical attacker such as Scarf Excadrill, Bisharp, Scizor, Doublade, etc, and bringing in Magnezone on the Skarm, trapping it and killing it leaving your Physical Offensive Steel Mons free room against the Flying team.
Bisharp @ Life Orb/Lum Berry
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
Bisharp, if played right, can get up an automatic +2 thanks to Defiant on anyone cheeky enough to Defog. Knock off 2hko's skarmory with a plus 2+, and Sucker Punch OHKO's Zapdos at 2+(I say sucker because some Flying users speed creep to out-speed Adamant Bisharp.) If you want to auto win against Skarm, then I guess you can put Taunt Bisharp + SD to prevent Whirlwind.
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 251-296 (75.1 - 88.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 415-489 (108 - 127.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Choice Scarf Rotom-Frost is a serious threat to this core as it requires prediction based on which move it will use as one prediction could end in the core being broken. In addition, it could also Trick either one of the core's members, therefore removing their Leftovers and being forced to lock into a move. Volt Switch can also be used to gain momentum on either member of the core. The only real fears Rotom has are Iron Head from Skarmory or Heat Wave from Zapdos.
252 SpA Rotom-F Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 338-398 (101.1 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 207-244 (61.9 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 240-284 (62.6 - 74.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
In addition, Sub Split Rotom also takes on this core, although if the opponent is running Speedy Zapdos for god knows what reason, it could be troublesome.
Essentially, you set up a Substitute when you force a switch from one of the Pokemon and proceed to fire off attacks behind it. If your HP gets low as a result of Life Orb + Substitute, you can use pain split if your opponent's Pokemon is weakened.
252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 312-369 (81.4 - 96.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 269-317 (80.5 - 94.9%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-F Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 439-517 (131.4 - 154.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
edit: Since nobody posted a Normal-type I guess I'll just put one into this post.
Porygon-Z with Bolt Beam Coverage (or at least Thunderbolt) can challenge this core as well, due to its very high base special attack.
This is a pretty cool set which can pull off a lot of damage against the given core due to its coverage and powerful base attack fueled by Choice Specs. In addition, Trick can be used to cripple either of the Pokemon in the core.
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 442-522 (132.3 - 156.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Porygon-Z Tri Attack vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 197-232 (58.9 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 221-261 (66.1 - 78.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Porygon-Z Tri Attack vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 228-270 (59.5 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 256-302 (66.8 - 78.8%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 128-151 (33.4 - 39.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
edit2: I'll just add one of my personal favorite Pokemon in here as well, as it beats the core and there weren't many Fire- or Ground-types listed yet.
Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 188 HP / 252 SpA / 68 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Ancient Power
- Stealth Rock
Alright so Camerupt breaks this core with its ridiculous Special Attack sported with Sheer Force, as well as access to Stealth Rock, and can't really be touched unless either one of the Pokemon have Toxic. Fire Blast just eradicates both Pokemon.
252+ SpA Sheer Force Mega Camerupt Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 214-253 (55.8 - 66%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Sheer Force Mega Camerupt Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 740-872 (221.5 - 261%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Choice Scarf Rotom-Frost is a serious threat to this core as it requires prediction based on which move it will use as one prediction could end in the core being broken. In addition, it could also Trick either one of the core's members, therefore removing their Leftovers and being forced to lock into a move. Volt Switch can also be used to gain momentum on either member of the core. The only real fears Rotom has are Iron Head from Skarmory or Heat Wave from Zapdos.
252 SpA Rotom-F Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 338-398 (101.1 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 207-244 (61.9 - 73%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 240-284 (62.6 - 74.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
In addition, Sub Split Rotom also takes on this core, although if the opponent is running Speedy Zapdos for god knows what reason, it could be troublesome.
Essentially, you set up a Substitute when you force a switch from one of the Pokemon and proceed to fire off attacks behind it. If your HP gets low as a result of Life Orb + Substitute, you can use pain split if your opponent's Pokemon is weakened.
252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 312-369 (81.4 - 96.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-F Blizzard vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 269-317 (80.5 - 94.9%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-F Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 439-517 (131.4 - 154.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
edit: Since nobody posted a Normal-type I guess I'll just put one into this post.
Porygon-Z with Bolt Beam Coverage (or at least Thunderbolt) can challenge this core as well, due to its very high base special attack.
This is a pretty cool set which can pull off a lot of damage against the given core due to its coverage and powerful base attack fueled by Choice Specs. In addition, Trick can be used to cripple either of the Pokemon in the core.
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 442-522 (132.3 - 156.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Porygon-Z Tri Attack vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 197-232 (58.9 - 69.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 221-261 (66.1 - 78.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Adaptability Porygon-Z Tri Attack vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 228-270 (59.5 - 70.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 256-302 (66.8 - 78.8%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
252+ SpA Choice Specs Porygon-Z Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 128-151 (33.4 - 39.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
edit2: I'll just add one of my personal favorite Pokemon in here as well, as it beats the core and there weren't many Fire- or Ground-types listed yet.
Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 188 HP / 252 SpA / 68 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Ancient Power
- Stealth Rock
Alright so Camerupt breaks this core with its ridiculous Special Attack sported with Sheer Force, as well as access to Stealth Rock, and can't really be touched unless either one of the Pokemon have Toxic. Fire Blast just eradicates both Pokemon.
252+ SpA Sheer Force Mega Camerupt Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 214-253 (55.8 - 66%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Sheer Force Mega Camerupt Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 740-872 (221.5 - 261%) -- guaranteed OHKO
I feel like it's pointless posting sets on types that have a good matchup vs flying, but I'll do it anyway.
Lapras @ Choice Specs
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Freeze-Dry
- Frost Breath
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Walrein @ Choice Specs
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Frost Breath
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Both of these mons have enough special firepower to 2HKO Skarmory with Freeze-Dry/Ice Beam respectively and are common enough on ice teams as they serve good Scizor and fire-type pokemon checks.
252+ SpA Choice Specs Lapras Freeze-Dry vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 187-222 (55.9 - 66.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Lapras Freeze-Dry vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 218-258 (56.9 - 67.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Choice Specs Walrein Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 259-306 (77.5 - 91.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Walrein Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Zapdos: 302-356 (78.8 - 92.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Mixed Cloyster can beat that core with a Shell Smash and can OHKO Skarmory if you can get rocks damage on it (you can manage to beat the core even without smashing if your prediction game is strong).
This isn't really a reliable set and most will call it uncompetitive but as we all know hax > skill. If you can flinch Skarmory just once you get on with the sweep.
Classic SS water core that gives the skarm+dos core and absolute nightmare along with the rest of most flying builds.
Politoad: There are different types of toad builds you could run with this core. The bulky variant is probably a more reliable rain setter with its ability to sponge an emergency hit and get up rain multiple times throughout a battle. Offensive scarf variants have been used and can add a nice surprise factor but bulky is generally the way to go.
Kingdra: Kingdra is SS waters most prominent special wall breaker. This is the main mon that will be breaking the skarm+dos core with its massive special attack to smash through skarm and rain support to overcome zap's bulkiness. either item can work, My personal preferance is life orb because I think being able to switch moves with IB in the set is a huge pro because ice is arguably one of the best coverage types in the tier. Life orb does leave you open to priority with the recoil damage which is where specs can sometimes be better. they both have their ups and downs but either one will successfully break the core.
Swampert: Pert is the Physical wall breaker to the core that can also give skarm+dos a tough time as well. Skarm, while it doesn't wall it all that well, can still wall it if it's healthy and can dodge flinches. If you have rocks up skarm can't really wall it all to well but the thing with the core is that pert IS the rocker which makes it hard to chip down the skarm in range but it still struggles with pert none the less with having to dodge flinches and the fact that dos just invites in something like a kingdra to just claim a soul. If you can fit in a rocker that isn't pert, I highly suggest trying PuP in the SR slot. It takes less pressure off of pert to get up rocks and let's it solely focus on smashing through shit better.
Figure I'll chime in on this too now that we've gotten a ton of responses!
One of my favorite ways to break SkarmDos, and Flying teams in genreal, is Swampert + Mega-Sharpedo. Assuming you know how to play around the Gyarados, this combo is a menace for Flying teams to handle. Swampert spams Rocks/Yawn/Roar to shuffle the team, prevent setup, and guarantee rocks stay up, then Sharpedo splits the core wide open.
an scp original (Swampert) @ Leftovers
Ability: Damp
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD (Swampert has great mixed defenses, customize your evs imo!)
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Roar
- Stealth Rock
- Yawn
vs. Skarmory rocks + Crunch + Hydro KO's unless you get some terrible rolls, or miss Hydro.
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 129-153 (38.6 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
4 SpA Mega Sharpedo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 172-204 (51.4 - 61%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
vs. Zapdos
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Ice Fang vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 282-332 (73.6 - 86.6%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
vs. Togekiss
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Ice Fang vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Togekiss: 256-302 (68.6 - 80.9%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Figure I'll chime in on this too now that we've gotten a ton of responses!
One of my favorite ways to break SkarmDos, and Flying teams in genreal, is Swampert + Mega-Sharpedo. Assuming you know how to play around the Gyarados, this combo is a menace for Flying teams to handle. Swampert spams Rocks/Yawn/Roar to shuffle the team, prevent setup, and guarantee rocks stay up, then Sharpedo splits the core wide open.
an scp original (Swampert) @ Leftovers
Ability: Damp
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Roar
- Stealth Rock
- Yawn
vs. Skarmory rocks + Crunch + Hydro KO's unless you get some terrible rolls, or miss Hydro.
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Crunch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 129-153 (38.6 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
4 SpA Mega Sharpedo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 172-204 (51.4 - 61%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
vs. Zapdos
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Ice Fang vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 282-332 (73.6 - 86.6%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
vs. Togekiss
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Ice Fang vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Togekiss: 256-302 (68.6 - 80.9%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
May want to consider adding LO Starmie to that core, atm it's a bit physical heavy despite Mega Pedo's power, and itll give you a gaurenteed 2KO on both (depending on the DOS spread, and sr being still up or not). Just a thought
May want to consider adding LO Starmie to that core, atm it's a bit physical heavy despite Mega Pedo's power, and itll give you a gaurenteed 2KO on both (depending on the DOS spread, and sr being still up or not). Just a thought
He has hydro to break skarm. Thats all he needs really, he still has the max attack crunches to smack zap as well. Doesn't NEED to be a 3 mon core if it doesn't have to be
0 SpA Mega Sharpedo Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 171-202 (51.1 - 60.4%) -- 92.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Strong Jaw Mega Sharpedo Crunch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 261-307 (68.1 - 80.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
To the above posts, it's all about your method of breaking the SkarmDos core. I don't believe scpinion normally runs Starmie to warrant him including it.
Well, that's all I wanted to say, but the post is too short, uninformative, so I looked into my most recent teams for something to add... AND I got this!
Nekara @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Smack Down
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stealth Rock
I've been wanting to make a team with this for a while, and it just so happens to break this core. Not something I've used a lot yet, but definitely something that I'll be getting around to more. Landorus-T is usually hard-walled by Skarmory, but Smack Down changes all of that. With the threat of a super-effective STAB EQ from a Landorus, a switch is easy to force out, and with that, you can use any of the other 4 moves you have, lol. You can just simply Stealth Rock, thinking they'll switch, OR you can U-turn for the momentum. You can also just Smack Down again to nail their switch-in, and if you're real enough, since it's the most predictable move, you can click Earthquake, predicting that your opponent will stay in because they predicted that you'd do the other 3 more viable options! The same thing practically holds true for Zapdos.
Unfortunately, this set is only feasible on a Flying team. Regardless, I like Smack Down over Rock Slide/Stone Edge just because it can break the SkarmDos wall. First, loving Clefable @ anti-SkarmDos, now loving Lando-T @ anti-SkarmDos. I think I hate this core more than I think.
I've had many close calls against Flying because the dual typing and access to great movepools allow them to function easier. With Defog having hazards removed 6th Gen, it begins to get annoying. With Skarmory you have to deal with Rocky Helmet hurting physical attackers, Leftovers providing a little extra recovery in conjunction with Roost which is pretty crucial in either barely avoiding getting 2HKOed or Sturdy can activate again. There's also the annoying Whirlwind and its excellent typing assists it against many types in the game with only being weak to Fire and Electric. As for Zapdos, despite its offensive presence being pretty good, it's much used defensively allowing it to check some threats in the game. Being able to stall with Toxic + Roost, remove hazards with Defog, paralysis with Discharge, and coverage with Heat Wave for Steel-, Ice-, and Grass-types.
But here is my Pokemon that I always use to break Skarm + dos. You have a show that introduces entertainment.
name: Prima Meloney
move 1: Substitute
move 2: Calm Mind
move 3: Psyshock
move 4: Focus Blast
item: Leftovers
ability: Serene Grace
nature: Bold
evs: 252 HP / 204 Def / 52 SpD
Meloetta is my main performer. The main bread and butter Pokemon as my prima gladly takes the stage to fulfill her duties as part of a choir. As she elegantly set up Substitute to avoid Zapdos's Toxic using her voice to create a shockwave to diminish the harmful substance behind a Sub. As her performance continues, she then unwinds herself with Calm Mind to increase the power of her voice while also being able to block out Zapdos's Discharge, Thunderbolt, or Heat Wave for a turn while recovering with Leftovers. She can then scream her way through Zapdos's bulk with Psyshock, making the bird fall to its glamorous song. As for the steel bird Skarmory, Melotta will see this as another challenge in raising her voice to increase the likelihood of Skarmory fainting from her intense "Focus" as Serene Grace is on her side. As she becomes my main singer in giving Flying-types a rough time, she exits the stage on a job well done.
name: Bunny Entertaining
move 1: Return
move 2: Wild Charge
move 3: Stone Edge
move 4: Knock Off
item: Choice Band / Life Orb
ability: Huge Power
nature: Adamant / Jolly
evs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
As for her partner, the bunny is out of the hat! Diggersby makes its appearance onto the center of the stage, sprinting into the spotlight. With its hard-hitting capabilities, it can 2HKO Skarmory by fusing itself with electricity, Wild Charge. However, it can go for the alternative in getting rid of its Leftovers or Rocky Helmet with Knock Off by slapping its wing, knocking it off course while it takes flight. The same thing will apply to the disgusting and stupid Zapdos holding a Leftovers. Diggersby makes its away across the stage destroying obstacles with its STAB Return, having a pretty low but incredible chance to OHKO Zapdos by landing right on top of it with its pouch, charging straight into the bird, almost or surely knock its lights out. Ooooor it can use its magical powers to summon loads of Stone Edges to OHKO it, making Stone Edge a lovely fit for our bunny.
Diggersby and Meloetta join together to form a nice stop to the core, as the two bow on their beautiful performance in removing the revolting duo off the stage. No encore needed!
This discussion definitely died out while I was away w/ school stuff. I've linked the OP from the SkarmDos discussion in the 2nd post of this thread so anyone can easily refer back to it. Also, if you see someone asking about these topics in the Mono room feel free to direct them to the thread.
New Topic!
Monotype Premier League is about to start, and we're sure to see some really innovative teams from the cream of the ORAS crop. To go along with this, we want to hear about how you guys use some of the more uncommon Mega-Evolutions on your teams.
What niches have you found for the Mega Pokemon that aren’t considered “generic”?
Some examples: Audino, Aerodactyl, Beedrill, Sceptile, Blastoise, Lati@s, Heracross, Aggron on Steel, Pidgeot on Flying, etc.
Sticky Web provides a lot of support for Mega Heracross on Bug teams, I'd want to give a shoutout to Inwhale for making this a thing in Bug monos. The team was a very well built team which showcased Mega Heracross's true potential. If you wanna build anything around it, here's a cool overview of the team:
I planned to bring some innovative shit this tour, let me show what I had in plan for a Mega Heracross team. I won't be revealing all of them, that would be after the tournament, so here's a combination I've been planning to introduce in the tournament, but won't probably since I'm bringing this up now:
Tailwind Bug is something I wanted to experiment on, the plan is to setup a Tailwind with Scizor, U-Turn or let it die and break some stuffs with Heracross. I've gives Insect Plate on Scizor for a stronger U-Turn, while Adamant nature on Heracross to 2HKO Skarm and destroy bulkier builds without the Speed boost. Obviously this is a creative way to use Mega Heracross, but it is indeed effective.
Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 168 HP / 252 SpA / 88 Spe
Rash Nature
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Rock Slide
- Will-O-Wisp
Mega Camerupt is definitely an underused mega on ground teams, and fire teams especially. Off the bat I want to say, I usually like using underused megas because it's different from the norm, you can get a lot more creative with your teams and its fun to teambuild with, and get your gears grinding on how to incorporate them.
Anyways, back to Mega Camel, I personally love using it over Garchomp. First off, ground does not have any hard hitting special attackers outside of Lando I, so hes a great secondary option as a special wallbreaker (ex: breaking mega sableye at +1). With its fire typing, it acts as a perfect burn absorber for the team, so you can easily send it in on a WoW. On paper, it is a great mega for ground teams especially, threatening ice and grass especially, which are types ground tends do have some trouble with. It also is able to lure in a wide range of physical threats, ex Gyarados, Garchomp, ect, and be able to burn them on switchin with WoW.
With that said, that doesn't mean it has its cons. It is incredibly slow, so it'll almost always take a hit before dishing out any major damage. While it is bulky, it doesn't have any recovery outside of resr talk, so you really have to preserve it to take care of certain threats in the match. In some matches even, usually ground and water, it'll be almost completely useless, and will more than likely be your sack.
If your able to bypass these problems, it is a great addition to ground teams, kinda scews the typical process of building a ground team, which is a lot of fun to try! :)
These guys are great partners for it. Landorus-T provides much needed speed, as well as immunity to ground attacks, and access to intimidate. Seismitoad is a great offensive water absorber, which is usually obligatory on any ground team. Mamoswine is an astounding physical wallbreaker, ice resist, and priority.
Rarely to no use in Fire Monotype, Mega Houndoom proves to be overshadowed thanks to the infamous and well needed Mega Charizard Y becoming the "staple of fire." Despite this, it still proves to be a good pokemon on Fire thanks to speed, power, and it's ability in Solar Power, and with Ninetales and sun, is an amazing pokemon on a non generic fire team. I'd like to shoutout Sabella for Houndoom Ninetales Fire as it's really cool and effective in this metagame and I had a lot of fun helping and playing with this core.
+
+
(Ninetales) @ Heat Rock
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 HP / 148 SpD / 108 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Solar Beam
- Fire Blast
- Will-O-Wisp
- Dark Pulse
(Houndoom) @ Houndoominite
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Dark Pulse
- Solar Beam
Thanks to Ninetales good sp.def for a fire pokemon(excluding heatran) and Heat Rock, Ninetales and it's Sun can last for a very long time, helping out Houndoom as well. Houndoom when it mega evolves benefits from this via solar power, and good Special attack and speed which is boosted by solar power making it hit even harder. Nasty Plot is on this to boost it's already high Special attack to dangerous levels. Solarbeam on both of the mons is good for water coverage in sun although on Houndoom you could run Sludge Bomb or Hidden Power Ground or even Ice for Azumaril Heatran or any Dragon/Flying/Ground. Fletchinder helps Houndoom out by boosting its speed to dangerous levels thanks to Tailwind. Primary partners for this core involve Torkoal for Rapid Spin Support as the team is weak to rocks, Infernape for physical mon coverage, and Rotom Heat for electric coverage.
Mega Venusaur is a very common pokemon on grass, but i enjoy experimenting with Mega Sceptile because I do think it has some nice advantages over Venusaur
Mega Sceptile adds some much appreciated speed and power to grass teams. I use this set in particular to help against steel/flying/fire teams. Here are some calcs:
252 SpA Mega Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 189-223 (56.5 - 66.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 216-256 (61.3 - 72.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 192+ SpD Heatran: 206-244 (53.5 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 270-318 (83.5 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Mega Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 189-223 (56.5 - 66.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
80 Atk Mega Sceptile Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 146-172 (38.1 - 44.9%) -- 66.4% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
80 Atk Mega Sceptile Rock Slide vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Zapdos: 146-172 (38.1 - 44.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
80 Atk Mega Sceptile Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tornadus-T: 152-180 (50.8 - 60.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Mega Sceptile Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 270-318 (83.5 - 98.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
80 Atk Mega Sceptile Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Charizard Y: 312-368 (105 - 123.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Mega Sceptile Dragon Pulse vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Rotom-H: 142-168 (46.7 - 55.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
These calcs show that not much can switch in safely to Sceptile. However, to increase its influence in the game it would be better if pokemon like zapdos or heatran didnt have leftovers. Furthermore, weakening mons in general is beneficial so that Sceptile can sweep with its fantastic speed and power. As a result, ferrothorn is the perfect partner for Sceptile.
Ferrothorn @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Spikes
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball
- Knock Off
Ferrothorn invites in pokemon like zapdos and heatran and can knock off their leftovers, making them much easier to kill. Spikes help to weaken the opposing team, same with rocky helmet + iron barbs.
Cradily @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Recover
- Rock Slide
- Earth Power
Here is another good partner. This can switch in on the mons which force ferrothorn out, and can get the all important stealth rocks up. Perhaps a spdef spread would be better, but I like physdef since it can check some threats to my particular team.
Mega Latias on Psychic is an underestimated threat. Sporting some incredible defensive stats of 80/120/150, combined with its excellent special attack stat, it's easy to see that this thing will give you trouble if it is allowed to set up Calm Minds, which is what the following set aims to do:
Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Roost
- Substitute / Hidden Power Fighting
- Stored Power / Psyshock
Mega Latias can obtain some incredibly high Sp. Atk and Sp. Def even from 1 or 2 Calm Mind boosts, allowing it to start sweeping quickly for a setup sweeper. Roost allows for recovery, which is vital to sustain the setup. The third slot can obtain either Substitute, in order to dodge status conditions and dodge Sucker Punches. Hidden Power Fighting is an option over this, in case a dark type check is needed and in order for Latias to not be useless against a dark mono. Lastly, Stored Power is Latias' preferred STAB, as it is extremely powerful after some Calm Mind boosts. However, Psyshock can be used instead if you want quick power and to break special walls such as Chansey.
Ideal Allies: Mega Latias can be sustained with the psychic type's great defensive core. Mew is a great ally, which can provide status recovery with Heal Bell, in case Latias is poisoned or burned. Additionally, Mew can weaken opposing teams with Will-o-Wisp, meaning that physical attackers will have a tough time breaking Latias if played correctly.
Why it isn't used much: Unfortunately, Mega Latias doesn't offer any coverage against psychic's weaknesses, namely the dark type. This is why it is completely outclassed by Mega Gallade, a much more viable option, given that it can break dark types with Close Combat. Additionally, a fast sweeper like Gallade is more beneficial to the psychic type, which has a core of bulky, defensive Pokemon. Lastly, Latias is more popular as an offensive Pivot, capable of defogging hazards, dealing damage with Draco Meteor, and switching out again.
I want to do Ghost as well because of the lack of Ghost in the thread :d..
Unlike it's bulkier more viable mega, Bannette-Mega is overshadowed by Mega Sableye because of it's bulk, access to calm mind, recover, and it's amazing ability in Magic Bounce helping in hazard control, something ghost really needed without access to defog. Despite this, Mega Bannette can be a fun Pokemon to use and play with if you want to sport an un-generic ghost team. It boasts an ungodly 165 base attack stat, making it the ghost Pokemon with the best attack stat, coming second being Aegislash Blade. It also boasts prankster, like it's brother regular sableye. This attack stat and prankster allow it to function as a good ghost physical attacker, something ghost kind of lacks besides the Swords Dance Aegislash set and the Lead Golurk Set. It has an incredible offensive move-pool specializing in ghost and dark moves via Sucker Punch, Knock Off, Shadow Sneak, Shadow Claw, Shadow Force, and Gunk Shot. It also has a pretty nice utility move-pool as well boasting Taunt, Thunder-wave, Will-O-Wisp, and Destiny Bond. Because of this Mega Bannette in my Opinion on Ghost has the role of Offensive Utility.
Destiny Bond is for a last minute kill on a huge threat against the team like Bisharp for example. Destiny Bond could replace Destiny Bond on Life Orb Gengar, letting it have taunt or another attacking move. Prankster Taunt is always good from keeping hazards or removing them off of the field and kinda sorta acts as a replacement to Mega Sableyes magic bounce. Willo is always good for stopping physical attackers like Lum/Life Orb Bisharp, Banded Dragonite/Excadrill, etc. Thunder-wave can also be used to slow down threatening mons like Hoopa-U on Dark. Shadow Claw is your main STAB which hurts hard but shadow sneak and even sucker punch can work as well. Gunk Shot is another Fairy Check besides Aegislash, but Knock off can be good for removing eviolites from Porygon and Chansey, as well as damaging Meloetta.
Despite it's good attack, it's unfortunately not used as much or at all because Sableye Mega out classes it. With Access to Recover, better defenses, a dual typing with only 1 weakness, and a calm mind set, it's no hard thinking why people choose Sableye Mega over Banette Mega. But Bannette Mega has potential to be good if you want more offensive prowess as well as a fun non generic ghost team to play with.
Mega Latias on Psychic is an underestimated threat. Sporting some incredible defensive stats of 80/120/150, combined with its excellent special attack stat, it's easy to see that this thing will give you trouble if it is allowed to set up Calm Minds, which is what the following set aims to do:
Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 84 Def / 176 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Roost
- Substitute / Hidden Power Fighting
- Stored Power / Psyshock
Mega Latias can obtain some incredibly high Sp. Atk and Sp. Def even from 1 or 2 Calm Mind boosts, allowing it to start sweeping quickly for a setup sweeper. Roost allows for recovery, which is vital to sustain the setup. The third slot can obtain either Substitute, in order to dodge status conditions and dodge Sucker Punches. Hidden Power Fighting is an option over this, in case a dark type check is needed and in order for Latias to not be useless against a dark mono. Lastly, Stored Power is Latias' preferred STAB, as it is extremely powerful after some Calm Mind boosts. However, Psyshock can be used instead if you want quick power and to break special walls such as Chansey.
Ideal Allies: Mega Latias can be sustained with the psychic type's great defensive core. Mew is a great ally, which can provide status recovery with Heal Bell, in case Latias is poisoned or burned. Additionally, Mew can weaken opposing teams with Will-o-Wisp, meaning that physical attackers will have a tough time breaking Latias if played correctly.
Why it isn't used much: Unfortunately, Mega Latias doesn't offer any coverage against psychic's weaknesses, namely the dark type. This is why it is completely outclassed by Mega Gallade, a much more viable option, given that it can break dark types with Close Combat. Additionally, a fast sweeper like Gallade is more beneficial to the psychic type, which has a core of bulky, defensive Pokemon. Lastly, Latias is more popular as an offensive Pivot, capable of defogging hazards, dealing damage with Draco Meteor, and switching out again.
Earlier today, the same topic came up in the mono chat, and we were talking about it, coming up with the idea for it to use tailwind. Because of its fantastic bulk, it can abuse this to its fullest, and stick around for a while. Here's a set I came up with:
Bolt-Beam is just for all around general coverage, however you can definitely replace one of these for a stab if you wish. Evs like yours allow it to outspeed non-speed nature base 100s, and the rest goes into hp and physical bulk. With tailwind at your disposal, there are a few mons that can really abuse this.
These are some mons that could prove to be great offensive sweepers thanks to tailwind support. A Banded Victini set can shred through a lot, and after 2 V-Creates, it's back at its normal speed (which is still fairly high). LO/Banded Hoopa can also prove to be much more threatening, with its speed now doubled. Same applies to offensive Gardevoir and Metagross sets.
This is a core I made with Freeroamer . We both wanted to find a way to use DD Mega Latios, but it was walled by most defensive mons. Our solution was to trap them with Goth, then kill it with its STABs or cripple it with Trick. Since most teams only have 1-2 walls to check a threat, once they're gone, Mega Latios is free to sweep.
Ofc, you'll almost never see this core because every other Psychic mega outclasses it but it's a really fun mon to play with.
On Latios, Dragon Dance boosts its good speed and decent attack to something that might threaten something. Jolly is kept so you can outspeed mons such as Keldeo and Scarf Terrakion at +1. Also, since most ppl expect it to be LO or Specs, you get a free Dragon Dance 90% of the time. Dragon Claw hits most things neutrally, and Earthquake hits Heatran. You don't really need anything else because its other moves suck, and Goth is already killing everything that walls it. Sub lets you play mind games with Bisharp, and set up on mons that like to spam Status or Scald.
Goth's moves can be tweaked depending on what you want to beat. I chose Psychic because it does more damage to Mega Venusaur + Hippowdon than Psyshock, and Trick is enough to cripple Chansey. Thunderbolt beats birds such as Mandibuzz and Skarmory, and even bulky waters such as Alolololomola. You can use Energy Ball instead, but you'll be walled by Mandibuzz on Dark teams which isn't good. The last move is for Ferrothorn, and Scizor. Goth is actually able to trap and kill Scizor if healthy which is pretty helpful.
Team options:
Jirachi is a great teammate. This core has a hard time beating Fairies, so just slap on a Jirachi and flinch them all. Jirachi also has access to useful moves such as U-turn which allows you to bait in common Jirachi switch-ins such as Skarmory or Slowbro for Goth to trap and KO. It also has access to Healing Wish so you can secure a lategame sweep once Latios's checks are gone.
