Core 10
Core 4
Core 4
-
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.
-
Congrats to the winners of the 2024 Smog Awards!
Project ORAS OU Core-Building Competition (Round 12 - Setup Spam - Results)
- Thread starter Bendiving
- Start date
- Status
Core 7
Core 9
Core 9
Core 6
Core 10
Core 10
I love the inspiration of the thread, good luck with it :]
Core 8
Core 10
Core 8
Core 10
Thanks for voting everyone. Just a heads up as I have to work late tonight, for the sake of consistency from now on I'll be starting new rounds on Thursdays around 8:00pm GMT (+0) and starting voting on Tuesdays around 8:00pm GMT or thereabouts. So you have an extra day for voting on this round only. Sorry for any inconvenience, but it will be more regular now :]
The votes are in - This week's winner with 6 votes is MrAldo with fire spam! Runners up with 4 votes each are Analytic , Drop and gamer boy with water, dark and fairy spam respectively. Congratulations to you all and welcome to the hall of fame! Also I never want to type the word spam again oml
Straight on to the next week. This week's theme will be:
Weather!
At least one member of the core must have a move or ability to change the weather.
Even with the perma-weather nerf in gen6, weather can be a extremely effective strategy in OU. Sand, rain, sun, and (lol) hail alter the power, accuracy and even typing of certain moves and the stats of certain Pokemon which can all work in your favour. Have fun and good luck!
Core 10: 6
Cores 1, 6 and 7: 4
Core 9: 3
Core 3: 2
Cores 2, 4, 5 and 8: 1
Cores 1, 6 and 7: 4
Core 9: 3
Core 3: 2
Cores 2, 4, 5 and 8: 1
Straight on to the next week. This week's theme will be:
Weather!
At least one member of the core must have a move or ability to change the weather.
Even with the perma-weather nerf in gen6, weather can be a extremely effective strategy in OU. Sand, rain, sun, and (lol) hail alter the power, accuracy and even typing of certain moves and the stats of certain Pokemon which can all work in your favour. Have fun and good luck!
Last edited:
Nice and generic rain core. Politoed sets rain for Kabutops and Kingdra which are probably the best swift swimmers in the game, both mons are capable of completely breaking down each others checks while Politoed gives them switch in opportunities through Encore or Sleep with Hypnosis. Good teammates for the core include Ferrothorn to check Electric types, Tornadus-T to check Grass types and more breakers such as Omastar and Mega Swampert in order to break teams more easily.
Politoed @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Rest
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Dragon Pulse
Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Rest
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Dragon Pulse
Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
Sand Core
Garchomp @ Garchompite
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 32 SpA / 224 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Swords Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast
Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Fire Blast / Stone Edge
- Pursuit
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 32 SpA / 224 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Swords Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast
Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Fire Blast / Stone Edge
- Pursuit
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
The first two mons look normal, but the last one is the one that catches most people's attention. Out of sand, Mega Garchomp is a pretty underrated threat, as it has not-that-high speed, letting it get outsped by many things and be KOed easily. In Sand, however, it receives a huge buff to its offensive potential, powering up its Earthquake to monstrous levels. Tyranitar sets up the sand for the two next members, and Excadrill functions as a fast threat with Sand Rush and Garchomp, with its huge attack stat, destroys almost anything in its path, especially with Sand Force helping it along. Support Tyranitar Thunder Waves threats than can otherwise outspeed Garchomp, and helps to pave the way for a sweep.
this is a p effective and common sand core. basically, there's garde to screw balance/stall builds exca (or sand offense) cleans offense. so in a sense, they basically cover each other's weaknesses. hippo as a sand setter since it's better on balanced builds than ttar and can help against bisharp and talon. overall a p simple core that doesn't need much explaining.
Gardevoir-Mega @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 32 Def / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Focus Blast
- Taunt
- Psyshock
Hippowdon @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 144 Def / 116 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Slack Off
Excadrill @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
- Swords Dance / Rock Slide / Return
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 32 Def / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Focus Blast
- Taunt
- Psyshock
Hippowdon @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 144 Def / 116 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Slack Off
Excadrill @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
- Swords Dance / Rock Slide / Return
Last edited:
Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Flamethrower
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Icy Wind
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Superpower
- Crunch
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Flamethrower
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Icy Wind
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Superpower
- Crunch
So here's a core that I was testing against AM the other day. M-Manectric and Keldeo both do well against HO and Balanced archetypes, respectively, and seeing as to how most of these teams carry pokemon to check them are mauled by Tyranitar, I decided to try it out and it worked really well.
HO teams usually rely on stuff like Lati@s and Raikou to check M-Manectric. I click Volt Switch on their switch in and go out to Tyranitar to trap them with Pursuit. This also opens up the path for Keldeo to put in some work too. It's checks like Heatran and Clefable can be overwhelmed by Keldeo and Tyranitar.
Keldeo can plough through a lot of teams with its Specs set. Balanced teams usually rely on Tornadus-T, Slowbro, Lati@s, and Tangrowth to check it. Slowbro is dealt with by M-Manectric or Tyranitar, Tornadus-T and Latios are trapped with Pursuit Tar. Tangrowth can be dealt with through Tyranitar and M-Manectric. Keldeo is also weak to stuff like Talonflame so M-Manectric and Tyranitar are two excellent checks to it.
Threats to the core include Fairy-types, M-Lopunny, M-CharizardX, M-CharizardY, Kyurem-B, Keldeo. The first thing I'd add as a potential teammate would be Ferrothorn as it covers majority of the aforementioned pokemon
HO teams usually rely on stuff like Lati@s and Raikou to check M-Manectric. I click Volt Switch on their switch in and go out to Tyranitar to trap them with Pursuit. This also opens up the path for Keldeo to put in some work too. It's checks like Heatran and Clefable can be overwhelmed by Keldeo and Tyranitar.
Keldeo can plough through a lot of teams with its Specs set. Balanced teams usually rely on Tornadus-T, Slowbro, Lati@s, and Tangrowth to check it. Slowbro is dealt with by M-Manectric or Tyranitar, Tornadus-T and Latios are trapped with Pursuit Tar. Tangrowth can be dealt with through Tyranitar and M-Manectric. Keldeo is also weak to stuff like Talonflame so M-Manectric and Tyranitar are two excellent checks to it.
Threats to the core include Fairy-types, M-Lopunny, M-CharizardX, M-CharizardY, Kyurem-B, Keldeo. The first thing I'd add as a potential teammate would be Ferrothorn as it covers majority of the aforementioned pokemon
Politoed @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Power-Up Punch
Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Swords Dance
- ExtremeSpeed
- Close Combat
- Iron Tail
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Power-Up Punch
Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Swords Dance
- ExtremeSpeed
- Close Combat
- Iron Tail
standard rain core with sd lucario to clean up after swampert is done blowing holes in the opposing team. lucario also takes on the steel types that bother mega swampert
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Bullet Punch
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Bullet Punch
Ah here we go. Standard sun core with Char-Y for blowing holes in things. And then we have chlorophyll venu which also blows holes in things while going way too fast. Finally, we have AV meta which pursuit traps the lati twins which are among the only things that can stop the first two. Other notable things that AV meta beats include some good fairies, like Clef lacking Flamethrower or something (Who cares about T-wave rite?) It's a cool core that I've been using the past couple of days ...
Niggazard (Charizard) @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower /Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
MuhDarudeNigga (Tyranitar) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
MakeItRain (Politoed) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Toxic /Encore
- Rest
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower /Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
MuhDarudeNigga (Tyranitar) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
MakeItRain (Politoed) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Toxic /Encore
- Rest
So deez 3 Weather Summoning Mons surprisingly work well. Zard Y helps take care of Mega Venusaur,Serperior,Ferrothorn,etc which both T-tar and Politoed struggle with. T-tar checks Mega Manectric and Raikou which both Zard-Y and Politoed don't like.T-tar also Pursuit traps Lati twins which Zard-Y hates. And Politoed beats Heatran which T-tar and Zard-Y struggle with. Also since u have both sand and Rain u can add kingdra or excadrill to get a sweeper or wallbreaker. And when ppl see the nickname Niggazard they usually think Zard X but it doesn't work always XD.
Last edited:
This is a rain core that I have personally favored. This key point is focused on Kingdra since it has hardly any switch ins at all. It can outspeed common choice scraf pokemon that Omastar can't as well as take on Water types a bit easier having a reliable STAB. Kingdra's main counters are Ferrothorn and Chansey which Heracross can blow back and still apply pressure in its own way. Then Politoed is here to set up rain which helps with dealing with Talonflame I guess...
Downpour (Politoed) (F) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Encore
- Toxic
- Rest
Horse Sea... Wait (Kingdra) (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse
- Scald
- Ice Beam
The STAG (Heracross-Mega) (M) @ Heracronite
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 240 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Bullet Seed
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Encore
- Toxic
- Rest
Horse Sea... Wait (Kingdra) (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse
- Scald
- Ice Beam
The STAG (Heracross-Mega) (M) @ Heracronite
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 240 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Bullet Seed
Here is a cool Sun Core that is very equivalent to the popular sand core. We all know what Charizard-Y can do so there's no need for explanation. However, this core's bread and butter is the BW Venusaur set to sweep through your opponent's team. Thanks to Chlorophyll and the given EVs it outspeeds all Base 108 Scarf users to become the fastest mon on the field. Thanks to Charizard-Y, Venusaur can set up Growth to get the +2 in its Atk and SpA to become a terrifying sweeper. With the boost Venusaur can easily eliminate Heatran which can be a problem. Starmie rounds out the core for Hazard control as Charizard Y hates Stealth Rocks and Venusaur hate spikes.
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Timid Nature
- Growth
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Earthquake / Hidden Power [Fire] / Synthesis
Starmie @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Rapid Spin
- Reflect Type / Psyshock
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Timid Nature
- Growth
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Earthquake / Hidden Power [Fire] / Synthesis
Starmie @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Rapid Spin
- Reflect Type / Psyshock
Last edited:
Politoed @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Toxic
- Encore
- Rest
Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Hurricane
- Focus Blast
- U-turn
Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Timid Nature
- Agility
- Thunder
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Toxic
- Encore
- Rest
Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Hurricane
- Focus Blast
- U-turn
Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Timid Nature
- Agility
- Thunder
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast
Last edited:
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Tailwind
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Heatran @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Flash Cannon / Dragon Pulse
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Tailwind
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Heatran @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Flash Cannon / Dragon Pulse
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
So we all know Char-Y sets sun and nukes walls. Outside of sun though, it also takes advantage of predictable switches to set up Tailwind, which can be devastating for offensive teams. Heatran it great for sponging rock attacks and absorbing the opponents Sun boosted Fire moves. With Sun, Flash Fire and Specs, Heatran becomes its own devastating nuke, and HP Rock to take out opposing Char-Y and Talonflame. Dragon Pulse is an option for Latios and Garchomp if need be. Excadrill is a requisite spinner, likes weakened Water moves, and uses Sand Rush to help against Tyranitar that blot out Char-Y's sun. With Air Balloon, it can set up Swords Dance on Hippo, it just has to be weary of Whirlwind.
All these sand/sun/rain cores and noone giving hail no love
jk ik that hail sucks but f*ck it im doing it anyway
Basic hail core right here. Abomasnow sets hail, which disrupts other weathers, while being able to take a Mega Gardevoir before it megas due to Soundproof blocking Hyper Voice. Mamoswine acts as a wallbreaker to back up Aboma in a sweet wallbreaking ice spam core, taking advantage of having the best offensive typing in the metagame to rip holes in stuff. Heatran takes on Fire-type attacks like that's its job... because it is its job... huh. Well that was anticlimactic lol.
Abomasnow @ Abomasite
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 212 Atk / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Mild Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Blizzard
Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat / Snow Cloak
EVs: 244 Atk / 12 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash / Icicle Spear
- Freeze Dry
Heatran @ Air Balloon / Chople Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Magma Storm
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Toxic / Stone Edge / Ancient Power / Flash Cannon / Earth Power
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 212 Atk / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Mild Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Blizzard
Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat / Snow Cloak
EVs: 244 Atk / 12 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash / Icicle Spear
- Freeze Dry
Heatran @ Air Balloon / Chople Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Magma Storm
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Toxic / Stone Edge / Ancient Power / Flash Cannon / Earth Power
Last edited:
Voting time. Thanks again to everyone who submitted a core! Voting will end approx 2 days from now, you can vote for one or two cores, and please bold your votes:
Core 1
Core 2
Core 3
Core 4
Core 5
Core 6
Core 7
Core 8
Core 9
Core 10
Core 11
Core 12
Core 1
Nice and generic rain core. Politoed sets rain for Kabutops and Kingdra which are probably the best swift swimmers in the game, both mons are capable of completely breaking down each others checks while Politoed gives them switch in opportunities through Encore or Sleep with Hypnosis. Good teammates for the core include Ferrothorn to check Electric types, Tornadus-T to check Grass types and more breakers such as Omastar and Mega Swampert in order to break teams more easily.
Politoed @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Rest
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Dragon Pulse
Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 160 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Rest
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Kingdra @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Dragon Pulse
Kabutops @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet
- Swords Dance
Core 2
Garchomp @ Garchompite
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 32 SpA / 224 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Swords Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast
Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Fire Blast / Stone Edge
- Pursuit
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 32 SpA / 224 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Swords Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Fire Blast
Tyranitar @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 80 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Fire Blast / Stone Edge
- Pursuit
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
The first two mons look normal, but the last one is the one that catches most people's attention. Out of sand, Mega Garchomp is a pretty underrated threat, as it has not-that-high speed, letting it get outsped by many things and be KOed easily. In Sand, however, it receives a huge buff to its offensive potential, powering up its Earthquake to monstrous levels. Tyranitar sets up the sand for the two next members, and Excadrill functions as a fast threat with Sand Rush and Garchomp, with its huge attack stat, destroys almost anything in its path, especially with Sand Force helping it along. Support Tyranitar Thunder Waves threats than can otherwise outspeed Garchomp, and helps to pave the way for a sweep.
Core 3
this is a p effective and common sand core. basically, there's garde to screw balance/stall builds exca (or sand offense) cleans offense. so in a sense, they basically cover each other's weaknesses. hippo as a sand setter since it's better on balanced builds than ttar and can help against bisharp and talon. overall a p simple core that doesn't need much explaining.
Gardevoir-Mega @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 32 Def / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Focus Blast
- Taunt
- Psyshock
Hippowdon @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 144 Def / 116 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Slack Off
Excadrill @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
- Swords Dance / Rock Slide / Return
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 32 Def / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hyper Voice
- Focus Blast
- Taunt
- Psyshock
Hippowdon @ Smooth Rock
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 248 HP / 144 Def / 116 SpD
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Slack Off
Excadrill @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rapid Spin
- Swords Dance / Rock Slide / Return
Core 4
Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Flamethrower
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Icy Wind
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Superpower
- Crunch
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Flamethrower
Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Icy Wind
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Superpower
- Crunch
So here's a core that I was testing against AM the other day. M-Manectric and Keldeo both do well against HO and Balanced archetypes, respectively, and seeing as to how most of these teams carry pokemon to check them are mauled by Tyranitar, I decided to try it out and it worked really well.
HO teams usually rely on stuff like Lati@s and Raikou to check M-Manectric. I click Volt Switch on their switch in and go out to Tyranitar to trap them with Pursuit. This also opens up the path for Keldeo to put in some work too. It's checks like Heatran and Clefable can be overwhelmed by Keldeo and Tyranitar.
Keldeo can plough through a lot of teams with its Specs set. Balanced teams usually rely on Tornadus-T, Slowbro, Lati@s, and Tangrowth to check it. Slowbro is dealt with by M-Manectric or Tyranitar, Tornadus-T and Latios are trapped with Pursuit Tar. Tangrowth can be dealt with through Tyranitar and M-Manectric. Keldeo is also weak to stuff like Talonflame so M-Manectric and Tyranitar are two excellent checks to it.
Threats to the core include Fairy-types, M-Lopunny, M-CharizardX, M-CharizardY, Kyurem-B, Keldeo. The first thing I'd add as a potential teammate would be Ferrothorn as it covers majority of the aforementioned pokemon
HO teams usually rely on stuff like Lati@s and Raikou to check M-Manectric. I click Volt Switch on their switch in and go out to Tyranitar to trap them with Pursuit. This also opens up the path for Keldeo to put in some work too. It's checks like Heatran and Clefable can be overwhelmed by Keldeo and Tyranitar.
Keldeo can plough through a lot of teams with its Specs set. Balanced teams usually rely on Tornadus-T, Slowbro, Lati@s, and Tangrowth to check it. Slowbro is dealt with by M-Manectric or Tyranitar, Tornadus-T and Latios are trapped with Pursuit Tar. Tangrowth can be dealt with through Tyranitar and M-Manectric. Keldeo is also weak to stuff like Talonflame so M-Manectric and Tyranitar are two excellent checks to it.
Threats to the core include Fairy-types, M-Lopunny, M-CharizardX, M-CharizardY, Kyurem-B, Keldeo. The first thing I'd add as a potential teammate would be Ferrothorn as it covers majority of the aforementioned pokemon
Core 5
Politoed @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Power-Up Punch
Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Swords Dance
- ExtremeSpeed
- Close Combat
- Iron Tail
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 116 Def / 144 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Hypnosis
- Encore
Swampert-Mega @ Swampertite
Ability: Damp
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 224 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Power-Up Punch
Lucario @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Swords Dance
- ExtremeSpeed
- Close Combat
- Iron Tail
standard rain core with sd lucario to clean up after swampert is done blowing holes in the opposing team. lucario also takes on the steel types that bother mega swampert
Core 6
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Bullet Punch
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Sleep Powder
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Bullet Punch
Ah here we go. Standard sun core with Char-Y for blowing holes in things. And then we have chlorophyll venu which also blows holes in things while going way too fast. Finally, we have AV meta which pursuit traps the lati twins which are among the only things that can stop the first two. Other notable things that AV meta beats include some good fairies, like Clef lacking Flamethrower or something (Who cares about T-wave rite?) It's a cool core that I've been using the past couple of days ...
Core 7
Niggazard (Charizard) @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower /Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
MuhDarudeNigga (Tyranitar) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
MakeItRain (Politoed) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Toxic /Encore
- Rest
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower /Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast
- Roost
MuhDarudeNigga (Tyranitar) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
- Crunch
- Ice Beam
MakeItRain (Politoed) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpA
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Ice Beam
- Toxic /Encore
- Rest
So deez 3 Weather Summoning Mons surprisingly work well. Zard Y helps take care of Mega Venusaur,Serperior,Ferrothorn,etc which both T-tar and Politoed struggle with. T-tar checks Mega Manectric and Raikou which both Zard-Y and Politoed don't like.T-tar also Pursuit traps Lati twins which Zard-Y hates. And Politoed beats Heatran which T-tar and Zard-Y struggle with. Also since u have both sand and Rain u can add kingdra or excadrill to get a sweeper or wallbreaker. And when ppl see the nickname Niggazard they usually think Zard X but it doesn't work always XD.
Core 8
This is a rain core that I have personally favored. This key point is focused on Kingdra since it has hardly any switch ins at all. It can outspeed common choice scraf pokemon that Omastar can't as well as take on Water types a bit easier having a reliable STAB. Kingdra's main counters are Ferrothorn and Chansey which Heracross can blow back and still apply pressure in its own way. Then Politoed is here to set up rain which helps with dealing with Talonflame I guess...
Downpour (Politoed) (F) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Encore
- Toxic
- Rest
Horse Sea... Wait (Kingdra) (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse
- Scald
- Ice Beam
The STAG (Heracross-Mega) (M) @ Heracronite
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 240 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Bullet Seed
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Encore
- Toxic
- Rest
Horse Sea... Wait (Kingdra) (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse
- Scald
- Ice Beam
The STAG (Heracross-Mega) (M) @ Heracronite
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 240 HP / 16 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast
- Pin Missile
- Bullet Seed
Core 9
Here is a cool Sun Core that is very equivalent to the popular sand core. We all know what Charizard-Y can do so there's no need for explanation. However, this core's bread and butter is the BW Venusaur set to sweep through your opponent's team. Thanks to Chlorophyll and the given EVs it outspeeds all Base 108 Scarf users to become the fastest mon on the field. Thanks to Charizard-Y, Venusaur can set up Growth to get the +2 in its Atk and SpA to become a terrifying sweeper. With the boost Venusaur can easily eliminate Heatran which can be a problem. Starmie rounds out the core for Hazard control as Charizard Y hates Stealth Rocks and Venusaur hate spikes.
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Timid Nature
- Growth
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Earthquake / Hidden Power [Fire] / Synthesis
Starmie @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Rapid Spin
- Reflect Type / Psyshock
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Venusaur @ Life Orb
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 72 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Timid Nature
- Growth
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb
- Earthquake / Hidden Power [Fire] / Synthesis
Starmie @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Recover
- Rapid Spin
- Reflect Type / Psyshock
Core 10
Rain allows Tornadus-T and Mega Ampharos to use their strongest STABs, Hurricane and Thunder respectively, without fear of miss. Tornadus-T handles grass like Mega Venusaur that Amphy can't break, and does a good job weakening things for a lategame Agility Amphy sweep. Amphy's typing lets it set up on things troubling to rain teams, such as Thundurus and Charizard-Y, and automatically makes your team cuter. It's not the best rain core, but can be very fun to use.
Politoed @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Toxic
- Encore
- Rest
Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Hurricane
- Focus Blast
- U-turn
Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Timid Nature
- Agility
- Thunder
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
- Scald
- Toxic
- Encore
- Rest
Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Taunt
- Hurricane
- Focus Blast
- U-turn
Ampharos @ Ampharosite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SpA / 224 Spe
Timid Nature
- Agility
- Thunder
- Dragon Pulse
- Focus Blast
Core 11
Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Tailwind
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Heatran @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Flash Cannon / Dragon Pulse
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Tailwind
- Solar Beam
- Roost
Heatran @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Fire Blast / Overheat
- Flash Cannon / Dragon Pulse
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Rock]
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
So we all know Char-Y sets sun and nukes walls. Outside of sun though, it also takes advantage of predictable switches to set up Tailwind, which can be devastating for offensive teams. Heatran it great for sponging rock attacks and absorbing the opponents Sun boosted Fire moves. With Sun, Flash Fire and Specs, Heatran becomes its own devastating nuke, and HP Rock to take out opposing Char-Y and Talonflame. Dragon Pulse is an option for Latios and Garchomp if need be. Excadrill is a requisite spinner, likes weakened Water moves, and uses Sand Rush to help against Tyranitar that blot out Char-Y's sun. With Air Balloon, it can set up Swords Dance on Hippo, it just has to be weary of Whirlwind.
Core 12
Abomasnow @ Abomasite
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 212 Atk / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Mild Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Blizzard
Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat / Snow Cloak
EVs: 244 Atk / 12 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash / Icicle Spear
- Freeze Dry
Heatran @ Air Balloon / Chople Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Magma Storm
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Toxic / Stone Edge / Ancient Power / Flash Cannon / Earth Power
Ability: Soundproof
EVs: 212 Atk / 252 SpA / 44 Spe
Mild Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake
- Blizzard
Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat / Snow Cloak
EVs: 244 Atk / 12 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash / Icicle Spear
- Freeze Dry
Heatran @ Air Balloon / Chople Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Magma Storm
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Toxic / Stone Edge / Ancient Power / Flash Cannon / Earth Power
All these sand/sun/rain cores and noone giving hail no love
jk ik that hail sucks but f*ck it im doing it anyway
Basic hail core right here. Abomasnow sets hail, which disrupts other weathers, while being able to take a Mega Gardevoir before it megas due to Soundproof blocking Hyper Voice. Mamoswine acts as a wallbreaker to back up Aboma in a sweet wallbreaking ice spam core, taking advantage of having the best offensive typing in the metagame to rip holes in stuff. Heatran takes on Fire-type attacks like that's its job... because it is its job... huh. Well that was anticlimactic lol.
jk ik that hail sucks but f*ck it im doing it anyway
Basic hail core right here. Abomasnow sets hail, which disrupts other weathers, while being able to take a Mega Gardevoir before it megas due to Soundproof blocking Hyper Voice. Mamoswine acts as a wallbreaker to back up Aboma in a sweet wallbreaking ice spam core, taking advantage of having the best offensive typing in the metagame to rip holes in stuff. Heatran takes on Fire-type attacks like that's its job... because it is its job... huh. Well that was anticlimactic lol.
Core 5 & 8
- Status