Resource OU Good Cores

[Glue]

Offensive Core

Core

Smeargle @ Focus Sash
Ability: Own Tempo
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Stealth Rock
- Sticky Web
- Skill Swap
- Taunt/Magic Coat

Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance

Mimikyu @ Life Orb
Ability: Disguise
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant/Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Shadow Claw
- Shadow Sneak

This is a standard core used for Sticky Webs teams, Usually you should lead with Smeargle and lay out Sticky Webs but not only that it also sets up sets Stealth Rocks which is better against fatter teams and in general Stealth Rock is just awesome, Skill Swap can help get pass through Mega Sableye while Taunt is nice against opposing Defoggers and annoys stall, You also use Magic Coat to bounce back faster stealth rock/hazard users which is handy but Taunt is preferred for most situations but despite this Smeargle is the best for any Sticky Web teams.

Smeargle appreciates both Bisharp and Mimikyu as partners, Bisharp is an excellent partner as it can absorb Defog which allows Bisharp to gain 2+ Attack and enjoys Sticky Web beingup allowing Bisharp to out speed Pokemon such as Alakazam and none Choice Scarf Tapu Lele.

Mimikyu greatly benefits for any sticky web teams as any sticky web team appreciates having a useful spinblocker and it trades off for Mimikyu enjoying having webs on the opposite end of the field so having both a Defiant and spin blocker user on a Sticky Web team is very appreciated and Mimikyu + Bisharp does this best while getting the hazard support from Smeargle makes this core very good for any Sticky Web teams.

Extra Note: You can use either Adamant or Jolly on Mimikyu, Adamant is preferred for extra power which suits well for Sticky Webs teams while Jolly is used to outspeed Jolly Excadrill and if Sticky Webs are up Choice Scarf Tapu Lele so this really comes down to preference.

 

[Nedor]

yoyo me and finchinator are lazy and busy, a bunch of stuff caused this to go on for how long it really did. as the metagame has gone through multiple changes, i will be closing this thread until the decision on mega metagross' suspect is complete.

please do not post until a post from myself or finchinator is made to update everything going on. sorry again, we both have very busy personal lives but it will be running in order asap :)

 

[Gary]

Locking until Nedor and Finch are done having a life.

 

[Subject 18]

Aight, it's been a while but I will be taking this over and running this along with Esteemed Moderator Finchinator. The OP will be transfered to me soon and I'll unlock the thread.

 

[Subject 18]

I'm unlocking this thread now. Feel free to discusss and post new cores. I'll delete the old cores that include Pheromosa, Metagross or are just outdated in the next couple days.

Happy posting.

 

[Leo]

BuluTran

Tapu Bulu @ Grassium Z
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Wood Hammer

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 212 HP / 44 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Toxic

This is an old core that's gone through some changes due to metagame trends and this is I feel its best variant. Grassium SD Bulu is a beast right now and has little defensive counterplay so unless the opponent has one of Mega Scizor, Celesteela or Skarmory (Whirlwind/Attacking move is rare but still usable). Outside of that, most teams rely on offensive checks to deal with it. Heatran can deal with the aforementioned Steel-types while also taking advantage of the Grassy Terrain recovery because it can sub vs them. It can also pivot into Fire moves on a pinch and be a nuisance in general.

Zard-Y+Mew

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 240 HP / 72 Def / 140 SpD / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Will-O-Wisp
- Soft-Boiled
- Defog

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Roost

Zard Y is one of the best megas atm and saw a lot of usage during the first round of wcop. Although the lack of good Defoggers didn't let it shine in the past, the recent rise of Mew has brought it to the spotlight again. Defog Mew is one of the most common teammates for Zard because it's the best defogger rn and checks some annoying mons like Medicham. This core doesn't really need too much explanation because it's just a 4x weak to rocks mon paired with a defogger.

Rain

Pelipper (M) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 176 Def / 84 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 30 Spe
- Defog
- Hurricane
- U-turn
- Roost

Swampert (M) @ Swampertite
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Stealth Rock / Stone Edge

Another standard core. Mega Pert's release made Rain actually good so this 2 are seen on most Rain teams right now if not all. Peli brings the rain and Swampert starts punching holes on the opposing team with rocks for the Stall matchup or Stone Edge for Mantine/Pelipper. It also provides a nice Electric immunity for Pelipper and Rain in general.

 

[Riddikulusness]

LO Torn-T + Zygarde

Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 30 Atk
- Hurricane
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Heat Wave
- U-turn

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Power Construct
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Dragon Dance
- Outrage
- Toxic

One of my favorite cores atm. LO HP Ice Torn-T can take out almost all of the common Pokemon that can take hits from Zygarde. Tangrowth, Bulu, Defensive Lando, Ferrothorn, and Mega Scizor all can take Arrows from Zygarde, but Tornadus can OHKO all of these with either Hurricane, Heat Wave, or HP Ice. Tornadus can also use U-Turn to get in Zygarde safely. Zygarde can also kill the Pokemon that can take hits from Tornadus, like AV Magearna, Rotom-W, Chansey, and Nihilego. Any Zygarde set works, I'm just using band as an example since its the best and most common set. I love this core. I'll post more cores later, just putting this one out there for now.

 

[Cheryl.]

Auto Steela + Tar

Celesteela @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Autotomize
- Air Slash
- Fire Blast
- Giga Drain

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake

Autotomize Celesteela is a potent late-game sweeper thanks to Beast Boost and it's amazing coverage, but has issues with common bulkier mons like Toxapex, Heatran, and Chansey. CB Tyranitar helps weaken and break through these mons with it's immense power, while also helping check Fire-types like Volcarona and can Pursuit trap annoying stuff like Tapu Lele. Celesteela in return provides a wincon for the core and a decent Fairy and Grass resist, while also being able to take out mons like Ferrothorn for Tar. Good teammates for this core include Scarf Keldeo, which appreciates Ttar Pursuit trapping and wallbreaking stuff while also providing a decent revenge killer to Lando-Ts which can be annoying to face for this core (especially Rockium Z) and another check to Fires, hazard setters like Ferrothorn, Lando-T or Greninja can also help set up a Celesteela sweep by helping weaken the opposing team, which also helps with Ttar's wallbreaking prowess. (Ferro also gives a good Koko check, which is nice because Ttar checks Mega Manectric already). Last but not least, pivots like Tapu Koko help to get Tyranitar in the battle to wallbreak.

 

[Empo]

+

apart from the classic voltswitch - uturn core that these two make together, landorus and magnezone work well with these sets especially. thats why you see a knock off landorus which is right there to be, apart a cool wallbreaker being able to 2hko a large quantity of mons with earthquake + earth plate, a nice magnezone's mate because it knocks off the shed shell from the common lando's switchins such as skarmory which often runs shed shell. therefore magnezone can just proceed trapping without caring about the ground type like dugtrio in the background. furthermore, this core is pretty nice to me since magnezone can just take care about water types or ice ones which lando is really weak to, while landorus can break some shit that mag is walled or can be threatened like chansey or heatran. while building around this fun core, you should add something which counters / checks fire types like charizard y and just add speed control since lando and mag are pretty slow.

sets

Landorus-Therian @ Earth Plate
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naughty Nature
- Knock Off
- Earthquake
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- U-turn

Magnezone @ Assault Vest
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 140 HP / 192 SpA / 176 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Fire
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon

 

[bludz]

Tapu Lele + Mantine

sets

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Thunderbolt / Focus Blast

Mantine @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 240 HP / 196 Def / 72 SpD
Calm Nature
- Roost
- Scald
- Toxic / Haze
- Defog

The premise of this core is really simple. Choice Scarf is the item that allows Tapu Lele to abuse the priority blocking aspect of Psychic Terrain the most. It's a very potent revenge killer and threat to offensive teams. The only problem with it is that it is slower than Volcarona at +1, which is a pokemon that teams should have a way to revenge kill. And if you're using Tapu Lele, then priority as your answer is not a reliable way to deal with Volcarona. That's where Mantine comes in - it's a hard stop to Volcarona. It also covers a few other things like Mega Charizard Y and Ash Greninja, which are big threats in general. Defog support is of course appreciated for any team, as well. Toxic is generally more helpful than Haze since you can still stall out Volcarona pretty well as long as you hit. Pack Magearna and Tapu Bulu checks.


Garchomp + Mawile

sets

Garchomp @ Dragonium Z
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Swords Dance

Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Thunder Punch
- Fire Fang

OR

Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off / Thunder Punch

Goons.

Another core with a simple premise: beat down common physically defensive checks that these pokemon share in common. SD Dragonium Chomp completely blasts by defensive Landorus-T, defensive Tangrowth and even smacks Celesteela really hard. Either Mawile set is a fine partner, though I would say SD provides more of a late game cleaner while the all out attacking variant is better used as another wallbreaker to open things up for another potential teammate. The type synergy here is classic as well; Mawile can check stuff like Latios and Weavile while also soft checking Tapu Bulu. It also breaks Skarmory if running Thunder Punch and/or Unaware Clefable which is nice for Garchomp. Chomp helps Mawile by soft checking Fire-types like Heatran, Volcarona, and Charizard Y, as well as adding general speed control for threats like Mega Medicham and so forth.


Clefable + Toxapex + Celesteela

sets

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Knock Off
- Soft-Boiled
- Moonblast

Toxapex @ Leftovers
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic Spikes
- Scald
- Recover
- Haze

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower

I believe someone posted Pex + Steela earlier which is a good core in its own right, but Clefable has been more commonly seen tacked on. Clef + Pex is just a great hazard stacking core to pressure the opposing team because these pokemon are difficult to wear down with residual damage. Clefable is unaffected by enemy hazards and status and Toxapex can soak up opposing Toxic Spikes while Regenerating off most hazard damage. Celesteela is only damaged by Stealth Rock and makes 3/3 of this defensive backbone immune to Toxic which is pretty damn nice. Celesteela helps to force switches to make the hazards do work. A good example is Tangrowth being a primary switchin to Leech Seed but having to come in on Toxic Spikes. A few other quick points: Clef gets rocks against stall and mostly covers Zygarde, Toxapex checks Zard Y, Heatran, and some Volcarona variants, while Celesteela manages Tapu Lele. I would recommend using this core in tandem with some offensive threats that can apply more direct pressure to keep momentum on your side. I think Mega Medicham is a pokemon that's been seen used a fair amount with this core (on the ladder at least), though I think there are plenty of good offensive options to consider.

 

[Tace]

Ash-Greninja+Mega Heracross

sets

Heracross-Mega @ Heracronite or
Ability: Skill Link
EVs: 236 HP / 136 Atk / 136 Spe or 4 HP/ 252 atk/ 252 speed
Adamant Nature
- Pin Missile
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast
- Swords Dance/Substitute/Earthquake

Greninja-Ash @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- U-turn/Ice beam/Spikes/Extrasensory

Another simple offensive core. Mega Heracross breaks down the mons that greninja needs weakened to transform such as tangrowth, ferrothorn, celesteela, toxapex, Tapu Fini, Mantine, etc. Ash Gren helps with the bulky grounds that hera doesn't break with ease such as lando-t, hippowdown, etc

wall of calcs

+2 132+ Atk Heracross-Mega Rock Blast (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 192+ Def Toxapex: 205-245 (67.4 - 80.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Black Sludge recovery
132+ Atk Heracross-Mega Pin Missile (5 hits) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Bulu: 245-290 (87.1 - 103.2%) -- approx. 6.3% chance to OHKO
132+ Atk Heracross-Mega Rock Blast (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 240 Def Mantine: 370-440 (98.9 - 117.6%) -- approx. 93.8% chance to OHKO
132+ Atk Heracross-Mega Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 88+ Def Ferrothorn: 356-420 (101.1 - 119.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
132+ Atk Heracross-Mega Pin Missile (5 hits) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Tangrowth: 460-550 (113.8 - 136.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 132+ Atk Heracross-Mega Rock Blast (5 hits) vs. 248 HP / 8 Def Tapu Fini: 325-385 (94.7 - 112.2%) -- approx. 87.5% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 24 SpD Landorus-Therian: 536-632 (140.3 - 165.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 16 SpD Hippowdon: 588-692 (140 - 164.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Subject 18]

Oh and I thought this would be a given, but do not post Marshadow cores for obvious reasons lol..

 

[malomyotismon]

Balanced/offensivecore

Core

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast/Flamethrower
- Focus Blast
- Solar Beam
- Roost

Heatran @ Grassium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Solar Beam
- Taunt/ Stealth Rock
- Earth Power
- Magma Storm

Latios (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Hidden Power [Fire]/ Thunderbolt
- Defog
- Psychic

It's a pretty simple core, it's all about overwhelming your checks and counters with brute force. With acess to the ability drought charizard hits like a truck with his fire type type moves, while heatran also gains this benifit under the same sun. With magnastorm in sun heatran gains the ability to trap and finnish off numberous water types with his acess to instant solar beam, boosted magama storm or bloom doom for bulkier water types. Sun as mentioned also means solar beam is not just a one hit wonder for heatran and he can continue to use with with impunity against rock, ground and water types for super effective damage from his impressive 130 special attack and solar beams 120 base. To help the longevity of charizard y he has roost, which is great as sr strips him of half his health switching in, with fire blast for power and flamethrower for accuracy. Focus blast allows charizard to hit the likes of tyranitar for 4x damage in the case of tyranitar, with solarbeam like on heatran for dealing with waters like tapu fini. hetran has magnastorm to trap switch ins with chip on the side, this is also useful as a hit on a fini switch will be then be followed up by a swift ko from solar beam or bloom doom dependant on curcimstance. Earth power lets heatran hit other fire types or even other heatran for super effective damage, and the final move is either stealth rock or taunt depoendant if the team needs sr or stick with taunt to prevent set ups by walls ect. . Latios rounds things off by providing defog support as well as being a means to deal with slower dragons as niether heatran or charizard can get past at times other than brute force.Life orb to boost attacking moves, Psychic and draco for powerful stab, hidden power fire is boosted by the sun and allows latios to deal with steels not named heatran, while thunderbolt allows latios to hit waters in particular, and may be of prefrence with heatran and charizard proving fire coverage already. All 3 are maximised in speed to beat or equal up to either speed tier with the rest in their offensive stat of choice -special attack- to maximise damage output.

 

[tigers jaw]

100% assuming Marshadow doesn't exist for this post. All of these are really simple cores.

+

/

+

import

Tapu Koko @ Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 40 SpA / 216 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Wild Charge
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt

Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Guts
EVs: 136 HP / 192 Atk / 4 Def / 176 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Pin Missile
- Close Combat
- Rock Blast
- Swords Dance

or

Tapu Koko @ Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 40 SpA / 216 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Wild Charge
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def /252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast / Hidden Power [Ice] / Hidden Power [Ground] / Hidden Power [Electric]
- Roost

Not really a fan of Koko but ET3RN4M told me that Koko+Mhera and Koko+ZardY were broken as fuck, so I thought I'd give them a go. Dude was right. Koko baits in 'Mons like Tang, Ferro, Chansey, SpD AV Mage, Magnets, Bulu, Amoong, and Gastro, all of which either MHera or ZardY take massive advantage off, and fire off moves that nothing really switches into. Pair with something that loves fat cores being weakened, and your generic fat backbone. Koko set is just a placeholder from the import because I'm a wavy-riding prick; use whichever suits the team more. Do think some sort of specially-based set is better paired with MHera, though Elec Z Koko+ZardY is the probably the best, as Elec Z breaks Chansey open for ZardY to go in vs Stall.

+

import

Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 4 Def /252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast / Hidden Power [Ice] / Hidden Power [Ground] / Hidden Power [Electric]
- Roost

Tapu Bulu @ Rockium Z / Grassium Z
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Horn Leech
- Stone Edge / Wood Hammer
- Swords Dance
- Taunt / Superpower

Same shit as above, but I just took two broken breakers and put them together. It's as close to a ZardY Stall cteam as you can get without using Dugtrio like on every other ZardY team. Bulu is the best Tapu about and paired with ZardY there's nothing that defensively stands in its way, and it offers great defensive utility for teams in checking A-Gren, Keld and Zygarde (ZardY really appreciates this if you're not HP Ice) without being named Tangrowth and being passive as fuck. Use with removal, and as with the Koko cores, shit that appreciates fat being dismantled.

+

import

Gastrodon-East @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Toxic

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Relaxed Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Flamethrower
- Leech Seed
- Protect

Saw ABR use this vs. False in the first round of WCoP and thought it was smart as fuck. It's basically Toxapex+Celesteela in the way that it walls 90% of relevant shit, but it trades off the ZardY and Lele matchup for a far better Electric+Greninja+Landorus matchup. Pretty straightforward, mindless fat core really. Use with a ZardY answer, a better Lele check, a secondary ground resist, and the obligatory Mew. Defensive Bulu sounds dirty with this actually mmm.

 

[Seth_]

+

Alakazam-Mega @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psyshock
- Dazzling Gleam
- Focus Blast
- Knock Off

Greninja-Ash (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Dark Pulse
- Hydro Pump
- Water Shuriken
- U-turn

Stallbreaker Zam + Ash Gren

This double is pretty wild against most of meta simply because most team check special attackers like greninja with things like AV tangrowth and AV magearna. But fear not, we have perfect lure for that, old stallbreaking set of Alakazam. But tangorths and magearnas aren't only thing. Standard SPL stall gets 6-0 by stallbreaker alakazam (unless they run sash/scarf dugtrio but groundium z are far more common) and teams which base their defense on toxapex and chanse have pretty much hard time since without eviolite chanse gets clean 2hko by psyshock and toxapex just fall over.

You can use reuglar LO zam for a little bit more firepower, but mega is just more realiable overall because speed tier above torn-t, weavile, etc

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Dark Pulse vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tangrowth: 180-213 (44.5 - 52.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Hydro Pump vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Tangrowth: 165-194 (40.8 - 48%) -- 64.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Magearna: 202-238 (55.6 - 65.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Magearna: 268-316 (73.8 - 87%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Chansey: 289-342 (41.1 - 48.6%) -- 74.2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[false]

heatran + zygarde

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Thousand Arrows
- Extreme Speed
- Toxic

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 212 HP / 44 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Toxic
- Substitute

this core is pretty ancient by now. choice band zygarde is generally a really good breaker that is hard walled by a handful of common pokemon (tangrowth, tapu bulu, mega scizor, mew). heatran beats up on many of those bulkier pokemon while also covering all of zygarde's weaknesses.

mazar vs reyscarface
analytic vs false.
reyscarface vs blunder

-------------

mega scizor + dugtrio

Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Defog
- Roost

Dugtrio @ Groundium Z
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
IVs: 28 HP
- Earthquake
- Reversal / Toxic
- Substitute
- Screech

these 2 pokemon were already nominated, however the sets listed in that nomination (sd sciz and sash dugtrio) were unsets for this kind of core, so here is a proper version. groundium z enables dugtrio to trap toxapex, one of the hardest mega scizor counters in the game. usually this core is used in conjunction with some other type of win condition that likes toxapex and chansey being removed (volcarona, kingdra, suicune) but it can be used on defensive builds too since many balance teams will struggle to deal with mega scizor without their heatran/toxapex around

leftiez vs tricking
lysergic vs googly
aurious vs bro kappa
whitequeen vs eternal spirit

-------------

tapu bulu + mew

Tapu Bulu @ Grassium Z
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Swords Dance

Mew @ Leftovers
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 240 HP / 156 Def / 112 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Ice Beam
- Will-O-Wisp
- Defog / Stealth Rock
- Soft-Boiled

tapu bulu and mew were paired together 17 times in just the first round of wcop. such high usage should speak to the fact that this is an effective core. tapu bulu checks the likes of ash-greninja and keldeo while also providing a powerful offensive presence so that defensive pokemon are punished for trying to take advantage of mew's passivity. grassy terrain provides additional recovery for mew, while also weakening earthquake, allowing it to more effectively check the likes of mega mawile and landorus-t.

both tapu bulu and mew can struggle facing steel-types such as heatran and mega scizor, and as such water-types like suicune or greninja are commonly found alongside this core. there are no specific sets that this core requires so i opted for some standard popular sets. stall teams seemed to opt for a leech seed variant of tapu bulu while some more offensive teams opted for choice scarf or another z-move.

obii vs kratosmana
praj.pran vs axel10
rozes vs mattybrollic
rozes vs ict
poek vs gypsy king

-------------

hawlucha + tapu koko

Hawlucha @ Electric Seed
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 104 HP / 252 Atk / 152 Spe
Adamant Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Acrobatics
- Stone Edge / Drain Punch
- Swords Dance

Tapu Koko @ Zap Plate
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Nature's Madness / Taunt / Roost

hawlucha is a fun win condition, this is probably one of the most popular cores utilizing it. tapu koko lures in bulky grasses that give hawlucha free setup, while also providing electric terrain to activate hawlucha's electric seed giving it a +1 boost to defense.

r!cardo vs -hero-
alexander. vs kratosmana

 

[Korski]

Offensive Core

Latios @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Memento
- Trick

Magearna @ Fightinium Z
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shift Gear
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast

Core on full display
Latios pulls in Lele for Magearna setup + sweep
A little help from Thundurus

Just now grabbed these good-enough replays from Showdown for some context, but even on paper the main strategy here should not be too difficult to imagine. Scarf Latios is generally quite useful as a supportmon for bulky setup sweepers or as an emergency option to halt or dampen an opposing sweep (outruns +2 Magearna, Jolly MegaPert in Rain, e.g.). By virtue of typing, though, it makes an especially potent partner for the very dangerous Shift Gear Magearna (which is already pretty easy to set up), as the two nearly perfectly cover each others' weaknesses and have only a small group of mutual checks/counters. This Mag set is fairly standard and can be tinkered with to suit different strategies. The core is highly versatile but works best with momentum-based Spikes offense or on HO with multiple setup sweepers; however it usually appreciates backup for Specially bulky stallmons like Unaware Clefable or stuff like AV Alolan Muk and Swift Swim Kingdra.

 

[PQD]

Offensive core: Swords Dance Z-Dig Weavile + Choice Scarf Victini

SD Z-Dig Weavile is a really good creative set, I added Victini to knock out threats like Heracross-Mega, Choice Scarf Kartana or Choice Scarf Tapu Lele. You need a way to clean Entry Hazards !

Weak to:

Correctly paired with:

import

Weavile @ Groundium Z
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Ice Shard
- Dig

Victini @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- Bolt Strike
- Zen Headbutt
- U-turn

Balanced core: Restalk Victini + Restalk Gyarados-Mega

These sets look pretty dumb seeing the offensive possibility of Victini and Gyarados-Mega, but this core walls a very large part of the metagame just because the defensive synergy is nearly perfect, so the goal is simple: handle nearly every hit from your opponent and weaken him with attacks. Obviously you must have a way to delete EH..

Weak to:

Correctly paired with:

import

Victini @ Leftovers
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 248 HP / 148 SpD / 112 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blue Flare
- Thunder / Glaciate
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Gyarados-Mega @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 208 HP / 16 Atk / 188 Def / 96 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Waterfall
- Rest
- Sleep Talk

Offensive core: Banette-Mega + Choice Scarf Keldeo

I decided to play Banette-Mega because it can use Prankster the first turn it comes. To beat Dark types, which are not touched by Banette-Mega, I added Choice Scarf Keldeo. Banette-Mega being an offensive Pokémon, Keldeo permits too to beat bulky Pokémon like Landorus-Therian and Garchomp.

Weak to:

Correctly paired with:

import

Banette-Mega @ Banettite
Ability: Frisk
EVs: 196 HP / 252 Atk / 60 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Will-O-Wisp
- Magic Coat / Taunt
- Destiny Bond

Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Scald
- Icy Wind

Sorry I don't give replays because I keep my teams for me.

 

[Charmflash]

Double Defog Core

Double defog has been a big part of stall allowing you to take more opportunities to defog as well as out-pp the opposing Stealth Rock user.

This core aims to provide this kind of support for more balanced teams and makes using Pokemon such as Marowak, Volcarona ect way more effective. Mantine keeps powerful special attacker as well as fire and water types in check while Mega-Scizor takes care of strong physical attacker.

This core works best alongside really powerful pokemon that can break opposing teams apart without hazards up. Alolan-Marowak, Kyurem-Black, Tapu Bulu, Zygarde and Z-Move Garchomp are some examples that also provide an electric resist/immunity.

A replay of myself using this core

Sets

Keep in mind that the sets can have slight variations such as Toxic over Haze or Knock Off over U-turn if your team requires it.

Scizor-Mega @ Scizorite
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Defog
- Roost

Mantine (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Haze
- Defog
- Roost

 

[Riddikulusness]

These are some cores that I enjoy using. I don't have any replays because I'm on mobile atm, and I don't feel like searching for tour games with these cores because, as stated before, I'm on mobile. Let's get into it!

Vincune + Toxic Tran

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 24 SpD / 232 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Substitute
- Scald
- Protect

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Toxic
- Substitute
- Earth Power

-----or-----

Heatran @ Groundium Z / Shed Shell
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Toxic
- Taunt / Stealth Rock
- Earth Power

This is a core that functions around trapping and removing/weakening Vincune's answers with Toxic Heatran. Heatran can trap and remove Toxapex, which doesn't fear much from Vincune because of Haze and its high PP (48). Mantine is another nuisance to Vincune as it is immune to its only attack, and can Haze away any boosts it may have set up. Heatran can Toxic Mantine as it is a common switch in on Heatran. This means that it can be weakened and eventually stalled out by Vincune. Heatran also deals with problematic Grass types like Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Bulu (although Vincune can potentially PP stall these). Either Heatran set works for this core; the first is the better set overall but doesn't trap Toxapex as easily as the second. This core is best paired with an answer to stuff like Koko and Mega Medi. Spikes users like Gren and Ferro are nice too. Pretty cool core here.

Medi + CB Zyg

Medicham-Mega @ Medichamite
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Fake Out
- Zen Headbutt / Thunder Punch
- Ice Punch

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Outrage
- Extreme Speed
- Toxic / Iron Tail

This core is pretty simple. Overwhelm fat stuff like Defensive Lando, Tang, Celesteela, and Mew with two of the strongest physical breakers in OU. Most fat cores cannot take on the onslaught of constant attacks from these two. Most things like Tang, Lando, and Ferrothorn that can take on Zygarde cannot take hits from Medicham. These two also break down shared checks in Mew and Mega Slowbro. This core works best with Volt Switch and U-turn users like Tapu Koko, AV Mage, Jirachi, and Scarf Greninja to get them in safely. Late Game cleaners like SG Mage and Autotomize Celesteela work well with the core as they love the wallbreaking power of the core. I love this core, and you should try it out.

CB Zyg + Maw

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Outrage
- Extreme Speed
- Iron Tail / Toxic

Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Fire Fang / Stealth Rock
- Thunder Punch
- Sucker Punch

-----or-----

Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Thunder Punch / Knock Off

Similar core to the previous core as well as one bludz made of Garchomp + Maw (which btw is an incredible core). This one also has the focus of breaking down fat things like Mew, Defensive Lando, and Tang. Zygarde breaks through Maw's answers like Heatran, while Mawile beats common Zyg answers like Tangrowth and Bulu. They also wear down shared checks like Defensive Lando, Mega Slowbro, and Mew. Either Maw set works, its down to personal preference really. Just like the last core, Volt Switch and U-turn users are great for this to get them in safely. Checks to Ash Gren are also important for the core. Another great core, highly recommend this one too.

Pinsir + DD Skystrike Gyara

Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Close Combat / Earthquake

Gyarados @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Waterfall
- Bounce
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake / Taunt

Mega Pins + Gyarados is one of my favorite cores. The two can break down each others checks like Zapdos, Rotom-W, Celesteela, and Skarmory with an onslaught of Flying and Water moves. Basically they weaken their shared checks so that one of them will sweep. Fly Z Gyara is super nice because it can get heavy damage off or even kill something that Pinsir can have trouble with so that it can have an easier time cleaning up later. Hazard removers are obviously huge for this core as both members are weak to rocks. A Tapu Koko check is crucial as it is a nuisance to the core (unless Gyara is at +1). This core is awesome, try it.

Lop + SubToxic Tran

Lopunny-Mega @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Return
- Fake Out
- Ice Punch

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Toxic
- Substitute
- Earth Power

This core revolves around wearing things down with SubToxic Heatran that Lopunny cannot so that Lopunny can clean up late game. Lopunny has trouble breaking things like Celesteela, Toxapex, Tang, and Skarmory. Heatran is able trap Toxapex, and it is able to outright beat the other three. Other things that are annoying to Lopunny like Mew and Pelipper can get Toxic'd by Heatran, making it much easier for Lopunny to clean up. Pair these two with Stallbreakers like Tapu Bulu to help with the stall issue more. This core also loves spikes users like Greninja to wear down things even faster.

Thats about all I got for now. Enjoy the cores! :]

 

[Martin]

VinCune+TSpikes Gren

Hide

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 28 SpD / 232 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Protect
- Scald
- Calm Mind

Greninja @ Life Orb / Focus Sash
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Toxic Spikes
- Ice Beam
- Extrasensory
- Spikes / Hydro Pump / Hidden Power Fire / Gunk Shot

TSpikes are great. VinCune is broken. VinCune is even more broken when it can cheese stuff with Toxic. Hence, the two are nice together. Gren is also nice for its ability to provide a little offensive presence to the core than would otherwise be present.

Groundium Duggy makes for a good partner to trap+eliminate Toxapex and AV Mage, who otherwise gives this core a headache, although ESense eases that to an extent esp. with LO. Bring electric stops!

VinCune+TSpikes Pex

Hide

Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 28 SpD / 232 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Substitute
- Protect
- Scald
- Calm Mind

Toxapex @ Black Sludge / Shed Shell
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Toxic Spikes
- Haze
- Recover
- Scald

Same deal as above. While dual fat waters may seem redundant, Pex does a good job of covering some of Cune's weaknesses while patching up MUs such as Toxic Tran and clearing TSpikes for Cune. Duggy is also a nice partner here for the same reasons. Bring electric stops!

 

[Subject 18]

The archive has been updated to have more current cores and we've also deleted a number of old and outdated cores.

 

[NVT_Sart]

Balanced Core:

Since we're updating some of the old cores, I think this deserves one too. It's one of the oldest SM cores but has been getting a lot of traction again. Mixed Celesteela is just such a great defensive mon that checks... basically everything, from defensive Mons like Ferro over physical threats like Pinsir to Special threats like Lele. CB Garde has been mentioned a lot of times before, and is one of the most threatening Breakers right now, and will even take good chunks out of blanket checks like Lando if rocks are up.

They have great synergy together since Celesteela can Switch in on Ice or Dragon moves, while Zyg Switches in on Electrics and Fire. Steela can also provide some recovery for Zyg with Leech Seed.

With BoltBeam being such a great combination though, a lot of offensive threats have the coverage to threaten the core anyways, so it Needs some Support. Most commonly you see this core run with a fat grass like Tangrowth, M-Venu, Bulu or Amoonguss, and either a fat water like Toxapex, Fini and Suicune, or an offensive one like Greninja. A char-y answer in particular is needed, so Shed Shell Pex or Scarf Gren with Rock Slide goes a Long way. Other Mons that are also commonly seen in this type of Balance are Psychic Types like Mew, Latios, Lele or Reuniclus.

Importable

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 124 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Flamethrower
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Protect

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Outrage
- Thousand Arrows
- Toxic

Some replays of me and others using the core:

http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-607470195
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7ou-301142 this isnt CB garde, but the same concept
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7ou-301560
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/smogtours-gen7ou-301426

---

Also Leooo_33 aren't most Pelippers on Rain Specs nowadays over Damp Rock? At least in the tour Scene, maybe we could Change that

 

[Flygoner818]

Fun core for Balance/BO teams:

Ignoring the obvious Fire weakness, this is an awesome anti-meta core that works quite well. MAggron has amazing typing, amazing bulk, and an amazing move pool that lets it cover a lot of threats like Magearna, Tangrowth, Zapdos, and Scizor, which works very well with Bulu. It can act as a check to Greninja, MSwampert, Zygarde, Tapu Koko, and Garchomp, and provides great team support and longevity with Lefties + Leech Seed + Grassy Terrain. Have fun with this one. Cover Fire types and you should be golden.

Hide

Aggron-Mega @ Aggronite
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Head Smash
- Fire Punch
- Earthquake / Ice Punch

Tapu Bulu @ Leftovers
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 40 HP / 252 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Horn Leech
- Leech Seed
- Superpower
- Swords Dance

http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen7ou-609522449

 

[Tace]

Offensive Core
Mega Camerupt+Tapu Koko

+

[/IMG]

[/IMG]

Sets

Tapu Koko @ Magnet
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 30 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- U-turn
- Taunt/ Volt Switch

Camerupt-Mega @ Cameruptite
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 120 HP / 252 SpA / 136 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock/Nature Power
- Hidden Power [Ice]/Yawn

More of a fun core, while Mega Camerupt isn't the best mega or ground type, it's still decently viable in this current meta. What Tapu Koko does for mega camerupt is killing waters that might come on camel such as tapu fini, mantine, gyarados, and rotom-wash. On the other hand tapu koko can u-turn/volt switch into camel vs bulky grass types like tangrowth, mega venusaur, Tapu Bulu, Ferrothorn or other mons that come in on tapu koko such as alolan-marowak, sp.def jirachi, sp.def heatran, av magerena, and mew.

Calcs

252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Tangrowth: 402-474 (99.5 - 117.3%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 844-1000 (239.7 - 284%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Bulu: 578-684 (205.6 - 243.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 156+ SpD Thick Fat Venusaur-Mega: 188-224 (51.7 - 61.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 204+ SpD Jirachi: 416-492 (103.2 - 122%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Earth Power vs. 248 HP / 220+ SpD Heatran: 648-768 (168.3 - 199.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 326-386 (89.8 - 106.3%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 242-288 (66.6 - 79.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Earth Power vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Marowak-Alola: 546-644 (168.5 - 198.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Sheer Force Camerupt-Mega Fire Blast vs. 240 HP / 140 SpD Mew: 243-286 (60.5 - 71.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 16+ SpD Mantine in Electric Terrain: 576-684 (154 - 182.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Wash in Electric Terrain: 202-238 (66.6 - 78.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Fini in Electric Terrain: 342-404 (99.7 - 117.7%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Fini: 228-270 (66.4 - 78.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery