Project PU Core Analysis Workshop (Discussing partners to Rotom-F + Monferno)

[mael]

Jumpluff (M) @ (No Item)
Trait: Chlorophyll
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Acrobatics
- U-turn
- Sleep Powder
- Seed Bomb

jumpluff is a great mon, because it has a lot of utility and checks quite a bunch of threats; in this case pretty much all of the threats to the team, especially with prior damage / lack of eviolite. it also gives switch ins after the opponent sleep fodder something and then jumpluff uses u-turn. momentumgaining and sleep powder are always great, especially with something as frail as mightyena in your team.

 

[tom holland]

Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Leaf Storm
- Knock Off
- Gunk Shot
- Superpower


Not only is this thing fun to use, but it is very good in the current meta with cores that use Eviolite so much, and cores that are just overall weak to the mixed power of simisage. Simisage is a good offensive partner because it can dismantle all the common cores, including cleftang, which the dark core currently can't beat on its own reliably. Simisage also reliably ohkos standard Poliwrath, Piloswine, and knock off cripples all Eviolite pokemon like monferno on the switch in to just slowly Wittle it down. This is obviously a partner for more offensive teams, and knock off isn't really redundant on a team of offensive pokemon whose main counters are crippled by it.

Calcs:

Hide

4 SpA Life Orb Simisage Leaf Storm vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Poliwrath: 393-463 (102.3 - 120.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
(393, 398, 400, 406, 408, 416, 421, 424, 429, 432, 439, 445, 447, 452, 455, 463) Ohkos rest talk, which means it ohkos nearly every Poliwrath

252 Atk Life Orb Simisage Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Eviolite Tangela: 51-60 (15.2 - 17.9%) -- possible 6HKO
(51, 51, 52, 52, 52, 53, 53, 55, 55, 56, 56, 57, 57, 58, 58, 60)

252 Atk Life Orb Simisage Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tangela: 185-218 (55.3 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
(185, 187, 190, 190, 192, 195, 198, 200, 203, 203, 205, 208, 211, 213, 216, 218)

It hurts and cripples def tangelo enough to let Mightyena or pawn clean up later if needed

252 Atk Life Orb Simisage Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Eviolite Monferno: 64-75 (23.7 - 27.8%) -- 87.5% chance to 4HKO
(64, 64, 65, 66, 66, 68, 68, 69, 69, 70, 71, 71, 73, 73, 74, 75)


252 Atk Life Orb Simisage Superpower vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Monferno: 235-278 (87.3 - 103.3%) -- 25% chance to OHKO
(235, 239, 242, 244, 247, 250, 252, 255, 259, 261, 264, 266, 269, 272, 274, 278)

It beats up monferno but you will take a beating too with lo recoil plus Mach punch

4 SpA Life Orb Simisage Leaf Storm vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Pelipper: 238-281 (73.6 - 86.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
(238, 239, 243, 246, 250, 251, 255, 257, 259, 263, 265, 269, 270, 274, 277, 281) Kills almost always with stealth rock up

I might put up more calcs later but for now that wall is big enough

 

[Grim]

That's a lot of partners, updating op later today.

New core:

Articuno @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Roost
- Hurricane
- Freeze-Dry

Vibrava @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Roost
- Defog

In a nutshell, Vibrava has pretty good type synergy with Articuno, covering Articuno's Rock-, Fire, and Electric-type weaknesses while also getting rid of Stealth Rock for it and taking on some Steel-types pretty well too. With Vibrava's support, Articuno is free to wreak havock as long as the opponent does not have a Pokemon that can break through both Pokemon. There are multiple Articuno sets that can be used in this core, Substitute + Roost is just arguably the best one.

You have until Wednesday to post threats to the core.

 

[Dr Ciel]

Reserving Aurorus.

Aurorus @ Life Orb
Ability: Refrigerate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Rock Polish
- Hyper Voice
- Freeze-Dry
- Earth Power

Aurorus heavily threatens this core as it takes next to no damage from whatever Articuno throws at it, and can hit it through the Substitute with Hyper Voice, which scores a 2HKO on it. Hyper Voice also easily OHKOs Vibrava as well.

Also user Snobalt is cute.

 

[Raiza]

Regice @ Life Orb
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Rock Polish
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast

This core finds struggle when against Regice, as both Pokemon can't switch into it and get severely damaged by Regice's STAB and coverage options. Regice is not even 2HKO'd by Hurricane, while it can answer back by being able to 2HKO Articuno with Thunderbolt. Regice actually appreciates Defog from Vibrava, and just steamrolls through it with Ice Beam, or can use it as a setup fodder to sweep through the opposing team entirely.

 

[Dundies]

Rotom-Frost @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Blizzard
- Thunderbolt
- Pain Split

Rotom-F can set up a Substitute on both Articuno and Vibrava basically at no cost, and KO the two with Thunderbolt and Blizzard, respectively. Scarf Rotom-F would also be a threat to this core but it's forced to lock itself into Blizzard to hit Vibrava, and Articuno can stall it out of Blizzards with the help of Pressure.

 

[Grim]

You can now post partners, you have until Saturday.

 

[MZ]

Grumpig @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpDef
Calm Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Psychic
- Focus Blast / Heal Bell
- Focus Blast / Protect

This walls ice types ez thanks to thick fat and provides some nice paralysis support. Did this on mobile so hope the set looks fine + not gonna write a ton

 

[Dr Ciel]

Reserving Torterra.

Torterra @ Leftovers
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Earthquake
- Synthesis
- Stealth Rock

Tank Torterra is a great partner for this core for a number of reasons. First of, this core is quite weak to set-up sweepers, most notably Carracosta, which can set up all over Articuno and KO both it, and Vibrava easily. Torterra can serve as a one-time check to it. Torterra also provides a bulky SR setter that can set up rocks multiple times during the match.

 

[Raiza]

Ninetales @ Leftovers / Passho Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Fire Blast
- Energy Ball
- Dark Pulse

Ninetales has a decent synergy with both Articuno and Vibrava, mostly the latter. Ninetales is able to bait in Grumpig and KO it with Dark Pulse, easing Articuno's job. Ninetales appreciate two Ground-type immunities in Articuno and Vibrava, and the latter can also kinda switch on Rock-types attack, creating a nice typing synergy. Vibrava also provides Defog support, which is good paired with Ninetales because of Stealth Rock weakness. Ninetales is also able to switch into Pokemon such as Regice and Rotom-F, two Pokemon that make the core struggle with their coverage along with Ice-type STABs.

 

[SparksBlade]

hold up now you forgetting the big man with a moustache that rivals old man zam

Probopass @ Air Balloon
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flash Cannon
- Earth Power
- Volt Switch
- Stealth Rock

k i so realised probo will work well with vibrava+cuno, providing a nice ice resist+fatness to take steel hits. i was afraid of low kick pawn, but i looked up the analysis(done by esteemed shitposter: GrimoireGod himself) and noticed it's not even a slash, but a mention in moves, so i thought it's actually not a big issue then. Probo provides rocks support+strapping other steels like Pawniard(as i said, low kick is rare), klang, and hopefully other probos(still shaky but it sorta works).

there grim i wrote 3 lines for you does this make your dutch hear happy n_n

 

[Grim]

Next core:

Ursaring @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Quick Feet
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Facade
- Close Combat
- Crunch

Mr. Mime @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Filter
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Dazzling Gleam
- Focus Blast
- Healing Wish

Mr. Mime and Ursaring have excellent type synergy - Mr. Mime protects Ursaring from Fighting Attacks with its Psychic / Fairy typing, while Ursaring is immune to Ghost attacks aimed at Mr. Mime. Misdreavus lacking Foul Play are often free switchins for Ursaring. The goal is to have Ursaring weaken a mon or score a KO early to mid battle, then switch out before it's KO'd. Afterward, Mr. Mime can Healing Wish Ursaring back to full if it still needs to remove a wall in your way. Mr. Mime with a Choice Scarf has a relatively easy time with offense while Ursaring breaks stall. Ursaring also breaks Probopass really easily, which is a bonus for Mr. Mime who want to start cleaning with Dazzling Gleam or Psychic.

You have until Wednesday to post threats to the core. From tomorrow on I will be gone for around two and a half weeks. In the meantime Raiza will manage this thread. :]

Credits to 2x for most of the description, he explains it much better than I ever could lol

 

[Dr Ciel]

Reserving Raichu.

Raichu @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Lightningrod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power Ice

While not being able to directly into either of these threats, Raichu's blazing fast speed, further augmented by a Choice Scarf, is able to revenge kill both members of this core, assuming SR is on the field.

252 SpA Raichu Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Ursaring: 260-306 (80.9 - 95.3%) -- 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

252 SpA Raichu Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Mr. Mime: 99-117 (44.7 - 52.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock

 

[Raiza]

Ninjask @ Choice Band
Ability: Infiltrator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- U-turn
- Night Slash
- Aerial Ace
- X-Scissor

This can't really switch into the core either, but outpaces both Mr. Mime and Ursaring. Ninjask can basically pivot around with U-Turn to 2HKO Ursaring, and it can use X-Scissor to OHKO Mr. Mime or KO Ursaring after some prior damage, easily obtainable because of Toxic Orb. Not really much to say as it's pretty basiliar, though if choosing to pivot around you'll probably need a solid backup that can tank an hit, otherwise you'll have to sac a Pokemon and send Ninjask in again to revengekill or clean with X-Scissor.

 

[TONE]

Carbink @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast

This needs a bit more support, but CroBink can switch into any of either Mr. Mime's or Ursaring's attacks pretty well. Carbink can use mime as setup fodder for Calm Mind and can take a +2 Close Combat from Ursaring and whittle it down with Moonblast or heal off any damage with Rest, but the 2 turns used to use Sleep Talk could be taken advantage of by Ursaring as it can SD again.

Calcs

+2 252 Atk Ursaring Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Carbink: 141-167 (46.3 - 54.9%) -- 10.5% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Mr. Mime Psychic vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Carbink: 87-103 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- 98% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[Raiza]

you can post partners you have 4 days

 

[rubsomebacononit]

reserving piloswine :o

Piloswine @ Eviolite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Icicle Spear
- Ice Shard
- Earthquake

Piloswine is a great Pokemon for this offensive core thanks to its access to priority in Ice Shard, allowing it to pick off weakened threats, such as Kadabra. Piloswine appreciates Ursaring's and Mr. Mime's ability to sweep while they in return appreciate Stealth Rock damage in order to break through its threats

 

[Dr Ciel]

I'll take Probopass right quick.

Probopass @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 172 HP / 252 SpA / 84 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Earth Power
- Stealth Rock

Probopass is an excellent partner for the posted core, as it helps both Pokemon in it immensely. It helps Mr. Mime by trapping and KO'ing the steel types that threaten it so it doesn't have to use the unreliable Focus Blast to get by them. Probopass also provides a slow Volt Switch to get Ursaring in safely, and activating it's Toxic Orb.

 

[Akir]

I was originally going to put up Stunfisk cuz that pancake helps this core SO MUCH but for the sake of variety im gonna switch it up with an offensive option:

Arbok @ Black Sludge
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Coil
- Gunk Shot
- Sucker Punch
- Earthquake

Mr. Mime certainly does resist Fighting...but that doesn't mean it wants to switch in all the time on physical attackers that usually also have Knock Off. Arbok helps reinforce the synergy that is already there while adding some needed dedicated wallbreaking ability.

Ursaring sure is strong, but can have trouble beating dedicated defensive pokes like Tangela. I would also consider the defensive synergy between the two to be iffy at best. Arbok can break down common stall pokes easily and provide a more reliable switch-in for things like Machoke. Arbok even has priority to grab some KOs that Mime is too slow for and has EQ for beating Steels without having to resort to risky moves like Focus Blast and CC. A setup mon also creates a good midgame to break down teams for the strong lategame that this core has.

Overall, Arbok makes this core MUCH more consistent. Arbok is a very good partner.

 

[Raiza]

Next core:

Floatzel @ Mystic Water
Ability: Water Veil
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Taunt / Hidden Power [Electric]
- Baton Pass

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

With the rise of Poliwrath and recent hype around Floatzel, which also gets an advantage from that, I decided to post this offensive core with Floatzel and Zebstrika, two of the fastest Pokemon in the metagame at the moment. They both are able to cover their main struggles, Water- and Ground-types, by themselves, while they bring momentum with their access to Baton Pass and Volt Switch, which is highly appreciated by offensive teams where these Pokemon are ran. Zebstrika also helps with Grass-types thanks to its ability, Sap Sipper, while Floatzel can further take advantage of Baton Pass by forcing switches with Taunt. This core goes all-out on the offensivity so it may struggle with Pokemon such as Choice Scarf users, but if it gets rolling it gets really hard to stop and can snowball the game.

You have 3 days to post threats.

 

[Dr Ciel]

I'll take Lickilicky.

Lickilicky @ Leftovers
Ability: Oblivious
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Body Slam
- Heal Bell

Thanks to it's massive HP stat and solid Special Defense, Lickilicky can be a huge annoyance to this core. Lickilicky completely walls Floatzel by wearing it down with Body Slam while keeping healthy with Wish + Protect. Meanwhile, Zebstrika fails to do any significant damage to Licilicky with any of its attacks.

 

[RawMelon]

I'll take Lickilicky.

Lickilicky @ Leftovers
Ability: Oblivious
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Wish
- Protect
- Body Slam
- Heal Bell

Thanks to it's massive HP stat and solid Special Defense, Lickilicky can be a huge annoyance to this core. Lickilicky completely walls Floatzel by wearing it down with Body Slam while keeping healthy with Wish + Protect, if Floatzel lacks Taunt. Meanwhile, Zebstrika fails to do any significant damage to Licilicky with any of its attacks.

Licki can't get Taunted.

Gogoat @ Leftovers
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Horn Leech
- Earthquake
- Bulk Up
- Milk Drink

Goat's nice SpD stat allows it to take Ice Beans or Overheat with ease and heal up with horn leech or milk drink, or even start to set up bulk up.

 

[Kingler]

Roselia is a check to this core.

Roselia @ Eviolite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
- Synthesis
- Giga Drain
- Spikes
- Toxic Spikes

you could probably pump some investment in spdef. This baits overheat and can outlast zeb w/ synth, as long as waering it down with Life Orb, while coming in on Hydro pump from floatzel and forcing it out.

 

[Raiza]

roselia there would be plain better with sdef investments but w/e
post partners you have 4 days

 

[Akir]

Vibrava @ Eviolite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Defog
- Roost
- Earthquake
- U-turn

Voltturn has always had a bad matchup to hazard stack, and this core is a great example of why. Both are grounded, so they take full spikes damage every time they try to use their own strategy...not counting things like the poison from toxic spikes and worst of all: sticky web. Vibrava, however, is here to help with all of that and add some synergy too.

Vibrava is levitating and resists rock, so it will only take 6% in worst case scenario to hazards. This lets it defog away all of those hazards consistently through the match. Vibrava also has U-turn to go right along with this core. Finally, Vibrava is immune to Ground to help Zebstrika and is immune to Electric to help Floatzel.

To summarize, Vibrava defogs away the hazards that cripple this core while adding more voltturn shenanigans and adds some type synergy as well.