Resource Rain Discussion Thread (W4: Keldeo Competition)

[Take Azelfie]

Approved by Celticpride
Co-hosted by littlelucario astroboy KidMagic . They helped to polish this up A LOT and wanted there own thread for a long so they should feel like this is there own a a certain way.

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
Introduction
Hello guys and welcome to the Rain discussion thread, this thread was created to have simple guides for rain based teams such as Good Cores, Rain Viability Rankings, etc. but to also have ongoing discussions about the rain metagame as a whole which is presented in our topic of the week.

Topic of the Week
Keldeo teambuilding competition.

Keldeo has its claims of being a highly viable choice for rain teams, but doing a bit of prior research looking at RMTs to feature rain, none of them feature Keldeo. I often times struggle to build a team to feature Keldeo itself since it is generally outclassed by Omastar and Kingdra as fast rain attackers due to there boost from Swift Swim allowing them to run Specs while Keldeo has to run scarf to clean up. Also as a Ferrothorn check since Torndaus can do that job better whilst checking other grass types that threaten the team. So for this week, there will be a teambuilding competition. Submissions will go till the end of Friday and voting will begin on Saturday. I will be adding a section of rules under the basic rules section. Good Luck and Have Fun n_n .

Simple Rain Guides
Here are some simple guides here for people trying to learn how to build proper Rain teams or viable options inside rain. This will be updated throughout discussion inside the thread to try and keep the OU rain meta as updated as possible.
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Good Cores for Rain featuring Defensive, Offensive and Balanced cores.

Good Cores WIP

Offensive Cores

Offensive Cores are what make rain such a threatening play style allowing it to apply speed control and hard hitting pokemon that are very hard to switch in. Here are some examples.

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Form one of the best rain offensive cores. Kingdra being mixed can help break down threats that stop Kabutops from sweeping and Kabutops is one of the most reliable Swift Swim sweepers having a great attack stat with good defenses and setting up a swords dance to sweep.

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Form an alternative to the powerful Kingdra + Kabutops core. Omastar has more powerful attacks and better coverage than Kingdra. The only thing that holds Omastar back that KIngdra can do it outspeed common choice scarf users like Landorus and Keldeo. Omastar also has access to Shell Smash allowing it to now outspeed choice scarfers in the rain but adds a boost to all of its moves instead of just the water type boost from rain.

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Form an alternative from the powerful Kingdra + Kabutops core. The difference between these two is that Ludicolo supports Kabutops more than just being a feared attacker. Kingdra has a lot of offensive capabilities making it a very potent sweeper but Ludicolo has a harder time accomplishing that. Instead Ludicolo can help set Kabutops up by killing Bulky Water Types, Grass-types with Ice Beam, taking Spores from Breloom, and hitting Steel Types with a Focus Blast.

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Kabutops and Serperior make a really good duo with Serperior being able to wear things down quick thanks to its insta boost as well as Serperior being able to take on stall better than most of Kabutops Swift Swimmer pairs. Serperior gets a boost from rain not taking as much damage from fire-type moves can allow it to take on Charizard X and Heatran a bit better. Serperior particularly likes to get rid of Rotom Wash which can for the most part 1v1 Kabutops.

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An alternative for the Kabutops + Kingdra core but instead it uses Mega Swampert who doesn't set up as easily but is a bigger threat when it comes out. When the team already has enough offensive pressure to where Swords Dancing with Kabutops is not the win condition most of the time, Mega Swampert is usually added since it just straight out gets more damage then Kabutops.

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This serves s a wallbreaker core more than anything. Kingdra has very little switch ins with its absurdly strong Draco Meteors and Ice Beam on top of a now boosted Hydro Pump. Kingdra has three main switchins being Chansey, Blissey, and specially defensive Ferrothorn which take the hits moderately ok. Scizor can capitalize on that extreme power with his bulk (that now doesn't take as much damage from fire type attacks thanks to it being in the rain) and easy set up along with Roost and Technician + Bullet Punch. This is one of the more standard offensive cores.

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This voltturn core is good for getting your sweepers in at the right moment. Each one having it's own role Tornadus being able to sponge more attacks thanks to the amazing ability Regenerator and Manectric providing a safer switch in thanks to Intimidate. Manectric before mega evolving also has access to Lighting Rod which can provide a nice immunity till it mega evolves. The offensive synergy these two give off is really good as well.

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This core is altogether a bit bulkier than then both the cores above. Zapdos can serve as a defogger which benefits its flying-type companion and has access to reliable recovery through Roost. Zapdos and Tornadus do struggle more with Rock type pokemon but this generally adds more pivots and can serve a lot of teams justice by sponging up hits and hitting hard.

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This core focuses ideally on breaking down anything that can take Kingdra's hits like Ferrothorn and Chansey. Medicham basically performs its role as a wall breaker just for Kingdra so Kingdra can start to sweep late game. Also unlike most Most of Kingdra's supporters Medicham does not need rain up to do its job allowing Politoed to stay a bit safer and not get broken down as easily.

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Similar to other core above this mainly focuses on breaking down Kingdra's checks. Heracross can also set up with Swords Dance as well but is mainly a way to break down walls like Chansey and Ferrothorn. Heracross is slower than Medicham but it does gain a buff from rain not taking as much damage from fire type attacks and threatening water types with Bullet Seed. Mega Heracross also supports rain itself more than Kingdra by breaking down checks to other sweepers.

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Lucario and Mega Swampert are an under rated core. With Lucario's broad movepool allowing it to run even as both a special sweeper or a physical sweeper can keep the opponents guessing till it is revealed. But Lucario's special movepool have really great synergy with the coverage the Mega Swampert usually has. Aura Sphere hits Ferrothorn, Chansey, Blissey (Swampert hits them hard but struggles to 2HKO on some occasions), Mega Gyarados, and Kyurem Black but this is only if Mega Swampert doesn't carry Hammer Arm. Psychic hits Breloom, Mega Venusaur and Amoongus as well as some other fighting types that may try to switch into Lucario like Keldeo. Lucario has a plethora of other coverage moves. This core cannot be shoved into most teams and is very situational to how the rest of your team covers Mega Swampert.

Defensive Cores

Defense is not particularly the reason that people use rain. But there are some pokemon that do get benefits as well as support a team in one way or the other. These cores aren't neccesarily meant for walling but rather to help rain get the job done.

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Form on the best rain defensive cores. support each other in many ways such as Rain makes Ferrothorn not so weak to Fire Attacks and even if Ferrothorn doesn't want to stay in on a fire move Politoed can come in and Ferrothorn can take grass and electric hits for Politoed. This core struggles with Breloom a lot though.
Support: Spikes/Stealth Rock/Leech Seed/Thunder Wave + Rain/Encore

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This forms an alternative to the Ferrothorn + Politoed core but Celebi can play a completely different role than Ferrothorn. Celebi can use Baton Pass to gain momentum where as Ferrothorn has to actually switch out. Celebi can also pass stat boost as well with either Swords Dance or Nasty Plot allowing it to help some other choices on the wall break more efficiently like Seismitoad and Ludicolo. Celebi can set up Stealth Rocks only and Ferrothorn has the option to set up both Spikes and Stealth Rocks. Celebi can also fully heal a team mate late game with Healing Wish. Finally this core struggles a bit more than the ferrothorn core as pokemon like Bisharp and Mega Pinsir become more of a threat.
Support: Stealth Rock/Baton Pass (SD and NP)/Thunder Wave/Healing Wish + Rain/Encore

+

Forming the almighty Regenerator core these two work more efficiently under rain by Amoonguss not being so scared every time a fire type comes in and Slowbro getting a boost to scald. The idea behind this is that these two pokemon can switch in and out constantly between each other due to their amazing ability Regenerator which allows them to regain health every time they switch.
Support: Spore/Clear Smog + Thunder Wave/Scald (burns)

Balanced Cores

The cores are a blend of decent or good defenses and great power that synergize amazingly together

+

Support each other in very unique way making this one of the best Balanced cores in rain. Swampert doesn't like taking Grass hits from pokemon like Breloom and Mega Venusaur. Klefki can come in and set-up spikes on the opponent which support the Mega Swampert sweep as well as paralyze things such as Altaria or Dragonite who might try to outspeed with a dragon dance. Mega Swampert also kills Ground and Fire types which threaten Klefki.

Rain Viability Rankings

Viability Rankings

Top Level

These pokemon have either multiple roles or do there roles significantly better than the other choices. These are staples to common rain builds

Mid Level

These pokemon add a bit more diversity to rain teams but also play their roles quite efficiently either double or triple tasking a doing one thing incredibly good. These are nice choices for effectively building rain teams but aren't the reasons for rain being so effective.

Low Level

These pokemon can 1 or 2 nice things about them that make them a decent pick depending on the conditions but tend to be outclassed by other mons. They can serve a nice niche on specific builds but are generally outclassed by most choices.

Changes that might be made (If you want to discuss these changes you may but keep the same roles as if you were to nominate something in any other VR)
Mega Ampharos to low
Latios to mid
Lanturn to mid
Moltres to unranked
Terrakion to mid
Rotom Wash to mid
Hoops-U to mid

Looking for spreads or sets?
http://www.smogon.com/dex/xy/pokemon/

Roles for pokemon will be the second comment under this and the sets.

​

Sample Teams

Teams

FlamingVictini's U-turn Mega Scizor

The team itself has a lot of HO traits within it as well as a U-turning Mega Scizor which help grabs momentum, which with the pressure that rain already provides only makes it a lot scarier.
SlaySlenderDragon XD's Mega Medicham HO

Mega Medicham can help support a lot by breaking huge walls that stop Ludicolo and Kabutops in their tracks. This team also has a Rocky Helmet + Magnet Rise Klefki which helps deal damage to physical threats allowing Spikes to go up.
DragonairDance's Swift Swim Spam

The team relies on getting up rain them spamming common powerful Swift Swimmers in the form of Mega Swampert, Kabutops, and Kingdra as well as some pivot control from Ferrothorn and Tornadus.

​

What can I do in this thread / rules

What can I do in this thread/rules

[*]Support by giving me your insight into the Rain Guides featured
[*]Additions to this thread
[*]Where something should be placed in the Rain viability list
[*]A cool replay with a rain team (may get put in the Archives)
[*]Discuss the topic of the week
[*]Suggest the next topic
[*]Talk about a pokemon/set that has potential in rain
[*]Share teams to be put in the archive
[*]Discuss how rain does as a whole
[*]Comment on someone else's post
[*]Discuss just rain in general like how it effects the metagame.
[*]Submit sets pre calc'd for other peoples convenience.
[*]Talk about how good Hurricane + Thunder Dragonite is

Basic Rules
[*]Post somewhat intelligently
[*]Discuss only if the topic has to deal with something in this thread or rain in OU
[*]Don't put anyone down, the post will get deleted (criticism is okay don't go tell someone to live in a dumpster)
[*]If posting something in regards to the viability rankings please give a brief description proving why x mon should be placed in x position

Contest Rules
[*]Submissions will by DEFAULT always go to Friday and the voting period will be till Saturday and untill I get to updating this thread on Sunday.
[*]Submissions will not be excepted if they are not rain based and also feature the target.
[*]Voting will be based on the post that receives the most likes. Yes you may vote for more than one and you can also take back votes if rethink your process.
[*]Trash Talking is not allowed here
[*]Have Fun when doing this n_n
[*] If you are building a team please provide an import as well as a description in hide tags.

Thanks and if you have any request for me to do either leave a message or PM me.

 

[Take Azelfie]

reserved

 

[Take Azelfie]

Each section is ranked on how well they do the job from the top slot tending to be the best at this role to the bottom being not the best at this role, but has a niche that separates it from any other pokemon

Roles

Rain Setters

Politoed has the amazing ability Drizzle which allows it to set-up rain at the moment it comes out meaning it can stop weather like Sand and Hail from giving Politoed extra damage, stop a Solar Beam in the sun from activating instantly, it can help reduce damage taken from Fire type attacks, and it reduces how much is healed from Synthesis and Morning Sun. It also has a good stall breaking movepool with moves like Encore and Perish Song.
For most rain builds Politoed is the only rain setter that is necessarily needed for a proper and functioning team. The other options listed down below are luxuries, not needed but are nice to have so Politoed doesn't have too much pressure.

Klefki is a good secondary Rain setter since it has the ability prankster which allows status moves to go first (unless something else has more priority or has the same priority but the pokemon using it faster.) It can also set up hazards, cripple a pokemon with Thunder Wave and also set up Light Screen and Reflect to boost the teams defenses.

/

These two genies both have prankster and a good STAB that is reliant on rain for hitting 100% of the time. Each one has a minor moveset difference. Thundurus has Thunder and Tornadus has Hurricane. Thundurus has Thunder Wave/Taunt and Tornadus has Taunt. Thundurus has Volt Switch and Tornadus has U-turn. Each one is different and one may shine brighter than the other on certain teams.

Latias being able to vastly support rain with healing wish, defog, and its natural bulk can allow it to perform many roles and one of them being a rain setter. It has access to surf which pretty much gets STAB boost and the best part is if you set up rain after Kabutops gets weakened Latias can healing wish it back to full with the maximum amount of rain turns.

Celebi has nice perk of being able to take fire type attacks after a Rain Dance is set up. I also has two great set up moves being Swords Dance and Nasty Plot as well as having access to Baton Pass making it possible to use Rain Dance then Baton Pass the stats the next turn allowing already powerful pokemon in Rain to get even stronger. It also has Heal Bell to help get burns and paralysis off your pokemon. Celebi also helps against other Rain teams due to it's grass typing.

Having base 130 defenses and a great supportive movepool this pokemon has nice job of being able to support weather pokemon. It has moves like Yawn, Memento, Future Sight, Knock Off, U-turn, Stealth Rock and Thunder Wave. Uxie can serve for a lot of utility as well as getting sweepers in at the right time with U-turn or Memento. Thunder Wave can cripple faster threats to the team, Yawn can stop pokemon from wanting to set up and Knock Off can remove any items that a pokemon may have.

Tentacruel has some various niches that can make it a potential slow for rain setter. One cool thing is that it can basically have Damp Rock and Leftovers on the same pokemon due to it's ability Rain Dish. Tentacruel can also set up Toxic Spikes which is good for getting stall teams crippled. Rapid Spin can also clear your side of the field of hazards that may break down switches. It also has access to Magic Coat blocking Status on Tentacruel and getting Burns on mega sableye past Scald.

Whimsicott being yet another priority user has some interesting factors to consider. One it is the fastest prankster pokemon bar Liepard which should never be seen in OU anyways and two it can't be setup on as long as Whimsicott has Encore besides Magic Bounce users which it can hit all of them anyways. Whimsicott also has access to Hurricane allowing it to fend off against Grass types. Prankster Leech Seed and Memento can also help a teammate that comes in by either punishing a switch or gaining momentum.

Swift Swimmers

Kingdra often being mixed or Choice Specs can tear holes in teams that are not prepared. Having a broad movepool base 95 Attack and Special Attack as well as being the fastest Swift Swimmer can make Kingdra a deadly force. Special Walls get hit with an Outrage or a Waterfall and Physical Walls are forced to swallow a Hydro Pump, Ice Beam, or Draco Meteor. Often cleans up once teams are weakened. It is also one of the best because it has limited switch ins.

Has the ability to outpace common choice scarfers in the tier and run Swords Dance making it a threat under rain. Kabutops can carry to great STABs that cover most things neutrally and can either run Aqua Jet for priority or Low Kick to hit steel types like Ferrothorn better. Kabutops also has a really good defense stat which can be good for allowing Kabutops for setting up Swords Dance.

Being the "Mega Meant for Rain" Mega Swampert is no joke when looking at its power as well as having incredible bulk (If you want to look and see look at the Guide down below.) It does take your mega slot but it is worth it. It has a power STAB Earthquake as well as Waterfall which with STAB is up to a bad 160 Base Power move not including a super effective hit. It also has access to Ice Punch being able to hit Flying types like Zapdos and Tornadus. Power-up-Punch is also an option since it punishes switches and It gains a more threatening presence.

has the ability to put on great Special pressure with it's great base 115 BP. It also has access to Earth Power and Ice Beam which makes it coverage phenomenal alongside Hydro Pump. The only thing that stops this from being used as much as Kingdra is that even in rain it lacks to outspeed Scarf Landorus and Keldeo which are very common. Omastar occasionally can pull a cool gimmick using Shell Smash to make it have 4x the speed as well as twice the special attack. This thing's a monster.

Ludicolo is usually there because the team has a hard time dealing with bulky waters and against other rain teams. But nonetheless it has a really great movepool and a neutral typing against grass types. It can eat up a spore from breloom and click Ice Beam. Ludicolo also has the highest special defense for a special attacking swift swimmer which can allow it to tank some hits on pokemon it can't always OHKO.

Seismitoad is a nice pokemon for teams that are weak to electric types. Pretty much having the same ideas as Ludicolo it is put onto a team to help balance its weaknesses. But Seismitoad has a pretty great move pool to work with like having Sludge Wave and Focus Blast for coverage. Seismitoad can also be also have Stealth Rocks making it good for more than one purpose.

Other Sweepers

Mega Scizor gains the buff of not being scared off anytime a fire type hits the field. As well as that is it greatly supports rain being able to hit Ferrothorn with Superpower, resist grass moves, and set up and sweep. It has a large amount of sustainability and is usually the win condition of most teams. Mega Scizor has Technician + STAB + Priority move that blows holes in teams.

Thundurus can set up Nasty Plot pretty early and start
applying a lot of pressure. Thunder(bolt) is a great offensive move and options like Dark Pulse, Focus Blast and Hidden Power Flying and Ice make great moves to compliment Thundurus versatility. It also has access to Taunt to stop pokemon from spreading status that breaks down Thundurus.

Pinsir can help clean and demolish problems that rain has in general such as Grass types. Pinsir is not only fast but also gains a little bit more safety to set up on some fire type pokemon and then smack them with an EQ. Pinsir also struggles against Rotom Wash which is generally hard pokemon for rain teams to break unless if there is a grass type on the team. Quick Attack is also good for picking off pokemon like Lopunny and Breloom.

Mega Heracross is an amazingly good mega on rain. It pretty much cripples anything that stop rain sweepers and can punish switches with Swords Dance. Mega Heracross has the ability Skill Link and a plethora of options such as Bullet Seed, Pin Missile and Rock Blast which all break Focus Sash. Mega Heracross also gets a bit bulkier from rain since it makes fire moves not as effective. Heracross may also get lucky at times and pick off an opponent and get a free moxie boost.

Keldeo gets a lot of power added to its STAB Hydro Pumps and has the ability to play more than 1 role being a Calm Mind sweeper and a Stall Breaker. Keldeo not only has that amazing boost to its Hydro Pump but another good STAB to go along with it being Secret Sword to hit pokemon such as Ferrothorn and Chansey that would other wise take Keldeo's and try to threaten it with Power Whip or Thunder Wave. Substitute is great for setting up easily or helping to get kills on threats that would other wise OHKO you before Keldeo actually attacks.

Toxicroak is a good secondary sweeper and water immunity for a team. It also gets Dry Skin so it basically gets a Life Orb boost but doesn't take damage from it. Toxicroak has a 4x weakness to Psychic which generally a problem to some teams but Toxicroak can make that up with Sucker Punch which has priority. Swords Dance makes it great for weakening or sweeping the opponent as works well as Toxicroak has some pretty powerful STABs being able to hit grass types as well as Steel types.

Lucario can apply some strange pressure from the start since your opponent has to guess if it is Special or Physical which will change the way they play around with it for a little bit. Nasty Plot provides a threatening Priority STAB move and some great coverage options like Dark Pulse, Aura Sphere, Dragon Pulse, Flash Cannon etc. making it one of the best special attacking fighting types. It also has access to a great physical movepool but unfortunately it's most powerful steel STAB is Iron Tail but it does have access to Bullet Punch as well as Ice and Thunder Punch.

Raikou has a cool niche of always hitting Thunder in the rain but that is not the reason it is here. Calm Mind Raikou has a nice place on rain teams being able to finish off weakened pokemon late game as well as having one of the strongest Thunderbolts available. Raikou has some pretty good coverage options and is particularly fast.

being able to easily abuse rain with its great 100 all around stats and having the second most powerful boosting move in the game being Tail Glow and a Mall sized selection of options can make Manaphy a tough cookie to break. Being able to remove status as well can help against pokemon like Slowbro or Clefable who wish to click Thunder Wave and be instantly threatened with a +3 rain boosted Scald/Surf is a lot to deal with.

Serperior is a fast, harmfull, and hard pokemon to deal with and now it can get some Rain Support by being able to deal with Fire-types easier such as Charizard and Heatran. Serperior also breaks bulky water types that stop Swift Swimmers. Hidden Power Rock can help lure pokemon like Talonflame, Volcarona, and Mega Pinsir in as well.

Isn't as strong as it's mega form but also adds a reliable offensive steel type who still gets a damage out. It also has an item space allowing it to carry an item such as Leftovers or Life Orb and still gets the benefit of rain. Scizor also has the benefit of not carrying a mega stone. Scizor an scare pokemon out like Sylveon and Gardevoir and can set up a Swords Dance on the switch.

Breloom has a great fit on rain since common Swift Swimmers like to deal with faster threats and breloom has some cool tricks that help break down bulky pokemon to. Breloom is one of the only pokemon to get Spore allowing it to set up on pretty much anything that is slower than it. Swords Dance + Technician allows it to have a strong hitting priority STAB as well as a move that goes passed Focus Sash and Substitute.

Who wants to take a +6 Waterfall in the rain from a Huge Power Azumarill? No one not even Ferrothorn.
+6 252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 252 Def Ferrothorn in Rain: 311-366 (88.3 - 103.9%) -- 25% chance to OHKO. This pokemon will dominate in rain thanks to it's ability to boost extremely quick and boost to both Waterfall and Aqua Jet. Azumarill has a lot of power and when combined with faster pokemon that gets rid of anything faster than Azumarill it has a field day.

Thundurus Therian has two powerful set up moves being Agility and Nasty Plot on top of a base 101 speed and 145 attack. Agility is good for more late game since its special attack is already really high. Nasty Plot makes it a pokemon nothing wants to switch into. Thundurus could even run both. It also has the amazing ability to restore health from Volt Absorb. It has access to Focus Blast and Hidden Power Ice as well as Dark Pulse which makes it have a pretty good movepool for a sweeper.

Nasty Plot Azelf is a threat and a half being one of the fastest in game with a base 125 Special Attacks. It has access to Fire Blast, Dazzling Gleam, Grass Knot, Shadow Ball, Signal Beam, Thunder, Thunderbolt, Psychic, and Psyshock (and even Water Pulse if some one was that desperate) making it one of the best Fill in the weakness pokemon. It can also help bait opponents into thinking it is a suicide lead since most rain teams are HO. Even using Future Sight to apply pressure in later turns may be good for some certain builds (yes I have tested to see if this was even worth mentioning.)

Bisharp can play the role of a sweeper even without setting up Swords Dance on a few occeasions due to the amazing ability Defiant. Bisharp arguably has some of the best hard hitting STABs and it moderately fast. Knock Off helps to break down walls like Chansey and Ferrothorn while Sucker Punch is used when the opponent is faster than you. Bisharp also has Iron Head to deal with Fairies and Rock types like Diancie and Tyrantitar. Unfortunately Bisharps doesn't really go past that but it does have the option for Low Kick to hit opposing Steel-types.

/

Gyarados gets that boost to its already high attack to Waterfall making it a hell of a lot more threatening. Dragon Dance allows Gyarados to get a speed boost so it doesn't fall behind its Swift Swimming team mates and has a few abilities that help in different situations. Mold Breaker allows Earthquake to hit Rotom W and Taunt to hit Mega Sableye. Moxie helps to sweep late game easier and Intimidate helps Gyarados set up against physically offensive opponents. Gyarados has great coverage with Waterfall, Crunch, Earthquake and even Ice Fang as well as moves to support itself like Substitute, Taunt and Dragon Dance.

Mega Sableye hates fairies, not a lot in the fairies in the tier want to take on some of the powerful threats that rain has. So Mega Sableye isn't threatened by much else than anything that can set up faster than it or a water type that can set up next to it like Gyarados or Feraligatr. Mega Sableye can Calm Mind up a lot due to its incredible bulk, amazing ability, and reliable recovery making it a tough foe to break down that appreciates rain support.

Mega Slowbro (one of OUs most underrated threats) has the potential of sweeping with its base 180 Defense and being able to Calm Mind up that Special Defense with moves like Slack Off and Rest. Do I have to mention it also has Flamethrower to hit steel types which even inside rain don't want to take a +1-6 Flamethrower and if Flamethrower wasn't even use Fire Blast. It also has Shadow Ball to hit the common base 110's like Lati@s, Gengar, Metagross. RestTalk is also one of its most viable sets.

/

Slowbro has reliable recovery, good bulk and access to Calm Mind. Slowbro does lack on a few things that its mega does better like not being able to get crit and having better defenses but non mega Slowbro still has the tools to pull off a sweeper. It has really nice coverage between its STABs and other option like Fire Blast, Focus Blast, Grass Knot and Ice Beam make it excellent for full filling specific roles. Slowbro and Slowking play the same role and have identical stats except Slowbro has better physical defense and Slowking has better special defense.

Scolipede has a very unique niche being able to outspeed pretty much everything with its Speed Boost ability. Scolipede has access to Swords Dance and has access to rather unique set of moves being Megahorn, Earthquake, Poison Jab, Rock Slide, and Aqua Tail. Scolipede's gets support from rain allowing it to take fire type more comfortably. Scolipede can also pass its stats boost when it is no longer useful in trying to sweep.

Dragonite can make for a good "1 free turn of set up" most of the time thanks to the ability it possess Multiscale unless it is broken by prior damage or status. Dragonite has access to really high attack, extremespeed, and a now boosted Aqua Tail. Dragonite also has Hurricane and Thunder that always hit. Dragonite can serve a nice purpose in some teams since it always isn't reliant on rain being up. As well its Dragon typing means it still resist water moves in the rain.

Feraligatr gets a nice boost in rain to its Waterfall and Aqua Jet. It has some good coverage that is on par with Gyarados and Sheer Force boosted moves. It can set up Swords Dance and pursue to hit extremely hard with powerful Waterfalls and Aqua Jets. Or it can run Dragon Dance to boost its speed but it struggles to deal with Intimidate users like Gyarados and Manectric.

Mega Ampharos is very slow but has great bulk and luckilly access to Agility to make up some of that slow speed. Ampharos generally isn't picked over other Electric types as a sweeper because it gets outsped by common choice scarfers even after 1 Agility and it doesn't boost it offensive stats in any way. Not to say Ampharos couldn't pull off the set but it comes with a lot of drawbacks. Mega Ampharos does have a good offensive typng with Thunderbolt, Dragon Pulse and Hidden Power Ice.

Talonflame doesn't really fear water types more then it use to since most water type moves already OHKOd but it does have priority Brave Bird to help remove Grass types which threaten Swift Swimmers and also has Swords Dance to apply pressure to teams. Talonflame has some nice perks like Taunt to stop things that may try to cripple Talonflame with Thunder Wave and stop recovery as well as Roost which always goes first. Talonflame can also run Flare Blitz to hit pokemon like Mega Scizor and Magnezone which are general threats to rain although it does get weakened by rain unfortunately.

Mega Latias can pull off a nice role as a bulky special sweeper with a really good speed tier and also resist water so it doesn't get blown back in the rain. It also has reliable Recovery, Psyshock to hit through special walls and Thunder which hits 100% of the time in rain. Mega Latias is also a good pick on occasions due to its great bulk and it can also hit Mega Venusaur which is a big threat to rain.

Hazard Setters

Ferrothorn has access to both Stealth Rock and Spikes making it a big hazard setter in rain. It also gets the benefit of being able to not take so much damage from rain. Ferrothorn does get trapped by Magnezone though so be carefull. Ferrothorn can also punish Rapid Spinners with its Iron Barbs and sometimes + Rocky Helmet damage. This may force an opponent to play differently.

Klefki also being one of the most common options has Spikes available. Although this pokemon is only limited to one hazard it also has the ability Prankster which means it can always guarantee a layer of spikes before it goes down bar getting killed from a Rapid Spin. It also has Magnet Rise as well being able to not get hit by a super effective ground move like an EQ from an Excadrill. Rocky Helmet and Shed Shell are pretty viable on Klefki being able to punish Rapid Spinners even more as well as pokemon like Landorus and Weavile as well being to also escape from Magnezone with Shed Shell.

Sash lead chomp is on most HO teams out there and rain is no exception. Garchomp has access to Stealth Rock. Offensive Garchomp hits a lot of things that don't outspeed it like Charizard X, Excadrill, Heatran, Dragonite etc. It also pretty much guarantees Stealth Rocks will get up due to the Focus Sash. Some Variants even carry Swords Dance to apply pressure/sweep or Fire Blast to hit Skarmory and Ferrothorn.

Skarmory has two very beneficial hazards being Spikes and Stealth Rock and Sturdy always allowing it to take more than 1 hit before it goes down. Skarmory also has reliable recovery in Roost and a decent speed tier. Skarmory also has Whirlwind/Roar to stop pokemon from setting up on Skarmory as well. Skarmory also has a gain of being able to on the likes of fire-type pokemon easier as well. Since Skarmory allows has a really good speed as well it can effectively Taunt most of the other Hazard Setters or slower pokemon like CM Slowbro and Thunder Wave Clefable.

Mamoswine has a great time leading against some of the most popular pokemon is OU at the moment being Landorus and Garchomp. Mamoswine also has a pretty good lead against anything that isn't faster than it as well as it can set up Stealth Rocks then Endeavor the opponent down to 1 health. It also has a great base 130 attack and two amazingly powerful STABs. Although it gets walled by bulky water types like Slowbro and Rotom-W, 12 Special attack investment can be used to 2HKO both of them. Thick Fat and Rain also pretty much make his fire weakness a resisted move.

Celebi is great for performing more than one task on a rain team but one of its best roles is for support. Celebi has the ability to lay Stealth Rocks on the field and take advantage of rain due to the fact that it resist the now boosted Water moves and takes less damage from the super effective fire moves. Celebi can also Baton Pass, Leech Seed, Thunder Wave, Heal Bell, etc. Due to Celebi's diversity it may also throw opponents off at times when you use Stealth Rock then Baton Pass or something like that.

Scolipede has the option to use either Spikes or Toxic Spikes and if running a Focus Sash can use Endeavor to break down the pokemon in front of it. As well it has an amazing speed on top of speed boost the only thing that ever really beats it out is priority. Scolipede just has these perks which is why it is one the best Spike/TSpike leads in general.

Tentacruel has the other status hazard known as Toxic Spikes as well as Rapid Spin to keep hazards on its own side. Toxic Spikes helps to break down walls and stop sweepers to a degree by making sure they can not stay in for as long as they want. Toxic Spikes does have a flaw that is being removed by a Poison type entering. Tentacruel also has a nice perk of being able to recover health inside rain thanks to its Rain Dish ability and also being a poison type using Black Sludge so pokemon like Gothitelle who may try to trick Tentacruel get punished for it.

Azelf has an outstanding base 115 speed and 125 is both attack and special attack. It also has a colorful movepool allowing it to run Fire Blast to OHKO Bisharp and Scizor. It can use Explosion which anything that doesn't resist it does not want to take as well as Skill Swap to screw around with the opponent and Taunt to stop leads slower than it.

Chesnaught is a nice as either offensive or defensive spiker since it has the tools to play either of those roles. It has options like Spiky Shield and Leech Seed but also a nice set of STABs and a high attack. It also has Taunt to stop slower pokemon from usung Toxic and Thunder Wave as well. Unfortunately Chesnaught's biggest flaw is its pretty slow speed.

Roserade is an oddball for rain but it does have some qualities that make it a good pick. Roserade has Spikes and Toxic Spikes which allows it to support different teams in multiple ways. Roserade also has some leading materials such as a base 90 Speed and Sleep Powder. Also some peculiar moves like Worry Seed to negate abilities, Psyche Up to steal set up, Venoshock to help clean up late game when Toxic Spikes are set up. Roserade also gains a buff of being able to take fire moves a bit better but its physical defense is nothing to be proud of. Finally it has Weather Ball. Weather Ball can hit fire types on the switch such as Talonflame, Heatran, and Volcarona.

Bronzong has two great abilities which allows it to take on its weaknesses better and a really nice thing about Bronzong is its great bulk. Bronzong is one of the best Screen setters IMO as it can reliably do this against common Stealth Rock leads like Garchomp. Stealth Rock is Bronzong only hazard but in a way it is nice so Bronzong doesn't suffer four move syndrome. Bronzong can also 2HKO most of its checks so they have to wary of that. Bronzong has two great abilities but being in rain Heatproof isn't necessarily needed so Levitate can be used to avoid ground type attacks from the like of Sand Rush Excadrill, Mega Diancie, Landorus etc.

Dragalge is a very slow pokemon that has access to Adaptibility and 2 powerful STABs as well as a now boosted Hydro Pump and Scald. Dragalge can lay Toxic Spikes which is one of its more favorable niches and also does a hell of a lot of damage unboosted. It carries a nice amount of special buk which does allow it to take hits fairly well. It can also use Focus Blast to hit steel-types that may get in its way. Unfortunately Dragalge doesn't get to shine to often due to it having a below average bulk and mediocre speed.

Thanks to Nidoking's great coverage, it can run differet moves to support its teammates in a different on different teams, Nidoking also has access to Stealth Rock and Toxic Spikes further enhancing its diversity. Nidoking has an alright speed tier allowing it to outpace base 80's. Overall it can deal with different types of pokemon and set up a different type of hazard depeding on how the team needs to be supported

 

[Drop]

Mega Heracross

Heracross-Mega @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Pin Missile
- Rock Blast
- Swords Dance

Rain offense teams generally struggle with fatter teams and bulky mons, notably things like Ferrothorn and M-Venusaur. Though M-Swampert and M-Scizor are fairly powerful in their own right, this mega brings so much immediate power to the table that it's definitely a solid pick for a rain mega. M-Heracross's fantastic ability to pressure these more defensive builds between its incredibly high offensive stats and ability to boost up make it a useful Mega for rain offense. After weakening this traditional rain checks, it can really muscle through these fat pokemon, opening the way for one of your Swift Swim sweepers to come through and clean up the weakened team.

 

[Froggyboy]

Nomming Moltres to be placed in low or mid rank.

Moltres @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- U-turn
- Filler

Now you may be wondering why on earth you would use a Fire type like Moltres in rain, or not, I don't know you, but the reason would be because Moltres' has the most powerful Hurricane in OU. With 125 SpA backed with Choice Specs, and 100% accuracy because of the Rain, there isn't much that can withstand its power. Offensively, you have a super strong Flying type that can break down common Rain answers like Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, and even Rotom-W is 2HKO'd after rocks. And defensively, it pairs greatly with Mega Swampert, able to tank most hits Grass and Ground types can dish out that trouble Swampert, while Swampert can do the same for Electric and Rock type attacks. Of course, Moltres is still mutilated by rocks, and its speed is pretty lacking when compared to another Hurricane spammer, Tornadus, but I still feel Moltres can find a place in the rankings if stuff like Armaldo and Shiftry can lol

 

[FlamingVictini]

If you're looking for teams, the rain team I built (and popularized I guess, which made people consider the rain playstyle much more when building and it has been used several times not only for OLT qualifying, but in playoffs as well), is a very good example of a solid rain team. You'll note that the pastebin has nicknames, which I finally put on the team, which I find characterizes it as "my build." Even though it does not differ a huge amount from other standard builds, it does a few key things extremely well that I think it is important, and while I don't wish to sound self-centered, I would like to receive credit for being a huge contributor to making this playstyle more noticed again. The keystone to this team is U-Turn Scizor. It holds the team together from every perspective, and this squad wouldn't be the same without it. The first move in the slash is the version I use, with the exception of alternating between Toxic and Hypno on toad. The other options are ones other ppl find are better, but I don't prefer myself but are still good. Also I will probably record a vid of me using rain sometime in the future (will probably take a while though) because I seem to play rain / approach the plastyle differently than most ppl i've seen. One thing that's important to consider is that politoed is rarely very useful, so you really have to abuse the rain you get with powerful rain boosted (hopefully STAB) attacks along with the boosted speed from swift swim to really utilize the playstyle well.

Rain Team

Atlantis (Politoed) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 12 SpD / 112 Spe
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Hypnosis / Toxic (screw missing)
- Encore
- Rest

High Tide (Kingdra) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse / Draco Meteor (I really prefer dpulse for consistent damage, but ppl have complained about the lack of draco before)
- Surf
- Ice Beam

Atonement (Tornadus-Therian) @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Hurricane
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Taunt

Guardians (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Atk / 60 Def / 124 SpD / 60 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Swords Dance
- Roost

Break Loose (Kabutops) @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet
- Rapid Spin / Low Kick (if you don't care about hazards and don't know how to beat ferro)

Restless (Garchomp) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw

 

[Take Azelfie]

Nomming Moltres to be placed in low or mid rank.

Moltres @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fire Blast
- Hurricane
- U-turn
- Filler

Now you may be wondering why on earth you would use a Fire type like Moltres in rain, or not, I don't know you, but the reason would be because Moltres' has the most powerful Hurricane in OU. With 125 SpA backed with Choice Specs, and 100% accuracy because of the Rain, there isn't much that can withstand its power. Offensively, you have a super strong Flying type that can break down common Rain answers like Ferrothorn, Mega Venusaur, and even Rotom-W is 2HKO'd after rocks. And defensively, it pairs greatly with Mega Swampert, able to tank most hits Grass and Ground types can dish out that trouble Swampert, while Swampert can do the same for Electric and Rock type attacks. Of course, Moltres is still mutilated by rocks, and its speed is pretty lacking when compared to another Hurricane spammer, Tornadus, but I still feel Moltres can find a place in the rankings if stuff like Armaldo and Shiftry can lol

Thank you for suggesting this, I was hoping someone else would because I was unsure if I wanted this be listed there. Your help is definitely appreciated

If you're looking for teams, the rain team I built (and popularized I guess, which made people consider the rain playstyle much more when building and it has been used several times not only for OLT qualifying, but in playoffs as well), is a very good example of a solid rain team. You'll note that the pastebin has nicknames, which I finally put on the team, which I find characterizes it as "my build." Even though it does not differ a huge amount from other standard builds, it does a few key things extremely well that I think it is important, and while I don't wish to sound self-centered, I would like to receive credit for being a huge contributor to making this playstyle more noticed again. The keystone to this team is U-Turn Scizor. It holds the team together from every perspective, and this squad wouldn't be the same without it. The first move in the slash is the version I use, with the exception of alternating between Toxic and Hypno on toad. The other options are ones other ppl find are better, but I don't prefer myself but are still good. Also I will probably record a vid of me using rain sometime in the future (will probably take a while though) because I seem to play rain / approach the plastyle differently than most ppl i've seen. One thing that's important to consider is that politoed is rarely very useful, so you really have to abuse the rain you get with powerful rain boosted (hopefully STAB) attacks along with the boosted speed from swift swim to really utilize the playstyle well.

Rain Team

Atlantis (Politoed) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 136 Def / 12 SpD / 112 Spe
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Hypnosis / Toxic (screw missing)
- Encore
- Rest

High Tide (Kingdra) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dragon Pulse / Draco Meteor (I really prefer dpulse for consistent damage, but ppl have complained about the lack of draco before)
- Surf
- Ice Beam

Atonement (Tornadus-Therian) @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Hurricane
- Superpower
- Knock Off
- Taunt

Guardians (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 16 Atk / 60 Def / 124 SpD / 60 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Swords Dance
- Roost

Break Loose (Kabutops) @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Waterfall
- Stone Edge
- Aqua Jet
- Rapid Spin / Low Kick (if you don't care about hazards and don't know how to beat ferro)

Restless (Garchomp) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Dragon Claw

FlamingVictini this is a huge contribution, the only thing I need now to import this is a brief description of some of the spreads since I am unaware of why the spreads for Politoed and Mega Scizor are being used. Thank You and don't feel rushed if you have other priorities

 

[FlamingVictini]

Toad spread hits some 200 speed benchmark and the rest is in bulk. The scizor spread is a TDK spread, I don't know what it does specifically except that it hits a similar speed benchmark and has a lot of rounded bulk to take on stuff like mmeta, gardy, and lati, while also having some small attack investment to boost damage output. You can find a description of the general team on my teambuilding workshop (link in sig), and details about similar scizor spreads on the smogon analysis.

 

[Take Azelfie]

Toad spread hits some 200 speed benchmark and the rest is in bulk. The scizor spread is a TDK spread, I don't know what it does specifically except that it hits a similar speed benchmark and has a lot of rounded bulk to take on stuff like mmeta, gardy, and lati, while also having some small attack investment to boost damage output. You can find a description of the general team on my teambuilding workshop (link in sig), and details about similar scizor spreads on the smogon analysis.

I added it on to the teams as well as you to the Contributions

 

[Take Azelfie]

First of all the teams archive has been updated to have both my Mega Medicham team and FlamingVictini's U-turn Mega Scizor team. Anyone else want to contribute teams feel free to do so.

The cores section being worked on but if you have any suggestions for Balanced and Defensive cores, check the rain viability section and it might give you an idea to what there is to work with but even if it isn't there and it seems viable as a core than please do suggest it. This thread is still in WIP.

Roles thread is also one of my primary goals to work on so along the way if I forget x pokemon the should go in x section, just say so and I'll look in to it.

Finally I'll take a spin at the topic of the week.

Mega Sableye can make for an underrated Rain sweeper due to the fact most fairy types don't want to get hit with anything that Physical and Strong which Rain teams have an abundant of mons that fit this role. It can work fairly well when playing against stall as well since Stall can't do much to touch Mega Sableye and it doesn't matter if it gets trapped by Gothitelle because the most it can do is set up along side Sableye. Mega Sableye would probably fit more onto rain balance than rain offense due to how slow it is.

 

[Martin]

Quick question, but what do Smeargle and Shiftry have that makes them viable. IIRC Smeargle is just a worse Sableye on rain and Shiftry is... well, Shiftry. Also, don't encourage the use of Armaldo... sure it has Swift Swim, but it is also outclassed by Kabutops in every way, shape and form.

Mind you, a niche unranked on rain is Cacturne, which has a combination of Water Absorb and its access to Spikes, allowing it to act as a semi-reliable stop to opposing Pokemon trying to take advantage of the rain to boost their attacks - making it neat for role comression purposes. Stick it in low.

Also, I'd give base Sableye a mention in low or mid due to it being good as a secondary setter.

You should definitely stick Talonflame and Volcarona in mid as they both beat Ferrothorn and other Grass-types and reduce the team's reliance on the rain to be effective. Talonflame also provides a secondary reliable way of taking on priority outside of Kabutops.

IDK why Mega Swampert is in high considering that it isn't even that good of a rain 'mon (if only due to it taking the mega slot). It should definitely be in mid as both Mega Pinsir and Mega Heracross have better niches on rain teams.

I'd stick Articuno into mid or low because it does what Moltres does and exchanges the ability to beat Ferrothorn for the ability to beat Gastrodon courtesy of Freeze Dry. Speaking of Moltres, its niche doesn't come from its specs set but rather from its SubRoost set (Sub+Roost+Hurricane+Fire Blast) which can be used to PP stall somewhat consistently alongside pressure.

Anyway...

as far as alternative megas go, Alakazam is pretty sweet as it allows you to combat opposing weather with significantly greater ease courtesy of Trace, and this means that you have reduced reliance on the rain to win the match while also reducing the amount of focus you need to place on the idea of winning a weather war. Its ability to outpace things like Excadrill, and I'll go as far as mentioning Stoutland and Venusaur for good measure, regardless of their abilities makes it significantly easier to combat opposing weather and also makes it easier to win in a rain ditto due to it technically being the fastest swift-swimmer in the game.

 

[Take Azelfie]

Quick question, but what do Smeargle and Shiftry have that makes them viable. IIRC Smeargle is just a worse Sableye on rain and Shiftry is... well, Shiftry. Also, don't encourage the use of Armaldo... sure it has Swift Swim, but it is also outclassed by Kabutops in every way, shape and form.

Mind you, a niche unranked on rain is Cacturne, which has a combination of Water Absorb and its access to Spikes, allowing it to act as a semi-reliable stop to opposing Pokemon trying to take advantage of the rain to boost their attacks - making it neat for role compression purposes. Stick it in low.

Also, I'd give base Sableye a mention in low or mid due to it being good as a secondary setter.

You should definitely stick Talonflame and Volcarona in mid as they both beat Ferrothorn and other Grass-types and reduce the team's reliance on the rain to be effective. Talonflame also provides a secondary reliable way of taking on priority outside of Kabutops.

IDK why Mega Swampert is in high considering that it isn't even that good of a rain 'mon (if only due to it taking the mega slot). It should definitely be in mid as both Mega Pinsir and Mega Heracross have better niches on rain teams.

I'd stick Articuno into mid or low because it does what Moltres does and exchanges the ability to beat Ferrothorn for the ability to beat Gastrodon courtesy of Freeze Dry. Speaking of Moltres, its niche doesn't come from its specs set but rather from its SubRoost set (Sub+Roost+Hurricane+Fire Blast) which can be used to PP stall somewhat consistently alongside pressure.

Anyway...

as far as alternative megas go, Alakazam is pretty sweet as it allows you to combat opposing weather with significantly greater ease courtesy of Trace, and this means that you have reduced reliance on the rain to win the match while also reducing the amount of focus you need to place on the idea of winning a weather war. Its ability to outpace things like Excadrill, and I'll go as far as mentioning Stoutland and Venusaur for good measure, regardless of their abilities makes it significantly easier to combat opposing weather and also makes it easier to win in a rain ditto due to it technically being the fastest swift-swimmer in the game.

Thanks for supporting this thread and for commenting things I will respond to each question individually.

• Smeargle is pretty much viable on anything but stall and bulky offense. Hazards, Spore, Toxic Spikes it just does stuff. But is only has a small niche in rain so that is why it's bottom tier.
• I was thinking to myself why I had Shiftry in the list again but it turns out I accidently miss imported the picture for Cacturne since it is the next fully evolved dark/grass type.
• Armaldo is a strange one I looked over when looking at Swift Swimmers to mention so I'm just going to put out why it is in there and I'm going to post a strawpoll next along with the next topic to even see if it should be allowed.
  • Pros It has the most vast movepoll of all the Swift Swimmers, has a typing that doesn't get blown back by grass types completely, has access to Rapid Spin and Swords Dance, is a decent wall breaker, has higher attack stat than Kabutops
  • Cons it is one of the slowest not even outspeeding jolly/timid Charizard, weak to water while in the rain, gets crippled by all statuses, weak to steel types.
• Volcarona was considered for the original list since it has decent coverage in rain with Hurricane, Bug Buzz, and Giga Drain. Talonflame and Volcarona will be put in now but if someone has a valid reason why either of them shouldn't be in I am going to listen and see it through
• Mega Swampert is really good in rain and serves teams getting a huge boost to waterfall in the rain on top of a devastating base 150 Attack. It is served basically as a replacement for Kabutops when a team doesn't rely on Kabutops sweeping most of the time. Plus Swamper just has good coverage.
• Mega Alakazam is a great option and I'll be adding it to the list. Not much to since you pretty much covered it all.
• I didn't originally add Articuno since it isn't viable in OU except under some circumstances but this will have to same applications to Volcarona and Talonflame

 

[Froggyboy]

I wouldn't even wait to remove Armaldo tbh, there is literally nothing it does that Kabutops can't.
Firstly, I wouldn't mention Armaldo's movepool, as it's basically Kabutops' movepool barring Earthquake, which hits nothing that Kabutops' rain boosted Waterfalls and Stone Edges doesn't(like the only thing i noticed is that armaldo can ohko megagross at +2 with eq). Plus Armaldo can't even fit Earthquake into its moveset, as its already needing more moveslots than it has. Aqua Jet, Swords Dance, Stone Edge, X-Scissor, Rapid Spin, Low Kick, etc.
The only notable niche imo that Armaldo has is its Bug/Rock typing, so it can at least take a Grass type attack, but really, I doubt that is worth giving up Kabutops and its better speed stat and STAB water attacks. And if you really want to hit Celebi, just use X-Scissor Kabutops, thats even better than Armaldo lol

 

[Take Azelfie]

I wouldn't even wait to remove Armaldo tbh, there is literally nothing it does that Kabutops can't.
Firstly, I wouldn't mention Armaldo's movepool, as it's basically Kabutops' movepool barring Earthquake, which hits nothing that Kabutops' rain boosted Waterfalls and Stone Edges doesn't(like the only thing i noticed is that armaldo can ohko megagross at +2 with eq). Plus Armaldo can't even fit Earthquake into its moveset, as its already needing more moveslots than it has. Aqua Jet, Swords Dance, Stone Edge, X-Scissor, Rapid Spin, Low Kick, etc.
The only notable niche imo that Armaldo has is its Bug/Rock typing, so it can at least take a Grass type attack, but really, I doubt that is worth giving up Kabutops and its better speed stat and STAB water attacks. And if you really want to hit Celebi, just use X-Scissor Kabutops, thats even better than Armaldo lol

your right I guess i'll just remove it.

 

[TURBODERP]

Mega-Ampharos is a pretty niche but viable rain Mega. Laughs at things like Thundurus/Manectric and hits damn hard if you run Thunder(bolt). Plus naturally tanky, has a slow Volt Switch which is nice, and can even run Heal Bell for support (though if you're running it on rain, more coverage or RestTalk might be better).

 

[Ramules]

Hello all I was recommended to this page because I want to build a great rain team. I noticed that vaporeon wasn't on any list. I'd like for everyone to at least consider him I have mine skilled with hydration , with the move set rain dance, wish, scald, and rest. His reg and special Def are awsome and he is great overall. When he is low on health he can use rest and in rain he is instantly awakened by hydration. It makes for a great self sustaining combo. I also use politoad, kaput ops and Swannan with hurricane

 

[Take Azelfie]

Hello all I was recommended to this page because I want to build a great rain team. I noticed that vaporeon wasn't on any list. I'd like for everyone to at least consider him I have mine skilled with hydration , with the move set rain dance, wish, scald, and rest. His reg and special Def are awsome and he is great overall. When he is low on health he can use rest and in rain he is instantly awakened by hydration. It makes for a great self sustaining combo. I also use politoad, kaput ops and Swannan with hurricane

Nice to see people are already being brought here after only 2 days. This is still in beta and very susceptible to change. Vaporeon may find a place in the mid to low tier ranking and Swanna has been overlooked so far. I will go as far as researching a bit on Swanna and I will be updating this list tonight with some changes.

 

[Ramules]

Nice to see people are already being brought here after only 2 days. This is still in beta and very susceptible to change. Vaporeon may find a place in the mid to low tier ranking and Swanna has been overlooked so far. I will go as far as researching a bit on Swanna and I will be updating this list tonight with some changes.

I know I'm still new but I would love to help contribute to this topic

 

[Ramules]

And as far as me gas I was looking into mega sharpedo he has decent speed and base atk. His strong jaw skill tied with moves like crunch and bite seem like it has the potential to be a sweeper

 

[Karxrida]

Okay so I open this thread and I see crap about Armaldo and Beartic and Vaporeon, what?

Do we have solid evidence that these (honestly really shity sounding) things have a niche on Rain or we just theorymoning? Just because they have abilities that work in Rain doesn't mean they're automatically viable or even worh a mention. This is especially true if this is meant to be a resource for inexperienced players who shouldn't get recommendations to use niche stuff; learn to walk before you run.

Fucking Bearctic. You even said it sucked, so why mention it?

 

[Martin]

Mega Swampert is really good in rain and serves teams getting a huge boost to waterfall in the rain on top of a devastating base 150 Attack. It is served basically as a replacement for Kabutops when a team doesn't rely on Kabutops sweeping most of the time. Plus Swamper just has good coverage.

The thing is, Mega Swampy didn't replace Kabutops. There are very few well-built squads in the current meta which don't feature it - even Swampy ones tend to feature it because relying entirely on Swampert isn't a particularly smart idea. The key issues it faces are that it takes up a hugely valuable mega slot, stacks weaknesses and doesn't really provide any utility that isn't already visible on rain outside of a T-wave immunity. This means that it is closer to being the third or fourth best mega on rain as opposed to second best, which your current list implies. Also, the fact that it lacks Swift Swim on turn one doesn't help its cause because it means that it gets screwed over by the increasingly popular U-turn and Baton Pass if it hasn't successfully mega'd yet while also making it susceptible courtesy of its awful pre-mega speed tier.

 

[Ramules]

Okay so I open this thread and I see crap about Armaldo and Beartic and Vaporeon, what?

Do we have solid evidence that these (honestly really shity sounding) things have a niche on Rain or we just theorymoning? Just because they have abilities that work in Rain doesn't mean they're automatically viable or even worh a mention. This is especially true if this is meant to be a resource for inexperienced players who shouldn't get recommendations to use niche stuff; learn to walk before you run.

Fucking Bearctic. You even said it sucked, so why mention it?

Well for me I am a new player and I was just asking a question about vaporeon. It seems like he would benifit the most in a rain dance team if you use the build I posted above. So for me yes I was just stating my opinion on the matter.

 

[Take Azelfie]

Okay so I open this thread and I see crap about Armaldo and Beartic and Vaporeon, what?

Do we have solid evidence that these (honestly really shity sounding) things have a niche on Rain or we just theorymoning? Just because they have abilities that work in Rain doesn't mean they're automatically viable or even worh a mention. This is especially true if this is meant to be a resource for inexperienced players who shouldn't get recommendations to use niche stuff; learn to walk before you run.

Fucking Bearctic. You even said it sucked, so why mention it?

Armaldo was a tricky one but after going into my higher alts it serves absolutely no purpose so it is being taken off viability and it is going into -Star rank in Swift Swimmers. Beartic also has a -Star ranking which is why I included it to show why you shouldn't use it. I would have to look into Vaporeon and other Wish passers next, and I am not adding Vaporeon just because it has Hydration. Also if anyone was wondering I didn't add Qwilfish for having Swift Swim either.

 

[Ramules]

Armaldo was a tricky one but after going into my higher alts it serves absolutely no purpose so it is being taken off viability and it is going into -Star rank in Swift Swimmers. Beartic also has a -Star ranking which is why I included it to show why you shouldn't use it. I would have to look into Vaporeon and other Wish passers next, and I am not adding Vaporeon just because it has Hydration. Also if anyone was wondering I didn't add Qwilfish for having Swift Swim either.

If you would like when I get my computer up and running I'll show why I feel vaporeon could be good in water teams. Even if you remove wish with baton pass. He is a great overall unit but that's just me

 

[SketchUp]

In my opinion Mega Swampert is fine in high tier as it is the best mega on rain after Mega Scizor. It has crazy good bulk which makes it one of the best, if not the best, electric check for rain teams. It hits almost as hard as Kabutops with nice coverage and good bulk to work outside of the rain, also making it a nice secondary rain setter. Rain builds already have problems to fit in the right mega and most mega's are just too niche to be a reliable mega for rain teams. In mid tier only there is blastoise, alakazam, sableye, medicham, sceptile, metagross and slowbro, while low tier have even more niche stuff, some of which I'd never use on an ou team in the first place, let alone in a rain teams (m-glalie and m-absol)