Hello Smogon. This is my first post on the forums. I had an old name on the forums, but I wanted a fresh start, so here I am. I'm on PS often, usually on the names Dugtrio or NASCAR. How did I get those awesome names? Well I've been here a long time! Today I have a Registeel set that I came up with. It has helped me get three names on the RU ladder (Dugtrio, NASCAR, and ABDL). I thought it would be nice to pass the set onto you guys, and also so you can know that I'm the one who came up with it. And so I present, Block Registeel.
Registeel @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 SpA
- Block
- Toxic
- Seismic Toss
- Rest
The first thing that needs to be discussed is Registeel's fantastic Special Defense. It can take strong special hits like a champion. It can also absorb some physical attacks as well. Here are some calculations to support this:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Jolteon Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 117-138 (32.1 - 37.9%) -- 0.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Gligar Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Registeel: 120-144 (32.9 - 39.5%) -- 15.6% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Eelektross Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 102-120 (28 - 32.9%) -- 85.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ SpA Slowking Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Registeel: 120-142 (32.9 - 39%) -- 9.4% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
The only way to break Registeel with a Special Attack is with a dedicated wall-breaker or a strong fire type. Registeel can take advantage of this with this Block set. Block lets you trap any Pokemon that isn't a Ghost type and doesn't have access to an escape move such as Volt Switch or U-Turn. This is surprisingly effective. In the past I've trapped Alomomola, Defog Gligar, Scarf-Magneton, Slowking, Amoonguss without Synthesis, Specs-Jolteon, and more. Block traps them in, and you wear them down with Toxic and Seismic Toss. Rest provides immediate recovery as well as keeping status off Registeel. Barring some very bad luck, on the above damage calculation examples you'll be able to tank hits while asleep, wake up for one Seismic Toss, and go back to sleep. Your opponent is completely helpless, and all they can do is hope for hax.
This set works best when your opponent does not know you have Block. Very few people expect it, so it is best to save it for when you know it will work. It can completely shut down Stall teams when you manage to trap Alomomola as it uses Wish. That's pretty much game over in many cases. One issue is that you will have to find another Pokemon to use Stealth Rock. Registeel is usually a fantastic Stealth Rock user, but you must sacrifice that in order to make this set usable. I find that using Trick Pokemon as teammates is a great idea. Gligar and Amoonguss are helpless after they've been given a Choice item and Blocked by Registeel.
Overall this set has been the crux of my current team, and it has turned the tides in many battles for me. Practice has helped me, as I have learned the hard way that Registeel is not a miracle worker. This set still cannot stand up to things like Moltres, Fire Blast Exploud, and Clawitzer. Knowing what hits Registeel can and cannot take is crucial to mastering this set. But when done right with the right support it's a winning combination.
Here's a good replay of Block Registeel beating an Amoonguss without Synthesis. It's right near the start of the battle, so you don't have to wait too long for it.
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/ru-182401075
Anyway, I hope this set was helpful. I'll see you guys around.