(UU Beta) Cesspool Sweepers

Mazz · Jan 8, 2014

CESSPOOL SWEEPERS

Introduction: This tier is a goddamn mess. With all the hype surrounding the new toys XY OU got, kokoloko's XY UU Beta "tier" has resulted in a shitstorm as bad or even worse than what was seen during BW UU. That on its own is a very difficult feat to accomplish. However, within the clusterfuck that is XY UU, there is still some light to be had; offensive teams are really good, and stall teams are really good. Despite the induction of mega-threats such as Kyurem-B, Mega-Heracross, and Thundurus-Therian, UU Beta is still a tier where one can find success, as even the mightiest of foes have their stops. Even if that stop is revenge-killing. Under the alt of Nasty Tier imo, Cesspool Sweeping is a team I've been using since the induction of XY UU Beta, this being the 4th edition however. Thanks to changes suggested by fellow #xyuu goers and my own patience at hammering this team into what it is, I've developed a very successful team that causes more forfeits than one would care to shake a stick at. Now that Kyurem-B has been effectively banned from UU Beta, I figured getting this RMT up would be a good idea to latter showcase what early UU Beta was like.

Teambuilding Process:

.::First Edition::.

This was the first incarnation of Cesspool Swimming, and it was built around using a wide variety of threats, as well as Stealth Rock and Spikes, to open up from for a Choice Scarf Kyurem-B sweep. It held its own, contributing 11 wins and 5 losses to my alt, Nasty Tier imo. However, I was finding Jellicent and Mega-Heracross, a SubPunching variant suggested by DarkSlay I believe, to be too slow to maintain my team's momentum and offensive pressure, the latter of which Jellicent simply did not contribute to at all. I opted to make some changes based on the team being rather weak to the likes of opposing Bisharp, Hydreigon, and other fellow Dark-types.

.::Second Edition::.

With a much more offensive take on my previous variant, this version of the team only managed a paltry record of 5W-8L, indicating an immediate need for a change or two. Despite it's massive power, Mega-Medicham lacked the wall breaking power of Mega-Heracross due to being much easier to work around, especially in regards to switching into. Manaphy did fine on the team, but always required setup in order to become the monster I needed it to be. I was also beginning to experience issues with Thundurus-Therian, and that it really wasn't as good as its hype had led it up to be (albeit I was using a LO 4 attacks spread). With those in mind, and new-found weaknesses to Mega-Gardevoir, Mega-Heracross, and Bisharp still being a little shit, changes were made.

.::Third Edition::.

This is the variant where the tires finally touched ground, allowing me to take off and eventually reach a peak of 14th on the UU Beta Ladder. This variant went on a 20 win and 5 loss tear during the duration of its usage, and there were many highlights to be had whilst using it. Mega Banette is surprisingly good, and will later find itself to be the quintessential Ghost-type for offensive teams once the tier calms down and begins to resemble XY UU. If it were up to my personal feelings, and not what was best for the team, I'd still be running this edition of the team. However, running three Choice Scarfs (Kyurem-B, Keldeo-R, and Rotom-H) in this current metagame was not a great idea, no matter how much kokoloko may salivate at the idea, as Deoxys-S and Deoxys-D make for too good of hazard users (especially when you don't run Defog / Rapid Spin). Mega Banette was also sadly dropped in order to better combat my weakness to Mega-Heracross, as well as a multitude of other threats the gang at #xyuu pointed out to me.

.::Fourth Edition::.

And here lies the current version of the team, currently boasting a record of 10 wins and 3 losses, set to essentially match the previous team's records. Due to a day's worth of ladder decay, other people joining the XY UU Beta Shitshow, and some serious misplays in those 3 losses, I no longer retain my peak of 14th place, but still do sit above 2025 points (the Showdown Ladder was unavailable at the time of me posting this) and a total Win-Loss ratio of 46-21, having never changed my alt the entire run with this team. Originally, Rotom-H wasn't on this variant of the team, but as I argued over my 6th member, seeing that Mega-Gardevoir had been suggested on IRC, I found myself needing a Ground-type resist and something to help Kyurem-B take on Electric-types, most notably, Thundurus-Therian. This meant adding a bulky Rotom-H to the team. Mega-Gardevoir has been nothing but a gem on this team, since very few teams are equipped well enough to fuck around with a Pixilate Hyper Voice. Something will be needed now to replace Kyurem-B now that it's been banned, and hopefully it's something capable of performing the same role as Kyurem-B did for this team.

Team At A Glance:

Deoxys-Speed forme is the quintessential lead, no matter which metagame it finds itself in; it's the fastest unboosted Pokemon, has access to Taunt, both Stealth Rock and Spikes, and still has some feasible bulk and offensive prowess behind it. The premise behind using Deoxys-Speed is simple: establish two or more layers of hazards to disrupt teams from switching frequently and weaken anything not immune to them, making breaking and sweeping the opposition simpler. Superpower is here because it OHKOs opposing Bisharp, a very common counter-lead to Deoxys-Speed, since it can limit Focus Sash variants to 2 layers of Hazards at most. Taunt shuts down opposing Deoxys-Defense that don't run Magic Coat, as well as any slower hazard setter that Deoxys-Speed leads against.

The EVs here are a bit strange, yes, but there is a method to my madness. The EVs allowed Deoxys-Speed to outspeed Choice Scarfed, positively natured base 95s, specifically, Scarf Kyurem-B. Since the only thing Deoxys-Speed can hope to tie above that plateau are opposing Deoxys-Speed, I saved myself worrying about losing a Speed tie, and dumped the rest of the EVs into Special Defense. This allows Deoxys-Speed to better set hazards against more defensive teams that match a Florges or similar Pokemon up against Deoxys-Speed. This Deoxys-Speed variant never leads against opposing Deoxys-Speed teams, since I guarantee the loss of a Speed tie, allowing me to quickly grab momentum against those teams (since I already know how the first 2-3 turns are to be played out).

At the time this team was what it was, Kyurem-Black was by far the most threatening Pokemon available to the XY UU Beta metagame. It has insane attacking power, from both sides too, as well as very ample bulk, allowing it to easily stomach a Sucker Punch from the likes of Bisharp or Mega-Absol. I chose to ran a Choice Scarf set thanks to the added speed such a set acquires, as a Speed Tier of 95 in UU isn't the best benchmark to hit. Outrage is the cannon Kyurem-Black packs, but thanks to the addition of the new Fairy-type, must be kept in reserves until any opposing Florges, Mega-Gardevoir, or Slurpuff, have been removed from play. Dragon Claw is used to give Kyurem-Black the option of Dragon-type STAB without needlessly locking itself into Outrage, especially if those aforementioned Fairy-types are still in the game. Bolt Strike, in my opinion, a better move than Dragon Claw, as it diversifies Kyurem-Black's coverage, allowing Water- or Flying-types to be hit super effectively and quickly remove them from a match. Ice Beam is here for an additional coverage move, and admittedly, I don't recall ever using it. If I did, it probably didn't do much except pick off an already weakened threat. In fact, there were more cases in which I wish I had Earth Power instead of Ice Beam, and had Kyurem-Black remained legal in XY UU Beta for a little longer, that's probably a change I would have looked to make.

One of the major changes that followed the addition of the new Fairy-type were some huge, much needed, and difficult-to-get-used-to type changes. Dark-types, at the end of the day, received a huge buff, and coincidentally, so did Knock Off. This transformed Bisharp from a low-end revenge killer to an all-out madhouse of a Pokemon. There isn't a single thing barring Mega-Aggron or Mega-Heracross that doesn't mind switching in on Bisharp, simply because of how catastrophic Knock Off can be. Sucker Punch is there to make up for Bisharp's lack of Speed, as well as pick off faster Phychic- or Ghost-type threats. It's handy for picking off weakened Kyurem-Black and Haxorus locked into Outrage as well. Iron Head is here to dismantle many of our new Fairy-type incumbents, specifically Florges and Slurpuff, as both handily resist Bisharp's Dark-type STAB. Unlike many of the Bisharp found in XY UU Beta, I run an Assault Vest spread (idea obtained from kokoloko, albeit indirectly), so I'm forced to run a fourth attacking move, hence Low Kick. In all Honesty, it's a great move to have when you can predict a Mega-Aggron switch, or when matched up against a Snorlax, as it does more to either of those Pokemon than either three of Bisharp's other moves could ever hope to do. The EV spread capitalizes on bulk; I dno't necessarily see the point on running Speed on a Bisharp rather than to maybe get a jump on say, Jellicent or some other exceptionally Knock Off-weak opponent. I'd rather capitalize on the additional bulk brought along with Assault Vest, and there have been moments where it's saved my skin.

Keldeo-Resolute was not my initial choice for a Water-type, but it's easily become my favourite. I can always recall Keldeo-Resolute being very fast in BW OU thanks to Choice Scarf, making it a reliable and threatening sweeper. In a once Drizzle-packed metagame, XY UU Beta (it was banned alongside Kyurem-Black, as well as Manaphy), running that same Keldeo-Resolute set simply made sense. Hydro Pump coming off a base 129 Special Attack stat was scary enough, but factoring rain into the mix made it nightmare material. Surf plays a very similar role as Dragon Claw did for Kyurem-Black, but instead of worrying about a lock, there's an 8pp limit on Hydro Pump that must be carefully watched at all times. Secret Sword functions as Keldeo-Resolute's alternate STAB attack, absolutely destroying Chansey and Snorlax switch-ins, who'd otherwise be expecting a Water-type move. It's also handy for damaging opposing Keldeo, since Hydro Pump wouldn't do much. Icy Wind is simply filler, since the Hidden Power nerf led me to opt out of running Hidden Power Ghost, which would have solidified Keldeo and its Resolute forme as masive threats in this metagame. I've used it a few times, and its great in the late game and when you need to sacrifice something while making the advance for the next Pokemon all the easier.

While it may not pack the punch nor the speed that Choice Scarf Rotom-Heat originally did, this Rotom-Heat variant still performs well, in fact better. Volt Switch, besides its natural immunities and resistances, is one of the reasons why I run Rotom-Heat, as it quickly provides my team with a burst of momentum on which I rarely fail to capitalize. When Mega-Aggron, Thundurus-Therian, or Amoonguss are near, Overheat will quickly roast a majority of their HP away, but not necessarily OHKO / KO, making them easier for my team to tear apart. Will-O-Wisp is another great selling point to Rotom-Heat, much like its washing machine brethren in OU, as it cripples any physical attacker outside of those with the Guts ability. Pain Split is here for some form of recovery outside of RestTalk, and it works when its needed, taking advantage of Rotom-Heat's Stealth Rock weakness and peeling amounts of HP from any opponent that happens to have significantly more. Rotom-Heat wasn't the ideal Pokemon to be using while Drizzle was having a hay day in XY UU Beta, but it was useful for what it was needed for, and made dealing with Mega-Heracross and other physically dominant threats much easier.

I gave up arguably my most favourite mega for this Pokemon. It was worth it. Simply put, Mega-Gardevoir is probably one of the most threatening Mega Evolutions outside of Mega-Heracross (that's available to XY UU Beta). Its colossal special attack makes it extremely hard to switch into, and its excellent coverage makes that an even harder feat to pull of. Hyper Voice is probably the greatest move in Mega-Gardevoir's arsenal, demolishing a vast number of Pokemon, simply due to its common resistances being so goddamn uncommon. Even then, its Poison-type resistances are crushed by Psychic, Mega-Gardevoir's alternate STAB move. Shadow Ball is here primarily for opposing Metagross and other Mega-Gardevoir, but it's also great for nabbing slow Ghost-types like Cofagrigus or non Choice Scarf Chandelure. Because I never use Gardevoir without Mega Evolving it, I decided to forgo Moonblast for Thunderbolt, as it simply offers a strong super effective hit against the many Water- and Flying-type Pokemon in the tier, and hits things like Mega-Aggron harder than any of Mega-Gardevoir's other moves. Some will argue that it's unneccesary coverage, but it hasn't let me down in the few times I've really needed it. Mega-Gardevoir is an excellent Pokemon, and hopefully, it's XY UU bound.

Conclusion: In short, this team was rather short-lived, but performed very well. Coincidentally, this team followed the trend of any team of mine that has Deoxys-Speed does very well by my own standards, and I'm glad that, unlike BWUU, I got to be a part of the first weeks of the formation of UU. This is a very exciting time for a very young metagame, and I encourage you to all get out there and try it; rememeber, Kyurem-Black, Manaphy, and Drizzle are all banned, so you no longer have to worry about nearly so many of the threats that once existed. Once again, any suggestions are welcome, as I am looking to potentially replace Kyurem-Black so I can still use this team. Thanks for the read, and thanks for the rate!

Deoxys-Speed @ Focus Sash
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 212 Spd / 252 HP / 44 SDef
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Superpower
- Taunt

Bisharp @ Assault Vest
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 HP / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Sucker Punch
- Iron Head
- Knock Off
- Low Kick

Kyurem-Black @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 Atk / 4 SAtk
Hasty Nature
- Outrage
- Fusion Bolt
- Dragon Claw
- Ice Beam

Keldeo-Resolute @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Spd / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind

Gardevoir @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 HP / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Hyper Voice
- Thunderbolt

Rotom-Heat @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SDef / 252 HP / 4 SAtk
Calm Nature
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split

Mazz · Jan 13, 2014

New work compendium:

BW Analyses

Ubers:

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Rarelyused:
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Underused Offensive Threatlist
UnderUsed Defensive Threatlist

BW Suspect Tests
Deoxys-D
Keldeo

ORAS Suspect Tests
Pidgeotite

(UU Beta) Cesspool Sweepers

Mazz

Mazz