Level 51
the orchestra plays the prettiest themes
We Get It, You Vipe: a Snake Draft Team Archive
Hi there! It's me, your friendly neighbourhood uninteractive cheesemonger Level 51, now with 100% more green in my badgeset! I wasn't originally going to post this thread, but after asking around it turns out some people are actually interested in my teams. Whether it's because they actually thought my teams were interesting, or you were just surprised that I managed to build something besides Perish Trap or setup spam, big s/os to them for getting me to write this thread!
The Snake Draft was my first big team tournament, and I think it showed in not only my nervousness in approaching each individual battle but also my teambuilding. For many of my games, I had no idea how to even go about counter-styling an opponent, so my best bet was to just make teams which were as solid as I could humanly manage and to practice playing with them until I could pilot them optimally. In the end, this approach seemed to work out somewhat, as I finished the regular season 5-4 (and the overall tournament 6-5) after an awful 0-2 start. Overall, I'm pretty happy with this performance considering this was, after all, my first big team tournament.
By the Numbers
As you can probably see above, I played a pretty obscene number of ladder battles while preparing for the tournament, and I probably fought most people who are reading this thread now. If you played against any of the following alts on the ladder, thanks for helping me test my teams for the tournament!- Daniel55123
- ck923121
- Satoshi2003
- PikachuGurl2001
- SIMC22
- GGraveler77
The Teams, or: Ten Importables to Steal
Edited Matame Semiroom (L vs miltankmilk)
Samu Koko (Tapu Koko) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Grass Knot
Tapu Sami (Tapu Fini) @ Leftovers
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 40 SpD / 16 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Protect
Samlamence (Salamence-Mega) @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Atk / 8 Def / 120 SpD / 56 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Return
- Roost
- Protect
Ferrosam (Ferrothorn) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Atk / 80 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Gyro Ball
- Leech Seed
- Protect
Schweitzer-Unbound (Hoopa-Unbound) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Magician
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Atk / 12 Def / 48 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Hyperspace Fury
- Hyperspace Hole
- Trick Room
- Protect
Samlax (Snorlax) @ Choice Band
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 52 HP / 252 Atk / 116 Def / 88 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Self-Destruct
- Double-Edge
- High Horsepower
- Fire Punch
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Dazzling Gleam
- Grass Knot
Tapu Sami (Tapu Fini) @ Leftovers
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 100 Def / 100 SpA / 40 SpD / 16 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Protect
Samlamence (Salamence-Mega) @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Atk / 8 Def / 120 SpD / 56 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Return
- Roost
- Protect
Ferrosam (Ferrothorn) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Atk / 80 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Gyro Ball
- Leech Seed
- Protect
Schweitzer-Unbound (Hoopa-Unbound) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Magician
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Atk / 12 Def / 48 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Hyperspace Fury
- Hyperspace Hole
- Trick Room
- Protect
Samlax (Snorlax) @ Choice Band
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 52 HP / 252 Atk / 116 Def / 88 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Self-Destruct
- Double-Edge
- High Horsepower
- Fire Punch
Team nicknamed after the many faces of Kaori, aka SamDOU.
Almost the Coolest TerraCott Team in History (L vs marilli)
So Big (Terrakion) @ Kee Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Close Combat
- Taunt
- Protect
So Small (Whimsicott) @ Normalium Z
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nature Power
- Tailwind
- Beat Up
- Encore
Only Us (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 64 SpA / 16 SpD / 104 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Dazzling Gleam
- Scald
- Moonblast
Requiem (Charizard-Mega-Y) @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 240 HP / 64 Def / 12 SpA / 32 SpD / 160 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Solar Beam
- Tailwind
- Protect
For Forever (Celesteela) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Atk / 116 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Leech Seed
- Acrobatics
- Heavy Slam
- Wide Guard
Disappear (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- U-turn
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Close Combat
- Taunt
- Protect
So Small (Whimsicott) @ Normalium Z
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nature Power
- Tailwind
- Beat Up
- Encore
Only Us (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 64 SpA / 16 SpD / 104 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Dazzling Gleam
- Scald
- Moonblast
Requiem (Charizard-Mega-Y) @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Drought
EVs: 240 HP / 64 Def / 12 SpA / 32 SpD / 160 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Solar Beam
- Tailwind
- Protect
For Forever (Celesteela) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Atk / 116 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Leech Seed
- Acrobatics
- Heavy Slam
- Wide Guard
Disappear (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- U-turn
What is notable about this team, however, is the expansion of the Z-Nature Power Whimsicott from my Team Competition-winning team submission; in this case, I used Tapu Fini to allow me to come out on top against Marshadow, which is a huge threat to any team that involves boosting. Also notable is that the team originally featured Red Card Terrakion, theoretically allowing the user to switch Whimsicott out for something which could exert more offensive pressure (Charizard Y, Landorus-T, Specs Tapu Fini). I wussed out at the last moment and switched it back to the more "standard" pick of Kee Berry Terrakion, though that probably doesn't mean anything either way.
Team nicknamed after songs from the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack.
Pursuit Chople Tyranitar and 5 Unimportant Pokemon (W vs MajorBowman)
scary viper (Salamence) @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 152 Atk / 104 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Double-Edge
- Hyper Voice
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
windy viper (Suicune) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 4 SpA / 148 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Icy Wind
- Snarl
- Mirror Coat
slashy viper (Aegislash) @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Def / 164 SpA / 44 SpD / 12 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
zen viper (Tapu Lele) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 92 HP / 252 SpA / 164 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Thunderbolt
high viper (Amoonguss) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 240 HP / 216 Def / 52 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spore
- Sludge Bomb
- Rage Powder
- Protect
sandy viper (Tyranitar) @ Chople Berry
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Atk / 4 Def / 156 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Rock Slide
- Pursuit
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 152 Atk / 104 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Double-Edge
- Hyper Voice
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
windy viper (Suicune) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 4 SpA / 148 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Icy Wind
- Snarl
- Mirror Coat
slashy viper (Aegislash) @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Stance Change
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Def / 164 SpA / 44 SpD / 12 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
zen viper (Tapu Lele) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 92 HP / 252 SpA / 164 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Thunderbolt
high viper (Amoonguss) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 240 HP / 216 Def / 52 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Spore
- Sludge Bomb
- Rage Powder
- Protect
sandy viper (Tyranitar) @ Chople Berry
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Atk / 4 Def / 156 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Rock Slide
- Pursuit
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
Someone also asked about my opinion on Rain Psyspam. For my answer on this, please refer to the sentiments of my good friend Sam.
Team nicknamed after vipers. hiss
Demandtoid (W vs Demantoid)
Demandtoid (Mandibuzz) @ Psychic Seed
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Roost
- Taunt
- Foul Play
Degrosstoid (Metagross-Mega) @ Metagrossite
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Hammer Arm
- Protect
Deleletoid (Tapu Lele) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 52 SpA / 92 SpD / 28 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Protect
Delandotoid (Landorus-Therian) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- U-turn
- Protect
Definitoid (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 164 SpA / 20 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Muddy Water
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Dekyubtoid (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 224 HP / 56 Atk / 72 Def / 52 SpA / 12 SpD / 92 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Icy Wind
- Earth Power
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Roost
- Taunt
- Foul Play
Degrosstoid (Metagross-Mega) @ Metagrossite
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Hammer Arm
- Protect
Deleletoid (Tapu Lele) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 52 SpA / 92 SpD / 28 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Protect
Delandotoid (Landorus-Therian) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- U-turn
- Protect
Definitoid (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 164 SpA / 20 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Muddy Water
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Dekyubtoid (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 224 HP / 56 Atk / 72 Def / 52 SpA / 12 SpD / 92 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Icy Wind
- Earth Power
Team nicknamed after, uh, well, you know.
Veil is Like Playing a 10v6 (L vs Jhon)
crushing day (Zygarde) @ Leftovers
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Atk / 20 SpD / 164 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Thousand Arrows
- Substitute
- Protect
ice 9 (Ninetales-Alola) (F) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blizzard
- Freeze-Dry
- Moonblast
- Roar
satch boogie (Volcarona) @ Firium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 88 HP / 88 Def / 144 SpA / 188 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Giga Drain
- Quiver Dance
- Protect
...the alien (Mew) @ Light Clay
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 132 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Aurora Veil
- Tailwind
- Fake Out
- U-turn
always with you (Ferrothorn) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Atk / 80 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Gyro Ball
- Leech Seed
- Protect
midnight (Salamence) @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 152 Atk / 104 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Double-Edge
- Hyper Voice
- Earthquake
- Protect
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Atk / 20 SpD / 164 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Thousand Arrows
- Substitute
- Protect
ice 9 (Ninetales-Alola) (F) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Snow Warning
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Blizzard
- Freeze-Dry
- Moonblast
- Roar
satch boogie (Volcarona) @ Firium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 88 HP / 88 Def / 144 SpA / 188 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Giga Drain
- Quiver Dance
- Protect
...the alien (Mew) @ Light Clay
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 132 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Aurora Veil
- Tailwind
- Fake Out
- U-turn
always with you (Ferrothorn) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Atk / 80 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Gyro Ball
- Leech Seed
- Protect
midnight (Salamence) @ Salamencite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 152 Atk / 104 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Double-Edge
- Hyper Voice
- Earthquake
- Protect
Overall, I think the team has potential. While Ferrothorn was pretty hastily slapped on as a TR check and secondary Rain check and could probably substituted for something else, the other 5 team members feel pretty well-positioned to me, and I think Jhon and I independently innovating Aurora Veil Mew at the same time with the same setup sweepers does say something about their worth.
Team nicknamed after the music of Joe Satriani. Relevant songs linked from nicknames :3
:b:ased Team (W vs Kaori)
Kyurem-:b:lack (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 224 HP / 56 Atk / 72 Def / 52 SpA / 12 SpD / 92 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Icy Wind
- Earth Power
:b:agonite (Dragonite) @ Choice Band
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 32 Def / 4 SpD / 56 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Ice Punch
- Fire Punch
- Extreme Speed
Sci:b:or (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Atk / 36 SpD / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Protect
:b:andorus (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- U-turn
Ta:b:u :b:o:b:o (Tapu Koko) @ Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Taunt
- Protect
Cle:b:airy (Clefairy) @ Eviolite
Ability: Friend Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 128 Def / 128 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Heal Pulse
- Follow Me
- Encore
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 224 HP / 56 Atk / 72 Def / 52 SpA / 12 SpD / 92 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Icy Wind
- Earth Power
:b:agonite (Dragonite) @ Choice Band
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 32 Def / 4 SpD / 56 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Ice Punch
- Fire Punch
- Extreme Speed
Sci:b:or (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Atk / 36 SpD / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Protect
:b:andorus (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- U-turn
Ta:b:u :b:o:b:o (Tapu Koko) @ Electrium Z
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Taunt
- Protect
Cle:b:airy (Clefairy) @ Eviolite
Ability: Friend Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 128 Def / 128 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Heal Pulse
- Follow Me
- Encore
In the end, the team's concept evolved into "bulky offensive core to chip stuff and clean with double priority", which sounds pretty impressive but was just a cheap front for my Dragonite obsession. Partially because I didn't want to give up the Dragonite slot, there were about 8 Pokemon I wanted to use on this team (these six + Skymin and Fini), and in view of my awful Rain matchup I figured Kyurem-B would require a slot on the team, and without Fini there was no point for Skymin / without Skymin there was no point for Fini. Hence it was decided!
Team ni:b:named after :b:.
xXAwesomeTeam98Xx (L vs stax; W vs Biosci)
bioscizor (Scizor-Mega) @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 252 HP / 184 Atk / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Protect
steamyboy98 (Volcanion) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Heat Wave
- Steam Eruption
- Earth Power
- Protect
xXintimid8boiXx (Landorus-Therian) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
xXzappybirdXx (Tapu Koko) @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Taunt
- Protect
c00l_ice_2002 (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 224 HP / 56 Atk / 72 Def / 52 SpA / 12 SpD / 92 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Icy Wind
- Hidden Power [Fire]
g0thgurl2001 (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 68 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Helping Hand
- Heal Pulse
- Trick Room
- Protect
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 252 HP / 184 Atk / 72 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Bullet Punch
- Bug Bite
- Protect
steamyboy98 (Volcanion) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Heat Wave
- Steam Eruption
- Earth Power
- Protect
xXintimid8boiXx (Landorus-Therian) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 8 HP / 172 Atk / 76 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock
- Protect
xXzappybirdXx (Tapu Koko) @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Taunt
- Protect
c00l_ice_2002 (Kyurem-Black) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 224 HP / 56 Atk / 72 Def / 52 SpA / 12 SpD / 92 Spe
Relaxed Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Icy Wind
- Hidden Power [Fire]
g0thgurl2001 (Gothitelle) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 252 HP / 188 Def / 68 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Helping Hand
- Heal Pulse
- Trick Room
- Protect
I've explained this like 2738492348 times to anyone who tries to shittalk Gothitelle, but Gothitelle + Scizor is amazing. Scizor is a Pokemon that does well against most of the format but struggles with a few things: it has a bad time with being chipped slowly due to its lack of a moveslot for Roost, it lands just on the wrong side of getting a few KOs, especially if it's Intimidated, and most importantly, it's 100% forced out by almost any Fire-type that switches into it. Gothitelle fixes both these problems, and more: it prevents Fire-types from switching in, usually; it traps Fire-types that are already in so that Volcanion and Landorus-T can take care of them; it pushes Scizor's offensive capabilities over the edge with Helping Hand; it provides healing for Scizor in the form of Heal Pulse; and it even offers the team an additional Trick Room option for Scizor and Volcanion to take care of. Volcanion in particular appreciates being able to make use of its neat Fire/Water STAB coverage without the opponent switching out a lot. Finally, there's the Koko / KyuB combination to round out the team and give it some immediate speed and bulk. I really like this team and I think it was my favourite from the whole of Snake, so props to Nido-Rus for that :P
Team nicknamed after awful usernames ;)
The Only Laptop in the Village (W vs Memoric)
memoric's "gf" (Gardevoir-Mega) (M) @ Gardevoirite
Ability: Trace
EVs: 72 HP / 36 Def / 184 SpA / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Protect
poor harvest (Zygarde) @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 8 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD / 240 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Stone Edge
- Extreme Speed
- Iron Tail
village's 1 laptop (Tapu Koko) @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Taunt
- Protect
eats ur crops (Talonflame) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Tailwind
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Quick Guard
subsistence farmer (Marshadow) @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spectral Thief
- Close Combat
- Shadow Sneak
- Protect
crop seed (Whimsicott) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Encore
- Fake Tears
- Sunny Day
Ability: Trace
EVs: 72 HP / 36 Def / 184 SpA / 216 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hyper Voice
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Protect
poor harvest (Zygarde) @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 8 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD / 240 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Stone Edge
- Extreme Speed
- Iron Tail
village's 1 laptop (Tapu Koko) @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Taunt
- Protect
eats ur crops (Talonflame) @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Tailwind
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Quick Guard
subsistence farmer (Marshadow) @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Spectral Thief
- Close Combat
- Shadow Sneak
- Protect
crop seed (Whimsicott) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 152 Def / 104 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Tailwind
- Encore
- Fake Tears
- Sunny Day
Team is nicknamed after facets of Memoric's life. This was the only team where I had to actually decide between two nickname schemes; here was the other one:
Almost TurboDog (W vs MajorBowman)
MIne dino (Tyranitar) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Atk / 4 Def / 64 SpA / 48 SpD
Brave Nature
- Rock Slide
- Assurance
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
MIne molle (Excadrill) @ Steelium Z
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Protect
MIne turle (Tapu Lele) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Fire]
MIne bambo (Celesteela) @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Atk / 88 Def / 40 SpA / 96 SpD / 4 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower
- Leech Seed
- Wide Guard
MIne goast (Gengar) @ Gengarite
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 104 HP / 4 Def / 148 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Taunt
- Protect
MIne birb (Staraptor) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Final Gambit
- U-turn
- Steel Wing
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 140 Atk / 4 Def / 64 SpA / 48 SpD
Brave Nature
- Rock Slide
- Assurance
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
MIne molle (Excadrill) @ Steelium Z
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Rock Slide
- Protect
MIne turle (Tapu Lele) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Fire]
MIne bambo (Celesteela) @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Atk / 88 Def / 40 SpA / 96 SpD / 4 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Flamethrower
- Leech Seed
- Wide Guard
MIne goast (Gengar) @ Gengarite
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 104 HP / 4 Def / 148 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Taunt
- Protect
MIne birb (Staraptor) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Final Gambit
- U-turn
- Steel Wing
Team nicknamed after MIne turle. There was one time we were spectating someone ladder for suspect and their opponent's Torkoal was nicknamed MIne turle. I still have no idea why, or even what that means, but I found it so stupidly funny I nicknamed my whole squad after it. please send help
Watching Cybertron Videos at 2am (L vs marilli)
Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Metagross-Mega @ Metagrossite
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Hammer Arm
- Protect
Incineroar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Atk / 72 Def / 24 SpD / 16 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Darkest Lariat
- U-turn
Landorus-Therian @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 60 HP / 100 Atk / 96 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Protect
Zapdos @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 88 SpA / 52 SpD / 48 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Tailwind
- Roar
Tapu Fini @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 68 SpA / 12 SpD / 104 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Muddy Water
- Protect
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 16 HP / 8 Def / 232 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Metagross-Mega @ Metagrossite
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Zen Headbutt
- Hammer Arm
- Protect
Incineroar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 HP / 144 Atk / 72 Def / 24 SpD / 16 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Darkest Lariat
- U-turn
Landorus-Therian @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 60 HP / 100 Atk / 96 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Protect
Zapdos @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Static
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 88 SpA / 52 SpD / 48 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Tailwind
- Roar
Tapu Fini @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 72 Def / 68 SpA / 12 SpD / 104 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Muddy Water
- Protect
I forgot to nickname my team and that's probably why I lost.
That's it for teams, pretty much! If you have any questions about any of the move or EV or item or Pokemon or lifestyle choices on any of the teams, feel free to ask them below!
Also, because I thought it would be interesting, here's a picture showing all the teams (and one team skeleton) that I built and tested for Snake, but which didn't make the final cut (big picture warning). Not featured are about a dozen other teams I deleted out of frustration. Feel free to inquire about any of them if any of them catches your eye, depending on which team it is I might be able to drop you an importable:
Shoutouts and Acknowledgements
I won't lie, I'm pretty proud of my performance in my first big team tournament, especially given that I was so nervous about the whole thing that it affected my sleep and caused me to dry retch before every match. I already shouted out my teammates in the main thread, but I'd also like to give my sincere gratitude to those others whom I couldn't have accomplished this without:
- Kaori: Teambuilding and testing partner, moral support, friend. You somehow think every single thing I type is funny, and every Pokemon set I suggest is awful... so in that sense, thanks for talking me out of Mega Alakazam, Lycanroc, Klefki, and a whole bunch of other shitmons. More importantly, thanks for always being there to chat and play with me, even though you weren't having the best tournament the whole time. Hope you don't leave any time soon, I'd miss you dearly.
- talkingtree: You helped test so many teams with me and also let me chat and vent to you, especially after I choked six ways from Sunday to stax and you were the only person online. Also, thanks for blazing a trail with Mega Scizor... and for helping me get out of subsequent Mega Scizor rut I got stuck in during teambuilding. I still haven't tested QD Ribombee or Crobat, but I'll get around to them!
- Nido-Rus: You somehow consistently come up with weirder team ideas than me, but I can't write you off because you did help me build Mega Scizor + Gothitelle which is one of my favourite teams ever. Fun fact: I almost brought your Toxapex / Porygon2 stall team to Phase 3 before remembering that Deoxys-Attack was a Pokemon.
- Elise: Thanks for all the test games, and for helping me to have more confidence in myself both as a player and as a human being. I hope life has been treating you well recently, and sorry for being unable to reply to your snaps :(
- KyleCole for getting me drafted lmao
- Everyone else whom I tested with, especially AuraRayquaza and miltankmilk.
- God, without whom none of this would be possible.