Thanks all for viewing my first RMT. Before I begin, I would like to say that I make a lot of teams, and I consider my playstyle to be a bit different than my team appears to come across as. Even though it may not be the best possible, it does work for me and has won me many a battle. Although, without further adieu, here is my RMT.
A Brief Overview:
A Brief Overview:
Let's start off with the lead:
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/86 Atk/80 Def/92 SDef
Sassy nature (+SDef, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Hypnosis
- Earthquake
Usually when working on my teams, I try to add a little bit of original flavor to them. This usually starts out with the lead. I came to the decision of the over-sized bell, Bronzong, to be my lead. I noticed that there weren't as many 'zong leads running around nowadays, so I decided to try it out for myself and see how other people cope with seeing it. It worked to my advantage. A crucial part about my playing style is that it usually requires a lot of good prediction on my part. This shows a lot even when I lead. While Bronzong is usually used defensively, versus most common leads, I tend to use it offensively. I noticed that in most battles, I tend to not even have to lay down Stealth Rock to win the match. While I almost always run a stealth rock lead, sometimes I just don't find the time to lay it down. Bronzong is a true team player while in the leading position. Usually versus Taunt/suicide leads like Aerodactyl or Azelf, when they either Taunt (I mean who wouldn't, I'm a Bronzong) or lay down Stealth Rock, I go straight for the Gyro Ball. On fast leads like the previously mentioned, I can have their lead down in two turns while they waste a turn Taunting and Stealth Rocking. Now you might feel that it's odd that I let Bronzong just get Taunted, but in reality, what else is there really to do? Waste a turn for the inevitable Taunt? No sir.
Although, there is other things that Bronzong is good at doing. Let's take sleep leads, like Roserade, for example. For sleep leads, I take a totally different approach. As you noticed from my moveset, I opted to replace Explosion with Hypnosis. This is my only sleep support on my team, and helps me greatly. On leads like Roserade, I simply hypnosis on the first turn. This accomplishes two things:
1. If Sleep Powder misses, Bronzong can hopefully sleep the opposing Roserade (effectively stopping it from setting up Toxic Spikes). After I do this, I can really just make up my mind on what I want to do from there. If Roserade falls asleep, I can proceed to set up Stealth Rock and proceed to ko it with any combination of Gyro Ball or Earthquake. Or, I can set up with Latias because Roserade honestly can't touch it.
2. If I sleep, It still works for me. When I DO fall asleep, I usually take an extra turn and send out Infernape. Why Infernape? I definitely don't use it to kill off Roserade with. I send in Infernape solely to U-turn out and break sash. This allows me to scout what he is going to do next at the sight of 'nape. If he stays in I can proceed to set up with Latias or even Jolteon if I desired. If he doesn't, I switch into an appropriate counter.
Other than that, Earthquake is just kind of there for leads like Metagross and Infernape and Heatran(when they lay down SR) and for a nice attacking option.
The mixed bag:
Infernape (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk/192 Spd/64 SAtk
Naive nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Overheat
During the development of the team, I wanted to use a scout not named Scizor, and I was reading the movesets on Infernape and found this beauty, the Physically Based MixApe set, which turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It matches the scout I wanted, and still leaves in the surprise factor for people thinking that I am running a specially based set, as much Infernape do these days. On other sets, Pokemon like Gyarados can come in easily and begin to set up, while you are pretty much forced to switch. On this set, Gyarados is covered without switching in the form of Stone Edge. Other Pokemon like Jirachi and Scizor and even the Rotom formes think they can come in safely versus Infernape, but due to the raw power of Overheat, I usually turn end their dreams quickly. Close Combat is pretty amazing on this set because it just does a good deal of damage on anything that switches in, at least good enough for me based on the coverage of this set. Basically other than what I have mentioned, there isn't much else to say about this Infernape except it is a beast. In the words of Steve Jobs: "It Just Works".
Note: There is one flaw I would like to mention, I have had success running expert belt on Infernapes in the past because it allows me to fake a Choice item based on the increased damage of Close Combat or switching in just to U-Turn out. Infernape really hates recoil damage due to entry hazards laying around, but sometimes I feel that it is necessary for the extra damage output.
Wall turned sweeper:
Latias (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Dragon Pulse
- Calm Mind
- Surf
- Hidden Power [Fire]
When I first was thinking about making this team, like I always do I wanted to create something different. When I thought different, I thought of breaking away from Blissey (not that I used one anyways) as a special wall. So, based on this idea, I decided to use Latias as my special wall. Once again while browsing through the sets of Latias, I wasn't satisfied. We all know that Latias is pretty broken, but imagine if there was a fifth move slot. Latias would be untouchable. While this Latias has no Special Defense EVs or even a Specially Defensive nature, Latias' natural special bulk and Calm Mind left me with still a great special wall.
After deciding that just having Latias as a special wall was good enough, I felt I wanted more. I decided to run the moves Dragon Pulse, Surf, and Hidden Power Fire along with Calm Mind. While deciding on these moves, I had to soul search a little bit. Latias can beat every Pokemon in the game, depending on the moves you use. With enough CMs, Latias can even 2HKO the almighty Blissey with Latias' stab Dragon Pulse. While developing my team, I also realized I had a weakness to Choice Scarf Heatran. It was obligatory that I include Surf on the moveset to cover it, and also Infernape and for general coverage on things like Tyranitar. The final move was the toughest to choose. Realizing that grass knot wouldn't give me that much more coverage except for Swampert, who is easily taken down by a Dragon Pulse or two after Calm Mind-ing. Also, Jolteon covers Swampert by running HP grass, as a just-in-case type scenario. It came down to Recover and Hidden Power Fire as my last move choice. Prediction is something I claim to excel at, so running HP Fire was an OK move in my defense. While it does lower Latias' speed by one point, letting it be out-sped by other Latias(which are a huge threat), there usually isn't much an opposing Latias can do by the time it switches in. Latias is good at forcing switches, so nine games out of ten, I get a Calm Mind up when they switch into a "counter". By that time, I don't have much to fear. Latias is crazy bulky after a Calm Mind, as I'm sure many of you have experienced. Usually the opposing Latias switch in can only try to KO me while I KO back in the process. Or, they could always trick a scarf or specs to me, which honestly isn't that bad :P. This kind of just shows how "broken" Latias is. I try not to use it, but hey, it just feels like that time of the year.
I would like to take a small section and give a small threat list to this Latias and how I deal with the Pokemon.
Tyranitar- Tyranitar actually doesn't scare me that much, except for one exception. The Choice Scarf Pursuit Tyranitar. Never will I switch out a Latias to a Tyranitar nowadays, unless I know it's not scarfed. When Ttar comes in, there really isn't much to do except for Surf.
Scizor- Scizor can do a multitude of things to frighten Latias, but thankfully I have an answer. Much like Tyranitar I stay in, except this time, always. Why switch out when faced against a pursuing or U-Turning Scizor when I can smack it in the face with a boosted Hidden Power Fire for the KO, effectively removing a dangerous Pokemon from the battle.
Blissey- Stay in and Calm Mind. There isn't much Blissey can do to Latias. The most frightening thing would be a Toxic. Like I mentioned earlier, Latias can dominate Bliss with enough Calm Minds, And if I do get that many Calm Minds in, it's game.
Latias- Boosted Dragon Pulse
In Summary, Latias was meant to be a Special Wall, but ended up being an offensive sweeper.
The heaviest lure:
Tyranitar (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk/24 Spd/232 SAtk
Brave nature (+Atk, -Spd)
- Crunch
- Superpower
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
While making the team, I decided I wanted a good lure for the team that can take out at least one Pokemon, possibly even two. When I was first using the team, I was using a mixed Metagross, but decided to take it out because it just wasn't doing its job the way I had imagined. I went on to look for a replacement, and while doing some browsing, I came upon this gem. Expert Belt Tyranitar is such a great set. Virtually any way you use it, it can really wreck some strategy. For example, let's say I bring it in and crunch a Rotom Forme for the KO. The opponent won't see any recoil or see any other move that I use. The opponent decides to send in a Dragon Dance Salamence, A generally frightful pokemon. While he performs the Dance of the Dragons, I sit back and watch as Tyranitar proceeds to 1HKO the Salamence with Ice Beam. A pretty amazing feat. On the other hand, this Ttar can come in on that Scarfed Tyranitar that might have just killed Latias. If he decides not to switch, I can Superpower for the 1HKO. Or maybe they see me use a special move like Fire Blast to 1HKO their Scizor and bring in Blissey whom I proceed to 1HKO after they thought I was Choice Specs or just Special. Two 1HKOs in two turns; a great pokemon indeed.
The Filler:
Jolteon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 Def/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Charge Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Grass]
I'm just gonna be frank here, Jolteon was my best idea of a counter to Gyarados. Gyarados is a huge threat in the metagame if you don't have a counter to it. I use Jolteon to usually switch in on Gyarados and go straight for the Thunderbolt, praying that they aren't Jolly. Of course, this situation won't happen at all if I have either Latias or Gliscor set up, ready to 1HKO Gyarados with Dragon Pulse or Stone Edge, respectively. Also, Jolteon is here to deal with pesky Swamperts coming in to ruin my fun with a swift 1HKO with grass knot. I decided to use Leftovers over Life Orb on this set.
This honestly works a lot better because I don't have an answer to entry hazards besides Bronzong's hypnosis, but the only Pokemon they really bother is Jolteon itself. Also, the way I play Jolteon is to come in on things like Starmie or a Flying type, basically something that can't hurt it, and go for the Charge Beam. This usually allows me to get +1 special attack right away, basically eliminating the need for Life Orb, just like that. Shadow Ball serves as an answer to Gengar and the Rotom formes, especially after a Charge Beam boost. Like I mentioned before, Hidden Power Grass is there to wreck Swampert's plans, and also does enough to satisfy me versus Tyranitar. The only thing that worries this set is Gliscor due to the lack of Hidden Power Ice.
I know there are other options for this team like Rotom-a or Zapdos. The reason I am not using Zapdos is due to the fact that it is just another Stealth Rock Weakness, which isn't very cool. Rotom-a is a very viable trade-off, due to its capability to work as a spin blocker, and still being able to beat Gyarados. The only thing is, sometimes it leaves me in an unfavorable situation. Even Magnezone would be an interesting choice for this team. Please, if you have an idea for a Jolteon replacement I would be grateful if you explained it in your post.
Wall turned sweeper two:
Gliscor (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 HP/40 Atk/216 Spd
Jolly nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
My choice in Gliscor is much like my choice on Latias. I wanted Gliscor to be the Skarm to my Bliss, which is acting as Latias. Gliscor is a very sturdy physical wall in the current metagame due to it's resistances. Gliscor happens to fit to this team perfectly by setting up on pokemon that try to earthquake either Infernape or Jolteon. Bulky sweeper Gliscor is basically a dream come true. It can take advantage of a situation and make it an easy 5-0 or 6-0 for me. The Rock/Ground move typing is a great one, although it does have it's counters. The biggest one is definitely Latias. Latias can come in on Gliscor with authority and threaten me with either its STAB, Surf, or Trick. Defensive walls, like Skarmory and Swampert can really cripple this set too, phazing me and wasting my effort. All in all though, after those pokemon are eliminated, you can't stop this Gliscor. The EVs allow me to be fast, powerful, and bulky, the ideal Gliscor in my opinion.
Finally, This team has been serving me well for about a month now. Usually when I end up losing is when there is slight hax against me, or my teams weaknesses are exploited. That's not to say that it can't get better. There is definitely room for improvement, but I haven't been able to think of what it is exactly that I need. This team was originally designed to be more of a bulky offense team, but me being myself turned it even more offensive. I had a lot of fun writing this RMT, and I hope the readers have a good time reviewing it.
NOTE: Threats list coming soon.
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/86 Atk/80 Def/92 SDef
Sassy nature (+SDef, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Hypnosis
- Earthquake
Usually when working on my teams, I try to add a little bit of original flavor to them. This usually starts out with the lead. I came to the decision of the over-sized bell, Bronzong, to be my lead. I noticed that there weren't as many 'zong leads running around nowadays, so I decided to try it out for myself and see how other people cope with seeing it. It worked to my advantage. A crucial part about my playing style is that it usually requires a lot of good prediction on my part. This shows a lot even when I lead. While Bronzong is usually used defensively, versus most common leads, I tend to use it offensively. I noticed that in most battles, I tend to not even have to lay down Stealth Rock to win the match. While I almost always run a stealth rock lead, sometimes I just don't find the time to lay it down. Bronzong is a true team player while in the leading position. Usually versus Taunt/suicide leads like Aerodactyl or Azelf, when they either Taunt (I mean who wouldn't, I'm a Bronzong) or lay down Stealth Rock, I go straight for the Gyro Ball. On fast leads like the previously mentioned, I can have their lead down in two turns while they waste a turn Taunting and Stealth Rocking. Now you might feel that it's odd that I let Bronzong just get Taunted, but in reality, what else is there really to do? Waste a turn for the inevitable Taunt? No sir.
Although, there is other things that Bronzong is good at doing. Let's take sleep leads, like Roserade, for example. For sleep leads, I take a totally different approach. As you noticed from my moveset, I opted to replace Explosion with Hypnosis. This is my only sleep support on my team, and helps me greatly. On leads like Roserade, I simply hypnosis on the first turn. This accomplishes two things:
1. If Sleep Powder misses, Bronzong can hopefully sleep the opposing Roserade (effectively stopping it from setting up Toxic Spikes). After I do this, I can really just make up my mind on what I want to do from there. If Roserade falls asleep, I can proceed to set up Stealth Rock and proceed to ko it with any combination of Gyro Ball or Earthquake. Or, I can set up with Latias because Roserade honestly can't touch it.
2. If I sleep, It still works for me. When I DO fall asleep, I usually take an extra turn and send out Infernape. Why Infernape? I definitely don't use it to kill off Roserade with. I send in Infernape solely to U-turn out and break sash. This allows me to scout what he is going to do next at the sight of 'nape. If he stays in I can proceed to set up with Latias or even Jolteon if I desired. If he doesn't, I switch into an appropriate counter.
Other than that, Earthquake is just kind of there for leads like Metagross and Infernape and Heatran(when they lay down SR) and for a nice attacking option.
The mixed bag:
Infernape (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk/192 Spd/64 SAtk
Naive nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Overheat
During the development of the team, I wanted to use a scout not named Scizor, and I was reading the movesets on Infernape and found this beauty, the Physically Based MixApe set, which turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. It matches the scout I wanted, and still leaves in the surprise factor for people thinking that I am running a specially based set, as much Infernape do these days. On other sets, Pokemon like Gyarados can come in easily and begin to set up, while you are pretty much forced to switch. On this set, Gyarados is covered without switching in the form of Stone Edge. Other Pokemon like Jirachi and Scizor and even the Rotom formes think they can come in safely versus Infernape, but due to the raw power of Overheat, I usually turn end their dreams quickly. Close Combat is pretty amazing on this set because it just does a good deal of damage on anything that switches in, at least good enough for me based on the coverage of this set. Basically other than what I have mentioned, there isn't much else to say about this Infernape except it is a beast. In the words of Steve Jobs: "It Just Works".
Note: There is one flaw I would like to mention, I have had success running expert belt on Infernapes in the past because it allows me to fake a Choice item based on the increased damage of Close Combat or switching in just to U-Turn out. Infernape really hates recoil damage due to entry hazards laying around, but sometimes I feel that it is necessary for the extra damage output.
Wall turned sweeper:
Latias (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Dragon Pulse
- Calm Mind
- Surf
- Hidden Power [Fire]
When I first was thinking about making this team, like I always do I wanted to create something different. When I thought different, I thought of breaking away from Blissey (not that I used one anyways) as a special wall. So, based on this idea, I decided to use Latias as my special wall. Once again while browsing through the sets of Latias, I wasn't satisfied. We all know that Latias is pretty broken, but imagine if there was a fifth move slot. Latias would be untouchable. While this Latias has no Special Defense EVs or even a Specially Defensive nature, Latias' natural special bulk and Calm Mind left me with still a great special wall.
After deciding that just having Latias as a special wall was good enough, I felt I wanted more. I decided to run the moves Dragon Pulse, Surf, and Hidden Power Fire along with Calm Mind. While deciding on these moves, I had to soul search a little bit. Latias can beat every Pokemon in the game, depending on the moves you use. With enough CMs, Latias can even 2HKO the almighty Blissey with Latias' stab Dragon Pulse. While developing my team, I also realized I had a weakness to Choice Scarf Heatran. It was obligatory that I include Surf on the moveset to cover it, and also Infernape and for general coverage on things like Tyranitar. The final move was the toughest to choose. Realizing that grass knot wouldn't give me that much more coverage except for Swampert, who is easily taken down by a Dragon Pulse or two after Calm Mind-ing. Also, Jolteon covers Swampert by running HP grass, as a just-in-case type scenario. It came down to Recover and Hidden Power Fire as my last move choice. Prediction is something I claim to excel at, so running HP Fire was an OK move in my defense. While it does lower Latias' speed by one point, letting it be out-sped by other Latias(which are a huge threat), there usually isn't much an opposing Latias can do by the time it switches in. Latias is good at forcing switches, so nine games out of ten, I get a Calm Mind up when they switch into a "counter". By that time, I don't have much to fear. Latias is crazy bulky after a Calm Mind, as I'm sure many of you have experienced. Usually the opposing Latias switch in can only try to KO me while I KO back in the process. Or, they could always trick a scarf or specs to me, which honestly isn't that bad :P. This kind of just shows how "broken" Latias is. I try not to use it, but hey, it just feels like that time of the year.
I would like to take a small section and give a small threat list to this Latias and how I deal with the Pokemon.
Tyranitar- Tyranitar actually doesn't scare me that much, except for one exception. The Choice Scarf Pursuit Tyranitar. Never will I switch out a Latias to a Tyranitar nowadays, unless I know it's not scarfed. When Ttar comes in, there really isn't much to do except for Surf.
Scizor- Scizor can do a multitude of things to frighten Latias, but thankfully I have an answer. Much like Tyranitar I stay in, except this time, always. Why switch out when faced against a pursuing or U-Turning Scizor when I can smack it in the face with a boosted Hidden Power Fire for the KO, effectively removing a dangerous Pokemon from the battle.
Blissey- Stay in and Calm Mind. There isn't much Blissey can do to Latias. The most frightening thing would be a Toxic. Like I mentioned earlier, Latias can dominate Bliss with enough Calm Minds, And if I do get that many Calm Minds in, it's game.
Latias- Boosted Dragon Pulse
In Summary, Latias was meant to be a Special Wall, but ended up being an offensive sweeper.
The heaviest lure:
Tyranitar (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk/24 Spd/232 SAtk
Brave nature (+Atk, -Spd)
- Crunch
- Superpower
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
While making the team, I decided I wanted a good lure for the team that can take out at least one Pokemon, possibly even two. When I was first using the team, I was using a mixed Metagross, but decided to take it out because it just wasn't doing its job the way I had imagined. I went on to look for a replacement, and while doing some browsing, I came upon this gem. Expert Belt Tyranitar is such a great set. Virtually any way you use it, it can really wreck some strategy. For example, let's say I bring it in and crunch a Rotom Forme for the KO. The opponent won't see any recoil or see any other move that I use. The opponent decides to send in a Dragon Dance Salamence, A generally frightful pokemon. While he performs the Dance of the Dragons, I sit back and watch as Tyranitar proceeds to 1HKO the Salamence with Ice Beam. A pretty amazing feat. On the other hand, this Ttar can come in on that Scarfed Tyranitar that might have just killed Latias. If he decides not to switch, I can Superpower for the 1HKO. Or maybe they see me use a special move like Fire Blast to 1HKO their Scizor and bring in Blissey whom I proceed to 1HKO after they thought I was Choice Specs or just Special. Two 1HKOs in two turns; a great pokemon indeed.
The Filler:
Jolteon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 Def/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Charge Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Grass]
I'm just gonna be frank here, Jolteon was my best idea of a counter to Gyarados. Gyarados is a huge threat in the metagame if you don't have a counter to it. I use Jolteon to usually switch in on Gyarados and go straight for the Thunderbolt, praying that they aren't Jolly. Of course, this situation won't happen at all if I have either Latias or Gliscor set up, ready to 1HKO Gyarados with Dragon Pulse or Stone Edge, respectively. Also, Jolteon is here to deal with pesky Swamperts coming in to ruin my fun with a swift 1HKO with grass knot. I decided to use Leftovers over Life Orb on this set.
This honestly works a lot better because I don't have an answer to entry hazards besides Bronzong's hypnosis, but the only Pokemon they really bother is Jolteon itself. Also, the way I play Jolteon is to come in on things like Starmie or a Flying type, basically something that can't hurt it, and go for the Charge Beam. This usually allows me to get +1 special attack right away, basically eliminating the need for Life Orb, just like that. Shadow Ball serves as an answer to Gengar and the Rotom formes, especially after a Charge Beam boost. Like I mentioned before, Hidden Power Grass is there to wreck Swampert's plans, and also does enough to satisfy me versus Tyranitar. The only thing that worries this set is Gliscor due to the lack of Hidden Power Ice.
I know there are other options for this team like Rotom-a or Zapdos. The reason I am not using Zapdos is due to the fact that it is just another Stealth Rock Weakness, which isn't very cool. Rotom-a is a very viable trade-off, due to its capability to work as a spin blocker, and still being able to beat Gyarados. The only thing is, sometimes it leaves me in an unfavorable situation. Even Magnezone would be an interesting choice for this team. Please, if you have an idea for a Jolteon replacement I would be grateful if you explained it in your post.
Wall turned sweeper two:
Gliscor (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 HP/40 Atk/216 Spd
Jolly nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Roost
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
My choice in Gliscor is much like my choice on Latias. I wanted Gliscor to be the Skarm to my Bliss, which is acting as Latias. Gliscor is a very sturdy physical wall in the current metagame due to it's resistances. Gliscor happens to fit to this team perfectly by setting up on pokemon that try to earthquake either Infernape or Jolteon. Bulky sweeper Gliscor is basically a dream come true. It can take advantage of a situation and make it an easy 5-0 or 6-0 for me. The Rock/Ground move typing is a great one, although it does have it's counters. The biggest one is definitely Latias. Latias can come in on Gliscor with authority and threaten me with either its STAB, Surf, or Trick. Defensive walls, like Skarmory and Swampert can really cripple this set too, phazing me and wasting my effort. All in all though, after those pokemon are eliminated, you can't stop this Gliscor. The EVs allow me to be fast, powerful, and bulky, the ideal Gliscor in my opinion.
Finally, This team has been serving me well for about a month now. Usually when I end up losing is when there is slight hax against me, or my teams weaknesses are exploited. That's not to say that it can't get better. There is definitely room for improvement, but I haven't been able to think of what it is exactly that I need. This team was originally designed to be more of a bulky offense team, but me being myself turned it even more offensive. I had a lot of fun writing this RMT, and I hope the readers have a good time reviewing it.
NOTE: Threats list coming soon.
