VIRGIN ATLANTIC, Because We Are Wusses... GRRRRRRRRRRRRR
This team is based around a Lucario sweep. Lucario is a beast imo, but he has weaknesses. My teams job is to take out those weaknesses, obviously.
Team Building Process
Note: This section is helpful for those who need help on how to approach building teams. I reccomend those people read this section. But if you are ok with that, feel free to scroll down and take a closer look^^
Well, first off, I thought to myself, what pokemon can win you the game very easily. There were a few options I thought about.
The first that came to mind was Salamence. Then Tyranitar. Then Scizor. Salamence is an amazing sweeper, but its weakness to stealth rock put me off. Yeah, I could use a Rapid Spinner, but I needed my team to flow nice and smoothly, so stopping to spin would somewhat slow me down. Now, after I thought about the stealth rock weakness, I had two nice options. Tyranitar and Lucario. Tyranitar is a brilliant sweeper, able to anihilate teams left right and center. Lucario is often compared to Herracross, but Lucario comes out on top in that battle due to the fact he has a priority, Extremespeed. So, I weighed up my options. Tyranitar is just as good as Lucario in many ways, but the fact that when it is released, Sandstorm is made put me down. But, the main reason I chose Lucario is because of his priority. So, I had Lucario. I needed a pokemon that could work with it. A secondary sweeper who helped out Lucarios weaknesses.
The pokemon I chose was Salamence. He supported most of Lucarios weaknesses and could take care of some counters. He was the one for me.
.Now, one pokemon that threatens both Lucario and Salamence is Scizor. So, imo the best pokemon to take it out is none other than Magnezone. Not only does he take that out, he takes out Skarmory, who could potentially ruin Lukes sweep by using Whirlwind.
So, I had Magnezone to deal with the pesky steels, but the Steels wont just run out of their poke balls. They need something to make it. I have decided that I will use Gengar, as his power and speed help to dispatch of other pokemon, not just bait in pursuit users.
There was now a huge weakness to my team in the form of a Tyranitar. This thing basically runs through the team, apart from Magnezone, so far. I needed a check to him that flowed with my team and helped out my other pokemon. I chose Starmie. It is a reliable check to Tyranitar, as long as I can weaken it before hand. Also it nicely deals with some other pokemon that I will talk about later.
Now, obviously I needed a lead. My team needs all the support it can get, and a bit more defensive capabilities. It also needed to get rocks down reliably. Anti-Lead was not an option for me. Also, I noticed Salamence was a huge problem after it gains a Dragon Dance. One pokemon who could stop it, as well as lay down the rocks was Swampert.
A Closer Look
The Lead
Swampert
Swampert ( STDftw)@ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 def/ 252 Hp/ 4 Atk
Nature: Relaxed
- Stealth Rock
- This move is very important in guaranteeing important kills on some threats.
- Earthquake
- This move helps alot against a very common lead, Metagross. I get a Stealth Rock, then normally Earthquake once, then switch to Gengar to take the Explosion.
- Ice Beam
This move is here to counter DD Salamence, and to a lesser extent, Flygon. I can survive a +1 outrage pretty easily, and 0HKO with Ice Beam.
- Surf
- As protect and roar are not needed, I went with Surf, to do a bit more damage to thos physical walls who love to set up on me.
I decided Swampert was the lead for me, as its ability to deal with Salamence was needed. Also, it was very reliable, and I definitely need the rocks. Swampert deals with another problem to my team, Metagross. Metagross has no chance against my Pert. My earthquake usually does more than half, while his does a meager 23 % at best. Swampert effieciently deals with Heatran, which helps out my Gengar. But I should watch out for HP Grass.
Swampert also acts as a Scizor counter if it doesnt decide to come out to Gengar or Starmie, though it usually does. Also, Swampert easily counters Tyranitar, even after it has a DD under its belt. The only problem I really have is Celebi and Roserade. Both are dealt with efficiently by Gengar though.
The Steel Killer
Magnezone
Magnezone( Steel Virgin) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Atk/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spd
Nature: Naive
- Thunderbolt
- This is Magnezones main move, dealing the best damage. If I am up against a severely weakened Scizor, which I usually am, due to Gengar and Starmie weakening it. I would rather get locked on T-bolt than Hidden Power. When I do this, Magnezone often goes on to kill another pokemon.
- Hidden Power Fire
- This move finishes off those pesky steels, mainly Jirachi and Scizor, who are threats. I dont like being locked into this, but it is neccesary to defeat them if they have hp left.
- Signal Beam
- Most Magnezone sets carry Flash Cannon. But I like running Signal Beam. Not only does it hit Tyranitar, it also hits Latias, who likes to switch in to Magnezone. It can 0HKO it if it has taken some previous damage.
- Explosion
- This move is generally used when I am weakened, and when I have fulfilled my purpose. Then I can switch in Salamence or Lucario on the free, depending on the situation.
Magnezone is a brilliant pokemon to my team, destroying most of Lucarios counters. Scizor is 0HKOd by HP Fire. Though, if it is to deal with Jirachi, who isnt a major threat to my team anyway, it must be weakened sufficiently. Also, Magnezone 0HKOs Gengar with T-bolt, who is a threat to Starmie and my Gengar.
Magnezone is a huge part of the team, so I only really take him out when those Pursuiters come out to try and rape Starmie and Gengar.
The Bait/ Special Sweeper
Gengar
Gengar ( MasterBaitor ) @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spe / 216 SpAtk / 40 Atk
Nature: Hasty
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Ball is Gengars stab attack, and deals huge amounts of dame to those I hit neutrally, and super effectively alike. Shadow ball deals with weakened Rotom and Latias easily, though I have to watch out for Scarfed versions of both of these. Machamp will generally switch in to Swampert, and proceed to Dynamic Punch. Gengar can get a free switch in, and can deal a huge amount of damage to Machamp.
- Thunderbolt
Obviously, this move deals with Gyarados and Skarmory, but also 2HKOs Suicune, which is very helpful. Vaporeon is also damaged sufficiently.
- Focus Blast
- This move easily 0HKOs Tyranitar, even in sandstorm. It also 0HKOs min HP Heatran. Also, to a lesser extent, it does 46-55.3% to defensive Snorlax, and 54.5% - 64.5% to offensive sets.
- Explosion
- This move works very well with Gengar. A common switch in to Gengar is Blissey, who usually hopes to get a T-Wave on me. With Explosion, Gengar has a chance of 0HKOing Wish Bliss and Cleric sets. With Stealth Rock damage, it is 0HKOd.
Gengar is a wonderful pokemon, and works well with my team. It really helps Magnezone do its job, and can even kill a few pokemon before it goes down. When Scizor switches in, I just press Focus Blast, as I dont mind dieing from BP, because then Magnezone easily dispatches of it. This is important as I aim to get rid of Lukes counters quickly, so Gengar works nicely.
The Support/ Special Sweeper
Starmie
Starmie ( NoGenitals ) @ Life Orb
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 Hp/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spd
Nature: Timid
- Hydro Pump
- I chose Hydro Pump because I wanted raw power. I needed to dispatch of threats quickly. Zapdos are 0HKOd, after Stealth Rock damage,
most Bronzong, Jirachi, and Metagross are 2HKOed, and all Cresselia and Snorlax are 3HKOed. All Tyranitar are 2HKOed by Hydro Pump, and a 32 HP Scizor is OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage, foiling their attempts to Pursuit me.
- Ice Beam
- Ice Beam is a good attack and gives good coverage when paired with T-Bolt. It makes short work of Salamence without a DD, and destroys Flygon. Celebi likes to switch in to Starmie, usually wanting to Leech Seed or Grass Knot. Grass Knot only 0HKOs if Stealth Rock is on the field. Starmie usually hits it very hard with Ice Beam.
- ThunderBolt
- Thunderbolt is a good move for Starmie. Gyarados likes to come in on Swampert and DD. So I switch to Starmie on the switch. Gyarados has no moves that can 0HKO me normally, so they either stay in and try do damage while I proceed to pwn them with T-Bolt. Starmie also does alot of damage to Suicune and Vaporeon.
- Recover
- This move helps Starmies ability to sweep. If im injured and predict a switch, I just recover up and get ready for there pokemon. It isnt used very much though, soit could be replaced. I am usually on the attack but it has saved my Starmie several times.
Starmie not only helps counter pokemon such as Gyarados, it also serves as bait for Scizor. But another good thing about Starmie is its ability, Natural Cure. This helps scout out status moves from the likes of the Rotom Formes and most importantly, Blissey. This is very important for my Salamence and Lucario, so I know if I can switch into Blissey and scare it away, instead of walking straight into a Thunder Wave. If it is toxic, Lucario is free to come in and set up an SD, obviously when his counters ae removed though. Starmie is an important member and works with my team.
The Physical Sweeper
Salamence
Salamence( RageWank) @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 80 Atk / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Nature: Naughty
- Draco Meteor
- Draco Meteor is a very good attack that works well in conjunction with Dragon Dance. Blissey wont switch in if it sees a DD. Anything hit neutrally by this move is severely damaged, or 0HKOd.
- Earthquake
- This helps me deal with the likes of Choice Scarf Heatran after a DD, and all of those other steel types barring Skarmory and Bronzong, who should have been dealt with earlier by Magnezone.
- Dragon Dance
- When I switch in Salamence, I almost always DD right off the bat. When I have a DD I outspeed almost all choice scarfed pokemon, particularly Heatran and Tyranitar.
- Outrage
- This move isnt used that much, but normally I use it endgame, when I know the other pokemon, so I know if Im safe to switch in. It 0hkos Blissey everytime if I have a DD( I usually do)
Salamence is vital to the success of my team. Not only is it capable of finishing the game off, it has excellent synergy with Lucario. This Salamence set is walled by Bronzong and Skarmory, so Magnezone, Starmie and Gengar are huge helps. Where as Salamence helps out Gengar and Starmie by destroying Rotoms switching in to get a Wil- O- Wisp with Draco Meteor, which is an 0HKO.
Salamence serves as a good mid-late game sweeper, and works wonderfully with my team, supporting many weaknesses of my other team mates.
Late Game Sweeper
Lucario
Lucario ( SteelBalls ) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant
- Swords Dance
- Swords Dance is the utility move that makes Lucario such a beast. Once an SD is up, Luke destroys almost anything in the game, even Skarmory, Close Combat KOs it if it has an Adamant nature(mine has) and has taken prior SR damage.
- Close Combat
- CC is Lukes Stab attack and annihilates everything it outspeeds. This deals with the steel types ( who are generally slower ). It probaly 0HKOs everything it outspeeds, but not flying types.
- Extremespeed
- This is the move that makes Lucario even better. This is the strongest priority move in the game, and normally the faster foes are the frailest. This move is uber imo.
- Crunch
- I didnt realize before hand that Crunch did more damage to Celebi than Ice Punch, and also hit Rotom, who would other wise counter me. Thanks for that Legendary!
The first thing I would like to explain is the reason why I chose Adamant instead of Jolly. I feel the need for speed is irrelevant because 1) my team counters the fast threats my team face and 2) most fast pokemon are frail.
Adamant is needed to secure the 0HKOs against Skarmory and Defensive Heatran, as they can both stop my sweep with Whirlwind and Fire Blast respectively. Lucario is a brilliant pokemon that should be used more often Imo.
Thank you for rating guys ^^
This team is based around a Lucario sweep. Lucario is a beast imo, but he has weaknesses. My teams job is to take out those weaknesses, obviously.
Team Building Process
Note: This section is helpful for those who need help on how to approach building teams. I reccomend those people read this section. But if you are ok with that, feel free to scroll down and take a closer look^^
Well, first off, I thought to myself, what pokemon can win you the game very easily. There were a few options I thought about.
The first that came to mind was Salamence. Then Tyranitar. Then Scizor. Salamence is an amazing sweeper, but its weakness to stealth rock put me off. Yeah, I could use a Rapid Spinner, but I needed my team to flow nice and smoothly, so stopping to spin would somewhat slow me down. Now, after I thought about the stealth rock weakness, I had two nice options. Tyranitar and Lucario. Tyranitar is a brilliant sweeper, able to anihilate teams left right and center. Lucario is often compared to Herracross, but Lucario comes out on top in that battle due to the fact he has a priority, Extremespeed. So, I weighed up my options. Tyranitar is just as good as Lucario in many ways, but the fact that when it is released, Sandstorm is made put me down. But, the main reason I chose Lucario is because of his priority. So, I had Lucario. I needed a pokemon that could work with it. A secondary sweeper who helped out Lucarios weaknesses.
The pokemon I chose was Salamence. He supported most of Lucarios weaknesses and could take care of some counters. He was the one for me.
.Now, one pokemon that threatens both Lucario and Salamence is Scizor. So, imo the best pokemon to take it out is none other than Magnezone. Not only does he take that out, he takes out Skarmory, who could potentially ruin Lukes sweep by using Whirlwind.
So, I had Magnezone to deal with the pesky steels, but the Steels wont just run out of their poke balls. They need something to make it. I have decided that I will use Gengar, as his power and speed help to dispatch of other pokemon, not just bait in pursuit users.
There was now a huge weakness to my team in the form of a Tyranitar. This thing basically runs through the team, apart from Magnezone, so far. I needed a check to him that flowed with my team and helped out my other pokemon. I chose Starmie. It is a reliable check to Tyranitar, as long as I can weaken it before hand. Also it nicely deals with some other pokemon that I will talk about later.
Now, obviously I needed a lead. My team needs all the support it can get, and a bit more defensive capabilities. It also needed to get rocks down reliably. Anti-Lead was not an option for me. Also, I noticed Salamence was a huge problem after it gains a Dragon Dance. One pokemon who could stop it, as well as lay down the rocks was Swampert.
A Closer Look
The Lead
Swampert
Swampert ( STDftw)@ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 def/ 252 Hp/ 4 Atk
Nature: Relaxed
- Stealth Rock
- This move is very important in guaranteeing important kills on some threats.
- Earthquake
- This move helps alot against a very common lead, Metagross. I get a Stealth Rock, then normally Earthquake once, then switch to Gengar to take the Explosion.
- Ice Beam
This move is here to counter DD Salamence, and to a lesser extent, Flygon. I can survive a +1 outrage pretty easily, and 0HKO with Ice Beam.
- Surf
- As protect and roar are not needed, I went with Surf, to do a bit more damage to thos physical walls who love to set up on me.
I decided Swampert was the lead for me, as its ability to deal with Salamence was needed. Also, it was very reliable, and I definitely need the rocks. Swampert deals with another problem to my team, Metagross. Metagross has no chance against my Pert. My earthquake usually does more than half, while his does a meager 23 % at best. Swampert effieciently deals with Heatran, which helps out my Gengar. But I should watch out for HP Grass.
Swampert also acts as a Scizor counter if it doesnt decide to come out to Gengar or Starmie, though it usually does. Also, Swampert easily counters Tyranitar, even after it has a DD under its belt. The only problem I really have is Celebi and Roserade. Both are dealt with efficiently by Gengar though.
The Steel Killer
Magnezone
Magnezone( Steel Virgin) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Atk/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spd
Nature: Naive
- Thunderbolt
- This is Magnezones main move, dealing the best damage. If I am up against a severely weakened Scizor, which I usually am, due to Gengar and Starmie weakening it. I would rather get locked on T-bolt than Hidden Power. When I do this, Magnezone often goes on to kill another pokemon.
- Hidden Power Fire
- This move finishes off those pesky steels, mainly Jirachi and Scizor, who are threats. I dont like being locked into this, but it is neccesary to defeat them if they have hp left.
- Signal Beam
- Most Magnezone sets carry Flash Cannon. But I like running Signal Beam. Not only does it hit Tyranitar, it also hits Latias, who likes to switch in to Magnezone. It can 0HKO it if it has taken some previous damage.
- Explosion
- This move is generally used when I am weakened, and when I have fulfilled my purpose. Then I can switch in Salamence or Lucario on the free, depending on the situation.
Magnezone is a brilliant pokemon to my team, destroying most of Lucarios counters. Scizor is 0HKOd by HP Fire. Though, if it is to deal with Jirachi, who isnt a major threat to my team anyway, it must be weakened sufficiently. Also, Magnezone 0HKOs Gengar with T-bolt, who is a threat to Starmie and my Gengar.
Magnezone is a huge part of the team, so I only really take him out when those Pursuiters come out to try and rape Starmie and Gengar.
The Bait/ Special Sweeper
Gengar
Gengar ( MasterBaitor ) @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Spe / 216 SpAtk / 40 Atk
Nature: Hasty
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Ball is Gengars stab attack, and deals huge amounts of dame to those I hit neutrally, and super effectively alike. Shadow ball deals with weakened Rotom and Latias easily, though I have to watch out for Scarfed versions of both of these. Machamp will generally switch in to Swampert, and proceed to Dynamic Punch. Gengar can get a free switch in, and can deal a huge amount of damage to Machamp.
- Thunderbolt
Obviously, this move deals with Gyarados and Skarmory, but also 2HKOs Suicune, which is very helpful. Vaporeon is also damaged sufficiently.
- Focus Blast
- This move easily 0HKOs Tyranitar, even in sandstorm. It also 0HKOs min HP Heatran. Also, to a lesser extent, it does 46-55.3% to defensive Snorlax, and 54.5% - 64.5% to offensive sets.
- Explosion
- This move works very well with Gengar. A common switch in to Gengar is Blissey, who usually hopes to get a T-Wave on me. With Explosion, Gengar has a chance of 0HKOing Wish Bliss and Cleric sets. With Stealth Rock damage, it is 0HKOd.
Gengar is a wonderful pokemon, and works well with my team. It really helps Magnezone do its job, and can even kill a few pokemon before it goes down. When Scizor switches in, I just press Focus Blast, as I dont mind dieing from BP, because then Magnezone easily dispatches of it. This is important as I aim to get rid of Lukes counters quickly, so Gengar works nicely.
The Support/ Special Sweeper
Starmie
Starmie ( NoGenitals ) @ Life Orb
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 4 Hp/ 252 SpA/ 252 Spd
Nature: Timid
- Hydro Pump
- I chose Hydro Pump because I wanted raw power. I needed to dispatch of threats quickly. Zapdos are 0HKOd, after Stealth Rock damage,
most Bronzong, Jirachi, and Metagross are 2HKOed, and all Cresselia and Snorlax are 3HKOed. All Tyranitar are 2HKOed by Hydro Pump, and a 32 HP Scizor is OHKOed after Stealth Rock damage, foiling their attempts to Pursuit me.
- Ice Beam
- Ice Beam is a good attack and gives good coverage when paired with T-Bolt. It makes short work of Salamence without a DD, and destroys Flygon. Celebi likes to switch in to Starmie, usually wanting to Leech Seed or Grass Knot. Grass Knot only 0HKOs if Stealth Rock is on the field. Starmie usually hits it very hard with Ice Beam.
- ThunderBolt
- Thunderbolt is a good move for Starmie. Gyarados likes to come in on Swampert and DD. So I switch to Starmie on the switch. Gyarados has no moves that can 0HKO me normally, so they either stay in and try do damage while I proceed to pwn them with T-Bolt. Starmie also does alot of damage to Suicune and Vaporeon.
- Recover
- This move helps Starmies ability to sweep. If im injured and predict a switch, I just recover up and get ready for there pokemon. It isnt used very much though, soit could be replaced. I am usually on the attack but it has saved my Starmie several times.
Starmie not only helps counter pokemon such as Gyarados, it also serves as bait for Scizor. But another good thing about Starmie is its ability, Natural Cure. This helps scout out status moves from the likes of the Rotom Formes and most importantly, Blissey. This is very important for my Salamence and Lucario, so I know if I can switch into Blissey and scare it away, instead of walking straight into a Thunder Wave. If it is toxic, Lucario is free to come in and set up an SD, obviously when his counters ae removed though. Starmie is an important member and works with my team.
The Physical Sweeper
Salamence
Salamence( RageWank) @ Life Orb
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 80 Atk / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Nature: Naughty
- Draco Meteor
- Draco Meteor is a very good attack that works well in conjunction with Dragon Dance. Blissey wont switch in if it sees a DD. Anything hit neutrally by this move is severely damaged, or 0HKOd.
- Earthquake
- This helps me deal with the likes of Choice Scarf Heatran after a DD, and all of those other steel types barring Skarmory and Bronzong, who should have been dealt with earlier by Magnezone.
- Dragon Dance
- When I switch in Salamence, I almost always DD right off the bat. When I have a DD I outspeed almost all choice scarfed pokemon, particularly Heatran and Tyranitar.
- Outrage
- This move isnt used that much, but normally I use it endgame, when I know the other pokemon, so I know if Im safe to switch in. It 0hkos Blissey everytime if I have a DD( I usually do)
Salamence is vital to the success of my team. Not only is it capable of finishing the game off, it has excellent synergy with Lucario. This Salamence set is walled by Bronzong and Skarmory, so Magnezone, Starmie and Gengar are huge helps. Where as Salamence helps out Gengar and Starmie by destroying Rotoms switching in to get a Wil- O- Wisp with Draco Meteor, which is an 0HKO.
Salamence serves as a good mid-late game sweeper, and works wonderfully with my team, supporting many weaknesses of my other team mates.
Late Game Sweeper
Lucario
Lucario ( SteelBalls ) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant
- Swords Dance
- Swords Dance is the utility move that makes Lucario such a beast. Once an SD is up, Luke destroys almost anything in the game, even Skarmory, Close Combat KOs it if it has an Adamant nature(mine has) and has taken prior SR damage.
- Close Combat
- CC is Lukes Stab attack and annihilates everything it outspeeds. This deals with the steel types ( who are generally slower ). It probaly 0HKOs everything it outspeeds, but not flying types.
- Extremespeed
- This is the move that makes Lucario even better. This is the strongest priority move in the game, and normally the faster foes are the frailest. This move is uber imo.
- Crunch
- I didnt realize before hand that Crunch did more damage to Celebi than Ice Punch, and also hit Rotom, who would other wise counter me. Thanks for that Legendary!
The first thing I would like to explain is the reason why I chose Adamant instead of Jolly. I feel the need for speed is irrelevant because 1) my team counters the fast threats my team face and 2) most fast pokemon are frail.
Adamant is needed to secure the 0HKOs against Skarmory and Defensive Heatran, as they can both stop my sweep with Whirlwind and Fire Blast respectively. Lucario is a brilliant pokemon that should be used more often Imo.
Thank you for rating guys ^^
