SPIKES

[watashi]

SPIKES HURT YOUR BUTT
​

Introduction

Hey Smogon, this is an offensive BW2 team which I built with user DTC. Even though he doesn't have time to comment on the team, it was pretty much a shared effort when it came to team-building. It features two underappreciated sweepers in Swellow and Special Samurott and the lesser used Spiker—Cacturne. Golurk and Ditto make entrances as popular new additions to the NU metagame, acting as a Spin Blocker and Revenge Killer respectively. Probopass helps pick up the slack defensively and helps provide Stealth Rocks and momentum with Volt Switch.

Every Pokemon on this team is offensively oriented, which puts a huge amount of pressure on the opponent's team. Spikes allow my sweepers to break through walls they usually couldn't while cutting the lifespan of Cinccino, Zangoose, and other upstart threats in metagame severely. It relies heavily on gaining momentum, which is easy with U-Turn, Volt Switch, and Ditto.

As for performance, the team had a pretty good record on the Pokemon Showdown ladder, netting me the top two spots on the ladder. However, not all of my battles were used with this team and getting to number one on the PS ladder isn't really that hard so I'll stop bragging now.

The Team

Cacturne @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Spikes
- Bullet Seed
- Sucker Punch
- Encore

Spikes are the basis of the team, and Cacturne is in my opinion the best user of it available in NU. Unlike the most popular Spiker Garbador, Cacturne has a serious offensive presence and deal huge damage to Cinccino, Braviary, Rampardos, and other sweepers with Sucker Punch. It has a better typing and which includes handful of resistances and immunities such as Water, Electric, Dark, Grass, Ground, Ghost, and Psychic. With access to the move Encore, Cacturne can find opportunities to set up on Amoonguss, Alomomola, and other slower walls by switching into a harmless move and locking them into it. It also stops bulky set-up sweepers such as Musharna from having their way with the team. Bullet Seed usually stops Carracosta and Golem from setting up Stealth Rocks by breaking through Sturdy, which is extremely helpful for the rest of the team. The lack of Water Absorb is usually not a problem since Cacturne resists the type already.

Probopass @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk
Modest Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Earth Power

Probopass' role is to provide the Stealth Rocks that any offensive team must have. This set is a variation of the Offensive Probopass popularized by user No Luck Involved. I figured that Golem and friends were already checked pretty well by Cacturne, so I went with more bulk and Leftovers over Air Balloon to check Cinccino better. It hits hard enough to make sweepers think twice about setting up and can take hits when needed. Unless I can stay in and KO the opponent's Pokemon, I will usually Volt Switch out in order to activate Swellow's Toxic Orb or get something else in safely. Like Cacturne, Probopass has decent synergy with Golurk, which means that Spinners will find it hard to come in and do their job. Sturdy is always a useful ability and comes in handy when I absolutely need Stealth Rocks up or need to pick off a rampaging sweeper.

Golurk @ Choice Band
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Punch
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Drain Punch

A Spin-Blocker is a must have for Spike-Stacking teams. Golurk was a very interesting choice since it had just dropped from RU with recent tier shifts and there was a lot of hype surrounding it. Cryogonal had also moved up, which means Golurk could beat the most popular Rapid Spinner with ease. This team hates to lose momentum and Golurk—Unlike Misdreavus—could pose an immediate threat with powerful Choice Band attacks boosted by Iron Fist. Its typing also allows it to switch in for free against Scarfed Electric-type attacks aimed at the team's main sweeper—Swellow. Golurk also has decent bulk; with this spread, Golurk outruns uninvested Alomomola and has enough defenses to survive a Skuntank Sucker Punch.

Swellow @ Toxic Orb
Trait: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Facade
- Brave Bird
- Quick Attack
- U-turn

Swellow is an extremely underrated sweeper in this metagame. People claim that it's outclassed by two rising stars in Zangoose and Cinccino, which is true to some extent. However, although Swellow might not hit as hard as those two, it boasts the ability to outrun and beat both of them one-on-one. Unlike Zangoose and Cinccino, Swellow can OHKO Amoonguss, arguably the most popular wall in the tier right now. Thanks to Spikes, Swellow's best counters—bulky Rock and Steel types—are worn down considerably after a few switches into U-Turn, which allows me to force them back out with Cacturne, Golurk, or Samurott. Facade and Brave Bird will punch holes in anything after the aforementioned counters are removed while Quick Attack picks off weakened sweepers and allows Swellow to dodge Sucker Punches.

Samurott @ Salac Berry
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Grass Knot

This Samurott set is very unorthodox to say the least. Special Samurott is already an uncommon sight, but Substitute and Salac Berry takes the surprise factor to a whole new level. With Spikes support, this set can sweep through unprepared teams with ease. Samurott's best checks, Alomomola and Amoonguss, are both 2HKO'ed on the switch by the appropraite move if hazards are up. After Salac Berry, Samurott reaches 393 Speed, good enough to outrun every unboosted threat with the exception of Electrode. Activiting it also puts Samurott in Torrent range, which allows it to hit extremely hard with Surf. Even without a boost, Samurott outspeeds many threats such as Emboar, Absol, Adamant Braviary, Drifblim, and other Samurott. This is possibly the best Samurott set to use right now since Swords Dance is so easily walled by Alomomola and Amoonguss.

Ditto @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Imposter
EVs: 252 HP
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Transform

I'd love to come up with a detailed description about how Ditto synergises with the rest of the team, but honestly I just slapped it on because it revenged so many threats. I really enjoy the insurance that it brings and alleviates the pressure on the team since I no longer have to worry about preventing Gorebyss and friends from setting up. It's also fun to transform into an Amoonguss and Spore something or run through someone's team with their own sweeper. Ditto has saved the team countless times and is a really useful Pokemon in general.


Threats

This team doesn't really have any troubles with offensive Pokemon since they either have a hard time setting up or are revenged by Ditto. Stall teams are usually overwhelmed by powerful hits from Golurk, Swellow, and Samurott in conjunction with hazards, which usually come up easily against defensive teams. However, balance teams will give me loads of trouble if I don't get up Spikes. They usually carry sturdy walls such as Amoonguss and Lickilicky in conjunctions with hard hitters which discourage Cacturne from switching in. Samurott and Swellow usually don't hit hard enough without that extra damage and Golurk can be easily walled by switching into the appropriate move. I usually have to play at my best in order to beat those kinds of teams.


Conclusion

I have to credit this team with helping me to adapt to the fast paced BW2 metagame. I've never really gotten Spike-Stacking to work for me before so it was pretty refreshing to use a team like this. It really fits my playstyle, which is offense with a lot of switching. It's teams like this that make me enjoying playing NU and Pokemon in general.

Importable

Cacturne @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Spikes
- Bullet Seed
- Sucker Punch
- Encore

Golurk @ Choice Band
Trait: Iron Fist
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Atk / 84 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Shadow Punch
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Drain Punch

Swellow @ Toxic Orb
Trait: Guts
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Facade
- Brave Bird
- Quick Attack
- U-turn

Probopass @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SAtk
Modest Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Earth Power

Samurott @ Salac Berry
Trait: Torrent
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Surf
- Ice Beam
- Grass Knot

Ditto @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Imposter
EVs: 252 HP
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spd
- Transform

 

[WhiteDMist]

Hey FLCL! This is definitely an amazing offensive team (indicated by the fact that I can never beat you :'( ) The only thing I can see right off the bat that is of any trouble to you is Scarfed/SubSplit Rotom-F. Eelektross is pretty annoying too, and is much more common since it's Research Week. Still, your team should be able to play around them, so it's not that big of a deal (unless you're facing CBB maybe). Anyways, great team, and congrats on making number 1! :)

 

[Sweet Jesus]

Mighty FLCL with another mighty team. Can't see much going wrong with this team, great synergy as usual. I also love how this team has very original sets such as sub salac samurott and encore cacturne that can trick subbers by faking sucker punch. As WhiteDMist said, I think rotom-F is probably your biggest threat. Gurdurr might also be mentioned for he now learns ice punch. When switched in on cacturne, it's a complete guess to counter, and with eviolite, Ditto will probably fail to bypass him. The bulk up set is still the most common however and you need momentum against such an offensive team. This being said I don't think you should change anything to counter those. Grats on the number one, keep up the awesome teams and props to DTC too.

 

[blunder]

Wow this team is really amazing. I tried this out for a few matches now and one an Unofficial NU tourney on PS (Gave you credit of course) Really great team here. Just a question, do you have any problems with T-spikes? Whenever they came upon the field they were a bit frustrating but nonetheless able to be played around. And one more thing, you're going to want to make Ditto's Evs, 252 HP/248 Def/8 SpD, to win the struggle war against opposing Ditto. Amazing Team =D

 

[MMF]

HEY (BAN ME PLEASE)! This is a really cool team and that SubSalac Samurott has beaten me down a couple of times but I do see a small weakness to Zangoose when in conjunction with other offensive mons. With SR and Spikes up Zangoose can proceed to OHKO pretty much your entire team and with the 4Atks set even revenge killing becomes hard to do. Swellow's Quick Attack can do some damage as it outspeeds Goose's Quick Attack but if Zangoose is coupled with something like SD Samurott things may become an issue if Samurott hasn't already used its Salac Berry.

However with all that said there isn't really much that can be changed without messing up what you have going already lol. Just something to watch out for but congrats on the great team you two!

 

[watashi]

Thanks for the rates guys!

Hey FLCL! This is definitely an amazing offensive team (indicated by the fact that I can never beat you :'( ) The only thing I can see right off the bat that is of any trouble to you is Scarfed/SubSplit Rotom-F. Eelektross is pretty annoying too, and is much more common since it's Research Week. Still, your team should be able to play around them, so it's not that big of a deal (unless you're facing CBB maybe). Anyways, great team, and congrats on making number 1! :)

Yeah those Electric-types are a big threat to the team. Eelektross can usually be taken down since it's slower than most of the team, but Bulky Coil sets usually have to be Encored by Cacturne. Rotom-F could do a serious number on this team; luckily they aren't very common. For Choice Scarf versions I have to predict which attack it will use and if I get it wrong, then I'm usually in a very bad position. Non choice'd versions mean that I have to prevent it from getting a Sub up and revenge with Swellow. Yeah both of these Pokemon are really annoying because they're immune to Spikes.

Mighty FLCL with another mighty team. Can't see much going wrong with this team, great synergy as usual. I also love how this team has very original sets such as sub salac samurott and encore cacturne that can trick subbers by faking sucker punch. As WhiteDMist said, I think rotom-F is probably your biggest threat. Gurdurr might also be mentioned for he now learns ice punch. When switched in on cacturne, it's a complete guess to counter, and with eviolite, Ditto will probably fail to bypass him. The bulk up set is still the most common however and you need momentum against such an offensive team. This being said I don't think you should change anything to counter those. Grats on the number one, keep up the awesome teams and props to DTC too.

Against Gurdurr I'll try to get Golurk in early to smack it with Earthquake while denying it recovery. I'm pretty sure Golurk can survive a +1 Ice Punch so it'll get in at least two good hits. Samurott and Swellow can also hurt it if they're healthy but I try not to send them in if Gurdurr is at high HP because it can just heal off the damage with Drain Punch. If those Pokemon are gone then it's probably good game :(

Wow this team is really amazing. I tried this out for a few matches now and one an Unofficial NU tourney on PS (Gave you credit of course) Really great team here. Just a question, do you have any problems with T-spikes? Whenever they came upon the field they were a bit frustrating but nonetheless able to be played around. And one more thing, you're going to want to make Ditto's Evs, 252 HP/248 Def/8 SpD, to win the struggle war against opposing Ditto. Amazing Team =D

Toxic Spikes are very uncommon in the current metagame due to the prevalence of Amoonguss and other Poison-type, but I can see it being troublesome. Teams with Toxic Spikers like to lead with them against Cacturne, which means I can usually 2HKO them with Samurott. One layer isn't too hard to deal with since my team is really fast paced, but it does bother Cacturne and Samurott to some extent since they need extra turns to set up. Also, thanks for the Ditto spread, I'll definitely use it.

HEY (BAN ME PLEASE)! This is a really cool team and that SubSalac Samurott has beaten me down a couple of times but I do see a small weakness to Zangoose when in conjunction with other offensive mons. With SR and Spikes up Zangoose can proceed to OHKO pretty much your entire team and with the 4Atks set even revenge killing becomes hard to do. Swellow's Quick Attack can do some damage as it outspeeds Goose's Quick Attack but if Zangoose is coupled with something like SD Samurott things may become an issue if Samurott hasn't already used its Salac Berry.

However with all that said there isn't really much that can be changed without messing up what you have going already lol. Just something to watch out for but congrats on the great team you two!

I forfeit immediately when I see Zangoose because it's such a boss.

In all seriousness, Zangoose does wreck my team pretty badly. I can usually stall it for a few turns by switching in between Probopass and Golurk. The opponent will usually try to overpredict at some point and if I can catch them doing that, Zangoose will usually end up dead. Ditto and Swellow both take a huge chunk from Quick Attack but they can revenge it if needed. Cacturne can also survive a Quick Attack and stall for two turns of Poison damage, or just kill it with Sucker Punch. Something is almost guaranteed to die though.

 

[jake]

Hiya FLCL,

This is obviously a fantastic team and it's going to be hard to get it much better than it already is, like everyone else has pointed out. I'll try though!!

I think the biggest issue revolves around Probopass and the fact that it actually does very little for you, aside from setting up SR and keeping Cinccino in check (and providing a little momentum with Volt Switch?). Right now, it seems like if a competent player can recognize when Probopass is coming in (or with Cinccino's U-turn) they can bring in something like SubPunch Golurk for free and hammer something on your team or clear out Probopass to make it easier for Cinccino to establish dominance later in the game. SubPunch Golurk isn't the only thing that takes advantage of Probo, either; CB Sawk threatens everything, Emboar can OHKO most of your team (especially that one really obnoxious SubMixed set), etc. Having Probopass on your team either forces you to be content with saccing it to whatever or to play much more carefully to avoid becoming set-up bait for a dangerous threat (particularly Gurdurr).

I'm not entirely sure if it'd be better or worse, but I'm going to suggest swapping out Probopass for offensive Musharna and giving Golurk Stealth Rock in place of Drain Punch (and changing the item accordingly). Musharna does several things for you in place of Probopass; firstly, it dominates Gurdurr, which removes the biggest threat to your team entirely. Secondly, it gives you a somewhat reliable answer to Rotom-F, which you've been struggling with. Choice Scarf Rotom-F has literally less than a 2% chance of 2HKOing 252 / 16 Musharna with two consecutive Blizzards after SR; take into account Blizzard's accuracy, and I'm pretty sure you can comfortably switch into Rotom-F nearly all the time, if need be. Keeping SR up will still be your best weapon against Rotom-F, and Golurk forces plenty of switches so getting SR up should be remarkably easy.

My only concern with Musharna > Probopass is that it makes it quite a bit harder to predict around Braviary / Swellow / Zangoose, although Probopass would do little to the latter anyway and it doesn't really affect the way you'd usually play around it (which is kinda to switch back and forth until something dies and revenge with Swellow / Ditto?).

summary

Test out offensive Musharna > Probopass and see if it works for you

Musharna @ Leftovers | Synchronize
Modest nature (+SpA, -Atk) | 252 HP / 240 SpA / 16 SpD
Psychic / Signal Beam / Moonlight / Calm Mind or Baton Pass

Stealth Rock and Leftovers on Golurk over Drain Punch and Choice Band, respectively

Yeah though, this is a fantastic team and there's really not a whole lot you can try to make it much better. Hopefully I helped maybe! :)

 

[watashi]

Thanks a lot for the rate Zeb!

Musharna is a great Pokemon but I don't think it would fit really well on the team considering the things I would have to give up. It doesn't really hit hard enough immediately to have a huge impact on Spike-stacking teams which may kill off momentum for me. On top of that, it makes me extremely weak to Braviary and other birds. They simply have to come in on something slower and start spamming Brave Bird which will pretty much guarantee them a kill. At least I could switch around with Golurk, Emboar, and Sawk and prevent that from happening (well, maybe not SubPunch Golurk). Probopass' resistances really fit in well with the team while Musharna's typing is simply redundant with Golurk. Also, Probopass' slow Volt Switch is my main method of activating Swellow's Toxic Orb; it's either that or revenge-killing something.

I also worry about the loss of power from removing Choice Band. My team will probably have a lot more trouble with Amoonguss and Alomomola, both which have much easier times switching into Leftovers Golurk. Bulky Normal-types such as Miltank and Lickilicky would probably give me much more trouble as well.

I understand that Musharna brings a lot to the table and helps deal with Gurdurr a lot better, but in my opinion it doesn't fit in with the playstyle of the team and forces me to forgo some important aspects of the team. Even so, I appreciate the time you took to write up your rate. Although I probably won't be using Musharna, I'll be sure to play a lot more cautiously with Probopass so I won't get swept by the threats you mentioned!

 

[Annoyer]

FLCL,

This is another great team of yours as usual, and there are no glaring weaknesses. I haven't seen you battle with this team at all even though I would like to see it in action. That's what I got for not playing PS! Anyways, other the Gurdurr issue, Throh also looks like a big threat. With entry hazard support (specifically SPIKES), it can phaze your team quite easily. It seems that you have to rely on Samurott, Golurk, and Swellow to do a lot of heavy damage to Throh but all three of them can easily get worn down through entry hazards and no recovery. Plus Throh can easily come in on Probopass, Ditto locked on a bad move, and Cacturne. I'd recommend Zebraiken's suggestions such as putting Musharna over Probopass. You could always run Hammer Arm/ Superpower on Golurk with Lefties and SR (over Shadow Punch) to demolish Miltank and Lickilicky. I'd recommend putting Baton Pass on Musharna to further abuse Spikes and to activate Swellow's orb. This would make you alot weaker to birds though so it might not be the best replacement. Congrats on the success with the team and good luck!

 

[watashi]

Throh is not a problem at all as long as Ditto is alive since I can bring it in after a kill (or when it tries to use Payback against Golurk) and phaze it out with a faster Circle Throw. From that point on I can even start a counter-sweep against the opponent's team, most likely with Spikes on the field, which is hilarious. Although Throh might seem like a similar sweeper to Gurdurr, the fact that I can remove it easily with Ditto makes it a non-existant threat.

Other options include Encoring it with Cacturne since it doesn't have Mach Punch or sending Golurk in, which is faster has a chance to 2HKO even +1 Def Throh while it cannot OHKO back with a boosted Payback.

Thanks for the input though!