NU Teambuilding

[Molk]

Klang @ Eviolite
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 76 Hp / 252 Atk / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
Substitute
Shift Gear
Gear Grind
Return

Role: Physical Sweeper / Late Game Cleaner

What it does: In a metagame where bulky grass-types, birds and cincinno dominate, Klang is here to save the day! With good 60/95/85 defensive stats further bolstered by Eviolite and arguably the best mono typing in the game, Klang can devastate teams that underestimate it. Substitute allows Klang to evade status moves such as spore, sleep powder, and Will-o-wisp, most importantly turning Tangela and Amoonguss into set up bait. Weaker attacks also struggle to break the substitute, such as Alomomola's waterfall. Shift Gear is what makes Klang so dangerous, in fact, anything with this move or a special varient is dangerous is its literally Dragon Dance 2.0. Gear Grind has the same effective base power as meteor mash and has the bonus of breaking sub users. Return rounds off klang's coverage by making sure everything is hit neutrally except frillish, lampent, and opposing Klang/Mawile. While Klang isnt exactly a top tier threat, a lot of the current metagame loses to it, so watch out!
Good Teammates: Klang base attack is a modest 80, more than enough to sweep but not enough to damage bulkier pokemon, therefore Klang works best with entry hazards. Garbodor is an excellent teammate, setting up spikes and toxic spikes while also taking fighting-type attacks from sawk and gurdurr for klang. Klang also appreciates the help of wallbreakers to punch through any bulky things that klang struggles to damage. a great teammate for klang is Musharna, it takes earthquakes and close combats quite easily, while also setting up on many of klang's checks.
What counters it: the best counter to klang is Frillish, who completely walls the machine and wears it down with night shade, recovering off most damage in the process. Bulky Fighting-types such as Gurdurr and Emboar also do a good job, being able to take a hit from klang and striking back with strong drain punches and flare blitzes. Scarf Zebstrika can easily revenge kill a +2 klang with overheat, but has no hope of defeating a klang that has boosted twice. Water-types such as samurott and seadra also give Klang trouble. Torterra hard walls klang and KOes back with Earthquake
Any Additional Info: Your all going to be in trouble if klinklang drops ;)

 

[-Green-]

I don't think Kingler is completely outclassed by Samurott. Kingler's job is to set up an Agility against fast offensive teams or a Swords Dance against slow bulky teams and from that proceed to sweep, just like Double Dance Terrakion. Kingler has higher base Attack and Speed than Samurott, doesn't suffer LO recoil and his Crabhammer is boosted by Sheer Force. Why is Hyper Cutter the ability of choice?

To sum it up, Samurott may be the better Pokémon most of the time, but Kingler has his own niche and shouldn't be included in the "What not to use" list.

 

[ChaoticaMortis]

EDIT: I've edited my post on Kingler, as well as my post with arguments against Kingler's viability. Refer to them for my further opinions on the crab-cake.

Gardevoir @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Trace
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Psychic
- Shadow Ball
- Focus Blast
- Trick / Thunderbolt

Role: Revenge Killer / Late-game Cleaner.

What it does:

Gardevoir's incredible ability,Trace, allows it to copy a weather abuser's ability and use it against it. Gardevoir can copy a Victreebel, Sawsbuck, Exeggutor, or even Shiftry's(Most common set is Special Growth with Nature Power(Earthquake)) Chlorophyll and revenge kill them with the appropriate move. Same can be said against Swift Swimmers such as Gorebyss, Huntail, Seismitoad, Armaldo, and Ludicolo but they usually require previous damage.

Even without weather abusers to revenge kill, Gardevoir is never dead weight as it is a very powerful Pokemon in its own right and can tear massive holes in teams. Gardevoir has a choice between either Thunderbolt or Trick, Thunderbolt allows Gardevoir to take down Gorebyss without any prior damage while Trick lets it dump its Choice item on troublesome Pokemon such as Lickilicky after it has removed weather abusers from the field. Thunderbolt is not required to revenge kill Charizard as after a round of Solar Power damage Gardevoir's Traced Solar Power boosted Psychic is enough to take it down.
​

Gardevoir is fantastic in the current metagame as her powerful base 125 SpAtk allows her to 2HKO almost anything that doesn't resist her attacks, and her great base 80 Spe is boosted to intimidating levels with a Choice Scarf. Choice Scarf Gardevoir is the fastest standard Psychic Pokemon set in the tier, and should never be underestimated. Gardevoir can easily sweep unprepared teams, and once its checks / counters have been removed it can rip apart a weakened team.

Good Teammates: Entry hazards make Gardevoir's job easier than it already is, and Pokemon like Glalie, Garbodor, and Cacturne can attract Psychic and Fighting moves that Gardevoir can easily switch into. Gardevoir fits well on most offensive teams and will work great with any Pokemon that cause significant offensive pressure, such as Absol, Emboar, Samurott, etc.

What counters it: Skuntank will always beat Gardevoir. It has access to Pursuit as well as Sucker Punch, which basically makes Gardevoir flip a coin on whether it gets to live or not once Skuntank comes in. Being a Choice Scarf user, Gardevoir can be countered by any Dark-types if she's locked into Psychic, any Normal-types if she's locked into Shadow Ball, and any Ghost-types if she's locked into Focus Blast. Prediction is key against Gardevoir; you need to make smart switches. If she scores a neutral hit on your counter, it will probably be 2HKO'd. Gardevoir doesn't like priority too much, but it can take a few weaker hits before going down. Faster users of Choice Scarf can revenge kill Gardevoir if they're packing an attack that is SE against her.

Any Additional Info: Although an older post, this Gardevoir thread has a few other sets that are quite useful, as well as more discussion on Gardevoir and how it affects the NU tier. Gardevoir is one of the best Psychic-types in the tier, and can fit on most teams needing a Scarfer, or any team having trouble with weather.​

 

[Tribute]

Am I blind or is there no Special Sweeper spoiler in the OP?

 

[Ewil]

Gurdurr @ Eviolite
Trait: Guts
EVs: 252 HP / 252 ATK / 4 SpD or 252 HP / 4 ATK / 252 SpD
Adamant / Careful Nature

• Bulk Up
• Mach Punch
• Drain Punch
• Payback / Stone Edge

Role

Physical Sweeper (I think that is role is more "Bulky offense" or similar)

What it does

Gurdurr main role is to boost with Bulk Up 1-2 times and starts sweeping. You can switch him in on every resisted attack, predicting Toxic/Burn or obviusly after one of your pokes is dead. Gurdurr have useful defenses boosted by Eviolite, and can recover HP thanks to a STAB and powerful Drain Punch. Bulk Up is the setup move of choice, boosting his attack and defense by 1 every time is used and just one is fine to kill many things. Mach Punch is Gurdurr's particular move since is the best abuser (if not the only) of this STAB priority and most top-tier mons like Cinccino, Absol and Zangoose are weak to it. Payback gives Gurdurr perfect coverage, i think is a better choice over Stone (miss) Edge but that depend if you feel lucky. The ability Guts helps Gurdurr to be a sort of Status absorber since he can come in on predicted Toxic/Burn to gain a boost and Drain Punch covers the HP lost. The EV are at your choice. You can run a more offensive Gurdurr with the first EV spread and an Adamant nature for more immediate power, and a more defensive using the second EV spread and a Careful nature if you are certain to gain many Bulk Ups since without them, Gurdurr is pretty weak in ATK and DEF.

Good Teammates

Gurdurr works well in a classic Psychic/Fight/Dark core and still better if the team mate are bulky like Musharna and Skuntank. Rock/Steel type pokes like Probopass and Bastiodon can tank Psychic and Flying attack aimed to Gurdurr and set up rocks for him and/or paralyzing enemys.

What counters it

Psychic and Flying mons pretty much put a full stop to him. So be sure to get rid of any of them if you want to have a Gurdurr sweep. Loosing Eviolite by opposing Knock Off is a huge drawback, even worst when an opponent trick to you a Choice Scarf/Specs removing you the possibility to choose the move freely and decreasing DEF/SpD with the loss of Eviolite. Sleep is the only real status that gives Gurdurr problem since he can't attack. Other status have minor drawback and give Gurdurr an useful +1(sort of)

Any Additional Info

Gurdurr is weak to every hazards (SR resist), but if you send him on a single layer of Toxic Spikes, you can turn a disadvantage into a huge advantage with the only drawback of a -12,5% x turn that you can easly recover with Drain Punch. So Spikes are maybe another enemy of Gurdurr. The only suggestion that i give is to abuse Mach Punch very hard since is unique in this meta and can catch a lot of opponent off guard.

 

[Molk]

Holy Fuck, why has nobody posted this for what not to use yet? its easily the worst pokemon that people actually use.

Tentacool (M) @ Eviolite
Trait: Liquid Ooze
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Giga Drain / Scald
- Rapid Spin
- Toxic Spikes
- Toxic

Role: Make the opponent laugh for 3 minutes until they get kicked for being inactive
Why it's bad: Tentacool is like wartortle, except worse. Tentacool is completely incapable of spinning or setting hazards in this tier because of golurk dropping and poison-types getting way more common, respectively. With base 50 special attack, its completely incapable of threatening anything and can be set up on quite easily. its frailer than haunter on the physical side and most special attackers hit it super effectively, set up on it, or both. Im baffled that this ever became popular at all >_>.
Any Additional Info: With Metang out of the tier this is hands down the worst people that actually use imo. Actually scratch that, this shit is WORSE than metang. I never thought i would say that but really lol

 

[Raseri]

@ Eviolite
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Icicle Crash
- Stealth Rock
- Ice Shard


Role: Hazard-user primarily, but is strong enough to be a physical wall and physical attacker as well
What it does: It can set up hazards against all the common rock type leads, it can switch into seemingly 90% of the meta, it has 100 Base attack and amazing STABs to retaliate to anything that dares to stay in.
Good Teammates: Anything that needs hazards, stuff like Golurk, Zangoose, Swellow make good teammates. Anything that struggles against rock types(Swellow) makes an exceptionally good teammate
What counters it: Special attackers, particularly Water types such as Mantine or Ludicolo do very well. Because of Thick Fat is has no problem tanking a fire move or two. So the only way to really defeat Piloswine is to attack it on its weaker defence with a very powerful move. Since very few physical moves seriously threaten it.
Any Additional Info: Piloswine is a boss, like really amazing right now. If you are using Golem or any other hazards user try using Piloswine instead.

 

[ebeast]

EBeast posting??!! I'll try to contribute more! :D
The first Pokemon should be no surprise, I've been advertising it since December lol
PS: I'm obviously a Microsoft Paint master :O

EDIT: This took me a while, and I seem to have been ninja'd by Raseri on Piloswine. Pick whichever one you want lol

Altaria

@ Choice Specs
~Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
~Draco Meteor / ~Hidden Power [Ground] / ~Dragon Pulse|Fire Blast / ~Rest​

Role: Wallbreaker

What it does: With a very good Dragon/Flying typing, great 75 / 90 / 105 defenses, and a lackluster 70 Special Attack stat one would think that Altaria should stick solely to playing defensive. That assumption however would lead to missing out on a powerful wallbreaker and excellent offensive pivot. With those excellent defenses and the Natural Cure + Rest combination
Altaria can last very long in a match for it to break things apart with it's destructive Draco Meteors. Even though Dragon + Fire is better coverage than Dragon + Ground (Though only missing Champion Bronzor isn't that big a deal) the most common Steel-type Pokemon is indeed Probopass who isn't weak to Fire Blast and can eat them for breakfast. HP Ground however 2HKOes any Probopass set barring those with Shuca Berry (lol) and Air Balloon. One of it's biggest perks is the ability to beat SD Samurott better than any other Altaria set thanks to it's ability to outspeed, easily take any of it's moves, and OHKO with Draco Meteor.

Good Teammates: SpecsTaria 101: Spam Draco Meteor, if the opponent happens to have a Pokemon bulky enough to handle it (read: SpD Lickilicky, SpD Cradily, SpD Gardevoir, SpD Lapras, SpD Flareon ; all must be SpD sets to prevent getting 2HKOed >:] ) then switch into your partner of choice. The best partners for SpecsTaria that continue the wallbreaking fun are Choice Band Torterra and Choice Band Emboar. Both destroy what SpecsTaria cannot, however Emboar gets the nod over Torterra for having better type synergy with Altaria.

What counters it: *shameless copypasta* (read: SpD Lickilicky, SpD Cradily, SpD Gardevoir, SpD Lapras, SpD Flareon ; all must be SpD sets to prevent getting 2HKOed >:] )

Any Additional Info: I love this set :) and big blob is a Draco Meteor btw

Ledian (For should not be used + it was fun)

@ Leftovers
~Trait: Early Bird
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
~Swords Dance / ~Agility / ~Baton Pass / ~Silver Wind|Roost​

Role: Baton Passer ; Stallbreaker (I guess?)

What it does and why it fails: With it's good base 85 speed, 110 Special Defense, and movepool one would think that Ledian would make a good supporter with Baton Pass. However one look at Ledian's typing, terrible 35 / 55 offensive stats, and its competition instantly tells us what the problem is. Bug/Flying is a terrible typing and won't be capable of getting up more than either one Swords Dance or Agility. Ledian's abysmal offensive stats means that even with a +2 boost it won't be doing much damage to anything so it instead uses Silver Wind in hopes for a boost. Early Bird allows Ledian to wake up almost instantly after getting put to sleep to maybe get off a boosting move or Baton Pass off. While this sounds all nice and dandy there is one Pokemon that makes Ledian's life hell, Ninjask. Even though it shares Ledian's terrible typing, unlike Ledian all it needs is to get a single turn to Swords Dance to be set for a successful Baton Pass thanks to its Speed Boost ability. Ninjask also packs a decent base 90 Attack to take use after Swords Dance if forced to attack.


What counters it: http://www.smogon.com/bw/pokemon/ Ledian is completely helpless without Baton Pass since it's offense is nonexistant, and even then it loses to a Roar or Whirlwind.

Any Additional Info: Still probably better than SD Acrobatics Ledian ; That set made me want to pull my hair out when testing it. LEDIAN QUEEN OF NU is not happening anytime soon ;/-;

Piloswine

@ Eviolite
~Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
~Stealth Rock / ~Earthquake / ~Icicle Spear|Icicle Crash / ~Ice Shard​

Role: Hazards User ; Bulky Offensive Attacker

What it does: Thick Fat is now available with Stealth Rock and makes Piloswine even better than it already was. Eviolite makes Piloswine very bulky and alongside it's new Fire-type neutrality and Ice-type resistance, Piloswine can be hard to take down. Not just a reliable user of Stealth Rock, Piloswine actually hold a good base 100 Attack stat and amazing Ground- and Ice-type STAB coverage that only Champion Bronzor resists in NU. Icicle Spear is awesome for freaking past Substitutes, while Icicicle Crash deals consistent damage. Ice Shard is a great priority move and comes in handy since most of Piloswine's adversaries are faster. The EV spread allows Piloswine to outspeed other 50 Pokemon such as Regirock, Mawile, Vileplume, Lickilicky, and Shelgon so Piloswine can devastate them.

Good Teammates: Since Piloswine has trouble with bulky Water-types, Amoonguss is an excellent partner for Piloswine as it easily handles things that bother Piloswine. In exchange they share good type synergy as Piloswine resists Ice and Amoonguss takes the Fighting-, Water-, and Grass-type attacks that Piloswine hates so much.

What counters it: Bulky Water-type Pokemon such Seismitoad, Samurott, Gorebyss, and Ludicolo can come into Piloswine relatively safely and set up whatever they need to. Champion Bronzor is always around, but it really doesn't do much outside of Toxic.

Any Additional Info: Super manly, though might just need a haircut

Cacturne

@ Leftovers
~Trait: Sand Veil
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
~Spikes / ~Encore / ~Bullet Seed / ~Sucker Punch​

Role: Hazards User

What it does: Cacturne, also known to some as NU's best offensive Spikes user is no newcomer. Being brought out to light after Roselia's sad farewell over to RU, Cacturne has emerged as one of the tier's best Spikers. Thought not nearly as bulky as Garbodor, Cacturne has a great offensive typing, excellent offenses, and the right movepool for the job. Although Cacturne's Dream World ability, Water Absprb, is actually useful for it unlike Sand Veil, Cacturne cannot use Encore or Bullet Seed with it. Encore makes up for Cacturne's lack of bulk to allow it a few free turns to set up its valuable Spikes. Encore can turns massive threats such as Calm Mind Musharna into set up fodder or grant Cacturne the ability to get a free hit on something with its excellent base 115 Attack. Bullet Seed lets Cacturne beat Golem past sturdy and Sucker Punch allows Cacturne to make up for it's poor speed and hit with priority. Another perk of being an offense Spiker with such great attacking prowess is the ability to force switches, which lets Cacturne take advantage of its own Spikes; after 2 layers Cinccino will be unable to stomach a Sucker Punch. EVs are set up so that Cacturne outspeeds max speed Golem and other base 45 Pokemon.

Good Teammates: Pokemon to take advantage of Cacturne's Spikes such Specs Altaria, Emboar, Braviary, Zangoose, and Cinccino make good teammates for Cacturne. Altaria in specific can switch into Fighting-, Bug-, and Fire-type attacks aimed at Cacturne and begging bringing the pain with Choice Specs boosted Draco Meteor.

What counters it: Emboar and Klang are the Pokemon that stand out the most that can handle Cacturne since they resist it's dual STAB and can either destroy it or in Klang's case possibly force it out and set up on the switch

Any Additional Info: Shaqtus is a great commercial for those who haven't seen it

Misdreavus

@ Eviolite
~Trait: Levitate
EVs: 28 HP / 252 SpA / 228 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
~Substitute / ~Nasty Plot / ~Shadow Ball / ~Thunderbolt​

Role: Special Sweeper

What it does: Thanks to Misdreavus's good bulk with Eviolite, handy Normal-, Fighting-, and Ground-type immunities give it the opportunity to come up with devilish ideas and boost up its Special Attack. After a Nasty Plot boost Missy is ready to deal serious damage to enemy teams. Shadow Ball and Thunderbolt provide great coverage and allows Misdreavus to check and take down dangerous Water- and Flying-type Pokemon such as Samurott, Gorebyss, Carracosta, and Braviary (+2 HP Fighting does 46% - 55%) that Hidden Power Fighting doesn't. Substitute can be relatively easy to set up taking all of Misdreavus's resistances into account and allows Misdreavus so safely attack Sucker Punch users such as Skuntank and Absol, while avoiding the hazing effects of Amoonguss and Garbodor's Clear Smog.

Good Teammates: Since this set uses Shadow Ball and TBolt, Cacturne is a relatively safe switch in, barring the 2HKO from +2 Shadow Ball. Specially Defensive Altaria walls this set and can even phaze, while Choice Specs can switch in and retaliate. Without Hidden Power Fighting Probopass has a safe time switching it, but the advent of more offensive Probopass sets means it takes less for Misdreavus to take it down. If anything can pair up nicely to beat these it would have to be Amoonguss thanks to it's excellent mixed bulk and Regenerator while ability to hit all those these Pokemon neutrally.

What counters it: Sucker Punch users such as Cacturne, Absol, Skuntank, and Golem can put pressure onto Misdreavus but the correct partners to eliminate them, Missy will have a much easier time breaking things apart. Probopass can definitely take on Misdreavus if lacking HP Fighting and will usually beat it one on one.

Any Additional Info: Missy so cute :3

 

[ChaoticaMortis]

Posting to completely agree with Molk, Raseri, and EBeast.

I have never seen Tentacool do anything other than spin and die, and we have plenty of Pokemon that do that better.

Piloswine is extremely underrated and definitely needs to be spotlighted (have we had one in Research Group / Week before? If not, we should). Ice + Ground STAB seems like it would be decent right now, priority is nice, and everyone likes those juicy Stealth Rocks.

EBeast, the images on your post are probably the funniest thing we've ever had in the NU forum. Seriously though, each Pokemon listed is definitely worth checking out and using. All horribly underrated and underused (post that shit in Project NU!!!).

I will never name my Cacturne anything other than Shaqtus, ever again.

EDIT: Also, for further statements about Glalie, Tentacool, and a few others that might be listed here, I would like to refer you to the comments made in The New NU Threat List. At this point it looks like nobody likes Glalie.

 

[Zarco]

A definite "to-use": SubCM Serperior

Serperior @ Leftovers
Trait: Overgrow
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Special Attack / 252 Speed
Nature: Timid
-Substitute
-Calm Mind
-Giga Drain
-Hidden Power (Rock) / Hidden Power (Ice) / Dragon Pulse

Role: Special Sweeper
What it does: Anyone who've used a SubCM set, like with Jirachi or Raikou, know how successful these can be. Sub blocks status and gives you opportunities to set up Calm Minds against walls, particularly grasses and bulky waters. Giga drain is a notably good STAB here because you no longer run into problems using sub too much and running out of HP. As far as coverage goes, both hit flying types, HP ice is good against grass types while rock can be used if you're afraid of random fire types (even though Magmortar is gone) and particularly hits Charizard, and Mantine I guess. Very little outspeeds Serperior and Sub protects you from getting revenged by those that do. Essentially, SubCM is a sort of "snowball" that gets stronger the longer you take to respond to it.
Good Teammates: Samurott deals with fire types and can smash through Special walls, and carries priority for Swellow and friends. Regirock or Golem does this job well too, and sets rocks to destroy Charizard.
What counters it: Don't let it set up. Any wall with roar can do that, and if you get rid of its sub (you may have to fodder to do so), any faster attacker like scard Sawk, Swellow, and scarf Rotom can revenge it.
Any Additional Info: you can play this set off as subseed to mess with people and weaken their team before sweeping.

 

[Annoyer]

Combusken @ Life Orb
Trait : Speed Boost
EVs : 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature

- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Protect
- Substitute

Role : Special Sweeper

What it does : Combusken is a great cleaner and a hard-hitting special attacker. Although Combusken's stats may look sub-par, Speed Boost allows Combusken's speed to reach frightening levels and Combusken can easily boost his speed through Protect and Substitute. After a couple of boosts, not even revenge killers can outspeed Combusken. Combusken can do a lot of damage with his two 120 base power STAB moves that are also boosted by a Modest nature and a Life Orb. Combusken's dual STAB provides great coverage and can break down most walls. Substitute allows Combusken to bypass incoming Sucker Punches. Even though Substitute and Life Orb recoil might be unfavorable, Combusken won't last long either way.

Good Teammates : Combusken is an amazing stand-alone sweeper but pokemon such as Samurott can create a powerful offensive core. Entry hazards create many OHKOs that Combusken would not be able to get. Pokemon such as Garbodor, Cacturne or Probopass come to mind for laying entry hazards. Pursuit users such as Absol and Skuntank can take out threatening Psychic types for Combusken.

What counters it : Bulky Psychic types such as Musharna can take one of Combusken's attacks and retaliate with a super-effective Psychic. In particular, Grumpig resists both of Combusken's attacks due to Thick Fat. Pokemon that resist Combusken's dual STABs such as Frillish, Altaria, and Lampent can also counter Combusken as Combusken fails to do much damage. Priority from Gurdurr, Swellow, Samurott, and Zangoose can also put a stop to Combusken's sweep.

Any Additional Info : Eviolite can be used over Life Orb to take weaker attacks such as Sucker Punch but Combusken will greatly miss the power that Life Orb provided. Hidden Powers such as Hidden Power Ice can be used over Substitute but Substitute provides more utility in the long run. A Timid nature can be used to outspeed base 95s after one boost but Combusken needs all the power he can get.

 

[Incon]

I second the effectiveness of the set posted above me. You beat me to it! :p Anyways, I figured id join the fun and post one of my favorite pokemon to use at the moment.

Leafeon @ Leftovers
Trait: Chlorophyll
Evs: 4Hp/ 252Atk/ 252Spd
Jolly Nature

Leaf Blade
Return
Substitute
Swords Dance

Role: Physical Sweeper

What it does: Coupling its great attack and speed stats, Leafeon is certainly a force to reckoned in the Nu metagame. After a swords dance boost, the verdant pokemon is able to punch gaping holes in the opposing team and deal hefty damage to those that don't resist its stab. Return is a great coverage move that does heavy damage to those that do resist its stab. Swords Dance is the krux of the set, so to speak, as without it, Leafeon will not be able to pull off a sweep. While behind a substitute, leafeon gets a free attacking or set up turn, as well as an immunity to status which can really hurt its chances of sweeping.

Good Teammates: Leafeon works quite well with the Combusken set posted above, as Leafeon is able to remove bulky water and ground types that give Combusken trouble, while Combusken is able to deal with the steel and grass types that give Leafeon trouble. Flareon is notable as it is able to tank fire, ice, and bug moves aimed at the Eeveelution. Another good teammate would be a strong psychic type such as Musharna, as it is able to take out bulky poison types, namely Weezing and Amoonguss, that can easily tank Leafeon's attacks and threat to ko with their poison type attacks.

What counters it: As mentioned previously, steel types such as Klang and Bastiodon can easily tank Leafeon's unboosted attacks as the former resists both of them. Bulky poison types as mentioned above also give Leafeon trouble, as they take little damage from unboosted return and can threaten heavy damage with their poison attacks. Finally, fire and flying type such as Emboar and Braviary can threaten to ko with their strong stab attacks, however a +2 return will hit quite hard.

Any Additional Info: Life Orb can be used over leftovers to get some extra power on Leafeon's attacks, however it is uneeded after an SD boost and he prefers the longevity. An adamant nature can be used over jolly to add to Leafeon's attack, but its attack is already boosted to great heights with SD, so the extra speed is appreciated. Quick attack can be used over return for some priority.

 

[Machineae]

-snip-

I've used special Combusken a ton and IMO you should make the following changes-

*HP Grass over Sub or Protect (scrap sub IMO). Its useful coverage to have (although with Quag gone to RU its lost its main use for me.)

*Stick with LO. Combusken shouldn't be taking any attacks because even with Eviolite it has trouble with strong neutral attacks. You should be using him as a late game sweeper because he can easily get the speed boosts he needs and batter broken down teams with his two strong STABs and coverage of choice.

 

[BlackLightAttack]

I keep seeing Psycho Cut Absol mentioned. Am I the only one who has almost never seen an Absol use Psycho Cut?

 

[ChaoticaMortis]

While I rarely see it, PC is a viable move on most of Absol's sets. Definitely not as common as its other coverage options though. Speaking of Absol, somebody should post an Absol set.

 

[Oracion6]

PC, Superpower, Sucker Punch, SD is the most common Absol set. Very predictable, though.

 

[CrashinBoomBang]

Ludicolo (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Swift Swim
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Rain Dance
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Giga Drain


​

Role: Special Sweeper
What it does: Thanks to its above average special bulk, Ludicolo can easily set up Rain Dance against a multitude of Pokemon, doubling its speed as well as making its Hydro Pump ridiculously powerful. Ice Beam hits Grass- and Dragon-types while Giga Drain hits Water-types and keeps Ludicolo healthy for a prolonged sweep.
Good Teammates: As Ludicolo outspeeds most Choice Scarfers with ease, the main problem are Pokemon it can't break through easily, such as Lickilicky, Regice and specially defensive Amoonguss. Hence, strong physical attackers such as Braviary, Emboar and Eelektross are good partners for it, threatening all of the above Pokemon; Eeelektross has the added advantage of a slow U-turn, which allows it to bring in Ludicolo safely; Furthermore, most Eelektross switch-ins such as Golem, Golurk and Tangela give Ludicolo a free turn to set up Rain Dance or just attack away.
What counters it: If rain is not present, strong physical attackers such as Braviary and Sawk have no problem OHKO'ing Ludicolo. If rain is up, most Choice Scarfers will fail to outspeed Ludicolo; Charizard can outspeed Modest Ludicolo under rain, but Air Slash won't OHKO. Zebstrika can do the same, but Thunderbolt does even less; neither of those can switch in though, and Timid Ludicolo outspeeds and OHKO's both of them as well. The best counters to Ludicolo are Pokemon that can take a hit while threatening it: Specially Defensive Amoonguss takes an Ice Beam without much trouble and can either Spore Ludicolo or just 2HKO with Sludge Bomb. Lickilicky can stall out the rain turns with Wish + Protect and Body Slam it for a 3HKO as well as a possible paralysis. Regice can paralyze it with Thunder Wave and 3HKO with Ice Beam, but has to watch out more than the other two thanks to no reliable recovery. A specially defensive Ludicolo can counter its offensive counterpart by burning it with Scald and then wearing it down with Giga Drain; while Synthesis only heals 25% in rain, it's still enough outstall Ludicolo. Toxic Spikes are also a notable measure, as they cut down the time Ludicolo can stay on the field immensely, especially coupled with Life Orb recoil.
Any Additional Info: Leftovers or Damp Rock can be used as an item over Life Orb, but Ludicolo will lose a lot of power that way. The same can be said for a Timid nature instead of Modest as well as Surf over Hydro Pump. All of them are viable alternatives nonetheless.

 

[Annoyer]

*HP Grass over Sub or Protect (scrap sub IMO). Its useful coverage to have (although with Quag gone to RU its lost its main use for me.)

*Stick with LO. Combusken shouldn't be taking any attacks because even with Eviolite it has trouble with strong neutral attacks. You should be using him as a late game sweeper because he can easily get the speed boosts he needs and batter broken down teams with his two strong STABs and coverage of choice.

Combusken doesn't need Hidden Power Grass unless you're afraid of Seismitoad because STAB Focus Blast hits harder than a times 2 super-effective HP Grass. Substitute is insanely useful for dodging Sucker Punches and when Combusken is behind a sub, something is going down. Also, LO is the best option but Eviolite is also a good option so Combusken can take priority such as Samurott's Aqua Jet. With enough team support (entry hazards), Combusken may not need LO late-game.

 

[Audiosurfer]

Sawsbuck @ Life Orb
Trait: Sap Sipper
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Horn Leech
- Double-Edge
- Nature Power

Role: Physical Sweeper
What it does: Sets up a Swords Dance on something it threatens and then goes to town. After a Swords Dance its attack hits 598, which means that combined with its good Speed stat, things are going to die. Horn Leech gives decent coverage, a reliable STAB, and a useful healing ability, Double-Edge is a powerful option for a second STAB move whose recoil is offset by Horn Leech, and Nature Power (which becomes Earthquake in Wifi Battles) gives Sawsbuck perfect neutral coverage on everything but Shedinja and Haunter.
Good Teammates: Sawsbuck, like most sweepers, enjoys hazards support, so pokemon that can provide this are good partners. Garbodor is great for its ability to set up Spikes while resisting Sawsbuck's Fighting weakness. Also, things that lure in Grass Type attacks make for good partners as well, as Sawsbuck can come in on a Grass type attack and get an attack boost thanks to Sap Sipper. Seismitoad can set up SR while luring in Grass attacks due to its 4x weakness to grass. Things that can help take care of Choice Scarf users that can halt a sweep are also appreciated.
What Counters It: Anything that can outrun Sawsbuck and hit with a powerful attack can probably kill it, as Sawsbuck is pretty frail. Things such as Choice Scarf Emboar, Choice Scarf Braviary, and Choice Scarf Sawk can all outspeed and KO with their respective SE moves. If Sawsbuck has Chlorophyll and Sunny Day support however, it can outspeed all of these threats and KO them. Powerful priority attacks also work well at picking off Sawsbuck. Absol has a good chance to OHKO Sawsbuck with Sucker Punch after SR with a Life Orb and an Adamant nature.
Any Additional Info: If you run this on a Sunny Day team, then Chlorophyll is a better choice than Sap Sipper to allow it to outspeed many more threats. They need to make another Bambi movie because he grows up to be a boss.

 

[Raseri]

something not to use!

@ Eviolite
Trait: Natural cure
EVs: doesnt matter they all suck
Timid Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Recover
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Thunderbolt

Role: Rapid Spinner
Why it's bad: Sure it can spin against Golurk, but it has 0 bulk even with eviolite so you'll have to sac something to get it in. And then sac Staryu in order to pull a spin off. So you basically lose 2 pokemon in order to spin. It has 0 offensive presence even with max spatk evs against anything not weak to its STAB. Staryu is in Wartortle territory when it comes to spinning.
Any Additional Info: is still dank.

 

[ebeast]

Butterfree

@ Leftovers
~Trait: Tinted Lens
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
~Quiver Dance / ~Sleep Powder / ~Substitute / ~Bug Buzz​

Role: Special Sweeper

What it does: Back in RBY days Butterfree was one of the worst fully evolved Pokemon in the entire game. With the introduction of Ledian in GSC, Beautifly in ADV, and Male Combee IN DPPt (BAN MALE COMBEE IN LC PLOX) things started to look better for Butterfree as Gamefreak was introducing Pokemon even worse than it. However things changed in the 5th Generation when Gamefreak decided to actually improve Bug-type Pokemon rather than making worse ones every generation to make the Bug Veterans look better by comparison. Quiver Dance was the name of the game, and what a good one it was. With its massive +1 SpA, +1 SpD, and +1 Spe boosts Quiver Dance is one of the best boosting moves around and one of the things that make Butterfree good. Alongside Sleep Powder and Tinted Lens Butterfree can make quick work of her opponents. If you look at Butterfree's stats you might notice that it has similar stats to OU powerhouse Volcarona, Butterfree's just being much more watered down. Butterfree's 80 SpA, 80 SpD, and 70 Spe are just enough to be effective by having just enough power, just enough speed, and just enough bulk to abuse Substitute at +1. With a Timid nature Butterfree can outspeed the entire unboosted metagame including Swellow, who goes down to a +1 Tinted Lens buffed Bug Buzz.

Good Teammates: Even with Tinted Lens Butterfree still struggles against Pokemon such as Emboar who still resists Bug Buzz and Braviary who's bulk allows it to live a +1 Bug Buzz even after Stealth Rock. Physically Defensive Seismitoad is bulky enough to take a few assaults from Emboar and Braviary and can stay alive with RestTalk, or can even set up Stealth Rock to aid in Butterfree's sweep later. Garbodor can help Butterfree by stetting up Spikes to help against Butterfree's #1 counter in Emboar as other checks such as Golem and Armaldo, while sharing decent synergy together.

What counters it: Emboar, Probopass, and Lickilicky can easily take a +1 Bug Buzz and retaliate

Any Additional Info:No Cryogonal is bittersweet for Butterfree as it means no extremely reliable Spin Support, but at the same no strong special wall to counter it.

CM Alomomola (For not to use)

@ Leftovers
~Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
~Calm Mind / ~Wish / ~Scald / ~Protect|Ice Beam​

Role: Special Sweeper (Closest category, have fun sweeping with this)

What it does and why it fails: Good physical bulk and Calm Mind? MUST BE GOOD! As cool as it might seem, this is far from true as CM Alomomola is anything but good. With its abysmal base 40 SpA, a Scald coming from it only does enough to 3-4HKO a Camerupt... Even after a ton of boosts it's Scald are still hella weak and don't do anything to the many Pokemon that would would come in on it. This set is a much worse supporter than the standard and still loses to its counters such as Amoonguss who literally laughs at Alomomola's Scald can easily remove it's boosts with Clear Smog. Even Gothita is a stronger Calm Mind user than Alomomola.

What counters it: All of standard Alomomola's counters still counter this set, while without Toxic it opens up more things to come in and set up on it. Amoonguss is everywhere in this metagame and has no problems coming into Alomomola.

Any Additional Info:IDGI this is worse than Ambipom in UU (which is somehow #23 o_o)

Arbok

@ Leftovers
~Trait: Intimidate / Shed Skin
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
~Coil / ~Gunk Shot / ~Earthquake / ~Sucker Punch​

Role: Physical Sweeper

What it does: Coil was a blessing to Poison-type Pokemon as it gave them a boosting move that gave them an impressive +1 Atk, +1 Def, +1 Accuracy. This allows Arbok to take advantage of its good typing with the defense boost and makes the Poison-type Pokemon's coveted Gunk Shot more than a gamble. After a single Coil Arbok has good power, good defense, and a reliable 120 BP STAB move and ready to do some serious damage to enemy teams. Earthquake provides great coverage alongside Gunk Shot and hits Pokemon such as Probopass, Klang, and Mawile who would give Arbok serious trouble otherwise. Without Quagsire in NU, Arbok is free to forgo Seed Bomb and can take advantage of Sucker Punch to get off a last minute hit on things or beat Pokemon such as Scarf Haunter. Even though Intimidate is preferred ability, Arbok can also make use of Shed Skin and set up with, for the most part, not fearing status from things such as Will-O-Wisp, Thunder Wave, and of course the almighty Static (Ban Static! -Keiran)

Good Teammates: Sawk is a great partner due to ability to lure in Ghost-types and wear them down alongside Arbok. Sawk can also lure Poison-type Pokemon such as Garbodor or Amoonguss for Arbok to set up on. Absol can do serious damage to the Ghost-types that beat Arbok while having Psycho Cut to deal with Weezing that might want to switch in.

What counters it: Even with Sucker Punch Ghost-type Pokemon still make quick work of Arbok. SubDisable AcroDrifblim and Haunter fear absolutely nothing, while Misdreavus can Burn and Taunt Arbok all day or even Substitute and Nasty Plot all day and night. Weezing also stops this cold in its tracks with the ability to Will-o-Wisp and Haze, but let's not forget Champion Bronzor.

Any Additional Info: Snake? Snake! SNNNAAAAAAKEEEEE!!!

 

[Annoyer]

EBeast your pictures are amazing and hilarious. Arbok's description and picture is too much to handle. I've never seen a CM Mola but now I will try it. :) I think you should state HP Ground as an option over Substitute on Butterfree.

 

[dholt12]

Fraxure @ Eviolite
Trait: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252Spe / 252Atk / 4HP
Adamant Nature
-Dragon Dance
-Outrage
-Taunt
-Low Kick/Aqua Tail

Role: Physical Sweeper/Late Game Clean Up
What it does: Idealy it would set up atleast one Dragon Dance later in the game after its major threats are taken care of, then sweep with Outrage. Even without the Dragon Dance it can still do a lot of damage. The Eviolite helps keep it alive longer, i find it helps when you don't get your Dragon Dance up because it lets him live long enough to KO at least one mon. Taunt is not something i end up using a lot but can be handy, and i use Low Kick as opposed to the Aqua Tail but honestly i usually don't use it.
Good Teammates: At least a good fire type to help take care of the ice mons that would put Fraxure down. Works well with a fast strong Sunny Day team, and hazard set up is all ways good but i tend to have a spinner to destroy any hazards.
What counters it: A Special Attack that is just regularly effective but taking a boost in some way will probably 1KO him. While his Defense is a little better anything scarfed will destroy him.

 

[watashi]

Feeling bored, so I figured I could post this

Regirock @ Leftovers
Trait: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def
Adamant Nature

• Stealth Rock
• Drain Punch
• Stone Edge
• Thunder Wave

Role: Physical Wall, Hazard User, Bulky Offense.

What it does: With its titanic Defense, Regirock can survive almost any physical assault and set up Stealth Rock with ease. Base 100 Attack means that it won't be set-up bait, especially with great coverage between its offensive options. Regirock can act as a check against powerful attackers such as Zangoose, Cinccino,, Braviary, and Absol, surviving their super effective hits and retaliating with a powerful Drain Punch or Stone Edge.

Good Teammates: Regirock doesn't need much support and can fit on any team requiring a Stealth Rock user. Bulkier teams would be better off with a Specially Defensive spread though.

What counters it: Bulky Ground-types that aren't weak to Drain Punch such as Torterra, Marowak, or Golurk can counter Regirock with ease, striking hard it hard with Earthquake and not caring about Thunder Wave. Physically Defensive Grass-types such as Amoonguss and Tangela can beat Regirock, but are bother slightly by Thunder Wave. Powerful Water-types such as Special Samurott and Gorebyss can deal huge damage to Regirock with their attacks, but have to be wary of Thunder Wave and Stone Edge when switching in.

Any Additional Info: Rocky Helmet can be used to rack up extra damage on resisted Returns and Brave Birds, but Regirock appreciates all the recovery it can get.

 

[indian]

Surprised that no one has yet posted it.

Golurk @ choice band
~iron fist
~252 atk/ 252spe
or
252atk/252hp
~adamant
~ shadow punch
earthquake
drain punch
ice punch
Role: Bulky attacker/ wallbreaker
What it does:A great wallbreaker. It can come in easiely due to its 3 immunities and some useful resistances. Then it can use its most powerful move against the opponent. But be careful because 3 of its moves give free switchins to some of the most threatening mons in the tier (birds, normals, ghosts). So prediction is key while using this monster. Shadow punch is stab and is useable despite low power due to iron fist boost. Earthquake is a great move as always. Drain punch to hit normals and recover some health can also be used to hit rock types if you dont want to give free switchins to birds. Ice punch is for birds and for general coverage alongside earthquake.
Good teammates : Its main task is to soften walls so that a teammate can set up and sweep. So good cleaners like zangoose and absol are good team-mates. Cacturne can come in on water, dark , ghost and grass type attacks aimed at golurk and set up spikes or attack back. Entry hazard support is also good.
What counters it: A little prediction is all you need. You can bring a pokemon immune to one of its moves. And force it out. Tangela can put it to sleep and neuter it for the rest of the match. It cant do anything against strong sucker punchers like absol but absol cant switch into it easiely. And a strong faster pokemon with a SE move can easiely dispatch of it.