Inferno Storms – An OU RMT

Inferno Storms - An OU RMT - Please Rate :)

Hello Smogon readers, the name is Skyron. I started competitive batting around mid-July last year, and I am getting back into it after an extended break from Pokemon. Playing in Gen 6 for the first time was great, as not only the new Pokemon, but the changes in the game mechanics, types and the Mega-Evolutions made the game much more refreshing. After getting familiar with the metagame, I decided to build my own team. Please keep in mind, that while I played competitive Pokemon a fair bit, I still have plenty to learn, and your thoughts, opinions and advice would be the most appreciated.


The Team

Note* I have removed Atk IVs and have used a –Atk nature, on my non-physically attacking pokes, so that they don’t get wrecked by Swagger, as it is quite popular with gen, as Prankster Klefki and Liepard have shown.

Charizard - X

2lTa7Tr.jpg


Charizard-Mega-X (M) @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 120 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Flare Blitz
- Roost


To start off, I wanted a Pokemon that could sweep teams with ease, given the support. I finally decided on Charizard-X. He has great offensive stats, and decent defensive stats, along with a dual typing that grants him powerful STABS. He receive tough competition from Dragonite, while has far superior bulk, along with Extremespeed, which gets him past revenge killers. However, unlike Dragonite, Charizard doesn’t have to worry about Will-o-Wisp or a 4x weakness, and he actually has a second STAB to make good use of.

What I like about a bulky Charizard is his ability to switch him against several Pokemon, such as Will-o-Wisp users, and grab a DD boost, and it isn’t uncommon to get a second DD either. This easily compensates for the lack of speed investment, and with Dragon Claw and Flare Blitz, Charizard can devastate teams that lack a hard counter. Roost allows him to recover from Flare Blitz recoil, and to give him chances to setup against Pokemon that cannot at least 2HKO him. It also helps him recover from Stealth Rock damage. 248 HP / 84 SDef / 176 Spd allows him to take multiple hits, setup multiple Dragon Dances and pull off a clean sweep.



Aegislash

DWI67Zl.png

Aegislash (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Stance Change
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- Sacred Sword


Replaced Thundurus

Thundurus was far too easily checked or revenge killed, and the extra turn it takes to setup is not really helping it fulfill its role. Enter Aegislash. Aegislash’s ability to tank a hit and hit back harder is simply great for my team. It can wear down pokes that wall Charizard X, as well as cleaning up revenge killers, making it a great partner for Charizard. It can also switch into moves aimed at Charizard, bar Earthquake, thanks to its steel/ghost typing.

King’s Shield is compulsory for Aegislash, as it constantly needs to revert back into Shield Forme, and/or weaken most physical attackers. Ghost moves are now the equivalent of the Dragon moves of last gen, due to its great neutral coverage. As a result, Shadow Ball becomes a major hard hitting weapon in Aegislash’s arsenal. Shadow Sneak can finish off weakened opponents, primarily revenge killers, and Sacred Sword is there for coverage against guys like Heatran. 252 evs make sure Aegislash can survive multiple hits, while maxing out on SpA, along with the Quiet nature make Shadow Ball even more dangerous.



Mandibuzz

xTgVrAQ.png


Mandibuzz (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SDef
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Taunt
- Defog


Replaced Excadrill

Instead of that ideal, multipurpose role Excadrill could have performed, it just wasn’t too effective in my team, becoming a semi-reliable Rapid Spinner instead. Not once has it swept the opponent. Since I wasn’t using much hazards, I guess Defog became a real possibility. In the end, I decided to go for Mandibuzz. Its bulk is incredible, especially on the physical side, and it offered plenty of utility roles, as well as becoming part of my defensive core. Another Pokemon that supports Charizard, since it can switch into Dragon moves, as well as EQs aimed at both Charizard and Aegislash.

Defog is crucial in this set, since it is one of the main reasons why I’m using Mandibuzz. Taunt is obviously great to have, as it shutdowns several mons. Foul Play is for those physical attackers and weaker Psychics and Ghosts. Both moves ensure I don’t merely become setup fodder. Roost is also essential, since Mandibuzz can get worn down after a while.



Ferrothorn

d6ISwSw.png


Ferrothorn (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 8 Def / 248 SDef
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Leech Seed
- Power Whip


Replaced Tyranitar

Even though steels have been nerfed, Ferrothorn is still a beast in this gen. It has massive defences, and with its grass/steel typing, it is a great defensive partner for Mandibuzz. I love its movepool as well, letting it fit so many roles, including, walling, stalling, and utility. Another good supporter of Charizard, as it can swallow up rock moves and those Draco Meteors that Charizard simply can’t stand.

Even with defog, I decided to go for Stealth Rocks, as a mid to late game option, so that Charizard can secure those important KOs. Thunder Wave is great for crippling sweepers and revenge killers that could ruin Charizard’s day. Leech seed is its main recovery option, letting it stall out several defensive pokes, while Power Whip can take out frailer Water types, such as Greninja, as well as killing ever so annoying Quagsire. I’m not entirely sure about the EV spread here. Should I invest more in SDef, and should I use Rocky Helmet instead of Lefties?

Rotom W

GmXnj5e.jpg


Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest


Replaced Gourgiest

Since my problem with Mamoswine persists, I wanted Rotom W on my team. I also realised that I had good synergy with my team as well, as it resists fire moves that Ferrothorn and Aegislash are weak to, as well as a nice Ground immunity, for those EQs that can kill Charizard and Aegislash. With investment, it is a really bulky poke, countering guys like Talonflame as well.

Volt Switch is expected from a Rotom W, letting it ‘scout out the opposition,’ and gain momentum in crucial moments. Hydro Pump is its main STAB attack of choice, with is decent power often letting it kill pesky Gliscors, Lando-Ts and Mamoswines. Will o Wisp will cripple those physical attackers, and turn Rotom W from a bulky attacker, into quite a defensive behemoth. Since this is a ChestoResto variant, I’m running rest. Since Rotom is immune to T-Wave and it doesn’t really care about being burnt, I often make it the target of status moves, bar Toxic. If the burn damage gets significant, I can simply Rest. The EVs and nature are crucial for Rotom W’s bulk, so I invested in Def and a bold nature.



Conkeldurr
rPxrKDH.jpg


Conkeldurr (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Atk / 108 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Mach Punch
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch
- Knock Off


Conkeldurr’s earned his place in this team because he can switch into hits well and hit back hard. Very hard. I feel he gives my team that extra bit of offensive pressure that is required. He can crush Terrakion and Heatran, who I previously mentioned, are major dangers to this team. Sometimes I rarely use him in a battle, while other times, he fits his role magnificently, putting me into a winning position.

This set can be a nightmare to wall. Drain Punch is his main STAB move and it allows him to last long, yet do some hefty damage. With Knock Off and Ice Punch, he can laugh at walls that try to threaten him. Mach Punch helps revenge kill sweepers, and also when I really need to attack first. Max Attack and Adamant is expected, while devoting EVs into SDef ensure Conkeldurr can survive both types of attacks.



Threat List

Mamoswine

Mamoswine can be a big danger to my team. The combination of Ice and Ground is only resisted by Rotom W. Rotom plays a major role in beating this guy, with Will-o-Wisp significantly weakening his immense power. Conkeldurr might be able to survive the 2HKO and kill it with Drain Punch. survives the 2HKO and beats it with drain punch. Or if non-Mega Charizard switches in with no Stealth Rock (which is highly unlikely since SR is commonly used with Mamoswine) and kills it with Flare Blitz. With Rotom out of the way, he can leave my team in shatters.

Heatran

Specially Defensive Heatran is one of the major defensive threats on my team, since he can easily counter Ferrothorn and Charizard, and it could practically do whatever it wants against both of them. Even Aegislash’s Sacred Sword sometimes can’t even 2HKO him. To keep him in check, Rotom’s Hydro Pump is important for wearing down Heatran, a perhaps Conkeldurr can KO with Drain Punch.

Garchomp

Whether if it is Scarfed or Mega-Evolved, Garchomp find plenty of opportunities to put my team under threat. Its STAB are immense, with decent bulk as well, so if a Garchomp manages to setup, it can blow holes in my team, and even sweep. My best bet would be to Will-O-Wisp it from Rotom and wear it down from there.

Greninja

Greninja unmatched speed and coverage make him quite the versatile threat in my team. He can beat Mandibuzz with Ice Beam, and put Ferrothorn under pressure with U-Turn. Not only can he throw off my walls, he can cause some significant damage to Conkeldurr and Rotom. Usually, if I can get a decent switch into Charizard, I can kill him with Dragon Claw.

Quagsire

This guy simply laughs at all my sweepers. He exploits one of the biggest weaknesses in my team, which are its needs to set up. Meanwhile, Quagsire comes in and has the simple choice of Toxic, Scald or EQ to deal with them. Gourgeist can easily beat it, but even then it is in danger of being poisoned, which will have an effect on the rest of the game.

Gliscor

Gliscor is a threat for both Charizard and Aegislash, as it can tank a hit and proceed to KO. However, Conkeldurr can lure it in and destroy it with Ice Punch. If all else fails, Rotom W can spam Hydro Pump until he dies.. Overall, it is still a defensive threat to my team.

Azumarill

Azumarill is a solid counter to Charizard, and its Play Rough can wipe out Conkeldurr. Belly Drum makes it even more threatening, especially upon the switch. Most of the time, it doesn’t end up sweeping my team, thanks to Ferrothorn and Rotom W, I make it one of my priorities to take it out, otherwise, Charizard and Conkeldurr won’t be able to do much at all.



Importable
Charizard-Mega-X (M) @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 120 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Flare Blitz
- Roost

Mandibuzz (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Overcoat
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SDef
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Taunt
- Defog

Ferrothorn (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 8 Def / 248 SDef
Relaxed Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Thunder Wave
- Leech Seed
- Power Whip

Aegislash (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Stance Change
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Shadow Sneak
- Sacred Sword

Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest

Conkeldurr (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Atk / 108 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Mach Punch
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch
- Knock Off

Conclusion

Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed this RMT. I feel it needs several improvements, which is why I came here in the first place. Please leave any comments, criticism and suggestions regarding this team. If you have any more threats to add, please say so in the comments. Anyway, I hope you all have a good day!
 
Last edited:
You're correct that you have too many offensive set up sweepers, so there are a couple of options; you could add dual screens to the team. Replacing your least favorite mon with someone like cresselia (who is crazy bulky) or espeon (who can keep hazards from going up) will let you set up screens, which is one way players use a team full of set up sweepers. Another possibility is to replace someone with a Choice user. Unfortunately many of the best choice users are dragons. One option might be to replace thundurus with someone like life orb gengar, which offers more power and coverage from turn 1. I'm not a fan of zard and thundurus together with only spin for removal. Defog is way more reliable, but since putting defog onto this team would require major reshuffling, just swap thundurus out. Plus you really don't make good use of prankster with his set anyway.
 
You're correct that you have too many offensive set up sweepers, so there are a couple of options; you could add dual screens to the team. Replacing your least favorite mon with someone like cresselia (who is crazy bulky) or espeon (who can keep hazards from going up) will let you set up screens, which is one way players use a team full of set up sweepers. Another possibility is to replace someone with a Choice user. Unfortunately many of the best choice users are dragons. One option might be to replace thundurus with someone like life orb gengar, which offers more power and coverage from turn 1. I'm not a fan of zard and thundurus together with only spin for removal. Defog is way more reliable, but since putting defog onto this team would require major reshuffling, just swap thundurus out. Plus you really don't make good use of prankster with his set anyway.

Thanks

I'll play around with the team, trying out Gengar and dual screen users. By Choice, you do mean Scarf users right? Because, yeah, guys like Garchomp are the best for those roles.

If all else fails and I decide to make some major changes to the team, who would you recommend as a Defogger for Charizard?
 
Hi Skyron, this team caught my attention when you posted, so I tested it on the ladder, and I admit it's really fun to use!
I found two big problems though: 1. Too many setup sweepers (as pointed out by Oranos) 2. Lack of priority to deal with faster threats (shadow sneak from gourgeist is quite weak tbh)
These are the fixes that I suggest:

. Replace BU Conkeldurr with the Assault vest set. Your team is currently really annoyed by Rotom-W if charizard hasn't mega evolved yet, as Excadrill can't touch the washing machine without mold breaker, and AV Conk checks it pretty well. It also has a decently powerful priority move in Mach Punch. I know it's very standard, but it's arguably the best Conkeldurr set in the current metagame:

Conkeldurr (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Atk / 108 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Mach Punch
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch
- Knock Off

. I really like Thundurus-I's set, but i don't think it fits this team very well: it gets worn down too quickly due to life orb + sand damage, so it can easily be revenge killed with priority. So I suggest you sacrifice a bit of offensive power (and another setup sweeper) for better overall utility by using a T-Wave + 3 attacks set with leftovers. This will help you against greninja and dragon dance users, because you can sacrifice thundurus to t-wave them and stop their rampage. Here's the set:

Thundurus @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]

. Some ev spreads can be tweaked imo. For example, Excadrill is still outsped by many relevant scarfers even under sand. I would change Excadrill's spread to 164 Spd / 252 Atk / 92 HP Adamant: you will have enough speed to outspeed Deoxys-S under sand and anything slower, including for example scarf garchomp. Faster scarfers (Latios, Keldeo, Terrakion) are handled well by the rest of the team. If you think excadrill will be too frail with this spread, you can drop some attack evs, but I think the minimum attack investment should be 152, in order to achieve the guaranteed OHKO against garchomp after SD (and 2hko it if unboosted).

I can make similar statements about Charizard: the bulk is nice, but your set requires more than one boost to become a real threat, because its power after only one DD is quite disappointing (especially against more defensively oriented teams). I thus suggest this spread: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 120 Spd. 120 evs let you outspeed jolly mega tyranitar, 252 maximize your attack power, the remaining evs give more bulk.

English is not my first language, so i apologize for any grammar mistake. Hope this helped!
 
Last edited:
Alright, so I have given this team a major revamp, with Rotom W, Ferrothorn, Aegislash and Mandibuzz replacing Gourgeist-Super, Tyranitar, Thundurus and Excadrill. I feel this team is more balanced, an hopefully it will do better than my previous team. Keep in mind, that it is all about Charizard getting the sweep. Over to you, Smogon.
 
Hi Skyron, this team caught my attention when you posted, so I tested it on the ladder, and I admit it's really fun to use!
I found two big problems though: 1. Too many setup sweepers (as pointed out by Oranos) 2. Lack of priority to deal with faster threats (shadow sneak from gourgeist is quite weak tbh)
These are the fixes that I suggest:

. Replace BU Conkeldurr with the Assault vest set. Your team is currently really annoyed by Rotom-W if charizard hasn't mega evolved yet, as Excadrill can't touch the washing machine without mold breaker, and AV Conk checks it pretty well. It also has a decently powerful priority move in Mach Punch. I know it's very standard, but it's arguably the best Conkeldurr set in the current metagame:

Conkeldurr (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Guts
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Atk / 108 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Mach Punch
- Drain Punch
- Ice Punch
- Knock Off

. I really like Thundurus-I's set, but i don't think it fits this team very well: it gets worn down too quickly due to life orb + sand damage, so it can easily be revenge killed with priority. So I suggest you sacrifice a bit of offensive power (and another setup sweeper) for better overall utility by using a T-Wave + 3 attacks set with leftovers. This will help you against greninja and dragon dance users, because you can sacrifice thundurus to t-wave them and stop their rampage. Here's the set:

Thundurus @ Leftovers
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Focus Blast
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]

. Some ev spreads can be tweaked imo. Charizard requires more turns to set up and become a real threat, and excadrill is still outsped by many relevant scarfers even under sand. I would change Excadrill's spread to 164 Spd / 252 Atk / 92 HP Adamant: you will have enough speed to outspeed Deoxys-S under sand and anything slower, including for example scarf garchomp. Faster scarfers (Latios, Keldeo, Terrakion) are handled well by the rest of the team. If you think excadrill will be too frail with this spread, you can drop some attack evs, but I think the minimum attack investment should be 152, in order to achieve the guaranteed OHKO against garchomp after SD (and 2hko it if unboosted).

I can make similar statements about charizard: the bulk is nice, but your set requires morethan one boost to become a real threat, because its power after only one DD is quite disappointing (especially against more defensively oriented teams). I thus suggest this spread: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 120 Spd. 120 evs let you outspeed jolly mega tyranitar, 252 maximize your attack power, the remaining evs give more bulk.

English is not my first language, so i apologize for any grammar mistake. Hope this helped!

Just made some major changes to the team, nice timing btw :P.

No worries, though. I'll make the changes to Charizard and Conkeldurr. Its true with the case of Charizard, as it often requires 2 DD boosts to properly sweep, and Mach Punch and Assault Vest will definitely help Conkeldurr. Thanks for the help.
 
Back
Top