If you are reading this thread, you know that Venomoth is currently being suspected, for good reason. It can sweep entire teams and became a huge problem for team building for me. RU was always my favorite tier and it was being torn to threads by a moth (no, not Mothim). I went through a few teams to get my reqs, but I hit a brick wall around 2000 COIL, until I built this team. I don't know what my record was, but I won a lot of games using this team. It is a Bulky Offense team with elements of Hyper Offense, so I hope you like punching holes into teams. Without further ado, the teambuilding process and the team itself.
THE SQUAD
Cam Newton (Camerupt-Mega) @ Cameruptite
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Why is he here?
I built the team around Mega Camerupt. It has so many good matchups thanks to its great bulk and defensive typing. It also has the ability to break down almost every wall in the tier with its great special attack and the sheer force ability. It beats Houndoom and Delphox 1v1 and also takes on the other megas in the tier very well (with my spread). This pick doesn't need much explanation, just an overall great mon in the tier.
Why the spread?
I don't know anyone else who uses this spread, because it has such a specific amount of speed EVs. Many Camerupts invest completely in bulk. A few invest some in speed to outspeed certain threats. Mine has enough speed to outspeed Mega Camerupts who invest enough to outspeed base 40s. Why outspeed base 40s? Here are a list of important mons you can outspeed because of this spread:
Amoonguss, Mega Steelix, Aromatisse, Escavalier (running speed), Bronzong, Cofagrigus, Quagsire, Spiritomb, Togetic, Rhyperior, and Camerupt (before mega evolving)
That is a significant list. You do miss out on some bulk, but I'll take that any day.
This Camerupt is my rocker as well and the first two attacks are self explanatory. You can run flamethrower if you don't like missing, but I don't mind it. Hidden Power Ice is there because you would not believe how many people switch Flygon into this thing expecting to eat up any hit. The only way Flygon lives an hp Ice is if it is fully specially defensive, but it still takes a lot. Have fun bopping your friends' Flygons with this Camel.
Skarm (Mantine) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Defog
- Scald
- Air Slash
- Toxic
Why is he here?
Mantine is the only nonconventional pick on the team. And before you point it out, I know Seismitoad is a lot better. But Mantine plays a very important role on the team and I could not switch it out. First off, it works perfectly with Mega Camerupt. Mantine is immune to both of Camerupt's weaknesses and Camerupt is immune to one of Mantine's 2 weaknesses (the more impactful one, at that). Mantine also serves as a great defogger and a great way to wear down Alomomola (see threatlist). Also, Mantine's stats are identical to Skarmory, just swapping physical for special. Skarmory obviously has much more utility, but just to give you a sense of the bulk, this thing takes hits just like a spdef Skarm would.
Why the spread?
This is a standard NU spread. Defog, toxic, dual stab. Spreads status. Sponges hits. Stops water types and choiced Flygon. Usually the first member to die, but it does its job better than any other mon.
Russel Westbrook (Durant) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- X-Scissor
- Superpower
- Baton Pass
Why is he here?
Durant is honestly one of the scariest and riskiest mons in RU. The Hustle ability is incredibly good if you hit, but incredibly bad because every moves becomes stone edge. Durant serves as one of my 2 late game sweepers and can put in a lot of work in the early game as well. A lot of teams have ways of preventing Durant from setting up, but very few have ways of outspeeding a scarfed variant.
Why the spread?
This set is the standard scarfed Durant spread. I run Adamant because the only scarfers that outspeed me are Flygon and Delphox, both of which are taken on well by Mantine. And the cardinal rule of Pokemon, if you don't need the speed, don't use it. I'm just using my speed to invest in harder hits. Superpower is necessary over Crunch because if Magneton tries to trap you, you can blow it back easily.
Virizon (Virizion) @ Lum Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Leaf Blade
- Zen Headbutt
Why is he here?
Virizon wireless gets great reception and when you call his number, he knows how to answer the phone. I always knew that Virizion is a huge threat in the tier, but I've never used one. Now, I know why it is so good. It hits hard, outspeeds a lot, and can set up fairly easily on a lot of walls. It works very well with Durant, being able to break down a lot of offensive cores, especially when rounded out with the last member on the team (stay tuned).
Why the spread?
About as standard as you can get. I know I'm using a lot of standard stuff, but it's standard for a reason. I use Zen Headbutt over Stone Edge because it is more reliable in accuracy and hits Amoonguss harder, which can be helpful when catching it on a switch.
Floaty Thing (Eelektross) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpA
Quiet Nature
- Volt Switch
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Flamethrower
Why is he here?
Bulk and coverage. Enough said.
Jk. Eelektross is a very splashable mon because it has great coverage, no weaknesses, and serves as a great offensive pivot. So I guess it is just bulk and coverage. No need to even talk about the spread, it is literally just for bulk and coverage.
RU Bird (Fletchinder)
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 120 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Swords Dance
Why is he here?
Fletchinder ties the team together so well. Priority Acrobatics is a great tool that can sweep unprepared teams. Acrobatics cannot break through Rock, Steel, or Electric. Remember how this team has a Mega Camerupt and a Virizion. As my primary late game cleaner, if I can clear the field of all rock types, Eelektrosses and statusing Steels and Bulky Waters, it is gg. Fletchinder can be complete dead weight in a lot of battles, or it can be the thing that sweeps through a whole team.
Why the spread?
The only thing not standard about this spread is the EVs. I run 8 extra speed EVs over the standard spread to outspeed opposing Fletchinders. WoW allows the bird to set up on Mega Steelix (not running Roar) among other physically attacking walls. It also sets up on choice locked mons really well. Roost aids in longevity and Acrobatics is the best priority you can find in RU.
Other Important Notes
Shoutout to Youtuber LordEmvee who created a similar team based around Mega Camerupt. Much of the inspiration for this team came from this guy. I don't know him personally, so this is not an advertisement, but I think he's a great Youtuber and y'all should check him out.
THE SQUAD
Cam Newton (Camerupt-Mega) @ Cameruptite
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 80 HP / 252 SpA / 176 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Hidden Power [Ice]
Why is he here?
I built the team around Mega Camerupt. It has so many good matchups thanks to its great bulk and defensive typing. It also has the ability to break down almost every wall in the tier with its great special attack and the sheer force ability. It beats Houndoom and Delphox 1v1 and also takes on the other megas in the tier very well (with my spread). This pick doesn't need much explanation, just an overall great mon in the tier.
Why the spread?
I don't know anyone else who uses this spread, because it has such a specific amount of speed EVs. Many Camerupts invest completely in bulk. A few invest some in speed to outspeed certain threats. Mine has enough speed to outspeed Mega Camerupts who invest enough to outspeed base 40s. Why outspeed base 40s? Here are a list of important mons you can outspeed because of this spread:
Amoonguss, Mega Steelix, Aromatisse, Escavalier (running speed), Bronzong, Cofagrigus, Quagsire, Spiritomb, Togetic, Rhyperior, and Camerupt (before mega evolving)
That is a significant list. You do miss out on some bulk, but I'll take that any day.
This Camerupt is my rocker as well and the first two attacks are self explanatory. You can run flamethrower if you don't like missing, but I don't mind it. Hidden Power Ice is there because you would not believe how many people switch Flygon into this thing expecting to eat up any hit. The only way Flygon lives an hp Ice is if it is fully specially defensive, but it still takes a lot. Have fun bopping your friends' Flygons with this Camel.
Skarm (Mantine) @ Leftovers
Ability: Water Absorb
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Defog
- Scald
- Air Slash
- Toxic
Why is he here?
Mantine is the only nonconventional pick on the team. And before you point it out, I know Seismitoad is a lot better. But Mantine plays a very important role on the team and I could not switch it out. First off, it works perfectly with Mega Camerupt. Mantine is immune to both of Camerupt's weaknesses and Camerupt is immune to one of Mantine's 2 weaknesses (the more impactful one, at that). Mantine also serves as a great defogger and a great way to wear down Alomomola (see threatlist). Also, Mantine's stats are identical to Skarmory, just swapping physical for special. Skarmory obviously has much more utility, but just to give you a sense of the bulk, this thing takes hits just like a spdef Skarm would.
Why the spread?
This is a standard NU spread. Defog, toxic, dual stab. Spreads status. Sponges hits. Stops water types and choiced Flygon. Usually the first member to die, but it does its job better than any other mon.
Russel Westbrook (Durant) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Hustle
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- X-Scissor
- Superpower
- Baton Pass
Why is he here?
Durant is honestly one of the scariest and riskiest mons in RU. The Hustle ability is incredibly good if you hit, but incredibly bad because every moves becomes stone edge. Durant serves as one of my 2 late game sweepers and can put in a lot of work in the early game as well. A lot of teams have ways of preventing Durant from setting up, but very few have ways of outspeeding a scarfed variant.
Why the spread?
This set is the standard scarfed Durant spread. I run Adamant because the only scarfers that outspeed me are Flygon and Delphox, both of which are taken on well by Mantine. And the cardinal rule of Pokemon, if you don't need the speed, don't use it. I'm just using my speed to invest in harder hits. Superpower is necessary over Crunch because if Magneton tries to trap you, you can blow it back easily.
Virizon (Virizion) @ Lum Berry
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Leaf Blade
- Zen Headbutt
Why is he here?
Virizon wireless gets great reception and when you call his number, he knows how to answer the phone. I always knew that Virizion is a huge threat in the tier, but I've never used one. Now, I know why it is so good. It hits hard, outspeeds a lot, and can set up fairly easily on a lot of walls. It works very well with Durant, being able to break down a lot of offensive cores, especially when rounded out with the last member on the team (stay tuned).
Why the spread?
About as standard as you can get. I know I'm using a lot of standard stuff, but it's standard for a reason. I use Zen Headbutt over Stone Edge because it is more reliable in accuracy and hits Amoonguss harder, which can be helpful when catching it on a switch.
Floaty Thing (Eelektross) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Atk / 252 SpA
Quiet Nature
- Volt Switch
- Giga Drain
- Knock Off
- Flamethrower
Why is he here?
Bulk and coverage. Enough said.
Jk. Eelektross is a very splashable mon because it has great coverage, no weaknesses, and serves as a great offensive pivot. So I guess it is just bulk and coverage. No need to even talk about the spread, it is literally just for bulk and coverage.
RU Bird (Fletchinder)
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 136 HP / 252 Atk / 120 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Acrobatics
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Swords Dance
Why is he here?
Fletchinder ties the team together so well. Priority Acrobatics is a great tool that can sweep unprepared teams. Acrobatics cannot break through Rock, Steel, or Electric. Remember how this team has a Mega Camerupt and a Virizion. As my primary late game cleaner, if I can clear the field of all rock types, Eelektrosses and statusing Steels and Bulky Waters, it is gg. Fletchinder can be complete dead weight in a lot of battles, or it can be the thing that sweeps through a whole team.
Why the spread?
The only thing not standard about this spread is the EVs. I run 8 extra speed EVs over the standard spread to outspeed opposing Fletchinders. WoW allows the bird to set up on Mega Steelix (not running Roar) among other physically attacking walls. It also sets up on choice locked mons really well. Roost aids in longevity and Acrobatics is the best priority you can find in RU.
Other Important Notes
Alomomola: I can never seem to break through this thing. If the other player is smart and doesn't leave it in against Virizion and Eelektross, it could be a long day. Stall with this mon is a huge problem, but stall without it is not a big deal.
Tyrantrum: I have no switch ins for this thing. I have a number of ways to revenge kill it, but my whole team is 2HKOed by Head Smash.
Sticky Web: I have 3 floating things, but Durant and Virizion slowed down by webs allows things to destroy my team. Defogging is a huge priority for me if webs go up.
Qwilfish: I'm not that scared of this thing's offensive power, but I do have some issues breaking through it with the majority of my team. It can get spikes up easily and wear down my Camerupt, making not investing in bulk as much a huge liability.
Fletchinder: If you see this, keep Eelektross healthy. I made the mistake once of letting it take too much damage and a Fletchinder turned a 5-2 deficit into a sweep.
Tyrantrum: I have no switch ins for this thing. I have a number of ways to revenge kill it, but my whole team is 2HKOed by Head Smash.
Sticky Web: I have 3 floating things, but Durant and Virizion slowed down by webs allows things to destroy my team. Defogging is a huge priority for me if webs go up.
Qwilfish: I'm not that scared of this thing's offensive power, but I do have some issues breaking through it with the majority of my team. It can get spikes up easily and wear down my Camerupt, making not investing in bulk as much a huge liability.
Fletchinder: If you see this, keep Eelektross healthy. I made the mistake once of letting it take too much damage and a Fletchinder turned a 5-2 deficit into a sweep.
Showcasing Fletchinder's late game cleaning ability (note: the other guy was not that good):
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/rususpecttest-269997600
Showcasing Camerupt being a boss and Virizion's presence:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/rususpecttest-270943118
Showcasing Durant (maybe the best scarfed Durant sweep ever):
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/rususpecttest-270946571
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/rususpecttest-269997600
Showcasing Camerupt being a boss and Virizion's presence:
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/rususpecttest-270943118
Showcasing Durant (maybe the best scarfed Durant sweep ever):
http://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/rususpecttest-270946571
Shoutout to Youtuber LordEmvee who created a similar team based around Mega Camerupt. Much of the inspiration for this team came from this guy. I don't know him personally, so this is not an advertisement, but I think he's a great Youtuber and y'all should check him out.
