ORAS PU Born to Run (PU HO)

[5gen]

(Song featured in Fifa 08, nostalgic for me)

Hello there, it's 5gen. Some of you may know me from Showdown or the PU forums, but I don't play much since I only play on weekends because of school and stuff. When I do play, I prefer using offense oriented teams because of the fast paced battles and prediction that is involved in using them. So me and my friend Yosp decided to build a hyper offense team around Basculin and NP Simisage.

Teambuilding Process​

Basculin and Nasty Plot Simisage were a core we wanted to build around because of their ability to break down each others checks and counters. They also do a good job of just pressuring opposing teams and whittling them down.

Hazard Stack Crustle was added so the team has a dedicated lead that could set up both Stealth Rocks or Spikes. Dusknoir was the next poke as it functions as a spin blocker and Pursuit Trapper for the team.

Hyper Offense teams generally have scarfers, so CS Raichu was put on to provide some speed and Volt Switch momentum. Monferno was put on as a secondary wincon, and it also hits ice types which can trouble the team.

As per Megazard 's suggestion, Purugly was added in place of Monferno. It improves the matchup versus opposing Hyper Offense teams, something the previous version struggled with somewhat. Purugly also form a nice Volt-Turn core alongside Raichu, which is nice for momentum.

In-Depth Look​

Basculin @ Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Superpower
- Ice Beam

Basculin was chosen to be on the team because it is a good wallbreaker that punches holes in teams for Simisage to exploit. It was chosen over other water types because of Adaptability, which doubles the base power of STAB moves. Basculin is able to put in work vs pretty much any team since few mons switch into it safely.

The given Basculin set is LO Mixed, which is imo the best Basc set. With Life Orb, Basculin gets a 30% power boost at the cost of 10% health each time it attacks. It also allows it to switch up moves, something banded sets restrict. Waterfall is Basculin's strongest attack, reaching 160 bp after Adaptability. Aqua Jet also gets the 2x increase, making it a powerful form of priority. Superpower and Ice Beam are coverage moves, hitting steels, normals and ghosts. The EV spread is standard, maxing out Attack and Speed.

Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Focus Blast
- Nasty Plot

Nasty Plot Simisage is a great partner to Basculin, cleaning up the messes it leaves. This particular Sage is a really good cleaner and stall-breaker vs slower teams. NP Sage turns it's usual counters like Gourgeist-Super or Tangela into set-up fodder. Once it gets a Nasty Plot off, Simisage can be really hard to stop if you can't outspeed. At +2, Simi's coverage allow it to beat a large range of mons.

I honestly don't know why this set isn't as popular as I think it should be. People usually go for the scarf set or All out Attacker LO set but Nasty Plot can be as good or better in most cases. With Nasty Plot, Simisage is able to get to +2 Sp.Atk which make it pretty threatening mon to face. It is able to get an NP off on predicted switches or against bulky mons like Gourgeist, Audino, Clefairy or Stunfisk (beware T-Wave on last two). Giga Drain is it's STAB that heals back 50% of damage dealt which negates Life Orb recoil. Focus Blast and HP Ice are coverage moves Simisage really needs, hitting mons like AV Bouffalant, Altaria or Vullaby (HP Rock isn't used because it HP Ice hits more pokes). Max speed and special attack for full offensive capabilities.

Calcs

Simisage (aka Sage the Destroyer)
252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Rotom-F: 265-312 (109.9 - 129.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Giga Drain vs. 160 HP / 28 SpD Eviolite Machoke: 253-300 (74.1 - 87.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Monferno: 315-370 (117.1 - 137.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Stoutland Return vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Simisage: 352-415 (120.9 - 142.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 224+ SpD Eviolite Roselia: 161-190 (52.9 - 62.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Giga Drain vs. 160 HP / 0 SpD Grumpig: 242-286 (70.9 - 83.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Audino: 442-523 (107.8 - 127.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Giga Drain vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Stunfisk: 265-315 (62.7 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Eviolite Vullaby: 265-312 (77.2 - 90.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Bouffalant: 385-455 (97.9 - 115.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Focus Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Regice: 153-182 (50.8 - 60.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Eviolite Tangela: 380-447 (113.7 - 133.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Hidden Power Ice vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Gourgeist-Super: 354-419 (94.6 - 112%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Life Orb Simisage Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 72+ SpD Altaria: 234-276 (66.2 - 78.1%) -- 25% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

Crustle @ Custap Berry
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes

This recent drop has become the main hazard stacker of PU. Crustle is the dedicated lead of the team because it is able to set up both Stealth Rocks and Spikes.

This pokemon's role on the team is to set up as many hazards as possible before fainting. Stealth Rocks is the main hazard, providing some important chip damage for the rest of the team. Spikes also does the same but only affects grounded pokes. Knock Off is Knock Off, removing items on leads like Custap Golem or other mons that it faces. Rock Blast is chosen over Stone Edge because of it's accuracy and capability of breaking sashes, Sturdy and subs. The given EV spread gives Crustle max speed and attack. This is important to set up hazards and deal more damage. Max HP can also be used over Atk to set up more hazards, but getting into Custap range is more difficult.

Dusknoir @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 208 HP / 252 Atk / 48 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Pursuit
- Shadow Sneak

Dusknoir is the Spinblocker and Pursuit Trapper of the team. Dusk has been getting better in this meta because of Spinners like Cryogonal picking up popularity. It's natural bulk is appreciated on HO teams since it is able to sponge a couple of attacks.

So we felt that we needed another Life Orb attacker Life Orb Dusknoir is really nice mon currently, beating common SR users like Metang or Stunfisk while also pursuit-trapping psychics like Grumpig and hazard removers such as Cryogonal or Vibrava. Earthquake and Ice Punch are coverage moves, hitting a range of pokes super-effectively. Pursuit is for trapping mons and Shadow Sneak is for STAB priority. This EV spread allows Dusk to outspeed min base 50's and 44 Spe base 45's. Adamant nature and 252 EVs into attack for full power and the rest into HP for bulk.

Raichu @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch

Scarf Raichu gives the team some speed, reaching 525 speed. Raichu brings an electric immunity to the team and momentum through Volt Switch. The surprise factor Scarfchu brings is also handy (kills unsuspecting Floatzels hehe).

Choice Scarf Raichu is something that surprised be and Yosp during testing. It's ability to clean opposing offensive teams and act as a revenge killer was beyond what I personally expected. Basculin and Simisage ground types and dent special walls which allows Raichu to Volt-Switch freely. Thunderbolt is for strong STAB, Focus Blast hits normals, ices and steels if it lands and finally HP Ice for dragons and grasses. The EV spread is standard but the IVs minimize attack to lessen damage from Foul Play and confusion.

Monferno @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
- Mach Punch
- Swords Dance

SD Monferno acts as a second wincon for the team. The combo of fighting and fire is great offensively as the team struggles with ice types like Regice.

Swords Dance Monferno is amazing in PU. It's combination of STAB fighting and fire attacks is enough to trouble or sweep a lot of teams. When Simisage can't sweep, Monferno usually does. Swords Dance give it plus two attack which allows it run through teams. Iron Fist boosted Mach Punch is decently strong priority, Close Combat is strong STAB and the same goes for Flare Blitz. Monferno helps beat ice types like Regice and steels like Metang which can be difficult to wear down. EV spread is standard SD Monf.
OR

Purugly @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Frustration
- Sucker Punch
- U-Turn/Play Rough/Knock Off

The original version of the team struggled the most against opposing HO teams so Purugly was added in place of Monferno. Purugly brings speed, priority, U-Turn and a solid way to attack Machoke to the team.

Purugly is here in place of Monferno because of it's ability to pressure offensive teams with strong STAB in Frustration, great priority in Fake Out and Sucker Punch. It can also run U-Turn for momentum, Knock Off because it's broken to hit away poke's items and Play Rough to hit Machoke. EVs are also standard, opting for power and speed. Life Orb to increase it's damage output.

Threats​

Machoke is annoying for Hyper Offense teams to face. It's sheer bulk and D-Punch spam is hard to deal with. You try to Knock Off it's Eviolite with Crustle as some like to lead it. Basculin usually dents it then dies so either Simisage or Raichu revenge it.

The teams ice switch ins are Basculin and Monferno...So uh...Regice pretty much gets kills if it fires off an attack. Luckily, it is easily killed by Monf or Basc and hazards whittle it down.

Again no switch ins. Raichu outspeeds and kills. Dusk can live attacks and beat it (same as Basc if at full).

Same as Float but since it is frail the priority between Monferno, Dusknoir and Basculin helps kill it.

Scarf variants can trouble the team but the rocks weakness, Raichu and priority from the team help kill it.

Importable

Basculin @ Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Superpower
- Ice Beam

Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Focus Blast
- Nasty Plot

Crustle @ Custap Berry
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes

Dusknoir @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Pursuit
- Shadow Sneak

Raichu @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch

Monferno @ Eviolite
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
- Mach Punch
- Swords Dance

Version 2 Importable

Basculin @ Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Superpower
- Ice Beam

Simisage @ Life Orb
Ability: Overgrow
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Focus Blast
- Nasty Plot

Crustle @ Custap Berry
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Rock Blast
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes

Dusknoir @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 212 HP / 252 Atk / 44 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch
- Pursuit
- Shadow Sneak

Raichu @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch

Purugly @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Frustration
- Sucker Punch
- U-Turn/Play Rough/Knock Off

Peaked at 1567 (5gen4fun #16 on ladder, decent imo) http://imgur.com/8zCKmDh
Sorry no replays but I don't tend to save any (had some nice games vs Himiko Cloud using KJ Corp 's Big Eater team [NP Sage does well against it])

 

[MZ]

Sup man. I like this team quite a bit, start with a solid core that already gives a v nice bo matchup and work backwards, and NP Simisage really is underrated rn (seriously I went from having no opinion to loving this in like 3 test games). The main problem I'm seeing is actually the opposing HO matchup, which you've kinda sacrificed to work on beating slower playstyles. This is where the issues with Floatzel, Scarf Dodrio, etc come into play. Fortunately you already have strong jet+dusk which really annoys HO a lot so all I have to suggest as a change is swapping Monferno for dual priority Purugly. You don't really need a wincon here and I'll admit the Pawniard matchup gets more annoying but the tradeoff is having a nice anti-HO mon which can also make machoke want to come in and knock+return to get it out of the way for the rest of the team (if you want because it's on ur threatlist, play rough purugly 2hkos offensive variants and defensive ones after a rock and spike as well although you'd have to sacrifice something else useful). It also drops an ice switch but you put so much offensive pressure on them that the only mildly threatening one is scarf rotom which dies to priority after coming into rocks twice and doesnt really switch in although blizzard spam is admittedly annoying from something with better base speed than regice. Plus defiant for hazard HO is always cool. Basically u have a better tool to face off against jumpluff, zebstrika, ninjask, those kinds of fast annoying things. You don't get a switchin, but it's hyper offense and that's underrated compared to just annoying things and stuff.
Also I just don't like knock crustle, EQ is just way more useful overall imo but definitely a more personal preference thing. Definitely appreciated having x-scissor in the couple of test games I played with this. You could also strongly consider sucker punch on dusknoir, it fits perfectly on this team in theory but I can't figure out what move to drop tbh because normally that's pursuit but I like the ability to grab weakened float and the like for this team. Anyway, I hope this helps you out!

Purugly @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Sucker Punch
- U-turn / Play Rough
- Frustration

 

[5gen]

Sup man. I like this team quite a bit, start with a solid core that already gives a v nice bo matchup and work backwards, and NP Simisage really is underrated rn (seriously I went from having no opinion to loving this in like 3 test games). The main problem I'm seeing is actually the opposing HO matchup, which you've kinda sacrificed to work on beating slower playstyles. This is where the issues with Floatzel, Scarf Dodrio, etc come into play. Fortunately you already have strong jet+dusk which really annoys HO a lot so all I have to suggest as a change is swapping Monferno for dual priority Purugly. You don't really need a wincon here and I'll admit the Pawniard matchup gets more annoying but the tradeoff is having a nice anti-HO mon which can also make machoke want to come in and knock+return to get it out of the way for the rest of the team (if you want because it's on ur threatlist, play rough purugly 2hkos offensive variants and defensive ones after a rock and spike as well although you'd have to sacrifice something else useful). It also drops an ice switch but you put so much offensive pressure on them that the only mildly threatening one is scarf rotom which dies to priority after coming into rocks twice and doesnt really switch in although blizzard spam is admittedly annoying from something with better base speed than regice. Plus defiant for hazard HO is always cool. Basically u have a better tool to face off against jumpluff, zebstrika, ninjask, those kinds of fast annoying things. You don't get a switchin, but it's hyper offense and that's underrated compared to just annoying things and stuff.
Also I just don't like knock crustle, EQ is just way more useful overall imo but definitely a more personal preference thing. Definitely appreciated having x-scissor in the couple of test games I played with this. You could also strongly consider sucker punch on dusknoir, it fits perfectly on this team in theory but I can't figure out what move to drop tbh because normally that's pursuit but I like the ability to grab weakened float and the like for this team. Anyway, I hope this helps you out!

Purugly @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
Happiness: 0
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Sucker Punch
- U-turn / Play Rough
- Frustration

First and foremost thanks for the rate, glad you think the team is cool. The nature of the team is that it tends to work best against slower teams and struggle the most vs faster teams (mons mentioned in threat list) as you stated in the rate. I actually really like the idea of Purugly over Monferno as it gives me a way to comfortably face opposing HO teams/pokes. The Purugly suggestion also allows me to swap Knock Off for EQ or X-Scissor on Crustle. To be honest the Pawn matchup does get worse but there are ways around (like spiking up more or revenging with Basc or Raichu). I got the same feelings as you on Sucker Punch Dusk, I'll try it out anyways and see how it goes. Best of luck in future rates Megazard.