Core Analysis Workshop (Week 11: Mega Gallade + Tapu Lele)

[Steel With It]

Threat: Heatran.

Set

Heatran @ Grassium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 252 Spe / 4 SpD
Timid Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Solar Beam
- Taunt / Stealth Rock

Heatran's typing, bulk, Fire/Ground coverage, ability to ignore Intimidate and inability to lose its item to Knock Off make it a real pain for this core. There is a small chance of it being 2HKO'd by Thunderbolt or Knock Off should you mispredict, but it easily OHKOs in return and you can always run some HP investment if you want to guarantee the 3HKO.

 

[Riddikulusness]

Threat:

Magearna @ Fairium Z
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpA / 4 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Fleur Cannon
- Trick Room
- Focus Blast
- Flash Cannon

Magearna is a huge threat to this core as it can easily come in on Weavile and set up on it. It can also take a hit from Manectric and blow it away with a Twinkle Tackle. Any Magearna set works here, but I chose OTR since it doesn't fear having its item Knocked off, while still keeping its bulk high to take a hit from Mane (other sets have their perks too, like how AV can reliably switch in on Manectric, but can lose its item to Weavile, and cant hit back as hard).

Partner:

Volcarona @ Charti Berry / Firium Z / Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Ground]
- Giga Drain / Psychic

Just like my nomination from last week, Volcarona is an exceptional teammate to the core. It can switch in on most (if not all) Magearna sets, and threaten back with a Fire Blast/Inferno Overdrive, which can potentially give Volc free set up. I chose to run HP Ground on this set so it can hit Heatran, another threat to this core. Volc also appreciates the Volt Switch support Manectric gives, as it can get Volc in for free vs. some things that Manectric lures in, like AV Tangrowth or Magearna (which both give Volc set up opportunities). Volc also appreciates the Pursuit support Weavile provides, as it can either kill or weaken some of Volcs checks like Latios and Chansey. Weavile in general is great for Volc, as it can deal with Zygarde, Knock off keldeos scarf, and deal with Garchomp. The item Volc runs can vary heavily depending on the team (which is why there are so many slashes, sorry). Overall, Volc is an incredible teammate for these two.

Calcs

252 Atk Choice Band Weavile Icicle Crash vs. 248 HP / 4 Def Magearna: 87-102 (23.9 - 28%) -- 94.1% chance to 4HKO

252 SpA Manectric-Mega Overheat vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Magearna: 260-306 (71.6 - 84.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (can take one hit)

252+ SpA Magearna Twinkle Tackle (195 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Manectric-Mega: 421-496 (149.8 - 176.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Magearna Flash Cannon vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Weavile: 326-386 (116 - 137.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Magearna Twinkle Tackle (195 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 167-197 (53.6 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Magearna: 330-390 (90.9 - 107.4%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Inferno Overdrive (185 BP) vs. 200 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 408-480 (116.2 - 136.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

1 252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 200 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 242-288 (68.9 - 82%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

56 SpA Magearna Fleur Cannon vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Volcarona: 88-104 (28.2 - 33.4%) -- 0% chance to 3HKO

+1 252 SpA Volcarona Hidden Power Ground vs. 232 HP / 0 SpD Heatran: 384-456 (100.7 - 119.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO (lol)

 

[Ramses]

Top 3 Threats

Top 3 Partners

*do note these partners were not listed but are generally good partners. mew provides defog support which both members very much appreciates, zygarde takes advantage of quite a few options that can tackle the duo while benefitting from pursuit, and landorus-t forms a volturn core with mega manectric and sets up stealth rock the most reliably for them.

Week 9: Mega Tyranitar + Greninja

fresh core

Tyranitar @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Fire Punch
- Ice Punch
- Stone Edge

Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Gunk Shot
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power Fire / Hydro Pump / Dark Pulse
- Spikes

This is a nice core with the basis of Greninja setting up Spikes for Mega Tyranitar to sweep a lot easier. It also assists Tyranitar by weakening things like Tapu Fini and Clefable with an option in Dark Pulse to hit (Mega) Slowbro, and Mew.

 

[DeltaRott]

Week 9: Mega Tyranitar + Greninja

fresh core

Tyranitar @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Fire Punch
- Ice Punch
- Stone Edge

Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Gunk Shot
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power Fire / Hydro Pump / Dark Pulse
- Spikes

This is a nice core with the basis of Greninja setting up Spikes for Mega Tyranitar to sweep a lot easier. It also assists Tyranitar by weakening things like Tapu Fini and Clefable with an option in Dark Pulse to hit (Mega) Slowbro, and Mew.

Reserving Keldeo as a threat and Magearna as a partner

 

[Pantastic]

Reserving Mega-Swampert as a threat and Rocky Helmet Tangrowth as a partner

 

[Martin]

Threats

Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Scald
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Stone Edge

Keldeo does a good job of keeping both of these Pokemon in check with its typing defensively and its STABs, being capable of outrunning +1 Mega Tyranitar and KOing it with Secret Sword. VS Keldeo it is able to OHKO it after it uses any move other than Hydro Pump, and it doesn't really fear anything from the listed set other than Gunk Shot, which 2HKOs.

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Spore
- Swords Dance
- Mach Punch
- Bullet Seed

Breloom has access to STAB Techician Mach Punch, guaranteeing the OHKO against it. While it can't OHKO a neutral Greninja with Mach Punch, it deals very heavy damage to it regardless–giving it a good chance to KO after 3 turns of LO recoil.

Partners

Latios @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psychic
- Surf
- Roost

Latios provides a buffer versus Keldeo while providing useful wallbreaking power in the process. Keld+Tar teams do kinda give this core a headache though, so Surf is preferable to HP Fire for its ability to 2HKO uninvested Tar which try to switch in on+trap Latios.

Latias @ Soul Dew
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe OR 160 HP / 96 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Healing Wish
- Roost

Latias provides a much more sturdy buffer versus Keldeo while also having access to Healing Wish, which Tyranitar absolutely adores due to the fact that it allows it to play much more recklessly early-game. The second spread allows Latias to take 2 Icy Winds from Choice Specs Keldeo if Stealth Rock is not on the field. If you're running the max SpA spread, Colbur Berry+HP Fighting is an option over Soul Dew+Draco Meteor to take advantage of people who try to trap Latias with Tyranitar, taking the Pursuit or Crunch (the latter if at full health) and 2HKOing it after Stealth Rock.

 

[Ramses]

Reserving Keldeo as a threat and Magearna as a partner

Reserving Mega-Swampert as a threat and Rocky Helmet Tangrowth as a partner

I'm gonna extent this is bit until the 1st of July so the tagged individuals can get their submissions in and hopefully other submissions

 

[DeltaRott]

I'm gonna extent this is bit until the 1st of July so the tagged individuals can get their submissions in and hopefully other submissions

Sorry man, I totally forgot about this. I'll edit this post with my write up in a little bit. I did notice someone else used Choice Scarf Keldeo as a threat, which is fair considering I didn't finish my write-up in time. But for the hell of it, I'll still do this because I believe Magearna is a solid addition to this team.

Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Scald

This set is a threat because it can come in on other mon with little fear of anything(sans chip) and just aimlessly click Secret Sword to rampage through the team. AV Magearna is a good addition to this core because it appreciates spikes wearing down some of its more notable checks like Heatran and the like while reciprocating by coming in on anything Keldeo has to offer and pivoting out with Volt Switch as needed.

 

[Riddikulusness]

Threat:

Magearna @ Fairium Z
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Focus Blast
- Trick Room
- Fleur Cannon
- Thunderbolt

OTR Magearna is a massive threat to the core, as it can take a hit vs. both members, set up TR, and proceed to nuke one of the members. Unboosted Twinkle Tackle easily OHKO's both members, and the other remaining member can easily die to a +1 attack. Magearna can take any attack from either member at full (even a +1 fire punch from Mega Tar).

Partner:

Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Healing Wish
- U-turn
- Stealth Rock

Sp. Def Jirachi is a great partner to the core. First of all, it walls OTR Mage and can wear it down/kill it with Iron Heads. Jirachi provides Stealth Rock support, which can wear things down to make things even easier for the two. It also provides U-Turn support, which can get in either member safely. A lot of the Pokemon Jirachi invites in can be taken advantage of by the other core members, like Defensive Lando, Heatran, and Zapdos. Jirachi also gives Healing Wish support, which is very nice for TTar in particular, as that can give it a 2nd chance to sweep if it has been whittled down or statused. Last but not least, Jirachi also deals with other problematic Pokemon to the core like Scarf Lele. Overall, Rachi is a great partner to the core.

 

[Ramses]

Threats

Partners

Week 10: Mega Lopunny + Greninja

fire core

Lopunny @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Return
- Fake Out
- Ice Punch

Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Dark Pulse
- Toxic Spikes
- Spikes

a core from me with a Greninja set my friend has brought to light. Its based around Greninja utilizing dual hazards to immensely wear down Mega Lopunny's defensive checks for ease of breaking through them and cleaning. it also appreciates the fact that Greninja lures in Mew at times due to most variants foregoing Dark STAB. Pretty simple concept with a lot of variability in partners and threats!

 

[Leo]

Reserving thapex as a threat and Lando as a partner
Threat:

Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 192 Def / 64 SpD
Bold Nature
- Scald
- Haze
- Recover
- Toxic Spikes

This core struggles vs Toxapex because it lacks the power to break such a sturdy wall despite having Spikes to pressure it. It can just sit there and wall these 2 forever as well as slowly wear them down with Toxic Spikes

Partner:

Landorus-Therian @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Fly
- Smack Down
- Stealth Rock

Offensive Landorus provides rocks to form a nice hazard stacking core with Gren and also improves their Balance/Stall matchup because Gren and Lop can't really touch most walls.

 

[Riddikulusness]

Reserving Scarf Keldeo as a Threat and Sp. Def Celesteela as a Partner.

Threat:

Keldeo-Resolute @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
IVs: 30 Atk
- Secret Sword
- Hydro Pump
- Hidden Power [Electric]
- Stone Edge

Scarf Keldeo crushes this core. It outspeeds both members and kills them with a Secret Sword (unless gren is a poison or ground type, in which case you can just pump). It can easily take a hit from Greninja, and proceed to fire back with a strong attack depending on its type. While it cannot come in cleanly vs. Lop, Keldeo can come in on a free switch and pressure it out. Not much else to say really, Keldeo is a massive threat to the core.

Partner:

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Leech Seed
- Heavy Slam
- Protect
- Flamethrower

Sp. Def Celesteela is a great core partner for multiple reasons. First of all, it can take hits vs. Scarf Keld and easily recover off any damage with Leech Seed + Lefties + Protect. Celesteela also loves Toxic Spikes support from Gren, since when paired with Leech Seed and Protect, it can wear down the opponent really easily, which can make Lops job of cleaning up late game easier. Finally, Sp. Def Celesteela checks other threats to the core, like Scarf Lele, Mega Zam, and Clefable. All in all, a great partner to the core. (PS, If you havent tried Celesteela + Tspikes, try it, its flames).

 

[in the hills]

Threat:

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Moonblast
- Softboiled
- Calm Mind
252 Atk Lopunny-Mega Return vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Clefable: 153-180 (38.8 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
MLop can't land a 2hko on Clef and Gren does virtually nothing. Immunity to Spikes and Tspikes really helps Clef too.

i'll do heatran when i wake up in the morning it's 5am rn

 

[Aecito]

Threats

Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Focus Blast

Scarf Lele destroys this core pretty easily, it oustpeeds them both and ohko's both with moonblast. On top of that it even has psychic surge to block out lopunny's fake out.


Alakazam @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psychic
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Mega Zam for similar reasons destroys this core. being able to outpeed both of them and ohko with psychic and focus blast respectively.

 

[Stephenyc]

Threat & Partner

Tapu Bulu and Mega Mawile would make a great team against this duo. Early in the game, scouting is vital because Greninjas of any kind are dangerous. Switching from Bulu into Mawile gets off an Intimidate against the Greninjas possible Gunk Shot which in this case it does not have. This goes the same way against Mega Lopunny's Fake Out. Not only that but Intimidate + HUGE Power Mawile most likely will force out the opponent. However if the opponent considers sacking their Greninja just to get up hazards, it's okay because Grassy Terrain is up alleviates them from hurting too much on switch-ins.

Sets

Tapu Bulu @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Horn Leech
- Superpower
- Wood Hammer

Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 128 HP / 252 Atk / 128 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fire Fang
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Swords Dance

Some Calcs

252 Atk Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Lopunny-Mega in Grassy Terrain: 309-364 (114 - 134.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Lopunny-Mega in Grassy Terrain: 195-229 (71.9 - 84.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Tapu Bulu Superpower vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Lopunny-Mega: 274-324 (101.1 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Lopunny-Mega Ice Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Bulu: 150-178 (53.3 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after 3 layers of Spikes, Grassy Terrain recovery, and toxic damage
252 Atk Lopunny-Mega High Jump Kick vs. 128 HP / 0 Def Mawile-Mega: 181-214 (66.3 - 78.3%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO after 3 layers of Spikes

252 SpA Life Orb Protean Greninja Ice Beam vs. 128 HP / 0 SpD Mawile-Mega: 86-101 (31.5 - 36.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after 3 layers of Spikes

And we all know Mega Mawile will OHKO those two lunatic mons without a doubt

 

[Steel With It]

Threat: Mega Venusaur.

Set

Venusaur @ Venusaurite
Ability: Chlorophyll
EVs: 248 HP / 244 Def / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
- Giga Drain
- Sludge Bomb / HP Fire
- Leech Seed
- Synthesis

MegaSaur isn't 2HKO'd by any attack unless hazards are already on the field - Return does a max of 35.5% and Ice Beam does a max of 45.7% - allowing it to set up Leech Seed and slowly stall this pair to death. It also absorbs Toxic Spikes and dissuades Greninja from trying to use it as Spikes fodder with Giga Drain.

 

[Ramses]

I realize its been a while since I've updated this, but it was an experiment to see if keeping each week open longer would garner more participation and using the previous weeks as a guideline it has. I plan on getting back on track Wednesday with a new core and maybe a change in the dynamics of the thread.

 

[Martin]

Threats

Breloom @ Life Orb / Black Belt
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Mach Punch
- Bullet Seed
- Swords Dance
- Spore

Continuing with my meme of submitting Breloom as a threat to everything, it is capable of putting both of these Pokemon under heavy pressure woth Mach Punch, RKing both Pokemon with consistency (esp. considering Gren's choice of attacking moves).

Terrakion @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Rock Slide
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake

Same deal as Breloom (RKs both with total comsistency) except it also RKs Volcarona, resists Fake Out (so it can't be picked off by Lop if locked into CC) and can even switch in on Gren of it is healthy (you wouldn't do this in practice btw) and you're in a pinch while killing regardless of whether it used TSpikes as it comes in or not.

 

[Ramses]

Threats

Partners

Week 11: Mega Gallade + Tapu Lele

week 11

Gallade @ Galladite
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Swords Dance
- Knock Off
- Zen Headbutt

Tapu Lele @ Shed Shell
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hidden Power Fire
- Psyshock
- Moonblast
- Taunt

This week we have a core of Mega Gallade and Tapu Lele. The two create a fearsome duo as Gallade capitalizes immensely off the presence of Psychic Terrain, which Lele provides, and appreciates it's good matchup against most Stall archetypes.

 

[Riddikulusness]

Reserving Mimikyu as a threat and Celesteela as a partner (again).

Threat:

Mimikyu @ Life Orb
Ability: Disguise
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Shadow Claw
- Shadow Sneak
- Play Rough
- Swords Dance

As much as I dislike this mon (I think its a bad mon), it is a threat to the core. Life Orb Mimikyu is able to outspeed Lele and kill it with a Shadow Claw. It is able to take a hit from Gallade because of disguise and kill back with a Play Rough, potentially stopping a sweep from Gallade if it gets an SD up.

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Flamethrower
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Protect

Physdef Celesteela is able to take on Mimikyu well, as it can tank two +2 Shadow Claws and kill with two Heavy Slams (if it has Disguise intact, if it doesn't, one Slam kills). Celes also deals with potentially problematic Pokémon like Pinsir (outspeeds lele and gets free hits), Scarf Lando, Physical Protean Gren, and Mega Alakazam.

Calcs

252 Atk Life Orb Mimikyu Shadow Claw vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Lele: 296-351 (105.3 - 124.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 Atk Life Orb Mimikyu Play Rough vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Gallade-Mega: 312-369 (112.2 - 132.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

+2 252 Atk Life Orb Mimikyu Shadow Claw vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 164-192 (41.2 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Mimikyu: 314-372 (125 - 148.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[Seth Vilo]

Threat:

Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Earthquake
- Swords Dance

Not affected by Psychic Terrain and capable of KOing Lele with Return and MGallade with Quick Attack.

It actually IS affected by Psychic Terrain. For the Priority effect, it is based on the Target's grounded status, not the attack-user. Since Gallade and Lele are both grounded, they benefit from the priority immunity of the Terrain.

 

[Aecito]

Threat:

Gengar @ Choice Specs
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Trick

Both of these pokemon simply get ohko'd by gengar. Its able to outspeed Tapu lele and simply ohko it. It does speed tie with gallade, howver it cannot switch in it at all.

 

[Ramses]

hi so this thread has consistently failed to garner a healthy amount of participation. quite a few other threads have closed and its about time this one did too for now. maybe at some later time after Ultra SM is released we'll have more fun.

would greatly appreciate a mod locking this