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+2 252 Atk Raticate-Alola High Horsepower vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Celesteela: 196-232 (49.3 - 58.4%) -- 65.2% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252 Atk Raticate-Alola Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 100-118 (35.2 - 41.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (note that Cofagrigus does not have reliable recovery)
+2 252 Atk Raticate-Alola Double-Edge vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Tapu Bulu: 172-204 (46.1 - 54.6%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
+2 252 Atk Raticate-Alola High Horsepower vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Swalot: 262-310 (47.3 - 56%) -- 80.1% chance to 2HKO
It 2HKOs basically everything except Tapu Bulu with its unresisted combination of Knock Off, Double-Edge, and High Horsepower, and that's not even mentioning Choice Band or Swords Dance. Unless some physical behemoth is introduced, this mon looks like the death of any defensive team.
Cofagrigus should beat it pretty consistently in a 1v1 due to Pain Split taking advantage of Raticate's naturally high HP for a full or nearly full heal and then Cofag can proceed to Will-o-Wisp and stall out Gravity. Or it'll just start running Mummy in order to completely mess it up.
But yeah nothing else switches in on him really, somewhat like Mega Mawile in OU. Here's to future users of Mach Punch!
Celesteela, just like Nihilego and Poipole, joins the ranks of the questionably-balanced Ultra Beasts! Here's some sets:
Mixed Wall (Celesteela) @ Leftovers / Metal Powder
Ability: Force of Attraction
EVs: 248 HP / 72 Def / 188 SpD
Careful Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake / Toxic
- Leech Seed
- Protect / Explosion
Even with no attack investment Celesteela's Heavy Slam is a scary prospect for offense to handle, with potential switch-ins Metagross and Tapu Bulu fearing Earthquake and Toxic, respectively. Leech Seed+Leftovers+Protect is Celesteela's form of recovery, while Explosion can be ran if you opt for Metal Powder to bring Raticate in safely further into a match. Also Force Of Attraction, while not aiding Celesteela directly offensive (Nihilego is already bopped by Heavy Slam), does ensure that Leech Seed and Toxic never miss :]
Automize Sweeper (Celesteela) @ Rockium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 148 HP / 252 Atk / 108 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Autotomize
- Heavy Slam
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
Z-Stone Edge always OHKOes AV Bulu after rocks, speed investmet outspeeds Scarf Raticate and everything below (so basically everything but Scarf Flygon). Heavy Slam+Earthquake hits everything else in the tier for at least (heavy) neutral damage. Watch out for Cofagrigus and defensive Cloyster, however
I would point out that something having a counter doesn't mean it isn't overpowered. Of course, something having no counters doesn't automatically make it overpowered, either. The big difference between Mawile and Raticate is that Mawile doesn't outspeed the majority of members of bulky teams, can't run Choice Scarf or Choice Band, and has severe 4MSS in terms of coverage moves due to its dual STAB being resisted by multiple types.
The real question is, how easy is it to get in? Setting Gravity is a breeze as Celesteela is one of the best tanks in the meta, and has an answer to every mon. Raticate is not too bulky, though, so you might need to use a pivot to get it in more than once. There are a lot of factors to consider given it's reliance on Gravity to function. I would feel a little better about it if it undersped Metagross, as then there would be something that didn't need full HP to outspeed and survive a +2 Quick Attack.
I would point out that something having a counter doesn't mean it isn't overpowered. Of course, something having no counters doesn't automatically make it overpowered, either. The big difference between Mawile and Raticate is that Mawile doesn't outspeed the majority of members of bulky teams, can't run Choice Scarf or Choice Band, and has severe 4MSS in terms of coverage moves due to its dual STAB being resisted by multiple types.
The real question is, how easy is it to get in? Setting Gravity is a breeze as Celesteela is one of the best tanks in the meta, and has an answer to every mon. Raticate is not too bulky, though, so you might need to use a pivot to get it in more than once. There are a lot of factors to consider given it's reliance on Gravity to function. I would feel a little better about it if it undersped Metagross, as then there would be something that didn't need full HP to outspeed and survive a +2 Quick Attack.
I do see merit in lowering its speed tier, but at the moment the 80-90 speed range is pretty barren which is why Raticate's speed tier is so golden at the moment. Additionally, the introduction of a Fighting-type will pressure the Cele-Rat core heavily.
And Raticate's bulk is quite garbage:
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Iron Head vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raticate-Alola: 421-496 (109.3 - 128.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Tapu Bulu Wood Hammer vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raticate-Alola in Grassy Terrain: 730-859 (189.6 - 223.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Raichu Wild Charge vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raticate-Alola: 331-391 (85.9 - 101.5%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Raichu Ice Shard vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raticate-Alola: 99-117 (25.7 - 30.3%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 Atk Nihilego Venom Slam vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raticate-Alola: 186-220 (48.3 - 57.1%) -- 91.8% chance to 2HKO
16 SpA Swalot Sludge Bomb vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Raticate-Alola: 144-169 (37.4 - 43.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raticate-Alola: 262-310 (68 - 80.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
0 Atk Meganium Dragon Hammer vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Raticate-Alola: 168-198 (43.6 - 51.4%) -- 7.4% chance to 2HKO
Even against defensive pokemon Raticate runs the risk of getting 2HKO'd (especially with Rocks/Spikes damage) when switching in directly, meaning that Raticate will mostly rely on Celesteela sacking herself off with Explosion in order to get him in for a last ditch attempt. But if the next few slates don't yield any more checks then this will be on the nerf radar.
True, Raticate's bulk is why it's probably fine. Tbh I was more worried about Celesteela:
252+ Atk Choice Band Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 124-147 (43.6 - 51.7%) -- 69.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Choice Band Metagross Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 99-117 (34.8 - 41.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
Quite a bit stronger than Metagross. Metagross has some stronger coverage options, but auto Gravity Earthquake and perfect accuracy Stone Edge aren't too shabby. Metagross does have strong priority over Celesteela. Metagross doesn't set a very powerful field effect, though.
192 Atk Tapu Bulu Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 170-204 (50.7 - 60.8%) -- 90.6% chance to 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
192 Atk Tapu Bulu Fire Punch vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Metagross: 168-198 (55.8 - 65.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 SpA Life Orb Flygon Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross: 468-554 (155.4 - 184%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Flygon Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 330-390 (98.5 - 116.4%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
Not that the difference in bulk changes these specific scenarios, but it's bulkier on both sides, especially the special side.
This might set off power creep as things try to break this without getting destroyed by Heavy Slam.
Additionally, subs with a partial Flying-, Ground-, or Fighting- typing will be granted +1 automatic vote in the voting stage. Some quick info on each category:
Set-Up Sweeper:
This pokemon's primary role should be focused on setting up and cleaning the opponent's team once their checks and counters are removed. While the pokemon can possess several other roles, it should primarily be defined by its ability to set-up (such as Volcarona in OU or Barbaracle in RU)
Stallbreaker:
This pokemon specializes in breaking down defensive pokemon. Variants include:
Taunt Based: By leveraging taunt this pokemon can effectively shut down passive pokemon and proceed to attack, set-up, status, etc
Setup Based: By using Substitute and/or moves such as Swords Dance or Nasty Plot this pokemon can take advantage of a defensive pokemon's relative passivity and setup on it to eventually break it (usually through sheer power after a few boosts)
Other: This category accounts for other forms of bugging stall, such as denying the ability to switch through trapping moves/abilities or jank shit like Heal Block
The pokemon submitted should be most effective as a stallbreaker.
Choice Scarf:
A good Choice Scarf user is one of utilty. Examples of effective Choice Scarf users include Landorus-Therian (Pivoting, Bulk, Defog) and Greninja (Pivoting, Spikes) in OU, Krookodile (Knock Off, Pursuit Trapping) in UU, or Mesprit (Pivoting, Healing Wish, Trick) in PU. All of these pokemon can capably revenge kill while simultaneously filling other roles in a team. Your submission should also pack plenty of utility into their kit, which should be best utilized with a Scarf equipped. Take note of Speed Tiers!
Priority:
Priority is always great to have- it's the one surefire way to outspeed and hit threatening breakers or sweepers. This pokemon should have access to effective priority that will be its key to viability in the metagame. For what other roles it will fill, who knows?
Additionally, Celesteela no longer has access to Heavy Slam because it's too overbearing to handle even when uninvested. Iron Head anyone?
Name of the Pokemon: Magnezone Role(s): Special wallbreaker, Choice Scarf user, Choice Specs user, Offensive pivot, Magnet Pull trapper Type: Electric / Steel Abilities: Magnet Pull / Sturdy / Analytic Stat Distribution: 70 / 50 / 80 / 115 / 70 / 68 Movepool Additions: Flamethrower, Polarity Burst Movepool Removals: N/A Custom Elements: Polarity Burst: Special Gear Grind clone. Justification: Magnezone works as an effective Choice Scarf user by outspeeding the full meta except Raichu when using a choice scarf (not including any EVs, natures, or boosts). Magnet Pull allows Magnezone to trap and kill powerful steel types like Celesteela and Metagross using Flamethrower. Volt Switch allows Magnezone to predict opponent's switching in and keep momentum up, and Polarity Burst is a spammable STAB move that can break Substitutes.
Name of the Pokemon: Breloom Role(s): Priority Abuser, Stallbreaker (Setup + other) Type: Grass / Fighting Abilities: Effect Spore / Poison Heal / Technician Stat Distribution: 110 / 120 / 75 / 60 / 70 / 50 Movepool Additions: Leafage(*) Movepool Removals: Bullet Seed, Bulk Up, Counter Custom Elements: Leafage: Now has +1 Priority Justification: Can run Technician sets with Leafage and Mach Punch for decent coverage or use a devastating Swords Dance + Poison Heal set to disrupt opposing stall. Substitute is also a good option for this set to further cripple stall by banking on their likely passive playstyle.
Name of the Pokemon: Mudsdale Role(s): Aftershock setter, Mixed wall, Physical Wallbreaker, Stallbreaker Type: Ground/Normal Abilities: Inner Focus / Earthshaker Stat Distribution: 110 / 90 / 110 / 40 / 90 / 40 Movepool Additions: Smack Down, Shore Up Movepool Removals: N/A Custom Elements: Earthshaker: Summons Aftershocks Terrain upon switching in.
Aftershocks terrain: Ground type moves have 1.5x power. All grounded pokemon lose 1/8 of their HP at the end of every turn. Justification: Mudsdale fills an interesting role by setting a new weather, Aftershocks. Aftershocks works well with Mudsdale, boosting it's STAB Earthquakes. Nihilego also gets the added bonus of avoiding the boosted Ground type moves if it's using a Levitate set. Mudsdale itself has good all-around bulk and decent attack, which is essentially boosted when Aftershocks is active. Smack Down can be used to ground Flying type pokemon into the range of powerful Earthquakes. Shore Up gives Mudsdale reliable recovery and is very useful to keep up longevity, especially during Aftershocks because of the large chip damage. Mudsdale beats stall because Aftershocks deals chip to the enemies while also boosting Mudsdale's damage.
2 resubs with minor changes because I don't have a ton of time.
Name of the Pokemon: Magearna Role(s): Set-up Sweeper, Physical Attacker Type:
Abilities: Clear Body / Light Metal / Overcoat Stat Distribution: 90/85/55/60/115/75 (480 BST) Movepool Additions: Play Rough, Wild Charge Movepool Removals: Heal Bell, Pain Split, Calm Mind Justification: Magearna is a powerful physical sweeper, using one of the most powerful setup moves in Shift Gear to wreak havoc on offensive teams. While it does not have many physical moves to actually choose from, it has enough to target certain bulky types like Water and Steel. Additionally, thanks to its abnormal special defense and incredible defensive typing, it can find many opportunities to set up. However, its physical defense is abysmal, and it can be revenged easily by physical tanks like Tapu Bulu and Celesteela.
Name of the Pokemon: Claydol Role(s): Stallbreaker, Physical Tank, Special Attacker, Hazard Control, Stealth Rock Type:
Abilities: Levitate / Poison Heal Stat Distribution: 85/75/115/95/65/65 (500 BST) Justification: Claydol is a nightmare for stall, being immune to status, constantly healing every turn, and threatening it with Calm Mind-boosted attacks. It can even set Stealth Rock and remove hazards from its own side. However, its wide movepool is also a curse, as it cannot fit all the moves it wants. Additionally, it can be worn down with strong enough attacks since it does not have any reliable recovery.
Name of the Pokemon: Decidueye Role(s): Choice Scarf, Revenge Killer, Hazard Control, Special Tank Type:
Abilities: Long Reach / Dispirit Stat Distribution: 80/110/65/70/115/90 (530 BST) Movepool Additions: Trick, Knock Off, Will-o-Wisp Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, all Grass-type moves, Sucker Punch, Shadow Sneak Custom Elements: Dispirit: Upon getting hit by a special attack, lowers the opponent's Special Attack. (Tangling Hair clone) Justification: Decidueye is a great Choice Scarf user, outspeeding and revenge killing weakened Raichu and Flygon. It can remove hazards in a pinch, switch in and weaken special attackers, cripple physical attackers with Will-o-Wisp, and threaten stall with Trick. However, it is threatened by Pursuit users once it locks itself into a move, and can be easily played around with since its STAB options do not complement each other well.
Name of the Pokemon: Ninjask Role(s): Priority Abuser, Revenge Killer, Special Attacker, Hazard Control Type:
Abilities: Infiltrator / Technician Stat Distribution: 70/60/70/110/70/120 (500 BST) Movepool Additions: Water Shuriken, Ice Beam, Vacuum Wave Movepool Removals: All Bug-type attacks except U-Turn, Roost Justification: Ninjask is a unique priority user, utilizing the special Water Shuriken and Vacuum Wave boosted by Technician to finish off the opponent. However, the number of times it can switch in is limited due to its low bulk and weakness to Stealth Rock, and its attacks are quite weak even if they are boosted by Technician.
(Raichu and Nihilego are S-Rank? Not once Swampert comes in... I hope.)
Name of the Pokemon: Swampert Role(s): Priority (Aqua Jet, Mud Run, Mach Punch), Physical Wallbreaker, Hazard Setter (Stealth Rock), Stallbreaker (Set-Up) Type:
Abilities: Torrent / Mold Breaker | Technician Stat Distribution: 100 / 115 / 80 / 65 / 70 / 65 (500 BST) Movepool Additions: Aqua Jet, Drain Punch, Mach Punch, Bulk Up, Mud Run* Movepool Removals: Endeavor, Counter, Mirror Coat Custom Elements: *Mud Run - Ground-type Aqua Jet clone; 40 BP, 100% accuracy and +1 priority. Justification: A strong wallbreaker intended to fear Grass-type (thus encouraging usage of Tapu Bulu and Meganium and force Raichu to use Grass Knot), but not an easy threat to take down for the rest, or a priority abuser in the form of Aqua Jet, Mach Punch and Mud Run. It can also use Mold Breaker instead to take down walls who love to abuse their Ability. Although walled by Cofagrigous, Swampert can use Mud Run to revenge kill the following Pokemon; Raichu, Metagross, Swalot, Celesteela, and Poipole, Aqua Jet can revenge kill Nihilego, and Mach Punch can revenge kill Raichu (again), Cloyster (preferably if it is at 25% HP and have Swampert using Technician), Celesteela (again) and especially Totem Alolan Raticate.
It can work with Flygon, as the latter will take down Cofagrigous and weakens Special Attack power of other special threats, while Swampert can protect it from Ice-type and Steel-type threats. It can also work with Raichu (ironically) to smack down other future Ground-type threats.
Name of the Pokemon: Infernape Role(s): Stallbreaker (Taunt + Setup), Setup Sweeper (Physical, Special and Mixed), Choice Scarf, Priority (Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave), Offensive Pivot Type:
Abilities: Iron Fist / Defiant | Technician Stat Distribution: 58 / 85 / 61 / 85 / 61 / 108 (456 BST) Movepool Additions: Spirit Up*, Knock Off Movepool Removals: Slack Off, Stealth Rock, Earthquake Custom Elements: Spirit Up - Fighting-type Hone Claws clone; raise SpA and Accuracy by one stage each. Justification: A stallbreaker that have Taunt or setup (Swords Dance or Nasty Plot) and blow things up, but at the same time have poor defensive stats which means it can be taken out by even a boosted neutral hit. It can also run Defiant to counter Cloyster's Intimidate and mess up with Flygon's Mystical Presence. Spirit Up help fix up the less than good accuracy of Focus Blast and Fire Blast, but requires more than one use to make it as prominent as Nasty Plot, which in turn give no benefit to its accuracy. Knock Off can be used to mess with Flaaffy and Choice item users. It is hard pressed by Flygon and Tabu Bulu, and Raichu is faster than it, so they have to be taken out.
Allies that would benefit the most from Infernape are those who hates Ice-type and Steel-type, so Meganium will appreciate its presence and take down Raichu via Mach Punch/Vacuum Wave and multiple Steel-types via Flare Blitz/Fire Blast or Close Combat/Focus Blast, but also several Poison-type via Technician Bulldoze such as Swalot and Poipole, especially after setting up a Swords Dance. Nihilego? Infernape have no problems as does to neutral Close Combat damage, or Taunt to mess up with a Special Wall Nihilego.
Abilities: Swift Swim / Speed Boost (HA) Base Stats: 85 / 105 / 65 / 85 / 61 / 99 (500 BST) Movepool Additions: Superpower, Drain Punch Movepool Removals: Dig Custom Elements: None Uses: Floatzel is a late game cleaner that utilizes Speed Boost+Bulk Up to finish off weakened teams. If the rain archetype becomes a thing in the meta, Floatzel will profit from it as it will be able to abuse rain with Swift Swim. However Floatzel isn't able to break through healthy walls such as Cofagrigus or Flaafy on its own.
Floatzel @ Life Orb / Fightinium Z
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Liquidation
- Superpower
- Ice Punch / Protect
Pokemon: Trapinch (not compatible with Eviolite) Roles: Stallbreaker, Trapper Type:
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Arena Trap / Mold Breaker (HA) Base Stats: 65 / 100 / 65 / 45 / 65 / 10 (350 BST) Movepool Additions: Sucker Punch, Punishment, Pursuit Movepool Removals: None Custom Elements: None Uses: Trapinch is a trapper that helps break down defensive teams by trapping key Pokemon such as Unaware Nihilego, Swalot or Flaafy so its teammates have an easier time sweeping. However it can trap only a handful of passive Pokemon as it is really frail and slow. Sucker Punch can help with the Speed issue but it does only chip damage to most Trapinch checks such as Tapu Bulu, Meganium or Flygon.
Trapinch @ Focus Sash / Groundium Z
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Sucker Punch
- Toxic
- Rock Slide
Abilities: Inner Focus / Regenerator / Friend Guard (HA) Base Stats: 65 / 95 / 60 / 75 / 60 / 105 (460 BST) Movepool Additions: Play Rough, Healing Wish Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Bulk Up Custom Elements: None Uses: Mienshao is an offensive pivot with Choice Scarf so it can revenge kill threats. It has got good utility moves such as Healing Wish or Knock Off and it can pivot around with U-turn while keeping itself healthy thanks to Regenerator.
Mienshao @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Play Rough
- U-turn
- Healing Wish
Abilities: Huge Power / Cloud Nine (HA) Base Stats: 65 / 45 / 73 / 45 / 82 / 70 (380 BST) Movepool Additions: Extreme Speed, Quick Attack, Brave Bird Movepool Removals: Agility Custom Elements: None Uses: Swablu is a scary revenge killer that uses strong priority attacks to beat faster Pokemon. With Huge Power and Choice Band, STAB Extreme Speed at least 2HKOs any unresisted offensive Pokemon, while defensive Pokemon get smacked by Brave Bird. Cofagrigus, Flaafy and Metagross are decent checks to this cute little monster.
Swablu @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Brave Bird
- Steel Wing
- Play Rough
Abilities: Dancer | Gale Wings (HA) Stats: 65 / 72 / 74 / 105 / 89 / 95 ( 500 BST ) Movepool Additions: Spirit Wing, Aura Sphere, Will-o-Wisp, Aromatherapy Custom Elements: Spirit Wing - Flying-type Giga Drain clone Justification: Calm Mind sweeper with a STAB draining move and situational but strong priority. It can outspeed and beat Metagross, Meganium, Tapu Bulu, and Cloyster, which can give it some chances to set up Calm Mind. It also has a great matchup vs. Sticky Web, as it avoids webs, walls Kricketune, and checks Poipole and Raticate. It can be walled and worn down by Swalot and Nihilego ( depending on the set ), and checked offensively by Raichu, Nihilego, and Scarf Raticate.
Pokemon: Torterra Roles: Stallbreaker, Gravity Abuser, Stealth Rock, Choice Band Type:
Abilities: Immunity / Natural Cure | *Terrarium (HA) Stats: 85 / 95 / 110 / 65 / 95 / 65 ( 515 BST ) Movepool Additions: High Horsepower, Power Whip, Taunt, Aromatherapy, Gravity Custom Elements: Terrarium - Recovers 1/8 of its max HP during Gravity, loses 1/8 of its max HP during Hail. Recovers 25% HP when hit by a Ground-type move. Takes 25% extra damage from Ice-type moves. ( Dry Skin clone ) Justification: Torterra has multiple methods of breaking down stall, thanks to it's good defenses and anti-status abilities. It has access to Taunt in conjuction with Recovery, Toxic, and STAB Ground-type attacks to hit Poison and Steel types. It's other method of breaking stall is through setup, as Swords Dance and Curse sets are a possibility. It also makes a good Gravity abuser due to it's Ground-typing and Terrarium, and could serve many roles on Gravity or Gravity Webs archetypes.
Abilities: Iron Fist / Thick Fat | Sap Sipper (HA) Stats: 81 / 110 / 93 / 62 / 80 / 84 ( 500 BST ) Movepool Additions: Sky Uppercut, Pursuit, Memento, Final Gambit Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Taunt, Bulk Up, Gunk Shot, Poison Jab, Bullet Punch Justification: Pangoro has a lot of good traits for a Choice Scarf user. This includes resistance to Stealth Rock, decent bulk, STAB Knock Off / Pursuit, and Parting Shot. It's Fighting STAB is somewhat limited but extremely powerful, giving it strong attacks on the revenge kill. Knock Off cripples most switch ins while being a safe, spammable STAB move. Pursuit can trap Raichu, Metagross, and Poipole in particular and also chip many others. Fairy-types give it trouble, however.
Choice Scarf ( Pangoro ) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sap Sipper / Iron Fist
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Superpower / Sky Uppercut / Hammer Arm
- Knock Off
- Iron Head / Ice Punch
- Pursuit / Parting Shot
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Aftermath | Lightningrod (HA) Stats: 65 / 115 / 100 / 85 / 60 / 30 ( 455 BST ) Movepool Additions: *Shadow Sword, Sucker Punch, Smart Strike Movepool Removals: Iron Head, Gyro Ball, Custom Elements: Shadow Sword - Ghost-type Sacred Sword clone Justification: An offensive pivot with good typing, strong priority, and a boosting move. It makes a great switch-in to Raichu and Metagross, as it can take their attacks and Pursuit trap them. It can also set up Swords Dance and sweep with Sucker Punch or Shadow Sneak. Shadow Sword is a strong STAB attack so that it doesn't give bulky pokemon a free switch-in. It has a poor matchup vs. the tier's Dark-types, however, and will need to speed creep Swalot and Cofagrigus.
Abilities: Lightning Rod / Thick Fat | Mold Breaker (HA) Stats: 115 / 130 / 110 / 45 / 45 / 45 (490 BST) Movepool Additions: None Movepool Removals: None Justification: A Dual-Dancer that can also viably run a bulkier offensive rocks set. With high physical bulk Rhydon can serve as a solid Raticate and physical Raichu (if thick fat) check while exerting heavy offensive presence itself. However, it struggles against Cofagrigus and especially Meganium without a Swords Dance under its belt while it is heavily threatened on offense if it doesn't Rock Polish. Additionally, its speed is so garbage that all relevant scarfers still outspeed Rhydon even at +2.
Double Dance Sweeper (Rhydon) @ Rockium Z
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 56 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rock Polish
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
Abilities: Water Veil / Damp | Bulletproof (HA) Stats: 70 / 95 / 95 / 65 / 55 / 85 (465 BST) Movepool Additions: Anchor Shot, Coil, Crabhammer, Iron Tail, Taunt Movepool Removals: None Justification: Seadra is just a big dick to stall. Anchor Shot trapping, shutting down stallmons with Taunt, setting up Dragon Dance/Coil on trapped walls, and Toxic immune+Stealth Rock resistant. That's one tough 'mon to wear down with passive damage! However its special bulk is quite poor, it takes heavy damage from attacks like Cofagrigus and Swalot's Dark Pulse (ignores and Flaaffy's Volt Switch which can cause Seadra to struggle against these walls and subsequently struggle to break stall singlehandedly. 85 Speed is also an only-ok speed tier when facing more offensive builds which makes it quite simple to handle offensively.
Abilities: Illuminate / Strong Jaw | Intimidate (HA) Stats: 77 / 64 / 94 / 145 / 65 / 81 (525 BST) Movepool Additions: Oblivion Wing, Tailwind, Defog Movepool Removals: All Bug-type moves, Flash Cannon, Agility, Energy Ball Justification: 145 SpA is... Very scary, but stay with me. Not enough power, even with specs, to break popular special switch-ins Flygon and Nihilego and has relatively weak flying STAB and little in the terms of coverage outside of HP Ice (and GOAT coverage Gravity assisted Mud Shot). However outside of those points Vikavolt fills a Lando-T like role as a Choice Scarf user, with a good defensive type, nice physical bulk, high power, pivoting, and emergency defog, all coupled with an effective Scarf speed tier. Oblivion Wing is also a spammable STAB that offsets Stealth Rock chip. Cool!
Pokemon: Dusknoir Roles: Priority, Choice Band Type:
Abilities: Pressure / Frisk | Psychotic (HA) Stats: 45 / 100 / 115 / 55 / 115 / 65 (495 BST) Movepool Additions: Karate Chop, Arm Thrust Movepool Removals: Power-Up Punch Custom Elements: Psychotic: Technician Clone, Moves with 60 BP or less have +1 priority. Justification: Dusknoir helps fill a few needed roles in the metagame: firstly, it's a fantastic Raichu check, being able to easily OHKO it with priority Karate Chop and only being 3HKO'd by Sash variants, allowing it to break the sash with pursuit in order to avoid being killed by sashcounter sets, or Banded variants can always OHKO with Arm Thrust no matter how many times it hits. Second, it's also a very solid Raticate check, being able to take an unboosted hit and hitting the rat with a priority Karate Chop (even immune to Quick Attack!). Thirdly, it's just a very solid check to Gravity and Webs archetypes due to dismantling the CeleRat core and also taking care of both Kricketune and Poipole with its typing and priority, respectively. However it totally blows vs defensive teams.
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tapu Bulu: 165-195 (44.1 - 52.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Flygon: 404-476 (110.9 - 130.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Raichu Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Infernape: 239-282 (86.2 - 101.8%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Iron Fist Infernape Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu: 326-386 (124.9 - 147.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 348-411 (85.7 - 101.2%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 118-141 (41.5 - 49.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery (remember that Cofagrigus has only Pain Split, Infernape is constantly damaging itself, and they both have about the same HP stat)
I think your Infernape needs to be nerfed a lot to not be overpowered and overcentralizing.
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Tapu Bulu: 165-195 (44.1 - 52.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Gunk Shot vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Flygon: 404-476 (110.9 - 130.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Raichu Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Infernape: 239-282 (86.2 - 101.8%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Iron Fist Infernape Mach Punch vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu: 326-386 (124.9 - 147.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 348-411 (85.7 - 101.2%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Infernape Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 118-141 (41.5 - 49.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery (remember that Cofagrigus has only Pain Split, Infernape is constantly damaging itself, and they both have about the same HP stat)
I think your Infernape needs to be nerfed a lot to not be overpowered and overcentralizing.
Name of the Pokemon: Oricorio Role(s): Late Game Sweeper, Quiver Dance, Choice Scarf, Choice Specs Type:
Abilities: Dancer | Ballerina Stat Distribution: 70/70/70/121/70/99 | 500 Movepool Additions: Fiery Dance, Quiver Dance, Dragon Dance, Petal Dance, Lunar Dance Movepool Removals: Baton Pass, Roost Custom Elements: Ballerina: Increases the power of dancing moves by 20% (Iron Fist clone). Justification: Oricorio has access to two accurate and powerfull STAB in Fiery Dance (96 BP) and Revelation Dance (108 BP). Thanks to its offensive stats it becomes really fast and powerfull after one Quiver Dance. However Oricorio is outsped by Choice Scarf user even after +1 like Flygon, has a mediocre bulk and a quad weakness to Stealth Rock making it susceptible to die to strong priority such as Raichu Extreme Speed. Oricorio's STAB combination is also resisted by Rock-type which means Oricorio has to use a Z-Petal Dance to break through them, and can't run another Z-move. Oricorio has also a hard counter in Nihilego which needs to be really weakened to die to +1 Bloom Doom. Oricorio can also run Choice item and support its team with Lunar Dance.
Defensive calc
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Bloom Doom (190 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Nihilego: 188-222 (46.4 - 54.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Petal Dance (144) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Nihilego: 143-169 (35.3 - 41.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Fiery Dance (96) vs. 248 HP / 108+ SpD Eviolite Flaaffy: 159-187 (39.4 - 46.4%) -- 28.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Revelation Dance (108) vs. 104 HP / 236+ SpD Swalot: 240-283 (46.4 - 54.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Revenge Killer
16 SpA Swalot Sludge Bomb vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 75-88 (26.6 - 31.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Flygon Draco Meteor vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 163-193 (58 - 68.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Nihilego Power Gem vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 280-336 (99.6 - 119.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Nihilego Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Oricorio: 372-444 (132.3 - 158%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Raichu-Alola Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Oricorio: 131-155 (46.6 - 55.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 Atk Silk Scarf Raticate-Alola Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Oricorio: 142-168 (50.5 - 59.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
48 SpA Flaaffy Thunderbolt vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 138-164 (49.1 - 58.3%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Name of the Pokemon: Vigoroth (Eviolite compatible) Role(s): Set-Up based Stallbreaker, Taunt based Stallbreaker Type:
Abilities: Mold Breaker Stat Distribution: 80/80/80/55/60/105 | 460 Movepool Additions: Knock Off Movepool Removals: none Custom Elements: none Justification: Vigoroth can stallbreak thanks to Mold Breaker Taunt which ignores ability such as Magic Bounce and Oblivious which bounces Toxic and Taunt, and Unaware which allows it to set-up in front of Nihilego. Both sets are very hard to counter for a stall team, however the first one struggles to break through Steel and Poison-type while the second can be played arround thanks to Cofagrigus Mummy ability or with a fast Haze Nihilego. Also Vigoroth struggles against more offensive team because it needs several boosts to become efficient. It's also a Dark-type that can't switch into Dark-type because it fears to lose its Eviolite.
Taunt based Stallbreaker
Vigoroth @ Eviolite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid / Jolly Nature
- Taunt
- Toxic
- Slack Off
- Seismic Toss / Knock Off
Set-Up based Stallbreaker
Vigoroth @ Eviolite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Slack Off
- Substitute / Taunt
- Knock Off
Name of the Pokemon: Mr. Mime Role(s): Choice Scarf, Healing Wish, Offensive Pivot, Double Screen, Hazard Control Type:
Abilities: Filter, Soundproof | Magic Bounce Stat Distribution: 60/45/65/115/105/105 | 500 Movepool Additions: Parting Shot, Moonblast Movepool Removals: Psyshock, Psychic, Extransensory, Nasty Plot Custom Elements: none Justification: Mr Mime can realiably run a Choice Scarf thanks to its decent offensive power and speed. It can pivot thanks to Parting Shot and use Healing Wish. It has an almost unresisted coverage which allows it to run only its STAB has offensive move. Thanks to its ability Magic Bounce, Mr. Mime has several switch-in opportunity. It can also run a Dual Screener set because Magic Bounce prevents it from being taunted or defoged on.
Name of the Pokemon: Ambipom Role(s): Priority, Offensive Utility Type:
Abilities: Pick Up | Scrappy Stat Distribution: 75/100/66/60/66/125 Movepool Additions: Extreme Speed Movepool Removals: none Custom Elements: none Justification: Ambipom is no joke anymore. Ambipom has access to the incredible FakeSpeed without any immunity. It can revenge kill most Pokémon thanks to its combination, however it has a rather mediocre bulk and struggles to break through defensive Pokémon such as Cofagrigus and Celesteela. Also Ambipom has to be carefull with Extreme Speed which has only 8 PP.
Versus Offensive threats:
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu: 265-313 (105.5 - 124.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Flygon: 79-94 (25.4 - 30.2%) -- 37.6% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Flygon: 159-187 (51.1 - 60.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cloyster: 40-48 (17.3 - 20.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cloyster: 78-93 (33.7 - 40.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Poipole: 91-108 (28.8 - 34.2%) -- 99.5% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Poipole: 181-214 (57.4 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raticate-Alola-Totem: 133-157 (34.5 - 40.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raticate-Alola-Totem: 265-313 (68.8 - 81.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kricketune: 99-117 (33.5 - 39.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kricketune: 195-231 (66.1 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Versus defensive Pokémon:
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Cofagrigus: 82-97 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 5.4% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery (Don't forget Mummy removes Scrappy)
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 64-76 (22.6 - 26.8%) -- 0.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 90-107 (22.2 - 26.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 189-223 (46.6 - 55%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 63-75 (15.8 - 18.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 133-157 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
Pokemon: Crabrawler (no eviolite) Roles: Setup Sweeper, Choice Band Type: Fighting/Water Abilities: Tough Claws / Hyper Cutter / Cheek Pouch Stats: 55 / 73 / 76 / 45 / 103 / 93 (BST: 445) Movepool Additions: Belly Drum, Mach Punch Movepool Removals: Earthquake, Bulk Up, Work Up Custom Elements: N/A Justification: A Belly Drum Sweeper, making great use Sitrus Berry and Cheek Pouch like our good friend Swalot. It uses Mach Punch and Crabhammer as it's moves of choice, with Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, and Close Combat being good coverage options. Crabrawler generally isn't that good outside of using Belly Drum, but it can use a Tough Claws Choice Band set to deal with opponents.
Raichu- Physical Raichu beats it before Belly Drum (Mach Punch 2HKOs while Wild Charge OHKOs), Crabrawler wins against any Raichu after belly drum
Cofagrigus- Defensive Cofagrigus wins if it can burn Crabrawler before it uses Belly Drum
Flaafy- Pivot Flaafy can wall and 2HKO Crabrawler before a Belly Drum, while Crabrawler can 2HKO Flaafy after a Belly Drum
Pokemon: Furret Roles: Choice Scarf, Scout, Setup Sweeper Type: Normal/Fairy Abilities: Anticipation / Forewarn / Frisk Stats: 100/80/80/40/80/115 (BST: 485 ) Movepool Additions: High Horsepower, Play Rough Movepool Removals: N/A Justification: Furret provides a unique niche as being a scout pokemon. It's three abilities Anticipation, Forewarn, and Frisk all give Furret information on what the opponent is running, including items, super effective moves, and high base power moves. It's high speed and access to U-Turn allow it to get information and leave fast.
Neat sub but note that SashCounter Raichu variants (like Alakazam in OU) can beat a set-up crabrawler as long as it doesn't switch in on a direct attack. Otherwise cool subs!
Abilities: Shields Down Stats (Meteor Form): 60 / 60 / 130 / 60 / 130 / 60 (BST: 500) Stats (Core Form): 60 / 100 / 60 / 100 / 60 / 120 (BST: 500) Movepool Additions: Wish, Healing Wish, Hurricane, Earth Power Movepool Removals: Justification: Shell smash is always a move that defines the pokemon that uses it since it's one of the strongest set-up moves in the game. I thought it would be interesting to bring such a powerful move in clean slate to see how would the metagame react. Minior is a perfect candidate for using shell smash because of his ability shields down that let him take some hits before going down. This way, it can ensure to have at least one turn of set-up without the need of a focus sash, for instance. Flying/Ground is a combo of stabs that work really good against the metagame (except against Levitate Nihi), either with the powerful combo of Acrobatics/Earthquake or the weirder Hurricane/Earth Power (which works better under Gravity). Still, minior would be really easy to revenge kill (notably by the new priority user), and it is a free switch-in for Nihilego, who can tank hits using either of its abilities.
Abilities: Static / Gale Wind Stats: 80 / 90 / 80 / 95 / 75 / 140 (BST: 560) Movepool Additions: Provocation Movepool Removals: — Custom Elements: Provocation — Flying-type Taunt clone. Justification: Gale Wing is a really powerful ability. Sadly, there are only few pokemons that can utilize it at its full potential, and the lack of interesting flying utility moves doesn't help. With this new "fast jack of all trades" that is Zapdos, and the help of one new move, gale wind can finally be used. Also this birb can spam Thunder and Hurricane under Gravity, which, even though it gains a ground weakness, is still pretty threatening.
Abilities: Limber / Unburden / Prankster Stat Distribution: 55 / 115 / 60 / 50 / 60 / 110 (BST: 450) Movepool Additions: Mach Punch, Superpower, Brick Break, Topsy-Turvy Movepool Removals: — Custom Elements: — Justification: Priority spammer, with Fake Out and Mach Punch. It can break through Nihilego, and can easily revenge kill Raichu. It also has some utility options within U-turn, Taunt and Topsy-Turvy (with prankster). I guess you could also do an unburden set with grassy seed.
Name of the Pokemon: Gallade Role(s): Set-Up Sweeper (Swords Dance, Bulk Up, Agility) Type:
Abilities: Iron Fist / Justified (HA) Stat Distribution: 75 / 100 / 75 / 65 / 100 / 110 | BST: 525 Movepool Additions: Agility Movepool Removals: Close Combat, Vacuum Wave, Shadow Sneak, Trick Custom Elements: N/A Justification: Can set up with Swords Dance or Bulk Up, or even Agility against offense. STAB Iron Fist-boosted Drain Punch is its main STAB along with Zen Headbutt which hits Poison-types like Nihilego. Iron Fist also makes its elemental punches strong coverage options. Knock Off is Knock Off, annoying walls and other Pokemon dependent on their items. Mach Punch was not added so that Gallade doesn’t become a priority abuser.
Name of the Pokemon: Gardevoir Role(s): Stallbreaker, Set-Up Sweeper (Calm Mind) Type:
Abilities: Synchronize / Magic Guard (HA) Stat Distribution: 75 / 65 / 75 / 110 / 100 / 100 | BST: 525 Movepool Additions: Earth Power, Refresh Movepool Removals: Moonblast, Dazzling Gleam, Draining Kiss, Healing Wish, Memento, Focus Blast Custom Elements: N/A Justification: Gardevoir is a stallbreaker who can use Taunt to prevent healing. Magic Guard allows Gardevoir to absorb status, making it more difficult for bulkier Pokemon to wear it down. It can also set up with Calm Mind if the extra power is needed to break through. If it must, it can use Grudge to attempt taking out the opposing Pokemon.
Name of the Pokemon: Altaria Role(s): Choice Scarf user, Utility, Cleric, Bulky Pivot, Tailwind, Revenge Killer Type:
Abilities: Natural Cure / Bulletproof (HA) Stat Distribution: 90 / 60 / 95 / 95 / 105 / 80 | BST: 525 Movepool Additions: Healing Wish, Memento, Wish, Switcheroo, Trick Room, Thunder Wave, Air Slash, Knock Off Movepool Removals: Earthquake, Solar Beam Custom Elements: N/A Justification: Altaria provides plenty of utility for its team in Healing Wish, Memento, Heal Bell, and Wish support. It can cripple walls with Switcheroo or fast attackers with Thunder Wave. Natural Cure can be used if a status absorber is needed, or Bulletproof can be used to allow Altaria to switch into lots more moves as a bulky pivot. Altaria also has a wide special movepool which can be geared to deal with specific threats, like Moonblast for Cofagrigus and other Dragons.
Name of the Pokemon: Samurott Role(s): Priority Abuser, Revenge Killer Type:
Abilities: Torrent / Infiltrator (HA) Stat Distribution: 80 / 105 / 80 / 105 / 75 / 80 | BST: 525 Movepool Additions: Bubble Jet*, Mach Punch, Vacuum Wave, Aura Sphere, Ice Punch Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Megahorn, Superpower, Work Up, Hydro Pump, Blizzard Custom Elements: Bubble Jet - special Aqua Jet Justification: Samurott has four priority moves, two physical and two special, for its two STABs. Infiltrator prevents its relatively weak priority moves from being blocked by Substitute or weakened by screens. However, Samurott is rather slow without priority and it can’t set up.
Abilities: Swift Swim / Speed Boost (HA) Base Stats: 85 / 105 / 65 / 85 / 61 / 99 (500 BST) Movepool Additions: Superpower, Drain Punch Movepool Removals: Dig Custom Elements: None Uses: Floatzel is a late game cleaner that utilizes Speed Boost+Bulk Up to finish off weakened teams. If the rain archetype becomes a thing in the meta, Floatzel will profit from it as it will be able to abuse rain with Swift Swim. However Floatzel isn't able to break through healthy walls such as Cofagrigus or Flaafy on its own.
Floatzel @ Life Orb / Fightinium Z
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bulk Up
- Liquidation
- Superpower
- Ice Punch / Protect
Pokemon: Trapinch (not compatible with Eviolite) Roles: Stallbreaker, Trapper Type:
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Arena Trap / Mold Breaker (HA) Base Stats: 65 / 100 / 65 / 45 / 65 / 10 (350 BST) Movepool Additions: Sucker Punch, Punishment, Pursuit Movepool Removals: None Custom Elements: None Uses: Trapinch is a trapper that helps break down defensive teams by trapping key Pokemon such as Unaware Nihilego, Swalot or Flaafy so its teammates have an easier time sweeping. However it can trap only a handful of passive Pokemon as it is really frail and slow. Sucker Punch can help with the Speed issue but it does only chip damage to most Trapinch checks such as Tapu Bulu, Meganium or Flygon.
Trapinch @ Focus Sash / Groundium Z
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Sucker Punch
- Toxic
- Rock Slide
Abilities: Inner Focus / Regenerator / Friend Guard (HA) Base Stats: 65 / 95 / 60 / 75 / 60 / 105 (460 BST) Movepool Additions: Play Rough, Healing Wish Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Bulk Up Custom Elements: None Uses: Mienshao is an offensive pivot with Choice Scarf so it can revenge kill threats. It has got good utility moves such as Healing Wish or Knock Off and it can pivot around with U-turn while keeping itself healthy thanks to Regenerator.
Mienshao @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Play Rough
- U-turn
- Healing Wish
| 40 Power | 100% Accuracy | 48 PP | +1 priority. (Quick Attack clone) Uses: Swablu is a scary revenge killer that uses strong priority attacks to beat faster Pokemon. With Huge Power and Choice Band, STAB Extreme Speed at least 2HKOs any unresisted offensive Pokemon, while defensive Pokemon get smacked by Brave Bird. Cofagrigus, Flaafy and Metagross are decent checks to this cute little monster.
Swablu @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Brave Bird
- Steel Wing
- Play Rough
Name of the Pokemon: Decidueye Role(s): Choice Scarf, Revenge Killer, Hazard Control, Special Tank Type:
Abilities: Long Reach / Dispirit Stat Distribution: 80/125/65/70/100/90 (530 BST) Movepool Additions: Trick, Knock Off, Will-o-Wisp Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, all Grass-type moves Custom Elements: Dispirit: Upon getting hit by a special attack, lowers the opponent's Special Attack. (Tangling Hair clone) Justification: Decidueye is a great Choice Scarf user, outspeeding and revenge killing weakened Raichu and Flygon. It can remove hazards in a pinch, can switch in and weaken special attackers, cripple physical attackers with Will-o-Wisp, and threaten stall with Trick. However, it is threatened by Pursuit users once it locks itself into a move, and can be easily played around with since its STAB options do not complement each other well.
Just for the record, Ghost/Flying STAB coverage is incredibly strong as very few dual typings resist in (none in this meta resist both). Anyways, the relative power of this guy alongside the spammability of his 2 STABs+U-Turn would also make him a very potent Band user (and he still has Sucker/Sneak for speed control), for reference he 2HKOes physical wall Cofag with banded Brave Bird after rocks and has a decent chance to 2HKO mixed tank Nihilego with banded Shackle (who's probably his most solid check after Swalot who REALLY fears Trick). I'd recommend removing priority options and lower attack (or replacing brave bird with a weaker STAB) in order to make Scarf more appealing.
Pokemon: Trapinch (not compatible with Eviolite) Roles: Stallbreaker, Trapper Type:
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Arena Trap / Mold Breaker (HA) Base Stats: 65 / 100 / 65 / 45 / 65 / 10 (350 BST) Movepool Additions: Sucker Punch, Punishment, Pursuit Movepool Removals: None Custom Elements: None Uses: Trapinch is a trapper that helps break down defensive teams by trapping key Pokemon such as Unaware Nihilego, Swalot or Flaafy so its teammates have an easier time sweeping. However it can trap only a handful of passive Pokemon as it is really frail and slow. Sucker Punch can help with the Speed issue but it does only chip damage to most Trapinch checks such as Tapu Bulu, Meganium or Flygon.
Trapinch @ Focus Sash / Groundium Z
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Sucker Punch
- Toxic
- Rock Slide
252+ Atk Choice Band Trapinch Earthquake vs. 104 HP / 152 Def Swalot: 518-612 (100.1 - 118.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO
smooth calc, 10 speed tier is actually quite interesting as 252 speed neutral outspeeds base 40 Flaaffy (and Cofag but Cofag just switches out) but underspeeds basically everything else, while Ground/Dark easily handles Swalot's coverage so it's quite an effective trapper for some key walls. While Arena Trap definitely has a shaky reputation competitively, I think such a low-speed trapper will (presumably) be fine in the current meta. Also note that it does trap Celesteela, which is cool
Abilities: Inner Focus / Regenerator / Friend Guard (HA) Base Stats: 65 / 95 / 60 / 75 / 60 / 105 (460 BST) Movepool Additions: Play Rough, Healing Wish Movepool Removals: Swords Dance, Bulk Up Custom Elements: None Uses: Mienshao is an offensive pivot with Choice Scarf so it can revenge kill threats. It has got good utility moves such as Healing Wish or Knock Off and it can pivot around with U-turn while keeping itself healthy thanks to Regenerator.
Mienshao @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- High Jump Kick
- Play Rough
- U-turn
- Healing Wish
| 40 Power | 100% Accuracy | 48 PP | +1 priority. (Quick Attack clone) Uses: Swablu is a scary revenge killer that uses strong priority attacks to beat faster Pokemon. With Huge Power and Choice Band, STAB Extreme Speed at least 2HKOs any unresisted offensive Pokemon, while defensive Pokemon get smacked by Brave Bird. Cofagrigus, Flaafy and Metagross are decent checks to this cute little monster.
Swablu @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Brave Bird
- Steel Wing
- Play Rough
45 attack+pure power is equal to about base 135 attack which is quite fine for the meta at the moment, especially with Normal/Flying being a pretty garbage typing offensively (Celesteela says hi). Although is Windsweep really necessary for it to have? It isn't even listed in your main set and Extreme Speed hits virtually everything you want it to hit for priority (Cofag takes 0 from Windsweep anyhow), it just creates more of a burden when time comes to code and adds to the learning curve. Otherwise good, and Eviolite would probably be fine on this but your choice
Abilities: Dancer | Gale Wings (HA) Stats: 85 / 70 / 64 / 105 / 74 / 95 ( 495 BST ) Movepool Additions: Spirit Wing, Aura Sphere, Will-o-Wisp, Aromatherapy Custom Elements: Spirit Wing - Flying-type Giga Drain clone Justification: Calm Mind sweeper with a STAB draining move and situational but strong priority. It can outspeed and beat Metagross, Meganium, Tapu Bulu, and Cloyster, which can give it some chances to set up Calm Mind. It also has a great matchup vs. Sticky Web, as it avoids webs, walls Kricketune, and checks Poipole and Raticate. It can be walled and worn down by Swalot and Nihilego ( depending on the set ), and checked offensively by Raichu, Nihilego, and Scarf Raticate.
Pokemon: Torterra Roles: Stallbreaker, Gravity Abuser, Stealth Rock, Choice Band Type:
Abilities: Immunity / Natural Cure | *Terrarium (HA) Stats: 70 / 95 / 120 / 65 / 105 / 65 ( 520 BST ) Movepool Additions: *Ancient Roots, High Horsepower, Taunt, Aromatherapy, Custom Elements: Terrarium - Recovers 1/8 of it's max HP every turn when Gravity is active ( Rain Dish clone )
Ancient Roots - Physical Grass-type Magma Storm clone Justification: Torterra has several methods of breaking down stall, thanks to it's good defenses and anti-status abilities. It has access to Taunt in conjuction with Recovery, Toxic, and STAB Ground-type attacks to hit Poison and Steel types. It also has a powerful trapping move in Ancient Roots that helps it ensure a KO, the landing of a Z-move, or a free Stealth Rock. It's third method of breaking stall is through setup, as bulky Swords Dance and Curse sets are a possibility. Torterra is also great abuser of Gravity, especially with its custom elements.
Perhaps you could opt for giving Tort Thousand Waves instead of a brand-new move? It achieves generally the same goal while not requiring a whol new move to be implemented. Otherwise looks fine.
Abilities: Hyper Cutter / Aftermath | Lightningrod (HA) Stats: 65 / 115 / 110 / 85 / 70 / 30 ( 475 BST ) Movepool Additions: *Shadow Sword, Sucker Punch, Smart Strike Movepool Removals: Iron Head, Gyro Ball, Custom Elements: Shadow Sword - Ghost-type Sacred Sword clone Justification: An offensive pivot with good typing, strong priority, and a boosting move. It makes a great switch-in to Raichu and Metagross, as it can take their attacks and Pursuit trap them. It can also set up Swords Dance and sweep with Sucker Punch or Shadow Sneak. Shadow Sword is a strong STAB attack so that it doesn't give bulky pokemon a free switch-in. It has a poor matchup vs. the tier's Dark-types, however, and will need to speed creep Swalot and Cofagrigus.
Perhaps this could be Eviolite-Compatible? It's bulk would see significant increase but would suffer from lacking power and still poor special bulk (you could nerf it further) while becoming a much more solid Raichu check. Your choice but I could see it being balanced.
Name of the Pokemon: Oricorio Role(s): Late Game Sweeper, Quiver Dance, Choice Scarf, Choice Specs Type:
Abilities: Dancer | Ballerina Stat Distribution: 70/70/70/121/70/99 | 500 Movepool Additions: Fiery Dance, Quiver Dance, Dragon Dance, Petal Dance, Lunar Dance Movepool Removals: Baton Pass, Roost Custom Elements: Ballerina: Increases the power of dancing moves by 20% (Iron Fist clone). Justification: Oricorio has access to two accurate and powerfull STAB in Fiery Dance (96 BP) and Revelation Dance (108 BP). Thanks to its offensive stats it becomes really fast and powerfull after one Quiver Dance. However Oricorio is outsped by Choice Scarf user even after +1 like Flygon, has a mediocre bulk and a quad weakness to Stealth Rock making it susceptible to die to strong priority such as Raichu Extreme Speed. Oricorio's STAB combination is also resisted by Rock-type which means Oricorio has to use a Z-Petal Dance to break through them, and can't run another Z-move. Oricorio has also a hard counter in Nihilego which needs to be really weakened to die to +1 Bloom Doom. Oricorio can also run Choice item and support its team with Lunar Dance.
Defensive calc
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Bloom Doom (190 BP) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Nihilego: 188-222 (46.4 - 54.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Petal Dance (144) vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Nihilego: 143-169 (35.3 - 41.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Fiery Dance (96) vs. 248 HP / 108+ SpD Eviolite Flaaffy: 159-187 (39.4 - 46.4%) -- 28.1% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+1 252 SpA Oricorio Revelation Dance (108) vs. 104 HP / 236+ SpD Swalot: 240-283 (46.4 - 54.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Revenge Killer
16 SpA Swalot Sludge Bomb vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 75-88 (26.6 - 31.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Flygon Draco Meteor vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 163-193 (58 - 68.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
0 SpA Nihilego Power Gem vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 280-336 (99.6 - 119.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
0 Atk Nihilego Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Oricorio: 372-444 (132.3 - 158%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Life Orb Raichu-Alola Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Oricorio: 131-155 (46.6 - 55.1%) -- 56.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 Atk Silk Scarf Raticate-Alola Quick Attack vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Oricorio: 142-168 (50.5 - 59.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
48 SpA Flaaffy Thunderbolt vs. +1 0 HP / 0 SpD Oricorio: 138-164 (49.1 - 58.3%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
Name of the Pokemon: Mr. Mime Role(s): Choice Scarf, Healing Wish, Offensive Pivot, Double Screen Type:
Abilities: Filter, Soundproof | Magic Bounce Stat Distribution: 60/45/65/115/105/105 | 500 Movepool Additions: Parting Shot, Moonblast Movepool Removals: Psyshock, Psychic, Extransensory, Nasty Plot Custom Elements: none Justification: Mr Mime can realiably run a Choice Scarf thanks to its decent offensive power and speed. It can pivot thanks to Parting Shot and use Healing Wish. It has an almost unresisted coverage which allows it to run only its STAB has offensive move. Thanks to its ability Magic Bounce, Mr. Mime has several switch-in opportunity. It can also run a Dual Screener set because Magic Bounce prevents it from being taunted or defoged on.
Name of the Pokemon: Ambipom Role(s): Priority, Offensive Utility Type:
Abilities: Pick Up | Scrappy Stat Distribution: 75/100/66/60/66/125 Movepool Additions: Extreme Speed Movepool Removals: none Custom Elements: none Justification: Ambipom is no joke anymore. Ambipom has access to the incredible FakeSpeed without any immunity. It can revenge kill most Pokémon thanks to its combination, however it has a rather mediocre bulk and struggles to break through defensive Pokémon such as Cofagrigus and Celesteela. Also Ambipom has to be carefull with Extreme Speed which has only 8 PP.
Versus Offensive threats:
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raichu: 265-313 (105.5 - 124.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Flygon: 79-94 (25.4 - 30.2%) -- 37.6% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Flygon: 159-187 (51.1 - 60.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cloyster: 40-48 (17.3 - 20.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Cloyster: 78-93 (33.7 - 40.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Poipole: 91-108 (28.8 - 34.2%) -- 99.5% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Poipole: 181-214 (57.4 - 67.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raticate-Alola-Totem: 133-157 (34.5 - 40.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Raticate-Alola-Totem: 265-313 (68.8 - 81.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Fake Out vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kricketune: 99-117 (33.5 - 39.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Kricketune: 195-231 (66.1 - 78.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Versus defensive Pokémon:
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Cofagrigus: 82-97 (28.9 - 34.2%) -- 5.4% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery (Don't forget Mummy removes Scrappy)
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 252+ Def Cofagrigus: 64-76 (22.6 - 26.8%) -- 0.2% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 90-107 (22.2 - 26.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Nihilego: 189-223 (46.6 - 55%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Black Sludge recovery
252 Atk Silk Scarf Ambipom Extreme Speed vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 63-75 (15.8 - 18.8%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Ambipom Focus Punch vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Celesteela: 133-157 (33.5 - 39.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock
Abilities: Lightning Rod / Thick Fat | Mold Breaker (HA) Stats: 115 / 130 / 110 / 45 / 45 / 45 Movepool Additions: None Movepool Removals: None Justification: A Dual-Dancer that can also viably run a bulkier offensive rocks set. With high physical bulk Rhydon can serve as a solid Raticate and physical Raichu (if thick fat) check while exerting heavy offensive presence itself. However, it struggles against Cofagrigus and especially Meganium without a Swords Dance under its belt while it is heavily threatened on offense if it doesn't Rock Polish. Additionally, its speed is so garbage that all relevant scarfers still outspeed Rhydon even at +2.
Double Dance Sweeper (Rhydon) @ Rockium Z
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 56 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 196 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Rock Polish
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
Abilities: Water Veil / Damp | Bulletproof (HA) Stats: 70 / 95 / 95 / 65 / 55 / 85 (465 BST) Movepool Additions: Anchor Shot, Coil, Crabhammer, Iron Tail, Taunt Movepool Removals: None Justification: Seadra is just a big dick to stall. Anchor Shot trapping, shutting down stallmons with Taunt, setting up Dragon Dance/Coil on trapped walls, and Toxic immune+Stealth Rock resistant. That's one tough 'mon to wear down with passive damage! However its special bulk is quite poor, it takes heavy damage from attacks like Cofagrigus and Swalot's Dark Pulse (ignores and Flaaffy's Volt Switch which can cause Seadra to struggle against these walls and subsequently struggle to break stall singlehandedly. 85 Speed is also an only-ok speed tier when facing more offensive builds which makes it quite simple to handle offensively.
Abilities: Illuminate / Strong Jaw | Intimidate (HA) Stats: 77 / 64 / 94 / 145 / 69 / 81 (529 BST) Movepool Additions: Oblivion Wing, Tailwind, Defog Movepool Removals: All Bug-type moves, Flash Cannon, Agility Justification: 145 SpA is... Very scary, but stay with me. Not enough power, even with specs, to break popular special switch-ins Flygon and Nihilego and has relatively weak flying STAB and little in the terms of coverage outside of HP Ice (and GOAT coverage Gravity assisted Mud Shot). However outside of those points Vikavolt fills a Lando-T like role as a Choice Scarf user, with a good defensive type, nice physical bulk, high power, pivoting, and emergency defog, all coupled with an effective Scarf speed tier. Oblivion Wing is also a spammable STAB that offsets Stealth Rock chip. Cool!
Pokemon: Dusknoir Roles: Priority, Choice Band Type:
Abilities: Pressure / Frisk | Psychotic (HA) Stats: 45 / 100 / 115 / 55 / 115 / 65 (495 BST) Movepool Additions: Karate Chop, Arm Thrust Movepool Removals: Power-Up Punch Custom Elements: Psychotic: Technician Clone, Moves with 60 BP or less have +1 priority. Justification: Dusknoir helps fill a few needed roles in the metagame: firstly, it's a fantastic Raichu check, being able to easily OHKO it with priority Karate Chop and only being 3HKO'd by Sash variants, allowing it to break the sash with pursuit in order to avoid being killed by sashcounter sets, or Banded variants can always OHKO with Arm Thrust no matter how many times it hits. Second, it's also a very solid Raticate check, being able to take an unboosted hit and hitting the rat with a priority Karate Chop (even immune to Quick Attack!). Thirdly, it's just a very solid check to Gravity and Webs archetypes due to dismantling the CeleRat core and also taking care of both Kricketune and Poipole with its typing and priority, respectively. However it totally blows vs defensive teams.
Name of the Pokemon: Archeops Roles: Choice Scarf, Offensive Pivot, Life Orb, Choice Band, Stealth Rock, Hazard Control, Setup Sweeper ( Agility) Type: Rock - Flying Abilities: Dazzling Stat Distribution: 65 - 115 - 70 - 90 - 60 - 90 BST: 490 Movepool Additions: Brave Bird, Explosion Movepool Removal: Justification: Archeops is a fantastic scarfer, able to outspeed Flygon and Raichu and able to hit them hard with STAB attacks. Dazzling helps is avoid Ice Shard and the other priority that is sure to come. The addition of Brave Bird ensures a strong flying STAB for Archeops and Explosion let's it go out with a bang. However, terrible bulk means Archeops will struggle to switch into attacks (though that's not his job anyways) and SR weakness and recoil ensures that Archeops longevity is in plenty of doubt.
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