SS OU Choice Band Dragapult Spikes Stack PEAK #7 2023 ELO Ft. Choice Specs Magnezone

[LudwigFrog]

This RMT is pretty different from a lot of the past RMT's I have created. Usually I have more offensive teams, but in this project, we have a bulkier squad. Choice Band Dragapult is a mon that I have been dappling with for a little while. It's excellent speed tier allows it to have a jump on most the metagame. Dragon Darts is a strong STAB move that has the perk of being able to OHKO Dragonite. With Spikes, Dragapult can become very difficult to switch into late game, and can Snowball to victory.

1. Proof of Peak
2. Teambuilding Process
3. The Pokémon
4. Threats
5. Replays
6. Conclusion

Proof of Peak:

Teambuilding Process:

Firstly, I wanted Spikes, in order to help Dragapult break down the opposing walls. Ferrothorn is by far the best Spikes setter in the metagame. Skarmory was also an option, but Ferrothorn provided a water resistance, and is generally better against the meta.


Clefable I figured would be a great addition to the team, as it is immune to hazards, and provides Knock Off, allowing for removal of Heavy-Duty Boots. It also pairs well with Ferrothorn, as Ferrothorn helps check mons that Clefable may have trouble with, such as Melmetal.


Tornadus was my next pick. While I usually did not want to clear hazards, I figured a defogger would still be useful in order to clear Toxic Spikes (Since the team has no poison type). Tornadus is our main Rillaboom/Kartana check, which would otherwise be massive threats for our team. Knock Off is also super valuable for removing Leftovers and Heavy-Duty Boots.


Choice Specs Magnezone is our secondary breaker for the team. Magnezone matches up well against all the fairy types that prevent us from clicking Dragon Darts. Magnezone also helps us remove Corviknight, which is important for Dragapult. While I may be Specs, Ferrothorn usually get's chipped down from our hazards and Knock Offs.


Lastly this team didn't have a ground type. I settled on SpDef Garchomp, because it provided a nice fire resist, allowing us to deal with Heatran and Volcarona. Garchomp is also our Rocks setter, which add more residual damage along with Spikes.


The Pokémon:

Dragapult @ Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Darts
- Steel Wing
- Sucker Punch
- U-turn
In this Banded Pult set, I actually run Steel Wing over PF. This is because Steel Wing is a guranteed 2HKO on Clefable, without having to take turns to charge up. Steel Wing is also still a guranteed OHKO on Lele. Sucker Punch is good at dealing with Timid Pult and Scarf Blacephalon. The former being especially important since we are running an Adamant nature. U Turn is good for momentum and also does a ton to Tyranitar trying to switch in on Shadow Ball.


Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Leech Seed
- Gyro Ball
- Spikes
- Body Press
I run the standard Physical Defense set. I run Gyro Ball because I need to be able to hit Tapu Lele and Dragapult, as well as Tapu Fini. Spikes are there to help make Dragapult even more difficult to withstand. Ferrothorn is our main answer to Rain and Weavile. Try to use Leech Seed often to maintain a healthy Ferrothorn, while also chipping down the opposition.


Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 40 SpD / 4 Spe
Calm Nature
- Moonblast
- Knock Off
- Thunder Wave
- Soft-Boiled
Clefable is the glue of the team. Knock Off and Thunder Wave are great at disrupting the opposition. Moonblast is there for STAB, and Soft Boiled is important for staying healthy. These EVS allow Clefable to avoid a 2HKO from Specs Dragapult (No SpDef drops or crits), as well as being able to avoid 2HKO's from the Ground types (Garchomp, Defensive Landorus). Clefable is often the mon you will be leading with. Spreading Paralysis as early as possible allows Magnezone to outrun and KO the opposing Mons.


Tornadus-Therian (M) @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 80 Def / 8 SpD / 172 Spe
Timid Nature
- Defog
- Hurricane
- Knock Off
- U-turn
Tornadus is the flying type of the team. You often want him to be clicking Knock Off, removing the items from the opposition. Tornadus brings Defog, allowing us to clear Toxic Spikes. Taunt is an alternative option, although I wouldn't recommend it. Tornadus is important for dealing with Kartana, Rillaboom etc. Try to keep him healthy, and avoid losing boots if possible. Hurricane is used over Heat Wave since Gapdos and Urshifu can be difficult.


Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Toxic
Magnezone is our secondary breaker, and allows us to remove the annoying steel types. Specs allows Magnezone to be a monster. Toxic is great at hitting the ground types, such as Hippowdon, Landorus-Therian, Garchomp, Gastrodon etc. Flash Cannon is a 3HKO on SpDef Landorus. Since you are faster, with a bit of chip, you can outrun him, and claim a KO, allowing for future Volt Switches. Timid Nature is important, as it allows us to outrun Bisharp, Tyranitar, Modest Volcanion and more.


Garchomp @ Leftovers
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 HP / 240 SpD / 16 Spe
Careful Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Toxic
- Protect
Lastly we have Garchomp. Garchomp can take Special hits from the likes of Blacephalon, Heatran, Volcarona, Zapdos etc. Toxic is great at pesturing the opposing grounds. Protect allows ur to have an extra turn of Leftovers recovery. EQ is there for STAB. Rocks help support Ferrothorn's spikes. The 16 speed EV's are there so we can outrun Magnezone, Bisharp, and Jolly Tyranitar.

Threats:

I don't need to say much at this point.
/ /
These 3 fighting types can be very difficult for the team to deal with. Urshifu is probably the most manageable, since Pads can't even come closer to killing Tornadus, while Banded is somewhat read reliant. However it can still find it's way through, and take down the squad. Zapdos-Galar just needs to spam Brave Bird, and it can pick up a KO. Magnezone can take Brave Birds, however fighting moves will nuke it. Blaziken at +1 +2 is basically game over. You will have to rely on Garchomp and Ferrothorn chip, then Sucker Punch with it Dragapult. If the Blaziken does not have Knock Off, and isn't Life Orb, Dragapult lives +2 Flare Blitz, and can Flare Blitz.

Garchomp can temporarily take hits, however Blacephalon is so strong, that it's not a permanent check. Tornadus and Dragapult are mandatory in this matchup. If Blacephalon is Scarf, then this matchup is not an issue.

Volcanion can be very difficult to switch into. Ferrothorn can't really take Specs SE due to taking like 40, and possibly being burned. Dragapult and Tornadus are good, since you can Knock, which would allow Garchomp to take hits. Dragapult can OHKO after Stealth Rock.

Replays:
Clefable Walls Balance https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1676046396-uvm64oi6rh99pg9mggl2ntth1v3q63jpw
Clefable Shocks Fat Balance https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1676051036-q7m7ho081r8ymbpn5jnpdcmg130d0itpw
Garchomp Disrupts Sand https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1676037549-pvzqnrtm5984v18pr0c58m4svgh88lcpw
Banded Pult Cleans Up https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675999800-ax11xjsukjpvjmcnbjsdhixdiqm2ihppw
Vs Rain https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675991177-63c3ohbtt1s71u7mmrwy1b7e9k5thktpw
Vs Nidoking https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1676007004-l8zzdo8pqqip1o875o48nq8zlll1feqpw
Pult Dismantles Offense https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675884756-6wb6cp6sdv21vvzyoswpn4g9rk6c931pw
Magnezone is Kinda Strong https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675879132-q17npcf3a38ulaykbdt2vhchr1y01qnpw
Vs HO https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675287071-gf6dlbyl9t7iiao37hjidq73mtb50fupw
Vs Bulky Offense https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675288895-r7sf32eg0q128p19i95btdsd0qsjoy5pw
Vs Balance https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675307080-qdnqiqfjvb9t6e16sktwvg8rmjcmxdwpw
Banded Pult is a Menace https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675360777-ug7apvh0bkod8t4pisul92sc8dahwebpw
Magnezone vs 0 Grounds https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675367203-64hb8ea4xe0j1dzkb2326wdc3d378vppw
Banded Pult is a Menace Pt.2 https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675364472-vvpx99axj1imtdkdam08yh8ln118cp3pw
Vs Another HO https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675886840-k6ot1hhtuvzzu65cdctiglxey5eo5vzpw
Taking Down Stall Piece by Piece https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1675890959-x1a9x4n9tbmu1pd56l98wvt2x18g616pw

Conclusion:
If you have made it this far, thank you for reading. If you have any mons you want me to try making teams on, you can shoot me a DM on discord (LudwigFrog#7467), Twitter (@ LudwigFrog) or just PM me on Smogon. Anyways enjoy the team.
Pokepaste: https://pokepast.es/7db4903ff19902eb

Check out some of my other RMT's

Volcanion Sand 1970 ELO https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/volcanion-sand-bulky-offense-1970-elo.3705138/

Nasty Plot Rotom Wash 2050 ELO https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...ense-peak-2049-elo-3-on-ss-ou-ladder.3701250/

Reuniclus Bulky Offense 1950 ELO https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...n-ss-ou-ladder-ft-offensive-buzzwole.3700006/

SPECIAL ATTACKING VICTINI HAIL #6 ON SS OU LADDER https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...tini-hail-1945-elo-6-on-ss-ou-ladder.3698700/

VOLCANION BULKY OFFENSE PEAKED #5 ON SS OU LADDER https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...s-ou-ladder-ft-choice-band-dragapult.3697199/

CHOICE BAND DRAGONITE BULKY OFFENSE #7 ON SS OU LADDER https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...y-offense-7-1935-elo-on-ss-ou-ladder.3694073/

GALARIAN ZAPDOS SPIKES OFFENSE https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/gapdos-bulky-offense-1848-elo-42-on-ss-ou-ladder.3695510/

SUICUNE BALANCE https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/suicune-balance-peaked-1823-elo-155-on-ou-ladder.3692120/

 

[Initiatedog]

I really like this team! I'm not the greatest competitive player but I can see how this team works really well together. Do you mind if I use it for inspiration? I might potentially send you a DM about building around something as I want to get better at teambuilding and seeing a particular mon built with I feel can help me on how I build around the specific mons and building in general. Great work man!

P.S: My discord is different to my smogon, its Pro Pichu#2451 so dont be surprised if you get one from this account

 

[LudwigFrog]

I really like this team! I'm not the greatest competitive player but I can see how this team works really well together. Do you mind if I use it for inspiration? I might potentially send you a DM about building around something as I want to get better at teambuilding and seeing a particular mon built with I feel can help me on how I build around the specific mons and building in general. Great work man!

P.S: My discord is different to my smogon, its Pro Pichu#2451 so dont be surprised if you get one from this account

Yeah no worries. That's the whole reason I made the team lol.

 

[JohnnyBotting]

this team kinda sucks against ferrothorn

 

[LudwigFrog]

this team kinda sucks against ferrothorn

You have to chip it down with Magnezone moves, Body Press from Ferro, spikes etc. Clefable can be very annoying for a non Gyro Ball Ferro

 

[ElStefano]

I'd suggest the iron defense & body press set on zone to help with opposing Ferrothorn. Run enough speed for Corv. I'd suggest discharge to help with spreading para, since you have no scarfer. The last move could be Magnetic Rise to always beat Melmetal (even those with EQ) or Substitute. Maybe even keep Toxic.

I'd also replace BodyPress in Ferro with Thunderwave, since Magnezone traps all relevant targets I can think of right now.

Solid team otherwise!

 

[LudwigFrog]

I'd suggest the iron defense & body press set on zone to help with opposing Ferrothorn. Run enough speed for Corv. I'd suggest discharge to help with spreading para, since you have no scarfer. The last move could be Magnetic Rise to always beat Melmetal (even those with EQ) or Substitute.

I'd also replace BodyPress in Ferro with Thunderwave, since Magnezone traps all relevant targets I can think of right now.

Solid team otherwise!

I know BP is better for Ferro. But I specifically mentioned how I wanted Zone to act as a Secondary breaker. Body Press feels like dead weight unless vs Ferro/Corv, while Specs feels like it can always do well.

 

[ElStefano]

I see... but what does it break besides Lando or Chomp, which are both no big Deal for Pult? Opponent will always switch in their ground =/ Isn't it better to reliably remove Melmetal and Ferro for Pult?

 

[LudwigFrog]

I see... but what does it break besides Lando or Chomp, which are both no big Deal for Pult? Opponent will always switch in their ground =/ Isn't it better to reliably remove Melmetal and Ferro for Pult?

Calm Mind Fini can't sweep. Actually beats Koko, and can OHKO Clefable because most expect BP ID set. Not to mention, it also lets me guarantee an OHKO on Corv, Buzzwole and Pex, aswell as providing Volt Switch for momentum, I can hit and run on Melmetal, without forcing to run magnet rise or sack myself to kill it.

 

[ElStefano]

With BP Zone, you can run Powerwhip in Ferro to prevent Fini from sweeping.
Koko shouldn't be a problem anyway with Zone, Ferro and Chomp. Pex shouldn't stay in anyway and Corv is weakened to the point where it's not a problem anymore, even if it isn't killed.
I get your point about suprising Clef. On the other hand, Zone with discharge also beats Clef...

I don't know, I guess the problem with ID Zone is that it feels Dead Weight in matchups without a steel (or with Heatran) in the opposing team. Your set somehow allivates this, but for tue opportinity cost that it cant remove Ferrothorn anymore, which is the main reason to run Zone in the first place... (Besides the steel birds)

But since you don't like ID , another idea: If you want to be really fancy, use Analytic over Magnet Pull to hit much harder. Most foes don't check if they are trapped anyway :D

Good luck laddering ;)

 

[CinnaDomenici]

Thanks a lot for sharing this. These kind of RMT are a great help for people like me who want to try out new sets but struggle to build teams with a proper chassis. This Clef+Chomp+Thorn+Ferro core is pretty neat.

This helped me build this by doing some low effort swaps : https://pokepast.es/f95d53246813199e

 

[memesketch]

For Magnezone, you could also try the Expert Belt set with Flash Cannon to both trap Ferro and preserve Zone's strength vs stuff like Corv and Clef.

 

[LudwigFrog]

For Magnezone, you could also try the Expert Belt set with Flash Cannon to both trap Ferro and preserve Zone's strength vs stuff like Corv and Clef.

I actually used to be a fan of the set. However, I don't like not having Volt switch, and having to invest in Phys Def.

 

[Gilfdarts]

What can I use instead of Magnezone?

 

[LudwigFrog]

What can I use instead of Magnezone?

Wouldn't recommend but offensive eruption Heatran I guess

 

[Gilfdarts]

In a game I'm having trouble making Magnazone, so I'd like to replace it with another one, but I don't know what would be good. I'm Brazilian, my english is not good

 

[Max op boy]

thats ok if your English isn’t good my first language is English and my English isnt good

 

[SweepySleepyDreepy999]

I just played you on my smurf account (Mymainacc2) earlier today lol

 

[SweepySleepyDreepy999]

You were using this team. I like the team BTW I thought it was a good match between us. Clefable + Tornadus is tough to deal with for the team I was using

 

[LudwigFrog]

You were using this team. I like the team BTW I thought it was a good match between us. Clefable + Tornadus is tough to deal with for the team I was using

I don't remember using this team today. It might have been someone else.

 

[SweepySleepyDreepy999]

I don't remember using this team today. It might have been someone else.

Might have been yesterday then I've been playing all week. It's was definently the name you are using in your replays, but I guess I could be wrong. Either way I like the team!