OU Ladder Team-Capped at #8 on the Leaderboard

The SPrinkLer

Banned deucer.
Hi. This will be my 3rd RMT, and by far my most successful team. I achieved #8 on Smogon's Standard leaderboard with it, so it's no fluke. I made this team with MetaNite, so huge credit to him. MetaNite was a huge help to this team's success, so I have eternal gratitude for him. Anyway onto the team itself...

It's not that original, although there are some less used sets on it. Most of them are on the site, so everyone knows about them, and if they aren't on the site, they're commonly used. I like this team for its simplicity to play, as well as its efficientcy. This team is designed to open up holes for a MixRachi to sweep, whether it be Heatran with HP Grass to beat Swampert, or Bulky Gyarados taking hits from Heatran easily. This team has a balanced/semi-stall structure, with a few elements of both worlds. Like every team, it has some issues, but that's what the raters are for!

-Team at a Glance-
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Ok, so I'm pretty pissed at people telling what a Pokemon does in general. You are supposed to explain what it does for YOUR team, not the generic offensive team. I will explain each member thoroughly, so please keep this in mind when suggesting a new set/member.

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Skarmory (M) @ Shed Shell
Ability: Keen Eye
EVs: 252 HP/4 Spd/252 SDef
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Whirlwind
- Roost

Skarmory starts off the team nicely with its great typing, as well as early hazards. I can get Spikes up early, and it matches up better against common leads than you might think. Swampert and Metagross are probably the best examples of this, as I easily attain Stealth Rock and a layer of Spikes versus them. A few disadvantages of using Skarmory as lead are it takes some damage just getting up hazards early. This means I might not have a chance to WW out the opponent's Salamence or Tyranitar before they OHKO me with Fire Blast or Stone Edge/Fire Punch respectively. All in all though, Skarmory is probably one of the most important members of my team. With its specially defensive spread, it can take a lot of Special hits, even setting up Spikes against bulky waters like Vaporeon. It also makes a fine answer to CMers like Suicune. Another disadvantage of using a SpD spread is that I can't take stuff like Tyranitar's Stone Edge as well. I take around 57% from a Choice Band Stone Edge, so one running enough for Skarmory easily beats me. Luckily I can go to Jirachi, although I take quite a lot regardless.



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Jirachi @ Expert Belt
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spd/6 SAtk
Naive nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Ice Punch
- Iron Head
- Thunderbolt
- Fire Punch

Jirachi is my late-game sweeper once my other Pokemon, and hazards have taken their toll. Jirachi has few counters, thanks to its great movepool and overall great stats. Jirachi is able to hit hard from both ends of the spectrum, thanks to its 100 base offenses, and Expert Belt. Jirachi often lures in Gyarados after using Fire Punch or Iron Head, and OHKOs it. Jirachi makes a fine revenge killer of things like Lucario, Scizor, among others. The main drawback of Jirachi is its lack of raw power, so it needs to hit super effectively. Jirachi has numerous resistances, and it's my only Rock type resistant, so it is very valuable. Jirachi is also one of my sole answers to DDMence, as I need to switch in Gyarados, they Outrage, and I revenge kill it with him. Jirachi is definitely not replaceable, although the set may be.



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Gyarados (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 156 HP/72 Atk/96 Def/184 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Taunt
- Waterfall
- Return

Gyarados is one of the coolest members of the team, with its natural bulk and sweeping abilities. Gyarados easily sets up on stall members like Blissey, with access to Taunt, stopping their attempts from crippling me. Oftentimes if I get 2 DDs, it's game over, it's just that powerful. Gyarados is my best answer to Heatran, who is a nuisance to this team. Gyarados is usually my initial switchin to Salamence as well, because of Intimidate, although it can't do much back. Gyarados really opens up holes for the rest of my members, because I usually Waterfall first just to see what counter they have. I've tried RestTalk Gyarados in this spot a few times, but it didn't work as well as I would've liked.



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Heatran (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 6 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Explosion

Heatran is probably the most replacable member of this team. It does its job efficiently in luring out Swampert, Blissey, and the like, but I feel something could do it better. Heatran also provides a good counter to Rotom, if they Will-o-Wisp, because then I get a boost to my SpA. The only thing stopping this after a Flash Fire boost is something faster than Heatran. Heatran also stops Jirachi, because they are all annoying. If Heatran uses Explosion on a trouble Pokemon like Blissey, then something like Rotom has free reign.


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Rotom-f @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/188 Spd/68 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
- Will-o-wisp

Rotom is my spin-blocker, and giver of Burns. Thanks so much to that one dude who basically created this set, because it's now one of my favorite. Will-o-Wisp is great for those Tyranitar that love switching in, which I can then outstall it with Substitute. Rotom probably needs more bulk, but they've been fine so far. The EVs provide optimal bulk, and enough speed for Adamant Lucario, although I've been seeing so many Jolly versions lately. This is also one of my best answers to Scizor, although most of my team takes it on. Rotom's WoW and dual STABs are definitely needed, so this is one of the least likely to get replaced.


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Tyranitar (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 6 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Jolly nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Pursuit
- Stone Edge

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Finally, probably the reason for this team's massive success. Tyranitar provides so much: answers to Rotom, Latias, and the myriad of special attackers out there. It also revenge-kills Lucario, and a few others. The main drawback of Tyranitar is it allows a lot of stuff to set up. Salamence is probably the best example of this, as it's definitely one of the biggest threats to this team. Tyranitar's dual STABs are definitely of importance, hitting a lot of Pokemon I need to hit very strong. Using ScarfTar effectively though requires a lot of prediction though, because the opponent is also thinking what to do. Tyranitar is also my ace-in-the-hole against Heavy Offense, incapacitating Azelf, because they generally think I'm slower than it. They always Taunt Skarmory for some reason too, ensuring a free switch-in.

Another version of this team I used leadtar and Scarfrachi, which I altered up some to beat Itsuki r1 of item restriction tournament. It solves the massive Salamence weakness to a degree, and also aids with Tyranitar and Gyarados. Thanks to Locopoke for his ideas on #ratemyteam


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Threat list (alphabetically based)

Black is fine.
Orange can be problematic.
Red is dangerous, I really have to play my best to handle it.

CREDIT GOES TO SUPERMARTH64

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Aerodactyl
  • Lead: Go to Rotom, then 2HKO it with Thunderbolt. I still get hit in the process unfortunately.
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Azelf
  • Lead: Not a problem, as they always Taunt, Flamethrower, or SR. I always directly go to Tyranitar and OHKO it because they suspect they will outspeed me.
  • Dual Screens: They're always used as a lead.
  • Nasty Plot: Tyranitar easily disposes of this.
  • Choice: Tyranitar also beats this, and it's always fun to go into a Tricked Scarf.
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Blissey
  • Wish/Aromatherapy: Blissey is actually pretty annoying. I need to explode on it or beat it with Heatran. Skarmory sets up on it though.
  • Calm Mind: Skarmory WWs it, albeit getting hit in the process. I can Explode on it.
  • Charm: Haven't seen this yet, although I'd probably just send in Skarmory and phaze it.
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Breloom
  • Subpunch: I usually let something take the sleep. I then go to Rotom who Subs at they fruitlessly try to Leech Seed. Versions with Seed Bomb 3HKO me, so I just Shadow Ball, then go to something else to finish it.
  • Attacker: Not much of a problem, same as Subpunch.
  • Choice Scarf: These can be taken out with prediction.
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Bronzong
  • Wall: Heatran OHKOs it. Skarmory sets up on it.
  • Dual Screens: This can kind of be a problem. If they Reflect as I go to Heatran, then I OHKO it.
  • Trick Room: Thankfully these aren't seen much. Thankfully all they do is set it up, so I go to Rotom and Substitute.
  • Rain Dance: I go to Rotom and Substitute.
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Celebi
  • Defensive: Heatran and Skarmory are surefire switch-ins.
  • Tinkerbell: This one can be a problem as they generally run Thunder Wave. I go to Skarm, then go to Heatran as they HP Fire.
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Cresselia
  • Defensive: Heatran is an ok switch-in. Skarmory sets up on it.
  • Calm Mind: Skarmory phazes it. Tyranitar beats it.
  • Lunar Dance: This can be a problem if they run Dual Screens along with it, as most do.
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Dragonite
  • Mixnite: Not really a problem. Tyranitar revenge kills it.
  • Dragon Dance: Skarmory phazes it.
  • Anti-lead: ScarfTar comes in on the Fire Blast targeted for Skarmory.
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Dugtrio
  • Revenge Killer: These can be annoying, but thankfully it can't do much to Gyarados.
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Dusknoir
  • Tank: Easy Heatran switch-in. Skarmory also sets up on it.
  • Trick Room: Same as Bronzong, it can't do much as it isn't powerful.
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Electivire
  • Attacker: Surprisingly, my team is MixVire weak >.> I have to rely on Rotom for this. If it gets a boost and runs Flamethrower, Cross Chop, Thunderpunch, and Earthquake it's very annoying.
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Empoleon
  • Subpetaya: This kills my entire team unfortunately.
  • Life Orb: Same boat as Subpetaya.
  • Lead: This is actually a major problem, as Panamaxis knows. I usually Sr as they hurt me for around 70%, then I have to sac Rotom, then something revenge kills it.
  • Swords Dance: Rotom kills this, so does Jirachi.
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Flygon
  • Choice Scarf: Jirachi can survive with a few HP left. Skarmory walls this fortunately.
  • Choice Band: Skarmory walls it, although Fire Punch/Thunderpunch hurts.
  • Life Orb: This could potentially be a problem, although it's very uncommon.
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Forretress
  • Spiker: I set up SR against it if it's a lead. If it isn't a lead, I go straight to Rotom and WoW, or Thunderbolt if they revealed a Heatran earlier.
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Gengar
  • Life Orb: Tyranitar beats this with proper prediction.
  • Substitute: This always takes down my Tyranitar. Once it does that I'm kind of fucked.
  • Choice Scarf: This can be revenge killed with Tyranitar.
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Gliscor
  • Defensive: Gyarados hurts it. Jirachi kills it when it's around %70.
  • Swords Dance: Jirachi can kill it.
  • Baton Pass: This is a problem. Gyarados can Waterfall.
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Gyarados
  • Dragon Dance: Rotom survives anything it has, and kills it. This can be a problem if Rotom is down.
  • Resttalk: This usually gets lured in by my Jirachi. I then Thunderbolt it.
  • BulkyGyara: Rotom beats this, as well as Jirachi.
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Heatran
  • Choice Scarf: This can be beat with proper prediction. Gyarados is a sure-fire switch.
  • Lead: Gyarados always, unless they carry HP Electric and use it on the switch with a counter-team =[
  • Subtran: Gyarados siwtches in, although gets Toxiced.
  • Torment Tran: This is hard. I'd probably beat it with Gyarados.
  • Life Orb: I have to predict around this. It hits like a truck.
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Heracross
  • Choice Scarf: I don't see Heracross much, but Rotom walls it bar Night Slash, which Skarmory can come into.
  • Choice Band: Rotom walls it bar Night Slash.
  • Swords Dance: Jirachi revenge kills it.
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Hippowdon
  • Wall: Gyarados sets up on this.
  • Curse: ^
  • Stockpile: ^
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Infernape
  • Mixed attacker: I always go to Gyarados.
  • Lead: Gyarados as well. If they run Thunderpunch, then I'm a dead man. Fortunately, almost none don't.
  • Swords Dance: If they run Stone Edge, then Gyarados is done. Then I can kill it with Tyranitar. If they run Mach Punch then I am done.
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Jirachi
  • Calm Mind: I can revenge kill it with Tyranitar, and Skarmory can Whirlwind away Thunderbolt-less versions.
  • Lead: I use Spikes due to the threat of getting Tricked a Choice Scarf, so I get at least 2 layers.
  • Choice Scarf: Heatran is an excellent switch-in, as well as Skarmory.
  • Mixed: These can be beaten with Rotom and Heatran.
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Jolteon
  • Specs: Any Jolteon is a huge threat. Specs versions are easier though because they get locked into a move.
  • Charge Beam: A big threat. I must come in after it kills something then revenge kill it with Tyranitar.
  • Baton Pass: This is a problem because it's faster than everything I have.
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Kingdra
  • SubDD: Gyarados is a good switch-in, as well as Skarmory.
  • DD with Hydro Pump: Gyarados as well.
  • Mixed attacker: Gyarados takes this on too.
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Latias
  • Calm Mind: Tyranitar is a great initial switch to Latias, unless Heatran is out so they will most likely Surf. Calm Mind ones generally lack Surf so I just go Tar.
  • Choice Specs: Tyranitar comes in after it kill
  • Choice Scarf: Hopefully I come in on a Trick with Tyranitar. That's always fun to do.
  • Life Orb: Tyranitar revnge kills it.
  • Support: Tyranitar kills it.
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Lucario
  • Swords Dance: Tyranitar and Jirachi both revenge kill it. If they're Jolly, then Rotom loses to it =/
  • Choice Specs: Prediction between Skarmory and Rotom.
  • Lead: Skarmory gets hazards up against it. I then WW it away and deal with it through prediction later since they always have Sash.
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Machamp
  • Resttalk: These are a pain. Fortunately most don't carry Stone Edge so I can set up on it with Gyarados.
  • Bulk Up: These can be a pain too, fortunately they take a lot from Heatran's Fire Blast.
  • Subchamp: Same boat as Bulk Up, although I generally switch in Rotom to these.
  • Choice: Prediction.
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Magnezone
  • Steel Trapper: These can be revenge killed with Tyranitar.
  • Choice Scarf: I just switch to Rotom and Sub.
  • Dual Screens: I haven't faced one of these, although Heatran can come in.
  • Subsalac: If I predict right I can WW it with Skarmory as it Substitutes. Also, Tyranitar revenges it.
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Mamoswine
  • Physical attacker: Skarmory utterly walls this.
  • Mixmamo: Skarmory walls it too because of its SpD spread.
  • Lead: Skarmory easily gets up hazards.
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Metagross
  • Choice Band: Heatran can come in on anything bar Earthquake.
  • Agility: Skarmory walls this, and Rotom does too.
  • Lead: Lead versions are just easy Spikes for Skarmory.
  • Mixed: Skarmory still walls it, but takes probably 40% from HP Fire, but idk since I haven't faced one yet.
  • Dual Screens: I've never seen one of these, but if Tran comes in on Reflect, then it's dead.
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Ninjask
  • Lead: Skarmory easily phazes it away.
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Porygon2
  • Defensive: These are a bitch. Hopefully Spikes, Sr, and SS help to wear it down.
  • Trick Room: These are even more of a pain. -.-
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Porygon-Z
  • Choice: Prediction with Skarmory, Rotom, and everything else.
  • Boosting set: Tyranitar revenges it.
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Rhyperior
  • Choice Band: These are annoying but Gyarados threatens it once it comes in
  • Rock Polish: These are actually very annoying, but Skarmory can phaze it.
  • Swords Dance: These with Sub rape my team.
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Roserade
  • Lead: I have to let something take the sleep, and it's a tough decision.
  • Spikes: Heatran kills it.
  • Choice: Prediction between Skarmory and Heatran.
  • Subseed: Skarmory phazes it.
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Rotom-a
  • Choice: Tyranitar Pursuits them.
  • Defensive: Heatran can come in on WoW and Tyranitar can come in on Thunderbolt/Shadow Ball.
  • Restalk: Same as above.
  • Subcharge: Tyranitar doesn't do great against it...
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Salamence
  • Dragon Dance: Such a potent threat to my team. Gyarados gets hit with Outrage then Jirachi revenges it.
  • Mixmence: ScarfTar can revenge it.
  • Bulky Mence: If this is the last Pokemon on their team I lose....
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Scizor
  • Choice Band: Like everything on my team kills it.
  • Swords Dance: Skarmory takes a hefty amount from Supoerpower but everything else walls it basically.
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Skarmory
  • Spiker: If these keep getting free switch-ins then they can be trouble. If I lure it in with Jirachi it's a dead bird.
  • Taunter: ^
  • Torment: ^
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Smeargle
  • Lead: Lead Smeargles are like Roserade... =[
  • Baton Pass: Skarmory phazes it, so I let something else take the sleep. If it uses Ingrain then I just Taunt with Gyarados.
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Suicune
  • Crocune: Rotom hits it hard.
  • Offensive: Most outspeed Rotom, so jirachi is my best bet.
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Swampert
  • Mixpert: If Heatran is dead then these are VERY troublesome.
  • Cursepert: Heatran can come in on Curse/Rest and threaten it.
  • Offensive: Skarnory walls it.
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Tentacruel
  • Toxic Spikes: Rotom comes in.
  • Swords Dance: Rotom is a great candidate, and Jirachi too.
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Togekiss
  • Nasty Plot: Rotom kills it.
  • Flinch: Rotom. Skarmory.
  • Physical: Rotom.
  • Lead: Skarmory just sets up on it.
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Tyranitar
  • Choice Band: This hits hard because my only rock resist is Jirachi.
  • Dragon Dance: If it gets a DD and has Taunt I'm done. Skarmory Whirlwinds it if it doesn't have Taunt.
  • Boah: Gyarados beats it.
  • Scarf: These have an element of surprise, so they can be annoying, but fortunately Skarmory walls it.
  • Lead: Skarmory beats it unless it has a move like Fire Blast.
  • Curse: Jirachi beats it pretty well.
  • Mixtar: Jirachi can Flinch it.
  • Baittar: Jirachi and Gyarados beat it.
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Vaporeon
  • Wish: Hopefully Heatran or Jirachi lures it in. Skarmory can set up on it taking about 37% from Surf.
  • Baton Pass: Skarmory can phaze it.
  • Choice Specs: Wow these hit like a bitch. I don't think I've ever seen one though, maybe one.
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Weavile
  • Revenge killer: Jirachi beats it and Skarm walls it.
  • Swords Dance: Jirachi beats it I tbhink....
  • Anti-lead: Skarmory just sets up on it.
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Yanmega
  • Speed Boost: Skarmory walls it very well, as well as Rotom.
  • Choice Specs: ^
  • Life Orb: ^
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Zapdos
  • Physically Defensive: Heatran can beat it.
  • Specially Defensive: Tyranitar can come in bar a Thunder Wave.
  • Offensive: Tyranitar still beats it.
  • Choice: Tyranitar can come in rather easily, bar a U-turn.
  • SubRoost: These are annoying.
  • Baton Pass: Since they threaten Skarmory and Gyarados, I can't phaze or Taunt, so they're annoying.

If I colored the name of the Pokemon, it means the Pokemon in general can be problematic. If I colored just on set, then it is the only thing I need to fear.
 
So you've finale reviled your famous semi stall team, Sprinkles. And what timing! Anyways, I just felt like posting since this is one of the few decent RMTs today. I personally find heatran to be irreplaceable. This is because it is probably THE best swampert lure in existence, and blissey respectively. This team is a good example of offensive semi stall. It is good to see a team that doesn't have a blissey in it for once :).

Oh about the Jirachi.. Why do you have thunderbolt? Wouldn't it be more effective to have a jolly nature with thunder punch > thunderbolt? I think this because your focusing more evs in atk than in sp.atk, and because jirachi doesn't like a naive nature when you have to switch into a draco meteor or something


Anyways nice team, good job.
 
I run Thunderbolt for all the Vaporeon and Suicune that invest in Defense, as well as Gyarados whose Intimidate hinders me. With bulky enough of an EV spread, Gyarados could potentially survive the Thunderpunch. Thanks for the suggestion though.
 
Hey I just wanted to let you know that you've a nice team here Sprinkles.

Since you have a great team already, I just wanted to offer some minor suggestions.

On Heatran, have you ever considered running Taunt over Explosion? The reason I suggest Taunt is because it will prevent common switch-ins such as Blissey and Latias from restoring their health without having to resort to Exploding. Heatran is your best check against SubCM Jirachi (with Flash Cannon), so keeping him around throughout the match is vital. The only concern I see with replacing Explosion is that you allow Salamence and friends to set-up, but you appear to cover such threats effectively as it is.

Aside from the suggestion on Heatran, one thing I noticed is that your team will have a lot of trouble taking on Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Currently, your best bet against it is Tyranitar (who needs to risk the Speed tie to win, and EQ will unlikely OHKO), Jirachi, and Skarmory. I feel that it poses an immediate threat to your team because it can easily set up on 1/3 of your team, namely on Heatran and Tyranitar. A quick fix for this problem would be to replace your current Gyarados for a Swampert running the standard MixPert set, with Roar for the final slot. By doing so, you can free up for the slot for SR on Skarmory for something like Taunt, which I find effective against slower leads like Metagross and Skarmory. Swampert will also benefit your team by serving as a great Salamence check and by phazing support.

Anyways, I hope my suggestions are of help to your team. Let me know if you have any more questions!
 
or he could run superpower over eq on his Tyranitar to do 145% - 170.8% to opposing dd-tar lol (even though i kinda like the pert suggestion).
 
Hey Sprinkles =D

I see a couple things that can be changed, and some things you may want to take into consideration. Whenever I used this team, I always gave Tyranitar Superpower for enemy Tyranitar (over Earthquake obviously). They are extremely annoying for this team, especially Dragon Dance Tyranitar. Skarmory has to take heavy fire in order to Whirlwind it out and that doesn't stop it from setting up later in the game. Superpower gives you a better way to revenge kill it, although it often still takes a Speed tie.

Stone Edge is also a good option over Return on Gyarados. Although the accuracy is shaky, Stone Edge enables you to kill Zapdos and enemy Salamence a lot easier. Nothing on this team can really counter Dragon Dance Salamence that well. By giving Gyarados Stone Edge, you prevent it from setting up on Gyarados, OHKOing it most likely, after Stealth Rock. Stone Edge also helps against enemy Gyarados, who are in a similar vein. The standard Gyarados is OHKOed after Stealth Rock.

Since this team already has a bit of a Jolteon weakness, I think it is plausible to replace Skarmory with Forretress. Only difference is that Forretress cannot recover its health, no pHaze the foe.

Forretress @ Leftovers
Nature: Impish / EVs: 252 HP / 44 Atk / 212 SpD
~ Stealth Rock / Spikes or Toxic Spikes / Rapid Spin / Payback

When using this team, I've found Spikes from enemy Skarmory to be extremely annoying. Not many Pokemon on this team can actually kill Skarmory, as it just ends up switching out and coming back in later in the game (one of the reasons why Thunderbolt is on Jirachi). It easily gets up Spikes on Tyranitar for instance. Forretress however is able to Rapid Spin these Spikes away, and set up on any non-Taunt Skarmory. With Tyranitar eliminating Ghost-types most likely, it should be fairly easy to Rapid Spin. Spikes versus Toxic Spikes is mostly up to preference I suppose. I know this team has some trouble with Suicune which is where Toxic Spikes would be helpful, but then again, many Suicune have Rest. Totally up to you. Forretress also isn't weak to Electric-type attacks, which makes it easier for it to come in on Latias especially, and Gengar as well (if Tyranitar is gone, Gengar may wreck this team). Only problem with Forretress > Skarmory is that you can no longer pHaze Suicune. Good luck with this team in the future, if you ever use it again. I was happy to help make it with ya'.
 
Just a couple of things regarding MetaNite's post - I don't see how that Forretress really helps against Jolteon without something to hurt it with i.e Earthquake or Explosion. It is also probably worse than Skarm in the lead position, because it will always lose health that it cannot recover, and is 4x weak to fire moves, which are common on leads. You already have a number of bulky water lures so I see no particular advantage in Toxic spikes (If Suicune doesn't pack rest it shouldn't sweep, and as he said, skarm can phaze him away unless he is the last poke.) Using Forry increases your DDmence weakness (Skarm can survive a fire blast as you probably know.) The main advantage that I can see is that you have Rapid Spin, greatly aiding your Gyarados

Possibly, if you do go for Forretress (or even if you don't,) it would be a good idea to scarf your Jirachi to better deal with DDmence, Suicune (trick) and with DDtar (freeing you up to run earthquake on your Ttar) who frequently run fire punch and will hence simply OHKO your Forretress. If you ran toxic spikes, he would no longer need to act as a bulky water lure either.

Anyway, great team (really its pretty much fine as it is.) Good Luck
 
Hello Sprinkles!

Skarmory I have never understood the concept of a Lead Skarmory. He is very easily scared away by Taunters, Infernape, and even various Heatran. I would consider putting Jirachi in Skarmory's place.

Jirachi I can't find much wrong on Jirachi, except for the fact that if Skarmory gets taunted, Jirachi can't KO Max Hp Gyarados with Thunderbolt.

Gyarados Return . . . Doesn't seem to fit. I would put Earthquake in to increase your type coverage. I have even used Outrage on a similar set to a great effect.

Heatran The question is, if you want Heatran out, what jobs need to be maintained by the pokemon to take its place? As I see it, you want to
* Lure and kill Swampert
* Defeat Blissey
* Kill Rotom
I really don't know what to tell you, because Heatran covers everything on this list Save Rotom-W. You could consider a Mixdos or Mixape set, but neither counter Rotom-a well.

Rotom-f Rotom seems to perform his job well, and I don't want to mess with success.

Tyranitar I am not going to mess with your Tyranitar, since he seems to do his job very well.

On a side note, Gyarados with Earthquake beats SubPetaya Empoleon.
 
bluewooper here are damage calculations for a very unlikely situation to show that Jirachi ALWAYS OHKO's Gyarados with Thunderbolt even without SR:

237 Atk vs 328 Def & 396 HP (95 Base Power): 240 - 283 (60.61% - 71.46%)
Click to expand...

That's assuming the bulkiest Gyarados and Jirachi's Expert Belt. So no need to point out that Jirachi is threatened by Gyarados in any way (she outspeeds as well). Also, with a 252/0 Spread on Gyarados, Jirachi is still doing a minimum of 84%, which, with Stealth Rock, and provided she outspeeds (which she does), is a guaranteed KO.

Anyhow, speaking of Jirachi, I suggest trying the growing threat that is CM Wish Jirachi. Here is the set Sprinkles:

Jirachi @ Leftovers - Bold
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Def / 32 Spe
Ability: Serene Grace
Moves:
- Calm Mind
- Wish
- Thunderbolt
- Psychic

I'm sure you are familiar with this set, and I think that this set will be useful because you lack a Rapid Spinner (unless you take MetaNite's suggestion), and because Jirachi can effectively solve your problems with Salamence. Also, this still allows her to late-game sweep, and even midgame in case you want an early ragequit =D

Also, mixing Calm Mind and Wish lets her support the team as well. Also notice that your own Jirachi fails to KO Magnezone with Fire Punch while he 2HKO's with HP Fire or Thunderbolt (provided he is Scarfed, and some are). This Jirachi doesn't take anything short of 40% from even HP Fire after a CM, and easily sets up on anything that can't phaze it or use STAB Earthquake on it. And this is ironic, since unless we are talking about Choice Band Rhyperior here, even +1 LO Earthquake from Gyarados isn't going to KO, so his luck at setting up on you is slim. Also, everything that would seek to phaze you is hit extremely hard by +1 Psychic or Thunderbolt. Finally, Blissey still can't come close to walling you, and you can set up alongside Crocune and effectively do more damage to him with +6 Thunderbolt than he does with +6 Surf. Here are calculations for that as well:

+6 Thunderbolt vs. +6 Suicune
944 Atk vs 1064 Def & 404 HP (95 Base Power): 122 - 144 (30.20% - 35.64%)

+6 Surf vs. +6 Jirachi
864 Atk vs 944 Def & 404 HP (95 Base Power): 94 - 112 (23.27% - 27.72%)

So, just in case you feel cocky and aren't risking a bunch of crits, you can pull a Latias on Suicune and eventually beat him out unless one of you crits (which is why you should just Taunt with Gyarados anyhow or Whirlwind with your specially bulky Skarm).

If you feel like the set lets you down without the ability for more immediate power and both spectrums of attacks, then by all means keep the set you have. But the only true enemies CM Wish Jirachi has when she has 6 Calm Minds is: hax (duh), CM Latias (which your Tyranitar rapes off the map), and Trick (which once again Tyranitar cares not). Three enemies as opposed to many more with your own set. Think about it.

The rest of your team is great, and I can assure you there is no reason to change anything else too much as your team's synergy is incontrovertible.

Great job, and I will sue if the team isn't archived sometime (well, you have everything you need: the leaderboard rank, the well-built team, and all the embroidered things on the thread). xD
 
Hey Sprinkles,

This is obviously a great team so there's not much to change, however I'd like to disagree with some of the users that have posted above. Yes, I agree that Superpower is a great move to win 50% of the time against a +1 Tyranitar...but what else would it be useful for? Not only is Superpower less useful in general, but now your Tyranitar misses out on OHKOes against Heatran, Jolteon, and Infernape (this is just what I can think of atm). Earthquake is pretty much your only hope against Jolteon since Thunderbolt + Shadow Ball pretty much annihilates your team otherwise. Infernape is already dangerous even with Earthquake, and not having it will just let Infernape to cause you more grief (granted, Stone Edge + Stealth Rock will almost almost beat it with no damage done prior). The Attack and Defense drops make it a rather inconsistent attack as well. I understand that DD Tyranitar is a pretty big threat, and if you really want that 50% chance to beat it at +1 then go ahead and use it; just realize that you will be making yourself more vulnerable to some other Pokemon. If you go with MetaNite's Forretress suggestion, you could fit Gyro Ball in there somewhere to help counter DD Tar and adjust the Def and Atk EVs to your liking accordingly taking Leftovers and perhaps Stealth Rock as well as Spikes into account when you are using Gyro Ball. Also, something unrelated, using other Rotom forms come in handy for bluffing the Overheat / Hydro Pump etc. so you might want to try that.

Nice job on the team :)
 
Funny thing is that I've always OHKOed any variant of Gyarados that I've faced with Jirachi. Thanks for all the rates guys. I really prefer Earthquake just to hit Jirachi harder than anything, as well as Infernape without risking a Stone Edge miss. One downside of Earthquake is being locked into it though. DDTar has few oppurtunities to set up, but if it does, then Skarmory can WW it. If they are a Taunt variant, then I'm fucked. Fortunately, I rarely see Taunt DDTar.

I appreciate all the positive comments from everyone, although I've gotten some negativity on IRC from some douches. I actually really like the Swampert idea, and I'll be sure to test it sometime. It could also free Stealth Rock on Skarmory, meaning I could run Taunt on it. Someone suggested on IRC that I run a Suicune over Gyarados, which would help with Salamence a TON. Once again, thank you everyone, and I will put all this into consideration!
 
Hey, solid team I can guess why you got high on the ladder. Its hard to find a singular threat. However, I found a threat that could prove to be annoying, but not overly troubling. The offensive combo of Salamence and Magnezone could be troubling. Since your two steels get weakened over the course of a battle.


Threat(s)​

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Not much can be done to really help solve this problem since your Skarmory already has Shed Shell to escape Magnezone, its also difficult to break your defences since your Skarmory is the speically defensive variant. However, should the opposing Salamence use Fire Blast as your Skarmory it is a clean 2ko, or OHKO. However, this situation is highly situational (pun :P). Since you have a Spin-Blocker it'll be even harder for Mence to come in multiple times.

Sorry if this isn't the rate you were looking for, but just pointing out a problem. :toast:


The solution would be to change Jirachi's item to Shed Shell, however this would highly decrease your damage output. Or replace a existing move with U-Turn. However, I think it the combo would merit either.

Just two possible solutions. Hope I helped somewhat.
 
I'd first like to thank you for making an RMT about a good team that neither uses the redundant and completely bullshit "Team Building Process" nor spends lots of time condescendingly gloating by assuming the reader knows nothing about each Pokemon you use. I actually enjoyed your RMT.

This is the world's most minor point, but have you ever considered using Rotom - C over rotom-f? Since you're using neither gimmick move, but the threat of Leaf Storm could send Swampert packing in the early game.

As for Gyarados, you're using my bulky EV spread and that makes me smile :D. Have you considered Bounce over Return? I don't know if it's a better option, but I wonder what you think of it.

Skarmory + Magnezone isn't a problem for his team at all lol. Especially because Heatran is a decent Zone switch, then you LO Fire Blast all over Salamence's face and it's already heavily weakened.
 
Chris, thanks for your feedback. I actually wanna use Stone Edge so Salamence and Gyarados don't set up on me, but it's all preference. Magnezone and Salamence haven't been a problem, well at least Magnezone hasn't. Salamence is a threat to my team paired with MAgnezone or not.
 
The only thing I wanna say is definitely slot Suicune over Gyarados. You already have god knows how many Scizor counters and checks, and little in terms of Dragon Dance Salamence and Dragon Dance Tyranitar. If your own Scarf Tyranitar fails to KO opposing DDTar's, at least Cune can take a hit and retaliate, unlike the rest of your team currently. Consider running HP Electric on Suicune as well, because as of now I'm guessing your only way of dealing with Gyarados is phazing it with Skarmory, which won't work late game.
 
First of all, thanks for the nickname on Jirachi! I'm really a star?! :P Anyways, onto the team, there really isn't too much I can add that hasn't been covered in the previous posts. I have played with this team a little bit, and have found that fellow LO Heatran can be problems, specifically ones with HP Grass. I would definitely second ToF's suggestion of Suicune over Gyarados. You don't need to worry about Bliss because of all of the phazing going on along with entry hazards. Other then that congrats on getting so high on the leaderboard, hopefully I can get that high soon!
 
Okay, you wanted me to :D
I can see quite a few problems and definitely agree with adding Suicune. If you remember the matches we played (and those were many), you know that BulkyMence pretty much fucks you up lategame if a) Skarm is dead or b) BulkyMence is my last mon. In general Dragon Dance Salamence is a total menace. Another problem is the pretty popular Taunt/Toxic Gliscor. Should it catch Gyarados with a Toxic, it's pretty much game over (as long as the opponent has something to check MixJira, like Rotom-a). I'd run a Restalking Water type, Suicune or even Milotic. Suicune with Rest, Sleep Talk, Surf and Ice Beam would work just well as a decent defensive back bone. Suicune is also like the only mon that really fits the bill as it counters both Mence and Gliscor rather well.
Otherwise great team as I have experienced numerous times, gj :-*
 
Hello Sprinkles,

Got your msg. A lot of suggestions have been made already and they are good. Defenitely look for Twist's suggestion as it was my initial suggestion when I saw this team posted for the first time. I was reluctant to suggest it since I don't know what you'll miss out from Gyarados from an offensive standpoint. If you truly want to check DD Salamence and DD Tyranitar, go for Suicune over Gyarados but it will slow down the offensive momentum a bit. A three-attack Suicune with CM will work with a defensive investment (252 Hp / 252 Def / 6 SpD) could work with Ice Beam / Surf / HP Electric / Calm Mind. Suicune will add a much needed check to DD threats.

On Rotom, why pour those EVs into Special Attack? I see no reason why you should place those in the Defense department. It only improves dealing with Swords Dance Scizor and surviving something like Gyarados Waterfall sufficiently better. +2 Bullet Punch vs. 0 Def Rotom (43.4% - 51.3%). With the 68 Defs you take (40.5% - 48%) from bullet Punch. A significant improvement and you have a slight chance to get 3hkod.

As for other options, Taunt over Explosion on Heatran lets you deal with Blissey and stall teams who rely on Blissey to wish pass or Aromatherapy something. overall gl.
 
bump

I'd like for someone to see something wrong other than the obvious and maybe suggest something other than Swampert/Suicune, although those are good suggestions.
 
Stone edge on gyrados should be fine as you can force it into outrage, for fear of being stone edged, and if it doesnt outrage then you can kill it, also after the intimidate outrage is much more manageble.

Is the plan to set spikes up and then switch and counter forcing the oponent to switch, and attempt to set up with gyrados.

If it is, then with spikes, a DD mence weakness, and oposing gyrados weakness, as well as jolteon and magnezone trouble. I would suggest scarfed flygon over Jirachi. Can use U-turn to force the oponent to contiue switching out, racking up entry hazard damadge, can help bring in gyrados unharmed and isnt affected by spikes, which could be a problem for your team as it rellies on switching. As well as being a reliable to check to the above mentioned pokes, otherwise scarf Jirachi, but a scarfer is needed.

With flygon, you have another levitator so forrestress can nicely come in over skarmory, and forretress can rapid spin, which will help with your constant switching.

Also, all the pokes you said scarf tyranitar checks, are already checked by the rest of your team, latias by Jirachi/flygon, lucario by rotom/gyrados/skarmory. Rotom by heatran. So I would suggest bait T-tar, use pursuit and expert belt to fake a Band/scarf draw in Salamence and Lucario to set up, while you swash them with an ice beam/flamethrower. Ice beam and flamethrower are also capable of surprising skarmory and hippowdon switch ins 2hkoing both, due to the expert belt boost. T-tar can also pursuit rotoms who may givie gyrados some trouble.

Well thats all I've got, hope I helped, pretty much all my rates are based on the assumption that this team like to switch allot.
 
This team is either at its rot point or pretty close to it (I think Suicune > Gyarados though) so there isn't much to say. However, I think you may want to give Rotom Pain Split. Rotom really wants recovery because of the combination of Stealth Rock, Substitute lowering its own health, and potentially, Sandstorm. Rotom wants to stay healthy so it can spin block longer and more effectively. In addition, 252 HP gives Rotom a Stealth Rock / Sandstorm number, meaning Rotom takes more damage from these. So use one less HP. The set would look like this:

Rotom-a @ Leftovers
248 HP / 188 Spe / 72 SpA
Timid nature
-Substitute
-Pain Split
-Thunderbolt
-Will-o-Wisp

I don't see Shadow Ball doing much (hits Jolteon, Flygon, Swampert, Gengar - these things are covered well enough with Tyranitar and Skarmory) so I suggest Pain Split over that. Pain Split + Substitute is a combination I used a looooooonnnggg time ago on Dusknoir and it worked well (although Noir can use it to Pressure stall but it sucks so :justin:). The only problem I immediately see with this change is that it increases your already bad weakness to SubGar.

Also, advocating j. franky's Suicune suggestion.

Finally, have you considered Superpower over Earthquake on Tyranitar? It's better for opposing Tyranitar and Lucario, still hurts Heatran, and does a number on Blissey.
 
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