A Bold Venture into the World of Smogon

[vsx2000goton]

Introduction​

Alright, so I've been on this site for a while now. I got into competitive battling because of a friend and it's been fun. I'm a decent competitive battler (though I don't ladder on PS or PO or anything fancy). However, the one thing I could never do well was build a team, so I would just look for teams elsewhere, such as the Smogon RMT threads. Just today I decided to create a team since I was feeling a bit inspired. Changes will be shown in this colour. By the way, I'm not good with nicknames. Well, without further ado, let the show begin.

Team Preview​

Team Building Process​

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I wanted to use Zoroark to screw with my opponents. At first I tried pairing her with a Gallade, but I ended up choosing Lucario instead because they have a similar movepool and I think they complement each other better.

In order to keep the hazards away and give my team some resistance to Fighting type attacks, I stuck Xatu in there.

I wanted some hazards of my own, and just in case Xatu bit the dust a bit early or I mispredicted, some rapid spinning support. I decided to add Forretress because it does just that and it can Volt Switch for scouting purposes. I coupled the latter with a specially defensive Rotom - W, just because.

I wanted some extra power to break some holes in my opponent's team, which would hopefully provide either Zoroark or Lucario an opportunity to surprise the opponent and clean up. I chose Latios because a Specs Draco Meteor is nothing to laugh at.
​

Individual Analysis​

Xatu (M) @ Light Clay

Trait: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Psychic
- Heat Wave

Xatu is here to keep hazards away that would break Zoroark's sash and wear him down. It's also hear to absorb Fighting type hits that are aimed at Zoroark while it's disguised as Lucario since Lucario gets cleaned by Mach Punches as well. I decided to go with a dual screening set because screens always help. The Light Clay is for obvious reasons. Psychic is nice stab (though I don't expect I'll be trying to take out anything with it, wearing something down a bit is still nice) and Heat Wave is for trying to put an end to hazard setting Pokemon such as other Forretress and (god forbid) Ferrothorns. The EV spread on Xatu is nothing specialized. It's designed to support Xatu's role, hence max defense and max HP.​

Zoroark (F) @ Life Orb

Trait: Illusion
EVs: 92 SAtk / 164 Atk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Sucker Punch
- Low Kick
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Here's the star of the team. I really like Zoroark because she's got one of the most gimmicky abilities. A bit like Ditto with its Dream World ability yet better because Ditto looks like a slime and Zoroark is a hot fox babe (move over Ninetales). Don't get your hopes up though boys, this vixen is taken by the dashing Lucario. All joking aside, I decided on this set because I like having the idea of messing with my opponent. I've changed Zoroark as well on the recommendations of Vertex. I've never really touched mixed sets, but this one seems to be working out well for me. Being a mixed attacker and not having a set up move any more, Life Orb is a great benefactor. Sucker Punch is nice STAB and priority. Low Kick comes in handy for dealing with bulky Rock types. Flamethrower is good for trashing pesky Steel types. HP Ice is for dealing nicely with Dragon type threats. The EV spread that was suggested didn't add up properly so I compensated necessarily.​

Forretress (M) @ Leftovers

Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Gyro Ball
- Volt Switch

Forretress is my backup in case Xatu fails (either on misprediction or hax or I'm a bad player), providing rapid spin support. It is also my SR setter. Rocks can be a big asset in sweeping with either Lucario or Zoroark because they can break opposing sashes and chip away at incoming Pokemons' health. This can help turn shaky OHKOs depending on min-max damage variations into solid OHKOs. Leftovers are there because what kind of Forretress doesn't have lefties? I don't really see the need for Spikes because I doubt my Pokemon rely on hazard damage that heavily to secure an OHKO, but I might consider it. Toxic Spikes aren't useful either because this isn't a stall team. Gyro Ball is for STAB and wearing Pokemon down if I have to. Volt Switch is for getting out of there and getting a safe switch. The EVs are to help achieve maximum physical bulk. I didn't want to make him specially defensive because it wouldn't help him deal well with a Fire Blast or Flamethrower anyway. I'm thinking of replacing Forretress with a lead Terrakion. It has SR and Taunt and can provide decent physically offensive power which my team lacks.​

Rotom (Rotom-W) @ Choice Scarf

Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Thunder Wave
- Trick
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump

Rotom - W is a pretty versatile dude. I needed a specially defensive Pokemon that could also cripple some big threats, and Rotom does all of that and more. This guy is probably who I'd send out as my lead. Either Rotom or Latios, depending on the team preview. I decided to run Scarf over Specs because Scarves usually ruin walls. A Specs may benefit a wall with special moves. Since this is a supportive, defensive Rotom I decided to put Thunder Wave on him. Para hax is nice, and even though my offensive Pokemon are pretty fast, it's still fun to see the opponent's Pokemon slowed down. Trick is obvious and Volt Switch is for scouting purposes. Hydro Pump is for hard hitting stab that still hurts even if I don't have any special attack investment to boast about. The EVs are for keeping my Rotom alive. It's a support set and I don't think I need ANOTHER special attacker.​

Latios (M) @ Choice Specs

Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Trick

Latios is a cool kid. He takes no BS from specially defensive Pokemon and can smack at least half of any unboosted Pokemon's HP away with a Specs Draco Meteor. I'll usually lead with him if the opponent does not have anything that can take a Draco Meteor well (i.e no Steel types). I decided to go with Specs over Scarf because I'm a power hungry guy. Draco Meteor is the main move of use here. Psyshock is for pesky Blisseys and all around nice STAB. Surf is a nice coverage move, though I'm considering running Energy Ball over Surf because of Water Absorb and Storm Drain. Trick is just in case something is annoying and Rotom can't deal with it at the moment. The EVs are for allowing maximum power output, just like the rest of my offensive Pokemon.​

Lucario (M) @ Lum Berry

Trait: Justified
EVs: 4 Def / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Bullet Punch
- Extremespeed

There he is, the final piece of my team and part two of my offensive core (if you can call it that). I keep Lucario in the back in order to disguise Zoroark as him. I decided to change Lucario from a special set to a physical one based on advice given to me by Vertex. The Swords Dance set is pretty self explanatory, with Lum Berry to ward off pesky statuses such as Para or Sleep. Close Combat is nice STAB, Bullet Punch is a nice priority move that is also STAB, and Extremespeed is good for beating a Breloom's Mach Punch. Switching to a physical set also allows me to make good use of the Justified boost.​

Importable​

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Rotom (Rotom-W) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 SDef
Calm Nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Thunder Wave
- Trick
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump

Zoroark (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Illusion
EVs: 164 Atk / 92 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Sucker Punch
- Low Kick
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Xatu (M) @ Light Clay
Trait: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Light Screen
- Reflect
- Psychic
- Heat Wave

Forretress (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Gyro Ball
- Volt Switch

Latios (M) @ Choice Specs
Trait: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Surf
- Trick

Lucario (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Swords Dance
- Close Combat
- Bullet Punch
- ExtremeSpeed​

Afterword​

Well, my first RMT post is coming to a close. I'd like to end by thanking all of the wonderful people that have introduced me to my new addiction; competitive Pokemon. Also, thanks to the people at Smogon who welcome newbies like me and offer guidance (and cool teams). Finally, thanks to my potential rates. Again, this is my second post on Smogon (I believe, what was my first?), and my first RMT. Hopefully being more involved in the Smogon community will help me become a better Pokemon team builder and a better competitive battler in general.

Cheers,
Some new guy​

 

[Ninetale3]

Hey there,

From what I see there are three crippling flaws to this team.

1. The team does not support zoroark one bit in the illusion department. Bar latios, this team gives to many move options to see if it is zoroark. making zoroark useless outside of leading.

2. Way too special dependant without any way to handle special walls, this just makes it easy for blissey and the like to come in and mess with everyone.

3 nasty plot lucario, while I hate to dwell on sets nasty plot lucario just doen't cut it in ou due to the lack of super effective hits and not much use for the priority it brings.

The way I see it, there are two paths to make this team better.

path A: you drop zoroark and focus the team around lucario.
Path b: drop lucario and focus the team around zoroark.

If you choose path a, then you will want to make lucario the swords dance set and replace zoroark with weavile or mamoswine. Also xatu should be replaced with either espeon or cresselia.

If you choose path b, than you replace lucario for either conkeldurr or gallade, then you replace focus sash on zoroark for a expert belt as it would like the extra power more than guaranteed setup. Lasty remove xatu for cresselia or espeon.

The reason I put replacing cresselia or espeon on both of these paths is that your team will be better off with one of these two. Cresselia in particular since the team will appreciate it's bulk. Espeon is an option if you want magic bounce still.

Lasty I would recommend trying rotom-c in place of rotom w, and starmie in place of forretress. This team is walled considerably by gastrodon and would appreciate a way around it. Also put hp ice in place of thunder wave on rotom since your team will appreciate a way to get past dragons without having to bank on latios.

 

[Vert]

Sup!

Gave a few quick test runs and this team is pretty nice, but there are a few changes I'd recommend running. Before that, I'm making a quick RE: to the people below. This thread is lol, and it's weird I made two rates today. Eh, bored.

-Ninetale3

1. Actually it does. Choice Scarf Rotom-Wash removes Keldeo, Starmie, Terrakion, and Alakazam, and weakened Lati Twins or can just paralize stuff faster than Zoroark.. Xatu prevents Focus Sash from going down. Latios is good nuke and defeats most of Zoroarks checks like Breloom and the aforementioned Keldeo. Zoroark comes in un-touched with Forretress' slow Volt Switch and good entry hazard support. Try to look more in-depth.
2. Choice Specs Psyshock does a lot to both and +2 Aura Sphere is an immediate switch for both.

• 252 SpA Choice Specs Latios Psyshock vs. 4 HP / 252 Def Blissey: 388-457 (59.5 - 70.09%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
• +2 252+ SpA Expert Belt Lucario Aura Sphere vs. 0 HP / 252+ SpD Blissey: 413-490 (63.44 - 75.26%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

1. <=== I mean 3. messed up. "lack of super-effective hits". I'm not answering this. Fighting-type is a great offensive typing.

Lol, other two.
_________________________
Okay, not to my rate.

• Nasty Plot Lucario is pretty mediocre in this metagame because most pokemon that outpace Lucario resist Vacuum Wave and SD is stronger and +2 priority is great as stuff like Breloom can no longer revenge kill it. I'd try running the Swords Dance set as it's much stronger with Close Combat as well. It also makes sure its great Justified ability isn't dead weight and Steadfast is rare anyways.

Lucario | Life Orb / Lum Berry | Justified
Jolly | 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe

Swords Dance | Close Combat | Extremespeed | Bullet Punch

• Focus Sash Zoroark is nice, but it is kind of weak without set-up or Life Orb. I'd just use the standard Life Orb set, because it's better for late-game.

Zoroark | Life Orb | Illusion
Naive | 200 Atk / 92 SAtk | 252 Spe
Sucker Punch | Flamethrower | Low Kick | Hidden Power [Ice]

• Hidden Power [Ice] should be used over Thunder Wave since being locked into it is complete set-up bait for things like Garchomp and Landorus who are dangerous for this team. You can surprise OHKO these threats as well giving you a huge early-game advantage.

Good Luck! n_n

 

[vsx2000goton]

• Nasty Plot Lucario is pretty mediocre in this metagame because most pokemon that outpace Lucario resist Vacuum Wave and SD is stronger and +2 priority is great as stuff like Breloom can no longer revenge kill it. I'd try running the Swords Dance set as it's much stronger with Close Combat as well. It also makes sure its great Justified ability isn't dead weight and Steadfast is rare anyways.

Lucario | Life Orb / Lum Berry | Justified
Jolly | 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Swords Dance | Close Combat | Extremespeed | Bullet Punch

• Focus Sash Zoroark is nice, but it is kind of weak without set-up or Life Orb. I'd just use the standard Life Orb set, because it's better for late-game.

Zoroark | Life Orb | Illusion
Naive | 200 Atk / 92 SAtk | 252 Spe
Sucker Punch | Flamethrower | Low Kick | Hidden Power [Ice]

• Hidden Power [Ice] should be used over Thunder Wave since being locked into it is complete set-up bait for things like Garchomp and Landorus who are dangerous for this team. You can surprise OHKO these threats as well giving you a huge early-game advantage.

Good Luck! n_n

Thanks for the rate! I tried the variations on PO and had some nice results. Physical Lucario works just as well as a Pokemon for Zoroark's Illusion as special Lucario does, and it hits harder. Having a +2 priority move also means that I don't have to be afraid of Breloom. I was just wondering, were you recommending that I put HP Ice on Rotom - W as well instead of Thunder Wave?

 

[dcae]

Hey there! This is a pretty cool team you got here, using a very underrated mon in Zoroark. Regardless, there are some flaws that need fixing to get this team to its maximum potential. First, I will outline some problems I see with this team. First, you are emphasizing spinning and keeping hazards away far too much, as none of your team is Stealth Rock weak, and a couple are immune to Spikes as well. You are dedicating 1/3 of your team to this, which greatly reduces the offensive momentum your team should have, taking into consideration it was built with offense in the mind. With this in mind, there are a few other problems. Your team seems to be built with a Lucario late game sweep in mind. As you are running the Bullet Punch set, the main mons walling this are the following: Gliscor/Landorus, Jellicent, and also bulky Psychics give you trouble. The rest of your team should focus on dealing with these problems to successfully sweep late game. My first edit would be your Lucario set, which must be LO if a sweep is to be accomplished.
It is imperative you switch to this set immediately:

Lucario @Life Orb
Trait: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Nature: Adamant
-Swords Dance
-Close Combat
-Extremespeed
-Bullet Punch

With Lucario using so much priority, you must boost the lackluster 110 Atk to its maximum with Adamant. Life Orb is also necessary to notch the OHKO on Skarmory after Stealth Rock at +2, among others. It is huge.

Now keeping in mind your goal to sweep with Lucario, I think what can be dealt with quickly are Psychic types. Zoroark does a good job at taking them out thanks to STAB Dark moves. However, I don't think your current set helps this. I recommend a different set, one that will aid you in taking the Psychics out without relying on the unpredictable Sucker Punch:

Zoroark @Life Orb
Trait: Illusion
EVs: 24 Atk / 252 SpA / 232 Spe
Nature: Naive
- U-turn
- Dark Pulse
- Hidden Power Ice
- Focus Blast

This set is more designed to maintain momentum and pick off counters to Lucario's sweep by impersonating mons that could normally do nothing the the Psychic types in question. 232 Speed is enough to outspeed max speed Garchomp, because no mons in OU have 105 Base Speed, so its unnecessary. The moves guarantee perfect coverage, with HP Ice picking off unsuspecting Gliscors and Landoruses, and Dark + Fighting giving excellent neutral coverage.

Now, we must address the lacking part of your team imo, the part focused on keeping hazards away. Both mons give up enormous momentum, which you cannot lose. Also, your weakness to strong stall teams is rather evident, lacking a way to hit hard on both sides of the spectrum. I see this as a weakness in most weatherless teams, as they get worn down quickly without being able to break through the stall team. Therefore, I recommend using an Expert Belt Keldeo. I suggest this unusual mon because it is amazing against most teams atm. Bluffing the common Scarf set allows you to catch mons offguard. Countless times Celebi will switch into your water move, only for you to OHKO with HP Bug. Or, Landorus switches into Secret Sword to set up, and you KO it with Icy Wind or a Water move. This switch also allows you to smash most stall team cores, as the bluff gives you a lot of advantage against stall, because you can hit from essentially both sides of the spectrum to KO the threats. The set is the following:

Keldeo @Expert Belt
Trait: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Nature: Timid
-Hydro Pump
-Secret Sword
-Icy Wind
-Hidden Power Bug

Now, adding Keldeo adds to your Electric weakness, and that set is walled cold by Jellicent, which is hard for your team to face down. Currently only Latios and Rotom-W can damage it, and both are Choiced mons, making it rather unreliable. You also need a Stealth Rock user if we are to replace Forretress here. My opinion is to instate another physical hitter to maintain offensive pressure and deal with the pesky Jellicent. My personal recommendation would be Garchomp. Garchomp gives you an Electric immunity, a Stealth Rock setter, and an offensive mon all in one. The set I recommend is this:

Garchomp @Yache Berry
Trait: Rough Skin
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Nature: Jolly
-Swords Dance
-Dragon Claw
-Stealth Rock
-Earthquake


Taking all this into account, we must make sure we are fine synergistically. Atm, no major weaknesses stick out, albeit there is a minor difficulty of breaking through Specially Defensive Gastrodon if Lucario dies early, which it shouldn't. Also, Ferrothorn can be a tough one to get through as well, which leads me to recommend Latios to run Hidden Power Fire > Surf. This is a very rare move to see on Latios nowadays, which makes it all the more effective. Specs Latios OHKOs Ferrothorn easily under any weather barring Rain, and there is a rare feeling of satisfaction when making that prediction. This, however, makes you more susceptible to offensive Heatran and Tyranitar, so the choice is yours. Next, your Rotom-W set strikes me as weird. The thing is, it is far to slow at this point to outspeed anything. It is also very weak. This isn't a good thing at all, so I recommend running the traditional EV spread of maxxing out Special Attack and Speed with a Timid nature. Also, use Hidden Power Ice > Thunder Wave. Overall, this is a cool team, and I hope I helped! Good luck!

Tl;dr

tl;dr

SD LO Lucario with Adamant > Old Lucario
New Zoroark Set
EB Keldeo > Xatu
Garchomp > Forretress
HP Fire > Surf on Latios
New EV spread and HP Ice > Thunder Wave on Rotom-W