This team I have been tweaking in the team builder for quite some time now, but up until recently most of the decisions were made in theories. I've begun testing the team now and I'm looking for comments and criticism in order to further help my efforts.
The team at a glance:
Mesprit @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 204 HP / 216 Def / 88 SAtk
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
This is my starter. Mesprit has only been on the team a short while, and he has performed pretty decently. The main aspect I required in my starter was Stealth Rocks and the ability to hit most other leads. BoltBeam makes quick work of most leads and Mesprit really only has trouble with status leads. Perhaps a Lum Berry to remedy that shortcoming. I'm pretty open to suggestions of potential replacements here.
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Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 176 Def / 28 SAtk / 52 SDef
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Hypnosis
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
This is something I've been wanting to use for god knows how long. The intentions of the set are to play his resistances like a normal Bronzong, only to begin Calm Minding late game for a potential sweep. Hypnosis can benefit the rest of the team both early and late game, though late game it will more likely set up his own CM sweep. I've been doubting the effectiveness of my attacking moves. While both very potent after several Calm Minds, prior to my attempts at sweeping both are lackluster and provide only minimal damage on things they do not hit for super effective damage. I had originally thought a combination of Grass Knot and HP [Ice]/[Fire] might prove more effective early to middle game. However, both leave me completely walled by Heatran, and while I would not leave Bronzong in on one under normal circumstances, I would like the ability to hit it on the switch or to destroy a sleeping Heatran without too much difficultly. Other than Grass Knot with Hidden Power, Charge Beam and Hidden Power [Ice] are also potential candidates.
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Heracross (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Guts
EVs: 96 HP / 252 Atk / 160 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Stone Edge
- Pursuit
This is the second star of the team. The EV spread allows Heracross to out run all Tyranitar along with any Pokemon using 245 Speed to beat the same tyrant. My goal is to bring this out late game once my opponent has been thoroughly weakened or paralyzed allowing my beetle's massive attack to rip through his remains.
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Starmie @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 172 HP / 68 Def / 216 Spd / 52 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Rapid Spin
- Thunder Wave
- Recover
- Hydro Pump
This is my variation on the Bulky Spinner Starmie. I designed this to spread around paralysis while at the same time providing Rapid Spin support. Hydro Pump with the given EVs allow it to one hit ko or two hit ko most of the Pokemon I need it too, notably Skarmory, Hippowdon, Heatran, and other similar Pokemon. I have been debating giving Starmie Ice Beam as an alternate attacking move, but have been hesitant due to, what I believe, the necessity of the other three moves. Any opinions on the matter are greatly appreciated.
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Togekiss (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP / 44 SAtk / 212 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Air Slash
- Aura Sphere
- Softboiled
- Body Slam
This was originally chosen due to its Ground-type immunity and bulky special defense. However the extra Ground immunity is no longer necessary, but Togekiss still provides excellent Special walling capabilities and alternately spread paralysis to the otherwise immune Ground-type Pokemon. I'm open for a replacement in this slot, as I am sure there are other Pokemon who fill the special wall role and provide other coverage for my team.
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Garchomp (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
EVs: 108 HP / 108 Atk / 16 Def / 180 Spd / 96 SDef
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Rest
- Sleep Talk
This set is honestly a set I expected to fail in its duties, however I was pleasantly surprised with its potency. The HP Evs and defensive EVs give 384/230/230 as its final statistics. This allows it to survive a fair share of Ice and Dragon-type moves, all the while attacking back with 353 attack and powerful STAB moves. Garchomp also fills the role of status taker for the team, the only status he hasn't been successful switching into is Breloom's Spore, as the STAB Focus Punches are just too much for my dragon's defenses.
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Threat List
I've bolded the Pokemon I feel I have the most trouble with, however if you believe one of my counters is by definition not a counter, please alert me.
Tyranitar: Without Ice Beam, Garchomp normally handles him fine. With Ice Beam, Heracross and Bronzong step in. If it runs Fire move and Ice Beam I am probably in very deep trouble.
Gyarados: Mesprit beats it nine times out of ten. Bronzong and Starmie can also scare it off until most of their sets are revealed.
Infernape: Starmie if HP[Ice], Garchomp if Grass Knot.
Azelf: Togekiss, Bronzong can take non-Flamethrower versions
Electivire: Bronzong happily comes in and sets up.
Heracross: Takes a lot of prediction. Mesprit and Bronzong take non-Megahorn moves well, though Choiced Megahorn gives the team plenty of problems.
Salamence: Mesprit can beat most versions. Togekiss has to take the few Specsmences still running around.
Togekiss: Bronzong. Mesprit can put a good dent in it. If I manage to paralyze it, Heracross can revenge kill it.
Gengar: Garchomp absorbs sleep, Bronzong and Togekiss take care of the rest.
Garchomp: Bronzong comes in on most Choice versions. My own Garchomp can occasionally beat another Garchomp, though I wouldn't bet on it most of the time. Mesprit can beat most Substitute versions.
Lucario: Bronzong takes most sets pretty well. Togekiss can take a few Specs hits.
Starmie: Bronzong
Weavile: Bronzong. However it can revenge kill the other 5/6s of my team.
Machamp: Bronzong and Mesprit can take a few hits each, though Confusion is a major hindrance. Starmie can also work.
Breloom: Garchomp can take the sleep, but the rest of my team has trouble after that. This is the biggest threat to the team in my opinion.
Metagross: Bronzong walls it, Heracross can dent it, Garchomp can scare it off.
Heatran: Togekiss and Starmie.
So that is the team. I will gladly attempt to explain my reasoning behind my Pokemon choices and move sets, and I also value any advice you may have to offer.
