Status: Rough Draft
[SET]
name: Ubers Hail Stall
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Wood Hammer
move 3: Leech Seed
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 SDef
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>In the Uber metagame, Abamasnow seems to be an odd option for a stall at first, especially since it has lower than standard stats all around. Additionally, weaknesses to Fighting-, Steel- , Fire-, and Rock-type attacks appear to be a huge disadvantage. However, Abamasnow ’s excellent set of resistances and status immunities (Freeze, Leech Seed), most notably to Water-, Electric-, Ground- attacks, coupled with its passable defenses give it ample opportunities to switch in. Let us not forget, that Abamasnow is one of the few Kyogre counters in the game, not only able to switch into a full powered Modest Scarf Water Spout and take 30% max damage, but it can strike back with a Wood Hammer to nail it from its weaker Defense stat. Additionally, Hail will weaken Kyogre's Water Spout every turn as Kyogre will no longer remain at perfect health, not to mention Protect and Leech Seed can truly allow Abamasnow to switch into battle even with Stealth Rocks on the field. Abamasnow's ability to scout not just items (through its Hail damage), but also moves (through Protect), allows you to quickly discover which foes are carrying Leftovers, which Choice Users (and supposed counters) are over predicting your switch, and which overall sets your foe may be using. Let me tell you, nothing it sweeter than catching a Choiced Tyranitar user trying to Pursuit you, only to be met with a Protect and the threat of Wood Hammer the next turn. Keep in mind, Snow Warning works even after the initial item scouting by preventing recovery from the likes of Bulk Up Dialga, Giratina, and Blissey through switching-in alone, and even helps KO Life Orb users faster through the added 6.25% damage each turn. Of course, one can not forget that Abamasnow still has a magnificent advantage over any Ice type- a guaranteed 100% Accuracy STAB Blizzard that is capable of KOing common threats like Skymin, Garchomp, Salamence, 2HKO other threats like Lugia with Stealth Rocks Support, while only a few threats like Rayquaza (if it doens't miss) & Groudon, spoil the fun. Still, even so, Abamasnow has Wood Hammer to deal with Groudon.</p>
<p>While Hidden Power Fire is something Abamasnow could use to handle Scizor, Forretress, and the like, the role of a Fire move is better left to something like Mewtwo, Heatran, or Rayquaza, whom either benefit from the Hail with a Blizzard of their own, or are not disadvantaged by Hail (or even Rain in Rayquaza's case). In the end, Blizzard provides necessary STAB and coverage against the common Flying, & Dragon types, while Wood Hammer gives a way for Abamasnow to handle Kyogre, Manaphy, Groudon, and any Pokemon whom has weaker Defense than Special Defense. Keep in mind, even without Special Attack EVs, Blizzards sheer power alone allows it to deal massive damage when Super Effective, such as 40% to Lugia's Great Wall set, which coupled with Hail and Stealth Rock is a 2HKO. And if you fear Lugia will Roost, adding Leech Seed to the mix makes the overall damage 52% per turn. Watch out for Latias and Latios, as heir magnificent Special Defense, Calm Mind, and Recover, and immunity to Spikes allow them to out stall Abamasnow; if you don't hit them on the switch with Blizzard. Leech Seed helps to remedy this to an extent, causing more damage, and healing more Health, but eventually it will not be enough, meaning you must switch to a Steel type like Heatran to take any predicted Dragon attacks or Hidden Power Fires. Stealth Rocks is a must since you want to ensure that Abamasnow's Leech Seed and Protect will cause switches and rack up damage. Abamasnow can easily force switches because of its ability to change the weather, and use Blizzard, but due to the defense nature of this set, even with Leech Seed & Hail it will need help dealing damage against foes it doesn't hit for Super Effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<pThe EVs on this set is particularly simple. 192 HP EVs grants Abamasnow a fair amount of balanced bulk, while hitting a Leftovers number + 1 to avoid Stealth Rock killing it in 4 turns, the Special Defense EVs are for maximum stalling on the Special Side, like taking Kyogre's Water Spout, Latias' Dragon Pulses, Thunders, etc. The rest are thrown into Defense to help it switch into resisted physical attacks in the Uber metagame, like Garchomp & Groudon's Earthquake, Palkia's Aqua Tail, or Kyogre's Waterfall. Since this set’s purpose is not to achieve specific KOes via attacking (beyond obvious ones like Garchomp), no Special Attack investment is required.</p>
<p>To fully activate this set’s potential, a good amount of support is necessary. Entry hazards are required to this set’s success. Skarmary – can set up and phaze, as well as baiting Electric- type attacks like Thunder for Abamsnow to absorb, and claim the weather for itself. Skarmary also can take any Bug-, Steel-, Flying- type attacks coming at Abamasnow, not to mention switch into Toxic, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes without worry. Deoxys-S is capable of using Spikes so that Abamasnow may begin its Hail Stall early. Rayquaza works amazing with Abamasnow, because not only is it immune to the Hail damage, but it resists Fire-, Bug-, & Fighting- type attacks aimed at Abamasnow, and Skarmary. Additionally, it can negate the weather boost of opposing Weather Changers like Groudon, allowing it to come in on predicted Fire Punches. Rayquaza also has what few Uber tier Pokemon have: priority, and a mixed sweeping movepool potential. With the threat of Extreme Speed, or simply the unknown of what Rayquaza has to offer, it will become increasingly difficult for your foe to outpredict your team. Deoxys-S, and Groudon are good Pokemon for the Stealth Rock role, as they are either fast, or durable. Deoxys-s can also Taunt foes from setting up their own Stealth Rock, and it wont encourage Fire Attacks the same way Groudon's Drought will. Groudon serves a purpose as well, as it also helps deal with Rock- attacks aimed at Abamasnow from the likes of Tyranitar and Garchomp, and will help the eventual use of Hidden Power Fire and Flamethrower on other teammates like Giratina-O, and Mewtwo. Groudon also handles Rayquaza and Palkia by taking their Outrages and hitting back with a Dragon Claw or Stone Edge. One final bonus is the fact that Thunder's accuracy becomes 50%, which indirectly helps Skarmary avoid Thunders in the heat of battle. Finally, a spinblocker is required so that the opponent can not Rapid Spin the entry hazards away. Giratina-O is perfect for the job as it also provides defensive synergy with Abamasnow and Skarmary, taking their Fire, Electric, Bug, and Fighting weaknesses, as Skarmary can take the Ghost, Dark, and Dragon attacks. Giratina is also a viable choice due to its higher defenses. Heatran is very useful for your team, helping deal with Fire- type attacks aimed at Groudon, Skarmary, and Abamasnow, while providing a Dragon- type resistance to common Outrages and Draco Meteors; Abamasnow and Skarmary return the favor by taking Earthquakes, and Water- type attacks aimed its way, additionally Giratina, Mewtwo, or Rayquaza can handle any Fighting attacks. It is also a great check to Ho-oh by resisting both its STABs and likely making it use Earthquake if it isn't choiced, making it an easy switch in for Pokemon like Rayquaza to come in and threaten a KO with Stone Edge. Finally, Mewtwo is a Pokemon capable of benefiting from both weathers, having access to both Blizzard, and Flamethrower/Fire Blast to handle Scizor, Forretress, and even Shaymin-S under Drought conditions. Thunder is also a key move to have on Mewtwo, as it allows him to dent Lugia, Manaphy, and Kyogre when the Rain is up. With a slot still available to choose Aura Sphere or Recover, Mewtwo is a clear benefit and almost a necessity to this type of team because it has great coverage, and Special Attack without needing to be locked into a Choiced attack just to outspeed foes (such as Shaymin-S, Darkrai, Weavile, etc.) Additionally, with the weather boosts and high base power of its attacks, Mewtwo deals plenty of damage with Leftovers, allowing it to last long, and still deal heavy damage.</p>
<p>By far Abamasnow’s biggest threat is Ho-oh, & Heatran as they can come in with their STAB moves and OHKO Abamasnow easily. Additionally, the threat of a Burn can really make it hard to switch in a counter whether it be Lava Plume or Sacred Fire the cause. Fortunately, a Heatran on your own team is an excellent partner as it handles Choiced variants of Ho-oh, (remember Abamasnow has Protect, so it can scout for Earthquake), with relative ease and has amazing defensive synergy with Abamasnow. Rayquaza can also come in on predicted attacks not named Brave Bird, and use Stone Edge or Earthquake to defeat them... Ironically enough, as long as Stealth Rocks are on the field, it will be hard for at least one of Abamasnow's greatest counter to even switch in. With many Pokemon in your team without a reliable recovery in their sets, an extra Pokemon to absorb Dragon-type attacks are welcome as they can relieve some of the stress on Heatran, and Skarmary. Jirachi in particular is a great choice as it also can pass Wishes to Heatran. Be warned, though, as Jirachi aids to Heatran’s weakness to Ground. Scizor and Forretress are both not weak to Ground- type attacks and can take a few Dragon-type attacks, while using Roost or Pain Split, regardless, they are durable and can at least add a strong Pursuit or Bullet Punch priority move to your team, or Rapid Spin away Stealth Rocks. Both Pokemon are capable of defeating the occasional Earthquake Giratina-O as it rarely carries both Hidden Power Fire and Earthquake.</p>
[SET]
name: Ubers Hail Stall
move 1: Blizzard
move 2: Wood Hammer
move 3: Leech Seed
move 4: Protect
item: Leftovers
nature: Calm
evs: 192 HP / 64 Def / 252 SDef
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>In the Uber metagame, Abamasnow seems to be an odd option for a stall at first, especially since it has lower than standard stats all around. Additionally, weaknesses to Fighting-, Steel- , Fire-, and Rock-type attacks appear to be a huge disadvantage. However, Abamasnow ’s excellent set of resistances and status immunities (Freeze, Leech Seed), most notably to Water-, Electric-, Ground- attacks, coupled with its passable defenses give it ample opportunities to switch in. Let us not forget, that Abamasnow is one of the few Kyogre counters in the game, not only able to switch into a full powered Modest Scarf Water Spout and take 30% max damage, but it can strike back with a Wood Hammer to nail it from its weaker Defense stat. Additionally, Hail will weaken Kyogre's Water Spout every turn as Kyogre will no longer remain at perfect health, not to mention Protect and Leech Seed can truly allow Abamasnow to switch into battle even with Stealth Rocks on the field. Abamasnow's ability to scout not just items (through its Hail damage), but also moves (through Protect), allows you to quickly discover which foes are carrying Leftovers, which Choice Users (and supposed counters) are over predicting your switch, and which overall sets your foe may be using. Let me tell you, nothing it sweeter than catching a Choiced Tyranitar user trying to Pursuit you, only to be met with a Protect and the threat of Wood Hammer the next turn. Keep in mind, Snow Warning works even after the initial item scouting by preventing recovery from the likes of Bulk Up Dialga, Giratina, and Blissey through switching-in alone, and even helps KO Life Orb users faster through the added 6.25% damage each turn. Of course, one can not forget that Abamasnow still has a magnificent advantage over any Ice type- a guaranteed 100% Accuracy STAB Blizzard that is capable of KOing common threats like Skymin, Garchomp, Salamence, 2HKO other threats like Lugia with Stealth Rocks Support, while only a few threats like Rayquaza (if it doens't miss) & Groudon, spoil the fun. Still, even so, Abamasnow has Wood Hammer to deal with Groudon.</p>
<p>While Hidden Power Fire is something Abamasnow could use to handle Scizor, Forretress, and the like, the role of a Fire move is better left to something like Mewtwo, Heatran, or Rayquaza, whom either benefit from the Hail with a Blizzard of their own, or are not disadvantaged by Hail (or even Rain in Rayquaza's case). In the end, Blizzard provides necessary STAB and coverage against the common Flying, & Dragon types, while Wood Hammer gives a way for Abamasnow to handle Kyogre, Manaphy, Groudon, and any Pokemon whom has weaker Defense than Special Defense. Keep in mind, even without Special Attack EVs, Blizzards sheer power alone allows it to deal massive damage when Super Effective, such as 40% to Lugia's Great Wall set, which coupled with Hail and Stealth Rock is a 2HKO. And if you fear Lugia will Roost, adding Leech Seed to the mix makes the overall damage 52% per turn. Watch out for Latias and Latios, as heir magnificent Special Defense, Calm Mind, and Recover, and immunity to Spikes allow them to out stall Abamasnow; if you don't hit them on the switch with Blizzard. Leech Seed helps to remedy this to an extent, causing more damage, and healing more Health, but eventually it will not be enough, meaning you must switch to a Steel type like Heatran to take any predicted Dragon attacks or Hidden Power Fires. Stealth Rocks is a must since you want to ensure that Abamasnow's Leech Seed and Protect will cause switches and rack up damage. Abamasnow can easily force switches because of its ability to change the weather, and use Blizzard, but due to the defense nature of this set, even with Leech Seed & Hail it will need help dealing damage against foes it doesn't hit for Super Effective damage.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<pThe EVs on this set is particularly simple. 192 HP EVs grants Abamasnow a fair amount of balanced bulk, while hitting a Leftovers number + 1 to avoid Stealth Rock killing it in 4 turns, the Special Defense EVs are for maximum stalling on the Special Side, like taking Kyogre's Water Spout, Latias' Dragon Pulses, Thunders, etc. The rest are thrown into Defense to help it switch into resisted physical attacks in the Uber metagame, like Garchomp & Groudon's Earthquake, Palkia's Aqua Tail, or Kyogre's Waterfall. Since this set’s purpose is not to achieve specific KOes via attacking (beyond obvious ones like Garchomp), no Special Attack investment is required.</p>
<p>To fully activate this set’s potential, a good amount of support is necessary. Entry hazards are required to this set’s success. Skarmary – can set up and phaze, as well as baiting Electric- type attacks like Thunder for Abamsnow to absorb, and claim the weather for itself. Skarmary also can take any Bug-, Steel-, Flying- type attacks coming at Abamasnow, not to mention switch into Toxic, Spikes, and Toxic Spikes without worry. Deoxys-S is capable of using Spikes so that Abamasnow may begin its Hail Stall early. Rayquaza works amazing with Abamasnow, because not only is it immune to the Hail damage, but it resists Fire-, Bug-, & Fighting- type attacks aimed at Abamasnow, and Skarmary. Additionally, it can negate the weather boost of opposing Weather Changers like Groudon, allowing it to come in on predicted Fire Punches. Rayquaza also has what few Uber tier Pokemon have: priority, and a mixed sweeping movepool potential. With the threat of Extreme Speed, or simply the unknown of what Rayquaza has to offer, it will become increasingly difficult for your foe to outpredict your team. Deoxys-S, and Groudon are good Pokemon for the Stealth Rock role, as they are either fast, or durable. Deoxys-s can also Taunt foes from setting up their own Stealth Rock, and it wont encourage Fire Attacks the same way Groudon's Drought will. Groudon serves a purpose as well, as it also helps deal with Rock- attacks aimed at Abamasnow from the likes of Tyranitar and Garchomp, and will help the eventual use of Hidden Power Fire and Flamethrower on other teammates like Giratina-O, and Mewtwo. Groudon also handles Rayquaza and Palkia by taking their Outrages and hitting back with a Dragon Claw or Stone Edge. One final bonus is the fact that Thunder's accuracy becomes 50%, which indirectly helps Skarmary avoid Thunders in the heat of battle. Finally, a spinblocker is required so that the opponent can not Rapid Spin the entry hazards away. Giratina-O is perfect for the job as it also provides defensive synergy with Abamasnow and Skarmary, taking their Fire, Electric, Bug, and Fighting weaknesses, as Skarmary can take the Ghost, Dark, and Dragon attacks. Giratina is also a viable choice due to its higher defenses. Heatran is very useful for your team, helping deal with Fire- type attacks aimed at Groudon, Skarmary, and Abamasnow, while providing a Dragon- type resistance to common Outrages and Draco Meteors; Abamasnow and Skarmary return the favor by taking Earthquakes, and Water- type attacks aimed its way, additionally Giratina, Mewtwo, or Rayquaza can handle any Fighting attacks. It is also a great check to Ho-oh by resisting both its STABs and likely making it use Earthquake if it isn't choiced, making it an easy switch in for Pokemon like Rayquaza to come in and threaten a KO with Stone Edge. Finally, Mewtwo is a Pokemon capable of benefiting from both weathers, having access to both Blizzard, and Flamethrower/Fire Blast to handle Scizor, Forretress, and even Shaymin-S under Drought conditions. Thunder is also a key move to have on Mewtwo, as it allows him to dent Lugia, Manaphy, and Kyogre when the Rain is up. With a slot still available to choose Aura Sphere or Recover, Mewtwo is a clear benefit and almost a necessity to this type of team because it has great coverage, and Special Attack without needing to be locked into a Choiced attack just to outspeed foes (such as Shaymin-S, Darkrai, Weavile, etc.) Additionally, with the weather boosts and high base power of its attacks, Mewtwo deals plenty of damage with Leftovers, allowing it to last long, and still deal heavy damage.</p>
<p>By far Abamasnow’s biggest threat is Ho-oh, & Heatran as they can come in with their STAB moves and OHKO Abamasnow easily. Additionally, the threat of a Burn can really make it hard to switch in a counter whether it be Lava Plume or Sacred Fire the cause. Fortunately, a Heatran on your own team is an excellent partner as it handles Choiced variants of Ho-oh, (remember Abamasnow has Protect, so it can scout for Earthquake), with relative ease and has amazing defensive synergy with Abamasnow. Rayquaza can also come in on predicted attacks not named Brave Bird, and use Stone Edge or Earthquake to defeat them... Ironically enough, as long as Stealth Rocks are on the field, it will be hard for at least one of Abamasnow's greatest counter to even switch in. With many Pokemon in your team without a reliable recovery in their sets, an extra Pokemon to absorb Dragon-type attacks are welcome as they can relieve some of the stress on Heatran, and Skarmary. Jirachi in particular is a great choice as it also can pass Wishes to Heatran. Be warned, though, as Jirachi aids to Heatran’s weakness to Ground. Scizor and Forretress are both not weak to Ground- type attacks and can take a few Dragon-type attacks, while using Roost or Pain Split, regardless, they are durable and can at least add a strong Pursuit or Bullet Punch priority move to your team, or Rapid Spin away Stealth Rocks. Both Pokemon are capable of defeating the occasional Earthquake Giratina-O as it rarely carries both Hidden Power Fire and Earthquake.</p>
