TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Introduction
2. Proof of Peak
3. Team + Description
4. Team Building Process
5. Team usage tips
6. Threat List
7. Replays
8. Shoutouts
9. Importable
10. Other Teams
11. Outro
1. INTRODUCTION
Hello! It’s Pinkacross, and I’ve got another team. I’ve been wanting to work with Alakazam for a while, and the meta evolved to the point where nobody was preparing for it anymore. This team took a long time to make, tweak, and perfect. Once it was done being built, this team tore up the ladder and blasted the tier with some long forgotten psychic energy. I’m very satisfied with the final product, and it is fitting that this team marks my return to full-length RMTs. BDSP is out, and while I’ve considered building it, I think I will stick to Gen 8 OU for now. I still have lots of creative ideas for this tier-- this is just the beginning. Without further ado, I present to you Dark Magic.
2. PROOF OF PEAK
Storm Zone (with me ghosting) achieved this ladder peak.
3. TEAM + DESCRIPTION
Tapu Lele @ Choice Specs
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid / Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Thunderbolt
- Psyshock
- Psychic
Tapu Lele is the Terrain setter and main breaker for this team. It should usually be preserved against bulkier teams, and used as an early breaker (and perhaps sacked off midgame) against more offensive teams, unless it is needed to check a sweeper such as Volcarona or Galarian Moltres. Choice Specs are chosen to make Tapu Lele a better breaker, allowing it to relatively easily break past the likes of Ferrothorn and Heatran, and 2HKOing Specially Defensive Corviknight with Thunderbolt. The power boost given by Choice Specs is essential for helping Alakazam break and sweep late game. Moonblast, Psychic, and Psyshock are Tapu Lele’s main STAB moves, hitting almost the whole tier with immensely powerful coverage. Both Psychic and Psyshock are necessary to hit from the Physical and Special side as different scenarios demand. Moonblast helps cover Dark type switchins and gives Tapu Lele an option with no immunities. Thunderbolt helps cover pokemon that resist both of these STABs, such as Heatran and Corviknight. Timid Nature is chosen here over Modest to outspeed Kyurem and Nidoking, both of which are threats to the team.
NOTABLE CALCS:
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran in Psychic Terrain: 121-143 (31.3 - 37%) -- 79.3% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Corviknight: 236-278 (59 - 69.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Ferrothorn in Psychic Terrain: 101-119 (28.6 - 33.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Landorus-Therian in Psychic Terrain: 277-327 (72.5 - 85.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
Alakazam (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Expanding Force
- Nasty Plot
- Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
Alakazam is the main late game sweeper of the team, though it can also function as a breaker and sweeper stopper thanks to it’s Focus Sash. Alakazam should generally be kept for late game, although it can be used midgame against bulkier teams to make way for a late game Tapu Lele or Galarian Moltres sweep. Make sure to preserve Alakazam’s Focus Sash against HO teams, as you will need it to stop certain sweepers like Hawlucha. Focus Sash is chosen to help against the HO matchup while giving Alakazam a chance to set up versus offensive teams that would normally prevent the chance. Expanding Force is Alakazam’s main STAB move for this team, getting a massive boost from 80 to 156 base power in Psychic Terrain. This lets Alakazam break past Special walls such as Hippowdon, Landorus, and Blissey. Shadow Ball helps Alakazam hit pokemon like Victini, Tapu Lele, and Jirachi, while also giving a safe coverage move to use that can kill Psychic-resistant pokemon other than Focus Blast. Next up is Focus Blast. I’m sorry to have to put this on this set, but it is absolutely necessary. Focus Blast is fantastic coverage for Ferrothorn, Bisharp, Melmetal, Heatran, and more. Try to play to avoid having to use Focus Blast, but when it hits, it gives Alakazam incredible coverage. Lastly is Nasty Plot, which doubles Alakazam’s Special Attack and lets it sweep. It is very helpful in a lot of matchups, and very threatening late game in particular.
NOTABLE CALCS:
+2 252 SpA Alakazam Expanding Force (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Landorus-Therian in Psychic Terrain: 435-513 (113.8 - 134.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Alakazam Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Heatran: 372-438 (96.3 - 113.4%) -- 75% chance to OHKO
+2 252 SpA Alakazam Expanding Force (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 248+ SpD Hippowdon in Psychic Terrain: 465-547 (110.7 - 130.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+2 252 SpA Alakazam Focus Blast vs. 128 HP / 252+ SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 338-398 (76.2 - 89.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 252 SpA Alakazam Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn: 350-412 (99.4 - 117%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO
Moltres-Galar @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Berserk
EVs: 144 HP / 12 Def / 252 SpA / 100 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Agility
- Nasty Plot
- Fiery Wrath
- Hurricane / Air Slash
Galarian Moltres functions as a sweeper, a breaker, and a Ghost resist for the team. Often it is not a good idea to directly switch Galarian Moltres into Ghost types such as Dragapult and Blacephalon, but rather to scout with Toxapex first. Often Galarian Moltres is the final wincon of the team, to be used as a last sweeper when Tapu Lele and Alakazam have been used to break the opponent’s team. Heavy Duty Boots are chosen to let Galarian Moltres enter on Stealth Rock throughout the battle without taking damage. Agility and Nasty Plot are extremely helpful boosting moves, doubling Galarian Moltres’ Speed and Special Attack when used. Sometimes you only need one for a sweep, often Agility, as if the opponent damages Galarian Moltres below from above 50% to below 50%, you will get a +1 Special Attack Boost from Berserk. Keep in mind that residual damage such as Stealth Rock or Toxic will not activate Berserk. Fiery Wrath is a powerful Dark STAB, and signature move of Galarian Moltres, very helpful for breaking Steels and generally having a reliable option. Hurricane or Air Slash can be run in the final slot to hit types that resist Dark: Fairy, Fighting, and other Dark types. Hurricane is more powerful, but Air Slash is more reliable. The EVs on this set are designed for maximum power output, with enough speed investment to outspeed Magnezone and Bisharp. The HP and Defense EVs are oriented to have a solid chance of taking a Zeraora Plasma Fists from full.
NOTABLE CALCS:
+2 252+ SpA Moltres-Galar Fiery Wrath vs. 252 HP / 136+ SpD Heatran: 204-241 (52.8 - 62.4%) -- 99.6% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ SpA Moltres-Galar Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Fini: 262-309 (76.1 - 89.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 144 HP / 0 SpD Moltres-Galar: 67-80 (18.7 - 22.4%) -- possible 5HKO
252 Atk Zeraora Plasma Fists vs. 144 HP / 12 Def Moltres-Galar: 318-374 (89 - 104.7%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 144 HP / 4 SpD Moltres-Galar in Electric Terrain: 254-300 (71.1 - 84%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Landorus-Therian @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 104 Def / 156 SpD
Sassy / Careful Nature
IVs: 0 Spe / 28 Spe
- Defog
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Toxic
Now for what you all came for: Landorus-Therian. He was on the last RMT, the one before, and he’ll be on the next one too. Landorus is the Electric immunity, Defogger, and primary pivot of the team. Leftovers are chosen for longevity. Defog is important for removing Hazards, as our team is not particularly great at taking on Spikes. Earthquake is Landorus’ main STAB Ground move, allowing it to force out Heatran, Tapu Koko, and occasionally Toxapex. U-turn is a great switching move that helps Landorus safely exit the battlefield while dealing damage, and is used more often than switching out in my experience. For the last slot, Toxic is very helpful for poisoning opposing pokemon for residual damage. Landorus is mainly invested in HP and Special Defense, to make it a better check for Tapu Koko, Zapdos, and Heatran, as well as being able to reliably live hits from Specs Tapu Lele and Specs Dragapult from full. However, the 104 Defense investment guarantees that Landorus lives a +1 Life Orb Grassy Glide from Rillaboom after taking Rocks damage. 0 IVs Speed with a Sassy Nature lets Landorus slow u-turn on other Landorus, but 28 IVs Speed with a Careful Nature can also be used to underspeed some Landorus while outspeeding some Heatran.
NOTABLE CALCS:
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 248 HP / 156+ SpD Landorus-Therian in Psychic Terrain: 262-309 (68.7 - 81.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 248 HP / 156+ SpD Landorus-Therian: 124-147 (32.5 - 38.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery and trapping damage
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Rillaboom Grassy Glide vs. 248 HP / 104 Def Landorus-Therian in Grassy Terrain: 302-356 (79.2 - 93.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Landorus-Therian Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 568-672 (147.1 - 174%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 248 HP / 156+ SpD Landorus-Therian: 97-115 (25.4 - 30.1%) -- 0.6% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Leech Seed
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
Ferrothorn is the Stealth Rock setter and primary Special wall of the team. It can reliably check pokemon such as Tapu Lele and Kyurem. Leftovers are chosen for more longevity. Try not to sack Ferrothorn in a long-term game if the opponent’s Defogger is healthy. Stealth Rock is fantastic for providing residual chip to help Tapu Lele, Alakazam, and Galarian Moltres break. Iron Head is used over Gyro Ball for helping defeat Calm Mind Clefable and Substitute Kyurem. Leech Seed is a great move for passive recovery and it helps Ferrothorn to force out Defoggers like Tornadus-Therian, Corviknight and Landorus. Knock Off is great for removing items, particularly from pokemon commonly in on Ferrothorn such as Heatran, other Ferrothorn, Corviknight, and other Steels that Tapu Lele and Alakazam appreciate being weakened. The 8 speed EVs on Ferrothorn let it outspeed other Ferrothorn.
NOTABLE CALCS:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn: 157-186 (44.7 - 52.9%) -- 0.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Lele Psychic vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn in Psychic Terrain: 93-110 (26.4 - 31.3%) -- 21.4% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn: 106-126 (30.1 - 35.8%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
Toxapex (M) @ Eject Button
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Recover
- Scald
- Light Screen
- Haze
Toxapex is quite simply a wall and a free switch for the team. It walls Weavile, Urshifu-Rapid-Strike, and can scout Ghost moves before going into Galarian Moltres. To avoid draining momentum in the matchups where it is most important, Toxapex is equipped with an Eject Button, an item that switches Toxapex out when it is hit. Eject Button stops switching moves such as U-turn and Volt Switch. Note that Sheer Force boosted attacks will not activate Eject Button. Similarly, Knock Off will not activate Eject Button, but rather just remove it. In some MUs, preserving Eject Button is vital, such as when you are facing a powerful breaker and Toxapex Ejecting is the only way to avoid a death. In some matchups, using the Eject Button as early as possible is important, like when facing a Crawdaunt or Weavile (so their Knock Off is less powerful). Recover helps keep Toxapex healthy throughout the game. A combination of Scald and Haze lets Toxapex defeat Weavile and slowly wear down lots of setup sweepers. Scald is also great for dealing damage to Heatran and burning pokemon that switch into Toxapex. Light Screen is chosen as the final move to help make Kyurem switchins less devastating, and help give Galarian Moltres and Alakazam better setup opportunities. Light Screen also prevents Future Sight from breaking Toxapex in most situations.
NOTABLE CALCS:
+2 252 Atk Weavile Knock Off vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Toxapex: 108-127 (35.5 - 41.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Surging Strikes (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 248+ Def Toxapex on a critical hit: 75-90 (24.6 - 29.6%) -- approx. 100% chance to 4HKO
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 8 SpD Toxapex: 120-142 (39.4 - 46.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
4. TEAM BUILDING PROCESS
I started with Alakazam, a pokemon I thought was underrated and powerful.
I knew that Alakazam was strongest with Expanding Force, so I added a Tapu Lele. Tapu Lele gave Alakazam Psychic Terrain and helped break down it’s counters.
Storm Zone recommended adding a Galarian Moltres to continue adding Special pressure on the opponent’s team, while also providing a Ghost resist.
I added Landorus-Therian because I could see the team was in need of an Electric immunity, and Landours is the best there is. Furthermore, Landorus provided Defog or Stealth Rocks, one of which I was sure I would need later.
I added Ferrothorn as a Stealth Rocker and as a Tapu Lele and Kyurem counter. I also made Landorus Defog.
I noticed I was weak on the Physical side, as well as being weak to Urshifu-Rapid-Strike and Weavile. Only one pokemon could fix this: Toxapex. I was afraid of it draining momentum, so I gave it an Eject Button to fit it into a balanced offensive plastyle better.
5. TEAM USAGE TIPS
1. Know what your wincon is. Sometimes it’s Tapu Lele, Alakazam, or Galarian Moltres. Most commonly, Tapu Lele is a wincon against bulky teams, and Alakazam or Galarian Moltres are wincons against balanced and offensive builds. Keep in mind that wincons can also change-- if the opponent sacks a certain pokemon, the whole game plan can change.
2. Generally don’t sack Tapu Lele if Alakazam with Psychic Terrain is very good. Even if you preserve Tapu Lele at 10%, that is much better than letting it die for the sake of Alakazam.
3. Be smart with Eject Button use. Burning Eject Button senselessly, particularly against an Offense team, is not a good idea. Save Eject Button for a time where it will be extremely helpful and/or you are forced to use it.
4. Let Ferrothorn trade damage with other Ferrothorn. This is almost always the correct play, as wearing down opposing Steels is great for Psyspam.
5. Try to avoid having to hit Focus Blasts with Alakazam. If you can get guaranteed wins other ways, go with that route. However, Focus Blast is a fantastic move if it hits and it should be utilized. Don’t be scared of having to use Focus Blast if it is needed.
6. Be patient when it comes to dealing with walls such as Clefable, Suicune, and opposing Toxapex. Switching in Tapu Lele randomly is what they want you to do, just slowly and surely PP stall with Toxapex or choose a safer switch like Ferrothorn on these.
7. Practice. This is an odd team, you won’t get it right away. Check out the replays to see how the team is supposed to be played! :)
6. THREAT LIST
Volcarona can sweep this team. We have outs, though. Landorus can live any one hit and Toxic, Galarian Moltres can live any one hit and deal massive Damage with Hurricane, and in some cases, Alakazam can revenge kill using it’s Focus Sash. Tapu Lele also lives a hit from standard offensive Volcarona and OHKOs with Psyshock. Keep in mind that Toxapex Eject Button can be used as a stalling tool if Volcarona is poisoned.
Garchomp is usually a manageable threat, with Landorus + Eject Button Toxapex + Alakazam being able to handle it in most situations, however, under Aurora Veil SD Garchomp is incredibly threatening. Play cautiously around Garchomp, and try to preserve Landorus and Toxic it, especially against Garchomp in Aurora Veil.
7. REPLAYS
All of the following battles were done on Storm Zone’s account, with me ghosting. This will give you a good balance of his aggressive reads and my conservative caution. You need both to play this team well at a top level.
Galarian Moltres Comeback: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461103573-ejspnmp2l256hjqlmeu8btwliekq94jpw
Galarian Moltres 4 Pokemon Sweep: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461006035-oljral9ejv4gibvvw5g3pwr2rvi7k2bpw
Vs 2000s Trick Room: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461002514-iec8cmonc2t7edw0s7xex5vn2mhpbevpw
Vs Cheese: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1460986643-7gpb6ozg6xjcypkzlz4ygd5mp1v10wbpw
Vs Regieleki Rain: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1460381324-y8ciih7vc3yvefv1r3f0815yrl2ls0apw
Vs Weavile + Air Balloon Heatran: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1460373564-wywrvwnaomjtb98h35rddr3usceqfv8pw
Vs Volcarona HO: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1459170518-4br38ddwjyjb26aovamizt19lai5dbwpw
Vs Air Balloon Heatran + Zeraora: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1459091423-jh5covuvofgbpnnf9p9t6qm9meqgqmppw
Vs Stall: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1458537964-lvzb3pw0nsira2zrzz9589swmicup1upw
Vs Screens Garchomp HO: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1458490458-95c1sjc1y2kqu8h03e6gn0aspr83cq0pw
Alakazam Sweep: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1457937275-ov3e6q1tyolkrk20t9bgdrinmqx416cpw
Vs Steez Ibanez: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1456228251-l4pt106n2pavttuneujk5gcoszr6aglpw
Toxapex Sweep: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1456042968-d5yczhblf8pfi7nardvkeonbohqizh2pw
6-0 Vs Shedinja Stall: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1456040228-nrbbod75zm6m73hl7ion09vucgy6mhfpw
Alakazam Endgame: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1457896849-7wof00qn3kzgoxla1nd760til5527hmpw
6-0 Vs Stall: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1458023296-t99jnjxufrqfcd4nwd12v4g08xwyegupw
Vs Webs: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1458423565-n2bha8sjmtaavhzqucibwc9l2evkqespw
Aggressive Reads: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1458464971-215phmqnv2n66gbl022i336r2qpfq7epw
Another Alakazam Endgame: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1458630937-l27vp8hbq25cpymzo693lxnhyusa6kkpw
Alakazam Sweeps Stall: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1459103036-lv5m5iunfcy29swcatgbydyvxp71ye0pw
Vs Tyranitar Balance: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461073686-p5zij7nqeb4lyso0of29kb79notpgkvpw
Alakazam Sweep Vs Kingdra Rain: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461223591-y0dh9pys3d94yipkx281hh7y8b1zbf6pw
Vs Nidoking Balance: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461594258-datmywb0ttmzbps0mk6oki4xva4t9vwpw
Vs HO: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461628409-fdyaqb3ag8ksvi4tefm5tmjy36z8jl3pw
Alakazam Sweep Vs Bulky Balance: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461613737-4ziw9fw6vq99yfr9jt8mpklovv6wb2qpw
Vs Sand: https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8ou-1461762304-0epi5pqdwabs0diwn9cru7w3jt8ue9qpw
8. SHOUTOUTS
Shoutouts to Storm Zone , Azure Nights, and Zreptar for helping with the building of this team. Particularly big thanks to Storm Zone for helping extensively in testing, set adjustments, and achieving the peak. Also thank you to Tenebricite for helping with the banner design!
9. IMPORTABLE
The Team: https://pokepast.es/c7880b65ff80bf8b
My Nicknames: https://pokepast.es/0614be613a2658c0
Storm Zone’s Nicknames: https://pokepast.es/e667d525ef3d83b9
10. OTHER TEAMS
Flame Charge Blacephalon Balance - Peaked #1: POSSIBLY OUTDATED DUE TO METAGAME CHANGES
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/blacephalon’s-disco-party-peaked-1-2117-ft-flame-charge-blacephalon.3678209/
Alolan Raichu Balance (UPDATED) - Peaked #3:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...s-ft-gravity-vanilluxe-hail-tailwind.3693369/
Hail Offense - Peaked #1: https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...ft-alolan-sandslash-alolan-ninetales.3681004/
Regieleki Rain - Peaked #1:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...1-2131-ft-specs-pelipper-barraskewda.3687991/
Galarian Zapdos Hazard Stack - Peaked #1:
https://www.smogon.com/forums/threa...1-2041-90-0-gxe-ft-regieleki-weavile.3691380/
11. OUTRO
Thanks to everyone who read this far! I hope you enjoy the team, and I assure you, there will be more RMTs coming soon! :)
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