Whats going on its ya boi grape donut never soggy always crisp. Im here with my first RMT and just to shed a little light on my background, Ive been watching competitive pokemon for a few months but only recently decided to get into actually playing it. With that being said my rank on this team isn't too impressive and neither are my play making skills, so while my highest peak being low 1600's currently 1590 i've hit a wall. Ill maybe win 2 or 3 and lose 2-3 i'm stuck at my ELO. Although I know i can grow as a player I figured maybe my team could use some help as I custom built it myself (my favorite part about pokemon team building) and maybe with a bit of insight from more knowledgeable players there could be a few tweaks i'm able to make to help my consistency.
Without further ado, lets hop into the team!
I immediately knew I wanted a Mon that could handle some of the prevalent threats running around the OU meta like, Tapu Bulu, Kartana, Mega-Scizor, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn. Zard-X OHKOs most of the Latter after rocks and out-speeds them as well. I dont like the dragon dance set too much I find myself using other pokes as lures and bringing in Zard Late game and getting a Powerful Flare Blitz off which is devastating. I decided with that playstyle, Roost + 3 Attacks was the optimal set.
With the team centered around Zard-X I immediately know I will need Hazard removal. Skarmory seemed like the best option for me as it covers all Zards common weaknesses, Fairy, Dragon, Ground, and Rock. I run spikes + whirlwind as spikes chip damage make it hard for my opponents to switch and weakens pokes enough for Zard to handle.
I Realized quickly that Greninja and Tapu Lele would be a HUGE threat to this team as neutral hydro pump specs will tear zard after rocks if they are up, and skarmory cant really touch them either and dies to 2 hydro pumps. I figured AV magearna would cover Greninja nicely as it comes into Greninja without any serious issues. Fleur Cannon lets me take out the likes of Mega-Sableye, Quagsire gets hit hard, and Tapu Lele doesnt appreciate a flash cannon. Also running volt switch lets me keep a lot of momemtum and lets me pivot on Tapu Fini.
Tapu Koko was brilliant to me. Who can handle bulky water types that let Zard-X come in and go to town getting off Flare Blitzs off for free after theyre down? Koko of course, it Outspeeds Greninja, which magearna can tank of course, but it also lets me run volt switch to keep pressure on my opponent, which i try to show early so i can hit tank Landorus-T with a surpsie HP-Ice. However Scarf Lando-T poses a uber issue as it outspeeds and can force me into skarmory A LOT of the times.
Looking at the team so far I noticed that Offensive Landorus-T sets, ESPESCIALLY SCARF LANDO, really tore through the team. Skarmory cant touch it, Magearna gets wrecked by EQ, Koko gets wrecked by scarf EQ, Charizard, same thing, like A scarf lando would wipe me clean. I decided specs Ash-Greninja would be perfect for covering Lando, (not his only use but a main priority) AND i gave it U-turn since i will be forcing switches and volt-turning pretty hard with koko and magearna, it lets me keep up momentum. Greninja also lets me handle some band-tars and lets charizard clean up later.
What OU team would be OU without God Tier Lando-T? Nah but seriously, I wanted a reliable rock setter that was still able to throw out some offensive pressure. I opted out for a more offensive set rather than defensive so i have 252 ATK EV's with adamant nature to hit things hard expecting it to be tank. He also works perfectly as a lure to bring in Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, and Fini.
Charizard X @
Jolly Evs: 252 Atk | 252 Spd | 4 Def
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Roost
This is my teams focus, Charizard X. I really think he's perfect in the META game right now because bulky steel/grass types are running around everywhere. Celesteela, Kartana, Scizor, Ferrothorn, Magnezone, Tangrowth, Mega-Venasaur, Skarmory, Tapu Bulu Etc. The list goes on. Basically after rocks, Flare Blitz OHKO's pretty much all of these guys not to mention without scarf Zard outspeeds most of them. Dragon Claw is a coverage move that lets me hit mainly Latios, Garchomp, and other dragon types that wanna switch in on me for the Flare Blitz/Earthquake resistance. Earthquake is mainly for coverage for example Heatran resists both STABs so EQ will scare him into coming in. Now for the last move Roost > Dragon Dance 2 Attacks? Yes i find roost 3 attacks more effective Zard has excellent defensive typing and can switch into a lot after his MEGA, so it gives me the option to switch in and roost off. Also in the case i am not able to defog stealth rocks i can roost off the damage from rocks on a poke that cant touch me like ferrothorn. Also roost helps me with longevity as flare blitz recoil does add up. Overall, i dont really need the atk or spd boost from dragon dance and prefer EQ in the long run.
Skarmory @
Bold Evs: 252 Hp | 252 Def | 4 SpDef
- Roost
- Spikes
- Defog
- Whirlwind
Next in line is Skarmory. I have an insane weakness to rocks and hazards in general, so its pretty much a necessity that i have a reliable defogger on my team to let Zard come in without losing 50% hp right off the bat. Roost is pretty standard lets me keep skarmory alive and healthy to tank as much as possible. I opted for spikes since i wanted greninja to have u-turn to let me keep momentum and would take away the need for me to predict and lose my offensive. Shed Shell is a must. I want to be able to bait in Magnezone if they ever double switch and bring in Zard X, thats a free Flare Blitz which will OHKO if they stay or Chunk something heavily if they switch. It lets me escape to keep this poke healthy and lets magearna come in without trouble. Now i opted for whirlwind > Brave bird/Counter. Whirlwind lets me deal with sub kartana no Z move, or if my sturdy is up it lets me shut down that threat. It also forces mimikyu to stop setting up as a shadow claw +2 doesnt OHKO and play rough isnt gonna do enough to matter. Also seed Hawlucha isnt gonna be able to set up either or i just toss it out and build up my hazard damage. Its my safety net if my opponent decides to set up as i dont find brave bird useful although with 4 support moves taunt can be an issue.
Tapu Koko @
Timid Evs: 252 SpAtk | 252 Spd | 4 SpDef
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Dazzling Gleam
I cant have Zard X on a team that cant handle bulky water types like Fini, Toxapex, Suicune, Greninja etc. It just doesnt make sense otherwise zard isnt able to late game clean up. Specs Koko, works wonders hes able to 2HKO if not OHKO MOST of those threats and outspeeds pretty much everything minus scarf sets. Most importantly though he outspeeds greninja pre Ash-Ninja something that can pose a major threat to my pokes already. Volt Switch is gonna let me keep my momentum i also like to show it early over u-turn so next time hes in and Lando-T comes out i can surprise it with HP-ICE which wipes the floor with that thing. It also lets me pivot on AV Magearna which is a common counter to this. Thunderbolt for obvious safe stab against pex, ninja, fini, and suicune. Also handles opposing skarmory and celessteela which makes them hard to come in for my opponents since 2 pokes can wipe them out. Dazzling gleam for STAB clearly but also lets me handle pokes like mega- medicham, mega- sableye, and Marowak. Nothing really wants to take a terrain boosted specs t-bolt as it does 35-45% on most NEUTRAL pokes and puts them in range of Zard.
Ash-Greninja @
Timid Evs: 252 SpAtk | 252 Spd | 4 SpDef
- Hydro Pump
- Water Shuriken
- Dark Pulse
- U-Turn
Out of every poke on my team I think this needs the least explanation but lemme jump into the basics. Scarf Lando-T wrecks havoc on my team EQ takes out Koko, Charizard after rocks, Magearna takes a ton, its just a real threat. I need this to be able to water shuriken him with priority or predict his double switch into a hydro pump. Greninja is a special wallbreaker and outspeeds almost half the unscarfed META after ash greninja. Hydro pump does damage to all neutral types nothing wants to switch in and it also helps me 2HKO tyranitar especially the nasty band variants running around. Dark pulse is just for STAB to hit toxapex coming in or finish it off if its low, also lets me touch gengar without risking a miss press Ash ninja. U-turn > spikes/extrasensory? Yes i like u-turn a lot better as skarmory covers spikes and u-turn keeps up my volt/turn combo and keep my pressure and momentum on checks like magearna. I dont feel extrasensory is too necessary for poison types as zard checks venasaur, amoongus, etc. but it might help for toxapex even still i prefer to u-turn into koko for that.
Magearna @
Modest Evs: 252 SpAtk | 252 Hp | 4 SpDef
- Fleur Cannon
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Focus Blast
Ah Magearna. Greninja check thats it move on. JK theres more, but lemme just say i love this set with all my heart. AV magearna TANKS greninja and most other special mons like lele, koko, latios, diancie, fini, the list goes on. Not only that i find investments in SpDef not really a must because with AV it tanks hard anyway. HARD. Fleur cannon for INSANE STAB FAIRY bombs that Lando-T does not wanna come in on, Focus Blast surprises those nice steel types that wanna jump in and flash cannon, well GG lele and Diancie who wants next? This thing is just an answer to so many pokemon its a STAPLE on the team cant run well without it ive tried believe me. Volt Switch is there for my Volt-Turn combo really keeps my opponent on edge and forces them to make some risky moves.
Landorus - Therian @
Adamant Evs: 252 Atk | 252 Spd | 4 Def
- Earthquake
- Smack Down
- Stealth Rock
- Fly
Last but not least is Landorus-T, my reliable stealth rocker. I know i wanted something with rocks support, but also something to resist EQ spam and still offensive. None other than landorus-t. Ok so for his set i know flyinium z seems a little redundant like why do you need it you have Zard x you crust donut! well hear me out i like to run it because i find Mega-Medicham or Lopunny switching in as they both take EQ and run ice punch and i OHKO them with my Z move. If theres any set i would be opt to change i think its this one. Now for the second question, No scarf/Def? nope i think another choice item would be redundant for this team as i have enough and skarmory has me covered on the def end even so with intimidate this thing is deceptively bulky. Smack down is for opposing skarmories, celesteela, etc. while the combo of that and EQ doesnt kill most dont want thier pokes weakened and i appreciate the chip damage. Also Kartana catch this Z move if you think its safe. However recently im starting to think rockinium z? not sure...
Conclusion
This is my self made team i had some success but now i find myself stuck and i know i can grow as a player but i figured maybe my team could be tweaked to be a little more optimal as it is already and i would appreciate anyway feed back ie. changed sets, mons, evs, etc. Im open to anything thank you for reading and for your help! Also, let me know if anyone uses it or needs an importable!
![CENTER]](http://[/CENTER])
Without further ado, lets hop into the team!
I immediately knew I wanted a Mon that could handle some of the prevalent threats running around the OU meta like, Tapu Bulu, Kartana, Mega-Scizor, Celesteela, and Ferrothorn. Zard-X OHKOs most of the Latter after rocks and out-speeds them as well. I dont like the dragon dance set too much I find myself using other pokes as lures and bringing in Zard Late game and getting a Powerful Flare Blitz off which is devastating. I decided with that playstyle, Roost + 3 Attacks was the optimal set.
With the team centered around Zard-X I immediately know I will need Hazard removal. Skarmory seemed like the best option for me as it covers all Zards common weaknesses, Fairy, Dragon, Ground, and Rock. I run spikes + whirlwind as spikes chip damage make it hard for my opponents to switch and weakens pokes enough for Zard to handle.
I Realized quickly that Greninja and Tapu Lele would be a HUGE threat to this team as neutral hydro pump specs will tear zard after rocks if they are up, and skarmory cant really touch them either and dies to 2 hydro pumps. I figured AV magearna would cover Greninja nicely as it comes into Greninja without any serious issues. Fleur Cannon lets me take out the likes of Mega-Sableye, Quagsire gets hit hard, and Tapu Lele doesnt appreciate a flash cannon. Also running volt switch lets me keep a lot of momemtum and lets me pivot on Tapu Fini.
Tapu Koko was brilliant to me. Who can handle bulky water types that let Zard-X come in and go to town getting off Flare Blitzs off for free after theyre down? Koko of course, it Outspeeds Greninja, which magearna can tank of course, but it also lets me run volt switch to keep pressure on my opponent, which i try to show early so i can hit tank Landorus-T with a surpsie HP-Ice. However Scarf Lando-T poses a uber issue as it outspeeds and can force me into skarmory A LOT of the times.
Looking at the team so far I noticed that Offensive Landorus-T sets, ESPESCIALLY SCARF LANDO, really tore through the team. Skarmory cant touch it, Magearna gets wrecked by EQ, Koko gets wrecked by scarf EQ, Charizard, same thing, like A scarf lando would wipe me clean. I decided specs Ash-Greninja would be perfect for covering Lando, (not his only use but a main priority) AND i gave it U-turn since i will be forcing switches and volt-turning pretty hard with koko and magearna, it lets me keep up momentum. Greninja also lets me handle some band-tars and lets charizard clean up later.
What OU team would be OU without God Tier Lando-T? Nah but seriously, I wanted a reliable rock setter that was still able to throw out some offensive pressure. I opted out for a more offensive set rather than defensive so i have 252 ATK EV's with adamant nature to hit things hard expecting it to be tank. He also works perfectly as a lure to bring in Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, and Fini.
SETS AND DEPTH
Charizard X @
Jolly Evs: 252 Atk | 252 Spd | 4 Def
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Roost
This is my teams focus, Charizard X. I really think he's perfect in the META game right now because bulky steel/grass types are running around everywhere. Celesteela, Kartana, Scizor, Ferrothorn, Magnezone, Tangrowth, Mega-Venasaur, Skarmory, Tapu Bulu Etc. The list goes on. Basically after rocks, Flare Blitz OHKO's pretty much all of these guys not to mention without scarf Zard outspeeds most of them. Dragon Claw is a coverage move that lets me hit mainly Latios, Garchomp, and other dragon types that wanna switch in on me for the Flare Blitz/Earthquake resistance. Earthquake is mainly for coverage for example Heatran resists both STABs so EQ will scare him into coming in. Now for the last move Roost > Dragon Dance 2 Attacks? Yes i find roost 3 attacks more effective Zard has excellent defensive typing and can switch into a lot after his MEGA, so it gives me the option to switch in and roost off. Also in the case i am not able to defog stealth rocks i can roost off the damage from rocks on a poke that cant touch me like ferrothorn. Also roost helps me with longevity as flare blitz recoil does add up. Overall, i dont really need the atk or spd boost from dragon dance and prefer EQ in the long run.
Skarmory @
Bold Evs: 252 Hp | 252 Def | 4 SpDef
- Roost
- Spikes
- Defog
- Whirlwind
Next in line is Skarmory. I have an insane weakness to rocks and hazards in general, so its pretty much a necessity that i have a reliable defogger on my team to let Zard come in without losing 50% hp right off the bat. Roost is pretty standard lets me keep skarmory alive and healthy to tank as much as possible. I opted for spikes since i wanted greninja to have u-turn to let me keep momentum and would take away the need for me to predict and lose my offensive. Shed Shell is a must. I want to be able to bait in Magnezone if they ever double switch and bring in Zard X, thats a free Flare Blitz which will OHKO if they stay or Chunk something heavily if they switch. It lets me escape to keep this poke healthy and lets magearna come in without trouble. Now i opted for whirlwind > Brave bird/Counter. Whirlwind lets me deal with sub kartana no Z move, or if my sturdy is up it lets me shut down that threat. It also forces mimikyu to stop setting up as a shadow claw +2 doesnt OHKO and play rough isnt gonna do enough to matter. Also seed Hawlucha isnt gonna be able to set up either or i just toss it out and build up my hazard damage. Its my safety net if my opponent decides to set up as i dont find brave bird useful although with 4 support moves taunt can be an issue.
Tapu Koko @
Timid Evs: 252 SpAtk | 252 Spd | 4 SpDef
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power Ice
- Dazzling Gleam
I cant have Zard X on a team that cant handle bulky water types like Fini, Toxapex, Suicune, Greninja etc. It just doesnt make sense otherwise zard isnt able to late game clean up. Specs Koko, works wonders hes able to 2HKO if not OHKO MOST of those threats and outspeeds pretty much everything minus scarf sets. Most importantly though he outspeeds greninja pre Ash-Ninja something that can pose a major threat to my pokes already. Volt Switch is gonna let me keep my momentum i also like to show it early over u-turn so next time hes in and Lando-T comes out i can surprise it with HP-ICE which wipes the floor with that thing. It also lets me pivot on AV Magearna which is a common counter to this. Thunderbolt for obvious safe stab against pex, ninja, fini, and suicune. Also handles opposing skarmory and celessteela which makes them hard to come in for my opponents since 2 pokes can wipe them out. Dazzling gleam for STAB clearly but also lets me handle pokes like mega- medicham, mega- sableye, and Marowak. Nothing really wants to take a terrain boosted specs t-bolt as it does 35-45% on most NEUTRAL pokes and puts them in range of Zard.
Ash-Greninja @
Timid Evs: 252 SpAtk | 252 Spd | 4 SpDef
- Hydro Pump
- Water Shuriken
- Dark Pulse
- U-Turn
Out of every poke on my team I think this needs the least explanation but lemme jump into the basics. Scarf Lando-T wrecks havoc on my team EQ takes out Koko, Charizard after rocks, Magearna takes a ton, its just a real threat. I need this to be able to water shuriken him with priority or predict his double switch into a hydro pump. Greninja is a special wallbreaker and outspeeds almost half the unscarfed META after ash greninja. Hydro pump does damage to all neutral types nothing wants to switch in and it also helps me 2HKO tyranitar especially the nasty band variants running around. Dark pulse is just for STAB to hit toxapex coming in or finish it off if its low, also lets me touch gengar without risking a miss press Ash ninja. U-turn > spikes/extrasensory? Yes i like u-turn a lot better as skarmory covers spikes and u-turn keeps up my volt/turn combo and keep my pressure and momentum on checks like magearna. I dont feel extrasensory is too necessary for poison types as zard checks venasaur, amoongus, etc. but it might help for toxapex even still i prefer to u-turn into koko for that.
Magearna @
Modest Evs: 252 SpAtk | 252 Hp | 4 SpDef
- Fleur Cannon
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Focus Blast
Ah Magearna. Greninja check thats it move on. JK theres more, but lemme just say i love this set with all my heart. AV magearna TANKS greninja and most other special mons like lele, koko, latios, diancie, fini, the list goes on. Not only that i find investments in SpDef not really a must because with AV it tanks hard anyway. HARD. Fleur cannon for INSANE STAB FAIRY bombs that Lando-T does not wanna come in on, Focus Blast surprises those nice steel types that wanna jump in and flash cannon, well GG lele and Diancie who wants next? This thing is just an answer to so many pokemon its a STAPLE on the team cant run well without it ive tried believe me. Volt Switch is there for my Volt-Turn combo really keeps my opponent on edge and forces them to make some risky moves.
Landorus - Therian @
Adamant Evs: 252 Atk | 252 Spd | 4 Def
- Earthquake
- Smack Down
- Stealth Rock
- Fly
Last but not least is Landorus-T, my reliable stealth rocker. I know i wanted something with rocks support, but also something to resist EQ spam and still offensive. None other than landorus-t. Ok so for his set i know flyinium z seems a little redundant like why do you need it you have Zard x you crust donut! well hear me out i like to run it because i find Mega-Medicham or Lopunny switching in as they both take EQ and run ice punch and i OHKO them with my Z move. If theres any set i would be opt to change i think its this one. Now for the second question, No scarf/Def? nope i think another choice item would be redundant for this team as i have enough and skarmory has me covered on the def end even so with intimidate this thing is deceptively bulky. Smack down is for opposing skarmories, celesteela, etc. while the combo of that and EQ doesnt kill most dont want thier pokes weakened and i appreciate the chip damage. Also Kartana catch this Z move if you think its safe. However recently im starting to think rockinium z? not sure...
Conclusion
This is my self made team i had some success but now i find myself stuck and i know i can grow as a player but i figured maybe my team could be tweaked to be a little more optimal as it is already and i would appreciate anyway feed back ie. changed sets, mons, evs, etc. Im open to anything thank you for reading and for your help! Also, let me know if anyone uses it or needs an importable!
