An All Out Offensive Team

[Acidarmor]

Hello There! Thanks for stumbling upon this topic. I'm kinda a newbie at competitive battling (not to mention bad at it) and at one point I just went on the Smogon Pokedex and pieced a team together from offensive Pokemon. The first two times I did this, my teams failed miserably. However, the third time, I managed to get a pretty good team. I gradually changed it, and now I think it's decent enough to get it rated. I've been using it for a while, and I'm pretty happy with the results.

Edits Are in Red
New Pokemon are in Green
New Sections are in Blue

---At A Glance---

Infernape@Focus Sash
Naive Nature
64 Atk/ 192 Spe/ 252 SpA
Blaze

Fake Out
Stealth Rock
Fire Blast
Close Combat

This fellow is one of my favorite team members. An excellent lead, he is able to either set up rocks, kill anything in his path, or switch out to fight another day. I usually open with a Fake out, then either lay down rocks, Attack, or Switch out. The focus sash is there so that Infernape can usually get at least two moves down. The EV spread allows Infernape to outspeed positively natured base 100 leads, and and allows Fire Blast to have the max possible power.

Possible Changes:
I think he's alright.

Machamp@Flame Orb
Adamant Nature
252 HP/ 252 Atk/ 4 Spe
Guts

Bullet Punch
Payback
Close Combat
Stone Edge

Originally, Machamp had no guard, a Choice Band, and DynamicPunch. However, I didn't like Machamp having a Choice Item, as his moves were versatile, and he could take a hit, making having to switch out after every turn a nuisance. However, I needed the CB boost, so I switched to a GutsChamp. I like him, as I can just stay in and clobber everything. Close Combat is STAB, Bullet punch is for revenge killing and priority, Stone edge is for Flying Types, and Payback is for Psychics and Ghosts. Machamp is a great all rounder, as I can use him for pretty much anything.He is actually also a good Breloom counter, due to his Flame orb, which prevents spore from taking effect if he has been brought out already and burned.

Possible Changes:
If there's another way to get his power up without choice band, I'm all ears, as Flame orb begins to wear down defenses, as does Close Combat. I need the versatility my current setup provides, but I'd like to know if there's another way to do that. I'm also curious about any poss. moveset changes.

Metagross@Life Orb
Adamant Nature
60 HP/ 252 Atk/ 196 Spd
Clear Body

Agility
Meteor Mash
Thunderpunch
Earthquake

Average Agiligross. EVs are for outspeeding and attacking, with a bit of focus on defense. Metagross sets up with Agility. Meteor Mash is STAB, EQ is for coverage, and T-Punch is for killing waters (Mainly Gyara, who tries to set up on Metagross). Agiligross is excellent in late game sweeping, where he kills almost everything after a single Agility. He's pretty much a big deal.

Possible Changes: Nothing major, but I'm still attracted to Zen Headbutt as a move instead of T-Punch. Thoughts?

Dragonite@Leftovers
Adamant Nature
252 HP/ 52 Atk/ 204 Spd
Inner Focus

Dragon Dance
Outrage
Roost
Earthquake

While formerly being your run-of-the-mill sweeper, Dragonite has been reconfigured to have a more bulky distribution, helping it survive longer to set up and sweep. The EVs help with survival, and Jolly has been replaced with Adamant to help boost attack, as Dragonite can now take a hit. Roost is for reliable recovery, DD is for setting up, and Outrage and EQ are for coverage. Dragonite is now pretty much an excellent bulky sweeper who takes care of dragons and doesn't afraid of anything.

Possible Changes:
I'm mulling over replacing Outrage with Dragon Claw so that I'm not locked into a move. Can someone tell me if I miss out on any OHKOs/2HKOs by doing this, and whether it's (in your opinion) worth it?

Rotom-H@Choice Scarf
Timid nature
200 HP/ 252 Spd/ 56 SpAtk
Levitate

Shadow Ball
Thunderbolt
Trick
Will-O-Wisp

I just added this Rotom to the team, but I love it already. It functions as so many things; Revenge killer, Physical Pokemon Crippler, Stall Wall, Water Pokemon Killer, Ground Immunity, and more. EVs focus on keeping it alive longer, Speed so it can use its CS more effectively, and Special Attack to KO. The CS helps Rotom move first, and is really useful for revenge killing, crippling, and more. Shadow ball and T-bolt are STAB and and mainly used for Revenging, although T-Bolt is also used to murder waters. Trick is used to cripple walls, which my team has some trouble with, and Will-O-Wisp is to threaten Physical Attackers My team may have trouble with, such as Dragonite. He really is an important player. Props to The LegendKiller for suggesting him.

Possible Changes:
I'd like a way to get rid of the Choice Scarf, for versatility, but I'd rather have the speed. Unless there's a way to get both the things I'd like, I think he's alright.

Gyarados@Life Orb
Jolly Nature
252 Atk/ 4 Def/ 252 Spe
Intimidate

Dragon Dance
Aqua Tail
Earthquake
Stone Edge

Ah, Gyarados. How many times have you torn through teams for me? How many times have I switched you in on a Heatran or Metagross, DDanced, and Swept almost all the opponent's team? You are the single most powerful force on this team, and for that, I respect you. Gyara is easy to switch in, can set up easily, and can sweep quite nicely after only a single DD. The EVs are pretty standard sweeper fare. DDance is for setting up, then Aqua Tail is STAB, EQ is for electric types, among others, and Stone Edge is for other Gyarados. These moves give Gyara almost unresisted coverage.

Possible Changes:
I think he's good. I'm open to moveset and EV changes, however.

---Replaced Team Members/Movesets---
​

Magnezone@Life Orb
Modest Nature
120 HP/ 16 Spe/ 252 SpA/ 120 SpD
Magnet Pull

Thunderbolt
Flash Cannon
HP Grass
Explosion

Magnezone is basically my Water killer. None of my other team members are very well suited to taking on Water Types. Magnezone Fills that Niche for me. SpA EVs are for making the most out of Magnezone's monstrous SpA stat, and the other EVs try to help its defenses, as it's probably going to be taking some hits. The 16 speed EVs are for Swampert, which it should outspeed if the Swampert has no speed investment. T-Bolt and Flash Cannon are for STAB, HP Grass is for Swampert, and Explosion is to take out Blissey.

Replaced By Rotom-H

Dragonite@Life Orb
Jolly Nature
252 Atk/ 252 Spe/ 4 HP
Inner Focus

Dragon Dance
Outrage
Fire Punch
Earthquake

Dragonite is a pretty standard Sweeper, as well as resident dragon type. He allows me to take on other dragon types, which no other members of my team are especially suited for. After Switching in, Dragonite boosts with DD, and proceeds to sweep. Not really much to explain here.

Replaced By Bulkier Dragonite

Metagross@Life Orb
Adamant Nature
252 HP/ 252 Atk/ 6 Def
Clear Body

Zen Headbutt
Meteor Mash
Thunderpunch
Earthquake

Metagross is a Physical Attacker, with good defensive capabilities. He can usually switch in safely due to a slew of resistances. He is usually able to take a hit, and retaliate hard. Zen Headbutt and Meteor Mash are Dual STABs, EQ is for fire types, and T-Punch is (mainly) for Gyarados, who tries to set up on Metagross. That may sound paranoid, but you'd be surprised how often Gyarados tries to come in on Metagross. EVs are to give Metagross better physical defenses and offenses so it can survive and hit back.

Replaced by Agiligross

So that's pretty much my team. since this is my first RMT, please do tell me if I've done anything wrong, and I'll be happy to correct it. I'm reasonably new to Competitive battling, so please, don't be afraid to heap on the criticism. I'll need all the help I can get.

Thank you for your time.


​

 

[Acidarmor]

Reserved

Lead Matchups Coming Soon
​

Offensive Threats

Red is Serious
Orange is Mild
Green is Annoying
Black is Negligible

​

Aerodactyl - His EQ is so weak it can't even KO my Infernape. Metagross Sets up on this thing like nobody's business. Also, Rotom kills it with T-Bolt, It can hardly touch Machamp as well. Not a threat.

Azelf - Rotom Kills with Shadow Ball, Metagross can usually take a hit or two.

Breloom - I let it spore a weakened pokemon, and then switch to Rotom, who revenge kills it, Dragonite, who resists its STABs and can roost of the damage and hit with an Outrage, Machamp, who can Confuse and Annoy, or Metagross, who resists Stone Edge and Seed bomb, is neutral Focus Punch, and can kill with a MM. Infernape is also good if he lives. Basically, I sacrifice something to get sleep clause up, then kill with pretty much anything. Something's dying, however.

Dragonite - Machamp can come in and kill w/ Ice Punch, Rotom can Will O Wisp it, Gyara Can SE, and Metagross can come in on an Outrage. Not a Problem.

Electivire - Dragonite Resists Everything he's got except for HP ice, and can kill w/ EQ. Rotom can Trick CS onto E-vire and switch into something that resists, granting something either a free switch in or a free boost. Machamp isn't weak to any of E-Vire's usual moves and can threaten with DynamicPunch. Still annoying, though.

Empoleon - Gyara Comes in, resists or is neutral to all of Emp's moves, and immediately threatens with EQ. Rotom can revenge kill. Machamp can Kill with DynamicPunch. Emp. is usually brought in on Infernape to try to force a switch, but is KO'd or crippled by CC. Metagross can also survive most attacks and damage with a T-Punch. Not a big deal.

Flygon - Machamp can Come in, survive an attack, and kill with Ice Punch. Metagross can come in on an Outrage, and kill w/ MM. Dragonite also KOs w/ Outrage if he gets 2 DDs up to outspeed Flygon, which is admittedly rare. While usually not a big deal for my team, I have no truly infallible way of disposing of him.

Gengar - Hoo Boy. This guy's a problem. Metagross is just about my only reliable answer to Gengar. Machamp Can Sometimes Payback it, though it usually dies. Not fun. Suggestions needed.

Gyarados - Not a big deal. Rotom Revenge kills it w/ T-Bolt, Gyara can switch in, kill its attack, and KO w/ SE. It usually comes in, tries to set up on Metagross, and gets Tbolted w/ extreme prejudice.

Heatran - If I switch in Gyara, this thing's dead. I can usually get a DD up, or if I feel I don't have the HP, I can just OHKO w/ EQ. Infernape can also kill w/ CC, if he's alive, Dragonite can kill w/ EQ, and Machamp can usually get a DynamicPunch in.

Heracross - I actually have, strangely, not encountered one of these guys yet. However, Infernape can kill w/ Fire Blast, Gyarados can come in, kill his attack, and usually 2HKO w/ Aqua Tail. Dragonite resists both STABs, and threatens w/ DD outrage. Metagross takes neutral damage from all his attacks, but has the defenses to take a couple of hits. Rotom can Come in and WoW him as well. This is all theory, however, as I've yet to encounter one.

Infernape - Most sets are walled by both my Gyara and my Dragonite, who set up on him with impunity. Machamp can also annoy with Dynamicpunch, and Rotom can Cripple Phys. sets with WoW.

Jirachi - Jirachi has a lot of versatility, so it's tricky to counter him. For lead Jirachi, who depend on Flinchhax, I switch to dragonite and either DD and EQ, or just EQ. For Choice Jirachi, I switch into Rotom and cripple them with WoW. I haven't encountered Calm Mind Jirachi yet, but I'll probably switch to rotom and use WOW, then try to stall it out with Dragonite's roost. The Burn + LO damage should KO it within 5 turns. Machamp can also come in on most sets and DynamicPunch to annoy and kill. Due to the sheer versatility of Jirachi, I'm marking it as an annoyance.

Jolteon - Tricky, due to high speed and Rotom's inability to touch it. However, Dragonite can take most of its attacks and retaliate with an EQ. Same with Metagross. That's pretty much it. However, since Jolteon is so frail, anything that can take one of its attacks and retaliate will pretty much kill it. Annoying, but not too bad.

Kingdra - Bad, Bad, Bad. It usually gets either rain or DD up, after which I switch to Dragonite. If Dragonite is unable to Kill it with outrage, I try Rotom's T-bolt, or WoW but after that, I'm pretty much screwed. Gyara, Machamp, and Metagross can chip away bits of its HP, but other than that, that's it. It can be stopped, but my team is gonna be seriously hindered. Help is appreciated.

Lucario - Not too bad. Though it usually gets a swords dance up, Rotom can burn it, Machamp can take most of its attacks and Dynamicpunch back, same with Metagross and EQ. Infernape, if it lives, can kill it with Fire Blast or CC. While Gyara and Dragonite are not Ideal, they can Sometimes hit with an EQ. All in all, not a big problem.

Machamp - Not great. Due to DynamicPunch's Annoyance, I usually switch in Rotom, and fire off 2 WoW, to get rid of the Lum Berry. after that, however, he's pretty harmless. Metagross and Gyarados can counter him after he is burned. An annoyance.

Magnezone - Since Magnezone is rather slow, almost anything I have will kill it. Dragonite and Metagross can hit it w/ EQ, Machamp can Dynamicpunch, Infernape can Fireblast it, and even Gyarados can kill non-scarfed versions w/ EQ.

Mamoswine - Mamoswine is slow. His only saving grace is Ice Shard, which is admittedly powerful on him. However, bring in something that resists Ice Shard, and Mamoswine is killed very, very hard. Infernape can Fire Blast him, and Metagross can MM him. Even then, pretty much everything I have kills him. Gyara can Aqua Tail, Machamp can DynamicPunch, and Even Rotom can cripple via WoW. Dragonite can't touch him for obvious reasons, however.

Metagross - Annoying, due to his impressive bulk and typing. However, He's setup fodder for Gyara, who comes in, DDs, and KOs w/ EQ. Infernape can also Fire Blast, Dragonite can EQ, and Rotom can Cripple w/ WoW. Not hard to deal with.

Ninjask - He's only a lead in OU, so Infernape Fakes him out and sets up rocks. Since I lack priority moves, I can only prepare for what he boosts and block that. Can become a problem.

Roserade - An annoyance. While it can usually sleep a member rather easily, pretty mcuh anything else I have walls it. Infernape resists its Grass STAB and Kills with Fire Blast. Metagross Resits and is immune to Grass and poison respectively, and can KO the frail Roserade with an EQ or Meteor Mash. Dragonite resists Grass and EQs, Gyara EQs, and Machamp Ice Punches. Not a problem.

Scizor - Not a big problem. While Bullet Punch IS annoying, it is resisted by Machamp, Infernape, Metagross, Rotom, and Gyarados. Infernape can kill w/ fire blast, Machamp annoys with Dynamicpunch, Gyarados treats it as setup fodder or Aqua Tails it, depending on the set, Metagross agilities and EQs, and Rotom burns it.

Smeargle - Outsped by Infernape, who could kill Smeargle by breathing on him. Since Smeargle is nigh impossible to switch in, due to its laughable defenses, it is usually only used as a lead, so only Infernape will ever need to face him.

Starmie - Problem. The only thing that can reliably kill this fellow is Rotom, who can admittedly do so reliably. Other than that, though, pretty much only Metagross lacks a weakness to Starmie's typicl attacks, and can hit back hard with a thunderpunch. It would be a major threat, but because Rotom's such a beast, it's only an annoyance.

Togekiss - Annoying, thanks to Serene grace. The one thing helping is Togekiss' middling speed, which allows it to be outsped and not take the flinch. Rotom takes next to nothing from Air Slash, is immune to Aura sphere, and can KO with T-Bolt. Metagross also takes very little from Air Slash and can kill w/ T-Punch. Gyara can SE Togekiss, and Dragonite can Outrage it if absolutely necessary.

Tyranitar - Due to it's ridiculously slow speed, my team has little problem with T-Tar. If Infernape lives, TTar is dead, due to a fast CC. Machamp can also Take a hit and retaliate with DynamicPunch. Gyara and Dragonite can outpseed and hit it with EQ, and Metagross can kill with a MM. Not a problem.

Weavile - Easy, Easy. While Ice shard is dangerous, anything resisting it can switch in and KO with ease. Infernape and Metagross can switch in and threaten with CC and MM, respectively, and Weavile will pretty much die to all of my pokemon except Rotom. The only difficulty with Weavile is its Pursuit ability, which can KO rotom if I try to switch out.

Defensive Threats Coming Soon
​

 

[Elite Four Devin]

nice overall. i would just make this change:

Infernape @ Leftovers
Hasty,252 spe,176 atk,80 defense
~U-Turn
~Fake Out
~Stealth Rock
~Mach Punch

 

[Acidarmor]

nice overall. i would just make this change:

Infernape @ Leftovers
Hasty,252 spe,176 atk,80 defense
~U-Turn
~Fake Out
~Stealth Rock
~Mach Punch

Devin, thanks for replying to my thread! Unfortunately, while I see what you are trying to turn Infernape into (scouting/revenging lead that survives), it's not really in context with the rest of the team. This is, as the title states, an all out offensive team, and while revenge killing is valuable, this Infernape couldn't kill anything, making it lose much of its versatility.

I am interested in those EVs, however. Could you explain what they do and why you chose those numbers?

Thanks!

 

[Siegrin]

Ok, I found a couple problems at a brief glance. One of them is that every Machamp has dynamicpunch, and there is no reason why you shouldn't, also, like many teams, this one is pretty starmie weak, so I suggest finding a decent starmie counter or switching this team around a bit

 

[ShinyAzelf]

Try Agiligross. Take out either Thunderpunch or Zen Headbutt and replace it with Agility. That way, you can sweep late game much easier.

Try Dragonite with Roost. Take out Fire Punch, since it only hits Skarmory and Forretress harder, but you can trap those with Magnezone. That way, Dragonite can also live longer, while easing its sweeps.

Good luck!

 

[Elite Four Devin]

The Reason i chose those evs is because infernape needs speed,so 252 spe EVs,and maybe a little defense to top it off if its gonna be a lead cause infernape is made for offense and offense only. the 176 atk is for C Combat and U-turn.

 

[afterburn]

Weaknesses
Offensive Suicune
Bulky DD Roost Dragon Dance Dragonite
NP/SD Infernape
Stall
Lack of Speed to outrun Positive Base 85's and above
Rotom-A


Suicune can easily come in on Dragonite's Fire Punch, Gyarados's Waterfall, threaten them both with Ice Beam/HP Electric, set up a Calm Mind, outspeed and destroy the entire team with +1 Hydro Pump/Ice Beam/HP Electric, with a little prior damage. Bulky DD Dragonite can set up on Magnezone's HP Grass, and it really just needs one Dragon Dance to sweep your team with unresisted Dragon Claw and Earthquake. Infernape can come in safely after a kill against either of the steels, force them out and set up a threatening Nasty Plot, and just destroy everything on this team with Fire Blast alone; Dragonite and Gyarados risk getting OHKOed by +2 Fire Blast after SR. With no decent mixed attacker a well put core of Blissey/Skarmory/Rotom-H will wall you to no end and keep making you eat hazards damage and crippling status, which will eventually kill you. Finally your team is relatively slow for an all out Offensive teams, Gyarados is your fastest member (Infernape's a suicide lead, so he obviously doesn't count) which can at most outspeed Jolly Dragonite, and gets outsped by Suicune, Rotom-A, amongst others. Rotom-A can be a top-notch threat by crippling all of the members with Will-O-Wisp (bar Machamp, who can't really safely switch-in). Scarf Rotom-A with can repeatedly come in revenge as you set up sweepers and switch back out, and you lack a good way of getting rid of it.

A Scarf Rotom-H of your own can help you against Physical Infernape, Crippling Dragonite with Will-O-Wisp, and handling bunch of others like Agility Metagross, Swords Dance Lucario, Swords Dance Scizor. Try this over Magnezone, imo one of the weakest link, your "Water killer", Rotom-H already makes them piss their pants due to the threat of Thunderbolt. 200 HP/56 Satk/252 Spe with Timid, Choice Scarf, Thunderbolt/Will-O-Wisp/Trick/Shadow BallI also wanted to suggest moving Metagross to the lead spot with the same spread, Lum Berry, and Stealth Rock over Zen Headbutt, and Bullet Punch over Thunderpunch, you may test Explosion>Earthquake. The main reason behind it is that Metagross really isnt much use without Agility, due to relatively low speed. In Metagross' slot, place a Leech Seed Shaymin with 252 HP/76 Satk/180 Spe with Timid, leftovers, Seed Flare/Leech Seed/Protect/Earth Power or Hidden Power Ice/Fire. This can work as a great check towards Suicune, Rotom-A, and annoy Stall, Rotom-A cripples Blissey with Trick, and Shaymin saps health for its Stealth Rock weak buddies, Dragonite and Gyarados. To handle Nasty Plot Infernape, I think a bulkier Dragonite with the 252 HP/52 Atk/204 Spe with an Adamant Nature, Leftovers, with Roost over Fire Punch. This can set up on more threats and handle Nasty Plot Infernape too (they lack HP Ice nowadays anyway). Other than that, I think Machamp could use the Substitute set to decent success with 128 HP/252 Atk/128 Spe Adamant, Leftovers, Substitute/Dynamic Punch/Payback/Ice Punch. Yet another Pokemon to fuck with stall, dies too fast, and I feel its called upon often against the likes of Tyranitar, and Sub up, Speed outspeeds 0 Speed Skarmory.

Other than that, I think this team is fine, GL

 

[Acidarmor]

Try Agiligross. Take out either Thunderpunch or Zen Headbutt and replace it with Agility. That way, you can sweep late game much easier.

Try Dragonite with Roost. Take out Fire Punch, since it only hits Skarmory and Forretress harder, but you can trap those with Magnezone. That way, Dragonite can also live longer, while easing its sweeps.

Good luck!

I did as you said, and I'm very happy with both of those changes. Agiligross is significantly better than my old metagross, and I like bulky Dragonite. Thanks for your excellent advice!

Ok, I found a couple problems at a brief glance. One of them is that every Machamp has dynamicpunch, and there is no reason why you shouldn't, also, like many teams, this one is pretty starmie weak, so I suggest finding a decent starmie counter or switching this team around a bit

I prefer my version of Machamp because it has more versatility. To get the same power I have currently with CC + Flameorb + Guts with Dynamicpunch, I'd need DynamicPunch+ CB + No guard. This gives me about the same power, but loses out on versatility. That's not a trade-off I'm willing to make.

However, I agree that I need a good Starmie counter. Have any suggestions?

Weaknesses
Offensive Suicune
Bulky DD Roost Dragon Dance Dragonite
NP/SD Infernape
Stall
Lack of Speed to outrun Positive Base 85's and above
Rotom-A


Suicune can easily come in on Dragonite's Fire Punch, Gyarados's Waterfall, threaten them both with Ice Beam/HP Electric, set up a Calm Mind, outspeed and destroy the entire team with +1 Hydro Pump/Ice Beam/HP Electric, with a little prior damage. Bulky DD Dragonite can set up on Magnezone's HP Grass, and it really just needs one Dragon Dance to sweep your team with unresisted Dragon Claw and Earthquake. Infernape can come in safely after a kill against either of the steels, force them out and set up a threatening Nasty Plot, and just destroy everything on this team with Fire Blast alone; Dragonite and Gyarados risk getting OHKOed by +2 Fire Blast after SR. With no decent mixed attacker a well put core of Blissey/Skarmory/Rotom-H will wall you to no end and keep making you eat hazards damage and crippling status, which will eventually kill you. Finally your team is relatively slow for an all out Offensive teams, Gyarados is your fastest member (Infernape's a suicide lead, so he obviously doesn't count) which can at most outspeed Jolly Dragonite, and gets outsped by Suicune, Rotom-A, amongst others. Rotom-A can be a top-notch threat by crippling all of the members with Will-O-Wisp (bar Machamp, who can't really safely switch-in). Scarf Rotom-A with can repeatedly come in revenge as you set up sweepers and switch back out, and you lack a good way of getting rid of it.

A Scarf Rotom-H of your own can help you against Physical Infernape, Crippling Dragonite with Will-O-Wisp, and handling bunch of others like Agility Metagross, Swords Dance Lucario, Swords Dance Scizor. Try this over Magnezone, imo one of the weakest link, your "Water killer", Rotom-H already makes them piss their pants due to the threat of Thunderbolt. 200 HP/56 Satk/252 Spe with Timid, Choice Scarf, Thunderbolt/Will-O-Wisp/Trick/Shadow BallI also wanted to suggest moving Metagross to the lead spot with the same spread, Lum Berry, and Stealth Rock over Zen Headbutt, and Bullet Punch over Thunderpunch, you may test Explosion>Earthquake. The main reason behind it is that Metagross really isnt much use without Agility, due to relatively low speed. In Metagross' slot, place a Leech Seed Shaymin with 252 HP/76 Satk/180 Spe with Timid, leftovers, Seed Flare/Leech Seed/Protect/Earth Power or Hidden Power Ice/Fire. This can work as a great check towards Suicune, Rotom-A, and annoy Stall, Rotom-A cripples Blissey with Trick, and Shaymin saps health for its Stealth Rock weak buddies, Dragonite and Gyarados. To handle Nasty Plot Infernape, I think a bulkier Dragonite with the 252 HP/52 Atk/204 Spe with an Adamant Nature, Leftovers, with Roost over Fire Punch. This can set up on more threats and handle Nasty Plot Infernape too (they lack HP Ice nowadays anyway). Other than that, I think Machamp could use the Substitute set to decent success with 128 HP/252 Atk/128 Spe Adamant, Leftovers, Substitute/Dynamic Punch/Payback/Ice Punch. Yet another Pokemon to fuck with stall, dies too fast, and I feel its called upon often against the likes of Tyranitar, and Sub up, Speed outspeeds 0 Speed Skarmory.

Other than that, I think this team is fine, GL

Thank you very much for that highly detailed explanation. I did change Magnezone to Rotom-H, as I agree that he is the weakest link. Unfortunately, I really like my Infernape lead, so I ignored that piece of info; however, I did change to an Agiligross, so I think that's alright. Again, thank you!

I'm going to edit my main post now. Thanks for all your feedback!

 

[Faladran]

Hi Acid,

Thanks for the compliments! Now that I've finally found some time to view your team, I can say that TLK's suggested changes have been quite solid, and I agree with them personally. Therefore, instead of going through a detailed threat list analysis (as he has already done), I'm going to go over the team one more time and make a few nitpicks that should help out.

I'd like to begin by addressing your Machamp set. Flame Orb + Guts Machamp is certainly quite a creative concept, but you are correct in stating that Close Combat and the orb tend to damage Machamp's durability and staying power. Fortuantely, there happens to be a very good alternative set that some very good players have used to great success: Substitute + 3 Attacks Machamp.

Machamp @ Leftovers
Ability: No Guard
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Atk / 12 Spe
- DynamicPunch
- Substitute
- Ice Punch
- Payback

Having personally used this set, I can attest to its effectiveness. DynamicPunch is quite easily the best STAB move for Machamp to utilize, as it possesses a powerful 100 base power and a great advantage over Close Combat due to its ability to always induce confusion. This naturally means that Machamp tends to force a lot of switches, netting it several opportunites to set up a Substitute. While behind a Sub, Machamp can hit hard off its base 130 attack stat and access to great type coverage with DynamicPunch and Payback. I chose Ice Punch for the final moveslot due to its ability to hit Gliscor switch-ins, which would otherwise take negligible damage from Machamp's attacks.

As a couple of minor suggestions, Metagross' nature should be Jolly with the given EV spread. Those EVs are designed to allow Metagross to outspeed common revenge-killer such as Scarf Flygon after an Agility, but a Jolly nature is needed to achieve that purpose.

Good luck with your team!

 

[afterburn]

Chiming into say, that you at least try the Leech Seed Shaymin I suggested in my rate, over Metagross, keep Infernape if you wish. This is because Rotom alone cannot handle it, and takes a hefty hit from its boosted attacks, therefore it may not be able to switch into it with ease and may go down, which is very concerning, seeing as he is your check to a myriad of threats.

EDIT: If leech seed isn't what you're looking for, I think you can try out a Life Orb version with 252 Satk/4Sdef/252 Spe with a Timid nature, Life Orb, and Seed Flare, Earth Power, Rest, HP Ice. Serves the same function, though has the power to 2HKO Suicune even after a boost (you 2HKO before it 2HKOs you), you have rest to shrug off the damage from brawling with Suicune

 

[Acidarmor]

Hi Acid,

Thanks for the compliments! Now that I've finally found some time to view your team, I can say that TLK's suggested changes have been quite solid, and I agree with them personally. Therefore, instead of going through a detailed threat list analysis (as he has already done), I'm going to go over the team one more time and make a few nitpicks that should help out.

I'd like to begin by addressing your Machamp set. Flame Orb + Guts Machamp is certainly quite a creative concept, but you are correct in stating that Close Combat and the orb tend to damage Machamp's durability and staying power. Fortuantely, there happens to be a very good alternative set that some very good players have used to great success: Substitute + 3 Attacks Machamp.

Machamp @ Leftovers
Ability: No Guard
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Atk / 12 Spe
- DynamicPunch
- Substitute
- Ice Punch
- Payback

Having personally used this set, I can attest to its effectiveness. DynamicPunch is quite easily the best STAB move for Machamp to utilize, as it possesses a powerful 100 base power and a great advantage over Close Combat due to its ability to always induce confusion. This naturally means that Machamp tends to force a lot of switches, netting it several opportunites to set up a Substitute. While behind a Sub, Machamp can hit hard off its base 130 attack stat and access to great type coverage with DynamicPunch and Payback. I chose Ice Punch for the final moveslot due to its ability to hit Gliscor switch-ins, which would otherwise take negligible damage from Machamp's attacks.

As a couple of minor suggestions, Metagross' nature should be Jolly with the given EV spread. Those EVs are designed to allow Metagross to outspeed common revenge-killer such as Scarf Flygon after an Agility, but a Jolly nature is needed to achieve that purpose.

Good luck with your team!

Done and Done. I'm going to try out Subchamp a bit before editing, but he seems good so far! Also, thanks for that catch on Agiligross.

Chiming into say, that you at least try the Leech Seed Shaymin I suggested in my rate, over Metagross, keep Infernape if you wish. This is because Rotom alone cannot handle it, and takes a hefty hit from its boosted attacks, therefore it may not be able to switch into it with ease and may go down, which is very concerning, seeing as he is your check to a myriad of threats.

Leech seed's not really the way I operate, but yeah, I see what you mean about rotom being overwhelmed and all. I'll definitely try Shaymin out. Really, that was the only suggestion I was kinda iffy on, so that's why I didn't address it immediately, preferring to see whether the other suggestions worked. I certainly will try it, however.

 

[Fungal Paranoia]

Taking a quick glance at your team you may want to consider waterfall over aquatail, unless you need that 10 more base dmg to knock off a certain threat that lack of 10% accuracy can really put a downfall to that especially to any pokemon with sandveil in sandstorm or snowveil in hail.

Also the only major threat about teams like this is, what if you attack a pokemon that is bulkier/stronger then you? Dragonite can easily be tooken out with a bulky Walrein/Abomasnow/Kingdra, Metagross is tough but I'm pretty sure a bulky version of Heatran might become a problem or Rotoms. Lastly Machamp might have problems with fast flying attacks like stab brave bird :o

 

[MofoPopo]

Taking a quick glance at your team you may want to consider waterfall over aquatail, unless you need that 10 more base dmg to knock off a certain threat that lack of 10% accuracy can really put a downfall to that especially to any pokemon with sandveil in sandstorm or snowveil in hail.

Also the only major threat about teams like this is, what if you attack a pokemon that is bulkier/stronger then you? Dragonite can easily be tooken out with a bulky Walrein/Abomasnow/Kingdra, Metagross is tough but I'm pretty sure a bulky version of Heatran might become a problem or Rotoms. Lastly Machamp might have problems with fast flying attacks like stab brave bird :o

You just listed counters to these mons, and the goal is to take out these with other set up sweepers so if they die, he can set up with another one. It is almost a mixture of Bulky Offensive and HO, which i find very effective. GL!

 

[Fungal Paranoia]

You just listed counters to these mons, and the goal is to take out these with other set up sweepers so if they die, he can set up with another one. It is almost a mixture of Bulky Offensive and HO, which i find very effective. GL!

Yeah I saw that but it doesn't change the fact not everyone uses the generic OU pokemon and if a bulkier/stronger pokemon comes into play and he cannot counter it. Then what happens? I think people underestimate pokemon from UU even NU. Just because people don't use em properly/effectively

 

[Cherub Agent]

if you want a wah to boost machamps attack, you could always go for bulk up, which obviously also increases his survivability, letting you gain defensive boosts and use leftovers. Or, of course you can go SubChamp

 

[Acidarmor]

if you want a wah to boost machamps attack, you could always go for bulk up, which obviously also increases his survivability, letting you gain defensive boosts and use leftovers. Or, of course you can go SubChamp

I like the Bulk up idea, but Machamp is too slow to use BU effectively. The best scenario I can see happening Is this:

I switch in Machamp On something That doesn't like it
The person Switches to a fast-ish special attacker, I get a BU in on the switch.
Fast attacker kills or at least cripples me, allowing a revenger to come in and finish the job.

I'm pretty happy with Subchamp, however.

Done and Done. I'm going to try out Subchamp a bit before editing, but he seems good so far! Also, thanks for that catch on Agiligross.

Leech seed's not really the way I operate, but yeah, I see what you mean about rotom being overwhelmed and all. I'll definitely try Shaymin out. Really, that was the only suggestion I was kinda iffy on, so that's why I didn't address it immediately, preferring to see whether the other suggestions worked. I certainly will try it, however.

Okay, I like Subchamp, but I'm not really liking Shaymin that much. She doesn't really fit into my team that well.

MofoPopo and Fungal Paranoia, I didn't want to make this post a page long, so I didn't quote your posts.

FP, You raise a valid point about my weakness to Bulky Sweepers. I have trouble with them late-game, after metagross and Rotom are gone, but I can usually handle them early on. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can remedy this?

Mofopopo, thank you for your gracious compliments. Unfortunately, being a newb, I'm not entirely sure what HO means. Could you explain?

Also, I'm about to add the threat list, so check back in about an hour or so. Thanks for all the feedback!

 

[Acidarmor]

Bump for Added Offensive Threat List

 

[Acidarmor]

Rebump, as no one has replied and addressed new concerns brought up by threat list.

 

[Smith]

Ah vBulletin just went stupid on me and deleted my reponse so I have to type this all out again. So I'm going to summarize a bit. Anyways Kingdra is a problem, but you have Gyarados' Intimidate, and Metagross can come in on an outrage, and Rotom can burn/trick. Not really as problematic as special threats like CM Jirachi. You say Burn + LO wears them down- well, I've never seen a LO Jirachi in my life. Really your only option on WishCM is to trick a scarf from Rotom- which is fine and dandy, but tricking a scarf is also your only answer to CM Suicune and other mixed special sweepers. Really SubSplit Gengar, LO Starmie, CM Suicune, any Jolteon and CM Jirachi, while all being stopped by Rotom's trick, can be on the same team and wreak havoc. Plus if Rotom is dead/pursuited, you're boned.

I think the best thing to do here is to run a lot more priority on the team, to help you out with these threats. SD with Bullet Punch and Extremespeed Lucario > Machamp, whose set is admittedly not the best way to use him. Luke gives you another steel and some powerful dual priority. He also can surprise Gengar with Bullet Punch. He has excellent offensive synergy with the rest of the team, because him and Metagross have the same counters and clear the way for each other, and because Dragonite is usually revenged by choiced dragon/ice from Flygon/Jiraci, which Lucario sets up on. Only downside is that now your team has 3 ground weaknesses, but also three immunities and Infernape is a suicide lead anyway.

Dragonite could run a more offensive spread and Extremespeed > Roost, which in my experience is helpful anyway for picking off Starmie or Flygon or something, and again the added priority is nice. Also Gyarados with Aqua Tail is really not optimal, the increase in power over Waterfall is marginal and the accuracy drop much more noticable, please just run Waterfall.

Sorry for the short rate, again I typed out a longer one and it was deleted, but this one gets all the same points across. Hope this helps.

 

[Acidarmor]

Smith, thanks for your excellent rate; it answered many of my questions.

I'm actually using a SubChamp right now, I forgot to update Machamp, but Lucario does admittedly sound better.

Aqua Tail has also missed enough times recently to convince me to replace it, and Extremespeed is a good idea that i was actually thinking about using previously. Since Dragonite isn't running speed anymore, should I change the EVs at all?

Thanks for your very useful input!