Hi guys, I'm SideTrack. A Senior Devision VGC player that has been playing for around 1 year and today I will be doing a RMT, hopefully I'm able to receive some feedback from you guys reading this to help improve my team for the upcoming Premiere Challenge that I am participating in. Do feel free to suggest Team Member changes and also EV and Moveset changes for me as I appreciate feedback. Thanks for reading this introduction and without further adieu let's get to it.
Teambuilding Process and Explanation
So basically I had a goal during making this team, similar to the team I made before, which was primarily to create attacking momentum and opportunities for me so that I am able to seal up the match fast. So for that I decided to single out a mega that I think would be the perfect for it, and the one that sticks out to me the most was Mega-Lopunny. The reason I chose it was actually really simple. It has good speed as well as attack and also has access to fake out, plus Scrappy also allowed me to hit Focus Sash Gengar which is pretty common nowadays. This really appealed to me therefore leading to my decision to choose Mega Lopunny as my Mega. As for the rest of the members, I will explain as I go along, they are basically built to support Mega Lopunny and allow for the more balanced type weaknesses and matchups for my team.
Lopunny-Mega (F) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Scrappy
Level: 50
EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 172 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Ice Punch
- Low Kick
- Return
- Fake Out
The EVs were really simple. 172 Speed EVs to ensure that it outspeeds Jolly Terrakion, 252 Attack EVs to maximise its offensive abilities and the rest into HP for slightly more bulky. As for move choice, I have Ice Punch to punish dragon types like Garchomp and Mega Mence, Low Kick to hit mons like Aegislash and Terrakion. Return for STAB and Fake Out to create chances for my Pokemon to set up or take down threats of Mega Lopunny. I'm really satisfied with this set although I'm doubtful if I should go for the common 252 spread to be able to fully utilise Mega Lopunny's stats. Furthermore I am contemplating whether or not to add protect or encore on it, as it seems to be quite a staple move on it.
Thundurus @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 44 SpA / 68 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt
Next up we have Thundurus, my main answer to Talonflames that really pose a big threat to Mega Lopunny and the rest of my team. I usually pair it up with Mega Lopunny so that I can spread taunt on trick room teams and thunder wave on fast threats. As you know, this EV Spread is from Aaron "Cybertron" Zheng and I find it really good. I will link a video for those that want to check it out. Basically this thing is able to survive Jolly Terrakion's Rock Slide and also eat up Specs Modest Sylveon Hyper Voice and then heal up with Sitrus, which really shows how bulky it really is. For the moveset, Thunder Wave to spread paralysis on fast threats and cripple them, Thunderbolt for STAB to hit things like Talonflame. Hidden Power Ice to basically hit mons like Garchomp and Landorus-T that I can paralyse and Taunt for just crippling set up mons like Cresselia. Overall a really good support member and really gets the job done.
Video Link to Thundurus Analysis :
Arcanine (M) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 124 SpA / 4 SpD / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Helping Hand
- Overheat
- Snarl
Another key member of the team, Arcanine that is often overlooked by many. I chanced upon a player using it during a recent practice session that my community organised and I saw its potential in being a support mon, therefore leading me to choose it. Furthermore it has excellent base stats and also gets access to moves like Helping Hand, Will-O-Wisp and Snarl really makes it an excellent support member. Adding up, having intimidate as its ability, which lowers the attack of the opposing pokemon increasing the longevity of my mons, really makes it excellent. The EVs are going to be explained by some calcs below.
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Arcanine: 144-172 (73 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
124 SpA Arcanine Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 222-264 (157.4 - 187.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
124 SpA Arcanine Overheat vs. 252 HP / 124 SpD Mega Mawile: 152-182 (96.8 - 115.9%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Arcanine: 166-198 (84.2 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
124 SpA Arcanine Overheat vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn in Rain: 108-132 (59.6 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
As you can see it boast both offensive and defensive prowess which adds to the overall bulk and offensive power of my team. Being able to secure knockouts and support the rest of my mons at the same time, really seems like a big help and the key to success. Will-O-Wisp to burn physical threats, Helping Hand to ensure knockouts, Snarl to cripple special attackers and Overheat to just hit things really hard. Rocky Helmet for item choice so that I am able to soften up my opponent's mons and secure kills. Bold nature just to make it tankier.
Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Protect
Bisharp, one of the physical power house of my team. With its superb ability Defiant, making it immune to intimidates and also with that beastly attacking stat and great typing, really allows me to take down my opponent easier. Adamant nature and 252 EVs in attack to maximise damage output, 252 in Speed to just outspeed slower mons like Cress, remaining dumped into defense. For move choice, Iron Head to hit fairy types hard, Knock Off to just get rid of any opposing items, Sucker Punch for priority and to hit mons I can't outspeed hard and Protect to just predict incoming super effective hits. Not much explanation on this one.
Ludicolo (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 156 HP / 140 Def / 68 SpA / 4 SpD / 140 Spe
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Giga Drain
Ludicolo, the second key of the fake out shenanigans. Picked it because of its really nice typing, being only weak to flying, poison and bug and also its access to fake out. Additionally it has a really good movepool allowing me to hit quite a bit in the metagame. It also gives me a better matchup with rain teams allowing me to counter them more easily. The EVs are provided by a friend so I do not know much about it, but it is working wonders for me, being able to tank a Close Combat from Jolly Terrakion and survive a Life Orb Adamant Knock Off from Bisharp. Now moveset. Fake Out to disrupt and flinch my opponents mons, Ice Beam to punish Dragon types, Scald to fish for burns and hit opposing mons for super effective damage like Fire Types. Giga Drain for recovery and allows me to hit Water Types for good damage. Choice of item being Assault Vest as it just lets me be slightly tankier and gives me a better option at survival, for example.
252 SpA Gengar Sludge Bomb vs. 156 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Ludicolo: 102-122 (58.2 - 69.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Aegislash @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Stance Change
Level: 50
EVs: 248 HP / 100 Def / 156 SpA / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
Aegislash, another MVP and key member of my team, having really good typing as well as its access to Wide Guard and King's Shield. Aegislash basically helps block out Rock Slides and other spread moves that might pose heavy damage to my team members and it also gives me a better matchup against mons like Sylveon. EVs and nature are meant so that I'm able to survive a Knock Off from Life Orb Bisharp and also a Life Orb Flare Blitz from Talonflame and OHKO-ing back. 4 Speed EVs to speed creep other Aegislash. Weakness Policy to boost my attack so that it gives me more offense in attacking. Moveset for Aegislash, having flash cannon allows me to just hit fairy types hard while being able to tank hits. Shadow Ball to better deal with ghost and psychic types, King's Shield allows me to switch to and fro my Shield and Blade form. Wide Guard as mention helps me block opposing EQ's and Heat Waves.
252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 100+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 140-166 (84.3 - 100%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Flare Blitz vs. 248 HP / 100+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 133-156 (80.1 - 93.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 156 SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 84 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 193-228 (117.6 - 139%) -- guaranteed OHKO [/spoiler]
Well that will be all for now, thank you for reading my long RMT. I really appreciate it and hopefully you can provide some advice on my team.
Importable Below
Lopunny-Mega (F) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Scrappy
Level: 50
EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 172 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Ice Punch
- Low Kick
- Return
- Fake Out
Arcanine (M) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 124 SpA / 4 SpD / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Helping Hand
- Overheat
- Snarl
Aegislash @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Stance Change
Level: 50
EVs: 248 HP / 100 Def / 156 SpA / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
Ludicolo (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 50
EVs: 156 HP / 140 Def / 68 SpA / 4 SpD / 140 Spe
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Giga Drain
Thundurus @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 44 SpA / 68 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt
Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Protect
Teambuilding Process and Explanation
So basically I had a goal during making this team, similar to the team I made before, which was primarily to create attacking momentum and opportunities for me so that I am able to seal up the match fast. So for that I decided to single out a mega that I think would be the perfect for it, and the one that sticks out to me the most was Mega-Lopunny. The reason I chose it was actually really simple. It has good speed as well as attack and also has access to fake out, plus Scrappy also allowed me to hit Focus Sash Gengar which is pretty common nowadays. This really appealed to me therefore leading to my decision to choose Mega Lopunny as my Mega. As for the rest of the members, I will explain as I go along, they are basically built to support Mega Lopunny and allow for the more balanced type weaknesses and matchups for my team.
Lopunny-Mega (F) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Scrappy
Level: 50
EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 172 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Ice Punch
- Low Kick
- Return
- Fake Out
The EVs were really simple. 172 Speed EVs to ensure that it outspeeds Jolly Terrakion, 252 Attack EVs to maximise its offensive abilities and the rest into HP for slightly more bulky. As for move choice, I have Ice Punch to punish dragon types like Garchomp and Mega Mence, Low Kick to hit mons like Aegislash and Terrakion. Return for STAB and Fake Out to create chances for my Pokemon to set up or take down threats of Mega Lopunny. I'm really satisfied with this set although I'm doubtful if I should go for the common 252 spread to be able to fully utilise Mega Lopunny's stats. Furthermore I am contemplating whether or not to add protect or encore on it, as it seems to be quite a staple move on it.
Thundurus @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 44 SpA / 68 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt
Next up we have Thundurus, my main answer to Talonflames that really pose a big threat to Mega Lopunny and the rest of my team. I usually pair it up with Mega Lopunny so that I can spread taunt on trick room teams and thunder wave on fast threats. As you know, this EV Spread is from Aaron "Cybertron" Zheng and I find it really good. I will link a video for those that want to check it out. Basically this thing is able to survive Jolly Terrakion's Rock Slide and also eat up Specs Modest Sylveon Hyper Voice and then heal up with Sitrus, which really shows how bulky it really is. For the moveset, Thunder Wave to spread paralysis on fast threats and cripple them, Thunderbolt for STAB to hit things like Talonflame. Hidden Power Ice to basically hit mons like Garchomp and Landorus-T that I can paralyse and Taunt for just crippling set up mons like Cresselia. Overall a really good support member and really gets the job done.
Video Link to Thundurus Analysis :
Arcanine (M) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 124 SpA / 4 SpD / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Helping Hand
- Overheat
- Snarl
Another key member of the team, Arcanine that is often overlooked by many. I chanced upon a player using it during a recent practice session that my community organised and I saw its potential in being a support mon, therefore leading me to choose it. Furthermore it has excellent base stats and also gets access to moves like Helping Hand, Will-O-Wisp and Snarl really makes it an excellent support member. Adding up, having intimidate as its ability, which lowers the attack of the opposing pokemon increasing the longevity of my mons, really makes it excellent. The EVs are going to be explained by some calcs below.
+1 252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Sucker Punch vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Arcanine: 144-172 (73 - 87.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
124 SpA Arcanine Overheat vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Bisharp: 222-264 (157.4 - 187.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
124 SpA Arcanine Overheat vs. 252 HP / 124 SpD Mega Mawile: 152-182 (96.8 - 115.9%) -- 87.5% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Parental Bond Mega Kangaskhan Double-Edge vs. 252 HP / 68+ Def Arcanine: 166-198 (84.2 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
124 SpA Arcanine Overheat vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Ferrothorn in Rain: 108-132 (59.6 - 72.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
As you can see it boast both offensive and defensive prowess which adds to the overall bulk and offensive power of my team. Being able to secure knockouts and support the rest of my mons at the same time, really seems like a big help and the key to success. Will-O-Wisp to burn physical threats, Helping Hand to ensure knockouts, Snarl to cripple special attackers and Overheat to just hit things really hard. Rocky Helmet for item choice so that I am able to soften up my opponent's mons and secure kills. Bold nature just to make it tankier.
Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Protect
Bisharp, one of the physical power house of my team. With its superb ability Defiant, making it immune to intimidates and also with that beastly attacking stat and great typing, really allows me to take down my opponent easier. Adamant nature and 252 EVs in attack to maximise damage output, 252 in Speed to just outspeed slower mons like Cress, remaining dumped into defense. For move choice, Iron Head to hit fairy types hard, Knock Off to just get rid of any opposing items, Sucker Punch for priority and to hit mons I can't outspeed hard and Protect to just predict incoming super effective hits. Not much explanation on this one.
Ludicolo (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 156 HP / 140 Def / 68 SpA / 4 SpD / 140 Spe
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Giga Drain
Ludicolo, the second key of the fake out shenanigans. Picked it because of its really nice typing, being only weak to flying, poison and bug and also its access to fake out. Additionally it has a really good movepool allowing me to hit quite a bit in the metagame. It also gives me a better matchup with rain teams allowing me to counter them more easily. The EVs are provided by a friend so I do not know much about it, but it is working wonders for me, being able to tank a Close Combat from Jolly Terrakion and survive a Life Orb Adamant Knock Off from Bisharp. Now moveset. Fake Out to disrupt and flinch my opponents mons, Ice Beam to punish Dragon types, Scald to fish for burns and hit opposing mons for super effective damage like Fire Types. Giga Drain for recovery and allows me to hit Water Types for good damage. Choice of item being Assault Vest as it just lets me be slightly tankier and gives me a better option at survival, for example.
252 SpA Gengar Sludge Bomb vs. 156 HP / 4 SpD Assault Vest Ludicolo: 102-122 (58.2 - 69.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Aegislash @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Stance Change
Level: 50
EVs: 248 HP / 100 Def / 156 SpA / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
Aegislash, another MVP and key member of my team, having really good typing as well as its access to Wide Guard and King's Shield. Aegislash basically helps block out Rock Slides and other spread moves that might pose heavy damage to my team members and it also gives me a better matchup against mons like Sylveon. EVs and nature are meant so that I'm able to survive a Knock Off from Life Orb Bisharp and also a Life Orb Flare Blitz from Talonflame and OHKO-ing back. 4 Speed EVs to speed creep other Aegislash. Weakness Policy to boost my attack so that it gives me more offense in attacking. Moveset for Aegislash, having flash cannon allows me to just hit fairy types hard while being able to tank hits. Shadow Ball to better deal with ghost and psychic types, King's Shield allows me to switch to and fro my Shield and Blade form. Wide Guard as mention helps me block opposing EQ's and Heat Waves.
252+ Atk Life Orb Bisharp Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 100+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 140-166 (84.3 - 100%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Flare Blitz vs. 248 HP / 100+ Def Aegislash-Shield: 133-156 (80.1 - 93.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+2 156 SpA Aegislash-Blade Shadow Ball vs. 84 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 193-228 (117.6 - 139%) -- guaranteed OHKO [/spoiler]
Well that will be all for now, thank you for reading my long RMT. I really appreciate it and hopefully you can provide some advice on my team.
Importable Below
Lopunny-Mega (F) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Scrappy
Level: 50
EVs: 84 HP / 252 Atk / 172 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Ice Punch
- Low Kick
- Return
- Fake Out
Arcanine (M) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 68 Def / 124 SpA / 4 SpD / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Will-O-Wisp
- Helping Hand
- Overheat
- Snarl
Aegislash @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Stance Change
Level: 50
EVs: 248 HP / 100 Def / 156 SpA / 4 Spe
Bold Nature
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
- Shadow Ball
- Flash Cannon
Ludicolo (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Swift Swim
Level: 50
EVs: 156 HP / 140 Def / 68 SpA / 4 SpD / 140 Spe
Bold Nature
- Fake Out
- Ice Beam
- Scald
- Giga Drain
Thundurus @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 116 Def / 44 SpA / 68 SpD / 28 Spe
Calm Nature
- Thunder Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Taunt
Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Iron Head
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Protect
