I did pretty OK In this. Due to irl constraints I was having issues getting games done, let alone posting about it in advance for everyone else. Apologies.
Baseline Metagame Observations:
- Stall was very strong! Porygon2, Blissey, Toxapex, Quagsire, Skarmory, Amoonguss, etc. are some of the pillars of defensive play in standard BSS, and all of it was allowed in this competition, while primary offensive powerhouses such as Cinderace, Rillaboom, Dragapult, Togekiss, etc. were not allowed.
- Primary offensive pieces in the game included things like Gyarados, Urshifu (both formes), Magnezone, Azumarill, Volcarona, Porygon-Z.
- Some more "rogue" threats that I thought fared very well in the metagame included things such as Luxray, Goodra, Venusaur (without sun) for a more bulky "cycle-oriented" approach. On the other hand, for more offensive teams, Lycanroc-Dusk, Scizor, Klefki, and Venusaur (with sun) were pretty standout Pokemon.
- There were lots of Lycanroc-Dusk - it is not exactly a standout attacker, but its ability to set SR, use Sash Counter to check Urshifu offensively. A lot of teams than regular BSS opted for a more dedicated lead to deal with the metagame uncertainty, and Lycanroc seemed to be the biggest benefactor of that usage-wise. Personally, this stopper & lead dual utility role was given to Sash Amoonguss.
- Of all the defensive Pokemon listed above on the first list, only Porygon2 cleanly fit onto a more balanced approach. This leaves a pretty large void between super defensive stally teams and hyper offensive teams. Balanced approach was very uncommon, and generally involved just having 2 separate modes of offense and defense.
https://pokepast.es/af42b81fc81eef09
This was my team. I wanted to go for a more balanced approach with a defensive core and some good offensive progress makers. CB Urshifu was great at breaking stall, and dealt most damage of all the Pokemon on my team by far. Both Porygon2 and Goodra made good Dynamax Aces. But I think the best part about the team was the Sash Amoonguss. Against non-Venusaur or Mandibuzz teams, Amoonguss would take a hit and give me a sleeping Pokemon with 0 sleep turns burned. This meant that I could use it as a bridge between my offensive and defensive modes. I cannot understate the importance of Amoonguss on the build, which let the offensive & defensive modes come together and form a cohesive team as vs 2 disjointed modes of 3.
Team Preview - Common modes:
The offensive Urshifu-based mode. This is the default mode of the team. Amoonguss makes a great "lead" and enables my 2 offensive Pokemon. The Dynamax Pokemon would be chosen based on matchup. It's notable both are able to provide speed control for itself and Urshifu, which can be impactful. The Un-Spread P2 is used in order to outspeed a -1 Urshifu slowed down by Max Strike.
The defensive Toxapex-based mode. This was picked when the opponent had very little room to play around defensive matchups. This mode was what enabled me to consistently win on the low ladder without being cheesed or haxed. Porygon2 felt like a pretty big "necessary" feature because it has recovery and has Dynamax capabilities. Toxapex + Amoonguss + Quagsire, while valid, gives me no way to apply pressure and play proactively.
Toxapex mode or Urshifu mode? "Why not both?" This is picked when both Urshifu and Toxapex are necessary to check opposing threats. Don't use this with Psychic coverage on the opposing team. The team is weak to it as is (and often they are forced to be brought to not insta-lose to Toxapex.) Urshifu is going to be the main Dynamax user here for the sudden burst of bulk, or ability to change moves, mostly. CB Urshifu hits harder than Dynamax Urshifu, after all, so the Dynamax efficiency isn't all that great. But aside from that, this was the most common deviation from the defensive / offensive mode dichotomy.
Usage order was (Picked Most Often)
(Picked Least Often)
Until next time, see ya.
Chansey
Blissey
Talonflame
Luxray
Klefki
Bisharp
Alakazam
Gyarados
Drednaw
Venusaur
Blastoise
Scolipede
Tangrowth
Crawdaunt
Barraskewda
Starmie
Magnezone
Malamar
Scyther
Scizor
Crustle
Pincurchin
Cloyster
Azumarill
Politoed
Skarmory
Lycanroc
Kommo-o
Marowak Alola
Torkoal
Braviary
Rhyperior
Volcarona
Kingdra
Porygon-Z
