Battle Spot Teambuilding Discussion & Help Thread (read post #453, page 19)

[cant say]

Okay, so I've wanted to build around Mega Sableye for a while, but I've been stumped. I decided to use Talonflame because of how great it is as a Mega Lopunny check, as Mega Lopunny otherwise threatens Mega Sableye. I've been thinking of ditching Talonflame in favor of a second mega that can handle Mega Lopunny better, such as Mega Venusaur, but I don't know if I should do that. Either way, I'm still stumped. Any help?

Sets

Sableye @ Sablenite
Ability: Prankster
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Will-O-Wisp
- Calm Mind
- Snarl
- Recover

Talonflame @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 44 HP / 252 Atk / 212 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Swords Dance
- Roost

Talonflame is a great choice for a Sableye partner (it's the second most common for a reason!). I would however use the specially defensive set so that it can also beat Sylveon more reliably. The Swords Dance set can beat Sylveon but it needs to get in safely and set up, as it gets 2HKOed by a Specs-boosted Hyper Voice so it can't switch in, and cannot OHKO without a boost. Here's the set:

Talonflame @ Lum Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 236 HP / 4 Atk / 44 Def / 188 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost

This is a set DragonWhale gave me and it works a treat. Easily tanks a Specs-boosted Hyper Voice so it can Will-O-Wisp / Roost stall it into Brave Bird KO range. Taunt shuts down Calm Mind and/or Rest sets. The Lum Berry allows Talonflame to beat opposing stall, curing it of Toxic / Sleep or Para, and let's it switch more easily into stally mons. You can drop the item completely and run Acrobatics but this leaves you prone to status and that extra layer of protection is worth the recoil on Brave Bird...

 

[Bice]

Talonflame is a great choice for a Sableye partner (it's the second most common for a reason!). I would however use the specially defensive set so that it can also beat Sylveon more reliably. The Swords Dance set can beat Sylveon but it needs to get in safely and set up, as it gets 2HKOed by a Specs-boosted Hyper Voice so it can't switch in, and cannot OHKO without a boost. Here's the set:

Talonflame @ Lum Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 236 HP / 4 Atk / 44 Def / 188 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost

This is a set DragonWhale gave me and it works a treat. Easily tanks a Specs-boosted Hyper Voice so it can Will-O-Wisp / Roost stall it into Brave Bird KO range. Taunt shuts down Calm Mind and/or Rest sets. The Lum Berry allows Talonflame to beat opposing stall, curing it of Toxic / Sleep or Para, and let's it switch more easily into stally mons. You can drop the item completely and run Acrobatics but this leaves you prone to status and that extra layer of protection is worth the recoil on Brave Bird...

I'll go with the set you recommended. I've wanted to use Defensive 'Flame for a while.

What partners would work with those two? What secondary Mega squad (since it's 3v3) would work well with the team?

 

[Anirav]

Hello. Can you please rate my team and tell me any adjustments i could make to improve it. I've been using this team on pokemon showdown with a good amount of success but i cant seem to get past 1400. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Cresselia @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Lunar Dance
- Psychic
- Moonlight
- Trick Room

Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Superpower
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Swagger
- Thunder Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt

Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Huge Power
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Atk / 44 Def
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Fang

Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hex
- Will-O-Wisp
- Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb

Garchomp @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rough Skin
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Outrage
- Rock Tomb
- Earthquake

 

[freekhoorn]

Hello. Can you please rate my team and tell me any adjustments i could make to improve it. I've been using this team on pokemon showdown with a good amount of success but i cant seem to get past 1400. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Cresselia @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpA
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Lunar Dance
- Psychic
- Moonlight
- Trick Room

Azumarill @ Assault Vest
Ability: Huge Power
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Superpower
- Waterfall
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough

Thundurus @ Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
Level: 50
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Swagger
- Thunder Wave
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunderbolt

Mawile-Mega @ Mawilite
Ability: Huge Power
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Atk / 44 Def
Adamant Nature
- Swords Dance
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Fire Fang

Gengar-Mega @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Level: 50
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hex
- Will-O-Wisp
- Destiny Bond
- Sludge Bomb

Garchomp @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rough Skin
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Outrage
- Rock Tomb
- Earthquake

Isnt your team a bit weak to aegislash? Maybe knock off on azumarril will work. Apart from this, i don't think your teM is really bad. Maybe your tactics are not as good as can be? Nuggetbridge has some nice articles about tactics in team preview http://nuggetbridge.com/articles/theyre-eyeing-each-other-warily-team-preview-guide-ver-2015/and atm I am reading a cool article about winning games in general and the mindset you need for it: http://www.sirlin.net/ptw

 

[SaintRocker]

Hi guys! Can I get some tips on my team? And a suggestion for the last spot. Thank you!

Lopunny @Lopunnite
Ability: Limber/Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spe/4 Hp
-Hi Jump Kick
-Return
-Fake Out
-Ice Punch

Venasuar @ Venasuarite
Ability: Chlorophyll/Thick Fat
Evs: 252 HP/252 Sp.A/252 Sp.D
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb
-Synthesis
-HP Fire

Latios@ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Evs: 252 Sp.A/252 Spe/4 HP
-Surf
-Draco Meteor
-Psyshock
-Thunder Wave

Talonflame @ Lum Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
Evs: 252 Sp.D/252 HP/4 Spe
-Roost
-Will-O-Wisp
-Brave Bird
-Taunt

Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
Evs: 228 HP/252 Atk/12 Sp.D/12 Def/4 Spe
-Play Rough
-Aqua Jet
-Superpower
-Belly Drum

 

[6tennis]

Hi guys! Can I get some tips on my team? And a suggestion for the last spot. Thank you!

Lopunny @Lopunnite
Ability: Limber/Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spe/4 Hp
-Hi Jump Kick
-Return
-Fake Out
-Ice Punch

Venasuar @ Venasuarite
Ability: Chlorophyll/Thick Fat
Evs: 252 HP/252 Sp.A/252 Sp.D
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb
-Synthesis
-HP Fire

Latios@ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Evs: 252 Sp.A/252 Spe/4 HP
-Surf
-Draco Meteor
-Psyshock
-Thunder Wave

Talonflame @ Lum Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
Evs: 252 Sp.D/252 HP/4 Spe
-Roost
-Will-O-Wisp
-Brave Bird
-Taunt

Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
Evs: 228 HP/252 Atk/12 Sp.D/12 Def/4 Spe
-Play Rough
-Aqua Jet
-Superpower
-Belly Drum

That looks like a super cool team tbh. However, might I suggest this spread on the SpDef Talon?

CAW (Talonflame) (M) @ Maranga Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 236 HP / 4 Atk / 44 Def / 188 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Taunt

 

[SaintRocker]

That looks like a super cool team tbh. However, might I suggest this spread on the SpDef Talon?

CAW (Talonflame) (M) @ Maranga Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 236 HP / 4 Atk / 44 Def / 188 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Taunt

Hahaha I was being a bit lazy but that is similar to what I have on my Talon. Although I don't think the berry is necessary. I really need Lum for the switch ins on those obvi status effects.

 

[SaintRocker]

That looks like a super cool team tbh. However, might I suggest this spread on the SpDef Talon?

CAW (Talonflame) (M) @ Maranga Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 236 HP / 4 Atk / 44 Def / 188 SpD / 36 Spe
Careful Nature
- Brave Bird
- Will-O-Wisp
- Roost
- Taunt

My biggest concern right now is what my last poke should be.

 

[NOVED]

My biggest concern right now is what my last poke should be.

Your team lacks a flying switch in. Mega Mence or tflame could probably do a number to your team. I'd suggest running an electric type, probably one that can take on mence pretty decently like zapdos, thundurus, or rotom-w/h.

 

[SaintRocker]

Your team lacks a flying switch in. Mega Mence or tflame could probably do a number to your team. I'd suggest running an electric type, probably one that can take on mence pretty decently like zapdos, thundurus, or rotom-w/h.

Thanks, I'll look into those!

 

[SaintRocker]

So I'm already using a life orb on my Latios, and need a different item on Thundurus. Any suggestions?

 

[NOVED]

So I'm already using a life orb on my Latios, and need a different item on Thundurus. Any suggestions?

Sitrus berry is a great item, especially on bulky thundurus sets which are really good for throwing para around and taking a few hits.

 

[SaintRocker]

Sitrus berry is a great item, especially on bulky thundurus sets which are really good for throwing para around and taking a few hits.

Ugh, my Belly Drum Azumarill has sitrus berry. And m thundurus is full Sp.A/Speed

 

[6tennis]

So I'm already using a life orb on my Latios, and need a different item on Thundurus. Any suggestions?

Is your mega slot open? If not, what is your mega? I'm thinking you may be able to use Mega Latios.

 

[NOVED]

Ugh, my Belly Drum Azumarill has sitrus berry. And m thundurus is full Sp.A/Speed

Hmm rockt helmet is an interesting item you could try then. Helmet is usually used with a good amount of defense invested.

 

[SaintRocker]

Is your mega slot open? If not, what is your mega? I'm thinking you may be able to use Mega Latios.

I have mega lopunny and mega venusaur

Hmm rockt helmet is an interesting item you could try then. Helmet is usually used with a good amount of defense invested.

Mabe, I've been using leftovers for now

cs edit: you can reply to more than one person in a single post

 

[cant say]

SaintRocker if you're using Thundurus as your Talonflame check then you should know that Life Orb and Choice Band Talonflame will 2HKO offensive Thundurus if it isn't holding a Sitrus Berry, so you can't switch in on it at all. Sitrus Berry really is the best item for Thundurus, followed very closely by Life Orb, so it really put you in a sticky situation when both of those are already used on your team. Perhaps you could try Choice Band or Assault Vest Azumarill?

 

[SaintRocker]

SaintRocker if you're using Thundurus as your Talonflame check then you should know that Life Orb and Choice Band Talonflame will 2HKO offensive Thundurus if it isn't holding a Sitrus Berry, so you can't switch in on it at all. Sitrus Berry really is the best item for Thundurus, followed very closely by Life Orb, so it really put you in a sticky situation when both of those are already used on your team. Perhaps you could try Choice Band or Assault Vest Azumarill?

Yeah, I'll look at my options. If I run that for Azumarill then I lose belly drum. Or I could do away with Azumarill altogether

 

[SaintRocker]

So heres that team from a few posts up, I want to do away with Latios cuz hes not doing anything on my team. I really lack a physical wall so I was thinking Hippowdon or Def. Gyarados? Thanks for the help guise

Lopunny @Lopunnite
Ability: Limber/Scrappy
EVs: 252 Atk/252 Spe/4 Hp
-Hi Jump Kick
-Return
-Fake Out
-Ice Punch

Venasuar @ Venasuarite
Ability: Chlorophyll/Thick Fat
Evs: 252 HP/252 Sp.A/252 Sp.D
-Giga Drain
-Sludge Bomb
-Synthesis
-HP Fire

Latios@ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Evs: 252 Sp.A/252 Spe/4 HP
-Surf
-Draco Meteor
-Psyshock
-Thunder Wave

Talonflame @ Lum Berry
Ability: Gale Wings
Evs: 252 Sp.D/252 HP/4 Spe
-Roost
-Will-O-Wisp
-Brave Bird
-Taunt

Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
Evs: 228 HP/252 Atk/12 Sp.D/12 Def/4 Spe
-Play Rough
-Aqua Jet
-Superpower
-Belly Drum

Thundurus Life Orb
Ability: Prankster
Evs: 252 Sp.A/ 252 Spe
-Thunder Wave
-Thunderbolt
-HP Ice
-Focus Blast

 

[NeoLies]

Hi guys, I've been messing around in Battle Spot Singles for a while, so I wanted some tips for my team. Right now, it consists of Mega Gengar (special attacker, not bulky one), Blaziken, Sharp Beak Talonflame and Belly Drum Azumarill, with 2 empty spots as of now. One thing to note is that since the team was just put together kind of randomly, I'm willing to switch TFlame or Azu out. I would really like to keep both Mega Gengar and Blaze, tough, since I like how they work together.

In any case, I've realized that the team has a huge electric weakness, so it is a priority to patch that up. Thundurus, in particular, is a big problem with priority TW. Do you guys have any recommendation for an electric check (or even outright counter)?

 

[NOVED]

Hi guys, I've been messing around in Battle Spot Singles for a while, so I wanted some tips for my team. Right now, it consists of Mega Gengar (special attacker, not bulky one), Blaziken, Sharp Beak Talonflame and Belly Drum Azumarill, with 2 empty spots as of now. One thing to note is that since the team was just put together kind of randomly, I'm willing to switch TFlame or Azu out. I would really like to keep both Mega Gengar and Blaze, tough, since I like how they work together.

In any case, I've realized that the team has a huge electric weakness, so it is a priority to patch that up. Thundurus, in particular, is a big problem with priority TW. Do you guys have any recommendation for an electric check (or even outright counter)?

Mamoswine is a pretty great check to most electric types, and can run sash or av to survive thundurus's coverage moves like grass knot and focus blast.

 

[ProjectTitan313]

Hi guys, I've been messing around in Battle Spot Singles for a while, so I wanted some tips for my team. Right now, it consists of Mega Gengar (special attacker, not bulky one), Blaziken, Sharp Beak Talonflame and Belly Drum Azumarill, with 2 empty spots as of now. One thing to note is that since the team was just put together kind of randomly, I'm willing to switch TFlame or Azu out. I would really like to keep both Mega Gengar and Blaze, tough, since I like how they work together.

In any case, I've realized that the team has a huge electric weakness, so it is a priority to patch that up. Thundurus, in particular, is a big problem with priority TW. Do you guys have any recommendation for an electric check (or even outright counter)?

Mamoswine, as stated, works yes. Thundurus also has problems with opposing Electric types - they fear nothing of its STABs and Thunder Wave, while its coverage moves mean basically nothing. Raikou, Mega Manectric, Rotom-H, and Magnezone/Magneton have almost zero fear of Thundurus (Watch for Focus Blast / Superpower in Magnezone's case). Thundurus does not resist Electric, so STAB Electric moves are adequate against it. Tough Ground mons work, Mamo being probably the best, but Rindo Gastrodon or Garchomp could also work (Scarf outspeeds and Stone Edges, Yache/AV tanks -> Stone Edge if Thundy is faster). Non-Mega Swampert needs LO or Expert Belt to adequately handle, and dies to Grass Knot without Rindo, and generally shouldn't be used unless you really, really want Stealth Rock and largely useless Speed over the better-in-every-way Gastrodon.

You already have a Mega, a trapper, 2 Fire types, a steel killer, and Steel/Poison resists for Azumarill so I'd say... Mamoswine or CM Raikou is the best bet for you.

 

[NOVED]

largely useless Speed over the better-in-every-way Gastrodon.

I would certainly not say gastro is better in every way. Pert can be pretty good with Stealth Rock and Roar/Yawn, racking up hazard damage thats pretty useful for a lot of sweepers. Gastrodon can be effective and walls some good mons like suicune, and non GK thund, but as a wall it's pretty mediocre and doesnt have the stats to stand up against the more powerful attackers in the meta unlike other defensive beasts we have access to. Basically, pert isnt used specifically for hard-countering certain pokemon like gastrodon is, so it can excel in a lot more matchups imo. We even saw swampert rise into the top 50 last season.

 

[6tennis]

I would certainly not say gastro is better in every way. Pert can be pretty good with Stealth Rock and Roar/Yawn, racking up hazard damage thats pretty useful for a lot of sweepers. Gastrodon can be effective and walls some good mons like suicune, and non GK thund, but as a wall it's pretty mediocre and doesnt have the stats to stand up against the more powerful attackers in the meta unlike other defensive beasts we have access to. Basically, pert isnt used specifically for hard-countering certain pokemon like gastrodon is, so it can excel in a lot more matchups imo. We even saw swampert rise into the top 50 last season.

It rose to top 50 largely in part to its Mega forme being the premier rain sweeper of the meta. I have NEVER seen a defensive Pert in BSS.

 

[NOVED]

It rose to top 50 largely in part to its Mega forme being the premier rain sweeper of the meta. I have NEVER seen a defensive Pert in BSS.

lol the mega contributes to a good amount of its usage, PGL says 39%. But considering that 47% have stealth rock and 45% have roar, I really wouldnt say its usage is largely due to the mega. Politoed isnt even top 50 and if you're using mega pert without toed then its shit. And you can look at items too, swampertite at 39%, and sitrus berry and rocky helmet combining at 42%.

I still remember GroudonEmpire telling horror stories of the swampert/breloom/megamence cores that used to be pretty popular earlier in ORAS.