Introduction:
I'll be the first to admit that I was obsessed with Legos, especially Bionicles, before I started playing Pokemon. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Bionicle, it was a Lego toy/story line that was active from 2001-2010, and told the story of six heroes, known as Toa, with unique elemental powers and their struggle against the evil Makuta. Hmm, six heroes, and elemental powers... you get where I'm going with this.
The team that resulted from this was a surprisingly effective balanced team, that functioned well in all weather forms. Between an unusual defensive core and a highly efficient late game sweeping pair, the team managed to achieve an impressive rating of 1850 on Pokemon Showdown!, before OU was replaced by OU (Current).
From Left to Right: Onua (Earth) Kopaka (Ice) Tahu (Fire) Gali (Water) Lewa (Air) and Pohatu (Stone)
Teambuilding:
Teambuilding was challenging, considering that since I wanted every Pokemon's typing to represent what the Toa's elemental power was, I had provided my team with 3 SR weak Pokemon and only 1 SR resist. Furthermore, I wanted every Pokemon's playstyle to reflect reflect the personality of the Toa they represented, so I had limited my options heavily.
The offensive duo of Tailwind Tornadus and Life Orb Terrakion was always something I wanted to try, and beautifully represents Lewa and Pohatu, respectively.
With Genesect running rampart in today's metagame, Heatran was a clear fit for the team, and wonderfully represents Tahu.
Kopaka was a harder one, since I wanted a Specially Offensive Ice to fill his shoes. Eventually, I resolved to use Kyurem.
Stamie was a natural choice, since my team was in dire need of a Rapid Spinner, and Starmie fit the bill for Gali.
Hippowdon was my final choice, mostly to provide weather support, but also to provide me with a viable physical wall and of course, to represent Onua.
The Team:
Tahu (Heatran) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature (+SpD, -Atk)
- Lava Plume
- Roar
- Protect
- Will-o-Wisp
Specially Defensive Heatran is probably one of the most valuable Pokemon to be using in the current metagame, since it is the only thing that can reliably counter Genesect. Furthermore, as a specially defensive Steel type, it can sponge in on Draco Meteors or switch in on any dragon locked into Outrage, and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. In general, Heatran serves as a wonderful special tank to my team, forms the first half of my early-midgame defensive core, and gives me the upper hand on sun teams and many common OU Pokemon, such as Jirachi, Ferrothorn, and of course, Genesect. Generally, I will lead with Heatran if the opposing team carries a Genesect but not a Dugtrio, or it the opposing team carries another common lead (Ferrothorn, Forretress, etc.) that Heatran checks.
Kopaka (Kyurem) @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 52 HP / 220 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Roost
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
The second half of my early-midgame defensive core. While Kyurem may once have been a lackluster Pokemon in B/W, the release of the B2/W2 move tutors have transformed Kyurem into a monster. Even though this is by far Kyurem's most effective set in the current metagame, most people expect the choice sets that were predominant in B/W. As a result, Kyurem will often receive many opportunities to freely set up a Sub, and then proceed to do as it pleases. This set can single handedly sweep rain teams if given the chance to set up a timely Sub, and is a very efficient Stallbreaker as well. Furthermore, it can beat the GeneTrio core by seting up a Sub as Genesect U-Turns, and can Ice Beam Dugtrio down to Sash. 52 HP EVs provided 101 Subs, and 236 Speed EVs provide enough Speed to outrun positively natured Base 80s, most notably Mamoswine and Dragonite, and the rest of the EVs are thrown into Special Attack. Generally, I will lead with Kyurem if the opposing team has GeneTrio, is a rain team, or is a dedicated stall team. Lastly, SubRoost Kyurem > SubRoost Kyurem-B because Pressure+125/90/90 > Teravolt+125/100/90. Seriously. Pressure lets me stall out Stone Edge, Close Combat, Hydro Pump and Gyro Ball from slower Pokemon who think they can beat Kyurem, a feat Kyurem-B cannot accomplish.
Onua (Hippowdon) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Def / 12 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Ice Fang
- Stealth Rock
Hippowdon does three things for the team: 1) Provides weather support. 2) Is my sole physical wall. 3) Provides Stealth Rock support. Hippowdon is an incredibly durable Pokemon, and provides the invaluable ability to change the weather, something that seems to be a requirement in OU these days. Hippowdon is my go-to physical wall, checking a wide variety of threats including but not limited to Terrakion, Garchomp, Lucario, and Dragonite. Furthermore, the Hippo can KO any of the said Pokemon using either of its coverage moves. With all its physical bulk, Hippowdon gets ample opportunities to set up SR, providing more team support and freeing up a moveslot for Heatran. The EVs give Hippowdon immense physical bulk, with the ability to survive the stray special attack. Because of its utility and relatively low special bulk, I tend to play Hippowdon more conservatively than Heatran and Kyurem, only switching it in on threats Heatran and Kyurem cannot handle.
Gali (Starmie) @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Thunderbolt
- Recover
Starmie is a Pokemon that was just necessary to add to the team. The Rapid Spin support Starmie provides is invaluable to Kyurem and to a lesser extent, Heatran, since the two tend to switch out a lot. Starmie tends to play a more defensive role on the team, despite its offensive nature, due to its important Water resistance. Because of its SR weakness and the fact that burn from Scald can cripple Kyurem, I tend to use Starmie to handle defensive waters. I also use Starmie to sponge rain boosted water attacks in general, in order to ease the pressure on Kyurem. However, if necessary, Starmie can take a far more traditional approach and revenge kill most unboosted Pokemon, courtesy of its high 115 Speed. Like Hippowdon, Starmie is played more conservatively than Kyurem and Heatran because of the importance of Rapid Spin. Overall, Stramie gives me some offensive pressure in the midgame and is crucial to the success of Kyurem.
Lewa (Tornadus) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature (+Spe, -SpD)
- Tailwind
- Air Slash
- Superpower
- U-Turn
What? A Tornadus in OU? On a sand team?!? Yes, it is true, and it does work. While Tornadus is largely outclassed by Tornadus-T, Tornadus has one defining trait to set it appart: Prankster. When used in conjunction with Tailwind, Tornadus largely outclasses its Therian brethren. The strategy when using Tornadus is simple: switch in Tornadus after my early/midgame defensive core has been broken, attack until you are about to be KOed, then Tailwind. Tornadus acts as a transition Pokemon, altering my team's playstyle from a defensive to an offensive one. Flying/Fighting coverage hits a wide variety of Pokemon for solid damage, and, while Air Slash pales in comparison to Hurricane, the 30% flinch rate is not to be overlooked. Tailwind's effects and Tornadus's reliability in setting it up are what make Tornadus truly devastating. The fact that what ever switches in after Tornadus has used Tailwind has double speed is very challenging for most foes to handle, especially considering the offensive potential of Kyurem and Starmie. But the true threat under the effects of Tailwind is Terrakion.
Pohatu (Terrakion) @ Life Orb
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
- X-Scissor
After Tornadus's shenanigans are over, Terrakion, the second half of my late game offensive core, enters the field to play, supported by a blustering Tailwind. At this point, unless my opponent has retained a physical wall intact or a priority user, they're screwed. Between incredible STABs and a now unmatched speed, Terrakion is unbelievably threatening at this point, and if I have maintained a sandstorm, Terrakion gets the added bonus of a SpD boost, giving him the ability to easily tank neutral special hits. Terrakion is an unstoppable cleaner with Tailwind support, easily outspeeding all Choice Scarf Pokemon, and has won me many matches with his brutal power and unmatched speed. Ultimately, with Tailwind support, Terrakion is the most efficient and deadly Pokemon on my team.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this was a team that surprised me. I expected it to be little more than a gimmick, like most theme teams are, but instead it was one of the most successful teams I had used to ladder. The impressive balance and odd synergy that its members have is phenomenal, not to mention the surprise factor of a number of its sets.
All advice and comments are appreciated. Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Revisions: I've replaced Whirlwind with Ice Fang on Hippowdon, and have give Starmie a more defensive spread.
I'll be the first to admit that I was obsessed with Legos, especially Bionicles, before I started playing Pokemon. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Bionicle, it was a Lego toy/story line that was active from 2001-2010, and told the story of six heroes, known as Toa, with unique elemental powers and their struggle against the evil Makuta. Hmm, six heroes, and elemental powers... you get where I'm going with this.
The team that resulted from this was a surprisingly effective balanced team, that functioned well in all weather forms. Between an unusual defensive core and a highly efficient late game sweeping pair, the team managed to achieve an impressive rating of 1850 on Pokemon Showdown!, before OU was replaced by OU (Current).
From Left to Right: Onua (Earth) Kopaka (Ice) Tahu (Fire) Gali (Water) Lewa (Air) and Pohatu (Stone)
Teambuilding:
Teambuilding was challenging, considering that since I wanted every Pokemon's typing to represent what the Toa's elemental power was, I had provided my team with 3 SR weak Pokemon and only 1 SR resist. Furthermore, I wanted every Pokemon's playstyle to reflect reflect the personality of the Toa they represented, so I had limited my options heavily.
The offensive duo of Tailwind Tornadus and Life Orb Terrakion was always something I wanted to try, and beautifully represents Lewa and Pohatu, respectively.
With Genesect running rampart in today's metagame, Heatran was a clear fit for the team, and wonderfully represents Tahu.
Kopaka was a harder one, since I wanted a Specially Offensive Ice to fill his shoes. Eventually, I resolved to use Kyurem.
Stamie was a natural choice, since my team was in dire need of a Rapid Spinner, and Starmie fit the bill for Gali.
Hippowdon was my final choice, mostly to provide weather support, but also to provide me with a viable physical wall and of course, to represent Onua.
The Team:
Tahu (Heatran) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature (+SpD, -Atk)
- Lava Plume
- Roar
- Protect
- Will-o-Wisp
Specially Defensive Heatran is probably one of the most valuable Pokemon to be using in the current metagame, since it is the only thing that can reliably counter Genesect. Furthermore, as a specially defensive Steel type, it can sponge in on Draco Meteors or switch in on any dragon locked into Outrage, and cripple it with Will-O-Wisp. In general, Heatran serves as a wonderful special tank to my team, forms the first half of my early-midgame defensive core, and gives me the upper hand on sun teams and many common OU Pokemon, such as Jirachi, Ferrothorn, and of course, Genesect. Generally, I will lead with Heatran if the opposing team carries a Genesect but not a Dugtrio, or it the opposing team carries another common lead (Ferrothorn, Forretress, etc.) that Heatran checks.
Kopaka (Kyurem) @ Leftovers
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 52 HP / 220 SpA / 236 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Roost
- Ice Beam
- Earth Power
The second half of my early-midgame defensive core. While Kyurem may once have been a lackluster Pokemon in B/W, the release of the B2/W2 move tutors have transformed Kyurem into a monster. Even though this is by far Kyurem's most effective set in the current metagame, most people expect the choice sets that were predominant in B/W. As a result, Kyurem will often receive many opportunities to freely set up a Sub, and then proceed to do as it pleases. This set can single handedly sweep rain teams if given the chance to set up a timely Sub, and is a very efficient Stallbreaker as well. Furthermore, it can beat the GeneTrio core by seting up a Sub as Genesect U-Turns, and can Ice Beam Dugtrio down to Sash. 52 HP EVs provided 101 Subs, and 236 Speed EVs provide enough Speed to outrun positively natured Base 80s, most notably Mamoswine and Dragonite, and the rest of the EVs are thrown into Special Attack. Generally, I will lead with Kyurem if the opposing team has GeneTrio, is a rain team, or is a dedicated stall team. Lastly, SubRoost Kyurem > SubRoost Kyurem-B because Pressure+125/90/90 > Teravolt+125/100/90. Seriously. Pressure lets me stall out Stone Edge, Close Combat, Hydro Pump and Gyro Ball from slower Pokemon who think they can beat Kyurem, a feat Kyurem-B cannot accomplish.
Onua (Hippowdon) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 244 Def / 12 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Ice Fang
- Stealth Rock
Hippowdon does three things for the team: 1) Provides weather support. 2) Is my sole physical wall. 3) Provides Stealth Rock support. Hippowdon is an incredibly durable Pokemon, and provides the invaluable ability to change the weather, something that seems to be a requirement in OU these days. Hippowdon is my go-to physical wall, checking a wide variety of threats including but not limited to Terrakion, Garchomp, Lucario, and Dragonite. Furthermore, the Hippo can KO any of the said Pokemon using either of its coverage moves. With all its physical bulk, Hippowdon gets ample opportunities to set up SR, providing more team support and freeing up a moveslot for Heatran. The EVs give Hippowdon immense physical bulk, with the ability to survive the stray special attack. Because of its utility and relatively low special bulk, I tend to play Hippowdon more conservatively than Heatran and Kyurem, only switching it in on threats Heatran and Kyurem cannot handle.
Gali (Starmie) @ Leftovers
Trait: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spe, -Atk)
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Thunderbolt
- Recover
Starmie is a Pokemon that was just necessary to add to the team. The Rapid Spin support Starmie provides is invaluable to Kyurem and to a lesser extent, Heatran, since the two tend to switch out a lot. Starmie tends to play a more defensive role on the team, despite its offensive nature, due to its important Water resistance. Because of its SR weakness and the fact that burn from Scald can cripple Kyurem, I tend to use Starmie to handle defensive waters. I also use Starmie to sponge rain boosted water attacks in general, in order to ease the pressure on Kyurem. However, if necessary, Starmie can take a far more traditional approach and revenge kill most unboosted Pokemon, courtesy of its high 115 Speed. Like Hippowdon, Starmie is played more conservatively than Kyurem and Heatran because of the importance of Rapid Spin. Overall, Stramie gives me some offensive pressure in the midgame and is crucial to the success of Kyurem.
Lewa (Tornadus) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Prankster
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature (+Spe, -SpD)
- Tailwind
- Air Slash
- Superpower
- U-Turn
What? A Tornadus in OU? On a sand team?!? Yes, it is true, and it does work. While Tornadus is largely outclassed by Tornadus-T, Tornadus has one defining trait to set it appart: Prankster. When used in conjunction with Tailwind, Tornadus largely outclasses its Therian brethren. The strategy when using Tornadus is simple: switch in Tornadus after my early/midgame defensive core has been broken, attack until you are about to be KOed, then Tailwind. Tornadus acts as a transition Pokemon, altering my team's playstyle from a defensive to an offensive one. Flying/Fighting coverage hits a wide variety of Pokemon for solid damage, and, while Air Slash pales in comparison to Hurricane, the 30% flinch rate is not to be overlooked. Tailwind's effects and Tornadus's reliability in setting it up are what make Tornadus truly devastating. The fact that what ever switches in after Tornadus has used Tailwind has double speed is very challenging for most foes to handle, especially considering the offensive potential of Kyurem and Starmie. But the true threat under the effects of Tailwind is Terrakion.
Pohatu (Terrakion) @ Life Orb
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Swords Dance
- X-Scissor
After Tornadus's shenanigans are over, Terrakion, the second half of my late game offensive core, enters the field to play, supported by a blustering Tailwind. At this point, unless my opponent has retained a physical wall intact or a priority user, they're screwed. Between incredible STABs and a now unmatched speed, Terrakion is unbelievably threatening at this point, and if I have maintained a sandstorm, Terrakion gets the added bonus of a SpD boost, giving him the ability to easily tank neutral special hits. Terrakion is an unstoppable cleaner with Tailwind support, easily outspeeding all Choice Scarf Pokemon, and has won me many matches with his brutal power and unmatched speed. Ultimately, with Tailwind support, Terrakion is the most efficient and deadly Pokemon on my team.
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this was a team that surprised me. I expected it to be little more than a gimmick, like most theme teams are, but instead it was one of the most successful teams I had used to ladder. The impressive balance and odd synergy that its members have is phenomenal, not to mention the surprise factor of a number of its sets.
All advice and comments are appreciated. Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Revisions: I've replaced Whirlwind with Ice Fang on Hippowdon, and have give Starmie a more defensive spread.
