Calm(Mind) Down. [UU]

[RaveSage]

As a newcomer to the UU tier, I found the pure stall strategy a bit out of touch for me. To this end, I started looking into ways on making a hardcore offense team but it was quickly dashed. However, from the ashes of that team I constructed this team that runs on two separate style Calm Mind users for the final sweep. One runs as a buffer, the other cleans up the mess afterword with a full scale sweep. That was my goal at least. All said and done, it’s been fairly successful on the ladder but still has kinks I’m not too sure how to work out. Hope you enjoy reading.

Changes in bold.

Calm(Mind) Down
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Primeape (F) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Vital Spirit
EVs: 40 HP/252 Atk/216 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Close Combat
- Punishment
- Earthquake
- U-turn

My lead, scout, and revenge killer. I replaced Registeel with this because Regi made it easy for my enemy to switch things in and gave me a problem with trickscarf uxie. Primeape also took on ol' Relenclith's role of stopping a lot of sweepers from messing my team up. Not much has been able to take Primeape out quickly and it really helps me in the latter parts of my matches.

Roserade (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 72 HP/184 Spd/252 SAtk
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Synthesis
- Leaf Storm
- Sludge Bomb
- Sleep Powder

Heysup suggested this wonderful Roserade set and it's really worked wonders for my team. She's my main answer to most any water type who thinks their bulky enough to take on my other members and really lays the pressure on them since few things switch in on her without taking a good deal of damage. Though I like the status sleep can provide, I'm considering HP Fire to deal with Registeel faster.

Blastoise (F) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SAtk
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Surf
- Toxic
- Ice Beam
- Rapid Spin

While I enjoyed the phasing abilities of Hariyama, when Roserade stopped using spikes, I saw there was no need for that at all. I still miss knock Off but Blastoise became a more than welcome member to my team with his can do attitude for blocking Water and Ice attacks. He also took the pressure off Claydol as far as spinning goes (even though I replaced him too). Toxic also gives me some extra buffer support on Bulky waters hoping to hinder my team.

Clefable (F) @ Life Orb
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP/152 Def/104 SAtk
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Softboiled
- Ice Beam
-Thunderbolt

Still the Calm Mind buffer. Clefable took over for Claydol for two reasons. One, she has much better coverage with Mismagius offensively, through Clefable's BoltBeam and Magius' ShadowFighting, and defensively since they are immune to each others main weaknesses. Clefable aslo took the pressure off of me needing to status absorb since being poisoned or burned doesn't hinder her. Clefable can start a sweep all by herself much better than Claydol as well and does an even better job of softening up things for Magius in the long run.

Mismagius @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 48 HP/252 Spd/208 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Substitute
- Calm Mind
- Shadow Ball
- Hidden Power [Fighting]

The second, and more potent, Calm Mind sweeper. Mismagius is a real gal for everyone on my team. She can easily sweep all by herself in a lot of scenarios. There’s very few thing that can bring her down assuming I soften up things in the earlier part of the match and anything hoping to counter her will take an appropriate attack either on the switch or as they try to break my sub. As stated before, she supports Clefable both offensively and defensively. Really, Mismagius gets the gold star here.

Rhydon (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 212 HP/252 Atk/44 Def
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Megahorn
- Substitute

Another suggested replacement by Heysup. Rhydon rarely gets to set up for a sweep or usually doesn't need to. What Rhydon does is give me a nice buffer against Moltres and Swellow, both of which still give this team a few issues. Rock Blast helps me hit through subs and Megahorn can really help soften up Slowbro. I sometimes rely on him too much as a pure psychical wall on accident but otherwise he works very well and can take out a lot of problems that my team has.

Threat List (Major threats in red, minor threats in bold.)
I’m a bit new to creating threat lists so if I've miss something important or done something wrong, please tell me.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/359.gif[/IMG]Absol: Primeape as long as I don't switch into Psycho Cut.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/334.gif[/IMG]Altaria: Blastoise/Clefable.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/424.gif[/IMG]Ambipom: Primeape after it uses Fake Out.
Blastoise can hit it while it taunts me.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/059.gif[/IMG]Arcanine: Primeape and, to an extent, Blastoise.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/184.gif[/IMG]Azumarill: Roserade.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/009.gif[/IMG]Blastiose: See Azumarill.
Mismagius can set up if she switches into weaker Surfs.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/257.gif[/IMG]Blaziken: Blastoise/Primeape depending on the situation.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/113.gif[/IMG]Chansey: Set up fodder for Clefable and Mismagius.
Primeape can take it down if I’m having troubles with her.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/006.gif[/IMG]Charizard: Blastoise.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/344.gif[/IMG]Claydol: Support sets can become set up fodder for Mismagius or taken out by Roserade. 
CM Claydol can be punished by Primeape.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/036.gif[/IMG]Clefable: Most sets can be handled with an appropriate switch.
Primeape can threaten it out.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/452.gif[/IMG]Drapion: I can set up Calm Minds while it tries to get in Toxic Spikes.
Roserade absorbs them afterward anyway.
SD sets: Primeape.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/101.gif[/IMG]Electrode: Primeape and Rhydon. Though it's annoying after it sets up rain....

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/196.gif[/IMG]Espeon: [B]Minor Threat.
Sub CM sets can be a pain if I predict wrong.
Otherwise, Primeape can punish it.[/B]

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/160.gif[/IMG]Feraligatr: Roserade can stop it if it’s not Dragon Dance.
Primeape can stop it if it's Dragon Dance... or anything really.


[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/282.gif[/IMG]Gardivior: Clefable and Mismagius can set up now.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/297.gif[/IMG]Hariyama: [B]Minor threat.
I have some trouble taking him down since I don’t have any thing that’s super effective against it.
If I keep the pressure on him, he'll usually fall.[/B]

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/106.gif[/IMG]/[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/107.gif[/IMG]Hitmonlee/Hitmonchan: Blastoise has it covered to an extent.
Primeape stops them barring priority moves and Roserade can dish out some hits to them.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/237.gif[/IMG]Hitmontop: Roserade.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/229.gif[/IMG]Houndoom: Blastoise/Rhydon.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/141.gif[/IMG]Kabutops: Primeape or a combination of Blastiose and Roserade can take him out.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/171.gif[/IMG]Lanturn:
Roserade/Primeape.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/272.gif[/IMG]Ludicolo: Clefable/Roserade/Mismagius.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/467.gif[/IMG]Magmortar: If it's choiced, I can predict it out.
Mixed attackers are somewhat of an issue, but Primeape and Roserade can take him on.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/481.gif[/IMG]Mesprit: Again, opposing CM users are a problem.
Primeape can stop it like the others though.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/350.gif[/IMG]Milotic: No longer a problem thanks to the new Roserade and Blastoise. Clefable can also stop non LO sets.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/241.gif[/IMG]Miltank: Primeape/Roserade.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/429.gif[/IMG]Mismagius: Primeape if it doesn't get a sub up first.
I can attempt to CM up along side it and hope to win the war.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/146.gif[/IMG]Moltres: Blastoise and Rhydon can hinder it. Clefable can set up on stall sets.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/089.gif[/IMG]/[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/031.gif[/IMG]/[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/034.gif[/IMG]Muk/Nidoking/Nidoqueen: Primeape/Rhydon.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/139.gif[/IMG]Omastar: Primeape/Roserade/Blastoise.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/062.gif[/IMG]Poliwraith: [B]Minor threat.
I can wear it down with almost anything, but if it gets a sub up, I’m in trouble.
If it forgoes Ice Punch, Roserade can potentially stop him.[/B]

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/233.gif[/IMG]Porygon2: Primeape/Mismagius.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/057.gif[/IMG]Primeape: Roserade/Blastoise/Mismagius depending on the situation.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/377.gif[/IMG]/[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/379.gif[/IMG]Regirock/Registeel: Primeape/Roserade/Blastoise, possible CM fodder for Clefable.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/407.gif[/IMG]Roserade: Spikers can be met with a few CMs.
Primeape can take it to an extent.
With some prediction, Blastoise can take it out.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/479.gif[/IMG]Rotom: Clefable/Roserade.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/254.gif[/IMG]Sceptile: Primeape and Roserade can stop him with a little prediction.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/123.gif[/IMG]Scyther: Blastoise/Rhydon barring Brick Break/Rock Smash.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/080.gif[/IMG]Slowbro: Mismagius/Roserade/Clefable.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/442.gif[/IMG]Spritomb: Roserade/Clefable/Rhydon.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/208.gif[/IMG]Steelix: Primeape and Roserade can take out whichever defensive spread.
My CM users can hit him pretty well in many scenarios as well.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/277.gif[/IMG]Swellow: [B]Minor threat.
If Rhydon goes down, nothing stops him from tearing my team up.[/B]

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/389.gif[/IMG]Torrtera: Clefable/Roserade.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/454.gif[/IMG]Toxicroak: Primeape.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/157.gif[/IMG]Typhlosion: Primeape/Blastoise/Rhydon.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/197.gif[/IMG]Umbreon: Primeape/Clefable/Roserade/Rhydon.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/480.gif[/IMG]/[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/110.gif[/IMG]Uxie/Weezing: Somewhat situational, but neither is a real problem once I figure out what set it is.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/003.gif[/IMG]Venusaur: Clefable/Mismagius/Roserade.

[IMG]http://veekun.com/dex-images/icons/ani/469.gif[/IMG]Yanmega: Primeape/Roserade/Rhydon.

 

[HerbieTG]

Is Roserade's Nature Careful on purpose? It's counter-productive.
It should be Calm if you're going for the SpD increase.

 

[d2m]

An Arcanine or Moltres with HP Grass will sweep you, and SubRoostToxic Moltres will destroy your team, as it can come in safely against anything not named Relicanth.

A lot of Absols run Psycho Cut, which destroys your Hariyama, so they will completely sweep your team after a SD as well.

Registeel does not cripple SubPunch Azumarrils, who are extremely common and use Registeel to set up and (sensing a theme here) sweep your team.

Might I suggest running a LO Milotic over Roserade or Claydol. It can take hits and threaten Arcanine and Moltres. Running HP Grass gives you coverage over other water types.

 

[RaveSage]

Is Roserade's Nature Careful on purpose? It's counter-productive.
It should be Calm if you're going for the SpD increase.

Oops. Yeah, that was a misclick on Shoddy probably. Thanks for the catch.

d2m: I attempted LO Milotic before and it didn't work out so well. I'm always open to advise though, so I'll test it out once more over Roserade.

 

[Heysup]

Well the first thing I notice about all teams with Steel-type leads, is that you're likely going to get boned by any strong Blaziken. Now, you do have Hariyama, but the issue is that it cannot beat Blaziken and is ironically 2HKOed. This only requires a simple fix with your EV spread. If you use a spread like 80 HP / 28 Atk / 252 Def / 148 SpD you can successfully switch into a Superpower and Fire Blast, rather then getting 2HKOed. While you may miss the attack, fixing a glaring Blaziken weakness is definitely worth the loss.

What makes Blaziken so dangerous against your team is that every time it gets a switch-in (on something like Registeel or Relicanth Protect), something is going to faint and Blaziken doesn't even have to predict. It'll blow holes in your team to the point that it won't function properly anymore.

For reference, Relicanth can be KOed by even Fire Blast + Vacuum Wave. That's not saying much for your check that you listed in your threat list.

I also acknowledge that you have a Milotic problem, seeing as your Roserade can't beat Milotic if it switches in. Milotic is definitely a Pokemon you want to have a solid switch in for because of how common it is. While I realize how awesome spikes are, you're team doesn't really rely on them too much, so I'm going to suggest you make a quick set change to Roserade so you don't need to do anything too drastic. I suggest you change your Roserade to look like this:

Roserade (M) @ Life Orb / Black Sludge
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 72 HP/184 Spd/252 SAtk
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Synthesis
- Leaf Storm
- Sludge Bomb
- Sleep Powder
---

You basically keep the same defensive synergy, and now you pack a huge punch and have more offensive power. This Roserade outspeeds all Milotic who don't use a +Spe nature, and gives you a nice Sleep inducing move as well. If you really wanted, you could use Energy Ball / Spikes over Leaf Storm / Sleep Powder, but you really don't seem to need Spikes that much. This basically says "Goodbye" to any Milotic weakness that you may have had. Not to mention, I beleive you had a Spiritomb weakness before this was added as well, because it could easily Calm Mind against Roserade and set up.

Now since your Registeel can lure a switch-in to other Fire-types (like Moltres according to your threat list), and you seem to have trouble with Swellow, I'm going to suggest SubRhydon over Relicanth. Relicanth doesn't seem to be doing too much for your team really, other than becoming set up bait with Protect. If you have a SubRhydon that looks like this:

Rhydon (M) @ Leftovers / (Grass-Resist Berry)
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 212 HP/252 Atk/44 Def
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Rock Blast
- Megahorn
- Substitute
---

(Grass resist berry beats offensive Moltres as well if you want to go the whole 9 yards, but it's far from needed.)

With this Rhydon set, you can not only deal with Moltres THROUGH a Substitute with Rock Blast, but you can also set up on Swellow who gives you trouble already. Moltres and Swellow are very dangerous threats in the metagame, Swellow has near unmatched speed, while Moltres can stall for years with pressure, and could quite possibly 6-0 your team if it got a Substitute up with Roserade gone.

Lol. I don't think there is a better situation to discribe "killing two birds with one stone".

I hope this helps.

 

[RaveSage]

Changed a lot of things. Thanks for the advise Heysup.
Changes in bold. Threat list edited accordingly. I'm still a bit weak to Swellow but that's about all I see.

 

[RaveSage]

Bumping one last time since nobody commented on my edits.

 

[Ash Borer]

earthquake is a bit redundant with close combat, try ice punch / stone edge to hit flying types. Ice punch is great if you fear being walled by the nidos and it hits dragons hard, stone edge on the other hand has the raw power.