Note: This post may be a bit verbose, but I wanted to fully explain my thought process behind the team so as to better inform the Raters.
I've made a plethora of semi-successful teams, usually of the highly offensive variety, and throughout them all, 2 Pokemon pop up frequently:
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Upon inspection, they both share some qualities. They both share some natural bulkiness, they both have access to calm mind, and they both have sets that are well-known to any competitive player. My team seeks to take advantage of all three of these qualities, as well as their natural synergies, by using lesser-known sets and supporting Pokemon to eliminate potential counters and to sweep the opponents.
The most popular sets for Jirachi are physical scarf sets, and the most popular set for Suicune is the infamous Crocune. I aim to take advantage of these popular sets to switch either of these Pokemon in on their numerous resistances, taking advantage of their natural bulk, and set up as much as possible while the opponent (hopefully), sends in the counter to one of the more popular sets.
While Jirachi and Suicune work well at covering each others' weaknesses, I prefer to leave them as healthy as possible, so I needed a team that could deal with threats to either of them, sacrificing themselves if need be to let the CM Sweepers come out unopposed later. Heatran is one of the most common switch-ins to Jirachi, and Rotom-A is a common answer to Suicune. I contemplated using Blissey, but even in her most aggressive form, she didn't fit in with the offensive momentum I wanted to establish with the team. So my team became:
Snorlax deals very well with special attacks, due to his base 160/110 HP/SpDef, along with Thick Fat. He also brings with him a 110 base attack and another popular set (curselax), which the opponent will hopefully mispredict/expect.
Adding Snorlax dealt with most fire Pokemon but also added another weakness to the most popular Fire Starter, Infernape. Suicune *can* handle Infernape if need be but she doesn't enjoy, she may not even survive, 2 Close Combats. I decided to bolster this weakness and add a physical tank in one go. After experimenting with MaxAttack Occa Forry (who could barely OHKO non-Shuca Heatran with earthquake (and has a 60% chance of 2HKOing defensive Rotoms with Payback)) and an offensive Occa Skarmory (I know, bad ideas in retrospect, I was just trying things out), I went with a Pokemon who had given me a LOT of trouble in the past:
A defensive Rotom-Wash, so Tyranitar can't come in and Pursuit or set up scott-free and I don't have to worry about the power drop from Leaf Storm. Infernape (and also Mixvire, who could otherwise trouble my team if he gets a boost or two passed to him) can barely scratch Rotom.
My primary method of offense up to now is Special, and while Jirachi has a GREAT chance of defeating Blissey 1v1, he usually prefers a couple of turns of set-up BEFORE she switches in. I needed something to handle Blissey and other special walls, so I decided to turn to one of my favorite leads.
Antilead Gallade is one of my absolute favorites. He has a wide movepool, respectable bulk, and weaknesses other leads are unable to take advantage of.
The last pokemon I wanted to include would be an atypical lure, in order to draw out certain Pokemon on who Jirachi and/or Suicune could set up on. I say atypical because I am not a conservative player. I am very open to sacrificing a Pokemon, even when it does not seem necessary, to open up an opportunity for my CM Sweepers. I'm still fiddling around with the right person for this role (thinking about an offensive Gliscor, I'd like to test it but PokeLab has been down for the past few hours), but for now it's
The Sets
Gallade (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/6 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk,-SpAtk)
- Close Combat
- Shadow Sneak
- ThunderPunch/Leaf Blade/Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt
I am a great fan of the antilead, and I prefer to do this with Pokemon who are not expected as leads. Gallade is perfect for my purposes. Machamp leads are guaranteed to be OHKOed by Zen Headbutt (but not by Psycho Cut, sadly). Close Combat deals with Heatran, who often can't OHKO Gallade due to his naturally high SpDef and and HP investment. Shadow Sneak 2HKOs Azelf. Thunderpunch and Shadow Sneak guarantees that Aerodactyl is a suicide lead. I tried using Leaf Blade first for the critical on Hippowdown leads and to nail Swampert, and then I tried Earthquake to guarantee a 2HKO on Metagross, but I decided that the common Gyarados switch-in deserved ThunderPunch. ThunderPunch always KOs even Bulky Gyarados after Intimidate. Shadow Sneak nearly 2HKOs Rotom-A, and always 2HKOs if they try on switch in on anything besides CC. Not a comprehensive list, or a very organized one, but it gives an idea of how Gallade handles some very common leads and switch-ins/Pokemon.
If Gallade is not sacrificed early on (as I often do so the opponent can't gain momentum from my switching out) he can come back with his powerful STAB attacks and priority Shadow Sneak to do a little more damage.
Dragonite (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 6 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Jolly nature (+Spd,-SpAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- ExtremeSpeed
- Outrage
Maximum Speed DDnite is not often seen, and so outspeeds many checks that opponents have for him. The main goal is to pull off a Dance on the switch and wreak some havoc from there. As stated above, this Dragonite is not really a sweeper. It is a wrecking ball that severely dents the opponent, usually with Outrage (which does a great deal of damage even against bulky steels). The opponent often will either sacrifice a Pokemon and then pull in a steel, or try and predict the Outrage and then switch in a steel. If Dragonite is not faced with something that can immediately threaten it (Scizor, Mamoswine), then I'll try and go for a second Dance and take moderate damage. By this time, Dragonite has about 20-40% of its health left (factoring in Stealth Rock), at which point it sacrifices itself to both damage the opponent, taking out at least Pokemon, and luring in their check, who, more often then not, is set up fodder for Jiracune.
Rotom-w @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/168 Def/88 Spd
Bold nature (+Def,-Atk)
- Discharge
- Hydro Pump
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
The standard tank appliance plays a slightly abnormal, but very crucial, role on my team. Rotom cares very little about anything on the physical side of the spectrum. The biggest threat to his survival is Tyranitar, who cannot tolerate Hydro Pump or being burned, both of which this Rotom does easily. Rotom also does well with resisted special attacks. Rotom is a great partner to Snorlax-they both handle each others' counters with ease. Rotom is immune to the fighting and physical attacks that plague Snorlax. Best of all, Rotom is another lure for the CM Sweepers. Blissey, for example , who usually carries Wish, happily switches into Rotom, and Jirachi loves Blissey. ScarfTar can switch in and nail Rotom, but he leaves me open to set up after.
Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 6 HP/252 Spd/252 SpAtk
Timid nature (+Spd,-Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Hidden Power (Electric)
- Ice Beam
- Surf
Calm Mind sweeper number 1! Suicune's bulk is famous (100/115/115 base), and she has maintained her CroCune set for several generations now. This means two things for me: her natural bulk mean she's harder to kill and easier to set up with, and a lot of her counters expect the wrong set. With her plethora of resistances and considerable bulk, she is easy to bring in. A CM on the switch gives her 420 Special Attack, and from there it's a simple matter to either start a sweep or obtain more Calm Minds. Common switch-ins include Zapdos, Rotom, Breloom, Gyarados, Celebi, Dragonite, and Vaporeon. Zapdos is unable to OHKO after a CM, even with maximum SpecAtk. Defensive variants of Zapdos cannot even 2HKO if it is a defensive variety. All Zapdos are 2HKOed by Ice Beam. Rotom is annoying-if I have only 1 boost, I usually switch out to Snorlax. Breloom and Gyarados fall apart to Ice Beam and Hidden Power, respectively, as does Dragonite. Celebi almost never carries enough speed to outspeed, and is forced to take a huge dent from Ice Beam and will not KO without Special Attack investment. If Celebi appears to be capable of knocking out Suicune in two hits, I can sacrifice Suicune to make way for Jirachi (who sets up easily on Celebi after Leaf Storm's drop) or switch out to any of my other 5 Pokemon. Vaporeon is tricky-I use HP Electric the first time and discover if they carry Roar or Toxic. If it's Roar, nothing I can do. With Toxic, I can predict their Protects and hopefully take them down with me. If not, then Jirachi can set up after Suicune faints. The majority of OU is otherwise fairly helpless against Suicune. She is sometimes knocked out by other Pokemon, but not before taking out at least a couple of the opponent's Pokes.
Snorlax (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 6 HP/252 Atk/252 SpDef
Adamant nature (+Atk,-SpAtk)
- Body Slam
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Selfdestruct
The offensive special wall, he is a fantastic partner to Jirachi and Suicune, and his weaknesses are bolstered by Rotom. He handles Electric and Grass attacks aimed at Suicune and Fire attacks (I'm looking at you, Heatran) meant for Jirachi (and Thick Fat only helps him more here). STAB Body Slam is noticeably less powerful then Return (127 BP compared to 153), but the 30% paralysis rate is fantastic. It cripples both special attackers who stay in on Snorlax and switch-ins. Earthquake is for Heatran and Electrics, Crunch handles Gengar and Rotoms, and Selfdestruct lets Snorlax go out with a bang.
Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP/176 Spd/80 SpAtk
Timid nature (+Spd,-Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
CM sweeper number 2! I contemplated using Calm Mind + 3 attacks, as there are times when HP Ground or Grass Knot would really come in handy, but I prefer Substitute. It allows me to come in on Blissey and other special walls, and I can avoid status (particularly Thunder Wave) and use the time to set up more. By the time the opponent realizes they can't break my 101 HP subs with Seismic Toss or special attacks (which do steadily less damage as I continue to CM), it's too late. After 2 Calm Minds, Jirachi is a beast. After 3-4, he's all but unstoppable. This Jirachi does not take advantage of Serene Grace/hax in the same way as FlinchRachi, but it appreciates Serene Grace all the same. The 20% chance for a special defense drop or paralysis helps a lot with Blissey, and makes Jirachi a little more deadly against Tyranitar and Magnezone (though Magnezone is setup fodder after the first Calm Mind). Tyranitar, Flygon, and Heatran are the biggest counters to this set. Tyranitar, thankfully, does not carry Earthquake nearly as often as he used to. Flamethrower Ttar cannot harm Jirachi after a CM or two. Flygon can outspeed and use a STAB Earthquake. Flygon will be left with only 25% of its health if it has to break a Substitute first, from STAB psychic. Heatran is the most common switch in. I'll Thunderbolt if I have less than 2 CMs, and hope for paralysis. If Heatran is paralyzed or is slower (and using Fire Blast), I'll usually throw up Subs until he is paralyzed or misses. In any case, I can always switch to Snorlax, who fears only (and will gladly take, as it allows Jirachi to sweep later) Explosion.
The End!
I've made a plethora of semi-successful teams, usually of the highly offensive variety, and throughout them all, 2 Pokemon pop up frequently:
Upon inspection, they both share some qualities. They both share some natural bulkiness, they both have access to calm mind, and they both have sets that are well-known to any competitive player. My team seeks to take advantage of all three of these qualities, as well as their natural synergies, by using lesser-known sets and supporting Pokemon to eliminate potential counters and to sweep the opponents.
THE PROCESS
The most popular sets for Jirachi are physical scarf sets, and the most popular set for Suicune is the infamous Crocune. I aim to take advantage of these popular sets to switch either of these Pokemon in on their numerous resistances, taking advantage of their natural bulk, and set up as much as possible while the opponent (hopefully), sends in the counter to one of the more popular sets.
While Jirachi and Suicune work well at covering each others' weaknesses, I prefer to leave them as healthy as possible, so I needed a team that could deal with threats to either of them, sacrificing themselves if need be to let the CM Sweepers come out unopposed later. Heatran is one of the most common switch-ins to Jirachi, and Rotom-A is a common answer to Suicune. I contemplated using Blissey, but even in her most aggressive form, she didn't fit in with the offensive momentum I wanted to establish with the team. So my team became:
Snorlax deals very well with special attacks, due to his base 160/110 HP/SpDef, along with Thick Fat. He also brings with him a 110 base attack and another popular set (curselax), which the opponent will hopefully mispredict/expect.
Adding Snorlax dealt with most fire Pokemon but also added another weakness to the most popular Fire Starter, Infernape. Suicune *can* handle Infernape if need be but she doesn't enjoy, she may not even survive, 2 Close Combats. I decided to bolster this weakness and add a physical tank in one go. After experimenting with MaxAttack Occa Forry (who could barely OHKO non-Shuca Heatran with earthquake (and has a 60% chance of 2HKOing defensive Rotoms with Payback)) and an offensive Occa Skarmory (I know, bad ideas in retrospect, I was just trying things out), I went with a Pokemon who had given me a LOT of trouble in the past:
A defensive Rotom-Wash, so Tyranitar can't come in and Pursuit or set up scott-free and I don't have to worry about the power drop from Leaf Storm. Infernape (and also Mixvire, who could otherwise trouble my team if he gets a boost or two passed to him) can barely scratch Rotom.
My primary method of offense up to now is Special, and while Jirachi has a GREAT chance of defeating Blissey 1v1, he usually prefers a couple of turns of set-up BEFORE she switches in. I needed something to handle Blissey and other special walls, so I decided to turn to one of my favorite leads.
Antilead Gallade is one of my absolute favorites. He has a wide movepool, respectable bulk, and weaknesses other leads are unable to take advantage of.
The last pokemon I wanted to include would be an atypical lure, in order to draw out certain Pokemon on who Jirachi and/or Suicune could set up on. I say atypical because I am not a conservative player. I am very open to sacrificing a Pokemon, even when it does not seem necessary, to open up an opportunity for my CM Sweepers. I'm still fiddling around with the right person for this role (thinking about an offensive Gliscor, I'd like to test it but PokeLab has been down for the past few hours), but for now it's
The Sets
Gallade (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Steadfast
EVs: 252 HP/252 Atk/6 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk,-SpAtk)
- Close Combat
- Shadow Sneak
- ThunderPunch/Leaf Blade/Earthquake
- Zen Headbutt
I am a great fan of the antilead, and I prefer to do this with Pokemon who are not expected as leads. Gallade is perfect for my purposes. Machamp leads are guaranteed to be OHKOed by Zen Headbutt (but not by Psycho Cut, sadly). Close Combat deals with Heatran, who often can't OHKO Gallade due to his naturally high SpDef and and HP investment. Shadow Sneak 2HKOs Azelf. Thunderpunch and Shadow Sneak guarantees that Aerodactyl is a suicide lead. I tried using Leaf Blade first for the critical on Hippowdown leads and to nail Swampert, and then I tried Earthquake to guarantee a 2HKO on Metagross, but I decided that the common Gyarados switch-in deserved ThunderPunch. ThunderPunch always KOs even Bulky Gyarados after Intimidate. Shadow Sneak nearly 2HKOs Rotom-A, and always 2HKOs if they try on switch in on anything besides CC. Not a comprehensive list, or a very organized one, but it gives an idea of how Gallade handles some very common leads and switch-ins/Pokemon.
If Gallade is not sacrificed early on (as I often do so the opponent can't gain momentum from my switching out) he can come back with his powerful STAB attacks and priority Shadow Sneak to do a little more damage.
Dragonite (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 6 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Jolly nature (+Spd,-SpAtk)
- Dragon Dance
- Earthquake
- ExtremeSpeed
- Outrage
Maximum Speed DDnite is not often seen, and so outspeeds many checks that opponents have for him. The main goal is to pull off a Dance on the switch and wreak some havoc from there. As stated above, this Dragonite is not really a sweeper. It is a wrecking ball that severely dents the opponent, usually with Outrage (which does a great deal of damage even against bulky steels). The opponent often will either sacrifice a Pokemon and then pull in a steel, or try and predict the Outrage and then switch in a steel. If Dragonite is not faced with something that can immediately threaten it (Scizor, Mamoswine), then I'll try and go for a second Dance and take moderate damage. By this time, Dragonite has about 20-40% of its health left (factoring in Stealth Rock), at which point it sacrifices itself to both damage the opponent, taking out at least Pokemon, and luring in their check, who, more often then not, is set up fodder for Jiracune.
Rotom-w @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/168 Def/88 Spd
Bold nature (+Def,-Atk)
- Discharge
- Hydro Pump
- Shadow Ball
- Will-O-Wisp
The standard tank appliance plays a slightly abnormal, but very crucial, role on my team. Rotom cares very little about anything on the physical side of the spectrum. The biggest threat to his survival is Tyranitar, who cannot tolerate Hydro Pump or being burned, both of which this Rotom does easily. Rotom also does well with resisted special attacks. Rotom is a great partner to Snorlax-they both handle each others' counters with ease. Rotom is immune to the fighting and physical attacks that plague Snorlax. Best of all, Rotom is another lure for the CM Sweepers. Blissey, for example , who usually carries Wish, happily switches into Rotom, and Jirachi loves Blissey. ScarfTar can switch in and nail Rotom, but he leaves me open to set up after.
Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 6 HP/252 Spd/252 SpAtk
Timid nature (+Spd,-Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Hidden Power (Electric)
- Ice Beam
- Surf
Calm Mind sweeper number 1! Suicune's bulk is famous (100/115/115 base), and she has maintained her CroCune set for several generations now. This means two things for me: her natural bulk mean she's harder to kill and easier to set up with, and a lot of her counters expect the wrong set. With her plethora of resistances and considerable bulk, she is easy to bring in. A CM on the switch gives her 420 Special Attack, and from there it's a simple matter to either start a sweep or obtain more Calm Minds. Common switch-ins include Zapdos, Rotom, Breloom, Gyarados, Celebi, Dragonite, and Vaporeon. Zapdos is unable to OHKO after a CM, even with maximum SpecAtk. Defensive variants of Zapdos cannot even 2HKO if it is a defensive variety. All Zapdos are 2HKOed by Ice Beam. Rotom is annoying-if I have only 1 boost, I usually switch out to Snorlax. Breloom and Gyarados fall apart to Ice Beam and Hidden Power, respectively, as does Dragonite. Celebi almost never carries enough speed to outspeed, and is forced to take a huge dent from Ice Beam and will not KO without Special Attack investment. If Celebi appears to be capable of knocking out Suicune in two hits, I can sacrifice Suicune to make way for Jirachi (who sets up easily on Celebi after Leaf Storm's drop) or switch out to any of my other 5 Pokemon. Vaporeon is tricky-I use HP Electric the first time and discover if they carry Roar or Toxic. If it's Roar, nothing I can do. With Toxic, I can predict their Protects and hopefully take them down with me. If not, then Jirachi can set up after Suicune faints. The majority of OU is otherwise fairly helpless against Suicune. She is sometimes knocked out by other Pokemon, but not before taking out at least a couple of the opponent's Pokes.
Snorlax (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 6 HP/252 Atk/252 SpDef
Adamant nature (+Atk,-SpAtk)
- Body Slam
- Crunch
- Earthquake
- Selfdestruct
The offensive special wall, he is a fantastic partner to Jirachi and Suicune, and his weaknesses are bolstered by Rotom. He handles Electric and Grass attacks aimed at Suicune and Fire attacks (I'm looking at you, Heatran) meant for Jirachi (and Thick Fat only helps him more here). STAB Body Slam is noticeably less powerful then Return (127 BP compared to 153), but the 30% paralysis rate is fantastic. It cripples both special attackers who stay in on Snorlax and switch-ins. Earthquake is for Heatran and Electrics, Crunch handles Gengar and Rotoms, and Selfdestruct lets Snorlax go out with a bang.
Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 252 HP/176 Spd/80 SpAtk
Timid nature (+Spd,-Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Psychic
- Substitute
- Thunderbolt
CM sweeper number 2! I contemplated using Calm Mind + 3 attacks, as there are times when HP Ground or Grass Knot would really come in handy, but I prefer Substitute. It allows me to come in on Blissey and other special walls, and I can avoid status (particularly Thunder Wave) and use the time to set up more. By the time the opponent realizes they can't break my 101 HP subs with Seismic Toss or special attacks (which do steadily less damage as I continue to CM), it's too late. After 2 Calm Minds, Jirachi is a beast. After 3-4, he's all but unstoppable. This Jirachi does not take advantage of Serene Grace/hax in the same way as FlinchRachi, but it appreciates Serene Grace all the same. The 20% chance for a special defense drop or paralysis helps a lot with Blissey, and makes Jirachi a little more deadly against Tyranitar and Magnezone (though Magnezone is setup fodder after the first Calm Mind). Tyranitar, Flygon, and Heatran are the biggest counters to this set. Tyranitar, thankfully, does not carry Earthquake nearly as often as he used to. Flamethrower Ttar cannot harm Jirachi after a CM or two. Flygon can outspeed and use a STAB Earthquake. Flygon will be left with only 25% of its health if it has to break a Substitute first, from STAB psychic. Heatran is the most common switch in. I'll Thunderbolt if I have less than 2 CMs, and hope for paralysis. If Heatran is paralyzed or is slower (and using Fire Blast), I'll usually throw up Subs until he is paralyzed or misses. In any case, I can always switch to Snorlax, who fears only (and will gladly take, as it allows Jirachi to sweep later) Explosion.
The End!
