Project Core Analysis Workshop (Discussing Threats to and Partners for Garchomp + Landorus-T)

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HailFall

my cancer is sun and my leo is moon
is a threat

Diancie-Mega @ Diancite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 8 Atk / 248 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Moonblast
- Diamond Storm
- Earth Power
- Protect

Diancie can OHKO Gyarados with Diamond Storm, and Heatran with Earth Power given the chance to come in safely. These sets often come paired with Magnezone which can pose a threat to Gyarados before setting up and chip away at Heatran with Volt Switch.

is a good partner

Metagross-Mega @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Ice Punch / Zen Headbutt
- Hammer Arm
- Bullet Punch

Mega Metagross handles Mega Diancie if its running Bullet Punch, while wallbreaking for Gyarados and chipping away at bulky water types which alongside Power Herb Solar Beam lure Heatran, is typically enough to put Gyarados in a favorable position to sweep. In addition, Mega Metagross tends to draw in bulky steel types like Skarmory or bulky Mega Scizor, which Gyarados can set up on. On the flipside, Mega Metagross appreciates Gyarados' ability to pressure bulky grounds that can bother Metagross.
 
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Partner: AV Metagross

Metagross @ Assault Vest
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 HP / 160 Atk / 96 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Pursuit
- Meteor Mash
- Bullet Punch
- Earthquake

AV Metagross is a good choice as a partner because it is a check to troublesome Faeries and it deals well towards Psychic and/or Fairy types with Focus Blast and Thunderbolt in their movesets.
You can have all this without giving up your Mega slot for Mega Metagross.
It draws in bulky Ground and Steels which are set-up fodder for Gyarados and Pursuit is a thing to get ris of opposite Lati@s twins, Celebi (ok, you can use Heatran but Magma Storm has a shaby accuracy) and so on.
 
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Reserving Kyurem-B, will try to get it done soon

Threat
Kyurem-Black @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Mild Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Earth Power
- Roost

Kyurem-B is a big threat to the core, seeing as it is able to OHKO both members with Fusion Bolt and Earth Power respectively. It can also regain health with Roost, allowing it to beat the core more reliably. It can easily come in on Gyarados, and it can also come in on Heatran, although MagStorm 2HKOs.

Kyurem-B vs Gyarados
4 Atk Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Fusion Bolt vs. 72 HP / 0 Def Gyarados: 728-858 (208.5 - 245.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
+1 188 Atk Gyarados Bounce vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Kyurem-B: 216-255 (55.2 - 65.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 188 Atk Gyarados Bounce vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Kyurem-B: 288-339 (73.6 - 86.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
+3 188 Atk Gyarados Bounce vs. 0 HP / 0- Def Kyurem-B: 358-423 (91.5 - 108.1%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

Kyurem-B vs Heatran
252+ SpA Life Orb Teravolt Kyurem-B Earth Power vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Heatran: 499-593 (154.4 - 183.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Kyurem-B: 178-211 (45.5 - 53.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after 1 layer of Spikes (Spike = MagStorm damage)
 
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Infernal

Banned deucer.
Four days up, so here are the top partners for this week: Latios and Latias by Martin. There were only three partners posted this week, with two of them being those. Because they can both work equally well with this core, I am grouping them together as the winners. They both give the core a way to check mentioned threats like Choice Scarf Keld, Kyu-B, and Mega Cham. Their ability to Defog away SR is also appreciated by Gyara, who doesn't enjoy having 25% of its health shaved after switching in. The extra check to Pokemon like Rotom-W (and by extension, other Water-types and Electric-types) is another useful contribution by the twins. They are awesome partners overall and are good fits on teams with this core, bringing a good mix of resistances and power to the table. The choice between Latios or Latias is a matter of whether you prefer the former's power or the latter's bulk and access to Healing Wish.

Here is our core for this round:


Pinsir-Mega @ Pinsirite
Ability: Aerilate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Close Combat
- Quick Attack / Feint


Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Fire
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt

To my surprise, I recently noticed Mega Pinsir has never been in a core during this project's life time. Given how threatening Mega Pinsir is, this definitely had to be fixed, so here we are!

Although its performance can often depend on the match up it's faced with, Mega Pinsir is super scary and capable of running through teams in a second after setting up. The flying resistances many teams use are often shaky and can be easily worn down or muscled through by Mega Pinsir itself after some small prior damage, with Rotom-W being one example. One of Mega Pinsir's main obstacles is Skarm, who Magnezone traps and removes from the game. From there, Mega Pinsir has one less thing standing in its way. This core is very well known and has been used countless times before, serving as a classic example of how a trapper can remove the main obstacles of a sweeper and help a specific Pokemon achieve a goal. Simple stuff overall.

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please do not reserve more than two threats or partners when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute.
 
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HailFall

my cancer is sun and my leo is moon
as a threat
Skarmory @ Shed Shell
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- Spikes / Defog
- Roost
- Whirlwind / Taunt

Skarmory, while ironically being one of magnezone's targets, can run Shed Shell rather than another item for teams that cannot afford to let Magnezone trap their Skarmory. Skarm can beat Pinsir 1v1, and then after Magnezone comes in, Skarm can switch into a ground type that can take advantage of Magnezone locked into Thunderbolt or Volt Switch to set up Stealth Rock or the likes.

as a partner
Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split

Rotom-w is a great partner for this core. It helps to remedy the weakness to Weavile and Flare Blitz Talonflame this core has as a result of using scarf Magnezone rather than Magneton, while also checking Skarmory and another major threat to these two, Sand Rush Excadrill.
 
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bludz

a waffle is like a pancake with a syrup trap
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Threat


Manectric @ Manectite
Ability: Lightning Rod
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Ice

Mega Manectric is a nice offensive check to Mega Pinsir since it resists its STAB priority and weakens it further with Intimidate. It also outspeeds and OHKOs with Thunderbolt. Magnezone can't really touch Manectric much and is outsped and 2HKO'd by Flamethrower.

Partner


Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
- Stealth Rock

Landorus-T is an excellent partner for this core since it helps to check a lot of physical attackers like Excadrill, Talonflame, and opposing Landorus-T. Stealth Rock support helps Pinsir by weakening its switch-ins, and U-turn helps Magnezone come in against common Landorus-T switch-ins like Skarmory and Ferrothorn.
 
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MANNAT

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2 Threats

Talonflame @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Flare Blitz
- Swords Dance
- Roost

While Pinsir does have feint as a slash, the core lacks a rock setter, so feint isn't going to be able to do enough to kill talonflame at +2 regardless. Talonflame can respond by OHKOing pinsir with sharp beak bb and blowing it back into another dimension. Also, Talonflame can sd on the switch if you think that you're really nice and want to get the guarenteed OHKO on mag, but considering that Talon ohkos one member of the core and ohkos the other member 1/2 times, it's a huge threat, especially considering that it can easily threaten out pinsir and possibly sweep through the team.


Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge/Rock Slide
- Knock Off
- U-turn

Scarf Lando-T is another mon that dunks on this core, and this one has the advantage of being able to switch into both members of the core pretty comfortably (even adamant return+qa doesnt kill from pinsir while scarf mag is weak as balls). After switching into the core, landot can easily outspeed and ohko both members with edgequake coverage since eq blows mag back and rock coverage bodies pinsir. Obviously you can run rock slide if you don't feel like getting dunked on by misses as much since it still ohkos pinsir, but it's generally a lot weaker vs most things u want to hit with it like tornt.
 
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BIG G CHOPPA

Banned deucer.

Terrakion @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Stone Edge
- Rock Slide
- Iron Head

Scarf terrakion is definitely a threat to this core as it can easily OHKO mega pinsir and magnezone with stone edge or close combat, being locked into either one can give them the advantage but its a 50/50 pretty much. Guess it correctly and one of them die. Being able to outspeed both it can nail them with its powerful STAB attacks. While they are both able to deal massive damage to terrakion, the point isn't directly switching in. Although terrakion is able to come in on a magnezone choiced locked into hp fire and deal some crisp damage. Calcs are not needed as it is pretty obvious that they get tossed by a stone edge or close combat.


Latias @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 72 HP / 184 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Psyshock
- Healing Wish
- Defog

Latias as a partner to the mega pinsir + magnezone core. Mega pinsir is sadly very weak to stealth rocks. So hazard removal is absolutely mandatory. Latias provides a solid electric check to the likes of mega manectric, and thundurus. In addition it can provide healing wish support so that mega pinsir has a second chance at sweeping and potentially win the game.
 

Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
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Partner

Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Knock Off

Mamo is a really useful partner for this core for a number of reasons. It takes any one hit from Talon and ScarfTran not locked into Flash Cannon and can retalliate with a hard hit in exchange. It helps versus Tankchomp, which gives this core a headache, and checks PhysDef Lando-T nicely. It baits out Skarmory and hits it with KOff, removing it's Shed Shell and allowing Magnezone to trap it.
 
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Sobi

Banned deucer.
hi, here are a few threats :3c

Garchomp
, particularly TankChomp, is a pain for this core to handle, as Mega Pinsir does not at all appreciate the chip damage it takes from Rocky Helmet + Rough Skin, and Magnezone is instantly KOed by Earthquake.
0- SpA Garchomp Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Pinsir: 130-154 (47.9 - 56.8%) -- 86.7% chance to 2HKO
0 Atk Garchomp Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 480-568 (170.8 - 202.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO​

Zapdos
is another threat to this core, depending on whether it is running a physically defensive or a specially defensive set. I prefer the former to help versus Mega Pinsir more, since it's the bigger threat. Heat Wave 2HKOes Magnezone, while Thunderbolt OHKOes Mega Pinsir. In addition, Pinsir does not want to be paralyzed by Static, as that will severely cripple it.
68 SpA Zapdos Heat Wave vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone: 192-226 (68.3 - 80.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
68 SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Mega Pinsir: 272-324 (100.3 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO​

Scarf Excadrill outspeeds both of these Pokemon and can OHKO them with Rock Slide, in Mega Pinsir's case, and Earthquake, in Magnezone's case.
252 Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Rock Slide vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Pinsir: 288-340 (106.2 - 125.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Mold Breaker Excadrill Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 600-708 (213.5 - 251.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO​

Scarf Victini also outspeeds Mega Pinsir and Magnezone, and can OHKO them both with V-create.
252+ Atk Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Magnezone: 474-560 (168.6 - 199.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Victini V-create vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Mega Pinsir: 458-542 (169 - 200%) -- guaranteed OHKO​


Garchomp @ Rocky Helmet | Rough Skin
Impish | 240 HP / 176 Def / 92 Spe
Stealth Rock | Earthquake | Dragon Tail | Fire Blast

Zapdos @ Leftovers | Static
Bold| 248 HP / 176 Def / 68 SpA / 16 Spe
Stealth Rock | Earthquake | Dragon Tail | Fire Blast

Excadrill @ Choice Scarf | Mold Breaker
Jolly | 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Earthquake | Iron Head | Rock Slide | Rapid Spin

Victini @ Choice Scarf | Victory Star
Adamant | 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
V-create | Bolt Strike | U-turn | Final Gambit
 
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PARTNER:

Weavile @ Life Orb/Expert Belt/ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spd / 4 HP
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Icicle Crash
- Knock Off
- Low Kick/Brick Break
- Poison Jab/Ice Shard/Swords Dance

Now Weavile may seem like an odd buddy to the dos amigos, but hear me out. Most threats listed so far can be dealt with by Weavile, using either a LO, Belt, or Scarf to be a cheeky bastard. Scarf Weavile comes in as a surprise factor since nobody really expects it, although it is very reliable with checking/surprise countering a decent number of Scarfed things on the list (Chomper, Lando-T and maybe some others that may come up later) or you can run a standard LO/Belt set to maximize on raw power against the threats aforementioned. With a proper rocker on the core, Weavile makes for a great buddy to Pinsir & Magnezone.
 
Partner: Offensive SD Landorus-T

645-2_Landorus_Therian_Forme.png

Landorus-Therian (M) @ Earth Plate / Yache Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 72 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Swords Dance
- Stealth Rock

Run-of-the-mill ladder stall almost always runs Shed Shell on Skarm, meaning that to actually accomplish the goal of trapping Skarm, Knock Off support is necessary. If you can successfully setup an SD vs. a defensive build with Skarm, chances are they're going to resort to Skarm to whirlwind you out, but before that, you can land a +2 Knock on Skarm. Skarm is now susceptible to trapping and Pinsir is free to wreak havoc on the enemy team.

The main function of this partner is to provide crucial Knock Off support, but it also serves a few other purposes. Common Pinsir answers like Rotom-W, Landorus-T, Hippowdon, etc. are all common Lando-T switchins as well, meaning Lando can soften them up for Pinsir later on using +2 Knocks and EQs. While not the greatest check, offensive Lando-T can soft-check Talonflame when at full, which is a huge threat to PinMag in general (worth noting that defensive Lando with Knock is a decent alternative if you want more defensive utility out of Lando). If running a Yache Berry, Lando-T can lure HP Ice Electrics for Pinsir, which are otherwise a huge roadblock to Pinsir sweeps.
 
Partner
: SR Clefable

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Moonblast
- Thunder Wave
- Soft-Boiled

SR is very useful to achieve some KOs generally not available with Scarf Magnezone (=without Specs) and with Jolly Mega Pinsir (=not Adamant). Thunder Wave support is really helpful to run an Adamant nature on Pinsir, which sits on a strange Spe tier. Softboiled + Moonblast and a nice typing provide some staying power on the table.
It doesn't stack additional weaknesses with the core.

P.S. It is worth mentioning that Magneton can be a particularly good option over Magnezone due to its extra 10 Speed to outspeed and check Pokemon such as Weavile, Tornadus-T, and Talonflame.


Partner
: Politoed

Politoed @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Toxic
- Encore
- Rest

I list Politoed (plus Kingdra as a Rain attacker) as a partner only because Mega Pinsir gets rid of Grass and Steels types that troubles Rain teams. In addition to this, Politoed may threaten physical attackers with Scald's burn chance. Ok, the "nonbo" between Rain and HP Fire exists, but CC from Pinsir is enough to kill Ferrothorn.
 
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Infernal

Banned deucer.
Top partners for the round:

Landorus-T
by bludz - Lando-T helps the core in numerous ways. With Intimidate and good bulk, it's capable of checking troublesome threats like Talon and Exca. It's also able to provide SR to wear down Mega Pinsir checks like Rotom-W and place Pokemon like Slowbro in range to be killed by a +2 Return (86 - 101.2%). Lastly, Lando-T can U-turn on common switch ins like Skarm to bring in Zone and eliminate one of Mega Pinsir's major obstacles. Because Skarm often runs Shed Shell, it's worth considering a more offensive Lando-T with SD + Knock Off like daddy's kisses mentioned here. This sacrifices defensive utility for more offensive power to wear down Mega Pinsir checks like Rotom-W and others more efficiently.

Latias
by Camilas - Provides hazard removal, which is important to have on teams with Mega Pinsir. It's also able to check Pokemon like Mega Manec for the core, all while providing Healing Wish to potentially give Mega Pinsir a second chance to sweep. Overall, Latias contributes a good amount of support and brings a fair number of useful resistances to the table too.

Rotom-W
by HailFall - Another useful glue to help the core patch up issues like Exca. The fire and flying resistances in particular are very nice to give the core ways to handle Talon, Tran, and Torn-T better. Rotom-W can also draw in threats like Mega Venu and Amoonguss, which Mega Pinsir takes advantage of excellently.

New core:

Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 76 Atk / 180 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Hurricane
- Superpower
- U-Turn
- Knock Off / Taunt

Manectric-Mega @ Manectite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Flamethrower
- Hidden Power Ice

Torn-T does a good job threatening the things Mega Manec tends to draw in, examples being Mega Venu, Amoonguss, and Tar. After Torn-T comes in on these Pokemon it's able to pressure them heavily or continue to generate momentum with U-turn. Torn-T also helps wear down Mega Manec checks like Clefable by preventing healing/removing Leftovers depending on your final move. In return, Mega Manec helps Torn-T by checking annoying threats like Thund-I, Weavile, and Talon. One cool thing with this core is how both partners do a nice job threatening the playstyles the other struggles with. For example, Mega Manec isn't great versus fatter builds with Pokemon like Hippo, Chansey, and Quag. Torn-T pressure these builds nicely, while Mega Manec covers more offensive ones with threats like Weavile and Thund-I as mentioned earlier. All in all these two cover each other well and provide a team with two speedy threats capable of wonderfully generating momentum/applying pressure on various archetypes.

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please do not reserve more than two threats or partners when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute.
 
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Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
is a Smogon Discord Contributoris a Forum Moderator Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Threat

Bisharp @ Life Orb
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe OR 204 Atk / 52 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Sucker Punch
- Knock Off
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance / Pursuit

Bisharp gives this core a huge headache because it gets a boost off of Manectric's Intimidate--allowing it to OHKO it with Sucker Punch if it gets mega'd against while also preventing it from coming out to RK Bisharp, and it chunks Torny-T for a crisp 74.5-86.6%--i.e. an OHKO with Rocks up. It can't switch directly in, however.

Partners


Landorus-Therian @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 8 SpD / 8 Spe
Impish Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stone Edge / Toxic

Lando-T fits in nicely with this core for a handful of reasons. First and foremost, it walls Lopunny outside of Ice Punch (which still does disappointing damage), and it also alleviates the pressure that Talonflame puts onto Manectric, providing a sturdier switch-in to it who can punish it if it Flare Blitzes with its Helmet while also being a much more troublesome 'mon to Brave Bird into due to said item. Secondly, it is another U-turn user, allowing for a little more variation in the VoltTurn vortex and allowing you to deal with whatever switching they choose to use that much more consistently while also giving Torny more chances to safely recover with Regen. It puts nice pressure onto physical attackers alongside Manectric by creating an Intimidate core with it, and it can potentially bait out Hippo with Toxic and put it on a timer, hurting it's ability to hard wall Manectric. Finally, it takes on Ground-types who give Manectric a headache with more ease and consistency than Torny does. In exchange, both of these 'mons are able to beat out stuff which gives Lando-T trouble such as Ferrothorn and a plethora of Water-types--most notably Keldeo and Starmie. In addition, Manectric can beat out Weavile's speed tier for Lando-T, which helps it out nicely.


Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure / Pickpocket
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
(IVs: 29 HP (LO only))
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Iron Tail

We all know how solid of a core ManVile is; it's a STAB BoltBeam core that does a really nice job of dealing with one-another's stops. In addition to this, Weavile makes for a good partner with Torny, who deals with Keldeo rather nicely. Iron Tail Weavile in particular is useful alongside Iron Tailless Torny-T because it baits out and KO Mega Diancie, who is usually able to force Weavile out and deal heavy damage to whatever comes in, after KOing something.
 
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Threat


Mamoswine @ Life Orb
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Superpower

Mamo supposedly isn't that great in this meta, but it OHKOs M-Manectric with EQ and has Thick Fat to take less damage from Flamethrower. Adamant LO Ice Shard OHKOs Torn-T after Stealth Rock as well, though Torn-T is likely just going to switch out, but it still threatens both of them nonetheless.
 
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Threat

Excadrill @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Swords Dance

Sand Rush Excadrill clean these two up rather easily, since it outruns and can potentially KO both Manectric and Tornadus with Earthquake and Rock Slide respectively.

Threat

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
- Moonblast
- Thunder Wave
- Soft-boiled
- Calm Mind

Clefable can potentially wall both Manetric and Tornadus with ease, with Tornadus being a more shaky answer even with Taunt in it's arsenal. However, Mega Manectric is pure fodder and fails to do anything noticeable.

Partner

Breloom @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Force Palm / Focus Punch
- Mach Punch
- Bullet Seed
- Spore

While not a direct switch-in to Excadrill, it pressures Sand cores a lot due to it's access to powerful STAB and priority in Mach Punch. It also applies a bit more pressure on the opposing team with Spore and potentially Focus Punch to soften up defensive backbones.

Partner

Nidoking @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Ice Beam
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
- Flamethrower

Nidoking is an excellent partner for this core since it holds the title as one of the best offensive counters to Clefable and it offers itself as a cool balance breaker that helps cover the flaw of not being able to do much against bulkier teams that the core inherently has, while usually excelling against mainly offense.
 
Threat

Latias @ Latiasite
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 68 Def / 192 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Roost
- Calm Mind

Mega Latias in general has been a lot more popular as of recently, and it's not hard to see why. Calm Mind Mega Latias completely shuts down this core thanks to its high defenses and typing, especially once it gets a boost up against Mega Manectric, which isn't hard to accomplish off of a free switch or a switch in to Thunderbolt or Flamethrower. After a boost, nether member can break through without some lucky crits or confusion hax. Any damage it might have taken is easily Roosted off afterwards, and Mega Latias can whittle down at the core with Thunderbolt and Ice Beam.

252 SpA Mega Manectric Hidden Power Ice vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Mega Latias: 96-114 (26.4 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
180 SpA Life Orb Tornadus-T Hurricane vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Mega Latias: 138-164 (38 - 45.1%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Partner

Scizor @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Pursuit

Banded Scizor is quite underrated and is actually a pretty solid pick in the metagame and for this core in particular. It easily defeats Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Diancie and Ice-types such as Weavile and Mamoswine thanks to powerful priority in Bullet Punch. It also has access U-turn, adding even more to the Volt-Turn nature of the core (and can defeat said Mega Latias), giving more opportunities to gain momentum. Superpower also lures and breaks down Heatran, a small detail which can really help in the long run since Heatran can normally defeat Mega Manectric easily.
 

Ampharos-Mega @ Ampharosite
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 248 HP / 20 SpA / 232 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dragon Pulse
- Volt Switch
- Sleep Talk
- Rest

threat | mega ampharos is capable of countering both tornadus-t and mega manectric. it hard walls both, and it's easily capable of killing tornadus-t with volt switch (this doesn't really matter though because nobody is gonna stay in with torn-t on mega ampharos). since it does a good job at forcing both mane and torn out, amphy can gain momentum with volt switch, heal up with rest, or get some damage off with dragon pulse. amphy's ability to gain momentum off these two (mainly with volt switch) means it doesn't just check them in a vacuum, but it also has the ability to actually provide some pressure rather than just allowing your opponent to click volt switch / u-turn to bring in a threat to it.
 
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bludz

a waffle is like a pancake with a syrup trap
is a Community Leader Alumnusis a Community Contributor Alumnusis a Tiering Contributor Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Threat:

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 112 Def / 144 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Curse
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover

So uh yeah a SpD Gastrodon is a pretty big issue for this core. Manectric is totally walled by any variant and Torn-T even with a Life Orb struggles to break it:

180 SpA Life Orb Tornadus-T Hurricane vs. 252 HP / 144+ SpD Gastrodon: 179-212 (42 - 49.7%) -- 26.6% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

This is a much lower chance when you consider accuracy.


Partner:

Crawdaunt @ Life Orb
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Crabhammer
- Knock Off
- Aqua Jet

This Volt-Turn core is pretty strong against offense but has some issues against Stall teams and certain balance squads with mons like Clefable and Hippowdon which can be troublesome. Crawdaunt actually crushes fat stuff so hard and also provides some priority which is clutch against stuff like Excadrill. Knock Off helps to wear down mons which would better check Manectric and Torn-T, while those both check Keldeo and Azumarill decently to patch up Crawdaunt's weaknesses.
 
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Threat: Kyurem-B


Kyurem-Black @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Teravolt
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Outrage
- Fusion Bolt
- Dragon Claw

With a Choice Scarf, Kyurem-B outspeeds both Pokemon and can heavily damage (or OHKO) them with Outrage or Fusion Bolt after Stealth Rock. It also doesn't take much damage against the core except Superpower by Torn-T. The standard LO set is also pretty threatening if Torn-T doesn't carry Superpower.

Partner: Clefable


Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Calm Nature
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Thunder Wave

Even though Clefable is Excadrill bait, it also helps against Mega Latias and Kyurem-B which is a major thorn for this team. Clefable also benefits from having Heatran worn down by Mega Manectric / Torn-T and provides a cushion to take Mega Sceptile, Mega Aero and Kyurem-B attacks.
 
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Threat: Dragalge

Dragalge @ Assault Vest
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SpAtk / 4 SpDef
Modest Nature
-Draco Meteor
-Dragon Pulse
-Sludge Wave
-Focus Blast

Assault Vest Dragalge checks this core easily. It takes any hit from the core (including Mane's HP Ice and Torn's Hurricane / Knock Off) and cannot be 2HKO'd by anything. In return, it OHKO's both members of the core with Draco Meteor. The worst thing that this core can do to Dragalge is Knock Off it's AV, but otherwise it just dies.

Partner: Azumarill

Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 168 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpDef / 84 Spe
Adamant Nature
-Aqua Jet
-Waterfall
-Play Rough
-Knock Off

Azumarill handles threats like Bisharp, Excadrill, and Mamoswine well, hitting them hard with it's STABs. However, it is not guaranteed to kill, but the chip damage from Manectric and Tornadus's Volt-Turn will guarantee Azumarill's OHKO's.
While Azumarill and Torn share an electric weakness, an un-mega'd Manectric can deter electric attacks with the threat of Lightningrod. Not a common situation, but it functions.
 

Infernal

Banned deucer.
Winners:

Azumarill by Monkey Smurf ~ Exca is a big issue for the core. From my experience, Zard-X can also end up really threatening for the teams with this core. Azu helps with both of these issues by serving as a nice check to Exca, Zard-X, and other threats like Weav. Aside from this, Azu fits the offensive nature of the core well, taking advantage of the free switch in opportunities the core provides to come in and punch holes with its powerful STAB combo. Azu is a good candidate to threaten the bulky grounds Mega Manec has issues with, and appreciates having its problems with Pokemon like Amoonguss and Mega Sciz covered by the core.

Breloom by -Magic- ~ Another big issue for the core is SD Bisharp. Loom provides a nice offensive check to Bisharp while also helping versus other threats like Exca thanks to Mach Punch. Another large contribution by Breloom is its ability to threaten Gastro, who shuts the core down entirely. It's also able to threaten other grounds like Hippo and Quag to help Mega Manec, and appreciates having its problems with Pokemon like Mega Venu covered by Torn-T. Loom works well offensively with the core overall and maintains the heavy pressure Torn-T + Mega Manec can apply on teams.

Scizor by Recreant ~ For the final top partner, I looked for something able to help the core deal with some other notable issues, such as: Kyu-B, Clef, Mega Latias, and Mamo. Sciz checks all of these threats well and adds another U-turner to keep the core's momentum up. Being able to check other Pokemon like Weavile and Mega Diancie is also useful given Torn-T's vulnerability to them.

There's a few people really close to entering the Hall of Fame, let's see if they do after we're done with this new core:

Charizard @ Charizardite X
Ability: Tough Claws
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Flare Blitz
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake

Starmie @ Life Orb
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Hydro Pump
- Psychic / Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam / Hidden Power Fire

Offensive core centered around supporting a Zard-X sweep by using LO Starmie to remove SR and apply a great deal of offensive pressure on setters like Lando-T, Chomp, Tran, and Hippo (all of which can annoy Zard-X in one way or another). Given the highly offensive nature of this core, EQ is the final move of choice on Zard-X to eliminate common checks like Tran and Tar in one go and keep tempo on your side. This aside, Zard-X is also able to take advantage of Starmie's vulnerability to being trapped. For example, after something like a choice locked Tar traps Starmie, Zard-X can come in, DD up, and potentially sweep afterwards. Although Zard-X is able to threaten Pokemon like Ferro, I still decided to slash HP Fire on Starmie. This is because Starmie's main role above all is to remove rocks, and having HP Fire to threaten SR Ferro helps you accomplish this goal and aid Zard-X more. Simple and effective core overall.

You may now begin discussing threats and partners. Make sure to specify whether the Pokemon you mention is a threat or a partner. This will run for 4 or 5 days depending on activity. As discussed HERE, please do not reserve more than two threats or partners when posting. This is to keep things fair and equal for every person looking to contribute.
 
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Threat: Scarf Landorus-T

landorus-therian.gif

Landorus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- U-turn

Pretty obvious huge annoyance to the two, as 1v1s vs. either member turn out unfavorable for both Starmie and Zard-X. While it cannot switch into Starmie virtually at all, U-turn is a free 74.1 - 87.2% on Starmie, and should it switch out, the scarf-Lando team gains free momentum. Vs. Zard-X, Lando drops its attack a stage and can scare it out with its STAB EQs relatively easily. Obviously Scarf-Lando isn't a complete stop to Zard-X sweeps like something like full HP Azumarill or healthy T-Wave Slowbro, but it can certainly be a frustration given enough room.

Partner: CB Dragonite

dragonite.gif

Dragonite @ Choice Band
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Outrage
- Thunder Punch
- Earthquake
- Extreme Speed

Zard-X requires proper wallbreaking support to break through its checks just like any other sweeper, and there are few things that lure in Zard-X answers as effectively as Dragonite. The pair of dragons both despise Azumarill, Lando-T, Slowbro, Hippowdon, and a handful of others things, all of which are susceptible to being broken by the combined pressure the two exert. This DNite runs T-Punch to help deal with Azu switchins, which it would otherwise struggle to smack effectively without resorting to relatively weak EQs and ESpeeds, as well as remove Skarm should it opt to switch in. Dragonite can also soft-check Talonflame and other priority users that threaten Zard-X sweeps which helps greatly. It's also worth noting that Dragonite benefits from Starmie's spinning abilities, allowing it to abuse Multiscale.
 
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