Core Analysis Workshop (Week 11: Mega Gallade + Tapu Lele)

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| Teams rely on offensive and defensive synergy to function. Cores of Pokemon are units within said teams that are built specifically to take advantage of these synergies between Pokemon. Thus, nearly all teams are built around such cores. The premise of this thread is to analyze cores by discussing threats to them and potential partners. Hopefully this exercise helps you strengthen your teambuilding skills.

| System

Two Pokemon Cores
  • This iteration of the thread will mainly focus on two Pokemon cores. They are much less restricting than three Pokemon cores, so the amount of threats and partners are increased.
  • For 5 days, posters will have the chance to post threats and/or partners to the selected core. For example, Volcarona is a threat to the core of Mega Scizor + Tapu Koko as neither of the partners have ways to deal with a boosted Volcarona, so Choice Scarf Garchomp is a good partner with the core to help deal with Volcarona and other underlying issues. Refer to the example post below.
  • You are able to reserve either 1 partner and 1 threat or 2 partners or 2 threats.
  • When the five days are up, I will choose the top 3 partners and threats and put them into the Core Archive. I will explain why they were chosen. This is a subjective procedure. As such, other players will be consulted for opinions, unless they made nominations in the thread themselves.
| Rules
  • Please follow up your reservations in a timely fashion, preferably within 12 hours. If you don't finish your reservation in a timely manner, I will allow someone else to take the Pokémon you reserved. Do not make a habit out of not following up on your reservations.
  • Please post Pokemon that are viable in OU. This means they should be listed on the OU Viability Rankings thread. However, I will be rather lenient with some nominations as long as the poster offers a knowledgeable explanation of why the unranked Pokemon is a threat or good partner to the core. This does not mean you should posting Pokemon that are completely unviable such as Flygon and Tsareena. I don't want to discourage posters, but please refrain from doing that.
  • Each poster may only nominate one partner to a core and two threats to the core, preferably threats your selected partner handles. If you see activity is low and you have more threats and/or partners in mind, feel free to post them.
  • When posting, please explain whether the Pokemon you are mentioning is a threat, partner, or possibly both. This helps with keeping the thread organized.
  • When posting either a threat or a partner, explain why. Calculations aren't necessary, but please list more reasons than simple type synergy. You don't have to write an essay, but be descriptive enough so other posters and I can understand the reasoning behind your nomination. Furthermore, please list a full set of the Pokémon including its item, full moveset, EV spread, and nature.
  • When nominating partners, please post one moveset and EV spread. Refrain from using too many slashes because this should be treated as a teambuilding exercise. This can't be avoided every time, so I will exercise some leniency with this rule!
  • Please be respectful to others!

| What Is A Threat or Partner?
  • A threat to the core must check or counter at least one member and cannot be countered by the other. A threat does not necessarily need to be able to switch into both members of the core, but it should be difficult/annoying to switch into for the members of the core. Of course, the biggest threats counter both members.
  • A partner is able to adequately deal with the the threats to the core. This does not mean the partner has to be a guaranteed switch-in to the threat, but they should be able to defeat it in nearly every situation.
  • When nominating partners, you are also allowed to make suggested changes to the current sets of the members of the core.
Core in Question:
+

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

Tapu Koko @ Magnet
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- U-turn
- Taunt
- Hidden Power [Ice] / Nature's Madness

Mega Metagross + Tapu Koko is a tried and true core in which Tapu Koko provides pivoting with it's access to U-turn and drawing in Pokemon such as Ferrothorn, AV Tangrowth, Amoonguss, and Mega Venusaur, all of which Mega Metagross takes advantage of due to it's impressive power and coverage. Tapu Koko could also provide means of alleviating the stall matchup with Taunt and Nature's Madness which Mega Metagross appreciates.

Threat: Ash-Greninja

Greninja @ Choice Specs
Ability: Battle Bond
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Dark Pulse
- Water Shuriken
- Ice Beam

Ash-Greninja is a threat to the core because it's high speed tier puts it above both Mega Metagross and Tapu Koko as well as being able to threaten them with its powerful Dark Pulses and Hydro Pumps. It has to be wary though as it is not able to safely switch into neither members of the core without being severely weakened or outright OHKO'ed.

Partner: Keldeo

Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Secret Sword
- Stone Edge
- Hydro Pump / Surf
- Icy Wind

Choice Scarf Keldeo is a good partner for this core as it is able to revenge kill a wide variety of threats can't be handled once transformed / boosted such as the aforementioned Ash-Greninja, Volcarona, DD Zygarde, and Mega Sharpedo. It's also a decent switch-in to Ash-Greninja but Hydro Pump flat out 2HKOes it'd be best to pack a second way of dealing with Ash-Greninja besides it for extra insurance.
 
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Week 1: Agility Metagross + Spikes Greninja

Metagross @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch / Thunder Punch
- Agility

Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Ice Beam
- Gunk Shot
- Spikes

Our first week consists of two top titans of the current OU metgame: Mega Metagross and Greninja. Mega Metagross is utilizing an efficient Agility set which transforms it into a deadly late-game cleaner. Meteor Mash is powerful STAB and Earthquake is necessary coverage for Steel-types such as Jirachi, Heatran, and opposing Metagross. Due to the lack of a fourth moveslot for coverage, Metagross has the option of either Ice Punch for maximum super effective coverage as well as breaking through Landorus-T and Coil Zygarde, while Thunder Punch allows Metagross to break past Skarmory and Celesteela. Greninja is employing its excellent Spikes set which is amazing for wearing down the opposition so Metagross has an easier time cleaning up. Hidden Power Fire is primarily used as a way to beat Ferrothorn, which otherwise walls both members of the core. Ice Beam and Gunk Shot are staples that prevent Defoggers such as Zapdos, Latios, and Tapu Fini from clearing hazards.
 
Partner: Magnezone


Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]

This could realistically be any Magnezone set, but for the purpose of being an example Specs works fine here. Any way you spin it, Agility Metagross is not sweeping with Mega Scizor on the field. Additionally, Ferrothorn users are likely to scout for HP Fire on Greninja, which is a major thorn in the side of Hammer Arm-less Metagross. Magnezone nicely disposes of Mega Scizor, Ferrothorn, and Celesteela (which IMO is a huge concern because Ice Punch is typically the best final slot on Agili-'Gross). Magnezone is pretty much mandatory with Agili-'Gross if want to see a substantial margin of success.
 

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Partners

Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Stone Edge

OR

Keldeo @ Choice Specs
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Scald
- Secret Sword
- Focus Blast
While any Keldeo variant works for the role due to its ability to keep Bisharp, who otherwise can give Metagross a headache with Sucker Punch, in check (the CM+Breakneck Blitz variant can also work w/o needing to be careful of switching into KOff and losing its item, but I've not listed it 'cause its more team dependent+I'm already pushing it a bit w/ two sets on each mon), different variants are useful for acheiving different goals. Choice Scarf Keldeo is nice for its ability to keep Volcarona, who can otherwise take any one hit from Metagross and end its sweep, in check regardless of it is able to set up on any of Metagross' team. Furthermore, speed control is a general necessity on offense teams, further strengthening Keldeo's usefulness here considering those are the types of teams this core will be ued on. Choice Specs, on the other hand, is excellent at wearing down bulky Pokemon to make way for a Metagross sweep later on in the match, with Focus Blast being chosen for its ability to blast through Rotom-W and Tangrowth (which otherwise pose as headaches in the context of a Metagross sweep) without any issues. Both sets have generally nice offensive synergy with Greninja too, stacking coverage with Hydro Pump variants to help overwhelm shared checks whilst just generally overloading stuff like Amoonguss/Mega Venusaur for such variants (also nice for Metagross considering it lacks Zen Headbutt) and, if Greninja carries the listed set, giving a way of circumventing Heatran which doesn't involve saccing something to go into Metagross safely--which is huge considering just how threatening the former is to so many teams atm.


Landorus-Therian @ Rockium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant / Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Swords Dance
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

OR

Landorus-T @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 216 Def / 24 SpD / 16 Spe
Impish Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- U-turn
Landorus-T shares checks with Mega Metagross (Skarmory, Celesteela, Rotom-W, Tangrowth, opposing Landorus-T etc.), being able to eliminate all of these with a well-timed Continental Crush whereas defensive variants can help keep them in check with Hidden Power Ice. Furthermore, it provides Stealth Rock to hazard stack alongside Greninja and to help wear things down into KO range for Metagross, which is especially nice for helping with Volcarona. Beyond this, the different variants achieve different goals. The offensive set, like I said before, is nice for its ability to break through a large number of shared checks for Metagross whilst also just generally being nice for dealing a lot of damage to bulkier teams which give Agiligross a headache. Physically defensive variants, on the other hand, provide generally useful utility to offense as a pivot that can blanket physical attackers, and it also provides a slow U-turn that Greninja can use to get onto the field safely.
 
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bludz

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Threat:

Volcarona @ Firium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power Ground / Psychic

Volcarona is able to take one hit from either Mega Metagross or this variant of Greninja and set up a Quiver Dance. At that point, it proceeds to outspeed and OHKO both members of the core. Volcarona finds a decent number of setup opportunities in this metagame, so it's possible it could set up on another member of a team containing this core as well, and neither of these pokemon help to deal with it very well.

Partner:

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Extreme Speed
- Outrage
- Toxic

While Zygarde covers the aforementioned Volcarona, it also helps with a weakness to Electric-types such as Tapu Koko and Rotom-Wash, while also providing priority that helps to revenge kill faster threats that have set up or even 'mons like opposing Greninja. Metagross helps guard it against Fairy types like Tapu Lele, and Greninja's Spikes turn 3HKOs into 2HKOs for Band Zygarde
 
Threat:

Venusaur-Mega @ Venusaurite
Ability: Thick Fat
EVs: 232 HP / 180 Def / 80 SpD / 16 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 1 Atk
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Giga Drain
- Synthesis
- Sludge Bomb

Defensive MVenu blocks and OHKOs ninja (taking about 35% from ice beam), and although it has a tougher time against a metagross that might get an attack boost, it can check gross quite well and go for the 3HKO with HP Fire. The fact that neither of these is running it's psychic move is what allows MVenu to beat the core.

Partner:

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

Kyurem's natural bulk and ability teravolt allow it to deal with MVenu with no issues. Mixed wallbreaker kyub easily 2HKOs with ice beam. Kyub checks other threats to this core as well, getting another clean 2HKO on rotom-wash with earth power, and not even minding the burn that much unless it still has to break a celesteela. Kyub beats back non-moonblast Tapu Koko (the common volt-turn in one set variant), as well. Greninja's spikes help kyub get KOs, and HP Fire ninja lures ferrothorn and msciz for kyub.
 
Threat:


Toxapex @ Black Sludge
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 24 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Recover
- Toxic Spikes
- Haze


Physically Defensive Toxapex is able to counter Greninja because it lacks Extrasensory, and it can easily get up Toxic Spikes on it. Because Metagross lacks Zen Headbutt, Earthquake is the best it can do to it, which only does 50% max (252 Atk Metagross-Mega Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 232+ Def Toxapex: 128-152 (42.1 - 50%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Black Sludge recovery). Toxapex can recover up on it and potentially Scald burn it. It can also Haze away Metagross' agility, which can make it easier to revenge kill if Toxapex drops.

Partner:


Tapu Lele @ Shed Shell / Twisted Spoon
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Moonblast
- Taunt


Tapu Lele is able to reliably beat Toxapex, since Psyshock always OHKO's after rocks/one spike without Twisted Spoon, and always OHKO's with Twisted Spoon. Really any Lele set works here, but the standard stallbreaker set works best imo since Toxapex is a staple on most stall builds. Lele's ability to beat stall helps this core tremendously, since the other members of the core do nothing against stall. While Metagross doesn't have Zen Headbutt to benefit from Lele's terrain, the terrain can still benefit the core by allowing them to dodge priority moves (like CB Zygarde's ESpeed vs. Greninja and Ash Greninja's Water Shuriken vs. a weakened Metagross). Greninja scares out and damages opposing Metagross, which is Lele's most common answer. Tapu Lele's terrain also can reset Koko's terrain in a pinch, which can potentially give this core issues as well. Overall, a solid partner to this core.
 
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Threat:

Rotom-Wash @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 240 Def / 20 SpD
Bold Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp / Thunder Wave
- Pain Split / Thunder Wave

Rotom-W is a pest to this variant of Mega Metagross as it doesn't take much from any of its moves and can cripple it in return with a burn or paralysis. While Rotom-W can be worn down by repeated hits, it should be noted that Gunk Shot only 3HKOes while Volt Switch will KO back after Life Orb and Stealth Rock damage so the core will need to play more cautiously.

Partner:

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 184 Def / 72 SpD
Calm Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Flamethrower / Thunder Wave / Knock Off

Clefable gives the core a Stealth Rock user who can also Stealth Rock in front of Mega Sableye. It also reduces the weakness to Rotom-W and Weavile while also being able to pivot into Choice Scarf Garchomp and non-Banded Zygarde. The 4th move allows you to either lure a Mega Scizor or cripple stat-uppers like Volcarona with Thunder Wave. Knock Off is just there for utility if needed. It is recommended to run Extrasensory on Greninja to reduce the weakness to Toxapex though.
 
Top 3 Partners


by dk | Magnezone is a prime partner for the core as it eliminates the number #1 counter there is to Mega Metagross: Mega Scizor. Along with Mega Scizor, it also defeats Celesteela, Skarmory, as well as Ferrothorn seeing as Metagross isn't running Hammer Arm due to the counterproductive nature of it alongside Agility and they can scout for HP Fire on Greninja. Depending on the set, it also functions as a strong wallbreaker with the Choice Specs set and Assault Vest for more dedicated bulky Steel-type.

by RIDDIKULUS442 | Although this seems a bit controversial considering how good the other nominations were, Stallbreaker Tapu Lele was chosen due to it's ability to completely destroy stall which the core has little to no way of touching. It also performs well as a general threat to bulkier threats that the core can't really threaten aside from Greninja setting up Spikes. Psychic Surge is also a good perk for this core considering it prevents the duo from being revenge killed by priority such as Ash-Greninja's Water Shuriken and Mega Mawile's Sucker Punch.

by bludz | Choice Band Zygarde is a great partner for the core considering how it gives stall and balance major issues similar to Tapu Lele. Furthermore, it breaks and/or overwhelms a large share of Mega Metagross' checks such as Celesteela, Toxapex, Rotom-W, and Ferrothorn. Zygarde also packs a neat defensive typing which allows it to offensively check huge threats such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y.

Top 3 Threats

by bludz | Volcarona is an exceptional threat as the core has no way whatsoever to stop it once it has attained a boost. From there it OHKOes both Mega Metagross and Greninja with +1 Fire Blast and Giga Drain respectively. It cannot, however, setup completely free on neither of the members.

by Random Passerby | Due to the lack of Zen Headbutt, Rotom-W is a durable enough check to Mega Metagross, while Greninja lacks to necessary coverage to easily break past it. From there, it burns Mega Metagross and can hold it's own against Greninja.

by RIDDIKULUS442 | Toxapex is an exemplary threat to the core in question as it walls them both utterly due to it's outrageous defensive stats + typing and access to reliable recovery in Recover and Regenerator. It can burn Mega Metagross with Scald as well as remove it's Agility boosts with Haze, and Greninja is worn down between accrued hazard damage, Life Orb recoil, a burn / poisoning.

Don't be dismayed if your partner or threat was chosen; this is entirely a subjective process so the idea of what works best with the core may differ from player to player. Keep up contributing and you may just get lucky!

Week 2: CB Zygarde + LO Tornadus-T

(Zygod) Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Extreme Speed
- Outrage
- Toxic

Tornadus-Therian @ Life Orb
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Hurricane
- Knock Off
- U-turn
- Taunt

Our second week entails another offensive core: Choice Band Zygarde and Life Orb Tornadus-T. The premise is that Zygarde traditionally has issues with Tangrowth and it's below average speed stat leaves it susceptible to faster threats such as Latios, Gengar, Mega Medicham, and Keldeo, all of which Tornadus-T handily beats. It also tears apart defensive and stall teams alongside Zygarde with the combination of Taunt, Knock Off, and its powerful Hurricane in tandem with Zygarde's nigh unwallable STABs.
 
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Threat:


Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Spikes
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Gunk Shot


Greninja is a massive threat to this core, as it outspeeds both and proceeds to fire off a LO boosted Ice Beam. While it can't switch in on either mon whatsoever, it is able to revenge kill both with a STAB, Life Orb Ice Beam. Honestly, any Gren set is threatening (Protean or Ash), just as long it has Ice Beam. The only thing this mon has to be afraid of is if Zygarde is locked into Extreme Speed. Even then, it doesn't kill if Gren is at full health, making Gren a huge threat.

252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Extreme Speed vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Greninja: 165-195 (57.8 - 68.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Life Orb Protean Greninja Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Zygarde: 676-801 (189.3 - 224.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Life Orb Protean Greninja Ice Beam vs. 0 HP / 0- SpD Tornadus-Therian: 398-468 (133.1 - 156.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO


Partner:


Magearna @ Assault Vest
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 180 SpA / 80 SpD
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fleur Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Aura Sphere / Hidden Power Fire


AV Magearna is a great partner, since it is one of the only mons that can safely switch in on Protean Gren, and threaten it back with a Fleur Cannon or Volt Switch. Though the spread is a bit different than standard AV Mage (which is 248 HP / 252 Sp. Atk / 8 Sp. Def), this is the spread I would prefer since it is able to take 2 HP Fires from Gren 100% of the time after Rocks + 1 Layer of Spikes. The standard spread works just as well as this, this is just what I would run. Magearna also covers other threatening Pokémon like Scarf Lele, Tapu Koko, Ash Greninja (though this one is a bit iffy), Tapu Fini, and even the uncommon Weavile. Overall, a solid partner.

252 SpA Life Orb Protean Greninja Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 80 SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 120-143 (33 - 39.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock and 1 layer of Spikes

252 SpA Magnet Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 80 SpD Assault Vest Magearna in Electric Terrain: 118-141 (32.5 - 38.8%) -- 98.7% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Tapu Lele Hidden Power Fire vs. 248 HP / 80 SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 74-88 (20.3 - 24.2%) -- guaranteed 5HKO

252 Atk Life Orb Weavile Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Magearna: 86-101 (23.6 - 27.8%) -- 90% chance to 4HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 80 SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 127-150 (34.9 - 41.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (can take on Greninja pre-transformation decently)

252 SpA Choice Specs Greninja-Ash Hydro Pump vs. 248 HP / 80 SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 168-198 (46.2 - 54.5%) -- 57% chance to 2HKO (can take one hit and OHKO back, but I recommend refraining from switching in on this mon once it transforms, unless you absolutely need to)


EDIT: Added Magearna Calcs
 
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Threat:


Tapu Koko @ Life Orb
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- Hidden Power Fire
- Roost / Taunt

While Zygarde can take a hit from Tapu Koko, Tapu Koko still pressures the core by being faster than both Pokemon and can pick them off with Thunderbolt or Dazzling Gleam, respectively (LO Dazzling can OHKO Zygarde after Stealth Rock). It is not recommended to switch Tapu Koko into these Pokemon as between LO and hazards, it can be forced into Extreme Speed range (44 - 53%). Roost can help to preserve Tapu Koko's HP if you find the time to do so.

Note: AoA Koko is nice to also lure Ferrothorn if you want. Lack of U-Turn is a shame though since Sash Dugtrio can now trap it. The standard Magnet Stallbreaker set still troubles the core as HP Ice does over 60% to Zygarde.
 
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Why are threats not chosen? :c

Partner:

Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Ice Shard
- Poison Jab

Weavile lures threats to this core, primarily Tapu Koko. Steel types like Heatran that check it are taken advantage of by CB Zygarde, while Torn-T can handle things like Keldeo for it.
 
Top 3 Threats


| Greninja is an exemplary threat to this core as it's speed and vast coverage allows it to beat both core members quite handily with Ice Beam. To exacerbate issues, Spikes variants can easily get up layers by threatening out Zygarde and Tornadus-T.

| Tapu Koko is a noteworthy threat as it's speed and good enough coverage allows it to be a functional threat to both members of the core. It is a bit shakier though as Zygarde is bulky enough to tank an HP Ice and Nature's Madness variants are what's usually seen these days.

| Although it was nominated as a partner, Weavile is a huge threat to this core out of the virtue of it's Ice STAB and high Speed. With simply Icicle Crash it can easily OHKO both members of the core and exert extreme pressure through Ice Shard.

Week 3: Stealth Rock Clefable + Spikes Ferrothorn

Clefable @ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
- Moonblast
- Flamethrower / Thunder Wave
- Stealth Rock
- Soft-boiled

Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SpD
Careful Nature
- Power Whip
- Knock Off
- Spikes
- Leech Seed

This week we have a defensive hazard stacking core of Clefable and Ferrothorn. The two pose excellent defensive synergy and bring an immense amount of utility to any team they are placed on. Clefable's utilizing a Physically Defense set to better switch into Mega Medicham with Flamethrower or the possibility of Thunder Wave to cripple it's switch-ins. Ferrothorn is using it's standard Spikes set with Knock Off to further cripple enemies.
 
Threat:



Heatran @ Grassium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Solar Beam
- Earth Power
- Flash Cannon

Heatran eats this core. Magma Storm OHKOs Ferrothorn and flash cannon 2HKOs Clef. It outspeeds ferro so in a 1v1 that ferro isn't getting any hazards. Clef can rock on heatran, and it could try to meme it's way to survival with twave+softboiled, but if it has any prior dmg it's going down. Or if Heatran can switch into a flamethrower.


Partner:


Landorus-Therian (M) @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 228 HP / 48 Atk / 108 Def / 92 SpD / 24 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
- Hidden Power [Ice]

This core has trouble with opposing steels, and powerful physical attackers like mmawille and mmeta. Landot checks physical attackers, while providing a strong EQ to knock out steels like heatran, magnezone, and magearna. SpDef ferrothorn provides landot with a switch for greninja, opposing landot, and special attacks he doesn't wan't to take in general. The team is still wrecked by real special threats (char-y), so it needs some other resists to actually work but..
 
Reserving Charizard Y as a threat and Zygarde as a partner.

Threat:


Charizard-Mega-Y @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fire Blast / Flamethrower
- Roost
- Solar Beam
- Focus Blast


Charizard Y is a huge threat to this core due to it's incredible wallbreaking power thanks to a sun boosted Fire Blast/Flamethrower backed by a base 159 Special Attack. It is able to freely switch in on Ferrothorn, and obliterate it with a fire blast/flamethrower. While it cannot come in on Clef reliably thanks to the possibility of it running twave, Clef cannot come in on Zard at all. The only way this core can pressure Zard is with Rocks or a twave if they bring in Zard vs. Clef. Really any offensive Fire type threatens the core, but I chose Zard Y since my first choice, Heatran, was taken before me.

252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable in Sun: 340-402 (86.2 - 102%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable in Sun: 280-330 (71 - 83.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 252 HP / 168+ SpD Ferrothorn in Sun: 868-1024 (246.5 - 290.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 168+ SpD Ferrothorn in Sun: 712-844 (202.2 - 239.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO (did I really need to calc ferro lol)


Partner:


Zygarde @ Leftovers
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 240 HP / 204 SpD / 64 Spe
Careful Nature
- Coil
- Substitute
- Thousand Arrows
- Toxic

-----or-----

Zygarde @ Choice Band
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Extreme Speed
- Outrage
- Thousand Arrows
- Toxic / Iron Tail


Zygarde covers the glaring weakness to Charizard Y, while also covering the weakness to other offensive fire types like Heatran and non-HP Ice Volcarona. Zygarde also appreciates the hazard support Clef and Ferro offer, as they can easily wear down things for Zygarde to sweep/break (depending on the chosen set). Really any Zygarde set works, meaning anything from the two sets mentioned above, to DD/Sub-DD, to DD + Coil. I do believe, however, that Sp. Def SubCoil and Band work best with these two, as Sp. Def allows you to take on the Threats more easily while adding a potent sweeper, and Band Zygarde still checks these threats, but has the benefit of being a fearsome wallbreaker. Zygarde also appreciates Clef as a partner as it is not only able to get up rocks, but also can provide TWave support so Zygarde can outpace Pokémon it previously couldn't. If Clef chooses to run Flamethrower, it is able to pressure Tangrowth better, which is one of Zygarde's best and most common answers. Zygarde also immensely pressures the steel types this core hates, like Celesteela, Skarmory, and Ferrothorn.

252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 240 HP / 204+ SpD Zygarde in Sun: 122-144 (29.2 - 34.5%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zygarde in Sun: 164-193 (45.9 - 54%) -- 50% chance to 2HKO (Band is a bit of a shakier switch in, but it does more in return.)

0 Atk Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 118-141 (39.7 - 47.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO (Even uninvested Arrows does a lot to Zard)

252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 246-291 (82.8 - 97.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 240 HP / 204+ SpD Zygarde: 72-85 (17.2 - 20.3%) -- possible 5HKO (turns non HP-Ice Volc into setup fodder)

0 Atk Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 138-163 (44.3 - 52.4%) -- 18.4% chance to 2HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Volcarona: 288-339 (92.6 - 109%) -- 50% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Volcarona Fire Blast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zygarde: 96-114 (26.8 - 31.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO

252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 240 HP / 204+ SpD Zygarde: 63-75 (15.1 - 17.9%) -- possible 8HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Heatran Bloom Doom (190 BP) vs. 240 HP / 204+ SpD Zygarde: 161-190 (38.6 - 45.5%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery (Even Bloom Tran does 0)

0 Atk Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 372-436 (115.1 - 134.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zygarde: 85-101 (23.8 - 28.2%) -- 94.3% chance to 4HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Zygarde Thousand Arrows vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 768-904 (237.7 - 279.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO (Once again, did I really need to calc to show what a CB Arrows does to Heatran lol)

0 Atk Ferrothorn Power Whip vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Zygarde: 105-124 (25.1 - 29.7%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery (turns Ferro into Setup fodder)

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (80 BP) vs. 240 HP / 0 Def Zygarde: 75-88 (17.9 - 21.1%) -- possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery (subs and coils forever vs. this mon.)


Overall, just a really solid partner due to it being able to abuse hazards, patch up offensive fire type weakness, provide a bulky setup sweeper/breaker, and annoy opposing steel types.

EDIT: Accidentally put Adamant instead of Careful on Coil Zygarde. Fixed.
 
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Ferrothorn needs to run Chople in this core imo otherwise Metagross or anything with Fighting coverage runs through this.

Threats:

Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 92 HP / 252 Atk / 164 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Sucker Punch
- Thunder Punch
- Fire Fang

Mega Mawile poses a huge threat to the core because it outspeeds the core and 2HKOes Clefable with Play Rough or OHKO Ferrothorn with Fire Fang. Meanwhile, Flamethrower only has a 2.3% chance to 2HKO and Thunder Wave is the only thing you can do to it.



Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Taunt / Thunderbolt

Gengar can come in easily on Clefable, only fearing Thunder Wave. From there, it threatens Clefable with Sludge Wave or can fire off an unresisted Shadow Ball if it predicts a switch. Life Orb Focus Blast also shaves off up to 70% of Ferrothorn's health since the set doesn't have Chople Berry.




Greninja @ Life Orb
Ability: Protean
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Gunk Shot
- Extrasensory
- Hidden Power Fire

Greninja is a terror to balance teams and this core is no exception. Life Orb Gunk Shot does over 70% to Clefable so with just a little prior damage, Greninja can defeat it. Hidden Power Fire also allows Greninja to get past Ferrothorn.

Partner:

Tyranitar @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Stone Edge
- Crunch
- Pursuit
- Earthquake / Superpower

Tyranitar provides the core with a Fire-resist for Pokemon like Heatran and Volcarona who heavily threatens this core (be careful of Bloom Doom variants though). Tyranitar's Pursuit can heavily weaken or eliminate Pokemon such as Greninja or Mega Charizard-Y who normally switches out from it. It is also faster than Mega Mawile and can OHKO it with Earthquake, which also nails Magearna. You can run a Choice Scarf set to Pursuit trap threats easier but the loss in power is very noticeable.
 
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Askov

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UUPL Champion
Threats:




Volcarona @ Firium Z / Psychium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Giga Drain / Psychic
- Hidden Power Ground / Psychic

Volcarona can easily set-up on or kill Ferrothorn with Fire Blast, Clefable can't be used as a set-up opportunity if it packs Thunder Wave but it won't enjoy to switch into a Firium Z variant.



Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 132 HP / 252 SpA / 124 Spe
Modest Nature
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power Fire
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt

Magnezone can trap Ferrothorn and get rid of it with HP Fire and can threaten Clefable with a Specs Flash Cannon. The AV set is weaker but can take flamethrowers from Clefable easier.

Partners:



Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- Rock Slide
- Dragon Claw

Although Garchomp doesn't really enjoy hard switching on Magnezone or Volcarona, it can take one hit and kill Magnezone and Volcarona with Earthquake and Rock Slide, respectively. It also gives the core some speed control and can abuse the hazards that Clef and Ferrothorn may put on opps field.



Dugtrio @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Arena Trap
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge / Rock Slide
- Pursuit
- Memento / Toxic

Scarf Dugtrio can't switch-in directly on Volcarona or Magnezone (unless you switch on Quiver Dance on Volcarona or a Electric move on Magnezone) but if you can get it on the field by sacking something or pivotting, you are able to trap and revenge kill them thanks to Arena Trap as long as you don't let Volcarona get more than one boost.
 
Threat: Nidoking


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

Nidoking can easily get rid of Ferrothorn and Clefable simply choosing the right coverage move. Plain and simple. Nidoking has even access to Taunt, but you have to give up a coverage move.

252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 168 SpD Ferrothorn: 380-452 (107.9 - 128.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Sludge Wave vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Clefable: 432-510 (109.6 - 129.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO



Partner: Scarf Keldeo


Keldeo @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Surf
- Secret Sword
- Icy Wind
- Stone Edge

Keldeo can easily net additional kills with the aid of a Choice Scarf + hazards on the opponent's side of the battlefield.
Secret Sword is mandatory to get rid of some pink blobs; Surf is picked over Hydro Pump and Scald to have a choice between accuracy and power using only one moveslot. Icy Wind is there towards the many 4x monsers weak to it and for team support. Stone Edge is trickier, but it allows Keldeo to almost OHKO a +1 SpD Volcarona and Charizard-Y.
 
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Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
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Threats

Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Flamethrower
Celesteela takes pathetic damage from anything that either Clefable or Ferrothorn is capable of throwing at it, including Fire Blast on the off chance Clef opts for that as opposed to Flamethrower, and is able to deal very heavy damage in return to both with Heavy Slam or Flamethrower, 2HKOing both with no prior damage. It can take advantage of the switches it forces vs. them with Leech Seed to chip away at teammates and to recover some of the damage it may have taken checking these two or their teammates.


Magearna @ Steelium Z
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shift Gear
- Flash Cannon
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast / Hidden Power [Fire]

Magearna @ Assault Vest
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Fleur Cannon
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Volt Switch
Fast variants can't really switch into TWave or Flamethrower/Fire Blast (granted AV variants don't rlly give a toss about either), but it forces Clef out with the threat of Flash Cannon/Corkscrew Crash. Furthermore, both variants take fuck all from any of Ferrothorn's attacks and chunk Ferrothorn with Focus Blast or HP Fire. AV variants can take advantage of switches forced vs. Clefable to grab momentum with Volt Switch or to just net damage on something with one of its attacks, whereas Shift Gear variants can set up if the opposing team is weakened to a point where it is able to sweep.
 
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Top 3 Threats

| Mega Mawile is a huge threat to this core as it quite easily breaks through this core regardless of what set Mega Mawile is running, may it be SD or AoA. Both have the necessary tools to crush this core without much effort. SD most commonly packs Knock Off, which voids Ferrothorn as a check and nearly all AoA variants have Fire Fang to blow past it. Clefable is 2HKOed by Play Rough.

| Volcarona is another threat that fears nothing more than Thunder Wave from either member of the core. Otherwise, it quite easily frightens out Ferrothorn or outright KOes it while Clefable is roasted by boosted Fire Blasts or Inferno Overdrive. Both members give it relatively free opportunities to setup which is very deadly to allow.

| Magnezone is immune to Thunder Wave, resists Moonblast and Power Whip, and fears nothing more than Flamethrower if Clefable is using it. Knock Off is annoying but it doesn't prevent Magnezone from easily trapping Ferrothorn and removing it, while Clefable is bodied by Flash Cannon or Specs boosted Thunderbolts.

Honorable Mention | Nidoking deserves a very honorable mention as it quite easily destroys this core with it's powerful and vast coverage options, as well as being immune to Thunder Wave and fearing nothing more than Power Whip. Knock Off is annoying though.

Top 3 Partners


| Scarf Keldeo is a good partner for this core as it patches up the team's speed issues while also giving it a buffer against boosting sweepers such as Volcarona and Mega Charizard X. It's also nice for a small barrier against Greninja's threat level against the core, as well as Heatran and Mega Mawile.

| Zygarde is an excellent partner as it brings a significant amount of defensive utility, functioning as a solid check towards threats such as Heatran, Mega Charizard Y, and Volcarona as well as bringing much needed offensive pressure that the core itself sorely lacks. It also takes advantage of Spikes, making sweeping or breaking with Choice Band much easier.

| Similar to Zygarde, Garchomp functions as a solid check to Volcarona and Mega Charizard Y, but instead brings much needed speed with it's Scarf set to revenge kill the aforementioned Volcarona as well as apply pressure on faster threats like Greninja.

Week 4: Stallbreaker Tapu Lele + Calm Mind Mega Alakazam

Tapu Lele @ Shed Shell
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power Fire
- Moonblast
- Taunt

Alakazam @ Alakazite
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psyshock
- Hidden Power Fire / Focus Blast
- Shadow Ball
- Calm Mind

This week we have a Psychic Spam core with Tapu Lele and Mega Alakazam. Tapu Lele is utilizing it's Stallbreaker set as Mega Alakazam lacks a solid way to get through stall without running Dazzling Gleam and Psychic Terrain being up to break Mega Sableye and Clefable + Chansey respectively. It also sets up Psychic Terrain to protect Alakazam from priority and boost the power behind Psyshock drastically. Mega Alakazam is using a Calm Mind set which makes it very scary for offensive and balanced teams alike to face. Hidden Power Fire is an accurate option to deal solid damage to most Steel-types bar Heatran, the most prominent is Ferrothorn and Mega Scizor, both of which could play with the hands of fate and stay in on boosted Focus Blasts, predicting the miss which lets Ferrothorn setup Spikes or Mega Scizor to KO Alakazam with U-turn. Focus Blast is a fine option though as it helps with the rise of Tyranitar and hits Heatran as well as other Steel-types.
 
Reserving Alolan Muk



Muk-Alola @ Assault Vest
Ability: Poison Touch
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Atk / 16 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Knock Off
- Pursuit
- Poison Jab
- Shadow Sneak

This set was directly imported from the Smogon Strategy Pokedex, but it should be noted that you can easily customize Alolan Muk to fit your needs(you could sub Shadow Sneak for Rock Slide to check Zard Y/Rona, use a Careful nature instead of Adamant, etc).

Anyways, moving on: Alolan Muk is quite frankly the premier Psychic type switch-in, as well as the hardest stop to these psychic types in particular. Alolan Muk's 105 HP and 100 SpDef stats(combined with Assault Vest) make it able to stomach Focus Blasts, Moonblasts/Dazzling Gleams, or pretty much any other coverage move that Mega Alakazam and Tapu Lele could cover relatively easily.

vs. Mega Alakazam, Alolan Muk will only really be harmed by Focus Blast. With an Adamant nature, Muk takes it as such: 252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Focus Blast vs. 252 HP / 16 SpD Muk-Alola: 161-190 (38.8 - 45.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

Once you're in, you're clicking either Knock Off or Pursuit. If you come in on anything other than Focus Blast, you're safe to click Pursuit twice and confirm the kill either way(240+ Atk Muk-Alola Pursuit(modified to 80 BP to account for switch) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 348-410 (138.6 - 163.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO). However, if you are absolutely confident the Mega Zam's staying in...

240+ Atk Muk-Alola Knock Off vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 282-332 (112.3 - 132.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
vs. Lele,
it has a stronger tool to hit you with in Moonblast, but as you can see from the calc provided, you're still able to switch in and remove it. (252 SpA Tapu Lele Moonblast vs. 252 HP / 16 SpD Muk-Alola: 153-181 (36.9 - 43.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO)

Once you're in, the mindgame is between Poison Jab and Pursuit. PJ will straight OHKO with the Adamant set, while Pursuit(if you catch it on the switch) will take roughly half its life. 240+ Atk Muk-Alola Pursuit(modified to 80 BP to account for switch) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Tapu Lele: 154-183 (54.8 - 65.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO. If need be, Muk can easily switch in again and repeat the scenario.

Alolan Muk isn't the easiest mon to fit on teams right now, but it is the hardest stop to Lele and Zam without question.


 
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Threat: Mega Metagross


Metagross-Mega @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
- Meteor Mash
- Filler
- Filler
- Filler

252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Lele: 524-620 (186.4 - 220.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Tough Claws Metagross-Mega Meteor Mash vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 292-345 (116.3 - 137.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
after eating this: 252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Shadow Ball vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Metagross-Mega: 202-238 (67.1 - 79%) -- guaranteed 2HKO​

Mega Metagross has the bulk to stomach one powerful hit from the faster (Mega) Alakazam, and then can cleanly OHKO both these Psychic types.
Remember that Mega Metagross can't take both HP Fire or Mooonblast + Shadow Ball, so you can't switch directly into Tapu Lele most of the time.


Threat: AV Magearna


Magearna @ Assault Vest
Ability: Soul-Heart
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpA / 8 SpD
Modest Nature
- Fleur Cannon
- Flash Cannon
- Volt Switch
- Aura Sphere

Magearna works really well as a counter because it can almost KO both Tapu Lele and Mega Alakazam, while stomaching 2 hits.


252+ SpA Twisted Spoon Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Magearna in Psychic Terrain: 114-135 (31.4 - 37.1%) -- 85% chance to 3HKO
252+ SpA Magearna Flash Cannon vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tapu Lele: 254-302 (90.3 - 107.4%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO

252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Focus Blast vs. 248 HP / 8 SpD Assault Vest Magearna: 96-114 (26.4 - 31.4%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
252+ SpA Magearna Fleur Cannon vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Alakazam-Mega: 223-264 (88.8 - 105.1%) -- 31.3% chance to OHKO
 
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Martin

A monoid in the category of endofunctors
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Threats
Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe
Calm Nature
- Iron Head
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Healing Wish

Jirachi @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 248 HP / 204 SpD / 56 Spe
Calm Nature
- Iron Head
- Wish
- Protect
- U-turn
Jirachi takes jack all from anything barring Shadow Ball from Zam (doesn't 2HKO from full w/o a CM under its belt) and is capable of either setting up SR in their face or grabbing momentum with U-turn or dealing a decent amount of damage with Iron Head or whatever. It's decent at keeping the core in check, although its lack of recovery beyond Wish means it can be overwhelmed if you aren't careful with how you play it.

Gengar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Trick / Thunderbolt
ScarfGar can't switch directly into either, but it outruns and OHKOs both of these Pokemon with Shadow Ball. While ScarfGar is weak by virtue of holding Scarf as opposed to a power-boosting item, it has a solid matchup vs. the offensive teams that you would use this core on due to the fact that there isn't much in the way of Ghost-type resists in the tier and given that it is faster than most scarfers, and it also appreciates opposing Lele's Psychic Terrain due to its ability to protect it from stuff like Water Shuriken, BP etc. when cleaning up.

Partners

Magnezone @ Assault Vest
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 144 HP / 188 SpA / 176 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]

Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest / Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch
- Flash Cannon
- Hidden Power [Fire]
Magnezone does a good job of trapping and eliminating stuff like Celesteela, Bronzong, and opposing, unfavorably-locked Magnezone (as well as other Steel-types) for the core, which is useful because it means that they can't come in to sponge these Pokemon's STABs; it also reduces Alakazam's reliance on the shaky Focus Blast whilst meaning that these two Pokemon in particular are not pressured into eliminating said Steel-types un-supported. In addition to this, Magnezone provides a few other useful benefits to the core. It provides a slow Volt Switch, which is useful for pivoting around and getting these Pokemon in safely. Furthermore, Magnezone appreciates these two's ability to tackle troublesome Fighting-types like Mega Medicham for it, as well as the matchups versus fast Pokemon and stall teams, respectively, which give Magnezone a headache, and in exchange it just offers up its solid natural bulk and set of resistances to allow for flexible gameplay.

Weavile @ Life Orb
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Knock Off
- Icicle Crash
- Pursuit
- Ice Shard
Weavile fits nicely onto offensive teams such as the ones that you would utilise this core on, and it is beneficial to the core not only for its ability to threaten bulky Psychic-types in general with Pursuit, but also for its ability to trap and eliminate stuff like Gengar which can give the core (as well as offense as a whole) a headache. Beyond this, its naturally high Speed stat means that Psychic Terrain isn't completely detrimental to it even if it does cut off the option of Ice Shard for a few turns, and said terrain isn't active it is able to give ScarfChomp and +1 Zygarde a headache too, which would otherwise be capable of outrunning Zam and dealing heavy damage to it if not kept in check, as well as shutting down DD Lando-T after SR+very minimal prior damage.
 
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Reserving Celesteela as a threat and Heatran as a partner.

Threat:


Celesteela @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Leech Seed
- Protect
- Flamethrower

-----or-----

Celesteela @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Autotomize
- Air Slash
- Fire Blast
- Giga Drain


Both of Celesteela's viable sets are major threats to this core. Sp. Def Steela can take hits from both members and either kill with a Heavy Slam or recover the damage back with leech seed. Autotomize Steela can set up on both Lele and Zam, and proceed to kill them w/ a Z-Air Slash after some chip damage. Both sets of Celesteela take very little from either member, making them huge threats.

252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Hidden Power Fire vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Celesteela: 118-140 (29.6 - 35.1%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Alakazam-Mega: 184-217 (73.3 - 86.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Psyshock vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Celesteela in Psychic Terrain: 105-123 (26.3 - 30.9%) -- 10.9% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery (does more than hp fire/focus blast)

0 Atk Celesteela Heavy Slam (120 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Lele: 330-390 (117.4 - 138.7%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Tapu Lele Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 144-170 (42.9 - 50.7%) -- 2.3% chance to 2HKO (does more than psyshock to this set)

252+ SpA Celesteela Supersonic Skystrike (140 BP) vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tapu Lele: 195-229 (69.3 - 81.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (needs some chip to kill)

252 SpA Alakazam-Mega Hidden Power Fire vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Celesteela: 164-194 (48.9 - 57.9%) -- 96.1% chance to 2HKO (has a hard time switching in, but can set up if it gets in for free)

252+ SpA Celesteela Supersonic Skystrike (140 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Alakazam-Mega: 211-249 (84 - 99.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO (needs very little chip to kill)


Partner:


Heatran @ Grassium Z / Shed Shell
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Magma Storm
- Will-O-Wisp
- Earth Power
- Solar Beam / Stealth Rock / Taunt
(run rocks/taunt if you run shed shell)

-----or-----

Heatran @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Lava Plume
- Stealth Rock
- Earth Power / Taunt
- Will-O-Wisp


Both Heatran sets work really well with core. Offensive Heatran is able to muscle through and check the steel types this core hates, specifically Celesteela, Magearna, Magnezone, Mawile, etc. Heatran takes on all Celesteela sets bar EQ offensive variants. Offensive Tran also doubles down on bulkier teams with Lele thanks to Magma Storm and the possibility of running Taunt. Defensive Tran is able to check the same things, but it sacrifices damage output for overall bulk. I kept wisp as a constant on both sets so you can easily avoid Mawile sucker punch mindgames. Which set you run depends on your team. If you struggle with bulky waters, run Grassium. If not, I'd recommend shed shell so you can escape Duggy. If your team appreciates bulk, run the bulky variant. Heatran overall covers a lot of weaknesses the core has. Heatran also has the added benefit of covering non-HP Ground Volcarona, which can be problematic if it sets up.
 
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