Hello everyone! I'm relatively new to Pokemon Showdown and competitive pokemon in general, having been playing for a bit over two months now. I played casual Wi-Fi battles back in the cartridge days for gen 4 and very, very briefly at the beginning of gen 5. At the time of writing, the highest I've peaked on ladder is only 1450 (unfortunately I only have replays showing up to 1400), but I suspect (perhaps irrationally) that I could climb higher with enough practice and experience. I'm not a very good player, so I'm posting this in the hopes of learning more about the DPP metagame, teambuilding tips, useful knowledge for competitive pokemon, and any way to make Porygon-Z work better in DPP.
System Crash (Aerodactyl) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rock Head
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
I've toyed with a lot of different leads for this team, but none of them have felt as consistent as Aerodactyl. This team, and Porygon-Z especially, wants rocks up. It's certainly more than possible to win games without them, but pressuring the opponent to spin them away helps generate crucial momentum. Denying the opponent their own rocks is secondary, and at times even tertiary. Momentum is very important for this team so getting stealth rocks up when the opponent is expecting a taunt is a great start. Against potential focus sash leads I will almost always break their sash before setting rocks up. The biggest exception to this will be Skarmory leads which deserve a taunt. Azelf is another exception where I usually set rocks up before breaking sash (if it bothers to stay in). Preserving Aerodactyl can be beneficial in various matchups, however it can be difficult to determine in the first couple turns if that will be necessary. I've found a fast taunt is valuable against several teams that can otherwise be difficult to breakthrough such as protect or substitute spam. Additionally a fast earthquake is nice to have. At the very least, switching Aerodactyl in on an expected KO allows Porygon-Z to revenge kill. I like rock slide over stone edge here for the increased accuracy and the 30% flinch chance is dirty. Out of all the pokemon on my team, Aerodactyl is the one I most often look to replace, but its combination of speed, rocks and earthquake have been difficult to replace.
Unstable Boot (Gyarados) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 40 Atk / 36 Def / 184 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Bounce
This bulky Gyarados set enables Porygon-Z to shine. This Gyarados easily absorbs physical attacks, particularly steel, fighting and u-turn very well. It's also the team's only water resist and can tank them if needed. Gyarados is a critical pokemon against the various Steel/Psychic threats in the tier. Substitute is useful for soaking up the many explosions that threaten it. While it doesn't outspeed high speed Breloom before a dragon dance, denying its spore is always very satisfying. Additionally, it provides a safety net when using bounce so as not to be completely screwed when it inevitably misses. I slotted in bounce on a whim and was rather impressed with the results. It scouts choice scarf switches like Latias or Rotom-A, threatens substitute/protect-less Breloom and celebi, the damage is generally good, and the paralysis chance can be infuriating for the opponent. The lack of earthquake is noticeable on this set, however I don't like the idea of dropping substitute or dragon dance for it. Running waterfall and earthquake doesn't seem a good idea to me. Most of the time Gyarados will be switching into a resisted move and firing back with a waterfall on whatever the opponent switches in. The chip damage is often far more helpful than threatening a dragon dance. Of course if the opportunity presents itself, a dragon dance, or especially two with the aid of substitute can clear out teams on its own.
A short note here, the listed EV spread is what is used in all the provided replays, however I've since removed 12 Def EVs to run 196 Spe EVs in order to outrun Scarf Jirachi with +2 Dragon Dance.
Reboot (Jirachi) @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SpD / 32 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Wish
- U-turn
- Protect
Specially Defensive Jirachi really holds this team together. Wish passing keeps the team healthy, especially Gyarados when rocks are up. Autopilotting wish passing has definitely cost me more than one game though. While Gyarados is the team's only water resist, Jirachi is usually the one absorbing specially offensive water moves. This Jirachi can also be a switch in for electric attacks aimed at Gyarados when scouting out potential ice moves aimed at catching Flygon. Similarly, Jirachi can be used as paralysis absorber as the lower speed is frequently beneficial to get Porygon-Z in safely against Zapdos. Against hyper offence teams Jirachi often struggles to both wish and u-turn and so becomes mainly a pivot option to get someone in safely. I've considered replacing iron head with one of the elemental punches, particularly thunder punch, but honestly iron head is too good for what it is.
UnhandledException (Porygon-Z) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 24 Def / 252 SpA / 232 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SpD / 30 Spe
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Dark Pulse
With the core of our team out of the way, let me introduce the whole reason this team exists, the star of the team, the amazing, the marvelous, the magical, Porygon-Z! Downloading Scarf Porygon-Z a SpA boost feels like a primitive version of Quiver Dance, and turns it into a monster capable of blowing holes in teams that otherwise believe themselves safe. With how many physical walls are lured in from the rest of the team, it's not difficult to give Porygon-Z its boost. Even without the boost, 404 SpA, the team's namesake, is a large number that can deal devastating super effective damage. BoltBeam and Fighting/Dark coverage allow it to pretty much everything it needs to, often super effectively. 24 Def EVs are used to give Porygon-Z a chance to survive Choice Band Tyranitar's pursuit without rocks up while not affecting intended outspeeds.
Porygon-Z's role can vary depending on the opposing team style. Against hyper offence, it can switch in to an expected dragon dance and threaten to KO any of the holy trifecta of dragon dance sweepers, arguably better than something like Scarf Lucario. Naturally, it can revenge kill any one of them as well as long as they haven't set up to +2 dragon dance. Not even wacan berry Gyarados is safe, with a 62.5% chance of being KOed after rocks. Chople berry Tyranitar can be a concern, but the team as a whole does well into TTar. It also has the speed to outrun +1 dragon dance Kingdra, but only threatens a 2HKO when rocks are up while losing to outrage.
Against more balanced teams, Porygon-Z is used to setup on physical walls and output as much damage as it can or KOing annoying mons like Zapdos, Breloom (moreso without mach punch), Starmie, Skarmory, Gliscor and more. Of course it can be used as an effective revenge killer and isn't too hard to keep healthy with wish passing.
Originally, I didn't expect for Porygon-Z to get much use against stall. I was wrong. A well timed Porygon-Z can obliterate unprepared stall teams, at least in my limited experience. I don't have much (any?) experience facing top players so it's very possible that Porygon-Z can be worked around. But at the very least against Hippowdon/Skarmory stall archetypes this Porygon-Z thrives more than I ever thought possible. It can easily switch in to both Skarmory and Hippowdon and gains a guaranteed SpA boost from download. From there, Porygon-Z's move selection is critical. Ice beam is usually the safest option, as it heavily damages Skarmory, and if chipped by a prior u-turn or waterfall, will KO. It always KOs Hippowdon. Clefable, Tyranitar and Jirachi will tank ice beam well enough, but the former two can't take hidden power fighting after a boost. Clefable notably has a high chance of being 2HKO by hidden power fighting after a boost. Thunderbolt is the best option against Jirachi which otherwise is a thorn in Porygon-Z's side, and also handles Starmie very well. Dark pulse is mainly used against ghosts or when it is unclear what pokemon the opponent will switch to, e.g. Latias/Starmie/Jirachi. I've considered running trick or hyper beam in its place but generally think dark pulse is best. With rocks up, dark pulse will KO Gengar without black sludge recovery and is favoured even with it. It also can KO Rotom-A after rocks albeit with less reliability, do so carefully as Scarf Rotom-A will outspeed. It is often better to switch Porygon-Z in on an expected trick or shadow ball and use BoltBeam instead. Correct usage (and often prediction) is crucial for Porygon-Z's and this team's success. All in all, I'm very proud of Porygon-Z's place on this team and am looking forward to y'alls thoughts (or roasts) on its inclusion despite its abysmal yet deserved reputation.
Spectre (Flygon) @ Choice Band
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 240 Atk / 88 Def / 180 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- U-turn
- Fire Punch
This Flygon set feels a bit gimmicky, but is usually able to perform its role well. I felt I needed a fast, powerful earthquake as well as another u-turn. Choice Scarf Flygon didn't have the damage I wanted, so I turned to Jolly Choice Band to do the job. Flygon's main role is to absorb electric attacks aimed at Gyarados and then u-turn into an answer (often Porygon-Z). Past that, removing a steel type or two with a stronger than expected earthquake is a blessing for Porygon-Z, especially Jirachi and Heatran which can effectively wall it. It can also finish off a weakened Suicune that otherwise is a huge threat to the team. It can bluff choice scarf easily enough, but one has to be careful when the gig is up as staying in and u-turning becomes much riskier against Starmie, Latias and friends. 88 Def EVs are a necessary sacrifice to avoid Lucario setting up and sweeping off Porygon-Z locking into the wrong move. It also helps against the priority moves, the occasional pursuit and shrugging off Tyranitar's crunch. The lower speed also lets it take opposing u-turns well. Fire punch is useful against Breloom and steel types that otherwise aren't affected by earthquake or Scizor.
Not a Lucario (Infernape) @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 64 Atk / 252 SpA / 192 Spe
Naive Nature
- Fire Blast
- Close Combat
- Mach Punch
- U-turn
Finally we have mixed Infernape. Infernape plugs the holes that Porygon-Z cannot. There are times when Porygon-Z can't be risked as a revenge killer or wallbreaker and Infernape can switch in instead. It also revenges kills Lucario very well, which is always funny given Infernape's nickname (unrelated for what it's worth). The main considerations are the Steel/Psychic types, especially Jirachi, which can give this team some trouble. I've tried to replace Life Orb with basically anything else, but it always misses out on an important range. Thankfully, wish passing can keep Infernape healthy when needed. Generally, Infernape getting off a blaze boosted fire blast is enough to break through something well enough for Porygon-Z to do the rest. Infernape frequently lures in Starmie and Latias so using u-turn into Porygon-Z is great mileage while working down to blaze activation range. Infernape makes a great final mon as it is fast and hits hard in general. This team is fairly fast, but priority is still needed at times, between mach punch and vacuum wave, I'm not sure what fits better. Vacuum Wave uses this set's higher SpA, but Mach Punch hits TTar and Empoleon harder. As an aside, I do wonder if a hasty nature would be better than naive, specifically for facing Zapdos.
Metagross is the worst offender, especially if it has ice punch and/or Gyarados is down. Thankfully not currently common, especially in the lower elo I find myself in. Agility Metagross switching into Jirachi on a wish or Porygon-Z's ice beam may as well be checkmate without a critical meteor mash miss. Whenever facing hyper offence, despite having a usually favourable matchup against it, I must keep the possibility of agility Metagross in mind as the only real answer I have for it is preventing it from switching in at full hp. If Aerodactyl is alive, in theory I could predict it switching in and taunt it, but in practice that's a pipe dream. I've considered adding thunder wave support somewhere on the team, but lum berry shuts that down entirely and once agility is up, it's almost impossible to comeback. Trading Gyarados for agility empowered explosion is a relieving trade. Non-Agility Metagross can be a pain at times (trick iron ball can be frustrating) , but is far more manageable with the fast power that this team offers.
Empoleon is only barely less dangerous than Metagross, truly. Agility and especially substitute/pataya variants should be very dangerous to this team. In the games I've played so far, I have yet to lose to one, however I'm attributing that to good luck. Because Gyarados is not running earthquake it cannot threaten it or break Empoleon's substitute. Thankfully, Empoleon does have a hard time switching in, and being the last mon standing on the enemy team isn't always advantageous if I've positioned correctly. Flygon, Infernape and even Porygon-Z to an extent can deal with an Empoleon that has yet to agility. Other variants of Empoleon are not too difficult to deal with.
To round off our agility trio, we have Zapdos. For similar reasons to the other two, Zapdos, once set up can threaten everyone on the team. Only Porygon-Z can survive a hit (from full hp) and deal heavy damage in return. Aerodactyl can help as well if it's still alive, but at the stage of the game where agility sweepers come out, has usually fainted. As an additional aid compared to the other two, Zapdos is weak to stealth rocks which helps a lot in wearing it down. But once set up, it's a major threat.
Unlike the the prior two agility sweepers, other Zapdos variants are threatening. Physically defensive Zapdos walls the whole team except for Porygon-Z and Infernape's blaze boosted fire blast. Jirachi can usually wall it, even with heat wave, and u-turn into Porygon-Z, bonus points if paralyzed and move after Zapdos. Porygon-Z using ice beam will KO Zapdos, and is heavily favoured to do so even without rocks. Only choice specs Zapdos can KO Porygon-Z from full, but Jirachi can handle it comfortably with protect. I don't think I've encountered a specially defensive Zapdos, but in theory it should be a royal pain. Porygon-Z only reliably 2HKOs after rocks or with a SpA boost already in place. Specially defensive Zapdos fairs well against the rest of team with roost comfortably healing out of KO range of everything the team can throw at it except Aerodactyl's rock slide. At least Jirachi can wall it even if it can't damage it. Lastly, substitute Zapdos is trick to remove. The options I've found to work is spamming u-turn until the sub breaks and I can get Porygon-Z in. Flygon and Infernape (and Jirachi to an extent), can juggle Zapdos' moves. Alternatively I can just send Porygon-Z in and hope for the best, but Porygon-Z's health is pretty valuable.
Somewhat in line with the agility sweepers, dragon dance Kingdra is a difficult pokemon to deal with. Jirachi can stall out outrage, but can't threaten it in return. Waterfall won't KO Porygon-Z from full, but despite outspeeding Kingdra at +1, Porygon-Z at best does just under 50% with thunderbolt or ice beam. Gyarados' bounce just invites further dragon dance usage. Since Flygon isn't scarfed, it won't outspeed. In Infernape's case, securing a KO on a bruised Kingdra with mach punch is all it can hope for. It's not unbeatable like agility metagross, but likely heavy damage will occur. Specially offensive Kingdra is reliably walled by Jirachi and can be finished off by Porygon-Z if/once rain is lifted. Since I don't have a better place to mention it, despite the team being weak to water types in general, this team seems not weak to rain dance teams as Jirachi is able to stall out rain turns effortlessly, and Aerodactyl stops them from setting it up to begin with. Porygon-Z outspeeds everything while rain is not up and inflicts heavy damage or outright KOs.
After agility Metagross, any variety of Suicune is a top tier threat to this team as it comfortably takes hits from everyone and either setup or KO in return. Jirachi can take a hit, but lets it set up calm mind for free. When Suicune switches in, Porygon-Z must be offered as a sacrifice with no other alternative that I can think of. If immediately sent in, download will reveal whatever set Suicune is running. Defensive Suicune will boost Porygon-Z's SpA and allow it to threaten it, even after a calm mind boost. For this reason Porygon-Z must be sent on the first time Suicune is shown, if Suicune has already used calm mind before Porygon-Z switches in it can no longer threaten it reliably. Offensive Suicune will boost Porygon-Z's attack, preventing it from KOing without a hydro pump miss. However the damage done using thunderbolt will enable Flygon to if not force Offensive Suicune out, KO it. Trading Porygon-Z for offensive Suicune makes me very sad, but there's nothing else I can see that would work. For better or worse, Gyarados usually forces Suicine to reveal itself early so this dreaded trade can play out early in the game.
As one of the premier threats in the DPP OU metagame this team has been equiped with as many tools as it can to check Jirachi as much as it can. With that said, it's still a Jirachi and still a threat. Careful play is usually the best way to handle it. Flygon can earthquake it, especially slower variants to excellent effect. Infernape threatens physically defensive variants and helps against choice scarf. Of all the Jirachi sets, choice scarf is the most threatening. It's strong and fast, and full of spiteful flinches. Lead choice scarf Jirachi is better than seeing in the back. Yes, there's a good chance I won't get rocks up, but as long as Aerodactyl remains alive it might still succeed at doing so. Dealing with it is difficult, Gyarados can intimidate it to neuter its damage, but does not want to get tricked. Porygon-Z can happily switch into a trick, but faints to everything else. Thankfully it can be weakened over time, and with Flygon's defense EVs and Infenapes resists can eventually be brought down. Mixed expert belt Jirachi is also a threat with its myriad coverage options, but is more easily handled by Infernape via revenge kill or outright. Porygon-Z can do respectable damage to it with it's non-ice beam coverage options provided it has a boosted SpA stat. Thunderbolt in particular does good damage and a lucky paralysis allows the rest of the team (bar Jirachi) to destroy it. This team's Jirachi is also an excellent way to scout out which set you're facing, as it doesn't mind getting body slam paralyzed.
Bronzong is so annoying for this team. It tanks pretty much everything this team has. It's immune to earthquake, threatens earthquake on Infernape, and can actually tank multiple hits from Porygon-Z. For me, the worst part about Bronzong is I can never read what set it's running. Gyarados is usually a safe switch as it can use substitute on the explosion, but then it catches me with a toxic. Trick room is also a terror as my team is fast. It is possible to stall out trick room with good switches and using protect with Jirachi. But generally dealing with Bronzong is an excercise in patience and hope that it doesn't do something too damaging before I can wear it down.
Heatran isn't so much as a threat, but more of a obstacle that is required to be removed before Porygon-Z can threaten the opposing team. The team is well equipped to deal with Heatran, but I thought I should mention it here anyway.
I hate this thing. I hate this thing so much. Similar to Jirachi, this abomination can cause havoc depending on the set its running. Figuring out what set its running can be very costly too. This team has the tools to deal with Breloom but it's so very stressful to pull off. First line of defence is Aerodactyl as it handily stops lead Breloom from doing anything except attacking. Second (and usual) line of defence is Gyarados, intimidate drops its attack, substitute can usually stop spore or leech seed and bounce threatens non-substitute and protect variants without needing prior setup. Sub/Protect variants are the most stressful, it prevents Gyarados from KOing, and also Porygon-Z from KOing while substitute is up. While not threatening as much damage thanks to wish passing Jirachi topping up leech seeded mons, removing it is still so difficult. Offensive variants using mach punch are also a pain. Porygon-Z won't be KOed outright, but it rarely wants to take 70% from any single hit. Because of that it can't safely switch in on seed bomb (or any offensive move really) and can only revenge kill. Infernape can deal with it, but doesn't appreciate the damage it will take from doing so. Flygon can also do well enough, but can't risk a spore or switch in on a damaging move. Sometimes I just want to run power herb sky attack with Aerodactyl. I hate Breloom.
Thank you all very much for your time and for reading. I had a lot of fun making this team and would love to see how much further it can go. Is this team good...? My gut says no, but maybe more experienced players can tell more on why (if it is) or tell me why I'm wrong and it's better than I thought. Regardless it's fun and I suppose that's an important metric for casual players. I'd also love to hear if anyone else has success with this team and what they did. I'd also love to hear any suggestions for pokemon/move changes, including replacing Porygon-Z. Thank you again for reading and cheers.
Porygon-Z is my favourite pokemon and thus I wanted to learn the metagame through it, regardless of it possibly being one the worst pokemon to bring. Choice Scarf Porygon-Z was my first consideration as it actually can make a pretty decent revenge killer that can hit many pokemon, including would-be checks very hard. To get the most out of my favourite mon, I tried various support options: dual screens, hazard stacking, paraspam but so far I've had the most success running a u-turn spamming bulky offence style team. The crux of this team is to generate enough momentum to switch Porygon-Z in on a pokemon it threatens and if not outright KO, chunk whatever switches in. So without further ado, here is the team:
https://pokepast.es/3780f3a7dd1d41c9
https://pokepast.es/3780f3a7dd1d41c9
System Crash (Aerodactyl) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Rock Head
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Taunt
- Rock Slide
- Earthquake
I've toyed with a lot of different leads for this team, but none of them have felt as consistent as Aerodactyl. This team, and Porygon-Z especially, wants rocks up. It's certainly more than possible to win games without them, but pressuring the opponent to spin them away helps generate crucial momentum. Denying the opponent their own rocks is secondary, and at times even tertiary. Momentum is very important for this team so getting stealth rocks up when the opponent is expecting a taunt is a great start. Against potential focus sash leads I will almost always break their sash before setting rocks up. The biggest exception to this will be Skarmory leads which deserve a taunt. Azelf is another exception where I usually set rocks up before breaking sash (if it bothers to stay in). Preserving Aerodactyl can be beneficial in various matchups, however it can be difficult to determine in the first couple turns if that will be necessary. I've found a fast taunt is valuable against several teams that can otherwise be difficult to breakthrough such as protect or substitute spam. Additionally a fast earthquake is nice to have. At the very least, switching Aerodactyl in on an expected KO allows Porygon-Z to revenge kill. I like rock slide over stone edge here for the increased accuracy and the 30% flinch chance is dirty. Out of all the pokemon on my team, Aerodactyl is the one I most often look to replace, but its combination of speed, rocks and earthquake have been difficult to replace.
Unstable Boot (Gyarados) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 40 Atk / 36 Def / 184 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Substitute
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Bounce
This bulky Gyarados set enables Porygon-Z to shine. This Gyarados easily absorbs physical attacks, particularly steel, fighting and u-turn very well. It's also the team's only water resist and can tank them if needed. Gyarados is a critical pokemon against the various Steel/Psychic threats in the tier. Substitute is useful for soaking up the many explosions that threaten it. While it doesn't outspeed high speed Breloom before a dragon dance, denying its spore is always very satisfying. Additionally, it provides a safety net when using bounce so as not to be completely screwed when it inevitably misses. I slotted in bounce on a whim and was rather impressed with the results. It scouts choice scarf switches like Latias or Rotom-A, threatens substitute/protect-less Breloom and celebi, the damage is generally good, and the paralysis chance can be infuriating for the opponent. The lack of earthquake is noticeable on this set, however I don't like the idea of dropping substitute or dragon dance for it. Running waterfall and earthquake doesn't seem a good idea to me. Most of the time Gyarados will be switching into a resisted move and firing back with a waterfall on whatever the opponent switches in. The chip damage is often far more helpful than threatening a dragon dance. Of course if the opportunity presents itself, a dragon dance, or especially two with the aid of substitute can clear out teams on its own.
A short note here, the listed EV spread is what is used in all the provided replays, however I've since removed 12 Def EVs to run 196 Spe EVs in order to outrun Scarf Jirachi with +2 Dragon Dance.
Reboot (Jirachi) @ Leftovers
Ability: Serene Grace
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 224 SpD / 32 Spe
Careful Nature
- Iron Head
- Wish
- U-turn
- Protect
Specially Defensive Jirachi really holds this team together. Wish passing keeps the team healthy, especially Gyarados when rocks are up. Autopilotting wish passing has definitely cost me more than one game though. While Gyarados is the team's only water resist, Jirachi is usually the one absorbing specially offensive water moves. This Jirachi can also be a switch in for electric attacks aimed at Gyarados when scouting out potential ice moves aimed at catching Flygon. Similarly, Jirachi can be used as paralysis absorber as the lower speed is frequently beneficial to get Porygon-Z in safely against Zapdos. Against hyper offence teams Jirachi often struggles to both wish and u-turn and so becomes mainly a pivot option to get someone in safely. I've considered replacing iron head with one of the elemental punches, particularly thunder punch, but honestly iron head is too good for what it is.
UnhandledException (Porygon-Z) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 24 Def / 252 SpA / 232 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 3 Atk / 30 Def / 30 SpA / 30 SpD / 30 Spe
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Hidden Power [Fighting]
- Dark Pulse
With the core of our team out of the way, let me introduce the whole reason this team exists, the star of the team, the amazing, the marvelous, the magical, Porygon-Z! Downloading Scarf Porygon-Z a SpA boost feels like a primitive version of Quiver Dance, and turns it into a monster capable of blowing holes in teams that otherwise believe themselves safe. With how many physical walls are lured in from the rest of the team, it's not difficult to give Porygon-Z its boost. Even without the boost, 404 SpA, the team's namesake, is a large number that can deal devastating super effective damage. BoltBeam and Fighting/Dark coverage allow it to pretty much everything it needs to, often super effectively. 24 Def EVs are used to give Porygon-Z a chance to survive Choice Band Tyranitar's pursuit without rocks up while not affecting intended outspeeds.
Porygon-Z's role can vary depending on the opposing team style. Against hyper offence, it can switch in to an expected dragon dance and threaten to KO any of the holy trifecta of dragon dance sweepers, arguably better than something like Scarf Lucario. Naturally, it can revenge kill any one of them as well as long as they haven't set up to +2 dragon dance. Not even wacan berry Gyarados is safe, with a 62.5% chance of being KOed after rocks. Chople berry Tyranitar can be a concern, but the team as a whole does well into TTar. It also has the speed to outrun +1 dragon dance Kingdra, but only threatens a 2HKO when rocks are up while losing to outrage.
Against more balanced teams, Porygon-Z is used to setup on physical walls and output as much damage as it can or KOing annoying mons like Zapdos, Breloom (moreso without mach punch), Starmie, Skarmory, Gliscor and more. Of course it can be used as an effective revenge killer and isn't too hard to keep healthy with wish passing.
Originally, I didn't expect for Porygon-Z to get much use against stall. I was wrong. A well timed Porygon-Z can obliterate unprepared stall teams, at least in my limited experience. I don't have much (any?) experience facing top players so it's very possible that Porygon-Z can be worked around. But at the very least against Hippowdon/Skarmory stall archetypes this Porygon-Z thrives more than I ever thought possible. It can easily switch in to both Skarmory and Hippowdon and gains a guaranteed SpA boost from download. From there, Porygon-Z's move selection is critical. Ice beam is usually the safest option, as it heavily damages Skarmory, and if chipped by a prior u-turn or waterfall, will KO. It always KOs Hippowdon. Clefable, Tyranitar and Jirachi will tank ice beam well enough, but the former two can't take hidden power fighting after a boost. Clefable notably has a high chance of being 2HKO by hidden power fighting after a boost. Thunderbolt is the best option against Jirachi which otherwise is a thorn in Porygon-Z's side, and also handles Starmie very well. Dark pulse is mainly used against ghosts or when it is unclear what pokemon the opponent will switch to, e.g. Latias/Starmie/Jirachi. I've considered running trick or hyper beam in its place but generally think dark pulse is best. With rocks up, dark pulse will KO Gengar without black sludge recovery and is favoured even with it. It also can KO Rotom-A after rocks albeit with less reliability, do so carefully as Scarf Rotom-A will outspeed. It is often better to switch Porygon-Z in on an expected trick or shadow ball and use BoltBeam instead. Correct usage (and often prediction) is crucial for Porygon-Z's and this team's success. All in all, I'm very proud of Porygon-Z's place on this team and am looking forward to y'alls thoughts (or roasts) on its inclusion despite its abysmal yet deserved reputation.
Spectre (Flygon) @ Choice Band
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 240 Atk / 88 Def / 180 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Outrage
- U-turn
- Fire Punch
This Flygon set feels a bit gimmicky, but is usually able to perform its role well. I felt I needed a fast, powerful earthquake as well as another u-turn. Choice Scarf Flygon didn't have the damage I wanted, so I turned to Jolly Choice Band to do the job. Flygon's main role is to absorb electric attacks aimed at Gyarados and then u-turn into an answer (often Porygon-Z). Past that, removing a steel type or two with a stronger than expected earthquake is a blessing for Porygon-Z, especially Jirachi and Heatran which can effectively wall it. It can also finish off a weakened Suicune that otherwise is a huge threat to the team. It can bluff choice scarf easily enough, but one has to be careful when the gig is up as staying in and u-turning becomes much riskier against Starmie, Latias and friends. 88 Def EVs are a necessary sacrifice to avoid Lucario setting up and sweeping off Porygon-Z locking into the wrong move. It also helps against the priority moves, the occasional pursuit and shrugging off Tyranitar's crunch. The lower speed also lets it take opposing u-turns well. Fire punch is useful against Breloom and steel types that otherwise aren't affected by earthquake or Scizor.
Not a Lucario (Infernape) @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 64 Atk / 252 SpA / 192 Spe
Naive Nature
- Fire Blast
- Close Combat
- Mach Punch
- U-turn
Finally we have mixed Infernape. Infernape plugs the holes that Porygon-Z cannot. There are times when Porygon-Z can't be risked as a revenge killer or wallbreaker and Infernape can switch in instead. It also revenges kills Lucario very well, which is always funny given Infernape's nickname (unrelated for what it's worth). The main considerations are the Steel/Psychic types, especially Jirachi, which can give this team some trouble. I've tried to replace Life Orb with basically anything else, but it always misses out on an important range. Thankfully, wish passing can keep Infernape healthy when needed. Generally, Infernape getting off a blaze boosted fire blast is enough to break through something well enough for Porygon-Z to do the rest. Infernape frequently lures in Starmie and Latias so using u-turn into Porygon-Z is great mileage while working down to blaze activation range. Infernape makes a great final mon as it is fast and hits hard in general. This team is fairly fast, but priority is still needed at times, between mach punch and vacuum wave, I'm not sure what fits better. Vacuum Wave uses this set's higher SpA, but Mach Punch hits TTar and Empoleon harder. As an aside, I do wonder if a hasty nature would be better than naive, specifically for facing Zapdos.
Threats
Agility
As a whole, this team is reasonably fast. But not agility fast. Agility sweepers when allowed to set up are very very scary for this team.Metagross is the worst offender, especially if it has ice punch and/or Gyarados is down. Thankfully not currently common, especially in the lower elo I find myself in. Agility Metagross switching into Jirachi on a wish or Porygon-Z's ice beam may as well be checkmate without a critical meteor mash miss. Whenever facing hyper offence, despite having a usually favourable matchup against it, I must keep the possibility of agility Metagross in mind as the only real answer I have for it is preventing it from switching in at full hp. If Aerodactyl is alive, in theory I could predict it switching in and taunt it, but in practice that's a pipe dream. I've considered adding thunder wave support somewhere on the team, but lum berry shuts that down entirely and once agility is up, it's almost impossible to comeback. Trading Gyarados for agility empowered explosion is a relieving trade. Non-Agility Metagross can be a pain at times (trick iron ball can be frustrating) , but is far more manageable with the fast power that this team offers.
Empoleon is only barely less dangerous than Metagross, truly. Agility and especially substitute/pataya variants should be very dangerous to this team. In the games I've played so far, I have yet to lose to one, however I'm attributing that to good luck. Because Gyarados is not running earthquake it cannot threaten it or break Empoleon's substitute. Thankfully, Empoleon does have a hard time switching in, and being the last mon standing on the enemy team isn't always advantageous if I've positioned correctly. Flygon, Infernape and even Porygon-Z to an extent can deal with an Empoleon that has yet to agility. Other variants of Empoleon are not too difficult to deal with.
To round off our agility trio, we have Zapdos. For similar reasons to the other two, Zapdos, once set up can threaten everyone on the team. Only Porygon-Z can survive a hit (from full hp) and deal heavy damage in return. Aerodactyl can help as well if it's still alive, but at the stage of the game where agility sweepers come out, has usually fainted. As an additional aid compared to the other two, Zapdos is weak to stealth rocks which helps a lot in wearing it down. But once set up, it's a major threat.
Unlike the the prior two agility sweepers, other Zapdos variants are threatening. Physically defensive Zapdos walls the whole team except for Porygon-Z and Infernape's blaze boosted fire blast. Jirachi can usually wall it, even with heat wave, and u-turn into Porygon-Z, bonus points if paralyzed and move after Zapdos. Porygon-Z using ice beam will KO Zapdos, and is heavily favoured to do so even without rocks. Only choice specs Zapdos can KO Porygon-Z from full, but Jirachi can handle it comfortably with protect. I don't think I've encountered a specially defensive Zapdos, but in theory it should be a royal pain. Porygon-Z only reliably 2HKOs after rocks or with a SpA boost already in place. Specially defensive Zapdos fairs well against the rest of team with roost comfortably healing out of KO range of everything the team can throw at it except Aerodactyl's rock slide. At least Jirachi can wall it even if it can't damage it. Lastly, substitute Zapdos is trick to remove. The options I've found to work is spamming u-turn until the sub breaks and I can get Porygon-Z in. Flygon and Infernape (and Jirachi to an extent), can juggle Zapdos' moves. Alternatively I can just send Porygon-Z in and hope for the best, but Porygon-Z's health is pretty valuable.
Water types
With only one water resist, water types can cause problems for the team as switching in is hard.Somewhat in line with the agility sweepers, dragon dance Kingdra is a difficult pokemon to deal with. Jirachi can stall out outrage, but can't threaten it in return. Waterfall won't KO Porygon-Z from full, but despite outspeeding Kingdra at +1, Porygon-Z at best does just under 50% with thunderbolt or ice beam. Gyarados' bounce just invites further dragon dance usage. Since Flygon isn't scarfed, it won't outspeed. In Infernape's case, securing a KO on a bruised Kingdra with mach punch is all it can hope for. It's not unbeatable like agility metagross, but likely heavy damage will occur. Specially offensive Kingdra is reliably walled by Jirachi and can be finished off by Porygon-Z if/once rain is lifted. Since I don't have a better place to mention it, despite the team being weak to water types in general, this team seems not weak to rain dance teams as Jirachi is able to stall out rain turns effortlessly, and Aerodactyl stops them from setting it up to begin with. Porygon-Z outspeeds everything while rain is not up and inflicts heavy damage or outright KOs.
After agility Metagross, any variety of Suicune is a top tier threat to this team as it comfortably takes hits from everyone and either setup or KO in return. Jirachi can take a hit, but lets it set up calm mind for free. When Suicune switches in, Porygon-Z must be offered as a sacrifice with no other alternative that I can think of. If immediately sent in, download will reveal whatever set Suicune is running. Defensive Suicune will boost Porygon-Z's SpA and allow it to threaten it, even after a calm mind boost. For this reason Porygon-Z must be sent on the first time Suicune is shown, if Suicune has already used calm mind before Porygon-Z switches in it can no longer threaten it reliably. Offensive Suicune will boost Porygon-Z's attack, preventing it from KOing without a hydro pump miss. However the damage done using thunderbolt will enable Flygon to if not force Offensive Suicune out, KO it. Trading Porygon-Z for offensive Suicune makes me very sad, but there's nothing else I can see that would work. For better or worse, Gyarados usually forces Suicine to reveal itself early so this dreaded trade can play out early in the game.
Other water types:
Milotic receives a notable mention here as it can wall the team very well. Haze for Gyarados, ice beam for flygon, toxic and recover stall for Porygon-Z, infuriating stuff. Jirachi can stall out surf PP, but doesn't force it to recover. Starmie and Swampert can also be a nuisance at times, but generally can be handled well. Swampert threatens much of the team with its usual moves, but just needs to get worn down to 50% and Porygon-Z will KO it. Starmie can be more annoying with its speed and coverage options, but u-turn into Porygon-Z will deal with it.Steel types:
With a few exceptions steels types aren't quite as threatening as the rest of the threats listed. Really it's just the Steel/Psychic types, Heatran and agility Empoleon. Forretress can be annoying but I wouldn't consider it a threat. With their stats, typing, abilities, coverage, and support options, these steel types can disrupt this team's flow. A large part of battling with this team is navigating the many steel types on an opposing team. The more of them that are, the more desperate I feel.As one of the premier threats in the DPP OU metagame this team has been equiped with as many tools as it can to check Jirachi as much as it can. With that said, it's still a Jirachi and still a threat. Careful play is usually the best way to handle it. Flygon can earthquake it, especially slower variants to excellent effect. Infernape threatens physically defensive variants and helps against choice scarf. Of all the Jirachi sets, choice scarf is the most threatening. It's strong and fast, and full of spiteful flinches. Lead choice scarf Jirachi is better than seeing in the back. Yes, there's a good chance I won't get rocks up, but as long as Aerodactyl remains alive it might still succeed at doing so. Dealing with it is difficult, Gyarados can intimidate it to neuter its damage, but does not want to get tricked. Porygon-Z can happily switch into a trick, but faints to everything else. Thankfully it can be weakened over time, and with Flygon's defense EVs and Infenapes resists can eventually be brought down. Mixed expert belt Jirachi is also a threat with its myriad coverage options, but is more easily handled by Infernape via revenge kill or outright. Porygon-Z can do respectable damage to it with it's non-ice beam coverage options provided it has a boosted SpA stat. Thunderbolt in particular does good damage and a lucky paralysis allows the rest of the team (bar Jirachi) to destroy it. This team's Jirachi is also an excellent way to scout out which set you're facing, as it doesn't mind getting body slam paralyzed.
Bronzong is so annoying for this team. It tanks pretty much everything this team has. It's immune to earthquake, threatens earthquake on Infernape, and can actually tank multiple hits from Porygon-Z. For me, the worst part about Bronzong is I can never read what set it's running. Gyarados is usually a safe switch as it can use substitute on the explosion, but then it catches me with a toxic. Trick room is also a terror as my team is fast. It is possible to stall out trick room with good switches and using protect with Jirachi. But generally dealing with Bronzong is an excercise in patience and hope that it doesn't do something too damaging before I can wear it down.
Heatran isn't so much as a threat, but more of a obstacle that is required to be removed before Porygon-Z can threaten the opposing team. The team is well equipped to deal with Heatran, but I thought I should mention it here anyway.
Breloom
I hate this thing. I hate this thing so much. Similar to Jirachi, this abomination can cause havoc depending on the set its running. Figuring out what set its running can be very costly too. This team has the tools to deal with Breloom but it's so very stressful to pull off. First line of defence is Aerodactyl as it handily stops lead Breloom from doing anything except attacking. Second (and usual) line of defence is Gyarados, intimidate drops its attack, substitute can usually stop spore or leech seed and bounce threatens non-substitute and protect variants without needing prior setup. Sub/Protect variants are the most stressful, it prevents Gyarados from KOing, and also Porygon-Z from KOing while substitute is up. While not threatening as much damage thanks to wish passing Jirachi topping up leech seeded mons, removing it is still so difficult. Offensive variants using mach punch are also a pain. Porygon-Z won't be KOed outright, but it rarely wants to take 70% from any single hit. Because of that it can't safely switch in on seed bomb (or any offensive move really) and can only revenge kill. Infernape can deal with it, but doesn't appreciate the damage it will take from doing so. Flygon can also do well enough, but can't risk a spore or switch in on a damaging move. Sometimes I just want to run power herb sky attack with Aerodactyl. I hate Breloom.
Replays
Here's a collection of replays around the 1400 range to give a feel for how I play and how various matchups turn out:
My highest rated win vs 1599 which is the only reason why it's included. I got rather lucky even if I feel I was in an advantegeous position.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430971954-tq2dwjy10ws6pdphghox9w91ilpjc5gpw?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430233532-fcg1mbm8cvfgl4d2uxbrurkcd6v9qh8pw
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429893986-heuf1fln2r5jkomm9khhejmon5qmbt0pw?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429157574-4xi66wt7bavftqvrul2cwka0fbtntrgpw
Loss : https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430969146?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430401627?p2
Loss : https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430391985
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430351914?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430255624?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429926711?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429582598
Not 1400, but showcasing power vs Hippowdon Stall.
My highest rated win vs 1599 which is the only reason why it's included. I got rather lucky even if I feel I was in an advantegeous position.
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430971954-tq2dwjy10ws6pdphghox9w91ilpjc5gpw?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430233532-fcg1mbm8cvfgl4d2uxbrurkcd6v9qh8pw
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429893986-heuf1fln2r5jkomm9khhejmon5qmbt0pw?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429157574-4xi66wt7bavftqvrul2cwka0fbtntrgpw
Loss : https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430969146?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430401627?p2
Loss : https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430391985
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430351914?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2430255624?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429926711?p2
https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen4ou-2429582598
Not 1400, but showcasing power vs Hippowdon Stall.
Closing Thoughts
Thank you all very much for your time and for reading. I had a lot of fun making this team and would love to see how much further it can go. Is this team good...? My gut says no, but maybe more experienced players can tell more on why (if it is) or tell me why I'm wrong and it's better than I thought. Regardless it's fun and I suppose that's an important metric for casual players. I'd also love to hear if anyone else has success with this team and what they did. I'd also love to hear any suggestions for pokemon/move changes, including replacing Porygon-Z. Thank you again for reading and cheers.Attachments
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