Dragmag with a chance of rain: An Ubers RMT
Hello Smogon, and welcome to not only my first RMT, but my first post on the forums! Fear not however, I am not a complete beginner. I've been playing competitively for a few months now, and have a decent understanding of most of the metagames. So don't be alarmed; There will be no Ambipom or Charizard in this team. With that out of the way, let's move onto the purpose of the team.
Team purpose
Having played so much NU, where Cincinno is considered bordeline broken for its offense, I wanted to try some real offense. Ubers was clearly the best tier to try this. As we know, Ubers is a tier dominated by dragons. Palkia, Rayquaza, Kyurem White, Altaria, Bagon... I may have made some of those up, but you get the idea. So it was clear that my team needed dragons, lots of dragons. Dragon is a great offensive typing because it only has one resistance, steel. And it is for this reason that dragmag is such a popular offensive strategy in OU. Magnezone resists steel and traps steel types with its ability magnet pull. After looking at the usage statistics, I saw that magnezone's usage was a measly 0.492%, 100th in the tier. People are using muthafucking Charizard more than magnezone. I thought this couldn't be right. Surely in a tier where ferrothorn and/or forretress are on 31% of all teams, dragmag would be a great strategy? So my purpose was simple; to find out whether dragmag was a viable tactic in ubers. Now, on to the team!Teambuilding Process
Well, it wouldn't be much of a dragmag team without magnezone, would it?
Next, I wanted a reliable hazard setter, which would aid immensely in netting my offensive core easier kills. Deoxys Speed was tried, but I hated that it was so frail, in comparison to most hazard setters. So I instead turned to his pissed off big brother, Deoxys Defense. Deoxys D gets access to SR, spikes, taunt and recover. And how can we forget his whopping base 160 in both defenses? Taking this into account, Deoxys D became my hazard setter and physical wall.
Ah yes, what ubers team would be complete without the almighty leviathan, Kyogre? Kyogre was not picked for the usual reasons though. When looking at its instant weather inducing ability and gargantuan base 150 special attack, as well its viability as a scarfer, people tend to forget what an outstanding special wall Kyogre is. Kyogre has a base 140 special defense stat and decent 100 HP, as well as access to moves like scald, rest, safeguard and aqua ring. Having looked at this, I fell in love with this blubbery beast. Rain would be an added bonus, with walling Kyogre's priority.
Now came the fun part: choosing my offensive core. For this, I decided to try something perhaps a little unconventional. Dragons hit hard. So hard in fact, that they don't really need boosts, given the proper support. All it takes for a dragon to rip apart your whole team is speed. That's why scarf dragons are so popular. Now if one scarf dragon can destroy your whole team, what about two? Or maybe even three? It was decided then, that my offensive core would consist of three scarf dragons.
The first of which was Palkia. Palkia is an absolute gem of a choice scarfer, with base 100 speed outspeeding most of its rival dragons. Palkia also boasts fantastic typing, giving it just one weakness. Furthermore, Palkia is one of the few pokes that can say "I switched in on offensive Kyogre and scared it out". Yea, He's/She's/Shklee's that manly.
Next up on my list of scarf dragons was Rayquaza. I chose Rayquaza because FUCKING BASE 150 IN BOTH ATTACKS WITH DRACO AND OUTRAGE AND V CREATE AND BLARGH
... I may have gotten carried away there, but seriously, Rayquaza is an animal. It is the best mixed dragon, and anyone who says otherwise will be forced to have their anus repeatedly penetrated by Rayquaza's flaming claws of doom.
The final slot was a very challenging one to fill. I tried numerous dragons, from Dragonite to Zekrom. In the end, I decided upon the somewhat forgotten ubers dragon; Garchomp. His fall from grace in ubers since DPP has been dramatic, and it's clear to see why. Chomp simply no longer has the power or bulk to seriously threaten many teams. The 5th generation brought offense on a scale never seen before, and Chomp's base 130 attack just doesn't hit as hard as it used to. So why pick the old loner then? Two reasons.
The first was that I needed something to seriously threaten Dialga, who could completely destroy my core if I wasn't careful. Chomp's STAB earthquake does the job, and while it doesn't OHKO most variants, it does more than enough for Palkia or RayRay to come in, revenge kill and sweep.
The second reason was Chomp's hilariously trollish base 102 speed. With this, Jolly Scarfchomp becomes the fastest dragon in ubers (because who the fuck runs scarf Latis?) It is my premiere revenge killer. There is nothing more satisfying than watching my opponent bring in Scarf Palkia, thinking he can destroy my core, then watch him weep as Scarfchomp OHKOs him with outrage
And so, the team was complete. But after playing a few games with it, Deoxys D was disappointing me. It's 160 defenses were not enough to salvage its horrible defensive typing. So I decided to swap Deoxys D for ferrothorn, and now the team was truly complete.
Well, it wouldn't be much of a dragmag team without magnezone, would it?
Next, I wanted a reliable hazard setter, which would aid immensely in netting my offensive core easier kills. Deoxys Speed was tried, but I hated that it was so frail, in comparison to most hazard setters. So I instead turned to his pissed off big brother, Deoxys Defense. Deoxys D gets access to SR, spikes, taunt and recover. And how can we forget his whopping base 160 in both defenses? Taking this into account, Deoxys D became my hazard setter and physical wall.
Ah yes, what ubers team would be complete without the almighty leviathan, Kyogre? Kyogre was not picked for the usual reasons though. When looking at its instant weather inducing ability and gargantuan base 150 special attack, as well its viability as a scarfer, people tend to forget what an outstanding special wall Kyogre is. Kyogre has a base 140 special defense stat and decent 100 HP, as well as access to moves like scald, rest, safeguard and aqua ring. Having looked at this, I fell in love with this blubbery beast. Rain would be an added bonus, with walling Kyogre's priority.
Now came the fun part: choosing my offensive core. For this, I decided to try something perhaps a little unconventional. Dragons hit hard. So hard in fact, that they don't really need boosts, given the proper support. All it takes for a dragon to rip apart your whole team is speed. That's why scarf dragons are so popular. Now if one scarf dragon can destroy your whole team, what about two? Or maybe even three? It was decided then, that my offensive core would consist of three scarf dragons.
The first of which was Palkia. Palkia is an absolute gem of a choice scarfer, with base 100 speed outspeeding most of its rival dragons. Palkia also boasts fantastic typing, giving it just one weakness. Furthermore, Palkia is one of the few pokes that can say "I switched in on offensive Kyogre and scared it out". Yea, He's/She's/Shklee's that manly.
Next up on my list of scarf dragons was Rayquaza. I chose Rayquaza because FUCKING BASE 150 IN BOTH ATTACKS WITH DRACO AND OUTRAGE AND V CREATE AND BLARGH
... I may have gotten carried away there, but seriously, Rayquaza is an animal. It is the best mixed dragon, and anyone who says otherwise will be forced to have their anus repeatedly penetrated by Rayquaza's flaming claws of doom.
The final slot was a very challenging one to fill. I tried numerous dragons, from Dragonite to Zekrom. In the end, I decided upon the somewhat forgotten ubers dragon; Garchomp. His fall from grace in ubers since DPP has been dramatic, and it's clear to see why. Chomp simply no longer has the power or bulk to seriously threaten many teams. The 5th generation brought offense on a scale never seen before, and Chomp's base 130 attack just doesn't hit as hard as it used to. So why pick the old loner then? Two reasons.
The first was that I needed something to seriously threaten Dialga, who could completely destroy my core if I wasn't careful. Chomp's STAB earthquake does the job, and while it doesn't OHKO most variants, it does more than enough for Palkia or RayRay to come in, revenge kill and sweep.
The second reason was Chomp's hilariously trollish base 102 speed. With this, Jolly Scarfchomp becomes the fastest dragon in ubers (because who the fuck runs scarf Latis?) It is my premiere revenge killer. There is nothing more satisfying than watching my opponent bring in Scarf Palkia, thinking he can destroy my core, then watch him weep as Scarfchomp OHKOs him with outrage
And so, the team was complete. But after playing a few games with it, Deoxys D was disappointing me. It's 160 defenses were not enough to salvage its horrible defensive typing. So I decided to swap Deoxys D for ferrothorn, and now the team was truly complete.
The completed team
Analysis of each pokemon
Magnezone @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 252 HP|252 Special attack|4 defense
Modest Nature
-Substitute
-Flash Cannon
-Charge beam
-Signal Beam
The star of the show right here. Magnezone is godly in ubers. Every time my opponent has a ferro/forry in their team and sees magnezone, I put them in a catch 22. They can't switch in willy nilly to take hits, as one misplay and they're locked in to the arena with a pissed off magnet robot thing. But if they don't switch in, they'll struggle against my core and will lack hazards (though this team doesn't care too much about them, as I'll explain later). Simply put, magnezone fucks with your head.
EVs are pretty generic, HP for bullk, Sp attack for power, 4 in defense for bonus bulk. I don't need speed, I'm naturally faster than everything I need to be. The moveset is interesting. Substitute is great, because ferro/forry cannot break my subs in one hit (unless forry runs EQ, which having seen so little of it, makes me wonder if I'm the only one that runs it.) Flash Cannon is standard STAB, also hits the Kyurem family for super effective damage. Charge Beam is my favourite move. While it starts at a low base 50 power, it has a 70% chance to increase special attack by one stage. To put that in perspective, Haxrachi only has a 60% chance of flinching you with iron head, and we all know how often that happens. Seeing as it starts off so low as well, it allows me multiple opportunities to use it on the helpless foe, making it very easy to get up to +6. Once that is done, Magnezone can do serious damage to the enemy team. Signal Beam is there as filler right now, I definitely want to change it. Unfortunately, Magnezone has a kind of sparse movepool, so it'll likely be HP of choice. I'm not sure which though, so suggestions would be appreciated.
You'll never 6-0 with Magnezone, but if you're running a ferro/forry; expect two key pokes to die.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 Hp|252 Defense|4 Attack
Impish nature
-Power Whip
-Stealth Rock
-Spikes
-Leech Seed
The bread and butter Ferrothorn set. Power Whip is more reliable STAB then Gyro Ball, which is sometimes needed to break subs/smack around Kyogre. Stealth Rock and Spikes go hand in hand, and seeing as Ferrothorn has such great typing and stats, he will always get at least one hazard up (unless I'm drunk and playing like an idiot, which is plausible.) Leech Seed is there to increase Ferro's survivability, and also aids slightly against EK Arceus, being more useful than T-Wave or Protect. If Ferro got Will-O-Wisp, bricks would be shat...
Kyogre @ Leftovers
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP|252 Special Defense|4 Defense
Calm nature
-Surf
-Rest
-Sleep Talk
-Roar
A conventional EV spread, with 4 in defense just in case it somehow helps (it does increase my chances of surviving a +2 E-speed from EK Arceus by a small percentage). Surf is there as powerful and reliable STAB. I would run Scald, but this Kyogre really likes the added power, seeing as I have no offensive investment. RestTalk is pretty standard too for bulky ogres, providing recovery and viability during sleep. My last move however, is not so standard; Roar. Roar on bulky Kyogre needs more love. It doesn't matter who you are, if you're using Calm Mind, Kyogre is waddling in to throw you out. +1 Mewtwo? GTFO. +1 Arceus? GTFO. +2 Darkrai? GTFO (or you could just surf this one, and laugh as your "defensive" Ogre OHKOs Darkrai).
Rain was more of an afterthought to be honest. It's more there to stop other weather from dominating me. I don't know how many times Kyogre summoning rain has stopped me being demolished by well thought out weather teams. I do benefit slightly from the rain, in that Kyogre's and Palkia's STAB is powered up, but as I said, it's more of an insurance policy.
Hey, I could just run Mantyke ;)
Palkia @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pressure
EVS: 252 Special Attack|252 Speed|4 HP
Timid nature
-Spacial Rend
-Thunder
-Hydro Pump
-Fire Blast
A fairly standard Scarf Palkia too, but hey, it gets shit done. Spacial Rend is preferred to Draco because I can stay in and usually net a couple of kills before dying. Thunder is for Charizard... and er, Kyogre of course. Hydro Pump is bloody powerful STAB, rain boosted Hydro Pump 2HKOs the majority of the metagame. Fire Blast is there in case Magnezone falls against Ferro/Forry, it also deals with Genesect (who we'll be seeing more of in Ubers), Sun teams, the like. Palkia is usually the first of my dragons I'll switch in, seeing as it has the best coverage and only has one weakness. But it really doesn't matter when I switch it in, as will be explained in the general comments section.
Rayquaza @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Air Lock
EVs: 252 Attack|252 Speed|4 Special Attack
Mild Nature
-Outrage
-Draco Meteor
-V Create
-Focus Blast
God I love this guy. Look at it. It's face just screams "I am Rayquaza, I am better than you".
The EV spread with the nature may seem a little weird, but I'll explain. I wanted a dedicated mixed dragon. Most other dragons have a better special movepool than Rayquaza, but wonky attacking stats. Rayquaza, while a little less reliable on the special side, has perfectly rounded 150s in bothattacking stats. Because of this, I could run max attack with a special attack boosting nature, and have a slightly physically oriented mixed dragon. With this spread, RayRay hits 399 attack and 370 special attack; a ratio that seems to be working.
Outrage is so destructive on Rayquaza. Once I hit that button, tell your wife you love her; you're not seeing her again. Outrage 2HKOs the majority of the metagame fairly comfortably, with even the mighty great wall Giratina-A falling comfortably (55.3% min, guaranteed 2HKO). Draco Meteor is for when I want to smack things as hard as I can (sticking with Giratina, the standard wall takes 79.1% min, a likely OHKO with rocks and one layer of spikes up). V Create is for hitting things weak to fire hard, or for operating in the sun. And Focus Blast is largely filler, it helps against the odd Tyranitar, but it's kind of redundant coverage with V Create. This is another move I'm looking to hear suggestions for.
The best thing about this Rayquaza though, is that nobody expects it. I usually save him until the end, but depending on the game situation, I can bluff anything with him. Scarfquaza can bluff every other RayRay set bar life orb, and it works so well. If my opponent expects me to set up a dance and switches to a check, I can easily predict that and hit it with a powerful move of choice. If I'm on my game, Rayquaza is completely unplayable.
Garchomp @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rough Skin
EVs: 16 HP| 252 Attack| 240 speed
Jolly nature
-Outrage
-Earthquake
-Stone Edge
-Aqua Tail
Poor Garchomp. It once struck fear into the hearts of anyone it stared out, where it was so terrifying it was jailed into the ubers tier. In 4th gen, it ravaged through all it touched, being one of the premier dragons. Unfortunately, with all the offense 5th gen brought, Garchomp lost its edge, and is now playing with the likes of Dugtrio in OU. Don't let this fool you though, Chomp is still an animal.
The EVs are distributed so I can just outrun Timid Scarf Palkia, allowing me an extra 16 EVs for added HP bulk. Max attack is of course mandatory. Outrage is there because fuck everything. Edgequake combination is deadly. The Edge helps me defeat Lugia, Ho-Oh, Shaymin-S, and any other winged foe that may thwart the Chain Chomp. The Quake is not only damn powerful, but it gives me an answer to Dialga (RayRay's Focus Blast isn't powerful nor reliable enough). Without Chomp, Dialga could seriously 6-0 my team. With Chomp, Dialga will only ever get 1 kill, because Chomp will fall honourably having done enough damage with EQ to make Dialga easily revengeable. Lastly, Aqua Tail is largely filler, on the off chance rain is up, it can be a powerful way of hitting Groudon, Tyranitar, and the gang.
Threat List
Before I begin this, I would like to point something out. The way I play with this team means that my list of major threats is considerably smaller than most other teams. Unlike most teams, which require intense prediction and pre-planning in the game to work successfully, I play much more gung ho. Basically, when I send in a dragon, it's staying in until it dies. Because all my dragons hit so hard, very few pokes can feasibly deal with all three of them. This means that so long as I keep one member of the core alive, any poke that can be taken out by the core before it can defeat the core itself is not a major threat. With that in mind, let's begin (ordered by usage statistics). I will give each set a score from 1-5, 1 being low threat, 5 being major threat.
Kyogre:
Scarf Kyogre: 2
Palkia can freely switch in and 2HKO with a Thunder. Ferrothorn can wall and stall if it's locked on STAB or Thunder. Chomp can hit hard with Outrage if it's locked in on Thunder. My own Kyogre can take any hit and roar. However, it gets a two, because it can catch me offguard first turn and net a surprise kill or do big damage.
Specs Kyogre: 2
I treat this the same as I treat scarf Kyogre.
Calm Mind Kyogre: 1
The plan here is simply don't let it set up. My own Kyogre can easily take a +1 Thunder and roar it out. If Kyogre and Ferro are down, then I can send in Chomp to Outrage, then RayRay to revenge kill. Only encountered one of these, and it was no issue.
RestTalker: 1
Ferro laughs at this, then steals its energy and dickslaps it. If Ferro dies, then the core can easily whittle away together.
Thunder Waving: 4
I am so glad I never see this thing. Nothing on my team can OHKO Kyogre, and if my opponent is smart, he won't reveal T-Wave until I bring in a dragon. I never prepare for this thing, usually when I see it people are dumb and T-Wave Ferro, giving away their most valuable weapon. I can easily KO it, but this thing can really cripple my core.
Palkia can freely switch in and 2HKO with a Thunder. Ferrothorn can wall and stall if it's locked on STAB or Thunder. Chomp can hit hard with Outrage if it's locked in on Thunder. My own Kyogre can take any hit and roar. However, it gets a two, because it can catch me offguard first turn and net a surprise kill or do big damage.
Specs Kyogre: 2
I treat this the same as I treat scarf Kyogre.
Calm Mind Kyogre: 1
The plan here is simply don't let it set up. My own Kyogre can easily take a +1 Thunder and roar it out. If Kyogre and Ferro are down, then I can send in Chomp to Outrage, then RayRay to revenge kill. Only encountered one of these, and it was no issue.
RestTalker: 1
Ferro laughs at this, then steals its energy and dickslaps it. If Ferro dies, then the core can easily whittle away together.
Thunder Waving: 4
I am so glad I never see this thing. Nothing on my team can OHKO Kyogre, and if my opponent is smart, he won't reveal T-Wave until I bring in a dragon. I never prepare for this thing, usually when I see it people are dumb and T-Wave Ferro, giving away their most valuable weapon. I can easily KO it, but this thing can really cripple my core.
Extreme Killer: 5
All I want for Christmas is for this piece of shit to get banned. Yes, banned from ubers. It's perfectly rounded in every stat. It has attack higher than Entei, speed higher than every single fighting type, and defense equal to Giratina. It gets access to the best priority in the game, and isn't OHKOd by ANYTHING. So what did Gamefreak do?
They give it Swords dance.
._.
Rant over, this thing is a major threat. Kyogre can sometimes live a +2 E-Speed (because I can't stop it setting up), and roar out. Palkia can also sometimes live and hit hard with a move. Then I have to go into Ferro, live a brick break, and try and power whip to kill. Normally though, my best chance is that I'm playing an idiot. IE, the kind of person that sets up on a Kyogre (you'd be amazed how many people do).
Wallceus: 1
Ah, this thing is so nice to face when you think you're facing the extreme killer. I just smash this thing with Palkia, or mooch its health with Ferro. I can also attempt setup with Magnezone on this thing. Either way, it poses no real threat.
All I want for Christmas is for this piece of shit to get banned. Yes, banned from ubers. It's perfectly rounded in every stat. It has attack higher than Entei, speed higher than every single fighting type, and defense equal to Giratina. It gets access to the best priority in the game, and isn't OHKOd by ANYTHING. So what did Gamefreak do?
They give it Swords dance.
._.
Rant over, this thing is a major threat. Kyogre can sometimes live a +2 E-Speed (because I can't stop it setting up), and roar out. Palkia can also sometimes live and hit hard with a move. Then I have to go into Ferro, live a brick break, and try and power whip to kill. Normally though, my best chance is that I'm playing an idiot. IE, the kind of person that sets up on a Kyogre (you'd be amazed how many people do).
Wallceus: 1
Ah, this thing is so nice to face when you think you're facing the extreme killer. I just smash this thing with Palkia, or mooch its health with Ferro. I can also attempt setup with Magnezone on this thing. Either way, it poses no real threat.
Groudon:
Standard Support: 2
If I think this will lead, I'll always lead with Ferro to bait the fire move, then switch to Kyogre to threaten and neuter his fire moves. This immediately gives me momentum. Later on in the match, I'll set up hazards, which will stop Groudon switching in and out, to the point where he's easily taken out by Palkia.
Rock Polish: 3
This thing can be a little scary. If my opponent doesn't lead with Groudon, then I'm immediately wary. My main answer is basically to keep the rain and offensive pressure on, so he can't switch in and set up a polish safely. If he gets one up, then we have a problem. Luckily, Ferro can do nice damage if it doesn't pack a fire move.
Paradancer: 2.5
This thing is only scary if it catches me offguard with T-Wave. If it sets up a dance, I always fear the paralysis. However, if in the hands of a good opponent, they can hide this thing and switch it in on one of my dragons and T-Wave off the bat, which does hurt. Normally however, it's easy to spot and deal with just like I would with the standard set.
Choice Band: 1
I can just play around the choice item and threaten him with whatever I want.
If I think this will lead, I'll always lead with Ferro to bait the fire move, then switch to Kyogre to threaten and neuter his fire moves. This immediately gives me momentum. Later on in the match, I'll set up hazards, which will stop Groudon switching in and out, to the point where he's easily taken out by Palkia.
Rock Polish: 3
This thing can be a little scary. If my opponent doesn't lead with Groudon, then I'm immediately wary. My main answer is basically to keep the rain and offensive pressure on, so he can't switch in and set up a polish safely. If he gets one up, then we have a problem. Luckily, Ferro can do nice damage if it doesn't pack a fire move.
Paradancer: 2.5
This thing is only scary if it catches me offguard with T-Wave. If it sets up a dance, I always fear the paralysis. However, if in the hands of a good opponent, they can hide this thing and switch it in on one of my dragons and T-Wave off the bat, which does hurt. Normally however, it's easy to spot and deal with just like I would with the standard set.
Choice Band: 1
I can just play around the choice item and threaten him with whatever I want.
Mewtwo:
Life Orb 4 attacks: 2
Mewtwo's annoying, but not a major problem. Kyogre can take any hit and do good damage with surf. That damage can then be used to KO with any one of my dragons.
Psycho Killer: 2
Much the same as life orb 4 attacks. If it gets greedy with calm minds, I can roar with Kyogre.
StallTwo: 1
Meh. It just sits there. I'll normally send Palkia in, because of Will-O-Wisp. Toxic is no big deal, I like ending battles before Toxic kills me.
Mewtwo's annoying, but not a major problem. Kyogre can take any hit and do good damage with surf. That damage can then be used to KO with any one of my dragons.
Psycho Killer: 2
Much the same as life orb 4 attacks. If it gets greedy with calm minds, I can roar with Kyogre.
StallTwo: 1
Meh. It just sits there. I'll normally send Palkia in, because of Will-O-Wisp. Toxic is no big deal, I like ending battles before Toxic kills me.
Darkrai
Standard Smogon Sweeper: 0
Kyogre laughs at this. If I see Darkrai, I let him put Ferro or Magnezone to sleep, then switch in Kyogre and do at least 85% with surf.
Choice Scarf: 2.5
Scarfrai is only a problem because I don't expect it. However, it doesn't hit hard enough and is too frail to be a major threat. It is a potent revenge killer though, one which I aim to eliminate as soon as possible with Kyogre.
Kyogre laughs at this. If I see Darkrai, I let him put Ferro or Magnezone to sleep, then switch in Kyogre and do at least 85% with surf.
Choice Scarf: 2.5
Scarfrai is only a problem because I don't expect it. However, it doesn't hit hard enough and is too frail to be a major threat. It is a potent revenge killer though, one which I aim to eliminate as soon as possible with Kyogre.
Palkia:
Choice Scarf: 2
This thing can normally get a kill, but Garchomp outspeeds and OHKOs every time with Outrage. If Garchomp falls, I can play around the choice item.
Mixed: 1
I can outspeed with all of my dragons and OHKO with a move of my choice.
Choice Specs: 1.5
As well as being able to OHKO with any of my dragons, I can play around the choice item comfortably. It gets an added point for being a fucking animal though
SubPunch: 1
Lol. Kyogre destroys this set comfortably, roaring it out.
This thing can normally get a kill, but Garchomp outspeeds and OHKOs every time with Outrage. If Garchomp falls, I can play around the choice item.
Mixed: 1
I can outspeed with all of my dragons and OHKO with a move of my choice.
Choice Specs: 1.5
As well as being able to OHKO with any of my dragons, I can play around the choice item comfortably. It gets an added point for being a fucking animal though
SubPunch: 1
Lol. Kyogre destroys this set comfortably, roaring it out.
Rayquaza:
Dragon Dance/Swords Dance: 2
I treat this thing like a less threatening Extreme Killer Arceus. All of my dragons will still outspeed even when Ray's at +1, and can comfortably KO back. Kyogre doesn't enjoy taking hits, but can roar if all else is lost.
Mixed: 1
Pick a dragon, any dragon, and OHKO this bitch.
Choiced
I can play around the choiced move, and OHKO with a dragon.
I treat this thing like a less threatening Extreme Killer Arceus. All of my dragons will still outspeed even when Ray's at +1, and can comfortably KO back. Kyogre doesn't enjoy taking hits, but can roar if all else is lost.
Mixed: 1
Pick a dragon, any dragon, and OHKO this bitch.
Choiced
I can play around the choiced move, and OHKO with a dragon.
Actually, I'm going to make things easier for myself here:
Anything that is weak to dragon is not a threat to my team.
OK, continuing on...Lugia:
Great Wall: 3
This thing is a pain to take down. My strongest move to hit it with is RayRay's Draco Meteor, and that does a negligible amount AND forces me to switch. If I see Lugia, my priority will be to get Stealth Rock up. Then, I'll just pummel it with someone (preferably Palkia, as Lugia packs Ice Beam often). Fortunately, if it doesn't have Ice Beam, it can't even touch Ferrothorn. who can just leech seed it and wait for it to die. It's still very hard to kill though, giving it a 3/5.
Calm Mind: 1
Kyogre walls and phases. Even Thunder doesn't start to hurt that bad until +2, which I won't let it get to. If it runs Thunder, Magnezone can wall and set up on it too. Finally, this tends to be a less defensive set, making it just generally easier to kill.
This thing is a pain to take down. My strongest move to hit it with is RayRay's Draco Meteor, and that does a negligible amount AND forces me to switch. If I see Lugia, my priority will be to get Stealth Rock up. Then, I'll just pummel it with someone (preferably Palkia, as Lugia packs Ice Beam often). Fortunately, if it doesn't have Ice Beam, it can't even touch Ferrothorn. who can just leech seed it and wait for it to die. It's still very hard to kill though, giving it a 3/5.
Calm Mind: 1
Kyogre walls and phases. Even Thunder doesn't start to hurt that bad until +2, which I won't let it get to. If it runs Thunder, Magnezone can wall and set up on it too. Finally, this tends to be a less defensive set, making it just generally easier to kill.
Dialga:
Standard Defensive: 3.5
This thing is a little problematic. Defensive Dialga can sponge any hit that isn't super effective from my dragons, and can take them down with Dragon Pulse. Luckily, Garchomp can do a ton of damage (69.8-82.2%) with EQ, more than enough for one of my other dragons to revenge kill it with ease. However, I have to play carefully with Chomp to ensure Dialga doesn't do massive damage, making it a moderate threat to the team.
Life Orb: 3.5
I deal with this the same I would defensive Dialga. Do damage with Chomp, then revenge kill.
Choice Scarf: 1
The only problem with this set is trying to tell whether it's scarfed, as all my dragons outspeed it anyway. Most of the time it's dead before I can tell.
Bulk Up: 1
Ferrothorn can take any hit with ease, and whittle it down with leech seed and iron barbs.
This thing is a little problematic. Defensive Dialga can sponge any hit that isn't super effective from my dragons, and can take them down with Dragon Pulse. Luckily, Garchomp can do a ton of damage (69.8-82.2%) with EQ, more than enough for one of my other dragons to revenge kill it with ease. However, I have to play carefully with Chomp to ensure Dialga doesn't do massive damage, making it a moderate threat to the team.
Life Orb: 3.5
I deal with this the same I would defensive Dialga. Do damage with Chomp, then revenge kill.
Choice Scarf: 1
The only problem with this set is trying to tell whether it's scarfed, as all my dragons outspeed it anyway. Most of the time it's dead before I can tell.
Bulk Up: 1
Ferrothorn can take any hit with ease, and whittle it down with leech seed and iron barbs.
Forretress & Ferrothorn:
Standard pests: -5
Ah, the very reason I have Magnezone. They either don't get to switch in through fear, or get trapped and set up on. The ONLY possible threat either one can pose is Forry with EQ, which I rarely see.
Ah, the very reason I have Magnezone. They either don't get to switch in through fear, or get trapped and set up on. The ONLY possible threat either one can pose is Forry with EQ, which I rarely see.
Excadrill:
Bulky Spinner: 2.5
Excadrill is only a pain if my core is dead. Because my core is so powerful, and Exca is so frail, it's no problem to kill. But if my core is dead, Exca can do work on my team. It's weird, on paper it seems like I'm well equipped, but in the few times this team has been swept, it was Excadrill doing it.
Sand Sweeper: 2
Exca is dependent on the sand for this set, so as long as I keep Kyogre alive, it's no major problem. Kyogre can normally take a hit, and KO with Surf. Ferro can also live a few hits, and do good damage with Power Whip.
Excadrill is only a pain if my core is dead. Because my core is so powerful, and Exca is so frail, it's no problem to kill. But if my core is dead, Exca can do work on my team. It's weird, on paper it seems like I'm well equipped, but in the few times this team has been swept, it was Excadrill doing it.
Sand Sweeper: 2
Exca is dependent on the sand for this set, so as long as I keep Kyogre alive, it's no major problem. Kyogre can normally take a hit, and KO with Surf. Ferro can also live a few hits, and do good damage with Power Whip.
Arceus Ghost:
Calm Mind: 1
This set can't touch Kyogre, and Kyogre can phase or do a nice chunk of damage with Surf.
Swords Dance: 2
This set is a little more threatening, as Kyogre can't wall. Ferro can take a +2 Brick Break, leech seed and survive the next one to Power Whip for added damage. At this point, I can probably KO with RayRay or Palkia.
Support: 1.5
So long as it doesn't pack T-Wave (I believe WoW is preferred for EKiller), I'm fine with it. So long as I smack it around hard enough it dies.
This set can't touch Kyogre, and Kyogre can phase or do a nice chunk of damage with Surf.
Swords Dance: 2
This set is a little more threatening, as Kyogre can't wall. Ferro can take a +2 Brick Break, leech seed and survive the next one to Power Whip for added damage. At this point, I can probably KO with RayRay or Palkia.
Support: 1.5
So long as it doesn't pack T-Wave (I believe WoW is preferred for EKiller), I'm fine with it. So long as I smack it around hard enough it dies.
Ho-Oh:
Standard Tank: 2.5
So long as this thing isn't behind a Sub, Chomp can easily KO with Stone Edge. It's just making sure it isn't that's annoying. Kyogre can't take Brave Birds well at all, so it can't wall and Surf. Usually I'll just sac Kyogre to break the Sub, then switch in Chomp for the kill.
Speed Boosting Sweeper: 2
So long as it can't get two Flame Charges off, I'm good. And because I play so aggressively with this team, it often can't. The Tailwind set is slightly scarier, but I can usually just stall that out with smart switching between Kyogre and Ferrothorn.
Choice Scarf: 1
Everything in my core outspeeds, Chomp always OHKOs with Stone Edge, Palkia always OHKOs with Hydro Pump.
So long as this thing isn't behind a Sub, Chomp can easily KO with Stone Edge. It's just making sure it isn't that's annoying. Kyogre can't take Brave Birds well at all, so it can't wall and Surf. Usually I'll just sac Kyogre to break the Sub, then switch in Chomp for the kill.
Speed Boosting Sweeper: 2
So long as it can't get two Flame Charges off, I'm good. And because I play so aggressively with this team, it often can't. The Tailwind set is slightly scarier, but I can usually just stall that out with smart switching between Kyogre and Ferrothorn.
Choice Scarf: 1
Everything in my core outspeeds, Chomp always OHKOs with Stone Edge, Palkia always OHKOs with Hydro Pump.
Blaziken:
Standard: 2
The only set that is ever used really. Kyogre can take hits moderately well and KO with Surf. If it only has +1 speed, Chomp or Palkia can OHKO with the super effective STAB of choice. The only problem I'll have is if I let it get up to +2 speed, but that doesn't stop Kyogre phasing or KOing.
The only set that is ever used really. Kyogre can take hits moderately well and KO with Surf. If it only has +1 speed, Chomp or Palkia can OHKO with the super effective STAB of choice. The only problem I'll have is if I let it get up to +2 speed, but that doesn't stop Kyogre phasing or KOing.
Deoxys Attack:
Life Orb: 1
If I see this, I always lead with Ferro to bait the fire move, then switch to Kyogre to take it and bait the Pyscho Boost, then switch back to Ferro and KO with Power Whip. Works every time.Of course, pretty much everything on my team can OHKO it, so it's really no problem if I just bait the right moves.
Focus Sash: 2
The only annoying thing about this set is that it can normally KO or maim one poke before it dies, because of the sash. But, I deal with it the same way as the Life Orb.
Choiced: 1
What, I'm the only one that runs this? You do know that specs Psycho Boost is the most powerful move without setup in the game, right? Whatever, I can just play around the choice and KO with ease.
If I see this, I always lead with Ferro to bait the fire move, then switch to Kyogre to take it and bait the Pyscho Boost, then switch back to Ferro and KO with Power Whip. Works every time.Of course, pretty much everything on my team can OHKO it, so it's really no problem if I just bait the right moves.
Focus Sash: 2
The only annoying thing about this set is that it can normally KO or maim one poke before it dies, because of the sash. But, I deal with it the same way as the Life Orb.
Choiced: 1
What, I'm the only one that runs this? You do know that specs Psycho Boost is the most powerful move without setup in the game, right? Whatever, I can just play around the choice and KO with ease.
Tyranitar:
Standard Tank: 2
If rain is up, it's basically dead, Palkia easily OHKOing with Hydro Pump. If sand is up, I normally need Chomp to take it out with EQ.
Choice Band: 1
Play around the choice and switch to the appropriate counter.
If rain is up, it's basically dead, Palkia easily OHKOing with Hydro Pump. If sand is up, I normally need Chomp to take it out with EQ.
Choice Band: 1
Play around the choice and switch to the appropriate counter.
Deoxys Speed:
Suicide Lead: 1
Normally I'll just go into a hazard war with Ferrothorn; I'm hurt less by hazards than most teams anyway. Kyogre can phase, my dragons can normally 2HKO. It's just a non-issue.
Dual Screener: 1
I'll treat it the same as the suicide lead, stalling out screens is no problem with Kyogre/Ferrothorn.
Normally I'll just go into a hazard war with Ferrothorn; I'm hurt less by hazards than most teams anyway. Kyogre can phase, my dragons can normally 2HKO. It's just a non-issue.
Dual Screener: 1
I'll treat it the same as the suicide lead, stalling out screens is no problem with Kyogre/Ferrothorn.
Genesect:
Choice Scarf: 0
Genesect just isn't bulky enough for Ubers. Because the scarf set is so predictable, I've never lost a single poke to Scarfsect. It's just so easy to kill, being 2HKOd by resisted Outrages.
Rock Polish: 2
Kyogre can take hits reliably and either phase or Surf, depending on the game situation.
Choice Band: 1
Play around the choice and switch to the appropriate counter.
Genesect just isn't bulky enough for Ubers. Because the scarf set is so predictable, I've never lost a single poke to Scarfsect. It's just so easy to kill, being 2HKOd by resisted Outrages.
Rock Polish: 2
Kyogre can take hits reliably and either phase or Surf, depending on the game situation.
Choice Band: 1
Play around the choice and switch to the appropriate counter.
Shaymin Sky:
Subseed: 2.5
This thing is a pest. My only phaser is weak to Shaymin's STAB. Ferro can wall, but can't do anything back. Magnezone also walls, but can be haxed to death. Normally my goal is to keep the pressure on so it can't afford to Sub, making it fairly easy to kill. Still, if this thing gets a free switch, I may have to sac a poke in order to break the sub.
Choice Scarf: 2
This thing is a problem because it outspeeds my core, and with Serene Grace, can likely hax its way to victory against it. Fortunately, Magnezone is a safe switch, and with a few Charge Beam boosts, I can deal with this easier than the Subseeder.
Special Sweeper: 2
This thing hurts, but RayRay outspeeds and V-Creates for the0 kill.
This thing is a pest. My only phaser is weak to Shaymin's STAB. Ferro can wall, but can't do anything back. Magnezone also walls, but can be haxed to death. Normally my goal is to keep the pressure on so it can't afford to Sub, making it fairly easy to kill. Still, if this thing gets a free switch, I may have to sac a poke in order to break the sub.
Choice Scarf: 2
This thing is a problem because it outspeeds my core, and with Serene Grace, can likely hax its way to victory against it. Fortunately, Magnezone is a safe switch, and with a few Charge Beam boosts, I can deal with this easier than the Subseeder.
Special Sweeper: 2
This thing hurts, but RayRay outspeeds and V-Creates for the0 kill.
Arceus Steel:
Calm Mind: 1.5
Kyogre and Ferrothorn wall, the former able to phase, the latter being able to set up on it.
Swords Dance: 1.5
See above.
Kyogre and Ferrothorn wall, the former able to phase, the latter being able to set up on it.
Swords Dance: 1.5
See above.
Terrakion:
Any kind of setup: 4.5
Holy pinkie pie on a pretzel, this thing is scary. My only fighting resist is RayRay, who is weak to Terrakion's other STAB. Against variants without Rock Polish, I can usually revenge kill with Palkia. Variants without Swords Dance can't OHKO reliably, and can be killed in retaliation. Variants with both, and its normally GG. Thankfully, variants with both will struggle to find time to set up both, as the offensive pressure of my team is too strong. But if I do let it setup, that's my ass on a brony platter.
Choiced: 2
Much less scary. Most users just want to Close Combat everything, which allows me a free switch in to RayRay who can destroy it with Focus Blast.
Substitute: 2
Most of these sets also carry Swords Dance/Rock Polish, meaning Kyogre can switch in on the sub and Roar on the setup. That's how I deal with this thing most of the time. If I can't, then I may have to sac one dragon to break the sub, then revenge kill with another.
Holy pinkie pie on a pretzel, this thing is scary. My only fighting resist is RayRay, who is weak to Terrakion's other STAB. Against variants without Rock Polish, I can usually revenge kill with Palkia. Variants without Swords Dance can't OHKO reliably, and can be killed in retaliation. Variants with both, and its normally GG. Thankfully, variants with both will struggle to find time to set up both, as the offensive pressure of my team is too strong. But if I do let it setup, that's my ass on a brony platter.
Choiced: 2
Much less scary. Most users just want to Close Combat everything, which allows me a free switch in to RayRay who can destroy it with Focus Blast.
Substitute: 2
Most of these sets also carry Swords Dance/Rock Polish, meaning Kyogre can switch in on the sub and Roar on the setup. That's how I deal with this thing most of the time. If I can't, then I may have to sac one dragon to break the sub, then revenge kill with another.
The pink blobs:
Annoying walls: 1
These things just get smashed by RayRay or Chomp. I could try setup with Magnezone, but even +6 Flash Cannon does a pittance...
These things just get smashed by RayRay or Chomp. I could try setup with Magnezone, but even +6 Flash Cannon does a pittance...
Past this point, I'm not continuing the threat list, because the pokes below this point are either too rare or not an issue to my team. Also, I've been writing this for about two weeks now, and I want to finish it.
General Comments and Strategy
So, now for a brief bit on how I play with this team. This is good old fashioned hyper offense. To be honest, I think that term has been devalued in the BW era. Having 2 pokes with lengthy setup requirements is not hyper offense. Having a Haxorus supported by a Ferro/Vaporeon core is not hyper offense. It's just low risk high reward offense. Yet in BW, we seem to be labelling anything that uses an offensive poke "hyper offense".
THIS is hyper offense. All 3 of my dragons are there for one purpose only: to do as much damage as they can before they are killed. It is very rare that I will ever switch a dragon out before it dies. This is why my team doesn't care about hazards, I almost never switch unless it is more beneficial to me, and I'm guaranteed safety and momentum. Every member of my team is expendable, so much so I'm considering calling them "The Light Brigade". This is high risk, high reward play. If my opponent lives with a smidgeon, that can be GG right there. Likewise, if I get a crit, that can be GG too. Basically, due to the offensive pressure I put on the opponent, every single misplay or hax is amplified. Which I love; it keeps the adrenalin going.
Now for a typical example of how I play a match. Say my opponent has a standard team, with a Kyogre and Ferrothorn, and some powerful pokes thrown in. I will normally lead off with Ferrothorn, to get as many hazards up as possible. Ferrothorn is usually a suicide lead, but due to his bulk, I can take enough hits to get up maximum hazards. If I identify something that threatens my team that Ferro can deal with, then I'll normally just set up rocks and switch to Kyogre. Kyogre is normally my second poke to come in, setting up weather and taking hits that threaten Ferro. From then, I can do what I want until it's safe to bring in a dragon. Then, when a dragon comes in, the meat of the match begins. I send one in, hit as hard as I can, die. Send another one in, hit as hard as I can, die. Send the last one in, hit as hard as I can, die. Then, I'll have either won the match or lost horribly, it's as simple as. Magnezone is there as insurance, he completely stops common steel switch ins to my pokes. Despite him being the MVP, I feel I haven't spoke about him enough, so I'll make something very clear. Without Magnezone, this team would fail. His very presence scares off steels to the point where I can do damage unhindered. His actual presence is often more successful than his usage.
Against a stall team, I usually play the same. The difference being that I care slightly more about the weather. Sunstall is common for example, so Kyogre is prioritised. Rainstall means I'll want to keep Palkia alive more than my other members, as well as magnezone. I never see Sandstall or Hailstall in Ubers, so I can't comment on them. Weatherless stall teams are just overwhelmed by hazards and my core, as well as the fact thatr they normally carry pokes that are wrecked by magnezone.
And other hyper offense teams? I'll just leave a replay here to show you how that goes down: http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ubers5029550 Yea. This team completely outclasses other hyper offense teams. They don't even get the chance to fully hit back, due to the burning pace of my core.
Well, that's about it. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. From my time playing with this team, I can say that both DragMag and fully scarfed cores are viable in Ubers. Over around 40 matches (I would've liked more, but I lack the time), I managed to attain a peak rating of around 1740 on Showdown. Not bad considering the risk of the team. Your rates are appreciated, but please don't expect an instant response. I am quite busy right now, hell, this took me two weeks to write. So I may not be able to try your suggestions immediately. But anything you say will be tried at some point. Thank you!
General Comments and Strategy
So, now for a brief bit on how I play with this team. This is good old fashioned hyper offense. To be honest, I think that term has been devalued in the BW era. Having 2 pokes with lengthy setup requirements is not hyper offense. Having a Haxorus supported by a Ferro/Vaporeon core is not hyper offense. It's just low risk high reward offense. Yet in BW, we seem to be labelling anything that uses an offensive poke "hyper offense".
THIS is hyper offense. All 3 of my dragons are there for one purpose only: to do as much damage as they can before they are killed. It is very rare that I will ever switch a dragon out before it dies. This is why my team doesn't care about hazards, I almost never switch unless it is more beneficial to me, and I'm guaranteed safety and momentum. Every member of my team is expendable, so much so I'm considering calling them "The Light Brigade". This is high risk, high reward play. If my opponent lives with a smidgeon, that can be GG right there. Likewise, if I get a crit, that can be GG too. Basically, due to the offensive pressure I put on the opponent, every single misplay or hax is amplified. Which I love; it keeps the adrenalin going.
Now for a typical example of how I play a match. Say my opponent has a standard team, with a Kyogre and Ferrothorn, and some powerful pokes thrown in. I will normally lead off with Ferrothorn, to get as many hazards up as possible. Ferrothorn is usually a suicide lead, but due to his bulk, I can take enough hits to get up maximum hazards. If I identify something that threatens my team that Ferro can deal with, then I'll normally just set up rocks and switch to Kyogre. Kyogre is normally my second poke to come in, setting up weather and taking hits that threaten Ferro. From then, I can do what I want until it's safe to bring in a dragon. Then, when a dragon comes in, the meat of the match begins. I send one in, hit as hard as I can, die. Send another one in, hit as hard as I can, die. Send the last one in, hit as hard as I can, die. Then, I'll have either won the match or lost horribly, it's as simple as. Magnezone is there as insurance, he completely stops common steel switch ins to my pokes. Despite him being the MVP, I feel I haven't spoke about him enough, so I'll make something very clear. Without Magnezone, this team would fail. His very presence scares off steels to the point where I can do damage unhindered. His actual presence is often more successful than his usage.
Against a stall team, I usually play the same. The difference being that I care slightly more about the weather. Sunstall is common for example, so Kyogre is prioritised. Rainstall means I'll want to keep Palkia alive more than my other members, as well as magnezone. I never see Sandstall or Hailstall in Ubers, so I can't comment on them. Weatherless stall teams are just overwhelmed by hazards and my core, as well as the fact thatr they normally carry pokes that are wrecked by magnezone.
And other hyper offense teams? I'll just leave a replay here to show you how that goes down: http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ubers5029550 Yea. This team completely outclasses other hyper offense teams. They don't even get the chance to fully hit back, due to the burning pace of my core.
Summary
Well, that's about it. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. From my time playing with this team, I can say that both DragMag and fully scarfed cores are viable in Ubers. Over around 40 matches (I would've liked more, but I lack the time), I managed to attain a peak rating of around 1740 on Showdown. Not bad considering the risk of the team. Your rates are appreciated, but please don't expect an instant response. I am quite busy right now, hell, this took me two weeks to write. So I may not be able to try your suggestions immediately. But anything you say will be tried at some point. Thank you!
