Since my Smogon Tour, Smogon Tournaments, and Smogon Frontier runs are completely over, I present to you one of my favorite and most effective teams, the one that gave me one of the highest win records as a Smogon Frontier Brain. I climbed the ladder with this a while ago under the name Woods (I do live in "the woods" so it fits). I like this team and it is one of my favorite to use in big match situations.
THE LINE-UP:
A Closer Look:
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/152 Atk/104 Def
Relaxed nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Explosion / Earthquake
- Hypnosis
Bronzong is one of the best leads ever created as he holds all the neccesary things a lead should have; Stealth Rock, Bulkiness, Status, and a quick escape move. Bronzong matched up incredibly well against other Pokemon when I was creating my lead, and I just stuck with him. It should be important to note that this team was created during Shaymin-S testing, another lead Bronzong could deal with at the time. Stealth Rock is very easy to set up which helps offensive and forced switch teams such as mine. As long as I avoid Taunt (and since the two main Taunters are Aerodactyl and Azelf who I Gyro Ball anyway turn 1), Stealth Rock is usually up. If you notice from my line-up, I don't have a Ghost-type either so having Bronzong's bulkiness is always helpful if I wish to set it up again.
Hypnosis remains my status move of choice, despite its 60% accuracy (which is still in my favor). I knew I definitely wanted one status move on Bronzong and my choices were limited to Confuse Ray, Toxic, and Hypnosis. Confuse Ray was interesting when I first considered it, however Bronzong's speed and its instant removal upon switch out really turned me off. If I was using Spikes, Sandstorm, and Toxic Spikes on this team, Confuse Ray may have been very viable to force switches and inflict extra damage. In this case however, this small annoyance was not needed. I quickly eliminated Confuse Ray from my choices which left Toxic and Hypnosis which both had merits. Toxic was a great way to hurt Gyarados, Hippowdon, and Swampert leads, and this really lured me into choosing Toxic as I hate all three of these (they will all get SR up besides Gyarados who will usually actually block my own). The other choice was Hypnosis which would put leads such as Jirachi, Hippowdon, Swampert, and Metagross to sleep, which would be very helpful to eliminate something for the most part. I eventually chose Hypnosis as Toxic only had 85% accuracy while Hypnosis only had 25% less. The ability to absolutely take something out of the game was so appealing to me that I absolutely chose Hypnosis.
Explosion vs Earthquake is still a debate I have with myself today as the metagame continues to change. With more Infernape and Jirachi leads, Earthquake looks like quite the good idea, however, Explosion has always been so helpful to stop any sort of Pokemon from setting up and sweeping (Gyarados, Latias, ect.).
Leftovers is a better item than Lum Berry. Leftovers will always heal you when damage which is so helpful, especially since Bronzong is usually my late-game Outrage absorber, especially if Mamoswine is dead, and the Leftovers give him enough HP left to survive another one. Lum Berry would be nice occasionally for sleep leads such as Roserade and Breloom but they are quite rare and Bronzong is ok with taking the sleep as usually these versions are Choice Scarfed.
Heatran (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Explosion / Dark Pulse
- Dragon Pulse / Hidden Power [Ice]
Heatran is one of the greatest Choice Scarfers I have used, his plethora of resistances and two immunities give plenty of switch-in opportunities. Heatran works well with Mamoswine and Bronzong, giving me a safe switch-in to Fire-type moves designated at them. Heatran is often considered to be the backbone of this team by me, as I can usually sweep with him near end game as long as I can keep him hidden for the most part. Heatran provides another great Scizor and Lucario switch-in (as long as I avoid Fighting-type moves) and is here to ensure I don't lose to something ridiculous such as an Azelf that outspeeds my entire team.
The first two moves are common on Heatran, Earth Power and Fire Blast. These two moves alone provide coverage on so much of the metagame, with the exception of Gyarados and Dragon-types. I have always wondered about the merit of Flamethrower as it gives more PP as well as 100% accuracy. I have stuck with Fire Blast as it gives a higher base power return (my calculation is odd but I figure it as 85% accuracy x 180 BP = 153 total power expectation and 100% x 142.5 BP = 142.5 total power expectation). This may be flawed but I am indeed comfortable with this calculation. Anywho, the last 2 moves are still up in the air. I currently use Explosion and Dragon Pulse for neutral coverage and a Blissey killer, however I have seen and liked Dark Pulse for taking on Starmie (annoying little bugger) and the random Flinch. Hidden Power Ice would probably be able to OHKO stuff like Salamence and Flygon but I figure the chance of me actually outspeeding them after Scarf or DD is low, therefore, why use it?
Timid Nature allows me to take on DD Gyarados and OHKO with Explosion assuming it took some prior damage. As I said earlier, this team was created and finalized during Skymin testing, so a Timid nature provided a check to that as well. Although it is no longer needed in that regard, it still outspeeds Pokemon such as Jolteon and Weavile which is always very helpful (and even more importantly, Adamant Choice Scarf Heracross).
Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SAtk
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Ice Beam / Hidden Power [Electric]
- Calm Mind
- Surf
- Rest
Suicune / Zapdos / Heatran is my defensive core that uses special attacks which I feel is rather cool. Suicune is the true defender of this "core" with 252 HP / 252 Def, a Bold nature, and great defensive stats. Calm Mind / Rest / 2 Attack Cune remains one of the greatest threats in DPP, even after Latias unbanning. If Latios does not get the jump or does not hold Thunder, it is very possible I win by Pressure stalling with Rest.
Surf is obviously the main attack which deals with everything after six Calm Minds, with the exception of Water Absorbers and sometimes Blissey (However, the latter is still usually beaten by Surf + Pressure stalling). For the former, it is why I chose to use two attacks and not one. Ice Beam deals with Dragons and Grass-types and has more overall Base Power. I occasionally use Hidden Power Electric though for its coverage on Water-types and giving me a "for sure" Gyarados counter.
While I considered Timid, Life Orb Suicune, Bold CM REST Cune was much too good to pass up. It is good to have a solid defense and Suicune is one of my "leaders" of the defense. Without Wish support, Suicune will not regain life with Life Orb.
Mamoswine (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Snow Cloak
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Reflect / Superpower
- Stone Edge
Mamoswine is one of my favorite attackers in the metagame. Although he does have trouble with top Pokemon (Scizor, Lucario, Gyarados, and Infernape), he really kicks ass throughout the top 25 list, especially since almost nothing can switch into him.
Ice Shard, Earthquake, and Stone Edge almost provide the perfect coverage (damn Bronzong, this is why he is such an awesome lead). With STAB on 2 of these moves (and the two important ones!), almost nothing can switch in or out of Mamoswine without fear. Stone Edge is occasionally helpful for the odd Gyarados switch-in if my prediction game is spot on.
Reflect and Superpower are both useless. I use Reflect because it at least adds team support, although Superpower has its merits in taking out Bronzong. However, both are ridiculous and it is a damn shame Mamoswine doesn't get anything like Fire Blast or Crunch. Oh well, life can't be perfect.
Expert Belt is my item of choice over Life Orb and Choice Band, mainly for surprise and also because I dislike recoil. Expert Belt gives off a vibe of Choice Band when an opponent sees no Life Orb recoil or Leftovers recovery which can sometimes give me an extra kill. Expert Belt also gives a boost to most of my attacks as they can usually hit Super-effective on most things.
Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP/4 SAtk/252 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Roost
- Thunderbolt / Discharge
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power [Grass]
Zapdos is that last part of the core I was talking about. I recently just noticed this but apparently, Zapdos is Calm, 252 HP / 252 SpD, the exact opposite of Suicune defending on the defensive side. Zapdos provides a great Infernape counter and really helps take out Special Attacker such as Starmie and Rotom-h.
Roost is mandatory, Zapdos has been begging for it since Adv. and finally (and rightfully) got it in DPP. Roost with my defense allows me to generally survive and take massive static shits on many opposing Pokemon. Thunderbolt and Discharge is a tough choice, I am picking Thunderbolt for now based simply on power but that Paralysis rate of Discharge seems so good when you really look at it. I have tried it a few times and not yet changed completely, perhaps if I battle again with this team I will use it. Heat Wave is Platinum's addition which makes Zapdos my best counter to Scizor and Forretress and it also lets me finally take out Celebi (which means I no longer get completely destroyed by Stall as my old HP Ice / Thunderbolt / Roost / Roar Zapdos did).
I chose Hidden Power Grass as my Hidden Power for one reason; Swampert. I have been destroyed quite a bit by CursePert when I used Hidden Power Ice and using Hidden Power Grass completely obliterates the chance of this happening. Hidden Power Grass also helps in some obscure situations such as hitting Flygon for some damage.
Salamence (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Outrage
- Fire Blast
Salamence is the "big wheel of the cracker factory" and always has his eye on the action, waiting to get in. If I do find an appropiate situation to switch Salamence in, the opponent can expect to be in a world of hurt, as CB Outrage absolutely destroys everything, 2HKOing everything but Steel-types (who can actually still be 2HKOed). And Earthquake and Fire Blast are there just in case.
I chose Stone Edge in the last slot over Dragon Claw because it deals 80 more BP to Togekiss and Zapdos, however this could change because most of the time, I find myself wishing to hold Dragon Claw.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
I hope you have enjoyed the team, I wish I would have used it in r4 of ST5 looking back but what is past is past. I enjoyed my long stay as a Frontier Brain for Smogon and I hope this team continues to work effectively for any who try it.
THE LINE-UP:
A Closer Look:
Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/152 Atk/104 Def
Relaxed nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Explosion / Earthquake
- Hypnosis
Bronzong is one of the best leads ever created as he holds all the neccesary things a lead should have; Stealth Rock, Bulkiness, Status, and a quick escape move. Bronzong matched up incredibly well against other Pokemon when I was creating my lead, and I just stuck with him. It should be important to note that this team was created during Shaymin-S testing, another lead Bronzong could deal with at the time. Stealth Rock is very easy to set up which helps offensive and forced switch teams such as mine. As long as I avoid Taunt (and since the two main Taunters are Aerodactyl and Azelf who I Gyro Ball anyway turn 1), Stealth Rock is usually up. If you notice from my line-up, I don't have a Ghost-type either so having Bronzong's bulkiness is always helpful if I wish to set it up again.
Hypnosis remains my status move of choice, despite its 60% accuracy (which is still in my favor). I knew I definitely wanted one status move on Bronzong and my choices were limited to Confuse Ray, Toxic, and Hypnosis. Confuse Ray was interesting when I first considered it, however Bronzong's speed and its instant removal upon switch out really turned me off. If I was using Spikes, Sandstorm, and Toxic Spikes on this team, Confuse Ray may have been very viable to force switches and inflict extra damage. In this case however, this small annoyance was not needed. I quickly eliminated Confuse Ray from my choices which left Toxic and Hypnosis which both had merits. Toxic was a great way to hurt Gyarados, Hippowdon, and Swampert leads, and this really lured me into choosing Toxic as I hate all three of these (they will all get SR up besides Gyarados who will usually actually block my own). The other choice was Hypnosis which would put leads such as Jirachi, Hippowdon, Swampert, and Metagross to sleep, which would be very helpful to eliminate something for the most part. I eventually chose Hypnosis as Toxic only had 85% accuracy while Hypnosis only had 25% less. The ability to absolutely take something out of the game was so appealing to me that I absolutely chose Hypnosis.
Explosion vs Earthquake is still a debate I have with myself today as the metagame continues to change. With more Infernape and Jirachi leads, Earthquake looks like quite the good idea, however, Explosion has always been so helpful to stop any sort of Pokemon from setting up and sweeping (Gyarados, Latias, ect.).
Leftovers is a better item than Lum Berry. Leftovers will always heal you when damage which is so helpful, especially since Bronzong is usually my late-game Outrage absorber, especially if Mamoswine is dead, and the Leftovers give him enough HP left to survive another one. Lum Berry would be nice occasionally for sleep leads such as Roserade and Breloom but they are quite rare and Bronzong is ok with taking the sleep as usually these versions are Choice Scarfed.
Heatran (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Earth Power
- Fire Blast
- Explosion / Dark Pulse
- Dragon Pulse / Hidden Power [Ice]
Heatran is one of the greatest Choice Scarfers I have used, his plethora of resistances and two immunities give plenty of switch-in opportunities. Heatran works well with Mamoswine and Bronzong, giving me a safe switch-in to Fire-type moves designated at them. Heatran is often considered to be the backbone of this team by me, as I can usually sweep with him near end game as long as I can keep him hidden for the most part. Heatran provides another great Scizor and Lucario switch-in (as long as I avoid Fighting-type moves) and is here to ensure I don't lose to something ridiculous such as an Azelf that outspeeds my entire team.
The first two moves are common on Heatran, Earth Power and Fire Blast. These two moves alone provide coverage on so much of the metagame, with the exception of Gyarados and Dragon-types. I have always wondered about the merit of Flamethrower as it gives more PP as well as 100% accuracy. I have stuck with Fire Blast as it gives a higher base power return (my calculation is odd but I figure it as 85% accuracy x 180 BP = 153 total power expectation and 100% x 142.5 BP = 142.5 total power expectation). This may be flawed but I am indeed comfortable with this calculation. Anywho, the last 2 moves are still up in the air. I currently use Explosion and Dragon Pulse for neutral coverage and a Blissey killer, however I have seen and liked Dark Pulse for taking on Starmie (annoying little bugger) and the random Flinch. Hidden Power Ice would probably be able to OHKO stuff like Salamence and Flygon but I figure the chance of me actually outspeeding them after Scarf or DD is low, therefore, why use it?
Timid Nature allows me to take on DD Gyarados and OHKO with Explosion assuming it took some prior damage. As I said earlier, this team was created and finalized during Skymin testing, so a Timid nature provided a check to that as well. Although it is no longer needed in that regard, it still outspeeds Pokemon such as Jolteon and Weavile which is always very helpful (and even more importantly, Adamant Choice Scarf Heracross).
Suicune @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 SAtk
Bold nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Ice Beam / Hidden Power [Electric]
- Calm Mind
- Surf
- Rest
Suicune / Zapdos / Heatran is my defensive core that uses special attacks which I feel is rather cool. Suicune is the true defender of this "core" with 252 HP / 252 Def, a Bold nature, and great defensive stats. Calm Mind / Rest / 2 Attack Cune remains one of the greatest threats in DPP, even after Latias unbanning. If Latios does not get the jump or does not hold Thunder, it is very possible I win by Pressure stalling with Rest.
Surf is obviously the main attack which deals with everything after six Calm Minds, with the exception of Water Absorbers and sometimes Blissey (However, the latter is still usually beaten by Surf + Pressure stalling). For the former, it is why I chose to use two attacks and not one. Ice Beam deals with Dragons and Grass-types and has more overall Base Power. I occasionally use Hidden Power Electric though for its coverage on Water-types and giving me a "for sure" Gyarados counter.
While I considered Timid, Life Orb Suicune, Bold CM REST Cune was much too good to pass up. It is good to have a solid defense and Suicune is one of my "leaders" of the defense. Without Wish support, Suicune will not regain life with Life Orb.
Mamoswine (M) @ Expert Belt
Ability: Snow Cloak
EVs: 4 HP/252 Atk/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Reflect / Superpower
- Stone Edge
Mamoswine is one of my favorite attackers in the metagame. Although he does have trouble with top Pokemon (Scizor, Lucario, Gyarados, and Infernape), he really kicks ass throughout the top 25 list, especially since almost nothing can switch into him.
Ice Shard, Earthquake, and Stone Edge almost provide the perfect coverage (damn Bronzong, this is why he is such an awesome lead). With STAB on 2 of these moves (and the two important ones!), almost nothing can switch in or out of Mamoswine without fear. Stone Edge is occasionally helpful for the odd Gyarados switch-in if my prediction game is spot on.
Reflect and Superpower are both useless. I use Reflect because it at least adds team support, although Superpower has its merits in taking out Bronzong. However, both are ridiculous and it is a damn shame Mamoswine doesn't get anything like Fire Blast or Crunch. Oh well, life can't be perfect.
Expert Belt is my item of choice over Life Orb and Choice Band, mainly for surprise and also because I dislike recoil. Expert Belt gives off a vibe of Choice Band when an opponent sees no Life Orb recoil or Leftovers recovery which can sometimes give me an extra kill. Expert Belt also gives a boost to most of my attacks as they can usually hit Super-effective on most things.
Zapdos @ Leftovers
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 HP/4 SAtk/252 SDef
Calm nature (+SDef, -Atk)
- Roost
- Thunderbolt / Discharge
- Heat Wave
- Hidden Power [Grass]
Zapdos is that last part of the core I was talking about. I recently just noticed this but apparently, Zapdos is Calm, 252 HP / 252 SpD, the exact opposite of Suicune defending on the defensive side. Zapdos provides a great Infernape counter and really helps take out Special Attacker such as Starmie and Rotom-h.
Roost is mandatory, Zapdos has been begging for it since Adv. and finally (and rightfully) got it in DPP. Roost with my defense allows me to generally survive and take massive static shits on many opposing Pokemon. Thunderbolt and Discharge is a tough choice, I am picking Thunderbolt for now based simply on power but that Paralysis rate of Discharge seems so good when you really look at it. I have tried it a few times and not yet changed completely, perhaps if I battle again with this team I will use it. Heat Wave is Platinum's addition which makes Zapdos my best counter to Scizor and Forretress and it also lets me finally take out Celebi (which means I no longer get completely destroyed by Stall as my old HP Ice / Thunderbolt / Roost / Roar Zapdos did).
I chose Hidden Power Grass as my Hidden Power for one reason; Swampert. I have been destroyed quite a bit by CursePert when I used Hidden Power Ice and using Hidden Power Grass completely obliterates the chance of this happening. Hidden Power Grass also helps in some obscure situations such as hitting Flygon for some damage.
Salamence (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Outrage
- Fire Blast
Salamence is the "big wheel of the cracker factory" and always has his eye on the action, waiting to get in. If I do find an appropiate situation to switch Salamence in, the opponent can expect to be in a world of hurt, as CB Outrage absolutely destroys everything, 2HKOing everything but Steel-types (who can actually still be 2HKOed). And Earthquake and Fire Blast are there just in case.
I chose Stone Edge in the last slot over Dragon Claw because it deals 80 more BP to Togekiss and Zapdos, however this could change because most of the time, I find myself wishing to hold Dragon Claw.
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
I hope you have enjoyed the team, I wish I would have used it in r4 of ST5 looking back but what is past is past. I enjoyed my long stay as a Frontier Brain for Smogon and I hope this team continues to work effectively for any who try it.
