Eutheria
I put this team together right after Black 2 and White 2 came out, mostly with the aim of trying out the new toys: the Therians and Keldeo. I threw in Regenerator Amoonguss as a great specially defensive pivot who could put something to sleep and thereby give me a free switch to any of my more threatening team members. Thick Fat Mamoswine offered me another desperately-needed Ice resist, powerful priority, and a solid way of walling certain Electric types, like Jolteon.
I've had a lot of success with this team over the past month or so. On Showdown I recently managed to reach 1835 points, good for 32nd place on the ladder. However, with the recent release of Genesect, it needs a bit of fixing because it can't handle the bug at all.
It should be clear from the team's composition that it is a heavy offense team. It only has one defensive pivot, and it relies on type synergy to handle other attacks. The beauty of the team is that every single member except Amoonguss offers me a victory condition: those five Pokemon can all sweep teams when conditions are right.
Tornadus-Therian @ Flying Gem
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 200 Atk / 56 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature
- Acrobatics
- Superpower
- Heat Wave
- Bulk Up
Bulk Up Tornadus-T is unbelievably underrated and underused. I've never faced a single one, but I've swept dozens of teams with him. It's slightly weaker than regular Tornadus and doesn't have Prankster, but the combination of blazing speed and Regenerator is a great boon. He demolishes many sun teams by himself, because most of the time it will outspeed everything but Venusaur, which can't even OHKO with any of its moves except Hidden Power Ice and obviously dies to Acrobatics. Physical versions of Tornadus usually bait in Blissey and sometimes Tyranitar expecting Choice Specs Hurricane, both of which are demolished by +1 Superpower (~43% chance of OHKO on Blissey after Stealth Rock, or 62.5% with Acrobatics if my Flying Gem is still intact).
Tornadus-T can set up to sweep by itself, but it can also use its magnificent speed to revenge kill a variety of threats. Every notable Fighting-type can be killed by a Flying Gem-boosted Acrobatics, which also handles other threats like Choice Specs Latios after Stealth Rock.
The best counter to most Tornadus-T is Jirachi in rain, and it's sadly no different for physical Tornadus-T. However, the small Special Attack investment helps me nab 2HKOs on some variants of Jirachi outside of rain after Stealth Rock if I hit them on the switch.
Thundurus-Therian @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Volt Absorb
EVs: 6 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Volt Switch
Scarf Thundurus-T is my best revenge killer and scout. It's my usual lead against rain teams, which almost always lead with Politoed. If said rain team doesn't have anything immune to Electric, I always go for Volt Switch. It can't OHKO Politoed, but most Politoed don't stay in and Thunderbolt won't always KO defensive Politoed anyway.
A lot of rain teams also happen to have only one Electric resist, like Ferrothorn, Gliscor, or Mamoswine. It's really easy to predict that switch and KO with the appropriate move.
Outside of that lead role against rain, Thundurus-T still pulls its weight as an all-purpose revenge killer. It can take down a weakened Volcarona and forces out Tornadus-T, which is very important because nothing on my team wants to take a Choice Specs Hurricane from that thing.
Landorus-Therian @ Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
EVs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- U-turn
- Stealth Rock
Max Attack bulky Landorus-T is simply awesome. It's one of my two most important pivots, the other being Amoonguss. Landorus-T shuts down a lot of physical attackers, provides me with Stealth Rocks, and breaks down a number of walls. Earthquake is almost a guaranteed 3HKO on standard Ferrothorn even without rocks, and Ferrothorn can't do much in return except set up hazards. If it tries to Leech Seed me, I can always U-turn out to another threat, like Keldeo or Tornadus-T. U-turn provides me with both respectable damage and a lot of momentum, which is always much appreciated.
Despite not being in the lead position, Landorus-T is my most common lead. A lot of players try to lead with something like Choice Scarf Terrakion to force out my "lead" Tornadus-T, and instead they're met with an Intimidate and I get free rocks up.
The Speed investment allows me outspeed standard 16 EV neutral Tentacruel as well as Adamant Breloom, who takes a hefty chunk from U-turn.
Keldeo @ Leftovers
Trait: Justified
EVs: 252 SAtk / 6 SDef / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Surf
- Secret Sword
- Hidden Power [Ghost]
- Calm Mind
Keldeo is a fantastic sweeper who breaks down many teams. Once again, it's a huge threat towards rain teams, but it also works well against sand and occasionally sun teams that have lost their Chlorophyll abuser.
Keldeo's typing gives it synergy with Thundurus-T, since it can switch into Ice-typed attacks and immediately start setting up, while Thundurus-T can take Electric attacks and heal off Stealth Rock damage.
Amoonguss @ Leftovers
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 6 Def / 252 SDef
Calm Nature
- Giga Drain
- Clear Smog
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Spore
Amoonguss is one of the best defensive pivots I've ever used. The combination of Grass/Poison typing, Regenerator, and Spore lets me handle a wide range of special-attacking threats. Poison typing by itself helps my out by keeping Toxic Spikes away from Keldeo and Mamoswine. It shuts down important Pokémon like Keldeo, Venusaur, and Breloom, it beats most Electric types by itself, and it can take the occasional Draco Meteor from the likes of Hydreigon or Latios (though I have to watch out for Psyshock). Clear Smog is one of the best moves on this set because it ruins boosters after I put them to sleep.
The way I usually play Amoonguss is to pick out something on the opponent's team that I really want to shut down, and then I try to save Amoonguss to deal with that threat either by Sporing it or simply beating it down with my attacks. Regenerator is huge for allowing me to keep Amoonguss healthy when I need it.
Mamoswine @ Choice Band
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 252 Atk / 6 SDef / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Icicle Spear
- Superpower
- Ice Shard
Mamoswine is my go-to counter for certain Electric types like Thundurus-T and Jolteon. The latter has become very common as an answer to Tornadus-T, which is great for me because Mamoswine can take any of its attacks, force it out, and hit something hard with Icicle Spear on the switch. I chose Icicle Spear over Icicle Crash for the greater accuracy and the ability to beat Substitute users, particularly SubDD Dragonite.
Choice Band is taken over Life Orb for the little extra power and to keep Mamoswine from taking too much residual damage. Most of the time, it will revenge something and then whatever comes in will force it out anyway, so there's not as much utility in switching moves.
Thanks in advance for your rates! I'd really appreciate any advice I can get about how to retool the team to better handle the new metagame.
Threat List
Genesect: Wrecks me, particularly the Rock Polish set. The only thing not hit super-effectively is Mamoswine, who can't switch in on Flamethrower or Bug Buzz at +1. I can take it down with Earthquake from Mamoswine or with Thunderbolt from Thundurus-T once it's weakened, but it can easily switch out from those attacks.
Tyranitar: Beaten by literally anything. Landorus-T takes everything but Ice Beam, Keldeo OHKOs with Secret Sword, Thundurus-T has Focus Blast, Tornadus-T has Superpower, Mamoswine has Superpower and Earthquake, and Amoonguss can simply Spore it (though it can't switch in on Choice Band).
Rotom-W: Answer with Amoonguss. Scarf sets are usually predictable, and even Amoonguss isn't too worried about getting a Scarf because Spore is so useful and it can switch out afterward.
Scizor: Landorus-T or Keldeo.
Dragonite: Landorus-T. Revenge with Mamoswine or Thundurus-T.
Politoed: Switch to Amoonguss or Keldeo. Revenge with Thundurus-T.
Heatran: Keldeo. Landorus-T or Mamoswine can take on defensive sets, and Tornadus can beat it with Superpower after a boost.
Jirachi: A real threat to this team, depending on the set. Substitute sets often come in on Amoonguss. I can beat it down with Landorus-T if it doesn't have Ice Punch, and it doesn't like taking Heat Wave outside of rain.
Latios: Draco Meteor hurts. Amoonguss can take one, but if it Psyshocks Amoonguss then I have to try to revenge kill with Thundurus-T, Tornadus-T, or Mamoswine.
Reuniclus: Another big problem for the team. I usually try to put it to sleep with Amoonguss, but status orb sets are really tough to break down because I don't have anything physical that can OHKO it.
Haxorus: If it comes in on Amoonguss, something is going to die (usually Amoonguss, who I'll leave in to go for the Spore or Clear Smog just in case). I can revenge with most anything though.
Ninetales: Usually seen as a lead, which I match up with Landorus-T. Not a significant offensive threat.
Conkeldurr: Landorus-T can Intimidate and scout for Ice Punch. Tornadus-T can kill even at +1.
Celebi: Not usually a problem for Amoonguss, and Landorus-T can go for U-turn.
Terrakion: Landorus-T.
Gyarados: Landorus-T can take a Waterfall at -1 or +0 and OHKO with Stone Edge. Easy to revenge with Thundurus-T.
Gengar: Can't really beat anything that I have one-on-one.
Starmie: Amoonguss. Thundurus-T and Tornadus-T can revenge kill.
Landorus: Landorus-T Intimidates it; Keldeo, Thundurus, and Mamoswine can revenge kill.
Landorus-T: My own Landorus can come in, and I have good revenge killers.
Thundurus-T: Handled by Amoonguss or Mamoswine.
Tornadus-T: Another big problem. Thundurus-T can take one Hurricane. Mamoswine can force it out. I often have to play around Tornadus-T or try to hit it on the switch.
Tornadus: Like Tornadus-T.
Infernape: Usually Landorus-T works best. Keldeo can also beat it most of the time, and of course Tornadus-T can take a Close Combat and set up.
Volcarona: A challenge. Keldeo can take its STABs and boost up alongside it. If it comes in on Amoonguss I can go for the Clear Smog or Spore and then switch out. It's really important that I have rocks up when Volcarona comes out.
Magnezone: Doesn't really do anything to my team.
Espeon: Landorus-T scares it into next week, and Tornadus-T can take a heat, boost, and then take it down.
Salamence: Landorus-T. Others can come in to revenge.
Hydreigon: Amoonguss takes Draco Meteor. Keldeo can set up in its face.
Breloom: Something else can take the Spore, and then Amoonguss or Tornadus-T can handle it.
Latias: Like Latios but Amoonguss can handle it better.
Toxicroak: Landorus-T or Tornadus-T.
Lucario: Landorus-T. The other Therians can beat it one-on-one.
Virizion: Tornadus-T.
Scrafty: Landorus-T or Tornadus-T or Keldeo.
Venusaur: Amoonguss or Tornadus-T.
Metagross: Landorus-T. Mamoswine also demolishes it unless it has Agility or Scarf.
Mienshao: Tornadus-T is my best bet because it won't get completely wrecked by HP Ice.
Cloyster: I have to play smart against this guy. Usually that means hitting it specially, or else U-turning or switching to Thundurus-T on the Shell Smash, Volt Switching for the kill. If it's sashes then I have to resort to priority.
Mamoswine: My own Mamoswine or Keldeo can usually switch in.
Darmanitan: Landorus-T, then set up on it with Keldeo.
Abomasnow: Tornadus-T, Keldeo, or Thundurus-T if necessary.
Alakazam: Play around it then revenge kill with Tornadus-T.
Azelf: Same as Alakazam. U-turn from Landorus-T does a number to it.
Azumarill: Keldeo or Amoonguss can take the Water attack.
Dugtrio: Doesn't do anything to the Pokémon that it traps. Even Sash-Reversal sets can't beat Mamoswine because of Icicle Spear, which is the only move I'll normally use as long as Dugtrio is alive.
Empoleon: No threat to Keldeo or Amoonguss.
Gorebyss: I almost always lead with Thundurus-T against SmashPass teams so that I can Volt Switch on Gorebyss and then get the kill with Ice Shard if it's sashed. I've never seen anyone competent use Gorebyss.
Kingdra: Landorus-T can come in on a Dragon Dance, take a hit, and U-turn out to Thundurus-T for the revenge kill. Amoonguss can take something and Spore or Clear Smog.
Kyurem: Tough for me because my best answer to Draco Meteor dies to Ice Beam. However, I can send out Keldeo after a kill and set up on it.
Victini: Intimidate with Landorus, who forces it out after V-create.
Stoutland: Hard for my team to take with no Normal resists. I can only really hope to Intimidate it and then revenge kill it.
Smeargle: Like Gorebyss but usually even less effective.
Sharpedo: Meet Keldeo.
Rotom-C: Amoonguss. Also easy to respond to if Choice-locked.
Ferrothorn: Landorus-T can just smack it a couple of times, and then U-turn to Tornadus for a KO.
Gliscor: Beaten by Thundurus-T, Keldeo, and Mamoswine.
Skarmory: Send in Thundurus-T, Tornadus-T, or Keldeo and hit it hard.
Forretress: Similar to Ferrothorn.
Jellicent: Annoying, but I can break it down with heavy attacks from Landorus-T, Mamoswine, Thundurus-T, and Tornadus-T.
Tentacruel: Similar to Jellicent.
Gastrodon: Amoonguss.
Blissey: All but Thundurus-T and Amoonguss can maim it.
Chansey: Like Blissey but a little harder to beat.
Vaporeon: See Jellicent.
Bronzong: I usually have to try to set up on it with Keldeo or Spore it with Amoonguss.
Swampert: Amoonguss.
Mew: Hard to read but easy to bet once its set is known.
Slowbro: Thundurus-T or Keldeo (except when it has Psyshock) do well.
Quagsire: Amoonguss.
Cresselia: Unthreatening, so I can just hit it hard or Spore it.
Deoxys-D: Can't stop it from setting up hazards, but I can pound it with Landorus-T.
Hippowdon: Amoonguss or Keldeo.
Xatu: Like Espeon but easier to take.
Wobbuffet: Really annoying. It will kill Thundurus-T and Mamoswine. With the others I have to try to outpredict it.
Whimsicott: Does nothing to Amoonguss.
Tangrowth: Hates Mamoswine and Tornadus, and is maimed by HP Ice.
Sableye: Also super-annoying but it can't do a whole lot to Amoonguss.
Porygon2: Set up with Keldeo, normally.
Tyranitar: Beaten by literally anything. Landorus-T takes everything but Ice Beam, Keldeo OHKOs with Secret Sword, Thundurus-T has Focus Blast, Tornadus-T has Superpower, Mamoswine has Superpower and Earthquake, and Amoonguss can simply Spore it (though it can't switch in on Choice Band).
Rotom-W: Answer with Amoonguss. Scarf sets are usually predictable, and even Amoonguss isn't too worried about getting a Scarf because Spore is so useful and it can switch out afterward.
Scizor: Landorus-T or Keldeo.
Dragonite: Landorus-T. Revenge with Mamoswine or Thundurus-T.
Politoed: Switch to Amoonguss or Keldeo. Revenge with Thundurus-T.
Heatran: Keldeo. Landorus-T or Mamoswine can take on defensive sets, and Tornadus can beat it with Superpower after a boost.
Jirachi: A real threat to this team, depending on the set. Substitute sets often come in on Amoonguss. I can beat it down with Landorus-T if it doesn't have Ice Punch, and it doesn't like taking Heat Wave outside of rain.
Latios: Draco Meteor hurts. Amoonguss can take one, but if it Psyshocks Amoonguss then I have to try to revenge kill with Thundurus-T, Tornadus-T, or Mamoswine.
Reuniclus: Another big problem for the team. I usually try to put it to sleep with Amoonguss, but status orb sets are really tough to break down because I don't have anything physical that can OHKO it.
Haxorus: If it comes in on Amoonguss, something is going to die (usually Amoonguss, who I'll leave in to go for the Spore or Clear Smog just in case). I can revenge with most anything though.
Ninetales: Usually seen as a lead, which I match up with Landorus-T. Not a significant offensive threat.
Conkeldurr: Landorus-T can Intimidate and scout for Ice Punch. Tornadus-T can kill even at +1.
Celebi: Not usually a problem for Amoonguss, and Landorus-T can go for U-turn.
Terrakion: Landorus-T.
Gyarados: Landorus-T can take a Waterfall at -1 or +0 and OHKO with Stone Edge. Easy to revenge with Thundurus-T.
Gengar: Can't really beat anything that I have one-on-one.
Starmie: Amoonguss. Thundurus-T and Tornadus-T can revenge kill.
Landorus: Landorus-T Intimidates it; Keldeo, Thundurus, and Mamoswine can revenge kill.
Landorus-T: My own Landorus can come in, and I have good revenge killers.
Thundurus-T: Handled by Amoonguss or Mamoswine.
Tornadus-T: Another big problem. Thundurus-T can take one Hurricane. Mamoswine can force it out. I often have to play around Tornadus-T or try to hit it on the switch.
Tornadus: Like Tornadus-T.
Infernape: Usually Landorus-T works best. Keldeo can also beat it most of the time, and of course Tornadus-T can take a Close Combat and set up.
Volcarona: A challenge. Keldeo can take its STABs and boost up alongside it. If it comes in on Amoonguss I can go for the Clear Smog or Spore and then switch out. It's really important that I have rocks up when Volcarona comes out.
Magnezone: Doesn't really do anything to my team.
Espeon: Landorus-T scares it into next week, and Tornadus-T can take a heat, boost, and then take it down.
Salamence: Landorus-T. Others can come in to revenge.
Hydreigon: Amoonguss takes Draco Meteor. Keldeo can set up in its face.
Breloom: Something else can take the Spore, and then Amoonguss or Tornadus-T can handle it.
Latias: Like Latios but Amoonguss can handle it better.
Toxicroak: Landorus-T or Tornadus-T.
Lucario: Landorus-T. The other Therians can beat it one-on-one.
Virizion: Tornadus-T.
Scrafty: Landorus-T or Tornadus-T or Keldeo.
Venusaur: Amoonguss or Tornadus-T.
Metagross: Landorus-T. Mamoswine also demolishes it unless it has Agility or Scarf.
Mienshao: Tornadus-T is my best bet because it won't get completely wrecked by HP Ice.
Cloyster: I have to play smart against this guy. Usually that means hitting it specially, or else U-turning or switching to Thundurus-T on the Shell Smash, Volt Switching for the kill. If it's sashes then I have to resort to priority.
Mamoswine: My own Mamoswine or Keldeo can usually switch in.
Darmanitan: Landorus-T, then set up on it with Keldeo.
Abomasnow: Tornadus-T, Keldeo, or Thundurus-T if necessary.
Alakazam: Play around it then revenge kill with Tornadus-T.
Azelf: Same as Alakazam. U-turn from Landorus-T does a number to it.
Azumarill: Keldeo or Amoonguss can take the Water attack.
Dugtrio: Doesn't do anything to the Pokémon that it traps. Even Sash-Reversal sets can't beat Mamoswine because of Icicle Spear, which is the only move I'll normally use as long as Dugtrio is alive.
Empoleon: No threat to Keldeo or Amoonguss.
Gorebyss: I almost always lead with Thundurus-T against SmashPass teams so that I can Volt Switch on Gorebyss and then get the kill with Ice Shard if it's sashed. I've never seen anyone competent use Gorebyss.
Kingdra: Landorus-T can come in on a Dragon Dance, take a hit, and U-turn out to Thundurus-T for the revenge kill. Amoonguss can take something and Spore or Clear Smog.
Kyurem: Tough for me because my best answer to Draco Meteor dies to Ice Beam. However, I can send out Keldeo after a kill and set up on it.
Victini: Intimidate with Landorus, who forces it out after V-create.
Stoutland: Hard for my team to take with no Normal resists. I can only really hope to Intimidate it and then revenge kill it.
Smeargle: Like Gorebyss but usually even less effective.
Sharpedo: Meet Keldeo.
Rotom-C: Amoonguss. Also easy to respond to if Choice-locked.
Ferrothorn: Landorus-T can just smack it a couple of times, and then U-turn to Tornadus for a KO.
Gliscor: Beaten by Thundurus-T, Keldeo, and Mamoswine.
Skarmory: Send in Thundurus-T, Tornadus-T, or Keldeo and hit it hard.
Forretress: Similar to Ferrothorn.
Jellicent: Annoying, but I can break it down with heavy attacks from Landorus-T, Mamoswine, Thundurus-T, and Tornadus-T.
Tentacruel: Similar to Jellicent.
Gastrodon: Amoonguss.
Blissey: All but Thundurus-T and Amoonguss can maim it.
Chansey: Like Blissey but a little harder to beat.
Vaporeon: See Jellicent.
Bronzong: I usually have to try to set up on it with Keldeo or Spore it with Amoonguss.
Swampert: Amoonguss.
Mew: Hard to read but easy to bet once its set is known.
Slowbro: Thundurus-T or Keldeo (except when it has Psyshock) do well.
Quagsire: Amoonguss.
Cresselia: Unthreatening, so I can just hit it hard or Spore it.
Deoxys-D: Can't stop it from setting up hazards, but I can pound it with Landorus-T.
Hippowdon: Amoonguss or Keldeo.
Xatu: Like Espeon but easier to take.
Wobbuffet: Really annoying. It will kill Thundurus-T and Mamoswine. With the others I have to try to outpredict it.
Whimsicott: Does nothing to Amoonguss.
Tangrowth: Hates Mamoswine and Tornadus, and is maimed by HP Ice.
Sableye: Also super-annoying but it can't do a whole lot to Amoonguss.
Porygon2: Set up with Keldeo, normally.
