..::Intro::..
Yeah, I'm a little late on the uptake metagame-wise, since I only play WiFi.
Well, this will probably be my last Diamond/Pearl metagame team before I get into Platinum. Reluctantly (Scizor.... eugh). I did so prefer the fast yet simple metagame of D/P. :'(
So, if you will, I'd like some help improving this. ^_^
Also, if I could get suggestions on how to turn this into a half decent Platinum team, that would be fantastic. ^_^
..::Overview::..
..::In Depth::..
Ambipom@Life Orb
Jolly~Technician
6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
~U-Turn
~Fake Out
~Brick Break
~Payback
~Strategy~
Fake Out faster opponents, and to nullify Sashes. Brick Break gives coverage over Steels/Rocks, while Payback deals with Gengar, and other ghosts.
Return is for 'mon which are slower than Ambipom.
This set can do surprising damage to quite a lot of 'mon.
I've swapped this for a Flinch'n'Flee set, with Payback>Return due to the number of Gengars and other Ghosts.
~Comments~
I originally used a CB set here, but I feel that this is better because I get to chose which attack if the opponent, say, switches to Gengar (which has happened twice to me in the past few games).
He needs to be kept alive, to work in tandem with Heracross to take out numerous threats to my team, be it a revenge kill, or a tight switch in.
He can take most non-Stab'd attacks okay, and he can usually outspeed the opponent and KO.
Mesprit@Leftovers
Bold~Levitate
252 HP / 68 Def / 92 SpA / 96 SpD
~Psychic
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt
~Thunder Wave
~Strategy~
The theory behind this 'mon is that it covers my [old] MixNape weakness, and will actually do some damage back, unlike Uxie, which can't really pull anything truly offensive off well.
This is the Anti-Sweeper set from the analysis, and also gives more physical bulk to my team. He gives some nice counters for 'mon my team.
~Comments~
This was a recent addition to the team, which I haven't been able to test out yet due to internet problems.
I used to use a Subseed [special] Sceptile, which didn't add much to the team.
A, it was hard to get in safely, and B, it's outsped by lots of CS users nowadays.
It's such a shame he doesn't learn Flamethrower, as that would have made my life easier somewhat.
Suicune@Leftovers
Modest~Pressure
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
~Calm Mind
~Rest
~Surf
~Sleep Talk
~Strategy~
This has changed from the original Offensice Suicune to the Crocune set. This lets my team counter WishBliss, Heatran, etc. by PP stalling and powerful Surfs. Vappy also loses out to Pressure eventually. He gives my team some great durability, and protects me more from stall, somewhat.
~Comments~
I've grown to like this set a lot, it counters Stall by Stall, if you will. Being able to stall out low PP moves like Stone Edge and Close Combat really does do wonders for this team, and eases prediction so much.
Tangrowth@Leftovers
Impish~Chlorophyll
252 HP / 228 Def / 28 Spe
~Knock Off
~Power Whip
~Sleep Powder
~Leech Seed
~Strategy~
My physical wall. Sleep Powder is fantastic on the switch, as his possible counter should be asleep in order for him to do what he does best; drain.
Leech Seed is a hellish move for my opponent's walls. Knock Off is an excellent move which not only lets me scout potentially what set the opponent's running, which could be game changing for me. Sleep powdering a 'mon who're half-way through setting up is both annoying, and funny. :P
Power Whip is (almost) unique to Tangrowth, and gives nice STAB.
~Comments~
Tangrowth doesn't get the respect he deserves, be it in Platinum or in DP. Platinum has a beefed up Scizor, which means that his usage has dropped. DP had powerful Fire Blasts and Flamethrowers and Ice Beams flying about, limiting his usefulness.
Humbug, I say! He's a better wall statistically than Celebi. The lack of recovery outside Leech Seed is unfortunate, but that's what WishBliss is for.
Remember this is a DP RMT at the moment, so he doesn't have to block Scizor so badly.
Blissey@Leftovers
Natural Cure~Calm
252 Def / 80 SpA / 176 SpD
~Wish
~Protect
~Toxic
~Flamethrower
~Strategy~
WishBliss helps to keep the team healthy. This can Stall out a lot of Specially based 'mon if it comes to it, especially if they've been prepped by Tangrowth (i.e. they've had their lefties Knocked Off). What can't be Toxic'd, and what's usually in OU, are Steel types, so I used Flamethrower to hit those.
A notable problem is Heatran, which is the most common used 'mon now.
*See below*
~Comments~
The hated wall. She helps keep the team healthy, in particular Mesprit and Tangrowth.
Now the Heatran problem. The name of the game is Stall.
Depending on what Heatran does, I would switch out to something else that can take it. For Fire attacks, I would switch to Suicune (Fire Blast gets worn down nicely), for Earth Power, Mesprit. For Dragon Pulse, Suicune again. As most Heatrans are Choice'd, this should work well. I won't remove Toxic, as it's imperative to taking walls down late-game, or Stallers.
Heracross@Choice Scarf
Adamant~Guts
252 Atk / 6 Def / 252 Spe
~Toxic
~Stone Edge
~Megahorn
~Close Combat
~Strategy~
CC and Megahorn are obvious STAB, and do some heavy damage, even with only a Scarf. Stone Edge is a Staple to cover Skarmory better, as well as Gyarados. The Scarf also means that Infernape can't sweep my team; as Hera will outspeed and kill with STAB Close Combat.
A quick Toxic can be helpful against walls like Gliscor and Hippowdon, which is why it makes an appearance here.
~Comments~
He's my revenge killer of sorts, and does some surprising damage, which shows how good Heracross actually is.
He works in tandem with Ambipom to help take down fast, frail and/or weakened threats. He also helps with wall breaking. If I switch in, then they switch to Gliscor, I'll know that they're likely to do it again next time, so I know to Toxic instead, to make his life much easier.
The coverage this set gets is phenomenal.
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..::Threat List (mostly copied from Obi's sticky)::..
Donphan/Hippowdon: Essentially the same where my team's concerned. Neither can do much to Suicune, while it can KO back relatively easily. Tangrowth will shrug off the weak Ice attack from Donphan, and Hippowdon's Ice Fang isn't as common now that Garchomp is out of OU. Either way, Tangrowth can take a hit or three, and hit back hard with STAB Pwoer Whip.
Both are liable to be Toxic'd with a little prediction by Heracross, and both can be hit hard by Mesprit's Ice Beam.
Skarmory: Can be handled by Suicune, Blissey and Mesprit. He really can't hurt my team unless he gets 2 layers of Spikes down. Stealth Rock doesn't really matter, no member of my team is weak to it, so I didn't feel a Spinner was necessary (that, and I loathe using Spinners).
Dusknoir/Spiritomb: Dusknoir can eat a Toxic as far as I'm concerned. Walling me with his ghostly-ness. Heracross or Bliss can Toxic on the switch, and Hera could be lucky enough to eat a Will-O-Wisp to boost his attack (for Stone Edge on Dusky, obviously). Suicune can come in and Rest off a Burn, and can stall him out, as he can't do much to me.
Mesprit, though weak to Shadow Sneak can be a last-ditch attempt for Physically based Dusk's, if the rest of my team dies from some horrible disease (also called Infernape).
Spiritomb is similar, though I'd need to attempt a stall with Suicune or try to get Heracross a Guts boost. He does cause problems for me, to an extent, but he shouldn't last too long (mono-attackers are PP Stalled, Resttalkers similarly by Bliss&'cune). It's not the best solution, but with nowt that can hit him for Super Effective, it's the best this team can do.
Cressy: ...can eat a Toxic as well. She'll die to Megahorns from Hera, while not OHKO'ing back with Psychic (no investment by either). She'll also be outstalled by Suicune, and KO'd by a powered up Surf.
Tyranitar: As long as they get in safely, Ambipom and Heracross can severely damage/OHKO respectively. Suicune won’t care about the SpD boost after one or two Calm Minds and PP Stall, though STAB Crunch won’t be enjoyed. Mesprit can come in on Band Earthquakes and Paralyze (though it can’t do much else). Tangrowth can come in on any Physical set and hit back with Power Whip. TyraniBoah causes some problems, though Crunch/TBolt can be beaten by Tangrowth, Dark Pulse/Ice Beam can be (somewhat) beaten by Suicune, and Heracross and Ambipom can outspeed and KO (Ambipom needs some prior damage).
Gyarados: Mesprit loves Gyara trying to set up. TWave and TBolt say hai. Hera can outspeed and damage with Stone Edge, or Toxic, if it gets in before 2 DDs. Ambipom can damage some non-bulky sets. Suicune also loves Gyara, PP Stalling to it’s heart’s content, only being 2HKOd after 5 DDs (50-59%). Tangrowth also likes to Sleep them and Knock Off their items, just as long as they don’t get enough DDs to KO with Ice Fang (usually won’t happen, Offensive Gyaras are usually the ones to carry Ice Fang, and while their asleep it’s usually not too hard to wear them down with Power Whip).
Infernape: I’m a little ‘nape weak, though Mesprit is built specifically to stop sweeps by the little monkey. Psychic will OHKO whether it has a SpD drop or not. Hera can outspeed and KO, and Ambipom will as well. Suicune can do well, as long as he doesn’t carry Grass Knot (if he does, Calm Minds are needed).
Azelf: Explosion causes problems, as I don’t have a resist for it, but Ambipom comes to the rescue here as well. Fake Out will help break any Sashes, and he can survive 1 Psychic, enough to Payback and KO. He can also KO any leads this way while they set up SR on the second turn.
Suicune can take any non-Grass Knot versions; though will have trouble with Plotted Knots. Mesprit can hinder sweeps with TWave, though it can’t do too much back. Blissey is, of course, the definition of a Nasty Plot counter, as long as it doesn’t Explode (unusually good prediction on my part can lead to a Protect on that turn... sometimes). Heracross can revenge kill if needed.
Rhyperior: Suicune sez hai. He won’t like eating +1, STAB, 4x effective Surfs, even with Solid Rock. Mesprit can Ice Beam and Hera can Close Combat as a last ditch. Tangrowth can take anything not named Megahorn or Fire Punch. Ambipom is in the same position as Hera, only weaker.
Electivire: ‘leccy doesn’t like Tangrowth, unless he has HP Ice. If he has TBolt/HP Ice, Mesprit can handle him okay. If he is fully Physical, Tangrowth lols at him, as Ice Punch won’t KO easily. Any purely special (lol) are walled by Bliss. Again, he’s maimed by Hera and Ambipom.
Heracross: CS: Depending upon what he’s locked into, Mesprit, Suicune, and Tangrowth can take him okay.
Band: Again, depends on what he’s locked into. Ambipom and Hera can revenge kill.
Swords Dance: Not seen much; though would give me problems. Probs needs to be revenge killed.
Salamence: Suicune can take him easily enough. Hera and ‘pom will outspeed and do decent damage (mind that only Hera will KO with Stone Edge). Mesprit can Ice Beam and survive various hits. Bliss can take any Specs version nicely.
Togekiss: Bliss can wall any pure-special versions. Suicune can handle all of them (within reasonable boundaries), and Calm Mind up. Yet again, my two revenge killers can damage him a fair amount.
Gengar: Non-Scarf: Suicune can take Hypnosis’ for the team, and Bliss can wall from there.
Scarf varients: Bliss will take anything this throws like a marshmallow.
Raikou: Ambipom can take it’s chances with a speed tie, but hera can come in, survive at least one hit (without a SpD drop), and KO from there. Bliss can outstall him and try to break subs with Flamethrower, and any HP Ice versions can be handled by Suicune (once TBolt’s PP is out). A +6 TBolt will only 2HKO the mighty mashmallow, so the Wish/Protect combo can outstall him. If TBolt is out, then HP Ice can be taken by Suicune, and HP Grass can still be taken by Bliss. Hera can take 1 HP Grass (maybe 2).
Lucario: Non-ice attacks can be taken by Tangrowth. Any version without Crunch can be hurt by Mesprit, and Suicune can take a hit or two. Specs Luke can be walled by Bliss, and hit back with Flamethrower. Herapom can revenge kill once again.
Tauros: Lol. Tangrowth walls this to infinity with Sleep Powder and Knock Off. Suicune laughs off any attempt at damage. Herapom can revenge kill, unless it’s holding a Scarf.
Starmie: Herapom is a wonderful revenge kill duo, isn’t it?
Suicune can outstall if it has a Calm Mind or two to stop TBolt raping it. Bliss will stop any attempt at a SpecStar sweep.
Weavile: He’s a bugger if he traps Bliss with Pursuit. Suicune will shrug off many attacks and set up. Tangrowth will stop any non-Ice assault. Herapom might pop in to say hai.
Dugtrio: Another git. Suicune will do well against it, and Tangrowth will take any that aren’t locked into Aerial Ace. For non-Scarf’s, Herapom are great are the slaughter.
Alakazam: Choice users are walled and stalled by Bliss. Even +ve Specs Focus Blasts are 3HKOs on Bliss, and that is easily remedied by Wish/Protect.
Again, non-Scarf varients can be killed off by Payback/Megahorn.
PorygonZ: Bitch. Can be walled by Bliss yet again (she has many talents). Non-Scarf’s can be killed by the usual. Suicune can take any varients that don’t have too many Nasty Plots up.
Medicham: Scarf sets can be taken by Suicune, generally. Band sets need special attention, but are rarely seen. Mesprit can do well, in a similar manor to Cresselia.
Staraptor: Suicune can take most physical assaults. Tangrowth is in a similar position, but only if it’s locked into something like Close Combat or Double Edge.
Slowbro: Blissey can Toxic and outstall it, as can Suicune. Mesprit can handle some, though it won’t enjoy TWaves. Hera’s Megahorn will take a nice chunk out of it.
Machamp: He’s a nasty git with his perfect accuracy Dynamic Punch. Fortunately, he can be PP Stalled to an extent with Suicune. Mesprit can take a D’Punch, if he’s locked into it.
Jolteon: Blissey walls any attempt at hurting my team. If Bliss isn’t 2HKO’d by a +6 neutral Raikou, it ain’t gonna be hurt by this.
Aerodactyl: Tangrowth likes this, as does Mesprit. Hera, as always, can revenge kill.
Snorlax: Is raped by Heracross, and outstalled by Suicune (being aware of Self Destruct or too many curses). Tangrowth can take any non-Fire Punch versions.
Zapdos: Is handled by Bliss. Sleep Talk sets can be outstalled by ‘cune, as can usual variants with a Calm Mind or two. Metal Sound is annoying, but very rare.
Blissey: Stalled out by ‘cune, or can be Toxic’d by Blissey (worst case scenario). Obviously, she’ll die to any of my Physical attackers.
Suicune: Non-Crocune sets are outstalled by my own ‘cune, and Blissey. Mesprit can TBolt it (though not for much damage), and Hera and Pom can hit it on its weaker physical side if it Calm Minds up.
Sceptile: Outrun by Hera, who resists the Physical SubSeed set. The Special version is taken down by Suicune and Bliss. Specs version can be taken by Bliss only, unless it’s locked into something that Suicune resists.
Breloom: Another annoying begger. Suicune takes sleep, and Tangrowth can then come in and Sleep (mind the Sub). Otherwise, I can turn to Heracross, yet again, and attack.
Slaking: Lol. He’s KO’d by Hera, and walled by Tangrowth. Truant helps buckets.
Tangrowth: Ehheh. Special versions go to Bliss, Physical versions go to my own ‘growth, and/or Suicune (ideally asleep, so that ‘cune still gets lefties recovery).
Ninjask: Urgh. He’ll usually get his Speed pass off, though when it comes down to it, he’ll die to Suicune or Hera.
Metagross: If he’s a’Meteor Mashin’, he goes to mah ‘coon. If he’s Asplodon’, he’s a goin’ to mah def fodda. Anything else goes to it’s respective wall. Agiligross goes to Tangrowth.
Heatran: Bliss. ‘nuff said. Suicune also enjoys the set up, while Mesprit can slowly wear him down if he’s locked into Earth Power.
Celebi: SubSeeders are gits, but Bliss can Flamethrower, and Hera can outspeed and KO, similarly, ‘pom can damage heavily with Payback. Suicune may be able to outstall any set without powerful Grass attacks.
Jirachi: Blissey loves the non-physical versions, and Suicune can outstall the Calm Mind versions if they don’t have Thunderbolt. He also enjoys a turn of Rain, if Jirachi is silly enough to set it up in ‘cune’s face.
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I need help progressing here. I'm not great on the whole "Pokemon X rips this apart...", unless it's blindingly obvious. And even then I have a habit of missing them. xD
Any comments regarding Platinum will be greatly appreciated. It's a rocky transition for me, for once. ;]
Yeah, I'm a little late on the uptake metagame-wise, since I only play WiFi.
Well, this will probably be my last Diamond/Pearl metagame team before I get into Platinum. Reluctantly (Scizor.... eugh). I did so prefer the fast yet simple metagame of D/P. :'(
So, if you will, I'd like some help improving this. ^_^
Also, if I could get suggestions on how to turn this into a half decent Platinum team, that would be fantastic. ^_^
..::Overview::..
..::In Depth::..
Ambipom@Life Orb
Jolly~Technician
6 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
~U-Turn
~Fake Out
~Brick Break
~Payback
~Strategy~
Fake Out faster opponents, and to nullify Sashes. Brick Break gives coverage over Steels/Rocks, while Payback deals with Gengar, and other ghosts.
Return is for 'mon which are slower than Ambipom.
This set can do surprising damage to quite a lot of 'mon.
I've swapped this for a Flinch'n'Flee set, with Payback>Return due to the number of Gengars and other Ghosts.
~Comments~
I originally used a CB set here, but I feel that this is better because I get to chose which attack if the opponent, say, switches to Gengar (which has happened twice to me in the past few games).
He needs to be kept alive, to work in tandem with Heracross to take out numerous threats to my team, be it a revenge kill, or a tight switch in.
He can take most non-Stab'd attacks okay, and he can usually outspeed the opponent and KO.
Mesprit@Leftovers
Bold~Levitate
252 HP / 68 Def / 92 SpA / 96 SpD
~Psychic
~Ice Beam
~Thunderbolt
~Thunder Wave
~Strategy~
The theory behind this 'mon is that it covers my [old] MixNape weakness, and will actually do some damage back, unlike Uxie, which can't really pull anything truly offensive off well.
This is the Anti-Sweeper set from the analysis, and also gives more physical bulk to my team. He gives some nice counters for 'mon my team.
~Comments~
This was a recent addition to the team, which I haven't been able to test out yet due to internet problems.
I used to use a Subseed [special] Sceptile, which didn't add much to the team.
A, it was hard to get in safely, and B, it's outsped by lots of CS users nowadays.
It's such a shame he doesn't learn Flamethrower, as that would have made my life easier somewhat.
Suicune@Leftovers
Modest~Pressure
4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
~Calm Mind
~Rest
~Surf
~Sleep Talk
~Strategy~
This has changed from the original Offensice Suicune to the Crocune set. This lets my team counter WishBliss, Heatran, etc. by PP stalling and powerful Surfs. Vappy also loses out to Pressure eventually. He gives my team some great durability, and protects me more from stall, somewhat.
~Comments~
I've grown to like this set a lot, it counters Stall by Stall, if you will. Being able to stall out low PP moves like Stone Edge and Close Combat really does do wonders for this team, and eases prediction so much.
Tangrowth@Leftovers
Impish~Chlorophyll
252 HP / 228 Def / 28 Spe
~Knock Off
~Power Whip
~Sleep Powder
~Leech Seed
~Strategy~
My physical wall. Sleep Powder is fantastic on the switch, as his possible counter should be asleep in order for him to do what he does best; drain.
Leech Seed is a hellish move for my opponent's walls. Knock Off is an excellent move which not only lets me scout potentially what set the opponent's running, which could be game changing for me. Sleep powdering a 'mon who're half-way through setting up is both annoying, and funny. :P
Power Whip is (almost) unique to Tangrowth, and gives nice STAB.
~Comments~
Tangrowth doesn't get the respect he deserves, be it in Platinum or in DP. Platinum has a beefed up Scizor, which means that his usage has dropped. DP had powerful Fire Blasts and Flamethrowers and Ice Beams flying about, limiting his usefulness.
Humbug, I say! He's a better wall statistically than Celebi. The lack of recovery outside Leech Seed is unfortunate, but that's what WishBliss is for.
Remember this is a DP RMT at the moment, so he doesn't have to block Scizor so badly.
Blissey@Leftovers
Natural Cure~Calm
252 Def / 80 SpA / 176 SpD
~Wish
~Protect
~Toxic
~Flamethrower
~Strategy~
WishBliss helps to keep the team healthy. This can Stall out a lot of Specially based 'mon if it comes to it, especially if they've been prepped by Tangrowth (i.e. they've had their lefties Knocked Off). What can't be Toxic'd, and what's usually in OU, are Steel types, so I used Flamethrower to hit those.
A notable problem is Heatran, which is the most common used 'mon now.
*See below*
~Comments~
The hated wall. She helps keep the team healthy, in particular Mesprit and Tangrowth.
Now the Heatran problem. The name of the game is Stall.
Depending on what Heatran does, I would switch out to something else that can take it. For Fire attacks, I would switch to Suicune (Fire Blast gets worn down nicely), for Earth Power, Mesprit. For Dragon Pulse, Suicune again. As most Heatrans are Choice'd, this should work well. I won't remove Toxic, as it's imperative to taking walls down late-game, or Stallers.
Heracross@Choice Scarf
Adamant~Guts
252 Atk / 6 Def / 252 Spe
~Toxic
~Stone Edge
~Megahorn
~Close Combat
~Strategy~
CC and Megahorn are obvious STAB, and do some heavy damage, even with only a Scarf. Stone Edge is a Staple to cover Skarmory better, as well as Gyarados. The Scarf also means that Infernape can't sweep my team; as Hera will outspeed and kill with STAB Close Combat.
A quick Toxic can be helpful against walls like Gliscor and Hippowdon, which is why it makes an appearance here.
~Comments~
He's my revenge killer of sorts, and does some surprising damage, which shows how good Heracross actually is.
He works in tandem with Ambipom to help take down fast, frail and/or weakened threats. He also helps with wall breaking. If I switch in, then they switch to Gliscor, I'll know that they're likely to do it again next time, so I know to Toxic instead, to make his life much easier.
The coverage this set gets is phenomenal.
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..::Threat List (mostly copied from Obi's sticky)::..
Donphan/Hippowdon: Essentially the same where my team's concerned. Neither can do much to Suicune, while it can KO back relatively easily. Tangrowth will shrug off the weak Ice attack from Donphan, and Hippowdon's Ice Fang isn't as common now that Garchomp is out of OU. Either way, Tangrowth can take a hit or three, and hit back hard with STAB Pwoer Whip.
Both are liable to be Toxic'd with a little prediction by Heracross, and both can be hit hard by Mesprit's Ice Beam.
Skarmory: Can be handled by Suicune, Blissey and Mesprit. He really can't hurt my team unless he gets 2 layers of Spikes down. Stealth Rock doesn't really matter, no member of my team is weak to it, so I didn't feel a Spinner was necessary (that, and I loathe using Spinners).
Dusknoir/Spiritomb: Dusknoir can eat a Toxic as far as I'm concerned. Walling me with his ghostly-ness. Heracross or Bliss can Toxic on the switch, and Hera could be lucky enough to eat a Will-O-Wisp to boost his attack (for Stone Edge on Dusky, obviously). Suicune can come in and Rest off a Burn, and can stall him out, as he can't do much to me.
Mesprit, though weak to Shadow Sneak can be a last-ditch attempt for Physically based Dusk's, if the rest of my team dies from some horrible disease (also called Infernape).
Spiritomb is similar, though I'd need to attempt a stall with Suicune or try to get Heracross a Guts boost. He does cause problems for me, to an extent, but he shouldn't last too long (mono-attackers are PP Stalled, Resttalkers similarly by Bliss&'cune). It's not the best solution, but with nowt that can hit him for Super Effective, it's the best this team can do.
Cressy: ...can eat a Toxic as well. She'll die to Megahorns from Hera, while not OHKO'ing back with Psychic (no investment by either). She'll also be outstalled by Suicune, and KO'd by a powered up Surf.
Tyranitar: As long as they get in safely, Ambipom and Heracross can severely damage/OHKO respectively. Suicune won’t care about the SpD boost after one or two Calm Minds and PP Stall, though STAB Crunch won’t be enjoyed. Mesprit can come in on Band Earthquakes and Paralyze (though it can’t do much else). Tangrowth can come in on any Physical set and hit back with Power Whip. TyraniBoah causes some problems, though Crunch/TBolt can be beaten by Tangrowth, Dark Pulse/Ice Beam can be (somewhat) beaten by Suicune, and Heracross and Ambipom can outspeed and KO (Ambipom needs some prior damage).
Gyarados: Mesprit loves Gyara trying to set up. TWave and TBolt say hai. Hera can outspeed and damage with Stone Edge, or Toxic, if it gets in before 2 DDs. Ambipom can damage some non-bulky sets. Suicune also loves Gyara, PP Stalling to it’s heart’s content, only being 2HKOd after 5 DDs (50-59%). Tangrowth also likes to Sleep them and Knock Off their items, just as long as they don’t get enough DDs to KO with Ice Fang (usually won’t happen, Offensive Gyaras are usually the ones to carry Ice Fang, and while their asleep it’s usually not too hard to wear them down with Power Whip).
Infernape: I’m a little ‘nape weak, though Mesprit is built specifically to stop sweeps by the little monkey. Psychic will OHKO whether it has a SpD drop or not. Hera can outspeed and KO, and Ambipom will as well. Suicune can do well, as long as he doesn’t carry Grass Knot (if he does, Calm Minds are needed).
Azelf: Explosion causes problems, as I don’t have a resist for it, but Ambipom comes to the rescue here as well. Fake Out will help break any Sashes, and he can survive 1 Psychic, enough to Payback and KO. He can also KO any leads this way while they set up SR on the second turn.
Suicune can take any non-Grass Knot versions; though will have trouble with Plotted Knots. Mesprit can hinder sweeps with TWave, though it can’t do too much back. Blissey is, of course, the definition of a Nasty Plot counter, as long as it doesn’t Explode (unusually good prediction on my part can lead to a Protect on that turn... sometimes). Heracross can revenge kill if needed.
Rhyperior: Suicune sez hai. He won’t like eating +1, STAB, 4x effective Surfs, even with Solid Rock. Mesprit can Ice Beam and Hera can Close Combat as a last ditch. Tangrowth can take anything not named Megahorn or Fire Punch. Ambipom is in the same position as Hera, only weaker.
Electivire: ‘leccy doesn’t like Tangrowth, unless he has HP Ice. If he has TBolt/HP Ice, Mesprit can handle him okay. If he is fully Physical, Tangrowth lols at him, as Ice Punch won’t KO easily. Any purely special (lol) are walled by Bliss. Again, he’s maimed by Hera and Ambipom.
Heracross: CS: Depending upon what he’s locked into, Mesprit, Suicune, and Tangrowth can take him okay.
Band: Again, depends on what he’s locked into. Ambipom and Hera can revenge kill.
Swords Dance: Not seen much; though would give me problems. Probs needs to be revenge killed.
Salamence: Suicune can take him easily enough. Hera and ‘pom will outspeed and do decent damage (mind that only Hera will KO with Stone Edge). Mesprit can Ice Beam and survive various hits. Bliss can take any Specs version nicely.
Togekiss: Bliss can wall any pure-special versions. Suicune can handle all of them (within reasonable boundaries), and Calm Mind up. Yet again, my two revenge killers can damage him a fair amount.
Gengar: Non-Scarf: Suicune can take Hypnosis’ for the team, and Bliss can wall from there.
Scarf varients: Bliss will take anything this throws like a marshmallow.
Raikou: Ambipom can take it’s chances with a speed tie, but hera can come in, survive at least one hit (without a SpD drop), and KO from there. Bliss can outstall him and try to break subs with Flamethrower, and any HP Ice versions can be handled by Suicune (once TBolt’s PP is out). A +6 TBolt will only 2HKO the mighty mashmallow, so the Wish/Protect combo can outstall him. If TBolt is out, then HP Ice can be taken by Suicune, and HP Grass can still be taken by Bliss. Hera can take 1 HP Grass (maybe 2).
Lucario: Non-ice attacks can be taken by Tangrowth. Any version without Crunch can be hurt by Mesprit, and Suicune can take a hit or two. Specs Luke can be walled by Bliss, and hit back with Flamethrower. Herapom can revenge kill once again.
Tauros: Lol. Tangrowth walls this to infinity with Sleep Powder and Knock Off. Suicune laughs off any attempt at damage. Herapom can revenge kill, unless it’s holding a Scarf.
Starmie: Herapom is a wonderful revenge kill duo, isn’t it?
Suicune can outstall if it has a Calm Mind or two to stop TBolt raping it. Bliss will stop any attempt at a SpecStar sweep.
Weavile: He’s a bugger if he traps Bliss with Pursuit. Suicune will shrug off many attacks and set up. Tangrowth will stop any non-Ice assault. Herapom might pop in to say hai.
Dugtrio: Another git. Suicune will do well against it, and Tangrowth will take any that aren’t locked into Aerial Ace. For non-Scarf’s, Herapom are great are the slaughter.
Alakazam: Choice users are walled and stalled by Bliss. Even +ve Specs Focus Blasts are 3HKOs on Bliss, and that is easily remedied by Wish/Protect.
Again, non-Scarf varients can be killed off by Payback/Megahorn.
PorygonZ: Bitch. Can be walled by Bliss yet again (she has many talents). Non-Scarf’s can be killed by the usual. Suicune can take any varients that don’t have too many Nasty Plots up.
Medicham: Scarf sets can be taken by Suicune, generally. Band sets need special attention, but are rarely seen. Mesprit can do well, in a similar manor to Cresselia.
Staraptor: Suicune can take most physical assaults. Tangrowth is in a similar position, but only if it’s locked into something like Close Combat or Double Edge.
Slowbro: Blissey can Toxic and outstall it, as can Suicune. Mesprit can handle some, though it won’t enjoy TWaves. Hera’s Megahorn will take a nice chunk out of it.
Machamp: He’s a nasty git with his perfect accuracy Dynamic Punch. Fortunately, he can be PP Stalled to an extent with Suicune. Mesprit can take a D’Punch, if he’s locked into it.
Jolteon: Blissey walls any attempt at hurting my team. If Bliss isn’t 2HKO’d by a +6 neutral Raikou, it ain’t gonna be hurt by this.
Aerodactyl: Tangrowth likes this, as does Mesprit. Hera, as always, can revenge kill.
Snorlax: Is raped by Heracross, and outstalled by Suicune (being aware of Self Destruct or too many curses). Tangrowth can take any non-Fire Punch versions.
Zapdos: Is handled by Bliss. Sleep Talk sets can be outstalled by ‘cune, as can usual variants with a Calm Mind or two. Metal Sound is annoying, but very rare.
Blissey: Stalled out by ‘cune, or can be Toxic’d by Blissey (worst case scenario). Obviously, she’ll die to any of my Physical attackers.
Suicune: Non-Crocune sets are outstalled by my own ‘cune, and Blissey. Mesprit can TBolt it (though not for much damage), and Hera and Pom can hit it on its weaker physical side if it Calm Minds up.
Sceptile: Outrun by Hera, who resists the Physical SubSeed set. The Special version is taken down by Suicune and Bliss. Specs version can be taken by Bliss only, unless it’s locked into something that Suicune resists.
Breloom: Another annoying begger. Suicune takes sleep, and Tangrowth can then come in and Sleep (mind the Sub). Otherwise, I can turn to Heracross, yet again, and attack.
Slaking: Lol. He’s KO’d by Hera, and walled by Tangrowth. Truant helps buckets.
Tangrowth: Ehheh. Special versions go to Bliss, Physical versions go to my own ‘growth, and/or Suicune (ideally asleep, so that ‘cune still gets lefties recovery).
Ninjask: Urgh. He’ll usually get his Speed pass off, though when it comes down to it, he’ll die to Suicune or Hera.
Metagross: If he’s a’Meteor Mashin’, he goes to mah ‘coon. If he’s Asplodon’, he’s a goin’ to mah def fodda. Anything else goes to it’s respective wall. Agiligross goes to Tangrowth.
Heatran: Bliss. ‘nuff said. Suicune also enjoys the set up, while Mesprit can slowly wear him down if he’s locked into Earth Power.
Celebi: SubSeeders are gits, but Bliss can Flamethrower, and Hera can outspeed and KO, similarly, ‘pom can damage heavily with Payback. Suicune may be able to outstall any set without powerful Grass attacks.
Jirachi: Blissey loves the non-physical versions, and Suicune can outstall the Calm Mind versions if they don’t have Thunderbolt. He also enjoys a turn of Rain, if Jirachi is silly enough to set it up in ‘cune’s face.
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I need help progressing here. I'm not great on the whole "Pokemon X rips this apart...", unless it's blindingly obvious. And even then I have a habit of missing them. xD
Any comments regarding Platinum will be greatly appreciated. It's a rocky transition for me, for once. ;]
