Frost Blight
A kind hullo to all of my fellow Smogon users, and much thanks for your attention as I show you my longtime, yet always reliable, team entitled Frost Blight. The name itself implies hail, and you best be ready to expect a new way to enforce it in OU.
Abomasnow (M) @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Snow Warning
EVs: 16 Atk / 252 SAtk / 240 Spe
Hasty Nature (+Spe, -Def)
- Wood Hammer
- Earthquake
- Ice Shard
- Blizzard
This has got to be the most underrated set Abomasnow can utilize, in my personal opinion. Equipped with a Choice Scarf, this Pokemon achieves a speed of 355, outspeeding any unscarfed Politoed (seeing as most are either running specs or toxic stalling to keep rain), and any unscarfed Tyranitar (I haven't seen any of these, to be honest. I thought there would be more <3). This means that it will be required to set up weather first, most of the time letting the other team get the upper hand in the deadly duel. This, however, is not always a problem, as Abomasnow can potentially use Woodhammer on both of these threats (As Ttar is usually not in the mood to predict an Abomasnow to stay in, and Politoed doesnt even want to think about taking a grass type move after it is revealed that Abomasnow is indeed at a greater speed), and almost always knock out the foes in only two hits (Calcs will be inserted below, if you are interested in viewing). Generally, this form of Abomasnow is sent in, uses Blizzard, and runs. Switched in, uses Woodhammer, and runs. Blizzard + Earthquake is, as said many times, a delightful combo of moves that hits anything with neutrality, as long as it doesn't levitate or in some way dodge the move (ahem.. Air Balloon Heatran >.>). Blizzard will knock out most of the tier's grass type beasts in one hit in the Hail, and an Ice Shard will generally do around 40% to a Venusaur that is only invested in Hit Points. Earthquake is a last ditch effort tactic, used only when I don't want any other pokemon to take a fire type hit, and I know I'll outspeed and/or kill a fire type. When a Ninetales is out, Abomasnow is royally screwed, and must switch unless I wish to offer it up. Naturally, I switch into the Ninetales of my own, which will be further explained later. As for taking hits, this really isn't a reliable set for that. Staying aware of this fact, it can take an approximate amount of three Earthquakes from a max attack Gliscor, not considering any Stealth Rock damage, which is never fun. The choice of nature is Hasty, so that neither attacking stats are harmed, but the speed can get raised a bit. There is not much more I can say about this guy. He's a beautiful and annoying lead, seeing as everyone hates hail. A perfect start, especially when people dont expect the scarf for some reason :3
Politoed: 16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/252Def Leftovers Politoed (+Def): 60% - 71% (234 - 276 HP). Guaranteed 2HKO.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/0Def Leftovers Politoed (+Def): 81% - 95% (312 - 368 HP). Guaranteed 2HKO.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 4HP/0Def Leftovers Politoed (Neutral): 106% - 125% (342 - 404 HP). Guaranteed OHKO.
Tyranitar:16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/0Def Leftovers Tyranitar (Neutral): 61% - 72% (248 - 294 HP). Guaranteed 2HKO.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/0Def Leftovers Tyranitar (+Def): 56% - 66% (228 - 270 HP). Guaranteed 2HKO.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/252Def Leftovers Tyranitar (+Def): 45% - 53% (182 - 216 HP). Guaranteed 3HKO. 1% chance to 2HKO with Leftovers.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/0Def Leftovers Politoed (+Def): 81% - 95% (312 - 368 HP). Guaranteed 2HKO.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 4HP/0Def Leftovers Politoed (Neutral): 106% - 125% (342 - 404 HP). Guaranteed OHKO.
Tyranitar:16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/0Def Leftovers Tyranitar (Neutral): 61% - 72% (248 - 294 HP). Guaranteed 2HKO.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/0Def Leftovers Tyranitar (+Def): 56% - 66% (228 - 270 HP). Guaranteed 2HKO.
16Atk Abomasnow (Neutral) Wood Hammer vs 252HP/252Def Leftovers Tyranitar (+Def): 45% - 53% (182 - 216 HP). Guaranteed 3HKO. 1% chance to 2HKO with Leftovers.
Kyurem @ Choice Scarf
Trait: Pressure
EVs: 32 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 220 Spe
Modest Nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Pulse/Glaciate
- Blizzard/Glaciate (Which isn't suggested for this team, but is viable)
- Focus Blast
Kkkyyyuuurrreeemmm!
This unique Dragon and Ice type pokemon is quite possibly the bane of any OU pokemon's existence, bar Forretress and the ever frightening Skarmory. With the speed investment it is given, along with this team's second choiced scarfed pokemon, as dangerous multiple scarfs may be, this Kyurem gets a speed of 421, which is hardly rivaled by pokemon that threaten it. In hail, it has a beautiful dual STAB combination of the always faithful Dragon, and the surprisingly powerful Ice type, that tears through teams in a method similar to that of Abomasnow's hit and run tactics. Kyurem is, regrettably, usually used only as a revenge killer, outspeeding and hitting the foe with a powerful STAB attack. It's a good late game sweeper after it's threats are neutralized. The first attack is it's most powerful (in any weather), and is a great go to for a guaranteed kill, Draco Meteor. It can kill fire type opponents in one shot, as they would usually expect specs, and is hardly predictable after that. The next move is Dragon Pulse, which is a must for any Special offensively based dragon. It's a great way for Kyurem to start off a sweep, seeing as it will hit most pokemon for at least neutral damage, and even then do a TON of damage. This attack has also been known to do some 10%s as being not very effective, sadly. The next move is another STAB move, being Blizzard. It isn't reliable unless hail is up, but it sure will pack a powerful fist of fury. This move easily brings down Sand teams, deals heavy, heeavvvyy damage to any grass type pokemon on a sun team. I choose Blizzard over Glaciate, naturally, because it is more reliable to kill. Glaciate's base attack power may seem a little displeasing, but, it can get the job done, and if not it can at least lower the opponents speed. If you are worried that you will lose the weather war, Glaciate is possible to run (Or Ice Beam), but you always want to think about yourself winning it. The final move of the set is Focus Blast. This is a must have for this set, as it can obliterate Steel types, a job most Ice types aren't capable of doing with ease. Both of Kyurem's STAB attacks aren't very effective to Steel, so the inclusion of Focus Blast is rather tasty indeed. What threatens Kyurem most of all is fast/bulkier fighting types, specifically Lucario, and pokemon such as Jirachi and Metagross. Don't let this put you down though, Kyurem has been the cause of every victory I have achieved.
Mamoswine (F) @ Life Orb
Trait: Snow Cloak
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Icicle Spear
- Earthquake
- Superpower
Mamoswine has the ppooowweerr! This pokemon hits what Skarmory couldn't, and Stealth Rocks are more important than Skarmory's Spike Rock strategy. So, this girl really isn't made to take a hit, and will usually be setting up rocks Mid-game, which can still be effective after the spinner is taken out, and the opponents pokemon are already weakened. It's ability, or trait, is Snow Cloak, raising Mamoswine's evasion in hail. This has come in handy a numerous amount of times, letting me dodge many Focus Blasts and many more otherwise crippling moves. It's typing gives the best coverage, being Ice and Ground type, letting it hit anything that doesn't fly for neutral damage. Mamoswine itself can occasionally take an earthquake and fire back one of it's own moves. Speaking of Earthquake, that is one of it's most powerful STAB moves, and is delicious to use with this Mamoswine. It's massive attack power provides for a great offensive stat, stacking at 394. This is even more powerful than an Adamant, max Attack, unbanded Terrakion. What a Behemoth. Earthquake is known to do less than wanted damage in clutch situations, but works great when I am prepared for the job. To go along with this Ground type move, Icicle Spear as the Ice synergy in the Ice/Ground combination. Icicle Spear is a reliable attack, that when Super Effective almost always kills in two hits (one usage). With the possibility of hitting five times, Icicle Spear and Mamoswine make a deadly combination and this STAB has been known to Inflict 30% per attack on certain pokemon. And, with Mamoswine's speed, it is great to use on unintelligible switch ins. Away from attacks, this Mamoswine can also set up rocks. As stated, it will usually be mid game to take out weakened pokemon, and when the opponents spinner has already fallen. With Snow Cloak, there is an increased chance of using this move for free, without taking a hit that turn. This should never, ever, be relied upon, but it is a chance to keep in mind when thinking of a possible time to utilize your Stealth Rocks. The final move, filling up moveslot number four, is Superpower. This helps add to the surprise factor of the team, and a Fighting type move is always helpful. With -2 attack, Mamoswine can deal at least 50% damage to a bulky Chansey (holding an eviolite), and that right there is a good reason to run it. Mamoswine's frailty can hurt the team at times, as it is unable to switch in and take a hit, but it's offensive prowess more than makes up for it. Mamoswine, along with it's companion Terrakion, can run around in the sand, and laugh at the opponent.
Terrakion @ Leftovers
Trait: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Earthquake
- Swords Dance
As is easily noticed, Terrakion is way more a of powerhouse, and quite the Behemoth, compared to it's fellow Cobalion and Verizion troops. Boasting similar speed, it's attack greatly outmatches much of it's inferior companions. On this team, and attacker is generally something I need, especially that of a fighting type one. Equipped with leftovers, you may look at this guy, and think, "Why in the name of Jellicent would you run Leftovers on a Terrakion?" Well, this is a hail team. Ssooo, I want to be able to set up a Swords Dance without having to take too much damage from hail. Speaking of such a move as Swords Dance, after just one of these Terrakion gets to a massively devastating attack stat of over 700! This can take out opposing Tyranitars with very much ease. It's speed, too, is rather superior to most unscarfed pokemon, being 346 without any boosts at all. Truly a great adversary to any Sand teams, and a wonderful asset to me team. It has a beautiful STAB move in Close Combat, which can counter almost everything that would otherwise put my Kyurem and Abomasnow to their mutual demise. It is arguably the best user of Close Combat, and after a Swords Dance there isn't a single pokemon that wants to switch in to take one, not including Ghost types. It's next move is another powerful STAB, which is needed in any Ou team that wants to be used effectively, in the form of Stone Edge. It's shaky accuracy is not a thing that should detour you, for it will do massive damage when it does hit, which is a bit more often than expected. It has a powerful thrust at it's back, and with only one Swords Dance it can even one hit knock out an offensive Gliscor, and a possible two hit knock out, but usually a three hit knock out, a Defensive one that doesn't protect stall you. If this does happen, a simple Swords Dance on the protect will suffice. It can obviously knock out Flying types in one go, usually without Dancing it's Swords of Sacred power. The fourth, and final, move is one needed on this team; Earthquake. When it comes in contact with the foe's Fire type pokemon, it's almost guaranteed a one hit knock out. It's more reliable than using Stone Edge, and doesn't have the harmful drawbacks of Close Combat. Truly, this pokemon annihilates unsuspecting teams with ease. WAY better than it's Fellow, the Cobalion.
Reuniclus (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Calm Mind
- Recover
- Psyshock
- Focus Blast
Oh my, it seems a troll has leaked into the world of pokemon. Look out OU, Reuniclus is going to take this tier with a grip of.. jelly? In any case, this pokemon has great reliability, and sees much action in every battle. Defensively, it's typing is really great. Dark types are a rare find offensively, and after a few Calm Minds it laughs at Ghost and Bug type attacks. Reuniclus already has a great defensive stat, and max defense helps it's walling capabilities. After a few Calm Minds, it can take virtually ANY attack. What a monster this pokemon has potential to be. The STAB move of choice is Psyshock, so that it can take on Blisseys, and can be treated as a Mixed attacker. It's not hard for this pokemon to start a sweep; it just comes in, uses Calm Mind a bit, and it's ready to take on almost any threat (Spiritomb and Sableye kill this guy). Psyshock is a reliable one hit knock out after Calm Minds, and doesnt even care about the now-rare Lucario. It has no problem setting up to be able to Psyshock everything, either, due to it's recovery in the move.. Recover (as well as the much needed leftovers). When it encounters Steel types, a Focus Blast is sent their way. Even without a boost, this attack is majorly devastating, and usually results in one hit knock outs. This pokemon can do work in hail even, due to it's versatile ability of Magic Guard. This allows it not to take damage from weather or status moves. It's really nice to get this guy poisoned or burned, so that he is unable to be put into the ever so annoying state of slumber. This pokemon is so perfect on this team. The one problem; Speed. It is incredibly slow, as to be expected with someone of his bulk and caliber. This is usually the reason for it's demise. But, while it stands, it is the wall off the team. It has a great partnership with Skarmory, who can take bug, ghost, and dark type moves that Reuniclus can't bear to take on it's own. A Herracross is the biggest threat to this set, being able to knock out my pokemon in just one hit! This pokemon truly is nothing to scoff at, and I suggest it in any OU team.
Ninetales (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SAtk / 4 SDef / 252 Spe
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Flamethrower
- Will-O-Wisp
- Energy Ball
- Hidden Power [Ground]
The excitement begins here, Smogon users! There is where the twist is implemented into the standard style of playing a hail team; a fire type, in the form of a Ninetales. I had been toying with a Flash Fire Ninetales for months, and I noticed that even after the second month, no one was expecting it. This makes it perfectly viable on a team ultra weak to fire. With the right prediction, Ninetales can neutralize and incoming fire type attacks, making his own fire type attacks all the more powerful. This is a beautiful way to deceive the opponent, especially if they run a sun team (the bane of any hail team's existence). With max special attack, Ninetales just absolutely loves to take a fire type hit, and retaliate with one of his own. Flamethrower is the STAB of choice, for it is reliable and deals massive damage under the sun, hail, or even sand. After getting hit with just one fire type attack, this Ninetales can deal up to 40% to another Ninetales with no hitpoints or Special Defense investment. That's nothing to brush off your shoulder, it is truly an amazing feat. Under the sun, after receiving a Flash Fire boost, Ninetales can take out a Venusaur in one hit. Will-O-Wisp is the next move of choice, to otherwise cripple the opponent's team. Ninetales is able to take three Earthquakes from a Sandslash after using Will-O-Wisp. It's just another trick Ninetales is able to tip with it's tail. It can also use this on Tyranitar, to help cripple this threatening behemoth. The next move is Energy Ball, which is used to help take out opposing water types. It isn't always reliable to use, but can be used as a method of prediction. The final moveslot is Hidden Power [Ground]. This is a way to take out fire types that it received it's Flash Fire boost from, dealing massive damage with the help of Life Orb. This is literally the whole reason I put together this team; I figured, "Hey, I've never used a Ninetales, and a Hail team seems to be perfect bait for fire attacks to help him!"
This team is majorly threatened fighting types, and I find a lot of standard rain teams hard to combat. But, it has to be played with great caution, and is always a lot of fun to try out.
Your comments and criticism is greatly appreciated, and always remember:
Kkkyyyuuurrreeemmm!
Cobalion @ Leftovers/Focus Sash
Trait: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Stone Edge
- Close Combat
- Iron Head
- Swords Dance
The powerhouse of the squad, the totally underrated, Cobalion. It's not the usual thing to find in OU, being "outclassed" by it's fellow member, Terrakion. Even Virizion gets to see more action than this guy. It's Steel/Fighting typing provides for good defense, but also troublesome kind too. When a Shadow Ball threatens you, this guy can take it. It outspeeds Lucarios, and can take the, out with a Close Combat, unless the Lucario is inevitably scarfed. After just one Swords Dance, it's attack becomes an overwhelming 558. This alone can help balance the game out. With a STAB Close Combat, the OU metagame better watch out for this underdog. Close Combat is always dangerous, and not many pokemon want to receive one. This pokemon finds itself able to knock out the foe's opposing Tyranitar after just one Swords Dance (If it is able to get one up), as well as Heatrans that aren't heavily invested in Health and Defense stats. Iron Head is it's next STAB attack. It's very unreliable as a way to one hit knock out the opponent, but it can hit Ghost and Psychic type pokemon which seem to obliterate the current metagame. Iron Head can also be opted over Stone Edge to hit such things, in case of the need for PP, or if you really don't want to risk the chance of missing. That, of course, brings us to the coverage move of choice, the move that takes up the last moveslot, Stone Edge. This is almost a need for ANY fighting type that can learn it. It takes out the not-so-threatening flying type opponents, and is usually able to hit what Close Combat fails to hit with neutral or super effective damage. As stated above, it's accuracy is almost always less than perfect. It can't be relied on in clutch situations, as any competitive pokemon player would know. Ground type pokemon that outspeed can usually take out Cobalion cleanly, and it is just another part of the team that is weak to fire. Im seriously thinking about replacing him with Terrakion.
Skarmory (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 232 Def / 24 Spe
Impish Nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Roost
- Spikes
- Whirlwind
- Stealth Rock
Lol Skarmory, you look so silly on this team. No attacking moves, and you are in hail. How will this ever work? Well, it actually works quite nicely. With the amazing defense stat, I believe it to be around 411, it can take fighting type hits that Kyurem and Cobalion can't for days. It's obvious goal is to set up Spikes and Stealth Rocks, and then Whirlwind and roost to build up damage. This set is obviously walled by taunt, which seems to gain and lose popularity irregularly. When it can be utilized correctly, Skarmory can Bluff the Brave Bird and set up. It can occasionally be a fine lead on rain teams, but it won't take a Fire Blast from Ninetales or Tyranitar, even. Once taken down to sturdy, the only option it has is to either roost up it's health, or set up one more layer of spikes/put up Stealth Rocks. This set benefits the teams sweeping abilities, and seems to work better without an attack. Skarmory is easily taken down by special attackers, and when at Sturdy, my own hail will be the one who takes it down. It's not the best, but it sets up. Gengar with Thunderbolt seems to take this pokemon out with ease, as well as almost any specially oriented fire type attack. Skarmory seems a little lost on this team, and a replacement may need to be in order.
