With the massive amount of Sandstorm existing right now, certain Pokemon have seen a lot less use due to other threats. This team incorporates some of those in order to stop others.
Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: SandStream
Nature: Impish
EV's: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
-Earthquake
-Stone Edge
-Slack Off
-Stealth Rock
Hippowdon is my decided Sandstream user. Tyranitar is extremely popular right now, and Hippowdon checks it. Even if Tyranitar carries Ice Beam, Hippowdon has very little trouble dealing with it (though it leaves it at very low health. Hippowdon also checks threats such as Excadrill and Gliscor (though it really can't do anything to Gliscor.) Another use for Hippowdon is using Stealth Rock, which Tyranitar can use, but it is much more effective on Hippowdon.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
Nature: Adamant
Ev's: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 HP
-Iron Head
-Ice Punch
-ThunderPunch
-Fire Punch
Jirachi is my utility counter. With the elemental punches, it can deal super-effective damage to just about anything that it sees. Jirachi can also flinch out anything that I can't hit super-effectively like Swampert. Jirachi almost always KO's at least one Pokemon.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
Nature: Relaxed
EV's: 252 / 48 / 208
-Spikes
-Leech Seed
-Power Whip
-Gyro Ball
I swore I wouldn't use it. I've tried every Special Wall including changing Jirachi to Specially Defensive, and using Specially Defensive Heatran. I needed Ferrothorn in order to put the finishing touch on this team. It can take Water-type attacks from the likes of Politoed and deal super-effective damage with STAB Power Whip. Spikes support is also nice.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid
EV's: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
-Shadow Ball
-Focus Blast
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Fire
Gengar is an odd Pokemon to use on a Sandstorm team, but it takes out some of the major threats to this team. Rotom-W, who normally would take out a lot of this team, is taken out by Shadow Ball. Gliscor doesn't like taking STAB Shadow Ball, and Tyranitar doesn't like Focus Blast. The only real threat to Gengar is Scizor using Bullet Punch, but I would switch to Ferrothorn to take the Bullet Punch.
Lucario @ Air Balloon
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Modest
EV's: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
-Nasty Plot
-Aura Sphere
-Vacuum Wave
-Dark Pulse
Lucario revenge kills Excadrill, end of story. If the opponent doesn't have Excadrill, I can sweep with it, but Lucario's primary use is to beat Excadrill.
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
Nature: Adamant
EV's: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
-Swords Dance
-Rock Slide
-Earthquake
-X-Scissor
Here it is, the most omnipresent Pokemon in Sandstorm. I usually save Excadrill for a late game sweep, and as long as I control the weather, there is no reason I won't defeat at least half of the opposing team. The only thing that Excadrill really fears in the late game are Gliscor (which is taken out by Jirachi), Skarmory (which is taken out by Lucario), and Whimsicott carrying Stun Spore (not much I can do about that, Priority Stun Spore is hard to beat.).
Threat List (Non-Threat Moderate Threat Major Threat)
Aerodactyl - Not much of a problem, as most of my Pokemon carry super-effective attacks.
Breloom - This is a pain, but it's easily beat. I'm forced to put something to sleep, but after that, I can bring in Gengar who can deliver a HP Fire.
Conkeldurr - Might cost me a Pokemon to defeat it, but Hippowdon can check it very well, and Gengar can beat it.
Darmanitan - Hippowdon checks it, almost all of my team can hit super-effectively.
Deoxys-S - This one does pose a threat to my team, if I control the weather, I can bring in Excadrill to stop it, but it will probably cost me my Hippowdon.
Dragonite - Super-effective rock-type attacks are this things downfall. As long as it doesn't have a DD under its belt, I can revenge it with Jirachi.
Empoleon - Ferrothorn stops it cold, and I can kill it with a Ground-Type attack that hits faster.
Espeon - Requires Excadrill to take out, I can also use Lucario if the opponent doesn't have Excadrill.
Excadrill - Lucario stops it cold, and so does Hippowdon. If those two are dead, though, this thing could potentially destroy my team.
Gengar - Not bulky enough to cause any serious problems, as long as I can survive a hit, I can attack it back.
Gyarados - Ferrothorn will stop this one cold. Rock-type attacks hit it super-effectively, so there usually aren't any problems. Jirachi can also revenge it without a DD up.
Haxorus - The moment it goes on an Outrage, it won't cause anymore problems. Ferrothorn acts as a great counter to it. Hippowdon also takes its attacks well.
Heatran - After its balloon pops, it isn't a threat at all, Lucario can take it down, and Gengar beats it too (assuming that Focus Blast doesn't miss.)
Heracross - I've never actually seen this thing used against me, but Gengar would shut it down effectively.
Hydreigon - Gengar can stop it effectively, as can Lucario. Not a threat unless I mispredict.
Infernape - Hippowdon can take this thing down pretty easily, and just about anything can beat it with a super-effective attack.
Jirachi - Non-choice Scarf variants are very easy to beat. Even the Choice Scarf version is easy to beat if predicted correctly.
Jolteon - Hippowdon is very good at beating it. Choice Specs Jolteon is pretty easy to beat.
Kingdra - The only time this is effective is in the rain, so as long as I have control of the weather, its not a problem.
Kyurem - Not a problem, the stealth rock weakness is crippling enough, not to to mention most of my Pokemon have Rock-type moves to combat it.
Landorus - This thing gains a pretty big boost from the sandstorm. Its typing is its main problem, as Jirachi can destroy it with Ice Punch.
Latios - Major threat, my only check to it is Ferrothorn, but once that is gone, only Jirachi stands a chance.
Lilligant - As long as I control the weather, this one isn't a problem.
Lucario - Depends on the variant, none are much of a threat, Hippowdon beats it easily.
Machamp - Gengar is a very nice counter to it, outside of that, Hippowdon stops it pretty easily.
Magnezone - This thing can be a pain, but non-balloon variants are easy to beat. Any Pokemon carrying Earthquake dominates it.
Mamoswine - Once again, I rarely see this in the current metagame. It wouldn't be to hard to stop with Hippowdon.
Metagross - Once again, Earthquake is very useful. Fighting type attacks from Lucario will also take it out.
Mienshao - Not much of a threat at all, Gengar stops this thing cold.
Reuniclus - This guy can be annoying, I can bring in Gengar, but if that is predicted, that gets stopped easily. Another possibility is to bring in Excadrill to use X-Scissor.
Roserade - Not a major problem, as it's weak to Ground-type attacks. Ferrothorn also makes a nice switch in to Roserade.
Salamence - If it uses outrage, Ferrothorn beats it, until that point, Hippowdon can check it and deliver super-effective Stone Edge.
Sawsbuck - Non-threat if I control the weather.
Scizor - Ferrothorn is a good check to it, and Hippowdon can check it as well.
Scrafty- This one can be a threat, Gengar takes it out with Focus Blast, or Hippowdon can check it and hit it with Earthquake.
Shaymin - Another Pokemon that isn't seen frequently, this may cause some problems for the team, but Ferrothorn should be able to stop it.
Sigilyph - Not sure how much of an offensive threat this is, but it can be taken out with Rock-Type attacks from most of the team members.
Smeargle - Much the same as Breloom, I have to choose a Pokemon to put to sleep, but after that, it doesn't pose a threat, as Gengar can come in and stop it.
Starmie - Another threat that is checked by Ferrothorn. Other options include using Excadrill to take it out, but overall, it is best left to Ferrothorn.
Terakion - Depending on if it is holding a balloon, Excadrill can easily combat it. If nothing else, Excadrill can take out its balloon, before Hippowdon can kill it with Earthquake.
Thundurus - I've had a few problems with Thundurus, but mostly, it dies to the Rock-type attacks the team has.
Tyranitar - Not a threat at all. Any Pokemon that can hit with Earthquake can defeat it. Hippowdon is usually used to defeat it.
Venusaur - Not a problem if I control the weather.
Victini - V-Create is extremely effective, and will always cost me a Pokemon, but its poor typing leaves it in a bad position after it uses V-Create. Continual Stealth Rock damage is one of the best counters.
Virizion - Gengar can hit it with Hidden Power Fire, but outside of that, this one is a pretty big threat.
Volcarona - I've never had any problems with it, having Stealth Rock up causes it a lot of problems, and then I can attack with Rock Slide or Stone Edge.
Weavile - Another non-threat, Hippowdon counters it effectively, and anything that outspeeds it, or can survive a hit from it will stop it.
Zoroark - Zoroark really depends on how quickly I pick up on it, if I get it right from the start, he's not a problem, but if I don't see the illusion coming, then I will have a hard time dealing with it. Ferrothorn works best for taking the Special Attacks.
Well, go ahead and comment, and tell me what you think of the team. :D
Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: SandStream
Nature: Impish
EV's: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
-Earthquake
-Stone Edge
-Slack Off
-Stealth Rock
Hippowdon is my decided Sandstream user. Tyranitar is extremely popular right now, and Hippowdon checks it. Even if Tyranitar carries Ice Beam, Hippowdon has very little trouble dealing with it (though it leaves it at very low health. Hippowdon also checks threats such as Excadrill and Gliscor (though it really can't do anything to Gliscor.) Another use for Hippowdon is using Stealth Rock, which Tyranitar can use, but it is much more effective on Hippowdon.
Jirachi @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Serene Grace
Nature: Adamant
Ev's: 252 Atk / 252 Spe / 4 HP
-Iron Head
-Ice Punch
-ThunderPunch
-Fire Punch
Jirachi is my utility counter. With the elemental punches, it can deal super-effective damage to just about anything that it sees. Jirachi can also flinch out anything that I can't hit super-effectively like Swampert. Jirachi almost always KO's at least one Pokemon.
Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
Nature: Relaxed
EV's: 252 / 48 / 208
-Spikes
-Leech Seed
-Power Whip
-Gyro Ball
I swore I wouldn't use it. I've tried every Special Wall including changing Jirachi to Specially Defensive, and using Specially Defensive Heatran. I needed Ferrothorn in order to put the finishing touch on this team. It can take Water-type attacks from the likes of Politoed and deal super-effective damage with STAB Power Whip. Spikes support is also nice.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid
EV's: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
-Shadow Ball
-Focus Blast
-Thunderbolt
-Hidden Power Fire
Gengar is an odd Pokemon to use on a Sandstorm team, but it takes out some of the major threats to this team. Rotom-W, who normally would take out a lot of this team, is taken out by Shadow Ball. Gliscor doesn't like taking STAB Shadow Ball, and Tyranitar doesn't like Focus Blast. The only real threat to Gengar is Scizor using Bullet Punch, but I would switch to Ferrothorn to take the Bullet Punch.
Lucario @ Air Balloon
Ability: Inner Focus
Nature: Modest
EV's: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
-Nasty Plot
-Aura Sphere
-Vacuum Wave
-Dark Pulse
Lucario revenge kills Excadrill, end of story. If the opponent doesn't have Excadrill, I can sweep with it, but Lucario's primary use is to beat Excadrill.
Excadrill @ Air Balloon
Ability: Sand Rush
Nature: Adamant
EV's: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
-Swords Dance
-Rock Slide
-Earthquake
-X-Scissor
Here it is, the most omnipresent Pokemon in Sandstorm. I usually save Excadrill for a late game sweep, and as long as I control the weather, there is no reason I won't defeat at least half of the opposing team. The only thing that Excadrill really fears in the late game are Gliscor (which is taken out by Jirachi), Skarmory (which is taken out by Lucario), and Whimsicott carrying Stun Spore (not much I can do about that, Priority Stun Spore is hard to beat.).
Threat List (Non-Threat Moderate Threat Major Threat)
Aerodactyl - Not much of a problem, as most of my Pokemon carry super-effective attacks.
Breloom - This is a pain, but it's easily beat. I'm forced to put something to sleep, but after that, I can bring in Gengar who can deliver a HP Fire.
Conkeldurr - Might cost me a Pokemon to defeat it, but Hippowdon can check it very well, and Gengar can beat it.
Darmanitan - Hippowdon checks it, almost all of my team can hit super-effectively.
Deoxys-S - This one does pose a threat to my team, if I control the weather, I can bring in Excadrill to stop it, but it will probably cost me my Hippowdon.
Dragonite - Super-effective rock-type attacks are this things downfall. As long as it doesn't have a DD under its belt, I can revenge it with Jirachi.
Empoleon - Ferrothorn stops it cold, and I can kill it with a Ground-Type attack that hits faster.
Espeon - Requires Excadrill to take out, I can also use Lucario if the opponent doesn't have Excadrill.
Excadrill - Lucario stops it cold, and so does Hippowdon. If those two are dead, though, this thing could potentially destroy my team.
Gengar - Not bulky enough to cause any serious problems, as long as I can survive a hit, I can attack it back.
Gyarados - Ferrothorn will stop this one cold. Rock-type attacks hit it super-effectively, so there usually aren't any problems. Jirachi can also revenge it without a DD up.
Haxorus - The moment it goes on an Outrage, it won't cause anymore problems. Ferrothorn acts as a great counter to it. Hippowdon also takes its attacks well.
Heatran - After its balloon pops, it isn't a threat at all, Lucario can take it down, and Gengar beats it too (assuming that Focus Blast doesn't miss.)
Heracross - I've never actually seen this thing used against me, but Gengar would shut it down effectively.
Hydreigon - Gengar can stop it effectively, as can Lucario. Not a threat unless I mispredict.
Infernape - Hippowdon can take this thing down pretty easily, and just about anything can beat it with a super-effective attack.
Jirachi - Non-choice Scarf variants are very easy to beat. Even the Choice Scarf version is easy to beat if predicted correctly.
Jolteon - Hippowdon is very good at beating it. Choice Specs Jolteon is pretty easy to beat.
Kingdra - The only time this is effective is in the rain, so as long as I have control of the weather, its not a problem.
Kyurem - Not a problem, the stealth rock weakness is crippling enough, not to to mention most of my Pokemon have Rock-type moves to combat it.
Landorus - This thing gains a pretty big boost from the sandstorm. Its typing is its main problem, as Jirachi can destroy it with Ice Punch.
Latios - Major threat, my only check to it is Ferrothorn, but once that is gone, only Jirachi stands a chance.
Lilligant - As long as I control the weather, this one isn't a problem.
Lucario - Depends on the variant, none are much of a threat, Hippowdon beats it easily.
Machamp - Gengar is a very nice counter to it, outside of that, Hippowdon stops it pretty easily.
Magnezone - This thing can be a pain, but non-balloon variants are easy to beat. Any Pokemon carrying Earthquake dominates it.
Mamoswine - Once again, I rarely see this in the current metagame. It wouldn't be to hard to stop with Hippowdon.
Metagross - Once again, Earthquake is very useful. Fighting type attacks from Lucario will also take it out.
Mienshao - Not much of a threat at all, Gengar stops this thing cold.
Reuniclus - This guy can be annoying, I can bring in Gengar, but if that is predicted, that gets stopped easily. Another possibility is to bring in Excadrill to use X-Scissor.
Roserade - Not a major problem, as it's weak to Ground-type attacks. Ferrothorn also makes a nice switch in to Roserade.
Salamence - If it uses outrage, Ferrothorn beats it, until that point, Hippowdon can check it and deliver super-effective Stone Edge.
Sawsbuck - Non-threat if I control the weather.
Scizor - Ferrothorn is a good check to it, and Hippowdon can check it as well.
Scrafty- This one can be a threat, Gengar takes it out with Focus Blast, or Hippowdon can check it and hit it with Earthquake.
Shaymin - Another Pokemon that isn't seen frequently, this may cause some problems for the team, but Ferrothorn should be able to stop it.
Sigilyph - Not sure how much of an offensive threat this is, but it can be taken out with Rock-Type attacks from most of the team members.
Smeargle - Much the same as Breloom, I have to choose a Pokemon to put to sleep, but after that, it doesn't pose a threat, as Gengar can come in and stop it.
Starmie - Another threat that is checked by Ferrothorn. Other options include using Excadrill to take it out, but overall, it is best left to Ferrothorn.
Terakion - Depending on if it is holding a balloon, Excadrill can easily combat it. If nothing else, Excadrill can take out its balloon, before Hippowdon can kill it with Earthquake.
Thundurus - I've had a few problems with Thundurus, but mostly, it dies to the Rock-type attacks the team has.
Tyranitar - Not a threat at all. Any Pokemon that can hit with Earthquake can defeat it. Hippowdon is usually used to defeat it.
Venusaur - Not a problem if I control the weather.
Victini - V-Create is extremely effective, and will always cost me a Pokemon, but its poor typing leaves it in a bad position after it uses V-Create. Continual Stealth Rock damage is one of the best counters.
Virizion - Gengar can hit it with Hidden Power Fire, but outside of that, this one is a pretty big threat.
Volcarona - I've never had any problems with it, having Stealth Rock up causes it a lot of problems, and then I can attack with Rock Slide or Stone Edge.
Weavile - Another non-threat, Hippowdon counters it effectively, and anything that outspeeds it, or can survive a hit from it will stop it.
Zoroark - Zoroark really depends on how quickly I pick up on it, if I get it right from the start, he's not a problem, but if I don't see the illusion coming, then I will have a hard time dealing with it. Ferrothorn works best for taking the Special Attacks.
Well, go ahead and comment, and tell me what you think of the team. :D
