* VGC 2014 Spotlight Ladder remains online for the month of December 2025. Information here is as of December 1st 2025.
・Team and Performance
https://pokepast.es/d1ab8132d6694c96
mizukurage1: 18-3 1162 -> 1335
taegw: 3-0 1305 -> 1342
(mizukurage1: 0-2 1335 -> 1270)
Total: 21-5
(Including variants for the Zapdos slot)
・Introduction
After 4 months of VGC in the RoA Community Choice Ladders, we were allocated our own monthly VGC Spotlight Ladder.
The VGC Spotlight Ladder was well anticipated for the past-gens VGC community, as now there is always at least 1 format available for us to play.
For November 2025, VGC 2014 was voted in to be the first VGC Spotlight Ladder format.
・Process
I was looking forward to playing VGC 2014 especially, since Mawile's mega evolution is available, and personally this looks like their best format.
Since I haven't played this format before, I started out by playing existing teams as usual.
I learnt a lot of tech from the existing teams, but was not really satisfied using any of them, so I decided to make my own.
When building new teams, I like to bring successful ideas from other formats when possible.
I started with finding a good lead combination that could get a fast KO turn 1 while being bulky enough to take a hit, borrowing from what I used in the 2011 ladder with Thundurus and Krookodile (https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/azul-aqui-vgc-2011-roa-ladder-2nd-place-team-report.3764123/)
The options for doing this are:
- Mon with a high speed stat
- Mon with a strong priority move
- Just give something Choice Scarf
The mons I chose were
(Sucker Punch) and
(Choice Scarf).
Mawile has Intimidate which helps the duo's bulk, and Tyranitar gets a SpDef boost with Sandstorm up.
They have good type coverage and were able to achieve the fast + powerful + bulky (enough) all at once I was looking for.
Next was an easy choice of
, as they are a good switch in for Mawile, benefit from Tyranitar's Sandstorm, and just an overall good pick in the format.
Since I was planning on bringing them in the back, usually with sand up next to a fast ally, I used Sand Veil with Substitute to set up while the ally threatens a KO.
For the last slot of the core 4, I needed something that I could have next to Garchomp when I want to click Earthquake.
was the choice, as it matched the game speed of the other 3, is a Flying type, and is a decent switch in for both of the lead mons.
The remaining 2 slots needed to cover the weaknesses of the other 4.
So far the biggest weaknesses were:
- Gothitelle + Mega Mawile + Politoed
- Mega Kangaskhan + Rotom-W
To counter GothMawRain, I could not find an answer besides including
myself.
Gothitelle ended up being a good addition to the team for many reasons:
- Can make the Gothitelle matchup a mirror.
- Thunder Wave helped with speed control, and has good synergy with Tyranitar's Rock Slide and Garchomp's Substitute.
- Opponents have to lead expecting Gothitelle.
- Gives Trick Room vibes, making Tyranitar's Choice Scarf less expected.
For the last slot I started off with Aegislash for the Kangaskhan Rotom matchup, but switched to
as I wanted a second Thunder Wave user and more Ground immunity.
Which concludes the creation of the team
.
・In-Detail
Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 204 HP / 252 Atk / 52 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Fire Fang
- Sucker Punch
- Protect
Atk
252+ Atk Huge Power Mawile-Mega Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Ferrothorn: 204-244 (112.7 - 134.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252+ Atk Huge Power Mawile-Mega Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Mawile-Mega: 78-92 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO
HP * SpDef
252+ SpA Salamence Fire Blast vs. 204 HP / 0 SpD Mawile-Mega: 128-152 (84.7 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 204 HP / 0 SpD Mawile-Mega in Rain: 127-150 (84.1 - 99.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Spe
Adamant 0 Mawile +7
Starting point of the team.
All rounder with huge damage, good bulk thanks to Intimidate, and access to a strong priority move.
Usually brought as a lead to activate Intimidate and because switch-ins can be risky, but can be brought in the back too.
Gothitelle @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 204 Def / 76 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Thunder Wave
- Tickle
- Protect
HP
16n-2 for low Sandstorm damage
2n for Sitrus activation after taking a Super Fang
HP * SpDef
252 SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 228 HP / 76+ SpD Gothitelle: 135-164 (77.5 - 94.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
52+ SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Overheat vs. 228 HP / 76+ SpD Gothitelle in Sun: 145-172 (83.3 - 98.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Added as a Shadow Tag counter, but can be brought in many matchups.
Very strong in team preview, as opponents need to lead with Shadow Tag and Trick Room (doesn't have it) in mind.
Always brought as a lead.
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 4 Def / 204 SpA / 180 Spe
Naive Nature
- Rock Slide
- Dark Pulse
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
Atk
60 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 76 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 192-228 (103.7 - 123.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 60 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 156-184 (101.2 - 119.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
SpA
204 SpA Tyranitar Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 184-220 (100 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Spe
Max Speed Garchomp +2 with Choice Scarf
Head of the base stats department.
The other starting point of the team, and most of the other members were added with Tyranitar synergy in mind.
Can be brought as a lead to get fast KOs with the partner mon, or brought from the back as a sweeper.
Garchomp @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Substitute
- Protect
HP
4n-1 for minimum substitute HP loss
Atk
252 Atk Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 152-180 (90.4 - 107.1%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO (guaranteed OHKO after 2 Sandstorm turns)
Sand Veil is god.
Substitute+Sand damage allows them to flip many bad matchups around, with the bonus of Sand Veil misses.
Usually brought in the back, but can be lead if a status move can be baited into Substitute.
Zapdos @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Pressure
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 4 SpA / 76 SpD / 84 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunder Wave
- Roost
SpA
4 SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 168-198 (109 - 128.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 4 SpA Zapdos Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Garchomp: 88-104 (48 - 56.8%) -- 81.3% chance to 2HKO
HP * Def
252+ Atk Huge Power Mawile-Mega Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 88 Def 30 IVs Zapdos: 151-178 (76.6 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
HP * SpDef
252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 76+ SpD Zapdos: 162-192 (82.2 - 97.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Spe
Modest 252 Blastoise +1
Max Speed Tyranitar +7
Added for matchup coverage, but very well rounded and can be brought into many teams.
Thunder Wave and Roost go well with the team when matched up against opponents who force a long game.
Can be brought either as a lead or in the back.
Talonflame @ Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 44 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 20 SpD / 188 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Sleep Talk
Atk
252+ Atk Choice Band Gale Wings Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Amoonguss: 222-264 (100.4 - 119.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Gale Wings Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 212 HP / 144 Def Conkeldurr: 222-264 (107.2 - 127.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Gale Wings Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 108 HP / 148 Def Ludicolo: 182-216 (107.6 - 127.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
HP * Def
-1 252+ Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 44 HP / 4 Def Talonflame: 124-148 (77.9 - 93%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Spe
Max Speed Garchomp +1
Format's No.1 Sweeper.
Gale Wings comes in clutch vs. teams build around speed control (Rain, Tailwind, Trick Room etc.).
Usually brought in the back as a sweeper, but can be brought as a lead.
・Common Selections
- Core 4
Lead:
Back:
Mawile's Sucker Punch + Tyranitar can threaten KOs from turn 1, while the duo can usually tank a hit from the other mon.
Usually bring this vs. teams not mentioned below.
- vs. Mawile Hydreigon
Lead:
Back:
Hydreigon is difficult to play around, since they do so much damage and are difficult to KO safely.
Talonflame is brought as a lead to threaten more damage on turn 1, and more risks need to be taken in this matchup.
- vs. GothMawRain
Lead:
Back:
Gothitelle is important to trap the opponent, and be immune to the opponent's trap.
Zapdos is lead to deal Thunder Waves and heal with Roost to win the damage race.
Mawile and Talonflame are both strong vs. speed control thanks to their priority moves.
- vs. Mega Kangaskhan + Rotom-W
Lead:
Back:
Important to not be too scared of Mawile taking a Will-O-Wisp.
Focus more on getting enough chip damage to finish off with mons in the back.
Win the late game with Paralysis + Rock Slide + Substitute + Sand Veil.
- vs. Charizard
Lead:
Back:
Opponents need to Mega Evolve Charizard if lead to do enough damage to take out Gothitelle to stop the non-existent Trick Room.
Protect turn 1 and send out Tyranitar turn 2.
・Closing
GGs to everyone who played on the ladder!
Look forward to playing you all again next year
Now to RNG manip a Zapdos in Gen 6...
・Team and Performance
https://pokepast.es/d1ab8132d6694c96
mizukurage1: 18-3 1162 -> 1335
taegw: 3-0 1305 -> 1342
(mizukurage1: 0-2 1335 -> 1270)
Total: 21-5
(Including variants for the Zapdos slot)
・Introduction
After 4 months of VGC in the RoA Community Choice Ladders, we were allocated our own monthly VGC Spotlight Ladder.
The VGC Spotlight Ladder was well anticipated for the past-gens VGC community, as now there is always at least 1 format available for us to play.
For November 2025, VGC 2014 was voted in to be the first VGC Spotlight Ladder format.
・Process
I was looking forward to playing VGC 2014 especially, since Mawile's mega evolution is available, and personally this looks like their best format.
Since I haven't played this format before, I started out by playing existing teams as usual.
I learnt a lot of tech from the existing teams, but was not really satisfied using any of them, so I decided to make my own.
When building new teams, I like to bring successful ideas from other formats when possible.
I started with finding a good lead combination that could get a fast KO turn 1 while being bulky enough to take a hit, borrowing from what I used in the 2011 ladder with Thundurus and Krookodile (https://www.smogon.com/forums/threads/azul-aqui-vgc-2011-roa-ladder-2nd-place-team-report.3764123/)
The options for doing this are:
- Mon with a high speed stat
- Mon with a strong priority move
- Just give something Choice Scarf
The mons I chose were
Mawile has Intimidate which helps the duo's bulk, and Tyranitar gets a SpDef boost with Sandstorm up.
They have good type coverage and were able to achieve the fast + powerful + bulky (enough) all at once I was looking for.
Next was an easy choice of
Since I was planning on bringing them in the back, usually with sand up next to a fast ally, I used Sand Veil with Substitute to set up while the ally threatens a KO.
For the last slot of the core 4, I needed something that I could have next to Garchomp when I want to click Earthquake.
The remaining 2 slots needed to cover the weaknesses of the other 4.
So far the biggest weaknesses were:
- Gothitelle + Mega Mawile + Politoed
- Mega Kangaskhan + Rotom-W
To counter GothMawRain, I could not find an answer besides including
Gothitelle ended up being a good addition to the team for many reasons:
- Can make the Gothitelle matchup a mirror.
- Thunder Wave helped with speed control, and has good synergy with Tyranitar's Rock Slide and Garchomp's Substitute.
- Opponents have to lead expecting Gothitelle.
- Gives Trick Room vibes, making Tyranitar's Choice Scarf less expected.
For the last slot I started off with Aegislash for the Kangaskhan Rotom matchup, but switched to
Which concludes the creation of the team
・In-Detail
Mawile @ Mawilite
Ability: Intimidate
Level: 50
EVs: 204 HP / 252 Atk / 52 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Play Rough
- Fire Fang
- Sucker Punch
- Protect
Atk
252+ Atk Huge Power Mawile-Mega Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 0+ Def Ferrothorn: 204-244 (112.7 - 134.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252+ Atk Huge Power Mawile-Mega Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Mawile-Mega: 78-92 (49.6 - 58.5%) -- 98.4% chance to 2HKO
HP * SpDef
252+ SpA Salamence Fire Blast vs. 204 HP / 0 SpD Mawile-Mega: 128-152 (84.7 - 100.6%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Ludicolo Hydro Pump vs. 204 HP / 0 SpD Mawile-Mega in Rain: 127-150 (84.1 - 99.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Spe
Adamant 0 Mawile +7
Starting point of the team.
All rounder with huge damage, good bulk thanks to Intimidate, and access to a strong priority move.
Usually brought as a lead to activate Intimidate and because switch-ins can be risky, but can be brought in the back too.
Gothitelle @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Shadow Tag
Level: 50
EVs: 228 HP / 204 Def / 76 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Thunder Wave
- Tickle
- Protect
HP
16n-2 for low Sandstorm damage
2n for Sitrus activation after taking a Super Fang
HP * SpDef
252 SpA Life Orb Hydreigon Dark Pulse vs. 228 HP / 76+ SpD Gothitelle: 135-164 (77.5 - 94.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
52+ SpA Charizard-Mega-Y Overheat vs. 228 HP / 76+ SpD Gothitelle in Sun: 145-172 (83.3 - 98.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Added as a Shadow Tag counter, but can be brought in many matchups.
Very strong in team preview, as opponents need to lead with Shadow Tag and Trick Room (doesn't have it) in mind.
Always brought as a lead.
Tyranitar @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Sand Stream
Level: 50
EVs: 60 HP / 60 Atk / 4 Def / 204 SpA / 180 Spe
Naive Nature
- Rock Slide
- Dark Pulse
- Fire Blast
- Ice Beam
Atk
60 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 252 HP / 76 Def Charizard-Mega-Y: 192-228 (103.7 - 123.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 60 Atk Tyranitar Rock Slide vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 156-184 (101.2 - 119.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
SpA
204 SpA Tyranitar Ice Beam vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Garchomp: 184-220 (100 - 119.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
Spe
Max Speed Garchomp +2 with Choice Scarf
Head of the base stats department.
The other starting point of the team, and most of the other members were added with Tyranitar synergy in mind.
Can be brought as a lead to get fast KOs with the partner mon, or brought from the back as a sweeper.
Garchomp @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Veil
Level: 50
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Claw
- Earthquake
- Substitute
- Protect
HP
4n-1 for minimum substitute HP loss
Atk
252 Atk Garchomp Dragon Claw vs. 4 HP / 0 Def Hydreigon: 152-180 (90.4 - 107.1%) -- 43.8% chance to OHKO (guaranteed OHKO after 2 Sandstorm turns)
Sand Veil is god.
Substitute+Sand damage allows them to flip many bad matchups around, with the bonus of Sand Veil misses.
Usually brought in the back, but can be lead if a status move can be baited into Substitute.
Zapdos @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Pressure
Level: 50
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 4 SpA / 76 SpD / 84 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 Def
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunder Wave
- Roost
SpA
4 SpA Zapdos Thunderbolt vs. 4 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 168-198 (109 - 128.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 4 SpA Zapdos Hidden Power Ice vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Garchomp: 88-104 (48 - 56.8%) -- 81.3% chance to 2HKO
HP * Def
252+ Atk Huge Power Mawile-Mega Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 88 Def 30 IVs Zapdos: 151-178 (76.6 - 90.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
HP * SpDef
252+ SpA Choice Specs Hydreigon Draco Meteor vs. 252 HP / 76+ SpD Zapdos: 162-192 (82.2 - 97.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Spe
Modest 252 Blastoise +1
Max Speed Tyranitar +7
Added for matchup coverage, but very well rounded and can be brought into many teams.
Thunder Wave and Roost go well with the team when matched up against opponents who force a long game.
Can be brought either as a lead or in the back.
Talonflame @ Choice Band
Ability: Gale Wings
Level: 50
EVs: 44 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 20 SpD / 188 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Flare Blitz
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Sleep Talk
Atk
252+ Atk Choice Band Gale Wings Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Amoonguss: 222-264 (100.4 - 119.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Gale Wings Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 212 HP / 144 Def Conkeldurr: 222-264 (107.2 - 127.5%) -- guaranteed OHKO
-1 252+ Atk Choice Band Gale Wings Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 108 HP / 148 Def Ludicolo: 182-216 (107.6 - 127.8%) -- guaranteed OHKO
HP * Def
-1 252+ Atk Garchomp Rock Slide vs. 44 HP / 4 Def Talonflame: 124-148 (77.9 - 93%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Spe
Max Speed Garchomp +1
Format's No.1 Sweeper.
Gale Wings comes in clutch vs. teams build around speed control (Rain, Tailwind, Trick Room etc.).
Usually brought in the back as a sweeper, but can be brought as a lead.
・Common Selections
- Core 4
Lead:
Back:
Mawile's Sucker Punch + Tyranitar can threaten KOs from turn 1, while the duo can usually tank a hit from the other mon.
Usually bring this vs. teams not mentioned below.
- vs. Mawile Hydreigon
Lead:
Back:
Hydreigon is difficult to play around, since they do so much damage and are difficult to KO safely.
Talonflame is brought as a lead to threaten more damage on turn 1, and more risks need to be taken in this matchup.
- vs. GothMawRain
Lead:
Back:
Gothitelle is important to trap the opponent, and be immune to the opponent's trap.
Zapdos is lead to deal Thunder Waves and heal with Roost to win the damage race.
Mawile and Talonflame are both strong vs. speed control thanks to their priority moves.
- vs. Mega Kangaskhan + Rotom-W
Lead:
Back:
Important to not be too scared of Mawile taking a Will-O-Wisp.
Focus more on getting enough chip damage to finish off with mons in the back.
Win the late game with Paralysis + Rock Slide + Substitute + Sand Veil.
- vs. Charizard
Lead:
Back:
Opponents need to Mega Evolve Charizard if lead to do enough damage to take out Gothitelle to stop the non-existent Trick Room.
Protect turn 1 and send out Tyranitar turn 2.
・Closing
GGs to everyone who played on the ladder!
Look forward to playing you all again next year
Now to RNG manip a Zapdos in Gen 6...
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