As we all know, weather is an important aspect in the Pokemon metagame, even more so in this new generation of BW Overused. I would like for my Rain team to be evaluated, as I would like to fix flaws presented in my humble team. Just so you know, with this team I managed to get #4 on the Smogon University ladder in Pokemon Online's battle simulator before. Well, here it is.
Team At a Glance
We all know that the bane of a Rain team is the rain-summoner, which in this case is Politoed. This should be a compulsory Pokemon in most Rain teams, unless one would prefer to Damp Rock a Rain team, although that is quite unappealing to user to use such for a battle.
I was first thinking of taking a Kingdra, but soon enough I settled for this abomination, boasting the capabilities of switching into powerful attacks, to check most unsuspecting Pokemon, and also to be a top-tier sweeper, and it could to back-breaking damage with repeated Dragon Dances combined with a Waterfall.
One would rather fight in a Rain team with Rotom-W, due to it's STAB Water Hydro Pump and other defining qualities, but there are reasons for my consideration for Rotom-C instead. A discerning quality of it which differs it from its brethren is the fact that it threatens bulky Water-typing sweepers, which has the sole definition of checking other Rain teams.
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Welcome to the magnetic force which traps us all! You see, sometimes, I despise frail, pesky sweepers and also other Pokemon that just are born trolls. Well, I have the complete remedy to such a dilemma! It is called the 'trapped in the zone' variant of Magnezone, boasting a perfect, spotless kill against weak prey, and also get a free Substitute out of it!
&docid=D9jZJ_aJdYdU8M&imgurl=http://cdn.bulbagarden.net/media/upload/3/3e/134.png&w=96&h=96&ei=T279Tq7TBMmtrAf39enWDw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=196&vpy=262&dur=3573&hovh=81&hovw=81&tx=83&ty=35&sig=112509694254854423228&page=1&tbnh=79&tbnw=79&start=0&ndsp=27&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0)
Normally, Ferrothorn is the recommended wall which functions at the most deadly way, but, there are astounding characteristics that gives this guy here a niche in my Rain team, such as the prospect of the ability to abuse Rest in conjunction with Hydration. It also prevents pesky status and pathetic attempts of Spore or Sleep Powder. Other than that, it could function as an offensive pivot with stellar attacking stats.
Last but NOT least, it's arguably DPP's most used Pokemon, who claimed it's fame with the infamous Bullet Punch. Needing a backup sweeper, I thought of it as a choice which could take advantage of the drizzles in the most indirect way. As you see, Rain would indeed assist it in covering it's major weakness to Fire, and so....behold!
In-Depth Look At The Team
Politoed @Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
Nature: Modest
252Sp.A/4Sp.D/252Spe
~Hydro Pump
~Ice Beam
~Focus Blast
~Hidden Power Ice
While Politoed has no distinguishing figures unlike most Specs users such as high Special Attack or Speed, it is still a threat, when armed with STAB Hydro Pump in the open rain. With decent bulk, he could tank a few super-effective hits and retaliate with his quite noticeable movepool. In fact, allow me to elaborate the effectiveness of this set.
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Mewtwo~ 69.5-82.2
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 44.5-52.7
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Forretress~ 104.2-122.9
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Ninetales (Sun)~ 154.9-182.3
Ice Beam >> 252HP/0Sp.D Giratina~ 40.9-48.4
Ice Beam >> 252HP/252Sp.D Latios~ 49.5-58.2
With such statistics, it is very clear that even a switch-in from Politoed's nemesis, Ninetales, is quite a risky one unless of course, a false prediction is in play. It limits Politoed to one move, but also increases the chance of it to sweep lots of potential threats lurking in the Overused tier.
Gyarados @Life Orb
Ability: Moxie
Nature: Adamant
252Atk/4Def/252Spe
~Dragon Dance
~Waterfall
~Stone Edge
~Earthquake
In the rain, after a Dragon Dance, Gyarados' Waterfall skyrockets to an extremely powerful base which could OHKO or 2HKO many offensive juggernauts and turns to a complete sweeper, only fearing a sudden Thunder crackle. Moxie gives Gyarados even more boosting power for each fainting enemy, allowing it to boost it's already fearsome attack even higher. Earthquake and Stone Edge will decimate Pokemon Waterfalls fails to.
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Blissey~ 68.9-81.1
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Lugia~ 38.9-46.2
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Wobbuffet~ 46.4-55
1+ Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Blissey~ 103.4-121.6
2+ Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Giratina~ 34.1-40.3
Earthquake >> 252HP/252Def Forretress~ 24.3-28.8
Stone Edge >> 252HP/252Def Lugia~ 43.3-51.4
As shown above, Blissey is immediately disposed of by a single Waterfall after a Dragon Dance, a feat which is considered of powerful merit. Plus, it could also defeat Wobbuffet in two hits, meaning that it could have the audacity to even challenge Pokemon such as Ferrothorn into a death-match. Earthquake could be used to conquer Pokemon if the need should arise, and should Sun be brought in the field while Gyarados is in play, Earthquake and Stone Edge should be used instead in the deadlock.
Rotom-C @Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid
252Sp.A/4Sp.D/252Spe
~Volt Switch
~Leaf Storm
~Hidden Power Ice
~Trick
In most perspectives, Rotom-C is quite inferior and outclassed by it's two brothers of Fire and Water, but there is more to this lawn mower than what we expected. First, it boasts quad-resistance to Electric and a resistance to Water, and so it is a rain-team decimation machine. Quagsire and bulky-waters are plowed through by this monster, and as a scout it threatens numerous Pokemon, such as Starmie and opposing Gyarados.
Leaf Storm >> 252HP/252Sp.D Kyogre~ 66.8-78.7
Leaf Storm >> 252HP/252Sp.D Garchomp~ 48.6-57.6
Leaf Storm >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 26.6-31.6
Hidden Power Ice >> 252HP/252Sp.D Groudon~ 32.7-38.6
Hidden Power Ice >> 252HP/252Sp.D Celebi~ 30.2-35.6
Hidden Power Ice >> 252HP/252Sp.D Rayquaza~ 63.8-75.4
Rotom-C is a great utility counter, and one of it's niches being the Choice-trapping of Pokemon, such as Dragonite. It deals respectable damage scouting as a Volt Switcher, and also threatens Swampert, Gastrodon, and Quagsire to switch. It could also check Salamence or Flygon with Hidden Power Ice, and give Rotom-W a quick death. It could wall Pokemon like Rotom-W and Starmie, easily disposing of them with a Volt Switch or a Leaf Storm.
Magnezone @Air Balloon
Ability: Magnet Pull
Nature: Timid
36HP/252Sp.A/220Spe
~Substitute
~Thunder
~Hidden Power Fire
~Flash Cannon
A powerful wildfire STAB in the form of a 120-base power Thunder would deal an enormous blow to most that do not resist it, destroying variants of peasants that have no movepool to counter it's stellar magnetic pull. Hidden Power Fire seems like an idiotic filler in the stormy seas, but it still reasonably deals with Scizor and Ferrothorn, both which are complete trolls and pests.
Thunder >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 23.4-28
Thunder >> 252HP/252Sp.D Lugia~ 49.5-59.1
Thunder >> 252HP/252Sp.D Bronzong~ 37.6-44.7
Hidden Power Fire >> 252HP/252Sp.D Forretress~ 42.9-50.8
Hidden Power Fire >> 252HP/252Sp.D Scizor~ 38.4-45.3
Flash Cannon >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 31.9-37.9
Magnezone is quite lackluster if you compare to other sweepers with this attacking power, but nevertheless, it is a threat that could 2HKO many Pokemon and prevent their escape before they switch into a counter. Hidden Power Fire performed decently in this test, which of course included the rain test, and Flash Cannon did better than expected. Even without a Specs Magnezone is a damaging powerhouse.
Vaporeon @Life Orb
Ability: Hydration
Nature: Modest
212Def/252Sp.A/44Spe
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Hidden Power Grass
~Rest
This set aims to utilize Vaporeon's natural bulk and present it together with a phenomenon combo, the HydraRest, giving Vaporeon a recovery which would cost only a turn. Coupled up with some reasonable moves, it could be an offensive threat as well as a defensive one. Surf is Vaporeon's primary STAB move, and Ice Beam and Hidden Power Grass are merely fillers, as opposed to it's low coverage.
Surf >> 252HP/252Sp.D Registeel~ 51.4-61
Surf >> 252HP/252Sp.D Ho-oh~ 88-103.8
Ice Beam >> 252HP/252Sp.D Giratina~ 40.9-48.4
Ice Beam >> 252HP/252Sp.D Latias~ 52.7-62.1
Hidden Power Grass >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regirock~ 32.7-38.7
Hidden Power Grass >> 252HP/252Sp.D Vaporeon~ 13.4-15.9
In the rain, Surf could 2HKO even the most defensive variants of Registeel, showing how much power it could pummel against other Pokemon like Scizor, Metagross and co. Besides that, we can also see how Ice Beam works with Vaporeon, and judging by how it is able to perform, I might have to sign a death warrant to Pokemon like Tornadous and Haxorus. Hidden Power Grass seems undesirable when seen in above stats, but be informed that these attacks were tested on maximum defensive Uber-like stats. All in all, Vaporeon is a deadly force, not to be meddled with in the rain.
Scizor @Choice Band
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
248HP/252Atk/8Spe
~U-Turn
~Bullet Punch
~Superpower
~Pursuit
Scizor is a top tier threat, destroying the veins of the metagame in horrendous levels. Being a star in DPP and known for it's powerful Bullet Punch coupled with Technician, it can place dents on any team with the right move, and with rain it could survive Fire moves, that being a boon instead to leave Scizor dead in early game. All in all it is a pseudo-scout and a sweeper, boasting OHKOs with some of his "spells."
U-Turn >> 252HP/252Def Deoxys-D~ 63.8-75.7
U-Turn >> 252HP/252Def Tyranitar~ 62.9-74.8
Bullet Punch >> 252HP/252Def Salamence~ 34.3-40.4
Bullet Punch >> 252HP/252Def Regirock~ 38.5-46.2
Superpower >> 252HP/252Def Skarmory~ 36.8-43.4
Pursuit >> 252HP/252Def Cresselia~ 41-48.6
This is my final sweeping card; blasting through walls in the speed of light! Even something so defensive like Regirock takes a 3HKO against my Bullet Punch, and bulky Psychic should beware my Pursuit. U-Turn turns Scizor into a high-damaging scout, as seen from damage output against Deoxys-D. Superpower does wonders to the most defensive Skarmory, and probably damage to Specially defensive Skarmory will be even more!
Implemented Changes in Pokemon Set
Politoed @Leftovers
Ability: Drizzle
Nature: Bold
252HP/252Def/4Sp.D
~Scald
~Hypnosis
~Perish Song
~Focus Blast
Standard Politoed set with a chance of stormy weather, this set instead exploits Politoed's decent bulk and allow it to function as a check and as a weather-summoner. Hypnosis would have the chance of shutting down a sweeper, and the new BW mechanics enhance this option even more. Scald burns opposing walls or sweepers, and a burn would severely cripple a physical sweeper. Perish Song shatters the Baton Pass chain and also unruly Pokemon setting up on it. Focus Blast destroys Tyranitar and Ferrothorn, and is mostly a filler.
Focus Blast >> 252HP/252Sp.D Tyranitar~ 56.4-67.3
Focus Blast >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regirock~ 31.3-37.4
Focus Blast >> 252HP/252Sp.D Snorlax~ 20.6-24.4
Perish Song >> SmashPasser Gorebyss~ Definite Switch
Perish Song >> SmashPasser Smeargle~ Probable Switch
Perish Song >> QuiverPasser Venomoth~ Definite Switch
Smogon's calculator is outdated, and because of that no data of Scald damage is recorded in this chart above. Focus Blast does reasonable damage to Tyranitar even as a bulky set and so this set has some chance of defeating another weather inducer in terms of raw power. If in a scenario of Smash Passing, Politoed would easily cause for the Baton chain to be broken, lest they want to face death in three mere turns.
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Gyarados @Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Adamant
156HP/72Atk/96Def/184Spe
~Dragon Dance
~Waterfall
~Taunt
~Bounce
Bulky Dragon Dance is a way to boost one's powerful attacking force and still have remaining bulk to survive offensive blows. Gyarados is such an example and it could also do something valuable; Taunt Pokemon who has the nerve of phazing or hazing. Skarmory would easily be Gyarados' setup fodder, as it laughs at Brave Bird.
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Skarmory~ 30.5-36.2
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Forretress~ 28.8-34.2
1+ Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Blissey~ 69.3-81.7
1+ Bounce >> 252HP/252Def Forretress~ 30.8-36.7
Taunt >> Whirlwind Skarmory~ Setup Fodder
Taunt >> Wobbuffet~ Setup Fodder
Gyarados has one weakness that might be hard to cure; Dragon Tail and Circle Throw phazers. Although they are uncommon in the metagame, they are existent and the only real way to handle them is by raw attack, hopefully killing them or lose your setup configuration. Gyarados also fears Thunder, which is able to OHKO it without too much difficulty.
Magnezone's Replacement: Ferrothorn @Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
Nature: Relaxed
252HP/88Def/168Sp.D
~Spikes
~Leech Seed
~Thunder Wave
~Protect
Typical Standard Ferrothorn set, this set aims to stall the opponent's Pokemon the most innovative way possible, with a reliable Leftovers + Leech Seed recovery, and also in the mean time crippling the opponent with a jolt of electricity. Placing a large number of Spikes deals with pesky switchers, and in rain Ferrothorn could last a lifetime stalling his foes.
Spikes >> (e.g.) Absol~ 12.5
1+ Spikes >> (e.g.) Absol~ 18.75
2+ Spikes >> (e.g.) Absol~ 25
Leech Seed >> (e.g.) Absol~ 12.5
1+ Spikes w/ Leech Seed >> (e.g.) Absol~ 37.8
Leech Seed w/ Leftovers >> 18.75+
This Ferrothorn has no means of offense, but it a pure stall. As seen above, it could Spike for entry (except for Levitate and Flying) and immediately wall someone with the means of Thunder wave with Leech Seed. This gives Ferrothorn stellar recovery, and in the meantime halt the enemy movement. If the enemy is of Ground properties, Ferrothorn would just commence it's Leech Seed and stall. Fire is rendered less dangerous in rain.
Scizor's replacement: Metagross @Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
Nature: Adamant
252HP/252Atk/4Def
~Meteor Mash
~Hammer Arm
~Bullet Punch
~Pursuit
Scizor does a great job, I'll admit, but I realized I needed something to clean up in a more "forceful" way. I need something that can destroy and yet raise itself to the next level. This moveset outdoes Scizor in a killing spree, especially STAB Meteor Mash, which hurts like hell. It could function as a more bulky agent, and it's only major weak spot is Earthquake, but it could easily take down Ground types.
Meteor Mash >> 252HP/252Def Giratina~ 52-61.5
Meteor Mash >> 252HP/252Def Regirock~ 97.8-115.9
Hammer Arm >> 252HP/252Def Shuckle~ 43.4-51.6
Bullet Punch >> 252HP/252Def Tyranitar~ 55.4-65.8
Pursuit >> 252HP/252Def Latias~ 46.7-55.5
Pursuit >> 252HP/252Def Latias (Switch)~ 93.4-110.4
As seen above, Metagross' Bullet Punch isn't very usable like Scizor's, but still quite packing. Meteor Mash showed it's destructive power against the types of Pokemon faced, and Hammer Arm is a powerful move that did a number to Shuckle, and it could readily punish Balloon users. To even the most defensive Latias it would have destroyed it with a Pursuit in a switching scenario, and it has maximum HP to sponge Dragon moves.
So, this is it. Please suggest any improvements if possible. Also, tell me flaws in my team which I should fix. Thanx for you who rate my team, and as they say, good game! On a more serious note, constructive criticism is well received, and also, please evaluate my team in a critic way so that I can improve better. Once again, lots of thanks to you guys who answer.
Team At a Glance
We all know that the bane of a Rain team is the rain-summoner, which in this case is Politoed. This should be a compulsory Pokemon in most Rain teams, unless one would prefer to Damp Rock a Rain team, although that is quite unappealing to user to use such for a battle.
I was first thinking of taking a Kingdra, but soon enough I settled for this abomination, boasting the capabilities of switching into powerful attacks, to check most unsuspecting Pokemon, and also to be a top-tier sweeper, and it could to back-breaking damage with repeated Dragon Dances combined with a Waterfall.
One would rather fight in a Rain team with Rotom-W, due to it's STAB Water Hydro Pump and other defining qualities, but there are reasons for my consideration for Rotom-C instead. A discerning quality of it which differs it from its brethren is the fact that it threatens bulky Water-typing sweepers, which has the sole definition of checking other Rain teams.
Welcome to the magnetic force which traps us all! You see, sometimes, I despise frail, pesky sweepers and also other Pokemon that just are born trolls. Well, I have the complete remedy to such a dilemma! It is called the 'trapped in the zone' variant of Magnezone, boasting a perfect, spotless kill against weak prey, and also get a free Substitute out of it!
Normally, Ferrothorn is the recommended wall which functions at the most deadly way, but, there are astounding characteristics that gives this guy here a niche in my Rain team, such as the prospect of the ability to abuse Rest in conjunction with Hydration. It also prevents pesky status and pathetic attempts of Spore or Sleep Powder. Other than that, it could function as an offensive pivot with stellar attacking stats.
Last but NOT least, it's arguably DPP's most used Pokemon, who claimed it's fame with the infamous Bullet Punch. Needing a backup sweeper, I thought of it as a choice which could take advantage of the drizzles in the most indirect way. As you see, Rain would indeed assist it in covering it's major weakness to Fire, and so....behold!
In-Depth Look At The Team
Politoed @Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
Nature: Modest
252Sp.A/4Sp.D/252Spe
~Hydro Pump
~Ice Beam
~Focus Blast
~Hidden Power Ice
While Politoed has no distinguishing figures unlike most Specs users such as high Special Attack or Speed, it is still a threat, when armed with STAB Hydro Pump in the open rain. With decent bulk, he could tank a few super-effective hits and retaliate with his quite noticeable movepool. In fact, allow me to elaborate the effectiveness of this set.
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Mewtwo~ 69.5-82.2
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 44.5-52.7
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Forretress~ 104.2-122.9
Hydro Pump >> 252HP/252Sp.D Ninetales (Sun)~ 154.9-182.3
Ice Beam >> 252HP/0Sp.D Giratina~ 40.9-48.4
Ice Beam >> 252HP/252Sp.D Latios~ 49.5-58.2
With such statistics, it is very clear that even a switch-in from Politoed's nemesis, Ninetales, is quite a risky one unless of course, a false prediction is in play. It limits Politoed to one move, but also increases the chance of it to sweep lots of potential threats lurking in the Overused tier.
Gyarados @Life Orb
Ability: Moxie
Nature: Adamant
252Atk/4Def/252Spe
~Dragon Dance
~Waterfall
~Stone Edge
~Earthquake
In the rain, after a Dragon Dance, Gyarados' Waterfall skyrockets to an extremely powerful base which could OHKO or 2HKO many offensive juggernauts and turns to a complete sweeper, only fearing a sudden Thunder crackle. Moxie gives Gyarados even more boosting power for each fainting enemy, allowing it to boost it's already fearsome attack even higher. Earthquake and Stone Edge will decimate Pokemon Waterfalls fails to.
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Blissey~ 68.9-81.1
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Lugia~ 38.9-46.2
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Wobbuffet~ 46.4-55
1+ Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Blissey~ 103.4-121.6
2+ Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Giratina~ 34.1-40.3
Earthquake >> 252HP/252Def Forretress~ 24.3-28.8
Stone Edge >> 252HP/252Def Lugia~ 43.3-51.4
As shown above, Blissey is immediately disposed of by a single Waterfall after a Dragon Dance, a feat which is considered of powerful merit. Plus, it could also defeat Wobbuffet in two hits, meaning that it could have the audacity to even challenge Pokemon such as Ferrothorn into a death-match. Earthquake could be used to conquer Pokemon if the need should arise, and should Sun be brought in the field while Gyarados is in play, Earthquake and Stone Edge should be used instead in the deadlock.
Rotom-C @Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
Nature: Timid
252Sp.A/4Sp.D/252Spe
~Volt Switch
~Leaf Storm
~Hidden Power Ice
~Trick
In most perspectives, Rotom-C is quite inferior and outclassed by it's two brothers of Fire and Water, but there is more to this lawn mower than what we expected. First, it boasts quad-resistance to Electric and a resistance to Water, and so it is a rain-team decimation machine. Quagsire and bulky-waters are plowed through by this monster, and as a scout it threatens numerous Pokemon, such as Starmie and opposing Gyarados.
Leaf Storm >> 252HP/252Sp.D Kyogre~ 66.8-78.7
Leaf Storm >> 252HP/252Sp.D Garchomp~ 48.6-57.6
Leaf Storm >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 26.6-31.6
Hidden Power Ice >> 252HP/252Sp.D Groudon~ 32.7-38.6
Hidden Power Ice >> 252HP/252Sp.D Celebi~ 30.2-35.6
Hidden Power Ice >> 252HP/252Sp.D Rayquaza~ 63.8-75.4
Rotom-C is a great utility counter, and one of it's niches being the Choice-trapping of Pokemon, such as Dragonite. It deals respectable damage scouting as a Volt Switcher, and also threatens Swampert, Gastrodon, and Quagsire to switch. It could also check Salamence or Flygon with Hidden Power Ice, and give Rotom-W a quick death. It could wall Pokemon like Rotom-W and Starmie, easily disposing of them with a Volt Switch or a Leaf Storm.
Magnezone @Air Balloon
Ability: Magnet Pull
Nature: Timid
36HP/252Sp.A/220Spe
~Substitute
~Thunder
~Hidden Power Fire
~Flash Cannon
A powerful wildfire STAB in the form of a 120-base power Thunder would deal an enormous blow to most that do not resist it, destroying variants of peasants that have no movepool to counter it's stellar magnetic pull. Hidden Power Fire seems like an idiotic filler in the stormy seas, but it still reasonably deals with Scizor and Ferrothorn, both which are complete trolls and pests.
Thunder >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 23.4-28
Thunder >> 252HP/252Sp.D Lugia~ 49.5-59.1
Thunder >> 252HP/252Sp.D Bronzong~ 37.6-44.7
Hidden Power Fire >> 252HP/252Sp.D Forretress~ 42.9-50.8
Hidden Power Fire >> 252HP/252Sp.D Scizor~ 38.4-45.3
Flash Cannon >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regice~ 31.9-37.9
Magnezone is quite lackluster if you compare to other sweepers with this attacking power, but nevertheless, it is a threat that could 2HKO many Pokemon and prevent their escape before they switch into a counter. Hidden Power Fire performed decently in this test, which of course included the rain test, and Flash Cannon did better than expected. Even without a Specs Magnezone is a damaging powerhouse.
Vaporeon @Life Orb
Ability: Hydration
Nature: Modest
212Def/252Sp.A/44Spe
~Surf
~Ice Beam
~Hidden Power Grass
~Rest
This set aims to utilize Vaporeon's natural bulk and present it together with a phenomenon combo, the HydraRest, giving Vaporeon a recovery which would cost only a turn. Coupled up with some reasonable moves, it could be an offensive threat as well as a defensive one. Surf is Vaporeon's primary STAB move, and Ice Beam and Hidden Power Grass are merely fillers, as opposed to it's low coverage.
Surf >> 252HP/252Sp.D Registeel~ 51.4-61
Surf >> 252HP/252Sp.D Ho-oh~ 88-103.8
Ice Beam >> 252HP/252Sp.D Giratina~ 40.9-48.4
Ice Beam >> 252HP/252Sp.D Latias~ 52.7-62.1
Hidden Power Grass >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regirock~ 32.7-38.7
Hidden Power Grass >> 252HP/252Sp.D Vaporeon~ 13.4-15.9
In the rain, Surf could 2HKO even the most defensive variants of Registeel, showing how much power it could pummel against other Pokemon like Scizor, Metagross and co. Besides that, we can also see how Ice Beam works with Vaporeon, and judging by how it is able to perform, I might have to sign a death warrant to Pokemon like Tornadous and Haxorus. Hidden Power Grass seems undesirable when seen in above stats, but be informed that these attacks were tested on maximum defensive Uber-like stats. All in all, Vaporeon is a deadly force, not to be meddled with in the rain.
Scizor @Choice Band
Ability: Technician
Nature: Adamant
248HP/252Atk/8Spe
~U-Turn
~Bullet Punch
~Superpower
~Pursuit
Scizor is a top tier threat, destroying the veins of the metagame in horrendous levels. Being a star in DPP and known for it's powerful Bullet Punch coupled with Technician, it can place dents on any team with the right move, and with rain it could survive Fire moves, that being a boon instead to leave Scizor dead in early game. All in all it is a pseudo-scout and a sweeper, boasting OHKOs with some of his "spells."
U-Turn >> 252HP/252Def Deoxys-D~ 63.8-75.7
U-Turn >> 252HP/252Def Tyranitar~ 62.9-74.8
Bullet Punch >> 252HP/252Def Salamence~ 34.3-40.4
Bullet Punch >> 252HP/252Def Regirock~ 38.5-46.2
Superpower >> 252HP/252Def Skarmory~ 36.8-43.4
Pursuit >> 252HP/252Def Cresselia~ 41-48.6
This is my final sweeping card; blasting through walls in the speed of light! Even something so defensive like Regirock takes a 3HKO against my Bullet Punch, and bulky Psychic should beware my Pursuit. U-Turn turns Scizor into a high-damaging scout, as seen from damage output against Deoxys-D. Superpower does wonders to the most defensive Skarmory, and probably damage to Specially defensive Skarmory will be even more!
Implemented Changes in Pokemon Set
Politoed @Leftovers
Ability: Drizzle
Nature: Bold
252HP/252Def/4Sp.D
~Scald
~Hypnosis
~Perish Song
~Focus Blast
Standard Politoed set with a chance of stormy weather, this set instead exploits Politoed's decent bulk and allow it to function as a check and as a weather-summoner. Hypnosis would have the chance of shutting down a sweeper, and the new BW mechanics enhance this option even more. Scald burns opposing walls or sweepers, and a burn would severely cripple a physical sweeper. Perish Song shatters the Baton Pass chain and also unruly Pokemon setting up on it. Focus Blast destroys Tyranitar and Ferrothorn, and is mostly a filler.
Focus Blast >> 252HP/252Sp.D Tyranitar~ 56.4-67.3
Focus Blast >> 252HP/252Sp.D Regirock~ 31.3-37.4
Focus Blast >> 252HP/252Sp.D Snorlax~ 20.6-24.4
Perish Song >> SmashPasser Gorebyss~ Definite Switch
Perish Song >> SmashPasser Smeargle~ Probable Switch
Perish Song >> QuiverPasser Venomoth~ Definite Switch
Smogon's calculator is outdated, and because of that no data of Scald damage is recorded in this chart above. Focus Blast does reasonable damage to Tyranitar even as a bulky set and so this set has some chance of defeating another weather inducer in terms of raw power. If in a scenario of Smash Passing, Politoed would easily cause for the Baton chain to be broken, lest they want to face death in three mere turns.
Gyarados @Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
Nature: Adamant
156HP/72Atk/96Def/184Spe
~Dragon Dance
~Waterfall
~Taunt
~Bounce
Bulky Dragon Dance is a way to boost one's powerful attacking force and still have remaining bulk to survive offensive blows. Gyarados is such an example and it could also do something valuable; Taunt Pokemon who has the nerve of phazing or hazing. Skarmory would easily be Gyarados' setup fodder, as it laughs at Brave Bird.
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Skarmory~ 30.5-36.2
Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Forretress~ 28.8-34.2
1+ Waterfall >> 252HP/252Def Blissey~ 69.3-81.7
1+ Bounce >> 252HP/252Def Forretress~ 30.8-36.7
Taunt >> Whirlwind Skarmory~ Setup Fodder
Taunt >> Wobbuffet~ Setup Fodder
Gyarados has one weakness that might be hard to cure; Dragon Tail and Circle Throw phazers. Although they are uncommon in the metagame, they are existent and the only real way to handle them is by raw attack, hopefully killing them or lose your setup configuration. Gyarados also fears Thunder, which is able to OHKO it without too much difficulty.
Magnezone's Replacement: Ferrothorn @Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
Nature: Relaxed
252HP/88Def/168Sp.D
~Spikes
~Leech Seed
~Thunder Wave
~Protect
Typical Standard Ferrothorn set, this set aims to stall the opponent's Pokemon the most innovative way possible, with a reliable Leftovers + Leech Seed recovery, and also in the mean time crippling the opponent with a jolt of electricity. Placing a large number of Spikes deals with pesky switchers, and in rain Ferrothorn could last a lifetime stalling his foes.
Spikes >> (e.g.) Absol~ 12.5
1+ Spikes >> (e.g.) Absol~ 18.75
2+ Spikes >> (e.g.) Absol~ 25
Leech Seed >> (e.g.) Absol~ 12.5
1+ Spikes w/ Leech Seed >> (e.g.) Absol~ 37.8
Leech Seed w/ Leftovers >> 18.75+
This Ferrothorn has no means of offense, but it a pure stall. As seen above, it could Spike for entry (except for Levitate and Flying) and immediately wall someone with the means of Thunder wave with Leech Seed. This gives Ferrothorn stellar recovery, and in the meantime halt the enemy movement. If the enemy is of Ground properties, Ferrothorn would just commence it's Leech Seed and stall. Fire is rendered less dangerous in rain.
Scizor's replacement: Metagross @Choice Band
Ability: Clear Body
Nature: Adamant
252HP/252Atk/4Def
~Meteor Mash
~Hammer Arm
~Bullet Punch
~Pursuit
Scizor does a great job, I'll admit, but I realized I needed something to clean up in a more "forceful" way. I need something that can destroy and yet raise itself to the next level. This moveset outdoes Scizor in a killing spree, especially STAB Meteor Mash, which hurts like hell. It could function as a more bulky agent, and it's only major weak spot is Earthquake, but it could easily take down Ground types.
Meteor Mash >> 252HP/252Def Giratina~ 52-61.5
Meteor Mash >> 252HP/252Def Regirock~ 97.8-115.9
Hammer Arm >> 252HP/252Def Shuckle~ 43.4-51.6
Bullet Punch >> 252HP/252Def Tyranitar~ 55.4-65.8
Pursuit >> 252HP/252Def Latias~ 46.7-55.5
Pursuit >> 252HP/252Def Latias (Switch)~ 93.4-110.4
As seen above, Metagross' Bullet Punch isn't very usable like Scizor's, but still quite packing. Meteor Mash showed it's destructive power against the types of Pokemon faced, and Hammer Arm is a powerful move that did a number to Shuckle, and it could readily punish Balloon users. To even the most defensive Latias it would have destroyed it with a Pursuit in a switching scenario, and it has maximum HP to sponge Dragon moves.
So, this is it. Please suggest any improvements if possible. Also, tell me flaws in my team which I should fix. Thanx for you who rate my team, and as they say, good game! On a more serious note, constructive criticism is well received, and also, please evaluate my team in a critic way so that I can improve better. Once again, lots of thanks to you guys who answer.
