Week 1 - (Braverius) vs Jhon (L)
So this week I wasn't playing, but given Zach's lack of activity over the past few months in Doubles I was tasked with the creation of the team. We bounced between a few things but in the end given that this was immediately following the Marshadow ban, the only thing I really expected was Metagross as that stuck out as a strong mon and something Jhon was likely to use. We originally made some screens Koko nonsense with Mamoswine and A-Muk but I made this sorta last minute and it wound up performing pretty decently.
uganda (Gengar-Mega) @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 108 HP / 4 Def / 140 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Ally Switch
- Protect
de wey (Stakataka) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Lonely Nature
IVs: 15 Def / 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Rock Slide
- Trick Room
- Protect
can you show me (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 20 Def / 120 SpA / 12 SpD / 104 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Scald
- Moonblast
- Trick
*tongue clicking* (Zapdos) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Static
EVs: 244 HP / 132 Def / 32 SpA / 44 SpD / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Tailwind
- Roost
we must return (Landorus-Therian) @ Yache Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 28 HP / 20 Def / 252 SpA / 64 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 30 Atk
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
bruda (Tyranitar) @ Darkinium Z
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Atk / 12 Def / 20 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Rock Slide
- Crunch
- Curse
- Protect
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 108 HP / 4 Def / 140 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Ally Switch
- Protect
de wey (Stakataka) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SpD
Lonely Nature
IVs: 15 Def / 0 Spe
- Gyro Ball
- Rock Slide
- Trick Room
- Protect
can you show me (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 20 Def / 120 SpA / 12 SpD / 104 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Scald
- Moonblast
- Trick
*tongue clicking* (Zapdos) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Static
EVs: 244 HP / 132 Def / 32 SpA / 44 SpD / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Tailwind
- Roost
we must return (Landorus-Therian) @ Yache Berry
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 28 HP / 20 Def / 252 SpA / 64 SpD / 144 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 30 Atk
- Earth Power
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Knock Off
- Stealth Rock
bruda (Tyranitar) @ Darkinium Z
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Atk / 12 Def / 20 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Rock Slide
- Crunch
- Curse
- Protect
Week 2 - vs Croven (W)
This week was my first big game since Snake so I was absolutely determined to win this. I wanted to use Coil Milo following the Marsh ban as in my mind that was the main reason for it's lack of success. I still think it's super dangerous and undervalued, and despite the really rough matchup the team performed well. Psych Up Gross with double boosters is really neat and Power Anklet Amoonguss provided insurance in case I saw fullroom or something similar.
GLORIOUS (Metagross) @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Stomping Tantrum
- Psych Up
- Protect
CHURCH (Tapu Lele) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 12 SpA / 4 SpD / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Taunt
- Protect
WILLY WONKA (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 76 SpD / 164 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Stomping Tantrum
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
AINT GONNA DIE (Staraptor) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat
- Final Gambit
- U-turn
CORNER STORE (Amoonguss) (M) @ Power Weight
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Sludge Bomb
- Spore
- Rage Powder
- Protect
FIREBREATHER (Milotic) (F) @ Psychic Seed
Ability: Competitive
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 12 SpA / 124 SpD / 92 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Coil
- Hypnosis
- Recover
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Iron Head
- Stomping Tantrum
- Psych Up
- Protect
CHURCH (Tapu Lele) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Def / 12 SpA / 4 SpD / 164 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Taunt
- Protect
WILLY WONKA (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 76 SpD / 164 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Stomping Tantrum
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
AINT GONNA DIE (Staraptor) (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Brave Bird
- Close Combat
- Final Gambit
- U-turn
CORNER STORE (Amoonguss) (M) @ Power Weight
Ability: Regenerator
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 172 Def / 84 SpD
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Sludge Bomb
- Spore
- Rage Powder
- Protect
FIREBREATHER (Milotic) (F) @ Psychic Seed
Ability: Competitive
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 28 Def / 12 SpA / 124 SpD / 92 Spe
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Coil
- Hypnosis
- Recover
Week 3 - vs Miltankmilk (W)
The main idea I had going into this was Jolly CB Tyranitar. Milk's fire usage almost always trended towards Volcanion, and in particular a Modest one with Waterium intended to beat Tyranitar. I tried to take advantage of both this and his appreciation for Hoopa into account when picking something to build around. I tossed around the idea of Pheromosa a lot as well, and the big roach came up again later in the season as something I was eyeing, but I stuck to AV Gene instead. I'm pretty fond of this team, Gengar enables you to set up favorables endgames extremely easily and honestly I think it's the best Mega in SM.
VICTORY LAP (Gengar) @ Gengarite
Ability: Cursed Body
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 100 HP / 12 Def / 140 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Focus Blast
- Protect
JIMMY LOVINE (Genesect) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Download
EVs: 40 HP / 128 Atk / 12 Def / 28 SpA / 76 SpD / 224 Spe
Naive Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower
GOLD (Rotom-Wash) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 72 SpA / 76 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Electroweb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Protect
NEON CATHEDRAL (Tapu Lele) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sweet Scent
WING$ (Landorus-Therian) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 56 SpD / 184 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- Protect
COWBOY BOOTS (Tyranitar) @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Low Kick
Ability: Cursed Body
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 100 HP / 12 Def / 140 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Focus Blast
- Protect
JIMMY LOVINE (Genesect) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Download
EVs: 40 HP / 128 Atk / 12 Def / 28 SpA / 76 SpD / 224 Spe
Naive Nature
- Iron Head
- U-turn
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower
GOLD (Rotom-Wash) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 112 Def / 72 SpA / 76 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Electroweb
- Will-O-Wisp
- Protect
NEON CATHEDRAL (Tapu Lele) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Sweet Scent
WING$ (Landorus-Therian) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 12 HP / 252 Atk / 4 Def / 56 SpD / 184 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Knock Off
- Protect
COWBOY BOOTS (Tyranitar) @ Choice Band
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Low Kick
Week 4 - vs MajorBowman (L)
We were up 9-2 going into this game and at that point the Tigers were the #1 team in the tournament so I wanted to save any actual prep in case of an eventual meetup in playoffs. Most people recycle teams or use something unrelated in these kinds of scenarios but honestly I just decided to roll the matchup wheel and have some fun, If you don't run into TTar/Abomasnow/Ninetales this team is actually incredibly threatening. Unfortunately we did pull a TTar, but as far as off the wall gimmicks go I think this is one of the better ones by far.
this warld (Victini) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 180 HP / 112 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- Final Gambit
- Sunny Day
- Taunt
oh hi mark (Camerupt) @ Cameruptite
Ability: Anger Point
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 SpA
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Fire Blast
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Protect
in a minute bitch (Hoopa-Unbound) @ Psychium Z
Ability: Magician
EVs: 196 HP / 252 Atk / 60 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Hyperspace Fury
- Hyperspace Hole
- Trick Room
- Protect
WHERES MY MONEY (Scrafty) @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Atk / 32 SpD
Brave Nature
- Fake Out
- Low Kick
- Knock Off
- Taunt
cheep cheeeeep (Togekiss) @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 228 HP / 56 Def / 4 SpA / 220 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Air Slash
- Follow Me
- Helping Hand
- Protect
LISA WHY (Bruxish) (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Dazzling
Level: 1
Shiny: Yes
Gentle Nature
IVs: 0 HP / 0 Atk / 0 Def / 0 SpA / 0 SpD / 0 Spe
- Frost Breath
- Trick Room
- Safeguard
- Protect
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 180 HP / 112 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- Final Gambit
- Sunny Day
- Taunt
oh hi mark (Camerupt) @ Cameruptite
Ability: Anger Point
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 144 HP / 252 Atk / 112 SpA
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Fire Blast
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Protect
in a minute bitch (Hoopa-Unbound) @ Psychium Z
Ability: Magician
EVs: 196 HP / 252 Atk / 60 Def
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Hyperspace Fury
- Hyperspace Hole
- Trick Room
- Protect
WHERES MY MONEY (Scrafty) @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 224 Atk / 32 SpD
Brave Nature
- Fake Out
- Low Kick
- Knock Off
- Taunt
cheep cheeeeep (Togekiss) @ Safety Goggles
Ability: Serene Grace
EVs: 228 HP / 56 Def / 4 SpA / 220 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Air Slash
- Follow Me
- Helping Hand
- Protect
LISA WHY (Bruxish) (M) @ Focus Sash
Ability: Dazzling
Level: 1
Shiny: Yes
Gentle Nature
IVs: 0 HP / 0 Atk / 0 Def / 0 SpA / 0 SpD / 0 Spe
- Frost Breath
- Trick Room
- Safeguard
- Protect
Week 5 - vs Marilli (L)
For this week I started building with Gourgeist as it was an excellent companion to both Heatran and Snorlax, setting TR for both, being able to side-wisp an ErupTran is an amazing feeling, and Ally Switch is a great move to get your opponent off balance. Honestly this is probably one of my favorite teams all year, it pulled pretty much the worst matchup possible but in all my testing it was amazing, the Lopunny set is really good at enabling team cohesion and all the little micro synergies in the team are great. Would definitely use the Lop again.
MIne turle (Tapu Lele) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 128 SpA / 112 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Light Screen
- Protect
MIne heate (Heatran) @ Firium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 236 HP / 252 SpA / 20 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Heat Wave
- Earth Power
- Eruption
- Protect
MIne bun (Lopunny-Mega) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 48 HP / 208 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Low Kick
- After You
- Charm
fucking brown man (Landorus-Therian) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 64 HP / 84 Atk / 20 Def / 252 SpD / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- U-turn
MIne pump (Gourgeist-Super) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Frisk
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 124 Def / 132 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Seed Bomb
- Trick Room
- Will-O-Wisp
- Ally Switch
MIne snor (Snorlax) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
Shiny: Yes
Happiness: 0
EVs: 140 HP / 84 Atk / 168 Def / 116 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Frustration
- High Horsepower
- Belly Drum
- Recycle
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 128 SpA / 112 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Light Screen
- Protect
MIne heate (Heatran) @ Firium Z
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 236 HP / 252 SpA / 20 SpD
Quiet Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 0 Spe
- Heat Wave
- Earth Power
- Eruption
- Protect
MIne bun (Lopunny-Mega) @ Lopunnite
Ability: Limber
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 48 HP / 208 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Fake Out
- Low Kick
- After You
- Charm
fucking brown man (Landorus-Therian) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 64 HP / 84 Atk / 20 Def / 252 SpD / 88 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- U-turn
MIne pump (Gourgeist-Super) @ Aguav Berry
Ability: Frisk
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 124 Def / 132 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Seed Bomb
- Trick Room
- Will-O-Wisp
- Ally Switch
MIne snor (Snorlax) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
Shiny: Yes
Happiness: 0
EVs: 140 HP / 84 Atk / 168 Def / 116 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Frustration
- High Horsepower
- Belly Drum
- Recycle
Week 6 - vs Stax (L)
For this week I really didn't expect Stax to bring out Gothlax again, and so I tried to build something to take advantage of his other tendencies in building. The Snorlax here was more of a result of having 5 Pokemon I liked and all them resisting Fighting, so why not use the broken mon? Overall I played this game awfully from start to finish, bad matchup meant the strength of the team wasn't enough to pull me out of playing terribly.
WHITE WALLS (Gengar-Mega) @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 104 HP / 4 Def / 144 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Substitute
- Protect
THIN LINE (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Explosion
A WAKE (Tapu Fini) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 104 SpA / 32 SpD / 108 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Protect
NEON CATHEDRAL (Zapdos) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Static
EVs: 244 HP / 136 Def / 12 SpA / 96 SpD / 20 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Tailwind
- Roost
- Heat Wave
THRIFT SHOP (Aegislash) @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Stance Change
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 208 HP / 12 Atk / 4 Def / 168 SpA / 32 SpD / 84 Spe
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sacred Sword
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
BOMBOM (Snorlax) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
Happiness: 0
EVs: 140 HP / 76 Atk / 148 Def / 144 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Double-Edge
- Curse
- Amnesia
- Recycle
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 104 HP / 4 Def / 144 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Substitute
- Protect
THIN LINE (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Explosion
A WAKE (Tapu Fini) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 104 SpA / 32 SpD / 108 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
- Protect
NEON CATHEDRAL (Zapdos) @ Misty Seed
Ability: Static
EVs: 244 HP / 136 Def / 12 SpA / 96 SpD / 20 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Tailwind
- Roost
- Heat Wave
THRIFT SHOP (Aegislash) @ Ghostium Z
Ability: Stance Change
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 208 HP / 12 Atk / 4 Def / 168 SpA / 32 SpD / 84 Spe
Quiet Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sacred Sword
- Wide Guard
- King's Shield
BOMBOM (Snorlax) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Gluttony
Happiness: 0
EVs: 140 HP / 76 Atk / 148 Def / 144 SpD
Brave Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Double-Edge
- Curse
- Amnesia
- Recycle
Week 7 - vs Tman (W)
Unluckily for him, the one week Tman got to play Doubles he had to play one of the people who knows the most about his building. I knew he loves setup in every way shape and form so bringing multiple countermeasures to that was a priority for me. Celesteela was something I felt needed a lot more attention in a lax-centralized metagame, resisting both Normal STAB and High Horsepower is really cool. While Tman didn't bring any hard setup, I got a really favorable matchup and executed it well. I'm confident Tman will get another chance to play though and I look forward to it, he has some really great takes on teambuilding.
Nocturnal (Gengar-Mega) @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 64 HP / 4 Def / 176 SpA / 12 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Disable
- Protect
Magnets (Celesteela) @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 44 Def / 160 SpD / 12 Spe
Careful Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Iron Defense
- Leech Seed
- Protect
Good Intentions (Victini) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 176 HP / 116 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- U-turn
- Final Gambit
- Trick
Moving Mountains (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 20 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 48 SpD / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
Willing and Able (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Hydro Pump
- Trick
Jaded (Scrafty) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Atk / 108 Def / 112 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 26 Spe
- Fake Out
- Low Kick
- Knock Off
- Dragon Tail
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 64 HP / 4 Def / 176 SpA / 12 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Disable
- Protect
Magnets (Celesteela) @ Leftovers
Ability: Beast Boost
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 40 Atk / 44 Def / 160 SpD / 12 Spe
Careful Nature
- Heavy Slam
- Iron Defense
- Leech Seed
- Protect
Good Intentions (Victini) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 176 HP / 116 Atk / 216 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- U-turn
- Final Gambit
- Trick
Moving Mountains (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 20 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 48 SpD / 176 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Extreme Speed
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
Willing and Able (Tapu Fini) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 104 HP / 252 SpA / 152 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Muddy Water
- Moonblast
- Hydro Pump
- Trick
Jaded (Scrafty) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 36 Atk / 108 Def / 112 SpD
Careful Nature
IVs: 26 Spe
- Fake Out
- Low Kick
- Knock Off
- Dragon Tail
Week 8 - vs Demantoid (L)
Another Gengar, who would have guessed. I wanted to build something a little more offensive than I had been using the past couple weeks and I really valued finding a Tailwind setter that could deal consistent damage and not die in one hit. That's how we landed at this Mew, and this is another team I'm really fond of that didn't really get to show off its stuff. I lost Mew early to a surprise z-bug Volcarona and from there my Ferro matchup was pretty awful. It became a lot harder to play around and I played way too hard into his Greninja carrying Mat Block on a turn mid-game.
Aloha (Gengar-Mega) @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 104 HP / 4 Def / 144 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Taunt
- Protect
good day (Tyranitar) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Protect
Lullaby (Mew) @ Mewnium Z
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 208 SpA / 4 SpD / 32 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fake Out
- Psychic
- Fire Blast
- Tailwind
Bouquet (Tapu Bulu) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 20 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Protect
Hop Skip Jump (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- U-turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball
あめあがりのうた (Zygarde) @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 40 SpD / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Dragon Tail
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
Ability: Shadow Tag
EVs: 104 HP / 4 Def / 144 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Taunt
- Protect
good day (Tyranitar) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Rock Slide
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Protect
Lullaby (Mew) @ Mewnium Z
Ability: Synchronize
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 208 SpA / 4 SpD / 32 Spe
Modest Nature
- Fake Out
- Psychic
- Fire Blast
- Tailwind
Bouquet (Tapu Bulu) @ Figy Berry
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 20 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Superpower
- Swords Dance
- Protect
Hop Skip Jump (Genesect) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- U-turn
- Iron Head
- Ice Beam
- Energy Ball
あめあがりのうた (Zygarde) @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 24 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 40 SpD / 180 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Dragon Tail
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
Week 9 - vs EmbCPT (L)
I actually prepped a much better version of ZardY-HO for this game but having already clinched playoffs by the time this game rolled around, I went with something similar but with more personal flair. I could have played this better on nearly every turn after the first few, but with the game not making a difference as far as playoffs go I wasn't really sweating it too much, just wanted a good game with a very good friend. I'm really glad SPL went well for Edu and I can't wait to see him continue to do well in the tier.
BROKEN MIRRORS (Charizard) @ Charizardite Y
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Solar Beam
- Overheat
- Protect
SATELLITE (Zapdos) @ Life Orb
Ability: Static
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Tailwind
- Detect
ENDGAME (Typhlosion) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Sunny Day
WAIT FOR ME (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- Explosion
GENTLEMAN'S COUP (Tapu Lele) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 128 SpA / 112 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Ally Switch
- Protect
SURVIVOR GUILT (Deoxys-Attack) @ Psychium Z
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Psycho Boost
- Ice Beam
- Superpower
- Protect
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Heat Wave
- Solar Beam
- Overheat
- Protect
SATELLITE (Zapdos) @ Life Orb
Ability: Static
EVs: 72 HP / 252 SpA / 184 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Tailwind
- Detect
ENDGAME (Typhlosion) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Eruption
- Fire Blast
- Focus Blast
- Sunny Day
WAIT FOR ME (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Band
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Superpower
- Explosion
GENTLEMAN'S COUP (Tapu Lele) @ Wiki Berry
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 12 Def / 128 SpA / 112 SpD / 4 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Psychic
- Moonblast
- Ally Switch
- Protect
SURVIVOR GUILT (Deoxys-Attack) @ Psychium Z
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Hasty Nature
- Psycho Boost
- Ice Beam
- Superpower
- Protect
Semifinals - vs Stax (W)
For this game, I had prepped a ton of teams all throughout the week predicated on his lack of Rock resists all SPL, but couldn't really get comfortable with any of them or anything really until the day before the game. I very nearly used Kommo-o over Zygarde for this one, but after being swiftly reminded why he isn't good in a test game with Miltankmilk I swapped and went with Zyg. Given Stax's obscene Snorlax usage over SPL I decided it wasn't great to try to and build to his weaknesses and went with something I hadn't used much but had a ton of potential overall (Metagross). This in tandem with the release of Intimidate Incineroar meant we were playing a practically new metagame, so I wanted to rehash some concepts that worked well for me in the past. The biggest of these is the idea of Life Orb Hoopa in Tailwind, thing is a monster and practically feels like using Marshadow. Scarf Bulu was also something I really wanted to experiment with, especially in tandem with Zygarde. Zygarde struggles a lot with OHKOing things but is able to 2HKO quite a bit once it gets a boost, so using a Scarf Nature's Madness Bulu meant that I could chunk things to 50% and then follow up with an Arrows or Z-Move from Zygarde. Eject Button on Incineroar is fantastic by the way, I definitely recommend trying it out on more offensive builds.
CASTLE (Metagross-Mega) @ Metagrossite
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Ice Punch
- Stomping Tantrum
- Protect
COWBOY BOOTS (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 64 SpD / 148 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Substitute
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
JIMMY LOVINE (Tapu Bulu) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Nature's Madness
- Superpower
CAN'T HOLD US (Hoopa-Unbound) @ Life Orb
Ability: Magician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Hyperspace Hole
- Gunk Shot
- Protect
GOLD (Zapdos) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Static
EVs: 220 HP / 12 Def / 180 SpA / 20 SpD / 76 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Tailwind
- Detect
THRIFT SHOP (Incineroar) @ Eject Button
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Atk / 12 Def / 116 SpD / 80 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Taunt
Ability: Clear Body
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Meteor Mash
- Ice Punch
- Stomping Tantrum
- Protect
COWBOY BOOTS (Zygarde) @ Groundium Z
Ability: Aura Break
EVs: 32 HP / 252 Atk / 12 Def / 64 SpD / 148 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Thousand Arrows
- Substitute
- Dragon Dance
- Protect
JIMMY LOVINE (Tapu Bulu) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Horn Leech
- Nature's Madness
- Superpower
CAN'T HOLD US (Hoopa-Unbound) @ Life Orb
Ability: Magician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Hyperspace Fury
- Hyperspace Hole
- Gunk Shot
- Protect
GOLD (Zapdos) @ Mago Berry
Ability: Static
EVs: 220 HP / 12 Def / 180 SpA / 20 SpD / 76 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Tailwind
- Detect
THRIFT SHOP (Incineroar) @ Eject Button
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Atk / 12 Def / 116 SpD / 80 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Fake Out
- Flare Blitz
- Knock Off
- Taunt
Finals - vs Marilli (W)
For this game the first thing I really picked up on was that his Gengar answers were super suboptimal so I wanted to begin with that. The other big thing I identified was that in 10 games he only used 4 Fire Types, so Ferrothorn felt like an amazing call especially in tandem with Gengar. I made a ton of variations of Gengar/Ferrothorn and liked a lot of them, but Rain felt the most consistent overall. Additionally, even though it's my millionth Gengar of the tournament, every other mon was something I was using for the first time this tournament. I felt Finals was the best time to change things up, it's easily the week the most prep is done and given my complete lack of Rain / Ferrothorn / Koko / Kyurem I felt the chances I was able to run into a team that didn't prep as well for those was really likely. Life Orb Kyurem, and this set in particular, is something I've been enjoying a lot recently and hit on a lot of Marilli's building tendencies as well. I packed my team with a ton of Metagross answers and felt it was fairly likely I'd run into an opposing Kyurem, which is one of the primary reasons I run Draco on it. Curse Ferrothorn pairs really well with Gengar, being able to map out a game in which you can trap and remove the limited answers to it is pretty easy, especially on a team with as much offensive presence as this one. Pelipper carried Soak as a way to both setup endgames with my own Ferrothorn and to be able to severely reduce the impact of opposing ones. This is also the reasoning for the HP Fire on Koko, I didn't expect to have to use it but HP Ice felt pretty bad and patching up an otherwise rough matchup is worth it to me. I'm really proud of this team and proud of myself for being able to pilot it to a victory when my team needed it most.
Perfect Places (Gengar-Mega) @ Gengarite
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 88 HP / 12 Def / 144 SpA / 12 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Substitute
- Protect
Still Sane (Pelipper) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 184 Def / 20 SpA / 12 SpD / 40 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hurricane
- Tailwind
- Soak
- Protect
Homemade Dynamite (Kingdra) @ Waterium Z
Ability: Swift Swim
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Muddy Water
- Protect
Liability (Ferrothorn) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 4 Def / 176 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Gyro Ball
- Curse
- Protect
Magnets (Tapu Koko) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunder
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Dazzling Gleam
Buzzcut Season (Kyurem-Black) @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
Ability: Shadow Tag
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 88 HP / 12 Def / 144 SpA / 12 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Bomb
- Substitute
- Protect
Still Sane (Pelipper) @ Damp Rock
Ability: Drizzle
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 184 Def / 20 SpA / 12 SpD / 40 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hurricane
- Tailwind
- Soak
- Protect
Homemade Dynamite (Kingdra) @ Waterium Z
Ability: Swift Swim
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Hydro Pump
- Draco Meteor
- Muddy Water
- Protect
Liability (Ferrothorn) @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 252 HP / 76 Atk / 4 Def / 176 SpD
Sassy Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Power Whip
- Gyro Ball
- Curse
- Protect
Magnets (Tapu Koko) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Thunder
- Volt Switch
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Dazzling Gleam
Buzzcut Season (Kyurem-Black) @ Life Orb
Ability: Teravolt
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Ice Beam
- Fusion Bolt
- Draco Meteor
- Protect
I'll keep the shoutouts part short and sweet since ideally I get to post full ones after this tiebreak. Big thanks to Level 51 Braverius Dawg MajorBowman for being some of my longest running friends in Pokemon, you guys really are the best. Big ups to 51 for the help teambuilding all year and Milk/Jake, Croven EmbCPT qsns Elise Nido-Rus and anyone else I might have forgotten for the various testing/building/etc.
Hopefully we come out of this week with a trophy, but see you guys in DPL regardless