*possibilities sections are only assuming it does not get replaced
In The Colosseum [OU]
Hey guys. Introductions are always the hardest (why is the size two text so unattractive?), but I’ll do my best to explain my team as thoroughly as possible, as well as include possible replacements and things I could use help with for certain members. I know introductions can also be really boring, especially when it’s a large wall of text, but I’m gonna have to ask that you actually stick by and read this because there are somethings I need you to know when your rating/commenting/whatever-ing my team. Thanks.
Anyways, this team originally was focused around the idea of being able to incorporate Gallade effectively into a team. Gallade is probably outclassed by Pokemon like Heracross or Machamp, but Gallade was my favorite new 4th generation Pokemon, and I was dying to try to use him in OU after his BL vote in. On my first try I rushed a team, and to everyone’s (my) surprise, it was awful. Terrible. Atrocious, words cannot describe the foul disgusting aroma that swept anyone who played against me. So, I got to thinking, and made pages upon pages in notebooks of speculation and ideas on how to incorporate Gallade. The last team tried to use a Swords Dance Variant of him, that didn’t work. At all. Gallade is too frail in the physical defense department (imo), to stand up late game and sweep.
Then it hit me, Choice Band Gallade. Immediate power, still has good type coverage, It brings out threats that I can have the rest of the team handle - Awesome! Is till didn’t know if I was going to have it though, so I weighed the pros and cons of using the SD variant, and the Choice Band one. Obviously he won, and I built my team around that, and he has worked well, but the team itself could use some more help.
Now while this may sound more like a team building process, kinda thing rather than an introduction to the type of team I wanted, I just wanted you to be aware that I really, really, really, want to keep Gallade. Gallade is also not the only Pokemon I’m going to be adamant about keeping. Although, I’m not going to be so uptight about suggestions to replace these Pokemon that I’m going to be “NO U“, I will completely and whole heart-edly listen to any suggestions you have about replacing or fixing or whatever to these Pokemon. I just want that while your trying to help me that you’ll be trying to help me keep these Pokemon rather than take them away, however, that's not to say if the suggestion you made is better that I won't listen, I'd just like to keep pokemon like Gallade, Latias, and Registeel on the team. If what you suggested works, I'll totally use that.
Now while this may sound more like a team building process, kinda thing rather than an introduction to the type of team I wanted, I just wanted you to be aware that I really, really, really, want to keep Gallade. Gallade is also not the only Pokemon I’m going to be adamant about keeping. Although, I’m not going to be so uptight about suggestions to replace these Pokemon that I’m going to be “NO U“, I will completely and whole heart-edly listen to any suggestions you have about replacing or fixing or whatever to these Pokemon. I just want that while your trying to help me that you’ll be trying to help me keep these Pokemon rather than take them away, however, that's not to say if the suggestion you made is better that I won't listen, I'd just like to keep pokemon like Gallade, Latias, and Registeel on the team. If what you suggested works, I'll totally use that.
Thanks for those who listened (because I doubt many people will have read all of this); now lets get to the team~
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In depth look~
Swampert @ Leftovers/Rindo Berry
Ability: Torrent
252Hp/252Def/4Atk
Nature: Relaxed (+Def, -Spe)/Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
~ Stealth Rock
~ Roar
~ Hydro Pump/Ice Punch/Hidden Power [Grass]/Icy Wind
~ Earthquake
Comments/Insight/Problems
Latias @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
204Hp/192Def/32Spe/80Sp.Atk
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
~Wish
~Reflect
~Hidden Power [Fire]
~Dragon Pulse
Comments/Insight/Problems
Unusual, no? Custom set by me, that has worked wonders for this team. As previously mentioned, Latias is the number 1 Scizor attractor in the game, as well as an attractant for DD mence, but I'll explain the basics of the moveset first. Wish is necessary, and this team has no form of instant recovery (except for Gyarados's rest). It means my pokemon can make multiple switch ins, and endure residual damage and attacks from the switch in a lot better. Reflect also gives Latias a beefier defense, and passing that around lets the pokemon sponge physical attacks a bit better.
Hidden Power [Fire] is very very important. Many Scizor love to swtich in only to find out that they are almost dead due to Hideen Power.
Dragon pule is a nessacary STAB needed to take on pokemon like DD Gyarados or be able to hit other pokemon that resist it. DD Dos is 3Hko'd by it.
For the Ev's, 204 hp gives me max leftover recovery, and some extra bulk in Defense and the Special Defense I never invested into. The Defense ev's were poured into after I figured out how much Speed and Sp.Atk I was going to need. The defense ev's are for absorbing physical hits a lot better, physical attacks I NEED to take with her.
As you can see, even without reflect up, Scizor does some pretty pitiful damage. Except of course in the event of U-turn, but I will have usually KO'd him with Hidden Power [Fire], in fact, here is the calc for how much damage it does;
Heres some cals for (CB)Scizor (Max attack) attacking Latias;
Pursuit
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 176 - 208 (50.00% - 59.09%)
(70.94% to 2hko w/leftovers)
W/Reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 90 - 106 (25.57% - 30.11%)
Bullet Punch
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 132 - 156 (37.50% - 44.32%)
W/Reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 67 - 79 (19.03% - 22.44%)
SuperPower
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (120 Base Power): 87 - 103 (24.72% - 29.26%)
W/Reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (120 Base Power): 44 - 52 (12.50% - 14.77%)
U-turn
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (70 Base Power): 306 - 362 (86.93% - 102.84%)
(92.31% to KO w/Stealth Rock + Leftvoers)
W/reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (70 Base Power): 152 - 182 (43.18% - 51.70%)
This is the SD Scizor w/life orb attacking my current Latias.
Bullet Punch (no boost)
394 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 115 - 136 (32.67% - 38.64%)
Bullet Punch (+2)
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 228 - 268 (64.77% - 76.14%)
Bullet Punch (+2) W/Reflect
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 115 - 136 (32.67% - 38.64%)
Pursuit(no boost)
394 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 154 - 182 (43.75% - 51.70%)
Pursuit (+2)
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 304 - 358 (86.36% - 101.70%)
(87.18% to OHKO w/Stealth Rock)
Pursuit (+2) W/Reflect
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 154 - 182 (43.75% - 51.70%)
275 Atk vs 196 Def & 343 HP (68 Base Power): 276 - 328 (80.47% - 95.63%)
(46.15% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rockdamage)
Latias does amazingly well at countering its #1 counter. Surprisingly, this Latias also makes a good Lucario switchin. After Close Combat (usually baited out by Registeel), Latias does a good job of hitting him hard. In fact, lets see how much damage he does;
Standard Life orb SD Lucario vs Latias;
Close Combat (unboosted)
350 Atk vs 290 Def & 353 HP (120 Base Power): 101 - 119 (28.61% - 33.71%)
Crunch (unboosted)
350 Atk vs 290 Def & 353 HP (80 Base Power): 180 - 214 (50.99% - 60.62%)
Crunch (+2 w/reflect)
350 Atk vs 290 Def & 353 HP (80 Base Power): 90 - 108 (25.50% - 30.59%)
Obviously if I don't get to reflect before he boosts, Latias is screwed. But, if he does try to set up, I will usually have reflect up at this time and will have baited out Close Combat, leaving it at -1 def, so;
Latias w/hidden power vs Minus -1 Sp.Def Lucario;
275 Atk vs 187 Def & 281 HP (68 Base Power): 146 - 172 (51.96% - 61.21%)
Assuming its a -1 (which it usually is) its a 2hko.
Calculations done using this program
I know the extra calculations may seem like a lot of fluff, but it was just mainly to show that Latias can take a lot of punishment from usual counters, also helping to show how effective the EV spread has been for me.
How Is It A Team Player?
Latias plays a key role as a support pokemon on this team. Latias gives several team members as well as herself more survivability with wish and reflect. Latias also provides a neat check to Scizor with the current moveset I have. Working with Registeel, Latias is able to attract and wear down threats that can't be handled by anyone else on this team.
Latias sports having a resistance to Fire, Ground (immune), Grass, Water, Fighting, and Electricity (to name a few). Latias can absorb the electric attacks aimed at its team memebers, fire attacks aimed at Registeel and Maggy, Grass attacks aimed at Swampert, as well as fighting attacks aimed towards everyone. Latias has a Dark, Ghost, Ice and Dragon weakness. Most of these can be taken care of by Registeel and Maggy, while Swampert can handle some of the counters that threaten both of them like Gengar or Rotom by being able to absorb shadow ball and wear the two of them down.
Possibilities?
Although the set works our great I've been looking for a way to incorporate T-wave somewhere into the set, a very dangerous decision, as Hidden Power [Fire] is very very very important to it. An alternate spread I was trying out was 204hp/120def/180spe, allowing to out speed Mence.
Although I lose the ability to beat Scizor, I gain the ability to out speed a lot of threats, possibly being able to spam T-wave to the opposing team, but the bulky offense one I have now works just fine.
For both of the sets I have the possibility of running Draco Meteor over Dragon Pulse, due to the lack of Sp.Atk ev's and the immediate power. If I do run Draco Meteor on the current set, it means I can now invest the Sp. Attack ev's into defense, but I also lose the 46.15% chance to 1hko Scizor with Hidden Power [Fire]. I would also be Pursuit fodder after the Draco Meteor, lowering my special attack, and putting me in a bad position if Scizor or Tyranitar drop in.
Flaws
Loving my current set, but unfortunately I am not immune to this set having flaws. Latias has a hard time dealing with some ghost pokemon because 1/3 of my team is weak to ghost, 1/3 is also weak to fighting. Not the best combination, especially since Gengar carries both of these.
Loss of access to instantly (wish is there, but I need it right now sometimes) and lack of safeguard can really compromise Latias's ability to support the team.
Registeel @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
252Hp/168Atk/88Def/88Sp.Def
Nature: Careful (+Sp.Def, -Sp.Atk)
~Thunder Wave
~Explosion
~Ice Punch
~Earthquake
Comments/Insight/Problems
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In depth look~
Swampert @ Leftovers/Rindo Berry
Ability: Torrent
252Hp/252Def/4Atk
Nature: Relaxed (+Def, -Spe)/Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
~ Stealth Rock
~ Roar
~ Hydro Pump/Ice Punch/Hidden Power [Grass]/Icy Wind
~ Earthquake
Comments/Insight/Problems
- - - - - -
Swampert is a great lead that really helps out my team thanks to his Thunder Wave immunity. Swampert's got lots of good resistances and only one 4x weakness. Swampert is also pretty good at being able to lure out Celebi and other Grass type pokemon that can cause quite a bit of trouble later in the game.
Move Set
As said, Swampert is a great lead who almost always gets up one of the most important parts to this team; Stealth Rock. Stealth Rock is necessary to wear down fliers like Mence and Dos, and can help give me an idea of what the opponents team is while causing a bit of damage in the process by using Roar.
Hydro Pump (shoddy accuracy hurts D:) and Earthquake are pretty much standard. Hyrdo Pump 2hko's alot of leads that are immune to Earthquake. The relaxed nature is so that Hydro Pump's power isn't lowered, while still boosting his great defense. The ev's are taken from Flashstorm1's Swampert update, maxing out HP and Def.
How Is It A Team Player?
Aside from the previously mentioned Stealth Rock (for awesome abuse~), Roar brings out pokemon that I can plan against later game, giving me a good idea of who I am up against. In terms of strengths and weaknesses, Swampert can be fodder by Switching into Blissey to see just what type of Status move she is running (which Latias usually baits out), giving my team a little bit of an advantage. Swampert can also switch into Thunderbolts and bait grass pokemon (Celebi, Breloom) out for Gallade to revenge kill with X-Scissor and Psycho Cut respectively.
Swampert resists rock moves aimed at Gyarados, but he may not be the best switch in. Swampert has a very useful fire resist, and can walk in on Fire punches aimed at Magnezone, fire blasts etc aimed at Registeel are usually better for Latias to take.
As for Swamperts own weakness, Registeel, Latias, Magnezone can usually take it. Despite Gallades great Sp.Def, I can't switch into any grass attacks from Celebi with him due to the inability to know whether or not its Leaf Storm or Grass Knot. I lost him one time due to this, I dont intend to make the same mistake.
Possibilities?
I hope your not blinded by the light colored slashes, but those are very important. Lets look at the first one next to the leftovers, the Rindo Berry, which is a grass resist berry for those who do not know. Why is this important? Well for starters, it will help me survive grass knot with way more hit points that the usual 12 percent I have left after Infernape uses it. Assuming I keep Swampert, I would like to know if this is a viable option for him. It will definitely help me get up Stealth Rock, and can help me against leads carrying grass moves, but the back drop is lack of leftovers, which may just end up hurting me. Despite how stupid Icy Wind sounds it would slow down switch ins and even hit some ground pokemon on their weaker defensive stat.
The second slash in is the natures, Relaxed is good assuming I am going to be running a mixed set for a lead, however, maybe I should not bother with it. I mean, Ice Punch has proved very very useful for pokemon like Latias who love to switch into Swampert for god knows why, and can help me take out Mence early game assuming I roar him in and he sees me as set up fodder as well (and many have before surprisingly). Despite how unorthodox hidden power grass sounds, it could be surprisingly useful, especially against opposing Swampert leads, but would leave me at a dead end for pretty much any one else.
Flaws
And here is where the flaws start rolling in. Swampert is a great lead, but I wan't someone who isn't Cannon Fodder to opposing grass leads like Roserade and Breloom. I want someone who can set up Stealth Rock and survive for end game. Sure he's really great assuming hes alive later on, but one of the problems with him is that once he is poisoned, I can't do anything with him anymore. Nothing, nada, he useless :/. Roar is also a gamble, I can't guarantee who or what will come out to rack up the entry hazard damage.
(List was stolen from Unholy Calamities RMT)
1. Azelf
Never, ever been too much of a problem unless they carry grass knot. Then, I'm boned. Setting up rocks is usually easy, as they usually set it up on the first turn. Assuming it does not blow up or set up Screens, Hydro Pump is a 2hko.
2. Metagross
Usually easy-peasy. Set up Stealth Rock, and either begin to assault it with Earthquake or Hydro Pump. The only thing that causes me problems usually is trick leads, which, are rarely seen.
3. Swampert
Swampert can't really hurt it at all, its pretty much just set up Stealth Rock and either roar out or bring in Latias to wear it down with Dragon Pulse, but Ice Beam can still do a number on it.
4. Tyranitar
Can't really handle it. Crunch 2-3hko's me, and I usually need to set up stealth rock. I usually get in an Earthqauke, then bring in someone else to either scare him off or have Magnezone revenge kill with Flash Cannon.
5. Aerodactyl
Heh. Very predictable lead, very easily stopped. Smart Aerodactyl's take advantage of the fact that they are fast and have taunt, and have a free turn to set up Stealth Rock the next turn. I take advantage of that; Hydro Pump is a 2hko, and I wait for the taunt to wear off, or switch out on the next pokemon to come in (assuming I cannot handle it). While it may seem like Aerodactyl did its job, I still usually get Stealth Rock up surpsingly, whether its a few turns later, or on the first turn.
6. Bronzong
Have yet to face one actually, I can usually roar it out for someone else to handle, but I can assume that Hyrdo Pump will make quick work of it. I really dont know.
7. Hippowdon
Set up, then use Hydro Pump to make quick work of him.
8. Ninjask
Never seen one yet, but I'll set up and roar it out only so it can come in later to take 50% damage.
9. Heatran
Really easy to deal with surprisingly. Set up, then Hydro Pump. Most carry a ground resist berry, and Hydro Pump usually KO's.
10. Infernape
Tricky tricky tricky trick. Setting up Stealth Rock is usually the best option I have against it, Since Grass Knot has never KO'd me (from what I remember), then just bring in Latias to deal with it.
The red ones are once I really dunno how to deal with.
As you've probably already realized, I want to replace Swampert. But then you may ask, why are you posting a list of how well he does against other leads? Well, that's just it. If anyone thinks of a good idea on how to replace Swampert, I want them to keep in mind of how well he does against the top ten leads, and I want a replacement who can handle the ones he can handle and more. Although, I would never be such a bother as to ask you to do all of the work for me, I have ideas for replacements for all team members, I just would not feel good having someone do all the work for me without offering suggestions of what I could do myself.
Why Swampert?
Swampert is a great lead that really helps out my team thanks to his Thunder Wave immunity. Swampert's got lots of good resistances and only one 4x weakness. Swampert is also pretty good at being able to lure out Celebi and other Grass type pokemon that can cause quite a bit of trouble later in the game.
Move Set
As said, Swampert is a great lead who almost always gets up one of the most important parts to this team; Stealth Rock. Stealth Rock is necessary to wear down fliers like Mence and Dos, and can help give me an idea of what the opponents team is while causing a bit of damage in the process by using Roar.
Hydro Pump (shoddy accuracy hurts D:) and Earthquake are pretty much standard. Hyrdo Pump 2hko's alot of leads that are immune to Earthquake. The relaxed nature is so that Hydro Pump's power isn't lowered, while still boosting his great defense. The ev's are taken from Flashstorm1's Swampert update, maxing out HP and Def.
How Is It A Team Player?
Aside from the previously mentioned Stealth Rock (for awesome abuse~), Roar brings out pokemon that I can plan against later game, giving me a good idea of who I am up against. In terms of strengths and weaknesses, Swampert can be fodder by Switching into Blissey to see just what type of Status move she is running (which Latias usually baits out), giving my team a little bit of an advantage. Swampert can also switch into Thunderbolts and bait grass pokemon (Celebi, Breloom) out for Gallade to revenge kill with X-Scissor and Psycho Cut respectively.
Swampert resists rock moves aimed at Gyarados, but he may not be the best switch in. Swampert has a very useful fire resist, and can walk in on Fire punches aimed at Magnezone, fire blasts etc aimed at Registeel are usually better for Latias to take.
As for Swamperts own weakness, Registeel, Latias, Magnezone can usually take it. Despite Gallades great Sp.Def, I can't switch into any grass attacks from Celebi with him due to the inability to know whether or not its Leaf Storm or Grass Knot. I lost him one time due to this, I dont intend to make the same mistake.
Possibilities?
I hope your not blinded by the light colored slashes, but those are very important. Lets look at the first one next to the leftovers, the Rindo Berry, which is a grass resist berry for those who do not know. Why is this important? Well for starters, it will help me survive grass knot with way more hit points that the usual 12 percent I have left after Infernape uses it. Assuming I keep Swampert, I would like to know if this is a viable option for him. It will definitely help me get up Stealth Rock, and can help me against leads carrying grass moves, but the back drop is lack of leftovers, which may just end up hurting me. Despite how stupid Icy Wind sounds it would slow down switch ins and even hit some ground pokemon on their weaker defensive stat.
The second slash in is the natures, Relaxed is good assuming I am going to be running a mixed set for a lead, however, maybe I should not bother with it. I mean, Ice Punch has proved very very useful for pokemon like Latias who love to switch into Swampert for god knows why, and can help me take out Mence early game assuming I roar him in and he sees me as set up fodder as well (and many have before surprisingly). Despite how unorthodox hidden power grass sounds, it could be surprisingly useful, especially against opposing Swampert leads, but would leave me at a dead end for pretty much any one else.
Flaws
And here is where the flaws start rolling in. Swampert is a great lead, but I wan't someone who isn't Cannon Fodder to opposing grass leads like Roserade and Breloom. I want someone who can set up Stealth Rock and survive for end game. Sure he's really great assuming hes alive later on, but one of the problems with him is that once he is poisoned, I can't do anything with him anymore. Nothing, nada, he useless :/. Roar is also a gamble, I can't guarantee who or what will come out to rack up the entry hazard damage.
(List was stolen from Unholy Calamities RMT)
1. Azelf
Never, ever been too much of a problem unless they carry grass knot. Then, I'm boned. Setting up rocks is usually easy, as they usually set it up on the first turn. Assuming it does not blow up or set up Screens, Hydro Pump is a 2hko.
2. Metagross
Usually easy-peasy. Set up Stealth Rock, and either begin to assault it with Earthquake or Hydro Pump. The only thing that causes me problems usually is trick leads, which, are rarely seen.
3. Swampert
Swampert can't really hurt it at all, its pretty much just set up Stealth Rock and either roar out or bring in Latias to wear it down with Dragon Pulse, but Ice Beam can still do a number on it.
4. Tyranitar
Can't really handle it. Crunch 2-3hko's me, and I usually need to set up stealth rock. I usually get in an Earthqauke, then bring in someone else to either scare him off or have Magnezone revenge kill with Flash Cannon.
5. Aerodactyl
Heh. Very predictable lead, very easily stopped. Smart Aerodactyl's take advantage of the fact that they are fast and have taunt, and have a free turn to set up Stealth Rock the next turn. I take advantage of that; Hydro Pump is a 2hko, and I wait for the taunt to wear off, or switch out on the next pokemon to come in (assuming I cannot handle it). While it may seem like Aerodactyl did its job, I still usually get Stealth Rock up surpsingly, whether its a few turns later, or on the first turn.
6. Bronzong
Have yet to face one actually, I can usually roar it out for someone else to handle, but I can assume that Hyrdo Pump will make quick work of it. I really dont know.
7. Hippowdon
Set up, then use Hydro Pump to make quick work of him.
8. Ninjask
Never seen one yet, but I'll set up and roar it out only so it can come in later to take 50% damage.
9. Heatran
Really easy to deal with surprisingly. Set up, then Hydro Pump. Most carry a ground resist berry, and Hydro Pump usually KO's.
10. Infernape
Tricky tricky tricky trick. Setting up Stealth Rock is usually the best option I have against it, Since Grass Knot has never KO'd me (from what I remember), then just bring in Latias to deal with it.
The red ones are once I really dunno how to deal with.
As you've probably already realized, I want to replace Swampert. But then you may ask, why are you posting a list of how well he does against other leads? Well, that's just it. If anyone thinks of a good idea on how to replace Swampert, I want them to keep in mind of how well he does against the top ten leads, and I want a replacement who can handle the ones he can handle and more. Although, I would never be such a bother as to ask you to do all of the work for me, I have ideas for replacements for all team members, I just would not feel good having someone do all the work for me without offering suggestions of what I could do myself.
Latias @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
204Hp/192Def/32Spe/80Sp.Atk
Nature: Bold (+Def, -Atk)
~Wish
~Reflect
~Hidden Power [Fire]
~Dragon Pulse
Comments/Insight/Problems
- - - - - -
Why Latias?
Why not, haha? On a more serious note, fuck yes Latias. Latias sports excellent resistances as well as Wish support, another very important part to this team. Latias is also the number 1 Scizor attractant in the game. She is also numero uno in my book, for she is part 1 of my awesome walling duo.
I feel, I should add a more thorough explanation however. Latias and Registeel are my version of SkarmBliss basically, except for the part where these two attract and ultimately handle mixed sweepers, unlike Skarmory and Blissey. With Reflect being passed around my team sponges physical attacks much better than I had originally thought, as well as making sure Latias survives many physical assaults it normally wouldn't be able to.
Move Set
Why not, haha? On a more serious note, fuck yes Latias. Latias sports excellent resistances as well as Wish support, another very important part to this team. Latias is also the number 1 Scizor attractant in the game. She is also numero uno in my book, for she is part 1 of my awesome walling duo.
I feel, I should add a more thorough explanation however. Latias and Registeel are my version of SkarmBliss basically, except for the part where these two attract and ultimately handle mixed sweepers, unlike Skarmory and Blissey. With Reflect being passed around my team sponges physical attacks much better than I had originally thought, as well as making sure Latias survives many physical assaults it normally wouldn't be able to.
Move Set
Unusual, no? Custom set by me, that has worked wonders for this team. As previously mentioned, Latias is the number 1 Scizor attractor in the game, as well as an attractant for DD mence, but I'll explain the basics of the moveset first. Wish is necessary, and this team has no form of instant recovery (except for Gyarados's rest). It means my pokemon can make multiple switch ins, and endure residual damage and attacks from the switch in a lot better. Reflect also gives Latias a beefier defense, and passing that around lets the pokemon sponge physical attacks a bit better.
Hidden Power [Fire] is very very important. Many Scizor love to swtich in only to find out that they are almost dead due to Hideen Power.
Dragon pule is a nessacary STAB needed to take on pokemon like DD Gyarados or be able to hit other pokemon that resist it. DD Dos is 3Hko'd by it.
For the Ev's, 204 hp gives me max leftover recovery, and some extra bulk in Defense and the Special Defense I never invested into. The Defense ev's were poured into after I figured out how much Speed and Sp.Atk I was going to need. The defense ev's are for absorbing physical hits a lot better, physical attacks I NEED to take with her.
As you can see, even without reflect up, Scizor does some pretty pitiful damage. Except of course in the event of U-turn, but I will have usually KO'd him with Hidden Power [Fire], in fact, here is the calc for how much damage it does;
Heres some cals for (CB)Scizor (Max attack) attacking Latias;
Pursuit
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 176 - 208 (50.00% - 59.09%)
(70.94% to 2hko w/leftovers)
W/Reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 90 - 106 (25.57% - 30.11%)
Bullet Punch
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 132 - 156 (37.50% - 44.32%)
W/Reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 67 - 79 (19.03% - 22.44%)
SuperPower
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (120 Base Power): 87 - 103 (24.72% - 29.26%)
W/Reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (120 Base Power): 44 - 52 (12.50% - 14.77%)
U-turn
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (70 Base Power): 306 - 362 (86.93% - 102.84%)
(92.31% to KO w/Stealth Rock + Leftvoers)
W/reflect
591 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (70 Base Power): 152 - 182 (43.18% - 51.70%)
This is the SD Scizor w/life orb attacking my current Latias.
Bullet Punch (no boost)
394 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 115 - 136 (32.67% - 38.64%)
Bullet Punch (+2)
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 228 - 268 (64.77% - 76.14%)
Bullet Punch (+2) W/Reflect
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 115 - 136 (32.67% - 38.64%)
Pursuit(no boost)
394 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 154 - 182 (43.75% - 51.70%)
Pursuit (+2)
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 304 - 358 (86.36% - 101.70%)
(87.18% to OHKO w/Stealth Rock)
Pursuit (+2) W/Reflect
788 Atk vs 290 Def & 352 HP (60 Base Power): 154 - 182 (43.75% - 51.70%)
275 Atk vs 196 Def & 343 HP (68 Base Power): 276 - 328 (80.47% - 95.63%)
(46.15% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rockdamage)
Latias does amazingly well at countering its #1 counter. Surprisingly, this Latias also makes a good Lucario switchin. After Close Combat (usually baited out by Registeel), Latias does a good job of hitting him hard. In fact, lets see how much damage he does;
Standard Life orb SD Lucario vs Latias;
Close Combat (unboosted)
350 Atk vs 290 Def & 353 HP (120 Base Power): 101 - 119 (28.61% - 33.71%)
Crunch (unboosted)
350 Atk vs 290 Def & 353 HP (80 Base Power): 180 - 214 (50.99% - 60.62%)
Crunch (+2 w/reflect)
350 Atk vs 290 Def & 353 HP (80 Base Power): 90 - 108 (25.50% - 30.59%)
Obviously if I don't get to reflect before he boosts, Latias is screwed. But, if he does try to set up, I will usually have reflect up at this time and will have baited out Close Combat, leaving it at -1 def, so;
Latias w/hidden power vs Minus -1 Sp.Def Lucario;
275 Atk vs 187 Def & 281 HP (68 Base Power): 146 - 172 (51.96% - 61.21%)
Assuming its a -1 (which it usually is) its a 2hko.
Calculations done using this program
I know the extra calculations may seem like a lot of fluff, but it was just mainly to show that Latias can take a lot of punishment from usual counters, also helping to show how effective the EV spread has been for me.
How Is It A Team Player?
Latias plays a key role as a support pokemon on this team. Latias gives several team members as well as herself more survivability with wish and reflect. Latias also provides a neat check to Scizor with the current moveset I have. Working with Registeel, Latias is able to attract and wear down threats that can't be handled by anyone else on this team.
Latias sports having a resistance to Fire, Ground (immune), Grass, Water, Fighting, and Electricity (to name a few). Latias can absorb the electric attacks aimed at its team memebers, fire attacks aimed at Registeel and Maggy, Grass attacks aimed at Swampert, as well as fighting attacks aimed towards everyone. Latias has a Dark, Ghost, Ice and Dragon weakness. Most of these can be taken care of by Registeel and Maggy, while Swampert can handle some of the counters that threaten both of them like Gengar or Rotom by being able to absorb shadow ball and wear the two of them down.
Possibilities?
Although the set works our great I've been looking for a way to incorporate T-wave somewhere into the set, a very dangerous decision, as Hidden Power [Fire] is very very very important to it. An alternate spread I was trying out was 204hp/120def/180spe, allowing to out speed Mence.
Although I lose the ability to beat Scizor, I gain the ability to out speed a lot of threats, possibly being able to spam T-wave to the opposing team, but the bulky offense one I have now works just fine.
For both of the sets I have the possibility of running Draco Meteor over Dragon Pulse, due to the lack of Sp.Atk ev's and the immediate power. If I do run Draco Meteor on the current set, it means I can now invest the Sp. Attack ev's into defense, but I also lose the 46.15% chance to 1hko Scizor with Hidden Power [Fire]. I would also be Pursuit fodder after the Draco Meteor, lowering my special attack, and putting me in a bad position if Scizor or Tyranitar drop in.
Flaws
Loving my current set, but unfortunately I am not immune to this set having flaws. Latias has a hard time dealing with some ghost pokemon because 1/3 of my team is weak to ghost, 1/3 is also weak to fighting. Not the best combination, especially since Gengar carries both of these.
Loss of access to instantly (wish is there, but I need it right now sometimes) and lack of safeguard can really compromise Latias's ability to support the team.
Registeel @ Leftovers
Ability: Clear Body
252Hp/168Atk/88Def/88Sp.Def
Nature: Careful (+Sp.Def, -Sp.Atk)
~Thunder Wave
~Explosion
~Ice Punch
~Earthquake
Comments/Insight/Problems
- - - - - -
Why Pick Registeel?
Honestly? Registeel has been one of my favourite pokemon since the 3rd generation and I really really wanted to use him on this team, and he just happened to work perfectly as a dragon pokemon counter, which really helps out this team a lot. Registeel was also a little gamble, I wanted to see how Registeel would work in OU with a Careful nature, something I couldn't pass up using IRL due to getting 23/31/31 defenses on the soft reset. He's worked rather well so far actually.
Move Set
Pretty smogon standard, except for the lack of Stealth Rock replaced by Thunder Wave, and surprisingly a Careful nature. You're probably going to wonder why I'm using the careful nature, and its simply this; I have no dedicated special wall on this team, and while Registeel still needs some bulk in the physical department to absorb necessary Earthquakes, it also helps Registeel stay in on threats like Jolteon and Gengar (though focus blast still rapes me, at least I have a better chance at revenge killing it with paralysis), it also helps Regi absorb special attacks better, giving it more freedom with swtiching in.
Latias and Registeel share a lot of switching between opponents, allowing Registeel to take advantage of one important move: Thunder Wave. With thunder wave and so much switching, it makes it easier for Registeel to inflict Paralysis on an opponent.
Ice Punch and Earthquake absolutely drop the bomb on dragon and steels respectively. Explosion is pretty much a last resort, against pokemon like DD Dos, who can set up and cause me problems, but I can usually paralyze him and send out Latias to take him out with Dragon Pulse + Reflect.
How is it a team player?
Registeel's ability as a team player revolves around the monstrous defense stats and the resistances he provides. Registeel spreads paralysis, slowing down fast threats, as well as the ability to be a reliable check for all the dragon pokemon out there. He takes one mence, kindgra, and dragonite with ease. Latias also helps Registeel out with the ability to keep him alive long enough to check these threats. Registeel also provides a counter to pokemon like Jolteon and Focus Blast-less Gengar, absorbing special attacks like a pro.
Possibilities?
One possibility is to drop Leftovers for Expert belt just in case someone had packed Starmie and Stealth Rock is gone, leaving Mence to come in unscathed. One thing I have constantly noticed with Registeel is that I more often than not lose the match by giving him away to early, losing my counter to a lot of threats the rest of the team can't handle. Registeel also lacks the ability to really hurt some pokemon, and it often gets annoying. Two ways to solve this would be to add curse over explosion and to move his defense ev's to Sp.Def, allowing me to hit harder with Ice Punch and Earthquake. You're probably thinking that's an odd decision seeing as how I went out of my way to make sure you knew about Latias and Registeel constantly causing switches between the two of them. You're probably right about how stupid it is, but in some situations I could see it being very useful. The second way to remedy that problem would be to use a move that has set damage, ie, Seismic Toss. 100 damage can help injure opponents that Ice Punch and Earthquake can't hurt all that badly. In the defensive side, I could max out one of the defensive stats and replace explosion with Iron Defense/Amnesia, making is easier for me to spong attacks, and switching out won't hurt that much, you can easily get the +2 boost back.
Flaws
As mentioned in "Possibilities" Registeel has a hard time dealing with pokemon he cannot hit for Super Effective damage. Many ground pokemon switch into Registeel after they realize that I have T-wave. Despite Gliscor taking over 50% health from Ice Punch, he still remains troublesome if Swampert has died (I would imagine Hydro Pump nailing him pretty hard).
Gallade @ Choice Band
Ability: Steadfast
252Atk/252Spe/4Def
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
~Close Combat
~Psycho Cut
~Night Slash
~X-Scissor
Comments/Insight/Problems
Aside from the part of the first post that says the whole point of this team was to be able to incorporate Gallade into it somehow, I really like how he looks. I know how uncompetitive it is to say that kind of thing, but Gallade just really sorta clicks with me when I use him. Its more or less that I'm able to use him better compared to other choice banders. Gallade also boasts being able to use Close Combat and Night Slash (that fabled Fighting/Dark(or ghost) combination. He's got great type coverage, two great stabs, and he can hit really hard. Whats not to love?
Move Set
Pretty much smogon standard, but you probably notice that I'm including X-Scissor and Night Slash on the same set. Most people would say just to keep Night Slash because it hits Psychics and Ghosts and you're not missing out on hitting Ttar because you have Close Combat. However, please listen to the argument first, as one of the most annoying pokemon to this team is trying to be covered by the set. Rotom Formes are hard to take down, really hard. Most people think Psycho Cut would do the job but it does not;
CB Gallade vs Standar Max Hp/168 Def Rotom Forme (Psycho Cut)
574 Atk vs 321 Def & 304 HP (70 Base Power): 135 - 160 (44.41% - 52.63%)
CB Gallade vs Standar Max Hp/168 Def Rotom Forme (Night Slash)
574 Atk vs 321 Def & 304 HP (70 Base Power): 180 - 214 (59.21% - 70.39%)
Calculations done using this program
Psycho Cut only has a 17.42% chance to 2hko Rotom, by then I risk being Will-o-Wisp or killed by Shadow Ball. Usually paralysis has been induced (almost always), and has usually been a little bit warn down. Gallade can then come in and guarantee a kill against Rotom with Night Slash, taking down some of the teams woes. Surprisingly, offensive Rotom Forme is probably the easiest to deal with;
CB Gallade vs Standard Min/Min Offensive Rotom Forme (Psycho Cut)
574 Atk vs 275 Def & 241 HP (70 Base Power): 157 - 186 (65.15% - 77.18%)
CB Gallade vs Standard Min/Min Offensive Rotom Forme (Night Slash)
574 Atk vs 275 Def & 241 HP (70 Base Power): 210 - 248 (87.14% - 102.90%)
92.31% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock :D, although I may not get the chance.
Calculations done using this program
X-Scissor may also seem redundant with Pyscho Cut, Night Slash, and Close Combat, however, Celebi is taken out easily with X-scissor, who is usually a pain in the ass later on. X-Scissor also hits Psychic pokemon harder than Night Slash, letting me kill pokemon like Latias (eg) easier (though Registeel often has that covered).
How is it a team player?
Gallade is not really a support pokemon, but rather a pokemon that can open holes into the opponents team after things have been stunned or beaten down, as well as being able to elimenate some troublesome threats. All in all, Gallades ability to be a team player relies on the brute force he provides for said team.
Possibilities?
Honestly, I don't know. I can't think of anything to add or take away because it really hurt me in the end. Ice Punch could help with Mence always switching in on me, and could help with Gliscor, but what move do I exchange it out for? Help? Trick is definitely something I have wanted to play with.
Flaws
Being weak to ghost attacks hurts a bit since 1/3 of my team is weak to ghost attacks and everyone is pretty much threatened by a Gengar assault. One of the flaws with Gallade is that I can't guarantee when he'll be brought in and that can hurt me because Gallade is easily worn down by entry hazards like Spikes, and him being inflicted with Status hurts a lot.
Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
252Sp.Atk/252Spe/4Def
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
~Thunder Bolt
~Hidden Power [Grass]/Hidden Power [Ice]
~Signal Beam
~Flash Cannon
Comments/Insight/Problems
Honestly? Registeel has been one of my favourite pokemon since the 3rd generation and I really really wanted to use him on this team, and he just happened to work perfectly as a dragon pokemon counter, which really helps out this team a lot. Registeel was also a little gamble, I wanted to see how Registeel would work in OU with a Careful nature, something I couldn't pass up using IRL due to getting 23/31/31 defenses on the soft reset. He's worked rather well so far actually.
Move Set
Pretty smogon standard, except for the lack of Stealth Rock replaced by Thunder Wave, and surprisingly a Careful nature. You're probably going to wonder why I'm using the careful nature, and its simply this; I have no dedicated special wall on this team, and while Registeel still needs some bulk in the physical department to absorb necessary Earthquakes, it also helps Registeel stay in on threats like Jolteon and Gengar (though focus blast still rapes me, at least I have a better chance at revenge killing it with paralysis), it also helps Regi absorb special attacks better, giving it more freedom with swtiching in.
Latias and Registeel share a lot of switching between opponents, allowing Registeel to take advantage of one important move: Thunder Wave. With thunder wave and so much switching, it makes it easier for Registeel to inflict Paralysis on an opponent.
Ice Punch and Earthquake absolutely drop the bomb on dragon and steels respectively. Explosion is pretty much a last resort, against pokemon like DD Dos, who can set up and cause me problems, but I can usually paralyze him and send out Latias to take him out with Dragon Pulse + Reflect.
How is it a team player?
Registeel's ability as a team player revolves around the monstrous defense stats and the resistances he provides. Registeel spreads paralysis, slowing down fast threats, as well as the ability to be a reliable check for all the dragon pokemon out there. He takes one mence, kindgra, and dragonite with ease. Latias also helps Registeel out with the ability to keep him alive long enough to check these threats. Registeel also provides a counter to pokemon like Jolteon and Focus Blast-less Gengar, absorbing special attacks like a pro.
Possibilities?
One possibility is to drop Leftovers for Expert belt just in case someone had packed Starmie and Stealth Rock is gone, leaving Mence to come in unscathed. One thing I have constantly noticed with Registeel is that I more often than not lose the match by giving him away to early, losing my counter to a lot of threats the rest of the team can't handle. Registeel also lacks the ability to really hurt some pokemon, and it often gets annoying. Two ways to solve this would be to add curse over explosion and to move his defense ev's to Sp.Def, allowing me to hit harder with Ice Punch and Earthquake. You're probably thinking that's an odd decision seeing as how I went out of my way to make sure you knew about Latias and Registeel constantly causing switches between the two of them. You're probably right about how stupid it is, but in some situations I could see it being very useful. The second way to remedy that problem would be to use a move that has set damage, ie, Seismic Toss. 100 damage can help injure opponents that Ice Punch and Earthquake can't hurt all that badly. In the defensive side, I could max out one of the defensive stats and replace explosion with Iron Defense/Amnesia, making is easier for me to spong attacks, and switching out won't hurt that much, you can easily get the +2 boost back.
Flaws
As mentioned in "Possibilities" Registeel has a hard time dealing with pokemon he cannot hit for Super Effective damage. Many ground pokemon switch into Registeel after they realize that I have T-wave. Despite Gliscor taking over 50% health from Ice Punch, he still remains troublesome if Swampert has died (I would imagine Hydro Pump nailing him pretty hard).
Gallade @ Choice Band
Ability: Steadfast
252Atk/252Spe/4Def
Nature: Adamant (+Atk, -Sp.Atk)
~Close Combat
~Psycho Cut
~Night Slash
~X-Scissor
Comments/Insight/Problems
- - - - - -
Why Pick Gallade?
Aside from the part of the first post that says the whole point of this team was to be able to incorporate Gallade into it somehow, I really like how he looks. I know how uncompetitive it is to say that kind of thing, but Gallade just really sorta clicks with me when I use him. Its more or less that I'm able to use him better compared to other choice banders. Gallade also boasts being able to use Close Combat and Night Slash (that fabled Fighting/Dark(or ghost) combination. He's got great type coverage, two great stabs, and he can hit really hard. Whats not to love?
Move Set
Pretty much smogon standard, but you probably notice that I'm including X-Scissor and Night Slash on the same set. Most people would say just to keep Night Slash because it hits Psychics and Ghosts and you're not missing out on hitting Ttar because you have Close Combat. However, please listen to the argument first, as one of the most annoying pokemon to this team is trying to be covered by the set. Rotom Formes are hard to take down, really hard. Most people think Psycho Cut would do the job but it does not;
CB Gallade vs Standar Max Hp/168 Def Rotom Forme (Psycho Cut)
574 Atk vs 321 Def & 304 HP (70 Base Power): 135 - 160 (44.41% - 52.63%)
CB Gallade vs Standar Max Hp/168 Def Rotom Forme (Night Slash)
574 Atk vs 321 Def & 304 HP (70 Base Power): 180 - 214 (59.21% - 70.39%)
Calculations done using this program
Psycho Cut only has a 17.42% chance to 2hko Rotom, by then I risk being Will-o-Wisp or killed by Shadow Ball. Usually paralysis has been induced (almost always), and has usually been a little bit warn down. Gallade can then come in and guarantee a kill against Rotom with Night Slash, taking down some of the teams woes. Surprisingly, offensive Rotom Forme is probably the easiest to deal with;
CB Gallade vs Standard Min/Min Offensive Rotom Forme (Psycho Cut)
574 Atk vs 275 Def & 241 HP (70 Base Power): 157 - 186 (65.15% - 77.18%)
CB Gallade vs Standard Min/Min Offensive Rotom Forme (Night Slash)
574 Atk vs 275 Def & 241 HP (70 Base Power): 210 - 248 (87.14% - 102.90%)
92.31% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock :D, although I may not get the chance.
Calculations done using this program
X-Scissor may also seem redundant with Pyscho Cut, Night Slash, and Close Combat, however, Celebi is taken out easily with X-scissor, who is usually a pain in the ass later on. X-Scissor also hits Psychic pokemon harder than Night Slash, letting me kill pokemon like Latias (eg) easier (though Registeel often has that covered).
How is it a team player?
Gallade is not really a support pokemon, but rather a pokemon that can open holes into the opponents team after things have been stunned or beaten down, as well as being able to elimenate some troublesome threats. All in all, Gallades ability to be a team player relies on the brute force he provides for said team.
Possibilities?
Honestly, I don't know. I can't think of anything to add or take away because it really hurt me in the end. Ice Punch could help with Mence always switching in on me, and could help with Gliscor, but what move do I exchange it out for? Help? Trick is definitely something I have wanted to play with.
Flaws
Being weak to ghost attacks hurts a bit since 1/3 of my team is weak to ghost attacks and everyone is pretty much threatened by a Gengar assault. One of the flaws with Gallade is that I can't guarantee when he'll be brought in and that can hurt me because Gallade is easily worn down by entry hazards like Spikes, and him being inflicted with Status hurts a lot.
Magnezone @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Magnet Pull
252Sp.Atk/252Spe/4Def
Nature: Timid (+Spe, -Atk)
~Thunder Bolt
~Hidden Power [Grass]/Hidden Power [Ice]
~Signal Beam
~Flash Cannon
Comments/Insight/Problems
- - - - - -
Why Pick Magnezone?
Yeah, Latias can handle some steel pokemon conditionally, but Maggy here can handle Lucario after a Close Combat, Skarmory, and even some dragon pokemon after they have taken two doses of Stealth Rock damage. The original reason for adding him was because many Steel type pokemon have the ability to ruin Gallades fun as he puts holes in teams, because they are so physically bulky. Maggy is also lots of fun to use, and has helped me out in alot of different situations.
Move Set
Yeah, Latias can handle some steel pokemon conditionally, but Maggy here can handle Lucario after a Close Combat, Skarmory, and even some dragon pokemon after they have taken two doses of Stealth Rock damage. The original reason for adding him was because many Steel type pokemon have the ability to ruin Gallades fun as he puts holes in teams, because they are so physically bulky. Maggy is also lots of fun to use, and has helped me out in alot of different situations.
Move Set
I don't think it's really necessary to explain my choices for this one. Its pretty much the Choice Scarf set on site without Explosion, I dumped that because when opposing Magnezone would trap me and attack with Thunder Bolt, I would lose a lot more hit points due to the -Sp.Def nature suggested on the site.
Hidden Power Grass and Ice is the real debate here. There have been moments where I've been able to set up a patter and bait out Gliscor to kill it with HP Ice. Unless pokemon like Mence or Dragonite have taken 50% of there health away with Stealth Rock, Thunder Bolt won't KO them, and Hidden Power Ice is the best choice before a dragon dance because I still out speed them. Hidden Power Grass is thier because Swampert has been troublesome and loves to switch into my T-bolts. I dunno which one to use.
How is it a team player?
Maggy's ability to be a team player relies on his one true strength: the ability to counter almost all the steel pokemon in OU. With Latias supporting and maiming threats to dangerous for Maggy to handle, Maggy can run through the opponent, and attract pokemon like Gliscor early on. Maggy can also provide a second Mence check assuming mence has been stunned/has yet to DD and has had two switches into stealth rock. Maggy also has the ability to take out the best Rapid Spinner in the game: Starmie, he can also provide a check against the water pokemon of OU such a Gyarados or Swampert (with HP grass anyways).
Flaws
Maggy is just far too slow. Far too slow. Even with Choice Scarf I can't outrun some of the biggest threats to this team, and paralysis support is a toss up because I only have one person using it. Shallow move pool is also not helping me here.
Gyarados @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
156Hp/108Atk/100Def/144Spe
Nature: Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
~Rest
~Sleep Talk
~Waterfall
~Dragon Dance
Comments/Insight/Problems
- - - - - -
Why Pick Gyarados?
Gyarados is a pretty cool dude, and a very good late game sweeper, which is something I needed after being able to open holes in teams. Another reason was that I ran through Fire Red and leaf green with a Gyarados, I figured he would be a pretty good asset to this team despite taking stealth rock damage. Gyarados also provides a second ground immunity, which is very useful.
Move Set+Possibilities+Flaws+Team Player
The set is a standard Rest Talk set with the Bulky dos evs in place of the standard 252/252/4 set on site. With Rest I can walk into status the rest of the team can't take, Spores, Paraylsis, poision, the works. Rest also lets me shrug off Stealth Rock damage a bit easier.
I'm kind of debating between the bulky dos and the rest talk set or completely junking Gyarados as it is. Despite having rest, he also absorbs sleep. With Stealth Rock up and more than one switch in thanks to his immunities and resistances, I'm losing a fourth to half of my health, not good.
The original bulky dos set has some useful advantages (namely taunt), sometimes I wish I had that as well. Unfortunately, I dont, and have lost a game or two because of it, but won a game or two because I was able to put threats at bay with this one. Its a toss up, but I wouldn't mind a sweeper who can drop in every now and then and still be usable late game.
Hidden Power Grass and Ice is the real debate here. There have been moments where I've been able to set up a patter and bait out Gliscor to kill it with HP Ice. Unless pokemon like Mence or Dragonite have taken 50% of there health away with Stealth Rock, Thunder Bolt won't KO them, and Hidden Power Ice is the best choice before a dragon dance because I still out speed them. Hidden Power Grass is thier because Swampert has been troublesome and loves to switch into my T-bolts. I dunno which one to use.
How is it a team player?
Maggy's ability to be a team player relies on his one true strength: the ability to counter almost all the steel pokemon in OU. With Latias supporting and maiming threats to dangerous for Maggy to handle, Maggy can run through the opponent, and attract pokemon like Gliscor early on. Maggy can also provide a second Mence check assuming mence has been stunned/has yet to DD and has had two switches into stealth rock. Maggy also has the ability to take out the best Rapid Spinner in the game: Starmie, he can also provide a check against the water pokemon of OU such a Gyarados or Swampert (with HP grass anyways).
Flaws
Maggy is just far too slow. Far too slow. Even with Choice Scarf I can't outrun some of the biggest threats to this team, and paralysis support is a toss up because I only have one person using it. Shallow move pool is also not helping me here.
Gyarados @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
156Hp/108Atk/100Def/144Spe
Nature: Impish (+Def, -Sp.Atk)
~Rest
~Sleep Talk
~Waterfall
~Dragon Dance
Comments/Insight/Problems
- - - - - -
Why Pick Gyarados?
Gyarados is a pretty cool dude, and a very good late game sweeper, which is something I needed after being able to open holes in teams. Another reason was that I ran through Fire Red and leaf green with a Gyarados, I figured he would be a pretty good asset to this team despite taking stealth rock damage. Gyarados also provides a second ground immunity, which is very useful.
Move Set+Possibilities+Flaws+Team Player
The set is a standard Rest Talk set with the Bulky dos evs in place of the standard 252/252/4 set on site. With Rest I can walk into status the rest of the team can't take, Spores, Paraylsis, poision, the works. Rest also lets me shrug off Stealth Rock damage a bit easier.
I'm kind of debating between the bulky dos and the rest talk set or completely junking Gyarados as it is. Despite having rest, he also absorbs sleep. With Stealth Rock up and more than one switch in thanks to his immunities and resistances, I'm losing a fourth to half of my health, not good.
The original bulky dos set has some useful advantages (namely taunt), sometimes I wish I had that as well. Unfortunately, I dont, and have lost a game or two because of it, but won a game or two because I was able to put threats at bay with this one. Its a toss up, but I wouldn't mind a sweeper who can drop in every now and then and still be usable late game.
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