Hello Everyone
As of recently, I had yet to create an original team that I could call my own. However, about a week ago, I decided that it was finally time to hunker down and build one. My initial thought was to incorporate Pokes that could trap and destroy common threats in the current OU metagame. With that in mind, I started my journey. Along the way, as you will see, I chose some very unusual Pokemon - my thought here was to take my opponents off guard and use the element of surprise to crush them. While there are still some weaknesses which I have yet to cover, so far I am pretty satisfied with the performance of this team.
The team at a glance:
You're probably thinking to yourself right now, "Golly, what a mess!" However, I implore you to read on and discover just how I utilize these Pokes together so that they might reach their fill potential.
Forretress (M) @Leftovers
Trait: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature ( +SpD / - Spd )
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Volt Switch
- Gyro Ball
I know that it may seem odd having two offensive moves on Forretress. However, offensive momentum is something I hold dear. If I know that my opponent will be switching, I might as well obtain switch initiative. I decided on specially defensive Forretress because, in my eyes, he is already very physically bulky, and his defence on its own stands out. I also needed a Poke that could take special hits, such as Draco Meteors from Latios and Hydreigon. I chose Stealth Rock because it is such a vital entry hazard for my team - with Stealth Rock up, Dragonite, probably one of the largest threats for this team, has its Multiscale broken. This is important, as I will later explain. Standard EV spread for a specially defensive Forretress.
Dugtrio (M) @Choice Band
Trait: Arena Trap
Evs: 252 Atk / 32 Def / 224 Spd
Jolly Nature ( +Spd / -SpA)
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Sucker Punch
- Pursuit
This set is the ultimate DugTrapper. Slapped on this set is the usual EdgeQuake combination, and Sucker Punch for priority. However, I opted to go with Pursuit, over Shadow Claw, to ensure I snag those pesky Levitate Pokemon. Choice Band grants Dugtrio an enormous amount of power, and opens up the door for more one-hit KOs. Aside from Pursuit, this is the standard Smogon set.
Magnezone @Choice Scarf
Trait: Magnet Pull
Evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spd
Timid Nature ( +Spd / -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Thunderbolt
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Flash Cannon
The final member of my trapping duo. The bane of Ferrothorns and Scizors alike. This guy's purpose is to come in on a steel type, trap him, and effectively take him out. However, even when there are no steels to be found, Magnezone does not rest. He makes for an excellent user of Volt Switch with a Choice Scarf, with a whopping base 130 Special Attack. Flash Cannon is another nice STAB move, which can deal great neutral damage to those that resist / are immmune to Electric-type attacks. As well, I have opted to place Thunderbolt on this set as well, because some times, let's face it, a little more OOMPH is needed. When I need to ensure a Pokemon faints, I will resort to Thunderbolt.
Arcanine (M) @Leftovers
Trait: Intimidate
Evs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 SpD
Careful Nature ( +SpD / -SpA)
- Morning Sun
- Toxic
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
Specially Defensive Arcanine, because I can. Not many people switch in on this guy expecting him to live a hit, but then he does, and then they take a Flare Blitz to the face. Arcanine makes for a surprisingly effective wall thanks to his ability 'Intimidate', which gives him pseudo-physical bulk. Not to mention a recovery move in Morning Sun, and Toxic to chip away at walls and stall opponents. Close Combat and Flare Blitz still hit hard with minimum Attack investment. I do have to be careful of using Close Combat too many times, however, as this essentially takes away my wall-status.
Milotic (F) @Leftovers
Trait: Marvel Scale
Evs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature ( +Def / -Atk)
- Surf
- Recover
- Toxic
- Hidden Power [Electric]
The beauty queen herself. Milotic is an excellent physical wall, capable of frustrating many-an-opponent with her ability, Marvel Scale. I invested fully in Defense and Hit Points, as I want to use her to her full potential. I decided on Surf instead of Scald, because she already runs Toxic, and two status-inducing moves is, in my eyes, quite redundant. Finally, Hidden Power Electric is there because I thought it would be cool. To be honest, I'm confidant that I should change this to Ice Beam, what with all the dragons roaming around the OU tier. However, I will continue using Hidden Power Electric until I see fit to change it.
Shiftry (M) @Life Orb
Trait: Chlorophyll
Evs: 252 Atk / 140 SpA / 112 Spd
Naive Nature ( +Spd / - SpD)
- Swords Dance
- Sucker Punch
- Seed Bomb
- Hidden Power [Ice]
The ULTIMATE bad ass, in my opinion, and my favourite Pokemon by far. Shiftry never seems to see enough use out on the battlefield, which is a shame because of how effective he can be. Right now, you're probably looking at the EV spread with distain. 140 Special Attack EVs guarantees a one-hit KO on all Gliscors not invested in Special Defense with Hidden Power Ice. As Gliscor poses a huge problem for this team, this ensures the demise of any purple bat who thinks he can wall my bad ass. Sucker Punch and Seed Bomb are very reliable STAB moves with sweeping potential after a Swords Dance. Set up and sweep.
That concludes this Rate-my-Team. Please feel free to criticize and suggest improvements that will benefit my team. I humbly thank you for your time.
