La Forza del Destino
*It means "The Force of Destiny" in Italian*
Introduction
Introduction
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Alright, so final (Gen. 4) RMT, this time its around a very underrated threat, Choice Specs Kingdra. I was bored to death by building similar teams, time and time again. It was all, Heatran/Shaymin/Suicune/Scarf Rotom-W/Filler/Filler. Though those teams were doing really well for me on the ladder, they were just too stale. So I was browsing through the Contributions & Corrections forum, and stumbled upon Kingdra's Choice Specs set in one of its recent updates. From that moment I knew that I was going to build my team around this unconventional yet powerful threat. Most people see Kingdra and scream, "CHESTO REST" or "SUB DRAGON DANCER", and send in Flygon immediately to revenge kill it, or send in Scarf Rotom to trick it and make it set-up useless. Choice Specs Kingdra lures in these threats and nails them on the switch in with a devastating Draco Meteor. So I suppose one could consider this Kingdra as a lure of sorts. The other members are there to take advantage of the things that Kingdra dents, and depending on the remainder of the opposing team, its usually Flygon or Infernape who get the finishing blows, due to Kingdra severely weakening the Bulky Waters that are a pain for Infernape and Flygon to face. The reason I'm posting this team here is because school's going to start in a week, and generation 5 is getting closer, and I'm as bored as fuck, and want to post it because I love it so much.*Credit for format to Vashta and his team: Welcome Home*
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Team-Building
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So I started of with these three. I decided I wanted to build a Spike Stacking Offensive team. Kingdra, like any other Choice Specs user, loves Spikes support, while at the same time, Skarmory prevents the opposition from setting down entry hazards, namely Toxic Spikes that ruin Kingdra. Skarmory also lures in Heatran like a magnet, something Kingdra can take advantage of to fire off Hydro Pump and Draco Meteor. Life Orb Heatran was chosen for the highly crucial Stealth Rock, and its ability to lure in Water-type attacks for Kingdra to switch into and wreck havoc.............
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Team-Building
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Through the Microscope
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Heatran (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 174 HP/84 Spd/252 SAtk
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Taunt
- Hidden Power [Grass]
- Overheat
- Stealth Rock
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Set Analysis:
Heatran is probably one of the best leads in this metagame, taking down some of the most troublesome leads around, namely Swampert, Metagross, and of course, Machamp. Its immensely powerful Special Attack stat further boosted by Life Orb allows it to come back mid-game and fry steel types who would otherwise hinder Kingdra from launching its vigorous Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse. Heatran also has very important resistances to Dragon-, Dark-, Ghost- while also having decent bulk with the EVs listed. The EVs allow it to switch into neutral and/or not very effective attacks from the likes of Rotom formes trying to revenge my own Rotom-W or trying to stop Skarmory from setting up multiple layers of Spikes. Heatran is also a very big threat to Stall teams, using Taunt to shut down common stall members such as, Skarmory, Forretress, Rest-talkers, and especially Blissey. Speaking of Blissey, this set stops Blissey cold from crippling my team with Paralysis or Poison, which are two things Infernape, Kingdra and Rotom hate the most. I run Modest over Timid since there isn't much I will be outpacing with a mere 84 EVs in Speed. Modest doesn't help achieve any specific KOs, but imo its good to have that extra kick in your attacks. The moveset is very simple; Outside of the lead spot Heatran can come in on Bullet Punch and fire off Overheat, while it can use it in the lead spot to OHKO Machamp and Metagross. Hidden Power Grass is to destroy lead Swampert, and put the hurt on incoming Vaporeon, Suicune and Starmie.
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EVs & Nature:
As I already mentioned 174 HP gives it a decent amount of bulk coming in on resisted and some neutral attacks aimed for other team members. For example, Draco Meteor aiming for Kingdra or Flygon, or Shadow Ball for Rotom. The HP EVs also come in handy for taking Outrage better from Scarf Flygon, in case Skarmory has gone down. 252 Satk+Modest is for maximum damage input, and everything that 252 Speed+Timid outspeeds is handled by other team members. 84 Speed EVs, as there really isn't any other place to put them, and outpacing Rest Talk Rotom-A is always a plus.
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Other Options
I've been toying with the idea of using Lead Metagross for sometime, since Aerodactyl leads are kind of annoying to face, and I don't like revealing Rotom so early because of the threat of Pursuit, or locking Flygon too early into Stone Edge, but other than that Heatran's been a pretty potent mid game Special Attacker and an excellent lead.
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Lead Comparison
How Heatran fares against the top 10 leads using the statistics of August 2010:
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Skarmory (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Keen Eye
EVs: 252 HP/56 Spd/200 SDef
Careful nature (+SDef, -SAtk)
- Taunt
- Whirlwind
- Spikes
- Roost
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Set Analysis:
Specially Defensive Skarmory is the best Spiker I've used. Basically, I needed a Spiker that can set up on the majority of unboosted/neutral Special Attacks, while also taking most common Physical hits as well (Bullet Punch, Earthquake). Skarmory fit the bill well, while also stopping set up attempts from stall teams, that I hate with a strong passion. Skarmory is usually my go to Pokemon versus Scarf Flygon as well as Dragon Dance Dragonite that lack Fire Punch. Usually I don't set up Spikes when I first send in Skarmory, because then I run the risk of something deadly scaring Skarmory away, and setting up a substitute (Heatran, Breloom). Against offensive teams, I just whirlwind away to see what their Skarmory stopper is, and versus Stall teams I just Taunt the incoming switch in, and catch a Gliscor or Forretress. After I'm done with setting-up three full layers of Spikes, I use Whirlwind to reveal most, if not all of the opponent's team. Late-game Skarmory serves as a shield versus last Pokemon Choice Scarf Flygon, which just spam Outrage, and also against Crocune and Cursepert, as both are shut down by a well timed Taunt. Finally, Skarmory is a huge prick to Agility Metagross lacking Thunder Punch, and I like to irritate them with Skarmory before going to Flygon or Rotom-W to revenge/cripple with W-o-W.
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EVs & Nature:
The EVs are biased towards Special Defense, to take Draco Meteors from the likes of Mixed Flygon, Mixed Dragonite, and Kingdra. It also allows easy set up against Vaporeon, Roserade without Special Attack investment or without Hidden Power Fire. The Speed EVs are enough to outrun Standard Skarmory, that I've seen many people still run, especially on stall teams. (I ripped this set off LoveDestiny's team, which was made in the Latias era.)
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Other Options
I've tried Roserade over Skarmory, but I find myself missing Taunt to stop Stall teams. If I run Rest over a Hidden power, I find myself switching out more often than not, since Grass Knot/Energy Ball/Leaf Storm alone doesn't offer *great* coverage. If I run a Hidden Power, then I miss the recovery Rest brings. I've been pondering about whether or not Forretress will fit well, since although it lacks Taunt, it does have Rapid Spin to waste Stall's hard work, but the lack of recovery, especially since this team doesn't have Wish support, really hampers its ability to tank hits well.
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Rotom-W @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP/4 SAtk/252 Spe
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Toxic/ Will-o-Wisp
- Thunderbolt
- Substitute
- Pain Split
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Set Analysis
This is probably the best Rotom set I've used. I found the standard defensive set to be easily walled and crippled by Blissey. I played so cautiously with the Scarf set as I was afraid of Scarf Tyranitar coming in on Shadow Ball/Trick/Thunderbolt and killing with Pursuit/Crunch. Some people say, "Ew, this shit's outclassed by Gengar" "It's faster, stronger, and has better offensive stats". Although that may be true, keep in mind Rotom's superior bulk, resistance to Electric, the ability to switch in easier, and the power to check bulky waters, especially Gyarados and Offensive Suicune. I suppose people could call this a "stall breaker". I usually send this out on their Rest-talk Gyarados or Forretress, and force them to send out Blissey. From there, I set up a Substitute, use Toxic, and watch Blissey fall victim to the intensifying Poison. The hilarious thing is, most people just keep Blissey in and let the Poison strengthen. However, if they do switch out, they'll be coming back in and losing a hefty chunk of health due to entry hazards+the damage Toxic inflicted. Rotom has always been an awesome counter to Dragon Dance Gyarados, Adamant Lucario, and cripples several non-Steel type Stall members with Toxic, namely, Hippowdon, Swampert, Blissey, Celebi, etc. Now I know people may think that only one attacking move, Thunderbolt, is not good enough. But really, Thunderbolt is only resisted by Ground types, which are crippled by Toxic. So I suppose you could say Toxic+Thunderbolt grant this set "perfect coverage".
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EVs & Nature:
Timid + 252 Speed EVs are absolutely necessary to outrun Adamant Lucario, +0 Jolly/Adamant Gyarados, Suicune, and Kingdra. 252 HP is for optimal bulk, as this is meant to switch into (bulky) Gyarados and kill with Thunderbolt. Thats all that needs to be said about that.
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Other Options
I alternate between the Offensive SubSplit and this one very often, I can't decide which to use. The Offensive set does more damage to +1 Suicune, yet it can't switch in on Gyarados as safely. This set has an easier time with Stall, and Gyarados, but doesn't do as much damage as I'd want it to on Suicune, perhaps you guys can weigh in on this? Also, I alternate between Toxic and Will-O-Wisp. Will-O-Wisp isn't the best status versus Blissey, but it cripples Swampert, Gliscor, and most importantly Tyranitar, who hates Will-O-Wisp more than Toxic. I've also been thinking about trying out Gengar over Rotom-W, but I really will miss the ability to check bulky waters, as well as the bulk. But Gengar does have superior offensive stats, and is a decent Infernape check.
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Kingdra (M) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Pulse
- Hydro Pump
- Surf
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Set Analysis
AKA the
Anywho this thing is the mid-game opener after Infernape and Flygon have brought in something to get bullied via U-turn. Basically come in on a resisted attack, like Heatran's Fire Blast, Scizor's Bullet Punch, or Vaporeon's Surf, and unleash the destruction. In Heatran's case, he's likely to switch out to something that can take the predicted Waterfall (Vaporeon, Shaymin, Celebi, Dragonite), or revenge kill Dragon Dance Kingdra (Flygon, Scarf Rotom?). Both categories are hit incredibly hard by Draco Meteor, and can aid the rest of the team in breaking through the opponent's team depending on which of their counters get nailed on the switch in. Vaporeon or Flygon's death means Infernape and Heatran are going to have a field day, which are probably my two favorite targets. Hydro Pump is used in the mid game when I've maimed their Bulky Water with Draco Meteor. Surf and Dragon Pulse are reliable clean up moves late game, thanks to their perfect accuracy and good base power. Kingdra is probably the supporter of the team. He's my only resist to Water types in case you haven't noticed, but he's a darn sturdy one with x4 resist. Starmie does about 37% maximum with Ice beam, and they tend to stay in anyway, and get smashed with Draco Meteor/Dragon Pulse, which helps Infernape A LOT in the long run. The way Kingdra supports the team is because it opens opportunities for Flygon and Infernape to wreck havoc. Most people send in their physical walls, such as Swampert, Skarmory, Forretress to stop a potential DD sweep, by hitting them with Hydro Pump, I'm free to abuse Draco Meteor and Dragon Pulse. Flygon also loves Kingdra for that, as nothing will be able to take its Dragon Claw/Outrage reliably. Basically Kingdra+Infernape+Flygon = Offense core
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EVs & Nature:
Standard really. 252 Satk for maximum damage input, and 252 Speed + Timid Nature to outrun Jolly Gyarados, Timid Heatran, Adamant Lucario and speed tie with Timid Suicune. The added bonus of 252 Speed and +Speed nature is, I outrun opposing Rain Dance team Kingdra, as most go for an Adamant nature, because their speed goes up in the rain anyway. So I suppose you can say Kingdra is a check to Rain Dance team, outspeeding many key threats like Kabutops, Quilifish and Ludiculo. (A rain boosted+STAB+Specs Hydro Pump hurts, just sayin)
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Other Options
None atm.
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Infernape (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Blaze
EVs: 252 Atk/192 Spd/64 SAtk
Naive nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Close Combat
- Mach Punch
- U-turn
- Overheat
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Set Analysis
So a Lucario has popped up on -2 Kingdra locked into Draco Meteor, and has a Swords Dance up. Rotom has been KOed, Kingdra risks getting killed by ExtremeSpeed and so does Flygon, while Heatran and Skarmory don't stand a chance. This is where Infernape comes in (obviously I don't mean directly switch into Lucario) and KOs Lucario with Mach Punch. Mach Punch has saved my ass many times, against a number of Choice scarf users as well as Stat uppers if Flygon, or any other check I had against them has died. I'm talking things like Scarf Heatran, Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Swords Dance and ESPECIALLY Agility Lucario. Infernape was the last Pokemon I chose on the team. My team seemed weak to Blissey, sure Skarmory can Taunt it, Heatran can Taunt it, and Rotom can Toxic Stall. But that's about it, I also needed some priority against the aforementioned threats, and something that can scout alongside Flygon.
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EVs & Nature:
252 Atk for maximum damage output, and hitting for max damage on the main targets, Heatran, Tyranitar, Lucario, and most importantly, Blissey. 64 Satk gives that boost to Overheat making it nearly as strong as the Specially Based set's Fire Blast, which is important for Specially Defensive Skarmory and Forretress. Mach Punch is for handling weakened Kingdra, and picking off Heatran, Tyranitar and Lucario. U-turn to lure in Starmie and do huge amounts, and simply for scouting purposes.
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Other Options
Probably the weakest link of the team, and the most changeable member. I was thinking about an anti-stall Pokemon such as Stone Edge Lucario, or Specially Based Mixape. Outside of handling Stall, I have also thought about Specially Defensive Swords Dance Scizor, to handle Gengar better, while still revenging dangerous sweepers with Bullet Punch, while simultaneously handling Blissey.
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Flygon (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 Atk/4 Def/252 Spd
Jolly nature (+Spd, -SAtk)
- Dragon Claw/Outrage
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Stone Edge
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Set Analysis
The final, catch all member of the team. Early game he's a valuable scout, mid game he's a reliable revenge killer against many stat uppers, and late game, he's a potent cleaner once the entry hazards have done their job, and the Steel-types removed. He's my revenge killer to Dragon Dance Tyranitar, Gyarados, Dragonite, Heatran, opposing Flygon, Agility Empoleon, Agility Metagross, and more. The reason I have Dragon Claw as the main option, is because I hate locking myself into Outrage, and letting some Scizor Bullet Punch me to death, or any Steel type come in and either set up or kill me right there. If that happens, well there goes my revenge killer. Dragon Claw doesn't have that raw power of Outrage, but most of the time when I use Dragon Claw, Spikes are already set up, which aids in weakening the foe, so Dragon Claw can finish them off. However, I do use Outrage sometimes, when I find the power underwhelming, and don't get a chance to set up hazards. Sometimes I even try Draco Meteor with a Naive nature over Stone Edge, just to nail the common (non Steel) physically bulky switch ins.
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EVs & Nature:
Standard spread for any revenge killer. Jolly lets me outspeed Metagross and Empoleon after an Agility, and tie with opposing Scarf Flygon and Scarf Jirachi.
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Other Options
Nope. <3 Flygon :)
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Conclusion
So that's my final, and probably one of the better teams I've made in this entire generation. Its unfortunate that I came up with it at the near end of Gen. 4, but yeah lets all have a great time in Gen. 5
I always get haxed on ladder no matter how well I play, so I stopped laddering some time ago. This team didn't have any tournament or any achievement like that, sadly. But it stopped the endless losing streaks I kept getting with my other teams, so I'm glad that I kept trying and finally made a good product.
Thanks for reading, and all the best for Generation V.