With the weather nerf in Gen 6, weather teams haven't seen as much usage as in previous generations. However, rain is still a viable team for the competitive meta. After some playtesting, I've arrived at this balanced rain team for the OU metagame.
Politoed @ Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Psychic
Politoed is an obvious choice for a rain team. With instant rain, Politoed can come in on other weather inducers, such as Mega Charizard Y, to prevent a predicted Solarbeam, and switch back out. Politoed also has the capability to deal solid damage thanks to a Choice Specs set, which may not be predicted, due to Damp Rock usage.
Hydro Pump is Politoed's spammable STAB move of choice, dealing good damage on unresisted hits. Ice Beam deals with the Dragon and Grass types that resist Hydro Pump. Focus Blast is to hit Steel types not named Aegislash for good, albeit unreliable, damage. Psychic is used to deal damage to Tentacruel and Mega Venusaur on the switch, as the other attacks deal middling damage.
The Modest Nature and given EVs are to allow Politoed to hit as hard as possible, while allowing Politoed to take a few hits to restart the rain once it fizzles.
Rotom-Wash @ Damp Rock
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rain Dance
With the Drizzle ability unable to summon permanent rain, a second rain summoner seems like a good idea. While previous Pokemon used for this purpose like Liepard can bring in rain more reliably thanks to Prankster, Rotom-W is a defensive wall, that can check offensive threats like Talonflame relatively well.
Rain Dance summons the rain for a solid 8 turns, thanks to Damp Rock. While having Damp Rock on Politoed may seem like a better choice, Rotom-W can't take advantage of the rain as well as Politoed, so Rotom-W would rather switch out to another Pokemon. This wastes valuable rain turns, so Damp Rock is used on Rotom-W. However, Rotom-W can certainly deal good damage with its Hydro Pump in rain. Volt Switch gives a reliable way for Rotom-W to switch out, as most Ground types are unwilling to switch into a possible Hydro Pump. Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom-W to cripple physical attackers like Aegislash and Conkeldurr.
The EVs and Bold Nature are to let Rotom-W tank physical hits, allowing it to come in and restart the rain when needed.
Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Earthquake
Mega Venusaur is a massive problem to this team. Mega Pinsir is a solid way to remove Mega Venusaur, while also acting as a wallbreaker or late game cleaner. As well as getting rid of enemies such as Mega Venusaur and Tentacruel, Mega Pinsir is capable of handling Pokemon such as Aegislash.
Swords Dance boosts Mega Pinsir's Attack to frightening levels, giving it the power needed to open up holes in the enemy's team, giving Ludicolo a very good chance to sweep. An Aerilated Return has a 56% chance to OHKO a 252 HP/252 DEF Mega Venusaur. At +2, Return deals very good damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Quick Attack not only allows a follow up to Return to KO foes such as Chansey, but also lets Mega Pinsir perform a late game cleaner role if needed. Earthquake makes sure Aegislash doesn't completely wall this set, as a +2 Earthquake OHKOs the Shield Forme.
The EV spread is simple; hit as hard and fast as possible. As Swords Dance increases Mega Pinsir's attack already, a Jolly Nature is used to help Pinsir's speed.
Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough
- Superpower
- Waterfall
Azumarill is a fantastic physical attacker in general, and really stands out in the rain. A strong priority move in Aqua Jet allows Azumarill to revenge kill when needed. A Choice Band lets Azumarill hit like a tank, getting a guaranteed OHKO on Blissey, and a possible OHKO on Eviolite Chansey with its moves.
Aqua Jet is what makes Azumarill stand out, as its priority doesn't rely on prediction like Sucker Punch, and is also boosted by rain. Play Rough is once again used as a STAB move for good coverage. Superpower muscles through Blissey and Chansey, as well as incoming Steel types that will want to advantage of the Fairy typing, although this will involve some prediction. Double-Edge used to be in the last moveslot, due to its solid damage to Tentacruel and Mega Venusaur, but Waterfall allows for greater damage output in the rain against targets such as Skarmory, Clefable, and Scizor. This decision also increases Azumarill's longevity, as heavy recoil damage is no longer an issue with Waterfall.
252 Attack and an Adamant Nature ensures maximum damage, while the 124 Speed allows Azumarill to outspeed uninvested Choice Band Scizor, which can be a huge problem to this team. The rest goes into boosting Azumarill's bulk.
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Thunder
- Focus Blast
- Dragon Tail
Gen 6 may have been harsh to weather in general, but it tries to make it up with the addition of Goodra. Goodra can tank a lot of special hits with an Assault Vest boosting its naturally high Special Defense. Goodra also has the Special Attack to back up its bulk, being able to spam high power moves while taking little in return. Goodra also acts as a fantastic status absorber thanks to Hydration. Sadly, Rest + Hydration is not possible due to the Assault Vest.
Draco Meteor is used over Dragon Pulse due to its sheer power. The Special Attack drop is unideal, but Goodra will probably end up switching at some point to either switch to a physical wall or to restart the rain, so it's not a big issue. Thunder is 100% accurate in rain, and tears through Water Pokemon hoping to take advantage of the weather. The 30% paralysis chance is also useful against faster, frailer targets looking to take advantage of Goodra's perceived lack of offense. Focus Blast is used for Steel types, as well as Tyranitar, who doesn't care much for Goodra's other moves. Dragon Tail is a good move to phaze out set-up sweepers, such as Aegislash or Kingdra, as well as dealing solid damage after a Special Attack drop from Draco Meteor.
A Quiet Nature is used over a Modest Nature so that Dragon Tail doesn't lose power. The given EVs increase Goodra's bulk, and lets it hit hard with its high power moves.
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Everyone's favourite Swift Swim user is found on this team. Ludicolo becomes ridiculously fast in the rain, and with a Life Orb, can hit decently hard as well. Ludicolo can come in as a revenge killer, a cleaner, or a sweeper. Its typing is ideal for coming in on Water moves, and retaliating with its Grass STAB.
Hydro Pump is the obligatory water STAB of choice, hitting anything that doesn't resist it for massive damage. Giga Drain helps mitigate Life Orb damage, as well as hitting incoming Water types. Ice Beam and Focus Blast are solid coverage moves, hitting bulky Grass/Dragon types and Steel types for good damage, respectively.
A Modest Nature is used, as Ludicolo doesn't have to worry about its Speed with Swift Swim. The EVs simply let Ludicolo hit as hard and fast as possible.
General Threats (Will Update As More Testing is Done)
Politoed @ Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Psychic
Politoed is an obvious choice for a rain team. With instant rain, Politoed can come in on other weather inducers, such as Mega Charizard Y, to prevent a predicted Solarbeam, and switch back out. Politoed also has the capability to deal solid damage thanks to a Choice Specs set, which may not be predicted, due to Damp Rock usage.
Hydro Pump is Politoed's spammable STAB move of choice, dealing good damage on unresisted hits. Ice Beam deals with the Dragon and Grass types that resist Hydro Pump. Focus Blast is to hit Steel types not named Aegislash for good, albeit unreliable, damage. Psychic is used to deal damage to Tentacruel and Mega Venusaur on the switch, as the other attacks deal middling damage.
The Modest Nature and given EVs are to allow Politoed to hit as hard as possible, while allowing Politoed to take a few hits to restart the rain once it fizzles.
Rotom-Wash @ Damp Rock
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rain Dance
With the Drizzle ability unable to summon permanent rain, a second rain summoner seems like a good idea. While previous Pokemon used for this purpose like Liepard can bring in rain more reliably thanks to Prankster, Rotom-W is a defensive wall, that can check offensive threats like Talonflame relatively well.
Rain Dance summons the rain for a solid 8 turns, thanks to Damp Rock. While having Damp Rock on Politoed may seem like a better choice, Rotom-W can't take advantage of the rain as well as Politoed, so Rotom-W would rather switch out to another Pokemon. This wastes valuable rain turns, so Damp Rock is used on Rotom-W. However, Rotom-W can certainly deal good damage with its Hydro Pump in rain. Volt Switch gives a reliable way for Rotom-W to switch out, as most Ground types are unwilling to switch into a possible Hydro Pump. Will-O-Wisp allows Rotom-W to cripple physical attackers like Aegislash and Conkeldurr.
The EVs and Bold Nature are to let Rotom-W tank physical hits, allowing it to come in and restart the rain when needed.
Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Return
- Quick Attack
- Earthquake
Mega Venusaur is a massive problem to this team. Mega Pinsir is a solid way to remove Mega Venusaur, while also acting as a wallbreaker or late game cleaner. As well as getting rid of enemies such as Mega Venusaur and Tentacruel, Mega Pinsir is capable of handling Pokemon such as Aegislash.
Swords Dance boosts Mega Pinsir's Attack to frightening levels, giving it the power needed to open up holes in the enemy's team, giving Ludicolo a very good chance to sweep. An Aerilated Return has a 56% chance to OHKO a 252 HP/252 DEF Mega Venusaur. At +2, Return deals very good damage to anything that doesn't resist it. Quick Attack not only allows a follow up to Return to KO foes such as Chansey, but also lets Mega Pinsir perform a late game cleaner role if needed. Earthquake makes sure Aegislash doesn't completely wall this set, as a +2 Earthquake OHKOs the Shield Forme.
The EV spread is simple; hit as hard and fast as possible. As Swords Dance increases Mega Pinsir's attack already, a Jolly Nature is used to help Pinsir's speed.
Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough
- Superpower
- Waterfall
Azumarill is a fantastic physical attacker in general, and really stands out in the rain. A strong priority move in Aqua Jet allows Azumarill to revenge kill when needed. A Choice Band lets Azumarill hit like a tank, getting a guaranteed OHKO on Blissey, and a possible OHKO on Eviolite Chansey with its moves.
Aqua Jet is what makes Azumarill stand out, as its priority doesn't rely on prediction like Sucker Punch, and is also boosted by rain. Play Rough is once again used as a STAB move for good coverage. Superpower muscles through Blissey and Chansey, as well as incoming Steel types that will want to advantage of the Fairy typing, although this will involve some prediction. Double-Edge used to be in the last moveslot, due to its solid damage to Tentacruel and Mega Venusaur, but Waterfall allows for greater damage output in the rain against targets such as Skarmory, Clefable, and Scizor. This decision also increases Azumarill's longevity, as heavy recoil damage is no longer an issue with Waterfall.
252 Attack and an Adamant Nature ensures maximum damage, while the 124 Speed allows Azumarill to outspeed uninvested Choice Band Scizor, which can be a huge problem to this team. The rest goes into boosting Azumarill's bulk.
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Thunder
- Focus Blast
- Dragon Tail
Gen 6 may have been harsh to weather in general, but it tries to make it up with the addition of Goodra. Goodra can tank a lot of special hits with an Assault Vest boosting its naturally high Special Defense. Goodra also has the Special Attack to back up its bulk, being able to spam high power moves while taking little in return. Goodra also acts as a fantastic status absorber thanks to Hydration. Sadly, Rest + Hydration is not possible due to the Assault Vest.
Draco Meteor is used over Dragon Pulse due to its sheer power. The Special Attack drop is unideal, but Goodra will probably end up switching at some point to either switch to a physical wall or to restart the rain, so it's not a big issue. Thunder is 100% accurate in rain, and tears through Water Pokemon hoping to take advantage of the weather. The 30% paralysis chance is also useful against faster, frailer targets looking to take advantage of Goodra's perceived lack of offense. Focus Blast is used for Steel types, as well as Tyranitar, who doesn't care much for Goodra's other moves. Dragon Tail is a good move to phaze out set-up sweepers, such as Aegislash or Kingdra, as well as dealing solid damage after a Special Attack drop from Draco Meteor.
A Quiet Nature is used over a Modest Nature so that Dragon Tail doesn't lose power. The given EVs increase Goodra's bulk, and lets it hit hard with its high power moves.
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Everyone's favourite Swift Swim user is found on this team. Ludicolo becomes ridiculously fast in the rain, and with a Life Orb, can hit decently hard as well. Ludicolo can come in as a revenge killer, a cleaner, or a sweeper. Its typing is ideal for coming in on Water moves, and retaliating with its Grass STAB.
Hydro Pump is the obligatory water STAB of choice, hitting anything that doesn't resist it for massive damage. Giga Drain helps mitigate Life Orb damage, as well as hitting incoming Water types. Ice Beam and Focus Blast are solid coverage moves, hitting bulky Grass/Dragon types and Steel types for good damage, respectively.
A Modest Nature is used, as Ludicolo doesn't have to worry about its Speed with Swift Swim. The EVs simply let Ludicolo hit as hard and fast as possible.
General Threats (Will Update As More Testing is Done)
- Entry Hazards: While hazards aren't as much of a killer to a rain team as to a sun team, hazards can become troublesome if they start to stack up. Leading with Rotom-W, setting up rain, Volt Switching out, and defeating the opponents hazard layer helps mitigate the damage done. Sticky Web is another hazard to watch out for. Ludicolo in rain still gets a Speed increase, but only 1.5x. Mega Pinsir and Rotom won't be affected and Goodra doesn't really care, but Politoed will definitely feel the effect. Azumarill, even with priority Aqua Jet, still won't appreciate the Speed drop.
- Special Offensive Fairy Types: While Goodra is a solid special wall, powerful Fairy types like Mega Gardevoir can break through, meaning a Pokemon will have to be sacrificed to bring a suitable response in without prior damage.
- Mega Venusaur: This thing can wall a lot of Pokemon on this team, so measures have been taken to deal with it. The inclusion of Mega Pinsir over the previous Mega Mawile, as well as Psychic on Politoed, should allow for some help against it.
- Opposing Weather Inducers: While Abomasnow isn't too threatening to the team, Tyranitar and Charizard can become problematic to deal with. Tyranitar's increase in Special Defense can be hard to get by, especially with an Assault Vest, but Politoed's and Ludicolo's Hydro Pumps or Focus Blasts can wear it down. Azumarill's Aqua Jet can also take care of a weakened Tyranitar. Mega Charizard Y loves to come in and start spamming Solar Beams, so bringing in Politoed can help delay the attack, and force it out.
Politoed @ Choice Specs
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Psychic
Rotom-Wash @ Damp Rock
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rain Dance
Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Quick Attack
- Return
- Earthquake
Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough
- Superpower
- Waterfall
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Thunder
- Focus Blast
- Dragon Tail
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Ability: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 SAtk / 4 SDef
Modest Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk
- Hydro Pump
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Psychic
Rotom-Wash @ Damp Rock
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SAtk
Bold Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rain Dance
Pinsir @ Pinsirite
Ability: Hyper Cutter
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spd
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Quick Attack
- Return
- Earthquake
Azumarill @ Choice Band
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 132 HP / 252 Atk / 124 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Aqua Jet
- Play Rough
- Superpower
- Waterfall
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Hydration
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SAtk
Quiet Nature
- Draco Meteor
- Thunder
- Focus Blast
- Dragon Tail
Ludicolo @ Life Orb
Ability: Swift Swim
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Hydro Pump
- Giga Drain
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
Not the best replays in the world (pretty bad imo), but they show what the team does.
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-130439271
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-130807281
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-130821149
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-130439271
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-130807281
http://pokemonshowdown.com/replay/ou-130821149
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