First, allow me to introduce myself. I'm Shadow Tectike, or ST for short. I'm not new to the OU Metagame, I've been around for a while. I've been taking breaks here and there, so returning this time around left me a little rusty in regards to team building. I used to battle on Shoddy, under the same name, but when I lost my computer (may it Rest in Peace) I decided I'd return to Wi-Fi battling. If any of you remember me from Shoddy, feel free to say hi, or something.
Now, this team. I decided I'd start something up with Wi-Fi with a pretty standard OU team, featuring some of my favourite Pokemon, but also at a competitive standard. Feel free to view this team as an offensive team, or however you want to stereotype it.
Team Building
First off, I knew that I wanted a returning old friend, a Gyarados. Naturally, that would mean picking a set, and you'll see that later, obviously.
With Gyarados decided, I wanted a different sort of Pokemon for a change, instead of the average Pokemon someone like myself would pick. I decided to have a brainstorm, and I realised I already had a Pokemon that would work for me. So I picked up my Breloom and that was that.
Now, I needed to point myself in the direction of a lead. Seeing as many of the most common leads hate a certain Pokemon, I decided to look into what a Jirachi could do for me. Needless to say, I was more than happy with what it brings to the team.
With half of the team coming together, I saw that I needed to patch up a few holes. The first was a worrying ghost threat, seeing as Breloom can't touch it, and Gengar and Rotom can hit Gyarados with Thunderbolt, or burn the whole team. I decided to go for one of my favourite GSC Pokemon, a good ol' Tyranitar. Tyranitar also patches up a few weaknesses that Breloom has, and none of the team drastically mind Sandstorm.
Now, I needed to patch up a fear of Fire, in this team. I also figured I'd need some sort of revenge killer, and Will-o-Wisp absorber. Heatran pretty much covered this role from the start.
The team was coming together, but I knew that I could do with a certain...something. I wasn't quite sure what it was, apart from the fact that the topic of a wall never crossed my mind. I decided I'd look into it all, and figured... I could do with a partner to Heatran to cover his weaknesses, but also patch up some of the weaknesses in the team already. This is where Latias comes in.
Latias was recently banished to the Uber tier again to join her blue brother; Latios. Due to this I needed to replace my Bait-Latias with a new member of the team. I asked for suggestions and I was happy to try out a Gengar addition to the team.
So, this is the team before we get down and dirty with the facts, the sets and the awesome montage music that should play in your head as you read this.
v1.
v2.
On to the Team!
The Lead
@ Choice Scarf
Jolly Nature
Ability: Serene Grace
80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Iron Head
Trick
Stealth Rock
U-turn
Ah, Jirachi. This is the standard lead set from the Analysis page, simply because it's all that's needed as a lead. I'm sure you all know how this works, cripple an opposing lead, prevent Stealth Rock being set up, set up your own Rocks, switch out to an appropriate Pokemon, or all of the options listed. There's nothing quite as amusing as watching an opponent constantly flinch.
Jirachi can switch out to Gyarados who can set up easily early on into the game, especially if it's switching out from a lead Infernape, Heatran or achieved its purpose for now. I honestly love this set, it achieves so much in terms of leading, and Trick can cripple walls who stand in the team's way, or a set-up Pokemon who absolutely wants to get a few boosts (CurseLax is an example).
Synergy:
Ground - Gyarados, Gengar, Breloom
Fire - Gyarados, Tyranitar, Heatran
Early Set-Up
@ Leftovers
Adamant Nature
Ability: Intimidate
156 HP/72 Atk/96 Def/184 Spe
Dragon Dance
Taunt
Waterfall
Stone Edge
Where to start...? Simply put, this is a nice early-game 'set up and dent' Pokemon, usually getting a bit of a sweep. This is also a check to a lot of Pokemon that Jirachi is forced out by, including Heatran and usually Lead Infernape. He can come in and get a Dragon Dance up on the switch, and go from there. Taunt stops Skarmory handling this set, easily, along with various other phazers, set-up Pokemon etc.
I'd be lying if I said that Gyarados did an 'average' job in battle. He does a fantastic one. Of course, being forced out by certain threats is never a nice thing, but it happens. I usually try to have the rest of the team cover Gyarados in terms of disadvantages and flaws. 25% damage from Stealth Rock isn't a nice experience, but I haven't found a decent Rapid Spinner that fits this team, at all, while the rest of the team doesn't really hate Stealth rock.
Synergy:
Electric - Breloom
Rock - Breloom, Jirachi
The Sleeper Mushroom With a Punch!
@ Toxic Orb
Impish Nature
Ability: Poison Heal
236 HP/248 Def/24 Spe
Spore
Focus Punch
Substitute
Leech Seed
Before I say anything else, I must say this; I know, I could have gone with a different set instead of pure SubSeeding Punch madness. However, this really works with this team, and I mean really. Ghosts are a fear, but I can Spore, set up a Leech Seed and good ol' Tyranitar comes in and kills off pretty much every Ghost-type in existence, barring Spiritomb (Heatran handles that).
Obvious strategy is to get up a Substitute, allowing a Leech Seed to help out in healing myself, draining the enemy and even negating their leftovers (or more-so, if Sandstorm is in effect, by then). This thing's pretty bulky, and that really makes it fun to use. Obviously there are points where the Standard offensive Sub Spore Breloom would be useful, but there are less of those points than there are of points where I know this is just a brilliant set.
Each weakness that Breloom has is covered, pretty well, and even in the Sandstorm, it heals off more damage than is lost, always annoying my opponent. Breloom could be considered the star of this team, supported well by Latias and Tyranitar, and even Gyarados.
Synergy:
Fire - Gyarados, Heatran, Tyranitar
Psychic - Heatran, Tyranitar, Jirachi
Flying - Heatran, Tyranitar, Jirachi
Poison - Heatran, Jirachi, Gengar
Ice - Jirachi, Heatran
Support Baiter #1
@ Expert Belt
Hasty Nature
Ability: Sand Stream
252 Atk/48 SpA/208 Spe
Crunch
Pursuit
Earthquake
Fire Blast
Usually, when people see a Tyranitar, they expect a set-up sweeper, Tyraniboah or a MixTar. This is none of those sets, really. Many of you will be aware that this is built in a way that counters some of its usual counters. This is the first 'Bait' Pokemon of the team, and works with Latias pretty well to cover the bases. As I said before, Ghosts cause Breloom problems, and this is the Pokemon that sends those Ghost-types to the other side. Pursuit Trapping is obvious, and it really handles Psychic and Ghost-types. Crunch handles other Latias, although a Pursuit is just as good. Superpower is a BRILLIANT move, in my opinion. Sure, it has that recoil effect of lowering Attack and Defense, but I'm hardly going to run around using it consecutively. No, this irons out the flaws of the team pretty well.
Obviously, Tyranitar (or ARNOLD as it's called, for no reason whatsoever) doesn't appreciate Bulky Water-types, or Ground-types, but they're handled decently, too, with this team.
As of now, this set has been updated. Earthquake covers Rock, Steel, Fire and Poison types, and unlike Superpower doesn't end up crippling Tyranitar's physical stats. Fire Blast hasn't missed as much as I expected, and even when it does it isn't a major crippling moment as it's usually against a Pokemon that can't do much in return. Tyranitar might miss out on a sure-fire way to kill Blissey, but not only is she already handled by a lot of this team (be it Taunt and set-up fodder, a chance for Breloom to laugh at her or a Trick use to cripple her), she is still hit hard by a Crunch for whatever reason she stays in, or if I predict a switch; Pursuit. ARNOLD (I really love this name, now) has improved in supporting the offense for this team, and giving a well rounded check for Pokemon it's meant to handle.
Synergy:
Fighting - Gyarados, Gengar
Water - Gyarados, Breloom
Ground - Gyarados, Gengar, Breloom
Grass - Gengar, Breloom, Heatran, Jirachi
Bug - Gyarados, Heatran, Gengar
Steel - Gyarados, Heatran, Jirachi
The Firey Revenge Killer
@ Choice Scarf
Naive Nature
Ability: Flash Fire
4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Fire Blast
Dragon Pulse
Earth Power
Explosion
I'd like to point out the reason why I have Dragon Pulse. It gives some decent Neutral coverage, and still hits Dragons if I predict them switching in.
This is your standard Scarfed Heatran. It makes a great revenge killer, Fire absorber, and definitely a Spiritomb counter. This covers the final hole that stops Breloom, while also doing decently well against a range of other Pokemon. Explosion is around simply for when it's time for Heatran to detonate at the end of its use for either a free switch in, or to take out something that stands in the way of the team. This is usually pretty rare, as I don't mind facing Blissey, a common Pokemon to explode on, with this team, and I always love to keep Heatran around to revenge kill or to handle Will-o-Wisping Spiritombs.
Obviously other Heatran coming in on a flamethrower, if I fail to predict it or just didn't expect it to appear, can be problematic, but Latias or Gyarados can come in to pick that off as it'll either try to predict who I'll switch to, or Earth Power to pick off my Heatran. In both of these scenarios, Gyarados and Latias are safe options to go for.
I'm aware that the number of ground weaknesses on this team is something of a worry, but each Pokemon that resists is a reliable Pokemon to handle whatever wants to hit me.
Synergy:
Water - Gyarados, , Breloom
Ground - Gyarados, Gengar, Breloom
Fighting - Gyarados, Gengar
Support Baiter #2
@ Expert Belt
Timid Nature
Ability: Levitate
4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Protect
Shadow Ball
Focus Blast
Hidden Power Fire
The second part of the 'Baiter Club'. This Gengar is the current replacement for Latias.
In a similar method to Latias, Gengar can lure in Scizor and similar and dispose of it. Protect allows Gengar to scout the incoming move and then it can be dealt with accordingly. If Pursuit has been chosen, Gengar can swiftly KO with Hidden Power Fire. If it's Bullet Punch, I switch in Heatran or Gyarados.
Gengar doesn't pair as well with Tyranitar as Latias used to, but it is a suitable replacement for the time being. Dragon Dance Salamence users also have a habit of biting the bait and using Outrage against this Gengar allowing Heatran to swiftly KO with Dragon Pulse.
The idea is not to reveal this Gengar too soon, as if it was a Choiced Gengar. This strategy allows me to bring in Gengar later and cause a 'concern' period. Usually, Gengar hitting the field means that the opponent's team should have been completely revealed and also allowing Breloom to soon set up and punch through the remains of the opponent's team.
Synergy:
Psychic - Heatran, Tyranitar, Jirachi
Ghost - Heatran, Tyranitar
Dark - Heatran, Tyranitar, Breloom
We pay respect to those who are no longer with us:
@ Expert Belt
Timid Nature
Ability: Levitate
4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Dragon Pulse
Surf
Thunderbolt
Hidden Power Fire
Latias was the original second part of the 'Baiter Club'. She risked her health to support the team, usually removing the general threats and giving her excellent typing to Heatran.
In feigning a Choice item, Latias was able to lure in Scizor who would then try to either Pursuit or U-turn for a kill. When this was attempted, Latias could KO with Hidden Power Fire.
When partnered with Tyranitar, Latias was able to easily dispatch a lot (and I mean a lot) of threats.
Having been banished to the Uber tier, a previous check to Infernape is no longer with us and I've had to replace Latias. We will miss her and hopefully the testing for the current (and similar) Gengar set goes well.
Closing Words
So that's the team. I have to say, I had a lot of joy building and testing this team, and I really love every Pokemon I have in it. I obviously thank the Article Writers for adding the sets I've used to the respective Pokemon's analysis page, and I would appreciate it if you could help improve this team, point out what this team can struggle against, or just a basic rate.
Now, this team. I decided I'd start something up with Wi-Fi with a pretty standard OU team, featuring some of my favourite Pokemon, but also at a competitive standard. Feel free to view this team as an offensive team, or however you want to stereotype it.
Team Building
First off, I knew that I wanted a returning old friend, a Gyarados. Naturally, that would mean picking a set, and you'll see that later, obviously.
With Gyarados decided, I wanted a different sort of Pokemon for a change, instead of the average Pokemon someone like myself would pick. I decided to have a brainstorm, and I realised I already had a Pokemon that would work for me. So I picked up my Breloom and that was that.
Now, I needed to point myself in the direction of a lead. Seeing as many of the most common leads hate a certain Pokemon, I decided to look into what a Jirachi could do for me. Needless to say, I was more than happy with what it brings to the team.
With half of the team coming together, I saw that I needed to patch up a few holes. The first was a worrying ghost threat, seeing as Breloom can't touch it, and Gengar and Rotom can hit Gyarados with Thunderbolt, or burn the whole team. I decided to go for one of my favourite GSC Pokemon, a good ol' Tyranitar. Tyranitar also patches up a few weaknesses that Breloom has, and none of the team drastically mind Sandstorm.
Now, I needed to patch up a fear of Fire, in this team. I also figured I'd need some sort of revenge killer, and Will-o-Wisp absorber. Heatran pretty much covered this role from the start.
The team was coming together, but I knew that I could do with a certain...something. I wasn't quite sure what it was, apart from the fact that the topic of a wall never crossed my mind. I decided I'd look into it all, and figured... I could do with a partner to Heatran to cover his weaknesses, but also patch up some of the weaknesses in the team already. This is where Latias comes in.
Latias was recently banished to the Uber tier again to join her blue brother; Latios. Due to this I needed to replace my Bait-Latias with a new member of the team. I asked for suggestions and I was happy to try out a Gengar addition to the team.
So, this is the team before we get down and dirty with the facts, the sets and the awesome montage music that should play in your head as you read this.
v1.
v2.
On to the Team!
The Lead
@ Choice Scarf
Jolly Nature
Ability: Serene Grace
80 HP / 252 Atk / 176 Spe
Iron Head
Trick
Stealth Rock
U-turn
Ah, Jirachi. This is the standard lead set from the Analysis page, simply because it's all that's needed as a lead. I'm sure you all know how this works, cripple an opposing lead, prevent Stealth Rock being set up, set up your own Rocks, switch out to an appropriate Pokemon, or all of the options listed. There's nothing quite as amusing as watching an opponent constantly flinch.
Jirachi can switch out to Gyarados who can set up easily early on into the game, especially if it's switching out from a lead Infernape, Heatran or achieved its purpose for now. I honestly love this set, it achieves so much in terms of leading, and Trick can cripple walls who stand in the team's way, or a set-up Pokemon who absolutely wants to get a few boosts (CurseLax is an example).
Synergy:
Ground - Gyarados, Gengar, Breloom
Fire - Gyarados, Tyranitar, Heatran
Early Set-Up
@ Leftovers
Adamant Nature
Ability: Intimidate
156 HP/72 Atk/96 Def/184 Spe
Dragon Dance
Taunt
Waterfall
Stone Edge
Where to start...? Simply put, this is a nice early-game 'set up and dent' Pokemon, usually getting a bit of a sweep. This is also a check to a lot of Pokemon that Jirachi is forced out by, including Heatran and usually Lead Infernape. He can come in and get a Dragon Dance up on the switch, and go from there. Taunt stops Skarmory handling this set, easily, along with various other phazers, set-up Pokemon etc.
I'd be lying if I said that Gyarados did an 'average' job in battle. He does a fantastic one. Of course, being forced out by certain threats is never a nice thing, but it happens. I usually try to have the rest of the team cover Gyarados in terms of disadvantages and flaws. 25% damage from Stealth Rock isn't a nice experience, but I haven't found a decent Rapid Spinner that fits this team, at all, while the rest of the team doesn't really hate Stealth rock.
Synergy:
Electric - Breloom
Rock - Breloom, Jirachi
The Sleeper Mushroom With a Punch!
@ Toxic Orb
Impish Nature
Ability: Poison Heal
236 HP/248 Def/24 Spe
Spore
Focus Punch
Substitute
Leech Seed
Before I say anything else, I must say this; I know, I could have gone with a different set instead of pure SubSeeding Punch madness. However, this really works with this team, and I mean really. Ghosts are a fear, but I can Spore, set up a Leech Seed and good ol' Tyranitar comes in and kills off pretty much every Ghost-type in existence, barring Spiritomb (Heatran handles that).
Obvious strategy is to get up a Substitute, allowing a Leech Seed to help out in healing myself, draining the enemy and even negating their leftovers (or more-so, if Sandstorm is in effect, by then). This thing's pretty bulky, and that really makes it fun to use. Obviously there are points where the Standard offensive Sub Spore Breloom would be useful, but there are less of those points than there are of points where I know this is just a brilliant set.
Each weakness that Breloom has is covered, pretty well, and even in the Sandstorm, it heals off more damage than is lost, always annoying my opponent. Breloom could be considered the star of this team, supported well by Latias and Tyranitar, and even Gyarados.
Synergy:
Fire - Gyarados, Heatran, Tyranitar
Psychic - Heatran, Tyranitar, Jirachi
Flying - Heatran, Tyranitar, Jirachi
Poison - Heatran, Jirachi, Gengar
Ice - Jirachi, Heatran
Support Baiter #1
@ Expert Belt
Hasty Nature
Ability: Sand Stream
252 Atk/48 SpA/208 Spe
Crunch
Pursuit
Earthquake
Fire Blast
Usually, when people see a Tyranitar, they expect a set-up sweeper, Tyraniboah or a MixTar. This is none of those sets, really. Many of you will be aware that this is built in a way that counters some of its usual counters. This is the first 'Bait' Pokemon of the team, and works with Latias pretty well to cover the bases. As I said before, Ghosts cause Breloom problems, and this is the Pokemon that sends those Ghost-types to the other side. Pursuit Trapping is obvious, and it really handles Psychic and Ghost-types. Crunch handles other Latias, although a Pursuit is just as good. Superpower is a BRILLIANT move, in my opinion. Sure, it has that recoil effect of lowering Attack and Defense, but I'm hardly going to run around using it consecutively. No, this irons out the flaws of the team pretty well.
Obviously, Tyranitar (or ARNOLD as it's called, for no reason whatsoever) doesn't appreciate Bulky Water-types, or Ground-types, but they're handled decently, too, with this team.
As of now, this set has been updated. Earthquake covers Rock, Steel, Fire and Poison types, and unlike Superpower doesn't end up crippling Tyranitar's physical stats. Fire Blast hasn't missed as much as I expected, and even when it does it isn't a major crippling moment as it's usually against a Pokemon that can't do much in return. Tyranitar might miss out on a sure-fire way to kill Blissey, but not only is she already handled by a lot of this team (be it Taunt and set-up fodder, a chance for Breloom to laugh at her or a Trick use to cripple her), she is still hit hard by a Crunch for whatever reason she stays in, or if I predict a switch; Pursuit. ARNOLD (I really love this name, now) has improved in supporting the offense for this team, and giving a well rounded check for Pokemon it's meant to handle.
Synergy:
Fighting - Gyarados, Gengar
Water - Gyarados, Breloom
Ground - Gyarados, Gengar, Breloom
Grass - Gengar, Breloom, Heatran, Jirachi
Bug - Gyarados, Heatran, Gengar
Steel - Gyarados, Heatran, Jirachi
The Firey Revenge Killer
@ Choice Scarf
Naive Nature
Ability: Flash Fire
4 Atk/252 SpA/252 Spe
Fire Blast
Dragon Pulse
Earth Power
Explosion
I'd like to point out the reason why I have Dragon Pulse. It gives some decent Neutral coverage, and still hits Dragons if I predict them switching in.
This is your standard Scarfed Heatran. It makes a great revenge killer, Fire absorber, and definitely a Spiritomb counter. This covers the final hole that stops Breloom, while also doing decently well against a range of other Pokemon. Explosion is around simply for when it's time for Heatran to detonate at the end of its use for either a free switch in, or to take out something that stands in the way of the team. This is usually pretty rare, as I don't mind facing Blissey, a common Pokemon to explode on, with this team, and I always love to keep Heatran around to revenge kill or to handle Will-o-Wisping Spiritombs.
Obviously other Heatran coming in on a flamethrower, if I fail to predict it or just didn't expect it to appear, can be problematic, but Latias or Gyarados can come in to pick that off as it'll either try to predict who I'll switch to, or Earth Power to pick off my Heatran. In both of these scenarios, Gyarados and Latias are safe options to go for.
I'm aware that the number of ground weaknesses on this team is something of a worry, but each Pokemon that resists is a reliable Pokemon to handle whatever wants to hit me.
Synergy:
Water - Gyarados, , Breloom
Ground - Gyarados, Gengar, Breloom
Fighting - Gyarados, Gengar
Support Baiter #2
@ Expert Belt
Timid Nature
Ability: Levitate
4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Protect
Shadow Ball
Focus Blast
Hidden Power Fire
The second part of the 'Baiter Club'. This Gengar is the current replacement for Latias.
In a similar method to Latias, Gengar can lure in Scizor and similar and dispose of it. Protect allows Gengar to scout the incoming move and then it can be dealt with accordingly. If Pursuit has been chosen, Gengar can swiftly KO with Hidden Power Fire. If it's Bullet Punch, I switch in Heatran or Gyarados.
Gengar doesn't pair as well with Tyranitar as Latias used to, but it is a suitable replacement for the time being. Dragon Dance Salamence users also have a habit of biting the bait and using Outrage against this Gengar allowing Heatran to swiftly KO with Dragon Pulse.
The idea is not to reveal this Gengar too soon, as if it was a Choiced Gengar. This strategy allows me to bring in Gengar later and cause a 'concern' period. Usually, Gengar hitting the field means that the opponent's team should have been completely revealed and also allowing Breloom to soon set up and punch through the remains of the opponent's team.
Synergy:
Psychic - Heatran, Tyranitar, Jirachi
Ghost - Heatran, Tyranitar
Dark - Heatran, Tyranitar, Breloom
We pay respect to those who are no longer with us:
@ Expert Belt
Timid Nature
Ability: Levitate
4 HP/252 SpA/252 Spe
Dragon Pulse
Surf
Thunderbolt
Hidden Power Fire
Latias was the original second part of the 'Baiter Club'. She risked her health to support the team, usually removing the general threats and giving her excellent typing to Heatran.
In feigning a Choice item, Latias was able to lure in Scizor who would then try to either Pursuit or U-turn for a kill. When this was attempted, Latias could KO with Hidden Power Fire.
When partnered with Tyranitar, Latias was able to easily dispatch a lot (and I mean a lot) of threats.
Having been banished to the Uber tier, a previous check to Infernape is no longer with us and I've had to replace Latias. We will miss her and hopefully the testing for the current (and similar) Gengar set goes well.
Closing Words
So that's the team. I have to say, I had a lot of joy building and testing this team, and I really love every Pokemon I have in it. I obviously thank the Article Writers for adding the sets I've used to the respective Pokemon's analysis page, and I would appreciate it if you could help improve this team, point out what this team can struggle against, or just a basic rate.
