Introduction
I chose to build my first VGC team around M-Gallade because I find its power underrated (and Gallade has always been one of my favorites). I realized M-Gallade needs Speed support to outspeed faster opponents, and Tailwind seemed like the best option. I looked at the Smogon list of viable Pokemon in VGC, and Zapdos was the highest-rated Tailwind user. The rest of the team was built on supporting M-Gallade and Zapdos.
The Team
Gallade @ Galladite
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Zen Headbutt
- Knock Off
- Protect
The star of the team, M-Gallade's power is underrated. With Tailwind set up and a Jolly nature, M-Gallade will almost always move first. Close Combat is Gallade's hardest hitting STAB move, and Zen Headbutt hits Fighting- and Poison-types for a good amount of damage. I chose to run Knock Off over Ice Punch because Milotic runs Ice Beam.
Zapdos @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 100 HP / 252 SpA / 156 Spe
Modest Nature
- Tailwind
- Thunderbolt
- Heat Wave
- Roost
Obviously, Tailwind is the move I chose to revolve this team around. 156 Speed EVs let Zapdos outrun a positive natured Smeargle (although that's not a huge issue). Gallade appreciates Tailwind to ensure he will usually hit first against most opponents. Thunderbolt is Zapdos' most powerful STAB move. I chose to run Heat Wave over Hidden Power Ice to have a spread move. Roost makes Zapdos difficult to knock out, along with holding a Sitrus Berry.
Milotic @ Maranga Berry
Ability: Competitive
EVs: 236 HP / 140 Def / 132 SpA
Modest Nature
- Scald
- Icy Wind
- Recover
- Protect
Milotic is my favorite bulky Water-type. Holding a Maranga Berry does almost the same job as an Assault Vest while allowing Milotic to use Recover. Competitive is a great ability that scares out popular Intimidate users. Its EV spread allows it to survive Adamant Mega Kangaskhan's Double-Edge. Scald is arguably the best Water-type move, dealing good damage to almost anything with the possibility of a burn. Icy Wind gives my team farthur speed control and Milotic coverage against Grass-types. Recover along with Leftovers makes Milotic difficult to knock out.
Heatran @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 44 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 204 Spe
Modest Nature
- Flamethrower
- Earth Power
- Flash Canon
- Protect
Heatran gives my team Fairy-type coverage. Its EV spreed allows it to live an EQ from an Adamant Landorus-T. Flamethrower is a STAB move that deals decent damage. I chose to run this over Heat Wave to deal with Aegislash. Earth Power is for other Fire-types that can deal neutral damage to Heatran. I chose to run Flash Canon over Substitute because my team has trouble with Fairy-types such as Sylveon.
Amoonguss @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerate
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 SpD
Relaxed Nature
- Rage Powder
- Spore
- Giga Drain
- Protect
Amoonguss is another annoying Pokemon to knock out. Regenerate is a great ability, allowing Amoonguss recover a given amount of HP from switching out. Giga Drain provides even more HP coverage, along with being a decent STAB move. Rage Powder can redirect hits, which will help Zapdos set up Tailwind. Spore can serve this purpose as well while putting opponents to sleep, mostly for bulkier and faster ones.
Landorus-Therian @ Assault Vest
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- Rock Slide
- Stone Edge
- Super Power
Landorus-T is obviously one of the most popular Pokemon in VGC, and for good reason. With its max Speed investment and having Tailwind set up, Landorus-T is almost guaranteed to always move first. Earthquake is obviously a powerful STAB spread move that can be used with Protect. Rock Slide hits both opponents for decent damage and can KO Talonflame. I chose to run Stone Edge over U-Turn because my team has problems against M-Charizard Y. Super Power is a powerful finishing move that deals a good amount of damage to almost any Pokemon.
Conclusion
I'm happy with this team, but I can see more improvements. This team's main problem is Trick Room. But Amoonguss and Milotic, along with more experience as a VGC player, should be able to handle Trick Room teams. Another problem with my team is Aegislash paired with M-Charizard Y, so I have Flamethrower on Heatran and Stone Edge on Landorus-T. Besides that, I believe my team is able to handle common threats.
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