Other Monotype Bug Team

King John

So, I created my first Monotype bug team, and I'd like some expert opinions on it. I posted this team already on the OU forum, but was pointed towards here since I was told it doesn't really work well in that environment. Well, here goes:

Venomoth @ Black Sludge
Ability: Tinted Lens
EVs: 252 HP / 228 Def / 4 SpD / 24 Spe
Bold Nature
- Sleep Powder
- Quiver Dance
- Baton Pass
- Bug Buzz

First up is Venomoth, who acts as my lead. It's main function is to pass it's boosts to Volcarona (explained below), though it can just use the boosts itself. Sleep Powder is to prevent possible dangers from fighting back, plus Quiver Dance and Baton Pass are for passing obviously. Bug Buzz is to prevent it being Taunt bait, plus use the boosts in case it's partner is KOed. The EVs are for keeping it alive for as long as long as possible, plus give it just enough speed to get off a few boosts.

Volcarona @ Choice Specs
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Fiery Dance
- Giga Drain
- Hidden Power [Ground]

Next up is my special attacker and pass recipient. Of course, it can function well without Venomoth, but where's the fun in that? Bug Buzz and Fiery Dance are STAB and hit for high damage on most of the OU tier, either 2HKO or 1HKO if I'm lucky. Giga Drain is for Waters and Grounds who think it's easy prey, and HP Ground is for opposing Fires and Steels.

Heracross @ Heracronite
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Megahorn
- Pin Missile
- Rock Blast

This is one of the powerhouses in my team, and the one that often wins me games. Close Combat and Megahorn both pack immense power and always at least 1HKO and 2HKO's anything that stands in their way. Pin Missile and Rock Blast are there for Skill Link abuse, plus Rock Blast is useful for Talonflame not carrying Gale Wings and the Mega Charizards.

Crustle @ White Herb
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Shell Smash
- X-Scissor
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

The secondary attacker in my team. I'll admit this set is gimmicky, but it works well when it gets going. Shell Smash is for boosting obviously and patches up Crustle's otherwise awful Speed. X-Scissor and Stone Edge get STAB and hit hard even if Shell Smash isn't activated, and Earthquake is for Steels who try to ruin it's day.

Scizor @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Atk / 8 SpD
Adamant Nature
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Knock Off
- Superpower

Honestly, this could have worked well as a Mega, but I decided not to for...reasons. Anyway, Scizor acts mostly as a revenge killer and a scout, plus it's a great late game cleaner once most of the threats are wiped out. The EVs are...weird, but they keep it alive as long as possible while doing it's job.

Forretress @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Atk / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
IVs: 0 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Gyro Ball

And there we are. Suggestions would be very welcome.
 
I'm no expert but I think this is a pretty good team considering the type. You usually don't see bug types in competitive and a team like this would be unexpected. However I would recommend putting 253-248 evs in speed for Scizor so it can get its hits in quickly. Also same with attack. Other Ryan that really good bug team in my opinion
 
For Volcanra, Fire Blast is better than Fiery Dance. Fiery Dance may have better accuracy and can build up a lot of damage, but Fire Blast is better in emergencies.
 
As an experienced monotype player, I believe your team is rather solid! One thing I want to point out however, is that monotype has a separate banlist from OU--and Talonflame is banned so you don't have to worry about it.
Now onto my rate:
I recommend replacing Adamant with Jolly on Crustle, as otherwise you fail to outspeed some key threats, such as Mega Manectric, which can Volt Switch you to death if they stop QuiverPass (such as through specially defensive Zapdos Whirlwind). Or, you can replace it with Scarf Genesect. Scarf Genesect is an amazing member of Bug teams for its great momentum-grabbing ability with U-Turn and powerful moves to back it up. The set I would recommend is this:

Genesect @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- U-Turn
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- Bug Buzz
Download nabs boosts for you that you can take advantage of and use to sweep with as a backup plan if the QuiverPass strategy fails. It also outspeeds and nails Scarf Hydreigon, who can run through your team if Rocks are up.

Volt Switch over Spikes is a great option on Forretress, as often you can't get down more than Rocks and the slow Volt Switch is amazing to bring in a sweeper safely.
You don't need Megahorn on Mega Heracross, as Pin Missile hits harder because of Skill Link, while also breaking Subs, Sashes, and Sturdy. I would recommend Bullet Seed for the bulky Water and Ground types out there (specifically stuff like Alomomola, Hippowdon, Swampert, Rotom-Wash, and Rhyperior, who can also hurt your team with its high powered Rock STABs and good bulk).
Since you are going to be passing it boosts, making Volcarona choice locked is not a good idea, as the opponent can switch to a Pokemon that walls that move, and force you to switch, losing both your boosts and momentum. Therefore I recommend either Life Orb for more power or Leftovers for longevity on Volcarona. As far as Fiery Dance vs. Fire Blast goes, I personally believe Fiery Dance is better as the boost chance can nab timely SpA boosts and cause 2HKOs to become OHKOs and the perfect accuracy is always great. Plus using signature moves is cool :)
Full HP and Speed as well as a Sash is a good option on Venomoth to guarantee boosts getting passed once, as Venomoth isn't too bulky even with investment.

Overall a very solid team built around one of my favourite strategies (and least favourite to face lol) in QuiverPass. The last thing I want to say is that if the opposing team looks weak to Mega Heracross, do not feel afraid to pass to it just because it is a physical attackers. It can still use the speed and Bulk boosts very effectively :) I hope you have fun testing out some of my suggestions and wish you luck in your battles :)
 
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