Another Mega-Altaria team
Hello everybody. This is the first time I post something on RMT. Here I have a team built around Mega Altaria. I've used this team for a couple of weeks already and it's certainly been helpful, but I would like if you could help me rate it and tell me what you think regarding its potential and flaws.
Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Dragon Dance
- Return
- Roost
- Heal Bell
This is the Pokémon I decided to build the team around. It's main role is to set up and sweep. I've tried Adamant Altarias, but I've always found a need to be able to outspeed Pokémon like Mega Lopunny at +1, some Scarf users or Pokémon like Breloom and Mega Heracross. Dragon Dance allows me to set up on Pokémon weak to fairies and on Pokémon like Latios and Latias once they've used Draco Meteor, Mega Slowbro to a certain extent, DD Dragonite, Mega Charizard X without Earthquake, etc. Return is to hit most things I can with STAB. Roost is used when taking advantage of certain switches or when trying to set up on things like Mega Slowbro, Chansey, Mega Charizard X. Finally, I've included Heal Bell as it allows me to set up on more things than if I had another damaging move such as Earthquake. Heal Bell can cure poison from Chansey, burns from Scald, even Will-O-Wisp from Sableye/Mega Sableye if I decide to set up on that.
Talonflame @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Brave Bird
- Swords Dance
- U-turn
- Roost
I chose Talonflame because of Mega-Altaria's weakness to steel and for a strong priority to KO Pokémon that Mega-Altaria can't KO if it hasn't set up (Mega Pinsir, Mega Lopunny, Keldeo, Starmie after Stealth Rocks, Venusaur, etc.) I used to have Flare Blitz over Swords Dance in order to KO Pokémon like Bisharp, Scizor and Ferrothorn, but then I found out that in those situations the opponent would switch out into something that resisted Flare Blitz. Because of this, I thought it would be better to set up with Talonflame on those switches and then be able to hit harder at +2 either with Brave Bird or U-turn. Talonflame has mainly two roles in this team: one is to get rid of threats for Mega-Altaria and the other one to set up and sweep. Roost is there to be able to recover HP and keep on switching even with Stealth Rock up.
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest
My next choice was Rotom-W because my team was weak to Rock and Ice and I had trouble against Pokémon like Garchomp, Heatran, Magnezone, Mega Metagross, etc. The EVs maximize physical bulk and 248 HP allow Rotom-W to take a bit less damage from Stealth Rock and status. Rotom-W's main role in this team is to act as pivot and be able to burn Pokémon like the aforementioned plus Dragonite, Bisharp, Scizor, Tyranitar and even Excadrill, so either Mega-Altaria or Talonflame can then come in and attack or set up on those burned Pokémon. Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to get free switches, Hydro Pump hits Pokémon hard with STAB, although I don't use it frequently as I prefer the momentum gained by Volt Switch. Finally, Rest allows Rotom-W to stay on Pokémon like Heatran, which can be a great problem to my team if Rotom-W goes down. Specially defensive Heatran can take 2 and maybe 3 Hydro Pumps and stall me with Toxic + Protect. However, this is where Rest comes in handy, as Rotom-W is able to stay a little longer against specially defensive Heatran and recover HP when low.
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Tail
- Thunderbolt
- Fire Blast
Goodra is a Pokémon that I find is relatively unknown in OU. Goodra has a suprisingly amazing special bulk and with Sap Sipper it gets an immunity to grass. Goodra's addition to this team was basically because I needed a special tank for Pokémon like Scarfed Heatran, Specs Raikou/Jolteon, Mega Manectric, Mega Charizard Y, etc. and because I wanted the grass immunity to be able to switch in into Ferrothorn, Breloom, Serperior and even Mega Venausar to a lesser degree. Goodra, then, fulfills the role of a special tank as it can take a lot of special hits and then attack back. Besides this, I've found another important situation where Goodra has helped me a lot: it can take a Life Orb Draco Meteor from Latios/Latias (if its HP is low, then I just sacrifice it) and that allows me to then go into Mega-Altaria and start to set up on those Pokémon. Draco Meteor hits really hard and has little switch ins except for Chansey, Blissey, Gothitelle and fairies. Dragon Tail is actually pretty good in OU, as not many people expect it. If I manage to switch in a grass move and get the attack boost from Sap Sipper, then I wait for my opponent's switch and hit with Dragon Tail. I like running Thunderbolt specifically againt Gyarados and to avoid using Draco Meteor when a Gothitelle is about to come in. Fire Blast serves almost the same role as Thunderbolt, but it gives me greater chances to hit Scizor, Ferrothorn, Breloom and practically every Pokémon that decides to come in on Goodra.
Skarmory @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
- Defog
- Iron Head
Before Skarmory, I used to have Azelf as my SR and Taunt user. However, I found out that it would often get outsped by Scarf users or priority and that setting my hazards up was a bit difficult. This is why I thought about Skarmory. Its defense allows it to stay on phyisical hits and allows me to put SR when facing Landorus, Mega Metagross, Tyranitar, etc. However, in most of these cases, the opposing Pokémon can also set their own SR. Skarmory also allows me to switch without big worries on Pokémon like Diancie and Latios/Latias as long as they don't have HP Fire and can then proceed to set its own SR or Taunt them so they don't use Defog or other move. Defog is used mainly when I need to switch into Talonflame or Altaria. Taunt also helps me stop other Pokémon such as Forretress, Chansey, Blissey and Pokémon that try to set up or recover HP. I decided to use Iron Head so Skarmory is not a complete Taunt bait and so that I can hit Diancie.
Scizor @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
I had originally chosen Scizor as my Defog user when I had Azelf. However, with the incorporation of Skarmory, I changed this Scizor's moveset and EV spread from defensive to offensive. Scizor's role in my team is mainly to pick up weakened Pokémon and KO them. I can do this mainly with BP as it gets STAB and priority and allows me to stop Diancie, Kyurem and Weavile. Knock Off is useful when facing Pokémon like Alomomola, Chansey, Gothitelle, Celebi, Jirachi and Gengar. I included Superpower because I found out that Chansey was putting a lot of pressure on my team and I needed something for it. Superpower has also been helpful against Ferrothorn in case Goodra cannot stop it anymore and also against defensive Heatran. U-turn allows me to gain momentum against weakened Pokémon that switch out predicting a Bullet Punch. I prefer Life Orb over Choice Band as I don't like getting locked in a specific move because it makes me lose momentum.
Conclusion
I've really enjoyed battling with this team because I think that these Pokémon have a good synergy. I feel they all have a specific role to play. However, I've recognized that I am weak against Pokémon like Sableye/Mega Sableye, Mega Lopunny, Heatran, Sand Rush Excadrill, bulky Tyranitar, Mega Charizard X at +1 and I find it difficult to put up a fight against them. I appreciate any comments you wish to post regarding this. Thanks!
Hello everybody. This is the first time I post something on RMT. Here I have a team built around Mega Altaria. I've used this team for a couple of weeks already and it's certainly been helpful, but I would like if you could help me rate it and tell me what you think regarding its potential and flaws.
Altaria @ Altarianite
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Dragon Dance
- Return
- Roost
- Heal Bell
This is the Pokémon I decided to build the team around. It's main role is to set up and sweep. I've tried Adamant Altarias, but I've always found a need to be able to outspeed Pokémon like Mega Lopunny at +1, some Scarf users or Pokémon like Breloom and Mega Heracross. Dragon Dance allows me to set up on Pokémon weak to fairies and on Pokémon like Latios and Latias once they've used Draco Meteor, Mega Slowbro to a certain extent, DD Dragonite, Mega Charizard X without Earthquake, etc. Return is to hit most things I can with STAB. Roost is used when taking advantage of certain switches or when trying to set up on things like Mega Slowbro, Chansey, Mega Charizard X. Finally, I've included Heal Bell as it allows me to set up on more things than if I had another damaging move such as Earthquake. Heal Bell can cure poison from Chansey, burns from Scald, even Will-O-Wisp from Sableye/Mega Sableye if I decide to set up on that.
Talonflame @ Sharp Beak
Ability: Gale Wings
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature (+Spe, -SpA)
- Brave Bird
- Swords Dance
- U-turn
- Roost
I chose Talonflame because of Mega-Altaria's weakness to steel and for a strong priority to KO Pokémon that Mega-Altaria can't KO if it hasn't set up (Mega Pinsir, Mega Lopunny, Keldeo, Starmie after Stealth Rocks, Venusaur, etc.) I used to have Flare Blitz over Swords Dance in order to KO Pokémon like Bisharp, Scizor and Ferrothorn, but then I found out that in those situations the opponent would switch out into something that resisted Flare Blitz. Because of this, I thought it would be better to set up with Talonflame on those switches and then be able to hit harder at +2 either with Brave Bird or U-turn. Talonflame has mainly two roles in this team: one is to get rid of threats for Mega-Altaria and the other one to set up and sweep. Roost is there to be able to recover HP and keep on switching even with Stealth Rock up.
Rotom-Wash @ Chesto Berry
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 SpD
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Rest
My next choice was Rotom-W because my team was weak to Rock and Ice and I had trouble against Pokémon like Garchomp, Heatran, Magnezone, Mega Metagross, etc. The EVs maximize physical bulk and 248 HP allow Rotom-W to take a bit less damage from Stealth Rock and status. Rotom-W's main role in this team is to act as pivot and be able to burn Pokémon like the aforementioned plus Dragonite, Bisharp, Scizor, Tyranitar and even Excadrill, so either Mega-Altaria or Talonflame can then come in and attack or set up on those burned Pokémon. Volt Switch allows Rotom-W to get free switches, Hydro Pump hits Pokémon hard with STAB, although I don't use it frequently as I prefer the momentum gained by Volt Switch. Finally, Rest allows Rotom-W to stay on Pokémon like Heatran, which can be a great problem to my team if Rotom-W goes down. Specially defensive Heatran can take 2 and maybe 3 Hydro Pumps and stall me with Toxic + Protect. However, this is where Rest comes in handy, as Rotom-W is able to stay a little longer against specially defensive Heatran and recover HP when low.
Goodra @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sap Sipper
EVs: 240 HP / 252 SpA / 16 Spe
Modest Nature (+SpA, -Atk)
- Draco Meteor
- Dragon Tail
- Thunderbolt
- Fire Blast
Goodra is a Pokémon that I find is relatively unknown in OU. Goodra has a suprisingly amazing special bulk and with Sap Sipper it gets an immunity to grass. Goodra's addition to this team was basically because I needed a special tank for Pokémon like Scarfed Heatran, Specs Raikou/Jolteon, Mega Manectric, Mega Charizard Y, etc. and because I wanted the grass immunity to be able to switch in into Ferrothorn, Breloom, Serperior and even Mega Venausar to a lesser degree. Goodra, then, fulfills the role of a special tank as it can take a lot of special hits and then attack back. Besides this, I've found another important situation where Goodra has helped me a lot: it can take a Life Orb Draco Meteor from Latios/Latias (if its HP is low, then I just sacrifice it) and that allows me to then go into Mega-Altaria and start to set up on those Pokémon. Draco Meteor hits really hard and has little switch ins except for Chansey, Blissey, Gothitelle and fairies. Dragon Tail is actually pretty good in OU, as not many people expect it. If I manage to switch in a grass move and get the attack boost from Sap Sipper, then I wait for my opponent's switch and hit with Dragon Tail. I like running Thunderbolt specifically againt Gyarados and to avoid using Draco Meteor when a Gothitelle is about to come in. Fire Blast serves almost the same role as Thunderbolt, but it gives me greater chances to hit Scizor, Ferrothorn, Breloom and practically every Pokémon that decides to come in on Goodra.
Skarmory @ Leftovers
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature (+Def, -SpA)
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
- Defog
- Iron Head
Before Skarmory, I used to have Azelf as my SR and Taunt user. However, I found out that it would often get outsped by Scarf users or priority and that setting my hazards up was a bit difficult. This is why I thought about Skarmory. Its defense allows it to stay on phyisical hits and allows me to put SR when facing Landorus, Mega Metagross, Tyranitar, etc. However, in most of these cases, the opposing Pokémon can also set their own SR. Skarmory also allows me to switch without big worries on Pokémon like Diancie and Latios/Latias as long as they don't have HP Fire and can then proceed to set its own SR or Taunt them so they don't use Defog or other move. Defog is used mainly when I need to switch into Talonflame or Altaria. Taunt also helps me stop other Pokémon such as Forretress, Chansey, Blissey and Pokémon that try to set up or recover HP. I decided to use Iron Head so Skarmory is not a complete Taunt bait and so that I can hit Diancie.
Scizor @ Life Orb
Ability: Technician
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SpA)
- Knock Off
- Superpower
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
I had originally chosen Scizor as my Defog user when I had Azelf. However, with the incorporation of Skarmory, I changed this Scizor's moveset and EV spread from defensive to offensive. Scizor's role in my team is mainly to pick up weakened Pokémon and KO them. I can do this mainly with BP as it gets STAB and priority and allows me to stop Diancie, Kyurem and Weavile. Knock Off is useful when facing Pokémon like Alomomola, Chansey, Gothitelle, Celebi, Jirachi and Gengar. I included Superpower because I found out that Chansey was putting a lot of pressure on my team and I needed something for it. Superpower has also been helpful against Ferrothorn in case Goodra cannot stop it anymore and also against defensive Heatran. U-turn allows me to gain momentum against weakened Pokémon that switch out predicting a Bullet Punch. I prefer Life Orb over Choice Band as I don't like getting locked in a specific move because it makes me lose momentum.
Conclusion
I've really enjoyed battling with this team because I think that these Pokémon have a good synergy. I feel they all have a specific role to play. However, I've recognized that I am weak against Pokémon like Sableye/Mega Sableye, Mega Lopunny, Heatran, Sand Rush Excadrill, bulky Tyranitar, Mega Charizard X at +1 and I find it difficult to put up a fight against them. I appreciate any comments you wish to post regarding this. Thanks!
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