This is my second RMT, after a disastrous first team to which I stuck even though it refused to perform beyond a certain limit. Since I prefer HO to any other playstyle, I decided to take a dual screener and put 5 sweepers with excellent attacking stats, and hoped that it would come off. Deletions are in Red, and additions are in Green.
To start with, I needed a dual screener, which is fast, has decent staying power and preferably does not allow entry hazards to be set up. To satisfy these requirements, I got Espeon, and despite its numerous common weaknesses, especially to lead Greninja and Genesect, I have persisted with using it as the absence of entry hazards is essential to my team's success. I am open to other suggestions, though.
So now, the team looked like this:
Now, I really wanted to use Mega-Ttar with Dragon Dance, but i found that its weakness to fighting types irritating. So, now the presence of dual screens would really help it to set up on the opposition and then blast it to pieces. Besides, the boost in Sp. Def that comes with sandstorms would ensure that I can set up in peace (relatively).
So, now the team had 2 members:
Now, I wanted another attacker to cover TTar's weaknesses - and I wanted it to be bulky. And then came to my mind a 'mon which I have seen devastate teams with its attacking prowess and typing - Azumarill. Its fairy typing covered up for whatever weaknesses it had, and it gets Belly Drum and Aqua Jet - two moves which i have been at the receiving end of. Waterfall is for slower foes and Play Rough is the standard Fairy stab to pull off on a dragon type - although I almost never end up getting to use it.
So, now I had half of my team ready:
The second half of the team caused me much more trouble. Ideally, I wanted a Steel, a Dragon and a Fire type to comeplete a SFD core and remove the Grass-types which threaten Azumarill. I experimented with lots of Dragons, and each seemed to fall to a different kind of threat. Dragonite was my first choice, due to the Multiscale-Weakness Policy combo, and it seems that the item was tailor made for it. So, Dragonite became the fourth member of this team:
Now, I desperately needed a Special Attacker, and a fire type, so I chose Volcarona. Espeon covers for the Stealth Rock weakness - and usually the opposing team cannot affored to use a single turn for field moves for this team, unless they are status condition moves.
So, my team had 5 members now, and they were:
Now, I needed a glue for this team, and that needed to be a Steel type. I tried using Magnezone, but was outsped and KOed by eveything it was meant to counter. So, I got myself ScarfSect, and my team was complete.
After some time, I found out that Mega Ttar wasn't really pulling its weight in the team, and was getting beaten quite consistently through priority attacks. Also, my team was being consistently walled by anything using Will-o-Wisp, so i ditched Ttar for Nasty Plot Mega Lucario. True, I lost some of my physical offensive prowess, but in this metagame , I've found out that its much more difficult to wall special attackers than physical ones due to Will-o-Wisp's presence. So, the team's look changed to this:
Now on to the analysis:
Espeon @ Light Clay
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Dazzling Gleam
- Protect
- Reflect
- Light Screen
This is, quite obviously, my dual screener. Light Clay is for having screens up for a longer time, so that if one sweeper goes down in a few turns another can set up and sweep too. Protect is to scout for possible moves from the opposition, so I know which screen to set up first. This is especially important for leads such as Genesect, so that I know which screen to set up (although most Genesect now are physical and scarfed, so it really doesn't make much sense).
EVs are to maximise speed, so I can set up screens before most other leads, and max HP EVs give it more staying power. Dazzling Gleam is the sole attack so that I can actually hit some common Pursuit, Knock Off or Crunch users (such as Ttar) super effectively.
Lucario-Mega @ Lucarionite
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Nasty Plot
- Vacuum Wave
- Flash Cannon
This is the replacement for Mega Tyranitar. I was tired of having a pokemon's efforts in setting up getting destroyed a single debilitating status effect called BURN. It became even more irritating to have mega Tyranitar being outsped by a few pokemon just because of priority. So, in came Nasty Plot Mega Lucario, a 'mon which is almost impossible to counter due to its high speed, awesome ability and access to great priority attacks. I send this 'mon in, use Nasty Plot as the opponent switches to his physical attack wall, and use it yet again as he either switches or sticks with using will-o-wisp on me. Thus, I usually get two turns of setup, and even special walls can hardly withstand repeated attacks at +4 - and if I get a 'mon trying to use Wish+Protect, I use that turn, or both turns if required, to set up to get to +6. But I guess that Nasty Plot Lucario is becoming pretty common, as I find people switching in popular special counters into me as I set up for the first time - but that usually doesn't prevent me from setting up. I rely on the sheer power provided through Adaptability to break through any wall but using my STAB attacks, and I have found this to be totally satisfactory. Aura Sphere and Flash Cannon are the main powerful STABS, and Vacuum Wave is for finishing off any weakened foes before they hit back.
EVs maximise Sp. Atk. and Spd. Nothing very special about this... except that this 'mon is Very Very Special.
Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
This 'mon is the easiest to set up, by far. However, sometimes I can surprise a Sabelye which expects me to Belly Drum by using Play Rough, and then switching out for a better opportunity. Aqua Jet and Play Rough are the Primary STABs, however i find myself using Play Rough very few times - maybe its because everything I face is faster than me, and Aqua Jet's power OHKO's almost everything. I hate 'mons using Will-o-Wisp on me, though. Any suggestions?
EVs maximise Atk. and HP, to give it maximum staying power while hitting things hard. Nothing else to say... except that its awesome to see this little thing sweep after a belly drum which comes off.
Volcarona @ Life Orb
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain
- Fiery Dance
This is the primary fire type and Special Attacker that this team needs. Quiver Dacne helps it to boost its speed to hellishly high levels, along with its special attack and Special Defense. I hate having Life Orb suck up my health until nothing is left, but I can't deny that it helps me secure important OHKOs, especially on certain dangerous 'mons which would otherwise wreck my team. I often find its defense lacking, and anything can OHKO it with an unboosted Stone Edge or Rock Tomb. Bug Buzz and Fiery Dance are primary STAB attacks, and Giga Drain is for coverage on water types such as Greninja and Azumarill, the two 'mons to which my team is weak. However, I sometimes think that i need something else to deal with steels - something which can handle fire types, water types and grass types at the same time.
EVs maximise Sp. Atk. and Spd. Another thing - why does PS! recommend an EV spread in which Volcarona lasts only two turns of Stealth Rock?
Dragonite @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
Ah, Dragonite. Gen 5 was very kind to it - it got Multiscale. Now, even though Dragons are more vulnerable than ever before, Dnite's Multiscale-Weakness Policy allows it to set up with ease - as long as hazards are off the field. Now, Espeon ensures that there are no obstacles on the field for Dnite, so I can easily get off a Dragon Dance and use my Weakness Policy to boost the Atk. stat to terrifying levels. Seriously, this thing can kill off a 'mon with Extreme Speed - although that was a Weavile which got killed, so it really doesn't mean anything, but still, it looks cool. At +3, Extreme Speed can do over 40% to a Charizard Mega-X, so that should give an idea of how powerful this is.
EVs maximise Atk. and Spd. At +2, Dragonite can outspeed max speed Deoxys-S with positive nature, and I can usually get off 2 DDs, so it can get rid of almost every single 'mon it faces before they have a chance to move. True, 'mons carrying Ice Shard are a threat, but I can usually eliminate them using Extreme Speed - Dragonite's raw power, coupled with the boosts, can OHKO almost everything.
Genesect @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Hasty Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- U-turn
Up till now, this team might appear to be a collection of random 'mons with some small bit of type synergy, thrown together. So, i got Genesect, a 'mon which is now the glue of this team. ScarfSect takes care of all the threats I failed to cover before, with my other 'mons. The excellent coverage granted by Flamethrower/ Thunderbolt/ Ice Beam is inimitable, and U-turn can handle all Psychic and Dark types with ease, besides maintaining momentum. U-turn is only to allow a setup 'mon to enter, setup and sweep. Also, I send this into all 'mons spamming Knock Off, because it isn't exactly crippled by losing its item.
EVs are pretty standard - max Sp. Atk. and Spd. and hasty to maximise Spd. Nothing much to say... except that without this, my team would probably fall apart.
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
This is the premier physical attacker of the team. I'm currently undecided about whether to use Dragon Dance or Hone Claws, but I'm using the former because dual screens allow me to set up easily till +2 on Atk. and Spd., and that outspeeds pretty much everything and OHKOs them too. However, sometimes I've been left ruing the terrible accuracy that Stone Edge has, and wished that I had some extra bulk to withstand a Mach Punch from Breloom or a Dazzling Gleam or Focus Blast from anything with an above average Sp. Atk. stat. Crunch and Stone Edge (despite its accuracy) as STAB attacks, and Earthquake because... well, its Earthquake. It hits almost everything, and hits them hard.
EVs maximise Atk. and Spd. so that I can outspeed everything after 2 Dragon Dances. Nothing much to say about it. However, I'm considering using Mega Aggron, but its low Sp. Def. stat's putting me off. Not that Ttar's Sp. Def. is that high, but Sand Stream helps boost it to more respectable levels along with dual screens.
THREATS:
Mega Venusaur: This is a huge threat to my team due to Thick Fat. Defensive versions can set us with ease on me, and Volcarona and Genesect's attacks have too little damage due to Thick Fat. I think I would need a Talonflame, but that would mean removing Volcarona, and I need at least 2 special attackers so that I am not completely walled by Skarmory or Mandibuzz.
Talonflame: This thing abuses priority like nothing else in existence. If it gets a bulk up or swords dance off, it can demolish my team. Azumarill can only OHKO it if it is allowed to use Belly Drum and its Sitrus Berry behind screens, and the chances of that are pretty low. Genesect is much more solid as a counter, as it can use Thunderbolt to OHKO.
Greninja: This thing's ability makes it a great anti-lead. Its attacks nearly always prevent me from setting up properly. Late game, it can outspeed most of my 'mons, and the only proper counter I have is Azumarill, with Play Rough. However, Genesect makes this much less of a threat, with both U-Turn and Thunderbolt.
Life Orb Ferrothorn: Seriously, this thing exists. I've been at the receiving end of this. My Genesect was alive to KO this, but I swear that otherwise my team would have been swept by this. I don't remember who used this, but my jaw hit the floor when I saw this. Technically, I shouldn't have been surprised, but I was, as I don't think anyone uses this.
I cannot remember other threats to this team, as I have almost always succeeded in setting up. I do not ladder consistently, so my point rating isn't that high. However, I would like to have some suggestions on how to counter the threats I have mentioned, since I see them in almost every team I face.
That's all. Please, please, give some suggestions as to how i am supposed to improve this team, and/or reduce my reliance on being able to set up.
UPDATE:- I've added an importable for anyone who'd like to try this team out. Here it is:
Espeon @ Light Clay
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Dazzling Gleam
- Protect
- Reflect
- Light Screen
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
Dragonite @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
Genesect @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Hasty Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- U-turn
Volcarona @ Life Orb
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Quiver Dance
- Fiery Dance
- Giga Drain
To start with, I needed a dual screener, which is fast, has decent staying power and preferably does not allow entry hazards to be set up. To satisfy these requirements, I got Espeon, and despite its numerous common weaknesses, especially to lead Greninja and Genesect, I have persisted with using it as the absence of entry hazards is essential to my team's success. I am open to other suggestions, though.
So now, the team looked like this:
Now, I really wanted to use Mega-Ttar with Dragon Dance, but i found that its weakness to fighting types irritating. So, now the presence of dual screens would really help it to set up on the opposition and then blast it to pieces. Besides, the boost in Sp. Def that comes with sandstorms would ensure that I can set up in peace (relatively).
So, now the team had 2 members:
Now, I wanted another attacker to cover TTar's weaknesses - and I wanted it to be bulky. And then came to my mind a 'mon which I have seen devastate teams with its attacking prowess and typing - Azumarill. Its fairy typing covered up for whatever weaknesses it had, and it gets Belly Drum and Aqua Jet - two moves which i have been at the receiving end of. Waterfall is for slower foes and Play Rough is the standard Fairy stab to pull off on a dragon type - although I almost never end up getting to use it.
So, now I had half of my team ready:
The second half of the team caused me much more trouble. Ideally, I wanted a Steel, a Dragon and a Fire type to comeplete a SFD core and remove the Grass-types which threaten Azumarill. I experimented with lots of Dragons, and each seemed to fall to a different kind of threat. Dragonite was my first choice, due to the Multiscale-Weakness Policy combo, and it seems that the item was tailor made for it. So, Dragonite became the fourth member of this team:
Now, I desperately needed a Special Attacker, and a fire type, so I chose Volcarona. Espeon covers for the Stealth Rock weakness - and usually the opposing team cannot affored to use a single turn for field moves for this team, unless they are status condition moves.
So, my team had 5 members now, and they were:
Now, I needed a glue for this team, and that needed to be a Steel type. I tried using Magnezone, but was outsped and KOed by eveything it was meant to counter. So, I got myself ScarfSect, and my team was complete.
After some time, I found out that Mega Ttar wasn't really pulling its weight in the team, and was getting beaten quite consistently through priority attacks. Also, my team was being consistently walled by anything using Will-o-Wisp, so i ditched Ttar for Nasty Plot Mega Lucario. True, I lost some of my physical offensive prowess, but in this metagame , I've found out that its much more difficult to wall special attackers than physical ones due to Will-o-Wisp's presence. So, the team's look changed to this:
Now on to the analysis:
Espeon @ Light Clay
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Dazzling Gleam
- Protect
- Reflect
- Light Screen
This is, quite obviously, my dual screener. Light Clay is for having screens up for a longer time, so that if one sweeper goes down in a few turns another can set up and sweep too. Protect is to scout for possible moves from the opposition, so I know which screen to set up first. This is especially important for leads such as Genesect, so that I know which screen to set up (although most Genesect now are physical and scarfed, so it really doesn't make much sense).
EVs are to maximise speed, so I can set up screens before most other leads, and max HP EVs give it more staying power. Dazzling Gleam is the sole attack so that I can actually hit some common Pursuit, Knock Off or Crunch users (such as Ttar) super effectively.
Lucario-Mega @ Lucarionite
Ability: Adaptability
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Aura Sphere
- Nasty Plot
- Vacuum Wave
- Flash Cannon
This is the replacement for Mega Tyranitar. I was tired of having a pokemon's efforts in setting up getting destroyed a single debilitating status effect called BURN. It became even more irritating to have mega Tyranitar being outsped by a few pokemon just because of priority. So, in came Nasty Plot Mega Lucario, a 'mon which is almost impossible to counter due to its high speed, awesome ability and access to great priority attacks. I send this 'mon in, use Nasty Plot as the opponent switches to his physical attack wall, and use it yet again as he either switches or sticks with using will-o-wisp on me. Thus, I usually get two turns of setup, and even special walls can hardly withstand repeated attacks at +4 - and if I get a 'mon trying to use Wish+Protect, I use that turn, or both turns if required, to set up to get to +6. But I guess that Nasty Plot Lucario is becoming pretty common, as I find people switching in popular special counters into me as I set up for the first time - but that usually doesn't prevent me from setting up. I rely on the sheer power provided through Adaptability to break through any wall but using my STAB attacks, and I have found this to be totally satisfactory. Aura Sphere and Flash Cannon are the main powerful STABS, and Vacuum Wave is for finishing off any weakened foes before they hit back.
EVs maximise Sp. Atk. and Spd. Nothing very special about this... except that this 'mon is Very Very Special.
Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
This 'mon is the easiest to set up, by far. However, sometimes I can surprise a Sabelye which expects me to Belly Drum by using Play Rough, and then switching out for a better opportunity. Aqua Jet and Play Rough are the Primary STABs, however i find myself using Play Rough very few times - maybe its because everything I face is faster than me, and Aqua Jet's power OHKO's almost everything. I hate 'mons using Will-o-Wisp on me, though. Any suggestions?
EVs maximise Atk. and HP, to give it maximum staying power while hitting things hard. Nothing else to say... except that its awesome to see this little thing sweep after a belly drum which comes off.
Volcarona @ Life Orb
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Bug Buzz
- Giga Drain
- Fiery Dance
This is the primary fire type and Special Attacker that this team needs. Quiver Dacne helps it to boost its speed to hellishly high levels, along with its special attack and Special Defense. I hate having Life Orb suck up my health until nothing is left, but I can't deny that it helps me secure important OHKOs, especially on certain dangerous 'mons which would otherwise wreck my team. I often find its defense lacking, and anything can OHKO it with an unboosted Stone Edge or Rock Tomb. Bug Buzz and Fiery Dance are primary STAB attacks, and Giga Drain is for coverage on water types such as Greninja and Azumarill, the two 'mons to which my team is weak. However, I sometimes think that i need something else to deal with steels - something which can handle fire types, water types and grass types at the same time.
EVs maximise Sp. Atk. and Spd. Another thing - why does PS! recommend an EV spread in which Volcarona lasts only two turns of Stealth Rock?
Dragonite @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
Ah, Dragonite. Gen 5 was very kind to it - it got Multiscale. Now, even though Dragons are more vulnerable than ever before, Dnite's Multiscale-Weakness Policy allows it to set up with ease - as long as hazards are off the field. Now, Espeon ensures that there are no obstacles on the field for Dnite, so I can easily get off a Dragon Dance and use my Weakness Policy to boost the Atk. stat to terrifying levels. Seriously, this thing can kill off a 'mon with Extreme Speed - although that was a Weavile which got killed, so it really doesn't mean anything, but still, it looks cool. At +3, Extreme Speed can do over 40% to a Charizard Mega-X, so that should give an idea of how powerful this is.
EVs maximise Atk. and Spd. At +2, Dragonite can outspeed max speed Deoxys-S with positive nature, and I can usually get off 2 DDs, so it can get rid of almost every single 'mon it faces before they have a chance to move. True, 'mons carrying Ice Shard are a threat, but I can usually eliminate them using Extreme Speed - Dragonite's raw power, coupled with the boosts, can OHKO almost everything.
Genesect @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Hasty Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- U-turn
Up till now, this team might appear to be a collection of random 'mons with some small bit of type synergy, thrown together. So, i got Genesect, a 'mon which is now the glue of this team. ScarfSect takes care of all the threats I failed to cover before, with my other 'mons. The excellent coverage granted by Flamethrower/ Thunderbolt/ Ice Beam is inimitable, and U-turn can handle all Psychic and Dark types with ease, besides maintaining momentum. U-turn is only to allow a setup 'mon to enter, setup and sweep. Also, I send this into all 'mons spamming Knock Off, because it isn't exactly crippled by losing its item.
EVs are pretty standard - max Sp. Atk. and Spd. and hasty to maximise Spd. Nothing much to say... except that without this, my team would probably fall apart.
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
This is the premier physical attacker of the team. I'm currently undecided about whether to use Dragon Dance or Hone Claws, but I'm using the former because dual screens allow me to set up easily till +2 on Atk. and Spd., and that outspeeds pretty much everything and OHKOs them too. However, sometimes I've been left ruing the terrible accuracy that Stone Edge has, and wished that I had some extra bulk to withstand a Mach Punch from Breloom or a Dazzling Gleam or Focus Blast from anything with an above average Sp. Atk. stat. Crunch and Stone Edge (despite its accuracy) as STAB attacks, and Earthquake because... well, its Earthquake. It hits almost everything, and hits them hard.
EVs maximise Atk. and Spd. so that I can outspeed everything after 2 Dragon Dances. Nothing much to say about it. However, I'm considering using Mega Aggron, but its low Sp. Def. stat's putting me off. Not that Ttar's Sp. Def. is that high, but Sand Stream helps boost it to more respectable levels along with dual screens.
THREATS:
I cannot remember other threats to this team, as I have almost always succeeded in setting up. I do not ladder consistently, so my point rating isn't that high. However, I would like to have some suggestions on how to counter the threats I have mentioned, since I see them in almost every team I face.
That's all. Please, please, give some suggestions as to how i am supposed to improve this team, and/or reduce my reliance on being able to set up.
UPDATE:- I've added an importable for anyone who'd like to try this team out. Here it is:
Espeon @ Light Clay
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature
- Dazzling Gleam
- Protect
- Reflect
- Light Screen
Tyranitar-Mega @ Tyranitarite
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Crunch
- Stone Edge
- Earthquake
- Dragon Dance
Azumarill @ Sitrus Berry
Ability: Huge Power
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Atk / 4 SDef
Adamant Nature
- Belly Drum
- Aqua Jet
- Waterfall
- Play Rough
Dragonite @ Weakness Policy
Ability: Multiscale
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Dragon Claw
- Extreme Speed
- Earthquake
Genesect @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Download
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Hasty Nature
IVs: 30 Atk / 30 SAtk / 30 Spd
- Flamethrower
- Thunderbolt
- Ice Beam
- U-turn
Volcarona @ Life Orb
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Modest Nature
- Bug Buzz
- Quiver Dance
- Fiery Dance
- Giga Drain
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