A little Background check on myself - you might know me best under the SN "Fire Sock". I personally capped at [about] 1210, about a year ago. I was discouraged shortly thereafter, but for what it’s worth, hear it through. I'm not complaining, but my play style actually made people leave the matches. [I counted an average of 4/5 matches won this way, over eight different days that I kept track]. My play style was aggressive; the lead SRed, Dual Screened, the exploded, then I swept. Though I can't figure out why, I preceded to lose 10-20 points every time I won a match due to the opponent leaving. This, in turn, made me eventually scrap the team altogether. Since then, I have been trying to build another impressive team. I have been online only at college, at certain times, for about 3 total hours if I am lucky. The internet connection is shaky at best, hence my new test name, DCpro. (Yeah guys, I finally made it =P)Complaining aside, I have made a team that wins fairly well, and although I can't seem to stay in the metagame long enough to learn it, I think I got the gist of how it works.
Well, that was negative :( A little detail - I believe that there are 16 weaknesses (2 Pokémon hold 10 of them), 40 resistances (I'm proud for having more than three), and 9 immunities. By the way, if ghost resists grass, someone let me know. I might need to know that sometime. Eh, probably not. Anyway, I want to say that I tend to play more offensively, although I toned it down a bit, but I have this habit of pushing walls to far, leaving them useless, ultimately. So this team aims to be bulky while attack-oriented. Is this one of those Semi-Stall Hyper-Offensive teams I've heard about? I think so. Anyway, I do look for rates and advice, and I'll explain my odd situations.
Shout out to Twash for giving me two great Pokémon in a two minute conversation. Funny thing is, they were for a different team altogether. I took and made all the sets myself, regardless of how obviously overused some are, except for the Tyranitar set. Twash gave me Swampert's EVs and the Scarf on Rotom-H. Without further ado:
Sayozen (Swampert) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 Spd
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Beam
- Protect
Thank you Twash. This one has been the most questionable so far, but overall reliable. I notice three leads now - Aerodactyl, Azelf, and a few Ninjask. I am still torn between moves, though, and whether to counter these leads or go vaguer with power.
I think it is easy to say this guy takes on Stealth Rock duty and occasionally scouts for me. Earthquake was the easy choice for damage, but I wonder if it is needed, maybe over Ice Beam/Avalanche? Most leads I see are Immune, and I have trouble keeping him in mid/late game. Ice Beam sits here, but I have come to terms with needing a Water type attack, mainly since Latias isn't the most reliable way to cover Ground/Rock types. I was thinking either Surf/Waterfall in the third slot, but once again, it doesn't seem like I can lure the Rock/Grounds easily. Lastly, Protect scouts and gets leftovers recovery. I thought about changing to Roar but I am unsure about needing a phaser on a Pokémon such as this. My thoughts are if I do, change to start switching right away, which isn't what I've been doing. The EVs are straightforward, I hope. Max out Defense and HP, and one point to at least speed tie base 60s.
Linade (Latias) (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Trick
- Draco Meteor
- Surf
- Thunderbolt
Latias is an interesting Pokémon. On one hand, wish it would be banned, on the other, it seems...weak. Either way I like using this modest Pokémon as a nuke, and it answers my call very well. Trick is for those Pokémon who think they can wall it, although since many can't, I am considering dropping trick for a more suitable move. I have found that the best checks try to trick me instead, making my life better. Draco Meteor is that nuking device I mentioned. Surf seemed like a good idea, since its neutrality can sweep late-game, but its overall use is under examination. Thunderbolt was for Bulky Waters, since they attempt to live past the nuke, heal, and set up. Note that I don't run HP Fire because I am not afraid to DM Pursuiters (Scizor), but if suggested I'll take away trick. The EVs are straightforward, and I try to stay away from 4 HP, mainly because even numbers will not be left with 1HP if residual damage stacks enough. Timid is to tie base 110s.
Sorokun (Scizor) (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP/252 Atk/8 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
Speak of the Devil Pursuiter; this is one that seems to be awkward in certain situations. I never seem to use more than U-Turn and Bullet Punch. Either way, it is a standard set, and I feel like the more I explain it, the more I look like an idiot, since this set was on 90+% of Scizors, and on 27% of teams, effectively, at one point and time. Bullet punch is 90 BP after STAB/Tech, and it a good priority. U-Turn is to scout and hit for good damage. Superpower is for things like Blissey and Snorlax, and as a side note, is it better to use Bullet Punch or Superpower on Tyranitar? I never can damage calc, so I'd appreciate it. I'm typing this offline as it is xD. Pursuit is to trap and kill weakened Pokémon or Psychic or Ghost types. The EVs are simple - 8 was for out speeding 4 EV base 65s (mostly other Scizor, just in case), Adamant for the damage.
Tirake (Tyranitar) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 116 Atk/248 Spd/144 SAtk
Hasty nature (+Spd, -Def)
- Dragon Dance
- Ice Beam
- Fire Blast
- Stone Edge
How do you sum up this set? A counter counter. In fact, it counters its counters so good; it finds itself in a sweeping position more often than not. There is a method to the madness.
Dragon Dance is the lure of this set, not only do you have an incredible speed from the EVs and moderate attack, but now you boost them. But the trick is that people will assume the standard set and switch in something resistant to you standard set attacks. This is usually something like a Skarmory or Hippowdon. Attack accordingly and you shall see a 2HKO at worst on thier best Tyranitar counter. Then, you proceed to sweep with your attack of choice, which I still cannot decide on Stone Edge or Crunch, and you get closer to victory.
My problem is that I usually don't find myself using Ice Beam anymore. I was wondering if Thunderbolt is useful, but I don't think it will be. Any suggestions here are appreciated, but I'm happy with this right now. The EVs are something like 360 speed after a Dragon Dance, and enough Special Attack to OHKO/2HKO threats like Skarmory and Hippowdon. The rest is in Attack.
Rogune (Rotom-h) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Charge Beam
- Trick
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat
First off, I hope something catches your eye with the moves; I'll address that in a moment. This was the other thank you to Twash, as I now love the oven for more than evenly-toasted toast. It seems to scare most things away with Thunderbolt and Overheat, and I can trick if needed, for that damn Blissey. The EVs were made for attacking, and Modest nature for power.
I originally had Charge beam as a mess up - it was going to be used on that sub set, but I switched it back. Unwittingly, I came to find that I can use the move to power up Rotom-H, and sweep accordingly. I am curious to know opinions on this, somewhat successful maneuver, and if I should get Shadow Ball or not.
Hezynio (Heatran) (M) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 220 Atk/80 Spd/208 SAtk
Rash nature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Scary Face
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Explosion
Ah, my baby set. I am going to look into posting this set on Smogon, so I will unearth the specifics sometime soon. I cultivated this set in desire of using Heatran in a way more successful than its scarfed brethren. The premise of the set it this; Switch in with the scarfed look on your face, create a switch to a Pokémon that would normally counter you, Scary Face it (on the switch, obviously), and kill it.
At first this might seem flawed, but it is better than it seems. Most people expect Heatran to use one move and switch, most notably Fire Blast. You can expect Heatran itself to counter this, or another Fire Resist/Immune to come in. This usually means I get to kill with Earth Power, as most people do not switch twice. If people expect the Earth Power, like if you switch to a scarfed Heatran, then you can Scary Face the Salamence, Gyarados, Flygon, and more, out speed, and kill with Explosion. Fire Blast is there as a standard attacking move, as you don't always find a super effective attack to work, and this packs a serious punch regardless.
Keep in mind that I do not fear Exploding. It's there, and it works. Taking a Heatran like this and using it twice is a hard task, and you don't always live through it. So the explosion can mean thier sweeper won't set-up and kill you, and thier Special Wall will die in agony. Yes, Blissey hate me, which is just as well, since I can't use them anyway.
The EVs are spread out more interesting. It has been a while since I did Calcs, but after Stealth Rocks, I believe Blissey, and the intimidate Dragons are OHKOed with Explosion at exactly that Attack. 80 Speed brought me to 210, enough to out speed anything meant to out speed Scarfed Heatran after a Scary Face. The rest was Special Attack; Since a 380+ Special Attack isn't weak at all.
All in all, this team has won most of its matches. I'm proud of it, I made it myself (yay) and it uses unusual sets. Any rating, reading, suggestions, noting that I missed a small error and am about to mess up the space time continuum, all of that is greatly appreciated. I am looking to go farther than 1200 with this team, so I want all the critiquing I can get. I thank you in advance, and hope I did everything right, post wise. It’s been a while…
~Will
Well, that was negative :( A little detail - I believe that there are 16 weaknesses (2 Pokémon hold 10 of them), 40 resistances (I'm proud for having more than three), and 9 immunities. By the way, if ghost resists grass, someone let me know. I might need to know that sometime. Eh, probably not. Anyway, I want to say that I tend to play more offensively, although I toned it down a bit, but I have this habit of pushing walls to far, leaving them useless, ultimately. So this team aims to be bulky while attack-oriented. Is this one of those Semi-Stall Hyper-Offensive teams I've heard about? I think so. Anyway, I do look for rates and advice, and I'll explain my odd situations.
Shout out to Twash for giving me two great Pokémon in a two minute conversation. Funny thing is, they were for a different team altogether. I took and made all the sets myself, regardless of how obviously overused some are, except for the Tyranitar set. Twash gave me Swampert's EVs and the Scarf on Rotom-H. Without further ado:
Sayozen (Swampert) (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 252 HP/252 Def/4 Spd
Impish nature (+Def, -SAtk)
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Ice Beam
- Protect
Thank you Twash. This one has been the most questionable so far, but overall reliable. I notice three leads now - Aerodactyl, Azelf, and a few Ninjask. I am still torn between moves, though, and whether to counter these leads or go vaguer with power.
I think it is easy to say this guy takes on Stealth Rock duty and occasionally scouts for me. Earthquake was the easy choice for damage, but I wonder if it is needed, maybe over Ice Beam/Avalanche? Most leads I see are Immune, and I have trouble keeping him in mid/late game. Ice Beam sits here, but I have come to terms with needing a Water type attack, mainly since Latias isn't the most reliable way to cover Ground/Rock types. I was thinking either Surf/Waterfall in the third slot, but once again, it doesn't seem like I can lure the Rock/Grounds easily. Lastly, Protect scouts and gets leftovers recovery. I thought about changing to Roar but I am unsure about needing a phaser on a Pokémon such as this. My thoughts are if I do, change to start switching right away, which isn't what I've been doing. The EVs are straightforward, I hope. Max out Defense and HP, and one point to at least speed tie base 60s.
Linade (Latias) (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Trick
- Draco Meteor
- Surf
- Thunderbolt
Latias is an interesting Pokémon. On one hand, wish it would be banned, on the other, it seems...weak. Either way I like using this modest Pokémon as a nuke, and it answers my call very well. Trick is for those Pokémon who think they can wall it, although since many can't, I am considering dropping trick for a more suitable move. I have found that the best checks try to trick me instead, making my life better. Draco Meteor is that nuking device I mentioned. Surf seemed like a good idea, since its neutrality can sweep late-game, but its overall use is under examination. Thunderbolt was for Bulky Waters, since they attempt to live past the nuke, heal, and set up. Note that I don't run HP Fire because I am not afraid to DM Pursuiters (Scizor), but if suggested I'll take away trick. The EVs are straightforward, and I try to stay away from 4 HP, mainly because even numbers will not be left with 1HP if residual damage stacks enough. Timid is to tie base 110s.
Sorokun (Scizor) (M) @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 248 HP/252 Atk/8 Spd
Adamant nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- U-turn
- Bullet Punch
- Superpower
- Pursuit
Speak of the Devil Pursuiter; this is one that seems to be awkward in certain situations. I never seem to use more than U-Turn and Bullet Punch. Either way, it is a standard set, and I feel like the more I explain it, the more I look like an idiot, since this set was on 90+% of Scizors, and on 27% of teams, effectively, at one point and time. Bullet punch is 90 BP after STAB/Tech, and it a good priority. U-Turn is to scout and hit for good damage. Superpower is for things like Blissey and Snorlax, and as a side note, is it better to use Bullet Punch or Superpower on Tyranitar? I never can damage calc, so I'd appreciate it. I'm typing this offline as it is xD. Pursuit is to trap and kill weakened Pokémon or Psychic or Ghost types. The EVs are simple - 8 was for out speeding 4 EV base 65s (mostly other Scizor, just in case), Adamant for the damage.
Tirake (Tyranitar) (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 116 Atk/248 Spd/144 SAtk
Hasty nature (+Spd, -Def)
- Dragon Dance
- Ice Beam
- Fire Blast
- Stone Edge
How do you sum up this set? A counter counter. In fact, it counters its counters so good; it finds itself in a sweeping position more often than not. There is a method to the madness.
Dragon Dance is the lure of this set, not only do you have an incredible speed from the EVs and moderate attack, but now you boost them. But the trick is that people will assume the standard set and switch in something resistant to you standard set attacks. This is usually something like a Skarmory or Hippowdon. Attack accordingly and you shall see a 2HKO at worst on thier best Tyranitar counter. Then, you proceed to sweep with your attack of choice, which I still cannot decide on Stone Edge or Crunch, and you get closer to victory.
My problem is that I usually don't find myself using Ice Beam anymore. I was wondering if Thunderbolt is useful, but I don't think it will be. Any suggestions here are appreciated, but I'm happy with this right now. The EVs are something like 360 speed after a Dragon Dance, and enough Special Attack to OHKO/2HKO threats like Skarmory and Hippowdon. The rest is in Attack.
Rogune (Rotom-h) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 Def/252 Spd/252 SAtk
Modest nature (+SAtk, -Atk)
- Charge Beam
- Trick
- Thunderbolt
- Overheat
First off, I hope something catches your eye with the moves; I'll address that in a moment. This was the other thank you to Twash, as I now love the oven for more than evenly-toasted toast. It seems to scare most things away with Thunderbolt and Overheat, and I can trick if needed, for that damn Blissey. The EVs were made for attacking, and Modest nature for power.
I originally had Charge beam as a mess up - it was going to be used on that sub set, but I switched it back. Unwittingly, I came to find that I can use the move to power up Rotom-H, and sweep accordingly. I am curious to know opinions on this, somewhat successful maneuver, and if I should get Shadow Ball or not.
Hezynio (Heatran) (M) @ Shuca Berry
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 220 Atk/80 Spd/208 SAtk
Rash nature (+SAtk, -SDef)
- Scary Face
- Fire Blast
- Earth Power
- Explosion
Ah, my baby set. I am going to look into posting this set on Smogon, so I will unearth the specifics sometime soon. I cultivated this set in desire of using Heatran in a way more successful than its scarfed brethren. The premise of the set it this; Switch in with the scarfed look on your face, create a switch to a Pokémon that would normally counter you, Scary Face it (on the switch, obviously), and kill it.
At first this might seem flawed, but it is better than it seems. Most people expect Heatran to use one move and switch, most notably Fire Blast. You can expect Heatran itself to counter this, or another Fire Resist/Immune to come in. This usually means I get to kill with Earth Power, as most people do not switch twice. If people expect the Earth Power, like if you switch to a scarfed Heatran, then you can Scary Face the Salamence, Gyarados, Flygon, and more, out speed, and kill with Explosion. Fire Blast is there as a standard attacking move, as you don't always find a super effective attack to work, and this packs a serious punch regardless.
Keep in mind that I do not fear Exploding. It's there, and it works. Taking a Heatran like this and using it twice is a hard task, and you don't always live through it. So the explosion can mean thier sweeper won't set-up and kill you, and thier Special Wall will die in agony. Yes, Blissey hate me, which is just as well, since I can't use them anyway.
The EVs are spread out more interesting. It has been a while since I did Calcs, but after Stealth Rocks, I believe Blissey, and the intimidate Dragons are OHKOed with Explosion at exactly that Attack. 80 Speed brought me to 210, enough to out speed anything meant to out speed Scarfed Heatran after a Scary Face. The rest was Special Attack; Since a 380+ Special Attack isn't weak at all.
All in all, this team has won most of its matches. I'm proud of it, I made it myself (yay) and it uses unusual sets. Any rating, reading, suggestions, noting that I missed a small error and am about to mess up the space time continuum, all of that is greatly appreciated. I am looking to go farther than 1200 with this team, so I want all the critiquing I can get. I thank you in advance, and hope I did everything right, post wise. It’s been a while…
~Will
