National Dex NatDex Suboptimal Bulky Offense: Tyrantrum/Gengar core (updated!)

[Tungdil]

Hello everybody! I'm a huge fan of the Pokemon franchise since 1gen, I've built dozens of teams over the years. I've been playing pokemon showdown for fun mainly 6 and 7gen, but I loved this National Dex format in which we can choose among a lot of options. So this is my team, I'd really appreciate if you can help me by telling my main flaws and indicate potential alternatives!

Excadrill @ Focus Sash
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Rapid Spin
- Earthquake
- Toxic

Explanation

Excadrill is my leader, whose main role is to set the Stealth Rock and removes the opposing team entry hazards with Rapid Spin. Earthquake is the main STAB damage. Toxic is useful against some opposing defensive pokemon, but another option could be Rock Slide against Flying-type pokemon like Charizard. I've found some concerns about the last move.

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 HP / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Crunch

Explanation

Tyrantrum is my revenge killer, designed to beat on offensive teams. I am aware this is my weaker pokemon, but alongside Gengar, it is my favorite. The main STAB move is Head Smash that is devastating and works fine against a multitude of opposing pokemon due to the Choice Scarf. Outrage and Earthquake are auxiliary moves against specific threats, while Crunch is weak but sometimes works well against pokemon that resists the other moves.

Scizor @ Choice Band
Ability: Technician
EVs: 164 HP / 252 Atk / 92 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Superpower
- Knock Off

Explanation

Scizor is my pivot and wallbreaker, but it can also work as a revenge killer sometimes. The main move is U-turn, and Bullet Punch when it is necessary. Scizor is not good against opposing Steel-type pokemon, and Superpower deals with this handicap. The last move is Knock Off, but in previous generations, my choice was Pursuit, which is not available anymore.

Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Encore

Explanation

Gengar is my favorite pokemon alongside Tyrantrum, and it is my offensive utility. The two stab moves Shadow Ball and Sludge Wave are very strong, and they are useful against slower opposing pokemon. Focus Blast is to protect against some specific threats, like Normal-type Pokemon. Encore is my only option against passive pokemon that either relies on status moves or the ones that try to use defog, like Clefable and Skarmory, but in previous generations I used Taunt. I still don't know the best option for the last move.

Volcarona @ Buginium Z
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Flamethrower
- Bug Buzz
- Psychic

Explanation

Volcarona is my Z-crystal holder. Quiver Dance is just amazing, and every Volcarona uses it, however, it is rather difficult to use this move. The majority of my matches I don't use Quiver Dance, but when there is a free turn it works nice. Flamethrower is much safer than Fire Blast due to its accuracy. Against water/ground Giga Drain is amazing, but I prefer the pair STAB Bug Buzz + Buginium Z. Psychic is to break the opposing fire-type pokemon (mainly Charizard-X), but another possibility is the Hidden Power Ground. A completely different strategy is to build a bulkier Volcarona using Roost, but I think Gyarados fits better this role.

Gyarados @ Leftovers
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Bounce
- Substitute

Explanation

Gyarados is my sweeper, normally the win condition. Dragon Dance is to activate the sweeper ability. Waterfall is the main STAB move, and Bounce is nice to let the Leftovers recover the HP. Substitute is necessary to avoid status moves, and due to this unfortunately I couldn't use Earthquake, which I know is the only answer to Electric-type pokemon.

PS: I also love Alakazam, Lucario, Weavile, and Staraptor, but the team can have only 6 Pokemon. Not legendaries/mythical, please.

 

[shadowpea]

Hi!
This is a really interesting team! Gengar can be a difficult fit in OU but you pulled it off nicely. I'm kinda new to rating but I'm going to do my best. It's probably not terribly accurate so if someone comes along and says I'm wrong, listen to that guy.

So yeah, you asked if Tyrantrum is a wise choice, and I don't think so. Tyrantrum is really slow so Choice Scarf will still make it outsped by many foes. If you are looking for a physical revenge killer I suggest this:

Rillaboom @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- U-turn
- Grassy Glide
- Knock Off

This is one of the best revenge killers in the game. STAB Grassy Glide under terrain is the most powerful priority in the entire game. Choice Band furthers its power and allows it to spam Grassy Glide. U-Turn is for momentum, and Knock Off is to cripple mons like Chansey and Celesteela.

Second thing: Gyarados doesn't want to use Bounce unless it have the Z Crystal because it can be played around. What I mean is you use Bounce, then they switch into a Zapdos or something and next turn your Bounce do next to nothing and Zapdos will threaten you out. Therefore, I suggest replacing Bounce with Earthquake (like you wanted). Also, as a wincon, Leftovers isn't the best item in the world, and DD Gyarados will want to hold either the Z Crystal or the Mega Stone, and since Volca already have the crystal I suggest making the Gyarados Mega. This also gives it more bulk and power. Here's the set:

Gyarados-Mega @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Substitute

Your title said that this team is a balance offense team, but the Excadrill make it look like a hyper offense team because it's a suicide lead set (otherwise you don't use the sash). That particular set is usually only used on hyper offense teams. As a Stealth Rock setter and offensive lead, I recommend Gliscor. Gliscor also gives much-needed defense on this team. Here's the set:

Flying Scorp (Gliscor) @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- U-Turn

This thing can set Rocks, Earthquake, and spread poison just like Excadrill. It's faster, and it have more bulk. To top it off, the thing gets Poison Heal and gets great recovery with the Toxic Orb. Unlike leftover users, it don't mind the orb knocked off as long as it's poisoned already, and being poisoned makes it immune to all other status. Finally, it can use U-turn to get teammates in safely and gain momentum for the team.

Finally, your team needs a good way to remove hazards, especially with Volcarona losing half of its HP to rocks. Also, at this point, Scizor is dead weight because both roles it fullfills (pivot and wallbreak) has been taken. Choice Band Scizor is also outclassed by the mega, and Gyarados have the mega slot already. Therefore, I suggest to replace it with this:

Rotom-Heat @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
- Overheat
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Defog

Rotom gives you another Ground immunity and some more defense. It can also pivot, and it makes a great VoltTurn core with Gliscor. Will-O-Wisp punishes physical attackers and cripples anything that tries to switch in. Finally, it gives the much-needed hazard removal to your team.

One more thing: You mentioned that Gyarados was your sweeper. I suggest giving Volcarona a chance to sweep too! The thing is terrifying at +1, and it is one of the few mons that can boost both its speed and its preferred attack stat. As long as you know when to use the z-crystal, it can cleave through their entire team.

Oh and here's the importable:
Importable

 

[Tungdil]

Hi!
This is a really interesting team! Gengar can be a difficult fit in OU but you pulled it off nicely. I'm kinda new to rating but I'm going to do my best. It's probably not terribly accurate so if someone comes along and says I'm wrong, listen to that guy.

So yeah, you asked if Tyrantrum is a wise choice, and I don't think so. Tyrantrum is really slow so Choice Scarf will still make it outsped by many foes. If you are looking for a physical revenge killer I suggest this:

Rillaboom @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- U-turn
- Grassy Glide
- Knock Off

This is one of the best revenge killers in the game. STAB Grassy Glide under terrain is the most powerful priority in the entire game. Choice Band furthers its power and allows it to spam Grassy Glide. U-Turn is for momentum, and Knock Off is to cripple mons like Chansey and Celesteela.

Second thing: Gyarados doesn't want to use Bounce unless it have the Z Crystal because it can be played around. What I mean is you use Bounce, then they switch into a Zapdos or something and next turn your Bounce do next to nothing and Zapdos will threaten you out. Therefore, I suggest replacing Bounce with Earthquake (like you wanted). Also, as a wincon, Leftovers isn't the best item in the world, and DD Gyarados will want to hold either the Z Crystal or the Mega Stone, and since Volca already have the crystal I suggest making the Gyarados Mega. This also gives it more bulk and power. Here's the set:

Gyarados-Mega @ Gyaradosite
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Substitute

Your title said that this team is a balance offense team, but the Excadrill make it look like a hyper offense team because it's a suicide lead set (otherwise you don't use the sash). That particular set is usually only used on hyper offense teams. As a Stealth Rock setter and offensive lead, I recommend Gliscor. Gliscor also gives much-needed defense on this team. Here's the set:

Flying Scorp (Gliscor) @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- U-Turn

This thing can set Rocks, Earthquake, and spread poison just like Excadrill. It's faster, and it have more bulk. To top it off, the thing gets Poison Heal and gets great recovery with the Toxic Orb. Unlike leftover users, it don't mind the orb knocked off as long as it's poisoned already, and being poisoned makes it immune to all other status. Finally, it can use U-turn to get teammates in safely and gain momentum for the team.

Finally, your team needs a good way to remove hazards, especially with Volcarona losing half of its HP to rocks. Also, at this point, Scizor is dead weight because both roles it fullfills (pivot and wallbreak) has been taken. Choice Band Scizor is also outclassed by the mega, and Gyarados have the mega slot already. Therefore, I suggest to replace it with this:

Rotom-Heat @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 HP / 200 Def / 56 Spe
Bold Nature
- Overheat
- Volt Switch
- Will-O-Wisp
- Defog

Rotom gives you another Ground immunity and some more defense. It can also pivot, and it makes a great VoltTurn core with Gliscor. Will-O-Wisp punishes physical attackers and cripples anything that tries to switch in. Finally, it gives the much-needed hazard removal to your team.

One more thing: You mentioned that Gyarados was your sweeper. I suggest giving Volcarona a chance to sweep too! The thing is terrifying at +1, and it is one of the few mons that can boost both its speed and its preferred attack stat. As long as you know when to use the z-crystal, it can cleave through their entire team.

Oh and here's the importable:
Importable

Hello! Thank you very much for your time, your suggestions are amazing!
Your ideas have shed light on some of my doubts. Before commenting on your suggestions, I must say that I've tested my team on Showdown, and here is one interesting battle I had. The opposite team is a typical team I would like to test against, because this battle stressed some of my team's faults (as the problem with Bounce you just pointed out).

Regarding Rillaboom, I didn't know it, and I'll surely try it out. For Gyarados, I've thought a lot and concluded that the best option is the Z-crystal, while Volcarona deserves an item I didn't know until recently: Heavy-Duty Boots! Equipped with this item Volcarona doesn't need to fear Stealth Rock anymore! Besides, I think Bug Buzz can be replaced with Giga Drain to counter one of my worst nightmares: rain-based teams (Mega-Swampert easily swept all my team).

I totally agree with the Gliscor option, this guy is very welcomed! Both its defense and sp. defense are higher than Excadrill's, which is nice. I made a poll in this thread asking who deserves the mega evolution, and the majority of people voted for the Mega-Scizor. Then I've read the strategies of M-Scizor and I've found as you said that this Pokémon is astonishing.

Volcarona is indeed terrifying, but I couldn't find many opportunities to sweep with this set, either because it's too frail or because people know exactly how to counter it. When I'm lucky Volcarona can beat up to two weakened opposing Pokémon, but it's rare.

So, taking all these considerations here is my updated team! Thank you again!

Rillaboom @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Grassy Glide
- U-turn
- Knock Off

or

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 HP / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Crunch

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- U-turn
- Toxic

Gyarados @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Bounce
- Earthquake

Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Encore

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Toxic

Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Flamethrower
- Psychic
- Giga Drain

 

[theotherguytm]

Hello! Thank you very much for your time, your suggestions are amazing!
Your ideas have shed light on some of my doubts. Before commenting on your suggestions, I must say that I've tested my team on Showdown, and here is one interesting battle I had. The opposite team is a typical team I would like to test against, because this battle stressed some of my team's faults (as the problem with Bounce you just pointed out).

Regarding Rillaboom, I didn't know it, and I'll surely try it out. For Gyarados, I've thought a lot and concluded that the best option is the Z-crystal, while Volcarona deserves an item I didn't know until recently: Heavy-Duty Boots! Equipped with this item Volcarona doesn't need to fear Stealth Rock anymore! Besides, I think Bug Buzz can be replaced with Giga Drain to counter one of my worst nightmares: rain-based teams (Mega-Swampert easily swept all my team).

I totally agree with the Gliscor option, this guy is very welcomed! Both its defense and sp. defense are higher than Excadrill's, which is nice. I made a poll in this thread asking who deserves the mega evolution, and the majority of people voted for the Mega-Scizor. Then I've read the strategies of M-Scizor and I've found as you said that this Pokémon is astonishing.

Volcarona is indeed terrifying, but I couldn't find many opportunities to sweep with this set, either because it's too frail or because people know exactly how to counter it. When I'm lucky Volcarona can beat up to two weakened opposing Pokémon, but it's rare.

So, taking all these considerations here is my updated team! Thank you again!

Rillaboom @ Choice Band
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Wood Hammer
- Grassy Glide
- U-turn
- Knock Off

or

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 HP / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Crunch

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- U-turn
- Toxic

Gyarados @ Flyinium Z
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Bounce
- Earthquake

Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Focus Blast
- Encore

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Toxic

Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Flamethrower
- Psychic
- Giga Drain

This team has no defogger, so you're in deep trouble against hazard stack teams. With the imminent return of Ash-Greninja to the tier, you need a way to handle Spikes. With that in mind, I'm going to suggest a couple of set adjustments.
Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- U-turn
- Defog
Mega Scizor makes for a passable Defogger. You already have Gliscor as a Heatran switch-in, and Mega Scizor performs passably against most other hazard setters. Be sure to scout Hidden Power Fire from mons it wants to switch into like Tapu Lele and Serperior, as well as Fire coverage from Clefable.

Right, you're missing Gengar's best move.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball/Sludge Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast/Sludge Wave/Substitute
- Nasty Plot
Nasty Plot doubles Gengar's absurd SpA, allowing it to KO the bulkiest walls in the game. With that and its massive speed it can sweep through teams once its answers are gone. Thunderbolt is mandatory because you otherwise get stopped by Toxapex with Haze. The other moves are flexible. Focus Miss didn't get its nickname for nothing, and it missing can cost you sweeps when you're as frail as Gengar. However, it is Gengar's only hope of not being Pursuit trapped by Mega Tyranitar, and stops Scarf Hydreigon switching in. Substitute can buy you a free turn to Nasty Plot, and generally eases prediction a ton. However it comes at the cost of coverage. Gengar's STAB options are decent, but Shadow Ball is only ehh, and Sludge Wave does nothing to Steels. One STAB is the way to go I think, but dual STAB can work.

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Toxic
Simple change here. Gliscor requires Roost for the same reason Toxapex requires Recover. Sure their abilities can regain them their health, but having a move to do so allows them to 1v1 many dangerous mons.

Oh and Tyrantrum is roughly as useful as any other mon with an average attack stat, no pivoting access and a passable offensive typing that you slap a Choice Scarf onto. Whereas Rillaboom is one of the best Pokemon in the current metagame, and also your current offensive Ash-Greninja answer. So once the suspect is over I'd 100% look into a defensive check like Tapu Lele, Toxapex or possibly bulky Hydreigon. Best of luck!

 

[Tungdil]

This team has no defogger, so you're in deep trouble against hazard stack teams. With the imminent return of Ash-Greninja to the tier, you need a way to handle Spikes. With that in mind, I'm going to suggest a couple of set adjustments.
Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- U-turn
- Defog
Mega Scizor makes for a passable Defogger. You already have Gliscor as a Heatran switch-in, and Mega Scizor performs passably against most other hazard setters. Be sure to scout Hidden Power Fire from mons it wants to switch into like Tapu Lele and Serperior, as well as Fire coverage from Clefable.

Right, you're missing Gengar's best move.
Gengar @ Life Orb
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball/Sludge Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Focus Blast/Sludge Wave/Substitute
- Nasty Plot
Nasty Plot doubles Gengar's absurd SpA, allowing it to KO the bulkiest walls in the game. With that and its massive speed it can sweep through teams once its answers are gone. Thunderbolt is mandatory because you otherwise get stopped by Toxapex with Haze. The other moves are flexible. Focus Miss didn't get its nickname for nothing, and it missing can cost you sweeps when you're as frail as Gengar. However, it is Gengar's only hope of not being Pursuit trapped by Mega Tyranitar, and stops Scarf Hydreigon switching in. Substitute can buy you a free turn to Nasty Plot, and generally eases prediction a ton. However it comes at the cost of coverage. Gengar's STAB options are decent, but Shadow Ball is only ehh, and Sludge Wave does nothing to Steels. One STAB is the way to go I think, but dual STAB can work.

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Roost
- Toxic
Simple change here. Gliscor requires Roost for the same reason Toxapex requires Recover. Sure their abilities can regain them their health, but having a move to do so allows them to 1v1 many dangerous mons.

Oh and Tyrantrum is roughly as useful as any other mon with an average attack stat, no pivoting access and a passable offensive typing that you slap a Choice Scarf onto. Whereas Rillaboom is one of the best Pokemon in the current metagame, and also your current offensive Ash-Greninja answer. So once the suspect is over I'd 100% look into a defensive check like Tapu Lele, Toxapex or possibly bulky Hydreigon. Best of luck!

Hey, thank you for your suggestions! Actually I don't know much about the current meta, but since its introduction, Greninja and mainly Ash-Greninja were always big problems for me. Defog is a great move, however, when I use this move my Stealth Rock also disappears. Moreover, I thought about a move I used a lot in previous generations and it was always very useful against walls, and entry hazard setters: Taunt. What do you guys think about replacing the Gliscor's Stealth Rock by Taunt? In this way, I am more prepared against specific threats at the cost of offensive presence (but those who suffer from entry hazards already possess Heavy-Duty Boots).

Although I like the Nasty Plot Gengar because as you mentioned it is very strong, in my team Gengar is more like an offensive utility mon, and wallbreaker through Encore/Taunt. I've never thought Gengar could be a good sweeper in my team because I already have Gyarados, and sometimes Volcarona performing this role. That's the reason I've never considered Nasty Plot, but I'll think more about this possibility.

Taking these considerations, I'll test the changes below. Once again, thank you very much for your suggestions, they are very useful!

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- U-turn
- Defog

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Taunt / U-turn
- Roost
- Toxic

For now, I prefer Taunt to counter the opposing entry hazards. But I have to be aware of Ash-Greninja because it can outspeed Gliscor and OHKO with Water Shuriken or Hydro Pump.

 

[theotherguytm]

Hey, thank you for your suggestions! Actually I don't know much about the current meta, but since its introduction, Greninja and mainly Ash-Greninja were always big problems for me. Defog is a great move, however, when I use this move my Stealth Rock also disappears. Moreover, I thought about a move I used a lot in previous generations and it was always very useful against walls, and entry hazard setters: Taunt. What do you guys think about replacing the Gliscor's Stealth Rock by Taunt? In this way, I am more prepared against specific threats at the cost of offensive presence (but those who suffer from entry hazards already possess Heavy-Duty Boots).

Although I like the Nasty Plot Gengar because as you mentioned it is very strong, in my team Gengar is more like an offensive utility mon, and wallbreaker through Encore/Taunt. I've never thought Gengar could be a good sweeper in my team because I already have Gyarados, and sometimes Volcarona performing this role. That's the reason I've never considered Nasty Plot, but I'll think more about this possibility.

Taking these considerations, I'll test the changes below. Once again, thank you very much for your suggestions, they are very useful!

Scizor @ Scizorite
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Bullet Punch
- Roost
- U-turn
- Defog

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Taunt / U-turn
- Roost
- Toxic

For now, I prefer Taunt to counter the opposing entry hazards. But I have to be aware of Ash-Greninja because it can outspeed Gliscor and OHKO with Water Shuriken or Hydro Pump.

Nah, you 100% want Stealth Rock. Having Defog and Stealth Rock in the same team is not a problem-Stealth Rock can be used more than once! Especially when you have a setter with tons of longevity like Gliscor. In the lategame it can be decisive to remove and reset hazards eg: once the opposing hazard setter(s) are down. It's about having strategic flexibility-both teams aren't just going to throw up Stealth Rock and call it a day. They're going to look to generate a chance to force hazards on only one side, or remove the hazards if one member of the team is threatened by them. Hazards can be removed and reset many times over a longer game.

As for Ash-Gren, its best checks are Tapu Lele, Baneful Bunker Toxapex (though non-Baneful Bunker is a decent check), Tangrowth and Heavy-Duty Boots Blissey, with Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Rillaboom being capable of offensively checking it a couple of times. There are other lesser-used checks like Gastrodon, but mainly with Ash-Gren the primary strategy is "don't let it transform". Which is very hard but... What can you do.

 

[Tungdil]

Nah, you 100% want Stealth Rock. Having Defog and Stealth Rock in the same team is not a problem-Stealth Rock can be used more than once! Especially when you have a setter with tons of longevity like Gliscor. In the lategame it can be decisive to remove and reset hazards eg: once the opposing hazard setter(s) are down. It's about having strategic flexibility-both teams aren't just going to throw up Stealth Rock and call it a day. They're going to look to generate a chance to force hazards on only one side, or remove the hazards if one member of the team is threatened by them. Hazards can be removed and reset many times over a longer game.

As for Ash-Gren, its best checks are Tapu Lele, Baneful Bunker Toxapex (though non-Baneful Bunker is a decent check), Tangrowth and Heavy-Duty Boots Blissey, with Pokemon such as Hydreigon and Rillaboom being capable of offensively checking it a couple of times. There are other lesser-used checks like Gastrodon, but mainly with Ash-Gren the primary strategy is "don't let it transform". Which is very hard but... What can you do.

Thanks a lot! I'll keep Stealth Rock and keep in mind a way to get rid of Ash-Greninja.

 

[Tungdil]

Ok guys, I thought about this team a lot in the last months and I've made some adjustments. I appreciate it if you guys could help me again.

But first I have some announcements concerning the changes I did and what I've been thinking over these months.

Announcements

1- I'm testing this team because I'll implement it in-game sometime in the future. So I'm only taking suggestions of mons I can breed.
2- After waiting for the release of Crown Tundra I finally realized that the Megas and Z-moves will not come back, so I adapted my team for this new reality.
3- Nonetheless, I still think that some species like Gliscor will be back at some time with the Diamond/Pearl remake, and that's why I tested this team using the National Dex.
4- Having said that, let's get into it!

The Team (6)

Tyrantrum @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Head Smash
- Outrage
- Earthquake
- Close Combat

Changes and reasoning

I know Tyrantrum is not very strong, but I've decided to keep it on my team despite it because I truly love this dinosaur. Maybe this isn't much, but it still can outspeed and threaten some offensive mons, like Cinderace, Hawlucha, Garchomp, Hydreigon, Barraskewda, just to cite a few. Although I'm aware that Tyrantrum is hopeless against Dragapult and defensive Pokemon, like Toxapex, Ferrothorn, Hippowdon, etc. The strategy is to beat the slower offensive Pokemon I cited before with the proper move. Speaking of this, Tyrantrum now got Close Combat, a much superior choice over Superpower and even to other coverage options like Crunch.

Scizor @ Leftovers
Ability: Light Metal
EVs: 248 HP / 8 Def / 252 SpD
Careful Nature
- Bullet Punch
- U-turn
- Roost
- Defog

Changes and reasoning

Since now I want to breed this team in-game I can't rely on Mega and Z-crystals anymore, thus, I must be content with regular Scizor. It loses a lot of its defensive capabilities, but it's still great. I really needed a Defog or Rapid Spin user, so unfortunately I'm running Defog over the great Knock Off. Speaking of entry hazards, I tried to replace Scizor with Excadrill/Starmie/Xatu, but the red mantis has more defenses, a priority move, it doesn't depend on prediction too much, and it isn't weak against Water-type moves. My conclusion was that Scizor is a superior choice. Do you agree? Do you think I can run Scizor aside with one of these three?

Gyarados @ Leftovers
Ability: Moxie
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Dragon Dance
- Waterfall
- Earthquake
- Substitute

Changes and reasoning

Without Z-crystals Gyarados lost the flying move, but now with Substitute, it has a good way to deal with status moves. An alternative to Substitute is Taunt, but in general, Substitute allowed me to scout electric attacks, so that's why I opted for Substitute. Gyarados is the only Pokemon resistant to Water-type moves, and it's a very powerful physical sweeper (the other sweepers I have are special). I tried to replace Gyarados with Gastrodon and despite the absence of a strong offensive presence, I gained a great defensive option with immunity against Water-type moves. Another candidate is Swampert that is more offensive-oriented. Which of these three do you think is more useful as a Water-type Pokemon? Or should I keep two of them?

Gengar @ Black Sludge
Ability: Cursed Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Shadow Ball
- Sludge Wave
- Thunderbolt
- Nasty Plot

Changes and reasoning

At first, I didn't care much about Nasty Plot. However, Gengar forces switches that give the opportunity to setup. After one boost the damage caused is awesome. Furthermore, Pursuit doesn't fear me anymore and in this way, I don't need Focus Miss Blast so desperately as before. This let me use Thunderbolt, a very important coverage against Water-type Pokemon (especially one of my main nightmares: Pelipper). Besides that, Gengar continues being great against the ever-dangerous Fairy-types.

Gliscor @ Toxic Orb
Ability: Poison Heal
EVs: 244 HP / 52 Def / 76 SpD / 136 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- U-turn
- Roost

Changes and reasoning

Sadly this thing isn't yet available on SS (although it will likely be on the DP remake), and due to this my tests predominantly are with NatDex meta. If I need to replace it I generally go with Excadrill, but Gliscor proved to be an astonishing and reliable leader better than Excadrill. Regarding the moves, some people prefer using Toxic instead of U-turn, but I think Gliscor paired very well with Scizor forming a duo of U-turn, keeping momentum, and causing constant damage useful for the sweepers. In short, Gliscor is my utility box.

Volcarona @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Fire Blast
- Giga Drain
- Bug Buzz

Changes and reasoning

Gengar now possesses Nasty Plot, and then I asked myself: why should I have two special sweepers? Even before Gengar gets Nasty Plot the sweeper role was almost always performed by Gyarados, which could actually be sent against a lot of opposing Pokemon. Volcarona on the other hand rarely had good opportunities to be switched-in. So I tested the Bulky Volcarona, but it didn't fulfill the role I needed: it doesn't have all the coverage my team requires. However, after many tests, I finally understood the role of the offensive Volcarona, and I decided to stick with it: it is a threat at the late game when all its nemesis are gone. I run Giga Drain over Psychic to handle Water-type Pokemon, but which one do you think I should pick?

Other Options

Electric and/or Water-type check (2)

Gastrodon @ Leftovers
Ability: Storm Drain
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Def
Relaxed Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Toxic

Reasoning

This slug is perfect to deal with rain teams, and that's very nice. Moreover, Gastrodon can check some Electric-type Pokemon, and in my tests, I felt like the team became more balanced. The problem is I lost offense presence because Gyarados can threaten a lot of opposing Pokemon. I build this set physically defensive, but I've seen some specially defensive as well. What do you think is the best option?

Swampert @ Leftovers
Ability: Damp
EVs: 252 HP / 4 Def / 252 SpD
IVs: 0 Spe
Sassy Nature
- Stealth Rock
- Flip Turn
- Earthquake
- Toxic

Reasoning

This one is very similar to Gastrodon, including the same type. However, there are some interesting differences. On one hand, it lacks recovery, and on the other hand, it can set Stealth Rock. Another difference is that Gastrodon is immune against Water-type moves, and Swampert is not even resistant. Besides, the move Flip Turn can nicely complement the U-turn of Scizor/Mandibuzz. Again, what do you think is the best option?

Hazard-removers (4)

Excadrill @ Leftovers
Ability: Mold Breaker
EVs: 252 SpD / 4 Atk / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Head
- Toxic
- Stealth Rock

Reasoning

This was my first choice, but this set is much more focused on defense than offense. I tried to replace Scizor with Excadrill (running Rapid Spin), and Gliscor with Excadrill (running Stealth Rock). This metallic mole can hit hard and offers a lot of utility I need. However, as it is weak against Water and Ground-type moves it was difficult to actually perform its role reliably.

Starmie @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Analytic
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Psyshock
- Recover

Reasoning

I didn't test this one, but I thought it could nicely fulfill the role of Spinner. It is resistant to water attacks, but its HP is not impressive, so I don't think I could just switch-in an incoming strong attack, like a Pelipper's Hurricane. Despite that, maybe could assist Scizor to get rid of entry hazards. In general, I think Starmie is better than Excadrill but worse than Mandibuzz. Do you agree?

Xatu @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Magic Bounce
EVs: 252 HP / 4 SpD / 252 Def
Bold Nature
- Psychic
- Roost
- Teleport
- Heat Wave

Reasoning

Another option to deal with entry hazards, but this time with the great Magic Bounce. In general, Xatu is very similar to Starmie, but it requires precise timing to switch-in, otherwise, it will not have a second chance. It is not resistant to Water-type moves but is immune to Ground-type moves, which is great. In sum, I think Xatu is the most difficult hazard-remover to use.

Mandibuzz @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Overcoat
EVs: 248 HP / 60 Def / 144 SpD / 56 Spe
Impish Nature
- Foul Play
- Roost
- Defog
- Knock Off

Reasoning

My final tentative for a consistent hazard-remover. This dark vulture is very similar to Scizor: 2 STAB moves + Roost + Defog (although I prefer running U-turn over Knock Off). She seems to be so consistent on paper, but I still think Scizor is more reliably because of better defensive typing and a priority move. Which option do you think fits best my team?

Concluding Thoughts
As I repeated several times, one of my concerns is Rain-teams. Depending on what mons I selected I had very few ways to deal with the Rain abusers. If you see other vulnerabilities I didn't point out or have other sets/mons in mind, please share with me. I would also appreciate it if you tell me which is the best combination of these Pokemon I listed. Thank you for your time, I hope you can help me!

Edit:
Some replays that show some characteristics of the team running:
1- https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8nationaldex-1285435090
- Poor Tyrantrum missed the attack, and this inaccuracy summed up with the low Fire Blast accuracy of Volcarona sometimes let me in an uncomfortable situation.
2- https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8nationaldex-1285429254
- I tried Starmie and Gastrodon, I think the former was too susceptible to Knock Off. Furthermore, the team had bad matchups against Ground-type moves.
3- https://replay.pokemonshowdown.com/gen8nationaldex-1289174083
- This time Garchomp ruined my day, which reminds me that I need Ice coverage. What do you guys think about Gyarados running Ice Fang?