I don't see why you'd use that over a Specs Heatran Lead to be completely honest. More power (even if you choose Timid), the speed loss is of little consequence. Modest can always OHKO Metagross through Occa Berry as well as Heatran through Shuca, while Timid still has that chance though it's not guaranteed. Does everything that set is aiming to do better imo.
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New and "creative" moveset/EV spread thread. Mk. 4
- Thread starter darkie
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I don't see why you'd use that over a Specs Heatran Lead to be completely honest. More power (even if you choose Timid), the speed loss is of little consequence. Modest can always OHKO Metagross through Occa Berry as well as Heatran through Shuca, while Timid still has that chance though it's not guaranteed. Does everything that set is aiming to do better imo.
Ah, that's actually a pretty good point. That's more viable than what I've posted, and I think I'll actually use what you suggested and see how it goes. Thanks man ;)
Been using this set in my UU Rain Dance team, but I could see it working outside of rain aswell.
Late Game Sweeper
Floatzel@ Liechi Berry
Adamant
36 Hp/ 252 Atk/ 220 Spe
Substitute
Bulk Up
Aqua Jet
Crunch
Set itself is pretty self-explanitory; set up Sub on a switch, Bulk Up and repeat until Liechi Berry comes into effect. Aqua Jet over Waterfall because of a need for priority, due to the fragility of such a set. Crunch takes down the worst counter I've seen (Slowbro), while hitting many things for at least neutral damage.
Late Game Sweeper
Floatzel@ Liechi Berry
Adamant
36 Hp/ 252 Atk/ 220 Spe
Substitute
Bulk Up
Aqua Jet
Crunch
Set itself is pretty self-explanitory; set up Sub on a switch, Bulk Up and repeat until Liechi Berry comes into effect. Aqua Jet over Waterfall because of a need for priority, due to the fragility of such a set. Crunch takes down the worst counter I've seen (Slowbro), while hitting many things for at least neutral damage.
Lead Hariyama
-Fake Out
-Bullet Punch
-Focus Punch
-Close Combat/Payback
Item: Flame Orb
Ability:Guts
Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk/ 252 Spe
This Hariyama is excellent agaisnt fast and frail leads like Azelf or Aerodactyl and can do a nice amount of damage against the bulky slow ones. Fake Out in the 1st turn will broke any Focus Sash an is a good check to see if some lead like Jirachi is not scarfed. After Fake Out, flame orb will activate Guts, increasing Hariyama's attack. With Bullet Punch it can KO thing like Azelf, Aerodactyl, Ninjask or Roserade before they can do anything. Focus Punch is here considering that most slow leads like Metagross and Swarpert will always set Stealth Rocks before doing anything, so Hariyama will be able to use Focus Punch while them set-up Stealth Rocks. Metagross and Swarmpert will almost always be KOed by the combination Fake Out + Focus Punch. Even Hippowdon will be KOed with Focus Punch + Close Combat. Payback is an option for better coverage.
Lead Rhyperior
Rhyperior @ Leftovers
Adamant - Solid Rock
116 Hp / 180 Atk / 16 Def / 136 SpD / 60 Spe
- Stealth Rock
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge
- Roar / Fire Punch / Toxic / Protect
Intro: This lead was created in the midst of my search for bulky Stealth Rock users. In May 2009, Rhyperior experienced less usage than Heracross, whose days seem to already be numbered as its popularity continues to decline. In an attempt to regenerate Rhyperior's status as a successful OU Pokemon, I created this interesting set to show that Rhyperior can still pack a punch.
Description: Rhyperior is seen as a severely underrated Pokemon due to its poor defensive typing and not exactly optimal base stat distribution. However, when used properly, Rhyperior is an asset to behold and a foe to fear. The beneficial attributes that make him exclusive are all combined in the application of it as a lead. Possibly the best thing about Rhyperior is its Solid Rock ability, which reduces super effective damage by 1/4 - this comes as a blessing due to Rhyperior's heavy weaknesses to Water, Grass, Ground, and other notorious attacking types. However, despite all these disgraceful weaknesses, proper EV investment in suitable stats will allow Rhyperior to take quite a beating before it falls, during which time this monster usually takes something else down with it. To further balance out Rhyperior's flaws in weaknesses, it has a few notable resistances as well. Resistances to Normal, Flying, Rock, Poison and Fire moves, in addition to an immunity to Electric, unite to aid this beast's survivability. Rhyperior is not typically seen as something that is able to withstand Special attacks - in fact, many people generalize that because of its pathetic SpD, Rhyperior will be defeated by even particularly strong neutral special attacks. This is a silly hypothesis; Rhyperior can actually contend very well even against (some) strong special attacks due to its massive Hp. Also, bear in mind that one always has the option to keep a constant stream of sand going to boost Rhyperior's unmemorable SpD stat by 1.5x. On to the eye-capturing EV Spread, if you would please. The EV Spread here is a complicated one, but is actually configured to achieve specific goals that have been carefully considered when combating opposing leads. With the intricate spread of 116 Hp / 180 Atk / 16 Def / 136 SpD / 60 Spe (assuming an Adamant nature), Rhyperior's final stats reach 400 HP / 397 ATK / 300 DEF / XXX SPA / 180 SPD / 131 SPE. Let us break down the spread into various parts to describe the purpose of the appropriate EV investments for each stat. With a stat of 400 Hp, Rhyperior reaches a Leftovers number of 25, which is necessary to keep it healthy. With a stat of 397 Attack, Rhyperior OHKOs 80 Hp Jirachi (generally the lead variants) 100% of the time with Earthquake. Further calculations are provided after the explanation of this set. 16 EVs are leftover EVs that are dumped into Defense to take hits modestly better. The main intention of the defensive orientation 400 Hp / 180 SpD is that 252 SpA Azelfs that run Positive Speed Natures (pretty much most leads) only 3HKO Rhyperior with Psychic at the minimum. Finally, we arrive at the 131 Speed Stat. This is necessary to be faster than Lead Hippowdons so that you are able to Roar them out without them Roaring you. You may also opt to run more speed EVs to outrun Relaxed Mixpert, but nearly all the time you will be wanting to switch out of Mixpert anyway. If you choose to use Fire Punch, Toxic, or Protect in the place of Roar, or if you feel that the need to outrun Hippowdon is useless, feel free to take out the 60 SpD EVs and transfer them to the stats you wish to increase.
Many leads are leads because they have the ability to set up Stealth Rock early in the game, which is useful to deplete the health of early switch-ins. Stealth Rock on Rhyperior is no exception - do set it up at once when you get the chance to. Fortunately, this is not too difficult, since as the defensive calculations that will be shown at the end of this explanation prove, many opposing leads can only score minimums of 3HKOs on Rhyperior. Next up are Earthquake and Stone Edge. Rhyperior may have disgusting defensive typing, but in reverse the Rock-Ground offensive typing is dangerous, especially when paired with 397 Attack. The base powers of these moves are elevated to 150 thanks to STAB, able to dent an unprepared foe fatally. The fourth moveslot has a number of attractive options that go along with it. With Roar, you will be able to outrun 0 Spe Hippowdons (assuming you invest 60 Speed EVs yourself). Another thing is that you are occasionally able to get an early advantage in the game, as Roar can shuffle through your opponent's team and reveal some of its members; you can then plan a tactical strategy early on and make more logical predictions with this information in hand. Fire Punch, however, hurts Bronzong, as you will be doing some damage to it even if it does switch out after taking damage. Toxic can cripple some walls such as the aforementioned Hippowdon or even (god forbid) Swampert, to make them significantly easier to kill later. Finally comes good old Protect, able to scout an opponent's move or neutralize the damage of Stealth Rock should you decide to bring Rhyperior in later in the game. Choose the move you believe to be the most useful - this choice can potentially save or destroy Rhyperior However, Roar is admittedly the best option here.
The general strategy examined here is to allow our ever-bulky subject to take a hit (since you will not be outrunning much with Base 40 Speed), set up Stealth Rock, and Retaliate (of course, you may also switch it out if you are matched up with leads that overpower you). Here are some calculations that display Rhyperior's excellent defensive prowess against some deadly standard leads:
252 Atk +Atk Nature Metagross EQ: 36.25% - 43.00% (3HKO min, 4HKO max)
252 Atk +Spe Nature Jirachi Iron Head: 31.75% - 38.25% (3HKO min, 4HKO max)
252 Atk +Spe Nature Aerodactyl EQ: 27.75% - 33.00% (4HKO min, 5HKO max)
0 Atk +Def Nature Hippowdon EQ: 34.75% - 41.50% (3HKO min, 4HKO max)
64 Atk +Spe Nature Infernape CC: 42.00% - 49.75% (3HKO min-max)
86 Atk +SpD Nature Bronzong EQ: 21.00% - 25.00% (5HKO min, 6HKO max)
252 SpA +Spe Nature Azelf Psychic: 46.75% - 55.50% (3HKO min-max)
Combat: Next, let us observe how Rhyperior fares with some of the standard leads of today's Metagame.
Metagross: Most of these run Earthquake > Meteor Mash, which can 3HKO Rhyperior at the minimum. Rhyperior's Earthquake 2HKOs the metal machine.
Azelf: Stone Edge + Stealth Rock + Stone Edge.. If it Taunts, whatever, you can choose to kill it or set up rocks and take Psychic damage once (Psychic 3HKOs at the minimum). If it attacks (which is unlikely), Stone Edge twice to take it down (2 Psychics are not enough to kill you). If it sets up Rocks, Stone Edge, set up rocks, and Stone Edge. Explosion does nothing.
Swampert: Rhyperior's greatest enemy. Switch out (or set up Rocks if you dare, but 52 SpA variants' Surfs do 94.50% - 111.00% to you, something you don't want) - Earthquake does only 35.91% - 42.64% to 240 Hp / 216 Def Relaxed variants.
Jirachi:Iron Head 3HKOs you at the minimum (can 4HKO); Earthquake OHKOs the 80 Hp variants, which are most of the leads. Whatever happens, if you decide to stay in, you should EQ, so that even if you get Trickscarfed, you still kill Jirachi. Rhyperior doesn't like Choice Scarf, but neither does Leadpert.
Infernape: Attack it. Close Combat will 3HKO you, so kill it if it Close Combats first. If it Stealth Rocks first, EQ + SR + EQ.
Hippowdon: Your EVs are designed to outrun 0 Speed Hippowdons, so SR + Roar. Earthquake is a 3HKO (can 4HKO). If you have Toxic, excellent. If not, shuffle. Just don't attack it :p
Ninjask: Roar + laugh :)
Bronzong: Set up Rocks - come on, you have a clear chance to. You can't do anything to it without Fire Punch, but it can't do anything to you either except Hypnosis. If you decide to use Fire Punch, you do 37.00% - 44.00%. After you SR, shuffle.
Tyranitar: Sub/Punch (176 SpA EVs) variants' Ice Beam does 28.00% - 33.25% thanks to Sandstorm improving Rhyperior's SpD. You retaliate by 2HKOing 252 Hp variants (you OHKO 0 Hp versions most of the time) - after you set up rocks of course.
Heatran: You decide what to do. You OHKO 0 Hp / 0 Def Shuca Heatran with EQ. Earth Power does 48.25% - 57.00%, which is a 3HKO most of the time. Rocks + EQ is a pretty good idea...especially if the Heatran sets up as well.
OBAMASNOW!! You can't beat the president, and that's not a joke. Get out of there!
Smeargle: Is not your friend.
Gyarados: Most will taunt, so if you dare, Stone Edge to do 88.55% - 104.82%, factoring Intimidate, on 6 Hp versions. 252 Atk Gyarados' Waterfall does 81.75% - 97.50% to you, so...take your chances or leave.
Yanmega: You can SR on the Protect, but Bug Buzz does 48.75% - 57.75%.
Of course, that's not all; I just briefly analyzed the 15 top leads. Some leads will be countered easily, such as Crobat or Zapdos; some you will need to switch out of, like Roserade and Starmie; some you will be evenly matched, like Skarmory and Forry.
Comparisons: Let us review and analyze some of the competition Rhyperior faces in the lead slot. I will then describe the pros and cons of the opposing leads. I've picked the bulky leads, since that is the nature of Rhyperior as a lead; he's not a suicide lead.
Rhyperior: 115/140/130/55/55/40, Rock-Ground, Solid Rock
Swampert: 100/110/90/85/90/60, Water-Ground, Torrent
CASE #1 - Swampert V. Rhyperior
Let's face it, Swampert is a great lead. It can consistently set up Stealth Rock without taking much damage due to its great defensive typing. On the other hand, Rhyperior has poor defensive typing, but Solid Rock goes a little way to compensate for that. Ability wise, Rhyperior takes the trophy. Now Rhyperior's final three stats are pathetic, but Base Hp pairs pretty nicely with SpD to make it a reasonable wall. Swampert, however, can attack from both spectrums with EQ, Ice Beam and Surf. Finally, the reason I didn't choose Swampert's typing over Rhyperior's is because offensively, Rhyperior has typing that can wreck other Pokemon in Rock and Ground STAB. Well, these are kind of even in ability, since they're both owned by Roserade anyway.
Rhyperior: 115/140/130/55/55(82)/40, Rock-Ground, Solid Rock
Hippowdon: 108/112/118/68/72/47, Ground, Sand Stream
CASE #2 - Hippowdon V. Rhyperior
You should actually be glad if you're paired with Hippowdon (more so with Tyranitar), since Sand Stream elevates your SpD to make it more than Hippowdon's. Hippowdon has advantageous base stats in Special Attack and Speed. Disregard Special Attack. As for speed...Hippoes don't usually invest Speed EVs, and we've been through that, remember? 60 Speed EVs to Phaze faster than the Hippo itself. Both have great abilities; Hippowdon has better defensive typing, but as always, Rhyperior's Offensive typing is great. Also, Hippowdon has Slack Off, something Rhyperior would love. But all in all, if you combine the flaws and pros, these are two commendable leads.
Rhyperior: 115/140/130/55/55/40, Rock-Ground, Solid Rock
Metagross: 80/135/130/95/90/70, Steel-Psychic, Clear Body
CASE #3: Metagross V. Rhyperior
Metagross is obviously one of the best 4th generation leads, with very much usage in OU. Rhyperior wins awards for bulkier physically, but specially, Metagross is a beast. Maybe it's that defensive typing...who knows, but either way, Metagross has a lot of attack, that's for sure. Clear Body isn't a bad ability either. Obviously Metagross will be taking a lot of special hits better than Rhyperior, but loses Physically-Defensively. The purpose of these Pokemon is to set up Stealth Rock early, and both usually succeed in doing so. Metagross gets Explosion and Bullet Punch, but Rhyperior gets two good STAB moves and Roar.
Rhyperior: 115/140/130/55/55/40, Rock-Ground, Solid Rock
Bronzong: 67/89/116/79/116/33, Steel-Psychic, Levitate
CASE #4: Bronzong V. Rhyperior
You know it's funny when there's actually something that Rhyperior outruns by default. Haw. Haw. Anyway, these are two bulky candidates that usually get the Rocks in. Bronzong's defensive typing is excellent. Levitate is invaluable, but if you think about it, so is Solid Rock, eh? Rhyperior has superior stats in everything except...you guessed it, SpD, but Rhyperior is generally bulkier but doesn't like taking hits from his pathetic weaknesses.
Conclusion: Well, that's all for now. I could do more to try to convince Smogonites but I'm tired. I've been using this lead for more than a week now and it's proven to be pretty good. Obviously it can't tackle everything, but really, ask yourself: can any lead do that? Good leads don't need to check everything; good leads need to be able to remain consistent as the Metagame develops and achieve goals that they are required to achieve. This Rhyperior lead has been a great member of my party. Let's not let Rhyperior get down to UU ;) He can function in OU, trust me. All you need to do is try him out a few times - whether it be Su(b)perior, Rest-Talk, Rock Polish, or this lead. I'll advise you to try it and see if you like it or not (if you don't, don't come for me, lol). Finally, Rhyperior is traditionally known as the Drill Pokemon, and if you exercise its good characteristics, it can certainly drill holes in your opponents' teams. Disregard whatever your mind is saying about how bad Rhyperior is, how slow it is, and how ugly it is (I'll admit the Platinum sprite is actually horrible) and give it a shot. This rhino won't fail you. Trust me. After all, everyone needs a loving, city-smashing monster in your Pokemon party, no?
the hariyama lead looks amazing on paper tbh. I am going to try it.
667. I realize you put a lot of effort into that set, but it seems a little too average for my taste. The idea a lot of today's lead are to get stealth rock up, and prevent your opponent from doing it, or walling them. Aerodactyl, and azelf coming out on top stopping you from sring with taunt, and then using stealth rocks.
When that rhyperior is up against things like bronzong and hippo they dont care. They just set up rocks, screens, and/or sleep and have done their job, rhyperior does not threaten them from preventing them from doing their job.
This set does well against metagross, jirachi, heatran, and ninjask, thats it. I owuld say infernape, but grass knot is a posibility.
667. I realize you put a lot of effort into that set, but it seems a little too average for my taste. The idea a lot of today's lead are to get stealth rock up, and prevent your opponent from doing it, or walling them. Aerodactyl, and azelf coming out on top stopping you from sring with taunt, and then using stealth rocks.
When that rhyperior is up against things like bronzong and hippo they dont care. They just set up rocks, screens, and/or sleep and have done their job, rhyperior does not threaten them from preventing them from doing their job.
This set does well against metagross, jirachi, heatran, and ninjask, thats it. I owuld say infernape, but grass knot is a posibility.
Looks like a bad version of the Hariyama that has been going around on Smogon for ages (I think it was created by Anti?).
Lead Hariyama
-Fake Out
-Bullet Punch
-Focus Punch
-Close Combat/Payback
Item: Flame Orb
Ability:Guts
Adamant
EVs: 252 HP/ 252 Spe
The EV spread doesn't make sense, and there is no reason to pack both CC and Focus Punch on the same set. Fake Out/BP/CC/Facade provides all the coverage you need, and you'll obviously want to throw a lot of those Speed EV's into Attack.
Payback is incredibly useful for the Rotom forms, clearly you are thinking about the Hariyama set prior to Platinum, so don't make recommendations like that when Rotom-A walks all over the other set.
That Rhyperior set looks good; I'll have to try it some time. Roar is the best option in the last slot because it lets you "Roar + laugh" at Ninjask and blow away a threatening Hippowdon.
@Pirika: That lead Hariyama doesn't look good because while it can stop fast leads it usually lets bulky leads get Stealth Rock. Even if the bulky lead gets SR up and faints, your opponent still has the advantage because Hariyama has taken some Burn damage, your opponent has Stealth Rock while you do not, and your opponent has the momentum. When Hariyama has knocked out one Pokemon it is a perfect opprotunity for your opponent to revenge-kill your Hariyama or set up something like Gyarados.
@Pirika: That lead Hariyama doesn't look good because while it can stop fast leads it usually lets bulky leads get Stealth Rock. Even if the bulky lead gets SR up and faints, your opponent still has the advantage because Hariyama has taken some Burn damage, your opponent has Stealth Rock while you do not, and your opponent has the momentum. When Hariyama has knocked out one Pokemon it is a perfect opprotunity for your opponent to revenge-kill your Hariyama or set up something like Gyarados.
Ops, I wrote the EVs of Hariyama wrong, I already corrected it. Also, even if my opponen gets Stealth Rocks, most of teams that using bulky leads don't want to lose them in the beggining of the game without at least killing something. This Hariyama also can come in later to take out frail sweepers or doing a lot of damage with guts activated.
I'm using Focus Punch with Close Combat because this way Hariyama can KO bulky leads such as Metagross with one hit and doing a lot of damage later with Close Combat.
I'm using Focus Punch with Close Combat because this way Hariyama can KO bulky leads such as Metagross with one hit and doing a lot of damage later with Close Combat.
I have this dual screen metagross set I've been using for the longest time >.> Hope you approve.
Metagross @light clay
252 hp/244 def/8 speed Impish
Ability: Clear Body
Earthquake/Meteor Mash
Explosion
Light Screen
Reflect
Basically this set is aiming to help a sweep, which I've been using latias for. I come on to a attack that metagross resists such as dragon. I usually set up reflect first, as Latias has a weaker defence rating and also, many people like to use earthquake on this guy. If I know the other team is carrying a infernape or a pokemon with a fire attack, I set up Light screen first. After setting up 2 screens, either I'll attack, or I'll explode. Meteor Mash is there for STAB and a lucky attack raise which will boost explosions power. Earthquake is there for coverage against opposing metagrosses and the like.
Metagross @light clay
252 hp/244 def/8 speed Impish
Ability: Clear Body
Earthquake/Meteor Mash
Explosion
Light Screen
Reflect
Basically this set is aiming to help a sweep, which I've been using latias for. I come on to a attack that metagross resists such as dragon. I usually set up reflect first, as Latias has a weaker defence rating and also, many people like to use earthquake on this guy. If I know the other team is carrying a infernape or a pokemon with a fire attack, I set up Light screen first. After setting up 2 screens, either I'll attack, or I'll explode. Meteor Mash is there for STAB and a lucky attack raise which will boost explosions power. Earthquake is there for coverage against opposing metagrosses and the like.
Anti - Lead Zone
Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Modest / Magnet Pull
156 HP / 252 SpA / 96 Spe
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Thunder Wave
- HP Grass
I originally designed this set with one thing in mind: wipe out some common leads, particularly lead Empoleon. The nature and items speak for themselves, and the EVs simultaneously give bulk (not to mention ridiculous SpA and allow Magnezone to outrun standard lead Metagross, and any base 70s with minimal speed investments. Magnet Pull is golden, as it traps Steel-types and can prevent a Ground-type from ruining your Specs-boosted fun. Thunderbolt + Flash Cannon give good coverage, with Thunderbolt obliterating Empoleon and nastily damages other leads who don't resist it. Flash Cannon kills Abomasnow and 2HKOs standard lead Tyranitar. Thunder Wave screws over switch-ins and is generally just annoying to faster Pokemon who don't have Taunt. HP Grass hits Swampert and Hippowdon.
Yes, yell at my build all you want, I'll be happy with it.
Magnezone @ Choice Specs
Modest / Magnet Pull
156 HP / 252 SpA / 96 Spe
- Thunderbolt
- Flash Cannon
- Thunder Wave
- HP Grass
I originally designed this set with one thing in mind: wipe out some common leads, particularly lead Empoleon. The nature and items speak for themselves, and the EVs simultaneously give bulk (not to mention ridiculous SpA and allow Magnezone to outrun standard lead Metagross, and any base 70s with minimal speed investments. Magnet Pull is golden, as it traps Steel-types and can prevent a Ground-type from ruining your Specs-boosted fun. Thunderbolt + Flash Cannon give good coverage, with Thunderbolt obliterating Empoleon and nastily damages other leads who don't resist it. Flash Cannon kills Abomasnow and 2HKOs standard lead Tyranitar. Thunder Wave screws over switch-ins and is generally just annoying to faster Pokemon who don't have Taunt. HP Grass hits Swampert and Hippowdon.
Yes, yell at my build all you want, I'll be happy with it.
yeah except meta lives your tbolt and ko's with eq. jirachi u-turns. bronzong gets rocks up and explodes. pretty much only empoleon is the only lead to be screwed over by that zone, and its not even a top ten lead
Miltank
"Drugotank"
-Curse
-Milk Drink
-Body Slam
-Earthquake
Item: White Herb
Ability:Thick Fat/Scrappy
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 HP/140 Spe/118 Atk
Well, I was looking at some of the Miltank movesets, yet some of them don't really fit my taste. Instead, I have decided to concoct a mix between a traditional Miltank Curser set and an Aerodactyl moveset dubbed "Drugodactyl;" the result is a speedy Miltank running around with buffed up Attack & Defense without the Speed drop. First, at a healthy 300 Speed, Curse should be used first. After White Herb is used, you should be running around with a beefed up Attack and Defense with normal Speed. From there, you can proceed to Body Slam/Earthquake your opponents. If you really want to hit Ghosts, use Scrappy; if you prefer a "beefier" Miltank, go with Thick Fat. If you need more Speed, pull EVs away from Attack; likewise, take away from Speed if you crave more attack. I feel this set is significant because it utilizes Miltank's naturally good speed and enhances its survivability (though not as well as a typical Curser.)
"Drugotank"
-Curse
-Milk Drink
-Body Slam
-Earthquake
Item: White Herb
Ability:Thick Fat/Scrappy
Nature: Jolly
EVs: 252 HP/140 Spe/118 Atk
Well, I was looking at some of the Miltank movesets, yet some of them don't really fit my taste. Instead, I have decided to concoct a mix between a traditional Miltank Curser set and an Aerodactyl moveset dubbed "Drugodactyl;" the result is a speedy Miltank running around with buffed up Attack & Defense without the Speed drop. First, at a healthy 300 Speed, Curse should be used first. After White Herb is used, you should be running around with a beefed up Attack and Defense with normal Speed. From there, you can proceed to Body Slam/Earthquake your opponents. If you really want to hit Ghosts, use Scrappy; if you prefer a "beefier" Miltank, go with Thick Fat. If you need more Speed, pull EVs away from Attack; likewise, take away from Speed if you crave more attack. I feel this set is significant because it utilizes Miltank's naturally good speed and enhances its survivability (though not as well as a typical Curser.)
I guess that's true, even though you'll lose the oppertunity to hit Poison, Bug and other Fighting-resists hard with a boosted Facade.
Still no need to pack Focus Punch next to Close Combat, CC scores a nice 2HKO on everything you want to Focus Punch anyway. If you want to take out Metagross, give Hariyama the amount of Speed EV's it needs instead of wasting a moveslot.
After looking at the Speed Tiers it looks like you would be better off dropping the Speed to 296 to beat the boosted-nature Base 85s, primarily Toxicroak. The rest of the EVs can go into Attack.
The main problems I see with this:
You lose the ability to Curse Multiple times, which can set Miltank up for a sweep if their strong special attackers are removed
You lose the ability to abuse Hammer Arm, which provides 100% coverage when used in conjunction with Scrappy
You lose leftovers Recovery
300 Speed really isn't that high. You still lose to anything Max+ 100 or faster, which unfortunately includes a lot of high powered special attackers like Jolteon, Azelf, Alakazam, Latias, Starmie, Gengar, and Infernape. Or, if we're talking UU, Sceptile, Espeon, Mismagius, and Ninetails.
Its time for another one of my big bang gimmicks. People have seen it in action, and although it may seem very dumb and not good, it has proven different.
Moveset Name: Non-Support Lead
Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 36 HP/252 Spa/220 Speed
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- HP [Fire]
- Grass Knot
- Focus Blast
This is a very simple, yet effective lead. Works wonders against every lead (barring Metagross) and can do a mini sweep on its own thanks to the surprise factor it provides. The Ability is a plus, since Fake Out wont disturb you!
Against Top 12 Leads:
Metagross - Only downside, you can still inflict good damage with HP Fire, if it decides to set up SR, you get 2 hits, which leave the Metagross harmed.
Azelf - Outspeeds and 2HKOs with Shadow Ball. Azelf can get SR and let you have your intact sash, or attacks and breaks the sash, but doesnt get rocks up.
Swampert - OHKO with GK
Jirachi - If Scarfed it can be quite a pest. But Inner Focus lets you hit it even if they try to flinch you and get some damage, you can either switch to your SRer to get your rocks or something.
Aerodactly - This one it depends on what it uses. It will usually taunt you predicting Encore or Screens, which means it will be the same scenario as vs Azelf, if it attacks you, then it wins, but it will usually just get rocks or taunt.
Infernape - 2HKOd always (its better if they try to Fake Out you, since they dont get rocks!)
Hippowdon - Tricky. If it SRs you always get a 2HKO into 252/0 variants, even if it has Sp Def, theres a very big chance you will 2HKO. If it EQs, theres a 40% chance you will go down (no SR for him then), but you have the odds on your side.
Ninjask - HP Fire OHKOs.
Bronzong - If it SRs Turn 1, you get the 3HKO (HP Fire does around 45% to 252/0 variants), if it Gyro Balls Turn 1, you leave it at around 22% with no SR.
Tyranitar - OHKO with Focus Blast.
Heatran - Focus Blast does around 88%, so you can 2HKO it after with Shadow Ball. Same scenario as Azelf, rocks up and intact sash, or no rocks but broken sash.
Abomasnow - OHKO with HP Fire
So yeah, its a good lead, any opinions?
Moveset Name: Non-Support Lead
Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 36 HP/252 Spa/220 Speed
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- HP [Fire]
- Grass Knot
- Focus Blast
This is a very simple, yet effective lead. Works wonders against every lead (barring Metagross) and can do a mini sweep on its own thanks to the surprise factor it provides. The Ability is a plus, since Fake Out wont disturb you!
Against Top 12 Leads:
Metagross - Only downside, you can still inflict good damage with HP Fire, if it decides to set up SR, you get 2 hits, which leave the Metagross harmed.
Azelf - Outspeeds and 2HKOs with Shadow Ball. Azelf can get SR and let you have your intact sash, or attacks and breaks the sash, but doesnt get rocks up.
Swampert - OHKO with GK
Jirachi - If Scarfed it can be quite a pest. But Inner Focus lets you hit it even if they try to flinch you and get some damage, you can either switch to your SRer to get your rocks or something.
Aerodactly - This one it depends on what it uses. It will usually taunt you predicting Encore or Screens, which means it will be the same scenario as vs Azelf, if it attacks you, then it wins, but it will usually just get rocks or taunt.
Infernape - 2HKOd always (its better if they try to Fake Out you, since they dont get rocks!)
Hippowdon - Tricky. If it SRs you always get a 2HKO into 252/0 variants, even if it has Sp Def, theres a very big chance you will 2HKO. If it EQs, theres a 40% chance you will go down (no SR for him then), but you have the odds on your side.
Ninjask - HP Fire OHKOs.
Bronzong - If it SRs Turn 1, you get the 3HKO (HP Fire does around 45% to 252/0 variants), if it Gyro Balls Turn 1, you leave it at around 22% with no SR.
Tyranitar - OHKO with Focus Blast.
Heatran - Focus Blast does around 88%, so you can 2HKO it after with Shadow Ball. Same scenario as Azelf, rocks up and intact sash, or no rocks but broken sash.
Abomasnow - OHKO with HP Fire
So yeah, its a good lead, any opinions?
Its time for another one of my big bang gimmicks. People have seen it in action, and although it may seem very dumb and not good, it has proven different.
Moveset Name: Non-Support Lead
Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 36 HP/252 Spa/220 Speed
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- HP [Fire]
- Energy Ball
- Focus Blast
This is a very simple, yet effective lead. Works wonders against every lead (barring Metagross) and can do a mini sweep on its own thanks to the surprise factor it provides. The Ability is a plus, since Fake Out wont disturb you!
Against Top 12 Leads:
Metagross - Only downside, you can still inflict good damage with HP Fire, if it decides to set up SR, you get 2 hits, which leave the Metagross harmed.
Azelf - Outspeeds and 2HKOs with Shadow Ball. Azelf can get SR and let you have your intact sash, or attacks and breaks the sash, but doesnt get rocks up.
Swampert - OHKO with Energy Ball
Jirachi - If Scarfed it can be quite a pest. But Inner Focus lets you hit it even if they try to flinch you and get some damage, you can either switch to your SRer to get your rocks or something.
Aerodactly - This one it depends on what it uses. It will usually taunt you predicting Encore or Screens, which means it will be the same scenario as vs Azelf, if it attacks you, then it wins, but it will usually just get rocks or taunt.
Infernape - 2HKOd always (its better if they try to Fake Out you, since they dont get rocks!)
Hippowdon - Tricky. If it SRs you always get a 2HKO into 252/0 variants, even if it has Sp Def, theres a very big chance you will 2HKO. If it EQs, theres a 40% chance you will go down (no SR for him then), but you have the odds on your side.
Ninjask - HP Fire OHKOs.
Bronzong - If it SRs Turn 1, you get the 3HKO (HP Fire does around 45% to 252/0 variants), if it Gyro Balls Turn 1, you leave it at around 22% with no SR.
Tyranitar - OHKO with Focus Blast.
Heatran - Focus Blast does around 88%, so you can 2HKO it after with Shadow Ball. Same scenario as Azelf, rocks up and intact sash, or no rocks but broken sash.
Abomasnow - OHKO with HP Fire
So yeah, its a good lead, any opinions?
Why Energy Ball when Grass Knot deals more to the likely targets? Especially Hippowdon, you know...
Oh sorry, i forgot Zam learned GK, changing it xD
Suspect Rain Support Manaphy
Manaphy @ Damp Rock
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Attack / 176 Speed
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Hydration
Rain Dance
Rest
Waterfall
U-Turn
This is a Manaphy not designed to Sweep on its own, but rather to set up another Pokemon (such as Kingdra or Kabutops) to sweep with Rain Support.
U-turn provides it the ability to switch out "for free", taking the hit from a faster Pokemon or scouting the potential switch in. This prevents situations like switching a Rain Special Sweeper Kingdra in while the opponent switches in Blissey.
Speaking of Blissey, the Attack EVs allow Manaphy to deal 50.23% - 58.99% to Calm Blissey with Waterfall in the Rain, which can make it much easier for another Pokemon to sweep.
Rest + Hydration allows Manaphy to have a good deal of longevity, letting it set up rain multiple times if necessary.
The given speed EVs allow Manaphy to outspeed positive natured base 90's, which notably lets it get the drop on Lucario, which can keep Luke from sweeping through your team even if he gets a Swords Dance in, as Waterfall does 79.00% - 92.88% to Lucario with either Rain or one Close Combat defense drop. However, if your team is prepared to deal with Lucario already, you may decide instead to run a slower spread of 220 HP / 252 Attack / 36 Speed with Adamant, Impish, or Bold. Adamant gives it even more of a bite against Blissey or while U-turning out, while Impish or Bold lets it take hits slightly better, increasing its ability to tank. 36 Speed lets Manaphy outrun all Tyranitar, who can be a major threat to Rain teams, and Waterfall will always 2HKO the brute even without rain. Having a slower EV spread also allows Manaphy to take a hit from a faster Pokemon while switching out, which lets the new Pokemon switch in unharmed.
Manaphy @ Damp Rock
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Attack / 176 Speed
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Hydration
Rain Dance
Rest
Waterfall
U-Turn
This is a Manaphy not designed to Sweep on its own, but rather to set up another Pokemon (such as Kingdra or Kabutops) to sweep with Rain Support.
U-turn provides it the ability to switch out "for free", taking the hit from a faster Pokemon or scouting the potential switch in. This prevents situations like switching a Rain Special Sweeper Kingdra in while the opponent switches in Blissey.
Speaking of Blissey, the Attack EVs allow Manaphy to deal 50.23% - 58.99% to Calm Blissey with Waterfall in the Rain, which can make it much easier for another Pokemon to sweep.
Rest + Hydration allows Manaphy to have a good deal of longevity, letting it set up rain multiple times if necessary.
The given speed EVs allow Manaphy to outspeed positive natured base 90's, which notably lets it get the drop on Lucario, which can keep Luke from sweeping through your team even if he gets a Swords Dance in, as Waterfall does 79.00% - 92.88% to Lucario with either Rain or one Close Combat defense drop. However, if your team is prepared to deal with Lucario already, you may decide instead to run a slower spread of 220 HP / 252 Attack / 36 Speed with Adamant, Impish, or Bold. Adamant gives it even more of a bite against Blissey or while U-turning out, while Impish or Bold lets it take hits slightly better, increasing its ability to tank. 36 Speed lets Manaphy outrun all Tyranitar, who can be a major threat to Rain teams, and Waterfall will always 2HKO the brute even without rain. Having a slower EV spread also allows Manaphy to take a hit from a faster Pokemon while switching out, which lets the new Pokemon switch in unharmed.
Lead Hariyama
-Fake Out
-Bullet Punch
-Focus Punch
-Close Combat/Payback
Item: Flame Orb
Ability:Guts
Adamant
EVs: 252 Atk/ 252 Spe
This Hariyama is excellent agaisnt fast and frail leads like Azelf or Aerodactyl and can do a nice amount of damage against the bulky slow ones. Fake Out in the 1st turn will broke any Focus Sash an is a good check to see if some lead like Jirachi is not scarfed. After Fake Out, flame orb will activate Guts, increasing Hariyama's attack. With Bullet Punch it can KO thing like Azelf, Aerodactyl, Ninjask or Roserade before they can do anything. Focus Punch is here considering that most slow leads like Metagross and Swarpert will always set Stealth Rocks before doing anything, so Hariyama will be able to use Focus Punch while them set-up Stealth Rocks. Metagross and Swarmpert will almost always be KOed by the combination Fake Out + Focus Punch. Even Hippowdon will be KOed with Focus Punch + Close Combat. Payback is an option for better coverage.
That's already in Other Options in Hariyama. It's a weak set, that's all I'm going to say. I used it alot back in wi-fi and it showed little performance for me.
Its time for another one of my big bang gimmicks. People have seen it in action, and although it may seem very dumb and not good, it has proven different.
Moveset Name: Non-Support Lead
Alakazam @ Focus Sash
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 36 HP/252 Spa/220 Speed
Timid nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Shadow Ball
- HP [Fire]
- Grass Knot
- Focus Blast
This is a very simple, yet effective lead. Works wonders against every lead (barring Metagross) and can do a mini sweep on its own thanks to the surprise factor it provides. The Ability is a plus, since Fake Out wont disturb you!
Against Top 12 Leads:
Metagross - Only downside, you can still inflict good damage with HP Fire, if it decides to set up SR, you get 2 hits, which leave the Metagross harmed.
Azelf - Outspeeds and 2HKOs with Shadow Ball. Azelf can get SR and let you have your intact sash, or attacks and breaks the sash, but doesnt get rocks up.
Swampert - OHKO with GK
Jirachi - If Scarfed it can be quite a pest. But Inner Focus lets you hit it even if they try to flinch you and get some damage, you can either switch to your SRer to get your rocks or something.
Aerodactly - This one it depends on what it uses. It will usually taunt you predicting Encore or Screens, which means it will be the same scenario as vs Azelf, if it attacks you, then it wins, but it will usually just get rocks or taunt.
Infernape - 2HKOd always (its better if they try to Fake Out you, since they dont get rocks!)
Hippowdon - Tricky. If it SRs you always get a 2HKO into 252/0 variants, even if it has Sp Def, theres a very big chance you will 2HKO. If it EQs, theres a 40% chance you will go down (no SR for him then), but you have the odds on your side.
Ninjask - HP Fire OHKOs.
Bronzong - If it SRs Turn 1, you get the 3HKO (HP Fire does around 45% to 252/0 variants), if it Gyro Balls Turn 1, you leave it at around 22% with no SR.
Tyranitar - OHKO with Focus Blast.
Heatran - Focus Blast does around 88%, so you can 2HKO it after with Shadow Ball. Same scenario as Azelf, rocks up and intact sash, or no rocks but broken sash.
Abomasnow - OHKO with HP Fire
So yeah, its a good lead, any opinions?
Moving 36 evs from HP to Defense would be nice to increase your odds against Hippo but it wouldn't do much more than that so...
This thing was a great crobat/shaymin counter back before they went to limbo. But this Articuno is still a force in UU. Even after 50% stealth rocks damage it can survive an unboosted neutral hit from just about anything then just roost off the damage.
Bulky Haze Articuno
Hold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
Ability: Pressure
Evs: 252 HP 96 Def 96 Speed 66 SpD.
-Ice Beam
-Roost
-Haze
-Toxic
The defensive traits are self explanatory. Pressure Stalling plus Toxic Stalling for when you want to stall out threats. Roost for longevity. But the gem here is Ice Beam. It ohko's most venusaur and Rhydon variants. Articuno still has an impressive 226 special attack without any ev or nature involvement.
Stone edge is of course a problem and the very notion of 4x rocks weakness will turn people off. But articuno is an amazing UU poke right now.
Bulky Haze Articuno
Hold Item: Leftovers
Nature: Bold
Ability: Pressure
Evs: 252 HP 96 Def 96 Speed 66 SpD.
-Ice Beam
-Roost
-Haze
-Toxic
The defensive traits are self explanatory. Pressure Stalling plus Toxic Stalling for when you want to stall out threats. Roost for longevity. But the gem here is Ice Beam. It ohko's most venusaur and Rhydon variants. Articuno still has an impressive 226 special attack without any ev or nature involvement.
Stone edge is of course a problem and the very notion of 4x rocks weakness will turn people off. But articuno is an amazing UU poke right now.
Reyscarface's Alakazam lead looks like it would be a good team-mate with Swampert. Swampert handles Metagross, which Alakazam does not, and can Roar away Ninjask. You can also counter most Jirachi leads, with them using either Iron Head or Stealth Rock on the switch, and then you using SR the next turn as they switch. Hippowdon is weak to Surf/Ice Beam. i agree that moving the 36 HP EVs to Defense is better because in HP they probably don't let you survive anything notable.
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