New to competitive Pokemon. I need help! (Zard X team)

LeoArgent

LeoArgent

Hello everyone! I'm new to competitive battling. I did a little bit on Pokemon Showdown during the late 5th Gen and just began learning how it all works when 6th Gen came around and changed everything. So I still have a lot to learn.

I really like Mega Charizard X since Charmander was my first Pokemon ever when I was little, Charizard is still my favorite Pokemon, and I've always loved Dragon type. I know most people say Zard Y is superior competitively, but I want to see if it's possible to build a successful team around Mega Charizard X. I've several different team builds and they've done decently well, but I keep running into issues. Here is my most recent team build. Feel free to give any suggestions you'd like! I really want to learn!



MMMMMega_CCCCCCCharizard_x___pokemon_wallpaper.jpg


1. Mega Charizard X: PENDRAGON
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Blaze/Tough Claws
Item: Charizardite X
EVs: 252 in attack, 252 in speed, 4 in Defense
Dragon Claw
Flare Blitz
Roost
Dragon Dance

This one is more or less the standard build from what I've seen. I love Charizard X and I've used the boosted tough claws fire/dragon/ground coverage with great success! I have dragon claw in there right now since I don't want to get locked into Outrage or get confused. Pendragon is a reference to Arthurian mythology and Celtic history, wherein "Pendragon" meant "Chief Dragon" and was the surname of King Arthur's father. The only trouble with that nickname, though, is it heavily implies that this is Charizard X and not Y. So that might ruin the ambiguity that normally can work in your favor if you're using a Charizard.





salamence_4.jpg


2. Salamence: FAFNIR
Nature: Naive
Ability: Moxie
Item: Focus Sash
EVs: 252 in attack, 252 in speed, 4 in special attack
Dragon Claw
Fire Blast
Earthquake
Dragon Dance

Have I mentioned that I like dragons? Salamence is here to be Zard X's back-up. If they take out Zard X, then I have a very similar Pokemon to do the same thing. But there are differences. First off, he is immune to ground (rather than weak to ground) and has the weaknesses to ice and fairy that Zard X can handle. Salamence also has a mixed attacker set and the very useful ability of Moxie. The focus sash is there to make sure that he can get his dragon dance in. Then there's the Outrage vs. Dragon Claw issue. Fafnir is a reference to German myth and the Nibelungenlied.


250px-Paul_Azumarill.png

3. Azumarill: KURO USAGI
Nature: Adamant
Ability: Huge Power
Item: Choice Band
EVs: 252 in HP, 252 in attack, 4 in special defense
Aqua Jet
Waterfall
Play Rough
Superpower

Azumarill seems like an obvious choice for any team. Huge power and priority STAB are incredible - as is immunity to dragon and ability to wreck dragon, dark, and fighting types with STAB Play Rough. On top of that, Azumarill can take out anything that would bother Charizard since fairy kills dragons and water kills rock and ground. She would also be resistant to the ice and water types that would try to ice beam Salamence. Finally, Azumarill is very hard to wall as very few Pokemon are well-equipped to take it out. The only trouble is that I'm not entirely sure about the item and move-set. The name means "Black Rabbit" in Japanese and is reference to a good-natured Moon Rabbit from Mondaiji Tachi (an anime).


skarmory.png

4. Skarmory: AIRAZOR
Nature: Impish
Ability: Sturdy
Item: Rocky Helmet
EVs: 224 in HP, 252 in defense, 32 in special defense
Spikes
Whirlwind
Roost
Drill Peck

Skarmory is my physical wall, entry hazard Pokemon, and has whirlwind to deal with baton pass teams. Her undeniable prowess as a physical wall is boosted by rocky helmet, so any contact move not only does negligible damage, but hurts the opponent by 1/6 of their max HP! That's a good defensive pivot! Skarmory also has perfect type synergy with Mega Charizard X since she is immune to ground, resistant to dragon, and hurt normally by rock. Rock moves are almost always physical, however, so her ridiculous defense helps even more with that. Her only weaknesses are electric and fire. Fire is laughed off by Charizard X and Azumarill. Electric is worthless against Excadrill and Charizard X. I have Drill Peck instead of brave bird to make up for the fact that she's missing leftovers (Drill Peck has no recoil). I want to make sure she stays an effective physical wall. I'm considering running toxic instead of Drill Peck, though, since walls often are quite good at giving status ailments. I would prefer stealth rocks instead of spikes, but I don't know how to get stealth rocks onto a Skarmory in-game. The name Airazor is the name of a female character from the Beast Wars: Transformers series (my favorite show as a kid). She transformed between an android and a hawk. So I thought it fit nicely.


Togekiss_by_purplekecleon.png


5. Togekiss: SNUGGLES
Nature: Calm
Ability: Serene Grace
Item: King's Rock
EVs: 252 in HP, 252 in special defense, 4 in special attack
Air Slash
Thunder Wave
Heal Bell
Roost

Togekiss serves many purposes. First, she's a decent special wall. With 115 base special defense, full special defense and HP investment, a helpful nature, and roost, she should be able to survive quite a number of special attacks. Her immunities to ground and dragon are also very useful since I have a lot of pokemon weak to those two types. The double resistance to fighting is useful to protect Excadrill and Foretress. Then there's the delightful Parahax tactic utilizing thunder wave, air slash, and serene grace. Heal Bell is there to cure status ailments. The name Snuggles is mostly because Togekiss looks awfully soft and friendly and I couldn't think of anything else. Except maybe Wingrin (wing grin).

excadrill.png


6. Excadrill: LOGAN
Nature: Jolly
Ability: Mold Breaker
Item: Life Orb
EVs: 252 attack, 252 speed, 4 HP
Rapid Spin
Earthquake
Iron Head
Rock Slide

Excadrill is my rapid spinner and sweeper. Excadrill boasts immunity to many status ailments, good type coverage, and good type synergy with my other Pokemon. The resistances to dragon, rock, steel, poison, and fairy are all very useful for my team. Rock-Ground coverage is great as well, then you add in the fairy slaying Iron Head for good measure. He has 4 weaknesses, but they are all very well covered by the rest of my team. The name Logan is a reference to Wolverine due to the metal claws.



So there's my team! I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's responses!
 
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So does anyone have any suggestions at all?

I know my team has serious problems, but I'm not sure how to fix them.

The main problems I see are that I lack a special attacker and I've been having problems with gale-wings Talonflame. Mega Kangashkan and Mega Lucario are also very troublesome. But I don't know what to do about that.

I've also heard a lot of people talk about a bulky Charizard X build that is supposedly much better than the dragon dancer. Is that true?

I really would appreciate feedback from a more experienced player!!
 
Not to be a stickler, but MegaMama should be permabanned from OU. Hopefully you don't have to worry about that too longer, due to Pokébank coming out soon, but still. Also, your thread is listed as Pokébank OU, not Pre-Pokébank OU.

Roost is a very good idea on good 'ol Megazard X. I think Charizard could greatly benefit from having either Outrage or Dragon Claw on his moveset, giving him a Stab move with at least 20 BP higher than Earthquake (which has no Tough Claws buff). Also, all notable Fairy-Types in OU are definitely susceptible to a Powerful Flare Blitz, due to only those who are weak to Fire-Type being Physically Oriented, so don't get rid of those. Also, I think that Megazard Y being better is subjective to the rest of the team, and both are definitely viable.

When I saw this nickname, I thought that people were finally realizing there is more than one religion (not that I am biased towards Ancient Greek) for Pokémon nicknames. I was disappointed by the explanation, but what are you gonna do. Not sure if it is a good idea to have two Dragon Dancers on one team. Switching out for Weakness Policy Dragonite may or may not be a good plan. If you do want to keep Salamence though, I would switch him to more of a pivot, and run Scarfmence. This allows you to outspeed most of the things you had the Focus Sash on for, and allows you to use a powerful pivot. Also, I would switch Fire Blast out for Stone Edge or Fire/Thunder Fang, so you can take advantage of that full Attack investment, and 135 base Attack (not to mention, you should have to worry about missing a bit less).

You have two options for good 'ol Pikablu, Going Choice Band or Belly Drum. Choice band gives you a good Poké for both Pivvoting and Sweeping, while Belly Drum is sole sweeper. For you, I would go Choice Band, as you already have a Sweeper in Megazard X and very few things can wall him, aside from Heatran and Azumarill, who the rest of your team should be able to cover. Also, Choice Band allows you to run Aqua Jet and Waterfall, which is nice.

I understand your reservations towards Brave Bird on Skarmory, but all in all, it is a good choice.

Heal Bell replacing Aura Sphere on Togekiss may be a good idea, since you lack any way to combat status, and that could cripple most of your team. Also, I would add King's Rock to influence the hax, because you already have Roost.

Not too much to change about Excadrill, other than switching Rock Slide, switching the secondary hax effect, and adding base power is a much better choice (even with the crit nerf) instead of Accuracy. Also, I would run Life Orb over Choice Scarf, especially if you are trying to sweep.


As for threats, Running a StoneQuake set on some of your Pokémon should really help take down Talonflame, especially Scarfmence. As for MegaKhan, there is no way to really get around it other than burning it, or SubPunching it. As for Lucario, anything with EQ that can take a hit, can take out both Physical and Nasty Plot MegaLuc.

Another big thing is that you have no prominent Special Attacker. You need to change this. I recommend either Specs Hydreigon or Specs Jolteon.

Hope I could help! Good Luck!
 
Thank you for your response!

OK, I'll try adding Roost onto Charizard X. The added longevity could be quite useful. I'm assuming the EVs remain the same. That means I'll need someone else to take care of Heatran (and possibly Aegislash since earthquake was useful to get rid of the King's Shield guesswork).

Hm. I could try ScarfMence. Of course Dragon Dance couldn't work with Scarf. So maybe Stone Edge and Thunder Fang could work. Would that allow Salamence to take out Talonflame and/or Azumarill? I have problems with those two. Right now, Salamence seems to be the most expendable guy on my team.

Choice Band Azumarill sounds like a great idea!

Heal Bell sounds like a great idea on Togekiss, as is King's Rock.

I could try Life Orb for Excadrill. Should I change the EVs or keep as is? I'm not going for Stone Edge, though. I have the worst luck with low accuracy moves. It says "80% accurate" but seems more like 50% LOL! One miss can easily lose a game (it has for me, that's for sure).

Well, I have Rock/Ground coverage on Excadrill, though that doesn't help much against Talonflame due to the fire weakness.

Hm. Specs Jolteon sounds interesting. Electric is awfully good at taking out Azumarill and Talonflame. The only issue is making sure it survives their priority attacks...

Jolteon sounds like a really good match for my team. But I'm curious. What would Hydreigon be able to offer?

Also, I think I need a Taunt user. I keep on running into Smeargles and I need a way to take them out fast. Hm...maybe a fast attacker with a Lum Berry to deal with Spore?

This is some really good input, by the way! Thanks!

P.S. I completely agree about Mega Kangashkan! That really ought to be Uber. Any chance the same will happen with Talonflame or Mega Lucario?
 
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LeoArgent said:
Thank you for your response!

OK, I'll try adding Roost onto Charizard X. The added longevity could be quite useful. That means I'll need someone else to take care of Heatran (and possibly Aegislash since earthquake was useful to get rid of the King's Shield guesswork).

Hm. I could try ScarfMence. Of course Dragon Dance couldn't work with Scarf. So maybe Stone Edge and Thunder Fang could work. Would that allow Salamence to take out Talonflame and/or Azumarill? I have problems with those two. Right now, Salamence seems to be the most expendable guy on my team.

Choice Band Azumarill sounds like a great idea!

Heal Bell sounds like a great idea on Togekiss, as is King's Rock.

I could try Life Orb for Excadrill. Should I change the EVs or keep as is? I'm not going for Stone Edge, though. I have the worst luck with low accuracy moves. It says "80% accurate" but seems more like 50% LOL! One miss can easily lose a game (it has for me, that's for sure).

Well, I have Rock/Ground coverage on Excadrill, though that doesn't help much against Talonflame due to the fire weakness.

Hm. Specs Jolteon sounds interesting. Electric is awfully good at taking out Azumarill and Talonflame. The only issue is making sure it survives their priority attacks...

What would be a good set for Jolteon? What advantages would Hydreigon have?

Also, I think I need a Taunt user. I keep on running into Smeargles and I need a way to take them out fast. Hm...maybe a fast attacker with a Lum Berry to deal with Spore?

This is some really good input, by the way! Thanks!

P.S. I completely agree about Mega Kangashkan! That really ought to be Uber. Any chance the same will happen with Talonflame or Mega Lucario?
Click to expand...

Happy to help.

Anyways, for your secondary queries, I have answers.

Smeargle is completely countered by Mandibuzz. Seriously. It can run Defog, and with full speed investment, can outspeed it and put in the taunt. It can also run Knock Off, making it entirely viable to add on your team.

Mandibuzz @ Leftovers
252 HP/252 Speed/4 Atk
Jolly (So you can outrun that godforsaken Smeargle)
Overcoat
-Defog
-Taunt
-Foul Play/Knock Off
-Whirlwind

This thing is annoying, take it from me. It works really well as a Phaser and a Defogger, and an anti-lead. I love this fucker. You could also run Prankster Sableye, but I like Mandibuzz better, and I feel it fits better. Also, I believe Overcoat negates Powder moves this gen but don't take my word on it.

As for Jolteon, chances are your opponent will put out Talonflame, as his blazing 130 base Speed is obnoixious, and outspeeds Talonflame (by 4) running Timid is just extra insurance. I would run a set similar to 5th Gen.

Jolteon @ Choice Specs
252 SAtk/252 Speed/4 HP
Timid
Volt Absorb
-Thunder
-Volt Switch
-Signal Beam
-Hidden Power Ice

This just rapes almost everything. Seriously. Outspeeding the Flare Blitz mean certain death to Talonflame. Among other things.

Hydreigon on the other hand is more of a pivot. Being able to pull of Draco Meteor, Fire Blast, Dark Pulse and Flash Cannon. Running the Scarf can prevent Fairies from getting without taking pretty crippling damage.

Hydreigon @ Choice Scarf
252 SAtk/252 Speed/4 HP
Timid
Levitate
-Draco Meteor
-Flash Cannon/Earth Power
-Fireblast/Surf
-U-Turn/Superpower

This thing is insanely powerful, and does a comlpleteky different job than Jolteon, despite differing so much stat-wise. The Scarf does what a Scarf does, and lets him function as a great pivot, despite his 4x Fairy Weakness.

Keep Excadrill the same for the Life Orb set.

What do you mean by expendable? I think Salamence is great. Being able to survive almost any hit from Talonflame, and being able to OHKO it is wonderful. As for ZuZu, I know Thunderfang with put a reasonable dent into it, if not killing it. Sorry I can't do the calculations for you :/

If you have anymore small questions, feel free to PM me, rather than cluttering up the thread.

Hope I could help! Good luck!
 
Woah! Mandabuzz sounds awesome! That takes care of Smeargles, Baton Passers, entry hazards, and potentially Mega Evolutions (if it can Knock Off fast enough). That's insanely good! Yeah...that buzzard's going to be on my team now, haha!

In fact, I might even get rid of Excadrill, then. Afterall, Excadrill was there mostly as a rapid spinner with ground-rock coverage moves.

As far as "expendable", I meant that it seemed like Salamence was the one I could most easily replace without losing something pivotal (like my special and physical walls or my rapid spinner/defogger...). But now I'm not so sure.

If Jolteon can survive a priority Brave Bird from Talonflame (he does have a resist), then I just might go with Specs Jolteon as well. The ability to fry Azumarill is also a huge plus (assuming he can survive the first hit switching in). The trouble is figuring out who to remove for Jolteon...

Right now, Salamence is the only one left who can theoretically still effectively run the rock-ground coverage. So he's seeming much more useful now that I'm planning on removing Excadrill.

Hydreigon also sounds pretty powerful, though. The trouble is that he doesn't seem to fit any of the immediate needs of the team in terms of type coverage. Or am I missing something?

Thanks again for your help! If I have any other smaller questions, I'll be sure to PM you.

P.S. I did the calculations regarding Jolteon.

Jolteon can safely switch into brave bird and 1HKO ANY Talonflame.

Jolteon can safely switch into Flare Blitz from Talonflame (and survive with very little health left) and then proceed to 1HKO any Talonflame except for Adamant Life Orb Max Attack Talonflame.

Jolteon can safely switch into Aqua Jet from any non-Belly Drum boosted Azumarill and then 1HKO. But Jolteon is unlikely to survive switching into Rough Play or Waterfall.

So Jolteon can be an effective counter to both threats provided that he doesn't have to switch into an attack.
 
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Jolteon can check but cant counter talonflame or azumarill. If you switch him in and he takes a hit youll die to priority before 1hkoing the other. You said hed survive flare blitz with barely no hp which means hell die from BB and it will be outsped because of gale wings. If he takes an aqua jet can he survives another one before hitting?
 
OK, I ran the numbers again. Jolteon can survive 2 aqua jets from Adamant Huge Power Azumarill (assuming it has not used Belly Drum and does not have Choice Band).

252+ Atk Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jolteon: 120-142 (44.2 - 52.3%) -- 21.5% chance to 2HKO

With Choice Band, Azumarill can 2HKO Jolteon: 252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jolteon: 180-213 (66.4 - 78.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

As far as Talonflame goes, Jolteon can survive 2 Brave Birds easily: 252+ Atk Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jolteon: 118-140 (43.5 - 51.6%) -- 9.8% chance to 2HKO

Unless Talonflame has a Life Orb: 252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Jolteon: 153-182 (56.4 - 67.1%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


So, bottom line is that Jolteon can 1HKO either one very easily (I ran those numbers too). He makes a great counter to Talonflame provided that he's switching into Brave Bird, because he can then tank another Brave Bird and 1HKO or outspeed the Talonflame who is trying to use Flare Blitz. The trouble is Azumarill. Jolteon simply can't handle two Aqua Jets from Choice Band Azumarill.

So you're completely correct. If the goal is to find a Pokemon that can 1HKO either threat without being 2HKOd, then I'm right back where I started...

I just ran a lot of calculations with all the viable electric types I could find (since electric is super-effective against both threats).

So here's the most promising candidate: Rotom Wash

252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-W Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Talonflame: 447-530 (124.1 - 147.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252 SpA Life Orb Rotom-W Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Azumarill: 398-471 (98.5 - 116.5%) -- 93.8% chance to OHKO

252+ SpA Life Orb Rotom-W Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 0 SpD Azumarill: 437-515 (108.1 - 127.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 96-113 (39.8 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Flare Blitz vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 96-113 (39.8 - 46.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Play Rough vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 253-298 (83.2 - 98%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Aqua Jet vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Rotom-W: 56-66 (18.4 - 21.7%) -- possible 5HKO

So Rotom Wash is a great counter to Talonflame since he can survive 3 hits from either attack and can 1HKO Talonflame.

Regarding Azumarill, Rotom Wash can survive 1 Play Rough, then 1HKO before the second Play Rough can come (since Rotom Wash is faster than Azumarill and can withstand a Play Rough and an Aqua Jet).

So Rotom Wash is looking like the only candidate that can weather both threats. Even then, it only works with a Modest Life Orb Rotom Wash that has 252 HP and 252 Special Attack EVs.

Hm. Rotom-W is looking pretty good right now - no wonder I see him on so many teams! Is Rotom-W a viable player all-around or is he mostly just a check to the above two threats?

Jolteon is a much riskier counter to Talonflame and Azumarill, but would probably be a more versatile Pokemon.

Does that make sense or am I off my rocker on this one?
 
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Rotm-w is able to carry its own weight. He has a decent movepool according o your needs. He can go trick scarf with voltturn, hydro pump, and tbolt. He has pain split to recover hp, discharge or twave to paralyze, will-o-wisp. He can probably help against megakhan if he manages to burn him. Jolteon is more potent offensively but he almost requires you to sacrifice someone else so he can enter the batlefield unscathed. Btw, dont forget about the hazards on the field when running calcs. And it seems skarmory cannot learn stealth rocks this gen. Also, just saw you had Azumarill, how does he fare against megaluke and talonflame?
 
OK, thanks! I'll have to see what I can do with Rotom W. Now I just need to figure out who to get rid of to add in Mandibuzz and Rotom W...

As far as Skarmory goes, that's why I'm running spikes. I wish she could get stealth rocks since it's usually a better move, but I'm trying to keep this set as something I could theoretically get in-game.

Of course, I have no idea how to get Mandibuzz in 6th Gen. I might have to wait for Poke Bank and then trade someone for it since I don't own any 5th Gen games and I don't feel like buying one and playing through it just for 1 or 2 Pokemon.

As far as Azumarill goes, I haven't gotten much chance to bring her in against Mega Lucario, so I can't answer that one. (And I don't know how to run the calculations when the calculator doesn't include mega stones.)

She can do well against Talonflame, but obviously cannot rely on Aqua Jet. Talonflame is faster and so will go first if both use priority.

Max attack Talonflame can 2HKO Azumarill with Brave Bird: 252+ Atk Life Orb Talonflame Brave Bird vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Azumarill: 246-290 (60.8 - 71.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Max attack Azumarill completely obliterates Talonflame in 1 hit: 252+ Atk Choice Band Huge Power Azumarill Waterfall vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Talonflame: 630-744 (175 - 206.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

So it's kind of like the Jolteon scenario. If you switch Azumarill into an attack, Talonflame will win. If she's already in there and has more than 1/2 health left, Talonflame is done for.

Anyway, thanks for your help! It looks like Rotom Wash is going to be on my team. I just need to figure out who will have to go in order to make room. Have a great day!
 
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