Team Preview
Introduction
Hey, how's everyone been? This'll likely be my last RMT/major forum contribution for a while, since classes start in a few days. Onto talking about the team you'll hopefully stick around to read about. I had two motivations for building this team. I've liked Gourgeist since I saw it during XY's release, and I've always wanted to carve a Jack O' Lantern during Halloween but never have had the time (so why not use it on a pokemon team?). Another thing is that I got bored of playing with that Clefable team, and wanted to try something somewhat new. The team has done pretty well, reaching #10 before the reset, and got to #15 after the reset (haven't played much since then). I'd appreciate feedback as well as your thoughts on the team.
Proof of Peaks
Team Building Process
- Gourgeist was the starting point. A fast subseeder that has neat typing and can wear down opposing teams quickly. Of the Gourgeist forms, Gourgeist-S retains the most bulk while outspeeding Excadrill because of its higher speed stat (Gourgeist-Average is only base-84 so it can't beat Excadrill without resorting to a speed boosting nature, lowering its defenses), which is why I chose it over the other forms. Innovation/Gimmick at its finest.
- After adding Gourgeist, I knew two things: (1) Lots of chip damage and (2) Knock Off/DarkSpam issues. Lucario seemed to fit well as it can switch in on Knock Offs relatively well, and can pull off a sweep against a weakened offensive team at +2.
- Rotom-W was added to stop birds and also pivot out to Lucario/Gourgeist in the face of pokemon like Ferrothorn.
- The team was pretty weak on the special side, which is where Heatran comes in. It also adds Stealth Rocks, which are nice to have.
- Scarf Lando-T was added for revenge killing, and also to beat Gengar/Alakazam. It forms a Volt-Turn core with Rotom-W, and can Intimidate pokemon to help Gourgeist/Lucario set up.
- Serperior was the final addition to the team. I lacked a way to decimate bulky water-types, since other members don't really kill them efficiently. Another pokemon I tried out in the last spot is Clefable (go figure), as it provides more in terms of "glue" for the team.
Analysis
(PU You Stink) @ Leftovers
EVs: 248 HP / 92 Def / 168 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leech Seed
- Will-O-Wisp
- Substitute
- Foul Play / Disable / ?????
Behold the cleverest nickname I've come up with to date. As mentioned in teambuilding process, EVs outspeed Excadrill and maximize physical bulk to take on all sorts of pokemon. Frisk is Gourgeist's only useful ability, and helps differentiate between Scarf/Specs Keldeo, Band/Drum Azumarill, Scarf VS LO Garchomp, and other pokemon who can run a variety of sets. Leech Seed+Will-O-Wisp can chip ~1/4 of a pokemon's health per turn, along with keeping Gourgeist's substitutes going (restores HP and weakens physical attacks respectively). Substitute guards Gourgeist from Status and weaker attacks. The last move is kind of a toss-up, I've tried Foul Play, Disable, Destiny Bond, Seed Bomb, and Phantom Force to some success, though Foul Play and Disable see the most use (Foul Play helps VS offensive pokemon whereas Disable stops Choiced users, and also mono-attacking defensive pokemon).
(Nyoooom 3.0) @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Close Combat
- Extreme Speed
- Ice Punch / Iron Tail
- Swords Dance
Since I was using a PU pokemon, UU didn't seem too far fetched. EVs maximize attack and speed, Adamant over Jolly because it beats nothing relevant, and the IVs hit a LO number. Justified makes Knock Off a bit riskier to go for, and is preferable if the opposing team is weakened so Lucario can go to work. Close Combat is a nuke of a move that can OHKOs most things at +2. Extreme Speed lets me beat revenge-ers like Talonflame and Lati@s, and is probably the main reason to use Lucario in the first place. Ice Punch is normally used over Iron Tail due to consistency issues, however CM Clefable can be an issue so Iron Tail is an option. Lucario is my primary win-condition against offense, since by late-game it can sweep with +2 ESpeeds.
(Mr. Clean) @ Leftovers
Mr. Clean (Rotom-Wash) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
I hate Rotom-W more than anythingexcept swagplay but it does what it needs to for the team (checking birds and Volt-Turn shenanigans). Volt Switch is for momentum, and Hydro Pump is decently powerful. Will-O-Wisp can cripple ground-types looking to absorb a Volt Switch, and eases Gourgeist's job of spreading burns. Pain Split keeps Rotom-W alive and helps wear down non-CM Clefable into Landorus's KO range. I can't say this enough, I really don't like Rotom-W on any team, but Volt Switch is nice I guess (I'd use Lanturn over it but no ground immunity).
(Hot Rocks) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
I wish Heatran had a 5th moveslot. Heatran is here to help deal with my CM Clefable issues (I'm running Ice Punch more often than not on Lucario), as well as special attackers in general. Lava Plume is STAB with a good hax changeburn everything. Toxic helps wear down water-types, and can stallbreak to some extent with Taunt. Stealth Rock provides hazards that, alongside all the other forms of chip damage, help break down opposing teams. Unlike Rotom-W, I actually like Heatran because of its consistency, and its been on almost all my teams.
(Fast&Furious) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 88 HP / 252 Atk / 168 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
-Stone Edge Rock Slide
- Knock Off
Lando-T is fast and furious. I run enough speed to beat a +1 Dragonite, maximizing attack, and putting the rest in HP for a bit more bulk. Earthquake is STAB, and U-turn is wonderful for momentum. I won't use Stone Edge because it misses too often, and Rock Slide gets the necessary KOs I'd rely on Stone Edge for anyways. Knock Off does give up momentum on a choiced user, but it helps wear down opposing teams quicker (also lets me beat Gengar). Lando-T is nice, I wish it maintained Lando-I's speed and dropped some of that special attack, but again it does what it needs to (and hits really hard to boot).
(Storming Leaves) @ Meadow Plate
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Giga Drain
I don't like two LO's on a team, especially without hazard control, and considering Leaf Storm is the move I'd be using most, it made sense to go for Meadow Plate. Contrary Leaf Storm is like a Close Combat/NP hybrid, and is the move I'll go for unless Giga Drain gets the same KO. Dragon Pulse gets good neutral coverage, and HP Fire covers Ferrothorn (and also gives me some way to hit Togekiss). HP Ground is bad without LO, and Heatran isn't that hard to wear down. Giga Drain, mentioned earlier, helps Serperior stay alive and is a good move if I know Serperior will get forced out once it kills whatever is in front of it (ex: Rotom-W if Torn-T is in the back).
Replays
VS Sand Offense
VS Balance
VS HO
VS Stall
VS More Sand
VS HO
Commentary coming soon!
Threat List
Conkeldurr - I lack switch-ins to this think, and it can usually give me a run for my money. Its not the hardest to wear down.
Mixed Thundurus - If Lando-T's scarf gets knocked off, this thing is irritating. I usually go for switches/chip damage to wear it down.
Sub-CM Keldeo - I'm in deep trouble if this thing gets up a substitute, because I'll have to risk losing something to break its sub.
Weavile - Not much can be done about Weavile late-game, Knock Off can do a number to Rotom-W if its weakened.
Hoopa-U - What are switchins? Lando-T can threaten out, and any one attack probably has switch ins, but I dunno.
Variations
Serperior to Clefable - This change fixes my Thundurus and Conkeldurr weakness, as well as helps with balance. It however makes this team weaker to CroCune, Keldeo, as well as bulky ground-types like Gliscor. (Plus, the point of this team was to use something other than Clefable, although I do want to try the CM+Twave sets eventually).
Importable
Conclusion
This team has shown me that I'll likely never play HO "seriously" (as in take the time to teambuild/ladder), as at times I wanted to delete this team and rebuild it as stall. I like having switchins to things. I like long battles. I like getting Skarmory into KO range of a +2 Knock Off after 50 or so turns, and then going for another 90 just for safe measure. I love 50% healing moves. My favorite matchup to play is probably Stall VS Stall. However, I absolutely hate all of those things as a spectator. I don't want to watch Stall VS Stall. Its boring watching people switch around and do like 22% damage max. That to me is offense's redeeming factor. It is the most "fun" way to watch and play the game.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
PS: Gourgeist's Shiny sprites do not work
Introduction
Hey, how's everyone been? This'll likely be my last RMT/major forum contribution for a while, since classes start in a few days. Onto talking about the team you'll hopefully stick around to read about. I had two motivations for building this team. I've liked Gourgeist since I saw it during XY's release, and I've always wanted to carve a Jack O' Lantern during Halloween but never have had the time (so why not use it on a pokemon team?). Another thing is that I got bored of playing with that Clefable team, and wanted to try something somewhat new. The team has done pretty well, reaching #10 before the reset, and got to #15 after the reset (haven't played much since then). I'd appreciate feedback as well as your thoughts on the team.
Proof of Peaks
First Peak
http://postimg.org/image/4eclorbdp/
Reset was on the 16th
2nd Peak
http://postimg.org/image/qgrvhdk8n/
http://postimg.org/image/4eclorbdp/
Reset was on the 16th
2nd Peak
http://postimg.org/image/qgrvhdk8n/
Team Building Process
252+ Atk Life Orb Excadrill Iron Head vs. 248 HP / 92+ Def Gourgeist-Small: 136-161 (43.4 - 51.4%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Life Orb Excadrill Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Gourgeist-Average: 153-181 (45.8 - 54.1%) -- 5.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Life Orb Excadrill Iron Head vs. 252 HP / 72 Def Gourgeist-Average: 153-181 (45.8 - 54.1%) -- 5.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
Analysis
EVs: 248 HP / 92 Def / 168 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leech Seed
- Will-O-Wisp
- Substitute
- Foul Play / Disable / ?????
Behold the cleverest nickname I've come up with to date. As mentioned in teambuilding process, EVs outspeed Excadrill and maximize physical bulk to take on all sorts of pokemon. Frisk is Gourgeist's only useful ability, and helps differentiate between Scarf/Specs Keldeo, Band/Drum Azumarill, Scarf VS LO Garchomp, and other pokemon who can run a variety of sets. Leech Seed+Will-O-Wisp can chip ~1/4 of a pokemon's health per turn, along with keeping Gourgeist's substitutes going (restores HP and weakens physical attacks respectively). Substitute guards Gourgeist from Status and weaker attacks. The last move is kind of a toss-up, I've tried Foul Play, Disable, Destiny Bond, Seed Bomb, and Phantom Force to some success, though Foul Play and Disable see the most use (Foul Play helps VS offensive pokemon whereas Disable stops Choiced users, and also mono-attacking defensive pokemon).
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Close Combat
- Extreme Speed
- Ice Punch / Iron Tail
- Swords Dance
Since I was using a PU pokemon, UU didn't seem too far fetched. EVs maximize attack and speed, Adamant over Jolly because it beats nothing relevant, and the IVs hit a LO number. Justified makes Knock Off a bit riskier to go for, and is preferable if the opposing team is weakened so Lucario can go to work. Close Combat is a nuke of a move that can OHKOs most things at +2. Extreme Speed lets me beat revenge-ers like Talonflame and Lati@s, and is probably the main reason to use Lucario in the first place. Ice Punch is normally used over Iron Tail due to consistency issues, however CM Clefable can be an issue so Iron Tail is an option. Lucario is my primary win-condition against offense, since by late-game it can sweep with +2 ESpeeds.
Mr. Clean (Rotom-Wash) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 252 Def / 8 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
I hate Rotom-W more than anything
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 252 SpD / 8 Spe
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
I wish Heatran had a 5th moveslot. Heatran is here to help deal with my CM Clefable issues (I'm running Ice Punch more often than not on Lucario), as well as special attackers in general. Lava Plume is STAB with a good hax change
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 88 HP / 252 Atk / 168 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
-
- Knock Off
Lando-T is fast and furious. I run enough speed to beat a +1 Dragonite, maximizing attack, and putting the rest in HP for a bit more bulk. Earthquake is STAB, and U-turn is wonderful for momentum. I won't use Stone Edge because it misses too often, and Rock Slide gets the necessary KOs I'd rely on Stone Edge for anyways. Knock Off does give up momentum on a choiced user, but it helps wear down opposing teams quicker (also lets me beat Gengar). Lando-T is nice, I wish it maintained Lando-I's speed and dropped some of that special attack, but again it does what it needs to (and hits really hard to boot).
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Giga Drain
I don't like two LO's on a team, especially without hazard control, and considering Leaf Storm is the move I'd be using most, it made sense to go for Meadow Plate. Contrary Leaf Storm is like a Close Combat/NP hybrid, and is the move I'll go for unless Giga Drain gets the same KO. Dragon Pulse gets good neutral coverage, and HP Fire covers Ferrothorn (and also gives me some way to hit Togekiss). HP Ground is bad without LO, and Heatran isn't that hard to wear down. Giga Drain, mentioned earlier, helps Serperior stay alive and is a good move if I know Serperior will get forced out once it kills whatever is in front of it (ex: Rotom-W if Torn-T is in the back).
Replays
VS Sand Offense
VS Balance
VS HO
VS Stall
VS More Sand
VS HO
Commentary coming soon!
Threat List
Conkeldurr - I lack switch-ins to this think, and it can usually give me a run for my money. Its not the hardest to wear down.
Mixed Thundurus - If Lando-T's scarf gets knocked off, this thing is irritating. I usually go for switches/chip damage to wear it down.
Sub-CM Keldeo - I'm in deep trouble if this thing gets up a substitute, because I'll have to risk losing something to break its sub.
Weavile - Not much can be done about Weavile late-game, Knock Off can do a number to Rotom-W if its weakened.
Hoopa-U - What are switchins? Lando-T can threaten out, and any one attack probably has switch ins, but I dunno.
Variations
Serperior to Clefable - This change fixes my Thundurus and Conkeldurr weakness, as well as helps with balance. It however makes this team weaker to CroCune, Keldeo, as well as bulky ground-types like Gliscor. (Plus, the point of this team was to use something other than Clefable, although I do want to try the CM+Twave sets eventually).
Importable
PU You Stink (Gourgeist-Small) @ Leftovers
Ability: Frisk
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 92 Def / 168 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leech Seed
- Will-O-Wisp
- Substitute
- Foul Play
Hot Rocks (Heatran) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
Mr. Clean (Rotom-Wash) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
Fast&Furious (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 88 HP / 252 Atk / 168 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Rock Slide
Nyoooom 3.0 (Lucario) @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Close Combat
- Extreme Speed
- Ice Punch
- Swords Dance
Storming Leaves (Serperior) @ Meadow Plate
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Giga Drain
Ability: Frisk
Shiny: Yes
EVs: 248 HP / 92 Def / 168 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Leech Seed
- Will-O-Wisp
- Substitute
- Foul Play
Hot Rocks (Heatran) @ Leftovers
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 SpD
Calm Nature
- Lava Plume
- Toxic
- Taunt
- Stealth Rock
Mr. Clean (Rotom-Wash) @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 216 Def / 44 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Volt Switch
- Hydro Pump
- Will-O-Wisp
- Pain Split
Fast&Furious (Landorus-Therian) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 88 HP / 252 Atk / 168 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Earthquake
- U-turn
- Knock Off
- Rock Slide
Nyoooom 3.0 (Lucario) @ Life Orb
Ability: Justified
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
IVs: 29 HP
- Close Combat
- Extreme Speed
- Ice Punch
- Swords Dance
Storming Leaves (Serperior) @ Meadow Plate
Ability: Contrary
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk / 30 SpA / 30 Spe
- Leaf Storm
- Dragon Pulse
- Hidden Power [Fire]
- Giga Drain
Conclusion
This team has shown me that I'll likely never play HO "seriously" (as in take the time to teambuild/ladder), as at times I wanted to delete this team and rebuild it as stall. I like having switchins to things. I like long battles. I like getting Skarmory into KO range of a +2 Knock Off after 50 or so turns, and then going for another 90 just for safe measure. I love 50% healing moves. My favorite matchup to play is probably Stall VS Stall. However, I absolutely hate all of those things as a spectator. I don't want to watch Stall VS Stall. Its boring watching people switch around and do like 22% damage max. That to me is offense's redeeming factor. It is the most "fun" way to watch and play the game.
Thanks for reading and have a great day!
PS: Gourgeist's Shiny sprites do not work
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