Oh look, another rain team

AndyMuk

Introduction

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Like many I decided to jump on the rain bandwagon thanks to the introduction of the new BW2 features as I really wanted to take some of the new pokes for a spin. This team's been doing pretty well but I would love to see if any of you have advice as to how to improve it. Yes, I am aware that this team is very standard.

The Team

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Fo' Drizzle (Politoed) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic
- Encore
- Ice Beam

Standard defensive Politoed, should be pretty self explanatory for a rain team. I went for the bulky set since I want to focus on keeping him alive so it's easier to win the weather war, which is particularly important in this weather-dominated metagame. Scald and Ice Beam give decent coverage along with Scald's decent utility which stops him from becoming setup fodder for physical attackers. Toxic is used for wearing down opposing bulky Pokémon, and Encore has proven to be very useful for forcing switches when Pokémon try to set up.

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RockYouLikeA (Tornadus-T) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Hurricane
- Superpower
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Tornadus-t is the main reason I made this team, and the Pokémon who I've definitely enjoyed using the most, being able to tear through teams with his 100% accurate Hurricanes (assuming the rain is up ofc) as well as his excellent coverage with this set. Superpower is particularly useful for Pokémon such as Blissey and Tyranitar who would otherwise wall this set.

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Zeus (Thundurus-T) (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunder
- Focus Blast

Now for our brother in crime, Thundurus-T. I partly chose him due to his novelty, but also due to his very useful Volt Absorb ability which lets him switch in on Electric attacks aimed at Tornadus. I've been running a Nasty Plot set with BoltBeam coverage alongside Focus Blast, allowing him to hit those Pokémon who resist the two aforementioned moves. Lum Berry gives him a second chance against Pokémon who try to use status to stop him. The problem I've been having is that he's a bit on the slow side for boosting effectively which can be a problem, so I've been considering the possiblity of opting for a Scarf set with Volt Switch instead of Nasty Plot.

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Tusks (Mamoswine) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Now we have the Pokémon who is so anti-meta that he has become meta, having plenty of tools to check/revenge kill several of the new threats including the new genies and all dragons thanks to its Ice Shard, as well as being able to take out Jirachi with Eq who would otherwise wall my other two sweepers. In fact, Mamo has been able to pull off the odd late game sweep. Adamant is the nature I've gone for, though I may well change this for Jolly in order to outspeed the common Jolly Techloom so I can Ice Shard before he Mach Punches.

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Prickles (Ferrothorn) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SDef
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Leech Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Protect

Moving onto the defensive core for this team, we have a real rain team staple. Standard Ferrothorn affair here, making the most of his utility moves for team support, alongside Gyro Ball to stop him from becoming setup fodder. In addition, the rain gimps his fire weakness which is obviously very useful. I used to run T-wave in place of Gyro Ball but this led to Pokémon setting up on him, as well as Taunt completely shutting him down. I have considered the possiblity of having Spikes in place of Protect in order for more residual damage which can make the weather war easier to win, although Protect provides some very valuable recovery, as well as being able to scout what choiced Pokémon are going to do.

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Tentarape (Tentacruel) (M) @ Black Sludge
Trait: Rain Dish
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Toxic Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Protect

Forming a great defensive core with both Ferro and Politoed we have Tentacruel who can function brilliantly in rain thanks to its Rain Dish ability. Toxic Spikes help greatly, though I am considering exchanging them for Toxic to allow more immediate status. Rapid Spin is pretty essential given that my two main sweepers are flying types, and Scald gives great utility alongside its strong power boosted by STAB and the Rain. Protect allows for healing as well as scouting, and the bold nature helps him to handle physical threats such as Scizor and Terrakion a bit better, though it can't really switch into the latter.

Threats

So there's the team. I've been getting on well with it but it has its weaknesses:
-CM Keldeo is a huge problem. Although Tentacruel resists both its STABs it's very easy to set up on.
-Nothing on this team can safely switch into Terrakion (although what can nowadays)
-Gastrodon can only be hit for neutral damage and so can be a problem, especially if Mamoswine goes down early game.
-Specially defensive Jirachi walls this team if Mamoswine goes down early on.

Of course there are other threats but those are the main ones which spring to mind. Any other constructive criticism would be much appreciated.

IMPORTABLE
Fo' Drizzle (Politoed) (M) @ Leftovers
Trait: Drizzle
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SDef
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Scald
- Toxic
- Encore
- Ice Beam

Zeus (Thundurus-T) (M) @ Lum Berry
Trait: Volt Absorb
EVs: 4 Def / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Timid Nature (+Spd, -Atk)
- Nasty Plot
- Hidden Power [Ice]
- Thunder
- Focus Blast

RockYouLikeA (Tornadus-T) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Hurricane
- Superpower
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]

Tusks (Mamoswine) (M) @ Life Orb
Trait: Thick Fat
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Spd
Adamant Nature (+Atk, -SAtk)
- Ice Shard
- Icicle Crash
- Earthquake
- Stone Edge

Prickles (Ferrothorn) (F) @ Leftovers
Trait: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SDef
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Leech Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Protect

Tentarape (Tentacruel) (M) @ Black Sludge
Trait: Rain Dish
EVs: 252 HP / 240 Def / 16 Spd
Bold Nature (+Def, -Atk)
- Toxic Spikes
- Rapid Spin
- Scald
- Protect
 
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RockYouLikeA (Tornadus-T) (M) @ Expert Belt
Trait: Regenerator
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SAtk / 252 Spd
Naive Nature (+Spd, -SDef)
- Hurricane
- Superpower
- U-turn
- Hidden Power [Ice]

I would suggest using expert belt over life orb. You have quite a bit of coverage with this set so you will hit most things super effectively. Expert Belt allows you to hit harder and not have to take any damage. Also, I noticed that two of your pokemon had Life Orb so now only one would.


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Prickles (Ferrothorn) (F) @ Rocky Helmet
Trait: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 88 Def / 168 SDef
Relaxed Nature (+Def, -Spd)
- Leech Seed
- Stealth Rock
- Gyro Ball
- Protect

Personal preference here. With Rocky Helmet if you are hit with a physical move then you will take some damage but your opponent will take a lot of damage. You have leech seed to regain HP already.


I would use Kingdra over Thunderus.


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Kingdra @ Razor Claw
Trait: Sniper
EVS: 4Def/252SpAtt/252Speed
Nature: Timid
Moves:
Draco Meteor/Flash Cannon
Dragon Pulse
Hydro Pump/Surf
Ice Beam

You have Ice Beam for any grass type pokemon that come into play. Draco Meteor is just to hit hard. Flash Cannon is just a move that isn't dragon type. Hydro Pump or Surf are for stab. Personally I would go with Hydro Pump. Dragon pulse is an accurate stab move that has some good power behind it. If you crit with any move it is deadly. This is just a personal preference now.

Hope I helped some. Feel free to ignore what I said if you don't like it. I like your team though. I feel like you thought it out.
 
Not only that, Life Orb is a far better item on Tornadus-T, as it boosts power without any lasting negative side effects due to its ability Regenerator. Essentially, you can use 3 LO-boosted Hurricanes, switch out, and it's like no damage ever occurred.
 
Cheers for having a read and making some suggestions, but I actually wouldn't agree with them.

Expert Belt is a sound idea on Tornadus, but I'm usually just throwing STAB Hurricanes at the opponent unless they actually resist it so I'd rather have the extra power output from Life Orb, especially since he can recover the damage with Regenerator.

I've always found Rocky Helmet to be a bit gimmicky on Ferrothorn, I'd rather have the reliable leftovers recovery instead.

Sadly, I wouldn't be allowed to have Kingdra over Thundurus as Swift Swim is not allowed alongside Drizzle on the same team.
 
Sorry for that dumb suggestion. I knew that and as soon as someone pointed it out I was like oh yeah. I re-did kingdra. Not very good any more. I like your Tentacruel though.
 
OK. First off, this team looks pretty good as it is. However, you mentioned that there are several threats to your team, namely Keldeo, Terrakion, and Specially Defensive Jirachi. To deal with them all while maintaining an effective offensive presence, I'd recommend the use of offensive Starmie over your Tentacruel. While you may object, stating that Starmie is more frail than desired, it gives your team a more immediate answer to Keldeo and Terrakion that doesn't risk you losing Tornadus-T. Starmie also gives your team a semi-reliable status absorber thanks to Natural Cure and a great late-game sweeper should your Tornadus-T go down earlier than desired. To solve your Gastrodon problem, I'd recommend the use of Power Whip over Protect on Ferrothorn. This gives you a very powerful weapon to use against Gastrodon, as well as a means of threatening the rare Terrakion / Keldeo that intend on using Ferrothorn as set-up fodder. It's a small recommendation, but I'd use Thunder Wave over Gyro Ball on Ferrothorn. This small change give Ferrothorn the ability to cripple the fast Pokemon that often switch into Ferrothorn, looking to get an easy set-up opportunity, such as the aforementioned threats. The paralysis that Thunder Wave brings also solves the speed problem that Thundurus seems to have. Sets and a summarized list of changes can be seen below.

Sets:
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Starmie @ Life Orb | Natural Cure
Timid | 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe | 0 Atk
Hydro Pump | Psyshock | Rapid Spin | Recover

Nitpicks:
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Protect ----> Power Whip
Gyro Ball ----> Thunder Wave

The moveset for Starmie is nearly self-explanatory. Hydro Pump is powerful STAB that leaves specially defensive Jirachi reeling, especially when used in the rain. Psyshock gives Starmie the ability to OHKO Keldeo after one switch-in to Stealth Rock and / or one round of Life Orb recoil. Rapid Spin is obligatory, and Recover keeps Starmie in good shape. Nice team, and good luck!
 
Quiver Dance Volcarona look like the biggest threats to the team. Although it doesn't get a ton of opportunities, Volcarona can come in against Ferrothorn or Tentacruel, accumulate a boost or two, and threaten to OHKO-2HKO everything on the team. This is assuming Toxic Spikes aren't up, which isn't unimaginable, as without a spin-blocker, commonly paired Forretress with Volcarona gets enough chances to spin away hazards for its partner. Tentacruel is the only member which resists it's moves, but can't do a whole lot back as Scald after a few boosts won't be able to do much.

A quick and simple change to fix this weakness would be to try Toxic over Toxic Spikes on Tentacruel. I don't really see Toxic Spikes doing a whole lot for you, as you can deter most of its grounded targets, and you already have Spikes + Stealth Rock to soften up defensive walls like Blissey for your attackers. Toxic allows Tentacruel to cripple Volcarona, and with Protect, there's not a whole lot it can do to you with Bug Buzz + Fiery Dance. The main problem was that Tentacruel could take Volcarona's attacks, and not do anything back in return, and this issue is now solved. I'd also like for you try Bulldoze over Protect on Ferrothorn. This is because, I don't think Politoed alone is enough to check Substitute + Calm Mind Jirachi carrying both Thunder and Water Pulse / Psychic. This is because as you bring in Politoed on Jirachi's Substitute, it can go for the Thunder, doing up to 40%, and having a very good chance of a full paralysis, which can be deadly. Since Ferrothorn is one of the few members it can set-up on, Bulldoze will disallow it to set-up Substitute or Calm Mind. Furthermore, it also stops Magnezone from trapping you, which could be deadly with Ferrothorn being your only resist against incoming Draco Meteors and Outrages. Power Whip over Leech Seed would also be a good option to have something to smack Gastrodon with. The lack of Protect or Leech Seed shouldn't be too troubling, as they don't really help out against any noticeable threats which your team can't handle. This is a very solid team in terms of handling threats, so I don't think changing any members is necessary, GL!

EDIT: Agreeing with PDC, Perish Song is a good choice over Encore on Politoed. It puts Sub CM Keldeo on a timer, and it won't outright OHKO you with any of its attacks, so you can get in a Perish Song. However, any other Keldeo would be handily revenged by Tornadus's Hurricane (102.5% - 121% after a Calm Mind). That covers all the threats you were worried about, just play Mamoswine safe if there is a Specially Defensive Jirachi on the foe's team and you should be good.
 
Hey, cool team. First off try Grass Knot over Hidden Power Ice on Tornadus, this aids against Gastrodon for Thundurus and Tentacruel, and it overall is a good option for incoming Bulky waters. I would also suggest trying Perish Song to aid against set up threats, I would suggest trying this over Encore to help prevent Keldeo defeating you late game. Also try using Power Whip over Protect on Ferrothorn, as this hits Rotom-W much harder. I also notice a weakness to Terrakion, as Tentacruel has to be lucky for a miss, or it must be at high health. Otherwise you have to resort to it being revenged by Tornadus - T. Opposing Tornadus also provide a problem, as even resisted, Thundurus takes a large amount of damage from a Hurricane. Mamoswine is the only way to revenge it aside from bluffing Scarf with Thundurus.

To help solve this, I would suggest trying Choice Scarf Thundurus for one, as this really checks Keldeo, Tornadus - T, and Terrakion if it is not behind Substitute. Thundurus does not have the speed to truly pull of a Nasty Plot like his other form, so this aids in revenge killing and such. A Defensive Spinning Starmie is also a solid choice. This over Tentacruel checks Keldeo and Terrakion much easier, along with Landorus. A spread of 252 HP / 44 Def / 212 Spe will aid in taking on both of the threats mentioned.
 
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