Resource ORAS OU Cores

Alpha1013

Carpe Diem
is a Site Content Manageris a Metagame Resource Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Forum Moderator Alumnus
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A strong core is one of the single most valuable things to form when creating a new team. Cores are typically made up of a group of Pokémon that, when used together, work excellently toward accomplishing a specific goal, and any good player uses them, intentionally or not. The majority of cores have varying characteristics that allow them to triumph in different areas, and depending on your team, cores can be built to succeed offensively or defensively. An offensive core is a group of Pokémon that are both focused towards and designed to enable the team to break through most other team styles while being balanced for general play. A defensive core is a group of Pokémon chosen to give a team a solid set of resistances and the ability to switch into many of the common and threatening attacks in the metagame, allowing it to stick around long enough to win the match. Overall, cores function as a fantastic base or starting point for a wide range of teams and they are commonly used while teambuilding to achieve a specific goal.

:talonflame:

Posting Guidelines
  • Any person can post a core in this thread. The cores are broken down into four categories: offensive cores, balanced cores, defensive cores, and weather cores. When posting your core, please make sure to state which one of these categories your core falls under.​
  • Although the way your core works may be obvious to you, this may not be the case for others. As such, when posting a core, please make sure to explain how the core operates and any other details you think are important to include. The explanations don't have to be essays; as long as your post has some substance and conveys the main idea behind the core, it's all good. Here are some things you may like to include when explaining your core:
    • Offensive Core: Should your core be an offensive one you could explain how two Pokemon work together to break down their similar checks and any other synergistic traits. You could also mention any weaknesses the core has and any partners you believe work well with the core.
      • Here is a good example of what we look for taken from the ORAS iteration.​
    • Defensive Core: Should your core be defensive you could explain their typing synergy allows them to cover problematic Pokemon for one another, or any other synergistic attributes you feel are relevant. You could also mention any weaknesses the core has and any partners you believe work well with the core.
      • Here is a good example of what we look for taken from the ORAS iteration.​
  • This goes without saying, but do make sure your post includes the sets your core is using. In addition, please try to include an explanation of any EV spreads deviating from the standard 252 / 252. Replays are also very helpful and highly encouraged when posting cores.​
  • Please do not post a core that has more than 3 Pokemon because cores bigger than this can restrict building immensely.​
  • Please be respectful of the cores people post in this thread. If someone posts a core that you think is ineffective or just plain bad, there is no need to jump at their throats. With that said, constructive criticism is welcome and encouraged - simply be nice!​
:gallade-mega:

Core Selection Process
  • This thread is being run by Alpha1013 . We will carefully monitor the cores posted in this thread. When the time comes, we will discuss the posted cores together and decide which ones will be featured in the archive.​
  • While the selection of good cores can often be subjective, we will take into consideration a variety of aspects before deciding which cores are featured in the archive. This includes quality of explanation, effectiveness of the core in the current metagame, and so on. We will carefully discuss everything and seek feedback from others to ensure the selected cores are of high quality.​
  • When we decide which cores will be featured in the archive, we will try to announce them and provide brief explanations behind why certain cores were selected and why certain cores weren't. This feedback can potentially help give people a clearer picture of what we are looking for.​
  • If a core is originally rejected from the archive, we can definitely provide some tips on how a set or spread can be tweaked so the core meets the standards we look for.​
  • Just like with anyone else who posts a core, please feel free to bring up any concerns you might have with our posts and/or the cores we select! However, please be sure to be polite, and if it is a simple question/concern, we'd prefer it being directed to us in a PM.​
So, let's commence the Cores. (WORK IN PROGRESS), op stolen from Charmflash
 
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APPROVED CORES


:excadrill: + :weavile:
:excadrill: + :volcarona:
:excadrill: + :charizard-mega x:
:excadrill: + :charizard-mega y:
:excadrill: + :kyurem: / :kyurem-black:
:excadrill: + :thundurus-therian:
:excadrill: + :lopunny-mega:
:excadrill: + :medicham-mega:
:excadrill: + :gallade-mega:
:excadrill: + :dragonite:
:rotom-wash: + :metagross-mega:
:serperior: + :keldeo:
:serperior: + :crawdaunt:
:volcarona: + :serperior: screens
:manaphy: + :serperior: screens
:bisharp: + :serperior: screens
:gyarados-mega: + :serperior: screens
:gallade-mega: + :serperior: screens
:charizard-mega x: + :serperior: screens
:diancie-mega: + :volcarona: + :rotom-wash:
:diancie-mega: + :talonflame:
:scizor-mega: + :bisharp:
:azumarill: + :manectric-mega:
:weavile: + :kyurem-black:
:excadrill: + :kyurem-black:
:medicham-mega: + :weavile:
:pinsir-mega: + :garchomp: + :thundurus-therian:
:garchomp: + :lopunny-mega:
:cloyster: + :aerodactyl:
:cloyster: + :mew:

:excadrill: + :hippowdon:
:excadrill: + :hippowdon: + :amoonguss:
:excadrill: + :hippowdon: + :rotom-wash:
:excadrill: + :hippowdon: + :volcanion:
:tyranitar-mega:+ :excadrill:
:tyranitar-mega: + :excadrill: + :serperior:
:tyranitar: + :garchomp-mega:
:hippowdon: + :garchomp-mega:
:politoed: + :seismitoad:
:politoed: + :manaphy:
:politoed: + :swampert-mega:
:politoed: + :keldeo:
:politoed: + :thundurus-therian:
:politoed: + :tornadus-therian:

:excadrill: + :volcanion:
:excadrill: + :zapdos:
:excadrill: + :tornadus-therian:
:excadrill: + :talonflame:
:excadrill: + :thundurus:
:heatran: + :ferrothorn:
:heatran: + :skarmory:
:chansey: + :skarmory:
:clefable: + :skarmory:
:diancie-mega: + :zapdos:
:heatran: + :amoonguss:

:gliscor: + :ferrothorn: / :skarmory:
:jellicent: + :ferrothorn: / :skarmory:
:cofagrigus: + :ferrothorn: / :skarmory:
:latias-mega: + :ferrothorn: / :skarmory:
:lopunny-mega: + :ferrothorn: / :skarmory:
:scizor-mega: + :dragonite:
:scizor-mega: + :bisharp:
:scizor-mega: + :slowbro: + :gliscor:
:volcarona: + :tyranitar:
:charizard-mega Y: + :latias:
:rotom-wash: + :tornadus-therian:


:rotom-wash: + :weavile: / :bisharp: / :tyranitar: / :scizor-mega: / :metagross-mega:

:zapdos: + :weavile: / :bisharp: / :tyranitar: / :scizor-mega: / :metagross-mega:

:thundurus: + :weavile: / :bisharp: / :tyranitar:/ :scizor-mega: / :metagross-mega:

:manectric-mega: + :weavile: / :bisharp:
 
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Offensive Core: Weavile + Serperior

1731038126762.png



I feel this core of Serperior + Weavile can threaten quite a lot of the metagame. The basic idea is that Weavile threatens a lot of pokemon with it's wide movepool, coupled with the high attack and speed. While Serperior provides less coverage, it can output massive amounts of damage, while fishing for paralysis and substitute chances.

Weavile can hit Clefable, Excadrill, Serperior, Diancie-Mega, Heatran, Weavile, Tornadus-Therian, Alakazam & Mega, Tyranitar, Slowbro & Mega, Garchomp, Gliscor, Thundurus, Zapdos, Metagross & Mega, Magnezone, Bisharp, Lando-Therian, Chansey, Latias & Mega, Hippdown, Latios, & Mega, Azumarill, Cofagrigus, Altaria & Mega, Dragonite, Mew, Tangrowth, and Amoongus for super effective damage. Meanwhile, Serperior gets super effective moves on Excadrill, Serperior, Rotom-W, Volcanion, Ferrothorn, Diancie-Mega, Weavile, Manaphy, Tyranitar & Mega, Slowbro, Garchomp, Lando-T, Keldeo, Scizor-Mega, Gastrodon, Azumarill, Hippodown, Gyrarados Mega, Suicune, Quagsire, and Amoongus.

The obvious weakness is toward fire, but Weavile can deal around 50% of damage to Heatran with Brick Break, and Serperior can dish out a bit more damage to an offensive Volcanion. The other threats I see are Mega-Lopunny, Volcarona, Charizard-Y, Mega-Venausaur, Talonflame, and Kyurem.

As for partners, the obvious is a stealth rock setter to threaten Volc, Zard, and T-Flame. A strong psychic presence like Alakazam-Mega, Metagross, Medicham Mega, or Gallade-Mega can threaten the Lopunny and Venusaur.
 
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:Excadrill: + :Hippowdon: :
https://pokepast.es/56d85fbd9744d0ab
Hippowdon provides Stealth Rock and Sand Stream, while also checking threats such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Diancie, Mega Charizard Y, Mega Charizard X, Bisharp, Mega Alakazam, Mega Manectric, both forms of Thundurus, and Volcarona. Meanwhile, Excadrill offers hazard removal and speed control, and can effectively counter setup sweepers like Volcarona, Dragonite, and Mega Charizard X. Excadrill also helps against Clefable.

:Excadrill: + :Hippowdon: + :Breloom: :
https://pokepast.es/a31df0d52b9fcf6e
Breloom provides a reliable answer to Rotom-Wash, which is highly beneficial for sand teams.

:Excadrill: + :Hippowdon: + :Amoonguss: :
https://pokepast.es/c27b47d8b736f121
Amoonguss provides a reliable answer to Serperior and Keldeo, which greatly benefits sand teams.

:Excadrill: + :Hippowdon: + :Rotom-Wash: :
https://pokepast.es/90596ab8536981bd
Rotom-wash provides a solid response to Volcanion and provides an ice resistance, which is highly beneficial for sand teams.

:Excadrill: + :Hippowdon: + :Volcanion: :
https://pokepast.es/38d680484fcd9e45
Volcanion offers water immunity and ice resistance, making it a valuable asset for sand teams.

:Excadrill: + :volcanion:
https://pokepast.es/e278372ec620ddf0
Excadrill, regarded as one of the top Pokémon in the tier, offers crucial hazard removal and electric immunity for Volcanion. In return, Volcanion provides water immunity and effectively checks fire-type threats like Volcarona, enhancing Excadrill's performance. To address the core's notable ground weakness, it is advisable to include a flying-type Pokémon, such as Zapdos or Tornadus-Therian.

:Excadrill:
+
:Volcarona:

https://pokepast.es/f9b1c3616b7539d4
Quiver Dance Volcarona is considered one of the most formidable sweepers in ORAS OU. While it may appear capable of overwhelming most teams on paper, its vulnerability to Stealth Rock necessitates effective entry hazard removal. Excadrill, recognized as one of the top Pokémon in the tier, fulfills this role by providing hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock itself and benefits from Volcarona's ability to handle threats like Ferrothorn, Tangrowth, and Skarmory.

:Excadrill:
+
:Zapdos:

https://pokepast.es/94c3c14077e6a59b
Zapdos is a great defensive check to several threats such as Bisharp, Mega Scizor, Mega Lopunny, Excadrill, Azumarill, and Dragonite. Unfortunately, Zapdos is held back by a Stealth Rock weakness. Excadrill, the best mon in the entire tier, provides hazard removal. Excadrill can also set Stealth Rock and appreciates Zapdos's ability to deal with Pokemon such as Mega Lopunny, Mega Metagross, Ferrothorn, Skarmory, Landorus and Garchomp.

:Excadrill:
+
:Tornadus-Therian:

https://pokepast.es/6867666286b0468b
The combination of Regenerator and Assault Vest, along with access to U-turn, makes Tornadus-T one of the premier pivots in the metagame. However, its effectiveness is hindered by a weakness to Stealth Rock. With Stealth Rock inflicting 25% damage each time it switches in, Tornadus-T can quickly become overwhelmed by the Pokémon it is meant to check. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides essential hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock itself and benefits from Tornadus's ability to handle threats such as Keldeo, Serperior, Mega Alakazam, Garchomp, Landorus and opposing Excadrill.

:Excadrill:
+
:Weavile:

https://pokepast.es/b520fdff8c487d8b
Weavile's impressive Attack stat and excellent Speed tier enable it to outrun and threaten common threats in ORAS OU, including Tornadus-T, Gliscor, Serperior, and Garchomp. Its STAB moves can deal neutral damage to nearly every Pokémon in the tier, and the combination of powerful attacks like Knock Off and Icicle Crash, along with its high Attack, makes it challenging to switch into. However, Weavile is hindered by a weakness to Stealth Rock, which inflicts 25% damage each time it switches in, potentially overwhelming it against the Pokémon it is meant to check. Excadrill, regarded as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides essential hazard removal, allowing Weavile to function more effectively. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock and benefits from Weavile's ability to handle threats such as Serperior, Garchomp, Gliscor, Landorus-Therian, and Zapdos. Furthermore, Weavile supports Excadrill by Pursuit trapping Pokémon like Cofagrigus, Slowbro, Tornadus-Therian, and Starmie, enhancing the synergy between the two.

:Excadrill:
+
:charizard-mega-y:

https://pokepast.es/ddf2c9226f028f01
Mega Charizard Y is a formidable wallbreaker in ORAS OU. While it seems capable of breaking through most teams on paper, its vulnerability to Stealth Rock necessitates effective entry hazard removal. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, fulfills this role by providing hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock itself and benefits from Mega Charizard Y's ability to handle threats such as Skarmory, Tangrowth, Ferrothorn, and Cofagrigus. Furthermore, Mega Charizard Y can also switch in on opposing Excadrill, adding to its versatility in battle.

:Excadrill:
+
:charizard-mega-x:

https://pokepast.es/66a7c2a1fa064459
Mega Charizard X is a powerful wallbreaker and setup sweeper capable of applying significant offensive pressure on key Steel- and Grass-types, including Skarmory, Ferrothorn, and Tangrowth. With access to Dragon Dance, Mega Charizard X becomes particularly threatening after a boost, allowing it to outspeed even some Choice Scarf users like Landorus-T. However, it is highly susceptible to entry hazards; prior to Mega Evolution, it has a 4x weakness to Stealth Rock, making it challenging to switch in effectively. After Mega Evolving, it remains vulnerable to all forms of entry hazards. Excadrill, regarded as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides essential hazard removal, allowing Mega Charizard X to function more effectively. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock and benefits from Mega Charizard X's ability to handle threats such as Skarmory, Tangrowth, and Ferrothorn.

:Excadrill:
+
:Talonflame:

https://pokepast.es/c40970e8991cb812
Talonflame is one of the best Pokémon against offensive teams, thanks to its ability Gale Wings, which grants priority to its Flying-type moves, such as Brave Bird, Roost, and Acrobatics. Additionally, Talonflame has access to valuable moves like Swords Dance, Taunt, and Will-O-Wisp, making it difficult for opponents to counter. However, it is highly susceptible to Stealth Rock. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides essential hazard removal. Furthermore, Excadrill can also set Stealth Rock and benefits from Talonflame's ability to handle threats such as Serperior, Volcarona, and Tangrowth.

:Excadrill:
+
:Kyurem:
or
:Kyurem-Black:

https://pokepast.es/836f9c1814f7e524
Given that Ice is one of the most effective offensive types in the ORAS OU metagame, both Kyurem-Black and Base Kyurem are valuable choices. Although Kyurem is relatively rare in the OU tier, it serves as a potent special wallbreaker, capable of threatening many Pokémon with its powerful STAB attacks. For instance, Ice Beam can 2HKO Clefable, while Draco Meteor can 2HKO Gastrodon. In contrast, Kyurem-Black is an extremely effective mixed wallbreaker, facing few walls that can withstand its attacks. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides essential hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock and benefits from both forms of Kyurem, as they can effectively deal with threats such as Skarmory, Hippowdon, Serperior, and Slowbro.

:Excadrill:
+
:Thundurus:

https://pokepast.es/cf6d2402791adc9b
Thundurus is a formidable Pokémon in the ORAS OU metagame, boasting a base Speed of 111 that allows it to outspeed many threats. Its Prankster ability is particularly valuable, granting priority to Thunder Wave, which enables it to serve as a last-resort check against sweepers and faster threats, making it a significant asset for many teams. However, Thundurus-Incarnate is highly vulnerable to Stealth Rock. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides essential hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock itself and benefits from Thundurus-Incarnate's ability to handle threats such as Skarmory, Slowbro, Garchomp, Landorus-Therian, Manaphy and Keldeo.

:Excadrill:
+
:Thundurus-Therian:

https://pokepast.es/6308f9bdf4e993da
Thundurus-Therian is a unique and formidable Pokémon against bulkier teams, thanks to its access to Nasty Plot, which enhances its offensive capabilities. However, it is highly vulnerable to Stealth Rock, which can significantly hinder its performance. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides essential hazard removal, allowing Thundurus-Therian to function more effectively. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock itself and benefits from Thundurus-Therian's ability to handle threats such as Skarmory, Slowbro, Garchomp,Landorus-Therian and Manaphy.

:Excadrill:
+
:Lopunny-mega:

https://pokepast.es/dd276debef9ce201
In ORAS OU, Mega Lopunny has quickly established itself as one of the premier Mega Evolutions. Its exceptional Speed tier allows it to outpace the majority of the unboosted metagame. However, it struggles against physically defensive Fairy-types like Clefable and Mega Altaria, which can easily withstand a High Jump Kick and handle a Return. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, serves as a reliable switch-in to these defensive Fairy-types while also providing essential hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock and benefits from Mega Lopunny's ability to address various offensive threats.

:Excadrill:
+
:Medicham-mega:

https://pokepast.es/00a7d70c9cf76d39
Medicham is one of the most formidable Mega Evolutions in the metagame, boasting the highest Attack stat in OU due to its ability, Pure Power. This allows it to inflict significant damage on defensive teams with its powerful STAB attacks. While it may struggle against offensive teams due to its weaknesses and relatively low Speed, Medicham can still utilize strong priority moves like Bullet Punch and Fake Out to slow down or eliminate faster threats. However, it is often countered by physically defensive Fairy-types such as Clefable and Mega Altaria, which can easily withstand a High Jump Kick. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, provides a reliable switch-in to these defensive Fairy-types while also offering essential hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock and benefits from Mega Medicham's ability to handle a variety of offensive and defensive threats.

:Excadrill:
+
:Gallade-mega:

https://pokepast.es/76c36d0f2c2438a1
Mega Gallade is a fascinating Pokémon in the ORAS OU metagame. With its typing and ability, it can effectively intimidate the top Mega Evolution in the tier, Mega Lopunny. Mega Gallade excels at dismantling bulky offense teams and screen teams, often able to 1v1 most threats under screens, provided that Serperior is removed. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the tier, serves as a reliable switch-in to defensive Fairy-types and offers essential hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock, which is beneficial for countering flying types such as Zapdos and Tornadus. Furthermore, Excadrill appreciates Mega Gallade's ability to pressure flying types, Slowbro, and Cofagrigus, enhancing the synergy between the two.

:Excadrill:
+
:Dragonite:

https://pokepast.es/849bf7b21d4633c6
Due to its abilities, movepool, and stats, Dragonite is a formidable opponent in the OU metagame. One of its most appealing features is its Multiscale ability, which allows Dragonite to safely set up Dragon Dance or revenge kill Pokémon that would typically OHKO it. With a diverse movepool that includes Superpower, Extreme Speed, elemental punches, and Outrage—a potent STAB move—Dragonite has numerous options for effectively covering its opponents. Excadrill, recognized as one of the best Pokémon in the entire tier, serves as a reliable switch-in to defensive Fairy-types while also providing essential hazard removal. Additionally, Excadrill can set Stealth Rock, which is beneficial for controlling the battlefield. It greatly appreciates Dragonite's ability to handle threats like Volcarona and its capacity to switch into Earthquake, enhancing the synergy between the two Pokémon on a team.

:heatran:+ :ferrothorn:
https://pokepast.es/49585bdb613bf2d1
The combination of Heatran and Ferrothorn creates a strong defensive core. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock and effectively phase out non-Life Orb Volcarona using Roar, while Ferrothorn provides Spikes and serves as a check to threats like Manaphy, Mega Gyarados, and Azumarill. Roar on Heatran is particularly useful for chipping away at opponents while utilizing hazards, further enhancing the pressure on the opposing team.

:Heatran:
+
:Skarmory:

https://pokepast.es/8a6c9a59597644e0
The combination of Heatran and Skarmory forms a robust defensive core. Heatran can set up Stealth Rock and effectively phase out non-Life Orb Volcarona using Roar, while Skarmory serves as a check to various physical attackers, including Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Bisharp and Diggersby. Additionally, Skarmory can lay down Spikes to further enhance hazard pressure and punish Excadrill's attempts to remove hazards with its Rocky Helmet. Both Heatran and Skarmory possess phasing moves, which are useful for chipping away at opponents while utilizing hazards and applying pressure to the opposing team. This synergy enhances their ability to control the battlefield and disrupt the opponent's strategy.

:Chansey:
+
:Skarmory:

https://pokepast.es/a4d78aaed39e6600
The combination of Chansey and Skarmory forms a formidable defensive core. Chansey is capable of checking nearly every special attacker in ORAS OU and can also set up Stealth Rock, providing valuable entry hazard support. Meanwhile, Skarmory effectively counters various physical threats, including Excadrill, Mega Lopunny, Mega Gyarados, Mega Metagross, Bisharp, and Diggersby. Additionally, Skarmory can lay down Spikes to further enhance hazard pressure and punish Excadrill's attempts to remove hazards with its Rocky Helmet. With access to phasing moves, Skarmory can chip away at opponents while utilizing hazards, further applying pressure to the opposing team.

:Dragalge:
+
:Skarmory:

https://pokepast.es/fcfa817baa055ef8
The combination of Dragalge and Skarmory creates a strong defensive synergy. Dragalge can set up Toxic Spikes, which adds pressure to the opposing team, and it can effectively phase out threats like Volcarona using Dragon Tail. Additionally, Dragalge serves as a reliable check to Serperior, except for sets that utilize Dragon Pulse. On the other hand, Skarmory can lay down Spikes to further enhance hazard pressure and punish Excadrill's attempts to remove hazards with its Rocky Helmet.

Spikestack +
:Gliscor:

https://pokepast.es/4e387ac17fb65fc0
Gliscor is a formidable Pokémon in SpikeStack due to its ability to ignore hazards, thanks to its Poison Heal ability and advantageous typing. With Swords Dance, Gliscor can break through defensive cores, becoming an immediate offensive threat. Additionally, Taunt is a viable option that prevents opponents from setting up, recovering, using phazing moves like Whirlwind, and establishing entry hazards. This capability is particularly useful against bulkier foes such as Chansey and Skarmory, which rely on recovery moves to maintain their presence on the battlefield. Overall, Gliscor's versatility and resilience make it a significant asset for any SpikeStack team.

Spikestack +
:Cofagrigus:

https://pokepast.es/e04324146ec2c89f
Cofagrigus is a formidable Pokémon in SpikeStack teams due to its ability to set up Toxic Spikes, which can significantly hinder the opposing team. Its Ghost typing is particularly advantageous, as it blocks Rapid Spin from Excadrill and other rapid spinners, preserving the entry hazards on the field. Additionally, Cofagrigus serves as an effective check to various physical threats, including Mega Medicham, Mega Lopunny, and Mega Metagross, thanks to its solid defensive capabilities. This combination of utility and defensive prowess makes Cofagrigus a valuable asset for any SpikeStack team

Spikestack +
:Jellicent:

https://pokepast.es/7c927229222127f2
Jellicent is an excellent addition to SpikeStack teams due to its ability to block Rapid Spin from Excadrill and other rapid spinners, effectively preserving entry hazards on the field. Furthermore, its Water Absorb ability allows it to check Water-type Pokémon such as Keldeo, Volcanion, and Starmie, providing valuable defensive support.

Spikestack +
:Latias-Mega:

https://pokepast.es/6d234cd48cef05ea
Mega Latias is a valuable addition to SpikeStack teams, thanks to its Levitate ability, which allows it to ignore Spikes and Toxic Spikes. Its typing, combined with solid bulk, enables Mega Latias to serve as an effective offensive check to a variety of threats in the OU metagame, including Keldeo, Mega Charizard Y, Gliscor, and Volcanion.

SpikeStack +
:Alakazam-Mega:

https://pokepast.es/d83175b2f94dbbec
Mega Alakazam boasts the highest Special Attack in the tier, coupled with exceptional Speed, making it an effective revenge killer and wallbreaker. It greatly benefits from Spikes, as they help to wear down its checks, allowing it to secure more favorable matchups and increase its overall effectiveness in battle.

Spikestack +
:Lopunny-Mega:

https://pokepast.es/dfa8d5c5553ea651
Mega Lopunny is an excellent Pokémon in SpikeStack teams due to its ability to provide speed control, which is crucial for checking setup sweepers like Manaphy, Volcarona, Bisharp, and Dragonite. Its high Speed and powerful offensive presence allow it to effectively counter these threats, ensuring that they do not run rampant once they set up.

:Tyranitar: + :Excadrill:
https://pokepast.es/12048c49047fb45e
Tyranitar and Excadrill form a formidable duo. Tyranitar serves as a powerful wallbreaker and offers Pursuit support, while also setting up Sand Stream, which Excadrill can take advantage of. In turn, Excadrill provides essential hazard removal, acts as a win condition, and offers speed control for the team.

:Tyranitar:
+
:Excadrill:
+
:Serperior:

https://pokepast.es/ab7e641f4ead0c02
Serperior offers valuable Water resistance, making it an effective counter to threats like Rotom-Wash, Keldeo and Manaphy. Additionally, it can utilize Glare to paralyze opponents, further enhancing its utility on the team. Tyranitar and Excadrill support Serperior by effectively checking all Fire-type threats in the tier. This synergy allows Serperior to operate more freely, as it can focus on its role without the constant threat of being overwhelmed by Fire-type attacks. Tyranitar can also use Pursuit to target Serperior's checks, including Tornadus-Therian, Zapdos, Heatran, Chansey, and Mega Latias.

:Serperior:
+
:Keldeo:

https://pokepast.es/73cc65aede247655
The combination of Serperior and Keldeo forms a compelling offensive core, as many of Keldeo's counters are Water-types like Slowbro and Gastrodon, which Serperior can effectively handle. Additionally, Serperior can use Glare to paralyze faster threats than Keldeo, such as Tornadus-Therian and Mega Metagross, giving it an edge in speed control. It can also switch into Mega Diancie multiple times thanks to Synthesis, threatening to OHKO it with Leaf Storm. In return, Keldeo offers valuable Ice and Fire resistance, enhancing the team's overall defensive capabilities. Keldeo can also deal with Serperior's checks, including Weavile, Kyurem, Kyurem-Black, and Heatran, further solidifying their synergy.

:Serperior:
+
:Crawdaunt:

https://pokepast.es/615aa9fa558eca50
The combination of Serperior and Crawdaunt forms a compelling offensive core, as many of Crawdaunt's checks are Water-types like Rotom-Wash, Keldeo, and Azumarill, which Serperior can effectively handle. Additionally, Serperior can utilize Glare to paralyze faster threats than Crawdaunt, such as Tornadus-Therian and Mega Metagross, providing an advantage in speed control. It can also switch into Mega Diancie multiple times thanks to Synthesis, threatening to OHKO it with Leaf Storm. In return, Crawdaunt serves as a powerful wallbreaker against Stall and Balance teams. Its access to Aqua Jet, a priority move, allows it to effectively revenge kill threats like Volcarona, further enhancing the synergy between the two Pokémon.

:Serperior:
(screens) + ???

1)
:Volcarona:

https://pokepast.es/ed5a28d6f8bff359
The combination of Serperior and Volcarona is highly effective, as Serperior can set up screens and use Taunt to prevent the opponent from establishing Stealth Rock, which Volcarona greatly appreciates. In return, Volcarona offers resistance to Ice-type attacks and serves as a win condition for the team.

2)
:Manaphy:

https://pokepast.es/1e5cdef024f51bea
Serperior provides valuable support by setting up screens and using Glare, which Manaphy finds beneficial. In return, Manaphy offers resistance to Ice and Fire-type attacks, while also serving as a win condition for the team.

3)
:Bisharp:

https://pokepast.es/370a6edee4092d4b
Serperior enhances Bisharp's effectiveness by setting up screens and using Glare, which Bisharp appreciates. In return, Bisharp provides resistance to Ice-type attacks and serves as a win condition for the team.

4)
:Gyarados-mega:

https://pokepast.es/7193db1d290b74ad
Serperior supports Mega Gyarados by setting up screens and using Taunt, which Mega Gyarados values. In return, Mega Gyarados offers resistance to Ice and Fire-type attacks, while also acting as a win condition for the team.

5)
:Gallade-mega:

https://pokepast.es/4c28c2081f1a11be
Serperior provides essential support for Mega Gallade by setting up screens and using Glare, which Mega Gallade appreciates. In return, Mega Gallade serves as a win condition for the team.

6)
:Barbaracle:

https://pokepast.es/74144acbedd50c41
Serperior offers valuable support to Barbaracle by setting up screens and using Taunt, which Barbaracle finds beneficial. In return, Barbaracle provides resistance to Flying, Ice, and Fire-type attacks, while also serving as a win condition for the team.

7)
:Charizard-mega-x:

https://pokepast.es/4075e1ce64fdbe63
Serperior supports Mega Charizard X by setting up screens and using Taunt, which Mega Charizard X appreciates. In return, Mega Charizard X provides resistance to Fire-type attacks and serves as a win condition for the team.
 
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Sup y'all, after getting a bit busier , I stopped posting so much. But we are back in action, and I think it's due time I drop some of my cores in here. I will be posting more of these, each of them focusing on a mon I like.

-Mega Diancie + Zapdos: Really nice defensive synergy here, Zapdos thrives when facing the steel and ground types Mega Diancie hates, while also providing momentum with Volt switch. Infamous for fishing paralysis on Scizor's trying to hit Diancie as well. I did say this core was defensive in nature, but it also has offensive synergy to it, for aforementioned reasons.
-Mega Diancie + Volcarona: Sort of the same principle as with Zapdos, but far more offensive. Volcarona loves the steel types Mega Diancie forces in and is able to set up against them with ease. Note that this core is completely weak to water, so a water resist should be added if you are interested in using this.
-Mega Diancie + Talonflame: Another Mega Diancie core that uses a mon who abuses steel types, Talonflame offers a ground immunity as well as one of the sturdiest Volcarona checks if it gets out of hand. Same as the volcarona core, this core should be accompanied by a water resist. Due to Talonflame's variety in sets, this core can be both offensive or defensive depending on your Talonflame set.
 
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Scizor-Dragonite Balance Core

1731094841533.png

I don't think this core fits into either offense or defense but rather balance since it's a balance or bulky offense core. These two have great synergy in their fantastic bulk and typing that complements each other.

Scizor's one weakness is fire which Dragonite absorbs really nicely with great recovery in Roost with Lum Berry also preventing burns. The same is the case for water types like Keldeo which annoy Scizor greatly. Scizor also appreciates Dragonite's immunity to Earthquake which can potentially be a nuisance for Scizor.

Dragonite's biggest weakness is the tax collector; Weavile. Scizor is arguably Weavile's greatest counter with it's resistance to ice coupled with Skarmory level physical bulk. Dragonite also appreciates Scizor's resistance to fairy types such as Clefable and Gardevoir that give Dragonite problems.

In terms of set details, these are pretty standard set-up sweeper sets that allow Scizor and Dragonite to make good use of their bulk and the set up opportunities available to them.
 
Someone do knock clef + skarm

Skarmory x Utility Clefable Defensive Core

1731095624611.png

This is a pretty straight forward defensive core mostly for fat teams. Skarmory + Clefable is a staple bulky core due to their unparalleled walling ability shutting down a myriad of threats like big bad Weavile, Lopunny, etc.

Skarmory supports Clefable by resisting steel type attacks like Metagross-Mega's Meteor Mash and Scizor-Mega's Bullet Punch. Skarmory also ruin's Excadrill's day by forcing it to take 16% chip every time it tries to Rapid Spin Skarmory's Spikes.

Clefable helps Skarmory by removing Leftovers and forcing permanent Spikes damage on Pokémon such as Heatran who might annoys this core by removing it's only source of recovery. Clefable also acts as a great status sponge by eating all the Will-o-Wisps aimed at Skarmory and other potential teammates.

The set's on here are pretty standard with physically defensive Skarmory sitting on the tier's physical attackers like the afformentioned Metagross-Mega. Brave Bird let's it do huge damage to Serperior as well as a greedy Volcarona while Iron Head let's it smash Diancie. Iron Head can also pair with Clefable's Thunder Wave by opening up the possibility for 'paraflinch'.
Clefable's set is also pretty standard with Thunder Wave to provide even more utility aside from item removal or Calm Mind to act as a potential wincon. Flamethrower is a niche option for teams that are especially weak to steel types since it lets you catch them off guard.

Skarmory x Life Orb Clefable Defensive Core

1731096816637.png

Most of the points from above still apply but with some minor changes. Life Orb Clefable prevents Gliscor from completely sitting on fat teams while also providing a potent breaker and potential wincon. With a Life Orb, Clefable's Moonblast becomes very strong especially when boosted by Calm Mind.

This Clefable is a staple on fat teams for it's strong breaking and sweeping capability that pairs well with the passive damage provided by Skarmory's Spikes.
 
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A classic offensive core I've had a lot of fun with (and felt like doing a little writeup on):
1731098471738.png

The SD pair of Mega-Scizor and Bisharp works to break down common shared checks to create a path to victory. Pokemon such as Keldeo, Garchomp, and Rotom-W are common fixtures on teams that are slapped on to act as stop-gap measures to deal with the individuals of the core, but generally cannot deal with the combination of both over the course of the game. Other common counters like Volcanion or Zapdos will usually lose to the pair in conjunction with Stealth Rock and some minimal team support.

Usually the idea is to sacrifice Bisharp by using SD as the threat comes in, and either Sucker Punch or Knock Off to deal permanent damage which will allow Mega-Scizor to finish the job. Clicking Knock Off on the switch may be enough to make progress, e.g. vs. Bulky Keldeo sets. Mega-Scizor can also be used first if it can open up a path for Bisharp, but in practice this is usually less likely. There are many games where Bisharp can also just win alone, and having Mega-Scizor able to sponge attacks like Mega Diancie's Earth Power or CB Weavile's STABs can be important when you need to keep Bisharp alive / healthy enough to attempt a sweep.

The sets are very flexible and will depend on what you want your team support to look like and how you'd like this core to play:
  • Fast (252 Atk / 252+ Spe) 3-Attacks Mega-Scizor: Best-suited for HO teams; the addition of either Bug-Bite or Knock Off in place of Roost allows more consistent ways of breaking past certain threats and punishing last-ditch attempts to stop you with Slowbro or Tangrowth. Quick Attack could be cool too. The major upside for this set is that it allows you to play the "breaking past shared checks" line instantly vs. some counters, which cannot be done with a slower Mega-Scizor. For example, you can try and trade Bisharp for major damage on Rotom-W and instantly either force it out or KO it with Mega-Scizor. Most counters to the core only run enough Speed EVs to outpace Jolly Bisharp, leaving them open to a follow up attack from a fast Mega-Scizor. Even when uninvested, Mega-Scizor is usually bulky enough to get another chance to SD if needed. Getting the jump on Pokemon like Rotom-W or Volcanion with only Mega-Scizor can be the difference between won and lost games. You'll want to make sure your Bisharp item / EV spread synergizes with this; there's no point in running a fast Mega-Scizor if its follow-up attack cannot take down / force out the Volcanion or Zapdos that you did too little to with Bisharp.

  • Anything else you feel like on Mega-Scizor. Fully-defensive EV spreads can enable you to win the long game, or just support the rest of your team better.

  • (Life Orb or Black Glasses) / Fast / Bulky / Taunt Bisharp: Life Orb or Black Glasses are obvious choices to increase both your sweeping and breaking potential with Bisharp. These may very well be preferred over Lum Berry and might give you more freedom to run Jolly > Adamant. Alternatively, you can invest in HP to make Bisharp able to eat stuff like Zapdos's Heat-Wave and the like to guarantee the strong hit you need to make progress. Another fun option is SD + Taunt Bisharp which will let you destroy stuff like Skarmory and Quagsire, though you'll probably need to give up Iron Head in exchange. This can open up a lot of doors for Mega-Scizor in some matchups though, so it's a neat option to consider.

This core can fit on both HO and BO teams, but it is left wanting a few things:
  • Stealth Rock support is supremely important, not in the least because Pokemon like Volcanion and Zapdos can potentially take on the core's onslaught. The chip damage is necessary to bring out the potential of Mega-Scizor and Bisharp at +2, and it is crucial in preventing certain Pokemon that are 4x-weak to SR like Talonflame and Mega-Charizard-Y to come in for free on your Mega-Scizor. Make sure your SR-user is one that beats common Rapid-Spinners / Defoggers. Do not use Excadrill with this core! Make sure your team has ways to apply pressure to keep SR up as well.

  • Pokemon that can handle Fire-types, such as the aforementioned Talonflame, Mega-Charizard-Y, and Volcarona are basically required. Depending on the situation you may be able to deal with the latter two via +2 Mega Scizor into Bisharp, or deal with non-BU Talonflame with Lum Bisharp, but at best you need to win a mindgame, and at worst your sacrifice of a Pokemon (or 2!) will be for naught. Like before, make sure your SR-user can reliably keep up rocks against the Rapid-Spinners / Defoggers. Pokemon like Scarf Rotom-W, Rock-Tomb + Toxic Garchomp, or a lure like Coba Berry HP-Rock Serperior can be helpful to keep these threats in check. In general, having things that can switch into Fire-type moves (and the things that use them!) are good partners.

  • Taunt-support / Fast Special-Attackers are always a good idea to have in conjunction with the core. There is no worse feeling than sacrificing a Pokemon to do big damage to something like Skarmory or Zapdos and just having them find a way to heal later in the game. Having a Taunt-user or Special-Attacker you can send out after a sacrifice can be necessary if either Bisharp or Mega-Scizor cannot take immediate advantage of the situation to get to +2 via SD. This may apply to every offensive core in existence, but it's important to be noted in case you bring 4 slow Pokemon with this core and wonder why you keep losing.
 
1734967224135.png


offensive mega scizor is a big threat that goes unnacounted for on a lot of teams currently, is able to exploit weavile/kyurem trying to revenge gliscor. since scizor is offensive you need some extra ensurance against physical threats like mega metagross so i opt to also run slowbro because it can also pivot into keldeo/volcanion who would come in to threaten both gliscor and scizor, keep in mind slowbro is a very flexible mon and you should run whatever moveset helps the team the most

----

1734967476068.png
1734966742179-png.697909


use eject button slowbro to block volt switch and u-turn and get charizard in, straight foward and self explanatory

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1734967506329.png

1734966815248-png.697910


nice alternative volcarona set for more balance teams, ttar traps chansey and heatran for it

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1734967298154.png


azu pressures gastrodon/hippowdon builds heavily which manectric appreciates, otherwise, this core can get past a lot of offensive teams basically by themselfs provided your team has some backbone against bisharp which is necessary when running manectric
do keep in mind crawdaunt shares pretty much the same offensive profile as azumarill and would perform this breaking role better but i like azumarills utility in actually being able to take 3 hits from weavile and hard switching into volcarona as well, manectric already sucks deffensively so it + crawdaunt can get a little awkaward for my liking, something to consider though
 
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1735010464827.png

The double ice core. Kyurem Black provides its monstrous attack that boosts weavile's STAB banded beat up to great levels. The Kyu-B set is customizable on different teams. Any neutral mon takes A LOT from 6x Beat up. The combination of Kyurem-Black and Weavile will offensively complement each other and wear down their common checks. Volcanion is a good addition here as Volcanion forces very linear lines of play that are often possible to punish with Pursuit from Weavile. It also provides a fire resist.
 
Im quite surprised the frog and its numerous companions havent made a showing yet. For most of the cores, Politoeds role doesnt extend further than simply setting up rain. If its able to provide anything more than that, Ill get into it. Since the frogs set remains the same throughout every core, at the suggestion of BluBird and the community, ill be breaking down each into three categories

:politoed: + Breakers:
https://pokepast.es/aef76c03065e81d1

:politoed: + Cleaners:
https://pokepast.es/542068945b16ae8c

:politoed: + Pivots:
https://pokepast.es/3f25f0e09ead1437

:seismitoad:- seismitoad is one of rains premier breakers and cleaners, offers a much needed volt blocker to rain, and has access to good utility in knock and rocks. the standard spread allows it to outspeed scarf lando and below.

:kingdra:- another fantastic breaker and cleaner, with options in both specs and lorb; lorb allowing it to go mixed in order to bypass potential draco drops.

:manaphy:- the rain breaker. +3 surfs become horrifically dangerous when rain boosted. rain enables it to safely use rest thanks to hydration, making it so it wakes up the same turn it uses rests, boasting its profile as a stallbreaker even further.

:tornadus therian:- providing rain with a much coveted answer to serperior, and a way to break through bulky grasses like ferrothorn, amoongus and tangrowth. u-turn allows it to safely bring in poli to keep setting rain, and bring its rain abusing partners in. superpower allows it to smack a big target in tyranitar, while also smacking chansey and excadrill.

:keldeo:- an important inclusion to consider in rain teams, as they struggle with getting around ferrothorn and rotom-w. fairly customizable in terms of sets. boosted hydros hit like a truck.

:scizor mega:- politoed doesnt look forward to taking many hits, so a bulky pivot with reliable recovery that can switch into serperior, weavile, black kyurem, grasses in general, and potential revenge killers to the rain abusers, that in addition, can clean weakened teams, is very much appreciated.

:metagross mega:- with a serviceable defensive profile, priority in bullet punch, access to rocks, and utility in pursuit to trap the twins, and mega alakazam, which can otherwise potentially trace swift swim, it serves itself as a potent attacker and potential cleaner.

:swampert mega:- honestly, i wouldnt fully encourage this as your 1st option as a mega. due to ORAS' unique mega speed mechanics, swampert is unable to mega evolve in front of a plethora of mons. in spite of it being generally awkward to get going, it still functions as a powerful rain cleaner and breaker, with access to power itself up with, well, power up punch, and rocks.

:thundurus:
- i want to highlight a distinction on why the base forme is generally prefered over its therian forme: the latter breaks while the former can function as a more general, bulkier pivot. it also works as a second rain setter, which rain teams sometimes covet. while yes, manual, prankster allows it to go up 99.9% of the time, and damp rock extends rains turns.

:thundurus therian:- 100% accurate thunders is glorious, and it also offers a much needed electric immunity for rain. nasty plot turns it into a nasty, horrendous breaker. alternatively, it can run voltswitch and become a pivot, or on very rare occassions (not needed, honestly), agility to clean.

:latias:
- much appreciated pivot into grass and electric attacks, and a switchin into rotom-w. it does latias things, keep hazards off, and can reanimate a weakened rain abuser back into action.

:kabutops:- potent breaker and cleaner, turning into a crazy monster after +2, becoming virtually unwallabe... it can also spin.

:bisharp: - assault vest is a pretty good pivot into the latitwins in order to trap them, a good serp pivot, and a potential weavile emergency check. sucker punch is very useful in potentially closing out games.

:heliolisk:- thunder + hyper voice + coverage in focus blast and rain boosted surf, while additionally providing a water immunity? what a mon. heliolisk particularly appreciates rain due to dry skin negating life orb recoil. (s/o to Avendesora)

:heracross mega: - may seem like an odd inclusion, but its able to dismantle mons like slowbro, amoongus, tangrowth, ferrothorn, and rotom-w, while appreciating rain being up in order to take stray fire moves.

:lucario:- another mon capable of running through ferros and rotom-ws that try to halt rain from running over them. can also potentially close out a few games thanks to its priority.
 
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As a direct follow up to the temporal precipitation summoning amphibian and its many acquaintances, Ill be posting another batch of cores: (hopefully with more on the way since the page refreshed and I forgot to save a version with like 3 more cores subbed in-sigh).

:medicham mega:
+
:weavile:
: https://pokepast.es/d5cddb67f069bf69
the one and only, classic, medivile. medicham oblitorates any steels types that try to pivot in and out of weavile, while weavile evicerrates the flying types, traps the psychic types, and forces out a plethora of revenge killers that attempt to put a stop to medichams breaking.

:heatran:
+
:amoonguss:
: https://pokepast.es/c68ccecb0c96eac6
amoonguss is able to come in on diancie, fighting types like keldeo and lopunny, and pivot into waters. heatran is able to check psychics like the latitwins, talonflame, scizor (for amoong forgoing hp fire), and some volcarona variants. nothing fancy going on here.

:slowbro:
+
:heatran:
https://pokepast.es/17c6725e3af28781
in a similar vibe to the previous submission, but slowbro serves as a better pivot into lopunny, metagross, medicham, and ground types, while also serving as a decent pivot into keldeo and volcanion. eject button slowbro allows for it to work as a great pivot to regain momentum for ur team, and helmet punishes the latter 3 physical attackers.

:keldeo:+:metagross mega:: https://pokepast.es/4163fa95eb21f7b7
both have serviceable defensive profiles that allow for them to switch and force out each others defensive and offensive checks. both sharing checks in bulky waters like volcanion, slowbro, and rotom-w, theyre able to get easily wore down while trying to check the each of them. keldeo can potentially chip down the latter, and burn the former two, and metagross can scare out resits, like clefable, to keldeos stabs, and its revenge killers, like serperior and mega diancie; wearing down each others checks down into each others range.

:charizard mega y: +:latias:: https://pokepast.es/82a3d889e4fbadfa
latias has a tendency to invite many of the tiers steels in excadrill, scizor, ferrothorn, bisharp, and other walls like clefable, seismitoad, and gastrodon. char y steam rolls through every single one of them, threatening them with a straight, clean OHKO (except for clef, which gets 2hkod by flamethrower). in turn, latias provides and electrics and waters switchin, hazard control, healing wish, and twave. id like to mention that even tho roost is char ys suggested moveslot, an option thats generally non negotiable in other gens, it can more than afford to run other options. substitute negates status and potentially positions you into KOing revenge killers, and hp ice to immideatly get rid of checks like garchomp and dragonite. even defog is an option to rid of attempts at trading rocks up and forcing it out in order for it to have a hard time coming in again.

:pinsir mega:+:garchomp:/:thundurus therian:: https://pokepast.es/c131ccd0dec99be0 (s/o to Ithi and MrAldo for the ideas, esp to aldo for the chomp set.)
often times, pinsir teams become constricted due to the amount of support pinsir needs to make progress, either as a breaker or as a late game cleaner. mixed garchomp, also nicknamed 'chainchomp', is able to lure and severely punish pinsirs checks. most notably zapdos, rotom-w, and tank chomp, while also being able to dent or dispose of landorus t, slowbro, talonflame, and thundurus; the former two being able to reliably revenge kill it. chainchomp also provides and assures rocks stay up in order to weaken pinsirs, and its own, checks. thundurus-t is also an important mon to consider, as it harshly punishes volt switch attempt from the aforementioned electric types, greatly threatens the bulky grounds, while also being able to set up and break opposing teams in order for pinsir to clean. in return (hehe), pinsir is able to quickly (kill me) rid off any faster attackers that threaten them out, like lopunny and keldeo; and after prior set up or chip, the latitwins, mega alakazam, and serperior, which is able to pressure the two pairings if chipped. excadrill and latias make up for excellent teammates, since pinsir (and thundurus-t) require hazard support in order to excel. ways to pressure and maneuver through the likes of diancie and weavile are heavily appreciated, since they are able to come in on each member and force them out quite well.

:garchomp:+:lopunny mega:: https://pokepast.es/baa45df91766a7c3
a core clearly inspired by the one above. chompers massacres and lopunny cleans up after it.

:tornadus therian:+:rotom wash:: https://pokepast.es/9cc1dd91455abeea
potent volt-turn core. needs little to no introduction.
 
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:rotom-wash::zapdos::thundurus: + :weavile::bisharp::tyranitar::metagross-mega::scizor-mega:
STAB Volt Switch + Pursuit from strong physical wallbreaker
My post from some where else:
To really understand the potency of this core, we should first see what commonly comes in on Electrics
1. Grass types - Serperior, Amoonguss, MVenusaur, Ferrothorn, and Tangrowth
2. Ground types - Usually to block volt turn but electrics usually have ways to punish that
3. Dragon types - Latios, Latias, Hydreigon, Kyurem
4. Special walls - Chansey and in desperate cases Tornadus.

Most of these switchins are met with a volt switch into Weavile that threatens immediate KO, knocking off an important item, or pursuit trapping. Seismitoad/Gastrodon can be burned and slowly weakened, and eventually you double to Weavile to threaten a massive chunk or pursuit trap.

5. Magic Guard users - SpD Clefable in particular is perhaps the strongest counter to this core, as it doesn't mind eating a volt switch too much or weavile coming in. Ways to get past this is having t-wave on Rotom-W, running some SpA, or using Scarf Trick. Of course, partners like Excadrill or Heatran can also take advantage of Rotom's Volt Switch.

This is one of the most basic and yet very potent cores in oras that very consistently makes progress especially with rocks up
 
:rotom-wash::zapdos::thundurus: + :weavile::bisharp::tyranitar::metagross-mega::scizor-mega:
STAB Volt Switch + Pursuit from strong physical wallbreaker
My post from some where else:
To really understand the potency of this core, we should first see what commonly comes in on Electrics
1. Grass types - Serperior, Amoonguss, MVenusaur, Ferrothorn, and Tangrowth
2. Ground types - Usually to block volt turn but electrics usually have ways to punish that
3. Dragon types - Latios, Latias, Hydreigon, Kyurem
4. Special walls - Chansey and in desperate cases Tornadus.

Most of these switchins are met with a volt switch into Weavile that threatens immediate KO, knocking off an important item, or pursuit trapping. Seismitoad/Gastrodon can be burned and slowly weakened, and eventually you double to Weavile to threaten a massive chunk or pursuit trap.

5. Magic Guard users - SpD Clefable in particular is perhaps the strongest counter to this core, as it doesn't mind eating a volt switch too much or weavile coming in. Ways to get past this is having t-wave on Rotom-W, running some SpA, or using Scarf Trick. Of course, partners like Excadrill or Heatran can also take advantage of Rotom's Volt Switch.

This is one of the most basic and yet very potent cores in oras that very consistently makes progress especially with rocks up

:manectric-mega: :weavile:
Mr. Ruffles forgot the one Pokémon who is used mostly as a Volt Switch bot
 
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Mega Medicham + Black Glasses Pursuit Bisharp Bulky-Offensive core.
bisharp.png

Normally the only way to stop Medicham defensively is bulky psychic types aka:cresselia:, which sees alot more use last couple of years and of course:slowbro:. ( :reuniclus:too if u into weird shit)
:slowbro: in particular is the more annoying one cuz when using:medicham:u would partner it with a Steel type that would soften fairy and psychic type attacks for your team and most often that steel type is:excadrill:cuz its the only hazard removal that we have in OU or maybe a steel type like:heatran:which has incredible breaking synergy with:medicham:but these guys both hate Scald / Twave:slowbro:.

Although Bisharp is another victim of Scald:slowbro:,:bisharp:has other advantages as a steel for:medicham:cores and can still bypass that:slowbro:lame shit barrier.:bisharp:has pursuit, it has aton of raw power with base 125 atk Black Glasses and it has strong priority. Finally the most important thing it has is surprise factor to its pursuits compared to Pokemons like:tyranitar:or:weavile:. You never know what a:bisharp:set gonna be unless you see Life Orb DMG after being hit. It can be Lum Berry, it can be AV, it can be SD Black Glasses, it can be heavy defensive investment to live atks from:diancie:and such, pursuit is just an option but usually they run it with AV. I run it with Black Glasses to maximize the dmg output against all victims, it gives important rolls vs:cresselia:,:cofagrigus:(which if AV can absorb your knock, painsplit-wisp and switch at your pursuit) and most:slowbro: scenarios turns them into kills. What i mean by that is that unless the:slowbro:is Colbur AND gets a first turn burn on you, and knows you gonna be pursuit so it plays safe vs it (which most people dont do cuz again surprise factor) then it drops to pursuit. This core makes great bulky offensive teams and those teams really appreciate strong suckerpunch being able to revenge kill aton of offensive threats. The Spread im using on bisharp lives +1 :clefable Flamethrower aswell as LO flame from invested clef, has enough speed for min Rotom-W then maximize the dmg for the reasons above.
 
New offensive core coming through:

cloyster.png.m.1733184959
+ ???

1.)
aerodactyl.png.m.1733184959

https://pokepast.es/7e4aea8b70f4d5a7
The combination of Aerodactyl and Cloyster is very effective, as Aerodactyl provides a fast Taunt to stop entry hazards from being set up while setting up entry hazards of its own. Rocky Helmet enables Aerodactyl to punish Excadrill trying to remove Stealth Rock with Rapid Spin and forces chip damage against Mega Lopunny, which is a headache for HO to deal with. In return, Cloyster provides a backup hazard removal option with its Rapid Spin, threatens Ground-type Stealth Rock setters with Icicle Spear, and sets up Toxic Spikes to ease the matchup against the likes of Volcanion, Keldeo, Mega Medicham, etc., in which partners like Volcarona, Mega Charizard X, and Dragonite greatly benefit from.

2.)
mew.png.m.1733184959

https://pokepast.es/357b6a6f8d85ec3d
In addition to using Taunt to stop opposing entry hazards, Mew takes on Mega Medicham and Mega Lopunny, provides Thunder Wave to punish faster targets like Serperior, Mega Alakazam, and Mega Metagross, and takes advantage of its Synchronize ability to punish Mega Diancie attempting to bounce Stealth Rock back at it; Will-O-Wisp, in conjunction with Colbur Berry, to burn and punish Weavile and Bisharp attempting to anti-lead against it, which teammates like Mega Pinsir greatly enjoy; and Explosion to deny Excadrill from getting rid of hazards. In return, Cloyster performs its usual duties in spinning the hazards away, threatening the aforementioned Ground-types with Icicle Spear, and setting up Toxic Spikes.
 
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