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OU Break This Core!

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Hello and welcome to OU Break This Core! Pokemon rely on offensive and defensive synergy to function. Cores of Pokemon are units within teams that are built specifically to take advantage of these synergies between Pokemon, many teams are built around such cores. The premise of this thread is to analyse the best threats to common and powerful OU cores, with the aim to support teambuilding by providing a list of cores that may threaten your team and suggest viable Pokémon that can be added in response

Procedure:
1. Each round I will post a core of 2 Pokemon, be it offensive or defensive. Rounds will last about 5 days.
2. Posters will have the chance to post threats to the core, note that Pokemon only ranked on the VR are allowed!
This is one Pokemon that can counter/check at least one member of the core, while not being itself countered by either member.
3. At the end of the round, I will archive all viable threats listed in the below post and post a new core, highlighting the most effective and creative threats, as well as explaining why others don't make the cut.


Rules:
1. Please follow up on any reservations! I will allow 48 hours after a reservation to make the post. After 2 days are up, if you have not made your post, then someone else may reserve that Pokemon.
3. Each poster may post up to 2 threats. Each set counts as a different threat.
4. When posting, please explain yourself! Calcs are not necessary, but please list more reasons than something simple like type synergy. Be descriptive so that other posters and I can fully understand your reasoning behind your nomination. Please paste the full set of your threat, moves, EVs, ability, Showdown importable is preferred.
5. Different sets can be posted for the same Pokemon so long as they serve a different purpose from the other set.
6. Be respectful to others. Constructive criticism is allowed, as long as it is done in a proper and non-hostile manner.

Clarifications Regarding Threats:
A threat to the core must check or counter at least one member and cannot be countered by the other. A threat does not necessarily need to be able to switch into both members of the core, but it should be difficult/annoying to switch into for the members of the core. Of course, the biggest threats can counter both members of the core.

> Pokémon A checks Pokémon B if, when Pokémon A is given a free switch into Pokémon B, Pokémon A can win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.
> Addtionally, Pokemon A also checks Pokemon B if, Pokemon A is able to deal with a particular set of Pokemon B, and Pokémon A is given a free switch into Pokémon B, while Pokemon B is using that particular set, then Pokémon A can win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.
> Pokémon A counters Pokémon B if Pokémon A can manually switch into Pokémon B and still win every time, even under the worst case scenario, without factoring in hax.
 
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Week 1: Urshifu-R + Dragapult!
:ss/urshifu-rapid-strike: + :ss/dragapult:

These two offensive powerhouses have proven that they aren't meant to be taken lightly, with them both being able to cover each others weakness and hit both on the physical and special side, they certainly can prove quite troublesome. However, there are ways to break this core! Once again, you have five days to submit, good luck!
 
:ss/toxapex:
Toxapex @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 64 Def / 192 SpD
Bold Nature
- Toxic Spikes
- Recover
- Haze
- Knock Off


Mixed Pex with Knock Off can disrupt this core incredibly easily by removing their boosting items. It also annoys them further with the help of Toxic Spikes which puts a time limit on them which can force them out and make them struggle to make progress against Toxapex. The EVs on this set allow it to live two consecutive Draco Meteors from Specs Dragapult.​
 
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:sm/zeraora:
Zeraora @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Plasma Fists
- Knock Off
- Volt Switch
- Close Combat

I’m a couple of minutes late but Martin reserved Zera 3 hours early so I will still make the post.

This outspeeds both Dragapult and Urshifu-R and does about 86% to Urshifu with Plasma Fists, and 76% to Dragapult with Knock Off. It can revenge kill both of them, force them both out, and serve as a late game cleaner. It may not OHKO them but the 20% chip is very easy to achieve. This is a pokemon that the Urshifu + Dragapult core needs to watch out for.

252 Atk Zeraora Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 242-286 (76.3 - 90.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252 Atk Zeraora Plasma Fists vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Urshifu-Rapid-Strike: 294-348 (86.2 - 102%) -- 12.5% chance to OHKO
(The bulk up set also checks Pult + Urshifu.)
 
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amoonguss

:bw/amoonguss:

Amoonguss @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 248 HP / 88 Def / 172 SpD
Bold Nature
- Foul Play
- Sludge Bomb
- Stomping Tantrum
- Giga Drain

despite av sets falling off, amoonguss can still pivot consistently around moistshifu and dragapult throughout the match. it can allow itself to function as a defensive soft-check to both pokemon taking at least 30% and regenerating the health off after forcing both offensive threats out.
 
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:swsh/tapu fini:
Tapu Fini @ Leftovers
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 132 Def / 124 SpD
Calm Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Draining Kiss
- Calm Mind
- Taunt

Tapu Fini acts as a defensive counter to both of these mons, it's ev's are designed for shadow ball to net a 4hko on it, while the rest is poured into physical defense, to tank Moistshifu's hits better.
It is also able to recover the chip from these attacks with draining kiss, allowing it to stay semi-healthy during the game, it also acts as a potent wincon against most unprepared teams. Resisting u-turn also means that it takes minimal damage from attempts to pivot.

252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 124+ SpD Tapu Fini: 108-127 (31.3 - 36.9%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 132 Def Tapu Fini: 116-137 (33.7 - 39.8%) -- 27.8% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
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Reserving Lele.
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Tapu Lele @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Psychic Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Psyshock
- Moonblast
- Focus Blast
- Psychic
Tapu Lele is a great mon with a good spa and decent base speed. With Timid nature and Scarf support I am faster than the core and click Moonblast to finish off with a touch.
 
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@ Choice Scarf
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Leaf Blade
- Knock Off
- Sacred Sword
- Smart Strike

Kartana can click knock off and leaf blade on both pokemon and OHKO them, while also being faster than both of them. Paper plane can threaten them with any move since dragapult does not appreciate taking leaf blades and urshifu-r hates losing its band
 
:ss/kyurem:
Kyurem @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Mild Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Freeze-Dry
- Ice Beam
- Draco Meteor
- Earth Power

Scarf Kyurem hits 433 Speed, outrunning even Dragapult and threatening it with the surprise factor of scarf. With Modest nature it's just able to OHKO Dragapult with Freeze-Dry, and it always OHKO's Urshifu-R so it doesn't have to switch up moves to OHKO both Pokemon in this core.


252+ SpA Kyurem Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 318-374 (100.3 - 117.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ SpA Kyurem Freeze-Dry vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Urshifu-Rapid-Strike: 380-450 (111.4 - 131.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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:ss/Rillaboom:
Rillaboom @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Grassy Glide
- Knock Off
- Wood Hammer
-U-turn

Why yes, that's a scarf :Thwackey:,why are you surprised?
This thing can easily act as an offensive check to this :Keldeo: , :Drakloak: core. Most boomers are banded or sd, and while ursh will never stay in, pult almost always will, unless its not weakened a bunch. And with this set, you can surprise kill it, and then type in the chat -
EZ'D
 
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Scarf Fini, if I'm allowed

I'm posting this anyway, I think this set is different enough from the CM+Taunt set for it to be qualified as a pick.
:sm/tapu fini:
Tapu Fini @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Misty Surge
EVs: 184 HP / 112 SpA / 212 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Moonblast
- Hydro Pump / Surf / Scald
- Trick

- Taunt / Calm Mind / Defog / Knock Off

Anyway, Scarf Tapu Fini is quite a hard stop to this offensive core. Unlike the bulky variant, it can't repeatedly switch in, but it has a very key advantage: it outspeeds them both and OHKOs them (I'll get to the EV spread in just a second). Scarf Fini itself is a very good pick in this metagame as shown by recent usage stats in tournaments and on the ladder, providing speed control and disrupting potential with Scarf+Trick, while keeping a very powerful defensive presence thanks to amazing bulk, great typing and status protection. Aside from Urshifu and Dragapult, it also checks top-tier threat in Weavile and Heatran, amongst other things. Now that I've briefly explained why Scarf Fini is a good mon in general, let's get to the topic of this thread: Urshifu+Dragapult core.
As you'll see in the spread section, this Fini can switch in on any move avoiding 2HKO without Rocks / two thirds of the time with Rocks, outspeed and threaten to OHKO both Shifu and Pult (and also Weavile) after a single round of SR/Rocky Helmet chip. Usually, a team structure of Pult+Shifu MUST have a roadblock to Scarf Fini to not get trampled by it, so use Fini + hazards can really put pressure on these structures since Pult, Shifu and Fini answers like Ferrothorn and Glowking hate entry hazards, especially Spikes.

I wanted my Scarf Tapu Fini to outrun and OHKO both Pult and Urshifu after Stealth Rock with Moonblast, while still having enough bulk to avoid the 2HKO on the switch-in, in case it's needed. This in my eyes makes Scarf Fini basically a perfect check to the entire core. 112 SpAtk achieves the offensive calcs I was looking for, while simultaneously OHKOing Weavile after minimal chip damage (for example, Rocky Helmet). 216 Spe reaches 284, which outruns not only Pult and Zera, but also +1 Bulkarona which commonly hits 283 Speed to outspeed the former two. The remaining 184 beautifully reach a magical Stealth Rock number of 327 (328 : 8 = 41), which means it has the highest HP available with minimal impact from Rocks over the course of the game.

:dragapult:
112 SpA Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 278-330 (87.6 - 104.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 184 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Fini: 130-154 (39.7 - 47%) -- 36.3% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Thunder vs. 184 HP / 0 SpD Tapu Fini: 238-282 (72.7 - 86.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock
(Thunder is ultra rare stuff but its nice to know you can actually live such a suprise attack if it comes at you; mind you, Scarf Fini shouldn't be your primary Dragapult switch-in unless you're using it in a borderline HO team)
:urshifu-rapid strike:
112 SpA Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Urshifu-Rapid-Strike: 332-392 (97.3 - 114.9%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Close Combat vs. 184 HP / 0 Def Tapu Fini: 130-153 (39.7 - 46.7%) -- 35.5% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Surging Strikes (3 hits) vs. 184 HP / 0 Def Tapu Fini on a critical hit: 126-147 (38.5 - 44.9%) -- approx. 2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock

:weavile:
112 SpA Tapu Fini Moonblast vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Weavile: 252-296 (89.6 - 105.3%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Weavile Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 184 HP / 0 Def Tapu Fini: 126-147 (38.5 - 44.9%) -- approx. 2% chance to 2HKO after Stealth Rock
+2 252 Atk Weavile Triple Axel (40 BP) (3 hits) vs. 184 HP / 0 Def Tapu Fini: 162-195 (49.5 - 59.6%) -- approx. 2HKO after Stealth Rock
 
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:ss/dracozolt:
Dracozolt @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Rush
EVs: 184 Atk / 140 SpA / 184 Spe
Lonely Nature
- Bolt Beak
- Draco Meteor
- Substitute
- Fire Spin

While Dracozolt has been falling off a bit recently, it matches excellently into this core as it outspeeds and OHKOes both Urshifu and Dragapult in sand (or 2HKOes Urshifu if it decides to click Aqua Jet, but that caps out at 22% damage per hit). They can't attempt to switch around it either, as Bolt Beak 2HKOes Dragapult on the switch, and Draco Meteor 2HKOes Urshifu, factoring in sandstorm damage.

(The Life Orb set also works similarly well, but I went with this one as it's generally considered more effective overall.)
 
spdef tapu bulu

:ss/Tapu Bulu:
Tapu Bulu @ Leftovers
Ability: Grassy Surge
EVs: 252 HP / 84 Def / 172 SpD
Careful Nature
- Horn Leech
- Close Combat
- Darkest Lariat
- Synthesis

This Tapu Bulu allows to break this core pretty easily, with Synthesis and Leftovers as recovery option, it also has some longevity alongside Horn Leech, which gives it not only longevity but allows Tapu Bulu to damage the opponent as well. Darkest Lariat here is the way to break through Dragapult, with a super effective damage output. 84 Defense investment allows Tapu Bulu to avoid a 3HKO from Choice Band Urshifu-Rs Close Combat without Stealth Rocks up and the remaining are put into its special defense, to avoid the 2HKO by Dragapults Shadow Ball. This Tapu Bulu allows to check this core rather effectively in overall.

some calcs:
252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 252 HP / 172+ SpD Tapu Bulu: 132-156 (38.3 - 45.3%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Stealth Rock, Leftovers recovery, and Grassy Terrain recovery
252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 84 Def Tapu Bulu: 120-142 (34.8 - 41.2%) -- 77.1% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock, Leftovers recovery, and Grassy Terrain recovery

0 Atk Tapu Bulu Horn Leech vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Urshifu-Rapid-Strike in Grassy Terrain: 264-312 (77.4 - 91.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Grassy Terrain recovery
0 Atk Tapu Bulu Darkest Lariat vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 194-230 (61.1 - 72.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Grassy Terrain recovery
 
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Cool thread, reserving Corviknight
:ss/corviknight: :rocky helmet:

Corviknight @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 248 HP / 168 Def / 92 SpD
Impish Nature
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Defog
- Roost
Corviknight is one of the tier's best, if not the best defensive Pokemon, so being able to handle both Urshifu-Rapid-Strike and Dragapult (lacking Flamethrower/Thunderbolt or locked into Shadow Ball) comes as no surprise.

If Urshifu is Choice Band
Corviknight cannot switch-in to Urshifu's Close Combat, so make sure it gets in safely through a double switch, forced switch, or another slow turner. Keep on Roosting as Urshifu uses CC or Surging Strikes. If he chooses to use Surging Strikes, let him die to Rocky Helmet. Otherwise, if he chooses CC, PP stall the CC as it only has 8 PP (you should be fine unless he gets 4 max rolls in a row, which is very unlikely).

252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Surging Strikes (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Corviknight on a critical hit: 207-246 (51.7 - 61.5%) -- approx. 98% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Corviknight: 220-259 (55 - 64.7%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Choice Band Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Corviknight: 184-218 (46 - 54.5%) -- 4.7% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

If Urshifu is Protective Pads / (insert another item here)
This is much simpler, as a Brave Bird is a guaranteed OHKO after CC's defense drop. If Surging Strikes, you have a great chance of living BB recoil + 2 Surging Strikes, so you should be fine.

252 Atk Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Corviknight: 147-174 (36.7 - 43.5%) -- 98.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 Atk Urshifu-Rapid-Strike Surging Strikes (3 hits) vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Corviknight on a critical hit: 138-165 (34.5 - 41.2%) -- approx. 66% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. -1 0 HP / 4 Def Urshifu-Rapid-Strike: 342-404 (100.2 - 118.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO

--------------

If Dragapult is Choice Specs (very likely)
Corviknight can normally switch-in to Dragapult (it can live 2 max rolls if rocks aren't up), but make sure he doesn't use Flamethrower / Thunderbolt or Corviknight will get 2HKOed. SpDef drops may occur, so make sure that you have someone in the back to go to in case it happens, Also, remember that Brave Bird has around a 50% chance to 2HKO Dragapult.


252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Shadow Ball vs. 248 HP / 92 SpD Corviknight: 169-199 (42.3 - 49.8%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Choice Specs Dragapult Flamethrower vs. 248 HP / 92 SpD Corviknight: 252-298 (63.1 - 74.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Corviknight Brave Bird vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 145-172 (45.7 - 54.2%) -- 51.6% chance to 2HKO
 
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:ss/zeraora:
Zeraora @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Volt Absorb
- Plasma Fists
- Knock Off
- Toxic / Close Combat
- Volt Switch / Bulk Up

Zeraora is the fastest viable option in the format and, as such, can outpace and threaten to revenge kill both members of this core with Plasma Fists or Knock Off, respectively. That said, Zeraora can't reliably revenge kill either from full health (Zeraora would suck ass and never be used if not for broken HDB/broken Knock/broken Pult), but a round or two of SR/Spikes is enough to deal with that caveat—assuming that Pult is Specs (like in the importable) rather than Boots. It also can't switch into either of them for obvious reasons.
252 Atk Zeraora Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Dragapult: 242-286 (76.3 - 90.2%)
  • guaranteed 2HKO without hazards
  • 18.8% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 18.8% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
  • 43.8% chance to OHKO after 2 layers of Spikes
  • Guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and 1 layer of Spikes
252 Atk Zeraora Plasma Fists vs. 0 HP / 4 Def Urshifu-Rapid-Strike: 294-348 (86.2 - 102%)
  • 12.5% chance to OHKO without hazards
  • 50% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock
  • 87.5% chance to OHKO after 1 layer of Spikes
  • Guaranteed OHKO after 2 layers of Spikes
  • Guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock and 1 layer of Spikes
 
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Good submission this week everyone, Magnum won't be closing the round for this week so I shall be doing it for him. This core was one that you had pressure offensively with limited defensive counterplay due to how the core was able to overwhelm them, not every submission will be featured since all of them can beat the core, so let's keep a closer look at the threats of this week,
:master ball: Threats of the Round: :master ball:
:tapu fini:: While both sets of Tapu Fini can handle this core well, the Choice Scarf set being able to outsped Dragapult, the bulk in order to switch into Urshifu-R and Shadow Ball, and can effectively revenge kill both of them with Moonblast.
:zeraora:: Zeraora doesn't really want to switch into any of them but after a bit of chip into both of them it can easily revenge kill them with the proper move against them, not much to say about this.
:tapu lele: :kyurem: :kartana:: These three get paired together which unlike Tapu Fini who can defensively switch into the main core these three all can revenge the core thanks to Choice Scarf leaving you faster than Dragapult making it easy in revenge killing them.

:premier ball: Additional Notes :premier ball:
:rillaboom:: While with Choice Scarf it does make you faster than Dragapult to click Knock Off, it seems questionable to do so when Choice Band Grassy Glide can 2HKO after Stealth Rocks despite resisting, a threat indeed but not on the same level with the other Scarf users, especially when another item does the job, but better.
:dracozolt:: Dracozolt is indeed threatening to this core though it has to be used in Sand teams exclusively especially in the state that team archetype is in right now, nonetheless a threat to the core.
:corviknight:: Corviknight is able to keep both of them in check separately to relief pressure for the team, though it could get overwhelmed especially how common Flamethrower or Electric coverage is on Dragapult when paired with an Urshifu-R, still a nice submission.

:leftovers: :ss/hippowdon: Round Two: Hippowdon + Skarmory :ss/skarmory: :rocky helmet:
Hippowdon @ Leftovers
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 8 Atk / 248 SpD
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Slack Off
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
Skarmory @ Rocky Helmet
Ability: Sturdy
EVs: 80 HP / 252 Def / 176 Spe
Bold Nature
- Body Press
- Spikes
- Iron Defense
- Roost
This core is normally seen in hazard stack teams forming a great defensive synergy in being able to cover each others weaknesses keeping a pressure to many teams while also dwindling down the health of the opposing side for non Heavy-Duty Boots users and more with Sandstorm up. While both have blistering bulk they are breakable.

You have 5 days to make submission.
 
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1625891460906.png
@ Leftovers
Ability: Magic Guard
EVs: 252 HP / 196 Def / 60 Spe
Bold Nature
- Calm Mind
- Moonblast
- Soft-Boiled
- Thunder

Clefable is immune to all status, hazards, and sandstorm and can take on both of them with CM and can take advantage of hippo and skarmory not being able to do much in return besides lay down hazards while clefable sets up, while skarmory is unable to set up or force progress due to thunder and its nasty 30% paralysis and skarmory's low sp def.

8 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 196+ Def Clefable: 111-132 (28.1 - 33.5%) -- 93.7% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery
 
:ss/landorus-therian:
Landorus-Therian (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 248 HP / 164 SpD / 96 Spe
Careful Nature
- Bulk Up
- Gravity
- Earthquake
- Substitute


Bulk Up Landorus-T uses both of these pokemon as easy set up bait after setting up a Substitute, which neither of these pokemon can reliably break. Bulk Up over Swords Dance here is so that Skarmory even at +6 Defence cannot break Landorus-T's substitute if Landorus-T has a similar amount of boosts. After its done setting up Landorus-T can easily break both of them with a boosted Earthquake after using Gravity. However if Hippowdon has Whirlwind (which it usually doesnt) this trick falls apart.​
 
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reserving toxic zeraora

:ss/Zeraora:
Zeraora @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Volt Absorb
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 Def / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Plasma Fists
- Volt Switch
- Knock Off
- Toxic

Toxic Zeraora can pressure this core with poisoning Hippowdon and pressuring Skarmory. Toxic will put Hippowdon on a timer, with Knock Off being able to hit both Pokemon and removing their valuable items in Leftovers and Rocky Helmet. With the removal of Leftovers Hippowdon is more pressure to use Slack Off after it got struck by a Toxic. Moreover Plasama Fist and Volt Switch both allow Zeraora to hit Skarmory for super effective damage with the latter being able to bring dangerous teammates in on it. With repeated Knock Offs and repeated switch-ins into Zeraora Hippowdon is very pressured to keep itself healthy. Overall this Pokemon can achieve the task to pressure this core effectively and dismantling Hippowdons longevity dramatically breaking down Hippowdon and also Skarmory in the progress.
 
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Reserving zone.
462.png

Magnezone @ Leftovers
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Def / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Magnet Rise
- Protect
- Thunderbolt
- Toxic

Magnezone breaks Skarmory without much trouble but for Hippowdon he needs a small advantage which is support with Magnet Rise where he turns a weakness into an immunity for a few turns. It is where it is used to use Toxic + Protect to gradually wear down
 
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reserving Kyurem :blobwizard:
:ss/kyurem::choice specs: / :heavy duty boots:
Kyurem @ Choice Specs
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
- Freeze-Dry
- Ice Beam
- Focus Blast
- Earth Power
or
Kyurem @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 56 HP / 200 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Substitute
- Roost
- Freeze-Dry
- Earth Power
(mostly specs though)
There is no team or core safe from Kyurem. As you can probably already tell, Kyurem completely obliterates this core with its STAB Ice Beam and/or Freeze Dry. Modest is the nature of choice on the Specs set because it is able to guarantee the OHKO on SpDef Hippowdon, but Timid can also be used to outspeed Nidoking and tie with Tapu Lele. Additionally, Kyurem’s SubRoost set also does very well against both Skarmory and Hippowdon, as it can heal off sand chip with Roost and safely come in without worrying about hazards. The following calcs show Kyurem completely obliterating this core:
252+ SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Skarmory: 322-381 (96.4 - 114%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 80 HP / 0 SpD Skarmory: 324-382 (111.3 - 131.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ SpA Choice Specs Kyurem Ice Beam vs. 252 HP / 248+ SpD Hippowdon: 428-506 (101.9 - 120.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
 
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:ss/tapu koko:
Tapu Koko @ Choice Specs
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Grass Knot
- Dazzling Gleam
- Thunderbolt
- Volt Switch

:Heavy Duty-boots: :Tapu Koko: obviously destroys :Skarmory: but is easily walled by :Hippowdon:, hence it cannot break the core.
But
:Choice Specs: :Tapu Koko: is different, because it can swap out roost for Grass Knot, which deals hefty damage to even specially defensive :Hippowdon:. And ofc it still kills :Skarmory:. So I think it's a good option to break the core, even though it is a bit prediction reliant.
Calc -
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Koko Grass Knot (120 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Hippowdon: 280-330 (66.6 - 78.5%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

A mid roll with this can put Hippo in high roll range of Dazzling Gleam.

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Hippowdon: 103-123 (24.5 - 29.2%) -- 99.9% chance to 4HKO

Some other targets -
252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 112+ SpD Landorus-Therian: 114-135 (29.8 - 35.3%) -- 21% chance to 3HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Koko Grass Knot (80 BP) vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Swampert: 328-388 (81.1 - 96%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 0 SpD Zeraora: 142-168 (44.7 - 52.9%) -- 25% chance to 2HKO

252 SpA Choice Specs Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Dragapult: 300-354 (94.6 - 111.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO after Stealth Rock

Bruh this thing is weak lmaooo
 
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:ss/victini:
Victini @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Victory Star
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- V-create
- Bolt Strike
- Glaciate
- U-turn

As we don't have Toxic on Skarmory, Victini can switch into it completely freely, and Heavy-Duty Boots allow it to completely ignore the core's hazard stacking:
252+ Def Skarmory Body Press vs 0 HP / 0 Def Victini: 51-60 (14.9 - 17.5%) - possible 6HKO
252 Atk Victini V-create vs 80 HP / 252+ Def Skarmory: 278-330 (95.5 - 113.4%) - 68.8% chance to OHKO (guaranteed after Stealth Rock)

While it obviously doesn't want to come into Hippowdon, the hippo is never able to switch into it:
252 Atk Victini V-create vs 252 HP / 0 Def Hippowdon: 213-252 (50.7 - 60%) - 85.9% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock)
 
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:ss/Keldeo:
Keldeo @ Leftovers
Ability: Justified
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Scald
- Calm Mind
- Secret Sword
- Taunt

Lefties keld ignores sand storm chip and can 1v1 non brave bird skarm (which is quite rare) and hippo easily. Taunt lets u stop hazards and toxic from being used, which can also support your teamates. Alternatively u can run specs pump to ohko both of em, or boots to come in more after they already set hazards.
 
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