Project OU Break This Core! - Not hosted anymore

[smokeyinferno]

reserving

Tyrantrum @ Choice Band
Ability: Rock Head
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Head Smash
- Close Combat
- Outrage
- Fire Fang​

Tyrantrum pivots in on Heatran’s Magma Storm and is able to immediately threaten it out with either Head Smash or CC, take your pick. Tyrantrum dislikes Iron Head and Knock from Ferro but it can threaten it out with either CC or Fire Fang regardless- hell even Head Smash does like 40 lol

0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tyrantrum: 51-60 (16.7 - 19.6%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after trapping damage
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 364-430 (94.3 - 111.3%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 390-460 (101 - 119.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

252+ Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 306-360 (86.9 - 102.2%) -- 18.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Fire Fang vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 332-392 (94.3 - 111.3%) -- 68.8% chance to OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Tyrantrum Head Smash vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 142-168 (40.3 - 47.7%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

 

[HydreigonTheChild]

@ Choice Band
Ability: Defiant
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Close Combat
- Brave Bird
- U-turn
- Stomping Tantrum

Close Combat nukes both of them, It is a check to both of them as it struggles to come in but once it does via slowbro teleport, corviknight u-turn, or tapu koko u-turn, it can absolutely melt the core to shreds. Without even a struggle it can do it and can switch into ferrothorn clicking hazards or body press/power whip, and heatran clicking magma storm or earth power.

252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 422-500 (119.8 - 142%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252 Atk Choice Band Zapdos-Galar Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 542-642 (140.4 - 166.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[ralts_boy]

Heatran @ Air Balloon
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 252 HP / 136 SpD / 120 Spe
Calm Nature
- Magma Storm
- Earth Power
- Toxic
- Heavy Slam / Stealth Rock / Taunt​

Air Balloon Heatran counters a very large portion of currently existing Heatrans while still 2HKOing them. Of course, Ferrothorn can't stay in on Heatran, nor would it dream of coming in on it (aside from as a cheeky pivot) since fully invested Ferrothorn is still OHKOd by uninvested Magma Storm.

Air Balloon also gives you a decent one-time Kyurem switch-in, only taking serious damage 10%*70% of the time. Other mons like Hippo are also usually annoyed, and it allows you to safely Toxic and/or Taunt a Dragonite. Speaking of Toxic, it is very necessary on this set, (usually) preventing Garchomp or Dragapult from setting up and sweeping (one Scale Shot later and your balloon is gone) and dealing with all the usual suspects. The last slot is left up to your own tastes, but I prefer Heavy Slam on the Spdef sets, specifically for Lele.

 

[Gray]

Tyranitar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 76 HP / 252 SpA / 180 Spe
Timid Nature
- Flamethrower
- Ice Beam
- Thunderbolt
- Earthquake

252 SpA Tyranitar Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 44 SpD Ferrothorn: 272-320 (77.2 - 90.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0- Atk Tyranitar Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 316-376 (81.8 - 97.4%) -- 62.5% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock

ferro usually just sets up against ttar thinking it doesn't do anything

 

[FearNeverDies]

Reserving hydreigon



With and incredible ability, great movepool and amazing stats Hydreigon stand up as a fearsome wallbreaker that can easily take advantage from this dual steel core. Earth Power does scares out Heatran, thanks to Levitate and the Dragon type Magma Storm does virtual no damage thanks to roost. Outside Ferrothorn cant stand up against Flamethrower. Dark pulse is a decent atack that dont need to much prediction. More offensive sets with LO and Nasty Plot can be used if you dont want to be to passive.


Hydreigon @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Dark Pulse
- Earth Power
- Flamethrower
- Roost

 

[Steel With It]

Hawlucha @ Terrain Seed
Ability: Unburden
EVs: 252 Atk / 132 SpD / 124 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Acrobatics
- Swords Dance
- Taunt / Roost

lol free setup

Taunt's the best fourth move against this core, guaranteeing said free setup by blocking Toxic and Leech Seed, but Roost is also a fine option, notably healing off the Iron Barbs (and possibly Rocky Helmet) chip you'll get from breaking Ferro in half. Anyway, SD in their faces and OHKO both.

252+ Atk Hawlucha Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 324-384 (83.9 - 99.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery (75% chance to OHKO after Stealth Rock)
+2 252+ Atk Hawlucha Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 644-762 (166.8 - 197.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Hawlucha Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 254-300 (72.1 - 85.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
+2 252+ Atk Hawlucha Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 506-596 (143.7 - 169.3%) -- guaranteed OHKO

 

[agslash23]

Kartana @ Life Orb
Ability: Beast Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly Nature
- Swords Dance
- Leaf Blade
- Knock Off
- Sacred Sword

All Kartana needs to do to break FerroTran core is to switch into Ferrothorn (be wary of Body Press and Thunder Wave though. Fortunately, both are rare, especially the latter), SD up and click Sacred Sword. Band set works too, but SD is better to break the core since it's less prediction reliant and has a chance to OHKO both Max PhyDef Ferrothon (more popular of late due to popularity of Weavile) and Max PhyDef Heatran (very rare, but Bold Heatran with Air Balloon is sometimes used on HO builds to check Weavile and grounds).

Calcs :


+2 252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Ferrothorn: 300-354 (85.2 - 100.5%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO
+2 252 Atk Kartana Sacred Sword vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Heatran: 348-410 (90.1 - 106.2%) -- 37.5% chance to OHKO

 

[powergo1]

Blaziken @ Life Orb/Protective Pads/Choice Band
Ability: Speed Boost
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Jolly/Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- Flare Blitz
- Swords Dance / Knock Off
- Thunder Punch / U-turn

Calcs

Jolly Life Orb:

• 252 Atk Life Orb Blaziken Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 717-847 (203.6 - 240.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252 Atk Life Orb Blaziken Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 359-424 (101.9 - 120.4%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252 Atk Life Orb Blaziken Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 460-541 (119.1 - 140.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Adamant Protective Pads:

• 252+ Atk Blaziken Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 390-458 (101 - 118.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ Atk Blaziken Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 604-712 (171.5 - 202.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252+ Atk Blaziken Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 302-356 (85.7 - 101.1%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

Jolly Band:

• 252 Atk Choice Band Blaziken Flare Blitz vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 828-976 (235.2 - 277.2%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252 Atk Choice Band Blaziken Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 414-488 (117.6 - 138.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO
• 252 Atk Choice Band Blaziken Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 528-624 (136.7 - 161.6%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Either SD or Banded Blaziken is fine against this core, CC OHKOs both Ferro and Heatran if using a boosting item, if running Protective Pads to provent Iron Barbs (and possibly Rocky Helmet) damage, Blaziken would have to set up an SD (should be able to vs Ferro), or have some hazards up (Adamant CC vs Ferro has a 81% to OHKO after Rocks damage). In order to minimise the amount of damage Blaziken in, it should be safely pivoted in, or predict the Heatran Taunt or Ferro Spikes

 

[Darkortex]

Kubfu @ Choice Band
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 252 Atk / 252 Spe
Adamant Nature
- Close Combat
- U-turn
- Attract
- Helping hand

Kubfu Outspeeds and OHKOes both heatran and ferrothorn with close combat. If they have anything that does not get smacked by close combat, u-turn. Use literally whatever other moves you want, it does not matter. Kubfu is an attractive pick to break this core as it gives a team a strong helping hand to let teams beat it.

252+ Atk Choice Band Kubfu Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 476-564 (123.3 - 146.1%) -- guaranteed OHKO
252+ Atk Choice Band Kubfu Close Combat vs. 252 HP / 80 Def Ferrothorn: 372-440 (105.6 - 125%) -- guaranteed OHKO

Seriously though, literally any fighting type with choice band and close combat with halfway decent attack and speed stats will rip this core to shreds. Vote Kubfu for the lols I guess.

 

[cardinal silver]

Slowking-Galar @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 48 Atk / 208 SpD
Sassy Nature
- Flamethrower
- Earthquake
- Future Sight
- Sludge Bomb​

Glowking can always come in on any of Heatran's attacks, a problem for many teams in the current meta. After eating a Magma Storm, you can opt to 2HKO with EQ or click Future Sight for momentum. You need to be wary of losing your AV from Ferro's knock, but I believe that you can circumvent that issue by pairing it with mons such as Corviknight, who greatly benefit from Glowking's defenses. Of course, Flamethrower 2HKOs Ferrothorn as well.

I should also note that the 48 Atk EVs aren't necessary on Glowking, but for the sake of the sets provided this allows for a 2HKO on Heatran with EQ. Though, in an ideal game, this wouldn't be an issue due to gradual chip.

48 Atk Slowking-Galar Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Heatran: 208-248 (53.8 - 64.2%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Slowking-Galar Flamethrower vs. 252 HP / 176+ SpD Ferrothorn: 196-232 (55.6 - 65.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 SpA Heatran Magma Storm vs. 252 HP / 208+ SpD Assault Vest Slowking-Galar: 64-76 (16.2 - 19.2%) -- guaranteed 4HKO after trapping damage
0 Atk Ferrothorn Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 252 HP / 0 Def Slowking-Galar: 160-190 (40.6 - 48.2%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[wind]

Hello, this is Break This Core and tonight i will be your host! Do you feel lucky enough to spin the wheel?

Last week's analysis!

Threats of the Round

Slowking-Galar comes all the way from the Crown Tundra to stop this Double Steel core with its great coverage and stats, taking onto both with no problems. Be aware of Knock Off though.

Mixed Tankchomp has the qualities to effectively tear down this core, being a great Heatran counter and also being able to lure Ferrothorn in and taking it out.

Moistshifu acts as an OK Heatran switch-in for offensive teams that can also deal with Ferrothorn thanks to its powerful STAB Close Combat.

Additional Notes
AV Tyranitar is able to defeat this core with its titanic Special Bulk and movepool, even though it has problems to as it can't really switch into Ferrothorn and is prone to being worn down by Heatran's Toxic, while also being a bit hard to fit into a serious team as it comes without Stealth Rock.

Even though the roasted chicken breaks this core with its powerful STAB combination and good stats, it can have difficulties to switch into Heatran.

Finally, in a similar way to Blaziken, Hawlucha can break this core if it gets a clean switch-in vs Ferrothorn, as Heatran's Magma Storm can leave it quite chipped and Toxic will cripple its sweep.

Round 11: Melmetal + Tapu Koko

Bulky Offense has established as one of the best archetypes in SS OU and this is a core that portrays this perfectly! Melmetal and Tapu Koko together are staples of these teams thanks to the former's bulk with an Assault Vest and powerful attacks, and the latter's ability to pressure walls like Toxapex and Corviknight while mantaining pivoting capacities to send Melmetal safely to the field. All in all, this core can pressure both offensive and defensive structures together and may be a big pressure on your back. How would you break this core?

sets

Melmetal @ Assault Vest
Ability: Iron Fist
EVs: 160 HP / 252 Atk / 96 SpD
Adamant Nature
- Double Iron Bash
- Thunder Punch
- Earthquake
- Ice Punch / Superpower

Tapu Koko @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- U-turn
- Roost

You have 5 days to make submissions, happy posting! :]​

 

[be_woke]

Reserving quagsire

Quagsire @ Leftovers
Ability: Unaware
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Impish Nature
- Scald
- Earthquake
- Recover
- Toxic​

Quagsire although not being a mon you'll see often on teams does beat this core through it's typing, the fact it has reliable recovery and of course Earthquake.

Quagsire can switch into any of Melmetal's attacks only taking minimal chip damage in the process and is then able to outspeed Melmetal and use Scald to fish for burns, heal up with Recover or go for Earthquake to deal some chip to Melmetal. If you go Relaxed nature then not only does Melmetal outspeed you but it has the chance to flinch you down with DIB which is why it is Impish.

Tapu Koko isn't a huge threat either because even with this physically defensive spread Quagsire takes Dazzling Gleam well and it's own Earthquake does a lot of damage. Realistically Koko will use U-Turn and go into a threat to Quag but against this core specifically Quagsire kinda just sits in front of them lol.

Calcs

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Quagsire: 110-132 (27.9 - 33.5%) -- approx. 95.8% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Quagsire: 150-177 (38 - 44.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 138-164 (30.5 - 36.3%) -- 53.4% chance to 3HKO

0 Atk Quagsire Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 218-258 (77.5 - 91.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

 

[cardinal silver]

Hippowdon @ Leftovers / Rocky Helmet
Impish Nature
Ability: Sand Stream
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
- Earthquake
- Stealth Rock
- Toxic
- Slack Off​

Hippowdon beats out Tapu Koko for obvious reasons. Hippowdon has a higher base speed than Melmetal, so you can hard switch into Hippowdon and slack off any damage it may have taken in the process. This works best on a physically defensive variant, especially with Rocky Helmet, but I find that a specially defensive set with leftovers can perform this job as well and could function on a wider variety of teams, although it barely scrapes by until Melmetal is out of Bashes. Earthquake OHKOs Koko 100% of the time due to sand, and can take down Melmetal over the course of a game.

Physically Defensive Calcs

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 180-212 (42.8 - 50.4%) -- approx. 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 252+ Def Hippowdon: 148-176 (35.2 - 41.9%) -- 83.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 174-206 (38.5 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 4 SpD Hippowdon: 138-163 (32.8 - 38.8%) -- 5.5% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 272-324 (96.7 - 115.3%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO -- OHKO due to sand

Specially Defensive Calcs

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Hippowdon: 240-284 (57.1 - 67.6%) -- approx. 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 4 Def Hippowdon: 202-238 (48 - 56.6%) -- 34.4% chance to 2HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 174-206 (38.5 - 45.6%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 252+ SpD Hippowdon: 93-111 (22.1 - 26.4%) -- possible 5HKO after Leftovers recovery
0 Atk Hippowdon Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 272-324 (96.7 - 115.3%) -- 81.3% chance to OHKO -- OHKO due to sand

 

[FearNeverDies]

reserving Rotom-Heat



With and amazing typing Electric and Fire accompanied with Levitate none of this two guys can touch Rotom with any of this atacks being and amazing switch into this and it can force progress against both, having his Electric atacks boosted due to the Electric Terrain of Tapu Koko. Pain Split ensure recovery and Nasty Plot secure damage against both of this. Heavy-Dutty-Boots are mandatory to avoid Stealth Rocks damage.

Set:
Rotom-Heat @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 8 SpA / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Nasty Plot
- Discharge
- Overheat
- Pain Split

Some calcs:

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 248 HP / 0 Def Rotom-Heat: 66-78 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- approx. 0.1% chance to 4HKO

252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Rotom-Heat in Electric Terrain: 72-86 (23.7 - 28.3%) -- 95.1% chance to 4HKO

 

[agslash23]

Magnezone @ Air Balloon
Ability: Magnet Pull
EVs: 172 HP / 252 Def / 84 Spe
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Iron Defense
- Body Press
- Thunderbolt
- Steel Beam

Thanks to Air Balloon, Magnezone traps and sets up ID easily, after which even an EQ from Melmetal doesn't kill it. Superpower, the other super effective hit, is in reality a death sentence vs this Magnezone variant and other moves barely leave a scratch. Then, it can eliminate it with boosted BPs.

After trapping and dispatching Melmetal off, it can beat Koko with Steel Beam after tanking 1 Thunderbolt (post Melmetal's EQ damage).

Calcs

Vs Melmetal :

+2 252+ Def Magnezone Body Press vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 258-304 (57.2 - 67.4%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
252+ Atk Melmetal Earthquake vs. +2 172 HP / 252+ Def Magnezone: 172-204 (53 - 62.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

Superpower = death
252+ Atk Melmetal Superpower vs. +2 172 HP / 252+ Def Magnezone: 102-122 (31.4 - 37.6%) -- 89.2% chance to 3HKO
+2 252+ Def Magnezone Body Press vs. -1 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 386-456 (85.5 - 101.1%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

Vs Koko :

252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 172 HP / 0 SpD Magnezone in Electric Terrain: 84-99 (25.9 - 30.5%) -- guaranteed 4HKO
0 SpA Magnezone Flash Cannon vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tapu Koko: 136-162 (48.3 - 57.6%) -- 94.1% chance to 2HKO
0 SpA Magnezone Steel Beam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Tapu Koko: 238-282 (84.6 - 100.3%) -- 6.3% chance to OHKO

 

[r1dude]

Rotom-Heat @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Level: 100
Calm Nature
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 248 HP / 92 SpD / 168 Spe
- Volt Switch
- Overheat
- Toxic
- Pain Split
0 SpA Rotom-Heat Overheat vs. 160 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 242-288 (53.6 - 63.8%) -- guaranteed 2HKO
Overheat can 2HKO Melmetal, while both Koko and Melmetal can't even bring rotom to half health.

 

[HydreigonTheChild]

@ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Flame Body
EVs: 248 HP / 156 Def / 16 SpA / 88 Spe
Timid Nature
- Quiver Dance
- Roost
- Flamethrower
- Psychic

Volcarona can switch into both of them and roost off the damage till either electric terrain runs out, melmetal gets burnt via DIB. If melm goes for eq it never 2hko's volc and volc can proceed to roost + quiver dance to eventually nuke it. Tapu koko is set up fother as it can switch in, quiver dance, and roost on the next turn taking 31 max from tbolt

252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 248 HP / 0 SpD Volcarona in Electric Terrain: 148-175 (39.6 - 46.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO
252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 248 HP / 156 Def Volcarona: 160-188 (42.8 - 50.4%) -- approx. 0.4% chance to 2HKO
252+ Atk Melmetal Earthquake vs. 248 HP / 156 Def Volcarona: 148-175 (39.6 - 46.9%) -- guaranteed 3HKO

 

[AquaVanilla]

reserving the move earthquake

 

[Mimikyu Stardust]

Nidoking (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Sheer Force
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Modest Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Sludge Wave
- Earth Power
- Ice Beam
- Flamethrower/Thunderbolt/Stealth Rock

Nidoking ABSOLUTELY DESTROYS this core with no difficulty, as the melmetal is the special wall for the team this core is in and i doubt you will have another one that isnt a form of slowking (which nidoking absolutely smacks both,points for thunderbolt) it freely gets pivot in vs Koko, and if you lead Koko vs The Nidoking...

" its a disaster just merely seconds from happening as you are shocked, staring in awe, weeping, trying to wipe the tears of your eyes before it drips down your cheeks onto your electronic device. There is no hope, the only thing you can do is to pray to the lord above that the nidoking player feels bad about what they have done, thinking as he is about to destroy someone's family members spirit and will as they switch out into their water type, thinking of what they just did, they also pray to the lord above for forgiveness. "LORD PLEASE FORGIVE ME, I DIDN't KNOW WHAT I DID! I DIDN't MEAN TO DESTROY HIS SOUL! I DIDN't KNOW HE HAD A LOVING FAMILY! I ONLY DID THIS SO I CAN GET A QUICK WIN!" they screamed. they didnt mean to destroy the will and spirit of the Koko Melm user, he cries, as he ask for forgiveness, the tears weep, it travels down through their cheek and drips onto their computer short circuiting it and leaving the battle into a disconnect,
'NidokingPlayer01 has 5 seconds left to reconnect' you read on the screen.
you have a realization on what this can mean. after praying to the lord above you realized, he answered, after all of this... You... the koko player... Win."

in all seriousness, nidoking gets a free strong hit when it enters the field on both of these mons, and if you predict a switch thats a free stealth rock if you are running that. now you may think that this AV melm can take a hit. barely, even with a spikes or a small chip it enters the danger zone of nidoking.

252+ SpA Life Orb Sheer Force Nidoking Earth Power vs. 160 HP / 96 SpD Assault Vest Melmetal: 338-400 (74.9 - 88.6%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

on top of that nidoking can switch in very safely vs koko as at most dazzling gleam does

252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 0 HP / 4 SpD Nidoking: 66-78 (21.7 - 25.7%) -- 1.8% chance to 4HKO


"but how will u get in vs AV melm?" thats called a pivot, the amount of strong pivots in the tiers like the slowtwins, lando-t, tapu koko, corviknight, victini, peliper, rillaboom, mandibuzz, regieleki and many more that is splashable can safely let it have a safe entrance and retaliate againts the opponent. (shoutouts to nidoqueen being able to switchin tho!)

 

[Katy]

mixed def ferrothorn


Ferrothorn @ Leftovers
Ability: Iron Barbs
EVs: 252 HP / 168 Def / 88 SpD
Impish Nature
- Spikes
- Knock Off
- Leech Seed
- Body Press​

Ferrothorn is a great answer to this core, as it can come in on Melmetals attacks rather easily, be it Double Iron Bash, Thunder Punch, Earthquake or Ice Punch, Ferrothorn can easily take those attacks with its great natural defensive stats. The only move Ferrothorn has trouble with is Superpower, but in overall it can annoy Melmetal with Spikes damage and Iron Barbs damage, It can also Knock its Assault Vest off, which makes it more vulnerable to Ferrothorns teammates. Leech Seed and Body Press are also great tools in wearing Melmetal down in the long course.
As for Tapu Koko, it has trouble bypassing Ferrothorn and when it attempts to U-turn out, it will take Iron Barbs damage, coupled with removing its Heavy-Duty Boots and Spikes Tapu Koko is easily worn down as well. Both, Melmetal and Tapu Koko dislike Ferrothorns presence on the field, as Ferrothorn can force progress with Knock Off and laying down Spikes on the field, so both have to play carefully against it. Ferrothorn in itself is a great defensive Pokemon in the current metagame with also being able to take on Pokemon such as Rillaboom, Blissey, Arctozolt, and Alola Ninetales, so its a great natural pick at the moment.

calcs

vs. Melmetal
252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Ferrothorn: 88-104 (25 - 29.5%) -- approx. 5.5% chance to 4HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Thunder Punch vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Ferrothorn: 36-43 (10.2 - 12.2%) -- possibly the worst move ever
252+ Atk Melmetal Earthquake vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Ferrothorn: 82-97 (23.2 - 27.5%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery 252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Ice Punch vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Ferrothorn: 73-87 (20.7 - 24.7%) -- possible 5HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

168+ Def Ferrothorn Body Press vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 136-160 (30.1 - 35.4%) -- 92.4% chance to 3HKO after Stealth Rock
0 Atk Ferrothorn Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 49-58 (10.8 - 12.8%) -- possible 8HKO after Stealth Rock

252+ Atk Melmetal Superpower vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Ferrothorn: 196-232 (55.6 - 65.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery

vs. Tapu Koko
252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 252 HP / 88 SpD Ferrothorn in Electric Terrain: 63-74 (17.8 - 21%) -- possible 6HKO after Stealth Rock and Leftovers recovery
252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 252 HP / 88 SpD Ferrothorn: 42-51 (11.9 - 14.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever
0- Atk Tapu Koko U-turn vs. 252 HP / 168+ Def Ferrothorn: 33-39 (9.3 - 11%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0 Atk Ferrothorn Knock Off (97.5 BP) vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 38-45 (13.5 - 16%) -- possible 7HKO
168+ Def Ferrothorn Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 52-62 (18.5 - 22%) -- possible 5HKO

 

[YagamiAscended]

Bronzong @ Leftovers
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 136 HP / 184 Def / 176 SpD / 12 Spe
Careful Nature
- Earthquake
- Iron Defense
- Body Press
- Stealth Rock / Rest / Toxic / Heavy Slam / Trick Room

(*Speed EV's to outspeed Melmetal set. you are more than welcome to mess with the DEF/SPD/HP spread,

I went with 184 min def for the guaranteed 2hko on the melmetal set (Calcs below).

**The 4th move in the kit can vary depending on need or role. If you have a Rilla/Bulu or wish support I'd favor toxic or rocks as you'll have support healing covered. You can experiment with heavy slam for the faries - personally EQ has more utility/ better coverage vs more typical mons (Koko, Heatran, etc.) and body press gives us coverage vs dark, but Heavy Slam is excellent. **​

Melmetal nor Tapu Koko can touch this mon.

Our thicc lad Bronzong is a very bulky Steel/Psychic Type with Levitate access which gives us a large number of useful resists. Highly susceptible to knock off spam/ steel flying mons or anyone with self recovery options.

Lack of regenerator ability or healing sustain access makes Bronzong a tad lower tier of a check IMO than some of the other choices mentioned above within this thread, but still worth mentioning as it has its niche; due to having access to EQ + Iron Defense Body press + levitate, we're able to check and revenge setup in a lot of unique situations that many other mons can't.

This set also beats Zone if he swaps into you (but you won't win as a check due to him outspeeding Bronzong). Access to levitate + its unique typing gives it resistance/protection vs. melmetals two most threatening moves (EQ+ DIB). Running investment into SPD gives it reliable walling capabilities vs notable SPA offensive mons (Koko) + protection vs Future Sight if necessary.

Calcs below.

calcs

vs. Koko:

0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 150-178 (53.3 - 63.3%) -- guaranteed 2HKO

184 Def Bronzong Body Press vs. 0 HP / 0 Def Tapu Koko: 44-52 (15.6 - 18.5%) -- possible 6HKO


Kokos attacks vs. Bronzong:

252 SpA Tapu Koko Thunderbolt vs. 136 HP / 176+ SpD Bronzong in Electric Terrain: 106-126 (34.3 - 40.7%) -- 51% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252 SpA Tapu Koko Dazzling Gleam vs. 136 HP / 176+ SpD Bronzong: 36-43 (11.6 - 13.9%) -- possibly the worst move ever

0- Atk Tapu Koko U-turn vs. 136 HP / 184 Def Bronzong: 39-46 (12.6 - 14.8%) -- possibly the worst move ever

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

vs. Melmetal:


0 Atk Bronzong Earthquake vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 96-114 (21.2 - 25.2%) -- 0% chance to 4HKO

184 Def Bronzong Body Press vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 112-134 (24.8 - 29.7%) -- 100% chance to 4HKO

+2 184 Def Bronzong Body Press vs. 160 HP / 0 Def Melmetal: 226-266 (50.1 - 58.9%) -- guaranteed 2HKO


Melmetal's attacks vs. Bronzong:

(( keep in mind we're Iron defending typically predicting the switch in if they have a melmetal check, you should already be +2 on defense so it'll do even less than this and less each subsequent turn (Melmetal is also outsped due to our EV investment. ))


252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. 136 HP / 184 Def Bronzong: 104-124 (33.6 - 40.1%) -- approx. 25.9% chance to 3HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Thunder Punch vs. 136 HP / 184 Def Bronzong: 87-103 (28.1 - 33.3%) -- 90.9% chance to 4HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Ice Punch vs. 136 HP / 184 Def Bronzong: 43-51 (13.9 - 16.5%) -- possibly the worst move ever



Here's the calc after 1 iron defense boost:

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Double Iron Bash (2 hits) vs. +2 136 HP / 184 Def Bronzong: 52-62 (16.8 - 20%) -- approx. possible 7HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Thunder Punch vs. +2 136 HP / 184 Def Bronzong: 44-52 (14.2 - 16.8%) -- possible 9HKO after Leftovers recovery

252+ Atk Iron Fist Melmetal Ice Punch vs. +2 136 HP / 184 Def Bronzong: 22-26 (7.1 - 8.4%) -- possibly the worst move ever

Long story short, a one off option with some intriguing viability in the current meta due to the influx of mons susceptible to the EQ/Body press combo. Able to do decent chip to our fire threats ( eq @ heatran, blaziken, etc ) as well as with press ( tyranitar, blissey, bisharp)

Due to Bronzong's poor speed and recovery, however, it is going to get walled by common threats that everyone runs rn (Corviknight, Zapdos, etc.) Just keep that in mind when teambuilding. Trick Room presents some intriguing options, so feel free to experiment.

 

[wind]

this is break this core! welcome back

last round's analysis!

Threats of the Round

Fiery Moth gets in the way of this core thanks to its great bulk and quiver dance, threatening with a sweep after taking koko's or melmetal's attacks with little dificulties.

Mixed Ferrothorn doing Ferrothorn things, Durian is able to break this core with its great stats and ability to punish the opponents with hazards, leech seed and iron barbs. watch out for superpower and it'll be piece of cake!

Physdef Hippowdon comes all the way from the DLC 1 to check Melmetal and punish it with Rocky Helmet while also keeping Tapu Koko in check thanks to its Ground-typing and reliable recovery.

Additional Notes
The pair of magnets finds its way into many recent teams, this time also being able to check this dangerous core with its great typing and movepool. however, it needs good predictions vs Melmetal as Eearthquake and Superpower can dent it on the switch. magnetism for the win!

This powerful wallbreaker can stop Tapu Koko from spamming Thunderbolt, though it has problems to switch into Melmetal due to its frailty.

Finally, even though Quagsire can break this core with its typing and reliable recovery, Quagsire itself is a bit niche and is usually only available on stall teams where there are better options.

Round 12: Tornadus-T + Slowbro

This recent pair of lures forms a nice core in bulky offense and balance teams thanks to its amazing double Regenerator, being a pain to deal with for offensive teams that rely on Pokemon like Melmetal to punch holes. They can cover each other's weaknesses too, as Tornadus-T can take on Ghost-types like Dragapult and Blacephalon, and Slowbro manages threatening physical attackers like Melmetal and Weavile, while also providing its fellow wallbreakers opportunities to clean with its pivot moves. How would you break the double Regenerator core?

Sets!

Tornadus-Therian (M) @ Assault Vest
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 88 SpD / 168 Spe
Timid Nature
- Heat Wave
- Hurricane
- Knock Off
- U-turn

Slowbro @ Colbur Berry
Ability: Regenerator
EVs: 252 HP / 252 Def / 4 SpD
Bold Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Body Press
- Scald / Ice Beam / Future Sight
- Slack Off
- Teleport

You have 5 days to make submissions, happy posting! :]​

 

[cheru]

Tapu Koko @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Electric Surge
EVs: 252 SpA / 4 SpD / 252 Spe
Timid Nature
- Thunderbolt
- Dazzling Gleam
- U-turn
- Roost​

Tapu Koko is able to nuke this core easily due to it being an Electric-type with insane Speed. Tapu Koko can come in on any attack from both of them, not even minding a burn from Scald or Heat Wave, and can heal them off with Roost.

 

[Katy]

Zapdos @ Heavy-Duty Boots
Ability: Pressure
EVs: 164 HP / 252 SpA / 92 Spe
Timid Nature
IVs: 0 Atk
- Discharge
- Hurricane
- Roost
- Substitute​

Zapdos breaks this core with ease because of its ability to come in on Tornadus-T constantly and it can pressure it literally with its Electric-type STAB move in Discharge. Discharge is able to help out Zapdos' teammates also because of the decent chance to paralysis the opposition. Zapdos can also force that Tornadus-T and Slowbro get PP stalled during the long game. Zapdos has also Roost + Heavy-Duty Boots and a great typing to benefit from to check these two Pokemon with ease and it forces them out or pressures them via PP stalling or para chances.

 

[ralts_boy]

Arctozolt @ Life Orb
Ability: Slush Rush
EVs: 252 Atk / 4 SpA / 252 Spe
Naive Nature
- Bolt Beak
- Blizzard
- Low Kick
- Substitute​

Just Hail doing Hail things. With Life Orb both Slowbro and Torn-T get outsped and OHKOd in hail. Of course, you don't want to switch in to Scald, Body Press, or Heat Wave; but once you get in, most teams have no switch-ins to Arctozolt, and this core is no exception.