At A Glance:
Introduction:
Hello everyone, well I'm a veteran, yet not too active user, of this fine site. I usually glance at RMT's, as well as the warstories here, and I get ideas from them. Well moving on to team business. I wanted this team to focus on my favorite Pokemon, which has always been Lucario. Around this one Pokemon, I focused on others that can accomodate him as to his weaknesses, and I also decided on Pokemon that can pack enough punch to wear down teams. I also did not want to use Pokemon I disliked in any sort of fashion. This team was created a while ago, and it's been extremely successful on the ladder, as well as on wifi.
Team Building Process:
Obviously, Lucario is where the team began. I enjoy using the physical sweeper variant, since it just destroys teams without that much effort. Now, I decided that I definitly needed my lead to have Stealth Rock, and I also enjoy using a more bulky lead, so Swampert was official on my team.
I had the rocks, I had the power. Now, what else could I use? Knowing I needed something to resist Ground, Fire, and Grass off the bat, I had a feeling who would fill the spot. I knew I wanted a special attacker to fill the spot, but not just any, it also should know Trick, to further cripple walls. Welcome to the team, Latias.
Kay, now I had a bit more special attacking power, but I knew I needed another physical threat to accompany this team. I still had the thought of having Ground resistance on this team, and a lot of it, and Fire resistance as well. I had to keep in mind, I added an Ice, as well as Dragon weakness to the team, so I needed to add a Pokemon that doesn't mind either or. Gyarados "bounced" right in.
Let's see here, I had physical fury, as well a decent special coverage. I feared that I really could fall to Scizor, if not careful, and since most teams implement him, I thought I might as well have a Pokemon to keep him in check. With this requirement in mind, I wanted this Pokemon to be able to cause status conditions in my opponent, heal itself from these said conditions and it should be able to recover itself at will. With a buzz, Celebi hopped on board.
Hmm, I was really lacking a more...intense hitter. This should also have speed on its side, and since I already had a Pokemon holding Specs, why not use Scarf as well? I also realized, something should be able to cover Celebi's back, since it's a vital asset to the team. Finally, I saw that with this much Ground coverage, I needed something to literally swim in the flames. Erupting from the cinders of the volcano, Heatran emerged.
So there we go, my team template was complete. Now, it was time to finalize my item selections, as well as movesets, EV spreads, the works.
Deeper in the Depths of the Team:
Introduction:
Hello everyone, well I'm a veteran, yet not too active user, of this fine site. I usually glance at RMT's, as well as the warstories here, and I get ideas from them. Well moving on to team business. I wanted this team to focus on my favorite Pokemon, which has always been Lucario. Around this one Pokemon, I focused on others that can accomodate him as to his weaknesses, and I also decided on Pokemon that can pack enough punch to wear down teams. I also did not want to use Pokemon I disliked in any sort of fashion. This team was created a while ago, and it's been extremely successful on the ladder, as well as on wifi.
Team Building Process:
Obviously, Lucario is where the team began. I enjoy using the physical sweeper variant, since it just destroys teams without that much effort. Now, I decided that I definitly needed my lead to have Stealth Rock, and I also enjoy using a more bulky lead, so Swampert was official on my team.
I had the rocks, I had the power. Now, what else could I use? Knowing I needed something to resist Ground, Fire, and Grass off the bat, I had a feeling who would fill the spot. I knew I wanted a special attacker to fill the spot, but not just any, it also should know Trick, to further cripple walls. Welcome to the team, Latias.
Kay, now I had a bit more special attacking power, but I knew I needed another physical threat to accompany this team. I still had the thought of having Ground resistance on this team, and a lot of it, and Fire resistance as well. I had to keep in mind, I added an Ice, as well as Dragon weakness to the team, so I needed to add a Pokemon that doesn't mind either or. Gyarados "bounced" right in.
Let's see here, I had physical fury, as well a decent special coverage. I feared that I really could fall to Scizor, if not careful, and since most teams implement him, I thought I might as well have a Pokemon to keep him in check. With this requirement in mind, I wanted this Pokemon to be able to cause status conditions in my opponent, heal itself from these said conditions and it should be able to recover itself at will. With a buzz, Celebi hopped on board.
Hmm, I was really lacking a more...intense hitter. This should also have speed on its side, and since I already had a Pokemon holding Specs, why not use Scarf as well? I also realized, something should be able to cover Celebi's back, since it's a vital asset to the team. Finally, I saw that with this much Ground coverage, I needed something to literally swim in the flames. Erupting from the cinders of the volcano, Heatran emerged.
So there we go, my team template was complete. Now, it was time to finalize my item selections, as well as movesets, EV spreads, the works.
Deeper in the Depths of the Team:
Swampert (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Torrent
EVs: 240 HP / 216 Def / 52 SpAtk
Nature: Relaxed (+ Defense, - Speed)
@ Earthquake
@ Ice Beam
@ Surf
@ Stealth Rock
Ahh, Swampy, the ever so popular lead. I immediately fell in love with its bulk in Pearl competitive play, so why not stick with what works, right? This boy covers many common leads, such as Metagross, Aerodactyl, etc, and almost always sets up Rocks, which is crucial to my teams success. I just ripped off the standard spread from the Smogon Analysis page, because I just enjoy the bulk it provides. Now, onto the moveset.
Although it's fairly obvious what each move does for me, I'll review each selection. Earthquake, now this move provides me with much needed STAB that helps combat against lead Metagross, and others that I can't hit with my other selections. Ice Beam allows me to hit Mence, which can be a pain for me to take down if not dealt with early on. Surf is my dual STAB move, and it helps hit the uncommon Moltres well, but I usually don't risk getting hit with Hidden Power. Finally, Stealth Rock starts the process to set up and sweep.
Although it's fairly obvious what each move does for me, I'll review each selection. Earthquake, now this move provides me with much needed STAB that helps combat against lead Metagross, and others that I can't hit with my other selections. Ice Beam allows me to hit Mence, which can be a pain for me to take down if not dealt with early on. Surf is my dual STAB move, and it helps hit the uncommon Moltres well, but I usually don't risk getting hit with Hidden Power. Finally, Stealth Rock starts the process to set up and sweep.
Heatran (M) @ Choice Scarf
Ability: Flash Fire
EVs: 4 Atk / 252 SpAtk / 252 Speed
Nature: Naive (+ Speed, - SpDef)
@ Fire Blast
@ Earth Power
@ Dragon Pulse
@ Explosion
Boy, oh boy, I know, another standard Pokemon. Yep, it's a standard Pokemon, but hey, he's one of my MVPs. His ability is just too divine, it absorbs fire attacks that will definitly be directed to Celebi, and also Lucario. Scarf is there to boost the somewhat decent speed he already possesses, and also to outrun Mence, Kingdra, the works. Usually, this helps in revenge killing, and surprising threats that cause me much grief (yes, you Scizor).
Well, let's review the EV spread now. I maxed out his speed so at least I can tie other Heatran if needed. I also outrun unboosted Mence, Kingdra, Zapdos, etc., with my Scarf present. Well, time for the moveset, since I don't see the point of rambling on and on about common knowledge.
Fire Blast is there for the STAB and pure power it provides. I used to have Flamethrower over this, but the extra power is too tempting, and I haven't had too many problems with it missing. Earth Power is for covering opposing opposite Heatran for the most part. Dragon Pulse is to cover dragons, but mostly Kingdra, since Hidden Power [Ice] doesn't hit it as effectively. Finally, Explosion is for the big boom that usually takes a Pokemon down with it, mainly walls, with some prediction.
Well, let's review the EV spread now. I maxed out his speed so at least I can tie other Heatran if needed. I also outrun unboosted Mence, Kingdra, Zapdos, etc., with my Scarf present. Well, time for the moveset, since I don't see the point of rambling on and on about common knowledge.
Fire Blast is there for the STAB and pure power it provides. I used to have Flamethrower over this, but the extra power is too tempting, and I haven't had too many problems with it missing. Earth Power is for covering opposing opposite Heatran for the most part. Dragon Pulse is to cover dragons, but mostly Kingdra, since Hidden Power [Ice] doesn't hit it as effectively. Finally, Explosion is for the big boom that usually takes a Pokemon down with it, mainly walls, with some prediction.
Latias (F) @ Choice Specs
Ability: Levitate
EVs: 4 HP / 252 SpAtk / 252 Speed
Nature: Timid (+ Speed, - Attack)
@ Draco Meteor
@ Surf
@ Thunderbolt
@ Trick
Now, in the right hands, this lady is a beast on the battlefield. People I've played expect a bulky variant with Calm Mind, but I use the Trick variant, since I've always been fond of the move. I needed something to utilize Trick, and this was what I came up with. She packs a punch, and causes the opponent stress at the same time. I prefer her over Mence since she doesn't take high Stealth Rock damage, and because her base speed is much higher. The natural bulk she possesses doesn't hurt either eh?
The EV spread is pretty common, I wanted her speed to be utilized, since outrunning Ape is pretty vital, and tying with other Latias is just as important. Next, I maxed out her Special Attack, since she's holding Specs, she needs to have as much punch as possible. With that combo of power, Draco Meteor literally rips apart the opposition. Finally, I just added 4 EVs to HP, just because I can.
Moveset's pretty obvious, but I'll explain. Trick is vital for getting rid of common wall threats, such as Blissey, Snorlax, Skarmory (someone may switch him in...), etcetc. I get their Leftovers, and they get Specs, which is of no use to them, but just makes that Pokemon useless. Next, Draco Meteor is there because of the raw power it provides, as stated. Surf covers Heatran, and Thunderbolt covers Gyarados. This thing pretty much rips apart anything not named Tyranitar.
The EV spread is pretty common, I wanted her speed to be utilized, since outrunning Ape is pretty vital, and tying with other Latias is just as important. Next, I maxed out her Special Attack, since she's holding Specs, she needs to have as much punch as possible. With that combo of power, Draco Meteor literally rips apart the opposition. Finally, I just added 4 EVs to HP, just because I can.
Moveset's pretty obvious, but I'll explain. Trick is vital for getting rid of common wall threats, such as Blissey, Snorlax, Skarmory (someone may switch him in...), etcetc. I get their Leftovers, and they get Specs, which is of no use to them, but just makes that Pokemon useless. Next, Draco Meteor is there because of the raw power it provides, as stated. Surf covers Heatran, and Thunderbolt covers Gyarados. This thing pretty much rips apart anything not named Tyranitar.
Gyarados (M) @ Leftovers
Ability: Intimidate
EVs: 20 HP / 252 Atk / 236 Speed
Nature: Jolly (+ Speed, - SpAtk)
@ Waterfall
@ Stone Edge
@ Ice Fang
@ Dragon Dance
Standard Pokemon, yes, but I chose a different EV spread to go with. Gyarados was always a cool Pokemon, but 4th Gen brought him the much needed spotlight, and he shined in many peoples' eyes, including mine. I always saw him as a true physical threat, and I thought, hey, let's try him out. From that point on, he's always been a popular addition to my teams. His ability is what really makes me enjoy using him, since he brings down the attack of an opposing threat, such as Scizor, or even an opposing Gyarados. In relation to the team, his job is to help weaken my opponent's team, and if needed, to finish them off. He's also a useful Ground resist, as well as a Fire one.
The EV spread is somewhat abnormal, but they say originality has its perks. The 252 attack EVs are somewhat obvious, I like power. You now may be wondering why I didn't max out speed, but honestly I didn't feel it was necessay. I wanted him to outrun max speed Mamo, Adamant Luke, Rotom-A (If it's truely necessary), and non-scarfed Heatran. His speed goes up to 283 with these, which makes him fit what I need him to outrun. The rest of the EVs were just dumped to HP.
Finally, the moveset. Waterfall is there for STAB, I need a powerful move to rip apart my opponent's team. It hits Heatran for me, since I don't use Earthquake on this set, as well as other Fire types. Ice Fang is there to hit Celebi, as well as dragons, such as Mence. Finally, our last physical move, which is Stone Edge. Right now, you may be wondering why I use Stone Edge when I already have Ice Fang. Simple and short, I hit Gyarados with it. Dragon Dance was an obvious choice, since it makes Gyarados fast and powerful, yahoo!
The EV spread is somewhat abnormal, but they say originality has its perks. The 252 attack EVs are somewhat obvious, I like power. You now may be wondering why I didn't max out speed, but honestly I didn't feel it was necessay. I wanted him to outrun max speed Mamo, Adamant Luke, Rotom-A (If it's truely necessary), and non-scarfed Heatran. His speed goes up to 283 with these, which makes him fit what I need him to outrun. The rest of the EVs were just dumped to HP.
Finally, the moveset. Waterfall is there for STAB, I need a powerful move to rip apart my opponent's team. It hits Heatran for me, since I don't use Earthquake on this set, as well as other Fire types. Ice Fang is there to hit Celebi, as well as dragons, such as Mence. Finally, our last physical move, which is Stone Edge. Right now, you may be wondering why I use Stone Edge when I already have Ice Fang. Simple and short, I hit Gyarados with it. Dragon Dance was an obvious choice, since it makes Gyarados fast and powerful, yahoo!
Celebi (No Gender) @ Leftovers
Ability: Natural Cure
EVs: 252 HP / 212 Def / 44 Speed
Nature: Bold (+ Defense, - Attack)
@ Grass Knot
@ Hidden Power [Fire]
@ Recover
@ Thunder Wave
My physical wall, and my annoyer. Celebi is used in combination with Heatran, they perfectly cover eachother. Celebi is also my very important status absorber, because let's be honest, who would want their vital team members burned, or paralyzed? With him/her/it, I will not have to worry about that scenario. To end this part off, Celebi is truly a staple to this team because it's able to slow down the opponent, and also kill off threats that my other team members may not be able to.
Moving on to the EV spread. I maxed out HP so Celebi can take a hit. Defense is at 317 with the given EVs, which is almost standard, which is 220 defense EVs. Well, since I run HP Fire, it lowers my speed by one, so I wanted to regain that point, and wanted to outrun opposing Celebi. To do that, I needed eight more speed EVs than I had. With that, Celebi's spread was set.
The moveset is pretty standard, but let's begin the explanation. Grass Knot is STAB, and it is meant to hit Pert, as well as TTar if needed. Hidden Power is meant to hit an unexpecting Scizor, I just hate that darn steel bug with a passion. With the defense EVs it possesses, it can take a Bullet Punch, and KO Scizor with ease. Thunder Wave is to help slow down my opponent's sweepers, and to allow opportunities for their moves to miss, and for me to get a lucky break, which is more useful than people know. Finally, Recover. This helps keep my defensive wall alive for as long as possible, and more importantly, my status absorber.
Moving on to the EV spread. I maxed out HP so Celebi can take a hit. Defense is at 317 with the given EVs, which is almost standard, which is 220 defense EVs. Well, since I run HP Fire, it lowers my speed by one, so I wanted to regain that point, and wanted to outrun opposing Celebi. To do that, I needed eight more speed EVs than I had. With that, Celebi's spread was set.
The moveset is pretty standard, but let's begin the explanation. Grass Knot is STAB, and it is meant to hit Pert, as well as TTar if needed. Hidden Power is meant to hit an unexpecting Scizor, I just hate that darn steel bug with a passion. With the defense EVs it possesses, it can take a Bullet Punch, and KO Scizor with ease. Thunder Wave is to help slow down my opponent's sweepers, and to allow opportunities for their moves to miss, and for me to get a lucky break, which is more useful than people know. Finally, Recover. This helps keep my defensive wall alive for as long as possible, and more importantly, my status absorber.
Lucario (M) @ Life Orb
Ability: Inner Focus
EVs: 4 HP / 252 Atk / 252 Speed
Nature: Jolly (+ Speed, - SpAtk)
@ Close Combat
@ Extremespeed
@ Crunch
@ Swords Dance
We finally get to the end of my team, and I saved the best for last. Lucario always had a place on my teams, since I just found it to be an extremely cool Pokemon since it was revealed. When I actually had the resources to test him, I just saw him as a cool physical hitter, and it has the power to back up his reputation. I really don't see him on teams too often lately, because everyone just slaps a Scizor on their team instead. I never truly saw Scizor to be as useful as Lucario. Lucario has more speed, and a slighly larger surprise factor.
The EV spread is the standard fellas. I fully maxed out Speed in order to outrun opposing Lukes, since the ones I see usually run an Adamant nature. He also outruns Adamant Mence, Jolly Swine, Rotom-A, and so on. His attack is at max for Jolly, since that's the point of a physical sweeper, to have as much power as possible. In combination with Life Orb, he truly hits his mark. To end, I slapped the rest of the EVs into HP, since they're not needed anywhere else.
The moveset is the most important aspect of this Pokemon. I run Close Combat to hit hard on the physical spectrum, and a 120 base power move, in combination with STAB, and Life Orb, wow, it destroys. Crunch is there to hit Rotom, since nothing else on my team can really hit it hard enough, or even properly deal with it. Extremespeed is my much needed priority, it's important that he finishes off Pokemon before they touch him. Finally, Swords Dance is to allow him to set up, and finish off the opponent.
Closing:
Well everyone, to finish this off, I'd like to thank you for reading this over. I worked hard on this team, and take great pride in it. It was my creation of putting together Pokemon that have the greatest synergy, and it allowed me to utilize some favorites.
So I hope you enjoyed this read, since it took a lot of effort to write this all up. Credit is due to Smogon primarily, without the analysis section, I would have been lost when I started playing competitively way back when. Credit is also due to http://sfc.pokemon-inside.net/platinum.php which gave me the sprites I used to make this RMT.
Do not be afraid to post suggestions, what you like, what you dislike, anything. Freedom of speech exists for a reason, so please, rate away my friends!
The EV spread is the standard fellas. I fully maxed out Speed in order to outrun opposing Lukes, since the ones I see usually run an Adamant nature. He also outruns Adamant Mence, Jolly Swine, Rotom-A, and so on. His attack is at max for Jolly, since that's the point of a physical sweeper, to have as much power as possible. In combination with Life Orb, he truly hits his mark. To end, I slapped the rest of the EVs into HP, since they're not needed anywhere else.
The moveset is the most important aspect of this Pokemon. I run Close Combat to hit hard on the physical spectrum, and a 120 base power move, in combination with STAB, and Life Orb, wow, it destroys. Crunch is there to hit Rotom, since nothing else on my team can really hit it hard enough, or even properly deal with it. Extremespeed is my much needed priority, it's important that he finishes off Pokemon before they touch him. Finally, Swords Dance is to allow him to set up, and finish off the opponent.
Closing:
Well everyone, to finish this off, I'd like to thank you for reading this over. I worked hard on this team, and take great pride in it. It was my creation of putting together Pokemon that have the greatest synergy, and it allowed me to utilize some favorites.
So I hope you enjoyed this read, since it took a lot of effort to write this all up. Credit is due to Smogon primarily, without the analysis section, I would have been lost when I started playing competitively way back when. Credit is also due to http://sfc.pokemon-inside.net/platinum.php which gave me the sprites I used to make this RMT.
Do not be afraid to post suggestions, what you like, what you dislike, anything. Freedom of speech exists for a reason, so please, rate away my friends!
